Traveling Home III

"Things like that, for example." I say with a smirk.

"Grrr, Fluffy is such a naughty trickster." M'rissi says with a light pout full of fake anger.

"Silvy! Whiskers! Got'chu!" Sofia shouts before slamming into both of us and wrapping her arms around our necks before planting a sloppy drink kiss on my lips.

"You! You-" M'rissi starts to exclaim before something even more shocking happens.

"Don't worry, Whiskers! I got plenty of sugar for you too!" Sofia says planting an equally as sloppy kiss on M'rissi's lips, causing her mind to go blank.

Then Sofia pulls out a lute I think she stole from Sven, before tossing it to me and shouting to me, "Com'on Silvy! Sing us a song!"

I take the lute and as soon as I do I feel a song pop into my head, a song that feels right for this moment.

"Come ye good folk, and gather 'round,"

"For a joyous news we've just found,"

"Faendal and his love Camilla,"

"Have welcomed a new life in this quaint villa." I started to sing in a deep but melodious voice, much to the shock of everyone present.

"Now listen closely, 'cause we're going to sing this one verse together later on." I warn them before continuing.

"Hail to the parents, so happy and bright,"

"And to their little one that will bring them such delight,"

"Hail to this family, so new and sweet,"

"May they cherish each and every moment they meet." I sing, slowly so that everyone can catch the words.

"With a babe in their arms,"

"Faendal and Camilla are filled with such grand charms,"

"They'll be up all night and day,"

"Caring for their little one in every way."

"Here it is, now let's sing it together," I call as I strum the lute, shocked at my newfound ability to play.

"Hail to the parents, so happy and bright,"

"And to their little one that will bring them such delight,"

"Hail to this family, so new and sweet,"

"May they cherish each and every moment they meet." We all sing together now.

"This world may be full of woes,"

"But with a family to love, everything glows,"

"Faendal and Camilla have found a new way,"

"To love and cherish each and every day." I sing.

"One more time everybody!" I call the crowd.

"Hail to the parents, so happy and bright,"

"And to their little one that will bring them such delight,"

"Hail to this family, so new and sweet,"

"May they cherish each and every moment they meet." We sing together, faster this time.

"So let's raise our glasses and sing with glee,"

"For Faendal, Camilla, and their family,"

"May their love and joy never fade,"

"As they embark on this new life escapade." I finish with a flourish and a bow, as a standing ovation by those not passed out from drinking echoes throughout the village.

Though Camilla seems slightly embarrassed to have a song written about her, Faendal is all smiles as he cheers me on.

"My friend, you are amazing! It makes me ashamed to even try and sing my songs." Inigo compliments in awe.

"I'm sure your songs are amazing Inigo. Come on, share a few with us." I encourage him.

"No, I don't think so my friend. These are special songs, if I'm going to be embarrassed at least let me sing them in the Bards College, which with your skill would be easy for you to get in." Inigo politely rejects.

"Alright, but I'll hold you to that." I say finally relenting as we all party late into the night.

As we all wake up, most of the company with hangovers, I make my way over to Gerdur's house before knocking on her door.

It's swung open by Gerdur who happily welcomes me in, "Why, if it isn't my favorite former mill worker, finally got enough time to visit ol' Gerdur, huh? Have you been eating enough? You look thin as a switch." She says ushering me inside to share breakfast with her.

"I'm doing good, just been under the weather. I've actually come to talk business." I say despite being made to sit at her table as she serves some seared fish and grilled leeks.

"Come now, you can eat a little before we talk." Gerdur retorts as she fills my plate.

"Alright, twist my arm why don't you." I say with a smile before digging in.

We have a peaceful breakfast with her family, though Lod seems to still be slightly hungover from last night's party and quickly goes back to bed, while her son, Frodnar runs off to go and play with my kids while me and Gerdur start to discuss business.

"So, Silvantus. What business did you want to discuss? I think I've been able to supply your lumber demands without issue?" Gerdur asks slightly confused about why we're meeting.

"Nothing bad, in fact, I wanted to get your opinion on expanding your business." I say taking a drink from my mug.

"Oh? Can never have too much coin. What did you have in mind? Got another big job in the works?" Gerdur asks.

"I do, but the job is in Falkwreath and I had a thought. Instead of shipping the lumber from here, why don't I help you acquire the rights to the mills in all of Falkwreath hold? Thus increasing the share of the market you have access to and limiting the transport costs of the lumber." I propose laying back to study her reaction.

"Hmmm, I never thought of taking over other mills… Can you really get them?" Gerdur asks with interest.

"I'm certain about acquiring Half-Moon Mill… But, I need to get a better grip on the situation in Falkwreath before I can confirm whether or not I can take the primary mill, but I'm confident in my negotiation skills." I tell her.

"Alright, but what's this going to cost me?" Gerdur asks in disbelief.

"Nothing." I say with a smirk.

"Funny joke, you can stop wasting my time with these jokes." Gerdur says in exasperation.

"I'm not joking, I will however need two favors." I say holding up two fingers.

"There it is, now we're talking real business. What are you needing?" Gerdur asks finally starting to believe in the validity of this deal.

"First, we'll be keeping our discounted lumber deal, and expanding it to all projects." I say lowering a finger.

"Figured as much, and the other favor?" Gerdur asks as she takes a drink.