Turdas, 3rd of Hearth Fire 3E, 421

A year later Lantrius had become a Lawman for House Hlaalu and is still living in Balmora. Just recently he had thoughts that he finds concerning and is fighting among himself whether he should or should not, in solitude.

I don't want to, but what else should I be doing? Necromancy is fine if you don't get what you need by killing a person. That was fun. What wasn't fun, was that bastard Mannimarco making me kill an innocent girl for his own damn amusement and people storming into the lair, forcing me to kill them.

He got up and sighed. Another walk should be fine I hope. He went outside and strolled along the city. It was mid-day mildly cloudy. The heat of the sun gave a warm and soothing feel on his face as if it were working in harmony with this month's coldness. This seemed to calm him down for the time being. Upon walking into Eight Plates, he spotted an ancient and hardened looking Dunmer, sitting at the bar and having a pint. Ignoring this unusual person, he sat down next to him anyway and ordered some mead.

"Are you Lantrius Trovicci?" The man asked without looking at him

"Lawman of House Hlaalu. Can I help you?" He said, also, not batting an eye.

"Excellent. Right now I'm an informant from the House, to let you know you are being tracked down."

"What do you mean by right now?"

"That's not important. What is important is that an Imperial is looking for you. This was caught wind from one of our House's members."

"Our House? Are you with Hlaalu? I've never seen or heard of you before. What is your name and what do you do?" he questioned.

The old Dunmer sighed with frustration. "Okay. Fine. My name is Atheron, a common name from my old House, and is known as a Master of Shadow. I kill, steal, and perform espionage. Now, no more questions and listen."

"Yes sir."

"Like I said, Imperial is looking for you so be ready. She will be here soon so prepare yourself."

"Pfft. I've killed people twice my age." Lantrius chuckled taking another drink

"Whatever. I did my job."

"Bye." Lantrius said blandly and Atheron disappeared out of sight in a snap.

Right when Atheron left, an Imperial teenager girl shoved the entrance door open and quickly walked inside.

"I demand to know where Lantrius Trovicci is!" She announced.

Lantrius turned in his seat, "Can I help you?" he said annoyingly. She looks oddly familiar.

She ran up to him, giving him a big hug. "Where have you been?! Mother and I were so worried about you!"

"I'm sorry do I know you?"

"You honestly don't remember me?" She asked letting go of him.

Lantrius shook his head. I swear, I know her!

"It's me Rona, your younger sister!"

He had mixed feelings about his current situation. He sent a letter stating to his mother to not come looking for him, let alone his sister Rona. Although, the comfort of a "long time no see" family member took his mind of his necromancy self-debate. So, he hugged her too.

Suddenly another familiar person walked through the door. It was Cornelius. He caught his friend hugging an unfamiliar woman.

"You didn't tell me you had a girlfriend!" He exclaimed walking towards them

"Who's this? Your boyfriend?" Rona teased, letting him go.

"I don't. This is my sister, Rona." He said to Cornelius, "I hate it when you do that." He pointed with an annoyed look.

Cornelius sat down in a seat next to the siblings. "Did you make Kinsman yet?" he asked stealing Lantrius' drink.

"Almost. I am a Lawman. just one rank below. You?" he said snatching his drink back.

"I'm a retainer right now, which isn't fair. A week long and you made Retainer rank, but it took me about a year."

"Um, what exactly are you guys talking about?" Rona butted in.

"We are part of the Great Houses. I am what you would call a semi-noble. Cornelius is just a pawn."

"Hey, you were too." He chuckled

"Does that make me a noble too?" she asked excitedly

"I suppose. Not exactly. It's more like a half-semi-noble."

"Oh well. So, I need to ask you something."

"Hold on let me guess." He scratched his chin, "You want to borrow some money to go back home."

"Not exactly what I was thinking. It was more along the lines of me staying with you for a while."

"I don't know about that."

"Please?! I'll pay the rent!"

"Do you have any money left, let alone a job?"

"No, but I can work for some. I came along way all by myself. Cut me some slack at least."

He sighed, "Fine." he looked at his friend, "You need a place to stay as well Cornelius?"

"Nah. I'll pay for my own room."

"Suite yourself." and they walked out of the tavern.

Lantrius is now in a tight spot. With his sister around, he can't perform any necromancy. If he did it would have to be in secret. But first, he has to decide whether he should go through with it or not.