A Fiery Encounter With The Innkeeper
Ashe wheeled the cart into the shop space that would soon become Emberweaver. The building, though still bare, radiated with potential. With a final grunt of effort, they parked the cart against the far wall. The few wares they'd brought were carefully unloaded and set aside for later organisation. For now, the cart would rest, and so would they, but not before taking in the sights of Dawnhaven.
The space was quiet, save for the occasional crackle of Ashe’s own fire flickering faintly. With a satisfied nod, they stood in the center of the room, mentally plotting out where shelves and workstations would go. The front room would be filled with the fiery fabrics and garments they specialised in, while the back would house their personal quarters. It wasn’t much, but it would be enough. The small corner near the window would make for a perfect spot to display their fire sculptures, and the sleeping area in the back would offer some comfort after long days of weaving flames.
Stepping outside, Ashe closed the door behind them and let out a slow breath, feeling the tension of the journey beginning to ease. The chill in the air contrasted with the warmth radiating from their skin, but it felt refreshing.
Ashe began walking, taking in the sights and sounds of the town. It was a bustling place, larger than the few settlements they’d passed on the way here. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted from a nearby bakery, and street vendors had started setting up their stalls, selling everything from trinkets to fresh produce.
Wandering deeper into the town, Ashe’s thoughts began to drift. The journey had been long, but finally, they were here, in a place that could be a fresh start. The weight of their past wasn’t fully gone, but it felt lighter now, as if the flames inside them were burning away the remnants of old burdens.
As they turned from the park, Ashe’s eyes caught sight of a modest bathhouse nestled between two larger buildings. A gentle curl of steam rose from its chimney, hinting at the warmth inside. The thought of submerging in a bath—letting the heat mingle with their own fire—was a temptation too strong to resist.
With a quiet exhale, Ashe decided it was exactly what they needed. Their muscles ached from days of pulling the cart, and though they radiated their own warmth, the idea of sinking into a heated pool, relaxing fully, was appealing. Besides, the water wouldn't be enough to weaken them, not if they kept their flames under control.
They stepped inside the bathhouse, the scent of lavender and rosemary immediately filling the air. The attendant, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes, greeted them with a nod and a polite, "Welcome."
Ashe nodded in return, their deep voice like charcoal crushed underfoot. "A quick bath."
The woman glanced at their glowing skin but said nothing, simply gesturing them toward the changing room. Ashe offered a small, appreciative nod before making their way further inside. This was exactly what they needed—some time to unwind, to let the stress of travel melt away in the warm embrace of water and steam.
Sya stretched a small foot out and toes Just poked over the surface moving then and feeling the cooler air contrast with the heat of the water. She had helped the Blightborn to the Temple and left them with their new friend, there was very little to do and Sya felt like a 3rd wheel so had found a nice smooth section of rock, laid out her found Towel as an impromptu pillow of sorts and got comfortable. Much as Sya was improving and becoming more socialised again the whole situation had got a little awkward so had taken the first polite opportunity to return to bathing in the springs.
A deep sigh came as her body was immersed and forgot about her long mental to do list. Time was allowed to slip by and Sya truly relaxed and let her body take the lead. The modest looking building entrance hid quite a surprise as it turned out of the open air natural hot spring pool and as she had found out and much enjoyed due to things being quiet and deep enough for her to have swam a few short laps. That had eased away knots of tension Sya did not even know she had.
Maybe Olivia knew a massage…that would be nice….
So the Cyclopean woman found herself back by the bank, barely paying attention to the world around her as she ran a hand over her elf-like ear to check her simple bun was still in place and quietly sang a song she remembered from the bard at a feast many years ago.
“With a Voice wielding power
Of the ancient Nord art
Believe, believe,
The Dragonborn comes”Inside the changing room, Ashe found solace in the silence. Finally, a moment to themselves after the gruelling days on the road. They moved slowly, unfastening the fire-woven garments they had so carefully crafted. The flickering fabric, woven of flame, was draped neatly over a wooden bench. Ashe hesitated a moment, a flicker of concern crossing their mind—had they tightened the weave enough?—but after a brief inspection, they decided it would hold. The bench would remain unscathed, at least for now.
With their clothes removed, the full extent of their transformation was revealed. Beneath the dark folds of the garments, their body bore the scars of the blight. The molten hues of their skin—deep oranges and charcoals—merged with glowing veins of ember that pulsed beneath the surface, remnants of a fire that had once consumed them from within. It was a disturbing contrast, a lingering reminder of the day they had burned. The inferno that ignited inside their very core, reshaping them into what they had become today.
They pushed the door open and left the quiet of the changing room behind. The gentle hum of the bathhouse surrounded them—a mix of soft voices, the trickle of water, and the faint hiss of steam. But amidst it all, there was a sound that tugged at their memory. A song, familiar but distant. The melody stirred something within Ashe, pulling them back to a time before their transformation, back to taverns filled with life.
They closed their eyes briefly, inhaling the humid air, and as their body responded to the moisture, a soft hiss of steam rose from their skin—heat meeting humidity in a fleeting burst. Almost unconsciously, they joined in, their deep voice rumbling through the bathhouse like fire catching in a hearth.
“
It's an end to the evil
Of all Skyrim's foes
Beware, beware,
The Dragonborn's wrath grows
For the darkness has passed
And the legend yet grows
You'll know, you'll know
The Dragonborn comes.”
The acoustics of the bathhouse carried their voice, amplifying the rich, dark tones. What might have been a song of triumph took on a haunting edge when sung in Ashe’s low, gravelly pitch, making the legend of the Dragonborn sound more like a foreboding prophecy.
Ashe stepped toward the water, their skin shimmering under the dim lighting as they submerged themselves. The moment they did, the water around them hissed and bubbled, boiling on contact with their fiery body.
Ashe winced slightly, closing their eyes as they strived to control their internal flame, slowly cooling themselves to a more manageable temperature. Gradually, the boiling ceased.
Once their body had settled into the water, Ashe's eyes wandered across the pool, where the source of the song sat. A woman, seated on the opposite side. Her posture was relaxed, but there was something about her presence that spoke of the blight, something familiar.
And then they saw it—her face, where one would expect two eyes, she had only a single, large eye staring back at them. She was blight-born, like Ashe, her form twisted by the same darkness that had reshaped them both.
Sya blinked when she heard a deeper and more bass voice take over the rest of the song, the long was an old one and no one was quite sure where it came from but it had been sang In many a tavern and great hall. The voice turned her a little off key version into a darker but a powerful song Sya could sing to the standard anyone could… She was far from a bard and never would have made it into college.
Curiosity struck Sya as a burst of steam caught her eye, the movement, colour and shape did not however match what she expected at all…something was curiously different. Her vision was blurred by the heat and steam which was a new thing for Sya who had found even in the deepest night she could see through the gloom in artificial blue and greenish hues.
Sya just had to answer that curious thought and pushed off crossing the hot spring at a gentle swim to not make waves, she could walk but followed her instincts, Sya could be a little impulsive like that though like Olivia… That had worked out better than she imagined and went with her gut.
The figure that was resolved into view was certainly different, almost elementary powered and definitely cursed in ways Sya was glad she could effectively blend in with the right applications of clothing and caution to avoid notice. No one looked too hard at a small woman trying not to make a fuss.
"Hello, I hope you do not mind me coming over." Sya made herself comfortable on the bank, bearing a scar over her heart openly as she got herself Into a good spot. The heat was higher here and though the blight born was somewhat more intimidating than her own mutation, her gut told her to carry on.
"My name’s Sya, I run the Inn, though right now I'm trying to avoid work. " Sya said with a little cheeky glint to her expressive eye, Being called Mistress Leela had been a double take for sure, Sya…was Sya.
"Welcome to Dawn Haven, i think i'd hardly miss you about town. Many more of us than I imagined somehow survived and got here." Sya said lightly. Being the innkeeper almost everyone ended up inside her door at some point, even Pilades…he only drank water though. Tea.. she had made something tea…like.. by his expression of pain.
Ashe shifted slightly in the water, their molten skin still radiating warmth, sending another hiss of steam into the air. They regarded Sya for a moment, their deep, burning voice resonating through the space like coals stirring in a fire.
"
Ashe Emberweaver," they began, their eyes glowing softly beneath the dark mist of steam. "
I’d be careful if I were you, Sya. The closer you get, the more likely you are to feel the heat, accidents can happen. "
With a swift motion, Ashe raised a hand from the water. As their palm broke the surface, a faint shimmer danced across their fingertips. One of their fingers began to glow brighter, the ember-like heat intensifying until it blazed a vivid orange for a few moments before dimming again as they lowered their hand back into the water.
"
Just arrived today. Passed by the inn earlier. I was going to come in, but..." They paused, their molten gaze meeting Sya's. "
I found a place of my own just beyond it. A stone building. Thought it’d be perfect for my new shop."
They leaned back slightly, letting the steam rise again from their skin. "
It's been a long road to get here, but I think this town might suit me.Sya backed off, much as she was immune to the cold, flame and heat certainly could still hurt the woman who however Could still tell the water was hotter than the other side of the springs. She was surprised by the flame but did not run and found comfort as they went rock to perch on but still were mostly covered by the waters where it mattered.
"Noted. That rock was more comfortable though." She said with no real harm or intent, just a passing comment as she poked a foot out and sighed as she stretched her foot In cool air before returning it to the warmth.
"We never water down the ale. I'm starting a bakery and some spirits from my homeland. It will be a propper Inn as soon as I can make it one." Sya said cheerfully as she brushed a hand over her shoulder to check no hair had fallen out of place as drying it could be a pain. She however loved it too much to cut it short, one thing she had kept regardless how bad it got.
"What's your trade Ashe? By name I mean you weave fire. Embers?…but that's impossible even for us?" Sya asked with a curious look, they both were in business and it paid not to tread on the toes of others.
Ashe's molten eyes glinted with amusement as Sya mentioned her business plans, a smile curling at the edges of their lips.
"
A bakery? In a town like this?" they mused, their tone approving. "
Smart. People always need to eat, and with more of us arriving every day, you’ll have no shortage of customers. There’s good money to be made in that."
When Sya asked about their trade, Ashe’s gaze softened, and they lifted a hand once more. A small flicker of fire danced across their fingertips before slowly forming into a thin, shimmering strand of flame. It twisted and coiled like a delicate ribbon before Ashe extended it towards Sya, offering it to her. The flame, the width of her wrist, pulsated gently with warmth.
"
I weave fire, yes. It’s not just embers either. My power lets me create clothes, sculptures, and more out of pure flame." They nodded towards the glowing strand. "
Take it. Won’t burn you, not like this. Consider it a gift, and proof of concept for what I shall do for this town. ‘Know that you’re my first customer."
Ashe chuckled softly at Sya’s last question, a low rumble that echoed through the heated water. "
The blight…" they continued, their voice carrying a hint of dark humour, "
it has a way of making the impossible possible. You’d be surprised at what it unlocks in some of us."
"Dawn Haven is… it gave me a fresh start too. I ended up in some bad places… I'm very thankful to multiple people but I also think that.." Sya paused thoughtfully and turned a little more serious, Dawn Haven was a sanctuary but that sanctuary was still a town, and things like the guards' slow response was a thing that concerned Sya.
”...Winter time will not be easy here. We will have to work together. You might be very helpful however many will claim not to be so." Sya thoughtfully and shifted to tread water slightly as she found a more comfortable spot.
"Hmm.. from what's left of your accent…Lunaris… maybe the borders? Perhaps the Mountain passes?" Sya said with an exaggerated thinking posture making lighter topics having found herself a better place to recline into the gloriously soothing waters.
Ashe listened quietly as Sya spoke, their expression thoughtful. When she finished, they offered her a nod of understanding. "
Keep your chin up, Sya. Some of us…" they paused, their voice taking on a solemn edge, "
...well, some of us had to burn and die to become what we are now. Not saying you haven’t suffered, all I’m saying is that it could’ve been worse. Way worse. It’s the same for all of our kin."
At the mention of winter, Ashe let out a low, amused chuckle, their eyes gleaming with an inner fire. "
Winter?" they grinned, raising an eyebrow. "
What can the cold do to someone like me? I think I’ll manage just fine." With a playful wink, they added, "
In fact, I expect business will bloom when the snow starts falling."
As Sya speculated about their origin, Ashe’s eyebrows lifted in mild surprise. "
You figured out my accent?" they asked, clearly impressed. "
The blight took almost everything of who I was before and shaped me into this. I wasn’t even sure any of that remained."
They paused, their expression softening as they continued, "
But you’re not wrong. I’ve been from one end of the world to the other, even before the blight. Never really belonged anywhere... until now, maybe."
Sya gave a solemn nod of understanding, much as some tried only a blightborn could mentally understand how it felt to die, to wake up alive, changed by forces beyond understanding that decided you are no longer dead.
"My village was infected, the keep burned, I was poisoned, starved. I woke up in the ruins. We all had our trials but more importantly we made it.” Sya let a tear drop into the water, it hurt but felt like she owed honesty to another of her kind.
"Clothes…have you thought… sheets…heated rugs… no cold feet, i do believe i can find several uses for such wondrous innovation. The heat could even…stay, if… room was…" Sya took the strand and placed it carefully and safely where she could collect it when she left. She was seeing about 4 different ways the Eye Of the Beholder could use it.
"I so believe we can make much gold together, Ashe" Sya grinned a little too much like a dragon that discovered a way to expand its hoard but all Blightborn where a little broken, crazy or had odd quirks of personality.
"I'm from the old borderlands. My father was Lunarian by birth. I grew up more under Auralia, technically, we were mixed people and I meet almost everyone who enters town these days." Sya spoke more naturally, more openly and very much Sya the woman than Sya the Innkeeper.
"First pint is on the Eye. After that, I'm sure you'll do Well and maybe enjoy my better wine. Sya is what everyone knows me as, but my full name is Syraeia Leela ” Sya said confidently with the level of pride one would expect of someone who worked for their own business. Ownership was a little tricky but Sya ran day to day affairs. Her full name, well they had given theirs, it was only respectful.
It was nice just being able to talk to someone who was not afraid at all.
Ashe listened intently, the fire within them flickering softly as Sya opened up about her own trials. They offered a respectful nod of solidarity when she finished, a glint of warmth in their otherwise smouldering eyes.
"
I’d already considered what I could craft and sell before deciding to come to Dawnhaven. Heated rugs, insulated cloaks, blankets, clothes of any kind, sculptures and the list can go on," Ashe mused, the faintest curl of a smile forming at the edge of their lips. "
I can see the demand already rising once the cold months roll in."
As Sya mentioned making money together, Ashe chuckled softly, shaking their head with a playful but knowing glance. "
Oh, I’ll make a lot of gold, no doubt about that." Their gaze met Sya’s, firm but not unfriendly. "
But I’m running my own business. You’re more than welcome to buy from me—with a 15% discount if you help spread the word about the shop. Two items for your inn, free of charge, once the store is open." The smile lingered, a hint of challenge in it.
When Sya shared more about her background, Ashe simply nodded, their expression softening just a bit as they acknowledged her story. "
I understand," was all they said, keeping their own history locked behind a calm exterior.
At the mention of a drink, Ashe’s grin widened, and they let out a low chuckle. "
I don’t drink, though. Let’s just say, alcohol and fire… don’t mix too well." Their tone took on a slightly amused edge as they added, "
Learned that the hard way when I almost incinerated someone. I’ve kept my distance from it since."
Sya took the challenge and gave a smile, she knew what they meant and how they were thinking. She was new to business but a fast learner.
"2 free, discount and a present for my girlfriend before they hit the main market as she is… Interesting. And I'll tell everyone exactly why they wake up snug, warm and I keep placing your catalogues in the guest parlour. Naturally you'd let everyone know where to get the best meal cake and ale in town or rent a room when winter's chill bites as well as some advertising posters or so." Sya replied with a firm but friendly challenge and getting a present for Olivia before everyone else was one thing that money could not buy. Well buy yet. Winter with passively heating blankets and so… She would be able to keep her rooms very full over the coldest months of winter.
"A shared arrangement of advertising of our services." Sya said, she was not the best at this but she could see an opportunity and this was a chance to get access to a commodity that no other Inn had.
They could keep their own business independently and act In a way that made sure they both made plenty of money.
"I'm definitely not selling you any of my Shine of Selene… by time it will be at least 5 to 7 tenths alcohol if I can get the right materials and a good still." Sya said, she aimed to produce good stuff and if it could knock Ivor down with how much kick it had, it was not done right.
Ashe raised an eyebrow at Sya’s counteroffer, the corner of their mouth twitching into a half-smile. "
A present for your girlfriend, huh?" they mused, tapping a finger thoughtfully on the surface of the water. "
I could make something custom for her. A special order, tailored to what she might like." Their voice dropped to a more serious tone, but with a playful glint still in their eyes. "
But not free. I’ll give you a 90% discount, though. Sound fair?"
Ashe leaned back slightly, arms resting on the edge of the hot spring, clearly considering the rest of Sya’s proposal.
"
Alright, I agree to your arrangement. Advertising for advertising—mutually beneficial. You’ll get your posters and flyers in the shop, and I’ll make sure anyone who comes in cold knows where they can get a hot meal or warm ale." They smirked. "
But I’ll want a 30% discount on any food purchases I make at your inn. And..." they paused, their fiery eyes locking onto Sya’s. "
I get the right to come in and… absorb some energy from your most rowdy customers. Just a little heat off the top—no harm done."
Ashe’s smile widened as they waited for Sya’s response, clearly enjoying the back-and-forth negotiation. "
We both make gold, you get to keep your inn full during the winter and there won’t be any troublemakers to scare off the clientele.. Seems like a good deal to me."
It had been a while since Sya had had a real challenge and enjoyed the back and forth. Something about her brighted nature enjoyed the challenge, the direct and spontaneous sudden event. She had a firm expression and she thought more inexperienced right now one day would likely be a formidable business woman if she had the chance.
"A scarf and some leather gloves for the coming Winter. She is blightborn, but we enjoy comfort and I want to make her happy here. Scarf in the colours of Dunatal and can you sew the outline of lips subtlety into the back of the right glove, Lunarian second city. 90% I believe is acceptable." Sya said with a grin, she would get Olivia something even the Lady did not have yet.
Sya gave him a curious look at wanting to feed her customers' more heightened emotions, Blight born needed to feed but they tended to have to find ways to ensure that they were not drinking someone's blood in the street. That was just nasty…
"I can do 30% off the meal for the vast majority of what I serve, the imported delicacies, I'm too gouged by caravans to take a cut on. If business does well I can extend that discount. I'm still building up and can offer more once I establish myself better." Sya said plainly and fairly, Caravan Masters charged just to travel to Dawnhaven and the charge for doing so under guard with luxury goods was even higher. Maybe Dawn Haven could arrange its own security The Royal Guard seemed bored.
"If you're subtle, I want no harm done… any harm and I decline that instantly. The Prince and others have trusted me, and I take them seriously and earnestly. I do understand the need for feeding very personally. I'm Mistress and responsibility is mine even if they only tolerate me as a tamer member kin who provides useful services." Bigots, not everyone here liked blight born and not everyone needed to know that blightborn fed quietly… passively.. in the background. There are topics that people did not discuss much in mixed company.
Sya did not mean offence, just that she was charged with a duty, trusted and given so would not betray it. To allow someone to feed off top of the most heated emotions was… acceptable and rather knew what was going on than it happened behind her back… She was a little territorial and considered her domain and place where she was and those under the roof her own to protect.
Sya moved and moved to float slightly enjoying the feeling as she found a deeper spot, not that deep given her size admittedly.
"If I knew a bath could be this Interesting, I'd come far more often." The Aurlian in Sya did not mind being seen as she had moved to float and stretch out her back and neck muscles in healing waters, she had scars, marks of passion on her body and neck and that was no shame. Even if her girlfriend had a possessive and darker side, all blightborn had their quirks.
"I have not felt this good in months or perhaps years." Sya admitted taking a lighter line, maybe the temple…the heat… something in this place was good for her and truly making her forget the pains she had accumulated.
Ashe tilted their head slightly, hands moving in a gentle, absentminded pattern, as if weaving invisible threads in the air. Their fingers danced in practised motions, mentally assembling the scarf and gloves Sya requested. After a moment, they lowered their hands and offered a small smile.
"
A scarf in the colours of Dunatal and lips on the right glove... I can do that, but"—they paused for effect—"
the color change will increase the cost slightly. Different hues require specific chemicals to manipulate the fire into non-traditional shades. It’s not impossible, but it will push the price up a bit, even with the 90% discount." Ashe's gaze softened, the brief mention of the intricate work a point of pride for them.
They leaned back slightly, their tone becoming more deliberate as they addressed the next concern. "
As for the energy... I don’t need much, just a moment in their presence. My fire will consume only the chaotic energy—the frustration, anger, or excitement. No harm comes to them. In fact," Ashe's eyes glimmered with a mischievous spark, "
most patrons will just feel a little tired afterward, and tired people usually need a warm bed to sleep in. Perfect for business, wouldn't you say?"
Ashe's gaze wandered briefly around the bathhouse, then back to Sya. "
I've always found bathhouses like this perfect places to conduct business. The warmth loosens the body, and the relaxed atmosphere helps loosen the mind. People make more honest deals when they’re not guarded."
Ashe shifted slightly in the water, letting the heat soak into their own weary body. They nodded in agreement, a relaxed sigh escaping their lips as they spoke.
"
I know the feeling. After the long road, I can feel my muscles finally unwinding.”
Sya nodded, it was worth such a price she wanted to have something special for her partner, something that was a sign of her devotion. Sya wanted to do it right.
”Properly made craftsmanship rather than half hearted one. Good work." Extra cost would be something she could tolerate, her savings would be dented but Sya wanted to do it right.
Sya listened to him, only chaotic energy, they understood the blightborn on a much deeper level than she did, she was cautious but it made sense to be so. Sya would keep her rather large eye on everyone, them and make sure the terms were held to and accurate.
"I can agree… for now. We will see how things go.." Sya said, she would see if they were correct and if that chaotic energy would be something that less of would be better.
"Quiet customers who are not fighting do not hurt though, the guards are a little slower. The Royal guard staying has got me out of trouble faster”. Sya admitted, yeah relaxed water made you honest but also made things simpler, things made far more sense. Sya could forget her endless to do lists.
"A very long road, and hopefully not the end yet. There's a big announcement at 10… Alas I could stay here all day but if Prince wants to ask the whole town it's likely important.
I have a … Bad feeling… I'm not sure why. The Royal guards were preparing like they were going to war… Full plate."Sya got so much Gossip and news from her job and where she lived, an Innkeeper was never uninformed.
"Lord Coswain at least has been… diplomatic. Market square, Information Is power so they say." Sya said casually as she luxuriated In the water, the novelty of not having anything to do and complete relaxation. She hinted he should likely attend, it did not hurt to be seen at the gathering.
"
I promise, no one will be touched unless they’re already causing trouble. Every inn has its share of those, especially after a few too many drinks." They gave her a knowing glance. "
And I wouldn’t want to anger the guards either. That would be bad for business."
At the mention of the announcement, Ashe raised an eyebrow, looking a little intrigued. "
An announcement? Interesting... I have a meeting with the Prince anyway, so I’ll be there regardless. Plate armor on the guards, though…" They mused for a moment. "
That could mean a lot of things, not just war. The blight could be advancing faster than expected. Not that it would affect us… too much."
Ashe stretched their arms, feeling the weight of the conversation. "
But still, always better to be prepared."
Ashe nodded in agreement with a thoughtful expression.
"
You're right, Sya. Information is power, no doubt. Who knows, maybe in the future, we can work out another arrangement where prime information comes to me first. That might prove quite valuable." They offered a small smile, the kind that hinted at opportunities yet to be explored.
With that, Ashe slowly rose from the water, droplets of steam evaporating as they moved. "
I’ll take my leave now. Got to make sure I’m ready for that announcement."
They started walking toward the door, but just as they reached it, Ashe glanced back with a final, sly smile. "
Pleasure doing business with you, Syraeia Leela."
With those parting words, they stepped out, leaving only the warmth of their presence behind.
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