Mists on the Mountains

Chapter 11: Shifting Winds

Chapter 11

Shifting Winds

"There's a storm brewing, mark my words. You young lads think you'll make a difference and be the hero. Fools, all of you. When the wind shifts the wise close their windows and wait for the storm to pass. The young strap on their swords and rush into battle. Where are they now? Go to the graveyards and I reckon you'll find plenty of them."-Harvec Brineheart, a native of Kvatch, his last reported words quoted circa 3E 433

"I do believe congratulations are in order." Niranye said while pouring the tea, "The rumour is that you and your husband have received promotions. Well-earned ones, I'd say." Steam rose from the porcelain cup, filling the room with the sweet scent of spiced cinnamon and honey.

Lianna took the cup with a grateful smile, "Cheers to that, my friend." She drank deeply, savouring the flavour. Piping hot, just how she liked it.

The Nords just can't make good tea.

"Excellent tea," she told her friend, after confirming the opinion with a second taste, "Did it come from your contacts back on Summerset?"

Niranye's golden eyes twinkled with mischief and her skin seemed to glow in response. "Now, Lianna, you know better than to ask me about my sources." She chuckled, the haughty Altmer accent giving her a laugh like tinkling glass, "But, a girl has to make a living, and it might as well include some perks." She sighed and took a drink of her own tea, "Perhaps someday I'll be able to see the Crystal Towers and beaches again."

"Would you sell your store and move back there?"

"By the gods, no!" Niranye seemed genuinely horrified by the suggestion, taking a calming sip of her own tea, "At least, not anytime Thalmor would be none too pleased to see me. I don't intend to disappear like some I've heard of." She paused, looking longingly out her window. While they were several blocks from the docks Lianna knew Niranye was looking in the direction of the sea, and her far away home. "Perhaps some day," she said wistfully, almost to herself, "If the Thalmor are driven into the sea, I'll take you there and show you the land of your ancestors."

"I appreciate the thought," Lianna said, reaching for one of the cookies generously provided, "But I really have no interest in seeing the Summerset Isles. Skyrim is my home. It's where my ma and da lived, where my husband was born, and where my bones will rest." She bit into the cookie, interrupting her thoughts with the delicious taste. "Did you get chocolate? Here? I didn't think that was possible with the war on."

Niranye smiled again, "How long have we been friends, Lianna? You should know by now that I can get anything I want, with just a few coins or words." The two women laughed a little, more out of friendship than humour, latching onto the opportunity to avoid another awkward conversation about heritage and homes.

Neither of us will ever step foot on Summerset again anyways, we can drive the Thalmor out of Skyrim, but dislodging them from the Isles? That's a fool's hope.

"Has anyone been giving you trouble?" Lianna asked protectively, glancing about the modest home her friend kept. "I remember there were a few who accused you of spying for the Thalmor."

"Not for quite some time," Niranye responded, "I've won the trust and respect of the locals. Besides, I am the only source in Windhelm for a few nicer goods and spices. If you want cinnamon or nutmeg, you have to talk to me." She smiled, stirring her tea. "You might not believe this, but Jora and I have even become friends. And once Jora approved of me, the rest of the Nords kept their complaints to themselves. I get the odd dirty glance, but not enough to bother me."