📜 32. “Drunk and Disorderly”
🌄 Tirdas, 25th of Hearthfire, 3E 433
(Leyawiin – Five Claws Lodge & Chapel Undercroft)
The road to Leyawiin was long and winding, the dense marshlands and towering cypress trees casting elongated shadows under the midday sun. As I approached the city gates, the air grew thick with humidity and the scent of wet earth—a stark contrast to the crisp mountain air of Chorrol.
Upon entering the city, I made my way to the Five Claws Lodge, where Modryn had directed me to find three guild members: Vantus Prelius, Rellian, and Dubok gro-Shagk. Inside, the scene was disheartening. The trio was deep in their cups, their laughter loud and slurred, drawing disapproving glances from other patrons.
Vantus, upon recognizing me, gestured me over. "Felmira, isn't it? Come to join us in our... festivities?" he chuckled bitterly. He explained their predicament: the Blackwood Company had been undercutting the Fighters Guild, taking all the local contracts and leaving them idle and despondent.
Determined to restore their purpose, I inquired about potential work. The barkeep, Witseidutsei, mentioned a local alchemist, Margarte, who might have need of assistance. I found Margarte tending to her garden, her hands stained with herbal dyes.
"Work for the Fighters Guild?" she mused. "Perhaps. But trust must be earned. Bring me five portions of ectoplasm, and we'll talk."
Ectoplasm—a substance harvested from the remains of spirits. I recalled the Chapel of Zenithar nearby, its undercroft rumored to be haunted. That evening, I descended into the crypt, the air cold and heavy with the weight of the departed. Spectral figures emerged from the darkness, their wails echoing off the stone walls. With Dawnsunder and Sunglade in hand, I dispatched the restless spirits, collecting the required ectoplasm.
Returning to Margarte, I presented the ectoplasm. She nodded appreciatively. "You've proven the guild's reliability. I'll entrust them with my needs."
Back at the lodge, I relayed the news to the trio. Their eyes lit up with renewed purpose, the haze of alcohol replaced with determination.
Upon reporting to Modryn in Chorrol, he offered a rare smile. "Well done, Felmira. You've not only completed the task but restored dignity to our guild." He then promoted me to the rank of Swordsman, a testament to my growing responsibilities.
Even in the face of adversity, duty and honor must guide our actions.
Restoring faith begins with a single act of integrity.