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Chorrol.com _ Black Hand _ Memoirs of a Morag Tong Assassin - Solstheim

Posted by: Black Hand Nov 12 2011, 12:15 AM

Deleted.

Posted by: treydog Nov 12 2011, 12:41 AM

And as I was last on the prior thread (for now)- I shall be first on this one. And more faithful in my correspondence.

Here we have all the power and mystery that is so befitting of Sethyas- on the one hand, a statement of stark fact- Seth and Serene engaging in their on-again-off-again affair. On the other hand- still no definitive explanation of what Athyn told him during that "drink."

Your ability to intrigue and engage the reader has not waned during your time away. Please sir, continue.

Posted by: Grits Nov 12 2011, 12:57 AM

I am so incredibly happy to see this story, Black Hand.

It’s the very best thing that’s happened today. smile.gif

Posted by: Acadian Nov 12 2011, 01:36 AM

Welcome back!

Wonderful blending of dream, thoughts and rich description here.

Posted by: Athynae Nov 12 2011, 01:37 AM

First and foremost THANK YOU!!!! I have not the proper words to express exactly what I feel at this moment after reading you first "post hiatus" post. WELCOME HOME UNCLE SETH!!!!

This segment, in true Seth form, leaves us as much bewildered as ever, but as is also always the case, waiting anxiously for more.

And Solstheim?? Um, but, um, I PROMISE I WILL GET THE JOURNALS I WILL!!!! I JUST DIDN'T THINK. Have I told you lately that I really am glad you are my Uncle? That you are my favorite Uncle? biggrin.gif

QUOTE
I am so incredibly happy to see this story, Black Hand.

It’s the very best thing that’s happened today.


Make that a double!!!!! THE BEST!!!!! Maybe the best this week!!

Posted by: McBadgere Nov 12 2011, 07:24 AM

QUOTE
become something much more than my own need to express my love of a game now considered to be antiquated


I know exactly what you mean...

I won't pretend I read your other one... biggrin.gif ...But I will be reading this one...

Excellent start...

Oh look, yet another excellent talent about the place...Sheesh... indifferent.gif ...( wink.gif biggrin.gif )

Nice one... biggrin.gif ...

Posted by: Olen Nov 13 2011, 01:13 AM

QUOTE
Eastern light brought the city of the Man-God Vivec to life.

I liked this line, it's evocative and gave emotion to th description.

A good opening too, a reminder of the previous episode which really drew me in, and enough explaination for new readers. And some of the rich description I so like about this saga. So Seth has run and intends to hide, an interesting start. I suspect he will be rather adept at it.

As ever I look forward to the next part.

Posted by: Zalphon Nov 13 2011, 04:36 PM

Yet the rocking motion of the Silt Strider through the night took me to an uneasy slumber.

I know this is a minor detail, but it was amazing.

Posted by: minque Nov 13 2011, 10:26 PM

Blackie! I'm speechless! uh...actually I'm not but I was so happy about you coming back that I just had to go outside for a moment and shout at the moon in pure joy! Grits said it was the best thing today...I not only agree I think it's the best thing for ...two months! (since you ended the Mournhold Volume)

And so thank you for your kind words! I'm honored!

Anyway the start of this one is wonderful as ever! It's so incredibly good to have Sethyas back again and I can't wait to see where this leads to...

"Sethyas! I have missed you! Please come see me, I need you! I will watch over you..."

Posted by: Black Hand Nov 15 2011, 04:53 PM

Deleted.

Posted by: Athynae Nov 15 2011, 05:09 PM

What a lovely way to start the day!!!! And such a nice interlude for Seth and Pene. Maybe Seth should think before he asks questions of Pene, he might not want her to answer, TMI as the youngsters are so fond of saying. I am curious as ever as to what Seth is thinking about now and what in the world he could be aiming to ask the Duke of Dread for.

Patience is not one of my virtues, Thyna comes by it honest.

Posted by: McBadgere Nov 15 2011, 08:26 PM

Excellent!!... biggrin.gif ...Oooh, maybe I should be rubbing my hands together when I say that...I'll try it again...

*Stops typing*...

Kinda fell flat that...

Aaaamywho...Excellent!!... biggrin.gif ...

Just a quickie for a newbie to the story - What's Pene?...Just wondering...Edit - Just saw she's Daedric...Duh...Anything else though?...

Nice one... biggrin.gif ...

P.s. One!! One Compliment!! AH-AH-AHHHH!!...

Eeeexcellent...

Posted by: Black Hand Nov 15 2011, 09:25 PM

Deleted.

Posted by: Acadian Nov 16 2011, 01:34 AM

I smiled all the way through this. I love episodes that linger and lavish upon the simple things. A wonderful breakfast in this case. And delightfully shared with us!

It was a joy to learn more of Pene, from her finger of flame to her. . . less than efficient digestive process.

Posted by: McBadgere Nov 16 2011, 05:17 AM

Fair dues... biggrin.gif ...I do like a good seducer... tongue.gif ...

Cheers for that...

Nice one... biggrin.gif ...

Posted by: Olen Nov 16 2011, 07:04 PM

I was hungry before I started reading... That sounded like a good breakfast and a good way to introduce Vivec and his intention there. Slightly cliffhangerish though, Dren is yet another brilliant character from the game, he's into all sorts and certainly not nice, but open and prograssive when it suits him. Still I suspect there will be a price.

And a bit more background on Pene. I liked Seth's reaction to the too much information...

I look forward to the next part.

Posted by: minque Nov 17 2011, 01:17 AM

Sweet! Yeah I must admit I have wondered about Pene....if she's at least something like a person....and d'ya know what? I still don't know!!! biggrin.gif

It will be very interesting to see what business Seth will do with the Duke....and if it hurts to see him...again!

S.G.M

Posted by: Grits Nov 17 2011, 02:30 AM

Pene got Seth’s breakfast away from him easily enough. This is going to be fun. smile.gif

Posted by: treydog Nov 19 2011, 02:10 PM

The description of the morning in Vivec was simply wonderful. It makes me miss the water near which I grew up...

And the idea that the "special" is also the ONLY fare- gave me a chuckle.

And Seth is going to have to watch Pene's... well, "sense of humor" seems a bit of a stretch. Although- she DID light his pipe for him.

QUOTE
He was also the kind of man that you didn't ask a favor from lightly, for all his progressive thinking, he was still a Hlaalu at heart.


Yes. I love a good "closer" as much as I do a good opener. This post has BOTH.

Wonderful as ever.


Posted by: Black Hand Nov 25 2011, 09:05 PM

Deleted.

Posted by: Athynae Nov 25 2011, 10:36 PM

"Some is good but more is better." Yes, usually and in this case you do not disappoint. Looking forward to getting to Ebonheart to see what Seth is up to. Keep it coming!!! All these little appetizers are whetting my appetite for a REAL Seth experience.

Posted by: Olen Nov 26 2011, 12:19 AM

I liked that part, it fitted in nicely and you developed a fun character in the old fisherman. Very much the calm before the storm I suspect.

Ebonheart promises to be interesting...

Posted by: Black Hand Nov 26 2011, 06:04 AM

Deleted.

Posted by: McBadgere Nov 26 2011, 08:08 PM

*Applauds Ambulance men everywhere*...Top man...

*Extra applause for posting stories from said ambulance... biggrin.gif ...*...

Very excellent story...

Loving it...

Made me laugh this did - ... biggrin.gif ...

QUOTE

"No, like nothing, have you ever heard of bureaucracy?"

Her confused expression indicated she had not.

"I'll explain it later."


Good luck with that!!... biggrin.gif ...

Brilliant...

Nice one... biggrin.gif ...

Posted by: Athynae Nov 26 2011, 08:55 PM

And we come to it, the reason Seth is looking for assistance from the Duke. I remain on pins and needles....A wonderful addition to the story and I, as always, continue to look forward to the next installment.

Posted by: treydog Nov 26 2011, 09:31 PM

Must go on a quote-fest first- and these are only representative rather than exhaustive:

QUOTE
"Thas' what I am, so you says 'Old Fisherman, take me to such and such a place.' Thas' not so hard is it?"


QUOTE
”I especially like the statue of Peryite! Something to let the citizenry know what horrors await them if they don't perform their tasks!" She exclaimed.


QUOTE
"No, like nothing, have you ever heard of bureaucracy?"

Her confused expression indicated she had not.

"I'll explain it later."


Pene is absolutely one of your greatest inventions! Seth is- well Seth. He HAS a sense of humor, to be sure, it is just- well... not to everyone's taste. But- putting him in the position of having to "educate" his companion is simply brilliant.

The meeting with the Duke was wonderfully done, showing the toll Ilmeni's death has taken AND the love he still has for Seth.

Posted by: Black Hand Nov 27 2011, 08:23 PM

Deleted.

Posted by: Athynae Nov 27 2011, 09:36 PM

Ok now I am just holding my breath.....

QUOTE
There is the truth, than there are the truths that we live with day to day. The former must not overcome the latter, as there is no need."



"
QUOTE
I can disappear in plain sight, that much is certain. Disappearing from ones life, well that's a talent I have not yet developed. I want to leave, with no questions lingering behind my departure. No investigations, just...fade away. In this I want you to use your connections, slowly erase my existence."


Between these two quotes the entire segment rests....what could be that BAD????? I have a feeling it is even deeper than these two quotes can reach.

Posted by: Olen Nov 27 2011, 10:11 PM

Some heavy stuff there. So Sethyas plans to truly disappear, and sell off almost all he has in return for it. Certainly it makes sense why he wanted the Duke, he's powerful enough and that much is sufficient to buy him.

QUOTE
Even the mighty Telvanni with all its sorcery were no match for the Emperors Tax.

I liked this line, it gives this piece some humour against the rather dark events.
QUOTE
"A terrible place I've heard. There is transportation from Khuul if you ever have a need to go." he said.

"What?" I asked.

"Oh, sorry, force of habit."

And a little dig at the rather lazy way Beth put that into the game... bravo!

You certainly build tension. I wonder what Seth will make of Solstheim when he gets there, somehow I suspect that keeping a low profile and obscurity will be harder for him than he thinks.

Posted by: minque Nov 28 2011, 11:36 PM

Ok....so that's what Seth needs the Duke for? Hmm....it puzzles me, Seth running away? It's odd....mmm but maybe...something bothers him?.

I am very very curious....

You are building up the plot quite intriguing, so very Black-ish smile.gif


And I must compliment you for writing in the ambulance! And for saving lives!

Makes me think of
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJMlXq3Fuo0






Posted by: Grits Nov 30 2011, 01:45 AM

Statue of Peyrite, that made me smile. I’m glad that Sethyas has Pene with him.

Posted by: Black Hand Dec 4 2011, 07:25 AM

Deleted.

Posted by: Olen Dec 4 2011, 06:19 PM

Some good musing on immortality, and on Seth. That he has succeeded in Vvardenfell and is bored is very him. I suspect his problem is as much that he doesn't fit in with society as that he is immortal. It will be interesting to see how things go in Solstheim.

QUOTE
I had never really thought of retiring, especially after such a short time as its Grandmaster

I suspect he has some work todo in those three days...

Posted by: Athynae Dec 4 2011, 09:18 PM

Mental musings that bring much to the forefront of Seth's thoughts, but the excitement of new beginnings is heartening.

And what will the next three days bring?? I look forward to finding out.

Posted by: Colonel Mustard Dec 4 2011, 11:27 PM

Ah, Sethyas, I remember you, you old rascal.

Having skipped his jaunts in Mournhold (nothing personal, but there's a lot to read through there) I'm greatly enjoying seeing him once more. I'm growing greatly fond of Pene the Daedra, and Seth's musings on the nature of immortaility are an interesting read indeed.

All in all, it's good to see this once more, and I'm looking forward to seeing how Seth deals with the challenges Hircine is going to throw at him on Solstheim. Funny thing about assassins is that they're really just hunters of people; wonder how the daedric lord of the hunt will treat that...

Posted by: minque Dec 6 2011, 12:20 AM

No longer Lord of Bal Isra huh! Ok Sethyas, I see....you wish to start a new life. Hmm Good Luck my dear friend, but I'm not so sure life on Solstheim will be easier for you.

Good thoughts of your immortality, it can be a problem right?

"I wish you luck whatever happens"

Posted by: Grits Dec 6 2011, 03:44 AM

Sounds like retiring from the guild could be more than just dropping off a letter. blink.gif It's great to see Sethyas looking forward to a new beginning.

Posted by: McBadgere Dec 6 2011, 02:23 PM

I am in a slight rush here but had to finish the story!!... laugh.gif ...

Damned fine stuff...

Damned fine...

Nice one!!... biggrin.gif ...

Posted by: mALX Dec 7 2011, 07:27 PM

Looking at the date this thread was started tells me exactly why I never noticed it before, lol. Sorry about that. Your ability to manipulate the story via dialogue is amazing, Awesome Write !!!

Posted by: treydog Dec 18 2011, 03:30 PM

As has been true throughout- the heart in this new story is what holds me spellbound. The descriptions of Seth and of Duke Dren, both learning to live with their grief.... Seth's musing on what his immortality might mean...

QUOTE
There is the truth, than there are the truths that we live with day to day. The former must not overcome the latter, as there is no need.


No comment of mine could improve those words.

"
QUOTE
Solstheim? I've never heard of it." I said.

"A terrible place I've heard. There is transportation from Khuul if you ever have a need to go." he said.

"What?" I asked.


THAT was worth more than a small laugh.

QUOTE
This...Solstheim, this would be my new Vvardenfell. The beginning of my new life.


And, like other readers, I wonder what form Seth's retirement from the Morag Tong will take.

And hanging over it all is the secret- a secret so grave that he cannot even tell the Duke.

Posted by: Black Hand Jan 9 2012, 02:15 AM

Deleted.

Posted by: Athynae Jan 9 2012, 02:28 AM

So sad, I really wish he didn't feel he had to leave. sad.gif

Another wonderful installment, nothing less than expected of course. Although his resolve is solid it is easy to feel his sadness at the choice he is making.

QUOTE
The wall directly next to the door still had the stain of Cyrodiilic Brandy trickling down after a bottle was thrown against it. A mark that I would never clean, as it was in and of itself related to the reason why I was now leaving. A heated argument that I could not win; and it wasn't over as she said. It would never be over.


No comment, just quoting....

Keep it going BH, great stuff comes in small installments....

Posted by: McBadgere Jan 9 2012, 07:06 AM

QUOTE
Hopefully we're bros after all that such and such! tongue.gif


There was ever a doubt? huh.gif ...Manly hugs redeux? biggrin.gif ...

Excellent chapter...Loved it...

The more I read about Morrowind, the more I'm wondering about buying it...*Sighs*...Time...It's always time... biggrin.gif ...

The whole internal conflict thing is cool...

I love the way that Pene seems to be bored by everything including Seth, but then she expects him to be the one to lift her out of it... biggrin.gif ...

Most excellent story...

I do love your writing...So cool...

Nice one...

Posted by: treydog Jan 9 2012, 01:09 PM

As if there is ever any question that a new post from you will inspire me, enlighten me, cause me to think...

QUOTE
Typically, I would want a slow, rational reaction; but this was years of consequences raining down upon me suddenly. It was well past the point weighing and considering.


QUOTE
A heated argument that I could not win; and it wasn't over as she said. It would never be over.


Those two demonstrate wonderfully where Seth is in his heart and soul. And despite his intention to put the past in the past, I wonder if he will discover that it seems to travel with him.

And speaking of "traveling with him"- certainly second the enjoyment of Pene's "entertain me, mortal" attitude.

Posted by: Olen Jan 9 2012, 05:45 PM

Short but heavy (in a good way). There's a lot there bundled into not many words - his grief at leaving everything behind, past regrets and triumphs, mistakes. But it's all past and he really has few ideas for the future. I suspect that may lead to certain things running out of hand when someone like him arrives in a backwater with no clear ideas.

The thoughts on leaving it all behind are well done. I will be interested to see if it works for him, and if it fails why.

QUOTE
still had the stain of Cyrodiilic Brandy trickling down after a bottle was thrown ... That did not mean I had too be present for it.


Great lines!

Badger - buy morrowind now. I doubt it will cost much and it's still a very good game. Certainly good value for the entertainment it offers.

Posted by: mALX Jan 10 2012, 01:08 AM

QUOTE

She was playing with the flame of a candle on her fingertip. Her idle expression gave no evidence of pain if there were any, as she held it there for moment, only to return it a few seconds later.

"My business here is finished. I take it you have no objections to leaving?" I asked in a slight mock tone.

"None." She said in her bored trance and fluidly got up from her chair.

"So...what happened?" She asked, clearly expecting me to be the one to lift her from her boredom.



I had to quote this section for your stunning ability to evoke absolute imagery of the character's emotions and mood so clearly and concisely with barely a sentence. Awesome Write throughout, but I was floored by your manipulation of this scene in particular - pure magic !!

For the same reason, this line bears quoting again as well :

QUOTE
The wall directly next to the door still had the stain of Cyrodiilic Brandy trickling down after a bottle was thrown against it. A mark that I would never clean, as it was in and of itself related to the reason why I was now leaving. A heated argument that I could not win; and it wasn't over as she said. It would never be over.

That did not mean I had too be present for it.


Awesome Write !!

Posted by: Black Hand Jan 10 2012, 09:15 AM

Deleted.

Posted by: mALX Jan 10 2012, 10:20 AM

QUOTE

I could change roles like changing outfits. They were the skins that could be changed, the birds came to roost on my branches and flew away, but as the tree I remained.


This line has to be quoted for its sheer brilliance, and not just because it is such an outstanding metaphor.

My original thought reading this story was that the dialogue was so natural that it totally immersed the reader into each scene. Not just the dialogue, but how you set the scene subtly around the dialogue (I pointed out a huge example of that in the last chapter).

That said, Seth’s inner thoughts/inner dialogue have absolutely become my favorite part of this story because they are a treasure trove of gems like the above, and an insight into the genius of his writer. Huge talent you have!

Awesome Write !!


** The section where Seth is musing about Mephala reminded me so much of a discussion in the lore section of the BGSF forum regarding Mephala and the Acceptable Blasphemies:

To Mephala who threads the Needle with the Hair of wives - (the wives" of Shor ?) - Wives killing husbands considered the ultimate backstab; the web spinner. Mephala weaves plots from the hair of the Aedra - with mortals' lives. Mephala is understood paradoxically to contain and integrate these contradictory themes, but to thread the needle means to find a solution to an impasse.

(As you probably guessed, MK was a part of that discussion).

Posted by: treydog Jan 10 2012, 01:10 PM

Oh my.

Perhaps, one day, if I practice diligently- I will learn to pack as much into a "simple" post.

QUOTE
I could change roles like changing outfits. They were the skins that could be changed, the birds came to roost on my branches and flew away, but as the tree I remained.


Beyond the images this evokes- there is the sheer beauty of the writing itself. Economical, descriptive, showing perfectly how Seth "centers" himself, no matter which role he is playing.

QUOTE
...she pecked and patted at my hair in an apparent attempt to groom me.

"Really?" I asked.

"Well, if you're going to what could be your funeral, you may as well look presentable." She sent to me telepathically.


Speechless on that one- but it HAD to be highlighted, all the same.

And the discussion of Mephala and of the Morag Tong... again, insight into Seth and his dance with darkness.

Posted by: Athynae Jan 10 2012, 02:08 PM

Just wrap quotes around all of it.....

Amazing.

Posted by: minque Jan 10 2012, 11:44 PM

What Athynae just said!

This Seth makes me shiver....so much darkness and tension makes it even hard to read, but read I do! It's like an obsession!.

I envy you your talent....I only wish I had half of it!

Now I need more of this you know! I do!

Posted by: Grits Jan 11 2012, 03:05 AM

Wow, achingly beautiful. Pene’s mannerisms make a perfect contrast to Seth’s intensity. I am so glad you’re writing this! smile.gif

Posted by: McBadgere Jan 11 2012, 04:42 AM

*Applauds*...

If we all keep telling you how brilliant you are, we'll be having to widen the doorways around here... biggrin.gif ...

You really are middlingly average!!... biggrin.gif ...

Pffft... laugh.gif ...

Sooo beautiful...I'm totally stunned...Really am...

QUOTE
I could change roles like changing outfits. They were the skins that could be changed, the birds came to roost on my branches and flew away, but as the tree I remained.


Really?...*Bows down in worship*...Too good...

QUOTE
Even as I slipped into the apparel to show the proper respect to my Guildmates, and carried solely the Black Hands Dagger in hopes of passing it on, with higher hopes that it not be stained with my blood.


I'm not sure whether this was supposed to be funny as well as cool, but it made me laugh... biggrin.gif ...

*Applauds heartily*...

Nice one... biggrin.gif ...

Posted by: Black Hand Jan 11 2012, 06:44 AM

Deleted.

Posted by: Athynae Jan 11 2012, 11:19 AM

Your little comment at the beginning doesn't require any more of a response than "HOGWASH!!!"

I will read this again at a more reasonable hour but waking up in the middle of the night to not one but two additions, one from you and one from mALX, has me both elated and needing to go back to bed for an hour.

It is another deeply profound addition to your story. If I started quoting it would look like one of Trey's comment posts.

Jeebus Blackie, You really are that good!!!! Keep posting, it never gets old.

Posted by: mALX Jan 11 2012, 05:05 PM

*

Whew! Somehow it doesn't feel over, not that easily. Seth's tension is felt by the reader tangibly. The chapter ends with the sensation of teetering on a precipice as if the scene ended just before the knife in the dark strikes.


QUOTE
Former lovers could put such a spring in the step. In the sense that you were more paranoid than you were to begin with.


Really funny line, showing Seth’s humor without relieving the tension - a display of just how huge your ability is to manipulate a scene.

*

Your characterization of Rogdul gro-Bularz was perfection from description to dialogue.

QUOTE

…with the gleam in his eyes that gave me pause every time I saw him

…He said putting away his giant battle-ax.

“…intelligence ain't my strong suit, just the Axe..."

…Rogdul said going back to a meal he had apparently been eating.


These lines absolutely bring up the image of an Orc (or Grits’s Nord, Jerric)


Another Awesome Write and chapter !!


*

Posted by: Olen Jan 11 2012, 05:42 PM

Two updates! Lucky me. Good ones too, his musing about how he can change as he changes his clothes is an interesting one given his intention to disappear. How much is it his own wishful thinking and how much will he put on whatever new uniform which awaits in Solstheim and become a different person.

Likewise the musing on begginings and endings in this part. Is this an end, or a begginging, or a continuation? I suppose time will tell.

QUOTE
Notably, Heik-Auri, the Argonian Blades Assassin.

Wooo! Al get's a mention, it's been a long long time. Pity really.

Nit:
was all too well know too me now - do you mean 'well known to me'?

Posted by: McBadgere Jan 11 2012, 10:25 PM

Late...Eyes...Burning...Urgh... wacko.gif ...

Slow down man!!...Loving it, but slow down!!... biggrin.gif ...

Excellent chapter...Again... biggrin.gif ...

So, you really are only human... biggrin.gif ...Lookie here...

QUOTE
I took a deep breat slowly to take the moment in.


And is this a word I don't know or a typo?...

QUOTE
...and the mind that lays behind it thatto be feared


I know you were updating from a phone at one point weren't you?... biggrin.gif ...

Slow down matey...Is brilliant...We'll wait for greatness... biggrin.gif ...

*Applauds*...

Loved the walk through the sanctuary...Brilliant images...

Most excellent...

Nice one!!... biggrin.gif ...

Posted by: Black Hand Jan 12 2012, 04:36 AM

Delete.

Posted by: Athynae Jan 12 2012, 04:50 AM

We'll take 'em however we can get 'em, just keep posting.

biggrin.gif

Posted by: Black Hand Jan 12 2012, 04:59 AM

Deleted.

Posted by: mALX Jan 12 2012, 05:02 AM

QUOTE(Black Hand @ Jan 11 2012, 10:59 PM) *

QUOTE(Athynae @ Jan 11 2012, 07:50 PM) *

We'll take 'em however we can get 'em, just keep posting.

biggrin.gif


If certain individuals don't keep up with their own stories...this one's gonna have to stop sooner than later....

M.



AHA! Treydog, Athynae, Minque ... I think you'll have been served !!!

Posted by: Colonel Mustard Jan 12 2012, 10:36 AM

A couple of nicely reflective chapters here, Black Hand, with my personal favourite part being the musings on the Serpent sign. There was a rather sombre atmosphere to these parts, as was the intention, but even then you managed to intersperse it with some nicely humourous asides that also had the bonus of fitting in quite nicely.

On a slightly unrelated note, how is Pene's name pronounced? Is it 'Peen', 'Penn' or 'Penne', like the pasta?

Posted by: Black Hand Jan 12 2012, 11:35 AM

Deleted.

Posted by: Colonel Mustard Jan 12 2012, 11:42 AM

Ah, okay.

Probably better than my own idea of 'Penne the Pasta Daedra.' tongue.gif

Posted by: Athynae Jan 12 2012, 02:02 PM

I am going to, for lack of a better defense, blame it ALL on Trey. He holds the final keyboard and so I am just an innocent bystander that just happens to be throwing in my two cents worth....Just sayin!!

Cop out you say? Why yes, thank you I believe I will....


But there was a post added this past weekend, in case you missed it. biggrin.gif

Posted by: Black Hand Jan 13 2012, 01:33 AM

Deleted.

Posted by: McBadgere Jan 13 2012, 02:37 PM

QUOTE(Black Hand @ Jan 12 2012, 03:59 AM) *

If certain individuals don't keep up with their own stories...this one's gonna have to stop sooner than later....

M.


*Points to self*... huh.gif ?...

Posted by: Athynae Jan 13 2012, 06:02 PM

No McB he's referring to Minque, the writer for Serene, Athynae's Mum. Her writing is ...missed greatly, check it out, good stuff.

Posted by: Black Hand Jan 13 2012, 09:42 PM

Deleted.

Posted by: Athynae Jan 13 2012, 10:07 PM

The letter of resignation was very professional and well written. As far as the harshness of it, he was only speaking the truth, and fair warning....

And then you have to go and leave us hanging like that, not nice, no not at all....

Thank you for the Author's Note at the bottom, some great information there....

He just has to survive this, he has to....waiting for more, thrumming fingers.

Posted by: Black Hand Jan 14 2012, 12:20 AM

Deleted.

Posted by: Black Hand Jan 14 2012, 02:35 AM

Deleted.

Posted by: Athynae Jan 14 2012, 03:41 AM

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!! I was sweating wondering what was going to happen, I mean I knew that Seth would be ok, really I did but, well, the way you left off on the last one I read I couldn't help but wonder.

Beautifully done!! They can't help but respect him, he speaks the truth profoundly with few words. He handled Sabine in short order, if nothing else convinced her that he was right in his decision that should have.

The way he "faced" the Ashlander was unexpected and all the better for it. I like his choice of successor.

Now I am going to go cry because I'm sad, for Seth. This position was MADE for him...and now he has chosen to leave it behind because of some deep dark secret he refuses to share. sad.gif tongue.gif

Posted by: Black Hand Jan 14 2012, 04:08 AM

Deleted.

Posted by: McBadgere Jan 14 2012, 04:37 AM

With words that will mock everything I said about Oblivion, which bloody one is Sabine Laul?..I know I can picture her, I can see the damned name on the screen, but I can't place where she is...

Bloody excellent story this...So well done...

I love the fact that he was able to concede defeat without having to fight. Very clever...

Likes Pene does I... biggrin.gif ...I think she'd have had more success had she not bothered putting the robes back on... tongue.gif ...

Well done...Brilliantly done in fact...*Applauds*...

Nice one!!... biggrin.gif ...

Posted by: Black Hand Jan 14 2012, 05:29 AM

Deleted.

Posted by: mALX Jan 14 2012, 05:38 AM

QUOTE(McBadgere @ Jan 13 2012, 10:37 PM) *

With words that will mock everything I said about Oblivion, which bloody one is Sabine Laul?..I know I can picture her, I can see the damned name on the screen, but I can't place where she is...



In Oblivion she is Rasheda's (owner of the Fire and Steel in Chorrol) supposed lover, but she can also be found in the Fighters Guild basement (she's the smithy) in Chorrol or walking between the two places.

Posted by: Black Hand Jan 14 2012, 06:22 AM

Deleted.

Posted by: McBadgere Jan 14 2012, 07:14 AM

Muahahaaa!!... biggrin.gif ...

Cheers mALX...Thought I knew her from somewhere... biggrin.gif ...

Posted by: mALX Jan 14 2012, 07:51 AM

QUOTE(Black Hand @ Jan 14 2012, 12:22 AM) *

QUOTE
n 13 2012, 08:38 PM' post='137675']In Oblivion she is Rasheda's (owner of the Fire and Steel in Chorrol) supposed lover, but she can also be found in the Fighters Guild basement (she's the smithy) in Chorrol or walking between the two places.


Heh. I stand corrected. It would appear my subconscious let leak a name from a suppressed traumatic memory.



ROFL !!! I'll be reading this weekend, I saw you had posted ahead but didn't have time to read tonight.

Posted by: Athynae Jan 14 2012, 01:14 PM

I read the last one last night but wanted to read it again cuz I was half asleep, had to wait til the kids were done skating so I could do the 'fetching'.

Reread and ...you really shouldn't do that ya know, it isn't nice to do a bait and switch like that, I thought the secret was going to be revealed...dang, and whew... biggrin.gif

Awesome! I do love Pene, girl after my own heart...

Posted by: treydog Jan 14 2012, 03:09 PM

What a lovely situation to find- I "go away" for a week and return to all these posts! Woo Hoo!

As ever, a true rendering of the "good parts" would simply mean reposting the whole thing, so let me see if I can be a BIT more subtle than that...

QUOTE
It was my nature to uproot, and leave behind. I stalked and kept hidden to the shadows. I threatened lives with my very nature.


The entire extended metaphor of Seth with his Birthsign is brilliantly handled. And, as many have done before him, he perhaps takes circumstance for prophecy.

QUOTE
It didn't mean she wasn't waiting for me in some shadow though. Former lovers could put such a spring in the step. In the sense that you were more paranoid than you were to begin with.


Noted without comment- but with a certain rueful laughter.

QUOTE
Those that waive the option to allow me to retire will face the full scope of my skill.


Translation- you do not get to be Grandmaster by being shy or backward. And you especially do not get to retire by begging.

The quick way he dealt with Sabine- and yet also seeks to teach her… yes, that is pure Sethyas.

Even more so was his knowledge of Ashlander ways, which allowed him to fill the power vacuum without tearing the Tong apart.

QUOTE
"With this you take the mantle. Lead well, and do not try to find me." I said as I left the Morag Tong behind for the last time.


Wow.

QUOTE
After all, the survivors pass down the best techniques.


Still love that quote.

Simply wonderful throughout. I feel my own scalp beginning to tingle- perhaps I should dash off 1000 words or so and get Athlain up that dratted mountain.

Posted by: mALX Jan 19 2012, 10:45 PM

*

I apologize, this weekend was too hectic to get a read in and give your writing the focus it deserves. I'm here now.


QUOTE

Therefore, any member at or above the rank of Master may come to Vivec to request the position. Again, I will not forbid ancient rights and traditions. However, if there are those who would insist upon them; I urge them to consider I did not achieve the rank by accident or favoritism, but rather through skill and accomplishment.

Those that waive the option to allow me to retire will face the full scope of my skill.


This was absolutely Awesome, powerful - and looks like trouble is ahead for Seth now! That was technically throwing down a gauntlet to them, he will have to clean out the whole top rung of the Morag Tong now!


The whole letter from Andarys was quoted below, but I snipped it for the sake of not spamming your thread - but had to quote the ending for the chilling shock of it :

QUOTE

Be wary,
Goren Andarys."

I nearly choked out my tea as Pene suddenly spread her wings and cawed loudly, and I caught the faintest sound of rustling cloth, and a blade being unsheathed, behind me.


GAAAAH !! Now we know where Seth was when the Dragon broke ... urk!

I guessed Sabine because the Raven was cawing a warning. (Otherwise I would have been torn between it being Sabine or his own wife, lol).


QUOTE

"Dunsapil is an Ashlander. Humility is a major trait that is required of them. Boasting is shameful, and yet there is a place if it can convince a challenger to stand down. The victor can win with words or sword. Hence, there is no need for Dun-Ahhe to slay me now. Indeed it would be shameful." I explained as the Ashlander sat in a smug silence.

"I think I shall like this Hall." he said quietly.


This whole bout was brilliant !! Seth obviously out-manipulated them, I so would have loved to see this scene drawn out into a whole chapter in itself. As quickly as it ends there wasn't time to savor the moment, it felt prematurely ... ended.


QUOTE

it seemed she wanted to give me an earful rather than a mindful...I wasn't as eager to hear it, so much as wanting to get it over with.
... I lit my hackle-lo pipe, and I poured myself a bit of brandy, I took a puff and a swig before replying.
...as the brandy began to run its course through my veins.


You wrap so many human emotions, thoughts, and actions into your characters that they come to life - this sentence is a prime example - perfect!



The most powerful example of this comes next :

QUOTE

The realization hit me as her breath hit my neck. I glanced at the stain on the wall.

In a flash I stood up. Pene falling off, and officially killing the moment.


The bottle of Cyrodiilic Brandy staining the wall - what a powerful moment of memory you evoked in the reader with that scene, I could see the stain he left there to remind himself that (that argument) would never be over - Huge Write !!!! I am officially addicted.

*

Posted by: minque Jan 20 2012, 12:42 AM

Holy CRAP! HOW could this be? I missed several posts....gahhhhh, I'm getting old and senile...that must be it! So busy moving the thread, and not checking it out? I should be ashamed of myself!

"So Seth...you won't tell, right? ok it's entirely up to you"

Brilliant ending of the first chapter....me like very much!

P.S I know who you were referring to.... kvright.gif

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