FVN Chapter 312: Chapter XXXVIII: Familial Finagling
Chapter 312: Chapter XXXVIII: Familial Finagling
Chapter 312: Chapter XXXVIII: Familial Finagling
A/n: Apologies for the lateness, webnovel decided to be annoying.
(Reyvin's POV)
"...So yeah, that is just about what happened in recent years." I finish recounting my tale and take a sip from my steaming cup of coffee.
The ghost of my father stares at me with a mix of respect and plain disbelief, though he quickly shakes that off and folds his arms "To think you would be the one aiding a Septim on their path to glory... I am not sure if my father would would be impressed or rolling in his grave right now, especially with how tolerant you seem to be." He says with some mirth.
"Both?" I ask.
He nods immediately "Both."
"Who cares about all that." The irritated voice of my mother interrupts our most manly of moments as she leans close to me and points at my face accusingly "You, young man, should be getting drunk and chasing skirts, not galivanting across a whole province and fighting dragons in honor duels of all damn things!"
"Ely, I don't think..." My father starts.
Only to be interrupted as my mother rounds on him and gives him such a glare that the old war veteran shrinks on himself on instinct "You keep your damn mouth shut! It is because of your idiot self that he even got the idea of doing magic and got himself into so much trouble!"
Vyren Dagoth just nods in defeat "Of course dear."
He quickly stops nodding and glares as he hears me laughing at his trained ass.
Elynea huffs and turns back to me, her expression suddenly much kinder "Now, Reyvin my dear, when are you going to get to making me some grandkids?" That expression of kindness only become that much more radiant as I wince "You aren't planning on making your mother wait for a century, now are you?"
"Gods damn it woman, you are dead!" I point at her "You don't get to pressure my ass."
"That wasn't a no." Her stare turns eerie at that.
"If it happens it happens, it isn't like I am on a timer." I wave her off even as my fear spikes. "Is that so..." She mutters and it was anything but acceptance.
Vyren seems to pick up on my hint and immediately takes the opportunity for a topic shift "What do you mean you aren't on a timer?" He asks.
"Let us just say that I am no longer quite as limited as you mortals." I grin and push my soul outside my body, immediately startling the duo with just how utterly massive and terrifying I looked.
Naturally that sense of awe was shattered utterly as my dearest mother picked up her slipper and threw it at my head, the action was so baffling that I failed to move out of the way and soon found my face stinging as the crispiest fucking clap I ever did hear resounded through the shrine.
"What the fuck..." I mutter in confusion while palming my face.
"Get back in!" She commands.
"Calm yourself wo- Ugh" She kicks me in the shin.
"Back!"
"Why-" She kicks me again.
"Now." She glares at me.
"Fucking fine." I sigh and shove my soul back into my body.
"Good." Elynea huffs "To think my kid would be doing something so idiotic."
"Uhm... Ely, you do realize that was a mastery level ability?" Vyren asks cautiously.
She gives him a flat stare, once more causing him to back off "Who gives a shit about that?! Souls are meant to be in the body not outside of it you bloody dolt!"
"How do you even know that was my soul?" I ask with some amusement.
"Oh please" She rolls her eyes "Only someone as stuck up as a Dagoth would have their inner self carry three eyes." She sighs dramatically "And to think I once believed the Arens to be the arrogant twats."
Both Vyren and I pointedly look away at that.
Suddenly I feel the energies of the shrine shimmer slightly and sigh "It would seem our time is up."
Before I can get up I feel two spectral hands try and envelop me, absently activating my animus those spectral hands start to feel physical and I hear my mother gasp before leaning even deeper into the embrace "Be safe my child." She whispers.
"I will." I pat her on the back and slowly stand, sharing one last nod with my father I move to leave.
"Reyvin." Vyren calls out and I turn around.
"Should you find yourself in need of aid, do not be afraid to call." He smirks "Sitting here has gotten quite boring and I'd love to see these dragons you keep mentioning."
"Sure thing pops" I snort and give him a wave as I leave.
Just in time for me to go and remind dearest Maven of her place.
"Why yes there is, my dear Maven." Dagoth's grin remains unchanging as he stares straight
into my soul "For you see" The monstrosity in guise of a young elf begins dramatically "I have just had a most entertaining conversation with one of your citizens, an that conversation has confirmed a rather discomforting suspicion of mine."
'Thieves' Guild.' My mind immediately supplies, much to my irritation "And what does your conversation have to do with this... display?" 'Patience Maven, he will leave soon and then you will be back in control.'
"I do wonder if you really will?" He tilts his head, obviously enjoying the way my hands
clenched at his words "In any case." He continues "I have just been informed that there are six whole-ass Stormcloak camps in spitting distance of your city." The joviality disappears from him faster than I can blink "So tell me, Maven, why they aren't dead yet?"
(Reyvin's POV)
Maven's children all look almost surprised by my question, having likely expected me to try
and badger their mother for money or something equally worthless. Maven, on the other hand, knows damn well why I am this irritated.
She pauses, considering her words, and speaks "We have been consolidating the city itself,
sending troops out seems unwise for the moment."
"Ah yes, because it is tactically unsound, or because you want to preserve your resources?" I ask mockingly, to her growing frustration "Come now Jarl Black-Briar." I goad "You better not have forgotten our deal so quickly after reaping the rewards."
Sibbi Black-Briar giggles like a lunatic "Oh me oh my, how terrifying." Without even looking at him I make a grasping motion with my hand and slam his head into a
loaf of bread, only letting him move after almost making him suffocate in it for a good twenty
seconds.
"Let me be perfectly clear here." I speak up in a much less pleasant tone "Just as I have made
you the Jarl, so too can I unmake you. Get your forces to clear out the rebels from your hold or
I will do it for you, and you won't like the results."
Before Maven can answer, her son Hemming surprises her by standing up "I will do it."
"Oh?" I turn to him with a raised eyebrow.
"Don't look down on us elf." He growls "I said I will do as you ask, now stop tormenting my family like some deranged cultist."
I stare at him for a moment, the tension rising throughout the silence, before bursting into merry laughter "Hah! It would seem someone here has a spine yet." I clap my hands in delight "You know what, clear them out quickly enough in time to join us at Windhelm, and I will
craft you an artifact of your choice." "Hemming." Maven interjects warningly "You have no experience commanding, stop playing
the idiot."
"The mercenaries will teach me as I go." The man shakes his head firmly "Court Mage or not, I will not have my family looked down upon like this!" "Excellent, most excellent indeed!" I do my best impression of Shalazar as I clap my hands
excitedly "And with that I bid you adieu" I offer them a flamboyant bow "Oh and Maven" I
look up at her "Don't make me come back here again."
Space cracks and I am gone.
(Maven's POV)
I entwine my fingers in front of my mouth as I take deep breaths and let the frustration slowly
leave me, completely ignoring my family's shouting as I do so. I knew I was risking a lot by delaying our actions but this swift of a reaction was unexpected.
I really should stop underestimating just how dedicated that damned creature is, and now I
will have to buy a dozen housecarls for my boy...
Wait a moment... why the hell is Maul unconscious?
Maven thought she could hide the product from House Dagoth
Are you that foolish as well?
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