ATTENTION:
This is a sequel story! If you have decided to read the first chapter of this story and are interested, I suggest looking up the story that precedes this one titled "To Light the Dragonfires", which is listed in my Author's Profile Page!
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Lots of choices have been made in her life over the years. Plenty of them were answered easily, others took time before a choice was decided upon. Today, there was one big dilemma that she felt she couldn't solve to save her life... and the indecision was driving her crazy.
"Why can't I just decide on an enchantment for this thing?" She grumbled to herself.
As Tala sat in the Fighters Guild hall, her eyes remained focused on her Akaviri Katana, which was resting peacefully on the round wooden table. She paid no attention to the world around her while she continued to mutter her frustrations. After spending the last several years studying and practicing, she achieved the status of Master Wizard and had fulfilled her goal of majoring in the skill of enchanting. She had gotten pretty good at putting any kind of spell on any item without fail, and she wanted nothing more than to bless her sword with a unique power. But that was two years ago since she gained that title, and yet she couldn't for the life of her decide on what kind of enchantment to place. The ability to paralyze her enemies? Her ability to set her opponents ablaze? Perhaps she could have the sword absorb health like the daedric Ebony Blade used to... but minus the corruptive powers of daedra magic. So many choices... but what would be the right fit?
'Uhg. I've been debating this for way too long.' She exasperatingly thought to herself. 'Just pick a spell. Just pick one and go-'
"Tala!" Came a strict voice, startling her out of her thoughts.
She quickly stood from her seat to address her superior as he slowly descended the stairs. "Over here, Modryn." She responded.
Modryn Oreyn was the Fighters Guild's current Champion, as well as Guildmaster Vilena Donton's right hand. He always wore his Iron Armor that bared the Guild Champion's symbol etched into the pauldrons, with leather pants, and his mace clipped to his belt. He kept most of his head shaved, with a strip of black hair in the back and down the middle, the latter of which he styles into a short mohawk. He also always bore a slight frown, which was made worse by the age lines forming around his face. Even though he had a condescending attitude towards the rookies and slackers, in reality Tala knew that he meant well. She was given the same treatment as any other new recruit when she came walking back into the Guild a little over a year ago. But Tala gained his respect after helping him hunt down Azani Blackheart a few months ago; after that, his demeanor towards her was less harsh. But even though they were on better terms, Tala still made sure not to anger him.
"I have just received word that Azzan has a contract that he'd like for you to take." The Dunmer announced as he handed her a letter.
When she read it, she grew a frown that practically matched his normal displeased expression. Azzan asked her personally to come to Anvil, and that she'd learn the details of the contract when she arrived. That was it. The lack of description was rather annoying and she really didn't want to travel across Cyrodiil for a simple assignment that someone locally could do.
"Do I really have to go and personally handle this?" She mumbled in exasperation.
"Unfortunately yes." Modryn decided to reply. "Azzan sent an Associate in his guild to deliver the message, but the fact that he gave no details or kept the poor kid in the dark means he'd prefer to speak to you in private about the contract."
'Well, that explains the unknown newbie that showed up an hour ago,' was her initial thought. Tala knitted her brows together as she held her frown. "I really wanted to stick to contracts around here for a little while. I thought I could do that with my rank now. I shouldn't be leaving for days on end."
Modryn let out a heavy sigh. He knew why Tala was worried. The abhorrent village of Hackdirt was close to her family's homestead, and lately the residents there have become a major nuisance to the citizens of Chorrol. Aside from attacking nearby travelers, they also kidnapped harmless individuals to offer them up as sacrifices. It started with Dar-Ma several years ago, then at least one person every other year came up missing or kidnapped after that. Four months ago, the Fighter's Guild had gotten a quick contract from Rena Bruiant to rescue her husband from their clutches after the city guard told her that Hackdirt was out of their jurisdiction and couldn't do anything about it. Tala had taken the contract and snuck him out of there since she was the one who had rescued Dar-Ma and knew how. Their boldness and determination to capture someone started putting the little blue-haired Breton on edge. She had repeatedly pleaded with the royal court to take action against its citizens, but so far Countess Arriana has done nothing. There was the concern that the cultist people of Hackdirt would eventually succeed in their attempts to perform a ritualistic murder on someone they knew... and Tala didn't want her loved ones to be the casualty.
"To be fair, I don't think the Hackdirt situation will change if you leave or stay." Modryn said. "I'm sure your family remains just as vigilant as you are. If the Countess decides to take action, the city guard will handle it, not you or I. Just go to Anvil and take care of this contract for Azzan. Your family will be safe while you are gone. If it makes you feel better, I can have an Associate check on them while you're away."
Tala took a deep breath through her nose and exhaled through slightly parted lips. "That's not necessary. We have protection for now. I just don't like leaving them for too long." She then grabbed her katana and sheathed it before clipping it back onto her hip. "Since the day is almost over, I will leave for Anvil on the morrow. I'm heading home to prepare."
He then nodded in acknowledgement to her decision, and she then walked out of the Guild to head for the stables.
As she walked down the streets, the passersby gladly said hello and bid her good evening. The people who lived here simply greeted her by name; she recognized out-of-towners when they addressed her by her grand title: the great Champion of Cyrodiil. It has been eight years since the Oblivion Crisis, and by now every person in Cyrodiil knew who she was... mostly because they recognized her deep, radiant blue hair. After all these years, she continued to keep her hair long and wavy, save for the short layered bangs that framed her face. Eight years ago, she spent a lot of time hiding her hair in her helmet out of fear of mockery. Nowadays she let it show with mild pride, even braiding and tying some of it back into a partial ponytail. Up until her early adult years, she hated her hair color. But these days it no longer bothered her, nor did she let people get to her if anyone mocked her for it.
When she finally arrived at the North Country Stables, Tala took her horse out of the corral and rode off down the road. She continued down the main track until she passed the Odiil farm; from there, she took a right into the forest. It was a long trudge through the bushes, up and down steep hills, avoiding ancient Ayleid ruins, but at least it lead her safely around Hackdirt and straight to Weatherleah.
The other horses let out happy whinnies at the sight of Lily as the tobiano mare trotted towards the small paddock that remained down in the valley. And as she disassembled the riding gear, she heard the sound of a small, happy, human voice with footsteps running down the hill and towards her.
"Mama! Mama!"
Tala quickly spun around and caught her son right as he jumped into her arms and squeezed him tight as she spun around in a few circles. This was a ritualistic greeting for them at the end of the day when she returned home, and she looked forward to it every time.
"Ah, I missed you! When did you get so big?!" She chirped as she shifted to set him better against her hip.
"You just saw me this morning." He said with a slight giggle. "I haven't grown since then."
"Are we sure? You look a little taller. I think you might be ready for another growth spurt!" She cooed as she brushed some of his golden hair away from his face. "Speaking of growth, I think it's time to trim your bangs, Marten. They're getting in your eyes."
"I think it's fine." The boy casually responded. "They're not in my eyes just yet, and I can brush them away easy."
As he manipulated his hair to remain resting along his temples, she could see a few loose strands remaining along his brow, causing him to casually blow some air up at them to try and make them move. Tala couldn't help but chuckle at how laid-back and casual he was while trying to refute her argument. He was a typical seven-year-old boy, full of energy and excitement, but he was also calm and respectful with everyone. She couldn't help but wonder if she was supposed to be taking credit for that because of her parenting skills, or if his quiet demeanor was inherited. Tala then set him down and grabbed the saddle to take it to the shed behind the house, with her son in charge of the reigns and saddle bags. After the tack was tucked safely away, they both rounded to the front of the house, where Tala saw Guilbert leaning up against the entryway, waiting for them to approach.
"Welcome home!" He cheerfully greeted.
"Good to be home." Tala replied. She then pecked him sweetly on the cheek before she made her way inside. She briefly waved to Eyja- whom was working on cooking something that smelled delicious- and then proceeded to walk up the stairway to the top floor.
"How was the Guild today?" He asked as he closed the door and followed her up the stairs.
"Rather boring. Which was nice for a change." Tala replied. "But unfortunately, I've been summoned to take a contract in Anvil. I'll be leaving tomorrow morning."
"Anvil? I thought you weren't taking contracts from Anvil and Cheydinhal after making the rank of Warder?"
"So did I. But apparently Azzan really wants me to take this job. He's also being secretive about the details, so I have no choice but to head over there and see what the deal is. I hope the pay is worth the trip."
"It usually is. But don't worry. We'll still be here when you return, safe and sound."
When Tala made it into the bedroom and started taking off her armor, she stopped short and turned to look at Guilbert with a frown. "I hope so. I'm worried something'll happen while I'm gone."
His pleasant smile faded and he merely sighed through his nose. "I know you're worried about the issues over at Hackdirt. I am too. But we'll be fine. Jena will be bringing Roliand and Baurus tomorrow to stay and act as patrolmen around the property for a while until we're out of danger."
"We'll be out of danger when Hackdirt burns to the ground." She murmured as she proceeded to change out of the rest of her armor so she could get into her casual attire for the evening.
"Well unless you have designs on going in there and slaughtering every last person, that's not going to happen anytime soon." Guilbert commented as he crossed his arms and leaned against the doorway.
As she set her greaves in a corner with her boots and sword, she paused for a moment to give his statement more thought. "I could have done it back when I rescued Rimalus... but I was too worried about getting him killed. Now on the other hand, if I were to go in there by myself..."
"Now it would be considered murder and you'd end up in the Chorrol jails."
"The Countess doesn't care if people get kidnapped by them. Why would she care if I went in there and took care of the problem?"
"... Fair point. Then also take into consideration that there could be innocents in that town that don't deserve to be slaughtered."
Tala gave it a moment of thought before she slumped her shoulders a little and turned to look at him with an exaggerated pout. "Fair point. Damn. You never let me have any fun."
A smirk crossed the corner of his mouth. "Oh believe me, we all thought about it at least once. But let me remind you that since we've been living here, not one of them has tried to come to Weatherleah. They seem to prey on those closest to the main road, or anyone foolish enough to want to do business there. Trust me, we'll be fine while you're gone."
Tala then pried off her cuirass and set it down by the dresser. As she grabbed her outfit out of the dresser drawer with one hand, she reached up to touch the amulet she wore with the other. She wore the shining blue gem she had acquired from Arnora all those years ago that was cut and fastened like the Amulet of Kings. It was almost as big as her hand, but it rested on a golden rope around her neck and sat comfortable on her chest, even when she wore armor. As her index finger traced the gem itself, her thumb gently grazed the back of the amulet- which she had commissioned by Hamlof at Red Diamond Jewelry to change into a locket base- and did her best to put her anxious thoughts aside. Normally she was good at doing that, but lately it was getting harder and harder to let things go and trust that everything would be okay.
Eventually, Tala let out another sigh. "I trust you, Guilbert." She softly said. "I'm just worried about our family. I don't want anything to happen to you guys."
"Neither do I. But don't think about that now. Just come have dinner with us and enjoy a nice meal before you leave. Marten convinced Eyja to make her Shepard's Pie tonight."
Tala's sapphire eyes instantly lit up upon hearing the name of the meal, to the point where Guilbert could've sworn that the sparkles that already danced in her eyes grew brighter than usual. She loved her friend's Shepard's Pie and always looked forward to whenever she felt ambitious enough to make it.
"Marten convinced her to make it?" She joyfully replied. "That's my boy. He's a smart kid!"
"That he is." Guilbert chuckled as he stepped away from the door and walked back down the stairs.
From there, she then finished putting on her comfy clothes. A few years ago she finally retired her favorite Russet Felt outfit for new attire that she acquired from Divine Elegance while she was still studying at the University. It was a beautiful dress consisting of red and black tiers with gold trim and a matching overcoat that she affectionately dubbed her Warlock outfit, since she had the rank of Warlock around the time she purchased it. As she fastened the black sash and gold rope around her waist, she adjusted the overcoat to hide the sash underneath while she strolled downstairs to the dining room to help prepare the table. That night Tala announced her departure for Anvil to Marten and Eyja during dinner, and after some idle chatter, she headed straight for bed.
Early in the morning, she made sure she cuddled up to her husband for a while before she arose and suited up for her departure. She then went to place a kiss on Marten's head while he slept before she went out the door and saddled up Lily. She then rode back towards the main road and galloped southwest to conduct her business with Azzan as quickly as possible. The sooner she took care of this contract, the sooner she could return home... at least that was the plan.
And while she traveled, she continued her long, drawn-out self-debate on what enchantment she wanted to place on the Akaviri katana.
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A/N September 1, 2021: Hi all to previous readers of To Light the Dragonfires! The next saga of Tala's life has finally begun and I want to continue to thank you all for your amazing reviews and your support! I'm both excited and nervous to start sharing all the newest thoughts for this story. Hopefully my writing hasn't faltered with my continued struggle with Writer's Block and a busy life!
And for new readers I might have pulled in: Welcome! I'm glad the first chapter of The Blessing of Talos has peaked your interest. If there's thoughts or questions into the context of the scenes you just read, there's a good chance that while a few will be answered in later chapters, others might have already been explained in the previous story. In which case, I recommend reading To Light the Dragonfires while you wait for the second chapter! :)
I am making a point of staying on a schedule with this story, unlike my last one that took several-month breaks and hiatuses because of one personal reason after another. Yes, this may be frustrating that only 1 new chapter is out each month. However, I'm hoping that by setting a date for myself and giving me a few weeks to work on chapters, it means I can motivate myself a little better and work on the story in between my busy life. Plus, having a scheduled release date for new chapters means you as the readers know when to expect the next one and not have to guess if the story is dead or not. We'll see how well this method works out! Hope you all enjoyed the first chapter!