XXIX - House Telvanni

Fen had, thankfully, experienced little interaction with the Telvanni during her time on Vvardenfell. The ancient and profane wizards made her nervous, for she knew that they had reputations of being less than stable. Now she only felt a fraction more confident as she and Julan teleported into the Mages’ Guild near Sadrith Mora and walked into the Telvanni town under a white sun in a stoneflower-blue sky.

XXVIII - House Hlaalu

Despite being a member of it by birth, Fen knew little of the inner workings of House Hlaalu. She had learned over the past few months that they were considered to be the dregs of the Great Houses, called liars and thieves by anyone who was not a part of it themselves. It was with some trepidation, therefore, that Fen prepared herself to meet with the Councilors of the House, for she felt rather unsure of what to expect.

XXVII - House Redoran (part 2)

They spent the rest of the morning visiting the rest of the manors under Skar. The councilors had all apparently gotten word of Fen from Athyn Sarethi already, and every one of them, to Fen’s immense relief, agreed to support her. She and Julan left Ald Skar just past noon to have lunch before going back to Venim Manor.

XXVI - House Redoran (part 1)

Three hours passed and found Fen lying wide awake in her bed, staring listlessly at the ceiling. Every time she thought about convincing the Redoran councilors to support her, a nervous flutter went through her stomach. Despite the public not knowing about her, Fen’s grandmother had educated her well on the art of diplomacy, reasoning that she would need it someday regardless. Seems like now’s the time to use it, Fen thought to herself. She rolled over, trying to get comfortable, and saw the crack of light under the door widen. Then the door was open partway, and a hunched, emaciated figure was shuffling into the room, its heavy breathing raspy and loud.

XXV - The Eribenimsun Camp

Though Fen was comforted by the fact that three Ashlander tribes put their wholehearted trust in her, apprehension still hung around her like a storm cloud. She knew they believed she could do it, and she knew Julan and Shani shared the same sentiment – but she was the one that wasn’t sure. Every time she glanced down and saw Moon-and-Star glimmering on her finger, she felt a shudder of unease in the pit of her stomach at the thought of what she would eventually have to do.

Happy birthday!

In Morrowind time, today is 14 Rain's Hand, which means that it is Fen's 25th birthday! Since I don't use screenshots in the narrative, I figured I'd put one here for the occasion:

Happy birthday Fen, you're awesome. The next chapter will be up on April 23rd :)

Celestina

XXIV - The Zainab Camp

Silence fell in the Urshilaku camp as Fen and Julan entered. The Ashlanders stared openly, stopping what they were doing to watch as Fen led the way to Nibani Maesa’s yurt and ducked inside. The wise woman was sitting serenely before the fire, shifting a clay plate that held several bleached nix hound bones around on her lap. Her head was bent intently over the plate, and she only looked up when the flap lifted, causing a shaft of light to fall across the yurt. Julan let the flap fall closed and Nibani’s penetrating gaze swept over them, her expression unreadable.