Chapter XXIX: The Grand Opening

Things in Reyvin's suddenly large household became very hectic during the couple of days before the grand opening, deliveries were coming in daily and Reyvin kept checking and rechecking them constantly, he surprised even himself with how focused he was on making the inn successful.

Invitations were sent out, with the college staff, his fellow students, the guard, and the Jarl's household getting special treatment in the form of free drinks. All of the currently visiting crews and the dock workers were invited as well, hoping to attract further patronage in the case of the former and get them to recommend the place in the latter's case.

Naturally, the staff had to be organized into the best possible positions for them, the previously mind-broken slaves of Dyrren were given cleaning duty and Reyvin had Colette look them over in hopes she could be able to at least get them to start recovering, thankfully she was but it would take time before they were even considered truly sentient again.

One of the biggest concerns for the young Dunmer was who to leave the running and financing part of the business to, as he sure as hell wasn't going to spend his days doing accounting!

Thankfully the same servant that spoke for everyone else when Reyvin offered them the job had some experience in it as he was the one running the staff shop previously, after some mundane and magical observation Reyvin was at least sure the mer wouldn't fuck him over unprovoked so he offered him the job.

The rest were given jobs in the kitchens, bathhouses, or the main tavern section. Reyvin also commissioned some uniforms for everyone, which while costly would raise the prestige of the place even further.

Finally, after what were some very stressful days for the new workers, the long-awaited day arrived.

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(Reyvin's pov)

I was currently standing in front of the entrance, both giddy and stressed out with my expectations for today.

I turn towards my new property, very satisfied with how it looked. The building itself was made in the Nordic style with large bluish-grey stone blocks, the roof was on the other hand made to be more in the style of Morrowind with short spikes going out of the edges. The entire thing looked like it belonged, but was just enough out of place to draw attention.

The finishing touch was a sign containing a circle made up of six hawks chasing each other surrounding the words 'Sea Ghost's Respite' with a small wooden statuette of Scorch on top of it.

The inn was made up of three floors, with the ground floor containing the tavern and worker's quarters, and the two other ones being meant for guests, there were even a couple of luxury rooms at the top intended for ship captains and visiting dignitaries.

The bathhouse was built in the same style, and connected to the main building through a small hall, it was positioned on the cliff face with large windows built to give everyone inside the full view of the sea of ghosts.

I gave myself a pat on the back for that idea, as the view was both beautiful and relaxing to look at.

My home was located closer to the college bridge, it was unfortunately still being finished but at least the main construction was done, it was surrounded by both the other buildings and a large spiked fence, it was also a lot smaller than the two others, but what would I need a massive manor for?

My musing is interrupted by the first guests arriving, as expected it was the guardsmen, noticeably not joined by Thorgrim as the old Nord was still pissy with me due to the whole research notes disagreement even if he did decide to help me with Dyrren.

They all greet me cheerfully and I tell them to go in and take their seats, most of them do but Thorfinn remains outside "So Reyvin, finally done with your little project, eh?"

I smirk "I dare say it is everything but little, my little friend."

He growls at me for reminding him of his height and then chuckles "Aye, the moment you elves get some money you immediately have to use it to compensate for your lacking abilities"

I snort and say as fast as possible "Dumb n'wah still living in a wooden house says what"

He, almost on instinct says "Wha-" and then goes red-faced, making me cackle like a madman, he kicks me in the shin but I barely feel it and look at him with mock pity.

He growls "You are such a child, I swear to Shor"

I scratch my chin pretending to be deep in thought and ask "Ah but Thorfinn if I am a child, what does that make you?" reminding him he is younger than me.

He gets angry again, I think I can almost see smoke coming out of his ears but he calms himself rather quickly and sighs "You know what, I am going to get a drink, enjoy freezing your ass out here"

He goes inside walking proudly almost as if he had won in some kind of contest, completely forgetting that I am fully capable of warming myself with magic.

More time passes as I greet the arriving guests, unsurprisingly almost everyone I invited came today, there really isn't a lot going on inside of a small medieval city so a new and luxurious inn being opened is considered quite the event, even most of my teachers from the college decided to come, well with the exception of Phineas but what would a dead man do at an inn anyways?

My ponderings on the foolishness of lichdom is interrupted by Savos once again popping into existence in front of me, this time I simply raise an eyebrow at him "While I agree that magic is fun and all, can't you walk for once in your life?"

He shrugs his shoulders playfully "Oh Reyvin I know you are jealous, but just keep at it and one day you too shall be able to annoy young apprentices with your magical tricks!"

My left eye starts rapidly twitching and I give him a smile that promises pain "Of course Archmage, how foolish of me. Do go in, you were the last to arrive."

He returns a playful smile, looking very satisfied, and goes in.

I shake my head and follow him.

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As I enter the building I am hit with a wall of noise and heat, there are many tables surrounding the central section which is shared by a large fireplace and the bar, everyone seems to be having a good time and one of the singers I hired is currently reciting the ballad about our recent expedition.

I notice my college friends inside and go to join them, they seem to currently be having some kind of heated debate about something. I quietly sit next to Marwyn, startling him quite a bit if his almost jump is anything to go by and ask "So what are they on about?"

Marwyn calms down and gives me a light glare "First, fuck you Reyvin" I snort "Second, the seem to be debating on their plans for after we are finished with the first year at the college."

I raise an eyebrow "Oh, and what do you plan on doing?"

He sighs "I really don't have much to do outside of the college, so I will probably continue doing enchantment while staying there"

I hum for a bit and ask "You could always work for me, while you aren't on my level with enchanting, no offense"

"Some taken" He interrupts jokingly.

I snort "As I was saying, I need someone to do the lower level enchantments while I focus on the more complex orders."

He thinks for a bit "Sure, as long as you don't plan on robbing me I could do that"

I nod "Of course, you'd still get most of the profit and I'd take a cut for using my connections"

Marwyn nods "Sure, we'll deal with the details later, I want to relax now"

After our little deal we go on to listen in on what the rest are planning, Morrigan, to no one's surprise is going to remain in Winterhold and focus on alchemy, Edrasa will focus on just getting better at magic since she can afford it, Tiberius will be returning to his father to join the legion as is his family tradition and the twins will go back to Dawnstar.

They turn to me, waiting to hear my plans. I shrug "I will probably be traveling out of the hold for some time, I need a change of pace"

Most of them seem surprised, and Morrigan asks me "Oh, and where do you plan on going?"

I shake my head "I have absolutely no idea, I will check with the Archmage if any holds are looking for some magical assistance or something." Everyone seems to understand and we go on to talk about our studies for some time.

After about an hour of spending time with my colleagues I go toward the bar, pick up a glass and then use a knife to lightly hit it to draw everyone's attention.

The musicians stop their song and everyone turns to me "Friends, colleagues and Thorfinn" I hear a muffled "Hey fuck you Reyvin!" from the back and everyone laughs.

"I thank you from the depths of my soul for taking the time to share this joyous occasion with me, since I arrived in the city of Winterhold I have been treated with respect and kindness, making me consider this cold and harsh place my new home. So after getting lucky with a bit of righteous spoils" I smirk and the guards cheer "I decided to give back to this place by building something permanent meant to enrich both myself and this beautiful city"

I spread my arms "I welcome you all to Sea Ghost's Respite and hope to be seeing you as often as possible from now on, now to the real reason we are all here!" I grab a bottle of sujamma "Drink!" and down the entire thing in seconds

I am almost deafened by cheers as everyone joins the toast.

The musicians start singing and the night blurs as the little gathering turns into a full blown party.

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