#endalyn

[shadows-of-almsivi]

---Frostfall, 27th, 4E 201---

He was afraid. I have never known him to be afraid. The last I saw of him was in Ald'Ruhn, proud and strong still despite the persistent ash-cough that worsened each year. He did not recognise me at first. I began to worry then, but he nearly wept when he realised who I was.

And then he asked me to help dig the accursed ash from his roof, that it had blocked up the doors and windows and he could hardly see. He grew a little frantic at that, told me that the patrols would be returning soon and he had to clear the doorway so he could receive their report. And I realised what had happened, and though I tried to hide it from him, I could not hold back my tears for him. I placated him, told him I was far away but I would do my best.

No, Uncle. They’re not coming. I'm sorry. 

You lie still where no one yet has found you, where the Mountain left you, your unresting mind worn a little away in your nightmare solitude, body crusted and smothered silent in ash. Was it quick? I pray it was quick.

He began to flicker and fade, and I just didn't have enough time. Though I do not know how much good it will do, I begged him to speak to my mother, to tell his sister her thirdborn yet lives. Will she believe him? Is she even still living? I must believe so; there is no good for me in the alternative.

I gave him my love as the summoning failed. As if severed from my mind, my hands took up the sewing needle almost out of reflex.

[shadows-of-almsivi]

---Frostfall, 27th, 4E 201---

I have been given a finer direction to focus my grief. I can take up my sewing needles now. It is easier to start with mourning just one mer, and make my way from there.

It did not take long for someone to answer my call. I should have expected, should have guessed… But of all the Ancestors who could have come to me, at this time, why must it be him? Has my heart not been burned enough? There will be little of me left but ashes.

The summoning was unstable. I can only blame myself for that. My nervousness and guilt weakened my concentration, and I am still weakened from the skooma’s lingering sickness. He shivered and flickered in the alcove, seeing me but unable to come closer. 

This is how I learnt that Uncle Endalyn had died; not by letter or the gentle words of my father, but through awful coincidence.

[shadows-of-almsivi]

TWT: Do you have any problems with anyone because of your work?

Telvanni.

Filthy, barbarous heathens.

[shadows-of-almsivi]

(twt) What's your favorite thing about being in the Redoran guard? Least favorite thing?

There’s a lot to be proud of, serving in the Guard. The best and bravest, and everyone knows it. There’s a lot of perks that come with that, I won’t lie. The free drinks and cheap meals in Redoran townships are definitely very appreciated. Especially by the younger blood; I’ve had to fish out more than one flin-sodden boot from an overgenerous cornerclub when he was supposed to be on duty. 

But for me, my favourite thing is the pride itself. Just waking up in the morning, looking at my father’s armour and my grandfather’s sword, knowing I have the honour of carrying on that tradition, of serving my homeland... It’s better than just about anything I can think of.

Least favourite, though, is that thrice-cursed ash. Shreds the lungs, as if the Blight wasn’t bad enough. I’m hacking black mud most days now, even with the face-covers. And it gets in under your armour, everywhere.

[shadows-of-almsivi]

(TWT: How often do you visit Ulenea and her family, and what do you do on those visits?)

Usually a few times a year, I’ll get some service leave and hop a ‘strider down to Balmora. It’s always nice to get away from the ash for a few days. There’s a few extra occasions I’ll get leave clearance for; naming days, Ancestor ceremonies, that sort of thing. The presentation of a new child is always good for a week by the river. Don’t get me wrong, I love my sister and her little terrors, but I also love breathing without a face-cover.

Family visits are sweet things. I have a little shelf in Ulenea’s guest room where they leave some little gifts for me that the kids have made or bought. When they were younger, there’d be little carved shalks and guars made out of corkbulb, armour charms they’d made in their Temple classes. Now they’re older, it’s more often things like good sujamma and quality shortblades. Mori tends to leave me Suran comfort-books. Getting quite a collection, these days. Sweet kid.

When everyone’s home, we have beautiful meals and tell each other everything we’ve done since we last saw each other. I spar with the kids, see how they’ve grown and how well their skills are developing. We fish from the riverside docks, or swim for kallops. Saints, it’s good to have so much fresh water right outside. In Ald’Ruhn, it’s a basin of warmed-over, sulphurous well-water or nothing. You mer don’t realise how lucky you are.

[shadows-of-almsivi]

TWT: How do you get along with your sister? Did her marrying an Indoril cause any family tension?

We've had our differences, like any brother and sister. But we always made up eventually; either we’d come to some compromise, or we’d fight it out in the sparring yard. Sure, it’s a little simplistic, but it’s better to beat the tar out of each other once than to drag things out forever.

Ah yes, the Ordinator... I have to admit, that was a bit of a rough patch. The family wasn't too happy with the announcement. I mean, it’s not like the mer was Telvanni, so it could have been worse, but her marrying out of House Redoran wasn't something anyone saw coming. Still, you can’t change Ulenea’s mind once she’s made a decision about something. 

Sadaryn seems decent enough, and Indoril and Redoran have at least been on the same page for a while. I’d say he takes good care of her, but I'm pretty sure it’s the other way around. My sister certainly doesn't need anyone to look after her. House Redoran doesn’t raise soft mer.

[shadows-of-almsivi]

twt: what kinds of things do you train people in?

Spear, sword and short-blade, muthsera, and you’d do a lot worse than learning under me. Family and House Redoran kinsmer get a discount, of course, but I’m not cheap and it’s not easy. 

You need to be quick and strong to train with the Guard; between you and me, outlander, you look a little wet behind the ears. A bit too scrawny, I’d say. You don’t want to take up the spear just yet, you’ll break in half like a crispy scrib-roll.

Come back when you’ve gotten yourself a little combat experience, put some meat on those bones, and I’ll see what I can do with you.

[shadows-of-almsivi]

(TWT: Endalyn, when was the first time you set eyes upon Moraelyn?)

Mori? Ah, I first saw the little nix when he was still in his t’lonya. It might have borne House Indoril’s sigils, but he had a grip on him that could have broken my finger. Didn’t make a whimper for the whole presenting ceremony, just watched everything with big, wide eyes like he was trying to remember everything. A lot of Redoran in that one. Ulenea was so proud.

Of course, that quiet baby grew.