The Hunter Ch. 2, Story by Thoron the Hunter a.k.a. Randy Options

[Thoron the Hunter]

Heres the Second Chapter of The Hunter, hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 2:The Beginning
I awoke with a start as a noise sounded outside my cabin. Grabbing Savior, uncharged from the two years it had never met a Welkynd Stone, took off my shoes and snuck to the window. As I peered out, I couldn't help
but chuckle at the sight of two sheep racing around no less than fifteen yards from the
door. I sighed with relief as I, still smiling, walked to the cupboard to retrieve an apple. As I began cutting the apple with a knife handy at the table, I started outside to smell the fresh, morning air through my nostrils.

The light wind, blowing on the grass ever so gracefully, can soothe any man, barbaric or noble. I stared into the Jerall Mountains and sighed, "what an adventure that could be, but the next delivery of venison is in three mornings, and I've only got four of the expected twelve deer". Paws scratched the floor behind me as my dog, and only friend, came strolling to my side and sat. He too stared at the Jerall Mountains.

My father was the only Bosmer in my family that spoke fluent Beast Tongue. He had not taught his only son, nor his wife, who was an Imperial that had gone away around my first year. I can't remember what mother looked like or how she acted, but I did not mind, as long as I had my father... which I do no more.


Gnawing at the core of my apple, I grabbed my fur cuirass and patched, rusted iron greaves, readying myself for a long day of hunting. Savior sat on the bed, itching to be used once again. I grabbed a quiver of arrow as well as Savior, and set out for work.

Being careful not to make a single sound, as I was scared of frightening any meat that I crossed paths with, I once again took of my shoes and began walking quietly up a hill. Crouching at the peak, I surveyed the countryside, which looked like no man had traversed in decades. I had spotted movement Northeast of a large oak and investigated further by sneaking down the hill to where I spotted it.

I stared at the deer and reached for an arrow from the quiver of twelve, and held it. Still staring at the doe, I tried my luck by moving in on it, hiding behind a semi-transparent bush thirteen yards away from the animal. Licking the perspiration from my lips, I readied myself, equipping an arrow on the enchanted bow. I held it with my eye parallel to the iron arrow, and sat, waiting for the perfect shot. The deer moved closer to me, but I still itched to get a better shot. I shifted from my stance, which alarmed the deer, but it resumed to nibble on the fresh grass. I once again looked for the best shot, waiting. In moments, the doe moved over diagonally a yard, exposing his vulnerable abdomen, when I released the arrow with deadly accuracy.

I watched the deer fall to the ground with the arrow pertruding from his chest. I walked toward the game, admiring the shot. Leaning and still amazed at the size of this doe, I removed the arrow. I wiped it down, and placed it back in it's quiver, once again making a quiver of twelve. I unequipped my bow and strapped it on my cuirass. Using all of my strength, I heaved the doe and slung it over my shoulder.

Heading in the direction I came, using the oak as a compass, I grew tired quickly. Panting and in need of a break, I dropped the carcass and lied down, staring at the cloudless sky. 'One day, I won't need to hunt for anyone else but myself. I will hunt when I choose and won't have a delivery day. That will be better than this'

I took a swig of wine from my wineskin and pocketed it. I stood, recovered from the break, to bring back the meat, heaving the doe once again.

Soon, I arrived at the cabin, with my dog waiting patiently. I set the deer in the storeroom, along with the other four and sat for a moment on a chair outside. I exhaled, and listened to the chirping birds nearby. The Jerall Mountains caught my eye once again. I just couldn't stop thinking about them. I couldn’t help but wonder what creatures I'd find there, what undiscovered dungeons would be there, or what artifacts lay hidden beneath ruins. I put a stop to the thoughts as I remembered I had to hunt still before I can rest, and drew Savior from my cuirass.

The sky started to darken as the sun started to set. It wouldn't be smart to hunt at night, but I needed the meat badly. I groped underneath my bed for the torch and put it my cuirass. I headed out once again, halting every fifty yards to gaze at the landscape. I kept going in one direction until I saw something to hard to make out in the darkness. I lit my torch and saw what I had seen. Standing before me was a herd of deer. I lowered my torch, able to see from the moonlight. 'Just my luck' I thought as I stepped closer to the herd and equipped Savior and an iron arrow.

I stared at the largest of deer among the herd and steadied myself, peering past a hiding tree. Letting the string go, the arrow darted smoothly toward the large animal, hitting his neck. All the other deer scattered around in all directions. Like lightning, I equipped an arrow and shot. It happened to hit yet another doe in the front leg, forcing it to fall immediately to the ground, squirming. I brought another arrow to the bow and released it into the writhing doe, ending her misery.

Luckily, the deer were light, so I threw one over each shoulder, stopping frequently to adjust the weight. I soon became weary and burdened and dropped my wineskin near a tree to recover it tomorrow. I traveled further with the cabin in sight now, my footsteps being the only noise of the night. I walked around back to the storeroom and place the dead deer inside, then went into my house. I stripped my clothing and lied in bed, eager for the next day to come.


I awoke amongst fog and a series of voices speaking a tongue I could not understand. The words grew louder, and louder, and LOUDER. I clapped my hands over my ears and yelled "WHAT DO YOU WANT"? The voices grew louder than ever, my ears popping and head aching. The room began to shake and I fell to the floor and grabbed Savior. "WHO ARE YOU"? The shaking grew worse and the voices, louder. I took an arrow and loaded my bow, then shot it ferociously at the door... and all fell silent.

I stood, horrified and afraid, waiting.

A mist appeared in front of me, an eery mist. A solid form then appeared out of the mist...my father!? I stood and couldn't help but cry, just cry. He then said with a hoarse whisper, "Thoron, I don't have much time. I'm restless and need to rest. For two years, I have tried to contact you in every way but the result was futile. Alas, I can speak to my son". He paused for a moment, smiled a frightening smile, and continued, "Bandits have invaded my burial place, a cave called Capstone. I need you to go there and take care of those who disturb my peace.

"Here are specific instructions that you need to listen most carefully carefully to.

"Behind the Statue of Pit Fighter Morhihaus in the Arena District, there is a rock with moss grown on it. Cast any Illusion spell on it and the rock would disappear, so make sure no one is watching, but where the rock was, should be a bag of gold. I kept this just in case of times I needed it. This, Nirya aided me by casting a powerful invisibility spell that can only be broken with Illusion.

"Talk to Raminus Polus in the Arcane University, Arch Mages Lobby, and tell him 'Aragorm held a Savior on Fire', which will automatically unlock the gates to the University. Go to the arboretum and talk to an Argonian about Capstone Cave, which she'll mark on your map, South of Cloud Ruler Temple.

"My last order is to use that money for any needed equipment, and a horse for your travels.
You must go soon, before the bandits dismantle any more of the cave....."He started to clutch his throat and gag. My father fell to his knees, shaking and gagging, until he quickly evaporated into the air. I stood, horrified, staring at where the opaque man had been just moments ago. I thought and tried to recollect what had just happened.

I was still in shock when the walls and floor began shaking once again. I needed to leave! I grabbed Savior and headed for the door. Grabbing the handle, I pulled the it. It was stuck. I pulled harder but the result was the same. I stared back at the bed, shaking worse then ever when I noticed that the room was getting smaller. I looked around, trying to find a way out. I sprinted to the window and looked outside. Where am I? I stared out at the nothingness that surrounded me. The blackest nights could not even relate to this. I looked back at the other three walls, which were inching ever closer. Grabbing an arrow and equipping it, I shot it as I did before, nothing happened. I tried once more but that was as pitiful as the last attempt.

I looked around, and kept spinning, looking at one wall at a time. This is unreal! It can't be happening! The walls pushed all that was around it towards the center, leaving only a yard of space for me. I jumped on the table and looked around once again, my heart racing and fear taking over me. The walls got closer, and closer. Crack! Sounded the wood of chairs and the table where I stood splintering by the force. I yelled and closed my eyes until I felt a sharp pain surround me...

I awoke, screaming and shot up out of my bed. Sweat trickled down my body like a river. I felt my chest and face, nothing had happened. It was all a dream.

This post has been edited by Thoron the Hunter: Dec 7 2006, 01:18 PM

[jack cloudy]

You're off to a good start. Continue whenever you like.

[Thoron the Hunter]

You're off to a good start. Continue whenever you like.

Thank you all very much. Well....Heres the next part, Thanks to minque!


Chapter 3: Chorrol
I was still startled at what had just occurred even after I had sat in the midst of the night outside of my cabin. By the position of the moon, I could guess it was an hour before dawn.

The sound of my father’s voice rang in my ear. It was his voice, I could tell. Should I take that dream as a sign that I should be obedient toward my dead father?

I decided that I’ll go to the Arena District of the Imperial City and look for that rock with moss grown on it. I took some venison and cooked it upon a roasting spit. ‘I’ll need portions of this on my long journey’. I packed the necessaries, including milk, freshly roasted venison, six heads of lettuce, and an extra set of clothes.

I dressed in a foresters’ shirt, patched pants, and clogs. Of course, I brought Savior as well as a quiver of twenty-four. I wasn’t planning on hunting along the way; I just needed it for protection. I went to the drawer on my bedside and groped for any spare gold coins and found seventeen, in which I pocketed. I also let the old dog free, undoing the rope and leading him out several yards.

I got everything I was bringing, about to embark on a journey to The Imperial City. I took the first step and already started wondering what lied ahead of me. The closest city from here is Chorrol, where travelers say has great loot, and where my first stop will be.

The time seemed to pass by rather quickly that as I walked, I could make out Chorrol’s city gates in no less then an hour of traveling. The way there was quite uneventful, just walking and taking the occasional swig from the wineskin I had recovered earlier this morning. I unpacked a head of lettuce and started to gorge on it while I looked at the scenery around this city.

This is my first time seeing the gates of Chorrol. Being raised in The Imperial City, I had not seen much outside the walls growing up. Every now and then, my father would take me slaughter fishing in Lake Rumare but I had not seen the other side of the lake until my seventeenth year. I’ve been rather living a life as a recluse onward rather than a friendly man like my father had always been.

Finishing the last bit of lettuce, I walked to a guard and said, “Good day fine sir, can you show me a bit of the city”? The guard replied, “I’m quite busy at the moment, but here’s a map of Chorrol with everything you need listed”. “Thank you kind sir” I replied as I studied the map, which was just handed to me, and looked for the Mages’ Guild of Chorrol. I pointed at a spot that read, “Mages Guild: A magical world it can be”, and headed North from the South Gate. I passed a statue called “The Touch of the Healers’ Hand” and headed North a few yards to a circular road. I looked around and saw the Eye, motioning me to go inside.

After I passed through the doors, I looked around to find no one there. I rang the bell at the counter and an Argonian jumped out of nowhere, giving me a bit of a scare. “Can I help you?” she croaked. I replied “yes. Is there any way that I can purchase a spell”? “Sure”, she croaked once again, “what kind”? “I was looking for any Illusion spell you’ve got”, I exclaimed. Her reply was a list of Illusion spells the guild can offered, “Beguiling Touch for two-hundred and fifty coins, Fearful Gaze for four-hundred coins, Voice of Dread for four-hundred and...”. I interrupted, “do you have anything for a novice and cheap”? The Argonian frowned and began reciting once again, “Frenzy for forty-five coins, Serenity for seventy-five coins, Inspiration for thirty coins, and Alluring Gaze for twenty-five coins”.

I listened, and thought about it. Father said any old Illusion spell will do, so I’ll choose the cheapest. “Thank you, I’ll be back soon” I stated and walked across the hall out the doors. I figured that I can sell a few burdening items such as the lettuce or extra arrows for a few coins, so I took a gander at my map, and saw “Northern Goods and Trade”. That’s where I needed to go. I retraced my steps as I came in, but turned West at the statue, and straight across the way was a wooden sign that read, “Northern Goods and Trade”.

I walked into the building, and saw the proprietor immediately standing behind a small table, counting gold in his hand. “Do you buy items from travelers?” I asked with his reply after my last word, “Yes, what do you have burdening you”? “I have these heads of lettuce, how much would you want for these?” then came the man’s reply, “A coin a peace, anything else”? “Yes, how much for these arrows?” he replied, “Two coins each arrow”. “Great, here are three heads of lettuce and ten arrows”, the man handed over the twenty-three coins, and I placed the lettuce and arrows upon the table and thanked him.

Great, now I can buy a spell and still have coins left over for anything else I need! I thought as I walked back to the statue once again. Something was different. I never saw her eyes before now, sad and lonely eyes they were. I went up to her and held her stone hand in mine, reminding her that she’s not alone.

I returned to the Mages Guild and spoke once again to the Argonian and shook my coin purse, revealing the small amount of coins inside the bag. I said proudly, “One Alluring Gaze please”, in which I retrieved the twenty-five coins, handing them over, leaving fifteen in my purse, and she handed me the smallest piece of parchment I have ever laid eyes upon. I said, “This is my spell?”, and she replied, “Read it and you’ll learn the spell”. I thanked her and left through the guild doors, reading the small wording.

I read, ‘Mix Aloe Vera and Columbine Root Pulp together to make a potion, and then pour on hands. The liquid will soak into skin momentarily, causing Illusion spell to become one with your veins (Irritation may occur). Then think of the spell name, Alluring Gaze, and you’ll cast the ranged spell in whichever direction you point fingers (or paws)’.

That sounds difficult. Where would I find alchemic ingredients like Aloe Vera or Columbine Root Pulp? I checked my map for anything on alchemical ingredients, and the closest thing I found was Northern Goods and Trade, the very same place I was only an hour ago. Retracing my steps for the third time, I walked almost automatically toward the store. Walking in, the proprietor was once again counting coins behind the table, focused on only his gold.

I walked up to him and said, “hello again”. He then looked up at me and smiled, “how can I help you?” I returned a smile and said do you know where I can find Aloe Vera and Columbine Root Pulp”? He answered, “Aloe Vera, Aloe Vera...AH. Aloe Vera can be found outside this very shop, and Columbine Root Pulp you say? I sell it but just the root; you’ll have to remove the pulp yourself, for eleven gold coins”.

I thought on it and said, “fair enough”, the man turned around and shuffled around a shelf a bit, “I have it here somewhere” he called. I looked at the foolishly placed gold he had been counting earlier, on the table and quickly scooped it up without a soul noticing.

The man turned around with the root described in the book and I paid him fifteen coins of his own money and said, “Keep the change”. He bid me farewell, and I headed out the door. I walked around the corner to the next shop over and began counting the coins that I had “borrowed”. Forty-eight! I smiled as I drew my wineskin, replacing it with the gold.

Smirking, I looked around in hopes to find Aloe Vera, and sure enough a plant was to the South about a yard or two, with the same description in the book. I harvested a fraction of a stem and re-read the book to myself, “Mix Aloe Vera and Columbine Root Pulp together to make a potion, and then pour on hands”.

I remembered that I had no mortar or pestle to make potions, being a hunter. I looked across the way, Luck has struck again! There, I saw “The Oak and Crosier”, an inn that looked like a reasonable place.

I traveled across the street to hopefully find a mortar and pestle I can trade for or borrow. I walked in and was greeted by a kind Khajiit who held the door open for me; I fished five coins out of my pocket and placed them in his hand. He then thanked me and walked to the table to buy cheap wine with the money I had given. I followed him to the counter, looking around at the scenery that was offered to me, which could have been brighter. A Redguard woman spoke to me from behind the counter, “can I get you anything?”, and I replied, “Yes, is there a way I can either buy a mortar and pestle or borrow one”? She replied with a smile, “talk to Claude Ernard in the corner by the fire, he’s a Mage that just might help you”.

She pointed in the corner where a man in robes, visible by the light of the flames before him. I slapped a coin on the table and thanked her for the kindness she had offered, and walked toward the fire, feeling warmth every step of the way. I stepped near the man, and he grunted, “what do you want?” I answered, “the women said you can be of assistance to me. I need to use a mortar and pestle to mix two ingredients”.

The man looked up from The Black Horse Courier and reached into his pocket, recovering a small mortar and a used pestle. He handed them to me and said, “Keep them, I have no more use for them.”, “why is that”, I asked. “The guild kicked me out. I was caught taking a rare ingredient from Northern Goods. Instead of jailing me, I just had to pay a four-hundred and twenty gold fine and give up my position in the Mages Guild”.

I couldn’t help but feel sorry as I bid him luck and walked back to the table. “Poor Breton.” came a familiar voice; the Redguard had sat on a stool adjacent from mine. I turned around and said to her, “why did he try to steal the ingredient...what ingredient?”, as I took out the Columbine Root, Aloe Vera, and a knife, starting to scrape the pulp from the root and slicing the Aloe Vera into thin slices. “I’ve heard him muttering to himself about Dryad’s Saddle...something.” she exclaimed.

That sounded familiar. I heard my father speaking of it long ago. He told me of someone in the Legion who had eaten it and began to sicken gradually. He neared death in a few mornings, shivering the night and motionless during the day.

“Dryad’s Saddle Polypore Caps”, I blurted and she nodded. I placed the pulp and Aloe Vera into the mortar and started to mash the substance with the pestle. The goopy mess in the mortar had turned into a purple liquid, smelling of sweet melon. As I set aside the pestle, I touched the potion with my fingertip, seeing if it burned at touch. Instead, a soothing sensation brought a smile upon my face. I took a handful and saturated my hands with it, feeling the spell reach through my skin and into my veins with no pain at all.

I sat a few moments to relax myself before trying out my new spell.

Alluring Gaze! A shot of silvery mist erupted from my fingers into the hard oak of the table, not causing any damage to it, but interested bystanders stared at the young Bosmer, who had just cast his first spell!