Archive of Our Own ^beta

Saint Jiub;

I cannot believe...

Smacking her head against the wall of her cell, Sulva twisted her quill in her fingers, looking down at the small book in her hand. The moonslight gave her just enough light to write by but that was of precious little help when she didn't know how to write this, or even if any of the guards would be willing to speak to her, let alone take the letter. A severe overreaction to a little horse thieving. Since when is solitary confinement a punishment for thieves? Rising from the threadbare cot, she paced the room, not bothering to count her steps. She'd done that, seventy times, and knew every scuff in the floor by heart. Finally, irritated by her busy thoughts, she returned to her cot and sat down again, lifting her book and quill. At least they deigned leave me this much. Shaking her head, she wet the quill and went back to her letter.

Jiub;

I ran into a few... problems in Imperial City. I suspect I was betrayed by a contact. But I'm in a place you should be well familiar with. I am currently not in a position to return to Kvatch on time. If I counted the days correctly it's currently the 25th of Last Seed. I was told that if I was on my 'best behaviour' that I'd be released to the general prison tomorrow or the next day. I know I promised I'd be back in Kvatch on the 28th at the latest but I suspect it will be closer to the 3rd of Hearthfire. I know Teldryn can be a handful, but I'll make it up to you when I get back there.

-Sulva

Staring at the words, she rested her fingertips gently over the name of her son. Little guarling. I hope you're driving Jiub to distraction. He could use the excitement.

Flipping to a new page she started a new letter.

Teldryn;

No matter what Jiub says, ignore everything he tries to teach you about Vivec. He is a clanfriend, so we tolerate his naiveté in this respect. I will return to Kvatch shortly and once I have; we will decide where our path will take us. 

-Your mother, Sulva

She stared just as long at the newest words, debating whether to even try to send that letter. He's still so young. And he's shaky with his learning. He would likely have to have Jiub read it to him. She snickered, amused at the thought of the proud Jiub having to read her comment on his beloved Vivec. He's doing you a favor Sulva. Don't forget that.

Rapping her head lightly against the wall again, she started writing again.

25 Last Seed 433

Day seven of solitary confinement. I blame that s'wit Ancus Afranius. Trust him to turn his laziness into a liability for any who work with him. Still, it's strange that they're cracking down so hard on this job. I've seen sentences for similar crimes in the past. Maybe the horse I stole was particularly important to someone? I could see a noble demanding solitary as recompense for this. 

Still. I'm going to have to confront Ancus and see if I can get answers. Preferably in a manner that doesn't draw the curiosity or ire of his siblings. Surius packs a mean punch. I've seen him lay out a Nord without breaking a sweat. I'd have no chance against him. I wonder if it could have been Praxedes who ratted me out. There's something about her that's always struck me as too unassuming.

I am officially losing my wits if I'm beginning to lean on suspicions that have no weight.

With a low groan, she looked over her cipher, idly wondering if she ought to change it up before the guards confiscated her journal for a read through again. Hmm, wonder if my ever-changing cipher is part of what landed me here.

Rising, she paced her cell, pausing by the window and jumping up, grabbing the bars and pulling, staring at the moonslight shining on the water. Something to be said for this view. I'd rather be on the roof to see it. Nearly dawn. Maybe a prayer or two at dawn wouldn't go amiss. Make sure the guards don't change their mind about moving me. Best behaviour. She snorted, dropping back down to the floor. What is that even supposed to mean?

Crossing once again to her cot, she lay down, cushioning her head on her hands and closing her eyes. Not much longer. As long as the guards were honest.

She slept fitfully, her dreams peppered with flames and hot dry air, the screams of cliff racers.

With a low gasp she woke, staring above her. I'll admit Jiub did a lot by trying to take out all the Cliff Racers. They're a blight on the land. But why must I dream of them? Groaning, she swung her legs over the side of the cot, rising to pace again, jumping once again to grab the bars and pull herself higher, watching the light on the water change.

Moving back to her cot she pulled out her journal again, tracing her fingers lightly over the letters before carefully tearing them out of the book, folding them over, tucking the letter to Teldryn inside the letter to Jiub, scrawling Jiub's name and the address on it, lifting her journal again.

I know you've got no reason to do as I ask. But please send these letters to Saint Jiub in Kvatch. I know you confiscated my gear. In my cuirass, there's an inner pocket. You've probably tried to pry it open and failed. Because there's a trick to it. Push it down through the seam and you'll see what I mean. There's a flawless ruby in there. It would more than pay for the price of delivering these.

With a frown for the pleading tone, she opened to another page.

Teldryn;

I've never given thought before about what might happen if I cannot return to you. Perhaps Boethia is testing my mettle, hoping to gain something from me. I have not given much of my life to the Prince of Plots, but it is well known that the Daedra do not care for our wishes if we do not make our worship known. And even then, it is never a sure thing. Be cautious Teldryn. Be wary of all who would seek to call you friend. The value of a true friendship can never be measured. But you will meet many who seek favor of Boethia and Mephala who will use those ties to end your life. Such is their nature. Trust very few followers of the Aedra. They will seek to push you from the proper path. Azura is a harsh mistress but if you can balance your reverence among them properly then you will find your way.

Grow well my son. And remember that your mother loved you.

-Sulva Sero

Hissing under her breath, she tore the page out and scribbled Teldryn's name on it, scrawling a note on the back. 

 Jiub;

Give this one to my son if it looks like I will not make it back.

-Sulva

Tucking that one in with the other letters, resting the note to the guard on top, she pushed them under the door and prayed to Azura that they would be picked up by someone willing to deliver them.

Retreating once again to her cot, she drew her legs up to her chest and stewed.