Oooh nicely done. Putting that complicating and related quest in there is an excellent move. I wonder who's first for a visit, the Udyrfrykte or the Draugr, and what will happen when he meets them? It's getting the feeling of events moving faster than e can follow again, you're begining the threads of prophecy quite subtly but they're definatly there.

I like his unease at the mention of prophecy and slight suspicion (which I suspect will grow) that he is in the centre of the web. It's very Athlain to be so dry and practical with the supernatural.

It sounds like more than strength will be tested here. Or maybe more than one test of strength.

But- be cautious, Athlain. Something about this seems odd to me.”

Korst’s entry in the Understatement of the Year competition.

I have grown fond of Brynjolfr, what a relief that he was away during the attack. Although he might not feel that way when he gets back. Svenja’s tears in front of Athlain confirm what the teasing has already shown us about how the Skaal have accepted him. So instead of the comforts of the mead hall, Athlain gets to head out into the firey, melty ice after multiple creatures. Yikes!! And welcome back to Thirsk.

I would have sworn it was the Bloodmoon Prophecy !!! The Uderfryke, GAAAAH !!! I have to agree that I'm really glad Brynjolfr was not there to become fodder for the beast !!! ARGH !!! Still, Thirsk has become family to Athlain, this has to hit him hard.

This...calls for immediate action, right! OK so it will be... Udyrfrykte is unspeakable I cannot find the words for it.

Oh aye my nordic heritage tells me what the NAME means and it scare the h***out of me.

I am coming!

Serene

I have a deep feeling of darkness when I think of Athlain, I am torn and feel I should go to Athlain's aid, what should I do Treydog????? Mother??????

Athynae

Treydog, it never ceases to amaze me the way you capture each individual, their hearts are there for us to see and share. This scene is no exception and I am anticipating that it will only continue to get better as Athlain and the others grow within themselves. Phenomenal job my friend.

A

As Olen said, a very clever tying of two events together here. The Lich with his flame turning loose the Unidentified Mutton's Udyrfrykte Matron's son was such a good touch. Looks like there's some killin' to do!



nits:
When I neared the mead hall, my uneasiness grew. I could not hear the sound of Brynjolfr’s hammer ringing upon his anvil, nor was there any smell of smoke from the wood fire that burned constantly in the center of the hall. Dread weighted my steps and was not relieved when I at last caught a glimpse of Thirsk.
One door was barely hanging from a single hinge; the other was smashed to splinters. The snow before the hall held strange tracks and massive splashes of blood. Something terrible had happened here and I wished desperately that I could turn away from it. But- I wore the uniform of an officer of the Legion, with all that it meant. Beyond that, the people of this place had taken me in, befriended me, become as dear to me as family. Whatever had passed, I had to know. And once I knew, I would do whatever must be done. Julian’s words came to me then, slightly altered:
The forum ate the space between your two paragraphs here.


She gestured to the bow she had dropped and to silver arrows driven into the walls and floor.
“I took my bow from the wall and rained arrows upon him from the stairs and at last drove him off. But he will return.”
Same thing here.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Jun 30 2011, 11:03 PM

Athynae! As I said it calls for immediate action, and if you listen carefully to the voice in your mind, you will know how to act! I promise you I will be there guiding you. If you don't believe me maybe you will believe Uncle Seth! HE can tell you what I can accomplish by just being inside your mind!

S

You are there Mother, as you have always been. I am learning to "hear" that voice more clearly as each day passes. But you must know, as I am certain Uncle Seth does, it is a distant second to your presence. I miss your voice in my ear not simply in my mind.

"I don't miss anybody being in my head....It's a pet peeve when they are." The very private Uncle Seth.

Well it is sometimes a little annoying, but Uncle Seth Mother would never lead us wrong.

Athynae

Sethyas! Athynae! There is no time arguing about the special skills we have, we have to take action, we have to see to that young Athlain does not get harmed in ANY way...right my precious?

Yes we do Mother. But I don't know what to do. I am here with Aunt Baria while everything in me is telling me to go.

Athynae

@haute- The Bloodmoon Udyrfrykte is somewhat less scary in appearance than the Matron- although still one of the harder opponents in the game. And Julian and Athlain do seem to have the same attitude toward responsibility. One can speculate if that came with the Legion uniform- or was what caused them both to decide to join….

@Black Hand- We shall see if he does… And there will be another (anonymous) mention of “Uncle Seth” in a later post- assuming I get there.

@Olen- My notes show that I was ambivalent about how to handle these events- the fact that the “Fire on the Water” and the “Raid on Heorot Thirsk” occurred close together was the deciding factor. And I also feel that things are accelerating- which may be why I am (subconsciously) stepping on the brake.

@Grits- The test will not be precisely what Athlain expects… And I have to agree with your take on Korst’s “Hmm- this seems somewhat odd” remark (which dialogue is from within the game, by the way). There was no “built-in” explanation for Brynjolfr’s survival- so I made my own- and was also grateful for it.

@mALX- There are a couple of things happening here- and since Athlain is very much the catalyst- and the focus- he gets the "benefit." It is rather like the Zurin Arctus quote at the beginning of Morrowind- “Each event is preceded by Prophecy. But without the hero, there is no event." As I understand it (which likely means badly)- the player character’s actions lead directly to the fire on the ice- which is what frees the Udyrfrykte- who then rampages through Thirsk. And you are also correct about how the loss of so many friends will hit Athlain- though he will try to avoid thinking on it for the moment by simply moving forward.

@minque- Help is indeed on the way- as shall be seen in the post below. And I do believe this is one moment when your headstrong daughter WILL listen to your advice. Perhaps because it has the virtue of being what she wants to do, anyway.

@Athynae- Oh, hello. Um- you can just ignore the last sentences of the reply I wrote to you mother, okay sweetie? And if I write characters who seem “real,” it is because I have learned from life- and from reading the brilliant work of others.

@SubRosa- See note to mALX above, although I wish I could take credit for linking the two events. My only contribution was to add Korst’s suggestion to “Ask at Thirsk,” which allowed Athlain to “discover” the attack immediately rather than “whenever.” Spacing fixed.

Where things stand- Thirsk has been attacked and the residents massacred by a beast known as "The Udyrfrykte." Svenja, the only survivor, has asked Athlain to slay the monster.... Meanwhile, he must also investigate a column of fire rising from the lake, perhaps created by a Draugr Liche Lord.

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


Her plea fell upon my spirit like stones in a well. How could she say that I was the only one, when an entire clan of Skaal hunters and warriors had literally been torn to pieces? How could I prevail when all of them had failed? Although I did not voice my protest, Svenja must have seen something of it in my eyes. She looked at me, once more in Legion uniform, with Athynae’s Gift hanging at my side.

“I saw how you defeated Erich, when you still were not well, using unfamiliar arms and armor.” She added proudly, “And the island fair rings with tales of your deeds.”

She must have seen my surprise at that last statement, for a ghost of her old smile appeared and she asked me, “What? Did you think that all we sang was that silly drinking song? Nay, Bathmar was working on a true ballad for you, until….”

She looked to where the skald lay, his lute smashed at his side. She paused and turned her head to hide the tears that welled once more in her eyes, “I believe you have the strength and the courage to do this- else I would not ask. And- there is no other. Skjoldr is dead. He took possession of Thirsk when he slew Griss the Yellow and placed his head upon the pedestal. But now, there is no chieftain. I must stay here and see to the dead; must make sure the rites are performed so that they may go to Sovndgarde. But, if you can slay the Udyrfrykte and bring back a trophy, you can become the next chieftain, and Thirsk will not die. Skjoldr saw something in you- he trusted you.”

She looked back at me and her blues eyes burned with a cold fire. “What say you? Will you take Skjoldr’s boots- the Paws of the Wolf-Runner- and avenge my clan? I… ask you as a friend.”

There had never been any real doubt as to my answer, but her words reached my heart, called to my sense of honor and loyalty. “Yes,” I said, “I will do as you ask.”

Svenja bowed her head in acknowledgement and said, “You honor me and my fallen comrades.”

I thought about that, and knelt beside Skjoldr and took his cold hand in a warrior’s clasp. Then I removed his enchanted boots, placed them on my own feet, and thanked him for his final gift. Rising, I went to the dead Skaal hunters and took from each a token- a wolf-tooth or bear-claw or even a button or bit of fabric. Then I returned to Svenja, who silently gave me a silver arrowhead. I secured all the remembrances in a small pouch and put it inside my cuirass, near my heart. Thus would I carry each of the Skaal with me, drawing upon their strength and courage in the coming battle. Svenja embraced me fiercely once more and said,

“Seek the entry to the beast’s lair on the shore of the lake, just west of here. I am sure my arrows drove him back to his cave; the trail should be easy to follow. Go now and good hunting.”

I checked my equipment and stepped out through the ruined doors. For just a moment, I feared that Svenja might seek comfort in death, perhaps turning the ruined hall into a funeral pyre for herself and the fallen of her clan. But then, I gave thought to the warrior who had driven off the beast with nothing but her bow- and her boundless courage. If it had been death she sought, Svenja would have gone after the creature herself. She would do what she could for her people, and she would be there when I returned. I did not envy her the grisly task of caring for the dead, having to look upon each familiar face one last time.

To me was left the simpler job- to find the Udyrfrykte and kill it. The name was strange to my ears; no doubt a descriptive Nordish construction, but it meant nothing to me. Therefore, I examined the indications in the snow and considered the injuries I had observed inside the hall. The tracks showed a creature that walked upright most of the time, occasionally using its hands as well. That matched descriptions I had read of the deadly trolls of Cyrodiil. The snow and earth also showed the marks of large claws, which explained the great wounds on the bodies of the Skaal. The fact that some of them had been dismembered spoke of a ferocious strength as well. And I was to go alone into its lair- and to come out again, preferably alive, rather than as a pile of monster excrement.

I took a moment to wonder why it was that everyone suddenly seemed anxious to send me down into the caves beneath Lake Fjalding- first Korst and now Svenja. The prospect was not one that cheered me. Dark places beneath the ground had always given me pause, and Garnas’ recent death in the mine had only reinforced my unease. But I had made my promises and I would hold to my honor. Still, I could not help but recall that, on those few occasions when I had contemplated my (no doubt heroic) demise, caves had not figured anywhere in my imagining. Neither had snow and ice, for that matter. It seemed to me that it should be enough to die facing some great evil, without adding discomfort into the equation. I had seen so much death in the last year that my own no longer felt distant or unimaginable. In fact, I did not particularly fear death any more. But I did fear dying stupidly- and alone.



Athynae studied the walls of the guest room in Indarys Manor, her lovely face set in a frown. It was not the walls which displeased her, but her thoughts. She glanced at the worn travel journal lying upon the desk and sent a wry thought toward Serene,

“I understand SOME things now, Mother. But not everything. And I WILL come home, but at a time and in a way of my own choosing.”

She then turned her gaze unerringly to the northwest, toward Solstheim. Athlain had been in Ebonheart a few days ago- and then he was gone again. She sighed in exasperation, but at the same time, a secret smile lifted the corners of her mouth. The rumors and stories about his visit had already come to Ald’ruhn- they had probably reached High Rock by now.

Athlain had challenged Duke Dren for the hand of Athynae Sarethi!

On that point, all the stories agreed. But beyond that- they diverged wildly.

The marriage contract had been a ruse, a masterstroke against the Telvanni, hinting at a Hlaalu-Redoran alliance.

No- the contract was real, but the young officer had overawed the Duke. After all- like father, like son (said with a wink and a knowing expression).

Young Athlain was dead- assassinated by the Morag Tong at the Duke’s behest.

On and on it went, speculation piled on innuendo, piled on wildest flight of fancy. The rumors did not concern Athynae; she knew the truth. More important, she knew that Athlain still lived. He was on Solstheim once more, risking his life, bound by that unyielding sense of honor. Sometimes, she almost wished…. But no. She was Redoran herself, with all that meant.

“But,” she wailed, in the privacy of her mind, “You COULD be a little SMARTER about it.”

The depth of her concentration caused the walls to fade into mist, and it seemed as if she rode upon Athlain’s shoulder, seeing what he saw. A column of fire, rising from Lake Fjalding. Terrible destruction at Thirsk. She looked behind him and saw shadows dogging his/their heels, creeping closer. The vision shattered as she sensed his mortal peril and she trembled.

“Oh, Athlain….” It was a whisper, a plea, a prayer.

Striding across the room, Athynae threw open her pack and began filling it with clothing and supplies. She cinched it shut and threw it over one shoulder, then slung her katana over the other. Darkness threatened Athlain, and she would be where she belonged- by his side.

This post has been edited by treydog: Jul 4 2011, 03:59 AM

Go Athynae, go!

The gathering of the personal items from the dead was an especially nice touch, and one that rings of shamanistic principles. It is fitting that he would carry the spirits of the Skaal with him as he goes to confront the Uderfrytke.

What exactly does it mean in Nordic, anyway? I wonder . . .

"Udyrfrykte" is simply two Norwegian words clapped together:

Udyr : noun - monster, brute
Frykte : verb - be afraid of, fear, dread

http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Bloodmoon:Udyrfrykte

And Good job Trey!



I believe it MALx's term: 'Spew'. I WAS just enjoying some tea....

Edited to add: SOOO Ninja'd Olen! You're like my one remaining fan, you should know how I roll by now!

This post has been edited by Black Hand: Jul 3 2011, 10:49 PM

Firstly:

The occasional humour in this piece is sublime. It added an extra dimension to an otherwise gloomy section and goes to show that Athlain's morbidity is more due to the surroundings than any innate change. I suspect a certain monster is about to get more than it bargained for. And perhaps he's not being so stupid - he knows it might be wounded and delay won't help so he's going after it.

The part with Athynae was well done. The spreading but confused rumours are as would be expected but don't seem to damning to Athlain, and her own thoughts seem fitting. I suspect we'll see her soon.

Haute - it's Norwegian, Udyr - monster, frykte - dread, fear (not that I speak Norwegian but I remember reading it on UESP).

EDIT - ninja'd

This post has been edited by Olen: Jul 3 2011, 10:38 PM

UM Yes!!! If I could count on Athlain taking a minute to assess the situation instead of running headlong into a fray with this horrible monster it would be different but he tends to act first and think later.

And yes, as far as my comment about going home at a time of my own choosing well that sort of fits don't you think? I mean I am Serene's daughter afterall, why would I behave any differently in this respect?

Powerful paragraph!





WOO HOO !!!


Darkness threatens Athlain,
So she must rescue him once again
T'was beginning to think I'd not see the day
When once again he was saved by ATHYNAE !!! WOO HOO !!!

This post has been edited by mALX: Jul 4 2011, 02:06 AM

Ehh? One? What about me then huh?

treydoggie! this was wonderful, I wonder do YOU also read minds? You certainly must have read mine, how else would you know Serene left the journal with Thyna? And not just talked about it with her....

So she's leaving again, well naturally, Serene did not expect anything but that, you know she knows....and since Serene is very fond of Athlain also she does not disapprove of Thyna going after her...or will she?

That....remains to be seen!

Yes Mother I have the journal and I will take it with me when I leave though I feel I must tell you, I have not read the whole of it. Every time I pick it up I get this feeling that there may be things in that journal that will change everything. I do want to know, I do, but I am also afraid of what those pages hold for me. I tried to wait for you but alas I must go Athlain is in danger and of all people you should understand, this is not a choice for me. I have remained here too long as it is, I do hope you understand.

You will know when all is well, I am beginning to understand why Uncle Seth dislikes having people in his head, none the less....as soon as this is over and Athlain is safe WE REALLY NEED TO TALK!!! The journal was a gift and means the world to me but in this I would have your words spoken first, I not only need that but I believe I deserve it.

All my love,
Athynae