Good part. I agree with mALX that while not that much happened there was a lot of development there. Teresa is coming into her own, I wonder who will recognise her when she returned to the IC, I can't see her finding the waterfront much like home any more. And I suspect she'll quite easily deal with Vols having coped with the FG.

I liked the little references to other pieces, I caught three, though I suspect I missed some. All the fics seem to be slowly moving to cohabit the same world.

But I doubt they would let the contestants bet, just because of that. -- That's where Chance comes in, you get him to put the bet on for you in return that he knows what you're doing and can put his own money on, or you find Scumbag gro-Lotsofcash of the local mafia and cut a deal.

"Not carin' if you do or don't is I," the beggar said quietly. "But why is it that you do?" -- I loved this line. It fits her character so well, and might be part of the reason she knows so much.

Yet when she saw none other waving back, she found her own hand raising in a shy reply. -- And this was very Teresa. Of course the competition will be interested, someone else who came from nowhere and shot with the best of them, and not only that but another bosmer lass too. Of course Teresa won't realise that she is rather interesting, even if she has realised she has skill.

I wonder if Lady Scaurus remembers that nice Lars gro-Porsena on the other side?

' Teresa opened her mouth to reply, then shut it again a moment later. Why did she care? So what if people called her that? Of all the nicknames to have, it was hardly bad. Not like 'Teresa who can't hit the broad side of a barn' would be, or 'Teresa of the corpse-white skin', or 'Teresa of the dyed hair'.'
Oh my. I guess you're right, Teresa! I never thought of the other possibilities. Seriously, this was delightful!

I really enjoyed how Teresa was watching the shooting, then ruminating, then sort of watching, then chatting with Aia, then daydreaming about facing her Shadow like Ancondil told her, then watching some shooting. I know how fun that type of scene is to write! Are you sure Teresa's not a blonde under that red henna dye? This was all so very Teresa and you really portrayed it all well. It all gave such a perfect perspective of how the tournament fits into Teresa's other priorities. Yes, she is being somewhat swept into the event, but she still realizes that it is simply a sporting event that does not compare to some of the challenges she has faced in such places as Belda and Jensine's store.

There are only a couple scenes that you and I have attempted to almost perfectly 'mirror' between TF and BF, and the exchange of waves between Buffy and Teresa here was one of those. I can only hope that seeing your elf in BF when we portrayed this scene gave you as broad a smile as seeing mine here gave me.

I loved Aia's story of Lady Scaurus and that it included more of Bravil's mining town history. Also some hope that Count (His Pompousness) Regulus might someday be summarily removed.

'Teresa of the corpse-white skin' This had me rolling! And oh, how I loved that shy wave!

"Did she marry?" Teresa asked. It seemed odd that she had never heard of a Lord Scaurus. Imperials always wanted to marry. It seemed the most important thing in their lives. Although why escaped Teresa.
I loved this piece of cultural musing. Teresa has been reading Juno Austenius!

Holds the biggest balls too. Chance really gets around! Or would that be Pappy…

The mention of all the holidays made me jump for joy. I hope Lady Scaurus invites Teresa to Jester’s Day!!

Such an enjoyable segment. I’m glad Teresa sat with Aia. That lady brings a lot to the party.

21.1

Ah I'm happy Simplicia continued talking with Teresa with out missing a beat after she finds out that it isn't a guy Teresa's seeing. And shared some wisdom with Teresa.

21.2

Teresa's learning why 'normal people' dislike thieves and the like so much. She's worked hard for what she owns and she fears now that someone could just take it all away. I'm glad that little observation was included.
That's a neat banking system you have. I never thought of having a temple in charge of money. The part about the hair was great!

21.3

Raminus Polus again! How does Teresa not know who it is? She saw him tearing through Dremora not that long ago! There we go! She finally recognized him! (I'm writing this as I read)

It seems to be popular to portray Irlav as a grump. Complaining about Khajiit? Maybe a specific white furred Khajiit perhaps?

21.4

That grandfather is hilarious!!!

Fascinating history. Is it lore or did you make it up? Either way it's great.
After a gift like that I hope Teresa gets a few free hours
Good idea not sharing the whole truth with Herminia. She might not like the idea of looting the ruins for profit.

21.5

It brought a smile to my face when Teresa was checking out Herminia. Easy there Teresa!
More fascinating history!

21.6

Ugh Pelinal Whitestrake should have been put down like the animal he was a lot sooner.

21.7
&
21.8

War after war, hatred after hatred.

Oh and I meant to say this: I was thinking that it would be great if Teresa took Herminia on a little excursion to a ruin. I'll see if that ever happens!

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

22.1

First sentence and I'm excited. Vol's perspective! I've been wondering what's going on in his head for a while now.







I've always liked Lex. In the game he never seemed very bright but he did what he could to enforce the laws fairly.

22.2



I loved this chapter! The reward for hard work: more hard work.

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

23.1

My my my Teresa, look at what you walked in on?

23.2

I'm very glad that Teresa is not bothered that Nerussa does not love her. This could have been a very unpleasant parting if Teresa felt betrayed.

23.3


By the Nine Teresa has become ferocious.

Exciting skirmish, can't wait for Teresa to take down the armored one. He won't be so easy with the heavy armor.

23.4

Yikes just as I feared. Teresa went for a chest shot right into the thick armor.
The Legion to the rescue! Never ignore an enemy even if they are a tiny little Bosmer. There are enough lethal Bosmers on this forum for me to know not to underestimate them.

23.5

I'm glad you included some female legion in your story, I always found it a bit odd that Oblivion didn't have ANY. There is one female guard captain, but that's not legion and she's the only one.

I wonder if they will travel together now?

23.6

First the Blades, now the Legion want Teresa. She's impressing the right people that is for sure.
Off to Bravil and the Fighter's guild now!

This post has been edited by King Coin: May 20 2011, 07:23 AM

haute ecole rider: You just touched on one of the things Acadian and I have been striving for. Showing how the same events look from a different point of view. Especially those places where Buffy and Teresa intersect.

One of the reasons I am glad I created the character of the Great Lady of Bravil was to do as you said, use her to show more of Bravil's history, and how it blossomed from a dot on the Niben to a boom town.


mALX: I had not thought about it, but you are right about Lady Scaurus and Teresa. There is no bone-jumping desire there, or mommy feelings. So that means whatever relationship develops between them will be based only on respect and amity. Although both their social positions place a huge gulf between the two. Granted that has not stopped Teresa and Methredhel from remaining friends.


Captain Hammer: Horatio at the bridge! I wanted a recognizable name for the Lady's lost love. Someone who died in a heroic last stand. Horatio was the first to pop into mind.

Aia is a fun character to write, because she tells it like it is. She says the things others hold back on for the sake of politeness. I had originally planned out an intricate plot of Teresa's involving water-walking and invisibility potions to get Aia into the tourney. But in the end I thought the direct approach would work much better, as it allowed me to develop more of Teresa's relationships with her guildmates, and with a certain Bravil guard.


Olen: Scumbag gro-Lotsofcash! It is a good thing Teresa is not so devious! Or maybe a bad thing. Depending on how you look at it. You were right about the other cameos, it was only Aradroth, Zerina, and of course Buffy. A character from a fourth F will make a cameo during the finals, about 6 or 7 posts from now. If I could have found a way to work in more, I would have!


ghastley: Lars! Oops, wrong Lars.


Acadian: You are right, I guess Teresa was having a blond afternoon! I think my favorite scene between Buffy and Teresa was the one in the alley. I think because of Buffy's faint smile, the same outfit, and just the way it showed both characters. Perhaps some nice chap named Brutus would be glad enough to dethrone that nasty Tarquinius Superbus Regulus?


Grits: Well, It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered as the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters.

That would be Pappy with those big balls. I think Vincent might be the more appropriate party guest for Jester's Day though. Just so long as the Lady locks up her cucumbers...


King Coin: IRL the banking industry began in the temples. In many religions, charging interest was sacrilegious, which I am sure would have made them more popular than the private usurers too.

I also make my comments as I read. That way I do not miss things. I write my replies the same way!

I got my inspiration for Irlav from Cardboard Box's Raj'irra. Just as mALX indelibly marked Fathis Aren in my mind as a lech, Cardboard forever set Irlav as lazy, conservative, bigot. I just cannot picture either any other way anymore.

Perhaps one day Teresa and Herminia will explore the ruins of the Old Way, beneath the Imperial City?

By the Nine Teresa has become ferocious. Buffy is not the only bowgirl who can be cuddly as a rattlesnake!


Previously on Teresa of the Faint Smile: Teresa and Aia spent the afternoon watching the last of the qualifications. In that time Teresa learned a bit more about the Lady Scaurus, shared a wave with Buffy, and vowed to start facing her Shadow. Next, she returns to the FG to learn that she is indeed invited to the Lady's Tournament Ball.


Chapter 34.17 - The Tournament Of Archers

"Teresa!" Tadrose Helas cried as she entered the guild hall. "Where have you been? You only have a few hours to change and get ready."

"Get ready?" Teresa blinked at the Dunmer armorer. Her face was stained with the soot of the forge, and she was clad in worn leather trousers and an equally frayed linen top. Yet somehow she was more beautiful than any woman Teresa had ever laid eyes upon. By Dibella, how did the dark elf do that to her?

"Yes, get ready," the vice-commander proclaimed. "The ball begins in a few hours. Your invitation arrived just after you left this afternoon."

Teresa smiled faintly. Aia had been right - she mused - as usual. The Great Lady of Bravil had indeed invited her to her Tournament Ball. She followed Tadrose to the bath, where they both washed and soaked themselves in the giant tub, much to Teresa's delight. She was almost sorry when they dressed once more, only to head up to Teresa's room on the second floor.

There the Dunmer helped her change into the green velvet gown that she had bought from Nilawen's store her second day in Bravil. Teresa had always dreamed of Tadrose helping her out of her clothes, rather than into them. But she was thankful for whatever Dibella gave her. Afterward they sat at her plain dressing table while Tadrose first helped her with her makeup, then worked to braid Teresa's hair into an elegant ball behind her head.

"There," the vice-commander declared when she had finished. The dark elf set her hands upon Teresa's bare shoulders, at the edge of where her long-sleeved top met her bare skin. Teresa would have reveled in the sensation, except for what she saw in the mirror before her.

The hairstyle, while exquisite, only seemed to make her face even more long and angular than before, while her wood elf ears jutted from her head like the antenna on a insect. Thankfully Tadrose had left a few wisps of hair free to dangle down in front of them. But they were still not enough to hide her ears behind. Or her whole face for that matter.

Screenshot

"I'm not going," Teresa bit her lip and stared down at the table before her. Anything but look into the mirror.

"Why not?" The surprise was evident in Tadrose's voice. "I thought you were excited to go? If you are worried about not knowing anyone, Ancondil will be there, and Gaius, not to mention Kud-Ei and Henantier."

"I look terrible!" she pouted. "They will all laugh at me."

"Oh my dear," Tadrose's husky voice was close to her ear. "Whatever gave you that idea? Just look at yourself!"

"I did," she murmured through a tight throat. "I look like a giant mushroom!"

"Why are young women never happy with what Mara gave them?" Tadrose sighed. "You are beautiful Teresa. The most beautiful woman in Bravil."

To emphasize her words, the Dunmer bent down behind Teresa and slid her arms around the wood elf's belly. The scent of primrose was strong in the forester's nostrils as Tadrose leaned her head against her own, and the next thing Teresa knew the dark elf's lips were pressed against the bare skin of her throat in a soft kiss.

Teresa closed her eyes and rejoiced in the feeling. When she opened them again, she saw the dark elf in the mirror, standing straight behind her once more and smiling. Her heart soared higher than Aetherius. She saw in the mirror that her cheeks had flushed with color, and that a wide grin crested her rouge-colored lips.

"Tadrose… I…" Again Teresa cursed her tongue, now still as a rock within her mouth. There were so many things she wanted to say to the dark elf at the moment. But none would come from her throat!

Then a loud rapping sounded through the door. "Is our forest princess done in there!" came Pappy's strident voice. "We're ready to leave."

Teresa bit her lip. No! she silently railed, this was not fair!

"Don't bite your lip dear," Tadrose chided quietly. "It will smear your makeup."

Then the dark elf turned to step to the door. A moment later she opened it, and Teresa rose to her feet. Tadrose had kissed her! She had kissed her! The wood elf wanted to close her eyes and relive that moment for eternity. But the husky voice of the vice-commander brought her back to reality.

"Yes she is," the Dunmer woman said through the doorway. Then she turned back to Teresa and smiled. "Remember what I said Teresa, and enjoy yourself."

Teresa saw Pappy and Ancondil standing in the hallway beyond. The guild commander was dressed in impeccable black and red linen. Ancondil rose up behind him in blue and gold velvet. Both stared at her, in what Teresa imagined must be horror. Nothing else could explain their widened eyes and dropping jaws.

"Well I'll be damned, she's smiling!" Pappy exclaimed. "What did you do Tadrose, switch our Teresa with an imposter!"

Teresa simply blushed once more, thinking of what Tadrose had done. If only the dark elf had done more!

"Teresa, is that you?" Ancondil exclaimed next. "I should think that Dibella herself had come to grace us with her presence instead. Tadrose, please tell me I am not dreaming."

The wood elf felt stared at the floor and tried to control the pounding of her heart. Had he just said what she thought he had? Given that the first night she had met him, he tried to get into more than just her room, perhaps she had!

She wanted to say something in reply, but as it always did, her tongue deserted her. Nodding to the pair of men, she walked to the door. Her feet were unsteady in the high heels of her velvet-lined court shoes. Pausing to turn to Tadrose, she saw that the vice-commander as still beaming back at her. Had that kiss been merely a friendly, sisterly peck? Teresa wondered. Or had it been more? As much more as she prayed?

She let Pappy and Ancondil lead the way down to the ground floor, while Tadrose remained behind. There they found several of the other fighters crowded in the doorway to the sitting room off the vestibule. They hooted and hollered at the finely dressed men, until Teresa came into view. Then a chorus of whistles rose from the crowd. Even from Kurz, who was uncharacteristically not at a tavern - yet.

Teresa stared at Vincent, who was laughing and whistling with the others. She remembered what Aia had said to her during the afternoon: "calling you that people have been almost since you first came here." She bit her lip once more, and then silently reproached herself for doubtlessly smearing her lipstick.

Walking on unsteady feet, she stepped through the crowd to the Breton, who stared at her with a puzzled expression. "Vincent, I owe you an apology for what I did this morning." It took every ounce of willpower she possessed to force the words from her lips. "I shouldn't have spiked your tea. I'm sorry."

"What?" the Breton's eyes flew wide. "I knew it! I knew you did something! I spent all morning on the pot because of you!"

Teresa lowered her gaze to the floor, carefully inspecting the simple pigskin shoes that the Breton wore. When she finally lifted her gaze, she saw that Vincent's fingers had balled into fists. Her heart doubled its pace, and time seemed to slow to a crawl. She saw his right hand rear back, then launch forward like an arrow shot from a bow. She steeled herself to stand still, rather than dodge aside as her body screamed at her to do.

Suddenly she remembered her first day at the guild hall, when she had stormed out. Pappy had grabbed her, and she had almost hit him. She remembered how the guild commander had simply stood there, waiting for her to land the blow. Only where she had pulled her punch, Vincent did not.

His fist cracked into her jaw like a mule's kick. Teresa saw stars, and felt her head snap back. She tottered on her high heels, and felt her feet go out from under her. Yet she did not slam into the hard floor a moment later. Instead she felt a pair of giant hands catch her, and hold her aloft.

"It's raining wood elves!" she heard Lum gro-Baroth's voice in her ears.

Then the room descended into a cacophony of shouts. Teresa saw fighters holding gold and silver coins aloft, and realized they are taking bets on the fight between her and Vincent. She shook the stars from her eyes, and rubbed her chin. Her jaw hurt all the way back to where it joined her skull. One thing was for certain, Vincent knew how to throw a punch!

"I know I had that coming," Teresa heard herself say. "Does that settle this?"

The Breton stood with arms akimbo. He looked frustrated. Teresa wondered if it was because she was not punching him back. The other fighters roared around them, placing bets, and urging them both to have at it. Vincent turned for a moment, rubbing one hand on his chin as if deep in thought. Then he turned back to regard Teresa.

"Just tell me one thing," the Breton growled. Teresa nodded and he continued in a suddenly lighter tone. "What do you call a mosquito in field plate?"

Teresa shrugged, wondering what on Nirn the Breton was talking about?

"A bite in shining armor!"

Vincent laughed uproariously at his joke. The other fighters merely shook their heads and groaned. Teresa forced a smile to her face, feeling the tension slip from her body. She extended her hand to Vincent, and the Breton took it without rancor. Looking back to the others, she saw a look of approval on Ancondil's features.

Then she ran back up the stairs as fast as her ungainly shoes would allow. She had to fix her makeup, and see if the punch had left a bruise!

This post has been edited by SubRosa: May 20 2011, 10:26 PM

Love that screen on Teresa, her hair is beautiful! I'll come back to read tonight or tomorrow, way too busy a day today to get any reading in today.

Way to go Teresa!

Apologizing to Vincent and taking his punch was awesome! Though to be honest, Vincent's response to her apology left something to be desired. Perhaps he needs to get in touch with his own Shadow? Of course, he probably doesn't know why she spiked his tea in the first place - likely thought he was paying her a compliment when he registered her as Teresa of the Faint Smile in the tourney!

And a wonderful transformation of our little forester elf. Green is definitely her color, especially with that red hair. Too bad Julian didn't go anywhere outside the Leyawiin Mages Guild with hers!

Ah, the curse upon all mankind. And by that, I mean MAN-kind. As exemplified by poor Ancondil.

You see a pretty woman all dressed up for the night out, and you can only think that an avatar of Dibella has graced you for the evening. And even if you know you can't have it, you want it, if only for a moment.

It's a good thing Vincent and Teresa ended it where they did. Who knows what could have happened to that dress had it gone any further.

Still, it would have been a good idea to apologize before getting ready, or after the party. No sense in repeating the same job for the same results because of bad timing.

Perfect timing... still I rather suspect Tadrose is interested now, and if she hadn't before had realised now. Was she wondering of Teresa was interested I wonder? With a smile like that (less of the faint smile than of the broad grin) I suspect her doubts might be put to rest. After the final is my bet.

Both of them seem to have rather a lot wanting in dealing with eachother. Spiking someone's drink because they call you a name seems excessive, but then the punch was a bit much too.


I doubt it'd be that quick, they normally take a while to come up. For the final the morning after though or at the party, if she's unlucky.

Olen's right. Speaking from personal experience, it takes two to three days for bruises to become truly colorful. Probably during the ball, it'll be just red. The blue comes the next day, then the gorgeous purples, greens and yellows. The yellow is the last to fade.

What good fun we had today! I agree with mALX, Teresa looks stunning in that hairdo!

Sometimes it's just one punch is all that is needed to get something out of someone's system. It's good to see Vincent isn't holding anything against Teresa, even though she pulled a naughty no-no with his tea.

I still wonder about Tadrose, and whether or not she does love Teresa, but I shall wait patiently to see what may happen. I make no speculations about love, as love is something you need to simply let happen. No one can force it.

I hope Teresa enjoys the ball, though.

How fun was this?!? Well for us readers anyway. Parts of it were not so fun for Teresa. Nevertheless, a wonderful episode.

'while her wood elf ears jutted from her head like the antenna on a insect. '
Buffy's heart was breaking. She knows all about feeling self-conscious about those wood elven horse ears.

"Why are young women never happy with what Mara gave them?" Tadrose sighed. "You are beautiful Teresa. The most beautiful woman in Bravil."
Tadrose is wise. Teresa no doubt does not yet see how Tadrose feels about her.

"Is our forest princess done in there!" came Pappy's strident voice. '

"Don't bite your lip dear," Tadrose chided quietly. '
In case there was any doubt Teresa, this sounds a lot like the sound a mate makes when they nag!

"Teresa, is that you?" Ancondil exclaimed next. "I should think that Dibella herself had come to grace us with her presence instead. Tadrose, please tell me I am not dreaming."
A lovely compliment. Fortunately, Teresa knows Ancondil well enough to know he means every silken word of it.

"It's raining wood elves!" she heard Lum gro-Baroth's voice in her ears. '

'She had to fix her makeup, and see if the punch had left a bruise! '
Oh thank Mara for healing and bloom spells!

The 'fight' was well handled by both you and Teresa. I'm so glad Vincent pulled his head out, and that Teresa taking the punch disarmed him.

24.1

Yes! The Faregyl Inn!
I think it's funny that she thinks she needs to include some credentials with her name when she introduces herself to Alix and the knight. "I'm Teresa, um, archer, potion-maker, and explorer."

24.2

I love tie ins!
I really liked this section, you captured the emotions of S'jirra and Alix so well. This is such a fantastic section.

I guess I'm a fan of chick-writing.

24.3

It's nice that after seeing Alix's and S'jirra 's pain that Teresa was inspired to send a letter.
And she's leaving out her encounter with the bandits! Probably for the best I guess. I'm sure Simplicia would not benefit from hearing about that little episode! That was such a thoughtful letter.

GAAAAH! Vincent should have punched her in the stomach, not smudged her make-up !!! Some people never learn!

I got a kick out of this line:




ROFL !!! "That was great, now where is the rest?" ROFL !!!

Awesome Write, even if I do want to have Maxical run Vincent through now for punching Teresa !!!

Lovely Teresa! So many wonderful words to read! I only wish I could stay up all night reding. But my boss won't like me to sleep during morning meeting so....But as i told mALXie and others...I'll get there!

Yikes, it seems that Vincent can’t take a joke, but Teresa can sure take a punch! I’m glad they’ve made peace, whether or not their score is even. When he slugged her, all I could think was “Oh no, if she fights she’ll mess up her hair!!” She looks absolutely stunning, her dear friends have that right.

But on to important matters: the kiss! Finally!! Even if Teresa talks herself into thinking it was a friendly, sisterly peck. How sweet that they have each nominated the other for Bravil’s most beautiful woman, one by thinking, the other by saying! Loved this episode.

mALX: Teresa was hoping for the rest too! Well, maybe someday.


haute ecole rider: Vincent's response was indeed extreme by modern, civilized standards. But you have to remember that they are the Fighters Guild, not the Mages Guild, or Vintner's Guild, or Miner's Guild, etc... They brush their teeth with scotch, and settle their arguments with their knuckles. Pappy would not have hired Vincent if he did not have that inner scrapper. Or Teresa for that matter.


Captain Hammer: I was also thinking what terrible timing that apology was on Teresa's part. But you know wood elves, always acting precipitously.


Olen: Are not those interruptions at just the wrong moment just wonderful?


Thomas Kaira: The Breton Buck is not the type to stew over vengeful thoughts. Especially after he already skinned his knuckles on the chin of the offender. His only disappointment was probably that Teresa did not fight back.


Acadian: Your comment about the nagging made me laugh out loud. Also, I am glad someone liked the line about 'raining wood elves'.


King Coin: Chick-writing it is then! That whole chapter at the Faregyl was mainly intended to give more depth to Teresa's relationship with Simplicia, which was not nearly as well-portrayed as I wanted it to be in the TF 1.0 over at the Bethesda forums.


minque: Glad to see you back. Min. Hope to see more of Serene soon as well!


Previously on Teresa of the Faint Smile: In our previous episode of TotFS, Teresa got ready for the ball with the help of Tadrose, and got a real kiss on the neck from the mysterious vice-commander. She also apologized to Vincent for spiking his tea in the morning, and settled their dispute by eating a knuckle-sandwich. Next, Teresa is off to the ball!


Chapter 34.18 - The Tournament Of Archers

Teresa drew forth a small mirror from the purse at her hip, and stared at her reflection in the silvered glass. A simple healing spell had dispelled the red mark that Vincent's right cross had tattooed upon her chin, along with the ache that had spread through her entire jaw. The soft red rouge that colored her lips glistened in the mirror. At the same time her green eyes seemed to almost glow in the shadow of the kohl that hovered over them and darkened her lashes.

"Come on princess," Pappy reached out a hand to drag her forward. "You look beautiful."

"That's easy for you to say!" Teresa exclaimed. Yet she allowed herself to be pulled forward to the wide portico that lined the front of Scaurus Manor. The stone mansion was lit up with brilliant glowstones, and a velvet carpet rolled down the steps to the street outside. Servants in pressed linen flanked the entrance, standing as stiff and still as statues.

Teresa laid one hand on Ancondil's proffered arm as she ascended the steps. She was still getting used to the court shoes. While she could not deny how much she loved the way they looked on her feet, not to mention how undeniably feminine they made her feel, walking in them was not easy. She wondered how women such as Nerussa could make it look effortless?

Years of practice, Teresa imagined as they entered the manor. She had to fight her jaw's urge to drop to the floor as she gazed about the vestibule. It was larger than the entire Merchants Inn in the Market District. The floor was polished marble, as were the columns rising to the ceiling overhead. The walls were painted with images of the Nine Divines and inlaid with gold leaf. Potted plants rose from small tables, or sprouted from massive planters on the floor, filling the room with warmth and life.

Even in the vestibule, patricians and equites in fine silk, velvet, and lace stood and talked. Servants in linen wove their way through the islands of partygoers, carrying trays laden with delicately curved glasses of wine or sweet treats. Heads turned to take in the trio, and Teresa's heart stopped for a moment. Then they all turned back to their private conversations, as if nothing momentous had happened.

"Come on, let's hit the bar," Pappy declared, leading them to a ballroom off the vestibule. Teresa swore that the gigantic hall was the size of an insula. As with the vestibule, it was all polished marble and gold. A band of musicians played in one corner, and nearly a hundred people danced in the center of the floor. They did not move in pairs, but rather all danced together as a group, in a routine as intricate and polished as any of Pappy's early morning drills.

Teresa could not help but to stop and stare at the women. Oh Dibella the women! Of every race on Tamriel, they were all so fine and resplendent in their elegant gowns, cinched corsets, and sparkling jewels. The delicate ladies flowed across the floor in court shoes higher than her own, but with the grace of swans, or of Aedra themselves. Adorning them Teresa saw diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and every other precious stone imaginable, set in earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings of gold and platinum.

Teresa sighed. Why could she not look like that?

"And whom do we have here?" the voice of a lioness rose in Teresa's ears. Turning, she saw the Great Lady of Bravil herself - Metella Scaurus - standing behind her. The middle-aged Imperial wore a gown of cream silk and lace. The rubies that had once graced her throat were now replaced by a glittering web of diamonds, and the same stones sparkled from her ears. As always, she stood as regal and proud as a queen, and Teresa felt her heart double its pace in her chest as the lady held her hand out to her. "Teresa of the Faint Smile is it? Along with Ancondil of Cheydinhal?"

Teresa stared blankly at the other woman's hand, noting that the diamond on her finger was larger than any she had ever seen in her life. Then she remembered what Tadrose had told her about Imperial etiquette. Lifting the hem of her skirt with both hands, she did her best to execute a formal curtsey. At least as best as her high-heeled shoes would allow.

A moment later Ancondil followed suit, only bowing this time instead of curtseying, and gently kissing the Imperial's hand. Teresa could see that unlike herself, he knew what he was doing, as his every motion was smooth and practiced. When he spoke, it was with equal grace. "I am your humble servant, my lady."

"I am pleased that you both have joined our celebration," the lady declared. Teresa wondered if she meant the 'our' as the royal 'we'? or if she merely meant to include the other guests in her reference? She was not about to ask. "May I presume that your commander is also in attendance?"

"Yes indeed my lady," Ancondil replied. "I believe he has sought out refreshments."

"With the young ladies no doubt," Lady Scaurus murmured, and Teresa could not keep a faint smile from crossing her lips. That is until the lady looked her in the eye. She held her breath, waiting for the rebuke that was sure to follow. Yet when the Nibenean spoke once more, it was without rancor.

"Yet not with this young one," she said softly. "You must be quite remarkable indeed, to resist the charms of the infamous Commander Vitellus."

"Indeed, Teresa is a woman like no other."

Teresa turned at the voice, and blinked at the young man standing before her. Dressed in soft red and purple velvet, his handsome features were marred by scars. One slashed down his forehead to the inner tip of his left eyebrow, and another cut across the cheek on the same side of his face. His pale blue eyes sparkled as they took Teresa in, and before she knew it, he was reaching out to take her hand. Executing a bow as formal and perfect as Ancondil's, he bent down to softly kiss her fingers.

"It is an honor to meet once again."

"Val- Sir Nasica," Teresa stammered. After a moment of staring at the knight, she remembered to curtsey, and thanked Dibella for allowing her to execute the tricky maneuver without falling over. "I… did not know you were in Bravil."

"The two of you are acquainted then?" The Great Lady of Bravil arched one eyebrow ever so slightly. On anyone else, the motion would have been barely perceptible, yet on one so studied in her composure as the Nibenean, Teresa suspected that it spoke volumes.

"So we are," the scarred knight said, now turning to Lady Scaurus. "We share a mutual friend in Nerussa, whom we both hold in equal regard."

Now the lady's eyebrow did more than just barely move. It rose a full inch. Teresa wondered what that might mean. Did she know Nerussa as well? Or simply know of her? It seemed there was little in Cyrodiil that escaped the attention of Lady Scaurus.

"Is that a fact?" she said quietly. "Well then, you are indeed an unusual young woman, are you not Teresa? Archer, alchemist, magician, guardian of the forest, and now a friend of the Golden Lady of the Imperial City as well."

"Um, if I may be so bold, do you also know Nerussa, my lady?" Teresa asked nervously, hoping that she was not overstepping her bounds.

"That I do," the middle-aged Imperial replied, showing no signs of displeasure. "When I was younger. Younger than you are now. We were… close."

Now Teresa could not help but to raise an eyebrow herself. Did that mean what she thought it did? The Nibenean smiled back at her. It did. Teresa's head swam. What a tangled web of relationships she had flown into! She was thankful when the music stopped, causing all to turn their heads to the dance floor.

"I must say, I have been desirous of a turn about the floor for some time now." The Great Lady looked at Ancondil, and there was no mistaking the meaning behind her statement.

"Then please allow me to escort you Lady Scaurus." The Orisimer extended an arm to the Imperial, who laid a soft hand upon it and glided away with the towering man. As they stepped away, Teresa saw Ancondil lean down and whisper something in the lady's ear, which brought a trill of laughter from the older woman.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: May 26 2011, 04:06 AM

What magic you wove into this scene as Teresa enters the grand ball! I love this chapter! The fact that Nerussa seems to have made an early conquest of all three participants (along with all the mobile eyebrows) added the perfect amount of humor to their second meeting, LOVE this chapter !! Awesome Write!

I love the haughty Lady Scaurus! Class all the way. Remove those flashy diamonds and she would still command just as much respect as always. It's all in the demeanor, kids, all in the demeanor.

And that haughtiness hides a naughty secret? Even more delicious!