The Reluctant Return

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Callio Matoto
-ic-

He'd bow his head, as he'd let his hands touch over a wooden post of the docks.. He couldn't believe he was about to do this.. Dark green eyes would lift, taking in the ship in front of him. It had been years since he had last set foot in his homeland.. So long, had he spent just... roaming.. Anywhere. So long as it wasn't the Valenwood. His gaze dropped to his feet. Almost as if he were trying to convince his legs and feet to move.. To let him board that vessel that sat on the waves.

Many years ago, he had sailed into Vulkhel Guard docks.. Aboard the very ship that now was anchored.. And today.. He'd be reboarding.. If he could get himself to go.. Grahtwood... That's where he was certain this would take him. There was a heavy sigh..

Let's rewind time.. Let's go back to a month ago.

Callio had wandered into a tavern, in Daven's Watch. Tired and sore. He sunk into a chair after shrugging his shield off, laying the metal thing beside himself. His eyes felt heavy.. But he'd keep himself awake. Just wanting to unwind after the latest contract had been completed. This was also where he had promised to meet his employer. Some might find it odd to learn that the elf had turned to bounty hunting jobs.. But it paid well enough, and it let him do as he wanted.. Never tying him down to any set location. Letting the man be free.

While he sat relaxing, a dunmer woman would approach him. A waitress. She'd ask if he wanted anything. He almost requested jagga.. But.. bit his tongue.. Daven's Watch.. Right.. they likely didn't even have it. He'd instead order himself a simple mead. When she left, he'd sit up from his slumped position, stretching.

Just as he lowered his arms, a tall dunmer would enter.. Well taller than Callio anyway. His employer... Though.. just about everyone Cal met was taller. He'd watch the man stride over and take a seat across from the bosmer. Callio would reach up, pulling his mask down, pushing his hood down as the other got comfortable.

"I was hoping you'd show up.. I didn't want to be sitting here all night.."

He'd give a small, but tired chuckle. The dunmer though didn't seem to find any humor in it. The taller male would simply nod. All business.. Just like the last time they had seen one another. Callio would continue speaking though. Ignoring the auburn hair that had fallen over his face.

"You wanted the man brought in alive. I did as you asked. You'll find him sitting in the back of a carriage. A guard is making sure he don't do anything.. stupid."

He had wanted him alive.. Though Callio did have to rough him up, in order to bring him in.. And tie the bastard up. But he had done as asked.. More or less. The guy did not want to come peacefully and had made capture... not exactly... easy. He'd watch the small framed waitress return with his drink. When the drink was set down, he'd hand over the payment for it before turning his gaze back on the dunmer seated with him.

The taller male would lean into the table, his elbows on it while his hands locked lazily together. He'd.. seem to be considering the bosmer. After several moments, he'd lower his hands, sitting himself back.

Employer: ..You did well. I'll have people tend to him. I am glad you did not have to kill him. From the cut on your face...

He'd motion to a knick just under the bosmer's eye.

Employer: He did not go willingly.. I wonder, would you be willing to do one more contract for me? I know you are not from here. And this likely don't concern you.. However, a man has recently left. He killed my son. I can't go after him.. He's a khajiit. My ties to the Pact prevent me from entering where he went.

Callio would stifle a tired yawn as he listened to the other man talk. A sip of his mead taken here and there.. The whole time, he remained silent.. Just absorbing all he was being told. When he heard the man speak of the khajiit however, and the crime committed, he'd bow his head in thought. After a few seconds of silence between them, Callio would lift his gaze.

"I can do this.. Do you want him dead or ali-..."

He trailed off for good reason.. The man hadn't said where the khajiit had gone.. He'd quirk an eyebrow as he considered his dunmer friend.

"Wait.. wait a minute.. Where did he go exactly?.. And you said.. Khajiit.. yes?"

His eyes narrowed, watching him. Skeptical of what may or may not be asked of him. The hand that had been holding the mug, would lower it, retracting from it. He'd let his hands rest in front of himself.

Employer: .... Valenwood. What part, is unknown. I want him alive, if you can. How you catch the bastard is entirely up to you. And yes, I said khajiit. Is this a problem for you?

There was an... attitude to the man's voice when he confirmed he said khajiit. Crimson eyes locked on the smaller male. He'd rapidly describe what the khajiit looked like.

Callio listened.. Although khajiit... and Valenwood.. Part of him faltered. He was no stranger to Dunmer customs. In his travels, he had seen and released a few khajiiti slaves. He knew what they were to the dunmer people.. most of them anyway. Not all dunmer were the same after all. He'd just.. watch him... for a long time.. Not saying anything.. His mind reeling. Valenwood was another problem entirely.

He hadn't seen Valenwood or it's beautiful forests in a long time. Not since that night.. The attitude also wasn't missed. He'd stand, gently pushing what had remained in his cup away. Careful not to spill. He never did have the taste for mead. Although listening to the dunmer speak had also... spoiled his desire to stay.

"I retract what I said. Have a nice night."

He'd grab his shield, shouldering it. With that, he'd turn and head for the door.

Employer: I hope you reconsider!

It was called after him..Though Callio didn't bother to look back. Days would pass after that. Callio stewed on what he was told. He wouldn't run this job. But instead, his mind was made up to at least seek the khajiit out and warn the man. Murder was a crime.. But with the attitude, Callio couldn't ignore the gut feeling he had.

...Present day...

That month had slid by easily enough.. Spent traveling and bartering passage when needed. Either by boat or carriage. And now.. He was standing in Vulkhel Guard. He'd step forward. His mind was made up. He was going back. Valenwood... It almost seemed like a hazy dream to be now standing on a ship destined for there.

He'd move what little he brought with him, below deck. When he was ready, he'd return top-side, deciding to sit on the railing and watch the waves.