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]

@ h.e.rider - I'm glad you enjoy my take on Athragar. I feel the same way about Bosmeri NPCs in the game. Right from the beginning, when Rindir says, "I'm Rindir, and I sell magical staffs, imagine that!" with his bubbly voice. Believe it or not, I have yet to meet The Adoring Fan in-game, but I have read about him in the forums.

@ SubRosa - You are correct about the modded abilities for birthsigns (Cobl Races - Balanced). The luck factor is still intact.

@ Cap'n Hammer - The funny thing is, I had never played a Bosmer until I started this story.

@ grits - Athragar seems to have a bit more discipline than your average Bosmer, and certainly more than Talendor has shown.

@ mALX - I knew when I wrote it that I would get a good "ROLF" or perhaps even a "SPEW" from you.

@ Chef Thomas - Fear not about being behind. I am behind on almost every story in this forum. I'm sure you will catch Talendor much faster than I will be able to catch Teresa, Maxical, Jerric, and Buffy.

@ ghastley - Athragar actually did warn Talendor about revealing his position with spell casting in this chapter. He does thank you for the concern though, and says he won't be giving up his sword for anyone.

@ Everyone - Thanks again for the comments and support. Y'all are the best!

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Chapter 15 – Too Many Fingers in the Mountain

I found Teekeeus in the main lobby. He was just finishing a conversation with another mage that I had not yet met. They were discussing the Emperor’s death, trying to decide whether or not to be worried about it. I politely waited for them to finish and then approached the Argonian. He spoke first when I stepped up.

“So, have you studied the rules of our Guild, Associate?” he asked.

“I have sir.”

“Good. Make no mistake, we offer no quarter to new Associates if they break them. The rules apply to you as much as they apply to any Guild member. Now, I suppose that you are ready for my recommendation. I’m afraid I can’t just write you one out of hand. That would be against protocol. But you can prove your loyalty to the Guild and earn my recommendation,” he said.

“What must I do?” I asked.

“You can clear up a small matter involving Earana---"

“What is earana?” I blurted, and then bit my lip as soon as I had.

“Do not interrupt me, Associate!” Teekeeus barked, “Earana is a person, not a thing! She and I have an unpleasant history. She does not care for Guild regulations, and errantly believes that I am misusing my powers as Chapter Steward. I have seen her around town. Although she has not approached me, I know that she wants something. I would like you to find out what it is. Now that I have finished speaking, do you have any questions?”

Way to go knot-head. You already have the Chapter Steward yelling at you…

“Do you know where she is staying?” I inquired.

“No, I do not. It seems that would be the first order of your task. When you find her, determine what it is that she is after, and how we may be rid of her. I do not want her here, spreading her lies. Make haste, Associate, I wish to be rid of Earana as soon as possible. Now go,” Teekeeus said and walked away.

I didn’t know where to begin looking for Earana. Athragar might know, so I went back upstairs to speak with him. He was sitting near a window, reading. I hated to interrupt him – he had done so much for me already – so I made it look like I was searching the shelves for a book, hoping he would notice me. I was rewarded with his voice asking if he could help me find something.

“I am looking for a town directory. I need to find a person’s address,” I told him.

“Who are you looking for?” Athragar asked.

“Earana,” I replied.

“Oh. Even if such a directory existed, she would not be in it. She does not live here. I assume Teekeeus wants you to find her,” he said.

“Yes he does, for my recommendation. He wants me to find out what she is up to. Do you have any idea why?”

“Well, I don’t know all of the details, but I heard that Earana constantly complained to the Mages Council about Teekeeus, to the point that they removed him from his position at the Arcane University. There is definitely some bad blood between them,” he replied, “At any rate, I would check the inns if I were you.”

“Thanks for the information, Athragar. I’ll see you later,” I said and left the library.

I decided to check The Oak & Crosier first, figuring that Talasma might be more forthcoming with information since I knew her. As I stepped outdoors, an Altmer woman dressed in a verdant doublet and silk skirt turned and started walking toward me. I had business to attend to and acted as if I hadn’t seen her, but to no avail as she stopped me near the great oak.

“Excuse me…excuse me, please,” she was saying.

“Yes?”

“I couldn’t help but notice that you just left the Mages Guild. Are you a mage? I mean…a member?” she asked.

“I am…”

“You must be new,” she stated, “You don’t have that ‘I’m-better-than-you’ snobbish air about you.”

“As a matter of fact, I am a new Associate,” I said with some pride.

“Perfect,” she said, more to herself, and then continued, “There is a small matter that you may be able to help me with.”

“Perhaps…um…what did you say your name was?” I asked.

“Earana.”

Talk about the luck of Zeni-whozawatzit! She found me!

“Well Earana, let’s go sit on the bench and you can tell me about it,” I said smoothly.

“Excellent,” she started as we sat down, “It’s a simple matter really. I just need you to fetch a book for me. It is entitled ‘Fingers of the Mountain’. It is of no use to you; you wouldn’t be able to read it. I, on the other hand, can read it and would very much like to.”

“Do you know where I can find this book?” I asked.

“You’ll find it at an old ruin called Cloud Top. It is north of Chorrol, up in the highlands. I’m afraid I don’t know the exact location,” she said.

“That’s ok. I know someone that can help me---“

“NO!” she said abruptly, “I mean…there is no need to involve your Guild in this matter. Better if it was kept between just between us. Please…just retrieve it for me and I will make it worth your effort.”

“All right, I’ll do it. But, I do expect to be paid,” I said.

“As I said, it will be worth your effort, and thank you.”

With that, Earana rose and walked away. I could not believe my good fortune! I waited for Earana to pass out of sight, then stood and headed back into the Guild hall.

Less than an hour and you completed your task! This should smooth Teekeeus’ scales…

I found Teekeeus and related that I had found out what Earana wanted. When he heard, his eyes went wide and he made a hissing sound.

“What? Not only does it exist, but she knows where it is?” he asked incredulously.

“Yes. Someplace north of here called Cloud Top,” I replied.

“This is unacceptable,” he said, looking down and shaking his head. Then he looked back at me and said, “I trust that as a member of the Guild, you will do the right thing and acquire this text before Earana does.”

“Um, excuse me? Sir…you said all I had to do was find out what Earana wanted.”

“I have changed the conditions for my recommendation! Pray to The Nine that I don’t refuse it altogether, tree-hugger. You will do as you are told! Are we clear?”

“Yes sir. I apologize if I was out of line,” I said with a remorseful tone, biting back my anger.

“Good. Now go to this place she described. Ignore her request and bring the book back to me...I mean...to the Guild, where it belongs,” Teekeeus said.

“I will sir,” I said and went upstairs to change into my armor and get my gear.

I left the Guild hall and started for Honditar’s house. If anyone knew where Cloud Top was, it would be him. I had learned one thing for sure. Teekeeus was liable to change his mind at the drop of a hat. I would need to make sure I didn’t anger him further if I wanted his recommendation. Fortunately, Honditar was at home when I arrived at his house. It was nice to see a friendly face after Teekeeus had railed on me. He invited me in and offered some tea.

“No thank you,” I replied, “I am actually in a hurry. I need to find a place called Cloud Top. Do you know where it is?”

“Cloud Top…hmmm…and why would you need to know that, Talendor?” he asked.

I explained to him about my recommendation, then about Earana and the book.

“Well, as a matter of fact I do know where it is. I’ll be happy to note it on your map for you. But…remember the fee for my help that we discussed? This will require one. Consider it payment for prior help and the favor you now ask,” he said.

“Sure thing Honditar, what is it?” I asked.

“I want that book,” he stated simply.

My jaw dropped as my eyes went wide.

“It is a small fee that doesn’t cost you a thing, Talendor,” he added.

“I can’t Honditar. I have to give it to Teekeeus or I won’t get my recommendation. Can’t I just pay you in Septims?”

“You misunderstand. I fully expect you to give it to Teekeeus. I would not want to cost you your recommendation. Give him the book, then steal it and bring it to me,” he said as if I should have known that already.

My jaw was getting stiff from trying to fall off my face.

“Steal it? Steal it? You want me to steal from the Chapter Steward? I might as well just resign and join the Fighters Guild. Wait, I hear they don’t take criminals---”

He cut me off with a wave of his hand and said, “Relax Talendor. Do you trust me?”

“I did until a minute ago.”

“Well, you still can, my friend. You will do fine. Just don’t get caught. There is a good reason for this request which I shall make clear to you, once the book is in my possession. You will just have to continue trusting me. What say you?” he said, standing there with his arms crossed.

I hesitated a second, then reluctantly agreed to do as Honditar wished. He smiled and asked me for my map. He handed it back when he had marked the location of Cloud Top. After I declined a second offer of tea and a snack, he wished me luck and sent me on my way.

How do you manage to get in situations like this, knot-head? Your first day in the Guild and you are conspiring to steal from the Chapter Steward? Brilliant!

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EDIT: - Nit picked.

This post has been edited by TheOtherRick: Feb 28 2011, 11:26 PM