Ice, Blood and Ash, a Skyrim adventure

Lead On!

I stretch in my bed, yawn loudly and roll over. Teldryn sits facing slight away from me at the little table in the room. He's blowing on a hot cup of tea, lifting the gauzy fabric to just allow his lips to be seen. He's a Dunmer, no surprise there. We are in Raven Rock, a Dunmer settlement, after all. He sips his hot tea, and starts when he sees me staring curiously at him. "Why don't you just take the blasted thing off? It would make it much easier to drink your tea, and eat even!" I try to stifle a laugh when his lips make an indignant smirk. "Pffft. I wear this for anonymity's sake, wouldn't want you to swoon mid-battle. Take out someone's eye like that." he chuckles, a deep timbre that lightens the mood. At least I didn't offend him, Dunmer, including myself, are very easily offended.

"Anytime you want to head to Skyrim, I'm right with you. I've spent enough time on Solstheim to last a lifetime," he drawls. "You're going to have to deal with a bit longer, I have to see Master Neloth," I tell him, "though I was aware that you also have Bardic skills." He seems confused, asking "Why do you say that?" I chuckle to myself, explaining, "What you said rhymes. Get it, bard, rhymes?", then he chuckles back. He seemed to get it once explained, though he seems to have a more serious demeanor than I initially expected. Getting out of the bed, I begin to dress myself in my armor. Last night, I had bought some from the local blacksmith, Glover Malory. He seemed surprised that I didn't know his brother, but he kept quiet after I told him that. The armor is well-made, gorgeous ebony armor, which he commented that he won't be making until the mine is open again. He explained that Raven Rock had fallen on hard times, and that no one has been able to go into the mines for fear of death. I made a note to assist them when I can. With my armor strapped in place, and my ebony swords strapped at my side, I asked Teldryn, "Are you ready to show your skills? We are heading to Tel Mithryn, and I would like to aim to be there by noon." He got up, adjusted his head gear, and headed to the door. I followed, standing by his side to ask, "What do you expect out there? You said the way is dangerous.". He coolly replies, "All manner of evil and twisted beasts are here in the ash wastes of Solstheim. Don't be surprised by ash spawn, ash hoppers, Reavers and Reiklings out there. We do my have to go far, but with the Ash Spawn attacks, there will be much to delay us." I frown, and get to walking. I push the door open from the Retching Netch and out into the humid morning air.