I don't think so, remember Athlain doesn't actually know her in advance, and the sentence said....-of my aquaintance...so..nope it's not her....I think

Um, wanted to reread to make sure I didn't miss anything, and found this.

Warning, potential spoiler, though based entirely on Trey's previous material.



From way back when during the midst of being Carnius's lackey due to that whole moon-sugar addiction.

This post has been edited by Captain Hammer: Apr 15 2010, 12:39 AM

The young woman who approached with a sure step and confident bearing was Apronia Alfena, the sole survivor of the ill-fated supply ship who I had “rescued” from the draugr. She had stepped out of a small dwelling, and the proprietary way she secured the door told me that she had found a home at Raven Rock. Idly, I wondered what she had found to do there, for she was obviously not a miner. Close upon the heels of that thought, I decided that a woman’s perspective on what to build would be useful.

As I greeted Mistress Alfena, an odd experience occurred, one which would be repeated with other women in other places over the remaining years of my life. I looked at her, noting that she was in all ways an attractive woman, looking healthier and in better spirits than when I had last seen her. She possessed youth, grace, and all the physical attributes necessary for beauty in the female form. And even as I recognized that, I also realized none of it mattered to me, for my heart belonged to another.

That did not mean that I could not speak to her, of course. In fact, it made doing so somewhat easier, as I no longer needed to worry about making a good impression. So after a brief exchange of pleasantries, I explained:

“Mistress Alfena, the Company has the means to build either a smithy or a trader’s shop here. Which do you think would be most beneficial?”

She considered the question for a moment and then said,

“A trader would be wonderful. I do hope they have a good selection of shoes!”

I looked around the rocky ground upon which the colony was built, and was about to express the opinion that a pair of sturdy boots likely would be useful, but she was off again, speaking in her usual rapid manner:

“And hats! I simply must have some new hats! The only things available here are those metal or fur monstrosities the soldiers and the natives wear. I do not understand how a girl is expected to make a good showing when she’s dressed up like a wild animal.”

I managed, just barely, to refrain from saying that I knew of at least one girl who looked quite well in her wolf-hide armor. It most likely would have made no difference; Mistress Alfena was already cataloging the variety of soaps and scents that were the minimum necessary for civilized behavior. It was enough- I had my answer. As I walked away, I heard her exclaim:

“Oh, and chocolate! We absolutely must begin importing chocolate! Immediately!”

I waved a hand to acknowledge that I had heard and continued to walk toward Falco’s post under the trees. I reported my findings:

“Most everyone I spoke with seemed to feel that a trader would be the most beneficial. Some were more enthusiastic about it than others, but that was the consensus.”

Falco nodded in satisfaction. “Good. We can order the materials and start work immediately.”

Then his expression grew troubled.

“Athlain- I… didn’t think. Carnius is still in charge, and he will have to sign off on the order for the trading post. I can’t leave the site, but someone has to take the information to him. I hate to ask you to do it, considering all that has happened, but there really is no one else. I can’t spare any of the miners or other workers.”

He trailed off and looked at me apologetically.

I had been careful to avoid Carnius since I had returned from the northern part of Solstheim- and from my addiction. I was usually even-tempered, and Senior Trooper Carbo’s training had helped remove most traces of unthinking violence from my nature. But I had inherited my father’s attitude toward injustice- and some of the quicksilver personality that went with my mother’s red hair. At times, that could be a volatile combination. But I knew several things that Carnius did not- primarily that I was no longer dependent on the skooma he had used to enslave me. Though he might sneer and threaten, he no longer controlled me. So I smiled at Falco and clasped his arm, saying:

“Do not concern yourself. I will have to see the man sooner or later, and I promise to be careful. Too much depends on my actions for me to make a foolish mistake. I will have my due- but at a time of my own choosing.”

Before I left Raven Rock, I found a secluded spot and again placed a magical Mark, a point to which I could transport myself instantly at need. In part, I did so for practical considerations. But it was mostly because the ritual calmed me and forced me to find my emotional balance. And I would need that, despite my reassuring words to Falco. In facing Carnius Magius again, I would be confronting the worst of myself- and I could not give in to it.

Upon completion of the spell, I saw the telltale flash that signaled success. I waited for the after-image to fade from my eyes and then drew out the Divine Intervention scroll that would carry me to Fort Frostmoth- and Carnius.

(Ed. Note- There is no chocolate in Morrowind- or in Cyrodiil. Which may explain the violent tendencies of so many of the female characters. Ducks into secure location to await the coming storm.)

laughed my british boat off with the chocolate comment!!

Can't wait for Athlain to face his nemesis, the Skooma.

ROFL!!! Chocolate responsible for the downfall of Mournhold - Black Horse Courier Special Edition!

I can do without the chocolate myself. I cannot stand the stuff, far too sweet. Now shoes on the other hand, That is another matter entirely! The importance of properly accessorizing cannot be understated!

So Athlain is going to confront his own personal demons. Good. Given the quest he is on to heal the land, his meeting with Carnius is a necessity. For he cannot exorcise the demons of Solstheim until he can face his own monsters and overcome them.

And I am surprised at the number of people who jumped to the conclusion that the sword-wielding woman must be Athynae, when she is a bow-wielding woman.

Blasphemy!

Okay, just when I get used to the idea that I'm going to have to wait at least a little while longer to see Athynae you get me all primed for a big comeuppance for Carnius. Now I can't wait for that . . . you are a sadist, trey. Please tell me that you don't sit around mumbling gibberish and wringing your hands with delight as you dangle us over the flames!

I loved the chocolate comment, who needs calm humanoid when you have chocolate and smelly soap?

I'm loving this, I can't wait to see how things go down between Athlain and Carnius. I'm sure it's almost time he did something else unwise.

Brilliant, now we just need RL to stay quiet so there can be another part.

OK, but since her mother is pretty good with her sword, I am convinced that Thyna is as well!


Anyway, I didn't think about Pronie....but of course it had to be her! I just loved the chocolate thing! It's just brilliant....

Now then if Athlain had asked me , I, of course had agreed upon getting a decent trader to Raven Rock!

(ahem well I do have black belt in shopping so...)

So ends the speculation of the sword-wielding chatterbox's identity.

Like so many others, I enjoyed the chocolate comment. Like SubRosa, I'm not fond of chocolate candy. However, I love chocolate/cocoa in my cooking (chili, beef tenderloin, etc) because when unsweetened, it is very bitter, much like coffee. As a matter of fact, chocolate and coffee, both black, is my favorite flavor combination. Throw in a touch of chipotle and yummm!

Anyway, I digress. It is good to see Athlain thinking about Carnius's comeuppance. It is time to put that British boathole back in his place.

This caught my eye, however, and made the secret romantic in me smile:
Then this made me laugh out loud:QFT!

GAAAAAAAAK !!!!! Chipotle in coffee? Bleah!

Yes, I purposely tried to lead folks astray with the “sword-wielding” comment, although several of you were not fooled. Athynae is quite good with a sword, too, though the only example we have seen was a conversation regarding her taking lessons and being called “a natural” by the sword-master. However, there is one still earlier moment that I think has fooled at least some of my readers. But that will be illuminated later in the chapter. (I think- I haven’t written it yet).

Remko- I felt that things had been a bit gloomy- and are likely to continue so. Therefore, Apronia gave me a chance to inject a little humor (the other part being the bit about shoes, and Athlain’s total cluelessness when it comes to women and their “special relationship” with footwear….)

mALX- I figured Maxical (and Shivani) would understand and approve…

SubRosa- Trust our eagle-eyed (raven-eyed?) resident witch to spot the shoe remark! And also to pick up on the fact that dealing with Carnius is a necessary component of the personal healing Athlain must complete.

Destri- I admit it- I am a serial offender when it comes to serial novel cliff-racer- um, cliff-hanger endings. I am just old enough to remember the old Lone Ranger and other episodic stories that always ended with the hero(ine) about to be run over by a train- or boulder, or herd of buffalo, or…. And yes, I do take a perverse pleasure in stopping an installment at a pivotal moment. What can I say, I am a bad doggie with an “over-developed sense of drama,” as a certain young lady once said of our hero. If I was writing a bit faster, the suffering wouldn’t be so bad, but I hope the wait makes it worth the pain.

Olen- Thank you, my friend. Yes, I think there ought to be more “bribe” options in TES than just offering money. Now that would be a fun add-on for TESV- being able to offer NPCs “gifts” of food or clothing, etc. to improve their disposition!

Minque- A ninja-shopper? You? Who only travelled all the way from Sweden to Pigeon Forge, TN to go to the outlet malls? Never! It is a source of great joy for me that you, one of my earliest readers, are still following my characters and their adventures.

Haute- The passages you quote are some of my favorites, too- revealing my own (not-so-secret) romantic nature. What can I say, I am a Southerner of Irish ancestry. And I have experienced both of those phenomena- in fact, still do after 21 years and counting…

All- I have the first 2 pages of the next part finished, and I even know “what happens next.” What I am trying to decide is whether to post the 2 pages (complete with cliff-hanger ending- cue evil laugh), or to actually complete the quest stage that is involved. I lean towards the less-evil option, but it does mean it will be probably Saturday before I can post. Anyway, I wanted to stop by long enough to say thank you for reading and to promise that your patience will be rewarded.

Yeah !!!!

You have stolen my Wood Elf's heart with that!

Acadian- I was thinking of a certain wood-elf when I added that... Although I think it may actually be part of the in-game dialogue for that quest. If so, Bethesda must have some female writers...

All- I mispoke earlier on two counts- 1) I have managed to post before Saturday (barely); 2) The quest stage is not finished in this part- it would have pushed it over 2000 words, rather than my more comfortable 1500. But at least I do not end with a cliff-hanger..... I may post some screen-shots for this one- depends on if I can do a little Photoshop tomorrow.

--------------------------------------------------------------

As soon as the disorientation from the spell had worn off, I entered the Imperial Cult shrine. If I had waited in the bailey, some of the troopers would have recognized me, and I did not have time for distractions. Although I was not much of a believer, I stopped at the Cult altar and made a donation. Since I had rescued their missionary, I thought the Nine should be inclined to look favorably upon me- if they existed. Then I climbed the stairs and walked to the door of Carnius’ office.

Before I knocked, I straightened my uniform and gave the bright-work a quick polish. There was little hope of impressing the Company factor, but I was bloody well going to look like an officer of the Legion, not a beggar. Then I tapped on the door and, without waiting for an answer, entered the room. As I had expected, Carnius glared at me, his lips at last twisting into a sneer.

“Someone told me that you chose Falco. Well, that’s fine- it just leaves more for me. Now, did you come here for a reason- or are you just lost?”

He pointedly looked at a row of flasks lined up on a shelf behind his desk and then back at me. My fondest wish at that moment was to lunge across the desk and strangle him. What I did was to stand perfectly still, keeping my expression as blank as possible. Athynae had given me back my life and my honor. Killing Carnius now, no matter the provocation, would be spurning that gift. The situation did not call for anger, but for control.

When I said nothing, he continued:

“If you’re here to beg for your old job back, you can forget it. I remember who is loyal- and who is not. Now go away. I don’t have time for this; I’m expecting a decision from Falco.”

Control, I reminded myself. It would not do to get into a shouting match with him- I was not sure I could keep it from going beyond mere words. So, I stared at a point on the wall above Carnius’ head and replied crisply,

“Yes. In fact, Falco has made his decision. At my suggestion, he has decided the next building at Raven Rock should be a general trader’s shop.”

I kept my tone even, but I could see that the words surprised the Company man, especially the part about my assistance in the decision-making process. He drummed his fingers on the desk and stared at me, naked hatred gleaming from his hooded eyes. Abruptly, he reached into a drawer and pulled out a heavy pouch, saying:

“So you’re his errand boy now? Fine. I really don’t care. Take this gold for your trouble. Maybe Falco will give you a pat on the head to go with it. Now get out of my sight.”

I replied coldly, “With the greatest pleasure.”

Then I turned and left, closing the door softly behind me.

Even as the door swung shut, I knew that the confrontation was simply the opening skirmish in a long and deadly war. Words from Athynae’s report echoed in my head- “Carnius is dangerous….” Yes, but so was I, especially now that I was clear-headed and confident. In our first meeting, he had caught me when I was vulnerable, feeling alone and friendless. That description no longer fit- I knew now that I had many friends, a number of them here on Solstheim. And that reminded me of Korst Wind-Eye and the Skaal test.

With an effort, I stilled the adrenaline-fueled trembling of my hands and forced myself to breathe slowly. What I needed now was to be- away. I needed the wilderness. Although the creatures of Solstheim were deadly, they were honest about it- they did not pretend to want anything except to kill and eat you. At the moment., that sort of clarity would be most welcome.

Exiting the fort, I wandered to the seashore and examined the map showing the locations of the Standing Stones. Unfortunately, the piece of deerskin was more of a drawing than a true example of the cartographer’s art. It had no scale, so distances could only be guessed. And, beyond the rivers and a few coastal features, there were no indications of landmarks to provide guidance. So perhaps this was a test of faith as well as a test of loyalty. Whatever the case, it was good to be back out in the clean air of the forests, away from Carnius’ suffocating plots.

I stayed near the coast and walked east until I found the mouth of the Iggnir River, which I followed a short distance to the north. I studied the terrain on the opposite bank of the river, and crossed over when I saw the initial slope of a high hill. The regular shape made me wonder if it was completely natural, or perhaps instead a monumental work of the ancient Nords. Given sufficient motivation, people could achieve remarkable feats of construction. I had only to look at the remnants of the Ghostfence to know what was possible.

At the summit of the hill, a rough spire of black stone rose some 60 feet into the air. It had clearly been worked by human hands, but it had also been shaped by the elements. Still, a sun symbol stood out sharply from the south face of the stone. I removed the gauntlet from my left hand and reached up to touch the center of the symbol. When I did, I felt a mild shock go through my arm and straight to my heart. Then a deep voice spoke in my mind:

The gentle warmth of the Sun is stolen, so now it only burns. Free the Sun from Halls of Penumbra.


Trusting to instinct, I turned and saw a path running straight west, down the hill and back across the river.

Any doubt that I was on the right track was dispelled when I saw that the stones on either side of the sunken path still bore faint traces of ancient runes. Although the air was filled with the howls of hunting wolves and the low growling of bears, none of the predators approached me. It was almost as though the path I trod was not of the world that they inhabited. That suited me, for I wanted to be rested and prepared for whatever was to come.

About an hour after leaving the sun stone, I found a cave entrance at the end of the path. Although no symbols or runes marked the entry, I knew this must be the place, for the darkness that spilled out seemed to pulse like a living creature. It was more than a shadow, more than the mere absence of light; it was the… antithesis of light. And into that living, breathing blackness I had to go.

As soon as I passed the entrance, I knew two things: the darkness was not normal, and I was not alone. My sense of smell told me there were undead about, and that they were probably draugr. Trying to fight such creatures in pitch blackness would put me at a severe disadvantage, one that might even be fatal. Fortunately, I had a solution for that problem. I stood completely still and felt in my pack for one of Athynae’s potions, one designed for just such a situation, and bearing a special raised mark. As I did so, a memory came to me:

One of the earliest lessons they taught us at the Mages Guild was how to cast a Light spell. The mage instructing us explained loftily how useful it was for seeing in dark places. I had asked, quite seriously:

“But doesn’t that also make it easier for whatever is hiding in the dark to see you, as well?”

I was sent home with a note requesting that Mother teach me to be more “respectful.” The next day, Mother went to the Mages Guild with me and informed the instructor that an honest question deserved an honest answer- and that respect is something to be earned- not given. Thus, the curriculum was changed to include the spell called “Night-Eye.”

Ironically, though I was not forced to learn the Light spell, I also never managed to master the precise hand movements necessary to make Night-Eye work, either. I imagine the Guild instructor was always rather pleased by that development. That was the beginning of my education in the fact that victory can take many forms- and that the gods have an especially nasty sense of humor.

So Athlain survived his encounter with Carnius without becoming a murderer. I guess we can still hope for the future though...

I liked your description of his travel west from the Sun Stone to the cave. The sounds of the animals howling, yet also of not being part of the normal world. Followed by a literal descent into darkness. Very strong Hero Quest stuff. Joseph Campbell would approve.

Finally, this gave me a (naturally faint) smile:
“But doesn’t that also make it easier for whatever is hiding in the dark to see you, as well?”
I have always thought that myself.

Good stuff as always, Trey. Can't wait to see what comes next.

Though wouldn't Athlain's dad, being a preeminent alchemist, have been able to show his son how to make a Night Eye potion?

Just me being nit-picky.

I was mighty proud of Athlain, keeping his cool like that!

Great set up at the Sun Stone, and wonderful description of the path leading down to the cave.

The comment of the Light spell making you literally shine in the dark made me chuckle!

I love the school memories! And the detail about a certain movement causing certain spells is something I have always pictured too! Great Write!!!

Wonderful treydog!

I loved two parts especially. Firstly, that mention of Athynae was carefully woven into several passages. Secondly, the lovely lingering and detail on light vs night eye. Just brilliant!