When Stars Are Weeping

Nevara, Helseth, Barenziah, along with other lords and ladies sat around the table, chattering in a lively manner. Roasts and fowl lay half carved around the table, the wine, sujamma, flin, and greef flowed freely, and even Nevara indulged herself in a flagon of wine. The alcohol brought a rosy flush to her golden cheeks, and she laughed and talked freely with the other lords and ladies. Her eye was constantly drawn back to Prince Helseth, and how his mere presence commanded attention. He was currently involved in animatedly telling a tale that had some of the lords in gales of laughter, pounding the table with their fists. Nevara laughed along with them.



"And so this Nord, get this, is standing in Plaza Brindisi Dorom with naught but his loincloth on. And when Eldrin goes to ask him why on EARTH he's marching about the plaza in such a state, he starts going on about how hot it is and how we think all half-dressed Nords are victims of witches! So Daven asked 'Well, -aren't- you the fellow who was marching about the backwoods of Vvardenfell with naught but your loincloth on?' the fellow answers 'Yes, but that wasn't my point!'" The table erupted into laughter as Prince Helseth told his tale. His eye caught that of Nevara's and, smiling, he gave her a wink. Feeling heady and forward because of the wine, Nevara winked back, then quickly looked down at her plate.



"Let's have a song, shall we? Something rowdy, worthy of this fine meal!" cried a portly lord.

"Oh yes, let's!" A fair-haired Nord lady spoke, a drunken blush on her face.



"Lady Ashwyn! Do you know any good drinking songs?" Helseth looked straight at his tutor, a devilish smile on his face.

Nevara blushed. "Oh, my liege, I couldn't, really."

"Go on, go on!" Some of the lords pounded their cups on the table. "Song, song!"

"Please, Lady Ashwyn, indulge us." Queen Barenziah smiled encouragingly at Nevara. The Altmer priestess smiled shyly before standing and clearing her throat.



Her voice came out clear and strong, and as the lords and ladies began to recognize the words, they pounded out the beat on the table, or sang along, or cheered.

"In the Spring of the year, doth propriety disappear, in the courts and the ports of the Bay. Drinking new beer, everybody feels queer, and the earls and the churls go astray. The bee and the bird don't have to tell us a word. Our bodies for naughties are prime. If you haven't heard, you can let yourself be lured. For the youth, for things uncouth, it is time."



Nevara stood upon her chair as the chorus began, the entire table singing along.

"Oh, it's lovely to sit in a field, harvested into rows. It's lovelier still to do the same not wearing any clothes!"

The woman continued the song amidst cheers and whistles from the appreciative dinner company.

"People of the Bay bless the flowered court of Wayrest, for showing us the gentle way of sin. The bonny Dark Elf queen likes to see and be seen with cobblers, thieves, and tavernkeeps, and slaves, and fish-er-men."

At this line, Queen Barenziah blushed and cheered loudly, and the table erupted into yet more gales of laughter and whistles.

"In the court of Lainlyn, right upon the mainland, with sex, the whole place in in a whirl. The Baroness likes to play with men who come her way, while the Baron likes the little boys and girls."



The table yet again joined in the chorus. "Oh, it's lovely to give your lady a kiss upon her nose. It's lovelier still to do the same not wearing any clothes!"



Nevara's voice grew strong and sweet as she gained her confidence. "In Daggerfall, they hold a ball, and all of society indulges in a variety of scandal, they can handle... a lot! The Captain of the Guard has to search very hard for a bean that the Queen has in her pants. And the Court Sorceress will grant you a wish to cause the King to fling about his lance!"



The whole table joined in rowdily for the ending refrain, singing at the top of their lungs. "Oh, it's lovely to give your love a single perfect rose, it's lovelier still to do the same not wearing any clothes. Oh, it's lovely to abandon all your cares and fears and woes, it's lovelier still to do the same not wearing any clothes. Yes sir, IT'S LOVELY NOT WEAR ANY CLOTHES!"



The lords and ladies, even Queen Barenziah and Prince Helseth, laughed loudly, applauding for Nevara's performance. The woman, smiling brightly, dropped a little curtsy and hopped down to sit back in her seat.



The rest of the night went well, with Nevara making friends with the rest of the courtiers. As the night wound down and the lords and ladies filtered out back to their residences, Nevara stood, yawning slightly. She was ready to go back to her quarters, when Prince Helseth approached her. The handsome Dunmer smiled at her, offering his arm. "Lady Ashwyn, may I escort you to your chambers?" Nevara smiled at him and took his arm. "Yes, thank you, my Lord. I would be honored."



Helseth swept Nevara outside, heading through the courtyard towards her quarters. The night birds called their cries and somewhere in the distance, the coo of the silt strider could be heard. The air smelled of the night-blooming flowers, and they passed much of the walk in silence. Nevara admired the area, her cheeks still flushed pink from the wine and revelry. Helseth watched her.

"A septim for your thoughts." His voice was soft.

Nevara looked at him, a smile on her face. "Just looking at everything. It's so different from home. Every province I visit feels just like another adventure." She let out a gentle sigh.

Helseth looked closely at her. "You miss it, the Isle. You miss your home."

"Of course I do. Everyone misses their home, their true home. I miss Summurset Isle, just as you must miss Wayrest. But as we grow, we must call new places home, and see each journey as the next adventure in our lives." Nevara smiled gently, looking up at the stars.


Helseth stopped and looked up as well. "The Mage. I was born under the Serpent.' He looked down at Nevara. 'What sign were you born under, Lady Ashwyn?"

Nevara looked at him, still smiling. "The Lovers. My mother always said I was born to worship Dibella."


Helseth smiled at her as well, and they began to walk again, in companionable silence. They finally reached the door of her quarters and stopped. Nevara turned to Helseth and curtsied to him. "Thank you for escorting me, Prince Helseth. You are too kind."

Helseth smiled and winked. "One can never be too kind to a lady, Lady Ashwyn. It only shows good manners and good breeding." He gently took Nevara's hand and brought it to his lips, never taking his eyes off the woman.

Nevara blushed and looked away as he lowered her hand. "I will see you in the Imperial Cult shrine tomorrow morning at ten sharp. Please be rested and prepared, my liege."


"I wouldn't dream of missing my first day, Lady Ashwyn.' Helseth gave her a low bow, and his voice was soft, teasing. 'Fair evening to you, Lady Ashwyn, and may your dreams be pleasant."

"And good evening to you as well, Prince Helseth. May you also rest sweetly and the stars smile upon you." Nevara nodded to him with a smile before turning and entering her chambers.

With a smile, Helseth headed inside for his own chambers, humming "Rude Song" to himself.