Yeah, Destri, that's going to work out great. In the end, it may have worked, but let's not forget what happened to the first person to ask that question back when a guy named Charlie was writing.

So, more time with our dear friend Aeslip, and Athlain is now learning that he's about to lose ALL privacy from his beloved. Was this done in response to the fact that Athynae suddenly and quite randomly became concerned that some might view her as possibly over-reacting to Athlain's few moments of independence and general competence?

Last I checked, nobody had told Athynae off for over-intruding into Athlain's mind (and this bodes very, very ill for any hope that our hero may one day have a private refuge for thinking, let alone have the privacy of his own study), and in point of fact, it was specifically decided against bringing the topic up in the first place. I know I didn't say anything.

But alas, Aeslip has departed, his own efforts at using barriers to keep Daedra sealed away taking his life in the process. In his past, his sorcery, ambition, and thirst for knowledge may have harmed those close to him, but in the end, he was a good man, dedicated to saving the mortal realm from Daedra out of the Deadla . . . I mean, saving the mortals of the Skaal from Frost Daedra that had zero-connection with things that are about to happen. Farewell Brother Marrrr--k down the sacrifice of this noble Draugr.

Okay, I gotta stop now.

What he said.

I will add that I loved some of the description in this one. There were some short phrases which really grabbed it and worked.


Like this, I'm not normally one for adverbs but this fits him so well and really captured the movement for me. I like the character you gave Aesliip, his dry humour found a good foil in Athlain to porduce much entertainment, I also imagine that being dead for 400 years would leave your humour a bit like that.


Spoiled again. It's as well I wasn't drinking when I read this, I thnk he has a job as a legion instructor just waiting for him. Actually that is a job I can imagine him settling to, he's not his dad and doesn't seem to be weary of the fghting in the same way, he knows it's nessecary legion work. It's being alone and moving around which seem to bother him far more.

Now I think I can guess what he's going to do during those few days, and it's not rest up...

Hmmm not quite...He CAN lock her out you know, and if he doesn't know how, he can always ask Uncle Seth!

Anyway, things are moving on for our hero, and let's just hope he'll be ok. Or else....

"Shouldn't have to have learned how to begin with...Just picture your thoughts in a Vault, locked up and safe, and throw up powerful walls of emotion. Most any will do, rage, fear, even joy. But women are also like thieves of thought, so they have their ways around that too."

"Also, no one is immune to a woman's intuition, you'd think they were reading your mind...don't even try to circumvent that. Just stay quiet, and agree with everything they say. If that still doesn't work, just compliment their clothes or hair or something. Works every time. Also...don't tell Serene or Athynae, or ANY woman I said this...ever. I'd prefer these weren't my last words...or yours."

Really Mother, I thought you were on my side....how will I know if he's in trouble if he shuts me out? AND how will he know if I'm in trouble??????

oh dear! of course I'm on your side Thyna! I was just informing the captain of the truth! Not saying Athlain SHOULD or even COULD lock you out...hehe besides it takes a long time of learning exactly HOW to do it. AND as your dear Uncle Seth just said there are WAYS to get around whatever tricks he will try to lock you out! He won't succeed, I promise you. I also have some aces up my sleeve, I can teach you some things you know!

Sethyas, PLEASE! Don't put those things in Athlain's head....he's just a sweet, innocent young man! So IF you care for him, teach him something useful.

S

@D.Foxy- Thank you for that endorsement. The thing of it is, besides the whole “trying not to get the character killed off” thing- limited the number of opponents is also necessary to keep my computer from having a nervous breakdown. That is especially true if said opponents throw magic around… Then there is the fact that it also (subconsciously) mirrors Trey’s “one thing at a time” advice…

@Black Hand- Um…. FIRST, I rather have to remark upon your decision to step away from writing more of Seth’s story. I very badly WANT to plead, cajole, wheedle, and flat-out beg…. But I won’t. Because one of the first rules is to respect a fellow writer’s decisions. I hope that the additional complications introduced by our “hijacking” of Seth were not a contributing factor. Regardless, words are inadequate to express how much your writing has meant to me.

@haute- Apologies to the felidae once more. But- glad to give you a good laugh all the same. Aesliip has such a great back-story that I wanted to try to infuse my picture of him with as much complexity as possible. And that included having him grow more tattered and weary even as he came closer to achieving his goal. Sorry for the long wait- life intervenes. And- well- as to the fire…. It will be a while yet.

@mALX- Thank you, thank you! And yes, what is the point of being an ancient mystic, if one cannot use it to tease poor Athlain? The Skyrim connection is one that relates to Trey’s own uncertain family history- as well as his blue-eyed, blonde-haired self. And- as you quite astutely note- goes some way toward explaining how Athlain seems to “fit in” with the Skaal.

@Grits- The fact that you were able to see things from Aesliip’s perspective tells me that I managed what I hoped to do. And I also really wanted the old wizard to have a “humanity” that would explain his decision to make such a monumental sacrifice.

Yes- Athlain should have learned by now that closing his eyes and going “lalala” only means it is easier for reality (or Athynae) to whack him in the head.

I always struggle and doubt myself with fight scenes, especially with creatures that are new to the story. Therefore, I appreciate your remarks on the first frost atronach. And that determination to charge right in is definitely ingrained in Athlain. Finally- my humble thanks for your wonderful reaction to Aesliip’s ending.

@Destri- More is finally here. Those puppy-dog eyes may need some Visine after the long wait….

@Captain Hammer- Glad I set aside my beverages before reading your comments. As so often happens, I have a feeling the idea of “the privacy of one’s own mind” will show up somewhere in the story…. Other than that, I will refrain from saying anything that might cause me… umm- I mean Athlain to get whacked on the melon. And the Aesliip-Martin parallel is absolutely brilliant- which probably explains why it went right over my not-so-brilliant doggie head until you noted it.

@Olen- As you generally do, your comments go to the heart of what I hoped to do. I very much wanted to get the “feel” and “images” right in that one. Beyond that- Aesliip deserved to be given as much depth as could be managed in a short post. I do have plans for Athlain’s future- both immediate and long-term. Now I just have to keep him alive long enough to get there…

@minque- Yes, I rather think Seth will provide some “helpful tips for the newly telepathically intruded-upon.”

@Black Hand (again)- Athlain thanks you. And he promises to think of pink guars if the question of how he learned to “block” EVER comes up.


And now- back to Athynae....

Edited to add her responses:

@All- My apologies for taking so long on this one. RL stepped in for a moment as well as this being my first “Fight” scene. I wanted it to at the very least make sense.

@Foxy- Thank you for your advice, it was and will continue to be, my guide. And I will get back to you very soon on the other thing.

@Trey- Thank you for your patience as well as your persistence. Without you I TRULY wouldn’t be here.

@Minque and Blackie- Thank you for sharing your Serene and Seth. I do believe Thyna hears them in her head. I just hope I’m not mis-quoting.

Stay tuned everyone, it just keeps getting better….I hope

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I stood there staring out into the night, momentarily stunned by the sound; it wouldn't register because it didn't make sense. Why would anyone else be anywhere near here? My heart sank to depths I had never experienced before as a thought struck home:

What if it's Athlain?

I dropped the pail and reached into the cottage and took my katana, not even bothering with the sheath. There was no time to strap it on; I simply had to go. I leapt from the porch and could I have flown I would have. I had to slow my pace when I entered the density of the trees, but luckily there was enough light from the moons that I could still see well enough. I moved toward the sound, which shifted from low moans to shrieks, adjusting my course as needed to stay on track. I knew Athlain was close, as I always knew; and now something, whatever had been watching me last night, had attacked him.

You don't know that it is Athlain; keep your head; assume NOTHING!

I shook off the warning thought- I could not take the chance, could not take the time to be cautious. If I had listened to caution when he was in thrall to the moon sugar, he would have died.

I saw an opening in the trees and, on the opposite side of the clearing, a man lay naked, writhing in pain and screaming like a guar attacked by cliff racers. I knew just from the color of his hair that he was not Athlain; thank the Nine. I tried to assess his condition as well as I could from where I was but could discern nothing from that distance. It was just dark enough that I couldn't really see anything specific. I left the safety of the trees and started walking toward the man. I was within a handful of steps when he rolled to face me and opened his eyes. Deep amber, seemingly lit with an inner fire, stared intently at me. His eyes, their color, brought a memory of studying the creatures of the dark with Mother. The explosion of knowledge, the remembered picture from Mother’s bestiary, was simultaneous with his transformation as the double moons broke free of the treetops. I stood, face to face, with the biggest, ugliest werewolf I could have ever imagined in my worst nightmares. I barely had time to inhale before he was lunging toward me with his left…whatever that was, not a hand, not a claw.

Don’t think, DO!!! Let your instinct guide you.

And I did. I was too close to use my blade, so I raised the katana and turned it across myself, with the pommel to the left. As I did, I pivoted on my left foot. Thus, his strike, though painful, added power to my punch as the metal boss on the end of the hilt connected with his jaw. The searing pain of his claws cascaded down my back as I let the momentum of his blow help to finish my spin so I was once again facing the beast. Obviously I wasn’t the only one in pain; he had stepped back and was shaking his head.

So it comes to this. I’m in the dark fighting with a monster taller than Athlain or Uncle Seth, wider than that Orc that visited Mother last spring, and uglier than the hat Aunt Baria's gardener wore. I come all this way to save Athlain and he's going to find the bits and pieces of what's left...maybe, if there are any.

His roar ripped me from the second that it took me to think those things and I raised my eyes to his; there was no question as to his intent. I readied myself with both hands on the katana. He snarled and spit something out of his mouth; the yellowed tooth glinted in my peripheral vision as it hit the ground. I widened my gaze to encompass my opponent, trying not to restrict my focus, hearing yet another of Uncle Seth’s pearls of wisdom regarding fighting:

“Do not allow your focus to be too narrow; see all; anticipate and ‘feel’ your opponent”

He had led with his left, so although I had opened my focus, I remained aware of that. I was also watching his eyes. He raised his nose and sniffed the air. He smelled the blood tracing rivulets down my arm; I could tell by the way his body tensed.

“Do you like the way I smell, fur ball?”

I sensed his purpose as he launched toward me with his arms flung wide as if he were going to embrace me. I put all of my weight into the swing as I went for his right arm. I felt the blade slide through the fur covered skin and meet with the bone just above his elbow. He howled and jumped back, but the smell of the blood running down my back and arm kept him fixated on the purpose of eating me.

Center, find your center. Keep your balance.

I cast a hearth heal spell to stop the blood flow, but I could do nothing about what had already been spilled. He began to circle slowly, sniffing the air, and I got the feeling he was waiting for something. He knows I am injured; that’s it; he’s waiting for me to weaken from the blood loss. I raised the katana so that the blade was pointing directly at his mid-section just as he tried to rush in. The shining blade changed his mind.

His growl was so deep it seemed to shake the ground under my feet.

“You’ll have to do more than scratch me to slow me down! I’m not some rat you caught out of its hole.”

I swear he grinned at me; an evil thing that grin, coming from a werewolf bent on a dinner of “daughter of Serene seasoned with fear”. He continued the circling and sniffing, and his size and strength kept me from making any offensive moves. Although I had fought many times, I had never fought for my life, nor had I ever fought a beast, only men or mer. So I kept the point of my katana between us and kept my mental focus on him.

“If I’d known you wanted to dance I would have hired musicians.” Mother had told me so many times that sarcasm was going to get me in trouble but it seemed to be the way I dealt with the unknown. I don’t know if the beast could speak or not, but he certainly understood what I was saying or the tone with which I was saying it because I got a growling response followed by a nice howl that I interpreted as “rage”.

“What is it? Are you upset that I didn’t get the message? If this is all you’ve got, the music would have been a waste. I’ve seen guar with better moves than yours.”

I needed to do something so I jumped at him like I used to jump at Athlain when we were sparring and got caught up in one of these “waiting games.” Athlain would flinch or jump back, which would end the stand off, but beastie didn’t even bat an eye. He did snap his teeth at me though. Ugly things, and honestly, if he were any closer, his breath would have been toxic; thankfully he was far enough away that the air between us helped to dissipate the smell.

He swatted at my sword but I quickly avoided his lame attempt to disarm me. “Look, I only have this single blade and you have all those claws and teeth, along with that deadly breath of yours. I’d appreciate it if you’d leave my one weapon alone.” That comment got a change of direction in the circles; I guess he was getting dizzy. I accommodated and changed my direction as well as my hold on the katana, silently thanking Uncle Seth for insisting that I be as adept with my left hand as I was with my right. The new direction also brought a feeling of anticipation; my breathing changed and I knew he was going to attack. Just as this thought tensed my muscles, his eyes narrowed slightly. Next thing I knew he was almost on all fours, using the strength in his back legs to propel him forward. My knees were bent just enough that I was able to hurdle over but not without one of those damn claws grazing my left leg from mid thigh to knee. That changed my landing; not only was he now behind me but I also stumbled as my left foot hit the ground and triggered an almost cataclysmic pain that caused me to see stars.

I sensed him drawing near; I could almost feel the heat from his body. There was no time to turn; he would be upon me in a heartbeat. I reversed my grip on the katana, placing my left hand on the pommel and thrusting the sword behind me. Just as my blade sank into his flesh, his teeth found purchase on my shoulder. His weight, along with the momentum of my thrust, sent us both to the ground. The majority of his weight was on my left side so I twisted the blade and pulled it free. Even as I felt his last breath, his jaws were still clamped on my shoulder. I had to pry his teeth free before I could escape the weight of his body on mine.

I surveyed the damage I had taken; along with the cuts down my arm and on my leg, he had also broken my collarbone, but worst of all was the poison he had released into my body when he bit me. I staggered back from his still form, trying to breathe, wanting to think, needing… needing what? Athlain? Mother? I looked down at my chest growing more and more red with each contraction of my heart. I tried to cast a healing spell, but only a wave of dizziness answered when I reached for my magicka. I fumbled at my belt and pulled the marshmerrow from the pouch my Mother had given me when I was a child.

No matter what happens, this is the last thing you remove at night and the first thing you put on in the morning. Never be without it, do you understand?

Now I did. It stemmed the flow of blood somewhat, but it would do nothing to prevent the infection. I had nothing that could cure this, nothing that could fix it. My only hope was that Athlain would find me and know what to do. Even as that reality struck home, my head started to spin, then the ground seemed to be trying to shake me off.

Hide. You are going to lose consciousness. Don't do it in the open.

A thick patch of berry bushes was the best I could do. I don't know how I burrowed my way inside, but just as I drew my feet into the security of the plants, blackness found me. The dreams started as beautiful memories of an almost perfect childhood. Mother’s lessons, teaching me about not only the healing plants but also about how important it was to have a healing heart. Father teaching me the history of Redoran and honor, the importance of always being true, first to myself and then to everyone else. Uncle Seth and his appearances and equally sudden vanishings, but rarely ever without imparting some seed of thought regarding my weapons training. And then I was running through the fields of Vvardenfell, Athlain by my side and the moons shining, casting their double shadows as we laughed and teased each other. Then the dreams turned and I was alone in the dark, feeling a need I didn’t understand, anger mixed with hunger, but not for food. I was hungry for blood. I was running.

So thirsty, running, toward something or away, I have no idea. The view through my eyes is undulating up and down as if I am astride. I smell the water before I see it. I come to the edge of the stream and as I reach out with my hands to cup the water and bring it to my mouth…..OH NO NO NO. Not hands- a fur covered cross between hands and paws with claws like the ones I had faced. And no matter how much water I took in, the thirst was unquenchable. I stood and caught my reflection in the water as I tilted my head and howled.

I woke, slowly and painfully, movement causing the dried blood to crack open causing the bleeding to start again. I cast a healing spell; the relief I felt that it worked was all out of proportion to its actual benefit. Beyond that it seemed that cleaning the wounds at this point was kind of irrelevant. Now what? I had to find somewhere to barricade myself, somewhere that I couldn’t see the night sky and that I would be safe from the evil of this damned island.

“Athlain I need you. I am in trouble. There is no time. If you do not find me soon, I fear you will not find me at all.”

I eased myself out of my hole in the bushes. I couldn’t go back to that cottage; it wasn’t secure enough. And something else kept me from going back. Whether it was confusion, or fear, or something else- I do not know. But… I just could not go back to the cabin, back to the place where Athlain had first told me that he loved me. Not as long as I carried this terrible disease.

It was daylight, so I was safe enough to search for something better than a bunch of bushes. It had been a long time since I had seen Mother’s map of Solstheim, but I tried to picture it as clearly as I could. There were caves everywhere; surely I could find one. If my memory wasn’t totally ruined by blood loss and the disease now coursing through me, there was a series of caves just northeast of my position. All I could hope was to find one that didn’t have residents.

Luck was with me, though the thought almost made me laugh. Luck? Nevertheless, I found a cave easily enough. I slipped inside and it didn’t occur to me how odd it was that there wasn’t anyone or anything already there. Obviously there had been, fairly recently. There was a blanket and a small bit of food, if you could call it that, and a fire ring close to the door. I used some of the wood stacked against the wall to rekindle the fire. There was also a wooden grate to block the entrance, and I set it in place and secured it the best I could.

I ate some of the dried berries, found a large container of water, clear and clean, and drank, gulping down the wonderful liquid like I couldn’t get enough. I put some in the pot and placed it on the fire; surely I would find some hackle-lo… Finally I inspected my wounds. I healed the gashes on my arms but the bite mark on my shoulder caused me to hesitate. I couldn’t remember, or had never really learned, whether I should just clean it and cover it so there would be a way to draw the poison or whether it even mattered. So I just cleaned it. I couldn’t get to the deep punctures on my back; they were so close to my spine it was a small miracle it wasn’t severed. I removed my cuirass and was able to rip a piece of my undergarment that wasn’t filthy, a strip about as long as my forearm. I soaked it with the water and holding it with both hands, and a tremendous amount of pain, behind my back, I removed as much of the dirt and grime as the piece of fabric and the intense pain allowed.

Exhaustion from all that had happened and the now white hot pain that was shooting through me carried me to the makeshift bed. I covered myself with the blanket and curled into a tight ball. And I called to Athlain once more, hoping beyond hope that he would “hear” me.

“Athlain, I NEED YOU!! I AM IN TROUBLE.”

Mother had taught me how to slow my heartbeat to almost nothing, just enough to keep the vital organs alive. Hopefully that would slow the progression of the lycanthropy. I would try anything if it meant I might survive this. But I also drew my silver dagger to my chest; if all else failed I WOULD NOT succumb to the disease; I would not become a bloodthirsty monster, the ultimate anti-healer. Now all I could do was wait, wait for Athlain to find me, or fate to end me.

I love you Mother. I could not have chosen a Mother who would have loved me more. Should it come to it just know that I did what I had to do to save myself from being all that you have taught me to stand against. Tell everyone how much I love them, especially Uncle Seth. Tell him I am sorry I failed; he tried so hard to teach me and the first foe I faced took me down like a blade of grass. Take care of Athlain; help him to understand, help him to find love again.

I heard humming then; it was only in my head but it was so peaceful. The lullaby that Mother was humming the last time I saw her in her study, bent over her desk writing in her journal with one hand resting on the mound of her belly that held my new sibling. And as I listened, darkness came, peaceful, and untainted by the nightmares from my last sleep.


Here Ends Chapter 14

This post has been edited by treydog: Sep 11 2011, 02:36 PM

Not to mention all the mudcrabs that are bigger and uglier than him!

What a tense fight! And the aftermath is almost as nervewracking as the fight itself! I'm glad Athynae survived the night, but I worry that Athlain will find her in time.

Hell's FIRE, girl - that was FREAKING good!

I see you have been learning about the importance of positioning yourself in a fight. Excellent. As I always tell the combat newbies "it's the footwork that does most of the work: the hands just finish what the feet begin".

Athynae's reaction post-fight is not only logical, but also gripping at the same time. Another 'excellent' to the writing.

A strong thumbs up!!!

Wowsers, that was intense!

@Trey Perhaps I worded the post wrong, and if I gave anyone the sense that the mutual adoption of characters was the only reason for my choice, I apologize. In truth, I would not have it any other way, as the characters that comprise Seths circle of friends are far more vibrant than anything I could have ever come up with on my own. I just simply don't have the time and drive that I once did, I don't want to promise anything that I cannot guarantee.

Even now it is five o'clock in the morning as I read your latest update and I prepare to go leave for work and know that I will not return for at least another twelve hours. Coming back I will have three hours of downtime before I have to go to sleep and get up to go back to work for the same thing. Days off are rare, and are spent completing all the other tasks that become neglected due too my scheduling.

There may come a place and time that this becomes a non-issue, but until then best to leave things as they are and not falsely raise hopes and expectations. Worst case scenario is that no one is surprised, best case scenario is that everyone is pleasantly surprised.

Don’t think, DO!!! Let your instinct guide you.

Whether this was Athynae’s voice in her own head or someone else’s voice, the advice was perfect for her and very true of what we’ve seen. She can think whole paragraphs while her enemy blinks!

I needed to do something so I jumped at him like I used to jump at Athlain when we were sparring and got caught up in one of these “waiting games.”

I love it. What a gripping fight!!

Athynae shows good thinking again finding shelter and calling for help after the fight. Her resolve when she holds her silver dagger is very moving. Then her goodbye thoughts to Serene show that her concerns are for those she loves. Beautifully done!

This line made me smile, it also worked well as a build up to her seemingly light hearted way of coping with a warewolf attack. Her tone might have seemed jarring but instead worked very well and fitted her personality. Her need for control clearly did not like being out of control in a fight she was hard pushed in.

Which brings me to the fight - well written and most enjoyable. An exciting and rather dark conclusion too. I had wondered how the warewolves would appear. Now I know, nicely done and cleverly plotted.

SGM.

Since the previous post was Athynae's work, I will also allow her to respond to the gracious comments in her own words. All I can add are my own thanks- to you all for reading- and to Athynae for her wonderful additions to my story.

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@ All- I am overjoyed that my first “fight” scene is now behind me! And I am also ecstatic that it made sense to you. It was not an easy write by any means but thanks to a lot of input from Foxy and Trey and several re-writes I think I pulled it off reasonably well.

@ Haute- Claws are claws, mud crabs, werewolves…..and staring into a mouthful of yellow teeth and bad breath kind of throws the thoughts off a bit.

Thyna is hoping Athlain finds her soon too. If not, well, we shall see.

@BH- “Wowsers, that was intense!”

Thank you, and yes, it was intense writing it too.

We will miss Seth’s presence, truly, but let him know that if he has any advice to impart to Thyna she really would love to “hear” from him anytime.

@ Grits- It is amazing the amount of information that can pass through your mind when you are staring into the face of the unknown. I am really glad you liked it.

@Olen- Thank you!!! I am so glad you felt her reaction was right for her, she is a bit different and yes, she does like being in control. Her reaction when she isn’t, well, is usually quite colorful.

@Foxy- “Hell’s fire girl- that was freaking good!”

YAY!!!!! THANK YOU! And thank you for all of your advice; it made all the difference.

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The Dance of Athynae and Athlain

Somewhere in the darkness lies
Another foe to conquer
This quest may be my last
In the depths of ice
I may find my death

Faithful weapon, Gift of love
Strength is in my hand
And if strength alone cannot save me
I know the love of Athynae will
I feel her heart within my chest
It beats the rhythm of my own

And together, though apart
We face the beast as one

Swirling clouds
Obscure his path
Fear causes me to shake

Across the miles our dance begins
With his heart
I feel,
Through his eyes
I see

His hand holds
My precious Gift
Bringer of death
Keeper of life

And though not close enough to touch
We face the beast as one

Her Gift- from her heart to my hand
Forged in the fire of love
To keep me safe from harm
Night-dark stone, star-bright silver
Strikes the foe
Sustains my strength
We are together- you hold my heart
You comfort my spirit
None can stand between us

I want to hold him back somehow
Sway him from this path
But I know
I cannot alter
What his honor holds him to
In truth I would not change him
Though the fear of what he faces
Seizes my heart, leaves me in darkness
Waiting, I long for his touch
Wishing to glimpse his face

Her hand is upon my arm
Her name upon my lips
She redeemed my honor
Lost in madness and despair
Now honor draws me from her side
I must answer the call
If I would be worthy
Of her love

Share with me
The beating of your heart
Dance with me
Under the moons
And hold me tight against your chest
We'll sing the song of eternity
Lost in each other’s embrace

No terror that rises before us
Will ever keep us apart.



A night at Indarys Manor, on Vvardenfell:

Two figures moved in the night-dark gardens outside of Indarys Manor. A number of terms could have been used to describe the nature of their progress- “quiet” was NOT one of them.

“Could you at least try to keep it down? You’re making enough noise to be heard in Ald’ruhn!”

“Me? You sound like a kagouti in a scathecraw patch.”

“SHHH!”

“Don’t you dare shush me!”

A brief period of silence followed, or rather an absence of the two bickering youthful feminine voices. The crackle of vegetation, tramping of feet, and rattle of impedimentia continued unabated.

The cacophony was soon supplemented by a hissed admonition: “You’re going the wrong way! Khuul is north and west- not east.”

The aggrieved rejoinder was quick in coming, “How can you tell which way we’re going- wearing that stupid mask?”

The first voice was icy with exaggerated patience: “It. Is. A. Disguise. In case anyone sees us.”

The second voice was scornful, “As if they wouldn’t recognize that red hair sticking out
in all directions- not to mention that you’re wearing the dress you wear ALL THE TIME!”

“Lots of people have red hair- including you. And Mama made this dress for me. You’re just jealous because your hair doesn’t have body like mine does.”

“ ‘Body?’ There’s going to be a body if you don’t hush.”

Despite the increasingly dire threats and counter-threats, Mistresses Maesa and Caia somehow found their way out of the garden, over the low stone wall, and onto the track leading north. However, they had only managed a few steps in what they hoped was the direction of Khuul when a much larger and more sinister figure stepped from behind a boulder.

The stranger’s voice was low as it growled from the darkness:

“Your money or your lives. And I would ALSO suggest that you drop any weapons you might be carrying.”

The girls froze in their tracks, petrified- not by fear, but by sudden realization. Turning to her sister, Mae said accusingly:

“You forgot to bring any weapons- didn’t you?”

“Did NOT,” Cai replied sullenly. “I told you to get the blades while I went for the food. It’s not my fault you never listen!”

“Oh REALLY? And what about money? Did you think about how we were going to pay for passage to Solstheim? If you were going to count on your looks- I certainly hope you are prepared for disappointment.”

“You DIDN’T! You DID NOT just practically accuse me of being a… a… woman of ill-repute and THEN imply that I don’t have the looks for it!”

Mae responded sweetly, “Why no, as a matter of fact. I never said you were a ‘woman’- of any kind.”

The verbal sparring would perhaps have become physical, but the mysterious bandit cleared his throat meaningfully and prompted:

“Ah- ladies? I believe I asked you a question?”

Instantly, two red-haired, blue-eyed faces turned to stare at the source of the interruption.

“Do you mind?” asked Cai.

“How rude!” added Mae. “Can’t you see we are having a discussion here?”

The furious argument over who had forgotten what resumed and the bandit sat on a nearby rock, folded his arms, and listened in bemused silence. When the girls’ voices again reached the pitch that indicated impending mayhem, he straightened and spoke in a normal tone, instead of the previous hoarse whisper:

“Since you seem to have little that is worth stealing, I suppose I must settle for a kiss from each of you. I believe that is traditional, after all?”

Mae and Cai turned their heads slowly and their eyes widened in sudden recognition. They spoke simultaneously:

“Daddy? Is that you?”



An Excerpt from The Prophecies of the Hunter

Send a mist, to cloud the mind of the Child of the Hunter
Hide the truth from his sight, as the trees hide the Pack

Winds howl and snows swirl- covering, concealing
The Gift of Blood is given, and the Child despairs

Comforting hands become claws to rend
Soft lips part to reveal ravening teeth.

What a delightful interlude!

First a lovely poem (and this from someone who can't stand poetry in most forms). I really liked the alternating voices and the fatalistic turn it took toward the end. Very touching.

Then I recognized Athlain's younger sisters right away! (Was it the ninja masks and the frightful commotion that gave them away? Must be.) I knew they were fine when they were accosted by that bandit, if only because most bandits don't know how to handle such difficult young women as these two (well, I can think of one, but most people don't know about him so . . .). Then I was tipped off by the bandit's uncharacteristic patience as the two bickered over who was supposed to get the weapons, who called whom what, and so forth. No real bandit would sit around that long - most of them would be over the hill by the third retort! Of course, it's Dad!

That was like the perfect blend of Melodrama Bard Song, going into comedic interplay followed by a very ominous prophecy there!

Trey making an appearance? I'm curious if this leads anywhere or just a snippet of him catching those mischievous redheads daughters of his.

Stay safe Athynae.

GREAT!!! Trey is home. I have a feeling that Thyna's encounter with the werewolf will be sedate compared to the encounter with Trey when he realizes his most prized journal is missing, the one that he was supposed to keep secret. I think she just went from the frying pan to the fire.

Lovely poem, and I guess I should stop teasing about Athynae “intruding,” since Athlain has shown us his heart.

It’s Trey! Lol, girls. I think you’re right, Athynae. Under a frozen shrub might not be such a bad place right now.

Except for this:

Comforting hands become claws to rend
Soft lips part to reveal ravening teeth.

I am left speechless! It is hard to escape the symmetry. Athynae rushed to Solstheim and arrived just in time to save Athlain from the clutches of an insidious disease. Now Athlain rushes to Athynae’s side on Solstheim (I don’t think that any of us have any doubt that he heard her plaintive cry for help) desperately trying to arrive in time to save her from the clutches of an insidious disease! This has all the makings of a Greek tragedy. Now we are left to wonder if she will be found only after she has succumbed to the lycanthropy. Will Athlain be forced to end her torment with the mace that she gave him? Will he even know it’s still her if they meet under the light of the full moons? Pins and needles don’t even begin to describe my anticipation!

Thank the Nine for the return of Trey! The damage Mae and Cai could have wrought on their journey to Solstheim would have made the eruption of Red Mountain look like a Flare spell!

Athynae, oh Athynae
How great the day
You came our way
Athynae !!!

AHEM....athenae mah girl...

two redhead twins with sassy mouths...a very intelligent 'dog' (Trey) in the mix.... a brother who is not very bright and always at the end of the twins' manipulations...

SEE THIS:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Test

If you haven't already...watch a few episodes! Trey and Athynae! 'fess up! You stole part of the idea from that show!!!