Expertly written, Treydog! The back-and-forth between the two women was extremely realistic, and served to further my immersion into the story. Well done!

I shudder to think what is going through their minds at the thought of what trouble Athlain might be getting himself into over this whole mix-up. Athlain has greatly matured in the time since Athynae's departure, though, and so I am not worried at the mix-up...I'm more worried about the troubles that are just over the horizon.

This post has been edited by Khajiit_Thief01: May 29 2011, 04:48 AM

What an ending to that chapter! Now that is a cliffhanger that crept up on me, I was not expecting that at all! Awesome Write !!!!

“I don't know what to say, Aunt Baria. I simply do not understand why you felt the need to meddle in this. It is true Athlain was in trouble when I found him, but I fixed that. Then, he got himself into another bad spot, but I took care of that, too. And, if Mama had not insisted on getting inside of my mind, I would have gone on taking care of him. But now, who knows what he might do?”

Oh my goodness, this is priceless. The mothers shouldn’t have meddled; Athynae was doing just fine meddling by herself!

I’m sure Athynae and Baria will never agree on whether the mothers were protecting or controlling, but it seems that their common ground of what to do about Athlain will at least change the subject.

@haute- Things will certainly get- interesting- at least for a little while.

@Athynae- Athlain and stupid go together rather like- peanut butter and jelly. And mothers will always reserve the right to “snoop,” especially if they have children like those two.

@SubRosa- Yes, that bit of misunderstanding had pretty well run its course- except for this post and the next one… And I read too many of those “comedy of errors” plays in HS and the university- it obviously affected my brain. And the parallel of children who have been raised to be strong and yet also somewhat overprotected was unintentional- but it is certainly there. The POV shifts… those were intentional, as I hoped to show what both were thinking. It may be that the intent was not worth breaking the flow of the narrative. I will ponder it.

@Acadian- Yes, I allowed her to languish too long as only an occasional thought or memory. She deserves to have the stage to herself- or with her bumbling beau. And the lines you quote show her wit, her temper, and her quicksilver mind.

@Captain Hammer- Yes, I believe Athynae’s more recent experience with Athlain’s ability to find trouble without even looking for it is quite relevant. And those pesky Daedric princes probably ARE up to something, again. Hard to say about Divayth Fyr… His solution (which Baria would likely applaud) might be to lock Athlain up for 20 years or so.

@Olen- Once more, you find the heart of the “undercurrents.” Beneath the humor (and the yelling) there are some problems that need to be sorted. An important side note- in the TNG (Trey: Next Generation) universe, Athynae Sarethi was the FIRST child born on Vvardenfell following the end of the Blight. Athlain was the second. Because of that- and because of who their respective parents are, they have been rather more protected and spoiled and coddled than children are under other circumstances.

Someone is making a trip… but- well, see the post below.

@minque- I predict a Nirn-shaking, but productive, reunion when Serene reaches Indarys Manor. And yes, Athlain is quite adept at finding trouble, especially now that his self-appointed guardian half-elven princess has gone home.

@Khajiit_Thief01- My thanks. The Baria-Athynae scene was a fun one to write, as they “talk past each other.” And of course, the fact that the “resolution” angers Athynae even more than the misunderstanding… Unfortunately, Athlain’s new sense of responsibility is still coupled with his uncanny knack for making mistakes, as will be seen shortly. And yes, the more serious issues are also approaching rapidly.

@mALX- I have to keep my cliff-hanging skills honed…. And their eyes widening and meeting like that was one of those “pictures in my head” that I knew HAD to be included.

@Grits- Yes, you have captured Athynae’s essence: “Why did you insist on meddling when I was doing just fine meddling by myself?”

And I think Serene’s arrival will rather change the shape of the argument- at least as far as Baria is concerned. However, true to her red-headed nature, she will probably not “fade into the background.”

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

When I was able to return to the colony, I was relieved to see that none of the miners or other residents had taken any serious hurt. However, Afer Flaccus mentioned that Apronia Alfena seemed to be missing. We investigated and found an empty house. Empty of any living person, it should be said. Most of her clothes were still in the closets and chests, but there was no sign of Mistress Alfena herself until Afer lifted a sealed parchment from the dining table. He raised it to his nose to inhale the scent and then offered it to me, saying:

“Has your name on it.”

When I broke the seal, the message, written in an elegant hand, rather deepened the mystery.



Carnius’ schemes had died with him; Constans Atrius was recalled to the main office for some detailed- and I hoped painful- questioning. A representative of the Company arrived and tried to convince me to take over in the unlamented Carnius’ place, but I refused. First, I did not have time to run the colony. Second and perhaps more significant, my first and only act as Factor would have been to order the spoil and debris be returned to the ground from which it had been extracted. I doubted that would meet with the Directors’ approval.

In the end, it did not matter. The ebony soon ran out, but Falco was able to use his connections with the Skaal to develop a new market. He began a trade in horker ivory and fine furs, which soon became luxury items on the mainland. His business sense coincided with the Skaal concept of only taking a small amount in a given season, which kept the prices high. The population of the colony shrank, with only a few hardy souls staying on. Afer and Gratian were among them- they remained with Falco for the rest of their days.

As for me, my duties to the Company were at an end; but other responsibilities still weighed upon me. At first, I turned my eyes north, toward the Skaal village, where I must resume Heart-Fang’s testing. But then, a different thought occurred to me. Korst had told me that I must resolve all that was unsettled in my soul before I could complete the Skaal ceremonies. And there was one ache that troubled me above all others. So, I took ship from Raven Rock to Khuul. And from Khuul, I traveled down the coast of Vvardenfell, to Ebonheart.



The squared stones and cobbled streets of the port were a reminder that I was no longer on the frontier and that what might be acceptable on Solstheim would not pass muster here. Even so, I believed that protocol was on my side as I bypassed the East Empire Company office and marched toward the Grand Council Chambers. Pausing before the heavy wooden doors, I made sure everything was in place and then stepped inside.

I ignored the various functionaries and officials and petitioners; for their part, they certainly noticed me, but did not bar my way. In fact, a number of them made haste to clear a path through the reception area to the main stairs. Maintaining a steady pace, I mounted the steps to a second floor hallway. At a turning, I saw the person I sought- Duke Vedam Dren. He was a magnificent figure in his gold-inlayed ebony armor, still youthful and fit, despite his age. An aura of power seemed to swirl about the Dunmer, but I would nevertheless speak my words to him.

Holding my gaze steadily at a point just beyond the Duke’s left shoulder, I strode down the hall. The guards saw me and drew their swords, preparing to bar my approach. The Duke raised a single finger to quell them and they sheathed their weapons. I stopped a precise distance from the highest noble on Vvardenfell, who gave me an appraising stare and inquired:

“Yes, citizen?”

I placed my right hand on my mace, but did not draw it as I replied:

“Duke Vedam Dren, my name is Athlain Treyson. As is my right and my duty, I hereby challenge you to a duel.”

The silence stretched, broken at last by a chuckle from one of the guards. He made as if to take my arm- obviously having decided I was a lunatic. But the Duke again made that stilling gesture. His eyes never left my face as he indicated the black ribbon I wore on my arm.

“No. This one is serious. I will hear what he has to say. And then- well, then we shall see.”



Baria, the lady of Indarys Manor and wife of Trey, paused outside the doorway of her elder daughter’s room. The three girls, her own and Athynae Sarethi, had been in there for some time. Even though the whole business about “sanctuary” had been dealt with, their guest seemed in no hurry to leave. The "discussion" had been difficult, as had the talk with Serene. And so, for a variety of reasons, Athynae remained here. Baria did not mind- the young woman was a delight- when she had her temper under control. And her stories of Athlain helped ease the ache in a mother’s heart. She also appeared to be having a good effect on Maesa and Caia. In fact, when Baria tapped on the door and entered the room, she saw that the desk was covered with parchment and quills. That was- amazing. She loved her girls, but they generally approached schoolwork with the attitude of a condemned prisoner nearing the gallows.

The truth was, Baria’s decision to check on the three had been prompted by the rather prolonged silence from that quarter. In her experience, quiet children were either ill or getting into mischief. But, as three red-haired heads turned to look at her, all she saw were eyes bright with excitement and smiles that she could not quite decipher. Knowing that questions would only yield vague and unlikely answers, she simply smiled in return and said, “Don’t let me interrupt. Supper will be ready in an hour.”

She stepped back out and closed the door behind her, pausing for a moment to thank the Nine for bringing Athynae here. Her smile faltered just a bit when she heard Athynae murmur something inaudible, then a muffled giggle followed by Mae’s voice querying:

“He said WHAT?”

Which question was immediately answered by another murmur and Cai’s insistent direction:

“Write it down! Write it down! That’s perfect!”

Silence returned, punctuated by more giggling. Baria closed her eyes tightly, shook her head, and said a silent prayer for her only son. Whatever he might face on Solstheim was nothing compared to what awaited him when he got home.

This post has been edited by treydog: Jun 5 2011, 10:25 PM

So now the comedy of errors heads off in another direction, this time between Athlain and Duke Dren! How quickly will this get resolved? Oh, I have no doubt it will be resolved, but the means has me a little concerned.

And this: OMG! Poor Athlain! He'll never live it down when he gets home! Those evil girls might just drive him back to Solstheim in stubborn bachelorhood status! :facepalm:

And now we know. Oh, it's just as well he took the ship down the coast, hopefully it will have left time for people to second guess what his unique sense of honour would compell him to do. And of course:



Well. Serene is involved now. If ever someone could smooth over brash and impulsive ideas...

And let's not forget:



Sorry for pulling so many quotes out, but it's like a puzzle Checking back, trying to infer meaning from comments made previously. Like all the best mysteries.

Have I mentioned before how much I love this story?

Only thing I'm a little unsure about. How could the Duke be challenged to a duel by a citizen? Surely anybody wanting to build a reputation for themselves or the local unhinged lunatic or anyone with a political agenda could therefore challenge him? Unless Athlain has got it wrong of course. After all, he does say he "believes" protocol is on his side...

Hmm.

Cruelty, thy name is cliffhanger.

Baria certainly has a mother’s wisdom. It is a joy to get a peek into her mind.

As for Athlain… oh, dear. I’m afraid whatever he says next will haunt him for the rest of his days. There are a lot of guards standing around already snickering. It seems that the Duke has a cool head though, so as he said, we shall see.

Athlain! For Nirns sake...BEWARE of the Duke! Hmmm but,,,he wasn't all that bad was he? Well I really need to talk some sense into you, perhaps I'll come after you dear boy or future son-in-law

regards

Serene


PS Journal in progress! Bear with me!

Hey Treydog im trying hard to catch up.

Your work has had me laughing, crying, angry, all the emotions. you write so powerfully its amazing.

Keep up the good work

Oh NO !!! Athlain ... NOOOOOOO !!! GAAAAAH !!! I hope it gets settled without the duel, Athynae won't be there to rescue him from this one !!! GAAAAH !!! ARGH !!! Great Write !!!

Just caught up.

Wish I could take snippets of all my favorite quotes and the like, but that would take hours.

Well done sir, your crown as king of the FanFic Forum is well earned!

Just caught up, and its all I have come to expect from you.

Therefore, all I have left to say is,

S.G.N.M (so. good. need. more)

Well I just re-read that part, there's certainly a lot there. An end to his involvement with the EEC it appears. Then a delay to his rescuing Carius while he sorts out personal matters, this is certainly headed for quite a climax.

The last bit in Indarys manor is tantalising too, almost like one of the interludes has crept into a chapter. What's going on there. Perhaps just what it seems, but I suspect more.

The first bit does raise one question - it's been a while since the fort was attacked which makes me wonder if Athlain has decided on the likely outcome and so is focussing on his surviving the search for Carius rather than running blindly in to rescue him. As far as I recall there's been no evidence either way.

I also have one slight nit with the paragraph: In the end, it did not matter. The ebony soon ran out, but <snip>for the rest of their days. I found its tone was rather retrospective, almost like an epilogue (which it sort of is to that side of the story). This broke the immediacy and flow for me by reaching into events in the far future from those current and damaged the tenson a little. It is just my opinion though and seeing as no one else has picked up on it is probably just me.

So Apronia was the spider in the web all along, not Carnius? Now that is an interesting twist on not only her, but this entire questline. To be honest, it never made any sense to me that Carnius would want to sabotage his own enterprise. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot. But if he was only a puppet dancing to someone else's strings - someone who perhaps had a big stake in raw ebony mining elsewhere and did not want competition - then it all makes sense. That is of course assuming that Apronia herself is not simply an agent of that other party, which seems most likely.

Your summation of the colony's fate was likewise very thoughtful and unique. Perhaps you might add Stahlrim to the list of Solstheim rarities that Falco exports?

“Duke Vedam Dren, my name is Athlain Treyson. As is my right and my duty, I hereby challenge you to a duel.”
Oh boy! This just had to happen, did it not? Here we see the payoff for the knowledge you gave us of the black armband a few segments ago.


nits:
When I was able to return to {the} colony
Looks like some sneaky Skaal hunter made off with your the above.


Baria, the lady of Indarys Manor and wife of Trey, paused outside the doorway of her elder daughter’s room. The three girls, her own and Athynae Sarethi, had been in there for some time. Even though the whole business about “sanctuary” had been dealt with, their guest seemed in no hurry to leave. The "discussion" had been difficult, as had the talk with Serene. And so, for a variety of reasons, Athynae remained here. Baria did not mind- the young woman was a delight- when she had her temper under control. And her stories of Athlain helped ease the ache in a mother’s heart. She also appeared to be having a good effect on Maesa and Caia. In fact, when Baria tapped on the door and entered the room, she saw that the desk was covered with parchment and quills. That was- amazing. She loved her girls, but they generally approached schoolwork with the attitude of a condemned prisoner nearing the gallows.
The truth was, Baria’s decision to check on the three had been prompted by the rather prolonged silence from that quarter. In her experience, quiet children were either ill or getting into mischief. But, as three red-haired heads turned to look at her, all she saw were eyes bright with excitement and smiles that she could not quite decipher. Knowing that questions would only yield vague and unlikely answers, she simply smiled in return and said,
These two paragraphs have run together. Looks like the forum ate the space between them.


The truth was, Baria’s decision to check on the three had been prompted by the rather prolonged silence from that quarter. In her experience, quiet children were either ill or getting into mischief. But, as three red-haired heads turned to look at her, all she saw were eyes bright with excitement and smiles that she could not quite decipher. Knowing that questions would only yield vague and unlikely answers, she simply smiled in return and said,

“Don’t let me interrupt. Supper will be ready in an hour.”
Then right afterward it looks like this was meant to be a single paragraph, but a manual line break got put in before the dialogue.

Oh, dear. I get the feeling that this business between the Duke and Athlain is either not going to end well, or someone is going to walk away a very embarrassed man.

Gee... I wonder what Athynae is gossiping about?

And a very unique twist on the end of the Raven Rock fiasco. Ulterior motives sure are fun, aren't they?

This post has been edited by Thomas Kaira: Jun 6 2011, 01:21 AM

Three redheads in a room together with the door shut is definitely a recipe for disaster, oh wait, I mean excellent planning. HEHE. I hope for Baria and Trey's sake I don't corrupt Athlain's sisters too much with my stories of their brother.

Mother, I am waiting as patiently as I can stand, you can go after Athlain later to "talk some sense" into him, that is if I don't get to him first, may have to be a repeat of the "hurt him and heal him" scenario from the "moonsugar" cabin.

Great job Trey, it just keeps getting better!!!

A

@haute- Resolution on the way…. Of course, Mae and Cai have never forgiven him for “running off to join the Legon.” Especially since he seems incapable of writing home to tell them of his adventures. I have a final bit of “revenge” planned for the very end of the story- but that would be telling.

@Burnt Sierra- An answer to your question first- Athlain is effectively a “noble” by virtue of his birth. Beyond that- he could lean on his rank in the Legion. But- you are correct, not just anyone would have the right to challenge the Duke of Dread.

Serene is, I imagine, working through some difficulties of her own- mothers and daughters and all of that. And yes, I just HAD to cliff-hanger it.

@Grits- By the way, Jerric’s Story is now loaded on my Kindle- and that should mean reading (and commenting) will improve soon. Baria is a composite of my own mother, plus Mrs. Treydog, plus a number of other “wise women” I have been privileged to know. And the Duke will have a bomb to drop- as will be seen shortly.

@minque- Even though the Duke is Hlaalu and his brother is- well, who he is- he DOES have some wisdom and humor. He would certainly know that dueling- and possibly killing- Trey’s only son would be a VERY BAD IDEA. ™ And we anxiously await the newest entries in Serene’s journal.

@Doommeister- Welcome! Many thanks for reading and for commenting. And your request for more is granted.

@mALX- Why do I think Athlain’s impulsiveness comes from hanging around with so many redheads? And I have plans to bring Athynae back to center stage sooner rather than later.

@Black Hand- My blushes- and my gratitude for your continued support. More than that- I am SO pleased to see new Sethyas posts going up.

@Olen- Athlain will address the passage of time- it IS a concern to him, as well. And I think your comment about the retrospective nature of that one sentence is well-taken. Leaving out the part about Afer and Gratian staying with Falco would not do any violence to the overall feel.

@SubRosa- Apronia is one of those mysteries that is never answered in-game. We are never given any reason for her to be on the ship, or for staying in Raven Rock. Perhaps we are supposed to assume she is a “professional woman,” and Bethsoft decided not to be explicit for fear of raising the ESRB rating. Or maybe they intended to do more with her and simply forgot or ran out of time. In any event, I decided she was perfect for tying up the question of where Carnius was getting his information. As to the sabotage- basically, he was interested in stahlrim and wanted to make the ebony mine economically unfeasible. Only reason Falco did not export stahlrim is because of Athlain’s objections.

The challenge has been in my mind ever since I decided to give Athynae more than a cameo. It fits Athlain’s romantic notions, which he will deny having, of course.

Nits noted and fixed.

@Thomas Kaira- The challenge will be resolved shortly. And the “pay-off” of the gossip session will be seen at the very end of the story. And I had a lot of fun giving Apronia more of a role.

@Athynae- Athlain would believe (in his innocence) that Athynae is a GOOD influence on his sisters. But stories of adventures can be like ripples in a pond- they spread outward for quite a distance. As to “hurting and healing”- hmmm. Best to just stay quiet on that for the moment.

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

The Duke’s face was impassive as he looked at me, and I suddenly remembered he had once been Archmaster of House Hlaalu. No one was likely to win a staring contest with that particular dark elf. Finally, he spoke again and I detected a hint of irony in his voice:

“Before we begin this duel, might I know in what manner I have given offense?”

I had been so prepared for the ritual of challenge and acceptance that his calm question took me aback. Throughout the rain-swept voyage from Solstheim, my mind had been consumed with saving Athynae from an unwanted marriage. If I lost my life in the process… well, that was the part I had not quite worked out yet. As my father was fond of saying- “One thing at a time.”

Meanwhile, he had asked me a question and all eyes were upon me, awaiting my response. I licked dry lips and stammered:

“It… it is in regard to Mistress Athynae Sarethi and her proposed marriage.” With an effort, I controlled my voice and spoke more forcefully, “I must object most strongly, and am prepared to defend my right by trial of arms.”

That was much better and I was able to raise my chin defiantly. As long as I stayed with the formal language of the noble challenge, I was less likely to think about the consequences- such as my dead, bleeding body lying on the sands of the Arena.

My mood was not improved by the slight smile that appeared on the Duke’s face as he turned to a functionary standing by with a sheaf of papers. He murmured a few words I could not hear behind his hand and waited as the bureaucrat sorted through his parchments. The assistant found what he sought and pointed to something that caused Duke Dren to nod thoughtfully. At last, he turned back to me with an unreadable gleam in his eyes.

“I see. Yes, I certainly acknowledge your interest and standing in this matter.”

His expression grew solemn and I waited for him to accept my challenge and name the time, manner, and place. Instead, he clasped his hands behind his back and rocked on his heels as he peered at me.

“In any event, I see no need for a duel to resolve this question. Her family, being Redoran, may feel differently of course. But that is for them to decide.”

I blinked at him in confusion before seeking clarification: “Then the marriage will not take place? And you have no objections?” It could not possibly be this easy.

He waved an impatient hand, as if dismissing my questions- and me.

“From all I have heard, she is a fine young woman. Still, if you do not wish to marry the girl, it is hardly my place to object.”

If I did not wish…? What did he mean? I was not the one who…. No. I was NOT the one who had seen the papers in the clerk’s office and misinterpreted their meaning.

My mind went from confusion to paralysis and I gaped like a beached slaughterfish. My mouth worked, but nothing came out of it except a rather pathetic wheeze. The Duke’s words had struck me like a hammer blow- and for a number of reasons, each of which spawned still more questions. First- there had never been any intent to “marry her off”- at least not to the Duke? Surely she knew that by now? And if so, where was she? Of course, it was wonderful news- except for the fact that Serene and my own mother had conspired to get me married! And they had not even asked! What if I didn’t want to get married? Indignation warred with joy inside me, and it must have shown, for the Duke’s face broke into a genuine smile at last.

“I can see you have much to consider. If there was nothing else? I do hope honor is satisfied?”

His final words brought me abruptly back to my own precarious situation. I had just challenged the most powerful person on Vvardenfell- to a duel? Over a misunderstanding? In public? Even in my mind, I could hear my voice squeak on the last word. I quickly muttered a strangled retraction and pronounced myself willing to drop the challenge, then bowed perfunctorily and left as fast as I could without actually running.

But it would not matter; no matter how fast I moved, I would not outrun this story. Soon the entire island would know about my blunder- and my betrothal. Oh gods. The news would certainly reach Athynae before I could. It would be on every street, in every corner club and kitchen. And the story would grow in the telling. Only Azura could guess what sort of garbled version Athynae would get. And it would not matter how she felt about marrying me- a question that I still considered very much in doubt. No- she would decide, with that unfathomable feminine logic, that I had “Wronged” her. Because I had not “Asked,” and she had to hear it from “Some Stranger.” I could hear the capital letters. Akavir was looking better all the time. Perhaps the Tsaesci would eat me… after roasting me over a slow fire.



But when I left Ebonheart, I did not go to Akavir- nor did I go to my home. Perhaps Athynae was waiting for me there, but I had not been released from my Legion responsibilities. My commander was still missing- it was still my duty to find him. With the misunderstanding about the “marriage contract” resolved, Athynea was safe. She could stay with Mother and (I shuddered at the thought) my sisters- or she could return to her own home and family. Those were luxuries I did not yet have, so I turned my thoughts further north than Ald’ruhn.

And besides, it seemed wise to give the initial storm over the “marriage” time to pass. Three or four years should be sufficient. If I waited that long, there was a remote possibility I would survive my next encounter with Athynae. Perhaps. Still, for the first time in many weeks, my path appeared simple and direct- go the Skaal, complete Heart-Fang’s tests, and find Captain Carius. The words “what could possibly go wrong” came to my mind, but I wisely left them unspoken. Unfortunately, there are forces that listen without ears for ill-considered thoughts- even those that are unvoiced.

The initial stages of the journey were as easy as I had hoped; silt strider service from Vivec to Khuul and the ship back to Fort Frostmoth. Although the Captain’s absence was still a source of worry, Gaea Artoria had grown into the role of de facto commander and things had settled a bit. Even though she still claimed that she “wanted to go back to just being a simple soldier,” leadership suited her and the troops trusted her judgment.

The same qualities that had kept her in the Legion for over 30 years allowed her to maintain order at Fort Frostmoth. The attack could have caused the troops to fall apart- but with a steady hand on the helm, they came together as a unit. That state of affairs would not last indefinitely, though. Someone or something had attacked them and taken their commander. Uncertainty was the enemy, especially for men and women who were accustomed to thinking in- direct ways. “See the problem, stick the problem with sharp pointy things until it stops being a problem, move on.” That was not completely fair; Pilus Prior Julian, for example, had shown that flexibility was possible, even within the rigid structure of Legion regulations. Somehow, though, I had the idea that she was exceptional rather than typical. In any event, I stayed just long enough to assemble my gear and assure everyone that I hoped to find the Captain soon.

This post has been edited by treydog: Jun 11 2011, 04:13 PM

"Sethyas Velas was a Dunmer Retainer of the House Redoran, some rumored that he was the New Grandmaster of the Morag Tong, point being he was a serious son of a guar from a race of serious sons of guars, in two Factions that were composed of serious sons of guars, and not known for much beyond a neutral expression. So when he gave Athlain a half-smile the next time he saw him, you knew something was tickling him but good."

Sound logic. It follows his breif moment of clarity (finish the last job which is conveniantly disant from Indarys manner...), however unlike the legion I suspect that his thoughts won't stay so simple.

The dual was cleanly resolved, with no dramatic last stands either. Dren managed to make Athlain look like a bit of a fool publicly, but otherwise not too much harm. It appears everyone thinks different things though Athynae seems largely to blame for his misunderstanding (if not the subsequent actions). How could try playing the angry card himself

This was one of my most favorite parts of the entire story so far. The way in which it is written is just superb--you know the "punchline" is coming, yet the delivery still succeeds in keeping it fresh. Bravo!



HAHA! I can just HEAR the glass shattering in Athlain's mind after the Duke says this. "Wait...hold on...did I just...?"

"Make yourself look like an idiot? Yes, yes you did."

Poor Athlain. Still, he can take some solace in the fact that he'll be able to look back on this one day and laugh--one day FAR into the future!

I am glad that the Duke appealed to his sense of reason in this matter. He has always struck me as an honoroble mer, despite his Hlaalu heritage and the fact that his brother is a certain, shall we say, "dubious" individual.

In any event, Athlain has far more REAL dangers looming ahead on the horizon. Hopefully he will be ready to face those.

This post has been edited by Khajiit_Thief01: Jun 11 2011, 08:21 PM