Flash Fiction February 2025 Day Twenty-Seven: A Strange Demand (Valan)

A/N: The Mages Guild having Wolverine Hall really does confuse me and I forget the actual reason it exists, only that most of them are not very nice whenever encountered, despite sometimes successful attempts to raise their disposition.

Flash Fiction February 2025 Day 27 Prompt: Demand

Why the old grump can’t get his own groceries is beyond me. I find myself thinking that very familiar thought once again as I’m shoved out the door of Tel Naga with a list and told to be back by tea time. Yes, Master Neloth is a very powerful wizard. Yes, he is old and supposedly has arthritis that makes his knees hurt. Yes, he has risen through the ranks and taken the necessary exams and trials to be considered at the rank of a Master and serves on the council. All that still doesn’t explain why he can demand that I of all people go run his petty errands. He has a representative on the council who attends meetings, and other staff around the tower, that exist for this very reason. At least he pays me, however little an amount it may be, it's better than nothing, I think that's why I still agree to the silly demand whenever it arises. Wandering through the little market near the gateway inn and the docks I pick up nearly everything on the list except for a few things that require a trip to the alchemist and a very brief stop in Wolverine Hall that cannot be obtained elsewhere. I don’t like going to Wolverine Hall if I can avoid it, the people there are never very nice or hospitable, and can be quite rude. I’m not even sure why we have an outpost of the Mages Guild here, after all Sadrith Mora is the seat of House Telvanni, and we do not exactly get along with the Mages Guild for a variety of reasons. It was likely another strange demand that was included in the treaty made with the Imperials to incorporate Morrowind into the Empire and allow settlement on Vvardenfell in certain areas. In exchange for the opening of ports the demand for House sovereignty was made and to be able to maintain religious freedom. After another unpleasant interaction with a particularly annoying enchanter I find myself back at Tel Naga with the list all checked off, and just in time for tea. Given my encounter with the enchanter I’m almost relieved to be back here. Neloth may demand many a random thing from me, but at least there is tea, and he even seems respectful compared to the other wizards I’ve encountered today. That is certainly something I never thought would be something even remotely possible, while we sit sipping our tea, I find myself grateful for it.