In the morning, Guilbert asked Marten how the trip went, and the boy quickly started telling him about everything, just like Tala had predicted. He told them about the bandit encounter, Sigrid's place, playing tag with the other kids, Arkaedii and the confrontation with Quinton, Wulfmare, and the music and food they had at the inn. He also talked about the wayshrines, the Ayleid well, and his magic lesson while they waited for the rain to pass. None of them were able to get a question in edge wise. They just simply smiled and nodded along as they ate their breakfast while Marten happily filled his dad and Eyja in on the fun adventure he had. When breakfast was done, Tala had Marten start on his chores by feeding and tending to the horses; after he left, she helped clean up with Eyja.

"Is that head injury he sustained really bad?" The Nord suddenly asked. "Does he need a healer?"

"He smacked his head pretty good, but I was there rather shortly after it happened and I healed him up as best as I could." Tala replied. "He should be alright, but if he starts complaining of headaches, let me know."

Eyja simply nodded in response.

"It sounds like you two found several wayshrines between here and Kvatch as well." Guilbert chimed in from the dining table.

"Seven out of the Nine!" Tala happily boasted. "I need to find a wayshrine to Akatosh and Stendarr. Then we'll see if I'm granted a sign for how far I'm to pursue this whole 'Divine Crusade' thing."

"Seven? From Marten's retelling of your journey, it sounded like you got six."

"While Marten was playing tag with the kids, Arkaedii's father took me to the wayshrine of Zenithar just outside of the city."

"That was rather nice of him." Eyja commented.

Tala nodded. "It was. Saewin's a nice guy. He seems to be the one the townspeople hire when they need something done. He's essentially replaced Kvatch's need for a Fighters Guild."

"Oh wow, really?" Eyja replied in surprise. "One guy replaces a whole guild? Talk about handy!"

"That's what I thought as well. Modryn isn't going to be happy to hear it though. He was wondering why we hadn't gotten any contracts from people in Kvatch and now I know." Her facial expressions then twisted as she started musing aloud, "Oh, speaking of Modryn... I should probably head into Chorrol and tell him about it." She then let out a heavy-weighted sigh at the end.

"You sound a little reluctant to do that." Guilbert said as he stood up to bring his breakfast plate to the sink. He tried to wash it, but Eyja snatched it from him and put it in the soapy wash basin so she could clean it herself.

"I told him I didn't want any more contracts for a little bit." Tala said to him. "But I have this feeling that when I arrive at the guild, he's going to try and send me off on another one."

Guilbert shrugged. "You can just reaffirm that you're not taking contracts for a little while."

Tala let out another heavy sigh before nodding. "I know. I just feel like I need to follow what the higher ranks tell me to do. Obligations to abide by, and all. What I really want to do is stay home and do nothing for a while."

"What about that Wulfmare fellow that Marten mentioned?" He asked, folding his arms and subtly tilting his head while doing so. "Are you planning to get those rings enchanted?"

Tala slowly inhaled through her nose and gently exhaled yet another sigh through softly parted lips. "Yeah. That. I probably should've just said 'no' and directed him to the University, but he looked so crushed when I started to turn him down. I told him I had prior commitments before I enchant the rings instead. He seemed okay with that, but now that's hanging over my head too."

"The rings were for his family, right? From what I could try and gather from Marten, they're to protect his mother and sister from bandits? That seems pretty important."

"Yes... it does. I think he wanted me to do it because his little sister idolizes me. I think that he thinks it would make her happy if she got a gift that had my blessing on it."

"Aww, that does sound sweet." Eyja chimed in. "You'd be giving a little girl a present from her hero as well as protecting a family. That definitely falls into your wheelhouse of doing good deeds for people."

Tala subtly smiled. "I suppose it does." There was another heavy sigh, though this one was of defeat. "Oh alright, I might try to find time to head to the Imperial City within the next week or so. But I need to fill two grand soul gems before I can head to the University and get the rings enchanted. I have two empty ones available, but I'm not planning to go anywhere that would give me a chance to fill them."

"Hmm..." Guilbert pensively hummed for a moment before suddenly speaking his thoughts. "Here's a suggestion, if you'll hear me out: what if you take a contract that involves eliminating unwanted beasts? You could get a contract done for the guild, get the soul gems filled, and get the rings enchanted. That way, you could take care of what needs to be done promptly, and there will be nothing to hold you back from staying home for as long as you want."

Tala stopped to let that thought sink in. That was actually a good idea. "You make a fair point. I guess I'll leave for Chorrol in a little bit and see what I can come up with. But first, I'm going to just relax for a little while longer. Eyja, if you'd like, I can take over the dishes."

"Nah, its fine." The brunette replied. "I'm almost done anyway. I've got to work on some laundry while the weather is nice, and then I was thinking of heading into Chorrol as well. You got anything that could use a wash?"

"Yes, but let me take care of it." Tala insisted. "You don't have to feel like a servant just because you live here."

"Yeah, but I live here rent free." Eyja argued. "It's the least I can do."

Tala shook her head. "You do what you have to do for you. I'll just join you with what I need done. I'll meet you outside!" Tala then turned to head up the stairs to grab a basket.

She made a point to swipe Marten's clothes that he had taken with him for the trip and before grabbing what she needed to be cleaned and headed outside to fill up the wash basin by the well. A few minutes later, Eyja joined her. They made small talk while they cleaned- ranging from idle rumors running around Chorrol, to gossip on who's dating who, to personal life musings- and when the clothes were drying on the line, Tala visited Reynald in the greenhouse and proceeded to fill him in on the Kvatch trip. They talked briefly about the condition of the herbs and the supply they could afford to harvest for customers before Tala decided to leave him to his daily routine and head back inside for another cup of coffee and talk with her husband. While they sat in the kitchen discussing their thoughts to each other, she brought up building a shelter for the horses; Guilbert agreed that they needed one, but neither one of them could agree on where to put it. Do they build it in the small pasture the horses were in now? Or do they think about expanding the pastures and putting it there? And how far to extend the pastures? Any further south, and there was a risk of creatures or bandits spawning from the Ayleid ruins... or the worshippers from the shrine to Sanguine doing something. If they built past the wayshrine, the pastures would be over the hill and out of sight in case of danger. Sadly, the ideal place for a new pasture space was the woods between Weatherleah and Hackdirt; it had plenty of room with grass, and lots of tall trees to protect the horses from the rain and wind, and it was visible from the house. But the big flaw in their logic was that it was too close to Hackdirt. Eventually, they agreed to think about it more and revisit the topic later.

When the morning was reaching its end, Guilbert asked Marten to come help him in the garden, and Tala and Eyja decided it was time to head to town. She gave her husband and son each a quick kiss on the cheek, grabbed her katana for protection, and then headed out the door and up the path to Chorrol.

While Eyja headed to Renoit's Books, Tala headed straight for the Fighters Guild. When she stepped inside, the atmosphere was alive with excited energy as all the members were actively moving around the hall. Two of the Journeymen came jogging down the stairs and headed down to the basement, while the three newest Associates were boisterously chattering with each other at the dining hall as Pollux- the guild Porter- was leaning up against the wall as he listened in on their conversation. If she didn't know any better, she'd say everyone was getting ready for contracts. Did they get a sudden influx of them while she was gone?

"Good morning, Tala!" Came a greeting. When she turned to address who had called her, she saw Cartrus Gavinius, one of the Journeyman healers. He was an Imperial that stood around five-feet-nine-inches with brown eyes and brown hair to match. He wore a complete set of iron armor, though he held his helmet in his left arm and resting at his side.

"Morning!" Tala happily greeted back. "Everyone acts as if today's an important day."

"That's because it is!" He said with a chuckle. "We got a big contract down in Leyawiin. All of us are going, including Eduard. The three new Associates are also coming along to get some practice."

Tala looked over to the dining table again. Ashtus, Ariente, and Lashana were the three newest members to the guild. Ashtus was the only male and the newest healer to come in, excited to be a part of the guild for the combat experience and coin. Ariente and Lashana openly admitted that they had joined the guild simply because of Tala. They had admired her as the Champion of Cyrodiil and wanted to become warrioresses like her. While Tala had cringed about it the first time they approached her, both the Altmer and the Redguard women didn't let their admiration for her impact their duties to the guild, so Tala let it slide so long as they did good work and treated her like a normal person. So these three, the other three Journeymen, and a Swordsman were all going? This had to be a big contract with a big reward.

"That's great news!" She commented with a bright smile. "Hopefully this is a good omen for the guild. Oh- before I get off track- I need to speak to Oreyn. Do you know if he's around?"

Cartrus nodded. "He's downstairs." He then started heading for the door to the basement, to which Tala followed behind.

Down there, Kurz was observing Cargus and Mattias- the other two Journeymen- as they did some light sparring on the training mat. As she scanned the room, she caught sight of Modryn in a corner talking to Viranus Donton and Eduard Hodge, the only two Swordsmen in the Chorrol chapter. They seemed to be behaving secretly, which had Tala's curiosity. But when Modryn walked away, she saw Viranus with a beaming smile and his shoulders more squared in confidence. Eduard simply stood by him and smiled as he placed a hand on the other man's shoulder. Tala knew he and Viranus were close... very close. She figured out they were seeing each other in secret a few months back when she and Viranus returned from a contract. Viranus promised Tala not to tell his mother or Oreyn, to which she assured him their secret was safe. Though a few weeks later, Modryn made a comment to her that suggested he already knew about Viranus and Eduard and- quite frankly- didn't care as long as it didn't negatively impact the guild. So really, the Guildmaster was the only one who appeared to be in the dark about her son's love life.

"Ah, there you are." Were the first words Modryn said to Tala upon his noticing her standing there. "Did you find out why we weren't receiving contracts from Kvatch?"

"Yes..." Tala tentatively started. "But you're not going to like the answer."

"Blackwood Company?"

"No... the people of Kvatch don't need the Fighters Guild."

His eyes quickly widened. "What?! Why?"

"There's a mer living there who's been taking care of any work the citizens need... has been since the Oblivion Crisis. Since no one from the Kvatch guild survived the Crisis and Vilena hasn't sent anyone there to rebuild, they've relied on him to take over any complicated jobs."

Modryn let out a frustrated sigh. "That's not good for the guild. We'll have to find a way to remedy that. I'll have Vilena send someone to Kvatch. We'll talk to the Count about rebuilding the city's chapter there and take care of that problem quickly."

Tala immediately frowned. "No, don't do that!" She worriedly retorted. "I know not having contracts from Kvatch means the guild misses out on some odd jobs, but we've been without Kvatch for this long and done just fine."

"...'Done just fine'?!" The Dunmer repeated in bewilderment. "The guild's been struggling because of the Blackwood Company swiping contracts from us! We can't have one man stealing contracts from us as well. We can't risk yet another thorn in our side."

"Saewin's not a threat. Truly, he's not. If I thought he was of concern, I'd say so. He's just a good guy who stepped up and helped when the townspeople needed someone. His wife died and he has a young daughter he's raising on his own, so those jobs he's taking put food on a table for a little girl. He's not out to undercut the guild. We can leave Kvatch alone. Trust me." When Modryn started to grumble in disagreement, Tala decided to use this as an opportunity to change the subject. "Speaking of contracts, it seems the guild has quite the big one to handle right now. How did we manage to acquire this one?"

He hummed in disgruntlement for a heartbeat; he clearly knew that she was trying to change the topic, but he went along with it anyway. "It seems the Leyawiin chapter hasn't got the manpower for the job, according to Arzhel."

Arzhel. The Fighters Guild Porter down in Leyawiin. While Vantus Prelius was a Warder and the one in command down there, Tala remembered talking to Arzhel when she came to the guild a few months ago to deal with Vantus and their only two Protectors being drunk and disorderly at the Five Claws Lodge. They complained back then that there were no jobs to keep them busy, so she grew confused at Modryn's statement.

"That's odd." She commented. "They have three good ranked men, a Swordsman, and some new recruits down there practically begging for work. Why did they send this contract up to us?"

The Dunmer shrugged. "Their Porter said they couldn't handle it, and deferred the contract to Vilena to find people who can. That's all I know. We've got the numbers here to take on a contract of this level. Between our Swordsmen, Journeymen, and the three new bloods, they'll have no trouble clearing out a nest of trolls."

Tala's eyes lit up when she heard 'trolls'. Trolls were grand souls; she needed those. "Say... is there room in that party for a Warder? I could really use a contract."

Oreyn quickly shook his head. "I'm afraid eight members is a big enough party as it is. But I'm glad to hear you're ready for another contract. I have another one that came in from Burz in Cheydinhal yesterday designated for higher-ranked members. It's a time sensitive one as well. The job pays around six-hundred gold and a promotion. I'll get the details off of Vilena's desk."

Tala instantly cringed. 'Oh, damn the Gods!' She inwardly cursed. "Err!" She blurted out as she started chasing Modryn up the stairs. "If its time sensitive, shouldn't one of the higher ranked members over in Cheydinhal take it to ensure it gets done?"

"From what I heard, Burz is looking to us to send someone for this contract." He countered. "Says the members he's got are... well... useless. You're a Warder who can handle daedra all by yourself. And since you said you needed a contract, this will work perfectly for you. I'm sure he'd prefer we send a member of your expertise to handle this job."

Tala did her best to think of a polite way to decline the offer, but instead kept falling short of mutters and stutters as she silently kicked herself for her bad choice of words. 'I should've told him I needed a beast control contract, not just A contract!'

When he came up to the Guildmaster's quarters, Vilena wasn't there, but the Champion decided to approach her desk anyway and rummage through a small stack of papers. When he found the letter he wanted and quickly breezed through it, Tala finally found coherent words to say.

"I appreciate your vote of confidence in me, but I was really looking for a contract that involved beasts, like trolls or goblins. Perhaps you could switch me with a couple of the Journeymen? Or maybe ask if Viranus wants this job? I know he's been begging for one since the last job..."

"Viranus is... otherwise occupied." Modryn very quietly interjected.

Upon hearing this, Tala realized that was why Viranus looked so happy: Modryn must've given him an assignment in secret, probably while there was the distraction of a big contract to keep Vilena from noticing. The Guildmaster had been refusing to give her youngest son any contracts after his older brother, Vitellus, died during that contract dealing with Azani Blackheart and the Blackwood Company. While the young Breton could understand a mother's fear of losing her children, she knew Viranus was an adult and wanted to serve the guild just as his older brother had. Modryn had started assigning him contracts behind Vilena's back- one of which Tala accompanied him on- and it has helped both the guild and Viranus's confidence after being coddled for so long.

The more she thought about it, she came to another realization: Modryn said there were eight people going on this contract. Was Viranus secretly going with them?

"It appears it's a retrieval mission." Oreyn said in a normal voice register, which brought Tala's thoughts back to her predicament at hand. "Apparently some fugitives got loose. Rank of Defender or higher required. And since you're a Warder, you qualify." He then approached her and presented the letter.

"Couldn't the guild members in Leyawiin handle that?" Tala nervously tried to reason.

Modryn bore her an unamused frown. "In the time it would take to send this letter down to Leyawiin and have them report in Cheydinhal, it could be too late and the guild would look bad in front of the employer... or any other future customers. You're here, and closer to Cheydinhal. You said you needed a contract; here's a contract."

It was now Tala's turn to frown. "I wanted a contract where I could hunt large beasts."

"Perhaps you'll get lucky and slay a few large beasts on your way there. Now report to gro-Khash for details. Get to it."

Tala narrowed her eyes at him as she reluctantly took the letter. Clearly he was adamant about her taking this contract. And even though he respected her after helping him deal with Blackheart, he was still her superior and she still had to take orders from time to time. Which is what she was afraid would happen. She then defeatedly walked down the two flights of stairs and out of the guild. So much for getting what she needed done.

As she walked down the street to the south gate, she read over the letter. It pretty much said what Modryn told her, but he forgot to mention that the employer was Dro'Nahrahe, Count Regulus Terentius's steward. That surprised her, since it means the contract location was down in Bravil. The last time she had to go on a contract in Bravil was for Aryarie at the Mages Guild shortly before the chapter down there disbanded. That one had supposed to be Maglir's contract, but he had defected to the Blackwood Company and had the galls to tell her off about it. She ended up taking the contract and took a Bravil Associate- Vincent Galien- with her to help him get some experience and a share of the payment. She knew the Bravil guild was even shorter on high-ranking members than in Leyawiin; their Porter was the highest ranked member at Protector and was therefore in charge. But like the other guild chapters, they were also desperate for work.

'You mean to tell me the whole guild couldn't handle it as a group? Just how dangerous are these fugitives that no one down there feels confident enough to take the contract themselves?'

As her thoughts kept her distratced, she didn't notice that Jena and Amal were walking down the southeast street towards the gates. When Amal recognized her, he was quick to trill his excitement.

"Auntie Tala! Auntie Tala!"

Her focus returned when she heard the happy shouting and looked up just in time to see the little boy break away from his mother and come rushing to see her. While Tala was quick to kneel down with her arms wide and catch him as he collided into her, Jena exasperatingly groaned as she briskly walked after him.

"Amal, how many times do I have to tell you not to just take off?" She tiredly chided.

The boy slowly turned his head around to look at his mother, appearing miffed at her scolding. He then pointed to the blue-haired Breton he was hugging and argued, "But its Aunt Tala."

While Jena let out a defeated sigh, Tala couldn't help but chuckle. It brought back a little déjà vu of Marten taking off towards the wayshrine on their trip to Kvatch. Though at least he was remorseful of his actions. Amal didn't seem to care.

"Sweetie, you have to listen to your Mom." Tala tried to explain as she stood back up. "If you don't pay attention to where you're going, you could run into someone and get hurt."

Amal simply looked up at her with his big hazel eyes and gave her a twisted frown. He then leaned in and hugged her leg while he whimpered his discontent. Tala shook her head and simply patted him on the shoulder.

"Welcome back to Chorrol." Jena eventually greeted. "Hopefully the errand run to Kvatch was... uneventful."

Tala nodded. "It was. Kvatch has really done well rebuilding from the Oblivion Crisis. Marten and I had a good time while we were there. How have you been doing?"

"Fine." Jena warmly said. "The morning sickness finally quit, so I've got a little more energy again. We're heading out to Weatherleah to help restock potions. Are you coming with us?"

"Yeah, but I won't be there for long." Tala said with a hint of disappointment in her voice. "I've got a contract from the guild that needs to be completed quickly. I'm the one Oreyn picked to get it done."

Jena's friendly smile slowly faded. "I thought you were taking a break from guild contracts?"

"I wanted to. But I got a commission from someone while I was in Kvatch and it's going to be tricky to complete. It's a long story."

"We've got time to spare while we walk. You can fill me in." The Imperial replied as she took Amal's hand and started walking towards the gate. "So what do you mean about a commission?"

"I was approached by a man who wanted a pair of rings enchanted..." Tala started to explain before stopping. "Oh, I should probably tell Eyja I'm heading back to Weatherleah. Hang on."

She then turned to head down the street over to Renoit's books and popped in. She said a greeting to Estelle- the owner of the store- as well as Rallus Odiil, whom was sitting at her counter with some food. Eyja had mentioned in the morning gossip that Estelle and Valus's oldest son had started courting, but it had still come as a mild surprise to actually see them together in the book store. Tala then informed Eyja of her departure, to which the young Nord told her to go on ahead and she'd head home when she was ready. That was her cue to leave and head out with Jena, picking up where she left off in conversation.

As they walked the trail back to Weatherleah, Tala filled Jena in on Wulfmare and his story about his family, and then talked about the rest of her experience in Kvatch and the people she met. She then told her about Guilbert's idea to take a contract that could help her gather grand souls, and how she metaphorically hung herself by leaving Modryn the opportunity to force this contract on her. All the while, Jena listened and asked the occasional question, and sometimes they had to pause their discussion due to Amal getting excited over a deer hopping through the woods or him throwing in advice that only made sense to a small child. Overall, the trip back home was engaged in friendly conversation that Tala thoroughly enjoyed.

When they reached the homestead, Guilbert and Marten were still tending to the crops; upon seeing his cousin, Amal instantly broke away from his mother to go see him- which got him yet another scolding- and then the boys were off to go play. The adults then wandered into the greenhouse where Reynald was working on grinding some herbs in a mortar and pestle.

"Good to see you back." Reynald greeted. "How did Oreyn take to your news about that Saewin fellow?"

"Well, initially he didn't like the sound of it." Tala answered. "But I did my best to convince him that Saewin wasn't a threat to the guild. Hopefully he believed me."

"Were you able to ask him for a good contract?" Guilbert asked as he stood leaning against the greenhouse doorway.

"No." She groaned. "The other guild mates are going on a big contract to clear out a nest of trolls, but Modryn forced me into taking a contract down in Bravil. I have to report to Burz in Cheydinhal to let him know I'm taking the contract. Uhg!"

Guilbert's smile faded. "I see. Well that wasn't the outcome we had hoped for."

Tala then ran her hand down her face in frustration. "No, it wasn't. I opened my mouth and asked if I could join the group heading to clear out the trolls, but he told me he had a large enough party going. And I think I worded myself incorrectly because he seemed to think I was looking for any contract, but by the time I clarified my intentions it was too late." She then buried her face in her hand as she whimpered, "Gods, why do I do this to myself?"

"Oreyn wouldn't take no for an answer, huh?" Reynald commented.

Tala turned to look at him with an annoyed expression. "No. He ordered me to take it." She grumbled before speaking up. "I think he's just as frustrated about the contract changing hands with it being stamped 'time sensitive', and with all the trouble we're getting from the Blackwood Company, he's on edge about keeping a good reputation for the guild. And since I'm the famed 'Champion of Cyrodiil' as well as a high ranked member, I'm a good candidate to send to get the job done." She then hung her head. "I should've kept my mouth shut..."

She then felt a hand on her shoulder; when she turned to look, she saw that it belonged to her beloved. "It's alright, Tala. Mistakes happen." He reassured. "Just go ahead and fulfill the contract and do what you have to do."

Tala reached up and placed her hand over the one he placed on her shoulder. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to get some good deeds done so I can sit back and spend some time at home."

"I know. You're doing your best. I know your good deeds with lead to good things in the long run. I also know that when you return, you're probably not going to say anything that'll get you in trouble again."

Tala softly chuckled and leaned against him, causing Guilbert to take the hand on her shoulder away and place it on her back in a more natural resting position. He then rested his cheek against her head.

"So if this contract is 'time sensitive', does that mean you're leaving as soon as possible?" Jena asked.

"Yep." Tala dejectedly answered. "So I guess I'm off to pack bags and saddle the horse."

With that, Tala kissed Guilbert on the cheek and headed into the house to prepare for her journey. After changing into her armor, she packed her Warlock robes, some spare healing potions, and the two empty grand soul gems... just in case she did get lucky and find some trolls or goblins on her travels. She then went to find Marten and tell him she was leaving. Upon hearing this news, his lips bore the saddest frown and those sapphire eyes of his grew sorrowful to match.

"But we just got back..." He softly murmured. "I thought you were going to stay home for a while."

"I know, sweetheart." She replied before kneeling down to hug him tight. "But I have to get a contract done. I'll be back soon. I promise. Now go have some fun with Amal, ok?"

Her son appeared reluctant to leave her, but he eventually walked away and went back to climbing rocks with his cousin. She then turned to head down the hill to the paddocks so she could grab Lily, but stopped when she saw that Guilbert had already brought her tack down to the horses and was saddling up Mandrake, which she found odd. He then brought the bay gelding out of the field and came up the hill to bring him to her.

"Why not Lily or Lavender?" Tala asked him as she started strapping her bags to the saddle.

"I'm sure after your travels, the mares could use the break." He replied. "And Mandrake needs the exercise. He's been enjoying the hay a little too much since we've been feeding him extra on cold, rainy days."

Tala couldn't help but giggle at his implication that the horse was fat, but understood his logic and was happy to take him on the trip. There was another long kiss goodbye and a tight, parting hug; then she was up in the saddle and off to the main road once again.

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A/N 2-20-23: Hey everyone! Its been a hot minute since I've been able to get some writing and proofreading done! Thank you all for your patience! This chapter is definitely a slow one, so I hope it wasn't too boring. But for those who have played the game, I'm sure you've guessed that we're building up to some action here shortly. And Tala's got two more wayshrines to tackle! She will most likely be putting the pilgrimage on hold for a moment, but I assure you that she won't forget about it.

As always, thank you all for reading and following! I'm glad the last chapter brought back some memories for some (such as the highwayman at Fort Ash), and I hope I'm continuing to do so in the coming chapters. I hope you enjoyed this one!

A/N 6-10-23: There has been a delay in the next chapter due to time and focus, but the story has not been abandoned! Chapter 16 is in progress and hopefully posted in the next few weeks! Thank you all for your patience!