Beyond the Border

One: A Final Farewell

Bruma, as usual, was bustling in the early morning hours. An elderly woman sat on the steps of an inn, watching the snow fall without a care. The snow always fell, and the ground would always remain white, but the elder wouldn't leave the city for all the riches in the land. This was her home, and she was waiting for someone special.

The glimpse of a hooded, feminine figure was her cue as she stood from her chilly seat, limping down the wooden steps.

The young woman smiled at the sight of her dear, elderly friend, rushing to greet her. "Marcella, it is good to see you again."

"Yes, it is good to see you as well, little Nolwenn. I've brought you something special, something you've been wanting for quite some time," Marcella said, giving the girl a fair smile.

The elder held out a small pouch, one that felt warm to the touch. Nolwenn's gray eyes sparkled at the gift, giving the older woman a smile of gratitude.

"I know you always tell me to never ask how you obtain these items, but how did you get this?" she asked.

Marcella chuckled a bit. "My girl, you are the naive one. If you must know, my grandson visited his father in Skyrim, and he bought that for me as a gift."

"Oh, Marcella, I couldn't take something like this from you! You've treated me so kindly despite...my being," Nolwenn protested.

Yet, the old lass merely shook her head. "I am growing too old to experiment with new potions, unlike you. You were a good friend to me, but I'm afraid that I will not live to see you again. It grows more difficult to breathe and live each day, so I want you to have this. Remember me, Nolwenn Riverbrook. Continue searching for new remedies, and hold onto the knowledge that I have taught you during your visits here. You are the daughter that I wanted, and I know you will be the alchemist of Tamriel."

The young woman wiped her teary eyes, reaching over and hugging her old friend. "May the gods bless you with a happy afterlife, friend."

"And may the gods watch over you as you travel Tamriel, little Nolwenn," Marcella whispered, hugging her in return.

They parted ways, the elder watching her only friend walk away for the last time. She knew that if Nolwenn had known the true reason for the ingredient, she would have never accepted the gift. But Marcella was tired of living, so she had no reason to use the only cure for her fatal illness. Her son had good intentions to risk his life in Skyrim for the fire salts, but the old woman knew that her research and discoveries would live on through the short, naive halfling.