Basks is going to Raven Rock? He's with the Enclave, kill him!

I quietly wished that someone could give me a gift that would take away the cold that seemed to have taken up residence inside me.
Very nicely phrased. I suspect the person who can give him that gift has red hair, and can be found at his mother's house...

If being arrogant or obnoxious were capital crimes, the greater part of Summerset Isle would be empty
Indeed!

Apronia is likewise delightful, proof that the above statement holds true for other parts of Tamriel than Summerset...

Finally an equally delightful way for Athlain to solve the problem of the recalcitrant captain. All without chopping his own nose off!

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Sep 18 2010, 10:46 PM

Sorry for not commenting and feeding the Ego dear trey, but it seems you have quite the following regardless. All caught up and it looks like Athlain is dealing with the situations as well as he could. I particularly enjoyed the scene of him barely managing to whip the sword around to intimidate teh greedy captain.

@Grammar Nazis: Yes, I wrote 'teh' instead of the. Stuff that in your pipe and smoke it.

p.s. Oh man...here we go.....

I won't start quoting the passages in this chapter that I liked. I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to stop.



Okay, maybe just a few:

Which I find interesting considering the fact that Athynae has no problem talking to any man that crosses her path!

I just loved the irony in Athlain’s conversation with Apronia!

It's always nice to know that we men are good for something.

Once again we are shown why being the target is the safest position to occupy whenever Athlain handles a blade. Thankfully this time he didn't hurt himself!

Ditto to all the above! Everyone has quoted my favorite passages and pointed out the same things I noticed.

Late to the party as usual.

@minque- Captain Egnatius is fun, because you really don’t have to do anything… And I imagine Athlain will have enough smarts to leave his meeting with Apronia out of any letters home. Although it is hard to say.

@Acadian- That bit of description was a direct result of reading Cardboard Box. As to the remark about Valenwood, I added the qualifier when I remembered the gender of several Bosmeri members of my audience. The inscription was one of those bits of good fortune that arrive of their own accord. I was trying to come up with something to explain how the saber was instantly recognizable.

Corrections agreed to and corrected. Sometimes my sentences turn into a Tom Waits stream-of-consciousness ramble…

@mALX- Thank you. Your insights into character mean so much to me, because you write so many vivid ones, with specific, wonderful personalities.

@hazmick- Basks will appear again- quite soon, in fact!

@SubRosa- I don’t think my FO3 version of Trey has made it to Raven Rock yet… Yes, Athlain’s source of warmth is at Indarys Manor. And I have a feeling some interesting conversations are taking place there. Athlain’s swordsmanship must be improving- he managed to not destroy anything or inflict any injuries this time!

@Blackhand- I always welcome comments from one of my earliest readers. Especially one who has allowed me to “borrow” his character for occasional appearances. Athlain with a sword is rather like a golden retriever and dynamite with a lit fuse- he is unclear on the concept, and something spectacularly bad is going to happen.

@Destri- Well, of course the rules don’t apply to Athynae! In the words of more women than I can remember- “That’s different.” Apronia was fun to write, because her presence in Raven Rock is rather a mystery… and Athlain is still fairly fumble-witted around assertive young ladies (the only sort he seems to meet!) See sword-wielding remarks above.

@haute- Late, but always welcome! After all, how can I keep stealing Julian away from her important work if her creator does not come along to watch over her?

@Everyone- Athlain continues to recount his actions related to taking care of “unfinished business” with the East Empire Company, a process that is far more involved than he had expected. And Julian of Anvil continues to be a (usually) silent presence as he does so. Her visible role is limited in this and the next few episodes, but be assured she is hearing everything Athlain says- and likely surmising many things he does not…

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24 Frostfall
Notes on morning interview with Agent Athlain Treyson-

Subject mentions “a great wrong” and “vengeance.” Hold questions in re: these statements, as subject seems to become so deeply engaged in telling story that he forgets reason for inquiry- and even my presence. Based on subject’s movements after leaving Skaal village, statements appear to refer to the Company- or someone in the Company. Also of interest- subject admits to being out of uniform at one point and indicates a strong, personal reaction to the possibility of exile. Why? Schedule additional interviews with Guard Saenus Lusius and Cult missionary to nail down timeline in re: Agent Treyson going missing, Mirisa rescued, attack on Fort, Agent Treyson’s return. Where was he all that time? Doing what? Is it related? How? More here than covered by orders.

There was nowhere to rest in Raven Rock, and I very badly needed sleep after dealing with the avaricious captain and the equally… talkative Apronia. Holding poor, dead Elberoth’s saber had also wakened a familiar melancholy- a return of my never-completely-quenched yearning to be a swordsman. But I could almost feel the sword resisting me, and ceased my attempts to wield it before I could hurt myself. Instead, I considered an area in which I was competent- magic.

Returning to the fort would simply be a matter of casting an Intervention spell, with no need to wait for mundane transport. Following on the heels of that thought was the idea of resetting my teleport locus to the outskirts of the colony. But I decided against it for the moment. Basks-in-the-Sun had told me that he made the circuit from the Fort to the colony to Khuul each day, starting in the morning. And I found comfort in the Argonian’s companionable silence- and even the short sea voyage itself. Things seemed clearer out there, between wind and wave. And I could even entertain the illusory thought that I would just stay on board one day and go all the way back to Vvardenfell, to my home….

Putting aside thoughts of swords and of home, both of which were beyond my reach, I cast the Intervention spell and returned to the ruined bailey. When the disorientation had passed, I went to the bunk I had claimed and set about checking and repairing my equipment. When I was finished with my armor and weapons, my eyes strayed to my alchemy apparatus. It had been some time since I had prepared any of my own potions, depending instead on Athynae’s. But she was gone, and I did not know when I might see her again. In my head, I heard Carbo saying,

“One of the worst failures for an officer is the failure to prepare adequately. When you’re up to your- ehhm- armpits in a swamp, with a couple of thousand Argonians debating whether to roast you or just eat you raw, that is NOT the time to discover your supplies are back in the fort or on a wagon somewhere. Don’t trust to the gods or to luck- good soldiers make their own luck.”

Yes, and a good alchemist makes his own potions, so he will have them at need.

I spent the greater part of the night refining and testing the ingredients I had found on Solstheim, learning their properties. But I was also able to create a number of restorative and curative potions, half of which I left with the quartermaster. If Fort Darius had been at the very end of the Empire’s long and sporadic list of “Things to Do,” Frostmoth was not even a footnote. And I hoped just knowing the potions were available might improve the troopers’ morale. In any event, the work made me feel better and I slept well.

At dawn, I went down to the dock and waited as Basks-in-the-Sun guided his courier ship into its mooring. When the small amount of cargo had been off-loaded, I climbed aboard and found a place out of the way. The Argonian captain gave a few orders and we were soon moving west along the coast. With one last look at the sail and the angle of the tiller, Basks brought our morning tea. He rolled one eye at me and said drily:

“One hears so much gossip on the docks. It is hard to know what to believe.”

He took a sip from his cup and bared his teeth slightly, then faced forward before continuing:

“For example, it is said that the brave Captain Egnatius is in the market for some new trousers. His old ones met with an unfortunate- accident- the other day. He had to throw them overboard, alas.”

I matched his serious tone as I replied, “The sea is a perilous place, I have heard; especially for fine trousers. I do hope the captain finds a pair that will fit him- something suitable for one of his particular… gravity.”

Basks closed his eyes and thumped the deck once with his tail, signifying a point scored. We finished our tea in silence and he left me watching the water curling away from the bow.

It was a wonder to me that I could feel so exhilarated on board a ship, especially after my first experience with sailing. But whatever illness had afflicted me then had not recurred, for which I was profoundly grateful. In fact, as I thought about it, I realized that I had not succumbed to any disease or illness in some time- other than exhaustion and depression, brought on by pushing too hard. The thought having occurred to me, my inexplicable health was now a puzzle that I was determined to solve. Solstheim’s creatures were known to carry diseases unlike any found on Vvardenfell. Yet, despite entering tombs, despite enduring freezing cold, despite encounters with clearly ailing animals- I had not fallen ill- not since Athynae had healed me. Before I could pursue the mystery further, a shout went up to indicate that Raven Rock was nigh.

With Captain Egnatius and the ore shipment on their way, I had expected Falco to be in a better mood, but he looked more miserable than ever. He overcame his gloom long enough to give me a brief smile and some gold- “a bonus,” he called it. He surveyed the growing colony and shook his head.

“You did a good job with Egnatius, and I appreciate it. We shouldn’t have any more trouble from him. But every time one problem is solved, another takes its place.”

He looked around before continuing in a quieter voice: “The logs from the mine don’t add up. Which means ore is disappearing before it gets to the storehouses. And, based on the shift schedules, Oryn Maren is the one making it disappear. But I need proof and I need you to get it.”

I nodded my acceptance, but asked: “How sure are you it’s him and not someone else? Or several ‘someones,’for that matter?”

Falco gave me a careful look before responding. “I won’t tell you my source, but I hear he’s hiding the stolen ebony in a chest in his house until he can pass it on. Find the chest and get the ore. He’s working in the mine right now, so you have a few hours.”

He reached into his pocket and drew out a key. “This will open his house. Search it and report back to me. We need the proof and we need it to be absolute.”

Ra'jirra finds this exchange a fine piece of speechcraft and is taking notes.

Julian’s presence is anything but silent. The questions she raises in her report hint at things that Athlain would not want to be made public. How far is she willing to go in order to discover the truth? Her final comment indicates that she is not yet sure of the answer.

QFT

In addition to heart palpitations, insomnia, confusion, disorientation, the tendency for long aimless wanderings in the snow, and the uncontrollable upward tilts of the mouth, it seems that love of Athynae has given proof against disease!

Ahh. . . more doggie snacks to savor!

I agree that the exchange about the trousers was pricelessly presented. A thump of the tail to you!

Hmm, another mystery.

It seems another task ahead.

Always a joy to travel with Athlain!

This chapter gives the feel that we are glimpsing snatches of memories, as if Athlain is going over in his mind how things occurred dove-tailing the present. It gives the feeling that there is a big picture we are only getting minute particles of now, but they are adding up to a stunning whole.

Athynae keeping her man from getting ill - now THAT is a good woman !!!

Keeping Athlain's illness at bay...Athynae
Because she couldn't be with him the whole way...Athynae
But she'll be back one day to stay...Athynae

Eh, you knew you couldn't get out of this without some of my terrible poetry the second you mentioned Athynae in the body of the chapter !!! Awesome Write Treydog !!!!

I can now count myself among the lucky people who own 'Morrowind: GOTY' and my new Nord, Hjolfyr, has just finished the EEC questline---It's so cool in Solstheim (No pun intended) and even though I sort of know what will happen next, you will still surprise and entertain me with this awesome story!

Athlain is back to work for the East India Empire Trading Company I see. Now rooting out corruption in the staff. It makes you wonder if Raven Rock has unusually bad luck, or if all the EETC efforts have so many difficulties.

Don’t trust to the gods or to luck- good soldiers make their own luck.
This reminds me of something from the first season of Wiseguy (when the series was at the top of its game), when Vinnie says: "I don't believe in luck. I make it, and I take it, but I don't stand around waiting for it."

Basks closed his eyes and thumped the deck once with his tail
This is a particularly good piece of making Argonian physiology come alive.

The sea captain soooo reminds me of an old joke.

"A Brave Sea Captain was famous for always wearing a red shirt during naval battles. Indeed, whenever enemy ships were sighted, the first thing he bellowed out was 'Fetch me my Red Shirt!'.

One of the Officers curious about the legend asked the first mate in the mess hall one evening about it. The first mate replied that the Captain wore the shirt so that if he got shot, noone could tell he was bleeding, and keep on fighting. The Officer was impressed with the Captians bravery and questioned it no further.

That very next morning, their was an entire Armada of enemy ships sighted off the port bow, and upon hearing the news, the captain bellowed out: 'Fetch me my brown pants!' "

And soon Athlain will be getting an Argonian nickname of "Makes-tail-thump"...

Don't worry, I'm keeping an eye on Julian during her sojourn on Solstheim. I just like to sit back and read everyone else's comments, since I've already shared mine with you, trey! I'm not worried about her at all.

I think her notes reflect her character well - terse and to the point, sharp as a tack as mALX likes to call her.

And I enjoyed the rehash of the classic brown pants joke. It elicited a groan from me, as all groaners do, without actually being said! The development of Basks's character truly enriches the story, and highlights Athlain's own personality.

This post has been edited by haute ecole rider: Oct 5 2010, 07:55 PM

SPEW !!!!!! ROFL !!!!!

@Cardboard Box- Considering that you inspired the description of the captain’s “substantiality,” feel free to borrow whatever seems to work.

@Destri- Bringing Julian into this part of the story was a bit of inspired madness that continues to pay dividends…. As you suggest, she has such “presence” that only a few words speak volumes. Athlain is slowly fumbling his way towards an answer- one that regarding which there have been some breadcrumbs in previous parts…. Bringing in a Senior Trooper Carbo quote seemed natural- faced with one tough NCO, Athlain cannot help but remember the one who most influenced his Legion career.

@Acadian- Having watched others populate their stories with wonderful Argonian characters, I decided Basks deserved a greater role. And sailors gossip almost as much as… well- anybody. As to sneaking in an Athynae reference, I cannot help myself. Athlain only thinks about her 23 hours and 59 minutes of the day…

@mALX- Thank you so much. I am pleased that the “retrospective” method is working for you. It will be even more apparent several episodes from now. This chapter is going on and on- but it does have an end point… somewhere. Originally, I made some decisions about things to leave out, but realized they were necessary for the vision I have, especially with a certain Legion investigator on the scene… Once again, the story is going where it wants, and I am just trying to hang on. I will refrain from getting into an “Athynae Poetry Slam”- for now.

@hazmick- Congratulations on the GOTY. I hope I can be creative enough to entertain everyone who has played through Bloodmoon….

@SubRosa- I actually (obtuse as I usually am) did not completely grasp what was going on with Raven Rock until I read the wiki. I mean, I was aware of the obvious conflict, but not the reason behind it. That will be revealed near the end of the chapter- if we ever get there. Wiseguy- you reference another of my all-time favorite shows (Season 1, especially- but Season 2 with Kevin Spacey and Joan Severance, as well).

@Blackhand- Oh, I love that story! Too bad Captain Egnatius did not have the foresight to wear his brown trousers when he tried to extort Athlain the Grumpy.

@D.Foxy- Any Argonian name is an honor- as long as it isn’t something like “Steps-on-His-Sword” or similar.

@haute- Incorporating Julian has been a joy, because you have made her such a strong and vivid person. There is a scene coming up on which I may ask for more active collaboration… but that would be telling. See note to Acadian above about my learning from others (yourself among them) the value of giving NPCs greater scope.

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

I did not attempt to conceal my movements as I went to Oryn Maren’s house and unlocked the door. In the first place, it would have been useless to try to sneak around in broad daylight while wearing Legion armor; in the second, the colony was owned by the Company and I was operating on Falco’s authority.

The door opened onto a sparsely furnished room, consisting of sitting and dining areas. If Maren was stealing ore, he wasn’t spending the proceeds on his house. A doorway in the left wall showed a simple bed- with a storage chest at its foot. The key for the door also fitted the lock on the chest, and I threw back the lid to find… nothing. It contained neither ebony ore, nor anything else. A thorough search of the rest of the house was equally unproductive. Either Falco’s “source” was wrong, or Oryn Maren was hiding the stolen ebony somewhere else. I closed up the house and returned to Falco to report my lack of findings.

The colony manager looked by turns stunned and then grim as he said,

“What- nothing? My information was very reliable....” He paused in thought and then nodded to himself.

“It may be that he was tipped off by someone. I don't claim to have a monopoly on spying here at Raven Rock. So, if we don't have any evidence, we'll just have to catch him red-handed. He should still be in the mine; follow him and see if he does anything suspicious. Take care not to be seen by anyone; they could alert him to your presence.”

“Yes sir. But is there someplace I can change out of my armor? Since the mine doesn’t use Legion guards, I’ll stand out like a sore thumb as long as I’m in uniform.”

“You’re right, of course, Athlain. Go ahead and use Oryn’s house- we know it’s empty.”

Inside the house, I removed my armor and put on a dark shirt and some sack-cloth trousers. Then I grabbed a pick from the tool-rack near the mine entrance and headed inside.

Based on his name, I knew I was looking for a dark elf; Falco had also described what the suspected thief was wearing. When I reached the east tunnel, I sighted my quarry and stopped behind a support to see what he would do. Maren waited until a couple of other miners had passed through the area, then set off into the gloomy depths.

As I trailed the elf, I listened to the eerie sounds that seemed to exist only in dark places deep underground. It was as if the very land itself was breathing, slowly and deeply. More disturbing were the roots that protruded from the tunnel walls and roof. They bore an uneasy resemblance to the legs of huge spiders, and I could almost swear that they moved slightly whenever I looked away. My discomfort was made worse by the fact that I had to stay close to the sides of the shaft to avoid detection. It was a relief when I saw Maren step into a storage area where he had no business- or at least no honest business.

Still better, I was able to see the miner fiddling with a stack of crates in the center of the chamber. Unfortunately for him, the area had only a single entrance, which I effectively blocked when I caught up to him. I rested the miner’s pick I carried on the ground and asked:

“Do you have an explanation for what you are doing? And I should tell you that I know only the foreman and mine manager are authorized to be in here alone.”

He swallowed and wiped a hand across his brow, saying in a shrill voice, “Yes, yes! You see, I... well, I was....”

Then he shrugged in resignation and spoke in a more normal tone:

“Okay, fine. You caught me. But I swear, I didn't want to do this! Carnius put me up to it - he said he'd kill me if I didn't steal as much ore as I could!”

I nodded and pointed to a corner. “Stand over there while I look at these crates.” Hefting the pick, I added, “Don’t try anything. I won’t hesitate to use this.”

The Dunmer did as I said, waiting quietly as I discovered several chunks of ebony ore inside one of the crates. With a gesture, I indicated that he was to precede me out of the mine.

When we reached Falco and I told him what had happened, he actually smiled, although it was somewhat forced.

“Just as I suspected. I didn't want to say anything at the time, but I was relatively sure that Carnius was involved. Well, now that we have a witness, perhaps it's time that we brought this matter to the attention of the investors.... I'll see to it that Oryn is sequestered in one of the colony's storerooms for now. Go see what Carnius has to say for himself, won't you?”

I admit that I looked forward to confronting Carnius with proof of his attempted sabotage, so much so that I did not even bother to retrieve my uniform before teleporting to the fort. When I entered his office without knocking, the Imperial gave me an irritated look and growled:

“Why are you pestering me? You made your decision and it’s too late to take it back. Run to Falco with your hand out if you want something. I have work to do.”

When I did not leave, Carnius turned his eyes back to his papers, trying to ignore me. Finally I said,

“Yes, about that…. I’m actually here on Falco’s behalf. It seems that he discovered that a miner named Oryn Maren has been stealing from the mine. Maren was caught- and he tells an interesting story about who put him up to it.”

I was disappointed by Carnius’ lack of reaction. He simply folded his hands and looked at me through slitted eyelids.

“I wouldn’t count on anything Maren says. He's a thief, and clearly a liar as well. Oh, don't you worry. I'll take care of this personally. But I assure you; I had nothing to do with any stealing.”

Then he picked up a manifest and added, “Run along now. I’m sure Falco has some boots for you to polish.”



“And how did you feel when Carnius Magius denied any involvement and dismissed you?”

Julian’s quiet question startled me and I answered without thinking:

“Why don’t you ask instead how I felt when I got back to Raven Rock and found out Oryn Maren was dead?”

I love your description of the tunnel, and those deep, dark places in the earth. It filled me with chthonian delight (after all my astral temple is a grotto much like Teresa's).

And another cliffie! I cannot say I was surprised to find that Maren was dead. But wow, Carnius moved fast to kill him! He must have had someone else at Raven Rock (Eden or Autumn?) who saw Maren get arrested and acted on their own to control the damage.

Another wonderful reference to Athlain's growing awareness of the land. Pretty spooky in this case.

This episode was a beautiful example of Athlain at his wonderfully most 'Athainish'. His logic flow makes perfect sense. His sense of duty and even bravery is admirable, but masterfully laced by a fine doggie hand with genrous swaths of humility and head scratching introspection. No wonder we love him so!

As ever, Julian is a powerful but delightful force wherever she goes.

I agree with Acadian on that descriptive paragraph he quoted. To me this line was chilling:

"Why don’t you ask instead how I felt when I got back to Raven Rock and found out Oryn Maren was dead?”

Julian won't go on blindly as if that wasn't said, she will dig like a termite till she gets to the truth of the matter !!!!! Athlain seems a little lost in the trial setting - but he is tangibly honest and his decisions are mature and well thought out before he acts (now) - knowing Julian's character, that will resound with her.

This story has picked up tremendously as Athlain has developed as a character.





ARGH !!!! Er...does that mean...you don't enjoy Athynae fans rallying each mention of her in your chapters with inane rhyme?

Athlain’s unwavering sense of duty won’t allow him to introduce Carnius to the business end of a miner’s pick! Too bad, I doubt that there is an Imperial alive in more dire need of some ventilation than that n’wah! Given all the trouble he has managed to cause, one can be forgiven for thinking that half of Raven Rock is addicted to skooma!