Author Information
Frozen Embrace
Chapter 1
Rovas Dri’karan was born into a wealthy family. Owning one of the largest inns in Morrowind, the Dri’karan family was known throughout the land. As brother to a younger sister(and family favorite), he grew up being second in everyone’s life. At age 46, his father left for war, never to return again. That meant he had to grow up sooner than expected, because he was now the man of the house. For a while, he continued to grow under the care and guidance of his mother, and by age 60, he had taken over control of the inn. One night, a family came into the inn. They were moving to the house down the road but needed a place to stay for a few nights while their home was being finished built. That was when he met someone at the age of 61 that would change his life forever. A boy named El’Nital. Another fisherman, though by choice. He was slightly older than Rovas and the two hit it off as friends. A friendship that grew into something more as time moved on. The only difference, it never changed for El’Nital.
One day, El’Nital told Rovas that he was to get married to a beautiful and wealthy woman named Celiana. This upset Rovas and he took it hard. He faked being happy for his friend, secretly he was crushed. Though how could he blame him, Rovas had never told him of his feelings. To make matters worse, El’Nital explained that he didn’t even love the woman, he was just doing it because of the money that would be gained. This peeked Rovas’ curiosity. If he didn’t love her, then perhaps….
It would be just days before the wedding when Rovas finally got up the nerve to tell his friend how he felt. During a toast at the bachelor party. He told his friend how he felt, and the room at the tavern grew silent. It was out in the open now and, though he didn’t want to, El’Nital had no choice but to shoot a very cruel look towards Rovas. It broke Rovas’ heart and he left the party crying. The wedding day came and he could bear no longer to live next to the one he loved, so Rovas said goodbye to his family and moved to Vvardenfell, where he would start a new life.
It was a small town, and small towns sometimes meant trouble for those from the big city, but Rovas felt he could handle the challenge. The first task he had to do was find a job, and soon. He had lost all his money to bandits on the road here and that meant he no longer had enough to sustain a good lifestyle while he was here. He knew cooking from his time at an inn, so that is where he started.
“Can I help you?” The elf said when he entered the inn.
“Yes, I’m here because the sign in the window says you need a cook. My name is Rovas Dri’karan
“Hmm..” the elf said, looking at Rovas like a piece of meat. “You say that name like I am supposed to know it. I’m afraid you are too young boy. If you want a room, I can give you one for 10 septims. Otherwise, go home to your parents.” The elf said, sliding the inn registry over to Rovas.
Rovas signed the registry and handed over the 10 septims before taking his key in despair. He was used to people knowing who he was. Maybe his family wasn’t as popular as he thought. And if his name didn’t mean anything, what was he going to do for work.
The next morning, he walked around the small town looking for work. He had passed the most obvious, fishing, in hopes that he could find something that wouldn’t remind him of El’Nital. Day after day, septim after septim, he met with rejection. His pouch was dangerously thin. The innkeeper had been nice and was letting him stay a few free nights, but now even the innkeeper was growing impatient. It had been almost 2 weeks since he arrived in the town and the only job left was the one he didn’t want to take. With a heavy sigh, he walked into the fishery.
“Welcome to Dakari Fish! What can I get for you?” A cheerful female Argonian said.
“I’d like a job please…” Rovas said softly.
Just being in this place was heartcrushing, but he needed the work.
“What do you know of fishing elf?” She asked.
“Not much, but I can learn.” Rovas responded with as much confidence as he could muster.
The Argonian female looked at him, judging him.
“Very well,” she said. “Head through that door and speak to Spotted Tail. She’ll set you up with the gear you will need. She’ll be the one hissing orders at everyone.” She continued, pointing towards a door.
Rovas headed through the door quickly. It wasn’t work he wanted, but it was work. He met with the Argonian hissing orders at everyone and began working. He tried not to think of El’Nital, but it wasn’t possible. As the days passed, he eventually stopped thinking so much about him.
One hot humid day, Rovas was waiting on the docks when a ship arrived carrying supplies as well as some people from from the ashlands. He was there to get supplies but he got something he hadn’t expected. As he picked up a roll of fishing line, someone bumped into him and sent him into the water. When he came back up, he was furious. A hand stretched out and looking down at him, trying not to laugh, was another Dunmer. Reluctantly, he accepted the help and was pulled out of the water.
“I am really sorry about that, I was reading a book and not watching where I was going.” The man said.
“It’s fine, accidents happen I guess.” Rovas retorted as he bent down to pick up the fishing line again.
He blamed himself for being in the guy’s way. After all, he was only picking up a shipment that could have waited till the passengers were off. He paused for a moment to watch the guy continue walking and reading. He thought about speaking up, letting him know it could be dangerous, but he was too afraid of getting scolded. He was now late getting back and soaked and Spotted Tail wasn’t a nice Khajit.
As he walked in the door, his boss looked at him.
“I’m docking your pay for being late. Boat came in 3 minutes ago and it doesn’t take that long to pick up a roll of line!” she scolded.
He didn’t like working for her. She made him feel worse about himself than he already did, but he needed the job. He simply took the roll into the back and proceeded to dry himself off and change clothes. He walked back out to the front, collected his pay for the day and left… right smack into that Dunmer again. He was about to apologize to him when Spotted Tail spoke up;
“Don’t stand in the man’s way! He’s a customer!”
Rovas stepped aside, letting the Dunmer in and then stormed out. ‘The day couldn’t possibly get any worse.’ He thought.
Rovas retired to his fairly new run down shack of a home. It had a bedroom with a straw bed and a kitchen where he could make food. It was all he could afford on his pay, but at least it was better than the box he had been living in after being kicked out of the inn. He put his septims into his strongbox and laid down on the bed. Night was going to be here soon and he still had to go back out to eat since the market was closed. That meant spending the night listening to Spotted Tail talk about how great she was at catching all those fish that HE had caught.
He finally got up the nerve to go out to the tavern to grab a bite. He sat down in his usual table and watched the Redguard waitress walk around. He had gotten some tips from her about styling his hair and he enjoyed talking to her. She approached him and smiled softly.
“Sorry to hear about your job.” She began. “What can I get you today?” she asked.
He froze.. what did she mean about his job? He inquired while ordering some food.
“Spotted Tail… she is talking about this new guy she just hired to replace you. They’re over there.” She said pointing over at the Khajit and elf. “Hasn’t she told you yet?”
“No,” he shook his head in disbelief. “She hasn’t.”
“Oh, well.. um..” she felt bad now, “This meals on me, k?” she said with a smile.
Rovas stood up and walked over to the Dunmer. The guy had been a thorn in his side from the first time they laid eyes on each other and now, he was taking his job. He grabbed him by the shirt collar and… he paused… what was he going to do…
“Rovas? You okay?” she asked again.
He shook his head, had he just imagined that? “Yeah, I’m fine.” He responded, unsure of what just happened.
“Okay, I’ll be back in a second with that mead.” She smiled at him.
He wanted to stand up and confront the man, but he was too scared and way too tired. He had worked too hard to deal with problems like this right now. He simply broke down and wept.
Chapter 2
It had been 3 days since Rovas received the news about his job and he hadn’t left his home. He simply cried. His savings was drying up and no one would hire him. He had nothing left. Beside his bed, several empty bottles of mead lay on the floor. His hair was turning grey now and, to top it off, he was alone. A knock on his door stirred him from his bed. He staggered over to the door and opened it, blood stained eyes squinting into the bright light outside. It was Spotted Tail.
He gulped, but didn’t say anything. She lowered her head and her ears with some shame.
“I want you to come back to the fishery…” she said.
“Really… well let me tell you something bitch! I had enough of your pushing me around, stealing MY credit, and making me seem like a good for nothing freeloading employee. And another thing, you hired that guy fresh off the boat! LITERALLY! He just flopped onto your deck.. or was it the other way around you slut!”
That’s what he wanted to say. He could feel the words there, but when he opened his mouth, all that came out was;
“Why?”
“Because this new guy isn’t as good as you. We are losing business. I sent him off to work in the fields instead. Got him a good job there. I need my star fisher back..” she said.
Was she groveling? Could he be hearing this right or was this a drunken hallucination? There were other cities on this island, why did he have to come to this one? Why was he still in this one? Was it a cruel joke of Sheogorath? He took a deep breath.
“I want a raise.” He said trying to be firm.
He couldn’t believe it, that actually came out of his mouth. Spotted Tail seemed to almost choke at the statement. Her eyes narrowed and stared at him. She was physically stronger than him and a bit intimidating if he had to admit. She seemed to be deciding whether he was worth it or not.
“Fine! But you better be on time tomorrow, and sober!!” she scoffed as she headed off.
He closed the door. Finally something good was happening to him. He got a good night’s sleep and headed to work the next morning, confident that things would change. But things never changed, and for the next several years, Rovas slaved for the feline master known as Spotted Tail. Yes, he got his raise, but with it came more work. His hair was growing grey from the stress and he was getting thin. His life had become monotonous: Get up, eat, go to work, get paid, eat, go home, sleep, repeat.
He hadn’t even seen that stupid Dunmer in almost 3 years, and he was glad. Every time they ran into each other, it was trouble for Rovas. Frankly, he was glad he hadn’t seen him. Not like he’d ever even thought about him after the last time. I mean, there Rovas was, having a perfectly good time resting on a comfortable bed at the inn, a break from his straw bed at home that he liked to take every now and then, when in walked a drunk Dunmer, climbed into bed with him and started to spoon him. It wasn’t even the right room!
Still, it kinda felt nice to be held. But, the guy had brought him trouble since they met. How could he even think about him after all this time. No, it was impossible to think it. After all, remember what happened last time.
Rovas put it out of his head and went about his work. He had to stay focused on the fish if he was to get that one that has taunted him for the last year. Spotted Tail was offering a 4000 septim reward for catching it after all. About time he caught the damned thing. As he continued fishing it happened. His line snapped tight and jerked hard. Rovas knew he had the fish. Suddenly, a massive jerk of his pole and he was in the water. The 100 lb. fish was dragging him through the water. He tried to let go of the pole but something was wrong, it was still dragging him. He managed to get his head up just long enough to cry for help before the fish dragged him under again. Finally, he realized that somehow his hand had gotten tangled up in the fishing line. Had to have happened when he was casting and somehow he missed it. He was in deep water now!
A hand suddenly grabbed him and started pulling him back towards the surface. The fish and the hero seemed to fight it out over who was going to have Rovas. The water was too murky for him to see who his hero was, but Rovas began to understand how a worm felt. Last thing Rovas remembered, was the fishing line cutting into his arm was making it bleed. The lack of oxygen finally took Rovas and he lost consciousness.
The next sight he saw was one he never expected. Sitting next to him was his boss, Spotted Tail and the Dunmer. They were talking. Spotted Tail insisted he take the money for catching the fish, but the Dunmer insisted that it was Rovas who caught it, he simply caught Rovas.
They continued arguing until finally the Dunmer gave in and Spotted Tail left the room. He looked at Rovas and smiled.
“Nice catch!” he exclaimed.
“You too,” Rovas said with a shy chuckle.
“Here, crazy cat wouldn’t take no. This should really be yours.” He said, handing the bag of septims to Rovas. “You know, we’ve bumped into each other several times and I never really introduced myself. Names Kaid.” He extended his hand and Rovas took it nervously.
“Rovas”
Chapter 3
It was a week later when they met again. Kaid came to the fishery and had ordered some fish for a stew he was making. He saw that Rovas was up and running around again and flashed him a warm friendly smile.
“Hey! How you feeling?” he asked.
“Not too bad, finally got all the water out of my lungs. Was told I could come back to work.” Rovas chuckled.
“Just make sure you don’t use yourself as bait again.”
They both laughed. Spotted Tail came out and snarled at Rovas.
“I thought I told you to bring up the supplies from the ship. Why are you still here?”
Rovas lowered his head, he couldn’t do anything right with her. He quickly scuffled outside giving a ‘see you later’ kind of glance to Kaid. Kaid simply nodded and turned towards Spotted Tail.
“What do you want?” She asked, quite snippy.
“For you to have a better attitude?” Kaid remarked. “Better yet, why don’t you find me someone who is actually in a good mood to do business with me, otherwise I’ll go down the road.”
The Khajit mumbled under her breath and left. A couple minutes later a male Argonian approached.
“Don’t mind her, she won’t be here much longer. What can I do for you?”
Kaid looked at him, “I need 3 lbs of Salmon.” he said.
“That’ll be 24 septims.” The Argonian said as he held out his hand.
Kaid paid the fee and the Argonian went into the back to collect the supplies. He brought them back out and gave them to the Elf just as Spotted Tail came back into the room.
“Make sure you tell him!” She said slapping the Argonian upside the back of the head.
The Argonian took a deep breath. “Yes, of course. We have a sale on Silver Betty’s this month. 2 Septims per lb.”
“Thanks, but I don’t do Alchemy.”
Rovas headed out giving Spotted Tail a look of anger. He thought about the news that she wouldn’t be around much longer and simply smiled. Like so many in the village, he was tired of dealing with her too. The village would be better off without her. As he headed down the road, he passed Rovas.
“Hey Rovas, come find me in the Tavern when you get off. I’ll buy you an Ale!” he yelled out as he passed by.
Rovas gave a wave as he was busy speaking to the captain of the ship that had pulled in.
As Rovas left the shop he quickly headed for the docks. He knew what was about to happen, that is why he had put this off. Spotted Tail hadn’t gotten an order right in the last 3 months and he had been saving her ass this whole time. As he reached the dock, he saw the Nord Captain who smiled at him.
“Ah, and what is it you need today?”
“Another order for Spotted Tail.”
The captain looked at his manifest list several times, but he already knew what was on it. It’s why he brought extra supplies. He had made a killing the last few months and he wasn’t about to pass up another chance.
“Sorry, nothing for Spotted Tail here. Looks like she forgot again.”
Kaid’s voice rang out, something about an ale at the tavern later and Rovas waived to let him know that he heard it, at least somewhat. As Kaid continued towards his home, Rovas looked at the Captain.
“Are you kidding me?! She forgot to order it again!” he said with sadness in his voice.
“Yes, that is what I am saying.” The Nord Captain said. “I have no order for Spotted Tail on my manifest.” He continued.
Rovas shook his head. He didn’t want to cover her ass again. But he didn’t like being yelled at.
“Fine, how much for the netting that you have?”
Rovas knew that buying directly from the captain was going to be 20 times more expensive. But he didn’t want to get yelled at again and he reached to his side grabbing his coin purse.
“Well, it is the last one I have.”
“Please, I can’t return without it.” Rovas was begging.
“Well, I’ll let you have it for 50 septims.” The Nord said with a smirk.
Rovas lowered his head and paid the money, grabbing the net and heading off. Good thing Kaid offered to buy him an Ale, it was about all he was going to eat today. He took the net to the shop and entered, overhearing a loud conversation between Spotted Tail and Groggy Tusk, the fishery’s owner. He looked to the Argonian as he put the netting down.
“How much this time?” The Argonian asked.
“50…” Rovas retorted.
The Argonian handed him the 50 as well as his pay for the day.
“Tusky’s really laying into her this time huh?” Rovas inquired.
“Yeah, I think this might actually be the last time. He said he wanted to speak to me when he was done with her.”
“Well, good luck.” Rovas said as he took his pay and headed out.
He headed straight for the Tavern. He didn’t want to keep Kaid waiting. Truth was, he was beginning to like the guy as a friend. It was nice to have someone to talk to about problems at work and anything else that came up.
Chapter 4
It had been 2 years since that day when Kaid introduced himself. And an interesting 2 years at that. Rovas was enjoying his time with Kaid when they went out for drinks at the tavern after work. They were bonding and, to make matters even better, Spotted Tail was no longer working for the fishery. The only problem was now, someone was stealing supplies. The new Khajit manager, Scars, wasn’t happy either. Since Rovas was now the longest working person at the Fishery, he was tasked with the job. He had already done some snooping around and learned that the criminal was a person calling himself ‘The Jackal’ and that he had last been seen in another town 2 weeks to the north.. He had very little experience with adventures, so he decided to get Kaid to help him, and the two set off.
It was cold and misty. Winter was setting in and fish were growing scarce till next year. They purchased 2 guars and a wagon and set out on an adventure that would change their lives forever. On the 6th of Evening Star, a frost troll spooked the guars and they bolted, carrying the wagon, supplies, and passengers on a chase across the countryside. A sharp turn at a rivers egde sent the wagon tumbling into the frozen river with all the supplies. Rovas and Kaid swam to safety but were now out in the cold without any blankets or supplies. Rovas still had a scroll of fireball that they had picked up and with it he could start a fire, but they still had to find shelter. They spotted a cave not too far from the river and made their way over to it, shivering and trying to keep their bodies moving. Gathering firewood on the way, they reached the cave. Rovas cast the spell and they began stripping out of their wet clothes, without shyness or care as they huddled together, their bodies sharing what little warmth they had.
Rovas looked at Kaid who was holding him tightly. Suddenly something inside just made him feel warm. As Kaid turned to look at Rovas as if to ask ‘what are you staring at?’ Rovas kissed him. It was brief and Rovas pulled back, unsure of what would come next. Kaid, a little shocked himself, found he enjoyed it and pulled Rovas back into him, kissing him again. They spent the night wrapped in loves embrace by the fire. When morning came, their clothes were dry. They continued their adventure on foot and finally reached the town, only to find the culprit had been beheaded the night before. With the items now missing, and the suspect dead, the trail was as cold as the air. But no matter the temperature outside, Rovas and Kaid were warm inside. They never forgot that night and, as time progressed, grew even closer.
