#Dairihill

[nine-blessed-hero]

Two Foxes

Universe: TESIV: Oblivion Warnings: None Words: 500 Context: I was inspired by @thenopequeen's tags on this post: "#anvil is home once I have completed the thieves guild #i like to imagine that I go to corvus for advice sometimes". I banged it out in like 2hs between laundry loads so LMK if you spot any spelling errors. Available on AO3

"Oh, and the Hero of Kvatch called by last night," Dairihill said, "asking to speak to his Lordship. However, your Ladyship and Lordship had just gone in for dinner, so I felt it prudent not to bother his Lordship." Millona Umbranox nodded, as she shifted the papers on her desk. "Did you catch that, dear?" she asked, over her shoulder. "Yes, my love," Corvus replied from where he lounged on the other side of the room, drinking coffee and pursuing the latest Black Horse Courier. "Curious they asked for you?" "I'm sure it's just a social visit. They are, after all, responsible for ending my amnesia and bringing me home." "Mmm. You'll have to invite them to dinner. I never did get to thank them properly." "Of course, my love. Dairihill, do you know if they're still at Benirus Manor? I'll take a walk down after breakfast." "I believe so, your Lordship. Speaking of breakfast – since it's a lovely morning, I took the liberty of having it laid out on the balcony." "Capital!" Corvus stood, readjusting his robe. "Will you join me, your Ladyship?" Millona glanced around to see Corvus extending a hand, giving her a boyish smile. She squeezed his hand. "In a moment, dear. I've a few more items to cover, and then I'll be out." "Very well, my heart," Corvus said, kissing the back of her hand.

~~~

Outside, the morning was already warm and bright. A salt-scented breeze ruffled his hair, as if it was glad to have him back in the castle. Beyond the crenelations, the sea glittered like a spray of diamonds on blue silk. "These are damn fine strawberries." Corvus startled, head whipping towards the table under the bower, hands reaching for an absent knife. "How d'you think they grow 'em so sweet?" the Hero of Kvatch asked. Their feet were propped on the table, and they held up a half-eaten strawberry for consideration.

Corvus smoothed down his dressing robe, regaining his decorum as he took a seat opposite the Hero. "I believe," he said, reaching for a slice of bread and the butter dish, "it has to do with the fertilizer used. Good to see you again, my friend. To what do I owe the honour of this visit?" "Ah, Foxie. Let's eat first, maybe?" "Millona will be out soon. I'd rather not alarm her by finding a stranger at her breakfast table." "Didn't I just hear her inviting me to dinner?" The Hero grinned. Corvus rolled his eyes, a small grin of his own creeping onto his face. "Touché. However, I don't think this is quite what my Lady wife had in mind. Your business, my friend?" The Hero lowered their legs, leaning in with a serious expression. "Very well, my Lord Corvus. I need some advice, regarding the Guild…"

Above, the gulls wheeled in the puffy periwinkle sky while below, the surf crashed against yellow cliffs. And in Castle Anvil, two Foxes conversed over strawberries.

[meloblivion]

Dairihill with melons

[nine-blessed-hero]

CW: None

Summary: The new Grey Fox goes a-visiting to Castle Anvil for some advice.

Podfic version, read by me.

Original: Tumblr || AO3 Podfic also available on AO3