Skogurheim Trader Village: The Rift, Skyrim

I woke from a sound sleep in a warm bed as the sun rose up over the mountains to the east. I climbed out of bed wandered down to the kitchen looking around for Belle who oddly enough was no where to be found. I checked my Office on the other end of the manor and found a note from Anorien,

"Vorm,

I am headed to Riften to secure some trade contacts. Will more than likely be back in two to three days.

- Anorien"

I scowled, "Damnit Anorien you know I can't read. Fool."

Grumbling I went back to the kitchen and began heating some porridge. I was never much good at cooking, which is why I hired Belle to begin with. Grumbling I made due as best I could. It was no where near as good as the legion cooks were capable of and certainly no where near as what Belle was able to cook.

"Vorm, get out of the kitchen, your... guest should be down in a moment. Come to think of it she almost seems... civilized now that shes cleaned up," she mumbled under her breath, "Bloody Reach heathen..."

Turning back to the woman, I gave her a disapproving look, "Belle... Insult my guest once more and I will need to find a new housekeeper. You understand that right?"

She glared at me, rolling her eyes, "Vorm, you burned your breakfast..."

"Belle! You will address my guests as your superiors no matter what their race! I do not care what your personal beliefs of their race may be. You are to treat them just as I was trained in the legions, the only ones you may disrespect are the ones trying to kill you."

"Sh-"

"Belle. Silence. She did not try to kill you, she may have tried to kill me but we seem to have sorted things out. Now respect the woman as both a human, admn my guest! Talos above you have got to be the only bloody Nord who loves an elf and yet has no compassion for these Foresworn people who are closer in relation to you than Anorien is!" I snatched my porridge from her hand and a spoon from a drawer, "NOW, you will ensure she is fed, with no poisons or foods that will make her sick, and if you so much as walk out of that kitchen with a look on your face that is less than hospitible I will be eating a bite of her food first, and if I get poisoned or sick, you KNOW Legion law."

She looked hurt at my words but damnit I would not be called a poor host by my guests. The woman came to us in need only to be treated like an Argonian shadowscale who follows Namira.

I fell heavily into my chair and placed my porridge before me on the table. I sat head in hand trying to relax when from the kitchen I could hear Belle call out, "Hey. You. Dont touch that that is the Legates tea water not for you! Stop!"

I looked up to see the Foresworn woman bringing the tea kettle over and pouring some of the steaming water into my pint before taking up a steaping net and dropping some ground up leaves and other spices into it and placing it in my pint,

"Help calm nerves,"

Looking at her, was looking at the sun as it first rose over the mountains in the morning, she would have been considered passible last night but this morning after having cleaned up she looked radient. Though it seemed she would need some new cloths as well.

"Given your peoples intense, dislike of the Nord people I am going to guess you have no money for new cloths..." I wave it off as unimportant and continue, "It is of no matter. I will see to any of your expenses, but you must be hungry. Please sit have something to break your fast."

No more than a moment later after she sat down, was little Skaela bouncing up trying to get into her lap only to be scooped up and placed there by the woman, "Your puppy?" she asked.

"Yes, my little Skaela, she can be a bit of a hand full at times but she is rather amusing."

"Small Howl," she smiled scratching Skaela behind the ear causing her tongue to loll out to the side as her tail wags happily. I couldn't help but smile as I sat watching them interact. A moment later Belle came out of the kitchen placing a bowl of porridge before the woman as well as a pair of plates with bacon and fried potatos.

"You speak old Nordic and yet still wish to destroy nordic culture... well that is a new one. So tell me, uh, what did you say your name was exactly?"

"I, Elissa."

"Ah, haha, pretty name. But any ways why are your people after you exactly?"

"Ah, I is cast out."

"Yes but why?"

"Ah I help outsider, heal him. He escape."

"And so now your own people hunt you? What would they do if you were caught?"

She went pale, "They give to Old Gods."

"To the old Gods?" I sat and thought about it, trying to remember back to my parents teachings as a child. "You mean the All-maker?"

"No the nameless ones, the Gods of my people."

I stood there aghast at what I was hearing growling softly, "I'll be damned if I'm going to let that happen. My men have chased them off but we had best keep on the alert."

We sat chitchating about her culture and their perspective on the Nord culture while we ate. It was not a very encouraging conversation but it helped me better understand our position. As we finished our meal I collected the dishes and carried them into the kitchen, leaving them with Belle. Turning I found Elissa standing in the door way frowning at all of the items in the kitchen, "Such mess. Why so much?"

I cuckled at the annoyance in her voice, "Your guess is likely as good as mine. This is far more than I'm used to myself."

She crossed her arms frowning at me, "Wasteful."

I hold out my hand to her, which she almost reluctently takes and I suggest, "Come, lets find you some clean clothing."

She looked at me with a bit of a frown but followed.

-= One week Later =-

Calder Odinnson The carriage Rolled into the gates not two minutes before the gates swung closed. I looked back as the gate boomed closed, to see the faint amber-glow of Ameri's eyes. Time seemed to stop for the moment looking into their cold warmth. I smiled and looked back to the road as time sped forward. I released the reigns and the horses naturally slowed their pace coming to a halt just before the gate of the manor. I sat looking at the door slowly getting out of the seat and climbing down I exhaled a breath I had not realized I'd held in.

I ran my fingers through my hair and walked around to the back of the carriage helping Ameridas down I offered her my arm and together we walked to the door. I raised my fist to knock but before I was able to knock the door swung open, revealing the forest hued form of one of Skyrim's Royal Ranger Corps, "Legatus, I wish you safe travels to 'Highreach', His Majesty awaits your presence in the Capital."

I stepped back nudging Ameridas out of the rangers way. He turned and looked me straight in the face, "Oh apologies s- well I'll be damned. Find the one and the other finds you... Calder I presume?"

"Depends who's asking."

"Don't be a smart ass civilian, no one likes them. Now by order of the High King you have been summoned to Highreach within the hold of Haafingar."

"Bloody deadlands... I've just come from there."

"Well it seems you'd best turn yourself around and head back..."

"And if I don't?"

"I'll be forced to drag you..."

"Fine, fine." I grumbled only to be cut off by the man standing behind him within the doorway.

Vorm Odinnson "Hold up, what is this, Jax, who is this man?" He ask taking hold of the rangers shoulder.

The ranger looked back over his shoulder, "Do you not recognize your own kin Sir?"

"I am the last of my bloodline Jax this man couldn't be my... FUCKING DEADLANDS! CALDER, Brother is that actually you? I thought you dead years back!?"

Calder Odinnson "Oh I live Little Vermin, though it would seem that that name no longer particularly applies..."

Vorm Odinnson I stepped back and began to laugh heartily, "Oh its been close more than once I assure you... Where have you been all these years brother?"

I waved as Jax quietly took his leave leaving my brother and I standing in the door, "Damn me brother come in, come in," I looked at the woman who stood beside him and felt a shiver run up my spine addressing her, "Woman you had best keep your fangs behind your lips..."

Calder Odinnson I growled, and struck him with a solid blow to the jaw, "The bitch may have hated me and nearly thrown me out but I was there long enough to know she raised you with better manners than this you little shit!" I barked at him.

I winced realizing just how solid that jaw of his had become, "FUCKING OBLIVION'S brother, what are you fucking made of Stallrhim now, Talos!"

Vorm Odinnson I scowled at him, "Brother I love you, unto my dying breath but fucking hit me once more and I will break you, I'm not a child any more. My time in the Legions has turned me harder than you could ever hope to be... Now, as host I have not insulted the woman, I have simply asked that she bring no harm to any within my hall and you fucking know it. Anorien! See to my brother and the priestess' bags would you? Now brother, don't be rude and introduce me to the priestess here."

Calder Odinnson I glared back at him but relented, "Brother might I introduce m'lady, Priestess Ameridas, of the Dibellan order."

Vorm Odinnson I offered her my hand which he hesitantly took, "Priestess Ameridas, I bid the welcome, and must insist that no harm come to my guests. I understand you cannot help your condition but must still insist that no harm come to my guests," I hesitated and included, "or any within the town."

She graciously nodded accepting my ruling without a word as i step out of their way inviting them in.

"I apologize brother but it would seem you have arrived at a rather unfortunate time, given the situation it appears we may need to take this little reunion on the road."

Calder Odinnson "Ugh, aye you're probably right," I escorted Ameri through the doors, "Nice little place you have her brother, seems the time in the legion has done you well."

Vorm Odinnson "Well it has earned me some profit brother, the money however was not honestly come by I must say,"

Calder Odinnson I was about to respond when a rather striking woman rounded the corner coming down the stairs from a floor above, "Ye don't say? Whats this has my dear innocent broth- evening Miss,"

The woman took one look at me and cocked her head, turned to regard Ameridas and hissed. Without thought I sealed the stairwell in a wall of ice and stepped between the woman and Ameridas, dropping into a ready crouch. I had forgotten to rebind my wrists in the Oblivion wraps after our scuffle with the Dawnguard, in my rage my Cryogenic power let loose, and a thin, icy steam began to waif off my exposed skin, my forearms quickly coated themselves in ice forming protective little spike shards and icy talons, the mystic power within my already faintly glowing pale blue eyes brightened, I gave a soft but icy growl.

Vorm Odinnson I stepped back at the sudden display of my elder brothers power over the ice and cold, remembering my oath to ensure no harm came to any of my guests and clamped my hand down on my brothers shoulder, "BROTHER! STOP! You will not harm her, Ellisa! You will not harm my brother or the Vampire! They are guests!"

Behind the ice she trembled in rage and disbelief, in a muffled tone she raged, "Kill her! She kill all, stupid Nord! SHE FUCKING VAMPIRE!"

"She will do no such thing! She has given her word that no harm will befall any within this village!"

The woman glared, she turned and stomped back up the stairs, "Brother I think it best we bar your door tonight..."

Calder Odinnson "Done, if that woman tries to enter I cannot, no I WILL NOT, keep my promise she will see the sun rise...."

I closed my eyes and stood shaking the ice from my arms.

Vorm Odinnson "Come with me I will show you to your room."

I led them through the house to the guest room on the first floor. Anorien had already dropped off their packs, "Can I get the two of- apologies miss, i meant no offense."

"None taken," she whispered in a silky voice.

"Brother can I get you anything?"

Calder Odinnson "Oh aye, I could eat you out of house and home..."

Vorm Odinnson "Haha come along then, miss you may join if you wish,"

She simply shook her head and looked back into the room, "You two have been apart for far too long, I will stay here the road has made me weary."

"Quite fair my dear, though i must say I've never heard of one of your kind needing much rest..."

Calder Odinnson "She doesn't feed as heavily as the stories say. Haha, I still live... though then again she seems quite happy to keep me around for other... amusements... besides, her order has betrayed her to the Dawnies or whatever their called..."

Vorm Odinnson "The Dawnguard?"

Calder Odinnson "Yeah that'd be them," I turned to Ameridas, I took her in my arms and kissed her cheek, "Ameri my dear, stay here, get some rest while the little Vermin and I go chat," I kissed her cheek once more and turned slapping her gently on the ass with a wink before returning to the hall, "Bar the door beautiful I will return in a bit."

I looked at the rather unamused look on my little brothers face and smirked at him, "What?"

Vorm Odinnson I gave him a flat annoyed look, "MOST... amusing... We're not little kids anymore you know must you insist on calling me such childish names?"

Ameridas moaned a little from the spanking before she barricaded herself in a room alone. She was actually frightened without Calder by her side. Ameridas sat on what would be their bed and slipped her robe and mask iff and lay back in her bed.

Calder Odinnson I heard the door close and replied, "Oh you always were too serious you know that?"

We wondered out to the kitchen and and sat down to some jerked venison, buttered bread and a mug of brandy. We sat and shared our stories late into the night. Id released Ellisa from the upper floor and discovered she was actually rather pleasant just had a history with the vampires it seems that Ameridas' creator had laid waist to her family forcing her into the Reach where miraculously she was taken in by the Forsworn rather than cut down. In the end she promised to be civil, and went to sleep, with a dagger of silver of course but swore no harm.

When she left I shared what I knew of Ameridas story with my brother telling him of my plans to avenge her.

Vorm Odinnson I shook my head hearing my brothers tale and was most disappointed at the Dibellan's betrayal of one of their own, but at the same time understood it.

"You love her don't you..."

Calder Odinnson "Wha? I- how- i didn't say that...."

Vorm Odinnson "No need brother its rather obvious..."

Calder Odinnson "Shut up."

Vorm Odinnson I laughed at his discomfort, "So I presume you will be taking her hand? Even though she is well... you know."

Calder Odinnson I glared at him, "It matters not to me... Trouble is Ive no home to provide her with, not here anyway."

Vorm Odinnson "You have one?"

Calder Odinnson "Aye, in Solstheim."

Vorm Odinnson "Unacceptable. It's a bit far away but I do know of a Manor out in the... Reach. Never mind. Bad idea given Ellisa's reaction."

Calder Odinnson "Wouldnt be called Reachwind would it?"

Vorm Odinnson "How-"

Calder Odinnson "Wandered through the region, word spreads... besides seems you lot have an issue with these Forsworn sorts..."

Vorm Odinnson "Quite true... the legions are debating a guerison out that ways..."

Calder Odinnson Our conversation continued until half after the high moon and the rising sun. we had retired from the dining hall and went to by brothers forge where be began to work upon a blade, a beautiful Scimitar blade lacking a cross-guard calling it the "Raven's Blessing."

Vorm Odinnson I finished buffing the blade to a mirror finish and handed it to my brother, "For my soon to be sister in law, may she bare it in the name of justice and defence that she may no longer be forced to rely on a blade blessed by a goddess who's Priesthood has forsaken her."

Calder Odinnson I stood there dumbfounded and accepted the blade, "Brother you've no idea how much I am sure she will appreciate this gift."

Vorm Odinnson "Well from the sound of it, it was her journey to Riften that brought you back from Arkey's halls..."

Calder Odinnson It was more than that but i was not going to say otherwise.

Vorm Odinnson "Come brother it is late we should get some rest, If it is alright with you I think it wise we set out for Highreach as soon as possible, We have some Forsworn out in the hills so I will be brining some of the more decorated legionnaires along to ensure our safety. Even then be on your guard I'll say nothing but I cannot be sure how they will react to your lady-friend..."

Calder Odinnson "Noted, good night brother, its been far too long..."

We hugged at the base of the stair and parted ways for the rest of the short night.

Calder Odinnson I helped my brother to load the last of the supplies into the back of the carriage, the ladies, Ms Ameri and my brothers "ward" waited, quietly chit chatting in the warmth inside. It was a bit on edge perhaps, but they were still speaking which was a bit nerve wracking given their interactions last night. I had assured her that Should Ameri need to feed she would feed on me alone and only while Vorm himself stood watch over her.

"That the last of it?" I asked as a Legionnaire approached the carriage.

Vorm Odinnson "Aye that's the last of it," I replied, "Centurion, I presume all is ready?"

"Aye sir. The men are quite ready. Your orders?"

"We strike out within the hour, Calder, do you mind if I have a legionnaire drive the carriage? Id rather we rode with the women... for... safeties sake."

Calder Odinnson "Aye aye works for me... Ive some reading id like to catch up on... Been trying to sort out this Telepathy spell for the last 2 years and I think I'm finally getting somewhere with it..." I replied as I tugged a small journal from my pack.

My brother frowned but shrugged and went to collect the women.

I stood beside the carriage and assisted Ameridas into the back whom was wrapped up against the suns fury against her kind. A legionnaire stood nearby and frowned at the sight. Only to get a rather icily abrupt reprisal. I sent a chilling sheet of ice up his spine causing him to yelp and spin to find out what had happened, "Grunt, you glare at my Mistress once more and I'll freeze your blood solid within your flesh..."

He looked at me in shocked horror.

Vorm Odinnson "Calder..."

Calder Odinnson "Shut up brother, he now knows what he risks with his disrespect."

Vorm Odinnson "I understand that but damnit, Its not all that often the people around here meet others who are not as used to winters icy embrace as those of Nordic decent."

Calder Odinnson I glared at him for a moment and turned back to the legionnaire, "She is Imperial, Ass. You will show the priestess the respect she is due as a woman of the cloth."

The man behind him snickered, I simply stomped my foot and a pillar of ice caught him rather abruptly in the groin, "Find something funny curr?"

Vorm Odinnson I groaned, "Aloric, you womanizing dolt... Get out of the column. and get to the medicae. You obviously haven't learned to respect shieldmaidens... You will be returning to Cyradiil and then on to Blackmarsh with the others."

Looking to Anorien, I informed him, "See that it happens brother," he simply nodded and took note calling back, "Safe travels m'Lords and Ladies."

I turned back to my brother and gestured that he get in the carriage, which he did so grudgingly glaring at my men.

I placed my shield in the back and climbed up looking over the top, "Men! Let's move out! Solitude and Highreach are quite some distance ahead of us, Pretoreon, lets make this a short trip!"

"AYE LEGATUS! LEGIONNAIRES! MOVE YOUR ASSES!" he roared out and the Column and our carriage lurched forward enroute for Highreach.

Calder Odinnson I wrapped one arm around Ameridas' waist while I opened my journal and began reading over its contents, pausing only long enough to nuzzle Ameri's cheek.