The Talendor Chronicles, Part One Options

[TheOtherRick]

AUTHORS NOTE AND DISCLAIMER

This is my first attempt at fan fiction. I am not a writer, by profession or hobby. At least it wasn't a hobby until now. We'll see where that goes. So since I am not a writer, grammatical and spelling errors may slip past the spell-check from time to time. Please feel free to point them out so that I may make the proper edits.

I have read very little fan fiction, which is to say that I have not finished reading any story that I started reading...yet. But starting to read a few has put a flow in my creative juices. (Go Buffy!) Any similarity to any other fan fiction posted in this or any other forum is purely coincidental, with one exception. I have posted this story on another site. I am posting it here because I would like feedback, and I am not getting any at the other site. The readers here seem to post more feedback than readers at the other site. I'm not trying to be a glory hound, and I encourage constructive criticism.

The story is a gameplay narrative. It starts in the 3rd person for the prologue only, the rest will be in 1st person. It is not a walk-through of the Main Quest. However, as it is a gameplay narrative, so readers will have to plod through the tutorial section much as I had to plod through while writing it. The tutorial is essential for character development, as you will see. The posts will be relatively short so that the reader will not have to wade through miles of text per post. To keep them short, I am going to borrow Acadian's chapter numbering system (1.1, 1.2, etc.) so I don't end up with three digit chapter numbers.

I hope you will enjoy...The Talendor Chronicles

Post Script - I have already screwed up. Instead of putting "Authors Note and Disclaimer" in the subject line, it should read "Part One". Is there a way to change that?

Post Script #2 - The first four installments after the Prologue are way too long. This was a rookie mistake and has been rectified Beginning with Chapter 3. I apologize for the long posts, but I promise you'll be glad you slogged through them.

This post has been edited by TheOtherRick: Feb 5 2011, 02:00 AM

[TheOtherRick]

Oh my! So many comments this time...

@ h.e.rider - Did you have to lie about your age and birthsign too?

My play style prior to Talendor has been a Dunmer, using marksman and stealth with some destruction magic thrown in, and then finishing enemies with a blade. Talendor is the first Bosmer I have played, so "his" play style is still TBD, but it explains why he is so good with a sword.

@ SubRosa (Part 1) - Welcome! Talendor and I have been looking forward to your arrival.

I am glad you enjoyed Talendor avoiding the Main Quest. "Do what?" was the best he could come up with on the spot.

The amnesia aspect was a serendipitous result of laziness on the author's part while avoiding having to come up with a backstory.

Oh, and the avatar is Talendor in the flesh...err...pixels. I am sorry to say that he has no plans to audition for a remake of Spartacus.

@ Cap'n Hammer - I do believe that Athragar was genuinely pleased that there would be another Bosmer at the Guild hall. Now someone else can be the resident "tree-hugger" from time to time.

@ grits - Dream sequences are so fun to write. No boundries. I am glad you enjoyed this one.

@ mALX - Welcome back!

Talendor can't help himself from looking foolish sometimes when he has to make stuff up on the fly

RE: the dreams...(insert zipped-lips emoticon here)

On a side note, I am so glad that Dixie is on her way to recovery. Give her a hug from Talendor and I.

@ zalphon - "Bosmers are to be seen and not heard" - Teekeeus

@ Acadian - Welcome back as well. Always a pleasure to hear from you and Buffy.

Ch. 11- Talendor and I have stopped worrying about going off the beaten path. The fears have been put to rest by the wonderful readers here and their support.

Ch. 12- Nit picked and thank you for catching it. You would not believe how much I languished over the Beast Tongue bit. Talk about re-writes!

Ch. 13- So far, Honditar has been true to his word, and the advice to trust Athragar paid off as well. He is very troubled by the dreams though.

@ SubRosa (Part 2) - "Hey...Yes I can!" As I told Acadian above, those worries are past. I am glad to hear that they are encouraged, because I'm gonna have a blast with it!

I'm so glad that you are enjoying the story and that you are caught up with us. I wish I could say the same about being caught up. I'm afraid it will be some time before I can say those words to you, mALX, and Acadian. So much to read and so little time.

You are not alone with the Honditar feelings. Many have said the same...maybe because he poisons deer.

@ Everyone - As always, I want to thank you all for your comments, compliments, and support. It is ultimately the readers that make this so enjoyable. On to the next chapter...

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Chapter 14 – New Knowledge

When I reached the top of the stairs, the door was locked. I used the key Teekeeus had given me on the lock, and the tumblers clicked their confirmation of my membership in the Guild. I entered the library and saw Athragar sitting right where I had left him. He waved me over and I sat back down at the table with him.

“Since you have entered the library alone, I will assume your meeting with Teekeeus went well,” he said with a grin.

“Yes it did. Teekeeus said I am now an Associate in the Guild, and then told me to go study the book you gave me. When I have finished, I am supposed to see him again about the recommendation I will need,” I told him.

“Then welcome to the Guild, Talendor. Now, let’s go over what you know about Magicka so that we can start to make a mage out of you. Tell me everything you have learned so far, if anything.”

I recited all of my knowledge to date. I told him about incanting spells to heal myself and roasting rats, about the goblin staff, and about what Honditar had taught me. Athragar just listened without interruption until I had finished.

“Well now, that is at least a start. It is good that Honditar showed you how to use our inborn ability. But did he not explain about the abilities that come from your birthsign?” he asked.

“Nope. We never discussed birthsigns,” I replied.

“Then how did you come to tell me that you were born under The Thief?”

I explained about the dream I had this morning. His eyes grew wide at the telling of the last part. He sat up straight, and his voice took on a more serious tone.

“I don’t know enough about dreams to decipher their meanings. Henantier in Bravil, or perhaps Dagail in Leyawiin, may be able to help you with that. They are acquainted with dreams and visions. But the phrase ‘The Thief shall guide your steps…’ has definite meaning. Perhaps it is your true birthsign. We can test that theory. I was also born under The Thief, so I am very well versed in the abilities that are inherent with the sign.

“There are two abilities that come with the sign of The Thief. We call them ‘Feather Tote’ and ‘Scout’. We can test for ‘Feather Tote’ right here. Shoulder your satchel,” he told me.

When I did so, Athragar said to clear my mind, then picture the satchel and make the satchel empty in my mind, which I did.

“Now,” he continued, “clench your fist and ready yourself to release the Magicka to it. Then open it to cast the spell.”

I did as Athragar described and when I cast the spell, a wave of yellowish-white light washed over me. But I felt no different. It was as if nothing happened.

“I must have done it wrong. I don’t notice anything different,” I said dejectedly.

He just laughed and told me to stand up. When I did, I was amazed to find that my satchel did indeed feel empty, and I started laughing as well. I took a couple steps and laughed even harder. It felt like I was floating on air. The sensation was truly amazing!

“That spell has a long duration, which is one of its detriments. It is easy to get used to and to rely on. Don’t fall into that trap. Use it only when you feel that you must,” he said.

“What does the other, the ‘Scout’, what does it do?” I asked, still giddy from the lightness of my steps.

“The other we cannot test here. It has an aspect we call ‘Night Eye’ and would likely cause damage to your eyes, even in the ambient light of this room,” he replied, “That is another fact to be wary of. When you are using it, say in a cave or ruin, it is easy to get used to it and forget that you have it active. Many careless adventurers have been blinded by forgetting and walking into daylight, or a well lit room, with the spell active. Suffice it to say that if you have the one ability, you surely have the other. You were definitely born under the sign of The Thief.”

A concerned look had crossed Athragar’s face as I sat back down. Then he looked at me very seriously, seeming worried.

“What’s the matter?” I asked.

“It is your dream, Talendor. If one aspect of the dream held truth, then it seems likely that the entire dream held it as well. Teekeeus has said that he will want you to perform a task for your recommendation while you are still in Chorrol. After that, you will be free to choose which Guild hall to travel to next. Talendor, I am going to suggest that you make Bravil and Leyawiin the first two Guild halls you visit. Speak with Henantier and Dagail about your dream. Its substance does not bode well.”

All of the joy from experiencing the ‘Feather Tote’ spell had drained from me. Memories of the two dreams I have had filled me with a sense of dread.

Please don’t let those nightmares come true…

“I will do as you suggest, Athragar,” I said uneasily.

“It is good that you will, I am sure of it. Now, let’s see about getting you a bed. Afterwards, some food and more discussion, eh?” he said as he stood.

After Athragar got me settled into a room, we discussed spell casting as we ate mutton sandwiches. He taught me a new spell called ‘Minor Life Detection’.

“Try it now,” he said.

I did and pink light cascaded over me. When I looked at him, I jumped out of my chair. Athragar was covered with a pink aura that shimmered all over him!

“Oh no,” I exclaimed, “Does it hurt? I am so sorry!”

Athragar burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter, and then spoke through chuckles, “Relax Talendor. I am in no pain, I assure you. What you see is a manifestation of my life force. Look down.”

When I did, pink shapes were moving on the floor. I tried to touch them, but could not.

“What you see are people downstairs, because they are within range of the spell. The use for this spell is obvious. It can keep you from being surprised by enemies while you are in enclosed areas,” he explained.

Embarrassment flooded my face and I apologized for my outburst. Athragar assured me that no apology was necessary and told me that he reacted much the same way at his first experience. Then he went on to explain about using Magicka around enemies. He told me that the flood of light we experience when casting is just as visible to enemies.

“This fact makes using Magicka as a preemptive strike weapon risky, especially for novice casters. For now, use it defensively. The life detection spell is all you should be using prior to any attack for now. The ‘Flare’ spell you have used is more likely to anger an enemy than kill it, except for mud crabs and rats. As you gain experience with Magicka, you will be able to cast more powerful spells that can do considerable damage to larger enemies. But for now, rely on your bow more than your Magicka for offense,” he finished.

It seemed like Athragar had taught me more in one sitting than I had learned in my entire time on Nirn. My brain was starting to turn to mush. It must have showed, because Athragar said that we had covered enough for one day and that I should go to my room and study the Mages Guild Charter as Teekeeus had instructed.

“Find me in the morning and we will gauge your skills with alchemy before your talk with Teekeeus,” he said and bid me a good day.

I went to the room that Athragar had helped me settle into. From the window, I could look down on the massive oak in the plaza. I stared out the window for a bit, watching guards make their rounds and the town’s residents go about their daily business. It was still overcast and the wind was picking up. The darkening skies along the horizon promised a stormy evening. I sat down on the bed and removed my moccasins, reclined to a comfortable position and began reading ‘The Mages Guild Charter’.

* * *

The next morning had dawned clear and bright with the promise of a beautiful late summer day. I could see the upper boughs of the great oak through the window. They were waving at me with the breeze, as if inviting me to come outdoors and play. I dressed quickly and went downstairs.

I found Athragar speaking with the Altmer that had been making potions the day before. He introduced me to Angalmo, the resident alchemist. He then told Angalmo that I would need alchemy equipment.

“Do you have any at all?” asked the Altmer.

“I do have a mortar and pestle,” I replied.

“Well then, let’s get you what you need.”

He turned toward the shelves behind him and started pulling down pieces of equipment, reciting their names to himself as he did, and placed them on the counter.

“There you are. We have here a calcinator, an alembic, and a retort. The calcinator will enhance the potency of your alchemical ingredients. The retort will increase the positive effects of those ingredients. The alembic will decrease the negative effects, unless you are creating a poison. Then the alembic is your best friend, because it will increase the desired damaging effect,” Angalmo recited as if giving a lecture.

Athragar must have noticed the overwhelmed look on my face. He thanked the alchemist and promised that we would return them when we were through. Then he helped me carry the equipment upstairs, pausing momentarily to grab some nightshade blossoms that were decorating the dining table. We placed them all on the table that sat in the corner of my room. I just stood there and stared at them and Athragar started to chuckle.

“I know it seems a little confusing, but you will become familiar with these in no time at all. Let’s spend a little time discussing them before you have to go see Teekeeus,” he said.

We sat and Athragar gave me a rudimentary lesson on each apparatus, and then reiterated the recipes that Honditar had already given to me. I told him about finding and using the mortar and pestle below Imperial City, and that I had no idea how I knew what to do. He looked at me with that same concerned look he had when we discussed the dream, but then continued his lesson. He explained how Alchemy was just a way of distilling the Magicka found in herbs, flowers, fungi, and even food. Then we made three vials of poison, using my stock of wisp stalks and the nightshade he had picked up. He emphasized practice, saying that it was a great way to come up with some coins in a pinch. When he finished, he sent me to Teekeeus and wished me luck on whatever endeavor the Chapter Steward was about to task me with.

This post has been edited by TheOtherRick: Feb 26 2011, 04:04 PM