Dr. Who? (or should I have said: "Dr. Who!")

This post has been edited by mALX: Mar 26 2013, 01:32 AM

Star Trek Deep Space Nine? (Dax)

I know you're a Doctor Who fan, so I'm going to guess at Doctor Who. Either that, or Futurama. Because Futurama is indisputably one of the best sci-fi shows to ever air on TV.

I should've guessed Methredhel would be the one to nick the sword, and it's good to see her and Aela back again. Aela's here, I assume, to lend a bit of magical firepower to the Guilds against Mannimarco and Co. (Mannimar Co. ?). I like that outfit of hersin the screenshot, by the way; is that vanilla, or a mod?


I liked this segment; considering that Methredhel hasn't seen Teresa for quite some time, it was a great way of showing how the titular stringy Bosmer has grown.

Edit: The brief appearance of Methredhel's fox spirit got me thinking; would people from more exotic parts of Nirn have more exotic spirit guides that fit with their locale? Like would someone from Vvardenfel have a guar or netch or cliff racer spirit guide, or somebody from Skyrim have a sabre cat or horker or chaurus spirit guide? Just a random thought, but seeing as it's played a fairly major role in the story so far I was just wondering if you'd ever given the idea any thought.

This post has been edited by Colonel Mustard: Mar 27 2013, 02:11 PM

I love the screenshots with this episode. Also Methredhel’s POV gives us a rare and welcome glimpse of Teresa. She certainly has changed!

"I still have that hollowed out horker tusk..." Dynari winked.
A professional thief can maintain her focus through all kinds of distractions.

"Hello old friend."
I want to say Captain Piccard, but I think the scene I’m remembering (talking to a spaceship) is itself a tribute to something from one of the movies or the original series. I have to say I think the Next Generation series was pretty great.

Yay, Aela! And looking very nice in Lildereth’s favorite outfit. (That she doesn’t have yet.) I am so delighted to see her along for this adventure!

Dynari and Teresa’s non-greeting to each other was priceless. So much to read in their tone and body language!

"I'm in," Methredhel said. "Just tell me when and where."
Just like that. Awesome. Methredhel is that kind of friend.

Babylon 5... ...Aaaaah Jeff...

Sorry, still catching up...

*Applauds anyways*



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



EDIIIIITTTT!!...

As several people say throughout the Star Wars saga but I'll go with the Lando version right now..."I've got a baaaad feeling about this..."...

The house Teresa bought, her musings about her upbringing, this "One last job" thing... ...

Oh dear...

But anyways, to the story...

Kud-Ei was excellent!...I'm pretty sure that should she want to, she could have charmed the sword out of the Count's hands... ...But her objection to anything below board was a wonderful moment...

And then this trip to get her master thief... ...Another brilliant chapter...Loved it!!...

Absolutely amazing stuff...

Looking forward to much more...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...


P.S. I do so miss Sinclair..."Ah, my good and deearrrr frrriend Sinclair!!"..."Meeesterr Garrribaaaldii"...Ah Londo...How I miss thee also... ....

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Mar 31 2013, 10:24 AM

ghastley: I figure Methredhel is sort of the Danny Ocean of Cyrodiil. Wait, that would be the Grey Fox wouldn't it? She's the Rusty, or even the Linus from the end of Oceans 13, after he has finally really stepped up in confidence and ability.

I don't think any of my thief characters ever beat her to Allectus' diary. They always had to steal it from Methie herself afterward. Like you said, she's got these rocket skates she flies around the city with.


King Coin: What else but a fox spirit for the future Grey Fox? You put that Khajiit nose on exactly what I wanted to spotlight in that episode: Methredhel's unswerving loyalty to Teresa. She is willing to drop everything in an instant just at one word from Teresa. That is the kind of friend she is.


Acadian: Another vote for the Jarol Job! Too bad I did not have more time, otherwise I could have written that for the Chorrol Competition! Nice try with Dax, but I think you were thinking of Sisko calling her "Old Man?" I have not seen that show in a long time now. In any case though, it was not what I had in mind.


mALX: That would be:
"I'm the Doctor!"
"Doctor, who was it again?"

Nice try, but again, not what I was looking for.


Colonel Mustard: I have to remember Mannimar Co. for the futuristic cyberpunk version of TES! Nice tries on the Doctor and Futurama, but still no cigars.

Aela's outfit in that pic is The Roadstroker's Road Rogue Ouftit. I have always liked that one.

Just like in Real Life, folks in the TF would get the spirit guide they need. Whatever that happens to be. It might be a dragon, a unicorn, or dreugh, or anything. It is just a matter of what is right for them at that particular time.


Grits: I could not resist throwing in that horker tusk line! They are single women, so they would have to have a few lying around. All the Skyrim women do...

Not Picard either. Thank you for trying though.

Another vote for the Road Rogue then! I think it would be excellent for Lil. Though I could see her in the various colors of Miran Talurn from Shdw Armor Pack 2 as well.

I worked on that non-greeting between Dynari and Teresa, and put a lot of thought into Dynari's crossing her arms to take up that closed in, defensive posture. There is definitely a cat-fight brewing there!


McBadgere: You got it with Babylon 5! Do I ever love that show. I think I am going to work in the time to watch it again. I was never thrilled with Michael O'Hare's acting, but I did love the character of Sinclair. "Hello Old Friend." has always been one of my favorite lines from the show, along with "Nothing's the same anymore..."

I once saw an interview with Peter Jurasik where he said he would get himself into the role of Londo by leaping out of his chair and shouting at the top of his lungs "Mr. Garibaldi!"

Don't worry, I do not plan on killing Teresa off at the end of the story! She's not an old cop who is retiring after all... We will get to see a lot more of Kud-Ei being smart, and being an old stick in the mud, in a few episodes.


Previously On Teresa Of The Faint Smile: In our last episode, Teresa and Aela traveled to the Imperial City. There they paid a call upon Methredhel and her roommate Dynari Amnis, who were planning a major theft upon Irlav Jarol of the Arcane University. Methie instantly agreed to help Teresa, without even hearing what it was her old friend needed. Much to the dislike of Dynari.


Chapter 46.2 – Methredhel's Eleven

"I'm sorry that this is difficult," Teresa said as she led the way down through the insula's stairway. "If there was any other way, I wouldn't be bothering you."

"How long have we known one another?" Methredhel asked. "You don't have to say you're sorry. I'll always stand beside you, you know that."

"Your friend did not look too happy," Aela observed. "I gather you two were planning something?"

"We are," Methredhel nodded. "Dynari is just nervous. She's never done anything so big before. It's asking a lot from her. But she has what it takes. She just doesn't know it yet."

"Now that sounds familiar…" Teresa breathed as they stepped out into the street.

Methredhel saw the other wood elf draw her dark green talurn hood up over her features. Aela pulled her cloak tightly about her shoulders, and a moment later Methredhel did the same as an icy blast of air sliced into her. Snow fell into her face, and crunched under her boots as she followed the other two women down Sword Avenue. Yet even with the winter snow piling up, the thoroughfare that cut through the Arena District was busy. Pedestrians like themselves went to and fro, as well as wagons loaded with goods bound for the Market District, and hansoms taking wealthier folk in all directions.

She was surprised when Teresa whistled for one of the latter, and they all climbed into the two-wheeled carriage. Aela passed several silver coins to the driver, and directed him to the Waterfront. They were forced to squeeze together to fit in the small cab, and were pushed back into the seat as the driver sent the horse trotting off past the Arena with a clucking of his tongue.

"We're taking a boat in this weather?" Methredhel cocked one eyebrow at Teresa. "Are you mad?"

"No, I'm a Witch," Aela said from the other side of the cab.

"I'm not sure which is worse…" Methredhel muttered. The thief stifled a yelp as Teresa's elbow dug into her ribs. Then the next thing she knew, she and the other wood elf were both giggling. Even the Breton mage loosed a wry chuckle herself.

"We'll be fine," Teresa smiled. "You'll see."

Methredhel did see when they finally reached the docks and clambered aboard a small boat waiting there. Rather than take out the oars, Aela raised one hand into a fist and loosed a burst of magicka. A form took shape in the air, with long hair and a slender, hourglass frame. But rather than flesh, the conjured being was comprised of water. Her hair was the foaming white spray of waves crashing onto the shore. Her body was the crystal blue of clear waters, and her eyes, mouth, and fingernails the dark green of an algae-soaked lake. She sank into the water surrounding the boat, and the next thing Methredhel knew the dory was speeding away from the dock.

"A Witch indeed," Methredhel said with respect. "Now I see what you mean."

"Oh, just wait until we get out on the open lake," Teresa teased.

Screenshot

Methredhel cocked an eyebrow in curiosity, but kept her silence. In the meantime, Teresa finally revealed what they needed her for. As Methredhel had assumed, it was a theft. What she had not expected was that it was the very Count of Bravil's sword they would be stealing, and that it was a cursed necromantic artifact at that! Even her plan to rob Irlav Jarol had not including prying the very staff from the mage councilor's fingers! She let that simmer in her mind and did her best not look out of her depth. She had what it took to pull off a heist like this. Even if she did not know it yet…

When they pulled out of the icy harbor and glided into the rough waters of Lake Rumare Methredhel discovered what Teresa had alluded to before. First she and Aela worked to loose the dory's odd, four-cornered sail from the mast overhead. Then the Witch spiked her hand to the sky once more, and this time a wispy figure of wind and glowing eyes took shape in the air above the boat. With one gesture upward, the summoning flew up into the sky and disappeared.

Just like that, the snow ceased to fall and the clouds opened above them to reveal an azure blue sky. A brisk wind rose out of the west and filled their sail, and the water calmed before them. They sped off across the lake with a speed that surprised the wood elf. She was no sailor, but the boat seemed to be moving far too quickly for any normal breeze. Then she looked up to the canvas, and she could swear that she could see a wispy figure dancing about the sheet.

"Teresa, you certainly know how to pick your friends," she said.

Methredhel felt a warm hand on her shoulder, and looked back at the other wood elf.

"I'd like to think so," Teresa smiled faintly.

By now, nothing the other two women did could surprise Methredhel. So she did not say a word when they sped on through the black cowl of night, rather than put into a port or simply an empty spit of beach. She saw Teresa pull her goggles from her Thieves Bag and put them on. Methredhel reached into a pocket and pulled out a plain obsidian ring. Its night eye enchantment immediately brought the world back into view as she slid it onto one finger. Aela simply raised her hand to cast another spell, and Methredhel did not have to guess what it was, as the Witch clearly had not difficulties seeing in the dark.

Teresa provided them with a meal of cornbread, and produced a bottle of Tamika's from her bag to wash it down. They continued on through the night, and soon the forester was pulling out potions to restore their flagging endurance. Before the sun could rise they had passed under the massive bridge over the Niben at Castle Alessia. By the time Magnus stood directly overhead Bravil itself hove into view.

Aela dispelled her sylph and once more called forth her undine to guide the boat toward the city. Methredhel was glad that the weather had naturally warmed on their journey south. In fact, she did not see even one flake of snow on the shore as they drew near. Yet the Imperial City had been under a blanket of the white powder for weeks! Now she could see one of the reasons her friend liked the southern city so much…

"Let's take it slow here," Methredhel said as they came around the castle. "I want to get a good look. Where would you say the count's chambers are?"

"Up on the top floor of the keep." Teresa did not point, and Methredhel knew the other wood elf was being cautious, lest the eyes of the lone guardsman walking the parapet above grow suspicious. Teresa might not be a thief by trade, but she certainly knew the ins and outs of the business. Growing up on the street would do that for anyone after all.

"The three in the middle should be his rooms. His court wizard is on the far left, and the steward on the right. On the other side of the keep are Drels Theran and the Captain of the Guard."

"And each has a suite of rooms," Methredhel thought aloud. "It's a big place, bigger than I expected. That's good though. It means a large staff, and lots of people coming and going. So a new face in the hallway won't surprise anyone."

"I thought you would want as few people around as possible?" Aela asked, "in order to sneak in and out undetected?"

"Only the small jobs are sneak and seizes," Methredhel declared. "Something like this is far more complicated. It will take more than stealth alone."

"I knew you would say that." Teresa bit her lip as they glided beneath the high stone walls of the keep above.

"Go ahead, spill those beans before you choke on them Teresa," Methredhel smiled.

"Well, I was thinking we might try a cat burglary," the forester offered. "We could come up from under the bay at night, go straight up the wall, and into his room while he sleeps. It's far enough away from the parapets that it will be out of life detection range."

"That won't work," Aela shook her head. "Look at the pennants on the keep."

As she imagined Teresa was doing, Methredhel stared at the long slivers of green cloth that spilled down the stone face of the rectangular keep. Decorated with the image of a brown stag looking back over his head, the banners fluttered gently in the breeze.

"Now look at the flag on the tower by the Larsius."

Methredhel's eyes moved to the dragon-emblazed banner that rose up above the tower at the north-east corner of the city. She looked back to the pennants above. Then she realized that they were blowing in opposite directions.

"A sylph," Teresa sighed beside her. "He's got a sylph guarding the windows."

"No doubt permanently bound too," Aela said. "Fathis Aren may be a womanizer, but he's no fool when it comes to his magic."

"Could you make us a scroll to dispel it?" Teresa asked.

"Nay," Aela stated flatly. "That would work on a creature summoned by another scroll, but not one summoned by a living, breathing mage. Magic is all about will. There is no willpower in a scroll. It is separated from its creator. So its effects are easily negated. Only a stronger mage can dispel a direct summoning."

"Could you do it?" Methredhel asked. She looked down from the keep to the Breton.

"I can do more than just dispel her," Aela said. "I can take control of her. But Fathis will instantly feel it when I break his bond with the sylph, and he will call out the guard."

Teresa whistled. "I didn't know anyone could do that."

"I am an ardhanari," Aela said, "or gallae, semnotatoi, enaree… Whatever race's word you like for a two-spirit magician. I can do things few others can."

"Mercenaries, thieves, guild magisters, two-spirit Witches…" Methredhel turned to her sister elf and laughed. "What are you going to pull from your sleeve next Teresa, a dragon?"

"No," Teresa smiled faintly. "But I do have a spy."

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Nov 16 2013, 04:31 AM

The food's not all that important, but you gotta get the drinks right!

I note that they're assuming Fathis Aren is siding with the Count. I'd expect them to actually investigate that aspect, as he has a big influence on the logistics. With his help, things would be very different.

And this is certainly developing into an interesting team!

This post has been edited by ghastley: Apr 1 2013, 05:06 PM

Old news: Very right you are about Sisko calling Dax old man. I never cared for the show that much, but quite liked the idea of the symbiosis involved.


Yay, snow in the IC! How pretty that must have been!

What a magically fun boat ride to Bravil! You used time, weather and enhanced boat speed to remind us of the large geographical distances used in TF.

Putting these two passages together in the same episode shows a beautiful irony! Well done:
1: "We are," Methredhel nodded. "Dynari is just nervous. She's never done anything so big before. It's asking a lot from her. But she has what it takes. She just doesn't know it yet."
2: 'As Methredhel had assumed, it was a theft. What she had not expected was that it was the very Count of Bravil's sword they would be stealing, and that it was a cursed necromantic artifact at that! Even her plan to rob Irlav Jarol had not including prying the very staff from the mage councilor's fingers! She let that simmer in her mind and did her best not look out of her depth. She had what it took to pull off a heist like this. Even if she did not know it yet…’

And ditto with this:
"Teresa, you certainly know how to pick your friends," she said.
Methredhel felt a warm hand on her shoulder, and looked back at the other wood elf.
"I'd like to think so," Teresa smiled faintly.

Then you leave us with another guessing game:
"No," Teresa smiled faintly. "But I do have a spy."


Nits:
"Your friend did not look to {too} happy," Aela observed.’

‘In the meantime, Teresa finally revealed what they need {needed?} her for.’
I’ll take your grammar wisdom over mine, but it seems like mixing tenses?

‘Aela simply raised her hand to cast another spell, and Methredhel did not have to guess what it was, as the Witch clearly had not {no} difficulties seeing in the dark. ’

"Something like this {is?} far more complicated.”

“Its {It’s} far enough away from the parapets that it will be out of life detection range."

I didn't get to read that last chapter yet (but wanted to get my guess in). I'm slipping behind due to BS RL, not out of lack of interest in your story, believe me! I'll catch up, I'm sorry it is taking so long.

Witches and mages have everything better. Weather on command and a fast trip up and down the river.

Even her plan to rob Irlav Jarol had not including prying the very staff from the mage councilor's fingers!
That would be something! Doable in Oblivion though.

Everyone has their own way for seeing in the dark. Just add a Khajiit for one more variety.

Interesting castle defenses. Sounds reasonable, and I wouldn’t be surprised if there was more to it than they have seen yet. I suppose that’s where the spy comes in.

I really enjoyed the snowy IC after Bravil’s green forests.

It was fun to see Aela’s Aedric summonings and weather magic through Methredhel’s surprised eyes.

I especially liked the discussion of Aela’s abilities vs Fathis, and what she was capable of doing that would still not suit their purpose. Also I liked that Fathis could bind a sylph while I’ve had the sense before that Aela’s summonings are more like allies (though for all I know Fathis could be a Witch, too). The implications round out how magic works in Teresa’s world without an intrusive explanation.

I’m also wondering where Fathis stands with Drels’ plan and if he might be swayed to join Teresa’s team, but I suppose that approaching him would give them away.

A spy next? Hmm… Unless they're from another town, I've no idea.

Well, that was some pretty impressive magicks right there... ...Love the idea of the different spirit/sprite types...They were pretty epic...

OOoooh, I also loved the reference in the title...I've only seen - and enjoyed - the first of the Clooney ones, but the nod to it made me laugh... ...

An excellently realised journey, looking forward to what happens at the destination... ...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

PS...I love that witch...Seriously excellent!!...

ghastley: Ever since she met Jauffre, Teresa has never gone anywhere without a trusty bottle of Tamika's, just in case of emergencies.

As we shall see this next episode, there are not many people our heroes trust to bring into the conspiracy. That includes most of the Fighters Guild, and all of the Mages Guild but for Kud-Ei. As Girts mentioned, unless they are already absolutely certain how someone might answer, they do not dare approach them. So Fathis was never a consideration.


Acadian: First off, thank you for the editorial eye. I should be paying you! I knew you would like that part about knowing how to pick your friends. I was thinking of you when I wrote that in fact, and imagining your reaction upon reading it. Likewise, I am glad that you highlighted the two parts about Dynari having what it took, but not knowing it, and then the same for Methie. I was indeed meaning to show that in spite of Methie being the more qualified and experienced thief of the two, in this instance, she was feeling just as out of her depth as poor Dynari was back in the IC. Not that Methie would ever let anyone else know that of course!


mALX: RL has been trouble for me lately too. It is why I was not able to write an entry for the Community Competition, and why I have only been able to read the first half of the first story so far. *sigh*


King Coin: Now we saw the first reason Aela was brought into the conspiracy. She is a fast taxi to the IC and back! I did have fun with the seeing in the dark part. As you said, everyone has their own way of getting by that impediment. If only they did have Aravi in this! She could come in very handy in the endgame.

I want the castle to really seem like a tough nut to crack. Something beyond your average thief's abilities. So the patrolling spirit was an obvious touch. We will find guards with detect life amulets all over the place as well. So sneaking in and out is simply impossible.


Grits: The snowy IC was a way to show how late in the year it is. Nearly Saturalia! Not to mention to contrast the differences in climate between the two cities. I imagine the IC's winters are like those of Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Buffalo, or New York. While I see Bravil as like the Carolinas.

Aela's abilities are much like Fathis' because the two of them are graduates of the Arcane University. In that respect, Aela is an oddball Witch, in that she has a college degree. That is why Aela summons Aedric spirits rather than animals, as Morcant does. I am sure she can summon bears and wolves and such, but Aela is just more accustomed to sylphs and undines as that is what she learned in school. Daedric summonings would be reserved for Daedra worshipers like Saya, and of course Undead summoning is something only necromancers would do. I have not really thought of whether Fathis is a Daedra worshiper like his niece or not. But I know the count would not want a Winged Twilight hovering around his window. So Fathis would only stationing Aedra around the castle.

Aela's really big difference with Fathis comes from being transgendered. I am basing this off of RL, where gay and trans magicians are not only a common feature across the globe, but are also considered the top tier of mages, priests, and priestesses. I think the reason is that all magicians and holy people must live in two worlds at the same time: the mundane world around us, and the spirit world. They must be able to step between them at will. GLBT people also live between worlds, those of men and women, and between sexualities. They also have to be able to move back and forth between them. So they have a leg up in the magical and spiritual worlds. I am not exactly sure how to translate that into the game, except perhaps as an increased magicka and magicka regen rate. Perhaps also a fortification to magical skills as well. That is why Aela can take over other people's summons. She has the simple brute power to do so. I am sure there are other non-trans magicians sufficiently powerful to do that as well of course, like the Arch Mage. I don't see Fathis as having quite that amount of skill though. He seems to be a bit too busy with women to hone his skills to that level.


McBadgere: The different types of spirits are basically taken straight from the Classic Elements and Elementals. Being the creatures that created the world, and physically comprise it, I picture Aedra as being like Elementals - reflections of what we see in the natural world. So Lightning Aedra, Frost Aedra, Water Aedra, Tree Aedra, Fire Aedra, Rock Aedra, and so forth. Unlike in the game, which is purely focused on combat, I like to imagine what other sorts of things such creatures might be able to do. Such as clear the weather, create tides, etc...

I actually sat down and watched all the Oceans movies before and as I wrote this chapter. Plus a few other heist movies like The Italian Job. All to help me get in the mood. I highly recommend Oceans 13. I think it is my favorite of the three Clooney Oceans movies. Oceans 12 was just terrible. Stay away, unless of course you just want to look at Catherine Zeta Jones (and oh my, it was quite nice to look at her in that film!).


Previously On Teresa Of The Faint Smile: Our last episode found Teresa and company sailing back to Bravil on Aela's dory. Thanks to the Witch's summoned spirits, they were able to make the journey in half the time, in much calmer weather. Upon arriving at Bravil, they took their first good look at the caste from the water. There they discovered that a sylph was guarding the windows to the keep, preventing anyone from sneaking in that way.


Chapter 46.3 – Methredhel's Eleven

Teresa followed Tadrose into Pappy's office. Like the armorer, she brought a pair of extra chairs and set them down wherever she could find an empty spot. For while the guild commander's office normally felt spacious, today it was cramped with people. Kud-Ei wore her usual plain blue magister's robe, and stood next to her Fighters Guild counterpart. The commander was clad in ordinary linens, yet still carried his Nordic sword Hardrada at his hip. Mael stood nearby, speaking to Aela in low tones. Then of course there was Chance, who seemed to have glued himself to Methredhel the moment the thief had stepped into the guild hall.

"Alright you meatheads, we're burning daylight," Pappy said as Teresa sat down beside Tadrose. The wood elf took a sip of Tamika's and swirled the fruity wine around her tongue. Still she frowned. Not even the best wine in the world could get the awful taste of sewage from her mouth. Methredhel sat down on the other side of the forester, with Chance beyond her.

"I'm gonna start by saying that a lot of other people didn't get invited to this dance. The reason you're all here is because we know that we can trust you." The guild commander stood in front of a collection of maps and drawings of the castle that were pinned to one wall. "I know I don't have to remind anyone that what happens on this job stays on this job. One wrong word, even years from now, will put all of us in prison. Or worse. So don't even think of telling your mother, your girlfriend, your priest, or your dog. Keep your traps shut!"

"It's a good thing he doesn't have to remind us of that," Teresa heard Chance whisper to Methredhel.

"I've gotten rid of everyone else in the guild by sending them out of the city on contracts," Pappy went on. "Even Tavian is out getting some 'field experience' with Vincent and Morghak. So no one knows about this but us, and we've got the hall all to ourselves until this is over. Now I'll turn things over to our expert."

Methredhel rose as the guild commander took a seat behind his desk. She walked to the center of the room, eyes going over the assembled conspirators. "Yesterday I gave some of you assignments. How are we going on them? Chance you first."

"Only a few of the servants actually live in the castle," the Redguard began. "The steward - Elidor, the head maid Domitilla, the count's two pages: Flavius and Jirolin, his cook Honmund, and so on. Most of the housekeepers, grooms, and others live in the city and walk to work at dawn every day."

The Redguard stood and lifted a bag that had been tucked away in one corner of the room. He reached inside with a grin and drew forth a black dress, followed by a white chemise. "As requested, one castle maid's uniform, with my compliments."

Screenshot

"Oh this is beautiful!" Methredhel's eyes sparkled as she crossed the room and took the black outer garment in her hands. Teresa noted that the skirt hung down to the other wood elf's ankles, and could imagine what the thief was thinking: plenty of room to hide things in.

"I'll need some pockets sewn into the skirt of the chemise," Methredhel confirmed Teresa's thought a moment later. "For things like scrolls, potions, my picks, and so on…"

"I can do that," Tadrose offered. "I can take your measurements too, and fit it to you."

"That might not be a good idea," Chance frowned. "Eutropia is expecting this back from the laundry. If it gets smaller, well, I'll be hearing her complain about looking fat for months."

The other men in the room laughed at the remark. Teresa noted that none of the women did however.

"Will she notice the extra pockets in the chemise?" Tadrose was all business.

"We can just replace it with a new one," Pappy said. "Those things are a drake a dozen. If she notices it's different, she'll just think the laundry mixed it up."

"That's not all I have in my Saturalia bag." Chance reached back into the sack with a grin. A moment later he drew forth a pair of black court shoes. Their heels rose up in high, graceful arches, and their tongues were tied shut with ribbons. "Nothing but the best for my fair maid."

Methredhel practically glowed when she took the shoes from the Redguard. She held one up to the sole of her foot to check the size, and practically squealed in delight to see that it would fit.

"The way to every woman's heart is through her shoes," Teresa heard Tadrose whisper into her ear. The wood elf smiled faintly, and felt the other woman's fingers twine gently with her own. She made a mental note to herself to go shoe-shopping when all this was over. What a wonderful Saturalia present that would make for Tadrose!

"If we can leave playing dress up for later…" Pappy coughed. Teresa could see that Methredhel would be happy to play dress up, or perhaps dress down with Chance. But her friend's professionalism obviously won out, and she set the uniform down and turned back to the rest of the group.

"The court wizard is next," Methredhel said. "Kud-Ei?"

"Fathis Aren shall be joining this one tomorrow at dawn for a meeting," the Argonian declared. "He has been pestering this one for detailed reports on the activities of his niece. As much as he dislikes the early hour, it is the only time this one shall have available in the near future."

"Excellent," Methredhel said. "He was my biggest worry. That makes you next Teresa."

"I found an entrance to the castle that is not on any of the maps," Teresa smiled faintly. "I am not sure if anyone in the castle even realizes it's there. Or at least, I doubt they ever think about it."

Mael whistled. "Full of surprises indeed."

"It isn't perfect though," Teresa frowned. "I went under the lake and explored the castle's foundations. There is a drainage outlet that empties directly into the harbor, and another that goes into the bay. They're submerged, so you cannot see it from the outside. I followed one into a small system of sewers under the castle. I would say that all of the privies empty into it from shafts that run straight down to it. Most are wide enough that a small person could fit through."

"Isn't there a grate or something over the entrances," Mael asked. "To prevent this very thing?"

"Not anymore," Teresa smiled faintly.

"So I could fly up the shaft with a sylph and enter through the bathrooms," Methredhel looked impressed. "What are the toilet seats like?"

"Wooden in most places," Kud-Ei rasped. "But on the top floor they are solid marble. There is no getting through those. In any case, you would be seen through the walls by the life detection amulets the guardsmen wear."

"And I would be covered in muck even if I did slip by unnoticed. Not exactly the best way to blend in." Methredhel looked thoughtful. "I think we just found our exit strategy though. Okay, on to the entrance strategy, Pappy what do you have?"

"The count is getting all of the spirits for his Saturalia celebration from the Samaia Adamus brewery here in town. They brew their own ale, but import their wine and brandy from Skingrad. It's located on the north side of Riverwalk, between the bridge to South Island and Silver Avenue. They start work at the crack of dawn, and employ a dozen people. They put on five more workers for Saturalia though, which should make for the perfect cover."

"That's going to be a lot of people for Aela and I to overpower." Mael stroked his chin thoughtfully. "A few might escape in the confusion, or raise an alarm."

"This one can assist," Kud-Ei said. From the way the horns on her head drooped ever so slightly, Teresa could tell the guild magister was not comfortable with the idea. "I am not conversant with spells that damage the stamina, but I can charm and command them."

"You'll be too recognizable," Methredhel shook her head. "Even with a hood and mask, you are going to stick out like a sore thumb."

"Aye," Aela finally spoke. "I can pass for a man on this job, and Mael will probably never return to Bravil. But you will be here forever. If any one of those people see you on the street, see your tail and your nose, we'll all be finished."

The guild magister's shoulders slumped forward in defeat. Teresa could tell that the Argonian was disturbed by not being able to assist them, probably even more than she was perturbed by the very illegality of the entire plan. One thing Teresa had learned quickly upon coming to Bravil was that while Kud-Ei was the straightest arrow in the quiver, she never let her friends down.

"Who else are we going to bring in then?" Chance asked. "Delphine?"

"That one could never keep a secret," Kud-Ei rasped. "Half of Bravil would know before the sword was even out of the city."

"Saya then?" Teresa said.

"Fathis Aren is that one's uncle," Kud-Ei replied. "The very court mage."

"Yes, but she hates him," Chance said.

"Aye," Tadrose said. "But that might be what makes her slip up. In the heat of an argument, she might spit out how she made a fool of him and his count."

"Ungarion," Aela said. "He is who we need."

"Ungarion!" Kud-Ei sputtered. "That one is a black marketeer! A smuggler! He was nearly expelled from the University for sneaking banned books from the secret archives and renting them out to the other students."

"That was never proven!" Aela countered. "Besides, it only shows that he knows how to keep a secret. I have known him for years. He's always been there for me. There is no one I trust more."

"I like him already." Methredhel smiled.

"Aela's right," Tadrose said seriously. "The two of them were good friends of Seridwe. She was picky about two things in life. Her hair, and her friends. We can count on him."

"Let's bring him in then," Pappy said to Aela. "Do you think he'll do it?"

"Steal the count's cursed necromantic sword?" Aela's eyebrows rose. "This is his idea of fun!"

Kud-Ei said nothing further in argument, but Teresa could tell the Argonian was not pleased.

"Do we have enough necromancer robes?" Methredhel asked.

"We recovered four good robes from Anutywll." Tadrose said. "So with Mael, Aela, and Chance, we still have one left over for Ungarion."

"Good, I think that covers everything then," Methredhel said.

"There is one more thing." Kud-Ei rose to her feet with two pairs of gloves in her hands. She stepped across the room and handed one pair to Methredhel, and the other to Teresa. The instant she touched the soft velvet material, the forester felt the pulse of magicka within it. It was a strange sort of feeling however. Not at all like other enchantments. Yet she could not put a word to exactly what was different about them.

"These are negation gauntlets," the guild magister said. "They are used when handling cursed items. These ones must take care to only handle Soul's Rattle while wearing these. If the sword is indeed cursed, they will prevent it from forming a link to these one's spirits."

Teresa looked from Kud-Ei to Methredhel. She saw the same somberness she felt reflected in her old friend's eyes. For all that some parts of this felt like fun, the necessity for the gloves in her hand reminded her just how high the stakes were. This was no game, people would die, or worse, if anyone made a mistake.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Jul 15 2013, 08:33 PM

A wonderful planning session! Each of the players was fabulous in their own right. I love how Pappy’s endorsement of Methie speaks volumes about how much he has come to respect Teresa’s judgment.

"The way to every woman's heart is through her shoes,"
Gosh, Buffy sure feels convicted of this!

Samaia Adamus brewery. . .

'One thing Teresa had learned quickly upon coming to Bravil was that while Kud-Ei was the straightest arrow in the quiver, she never let her friends down.'
I stood up and cheered over this! And you knew that I would!

Yay, Ungarion! Wonderful to see the lovably oily black marketeer merchant of. . . interesting items involved.

Negation gauntlets. Such a wonderful idea and touch you added here. It reminds me a bit of McBadgere’s ‘null iron’ that prevents spell casting.

This could be the heist of the era!

I like to think of myself as an avid student of TF, yet the name Mael escapes me. Is he supposed to be a mystery at this point? Perhaps the spy Teresa alluded to in your previous episode? My goodness, I shall certainly have a red face if I have somehow missed twigging on one of your previously introduced characters. If that is the case, I ask your forgiveness in advance. EDIT: Oops! My eyes flew open at 0230 this morning as I remembered. Of course I recall the Breton Blade Teresa met in Episode 45.4 as she was shooting her bow outside the FG. For some reason, the name ‘James Bond’ stuck and I quite forgot he was named Mael. Sorry.

Nits:
"Oh this is beautiful!" Methredhel's eyes sparkled as the {she} crossed the room and took the black outer garment in her hands.
”If she notices its {it’s} different, she'll just think the laundry mixed it up."

This post has been edited by Acadian: Apr 9 2013, 02:43 PM

Ooo, I want a castle maid’s uniform! Irlav Jarol can keep his micro-skirt ones.

"The count is getting all of the spirits for his Saturalia celebration from the Samaia Adamus brewery here in town.
I love it! Perhaps their seasonal Satur-Ale-ia?

One thing Teresa had learned quickly upon coming to Bravil was that while Kud-Ei was the straightest arrow in the quiver, she never let her friends down.
What a wonderful way to describe Kud-Ei’s sense of duty and loyalty. That’s exactly how I see her.

Yay, Ungarion! This is quite a crew!

Isn't it lovely? You can buy it here. The chemise is separate though.

And you addressed the Fathis Aren problem, as I'd hoped.

He and a few other castle residents show signs of not exactly being on the side of the count, and I'm sure he'll be happy to be out of the castle when things happen.

I got a bit confused about the shoes. Was that just a Chance/Methredhel interaction detail, or do the shoes affect the plan?

Um...Firstly...



Um...Fair dues...Thanks for remembering...It's been a while since that...Cheers... ...



Aaamywho...

Loved the planning session...I had to laugh that Chance was straight next to the new girl... ...

I hope that Teresa's had her cure disease this morning... ...Eugh... ...



...Yeah, been there...Pfft...Men!... ...

I like Ungarion in the game, I always go to him for the Grand Soul Gems...He's cool...And I had to laugh at Kud-Ei's reaction to him being in on it...

Still, while I'm sure that Mael's very much trustworthy...Being a Blade and all...He's the new blood...Trusting him was a big...Heh...Chance, wasn't it?...

Love it!!...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...



EDIIIITTTT!!!...P.S. I also loved the gauntlets btw... ...Nice one!!...*Applauds some more*...

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Apr 11 2013, 11:51 AM

Acadian: Thank you for the nits again. That first one was a leftover from an edit where I rearranged the sentence. The second one I just plain missed.

Both Aela and Methie are in the conspiracy because of Teresa vouched for them. She has not been in the guild for a long time, but she certainly has proven herself over and over in that time! Needless to say, she is someone that Pappy and Tadrose trust implicitly.

I knew Buffy would be skewered by the shoe remark! Just like I knew you would cheer at that description of Kud-Ei.

And there is plenty more Ungarion coming up. We finally get to meet him again in today's episode.


Grits: Another vote for Samaia Adamus! As usual I was hemming and hawing over coming up with a name, when I decided something tongue in cheek might be fun. It was either that or something like Ja'k Danielicus...

At least the count's maid uniforms tell us one thing about him. He is not a letch like Irlav Jarol! I really do love Ren Fair clothes. It was fun looking for a picture.


ghastley: I am sure that most people who have met the count are not exactly on his side! Kud-Ei sidetracking Fathis was always part of my plan. He is just too big a loose cannon to leave in the castle while they do the theft.

The whole shoe thing was indeed meant to create a little more Chance/Methie interactions. We will see more of that at the end of the chapter.


McBadgere: I see I am not the only one to come up with the idea of some kind of "safe gloves" for handling dangerous magic items. Null Iron has a nice sound to it, harkening back to the legends of elves and fairies being harmed or their magic impeded by good old mundane iron.

Of course Chance is straight after Methie! That is the kind of guy he is.

Hold that thought about Mael's trustworthiness...


Previously On Teresa Of The Faint Smile: Our last episode found the scooby gang planning to steal the count's sword. Pappy stressed the secrecy of the mission, and even related that he had sent off all non-involved FG members on contracts outside of the city for the duration. Chance provided Methredhel with a castle maid's uniform. Pappy informed them that the count's liquor was being provided by a local brewery. Kud-Ei related her plan to get Fathis Aren out of the castle. Teresa informed the others that she found a sewer underneath the castle. It was decided to bring in Ungarion to assist with overpowering the workers at the brewery. Finally, Kud-Ei provided them with enchanted gloves that would protect them from cursed magic items.


Chapter 46.4 – Methredhel's Eleven

"Almost ready," Aela said. She dabbed Ungarion's face with blue powder to smooth out the foundation that covered the high elf's face. "You know what this reminds me of? That time in Cheydinhal."

"With the theater, and the dremora?" the Altmer grinned. "Remember that wig Seri was wearing! I swear it must have been taller than she was!"

"I know, I could have nearly hid inside it!" Aela grinned. "She did fit several daggers and potions in there though."

"Not to mention the horses we used to get away with…" Ungarion said wryly.

"Oh you scamp!" Aela giggled and tapped his nose with her makeup puff for emphasis. Then her face turned serious. "I think that will do it."

"How do I look?"

"Like a dark elf," Aela declared with satisfaction. She held up a mirror to the other mage's face, and watched as he turned it this way and that, taking in his now dun-colored visage. The Altmer touched his hair. Where once it had been a mane of deep red, the elf's locks were now jet black and peppered with grey. He took the time to carefully arrange every strand, emphasizing his widows peak even more.

"I swear sometimes you primp more than a woman!" Aela snickered.

"A man has to look his best," Ungarion said. "He never knows who might be admiring him from afar."

"You mean a man might never know when his boyfriend might be admiring him from afar," Aela teased.

"I can always hope…" Ungarion winked.

"You wish Asgeir was part of this don't you?" Aela's features took on a more serious tone.

"Nay, it's best to keep him out of this," Ungarion sighed. "This isn't his fight. I just don't like lying to him."

"He really is special then?" Aela breathed. She wrapped her arms around the seated Altmer's shoulders, and rested her head against his own. He tilted the mirror before them, so that both of their faces reflected back in its silvered surface.

"He makes me feel like…" the high elf's words trailed away wistfully, "like I haven't felt in a long time. Not since I met that young, wild, sad, brilliant Breton at University."

Aela turned and kissed the elf gently upon his hair, lest she spoil the makeup she had spent the last half hour laboriously applying to his face. "You will always be the only man for me Ungarion," she said softly.

"But you do not like men," the Altmer wryly pointed out.

"That's beside the point," Aela smiled. "Besides, you don't like women."

She straightened up as she felt the Altmer shift under her. He rose to his feet, and turned to face Aela.

"That has always been the rub has it not?" The Altmer smiled sadly as he set his hands upon her shoulders and slid them gently down her arms. "I suppose we'll always have the University though, won't we?"

"You were the only thing that made it bearable." Aela closed her eyes. As difficult - and painful - as her transition to womanhood at the University had been had been, Ungarion had always been the one bright place in her heart from those times. He might as well have been Auriel himself, come down from Aetherius to rescue her.

"But you have Asgeir now," Aela forced a cheerful tone through her throat, "and he loves you. Even if he is a big tattooed Nord."

"Oh, he is a savage!" Ungarion's eyes sparkled. "You ought to see how far those tattoos extend!"

Aela smile turned genuine when she saw the warmth in her friend's eyes. Once that warmth was only reserved for her. Now she could see it was meant for another. Part of that made her feel sad, knowing that he had moved on. But the greater part of her rejoiced. She had never been able to give him the kind of love he deserved. The kind of love he needed. But Asgeir could, and after all he had been through, Ungarion deserved that happiness.

"If you go into that, we'll be here all day while you brag about your man," Aela declared. "We do have a job to do this morning after all."

"And Drels Theran shall see it done!" the Altmer declared. Pulling on a pair of black gloves, he gathered up his necromancer robe into a ball under one arm. Aela looked him over. From neck down he was clothed in dark cloth. The only flesh that showed was that of his face, which was now transformed from Altmer gold to Dunmer blue-grey.

"We'll have to leave our staves behind," Aela said. "They are too distinctive."

"We hardly ever use them anyway," Ungarion replied. "Besides, true power comes only from within. From discipline, commitment, and hard work. Not silly wooden sticks!'"

"Which professor was it that said that?" Aela asked. "Penczak, or Buckland?"

"I believe it was Starhawk," Ungarion said. "But as you say, let us be off, and meet Jalbert."

Aela gathered up her own robe under one arm and led Ungarion out of his shop and into the street. She shivered as the cold air bit through her clothing like an ice troll's fangs. A frost resistance potion took care of that however. A glance back revealed Ungarion doing the same to ward off winter's chill. At least it was not snowing, she thought as they crossed the street and vanished into an alley.

They followed the narrow passage between buildings until they found an alley that ran parallel to Riverwalk. Turning left, they made their way through the broken crates, empty barrels, and other detritus that piled up behind the businesses that lined the north side of the avenue. Soon they came to the rear of the brewery, and found a trio of shadowy figures waiting there.

"That you Jalbert?" Ungarion called out in a soft voice.

"Who do you bloody well think it is Drels, the Saturalia Fairy?" A Redguard clad in black robes replied.

"You two don't have to get into character yet," Aela shook her head as they stepped next to the others. "We had better get our disguises on though."

With that Aela shook loose her necromancer robe and slipped it over her shoulders. Belting it around her waist, she wrapped a mask around her face, then drew the hood up over her head. Like Ungarion, a pair of gloves hid her hands, and black boots rounded out her attire. All that was visible of her body was the pale swath of skin around her eyes.

A glance at the others revealed that they had done likewise. In the case of Chance, only his dark, reddish skin betrayed his Redguard heritage. Mael was like herself, and could pass for any of the other human races. Of course Ungarion's makeup gave him the appearance of a Dunmer. Only Methredhel was not clad in the black robes of a necromancer. Instead she wore the simple rough-spun attire of the working class.

"The door seems to be locked," Mael observed as he tried the knob to the back entrance of the brewery.

"I can take care of that," Methredhel said. The thief reached into a belt pouch and drew forth a pick and a tension wrench. But before she could step to the door, there was a brief flash of light from Mael's hand. A moment later the door creaked open at his touch.

"Oh look, it's not locked anymore," the spy winked.

They followed the Breton into the empty brewery. A massive chamber took up the center of the building, dominated by two rows of giant copper vats. A quick glance revealed several side rooms. Most were filled with stacks of barrels of varying sizes. Another was a small stable, and held a sturdy wagon as well as stalls with two horses. A wooden stair climbed one wall, rising to what appeared to be an office above the main working floor.

"Okay, everyone get into position, the workers will start trickling in soon," Methredhel said.

"What about you," Ungarion said. "You do not have a disguise. If any of them see you…"

"They won't see a thing," Methredhel smiled. She stepped back into the shadows under one of the vats, and vanished into thin air.

Aela smiled herself. Now she could see why Teresa had such faith in the other wood elf's abilities.

A rattling sound at the front door wiped everything else from Aela's mind. With Ungarion at her side, she darted to one side of the entry. Mael slithered into place across from them just as the sound of the lock clicking open came to Aela's ears. A burly Nibenean stepped through, followed by a slighter Bosmer. Both of their eyes leapt wide when they saw what was waiting for them inside the brewery.

A flash of white light sprouted from Aela's fingertips as she clapped a hand down upon the wood elf's shoulder. The warm glow seeped into the elf, and she felt his vigor flow back through it, filling her to the brim with his stolen energy. His eyes fluttered shut, and his body went limp as a noodle in her arms. He was still breathing however, simply fast asleep.

Red light sprang from Ungarion's hands as he used a spell to drain the stamina of the Nibenean, rather than absorbing it as Aela had. The result was the same however, and the heavy Imperial fell unconscious. The slender Altmer was not able to catch the larger Imperial's falling body though, and the man sprawled out on the stone floor. It took both Ungarion and Mael to drag the sleeping man to the stable. Aela took some satisfaction in being able to handle her mark all by herself. Granted, she was filled with his purloined energy, and he probably weighed less than half the Imperial did.

"First two down, just over a dozen more to go," Mael said with satisfaction. "Let's get these horses out and hitched up to the wagon. We'll be needing that soon enough."

"I can help with that."

Like the others, Aela nearly leaped out of her skin when Methredhel stepped out of nowhere before them. The Bosmer thief glided to the stable without making a sound, and gestured back to Aela and Ungarion.

"You two had best stay at the door, and be ready for the rest of the workers."

If you want a Brewers name that sounds applicable to lore, there's always Tolly Cobbold who unfortunately no longer exist as an independent brewer.

Ungarion and Aela give us good reason to think they'll work well together. Methy's showing what she's good at, and Mael has at least proved he knows a spell or two. And just a hint of the plan, as we know they're going to impersonate a few known characters.

Looking forward to this all going down.