Printable Version of Topic

Posted by: McBadgere Oct 22 2011, 01:31 PM

When I started this fiction, sooo long ago now...Little did I know to what size it would sprawl...Not only in terms of Geography, but the sheer weight of characters and, most espescially, time...So, to help, there are links below to the characters and the timeline my fiction follows...Both of them will help immensely...

Please enjoy!...


http://chorrol.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=4871&st=107



http://chorrol.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=4871&st=133


11/02/13
--------------------------



Original post start


Hey there *Waves*...This is me trying some fan-fic...Having gone through many of your stories, and reading the writing help post I realise I'm going to not update as quickly as I'd hoped...But I am working on something, it's just taking longer than I expected...Like as if it started here and I expected to be like there by now but new characters keep wandering in and needing their own scenes and stuff...Swines!!...

Anyways, in total since about 20 years ago (ie since I left school) I've written maybe three stories, two of which were published in a local writing magazine though...Wha-hey!!...Aaamywho...I've not done much writing...I wish to do more...I've had this thing (A world btw...No I'm not...Y'know...Entirely wrong up there ) in my head for many years I need to get out, so writing Oblivion fan-fic is a start on that road...

Anyways, this is a set up for what's coming, a prequel of sorts that puts many things in place...Sort of a more pleasant info-dump if you will...

Please be gentle... ...

Oh, btw - Elipses...I know there are many...My stories don't have them as much, but my forum posts and probably, therefore, my thinking does...And as most of this is in her head...You get where I'm going...

Cheers...

Oh, and that bit at the end...If at first you don't get it...Persevere...It will make sense...


Sneak.


Oh no...Nonono...Not him. Not them. Son of a Daedroth. Why do they keep doing this? Everywhere I go one of them ruins it all. Damned Knights.

Damn.

Let me start somewhen else.

This is me – mottled, but mostly honey coloured fur with just the right amount of red in it. Just enough to make me just the right amount of bad.

My name is Ras’sheena, I’m a Khajiiti. You can tell by the ears. Oh, and my oh so winning and friendly smile.

Yes Khajiiti means I’m a girl. How can you not tell?. I know this Mithril isn’t that figure hugging but really.

Oh yes...And by the way, I’m very good at my job. Always.

Six years ago.

There’s me, I’m the one with the box on my shoulder. Unloading the ship moored at the Imperial City docks. Most of you will wonder what’s a nice girl like me doing working on the docks? Well, a girl’s got to eat hasn’t she?

We’ve got a nice crew going here. There’s me; (notice the wiggle?...Heh, Naughty you...) And that’s J’Drell the Argonian, he’s big; even for Lizards. (No offence by the way.) Tall, strong. Long limbed, but almost graceful. Fairly new to the docks, just moved here from Anvil he says. Good worker, always talking and laughing.

Over there admiring the view (of me?) is my Mr Right, (Or Mr Right-now at least...Heh, just kidding my Hearth-Kiit. You were always the one...) M’dssark. Beautiful black and grey stripes, muscular. Athletic.

Makes me purr even now.

*Sigh*...

Where was I?

Oh yes...Even the foreman – Gremmand – is good; for an Imperial that is. Short but built like a Dwarf of old - Knows how to work. Which is also good - for an Imperial. As long as we get the job done without breaking or stealing the cargo we can act as we please to make the day go by.

So one day, there we were, just doing our thing when M’dssark gets called over by a Nord. Not sure of his name but I’m sure I’d seen him before.

Then I remembered.

Sometimes when we’d been out at the inn, the Nord would be about and he’d exchange nods with ‘Sark, so I thought nothing of it as they walked off behind the docks wall. Gremmand frowned but I just smiled at him. (Heh, funny how my smiles always work.) Anyway, ‘Sark comes back worried. I went over to him but he just says “Later Mii-Kiit.” (Pet name...Sweet...)

I always remember turning around and catching J’Drell turning his head away.

I never thought, not once.

In bed later...Y’know...After...M’dssark tells me of The Blackwater Brigands.

He’d been working with them for a couple of months, keeping an eye on the best hauls. Feeding them names, dates, crew numbers; you know, stuff a decent Brigand needs.

Oh how much love I had for him at that moment, my very own Pirate! In training to be sure, but still.

Two weeks later he was dead.

They’d convinced him to help them rob The Bloated Float. The Inn that sets out to sea for an added thrill to the drinking - Apparently. Still, it’s berthed at the end of the waterfront.

’M’dssark had heard that damned Bosmer Ormil talking about some treasure on board and let the Blackwater lot know.

*Sigh*...

Little did we know that there would be unexpected company.

’Sark had kissed me goodbye with promise of so much gold on top of the decent lot we already had saved. Enough that we could move away. Maybe to Elsweyr.

Five of them there were against the skeleton crew of the Float. Despite what they would have you believe, it takes more than the two of them to run the damned thing. Anyway, one thing Little-Chief-of-Brigands, Selene, didn’t count on was that damned Argonian.

J’Drell finished them all off - Even my Hearth-Kiit. I know he wouldn’t have made it easy...Good...Damned Lizard.

But still...

Damned Damn...

*Sigh*...

I paced up and down the docks awaiting the triumphant return of King M’dssark, Lord of all Pirates!!. And what I got was J’Drell staring at me as he came up the gangplank.

Oh, the blood on his armour...

He signalled the waiting Legio to take me.

Oh, how I ran.

Seems he was Legio Investigato all along.

Interrogator.

Spy.

Snaffashk more like...No, you don’t want me to translate it.

Damn...



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



Five years ago.

Skingrad.

Oh the irony of the name.

The West Weald Inn isn’t just wall to wall drinking - “We’ve every type of drink available in Tamriel.” (said the banner in the Courier). Oh no. Some of us were hired as hostess girls. We were...Of use.

Well, a girl’s got to eat hasn’t she?

Tall, athletic, apparently a “Pretty-Kitty” so you would all say.

Oh, did I mention I’m very good at my job?...Always...

So there I am...Um, working...When one of my regulars – a Bosmer called Maglir – comes back from a job for his Fighters Guild shaking like a leaf. “I’m not going back there” he wailed. Later, having calmed him down, I asked what had happened. He told me of a cave full of Zombies.

The idea makes me shudder even now...So wrong...Anyway, he said it was just too much for him. Not worth losing his life to do a stupid job like that.

A week or so later into my life walks another giant, this one in almost full Ebony armour; except for the Dwarven helmet - You notice that sort of thing - Anyhow, Maglir told me later he was a Nord called Farn. When this Farn had returned a few hours later with the journal that had been Maglir’s original contract, and offered him the chance to take it in himself, Maglir had told him to do whatever he wanted. “I’ve a wife and kids to think about” he’d said. Later, I’d asked him about that. “No, I haven’t a wife. It always gets the good guys going though.” He’d said, ”Heh...Still, I’ve been thinking about it lately...Do you want to get married?...To me perhaps?”

Oh Oblivion...

I’d said yes - We got married.

We took the money that I’d re-made the...Um...Hard way, and bought a cabin in Bravil. Not the prettiest but it was ours.

Maglir, after a few months of dull grind with the Fighters Guild got a better offer. More money, better weapons.Safer he’d said. The Blackwood Company they called themselves.The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end when he said the name. I explained about M’dssark and the Blackwater, but he’d said I was being silly. ”Nothing to worry about”.

I saw that Nord walking through Bravil one day as I was going to my work in the castle (Maglir had mentioned my natural talents.)

No, not them.

The scouting ones we’d been honing...Um...

Anyways, the Bravil Guard (Yes I know...a girl’s got to eat though.) they needed help in the forest, and had asked me to help that morning.

Farn had looked at me through that helmet. I couldn’t see his eyes, but I knew he was looking at me. I almost ran.

A month later Maglir was called to Blackwater headquarters in Leyawiin. He’d told me to wait for him in Bravil as he wouldn’t be long. But the Guard, they’d asked me to help track a troop of Goblins headed towards Leyawiin - We got them - So I found myself in Leyawiin. I’d asked at an Inn for directions.

I was walking along the street.

It was the noise that got to me.

Heavy, thick, reinforced doors splitting, disintegrating, then crashing into the road. My brilliant, wonderful, funny and happy Maglir. His broken body pinned to what was left of the doors by an Ebony Claymore. Gods only know how hard that had been thrown.

And then, out of the shadows walks Farn.

He looks about at the stunned spectators, daring them to say something...Anything...Oh Gods why couldn’t the Guard do something?

Then...

And then he looks down the road, right at me. He raised his hand and I ran so fast.

I’ve never seen where – or if - my Maglir was buried.

Kynraeth bless him...

Even though I’ve been back there, I’ve never been able to find out from anyone.

Poor Maglir...

I even left the little shack in Bravil...Couldn’t face staying there anymore.

Damned Farn...Damned Nords...

Damn...

So then the “truth” comes out in the Courier about how Blackwood have been using mind-altering drugs (sooo different from using magic to help you fight, of course...) to help them fight and it caused them to do horrible, disgraceful things.

Well, maybe they did kill an entire village to get at some goblins; But still, not my Maglir, surely?.

Oh, and then they make Farn head of the Fighters Guild?

No. Justice. Ever.



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



So a short while later, the world goes to ruin. The Emperor betrayed by his Dragon Guard. The desperate and doomed flight underground. Oblivion gates all over Tamriel. No-one dared travel for so many weeks. Not with all the Deadra everywhere.

Suddenly out of all the horror came the saviours of everything. We’d all heard the rumours, The Knights of the Nine had returned!!

It sounded so...Amazing.

Truly...

But slowly and surely, they were everywhere. Around the country gates were closed by knights, clad in white tabards, with a red diamond on the chest.

Or something like.

Out of nowhere, one name was suddenly everywhere - Robert McWylde, Commander of the Knights.

Finding a lost heir to the Empire; Closing gates; Thwarting a cult.

A saving the Count of Cheydinhal’s son here, one running into a Gate alone and saving Bruma from a Siege-Engine there.

Damned Mr Perfect...

He’d even gone one-on-one with the Daedric Prince himself...And lived...

Just four of the Knights had gone to the Imperial City with the heir. How quickly would it have ended with more?

Ah, they’re not all Gods...Just...Most of them.

At the end of it all they’d named McWylde Champion of Cyrodill. At the ceremony he’d been all gracious and named all the knights that had helped, saying that they too were deserving of being named Champions as were all the Imperial Legionnaires and City Guardsmen that had sacrificed so much, but sadly he didn’t know their names.

Chancellor Ocato had simply joked “We can’t make enough suits for you all”.

McWylde had accepted the suit, but chose to put it on display at the Priory of the Nine in tribute to everyone rather than abandon his Crusader armour.

Oh and then he got married and the world went crazy...Again...Damned Courier.

Rumour has it that McWylde was Legio Elitarii. The Emperor’s Own they called them; Under the command of no-one but the Emperor (hence the name I suspect.)

Not just the best of the best, but better than that even.

Bet that stung Marick Gellert.

Another rumour is that Gellert was prevented from joining by the Emperor himself for some reason.

Still, Gellert got promoted to Imperial Commander and the Legion’s vaunted Dragon Company got formed out of it all. And while everyone was marvelling at their exploits and grandstanding, the Elitarii were always quietly and efficiently doing their job.

Well...That’s the rumour anyway...

For some reason the Emperor turned McWylde loose to go find the Crusader armour - We’ll probably never know why.

Maybe things were worse than we all thought...Anyhow, the rest is history...

Aren’t biographies great? I hardly ever read them myself.

The First Edition in Imperial City has many good ones...So I’ve been told...

Damn...

Damned damn...



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



Anyway, from then on the Knights of the Nine grew, until they had a Chapter in every city. And then they get their own city.

The Elder Council and all the city rulers and dignitaries - in their mighty wisdom - gave them an old ruined city to rebuild.

New Kvatch it’s called.

Catchy name...Guess where the site of that was?...

Took them ages to clear the ruins and re-do.

Nice job they did too...I must admit...



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



As for me...

I drifted from city to city, job to job - Always very good at them though. I had an incident with a despicable, horrible man in Skingrad (again, guess where I worked...Very good...) called Glarthir which led to some odd man called Lucien coming into my room to offer me a job - Well, a girl’s got to eat hasn’t she? - So off I run to an Inn of Ill Omen...(A little on the nose, but who am I to question?)...I kill some strange little man who I have no idea about; then I meet up with the Lucien who tells me of a house to go to in Cheydinhal.

When I get there, I discover that it’s all going on downstairs.

No, I mean...Nevermind...

Through a portal in the cellar, expecting some sort of greet, what do I find? - Everyone’s dead. Except for a little Wood-Elf, in a Knights cuirass. ”Hello,” he says, “I’m afraid they’re closed for business.” He narrowed his eyes “Best run along...Now.”

I ran...

Lucien turned up dead in Skingrad - Thrown out of a window into the street. Not getting up with his neck bent that way...Or that axe in his head.

Bosmer lady Knight this time.

I ran...

*Sigh*



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



Two years ago...

By now I was living in Anvil, helping out on the docks. Not as much fun as before but – you know – A girl has got to eat.

One day a man called Jayred Grice turns up at my door. A handsome older man, (so far as I’m a judge), whitening hair, intelligent eyes, Fantastic smile. Spoke with a drawl, like honey.

He was an ex-Dragon Company officer that had, with a “silent partner”, just started a new honest mercenary company called - Wait for it - The Dragon Company.

They were trying to reclaim his and his Company’s honour he’d said. Amongst those he’d recruited were a couple of ex-Bravil Guardsmen who had told him of me and my astounding scouting abilities - See, very good. Anyhow, he’s been trying to get his company off the ground; try to take some of the work that the Fighters Guild and even the Knights have been flooded with since the Crisis.

It was not going well.

Too much bad feeling attached to the name it seems; even if it had been proved that not all the Dragon Company had had anything to do with betraying the Emperor.

The Investigato had proved Jayred and some of his co-horts innocent.

But Grice was not for changing it, said he would succeed even if it killed him.

”Besides,” he’d said, smiling, “It’d cost too much to change the armour.”

A dragon - shockingly - rendered as if flying to the left but its tail curled around to form the outside of the G.

Very clever I must say.

Sign of a man with too much time on his hands maybe.

But I digress...

After a few months it was obvious that it wasn’t working and Grice was sullen, which was an mood I’d never thought to see on that man.

To try and help him up I...Offered myself to him.

My most figure hugging dress...You know how it goes...

”Bless you ‘Sheena,” he’d said smiling – finally! ”You do flatter an old soldier...But we can’t.”

My heart sank.

”Oh no...” He added, seeing the look on my face, “Nono; I think you’re beautiful...I really am flattered. But for one I am still your boss, and for another...My...Partner doesn’t hold with...” Jayred paused, wincing “with other...Species...

“I’m so sorry ‘Sheena...”

I saw apology, regret and shame in his eyes, and I believed his apology, absolutely.

To try and diffuse the...Tension...He started to tell of something he’d been thinking about.

“I’ve been thinking of moving the business...Elsewhere.” He’d looked me straight in the eye before he said, ”Elsweyr...”

Oh how my heart had leapt!!

Grice was basically planning a Fighters Guild style group but in Elsweyr.

”Seems it might work better there,” he said, “as they don’t seem to care who we were...”

I was to be in charge of the teams!!

Grice was coming too but I was his...Liaison?...Strange word, but basically I was to be the one that looked after the troops, report back to Jayred, and all the while still handling the big jobs that needed my help.

I was to be a busy-Kitty again!

We got rich!

We made so much money even the lowest ranks were well-off. Who’d have thought that a country with such tension would need such help.

But who am I to complain...

Grice would hold feasts for the troops to celebrate.

Usually, after the drink had flowed, he’d tell us all stories of the Glory Days of the old Dragon Company and Marrick Gellert.

One night I remember with a shudder was when one young boy (Damain, his name was) asks with total innocence,

“Was there anything that Gellert was actually afraid of?”

A jeering and laughing clamour had erupted around the tables. But Grice had smiled genuine warmth towards the boy.

“Yes son, he was afraid of only two things in his life...” He’d paused, ”Robert McWylde and Farn Olfsson. If you ever get on the wrong side of either of them...Run...Just run...”

He then told us the story of when on patrol, Gellert, himself and two more had managed to let themselves get ambushed by Ogres - The crowd had laughed.

”Yes I know, not the stealthiest of creatures, but there you go. So here we are, fighting for our lives against the damned things, and even that Dragon-hammer’s hardly denting them.

"All of a sudden one of them falls flat on their face...Well, with a warhorse landing on their head you’d think it wouldn’t have a choice.

"Farn..."Grice paused and looked those closest to the front in the eyes, "Looking at him I couldn’t decide which to be more scared of - Him or the Ogres.” Grice smiled; more laughing, “He took it all in in a second, jumped off his horse – which promptly took on another Ogre itself – ripped the hammer from Marrick’s hands and hurled it at the nearest Ogre.The hammer took its head off. I think the two that were left after the horse’d trampled the one he’d been hammering must’ve realised what was coming and tried to escape." Grice shook his head at the memory, "Anyone ever heard an Ogre scream?..I don’t think many have...

”Once it was all over Gellert had tried to thank Farn for his help. The Nord had simply stared at him, got on his horse and left. Marrick was ill for a couple of weeks following that. We covered for him, but the three of us who’d been with him thought we understood what had happened - Gellert wasn’t as all powerful as he’d believed himself...Seen quite how human he actually was...

"Mind you against Farn I think anyone’d doubt himself...So yes, Gellert was afraid of something...”

“What about McWylde?” Damain had asked.

Jayred smiled and simply said - “Next time...”



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



A month ago...

We found the damned things in a cave outside Corinthe.

The cave had seemed unremarkable, but someone had pulled the entrance down leaving just the hole in the mountain to say it had been there.

Farian, our Battlemage had been sure there was something inside, so we took the time to clear and prop and boslter.

Wish we’d not bothered.

As soon as we get inside, the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Three of these things are in there. They made straight for Farian. He’d tried to defend himself but the first one got to him; And then the world went mad again.

The creature had simply put his giant hands either side of Farian’s head. The mage had screamed briefly, then just stopped.

Then out of his mouth came words, but not his...Sounded so strange...

“Nnn...No...No Hurt...Feed...Please...Alone...Long...”

“What do you need?” I’d asked terrified of the answer.

Well, then the damned thing’s mouth opens up and a ball of light comes out.

Next thing there a boar standing in the middle of the room - So I guess it eats boar, not people - We fed them, they let Farian go, and we go back to base with the promise to return having sealed the cave up.

Back there we tell Grice of the monsters.

Damain turns out to be a bookworm and does some research.

Couple of days later he comes back with an answer, ”Could it be these?” he’d asked, pointing to a pict in the book.

Oh Oblivion...I won’t say the name...

Even the name scares me...

But they’re so old...I thought they were all gone...

“We need them,” says Grice, suddenly vicious, ”My partner will want one too...Hope they don’t get separation stress...”

“We need to ask them first...” I’d said...”I don’t think we’d be able to make them do anything.”

Damain coughed, “It says here that to deal with...” He’d gestured to mean the whole world “Everyone else...they always need...The One...To be the focus...Which I think means what they did to Farian...I think...He has to be a mage...”

Damn.

Damned Damn...

Prisoners.

Grice was actually more vicious than I’d thought.

We’d raided a fort nearby a few days ago and taken a few of the Conjurors alive. He’d given them all a choice - help us, or be turned over to the tribes for punishment. Most chose to help, but we only needed the three.

So the “lucky” few were put on a cart and taken to the cave.

I couldn’t watch.

When it was all over, Grice – who’d come with us – Talked to the creatures.

“Why were you in here?”

“People...Feared...Pull...Down...Wrong...No Hurt...”

“Will you help us? We know what you can do.”

“Do Not...No Hurt...Yes Can Help...No Hurt...”

Grice had paused, admiring the creatures; possibly wondering how to phrase the next part, “We need to send one of you away...Somewhere far...Can we do that?”

“All Places One...We All Places Together...Far...Near...All One...We Hear...Yes...Send...”

And just like that, we had three ancient, presumed extinct creatures working with us.

Jayred had sent a message back to Cyrodill, telling of the prize.

A couple of weeks later the message returned that the “Partner” was as excited as Grice and that transport should start straight away.

Guess who was given that job?

Oh yes...Me...The curse of being very good I suppose.

I was given the location to head for with instructions to meet the local party near Anvil.

Oh it was going to be strange going back there after so long, but it was only for a short while.

“Two things,” Grice had said to me before a couple of days before I’d left, “Leave the uniform behind...No, I didn’t mean that...” He’d smiled,” I mean you can’t have anything linking to us if...Anything happened...Gods forbid...Oh, and the other thing...My partner’s people may not be so...Courteous towards you...Just ignore them...Ignorant fools...”

He’d given me a kiss on the cheek and after that didn’t see him before I left.



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



Now...

Damn.

Damned Damn...

We’re here.

Fort Freedom.

We avoided everyone and everything getting here, and what do we find when we get to the gates off the road?

Nothing.

No-one.

The local Captain that met us was worried as there should be at least a couple of guards here.

He’d suggested so politely that myself and a couple of the other scouts go ahead to check around the fort to see what could have gone wrong.

Well I’ll tell you what went wrong...

Damnable Knights, that’s what.

Why in Oblivion are they here?

Who is this damned partner?

I found their horses in the woods around the side of the fort, guarded by a Dunmer and one of those damned Wraiths they can call.

I couldn’t get close to the Dunmer without alerting the Wraith, so I headed for the fort itself.

Damn...

The ever feted J’Drell.

Judging by the amount of horses, there’s more inside...

What is he doing?...

Why is he moving like that?...

I’ve seen stealthier Mudcrabs...

What the?...

What’s that?...

I think they’ve found one of the others...

Damn...

I must get back to the rest...What?...Aaaah!...

Oh, no!!...

Damn...

Damn damn!!...

Gods not like this...

Not here...

I stand up from an oh so pretty body...With a dagger through its neck...we were once an I, a person...Now we don’t remember her name...Now we don‘t remember I...The Great Pride calls us...We are all the Great Pride...The Greatest One calls me to run...

I run...

Posted by: treydog Oct 23 2011, 08:58 PM

Wow. Um- let me see if I can be more articulate than that- give me a minute....

Welcome to the Arena!

The voice- the telegraphic pace- the HEART of this... just bowl me over. Yes- fine, one who KNOWS the Oblvion plot will get more out of it. And so what? Look at the vast majority of fan-fics posted here.

This story just grabbed ahold of me and did not let go- I feel as though I have run from Anvil to Cheydinhaal.

And the best part of all- "heroes" aren't heroes to everyone... all depends on where you are standing.

Minor grammatical (hey former teacher of English- what can I say?) nit-
check your use of "it's." The correct place for that is the contraction of "it is." As in "It's a long, long way to Tipperary." For the possessive- no apostrophe "The thrice-damned will'o'wisp held its ground."

Most places you have it right- two I saw otherwise were describing the Dragon Company symbol and near the end.

Posted by: McBadgere Oct 25 2011, 06:07 AM

...Wow...Thank you so much...An update is coming as soon as I get round to editing the next section, but I had to say thank you...Appreciated...

Oh, btw...Nit-pick away!...Grammar was never my strong point...Or punctuation...Or spelling...Or actual story content... ...

Think I got the ones you said about...Cheers...

Posted by: mALX Oct 25 2011, 11:05 AM

Absolutely loved your rapid-fire narrative style of writing in the beginning - slips in the funniest lines so quickly they can almost be missed - almost, lol.

Ras’sheena ending up Maglir's wife was hysterically funny, but sad at the end.

First off, I love the recurring line, "A girl has got to eat" - and the job history that goes along with it !!

Second - absolutely love how you reshape history of the quests in this! I was rolling on the floor laughing over the Dark Brotherhood changes - especially Lucien's fate !!

Now enters The Dragon Company - great name !!


... .... ... URK !!! Did Ras’sheena die? ARGH !!!


Great Write !!! A little fast, and at over 3800 words - a little long. Still, a Great Write !!!

Posted by: Grits Oct 25 2011, 02:43 PM

Oh wow is right. I love your story already. I think I get the bit at the end. But I’ll have to wait and see. I am really looking forward to more!!

Posted by: McBadgere Oct 26 2011, 01:02 PM

Thank you both very much...I appreciate that it's long and I thank you for taking the time to read it all...Many thanks... ...

And now...This...



Knights Of The Nine – New Kvatch:

Vol. 1. - Dawn At The End Of The Knight.

1.1 Capture.



"I do not know why I have no trust for the man. He has never given me pause to think his devotion is anything but absolute. He has done all that I ask, more than I have asked time and again. So why do I feel he will be the death of me?

Damnation Gellert, what are you about? And where the hell is McWylde when I need him?"

- Taken from the diaries of Uriel Septim, discovered by Wulff Olfsson in the remains of Cloud Ruler Temple, Rain’s Hand 3E 637.



‘It really was a beautiful weapon,’ thought Caroline McWylde as the Imperial Dragon Warhammer came down slowly - it seemed - a finger’s width from her head. She noted the fine relief worked dragon motifs that seemed bathed in fire from the reflected wall-lamps playing along the length of the slab of Nordic Dragon-smelted Iron that made up the head. She marvelled at the gold-leaf work down the length of the hammer’s Carpacite shaft, so ornate and finely worked that even now – despite the action that she’d seen herself, fighting beside the man opposite all those years ago, nevermind what other work it’d been through since – it showed no sign of wearing. She was even now amazed by the length of Dragon bone that had been magically bonded to the shaft and had then been carved to perfectly fit the grip of Imperial Commander Marrick Gellert - as he’d been then at least – Hero of the Empire, Champion of and to the Imperial Legion, now just another fugitive Marauder, this one operating out of Fort Freedom, an hour’s hard ride south-west of Kvatch.

She’d called on the speed fortifier. Her normally green eyes shining white from the use of Magic, Caroline rushed inside the reach of the hammer. Gellert didn’t have time to blink as Caroline brought her Ebony booted foot up and into her former Commander’s knee, folding it back the wrong way. The scream died in his throat as the breath was knocked from his lungs by the flat of the Ebony longsword coming down across his back and sending him sprawling onto his face.

“The trouble with fighting someone you know so well,” said Caroline, “Is having to wait for that one mistake. But you always did manage to make one mistake, didn’t you?

“Alix killed Derment and left me alive down there. The safest place I could have been it seems. One mistake.”

She smiled to herself as she caught her breath, but then called the magicks, raised her strength and picked up the Warhammer. She walked over to where he lay and leaned down near his ear, “This,” she spat, “was a gift to the best. That has not been you for such a long time.” Caroline hurled it at the other side of the room, shattering a stone block. “WHY?!!” She screamed at his prone body, “DAMN YOU!!” She roughly turned him over and dragged him to sit against a wall. “So, you betray everything and everyone for a chance at what? The Emperor gives you it all, money, fame...His absolute trust...And you let Mythic Dawn in?” She looked down at the floor as she refused to let him see her eyes filling with tears. “And then what? With the Emperor and – apparently - all his heirs dead, the Dragon Company’s mighty Hero rules from the Dragon Throne and makes everything all better?” She laughed grimly, “Did you really believe that Mehrunes Dagon would simply give you Tamriel to rule? Alone? He was determined to turn the world into another realm of Oblivion for The Gods’ sake. Or were you thinking you could use your charms on a Demon Prince? Maybe get him to leave it all as it was, just for you?” She backed away to sit on a nearby crate.

“Well,” came the former Imperial’s reply, “He was certainly more receptive to ideas than you ever were.” She looked away with a wince.

“Oh, you always were soo idealistic and naive weren’t you Caroline? Always willing to believe that we were a perfect band of Legion brothers, and that the whole of Cyrodill was a perfect little utopia, where everyone and everything could live in peace, happiness and contentment, watched over by our great and benevolent father – The Emperor.” Gellert sneered at her. “And now your pathetic beliefs in the weak are on show for all to see.”

Gellert raised a hand as if to indicate the Knights of the Nine cuirass. Caroline realised his intent too late, and that even now part of her was far too trusting where this evil creature was concerned. Seemingly without conscious thought she raised her lightning shield magicks and closed her eyes expecting nothing but to be thrown across the room. Wincing - despite herself - at the noise as the shock-spell went wide. She heard the Marauder cry out, in obvious agony. Re-opening her eyes quickly, she saw Gellert holding his now bleeding arm in shock at the dagger handle now protruding from it.

“Really Caroline, your husband would be most cross with me if he thought I’d let you fall for that old trick.” Said a voice from the doorway to her right. She noticed the green afterglow of the Wood-Elf’s powerful Invisible spell’s premature end still fading.

“Galasafon!” she cried, “What? But I didn’t know you were with us.” Caroline paused, frowned and asked sighing, “Did he ask you to follow me?”

“Well...Maybe...Yes, he did...But the Commander knew – Akatosh damn him – that I had my own reason to follow and...Protect.”

Caroline nodded her thanks to her friend and turned to look on her would-be murderer. She took a step towards Gellert, putting her hand on the pommel of her sword.

“Careful Wylding. That,” he pointed to the sword, “would be murder.” Galasafon quietly said, “Do not become like that...” Indicating the prone Marauder.

“Soo,” Gellert said with obvious discomfort, “Still dragging your little pets with you?..Where’s that little Eldarb*tch you were never far away from?”

The man cried out loudly but briefly as Galasafon non-too-gently retrieved his knife.

“Oh dear,” the Wood-Elf observed “Seems to have fallen asleep...Still, it will give him a nice surprise when he wakes in the Kvatch gaol.”

“You can keep him asleep till then?.”

The Wood-Elf gave her a dark look. “Oh yes...”

Another Knight rushed into the room, her eyes glowing purple with the life sensing magic. “Caroline we...GAH!!...” The Wood-Elf Aeirawen started as she noticed Galasafon standing beside the body. “How in Oblivion can you hide from...Nevermind,” pointing at Gellert she said, “We must move him...Now...More of his cohorts are returning, and I fear that even Thedret and J’Drell will be overwhelmed.”

Aeirawen turned a loving look on Galasafon and then was gone.

Caroline once more looked down at the man who’d once given her so much hope for the Empire and then betrayed it so completely. She pointed at Gellert then walked out simply saying, “Bring that...”...

Galasafon, noticing a glint from the other side of the room, went over to the far wall.

“What a beautiful weapon...” He noted, picking the Dragon Warhammer up with one hand. He walked towards the door, waved his other hand in the direction of former Imperial Commander Marrick Gellert and levitated the unconscious body out of the bowels Fort Freedom and up towards the dawn...

Posted by: mALX Oct 26 2011, 05:51 PM

Now you're talking !! WHEW !!! This is AWESOME !! And gives us an intriguing glimpse into your creative mind and abilities !! MORE MORE !!! Awesome Write !!!

Posted by: Acadian Oct 27 2011, 02:50 AM

’Bosmer lady Knight this time...’
Really have to watch out for those Bosmer lady knights.

Welcome to the forums and glad to see you posting your story here! Your style is brisk, crisp and fun to read.

Posted by: McBadgere Oct 27 2011, 06:37 AM

Cheers muchly!!... ...

mALX - Cheers and probably best you don't get more than a glimpse into that mind... ...

And Acadian - Cheers for the welcome...I was just playing Aeirawen (The BLK) in the real world...She does like her axes!)...

Been having issues with Ibuprofen for a sprained wrist...Who giggled?...Who giggled!!!?...It was a "Tractor Accident"...No, I mean a tractor accident which jarred it last week, and the Ibuprofen has been playing havoc with me getting up...STOP GIGGLING!!!...I mean waking up in a morning...The delicate little flower that I am...So updates will be a week apart probably...

Probably... ...

Posted by: Athynae Oct 27 2011, 12:23 PM

Oh McB I would not laugh at your pain (snigger), I know all too well the gentle constitution of the male of the species, I do have two sons....and have fired two husbands. So it is understandable.

Your story is going well thus far, it took me a second read to accustom myself to the style but I LIKE IT. Keep em coming

Posted by: treydog Oct 27 2011, 12:48 PM

was a "Tractor Accident"...No, I mean a tractor accident which jarred it last week

As long as you did not say "HEY! Watch this!" just before it happened, it is OK.

(If you need an explanation, apply to Athynae, mALX, or Grits).


[Will comment on story this evening.]

Posted by: mALX Oct 27 2011, 05:04 PM

SPEW!! "Tractor Accident," huh? (choke, giggle) Er...where you wearing anything particular at the time? Seriously, hope you get feeling better soon.

Posted by: Grits Oct 27 2011, 06:40 PM

My sympathies on your *cough* "Tractor Accident." (Never heard it called that before...) No, really. I hope your wrist feels better soon.

Posted by: McBadgere Oct 27 2011, 09:23 PM

Just to clarify before we all get into trouble for being just a smidge off topic...Should have called it Tractor Incident...

Being as brief as I can...

Boss ploughed field (I work on a farm...You may have guessed this already...), I then work field with thing called a harrow which breaks up ploughed furrows...Ploughing is done up and down field, but the ends go in opposite direction which leaves big wavey things and dips in the corners between...Basically there was an incident where the tractor wheel went down one of these corner dips while the steering wheel was turned, and as I was holding it quite firmly...Stop it...The steering wrenched around and sprained my wrist...Much swelling and grinding and mui painkilling drugs!!...Have stopped now though...Back to story...

Many thanks for the sympathy...*Bows*...

Posted by: mALX Oct 27 2011, 10:24 PM

URK! Sorry for your injury! Hope you get feeling better soon!

Posted by: McBadgere Oct 28 2011, 01:18 PM

I apologise if my previous post sounded kinda short...Therein is proof of why you shoudn't rush post last thing at night... ...

Honest, more story coming soon... ...

Posted by: McBadgere Oct 30 2011, 04:43 AM

New parts for you!!!... ...

If I've missed anything, please be gentle... ...

The clocks went back in the UK last night, but I'm not allowed the hour extra in bed, due to my...SnassnFrassn...Work...Bloody doing a favour for the boss... ...Aaamywho, it's currently saying 3.30am on the BBC News channel...*Winces*...

Heh... ...D'you know, I've never really noticed what such an old woman I am...Always complaining... ...

Anyhow...

This...



1.2 - Outside.



FAO Meister Modryn Oreyn,
Fighters Guild-Hall,
Chorrol.

Dear Meister Oreyn,

It is with regret that I must inform you that we have to expel your nephew from the University.

He is a bright, hard working, ever charming and brilliant student. I have nothing but praise for him as a person, and wish him nothing but the best for his future.

However he is undiscipline-able. That is to say. He is not able to stay within the magical discipline that is presented to him. And everything he does in class causes considerable chaos and consternation.

Also, despite all attempts at removal, his “Uncles” continue to be an absolute distraction to all the University’s residents. Especially in the dormitories. The other students have been terrified to wake up to one or the other hanging over them. This is unacceptable.

I regret that this action must be taken, and I shall send whatever aid I can through Archmagister Teekeeus at the Chorrol chapter of the Mages Guild. But it is for the best of the University and its students.

Again, kind regards towards Kelleryn, your good self and your Guild-Master.


Yours regretfully, Hannibal Traven (Archmage).




The recently be-knighted Kelleryn Oreyn retrieved the dagger from the Khajiiti, and offered a prayer to commend her soul to The Nine. Wiping the blood on the dewy grass, Kelleryn looked up at the two moons fading in pre-dawn light. Reciting the names of both in all the languages of Tamriel, and briefly listing the names of the mare to be seen on them, he then looked to the east to try and gauge the hour...

“Well, not long and we won’t have the luxury of darkness to cover us.” He turned to his Ancestor Guardian, “I do hope Knight-Marshal McWylde snares her quarry soon.” Then, indicating the kill he said, “We should go and report this to Knight-Marshal J’Drell.” With that, he gestured for the ghost to follow towards the Fort’s main entrance where he knew the Marshal was crouching behind the forewall.

Kelleryn moved swiftly but as stealthily as was possible - for him - towards the fort. He paused behind the trees which lined the broad entrance causeway. The Elf then looked back towards the arch, where the causeway met the main road from Anvil, and saw the massed group there.

“Oh...” he started.

“Careful,“ said a voice by his ear, “you wouldn’t want us telling your Uncle Modryn that you’d picked up our colourful language now, would you?”

Spinning around, Kelleryn instantly had his staff in one hand and his Ebony shortsword in the other.

“C’mon kid, I’d have had time to make breakfast while you were spinning,” said a Redguard knight, now a short way off.

“Sir Deaconsson!” Kelleryn exclaimed in a forceful whisper. The ghost moaned his disapproval.

“No names dammit!” the knight came back. “No names while we’re out here, and while I get that he – for some reason – won’t disappear,” the knight pointed to the ghost, “can you try and send him off a little so we don’t have a big light saying ‘here we are’ following us?”

The Ancestor told Kelleryn what he thought of that.

“Yes, well...Sir Deaconsson may have a point Honoured Uncle...Please could you go and see if Uncle is okay with the horses”. The ghost moaned and pointed at Sir Deaconsson then sped off through the trees in the direction of the horses.

“You mean to say that the Wraith is called Uncle too?” asked the Redguard.

“Yes, the wraith is called Uncle”

“How does that not get confusing?”

“What do you mean?” asked Kelleryn.

“Isn’t the ghost called Uncle too?”

“No,” replied the Dark-Elf, “He’s called Honoured Uncle.”

Sir Deaconsson regarded the Elf. Average height, passably strong – if a little thin - body, blue-black hair framing a face with pleasant features possessed of a natural tendency towards smiling...Occasional sadness in his eyes maybe. He’d only met Kelleryn late afternoon yesterday, but Deaconsson could tell already that the Elf’s magic was strong. He seemed to be conjuring something constantly, possibly even unconsciously. Even now he could see the light escaping from his mostly closed hand. And as for how in The Nine’s name the kid could keep the Guardian and the Wraith alive at the same time and over these distances was beyond the Redguard.

“Riiiight,” replied Sir Deaconsson, “C’mon, they’ll be waiting.”

They crossed the remaining distance quickly and joined J’Drell behind the wall.

“Ooooh,” said the silver-blue Argonian J’Drell “Bless-ed are we to be joined by our newest friend. What brought you from your appointed task little Elfling?”

“Knight-Marshal, Honoured Uncle saw a Khajiiti scouting out the horses, so we followed her. She was about to...Leave...When I had to stop her.”

“Yeesss, I saw,” The big Argonian replied “I had been...Distracting the three of them for a while...To aid your quests.”

“Three?” Asked Kelleryn.

“Yeesss, yours – good job by the way, nice throw...Yeesss...Praise be to your tutors newest Knight-friend...Oooh, and young Deaconsson there took care of his – not unsurprisingly – and then there’s Friend Sir Thedret who will be joining us from over there on the left,” The Argonian’s eyes shone like a mirror and he put his head over the wall, “any time...Now...”

There was the briefest whisper and a knight slowed to a stop and crouched behind the wall.

“Dammit, he put a hole in my best chainmail...”

“Ooooh...Are you wounded much?” The Argonian asked.

“Just a little. Lucky swipe is all. I’ll live though.”

“Oh well,” said the Argonian, “Shame. I’d best move my stuff out of your house again then. Your wife will be disappointed. She does so love my baubles.” He grinned.

As J’Drell finished this taunt and Thedret had mock-glared at him, the Argonian placed his glowing hand to Thedret’s side to check his wound.

“Damn,” J’Drell sighed, his fins drooping, “easy enough to heal...You’ll feel nothing soon...Oh well...Nevermind...Bless-ed are you...”

Thedret smiled his thanks to his friend and resumed his look out.

Kelleryn took in his surroundings. He found himself considering the horses...Being watched by a ghost and a wraith seemed to put most anyone in an agitated way, let alone a horse. Still, the Knights’ horses could probably deal with pretty much anything.

He smiled to himself as he thought of his company. Sat here right now were two of the most celebrated Knights of The Nine. J’Drell and Thedret.

Sir James Thedret had been one of the original knights that had been at the reformation of the Knights during the Chapel Murders saga. Sir Thedret's list of accomplishments since were a book in themselves. But he had sealed his immortality with being one of the four Knights of The Nine that had accompanied Martin Septim and his Blades to the Imperial City to battle with Mehrunes Dagon.

J’Drell had been one of those that joined soon after the Ayleid king had been dealt with, but soon he too proved a worthy addition when The Oblivion saga had reared its head. He’d read that J’Drell was one of only three Knights that had faced an Oblivion Gate alone. The village he rescued had now affectionately nicknamed itself “Drell’s Gate” in his honour. He was also one of the four with Martin. And then there was his hunt and the trials for the damned Dragon Company after it was all done.

Thedret and J’Drell. J’Drell and Thedret. Their names always linked together. Now sat here bickering as only two old friends can.

Add these two to the other members of the party, which included the wife of the Knights’ Commander – A Knight-Marshal in her own right – Then there’s Knight-Marshal Aeirawen who together with Marshal Galasafon had hunted the Dark Brotherhood seemingly to extinction.

He’d been told by Deaconsson that out there somewhere were two others, a Captain Marcus Jarn and General Carodus Oholin, chief of the Knights Shadow, and another of the original reformation Knights. There was also a legendary Nord General, two Captains that were slowly growing in fame, Deaconsson here who was headed straight towards the Knights Shadow himself and three other knights that he hadn’t really had time to meet properly, but was sure their worthiness was of no doubt.

“I hope I’m not speaking out of turn Sirs...” Said Kelleryn.

Deaconsson rolled his eyes and said “Which means you probably are...”

“But still, may I ask something?” enquired the Elf.

“Oooh, so many questions!..Excellent, I do so love a puzzle game...” Answered J’Drell. “Please, continue my young new friend.”

“Aren’t we risking a lot of...” He hesitated, “Seniority for a fugitive capture? Surely one of the Captains’ companies could do it just as well?”

“Ooooh, Sir Thedret, heh, he just called you old...”

“Drell, he said senior...As in rank...Not the same...Right kid?..” Thedret narrowed his eyes, “Right?...”

“Yes...I mean no...Um...” He paused, ”Sirs, we have two Generals, four Knights-Marshal, three Captains and five ‘mere’ Knights...I believe that would be very senior people for just a grab?”

“Blessed am I to be amongst all these glitterati!! Where are they youngster? I only see Knights wishing to finish work that was begun many years ago,” Seriously J’Drell said, “There has been much labour and toil and death to get where we are sat here and now. We Must. Not. Fail. That is why we risk this much for that. Do you know who is in there youngster?” He spat and indicated the fort.

Kelleryn shook his head, “I was only asked to accompany by Marshal McWylde, she never said why.”

“He and his let the Mythic Dawn into the Imperial Palace. That’s him in there Oreyn...That’s Gellert!!...He personally murdered Blades, servants and worse – the youngest of the Emperor’s sons had run to him for protection. The b*stard just ran him through.” J’Drell looked sadly toward the ground. “That is why we risk so much.”

J’Drell wrinkled his nose in disgust but then calmed.

“However all this does get old Thedret here some much needed exercise. He was in danger of needing a new size of armour!”

Posted by: treydog Oct 30 2011, 12:58 PM

I usually have a lot more to say, what with being so in love with the sound of my own voice (keyboard?), but… This story just bowls me over. The characterization is wonderful, as is the action; the sense of history- individual and world; and the depth of feeling.

Oh the letter from Hannibal is simply priceless. Sounds like Kelleryn and a certain albino Khajiit would have gotten along like naptha and a torch….

The entire section with the Ancestor Guardians and their (completely not confusing to anyone) names was beautiful. That is the kind of character-specific world-building that makes a story sing.

And then--- the banter above. Brilliant.

Followed in perfect narrative sequence with the dark reason behind the Knights’ mission to that place.

Nits:

“…dewey grass…” I believe you want “dewy”- otherwise it is a type of grass named for someone whose goes by “Dewey.”

“two moons’…” Not a possessive here, so no apostrophe.

“Reciting the names in all languages of both…” As written, sounds like the languages are those of the moons… Suggest- “Reciting the names of both in all languages….”

OH- and I simply LOVE the idea of a “mare” in the moons- especially given the (intentional?) pun on the "real" moon's features….

Posted by: McBadgere Oct 30 2011, 01:13 PM

Done!...Cheers... ...

Word kept telling me that dewey was wrong but it didn't look right the other way...So I left it...Duh... ...

Two moons' apostrophe ( ) was left behind from a previous sentence, I missed it in the edit...

It is meant to be (as in pronounced) mar-eh as in the "seas" on our moon...But I don't know how to do the accent thingy on the end of it...I know there's a way...But it's probably technical...And I can push these buttons to make the nice word-y thingies come out...Pretty much my level really... ...

Glad you liked the rest too...Much appreciated...

Posted by: King Coin Oct 30 2011, 06:56 PM

I read through the first chapter and I enjoyed it for the most part, but I found it difficult to follow what was going on at times.

I do like how our Khajiit always seemed to find herself on the wrong end of the quests we all do in the game. I'm glad she wasn't in the DB for very long, I have a hard time liking murderers.

Posted by: Athynae Oct 30 2011, 09:18 PM

“…dewey grass…” I believe you want “dewy”- otherwise it is a type of grass named for someone whose goes by “Dewey.”

Ok Trey if you are going to pick a "nit" then it seems only right that someone "nit-picks" on you. I think you meant "...who goes by Dewey".

McB I am really liking the story thus far. Occasionally I have to read parts over for clarity but I am already seeing improvement between the first post and this newest one. You are on a good track with a wonderful story. Your characterization is colorful and interesting.

(Just had to pick on Trey a bit, he's a little OCD when it comes to grammatical errors and such so when I catch him I have to pick on him)

Posted by: Acadian Oct 31 2011, 12:31 AM

Interesting. You have placed aspects of the Fighters Guild, Mages Guild and Knights of the Nine in a blender with some Bagere sauce and just a touch of catnip.

So Kelleryn and his see through ethereal ancestors are Dunmeri relatives of old Modryn. And Kelleryn is a real Knight of the Nine. But as a mage. . . not so much it seems. I guess that darn Hannibal always has to pee on the imp chips! And Thedret! And his finned friend. Oh and horses. Luvs horses.

Posted by: McBadgere Nov 2 2011, 02:12 PM

Thanks all of you for reading...It's much appreciated...I'm really enjoying writing it...I'm almost regretting that Skyrim's going to put it on hold for a bit really...Almost... ...

KC...Cheers for getting through the first bit...The other chapters are shorter, so should be easier...

Athynae...Cheers for taking the time to re-read it...I keep forgetting it's not tele...And not everyone can see it as it's in my head... ...

Lol...Fair enough... ...

Acadian...

...Really?...Who said that?... ...

Seriously, thanks for not saying "This is sh*te, get off our site...Right now...Oh yeah...Booyah!!..."...Or anything...

Update soon... ...

Posted by: Grits Nov 2 2011, 05:03 PM

I love this story! J’Drell is an instant favorite. I am still laughing about Uncle and Honored Uncle looming over the students in the dormitories. And Thedret cursing over the hole in his mail, never mind about the wound, tremendous.

I’m looking forward to more!

Posted by: McBadgere Nov 3 2011, 02:15 PM

Cheers Grits... ...I'm very fond of J'Drell myself, considering when I came up with him in the Game he was an overtalkative cheese stealer... ...

Aaamywho...

New Parts!!... ...



1.3 Duty of Care.



Sire,

Something is very wrong. We cannot find the Olford girl. We’ve looked everywhere. What’s more, two of my Blades have also disappeared. And there’s too many of those damned Dragon Company soldiers about. I tell you something is wrong.

I’ve sent Jena with this note. I pray she gets to you in time.

I’m on my way to you, I just need to check some things. But Sire, find your sons, we need to move you all. Just as a precaution.

I just feel. Wrong.

Your servant, Renaud.

- Note found tucked into one of Uriel Septim’s diaries discovered by Wulff Olfsson in the remains of Cloud Ruler Temple, Rain’s Hand 3E 637.

Found on the bottom of the note were three words – So it begins.




Caroline walked down a corridor which looked much like all the others in these forts. It was some way from the downstairs room where she’d fought Gellert, up to the entrance. She’d yet to find another way out though, some side door, escape tunnel or something. Even the kitchens seemed to unload their supplies through the main doors. But she knew the Imperial wouldn’t be so stupid as to have only one way. Too easy to get...Caught. She paused. The torchlight picked out the copper blonde of her hair. She put her hand to it to smooth down and to push it back from her face.

“Damn...” She said to herself.

She looked up as a Nord came from around a corner.

“General Dinai.” She nodded in salute.

“Ma’am,” replied the older Nord, “We’ve removed the resistance and scoured the remainder of the keep. Unfortunately we’ve developed a problem, which maybe we should have seen coming. There are many non-combatants here – servants, cooks...Dancing girls...” He sighed, “We’ve briefly, superficially questioned them and they’re unaware of who had been here. They believe that they’re in the employ of a local nobleman who keeps a staff here, but never visits. They feed the troops...Any way their job dictates...But nothing more.

“Unfortunately that leaves us with the duty of their care until Captain Holforn gets here.”

Caroline nodded her agreement, “Yes, true.” She sighed deeply, so much for the quick grab and run Caroline thought to herself. Resigning herself to the inevitable, she said to the General, “I was just thinking that Gellert had let himself get cornered far too easily. This isn’t his...Lair. I don’t think he actually knows much about this place.”

She laid a hand on the stone of the wall nearby and closed her eyes. General Mazkay Dinai waited patiently. He’d been around these people too long to question what was happening now. A glow appeared around Caroline’s hand, which danced and weaved around like an aurora.

She opened her eyes again. “He was waiting for something, excited. A prize of some sort. He’d sent his second out to get it some time ago, and he was wondering what was taking so long.”

“I’m impressed Ma’am, you got all that from a stone?” The General enquired his eyes twinkling with a half smile.

“A trick of J’Drell’s. The Investigato use it a lot. He said the University calls it,” she adopted a mock-professorial voice, “Geo-Thaumaturgical-Memoric-Retrieval.”

The General laughed. “Which means what exactly?”

“J’Drell says it basically means ‘The Walls Have Ears’. It’s Mysticism. There’s magic in some of these stones. It hears and sees everything, and then the stones remember.” Caroline patted the Nord’s arm. “You just have to listen.”

Mazkay Dinai shook his head at the thought and then another pressed to the front.

“Ma’am?”

“Yes General?”

“Gellert?”

“Ah yes, he was rendered...Unable to walk...”

“Should I have someone retrieve him then?” The General asked.

“Oh no...It’s quite alright...I’m fine with him...” Said another voice, coming from around the corner.

The Nord granted some measure of impress as Galasafon appeared in the corridor carrying the fugitive Imperial using his telekinesis from one hand and had what seemed to be the Dragon Warhammer in the other.

“Ah, our ever surprising Marshal Galasafon.” Dinai shook his head, “I shan’t even enquire as to how you are now here.”

Galasafon smiled, tilted his head and said, “Orders General...Orders...”

They walked together towards the entrance, passing the obvious signs of a battle. Decorations, furniture and bodies lay strewn about the place. Holforn’s squad will have their work cut out here, Caroline thought.

“What’s the status of our troops General?” Caroline asked.

“Captains Ordan and Royal are securing the remainder of the servants in the kitchens, with Sirs Ralman and Jacks assisting in the guarding of them. The doors down there look thick enough to hold back a full Daedric invasion so holding the area with only the four of them until Captain Holfarn and his team return in the morning...” He paused, “Later in the morning.” The Nord shrugged, ”Should be easy enough. Depending – of course – what we find outside. I fear that we’ve lost the darkness by now.”

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

Aeirawen had run from the lower chamber having paused briefly to rid a very forward Imperial of his ability to call anyone such rude names. And really, the suggestions. Surely dinner first? She thought, Maybe the theatre?...But no, just rudeness and a longsword. She sighed and ran out of the entrance to where everyone was cowering behind the forewall.

“Oooh,” said J’Drell, “Our beautiful Bosmer re-joins us at last.”

Aeirawen smiled and crouched with the others.

She nodded greeting to Kelleryn and Deaconsson then said “It’s very cosy here, any closer and I’ll be taking you all home to meet my parents.”

J’Drell smiled, “These walls are put so some damned fool can’t just run a horse and burning carriage from all the way down there straight up into the Fort yard. Curse their lack of foresight in considering us all needing to hide behind it. Total lack of vision. Especially not thinking of Thedret’s ever expansion.”

“Drell, quiet...Something’s happening down there...” Thedret pointed towards the causeway’s end.

“Yes,” Said an Imperial shrugging off his Invisibility, “They’ve been joined by yet another company.”

“Carodus...” Thedret nodded a greeting, “How many’s that now?...We were in trouble before...”

“Well, if it was the seven of us...We may have to break a sweat, but with McWylde, Dinai and the others...”

“Seven General?” asked Kelleryn.

“Yes...” Carodus looked to J’Drell with a question in his eyes.

“Ooooh, meet our newest friend Sir Kelleryn Oreyn.”

“Oreyn?..As in Fighters Guild Modryn Oreyn?..”

Deaconsson snorted and smiled, “Yeah, his Uncle...”

“Ah, of course, the one with the...Impairment.” General Carodus Oholin held up his hand, “I mean no offence Oreyn, to you or your Uncles - Yes I’ve heard their names – I just mean...Your...Gift...It makes stealth...Difficult...Does it not?” He waved the topic away, “That’s for a later discussion, right now we have bigger issues. We’re going to be exposed soon.” The General looked up, “It’s light and we don’t know exactly how many we’re facing but I counted at least fifty.”

J’Drell hissed.

“Plus they have something else.” Continued the Imperial, “They have two large tinkers’ carts, the tall ones with the large wheels for crossing rough country where there’s no roads. There’s something in there. We couldn’t get close enough without feeling like we were about to be discovered.”

J’Drell shook his head, “Where are they getting so many men?..It can’t be a coincidence. I know you removed the guards from down there, but these others must have been coming here for this time anyway? Very paranoid behaviour otherwise.”

“I don’t think they’re all used to working together.” Said General Oholin, “It sounded like they were having problems with who’s in charge. It’ll keep them busy talking it through though.” He looked back down the causeway. “Jarn is watching them and will signal if they’re ready to move. We need to have some sort of plan in place now though.”

“Good idea,” Said General Dinai as he and Caroline ran crouched towards the knights. “Carodus.” He inclined his head towards the other general.

“Ah, Mazkay. Excellent. We need to talk. Over here.”

They crept back towards the entrance. Galasafon and his cargo drew up to them as they moved. “Generals,” He said to them and briefly looked towards the other knights, “As much as it pains me to say this, but may I suggest I return to Kvatch with this before anything else begins? I would hate to lose this grand prize so soon after it was so hard fought for.”

“Good idea.” Said Carodus, he looked to the Nord, “Though we’d need to spare one of the others too. Insurance.”

Dinai looked towards the causeway and back to Carodus with an eyebrow raised in a grim amusement.

Carodus shrugged. “Take Aeirawen, she’s the best rider. She’ll be the most use.”

Galasafon blinked and looked unsure for a moment, “Oh...The horses...Yes...” He nodded, “Generals.” He moved off to the Knights.

The Nord snorted quietly.

“Why is it always about sex with the Elves? Oh, no offence to your wife Mazkay.”

“None taken,” said Dinai with a faint smile.

General Mazkay Dinai was not young, not by any euphemistically twisted imagination was he young, but in the last few hours he’d felt alive in a way he’d completely forgotten about for years. He felt like he had as a Legion recruit again, fighting in Valenwood with all the righteous fury of the young.

With all the love he had for his wife he begged her forgiveness if he didn’t last the coming day, but by the Nine this was going to be fun.

However, Mazkay’s forty years of Legion experience listened as Carodus Oholin outlined the beginnings of a plan.

Posted by: Acadian Nov 4 2011, 12:19 AM

Another very fun read!

I really liked how Caroline used alteration magic to pull memories from the stones. Perfectly named and very handy indeed!

’Why is it always about sex with the Elves?’ Why indeed?

’However, Mazkay’s forty years of Legion experience listened as Carodus Oholin outlined the beginnings of a plan.’
Masterfully worded here!

Your quality of editing is excellent. I did happen to note a couple teeny things that slipped through however:
“We’ve briefly, superficially questioned them and they’re unaware of who had been here. They believe that they’re in the employ of a local nobleman who keeps a staff here, but never visits. They feed the troops...Any way their job dictates...But nothing more.
You’re missing the closing quotation here.

’He said the University call it,” she adopted a mock-professorial voice, “Geo-Thaumaturgical-Memoric-Retrieval.”
I recommend ‘calls’.

“These walls were are put so some damned fool can’t just run a horse and burning carriage from all the way down there straight up into the Fort yard.
I’d pick one of ‘were’ or ‘are’. Looks like one or the other was left over from a previous edit.

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 4 2011, 03:38 AM

Like Acadian, I thought Caroline's use of magic to pull memories from the stones was a good touch. Very inventive. I like seeing writers taking magic and using it for more than the narrow focus of killing things, as the game presents it.

Also some nice banter in the second part. Thedret's expansion reminds me of some of the sniping between Neeshka and Khelgar.


A glow appeared around Caroline’s hand which danced and weaved around like an aurora.
This was an excellent line. At least what I can see you intended for it was. But it could use a comma between the two clauses. A simple trick I use is to try saying it out loud. When you want to stop for a breath, is usually where you want a comma. Like so:
A glow appeared around Caroline’s hand, which danced and weaved around like an aurora.

You are getting better with the ellipses. This is much easier to read then your first post. But there are still far too many. Even one a paragraph is way overdoing it. Most of the time there is no need for you to use them. For example: This isn’t his...Lair. should just be This isn’t his lair. (note that you want a singular form of lair here also, as it is not a proper noun in this context.

Remember that an ellipsis should be used to indicate an unfinished thought, or a sentence trailing off into silence. You use of it here: “Damn...” She said to herself. was perfect, as we can imagine Caroline's thoughts trailing off after her single curse.

Posted by: McBadgere Nov 4 2011, 05:57 AM

Done...Mostly... ...

Cheers guys...Appreciated as always... ...

Acadian...I'd have thought pulling magical memories from stones would be Mysticism...But I will change it if I can get my head around it... ...Cheers for the things I missed in the edit...Appreciated...Oh, I thought that if someone was carrying on with a speech on a different line you didn't need a closing quotation on the previous one?...I may be wrong...Again, prepared to change it...

SubRosa...*Bows*...Thank you for your kind words...However...Too many...Elipses?...I don't know what you mean?... ...The one with Lair was meant to imply that she was searching for a less...Cheesy word...But thank you so much...

Thank y'all... ...

Posted by: Acadian Nov 4 2011, 12:20 PM

Please forgive me on a couple counts:

1. I agree that mysticism would be more appropriate. I should have said that instead of alteration.

2. On the dialogue punctuation, my nit was in error; you are exactly right about when carrying dialogue into a new paragraph. It is a technique I never use and learning it long ago obviously eluded me.

I'm so glad you called me on those!

Posted by: treydog Nov 5 2011, 02:17 AM

Love the introductory elements- they add so much flavor to the story, giving a sense of the passage of time and the machinations behind the Oblivion Crisis.

Loved the "Walls Have Ears" spell- including the whole discussion of the Uni's "scientific name" for it.

Those darned Imperials and their... um... longswords....

And the last two sentences were simply a treat.

I think an S.G.M. is in order.

Posted by: Grits Nov 5 2011, 02:36 AM

Found on the bottom of the note were three words – So it begins.

*shiver*

I love the Geo-Thaumaturgical-Memoric-Retrieval. Great to see the beautiful, scary Aeirawen again.

Posted by: McBadgere Nov 5 2011, 02:59 PM

Cheers... ...

Acadian...What's to forgive?...I feel bad about calling you on it... ...

Treydog...Cheers...What's an S.G.M.? and will I need an overnight bag?... ...

Grits...Many many thanks...

It's heartening and encouraging to read that people are liking the stuff we do, isn't it?...

I'm never sure whether it's vain to admit I get shivers myself sometimes, when I read it back...Probably is...

Carly Simon admitted that that song really is about me you know?...And I was barely an upset stomach for my mother when it came out...That's how vain I am...But anyways...Cheers... ...

Posted by: mALX Nov 5 2011, 10:16 PM

SPEW !!! The lette from Traven is priceless !! I nearly choked to death on the "Uncles," lol. Awesome Write !!


These letters that start your chapters are an inspired touch, HUGE addition to each chapter !!!

SPEW !!! This passage was another gem:

Ah, the memory stones! I think Destri touched on them in his "Interregnum!"


Another Awesome Write !! Great job, and intriguing world building !!

Posted by: Athynae Nov 6 2011, 12:58 AM

Another wonderful read, and I agree with the others, you are doing much better overall. The "read" is getting smoother, a nice flow. Keep it up, keep em coming....

Oh, I had to ask the same question regarding

"So good, more" nah, overnight bag isn't necessary, but it could be fun if it were......

Posted by: treydog Nov 6 2011, 01:21 AM

Far be it from me to CORRECT someone else on the forum- (cough cough).

However... the ACTUAL translation is from the Nord-speak:

Story. Good. More.

Was used by some anonymous doggie in regard to minque's story 'cause minque is a "real-life" Nord.

Posted by: McBadgere Nov 6 2011, 12:09 PM

Oh... ...Fair enough...*Puts bag away disappointedly*...

Thank you though... ...Appreciated...

More tomorrow maybe...

mALX...Cheers so much... ...Glad you're loving it...

Athynae...Thank you...Progress is a good thing...

And a good album acutually...But I digress... ...For a change...

Indeed... ...

Posted by: McBadgere Nov 6 2011, 04:25 PM

NEW PARTS!!!... ...

I give up...I tried to stick to a schedule...But I can't...Take your time...They're not going anywhere... ...



1.4 – Old Friends.




...On the day the God War started, the God pulled two souls from the maelstrom and put them down on the fields of Aetherius.

“You have both ever been my Champions.” He said to them.

“Well I never was.” Said one.

The God smiled genuinely at him “I did like you.” Then he said, “I give you both a choice, but once it is made, it cannot be unmade. One choice offers an end. The other...Never. Stay, or go back. But if you choose to go back, there will be consequences, and I will not be able to help you.”

The other looked to someone standing beyond the God. “I’m staying. I can and will do no more. Enough.” He looked at his oldest friend and said goodbye. He looked to the God, nodded, then walked to the someone, and went on.

The God said quietly “As it should be,” then looked at the one and raised his eyebrow.

“Back.” The one said, “And I never was your Champion you know?”

The God laughed. The God put him back in the ruins. The God went hunting...



Taken from The God War, Book 1. – Author Unknown. Discovered in the Great Chapel of Alfarn, Bravil. 4E 01.




Knight-Commander Robert McWylde awoke, still sat in his chair near the hearth. While he had slept, a blanket had been put on him, covering his legs.

The clock on the mantle had the time as five in the morning. Looking about, he could see light through the curtains. Beyond the windows they covered, lay the city of New Kvatch.

Despite the lateness - or even the earliness - of hour, the fire in the grate still had some life, and by the smell there were still torches and candles lit.

He could hear the turning pages of a book somewhere behind him.

Robert looked towards the door and saw the Dark-Elf Maloryn, seeming similarly asleep on a chair with his legs stretched out across part of the door.

Watchdog, McWylde thought to himself.

“Ah, Robert. Excellent.” Said a voice from the other side of the room. “Here, a drink my friend.”

McWylde turned, smiled and extended a hand to his old friend. “Really? Archmage Ormandin playing nursemaid?”

The High-Elf raised an eyebrow in amusement “Yes well, if you tell anyone I shall deny ever knowing you at all.” The Altmer turned his head and gestured to the now fully alert Dark-Elf. Maloryn frowned questioningly but the High-Elf just waved him and gestured as if down the corridor outside. The Dunmer quietly left the room.

Archmage Seri Ormandin sat in the chair on the opposite side of the hearth and stared into the fire for a while. “If I’d known how much that ceremony had taken out of you...” He began.

“Nonesense,” said McWylde, “it’s just been a long few days is all.” He sighed and took another drink of the water. “It’s the curse again. Lighting the Allfire in the Chapel must have taken it out of me somewhat.” He smiled grimly and raised his cup to the fire. “The Nine bless High-Priest Madigan.”

Some High-Priests of the Nine had discussed the fact that the Dragonfires were no longer lit, and therefore Tamriel was still at risk from outside forces. They felt that some barrier needed to be in place. The High-Priest of Zenithar had put forward the idea of the Allfire, the combined might of The Nine. McWylde had been in on the discussions as the representative of Talos, but had remained neutral towards the whole thing. The other priests had agreed – mostly – so he had also said yes. Any extra protection from the Daedra was definitely a good thing.

“Indeed,” Said Ormandin and echoed the salute, “Do not trouble yourself over Madigan, his voice was the loudest in calling for the Allfire to be lit. He knew the risk. Did he not spend many days hereabouts planning for such a possibility?”

“I know,” McWylde’s bright green eyes moistened briefly, “Yes he did. He’d had everything planned.”



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



McWylde thought back just a few days to walking out of New Kvatch's main gate with the High-Priest to see the park overlooking the valley. “Heh, just in case this is the last time I get to see the place eh?” Madigan had said.

“Nonesense my friend, we’ll be here on this bench same time next week.”

A sadness came into Madigan’s eyes, “Bless you my boy,” he’d said patting the side of McWylde’s face. He’d then actually pulled the Knight-Commander’s head down and kissed the top of it! High-Priest of Zenithar, Fadrin Madigan smiled “It has been an honour and a privilege knowing you Robert. Be here for them, always.” He’d gestured to the world.

He sighed, “Such a beautiful world...I have never thought Oblivion was really done with it, my boy. Watch and listen. They won’t shout so loud again.” Madigan looked up and over towards the coast.

“Ach, should be too lovely a day to be talking like this...Help me up my boy, we’ll walk some more.”

They’d walked amongst the young trees, not yet tall enough to produce canopy. “When the ritual is started we can’t stop it. To light the Allfire, the Gods will be called, and though no-one can see them, they will be stood right behind us, and their power will flow through us. I know you are God-blessed already but don’t forget my boy, you are also God-cursed as well. I don’t think any of us will be much use for a while.” He added quietly, “If ever again.”

McWylde had winced but said nothing.

Shortly though, he smiled again as the old priest laughed at a butterfly fluttering from flower to flower and marvelled that Madigan could see Buzzards wheeling over the woods in the valley.

Suddenly the old man stopped. “That’s it...That’s enough.” He took one last look around. “Come on my boy...It’s late, I’m old and I want my tea...” He put his hand on McWylde’s arm, “Love that beautiful woman of yours and curse be damned, have some Damned children! Love them with everything you have to give. Be good. Be careful and always, always keep The Faith Robert.” They started back, “We will both be busy before the ceremony, I may not see you before...Take care Robert.” They’d walked in silence after that.



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



“I refused to say goodbye to him.” Robert said to the Archmage.

“And he’d be the first to cuff you about the ear if he heard you lamenting him like this.”

Robert let out a laugh, “True”.

They sat watching the fire for a while, the door opened and McWylde saw it was Maloryn bearing a tray of bread, cheese, apples and a pitcher of warm honeyed tea.

“Wow Seri, he’s both bodyguard and butler,” marked Robert with a smile.

“Oh yes, man of many talents.”

Maloryn put the tray down on the table and bowed with a smile in his eyes, then went to stand next to the door.

The Knight-Commander of the Knights of the Nine and the Archmage of the Arcane University sat down to an early breakfast.

Robert offered the Dark-Elf some of the tea but Maloryn shook his head once and held a hand up to decline.

“I should have not kept you talking so long last night though,” said the Archmage, “Most selfish of me. Your fusspot assistant thought so too.” He smirked.

“Seri, I have not seen you since you left for High Rock, what was it? Four years ago? Then you just turn up out of the aether as Archmage of the Arcane University? There’s quite a tale behind that.” Robert shook his head, “I think even Tauren will forgive me the indulgence.”

“Yes well, having covered the tale last night, all there is left to say is - I’m sorry my friend, I’m sorry it took an occasion such as this for me to visit. I had all intentions on coming to see your magnificent work here...” Ormandin paused, “But the University was...In disarray...After I had taken care of the Necromancers, it’s taken all of mine and Raminus’ time pulling it all together again. Raminus has been magnificent.

Really, though they made me Archmage, he has as much right to be here, now, as I.” He raised his mug of tea in toast towards Imperial City.

“With all respect to Raminus Polus, I wouldn’t be spending the night talking with him in my personal quarters.” Said McWylde.

“You should come talk with him for a time though. Robert, you know that I can count the people that I call friend on the fingers of one hand. And two of them are in this room. Raminus is one of the others. His stories are easily the equal of mine. His road has been long for a ‘mere’ human.”

McWylde laughed at this. “As have the roads of some other ‘mere’ humans I can mention around here.”

“The Elf-blood that is your grandfather’s legacy makes you more than human.”

“I wasn’t talking about me. Anyhow, soon I shall come visit your towers. I haven’t been near the University for many a year. Not since the Legio training. It’ll be nice to see the place again. And we can talk Raminus to sleep.” He smiled.

Robert turned to look at the clock and sighed.

“Your wife?” Asked Ormandin.

Robert nodded and ate some more bread. “I know it was late when Caroline went, and it’s a few miles up the road but...I can’t shake this feeling there’s something wrong. Very wrong.”

“Oh there is my boy...There really is...” Said a voice from the end of the table.

Immediately McWylde and Ormandin were on their feet, scattering their chairs. Both had called spells to their hands and although McWylde was swaying somewhat, both were standing ready for battle. Maloryn had crossed the room in an instant. His daggers poised, ready to throw.

The stranger was still sat, continuing to eat the block of cheese he’d picked up from the table. He looked up and blinked his eyes at the three men facing him.

“Oh dear, how rude of me.” He said and frowned. The stranger raised a hand and suddenly everything was different. The three were now seated again and all that had been scattered was replaced as it was. Robert noticed the birds’ dawn chorus had stopped and that the clock was also no longer ticking.

Maloryn made to get up but the stranger just looked at him and said “Stay.” Maloryn’s hands seemed glued to the chair and he stopped struggling to get up...”Good boy.” The stranger said.

Robert looked at the newcomer. He seemed to be an older man with short white hair and an unkempt white beard. His eyes seemed to twinkle, as if lit from within. It reminded McWylde of starlight somehow.

“That’s better,” the man said, “No need for all that shooting about, so noisy at this time of the morning. This really is excellent cheese Robert. Skingrad? We never had any like this in my day. Wonder why? Should go and see if I can take some back with me. Yes, I think I might.” The man frowned, seeing the looks on the faces watching him, “What?”

Robert gestured about and then towards the old man. “Oh...Oh yes...How soon you forget Robert.” He changed his appearance briefly and said “Look well on this Chapel of Dibella!” Before changing back to his previous appearance.

“Prophet!” Robert had exclaimed.

“Yes, I was once...For a while...But now I’ve remembered who I am. And I think it’s time I changed things.”

“Talos...” Robert started to say.

“No.” The old man shook his head. “Not Talos. Tiber...”

Posted by: mALX Nov 6 2011, 07:09 PM

GAAAAH !!! Tiber Septim returned? ... and ... evil? URK !!! Awesome Write !!!

Posted by: Acadian Nov 7 2011, 03:26 AM

“Most selfish of me. Your fusspot assistant thought so too.”

Great descriptions that are very fun to read.

So I learned that Robert is the husband of Caroline (I remember her) and the boss of KOTN and old friends with the Archmage himself. I’m guessing this occurred at the Priory of the Nine.

And they were interrupted by the Prophet, only a very, very, even Ninishly powerful one. Tiber. . . .

This is great fun!

Posted by: McBadgere Nov 7 2011, 07:05 AM

Ooopsie...No, it's set in his quarters in New Kvatch...I shall edit that in somewhere... ...

Cheers for noticing that... ...

mALX...Tiber's not evil, why would he be evil?...you'll see... ...

Edit...Done!...

Posted by: Grits Nov 8 2011, 12:11 AM

Thank you, it’s perfectly clear now after the edit. The first time through I knew I was missing something about those young trees!

Fascinating developments. The interaction between your characters continues to delight!

This really is excellent cheese Robert. Skingrad? We never had any like this in my day. Wonder why?

Could it be Uuras? How funny. I just wrote a tiny bit with the Cheese Master.

Posted by: Athynae Nov 8 2011, 05:28 AM

AND IT JUST GETS BETTER AND BETTER!!!! Now you have me on the edge of my seat, next I'll be biting my nails. I really enjoyed the interaction between Robert and Madigan, very touching, depth that was "simple"!! McB do believe you are hitting your stride!!

Posted by: McBadgere Nov 8 2011, 07:09 AM

Athynae...Careful with that seat, or Health and Safety will get me... ...

*Thinks how much is left of this story*...Ummm...Don't start on yer nails just yet...There may be some time to go... ...

But thank you so much for the compliment...

Grits...Yes, I do have to thank Acadian a lot for that...I just hadn't thought...

Ah, what's a story without some cheese?... ...Oh wait... ...

Cheers... ...

Posted by: McBadgere Nov 9 2011, 11:05 PM

NEW PARTS!!!... ...

Last lot before Skyrim...Sadly for you all I may be away for a while...I know...I can hear the cheers from here...

Oh wait... ...

Aaaaamywho...

Previously on KOTNNK...

Our intrepid and fearless band of merry heroes including Caroline McWylde (wife to the Commander of the KOTN), J'Drell the Argonian (Not the Commander's wife) and several other high ranking Knights, travelled to one Fort Freedom in order to capture a traitorous former Imperial Commander Marrick Gellert. On discovering civilians within, it lay to the Knights to protect them from reprisals at the hands of the hoard that had gathered at the gates to the fort...

Or something...



1.5 – Incoming.




...As we discussed earlier, all the magical disciplines fall within rules that have been established since the first casting (Multiple spells from the same discipline reduce effectiveness by a percentage factor. Multiple spells from different disciplines reduce by much higher percentage).

Conjuration, however, appears to be a law unto itself. If we go by the rules as set for the others, Conjuration is an impossibility. Take a simple object or creature - An Illusion given mass by Alteration, with creatures hurling spells of Destruction or using Restoration’s Absorb spells. Without any loss of spell strength?

A full suit of Bound armour - Illusion, Alteration (Shield, Mass), Restoration (Fortifiers) should cause your brain to melt out of your ears. Add into the mix the Bound Weapons – Illusion, Alteration (Mass), Destruction (Damage) and not only are the laws warped but well and truly bent as well.

And don’t get me started on the impossibility of the true Conjured Bow and Arrow spell...



Excerpt from “Notes on Magic Usage” by Francois Jend, Bravil Mages Guild. 3E 602.




Niil Deaconsson was fascinated. He’d tried not staring, and kept looking about to check for anything, but...The shapes in the hand Oreyn had resting on the floor kept appearing, changing every couple of seconds – a cube, an Imp, pyramid, ball, pyramid, strange multi-sided shape, The Great Tree of Chorrol, Cube, Captain Royal...Deaconsson had raised an eyebrow at that. He knew though, that these weren’t just illusions. He knew the difference between an illusion and a conjuration. He also knew that had he reached down at the right time, the imp’s wings would have made a breeze, the tree’s leaves would have rustled if he’d shaken it, not only that, he was sure that there would be pretty much the right amount of individual leaves on it...He shook his head. Power, he thought to himself, the Gods always call power to themselves. Now he smiled to see a children’s raffia-work doll in the hand. Suddenly, it turned its head and “looked” straight up at him. The doll waved its small arm and before he knew it, his hand was waving back. He caught himself and closed his hand, then looked up quickly...Straight into the eyes of the grinning Dark-Elf. And looking over his shoulder was Knight-Marshal Caroline McWylde, wife of the Commander. Reportedly as fierce as she was beautiful. And that was very, thought Deaconsson.

“It keeps children amused for hours too.” Said Kelleryn with a smile.

The Marshall laughed briefly and patted Oreyn on the shoulder then turned back to the others.

Deaconsson mumbled an apology and looked away to the Generals, still discussing the plan. Sir Niil Deaconsson, Redguard knight, born in a small village in the mountains, near the border with Hammerfell. Tried to read lips as the sun came over the horizon.

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

“So that’s it then.” Said Carodus, “We have them hold the edge and basically form a line in front of the gate?”

“Not much else we can do though.” Said Mazkay Dinai. “We’ve been through this Carodus. Demi-Gods they may be,” he said, pointing to McWylde and the others, “but you cannot take the fight to that many and expect to come out alive. We wait for them to come to us, we use them to keep the enemy in a line, then – with any luck – that lot,” the General said, pointing down the causeway, “will take each other out trying to get to us.”

Carodus Oholin sighed and said – “You can stop that now Deaconsson. This won’t be your kind of fight. Come here and make yourself useful.”

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

“Dammit!” Said Deaconsson. Kelleryn looked at him. “I think I’m being sent to babysit whoever’s in there.” The pointing Redguard said to him with a sigh.

Kelleryn offered him an open hand to shake. “We must drink together when all this is over. If you wish, I can tell you all about...This.” He raised his other hand and the raffia doll waved frantically at Deaconsson.

Niil laughed, shook the proffered hand and moved off.

“What was that about?” asked Caroline.

Kelleryn smiled and said, “I think, my Marshal, that I have made a new friend this morning and I am pleased.”

Caroline laughed warmly.

“Ma’am?”

“Oh, I think you’ve made more than just the one.” With that, she patted him on the shoulder again and turned back once more to the other knights.

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

General Carodus Oholin raised an eyebrow at Deaconsson. “Repeat after me. I will not lip-read my Generals who are crouched in the gloom of a gateway very early in the morning and are getting grouchy because they haven’t had their cuava yet...Nevermind. Nice job. Come see me - if we’re both still alive - when this is all over. I may have a job for you. Now go and get Captain Royal. And Deaconsson, tell Ordan I said to do and use whatever it takes to keep everyone alive. He’ll know what I mean.”

Deaconsson replied “Sir.” He nodded to the other General and then ran towards the fort’s entrance.

“We wait some more?” Said the Nord, “ I must say, these enemies are most obliging with giving us this time to prepare.”

“I know what you mean. But so far all they have is a vague disquiet about the sentries and – presumably - by now, the lack of scout reports. I hope Jarn isn’t going to start taking pot-shots at some of them. I like the enemy all the way down there. Gives one a sense of...Contentment.”

Dinai laughed and shook his head. Far too much fun he thought to himself.

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

Thedret and J’Drell had caught Caroline up on what had happened since the forces had divided at the outset of the assault. She risked a look over the wall. “There’s something about the carts that’s not feeling right. An oversized prisoner? No, there’s something else.”

Galasafon nodded his agreement. “I can feel something...Like a buzzing in my head...Most annoying...” His eyes went wide and he stood up. “Oh no...”

“Galas?” Said Aeirawen.

Suddenly, every one of the knights felt a great pain blossom behind the eyes, three of them felt as though they had red hot steel in their heads.

Kelleryn shouted and held his, banging it against the wall as if that was a more preferable pain.

Galasafon simply stared it down biting his lip. Aeirawen noticed tears running down his cheeks.

“Oooh,” said J’Drell, “Most unpleasant...Gnnnh...At this time of the morning too...Aaahhh.” He held his head, “What in the Gods’ name is doing that.” He knelt up, looked over the top of the wall and augmented his eyesight to look down the causeway. He frowned. “What the hells? Watch out!!”

Suddenly there was a whisper, a bang and then several more as a knight rolled over and over as he hit the ground.

“Jarn!” Shouted Caroline, who then rushed to his help.

Turning away, J’Drell looked down at Kelleryn and then back down the causeway. He moved over to the Dark-Elf and put his hand on his shoulder. “Elfling, fight it.” The Argonian moved his hand to the top of Kelleryn’s head and simply said “Project.”

Kelleryn obediently raised his hand and a shape appeared on the ground in front of him. What the knights saw was monstrous in all ways. As Kelleryn was projecting everything J’Drell was seeing, they could easily tell the scale of the thing, which was terrifying. The monster was easily more than twice the size of the men near it, of which there were – admittedly – few. It could be said that it looked much like a man, in the same way it could be said a wolf looks much like a dog. Two muscular legs, rising through an equally toned midriff, and - aside from the obvious - a well-built roughly human torso. On the top of it all stood a head. A giant head. No eyes, and where they should be, the top of the head curled out and up so the whole head looked like a giant mushroom. It could be said that the arms were like a muscular man’s, however it had five of them, three on its right, two on the left. On the end of each was a giant hand, far bigger than even those arms should be able to lift. On its back were several giant spines, roughly the shape of feathers, a couple of which seemed to be glowing.

The knights could see a shape harnessed to the front of the monster.

“Is that a man?” Asked Thedret.

If it were a man, the profoundly unfortunate man had one of the giant’s hands on either side of his head.

“Oh sweet Kynraeth.” Said Aeirawen.

Caroline had come back from helping Jarn and asked, “What the hell is it Drell?”

“I have...Gnn-no idea. I will tell you this though. I am properly scared of it.”

Caroline bit her lip.

A book appeared in Kelleryn’s other hand. The knights could see the pages turning on their own. All of a sudden they stopped and Kelleryn could be seen to be reading something.

“I...Gnnn...Knew I’d read something somewhere...It does have a name...”

He looked out at the knights.

“Yskraich.”

Posted by: Acadian Nov 10 2011, 01:41 AM

As I will not be traveling with you, King Coin and others as you bravely blaze a trail to Skyrim in the near future, I look forward to hearing your impressions. I hope you are able to keep this wonderful story updated at least every week or two.

I heartily approve of your new ‘in our last episode’ opening segment! I happily follow every writer here who supports my own humble story, and such a nice little warm up at the beginning of your post is most welcome to help stay up with things.

Okay, and into a new update.

Knights preparing for battle. I was as mesmerized as Deaconsson watching Kelleryn creating shinies to look at!

I wonder what kind of migraine spell struck several of the knights there?

What a frightening description of the . . . beast thingie? I wonder if Yskraich is TES for Diablo? I’d bite my lip too, Caroline!

Posted by: Grits Nov 10 2011, 10:53 PM

Thank you for the Previously on KOTNNK...

“Oh sweet Kynraeth.” Said Aeirawen.

Seconded. I’m guessing this is the creature that Ras’sheena was too scared to name.

This whole episode was just fascinating! Have fun in Skyrim. It will be a few more days before I can make it there.

Posted by: treydog Nov 11 2011, 02:37 AM

Still a post behind here- but... wanted to go ahead and throw in my comments for Old Friends.

The entire introductory passage was just brilliantly evocative and humorous- ESPECIALLY the continued insistence by the "Other" that he never was a champion of the God.

And then the section with Madigan was poignant and powerful and made me miss a fellow I only just met.

And then- the ending! Woo HOO! That one definitely goes into Treydog's Book of Excellent Post Conclusions.

Posted by: McBadgere Nov 11 2011, 06:33 AM

Just quick thank yous...

Acadian...Thank you so much...I shall endeavour to previously each episode from now on... ...

Grits...You remembered!!...Bless you...Thank you so much... ...

Treydog...Cheers so much... ...I know what you mean with Madigan...Surprised the hell out of me too...

Ahh Tiber...I like him... ...

Posted by: mALX Nov 12 2011, 09:34 PM

Sorry it took so long to get over here, I blame Skyrim !!! But the truth is, I didn't know you'd posted an update, lol. I agree with Acadian and Grits, thank you for the "as previously seen" addition !!! That really helps people like me who may NOT have understood the plot correctly and thought Tiber Septim returned as an evil....you get the picture, lol.

This chapter was absolutely wild, Huge with imagery !! Awesome Write !!!!

Posted by: Zalphon Nov 13 2011, 04:34 PM

The characters definitely sound believable

Posted by: McBadgere Nov 15 2011, 08:50 PM

Cheers guys...

Update in th'morning...

I just wanted to say that while I know that all of you are paying so much attention to the dates on my little pre-story sections *Looks over glasses with raised eyebrow...* ( )...They do really ignore much of the Skyrim story I've discovered so far...

Which is the biggest, most lazy piece of crud I've ever had the misfortune of looking forward to...It contradicts itself within the game...It's a re-hash of Oblivion in the first place...

It suffers hugely from "Death Star II" syndrome...Oh hells I could go on...

Some of it is okay...The whole Civil War thing I can work in, but the rest of it...*Shakes head*...I can only go so far to fill in their gaps...You know what I mean?...

It does seem to be "Lets hang a story around all the pretty things we can do..."

Idiots...

In short, I shall be continuing to ignore it for the most part...

That's all...

*Robert is unhappy la-la-laaa...*

Posted by: haute ecole rider Nov 15 2011, 10:36 PM

Hey, ignore Skyrim if you like. Who passed a law that says you have to write your stories inspired by Game I to be retroactively compatible with Game II?? Fuggedaboutit and just write what you want to write!

That's what I plan to do, and Skyrim be damned!

Posted by: McBadgere Nov 16 2011, 05:08 AM

Thank you... ...Sorry, I'm a bit frazzled what with one thing and another in RL at the mo...Damned real life!!... ...

Aaaamywho...

NEW, IF SLIGHTLY SHORTER PARTS!!!... ...

Note on Elipses...They're in there...It's to suggest disconnection and pausing and I think while it may not be technically right, I think they need to be there...Just saying...



Previously on KOTNNK...

Commander Robert McWylde and the other high-priests of the Nine had taken part in a ceremony to light a magical barrier that would keep away all threats from Oblivion...Apparently...However this ceremony had left McWylde severely weakened, so he was unable to go on the raid at Fort Freedom with his wife. Having fallen asleep talking, the next morning McWylde and his Altmer friend, the Archmage of the Unseen um...Arcane University - Seri Ormandin, and Ormandin's Dark-Elf bodyguard Maloryn had been breakfasting IN MCWYLDE'S APPARTMENTS IN NEW KVATCH!!...( )...When they were interrupted by the appearance of an old man claiming to be called the Divine formerly known as Talos - Tiber Septim...

Probably... ...


1.6 – A Gift.



...For as long as I have known him, Robert McWylde has been restless, constantly searching for something. He throws himself into everything he does, in his duties and his studies. Kenth Olford said he’s almost supernatural with the sword, his other tutors say much the same of his other disciplines. Kardi Altruern says he is truly terrifying when Robert loses himself in the Prescience.

And yet I feel sad, he so rarely seems to let himself live. I have lived long and as full as I was ever able. McWylde has lived long but I have yet to see him live fully.

Heh, perhaps he is waiting for me to order him to do so!

I may have to in the end. He is far too good a man to be taken by the life he and the other Elitarii are in.

I hope he finds what he is looking for, for he is like a son to me.

I know in my heart Robert will never let me down. I pray I am able to tell him how proud I am to have known him one day.



- Taken from the diaries of Uriel Septim, discovered by Wulff Olfsson in the remains of Cloud Ruler Temple, Rain’s Hand 3E 637.




The logs on the fire in Commander McWylde’s living room continued to crackle, despite all noise from outside, and the ticking of the clock on the mantle having stopped. The candles’ small flames continued. Dust motes, briefly glowing like nova in the sunlight, continued to spin around the room.

In short, besides the obvious, not much was different to any morning.

Then as a conversation starter, Seri Ormandin, a man Robert McWylde had called friend for more years than he could remember simply said -

“So you’re no longer Talos then?...One of the Nine Divines?...Many, many shrines, chapels and dedications in your...His name. That’s going to take some tidying up.”

“Hah,” Said the Divine with a genuine smile, “I like you Archmage...Yes, yes I do...Wish I’d had someone like you about in my day...Damn this is fine tea...Who made this?” The Archmage looked around to Maloryn.

Tiber Septim, the first of the Septim line, looked at Maloryn raised the mug and said “Excellent tea my boy...Excellen...” This second compliment faded in volume as the God narrowed his eyes. He looked closer at the Dark-Elf. There was a suggestion of movement from the table but almost instantly Septim was in front of Maloryn, staring into his eyes.

Tiber laughed then looked around to McWylde and asked “Do you believe in coincidence Robert?” McWylde looked over at his Altmer friend then turned back and simply shrugged, “Well I don’t.” Said the God. He looked down at Maloryn and said, “Give my regards to your Grandmother won’t you?” There was a further almost movement and he was back at the table, this time with an apple in his hand.

Seri looked at the Dark-Elf with a question but Maloryn simply turned away.

“Mmmm, excellent...I haven’t had a real apple in nearly four hundred years...Apparently.” He looked over at the fireplace and was simply there.

He bent down and poked at the fire with the tongs. “Does any of you know how I became a God? Hmmm?”

“Which version do you want?” Asked Ormandin.

“Indeed.” Said Septim, with a sigh. Then he was back at the table, “Indeed. Would you believe I have no idea? I’ve been a passenger on this merry ride for almost four hundred years and I have no idea why. And now, thanks to your little party to light that jolly pretty Allfire...I went to see it before I came here you know?...Jolly pretty...Ummm...Oh yes, you lit the Allfire Robert. You called me...Well...Us...Him...And well, something’s happened...We’re...Me again...And - as they used to say in my day - I’m right Royally pissed...Do they still say that?” He looked about. Robert laughed and even Maloryn smiled. “Anyhow, whatever Talos was is still me I suppose. And though I never wanted this...Not really.” Robert thought he looked sad. “On my word I shall still honour everything he was supposed to, and the Chapel of Talos will continue as it was...They may not get quite the answers they are used to anymore though.” He grinned.

“My Lord...” Robert started to say.

“You can stop that too.” The God said, pointing.

“Sorry?”

“Stop the ‘My Lord’ rubbish...We’re all old war-boys here...Tiber will do.”

Robert was stunned briefly then said, “Umm...Tiber...Without seeming to question a divine visit, but...Why are you here?”

“That is the question isn’t it?...Why are we here?...Oh...Wait...You mean here, as in now...Oh yes...Time moves very strangely out there,” he gestured, “So although - I’m guessing – it’s only been a couple of days here...Yes?” Nodding, “Yes...Out there...Well, it’s as long as we want it to be...Tea parties could last for aeons...Which would be a real pain if Akatosh gets in a mood...Which is often I’m afraid...But anyway...We’ve all decided to give you lot that lit the fires, gifts...Well, I say we’ve all decided...It’s been decided...But you’ll get your gift...Umm...Some won’t be obvious...Some of them,” He waved generally up, “Move...Mysteriously...But Godly gifts you will receive nonetheless...”

McWylde felt sad at the memory again and said, “I’m afraid you’re too late for one of us...Tiber...Fadrin Madigan, priest of Zenithar died after the ceremony.”

Septim raised his eyebrows over his mug of tea. “You don’t say?...Obvious gifts Robert.”

Robert looked at Ormandin as his heart skipped, but he read ‘No, wait and see’ in the Altmer’s eyes.

“But anyway,” Continued the Septim, “As you are and always have been my Champion I have two gifts for you...In fact it could be said I have three for you.”

Tiber was suddenly by the fireplace looking at the clock. “One, is this,” he said pointing, at the stopped clock, “And trust me, you’ll thank me for that.” He was back by the table again. “Two, we’ll get to later...After we’ve dealt with three...” He took another brief drink of tea, sighed and then his eyes glowed fiercely, “Won’t we Stendarr old boy?”


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

Posted by: Acadian Nov 17 2011, 01:14 AM

A very invitingly-written opening paragraph.

I like how Tiber fast travels and you portray it extremely well. He certainly has quite the Sheogorathesque manner about him.

As ever, very fun to read!

Posted by: Grits Nov 17 2011, 03:18 AM

Wow, Ormandin didn’t dance around the subject with the Divine formally known as Talos. Oh, it’s Tiber again. So, are you staying?

I love how Tiber popped around the living room with a mug of tea, distracted by being back in the mortal world. And Godly gifts, even for the departed Madigan? Tiber and Maloryn’s grandmother? (I may have gotten that last part wrong.) Love it!

Posted by: McBadgere Nov 17 2011, 06:20 AM

Acadian...Many thanks as ever...I'm glad you're still enjoying it... ...

Grits...Staying?...

And as for Maloryn's grandmother...You not know Tiber's history?... ...It's in the books... ...

Posted by: treydog Nov 19 2011, 01:51 PM

As always, I am a geek when it comes to rational explanations for how and why magic works- especially when they include why it shouldn't...

The "projections" were simply wonderful- particularly the waving doll.

There are moments that tell us far more than all the hagiography in the world ever would. AND make us laugh.



Why do I think this does not bode well? Just a wee suspicion, mind you...



OK that makes it official. It IS bad. And I don't even KNOW that word.

Still absolutely enthralled by this story- no surprise, given that I watch The Magnificent Seven whenever it is on...

Posted by: McBadgere Nov 22 2011, 08:49 PM

Cheers Trey...I'm glad you're still going with it... ...And all you others too!!...Thanks so much... ...

I looked up hagiography...I still don't understand it...Damn good word though... ...

Magnificent Seven?...Certainly in my Top Five Films of all time mate!!... ...Love it... ...

Cheers... ...

Aaaamywho...

NEW, IF SLIGHTLY LONGER PARTS!!!... ...

Edit - Forgot me previously on KOTNNK!!!....

Previously on KOTNNK!!!...

Small force, fort, J'Drell, Caroline Mcwylde, Thedret et al...Uncles..."Sex with Elves"...Many Baddies, Yskraich!!...

Meanwhile Niil Deaconsson had been sent into the fort's interior to help protect the civilians, as General Oholin felt that the expected all out sword fight was not one of Deaconsson's strong suits...



1.7 – Stand.




Beware the Yskraich that lives out beyond
Two hands take your soul
Two hands break your bones
If last hand you shake in friendship’s frail bond
Kiss goodbye your all
Your world soon be gone...



Ayelid nursery rhyme, translated by Tar-Meena, Chief Archivist, The Arcane University. 3E 440.





Kelleryn had explained to the horrified knights all the history that was known of the Yskraich.

“So how the hell do we stop it if it’s un-killable?” Asked Thedret.

Kelleryn shrugged.

J’Drell hissed.

An obviously pained Galasafon said, “We need to go...Now...Aeira...Gnn-need to take this out of here. Get him to Kvatch as soon as possible.” He indicated Gellert, “Sorry Caroline, your husband may kill me for this.”

“Maybe,” McWylde answered pointing, “but if you lose him on the way, I know I will too...”

“Well, at least my life will stop being interesting at least...Aaahh...” He added, wincing. “I need one of your horses, mine is too far away...I left it...Gnnnh... further into the woods...”

“Mine...” Said Kelleryn. Difficult it sometimes was to tell on a Dark-Elf, but Kelleryn was obviously paler. “Cheydinhal Black horse. He will...Will...Help...Carrying him...” Kelleryn pointed at the prisoner.

“What’s his name?” Asked Aeirawen.

“Ewythr.”

There was a huge laugh from J’Drell next to Kelleryn, Aeirawen and Caroline smiled broadly and even Galasafon offered up a chuckle.

Aeirawen leaned over and kissed Kelleryn on the cheek. “Stay alive Oreyn. Galas come on...Gentlemen, lady.” She bowed, then picked up the Dragon Warhammer in one hand and with the other grabbed the other Wood-Elf, who in turn levitated Marrick Gellert and they both ran in the direction of the horses.

“For those of us not entirely familiar with every Elvish word, what was that all about?” Asked Thedret.

“Oooh...Heh...Oww...Friend Elfling’s horse...Heh-heh...His name...Is Uncle...”

Thedret smiled, shook his head and resumed looking outward.

Kelleryn, for his part, blushed...

“Oh damn.” Said Thedret, “I’m not sure it’s gonna be worth trying to stay hidden for much longer.”

J’Drell looked over the wall and augmented his eyesight once more. He could see the monster lumbering towards them, still at the end of the causeway, but coming closer. Suddenly it stopped. Then some of the spines on the Yskraich’s back started glowing fiercely, and two of the arms started some complicated arc motion. Then, from its mouth, a glowing ball of light oozed out. J’Drell watched as it grew and then shot up into the air. A furiously glowing, eye-watering fuchsia eye looked down at them.

“Ah hell,” said Thedret as he stood up, “Really not much point now.” He could see the massed forces beyond the Yskraich all glowing the same colour as the eye. He looked down at himself then turned around to see the same glow around the others. He could also make out a running form headed for them through the fort’s entrance and the shapes of some people in the depths of the fort. He looked towards where the horses were and sure enough, he could make out the horses and the retreating forms of Galasafon and Aeirawen.

“Damn.”

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

Deaconsson was pretty unimpressed with his chances before the headaches and the massive life detect spell had shown up. While he granted that the kitchen was big, it was also full of stuff. The knights had moved everything they could to the walls of the room in order to clear some swinging space, but if it came to a fight, Deaconsson thought it would be near impossible to win if they managed to get through the door. It was still open at the moment, waiting to be closed when it became necessary. Captain Ordan had put Deaconsson’s friend, Marlshan Jacks in the corridor beyond the door, watching and listening for signs of anyone that wasn’t Holforn, or one of the Knights outside, which they could – rather disconcertingly – now see the shapes of, through the walls.

Some of the staff contingent’s women had started crying and screaming – not unreasonably - as the fuchsia glow had appeared. What probably scared them most was the amount of rats they could see scurrying around the gaps between the stone walls’ blocks. Fortunately, the somewhat portly Breton, Sir Keern Ralman seemed to have more than his share of calming voice spells and had managed to reduce the wailing down to a muffled sob. Hells even Deaconsson felt better about things now.

“Are we going to die mister?” asked a young maid.

“We’re going to do our best to prevent that happening ma’am.” Said Captain Ordan. “The Nine will protect us all.”

“Oooh, lucky us then!” Said another woman with much scorn, this one Deaconsson thought, suggested washerwoman.

That’s Ordan thought Deaconsson, belief in the Nine’s power so strong as to the exclusion of imagination. Good enough to make Captain, but that’s as far as he’ll go. And – presumably – why General Oholin had given the Redguard the message to deliver do and use whatever it takes to keep everyone alive. He had given Ordan the message only to receive a snort as a reply.

“I think I can manage to hold one room.” Was his reply. Deaconsson had had his first misgivings at that point and it was getting worse.

Deaconsson took in the room. A large, rectangular room. An open fire and ovens along one wall, with chimneys and flues leading up through the ceiling, presumably to exits somewhere on the walls outside. A door to the large cold storage room, where all the fresh food was kept aerated by a few small holes in the wall. All the preparation tables, utensils and whatever else had been shoved along the walls, clearing a space wide enough for three of them to fight in, with one of them behind to protect the civilians, who at the moment were huddled on the floor or sat on chairs at the back of the room. He looked at the group of fifteen men and women. Mostly human, with an Argonian and a couple of Altmer thrown in.

Deaconsson sighed. Maybe whoever comes from that host outside to re-take the fort will be content with removing the knights and leave the staff alone. Maybe. But Deaconsson had once been out with J’Drell and seen for himself the horror that had befallen civilians in ravaged forts. Best to hold and make damned sure.

He looked at the cold storage door again. Then at the men and women. “Ladies, Gentlemen, it’s not going to be pleasant, but until we know what we’re dealing with, you need to get in there.” He said pointing.

“Deaconsson!” Ordan had hissed. Deaconsson looked around at him with his eyebrows raised in question. Ordan sighed, shook his head and walked towards the storage door.

“My friend is right,” he said opening it, “You will need to clear some of it out, but you will all fit in. So if you would be so kind as to get to that.” He bowed slightly towards the staff.

He walked back to Deaconsson as the people worked. “Don’t do that again. I will give any good ideas due consideration, but you will run them through me first.”

Ordan. Close cropped blonde hair on top of an instantly forgettable face, which was set above a tall, wide set frame. You could tell just by looking at him he was from a career soldier’s family, and by his accent probably from some small settlement near Leyawiin. He didn’t come across as a city man. He’d joined the Legion – presumably, as was expected of him – and at some point had found himself called by one of the Nine to come to Kvatch. The Commander had interviewed him – as he did with all the called – and so here he was, dutiful, unimaginative Darl Ordan.

Deaconsson nodded, “Fair enough.”

It was at this point the life detect had gone out.

They waited as the people finished moving themselves into the storage room.

Ordan said to them before he closed and locked the door, “Stay quiet, whatever happens, stay quiet. It may save your life. I am going to lock this door and see if I can get the key under the door. When it is all done, it would probably be best to send it back eh?” The key went under and someone on the other side pulled it the rest of the way.

Deaconsson and Ordan stood and viewed the room. It seemed much bigger now the staff were out of the way.

They looked to where the food had been cleared to.

Ralman had helped himself to some of the cheese.

“Sir Ralman!!” Ordan shouted, “It is most impolite and insensitive to eat the cheese of people so endangered!!

“Especially without offering me some first.” Ordan went over and ate some of the food.

Deaconsson walked over to the kitchen’s door. “Jacks! Anything?!” He shouted down the corridor.

“I can hear something. Don’t know, it may be fighting outside.”

The Redguard looked at the corridor. Not your kind of fight. He turned to look at Ordan, still busy by the food.

He called his speed fortify and ran to where Jacks was.

“It’s a good job I was expecting you Niil,” Said the wiry Imperial, “I’d have been right out my skin.”

The Redguard smiled. “Would have improved your looks no end my friend.”

“This a friendly visit or did you want something? I’m trying to watch for our certain doom here.”

“You’re faster than me, can you go find three bows and all the arrows you can from all that lot?” Deaconsson waved towards the remainder of the fort.

“Three?”

Deaconsson nodded.

“Oh hells. Bloody heroic last stand again, isn’t it?”

“Something like that.”

Jacks nodded. “Something like that.” He grinned and was gone.

Deaconsson raised an eyebrow and looked up the corridor.

“Something like that.”

Posted by: Acadian Nov 23 2011, 03:08 AM

I loved seeing Tar-Meena credited for translating that poem!

Fun and unique use of detect life. It seems to affect the targets with a glow that everyone can see instead of displaying glows that only the spell’s caster can see. This has plenty of implications that change how one would use it in game. Very clever!

“It’s a good job I was expecting you Niil,” Said the wiry Imperial, “I’d have been right out my skin.”
The Redguard smiled. “Would have improved your looks no end my friend.”
“This a friendly visit or did you want something? I’m trying to watch for our certain doom here.”
What a brilliantly fun exchange this was!

You had asked me to mention any nits that I noticed:

Generally, I am still having a little trouble keeping everybody and everything straight. You are working against several factors:
- Any location in Kvatch (except the encampment or burned city) does not conjure an image to help orient as to location. If you say Mystic Archives, everyone is automatically there – in the room, at the University, in The Imperial City. If you say Robert McWylde’s study, you have a significant challenge to orient your readers.
- You have many (many) characters and almost none of them exist in the game. Similar to the above location comments, if you say Tar-Meena then everyone is fully with you as to who she is and even what she looks and sounds like. When using non-game characters it presents a much bigger challenge to learn and remember who they are. And that challenge grows exponentially with more characters.
- You write with a ‘free spirited’ style. It can be beautiful like a butterfly as she flutters and flits from flower to flower but, alas, her delightfully unpredictable travel can aggravate the above factors.
I am finding my biggest aid to staying oriented is your ‘Previously on Kotincky’ preludes.

“What’s his name?” Asked Aeirawen.
We talked about dialogue punctuation also. Here you do not want to capitalize the speech tag (asked in this case). This is one of several examples in the episode.

Posted by: McBadgere Nov 23 2011, 05:01 AM

*SNIP!!*

Posted by: Grits Nov 24 2011, 01:16 AM

His horse's name is Uncle. Priceless.

Aah, the rats! Somehow that’s as bad as the freakin’ monster outside.

Deaconsson sighed. Maybe whoever comes from that host outside to re-take the fort will be content with removing the knights and leave the staff alone. Maybe.

What a chilling thought.


“Sir Ralman!!” Ordan shouted, “It is most impolite and insensitive to eat the cheese of people so endangered!!

LOL. Cheese.


I love this story. I remember who J’drell, Thedret, Kelleryn, Caroline, Aeirawen, and Gellert are, but I had forgotten about Niil Deaconsson and General Oholin. Thank you for the detailed Previously on KOTNNK. An extra reminder is way better than forgetting!

Posted by: mALX Nov 24 2011, 02:53 AM

I enjoy your light and rapid writing style a lot, but can def see (and agree with) where Acadian is coming from about the lack of identification with the many characters.

Because you have many years with these characters, you know them intimately - can visualize them in your own mind easily.

We have had only seven chapters with them, and are having to try to imagine what they may look like or sound like when they speak.

If (as in Acadian's example) you had used known game characters and just molded them into the role you wanted them to play - we could easily visualize your characters too, and it would greatly increase the immersion into the fantastic story you have written about them.

Because you are not using known characters (but are essentially creating the new characters from scratch and your own imagination) - it would really help readers bond closer with your plot if they could visualize your characters too.

To me, the most memorable character so far was Ras’sheena. You gave the readers a full chapter of getting to know her, visualize both her looks and personality. In that one chapter we came to care about her and be immersed in her life.

I think what Acadian is trying to say is - even in your light/rapid writing style you could develop these characters a little more so we could feel we knew them as well as you do.

Your imagination is brilliant, that is very clear in your writing. Maybe a bit ADHD, I've wanted to ship you some Ritelin a couple times - but that is part of your genius, as is clear in your rapidly moving plot.

I agree with Grits, Thank You so much for the detailed "Previously on KOTNNK!" That helps me keep up with your intricate plot weaving a lot better!

Posted by: Acadian Nov 24 2011, 04:22 AM

After seeing mALX’s comments, I realize how much more tactfully smooth she can be than I.

I truly enjoy your story and smile all the way through it. With your delightful talent, clever humor and gracious manner, you are such a wonderful addition here and I feel fortunate that you grace us with your story. Oh, my fave character is Caroline. I have a fondness for knights of the feminine persuasion.

I certainly hope my intent to be helpful came through as such, and that you can forgive any rough edges or overdoing it in my comments. Please be at ease, my friend. You needn’t worry about my continuing support of your wonderful story!

Posted by: McBadgere Nov 24 2011, 07:33 AM

*SNIIPPPP!!*....

Posted by: McBadgere Nov 25 2011, 05:48 AM

*SNIIIPPP!!!*

Except for this old one....

"As for the voices...I just use the game ones mostly...Probably easier... ..."

Posted by: Acadian Nov 26 2011, 01:00 AM

Oh, that is a great idea and will be very helpful as a scorecard. Well done!

I’m looking forward to your next episode more than ever, now that I’m all armed up with your wonderful character guide. I shall call it the Kotinkipedia!

Posted by: jack cloudy Nov 26 2011, 09:11 PM

Oh, I like this a lot. Like everyone else has already said, the prologue gave a rather amusing account of being in the wrong place at the wrong time at the wrong side. The actual story so far is nice too. Maybe it moves a bit slow, but I like how it gives an opportunity to flesh out the relations and all the friendly jabs between the characters.

Now I'm just wondering how Robert, Tiber and the gang will get involved with the events at the fort. And how the knights get out of their sticky situation for that matter.

Posted by: mALX Nov 27 2011, 02:05 AM

That will help me a lot, thank you so much !!!

Posted by: McBadgere Dec 3 2011, 05:13 AM

Konitkipedia... ...Most excellent...

Jack Cloudy, cheers for reading!!... ...Glad you liked it...As for Tiber et al...Well, we'll get there...After Christmas, but we will... ...

For now...This...



Previously on KOTNNK...

In the study of Commander Robert McWylde at his apartments within the Knights’ Bastion at New Kvatch, an extraordinary meeting is taking place between the Commander, The Archmage of the Unseen University – Seri Ormandin, his Bodyguard, Maloryn and Tiber Septim. Septim has said that all the humans that took part in the ceremony to light the Allfire (a magical barrier) will be given gifts of some sort. And the Commander’s involves stopping time and – apparently – one of the other divines, Stendarr...




1.8 - Curse.





...There is little doubt that the explosion was centred on what was the Jend’s house, and that whatever caused it was of a power previously unknown. There is literally nothing standing for almost a mile in every direction. Trees, rocks, parts of the house, all were thrown outwards by whatever occurred there. It can be assumed that Mr. Jend was in the house as witnesses saw him enter the property earlier that evening, and his habit was to stay there until next day. Unfortunately what will take some time to ascertain is whether anyone else was in there with him. Perhaps some of the G.T.M.R. operatives can do further testing.


- Preliminary report from the devastation at the house (and surrounding areas) of Michel Jend, near to Bravil. Investicatar Liiaric Jend (no relation). 15th Sun’s Dusk 3E 483.





Archmage Ormandin,

Thank Julianos I found this first. I believe it’s one of Delphine Jend’s old notebooks. As it’s covered in indestruct wards this makes it a more likely idea. I’ve marked the page I think is relevant, but having read through the notes I must say this - DO NOT READ THE WORDS THERE OUT LOUD! To cut a long story short. I believe it’s a cousin to Delphine Jend’s Enemies Explode spell, but it’s much worse. It could be called a Doomsday spell. Well, for whoever casts it it is anyway.

It’s “I” explode.

If you go by the notes, it’s a Word spell, not quite a Nordic Thu’um as it’s in Altmeri but close enough. Anyway, the effect is, it excites the all the thaumaturgia cells in the body individually, at the same time, and then explodes it all. For a layman that is bad enough...If you - or anyone at the University - did it I suspect there would be little of Imperial City left. I'm going to assume that whoever was in the house with Jend was the one who said the words, as Bravil is still standing.

I’ve sent it to you as quickly as I could, you need to hide it away somewhere. If it got into the wrong hands and all that.

Yours, Lii.

P.S. Jenna says “Hi!”.

- Letter from Liiaric Jend to Archmage Seri Ormandin. 22nd Sun’s Dusk 3E 483.



Archmage Seri Ormandin was having the strangest couple of days. Given what the Altmer had seen in his time, calling these days strange was going some. He’d watched his oldest friend, one that Ormandin had known since the other’s childhood, channel the power of a God to light The Allfire, a magical barrier that somehow protects them from dangers posed by Oblivion and all other dimensions. He’d then volunteered his services to Lady Helen Royal, Chief Hospitalier at the College Hospitalier, to assist the recovery of those most affected by the ritual. With the help of several of Cyrodill’s top healers as well as Sirs Avita and Marn Areldur, Sub-Commander Brellin and himself, all but the high-priest of Zenithar had been saved. Barely. Seri didn’t think it best to mention quite how close to death his friend had been.

Having stayed to see Commander McWylde recover at astounding speed, enough that Helen Royal had released the Commander to his quarters with a roll of her eyes and a “Begone!”, he’d stayed – at Robert’s insistence - to catch up on everything.

Then came the news about Marrick Gellert at Fort Freedom and everything was war planning with McWylde’s wife and top echelon Knights. Once all plans and contingencies had been addressed the two retired once more to McWylde’s apartments.

They had stayed talking in the living room but soon after midnight the Commander had fallen asleep, so the Altmer had seen him covered in a blanket, then suggested that if McWylde’s assistant Tauren came in to complain once more then the Archmage would turn him into a scamp, and then Ormandin allowed his bodyguard get some sleep himself.

The Archmage had sat and read a few of the Commander’s books. He’d just finished Brellin and Sir Gukimir’s proposal for the designs of New Kvatch - which seem to have been followed pretty much as was drawn, though a great deal of New Kvatch was still to be built, with most of the resources so far going into the most important of the buildings – when the Commander had woken. One breakfast later and Archmage Seri Ormandin sat at a table with not only the Commander of the Knights of the Nine, but – apparently – two of the said Nine.

Strange days indeed.

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

“How dare you call me thus, impudent child.” The God Stendarr’s first words to Tiber Septim had been.

“Oh, so now I’m a child eh?” Septim had grinned, “And we used to be such good friends.”

“Release me,” The God of Mercy’s eyes had glowed, “NOW!”

“No.” Was the simple answer.

McWylde and the Archmage had not dared look at the Gods during all this. Stendarr had appeared at the end of the table when Septim had called. He was the colour of ebony, like one of the nomad tribes of the deep deserts. He was dressed in blue finery, with an aristocratically large hat, complete with gold feather. The tracing on Stendarr’s Jacket kept moving, the golden lines waving along his arm, shoulders and chest like the curtains of an aurora McWylde had seen in Skyrim many years earlier. Robert thought it was this rather than the rage in the God’s eyes that was making him look down at the table.

“Since I’ve been - for want of a better word – back,” said Tiber, “I’ve been finding out what it is I’m actually able to do. You see Robert, the Aedra – The Nine – are all amazing beings, creatures of power that you can scarcely imagine.”

“Well I can imagine quite a lot.” Said the Archmage.

“Silence insect!” Bellowed Stendarr, “You will not talk when in the presence of one God, let alone two!”

Tiber’s face contorted with anger. He raised a hand and then closed it in a fist. Stendarr’s head drooped and he actually whimpered.

Tiber said between his teeth “Do not ever talk to my friends like that again.”

Then in an instant his rage was gone and he released Stendarr. Tiber then said to the Archmage, “Yes, I imagine you can, I can see the power in you. But the power of the Aedra.” He shook his head, “Anyways, what I’ve discovered is this. There are rules, without a capital, and then there’s Rules, with one. And with the exception of a couple of them,” he pointed at the other God, “They haven’t bothered to find out which ones are which. Lazy. So yes, maybe I am a child, but any parent will tell you that children will always try to push the Rules.”

There was a moment of tension. A feeling of the world trying to stretch somehow.

“STOP TRYING TO RUN!” Tiber shouted and was on his feet. “The others agreed to this! You WILL do as you have been commanded by Akatosh. You are supposed to be the God of Mercy for...Um...Our sake. Why did you say no? Not just to him,” Tiber pointed at McWylde, “But all of them?”

“I do not have to explain myself to you.”

There was a thump and then pages rustled as a book was being read. An older man with silver hair, dressed in a fine black suit was by the bookcase. He had intense blue eyes and features which seemed constantly close to either great rage or breaking into a grin.

Tiber smiled and inclined his head in greeting, the other did the same.

“Try me then.” The man - which the three mortals presumed was yet another God - said.

Stendarr looked to the man with something close to fear.

“I...Do not wish to. They have done nothing deserving of our gifts.”

“Really?” Said the newcomer shaking his head, “He and his beat everything that comes at them, sometimes with cost.” He said, pointing to McWylde, then out of the window, “Those people out there in this world that we created do everything we ask...”

“Not everyone.”

“No. Okay, not everyone. But enough. And c’mon, now the Allfire’s lit we can all have a bit of a rest no?” He grinned, then just as quickly, the grin disappeared, “What those people did was at risk of their mortal lives, your own high-priest was one of them, does that not mean something?”

“He does all that is required of him in my name, that should be enough.”

“Idiot. Do as you are told. For all of them Stendarr. I’ve got better things to do.”

With that, he disappeared.

Stendarr looked at Tiber. “The human took the curse on himself. I should not have to do this.”

“Yes,” replied Septim, “Very merciful, condemning an entire line for the actions of one prideful fool years ago, that had absolutely nothing to do with McWylde here. Did it not occur to you that there were two reasons that McWylde had absolutely no choice but to take the curse on himself? One, it was the right thing to do to save that man and his line...A line that really had no reason being cursed in the first place. And two, how the hells else was he going to get the Gauntlets? Hmmm? Stendarr, God of mercy left no choice other than ‘You and yours be damned forever’. Yes, very merciful.

“Remove the curse, now.”

“Damn you.” The God grabbed McWylde’s arm. Stendarr’s eyes glowed briefly.

It was impossible to say exactly how Robert felt. So much power and strength and life flowed through him at that moment. McWylde wanted to launch himself at the God, to make him pay for depriving him of this much of his life.

“Robert. Stay.” Said Tiber, “Stendarr, do you think me a fool? I can see you know? The line...The entire line, forever. Now. Do I have to call Akatosh back? He will be so pleased.”

Stendarr sighed angrily. Grabbed McWylde again and removed the curse forever.

“There will be consequences.” He said.

“There always are,” Said Tiber, “But not from you. If I hear that you are behind so much as a wafted bad smell in the direction of him, his or his friends. I will find you. And there will be war. And I fought many wars before Talos’ many gifts dug their claws into me. Is that clear? We were once friends.” He shook his head, “Do not let me keep you from your gift giving any further.”

And with that, Stendarr was gone.


-----------

Posted by: Grits Dec 3 2011, 03:53 PM

The Kotinkipedia is perfect! The ‘Other Terms’ part is a great idea. Thank you for doing it.

Having stayed to see Commander McWylde recover at astounding speed, enough that Helen Royal had released the Commander to his quarters with a roll of her eyes and a “Begone!”,

Robert seems like a person of more than usual vigor even with the curse, and not an easy patient.

I was hoping that Stendarr would show up and do some curse-lifting!! What an attitude on that, uh, god. Stendarr the Reluctantly Merciful. I guess he has to be tough, though, or else it would just be mercy for everyone.

For some reason the names Jend and Jend (no relation) as well as the two Carolines really pleases me. I also like the touch of Skyrim with the aurora. I love when the new game adds more flavor to the world.

I enjoyed the update from Ormandin’s POV. His remarks make me smile, especially when they get him shouted at by a Divine.

And wow, Akatosh. Stendarr’s swirly jacket and Akatosh poking through the bookcase fit very well with my vague ideas that the Divines would be curious and watching their creations, even if not directly involved. Great chapter!!

Posted by: Colonel Mustard Dec 3 2011, 11:52 PM

Just read through all of this and I've got to say that I'm enjoying this a lot. All of your characters have some excellent personalities established already, with my personal favourite definitely being Kelleryn and his 'extended family'. The ideas you've got going on here are varied and brilliant, but at the same time aren't that messy, instead somehow keeping together into one cohesive storyline which is so far genuinely interesting and entertaining to read.

If I've got one critique, however, it's that your writing can be somewhat...all over the place. There are a lot of jumps to different perspectives at times, and as these are quite short at times they tend to be a bit confusing; the most prevalent example of this was probably the moment with Madigan, when I found it hard to work out who he was or exactly where the setting was. My advice would be to slow down a bit and flesh out future parts with a bit more description (not too much, mind). It seems to me that you're getting swept away in the flow of the writing, and while that does lead to some wonderful stuff it might be wise to go back once you're done and look at it from a reader's perspective; that should probably be enough to deal with this problem.

Still, it's nothing all that major, and so far the story is progressing very promisingly; I'm looking foward to seeing what comes next.

Posted by: Acadian Dec 4 2011, 01:11 AM

Oh, I quite enjoyed this three-way among the gods! The whole thing was very Sheogorathesque but with a wonderful bite. I especially liked when Tiber took Stendarr to task over his silly curse of Kellen’s line that Robert took upon himself – a delightful anchor point to the game. Mocking Stendarr’s mercy was brilliantly done! Glad to see that curse lifted and thanks for letting us know that the god #3 was the Dragon God of Time himself.

Posted by: Zalphon Dec 4 2011, 07:06 AM

This is rare... The Nine's conversations in recordings

Posted by: jack cloudy Dec 4 2011, 07:38 PM

Go Tiber, go!

I'm not sure what the self-destruct spell has to do with anything, but it was slightly humorous. And slightly worrying, considering that it looks like the Tamriel-equivalent of a nuke spell.

And I think that ingame the curse got lifted. But that was Talos/Tiber there as well. So yeah, Stendarr does come across as a bit of an unpleasant person.

And Grits, the curse is progressive if I remember right. It starts out light, then over the years you get so tired you can't even wiggle a finger.

Posted by: mALX Dec 5 2011, 06:40 PM

This chapter was fascinating! I see now that what I thought was Tiber Septim being evil was just him exerting his power - and that he used it for the good, lol.

Really cool intervention scene - wish that cure of the curse had been so well defined in game !! Awesome worldbuilding, and I agree totally with Grits on what she said - I also felt that the gods had to have an inordinate amount of curiousity and interest whether they intervened and dabbled in people's lives or not.

I do recall that curse being a progressive one for the members of that family, but when the Player took it on it didn't seem to progress at all (that I noticed).

I also have to agree with Grits on McWilde's rambunctiosness in spite of the curse, lol. If that was him in a weak state, all hell will break out once he gets his energies back - watch out anyone who is not on his good side, lol.

I never had much of an opinion either way on Stendarr (having only Oblivion as an example) - but in Skyrim I am finding out that the followers of Stendarr are royal ar$ks - have been tempted a couple times already to "accidentally" end a few of them in their self-righteous uppity-ness with a miss-cast spell, lol.

As always, your beginning letters are a huge highlight for me (sort of like Rachel's poems at the beginning of each of her chapters, lol). They set off the chapter enormously for me, as does your Arch Mage in this story. The undercurrent that is always connected to any sections regarding the Arch Mage is such a subtle humor woven into the story - I love that !!

The tie-in with the three Jends may not have been meant to be funny, but it had me in hysterics.

Also, the description of Stendarr was awesome !! (loved to see his submission/subjectiveness to Talos too, that was great!).

I have to thank you for your character "key" you added to chapter one - that is something I will refer back to till I get the hang of all the regular characters, lol. Awesome Write, and really looking forward to more !!

Posted by: McBadgere Dec 13 2011, 11:25 PM

I read all your comments, I thank you all for them, and shall reply to them later...I know, a weird way of doing things, but there you go... ...I've just got back from the daughter's school's Glee concert and am a bit frazzled...She was brilliant btw...Did Fleetwood Mac's Everywhere...Ace!!...

Right...

New Parts!!!... ...


Previously on KOTNNK...

The forces of good...Well...Several knights anyways...have been cornered by an ancient and presumed extinct magic creature. They are still waiting and seeing what will come next...As is everybody else I think... ...I promise this is the last c*cking about part...Honest...Well...Probably...



1.9 Past.



I first picked up a sword as six. I’d been watching Daddy teaching Farn and Rhano in the back yard, so – of course – I had to have a go too! Daddy smiled then took the far-too-long-for-me-to-carry-sword off me and gave me a little wooden practice one to swing. It was one of the happiest days of my life.

When I was eight he told me, “Cal, I will teach you how to properly use a sword. But...You have to practice hard. Lots. Every day.”

“I will Daddy.”

“I know Cally. But there’s one more thing. You know about magic?”

“Yes.”

“Well, too many people use it to help them make things easier...Like carrying stuff, and running, and –“

“Lighting fires!!”

“Yeesss...Don’t tell your Grandma you did that...She might frown. Anyway, you can use it to help you with swords. But the thing is, if you don’t learn how to do it without magic, one day, you’ll be in a fight and you won’t have your magic. Then you’re dead.”

I’d frowned at that but then he went on.

“I will teach you how to use a sword, but you must never use magic when you practice. When I think you are ready, I’ll teach you how to use that too, but until then...Never...”

And he poked me on the nose and kissed the top of my head.

I never once in ten years used magic to practice. The day I beat Alix, Daddy took me to one side and said, “Now you’re ready.” Well, we couldn’t practice because I was crying so hard!

I love you Daddy. I miss you.



- Taken from “Wylde Girl”, the memoirs of Caroline McWylde. Knight of The Nine. 3E 486.




The blonde haired, blue eyed knight Marcus Jarn woke up and really wished he hadn’t. “No offence sir, but there’s better visions to wake up to. Is Royal still about for one?”

General Carodus Oholin smiled quickly then said “Yes, she’s coming now, and she’s going to have to put that shoulder back in. So I’d be more polite with her yes, Captain?”

“Y’s Sir,” Said Jarn, grimacing. “Sir, I have to report that they may be about to start something.”

The Nord General, Mazkay Dinai pointed towards the other knights and Kelleryn’s projection of the Yskraich and said “Is that your something?”

“Oh...How the hells are they doing that?” Jarn asked about the conjuration.

“Damned if I know.” Shrugged Oholin, “Anything else to report before I leave you to Royal?”

“We’re dead if we stay. There’s more turned up after you came up here. They’ve sent horsemen around that side to cut us off if we try to run. There’s another small-ish force coming around this side to try to get us. We missed two scouts. I saw them get back. Even without this damned Detect Life they’d have known how many we’ve got. Now...” He sighed deeply. “Gods only knows what they’ve got in store for that damned whatever-it-is.

Some kid tried to stop them letting it out. She-who-is-in-charge almost took his head off with her back-hand and released it. She’s an awfully confident lady that one.” Jarn raised an eyebrow, “Maybe we could have Marshal McWylde and Aeirawen wrestle with her before the end sir?”

Oholin snorted despite himself, but raised a finger of admonishment, “Stop drooling, it’s unseemly.”

Just then, Captain Sharneena Royal came through the fort’s entrance. Oholin waved the Orc over. “Royal, excellent. Dinai here will fill you both in on the plan...Such as it is. Royal, you need to put that shoulder back in. No need to be gentle, he’s a big boy now, he can take it.” Oholin looked at Jarn with a raised eyebrow. “Be polite now, ladies present.”


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

“Drell, can you try and look beyond the Yskraich? Down towards that lot?” Caroline asked.

“Oooh...I can try.” J’Drell the Argonian looked beyond the monster down the causeway. “What am I looking for?”

“Just go along the front row, I want to see what we’re facing. See if I know Gellert’s second.”

As each new person was focused on, the projection instantly became them.

“Such an attractive mob,” Said Thedret, “Very dapper in their best slaughtering outfits.”

“Yesss,” J’Drell agreed, “But this all still feels wrong. Why were they all coming here? How convenient was it that Caroline got the info just now? Knowing full well we would come running. And how many of them we would take out before the end? It’s like someone’s trying to take as many problems out at once as they can.”

“Why would Gellert do that? He was here too, remember.” said Thedret.

“He wouldn’t,” said Caroline, “I think he’s been set up too. Dammit...I knew this was too easy after all this time.”

“You can beat yourself up later...” the approaching Carodus started to say.

“Wait!” shouted Caroline. “Go back.”

“How far?” asked a confused J’Drell.

“The last one.”

J’Drell looked back to the previous person. Kelleryn’s projected portrait showed an Imperial woman, in her late thirties, maybe her early forties stared up the causeway with intensity. She locked eyes with J’Drell briefly, started, then passed a hand in front of her face, which changed into that of a man. Not just any man though. Emperor Uriel Septim stared out at them.

“This is for my benefit.” Said J’Drell, “There’s no way she can know about this with Elfling’s gifts.”

That didn’t make Caroline feel any better. She ran through the fort gate and vomited.

Then she screamed.

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

Carodus watched Caroline go and shook his head. “She was there wasn’t she? At the end.”

“You weren’t there for the trials?” asked J’Drell.

Oholin shook his head. “I was dealing with stuff in Anvil. Tried to keep up using the Courier, but...Must have missed some.” He shrugged.

“Yeah, well,” Thedret continued, “Gellert ordered her killed ‘cause she’d found out what they were about to do, so two of them dragged her down to the lowest levels. One of them tried to rape her, and in the struggle she hit her head pretty bad. By the sounds of it she had concussion. But anyways. In the end, for some reason - Caroline said - that the other Dragon Company soldier killed the would-be rapist but left her locked in the cell. Then along comes the Emperor trying to escape down the tunnels. Well, you know what happened there.”

They heard Caroline scream again, but the purple life detect showed she was alone and so they left her.

“Caroline blames herself for not being able to save Septim because she either kept blacking out or her head injury wouldn’t let her focus her magicks. By the sound of it there were too many Mythic Dawn down there anyway. The pile of bodies that came out of there would make a legend in itself. Between Caroline, the two remaining Blades and The Emperor himself, they killed off enough that would have made a small army. The Dawn really were down to the last man, who then came through a hidden door. Stab an old man in the back. Very noble.”

“She couldn’t have stopped that, back someone into a corner then walk in from behind? No chance.”

The life detecting and head drill spells disappeared.

“The Yskraich’s going back to the woman.” Said J’Drell.

“Right, story time over.” Said Carodus, “Oreyn, stop making Shines and call your Uncles, we need them.”

Just then, Caroline came back. She looked down at the ground. “Sorry. The woman is Misa Treain. She was Gellert’s second-in-command back in the Dragon Company. Seems she’s never left. I’ve seen far more of that woman than I ever wanted to. She’s evil, vicious and brilliant.”

“Well, being good, vicious and brilliant, you’ll take her in a heartbeat won’t you?” said Carodus, “Although I suspect Jarn will pay good money to watch that.”

Caroline laughed and looked over to where the Imperial was being tended to by the Nord General and the Orc Captain.

“He can’t handle a sword” said Oholin, “but we’ll have him and Royal secure the gate. He can be the Respite Port. His Warvoid is probably stronger than even J’Drell here’s...”

“Oooh...Really? That would take some doing. I’ve been using mine for more years than you’ve been alive Oholin.”

“And?” asked the General with a raised eyebrow. “I’ve seen him fend off an entire mine’s worth of Goblins with it. Don’t start getting Warvoid envy now. You can go compare each other’s later...”

“What’s a Warvoid?” asked Kelleryn.

“It would take too long to explain...”

“Massive shield that only lets in what the caster wants,” said Caroline, “usually people. It absorbs magika and health from anyone that’s attacking it directly. Which needs controlling ‘cause you don’t want to take your friend’s. But anyone inside gets healed and their fatigue recharged. Hence the Respite Port. Oh and it also takes the kinetic energy from arrows coming in, turns it into to fire and burns the arrows up, or – and this is where it takes real skill – re-directs the arrows out at another enemy. Oh, and magic attacks recharge it. Unbeatable in the right hands.”

“Yes, and Jarn can keep it up all day...”

Thedret snorted, “Aeira would have a field day with that.”

“I can do that.” Said Kelleryn. Thedret snorted again. The others looked at Oreyn. “The spell, I can do that.”

J’Drell laughed. “Ha-ha-haaa, of course you can Elfling. We really need to talk soon.”

Just then the Wraith and the Ancestor appeared by them. Carodus jumped back. “Dammit!” He sighed and shook his head. “Can we finally get to the point? We’re really out of time here. They are coming. Now.”

“Yes they really are.” J’Drell observed. “Everyone up. They know we’re here, grab your gear. Oh, sorry General.” He flattened his fins to his head. “Force of habit.”

General Carodus Oholin sighed. His faith in the Nine was unshakable. His faith in himself was absolute. His confidence in the abilities of three of the six out here was without question. However we also have an old man, a shy Orc, a – currently - one armed knight and Oreyn...Whatever the hells he was. Oh, and the Uncles.

Still, Carodus had never played it easy. As the three others joined them, he quickly explained the plan to them all.

This was going to be interesting he thought to himself.

Posted by: Acadian Dec 14 2011, 01:06 AM

“Caroline blames herself for not being able to save Septim because she either kept blacking out or her head injury wouldn’t let her focus her magicks. By the sound of it there were too many Mythic Dawn down there anyway. The pile of bodies that came out of there would make a legend in itself. Between Caroline, the two remaining Blades and The Emperor himself, they killed off enough that would have made a small army. The Dawn really were down to the last man, who then came through a hidden door. Stab an old man in the back. Very noble.”
I love how you did this, and plugged Caroline right in to the beginning of Oblivion.

’She’s evil, vicious and brilliant.”
“Well, being good, vicious and brilliant, you’ll take her in a heartbeat won’t you?”


Kewl magic shield power!

Posted by: Athynae Dec 14 2011, 01:43 AM

WHEW!! Finally got caught up again! Fantastic stuff you've got going here Mac B. I am thoroughly enjoying the exchanges between the characters.

The scenes with Tiber, Stendarr and Akatosh were quite a joy!

Look forward to more, and I'll try to stay caught up....famous last words, lol.

Posted by: Grits Dec 14 2011, 03:18 PM

Jarn raised an eyebrow, “Maybe we could have Marshal McWylde and Aeirawen wrestle with her before the end sir?”

Note to self: put down coffee before reading.

“He wouldn’t,” said Caroline, “I think he’s been set up too. Dammit...I knew this was too easy after all this time.”

Aha! And Warvoid envy. I was giggling at the same time I was ooo-ing over the spell. I’m guessing that Kelleryn might give everyone a surprise. It was great to get some background on Caroline, even though some of it upset her. Carodus is right, this is going to get even more interesting!!

Posted by: mALX Dec 14 2011, 04:38 PM

The workings of your mind SO remind me of Foxy's !! Your touches of humor pop up in the oddest places - I love that! You manage to slide one subtle line into an intense scene and turn it on its ear! Great Write! Grits already called my fave lines, lol.

Posted by: King Coin Dec 14 2011, 05:51 PM

This time I got to 1.3. I like the characters so far. Will continue with it this time...

Just might take a week to catch up.

Posted by: jack cloudy Dec 14 2011, 10:21 PM

Dang, that shield is way above anything that's possible in the game. Still, I like it and besides, gamemagic has always been awfully limited next to bookmagic.

I still like the character interactions. Sure, the joking might be a little inappropriate considering their situation, but that's just how they deal with stress I think. And next update will be episode 1.10/2.0: The Uncles strike back!

Posted by: Colonel Mustard Dec 14 2011, 10:53 PM

Well, not much to add that hasn't been said already, but I enjoyed this a lot and I'm interested to see what Kelleryn (along with Inky, Pinky and Clive) will do to possibly save our heroes from their predicament.

Though I'm in the Skyrim quest where you need elf blood so part of me currently whispering in my ear 'kill him, kill him, kill him.'

Posted by: McBadgere Dec 16 2011, 05:23 AM

Answers to comments!!!...Oh yeah...I know you’ve been waiting eagerly for them...

Everyone – Thank you for taking the time to read it, it’s always appreciated...

K.C. and Athynae...Blimey, where you been?..Only joking... ...Cheers...

Zalphon...Yes indeed! Call McBadgere for all yer divine recording needs!... ...

Acadian...

...The curse was a real annoyance to me the entire time I played the game...I was determined to get rid of it...And I was trying to keep the identity of the other God queit for as long as poss...I'm a tease me.. ...Yes indeedie!!...
Thanks for that...When I thought about it, she really was the best one to get stuck down there with th’Emperor...More to follow with that...Thanks for still reading...

Colonel Mustard...Cheers matey!...Glad you like it...And I take your critique and let you know that I get what you mean and I am endeavouring to sort it for later chapters, but I have both ADHD, OCD and awkwardness...In that as it was when I wrote songs...Once it’s down on “paper”, it’s down...And I find it impossible – other than minor edits – to change them... ...So what I write from now on will – hopefully – make more sense...Cheers again...And as for Kelleryn...He’ll have his work cut out in this fight, but it’s later when he comes into his own more...

Jack Cloudy...The shield spell is mostly made up of spells that are in the game...Just because Bethesda won’t let you combine them is not my fault... ...My attitude to magic is that if I can explain it using the rules that I made up meself, or using the disciplines in-game then the level of spell really depends on who I’ve given it to...Oholin, Caroline or Thedret wouldn’t be able to use Warvoid, but Jarn may not be able to use the Offence spell I’ve given Caroline, Robert, J’Drell and Deaconsson...And none of them can do Ormandin’s spells...*Shrug*...Even I have rules...

The self-destruct spell is an end-game spell...And basically, the chapter having Ormandin in, I took the opportunity to put that spell in the hands of Ormandin...Where it needs to be...Oh plus, that particular intro did more for the overall story than it seemed...The date is 50 years after Oblivion...And Ormandin is still Arch-Mage...Well, according to Skyrim and the Greg Keyes novels, the Mages-Guild was dissolved and replaced with something else...Well not on my watch buddy...Idjots...Plus it puts Liiaric Jend into the story, who’s coming up soon...And then there’s Jenna, who may or may not appear, subject to the wife’s approval...As Jenna Kirrane is one of her characters, and Liiaric was created to be her hubby...*Shrug*...The wife is obsessed with her characters being married...And as she’s a High-Elf – Jenna, not the wife - I had to make one up for her as there isn’t a decent one in-game...

Oh, and the joking...It’s escapist fiction...And I can’t help it... ...

mALX...Thank you so much for your excellent words...Much to answer...Tiber and the Gods...Tiber rocks, he really does...And it all came from one section of an in-game book...I love Tiber...And then when Akatosh turned up when my scene failed to work...And I knew exactly who he needed to be...Oh-ho-ho...There are at least three of the others coming too...Stay tuned...I think the Gods will be more interested in this particular bunch for a reason...Stendarr...*Shakes head*...Don’t know why...But I’m stuck now...

And yes, curse removed Robert will be...Proactive...

The Konitkipedia will be added to when I have enough to add to it...Cheers for that, I hope it helps with my confusingness...

Cheers for the thumbs up for the intros...I enjoy the challenge of expanding the story for each one...I’m loving it...

Must meet this Foxy...Sounds fun...And like I said...I can’t help the jokes...

Ormandin is one of the more important characters of the story...And it’s surprising that a char that I’ve never played becomes one of my faves to write...

And then there’s Grits... ... Roberts make bad patients...It’s in our DNA...He’s a soldier and really not very able to sit still easily...A fact which Helen Royal knows well as they are...Old friends...

Sorry about that... ...

The multiple Carolines was something I thought about, but as I was in school with a Caroline Wilding I thought it would be cool to name McWylde after her...So it stuck...And the two Jends was a c*ck-up on my part when I was making Liiaric up...He was supposed to be Marcus Jarn, but then he became Jend ‘cause I got confused, and I gave him to the wife to play with...As it were...

I’m glad that no-one’s shouting me down about overpowered spells and stuff...I’m enjoying messing about with magic, and like I said, even I have rules about it...

More Caroline coming up later...Or soon...But knowing me, probably later...

As this was the last chapter I did pre-Skyrim I haven’t got anything more until I write it, which is down for Saturday...So it might be after Christmas before anything new appears here...

Thank you so much, all of you, for reading...I really appreciate that you’re enjoying it...*Hugs each and everyone of you*...

Posted by: King Coin Dec 16 2011, 06:41 AM

Same to you!

I gotta say, I thought the khajiit in the beginning was going to have a role in this story. Anywho…

1.3

Love the creative liberty you took with the magic. “The walls have ears.”

Well, from what it sounds like, these knights need to leave. NOW. Lol. 50 soldiers outside? I guess they can look over the domestic staff then?

1.4 tomorrow...

Posted by: King Coin Dec 18 2011, 09:15 PM

or not...

1.4
Took me a second to realize there was a flashback in this one.

People weren’t comfortable without a fire of some type eh? I suppose protection from Daedra isn’t something to skimp on.

The prophet annoyed the [censored] out of me in game! He sounds much better in your rendition. I’m not sure who he actually is though. He claims to be Tiber (who is Talos).

Posted by: McBadgere Dec 19 2011, 06:12 AM

Cheers... ...

Yes, he's Tiber now...Not Talos...The...Explaination (such as it is... )...is there... ...

Cheers for reading...

Umm, yes...It's not...Linear as such...But if I'd put the stuff in Kvatch where it actually happened, you'd lose something...Well, that's what I thought anyways... ...

Posted by: Athynae Dec 19 2011, 11:52 AM

My apologies McB(shakes head at the silly badger) I got a little behind while I was playing a couple of RL games, "Let's prepare for mid-term exams" (with the middle school wild animal) and "Let's take care of the bully" with the elementary one. The first is always interesting once you get past 5th or 6th grade, the second however is never any fun especially if your wild animal is one of those that is either loved absolutely or disliked in the same manner by the teacher. I do not know why this is particularly other than he challenges them to do something besides sit on their butt and assign busy work.

The second game, first play through, proved to be a small challenge, but we started a second play through just before school got out for Christmas with a different character and setting for said bully. It looks as though this play through is going to prove a bit more serious as it involves not bullies of the peer realm but a teacher making an attempt to blame said wild animal for situations he had no part in and sharing those thoughts with other teachers (Oh and this teacher is not even one of my youngest sons instructors, he just thought a little gossip with his teacher friends would be the "thing" and it just so happened his whispers were overheard in the hall by my youngest son as he walked behind them). Can you say "Getting ready to turn the entire school system on it's ear?" I thought you could. Yes, I have almost 3 weeks to create a strategy for this game and I promise you they ain't seen nothin' yet.....

Sorry just venting a bit, looking forward to more story though, keep it coming there McB.....

Posted by: jack cloudy Dec 19 2011, 12:10 PM

Hey, I'm all for the jokes. You have to deal with stressful situations somehow and this is more entertaining than giving everyone an angst overdose.

Posted by: McBadgere Dec 19 2011, 01:54 PM

...OH hell...

I really was only joking...I do know what you're going through...We've had similar problems with my daughter...And to a degree with the son...

Suffice to say, several of th'wife's chums joke about the two schools having her picture as enemy #1... ...




Oh, my Gohhhddd...*Holds head*...

Cheers... ...

Posted by: Athynae Dec 19 2011, 11:21 PM

And it was taken as a joke McB, I apologize for getting all serious on you! I just get that way at times.

I am enjoying your story very much so just keep it up and I will do my best to keep up....famous last words, lol.

And now we know where Athynae gets her weirdness from....

Posted by: McBadgere Dec 24 2011, 09:55 AM

NEW PARTS!!!... ...

Merry Christmas!!...

Right, I'm trying to crack on with it...But then this happened...One chapter, in three parts...And they're all long-ish...

Sorry... ...


Previously on KOTNNK...Aeirawen was part of the force attacking Fort Freedom, but then she and the other wood-elf Galasafon were attempting to bring the evil boo-hiss baddie Marrick Gellert back to New Kvatch...


1.10 – Aeirawen...(pt. 1)



The last woman and the last man on Nirn pulled their cloacks tighter against the fierce wind. After a time, they looked at the last of the Old Gods and waved farewell. The woman opened a portal, then she and the man walked out of the world.

The world was unmade.

The world was made.

The portal opened again and the first woman and first man on Nirn walked through into a verdant forest. They looked at each other, shrugged and disrobed. Then they made love, as they had many times down the ages.

As he woke later, the man stood up, picked a fruit and said simply to the now awake woman, “Apple?”. Then he looked behind her and paled. There stood the first of the New Gods, attended by his ever present two Angels.



- Taken from The Book of The World. Author unknown.





Aeirawen burst into the clearing with three horsemen bearing down on her. She pulled up sharply, which caused one of the horses to rear and throw her rider. Unfortunately not the Khajiit that had been tracking her this whole time. Aeira crossed the distance to the downed man and planted the head of the Dragon Hammer she was still carrying into his. Turning and flitting into the centre of the clearing, she waited for the two others to gather themselves. She grinned briefly at them, even as she panted her fatigue away. Damn, she was tired. How long had she been running? She had no idea, but it was a damned long time. Speed augmentation was all well and good for a short while, but over long distances? It was still down to your own fitness levels - you still had to run dammit! Aeirawen laughed the thought of the portly Keern Ralman trying this.

The two bandits looked briefly at each other, as if wondering that the idea of a lone Bosmer knight in the centre of a clearing being quite so confident was actually occurring to them both.

They charged.

Aeira waited till they were fully committed, then she narrowed her white glowing eyes, smiled her most feral grin and launched herself into the speed augment. Raising her arms as time appeared slowed down, she swung the hammer with one hand into the chest of one, killing him instantly. Her left arm grabbed the other bandit’s sword arm as it fell. The rider twisted around in the saddle, his shoulder broke and almost sheared off, his ankle didn’t fare so well as it became twisted in his stirrup. His neck snapped the instant he hit the ground, so any pain was truly short lived. The horses carried on out of the clearing, as if they wanted nothing more to do with anything bar grazing.

Aeirawen fell to her knees with fatigue. This was getting too much now. How many more were there? She couldn’t keep this up all the way to Kvatch. If she was even headed towards Kvatch by now. The Bosmer pushed herself up to stand, brushed her blonde hair back out of her face, and went to the nearest tree. She leant against it and looked up at the sun, then at the nearby trees.

“Right, that’s north.” Aeira figured that she’d been headed generally northeast all this time. If I head north at least I’ll get to the Colovian Highway, she thought to herself and prepared to run again. Just then she heard another set of hoof-beats. Sighing but casting - for yet another time – her ease fatigue spell, she ran once more to the centre of the clearing, but kept the hammer’s head resting on the floor.

A huge white Anvillian destrier burst into the sunlit circle of the bloodied woodland glade.

“Two?!” She almost wept with joy. “I thought I’d told you all to head for Kvatch.” She reached the horse and hugged his neck. The horse replied by putting his head down on her shoulder as if hugging her back. “Still, being with J’Drell for so long I suppose you would pick up a stubborn streak.” She grinned.

It wasn’t her beloved Dail, but if anything, J’Drell’s horse, Two, was probably better when it came down to it. The Anvillian horse’s endurance was legendary, and she had no idea how long was still to go. She grabbed the saddle’s horn with one hand and hauled herself on Two’s back.

Aeira silently thanked Brellin for the strength augments in her white Elven Plate heavy-armour. She put her hand to the red diamond on her chest-piece and prayed her thanks to Kynareth for delivering her this fortunate rescue.

She looked back the way she’d run. Finding Galas would be next to impossible with all the Bandits, Marauders and what have you in there. That goes for the Fort too really. Her only course then would be to head back to New Kvatch with the Dragon Hammer and tell the Commander what had happened.

She sighed deeply with frustration.

She securely tied the Dragon Hammer to the saddle, so as it wouldn’t bang against Two’s side as he ran.

Then she rode.

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


Earlier...



“Damn.” Said Galasafon.

“What?” Aeirawen asked.

“Umm...Ewythr. He’s...Umm...Tall...”

She sighed, stopped tying all the other horses’ reins up to their saddles and came over to Kelleryn’s black horse. Bending down, Aeira cupped her hands and boosted Galas onto the saddle. She moved aside as he levitated the still prone form of Marrick Gellert onto the horse in front of him.

“This isn’t going to be comfortable for any of us old boy.” Galas patted the horse on his shoulder.

Aeirawen knew that Galas wasn’t a natural horseman. He could do when needed, but he preferred running.

“You going to be alright?” she looked up to him.

He looked about, smirked then shrugged, “I have a choice?” Then he grinned genuinely. “When has it ever been easy in this job?”

She laughed.

There was the slightest hint of wrong feeling and she ducked, just as an arrow passed in the space where her head had been. She screamed in Elvish, using her Command Beast spell, “Two, Jasper get them to Kvatch. NOW!”

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

J’Drell and Thedret’s horses being the most experienced of them, and possessed of truly amazing amount of intelligence whinnied and stamped their feet as the other horses started fleeing the incoming horde. The pair of Anvillians chased them down, herded them up into a line then headed dead northeast. A couple of the knights’ horses had crossbow bolts in their hinds, but nothing that would slow them unduly.

By way of horse signal, Two left them to Jasper’s care and stopped.

He turned and headed back the way he’d run.

The space the horses had recently left was deserted. Several men were on the floor, dead or dying. Two twisted his ears this way and that and located separate chases. He looked at the ground, sighed and followed that one.

It was not long before he caught up with the back of the pack. He nudged the nearest one towards a tree, it reared and fell backwards onto its rider. As sorry as he felt for doing it, several more horses went into trees headfirst.

Just then a scent caught him. He turned and ran a new direction, following some horses that had peeled off.

The chase. Nothing like it. He ran.

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



Much earlier...



Aeirawen mopped the blood from the corner of her mouth and followed the Imperial outside, “I’m from Anvil you inbred son of a mule lover.”

“That’s Captain inbred son of a mule lover.” Said the man picking himself up off the floor and brushing from his armour, the wooden debris of the door he’d so recently destroyed with his passing through it.

“Well, Captain,” she said through clenched teeth, “the nearest I’ve ever been to Valenwood is being shown Falinesti in a ‘scope from a hill above Anvil.

Just because your Emperor decided to open up your Legion to every native born Cyrodiillian, don’t be surprised when you wind up with any kriffing native of Cyrodiil.”

“Mind your language soldier, I am your superior.” Said the Captain.

“Hah! Oh, I’m sorry sir,” she said snarling the word out, “I have yet to hit the Hold. It’s sometimes difficult to restrain myself. Besides, I’m amazed you could be superior to anything that doesn’t live in the ground.”

She heard the distinctive scrape of metal on scabbard behind her, and turned sideways where she could, if needed, defend both sides. Just then she heard a voice.

“Ah, ah...It’s not polite to stab young ladies in the back.”

Aeirawen watched as the would-be assassin came out of the Hammered Ogre Inn with the point of an ebony sword at the base of his skull. Following him was a pretty young woman with copper-blonde hair.

“Ah, Captain Olford,” said the original Captain, the one that had been making a nuisance of himself towards Aeira all afternoon, and in the end, accused her of being a Bosmeri spy.

As if. Tall, blonde, blue-eyed, not exactly graceful and with little talent for Illusion, she doubted that invisibility would be in her repertoire any time soon. So no, spy was not high on her list of things to do. Hitting people and things very hard with axes and maybe setting them on fire, yes. Spy, no.

“Go pick on someone your own size Derment,” the soldier called Olford said, “but that would mean finding a scamp to bully wouldn’t it?”

Derment shot Olford a murderous look, but drew himself up imperiously, turned on his heel and marched towards the Legion quarter of Bruma, followed by his three armsmen.

Olford crossed to Aeirawen and asked, “You okay?”

Aeira wiped her mouth again, “Yes Captain, Ma’am, thank you.”

Olford tilted her head, smiled and held out her hand. “We’re off-duty soldier. Caroline Olford.”

Aeira shook the hand and then suddenly remembered, “Olford?! As in...”

“Yes,” Caroline rolled her green eyes, then affected a mock-aristocratic voice, “General Kenth Olford, hero of blah blah et-cetera.”

Aeira smiled. “You don’t think much of his reputation?”

“I have all the love in the world for my Daddy...But...” She shook her head, “Ach, we’ve only just met. There’ll be time enough for all that...Hopefully.”

Just then the owner of The Hammered Ogre came out and started complaining about his door and the cold and a million other things.

Caroline sighed and shook her head. “He’s an old friend of my Dad’s. Time to be the General’s daughter again. I’ll take care of this, you go clean yourself up and don’t worry, I’ll go see your commander and square all this too.”

“Umm...Why would you do all this? Like you said, we’ve only just met.”

Caroline tilted her head again and drew her eyebrows together in an almost frown, “I think...Mara told me to.” She gestured vaguely up, “either that or it’s just the right thing to do.” She shrugged, “When you’re off-duty tomorrow, come find me here, we’ll go to my house and talk some more. You good with that?”

Aeira smiled, nodded and shook Caroline’s hand again. “Thank you.”

Caroline shrugged, smiled and indicated the still remonstrating innkeeper.

Aeira watched her go and was surprised at her own feeling of joy at the sudden turn in events. It felt like finding another sister in the unlikeliest of places. She shrugged and made her way back to the barracks.

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


Now...



Aeirawen was riding north, or as best as. She’s passed out of the thickest of the forest and was headed out into the farming communities that ran alongside one of the many rivers that started in the distant Colovian Highlands and made their meandering way down through County Kvatch to the estuary at Anvil.

Several riders burst out of the trees behind her. The Khajiit being the one in front.

“Well, naturally.” She sighed.

Aeira urged Two on faster, and he responded with a surprising burst of extra pace. At least they’re not gaining she thought.

Minutes passed without incident, but always, the pursuit was there.

Looking ahead she could see a road, and in the distance she could see a block-train, coming from one of the mountains at the end of the Colovian chain that was being dismantled for the rebuilding of Kvatch.

Thanking Kynareth that she was going to be off the farmland soon, Aeirawen realised she’d have to tell the Commander about the damage. The Knights of The Nine may own these farms in order to feed the soldiery and, indeed, many of the workers, but that doesn’t mean they can ignore any damage wrought on them by a Knight.

She reached the road and raced along it. Two seemed to be pleased at the firmer footing and responded to it. With joy it seemed. Aeira felt as if she was about to cry and indeed her eyes had watered, but she let one hand off the reins, wiped her eyes, then used the free hand to pour Respite into Two as best as she could.

“Not far, Two. Not far now.”

Two offered no opinion, but put his head down and charged.


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

Posted by: Athynae Dec 24 2011, 02:33 PM

I like Aeira, she's got spirit! I enjoyed the exchange between Caroline and Aeira...seems to me they would be admirable friends to have.

Keep it up McB, sure am enjoying the ride. hehe

And although I am the ultimate Scrooge MERRY CHRISTMAS I do hope you have a wonderful holiday with family and friends.

Posted by: Acadian Dec 25 2011, 01:40 AM

Gosh, from the opening to the end, this episode was magnificently written. It was exciting, easy to follow and full of evocative imagery.

Aeirawen is a fascinating knight and her starring role here was well-supported by the horses and Caroline soon-to-be-McWylde. These flashbacks to Caroline are fabulous.

What a nice Christmas eve present to find this gem today!

Wood elves and horses – it just doesn’t get any better than that!

Posted by: mALX Dec 25 2011, 02:07 PM

Ditto what Acadian said !! My favorite part was the "Much Earlier" flashback itself. Caroline is shaping up to be a very interesting character !! Great Write !!

Posted by: jack cloudy Dec 25 2011, 02:22 PM

Well, it looks like the horses are as badass as the knights that ride them. It's been a while since I read a story where the horses were more than fleshy motorcycles with no mind of their own.

Posted by: Grits Dec 25 2011, 06:21 PM

What breathless fun throughout!! I am especially delighted by the section in Earlier that puts us inside the mind of J'Drell's horse.

Aeira has exploded into her chapter, I am delighted that we're getting more of her parts after this one. Er...

Fantastic! I loved it.

Posted by: McBadgere Dec 25 2011, 07:47 PM

Athynae, Acadian, mALX, Jack and Grits...

Thank you soo much...

Acadian - Thank you so much...*Blushes and mumbles apology for anything he said way back when, and promises to listen better in future*...

Athynae and mALX - Cheers!!...I'm glad everyone seems to like Caroline and Aeira...I love writing them all, and I'm just glad I'm not letting the feminine quarter down... ...

Jack - Much thankings!!...I too think that more attention should be given to the horses...Greg Keyes had a horse called Ogre in his Kindoms of Thorn and Bone which was much like Two, and I loved him a lot...So I had to make the horses characters themselves... ...

Grits - The original scene with Two was far too complicated...Cool, but complicated...Glad it still came across as cool though... ...

*Nods*...Aeirawen's further parts...*Continues nodding*...

More?...Oh, if you insist... ...

NEW PARTS!!!...

Previously on KOTNNK...A lot of Aeirawen things...Fighting, running and horseriding...Oh-ho-ho yes...

We continue....


1.10 – Aeirawen. (pt.2)



Aeirawen raced along the Highway - or Blockway as people mostly called it, as it was built specifically for the purpose of bringing stone to Kvatch – and her pursuers did so too. She was grateful that there seemed to be so few carriages on the road. Not that there was ever any let-up on the blocks coming down the road, but the random vagaries of horses meant that Aeira was able to maintain speed and still avoid the carts. More than the width of three of them the Blockway may have been, but the pursuit had had to go from a spread out bunch to a more ordered line to cope with the narrowing. Which helped Aeira a lot. The fastest horse may not be the one in front.

She passed by several of the newer not-quite-villages that had sprang up just off the Blockway during the construction of Kvatch. As she’d always been keen to do her share of patrols along the road, she knew them all. Aeirawen counted them off as Two passed them, Northwatch, Pilgrimage End, Builderstop. She passed the newly created private road that the Guild of Prostitutes had had constructed up to their newest pleasure palace, The Halfway Inn. Then she passed the old road down to a pre-rebuild village called Oldgate, now renamed (by the villagers themselves at least) Drell’s gate, in honour of J’Drell’s single-handed closing of an Oblivion gate that had opened just outside the village.

Aeirawen risked a look backwards. Impasse. No gains, no lost ground. Dammit...

Round this corner we can see Kvatch, she thought, maybe that’ll put them off.

She rounded the corner and started. A pair of Knights of The Nine sat astride their horses in the middle of the road, obviously on patrol. Their eyes shot forward as Aeira raced towards them.

“SPLIT!!” she yelled at the horses.

The two horses bolted left and right, which probably saved the Knights’ lives. No sooner had Aeirawen passed where they had been but the hiss of crossbow bolts started. Aeira was too far in front for them to hit her, but she looked back to see one knight taking an arrow to the shoulder. He toppled off his horse, but then stood up and launched a fireball at the retreating horsemen. It exploded in the back of the pack. Horses and men flew sideways in all directions from the centre of the blast. Well, that thins the problem, Aeira thought.

Two was urged on by his own knowledge of the land and increased his pace again.

She knew she was scant miles from home when she passed the appropriately named village of Ogre-pen. So named as this was where the enchanted-bandolier-wearing docile construction ogres were kept between shifts. Their shifts lasting up to 18 hours, keeping them this far away from Kvatch itself was not as bad an idea as it might at first seem. However the village was developing into a much larger concern itself, housing several industries whose odorous side effects were less desirable in the more affluent industrial section of what was becoming a larger urbane concern, several minutes down the road.

What had started out as small camps had grown into two villages called West Wall Masons and Block. These two had quickly grown further and merged over the few years, until the whole area was effectively a town and renamed West Masons. It was here that the merchants, guilds, blacksmiths and Innkeepers had put down roots. With the town’s roots being with the masons, the houses and buildings were brilliantly constructed from the leftovers of the city’s construction stone dressing, and several of the knights had bought houses there as an escape from the quarters at Kvatch. Not that anyone had a complaint as such about the bastion at Kvatch, but many of the Knights hadn’t experienced the apparent crush of a militaric life, and therefore had found themselves needing their own space still. Not that the Commander minded, he still owned houses in Chorrol, Cheydinhal and indeed owned the village of Aleswell itself as a retreat.

It was past this sprawl that Aeira now raced. Knowing that the nearest building to the road was the Knight’s guardhouse and gaol, she wasn’t surprised when a sentry shouted and ran inside to raise the alert. A couple of minutes later she looked back. Sure enough, coming up fast behind her pursuers were a small company of Knights, Legionnaires and even a couple of City guards.

She laughed with exhaustion filled joy. Two miles. That’s all. Two miles. She could hear the whizzing of arrows and heard and felt the effects of nearing fire spells. They’re getting desperate, she thought. She was tired. She could feel that Two was tired. Presumably the dogged pursuers were tired.

Aeirawen sighed. It’s never easy.

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

Someone else...Elsewhere...

Sub-Commander Brellin enjoyed his morning walks. Before the weight of his duties properly rested on his shoulders for the day, he took a walk in the park outside New Kvatch’s north facing main gate.

He loved this city, he’d designed it with Gukimir, spent every spare waking hour watching it being constructed and even more than the home in Valenwood where he’d spent the previous 200-odd years, this was home.

And yet, these minutes stood or walking outside the city, in all weathers, simply looking out at the valley below, were bliss itself.

He felt the presence of the Orchard Keeper, Gael nearby. The silent keeper of the park usually stayed away, content to exchange nods with Brellin as he passed.

Brellin felt a grip on his arm. He turned to look up at Gael. The silent Nord gestured with his head towards the valley and then pointed at a patch of ground down to the left of them. A train of rider-less horses were heading for the end of the Gateway, the roadway ramp up to the city. Brellin frowned. Oh no. He nodded his thanks to the Nord, turned, took two steps and was about to rush off to get help when Gael suddenly gripped his other arm tightly, Brellin turned to see the Orchard Keeper frowning, and pointing to the Blockway near West Masons.

Brellin augmented his eyesight and looked closer. He swore in Elvish. And sped into the city to get help.

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

Gael felt the Wood-Elf leave. He stared at the pursuit for a while, then he made a decision. He gripped his Oaken staff tightly and started running down the road.

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

Here and Now...

Aeirawen was almost home when the crossbow bolt went into her arm. Somehow they had gotten close enough for it. She stifled a cry and blinked the tears from her eyes. Her allies had thinned the ranks further, from the rear, as the race came towards its conclusion, but not all were done. There were still enough. Whoever was in charge of this lot had obviously said at the fort, no survivors, and that was what they were going to damned well do. Whatever the cost.

She was dismayed when she saw Gael the Orchard Keeper standing in the middle of the road.

“Oh no,” she said to herself and made to slow down. Maybe to protect him.

Even at some distance, she locked her eyes with the Nord’s piercing blue eyes. In that instant, into her mind, came the command “Keep going you fool.”

Confused, she did as she’d been told. She passed him just as he raised his staff. It came down and there was what can only be described as a Whumph. Two stumbled, but recovered. She looked back and shouted in surprise. There was a wall of earthen debris swirling for some distance either side of the Nord. And then, standing either side of the road appeared two giant forms. One side of Gael stood a Rock-Form, less crude than the Atronachs, a more defined shape to its limbs and head. But on the other side...

Aeira had to stop and stare at what she was seeing. She could feel Two shaking with fatigue, but she put it all out of her mind as she tried to comprehend what was in front of her.

A giant, made entirely of wood. As defined as the Rock-Form but somehow more beautiful. The leaves on the top of its head serving to give it a definite crown. It appeared both lithe and powerful. Barely contained power emanated from it. Aeirawen felt it from where she sat. She felt a calling to it, deep within her. She felt the need to bow down to it.

“Forest Guardian...” she breathed. Then she frowned, “But that would mean...Derwydd.”

Druid.

Kynelord.

The Druids were presumed wiped out hundreds of years ago. Well, there was one at least, Aeira thought.

Then she fainted.

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

Gael grinned as the pursuing horses reared up as they reached the earth barrier. Most of the riders were unseated, and either pitched forward or were thrown off backwards. The soldiery that had followed the small force were instantly upon them.

Two of the Bandits stood and produced giant Frost Atronachs. Ahh, thought Gael with a smile, a minor challenge. One of the wizards sent his Atronach bearing down on the Nord. He despatched the Rock-Form to meet it.

The ground shook as the Rock-Form ran at the nearest Atronach and kicked it flying. The Frost Atronach dug a furrow along the ground as it landed. It made to get up but the Rock-Form landed on its chest and began to punch at the prone Atronach’s head. Eventually the icy head was smashed to nothing and the Frost-Form disappeared. As much as rock was able to, the Rock-Form seemed to be disappointed by this, and stood up. Suddenly it found itself rising into the air. It ventured no opinion on the matter. It was sure there was a good reason for it. Just as long as it got to hit something soon.

The Forest Guardian stood in front of Gael as the two wizards took turns to blast at the Nord with shocks and fire spells. Gael was pretty sure that as he was the earth and the sky, the rivers and the fires in the mountains, he was actually the magic they were shooting at him. But as it was some time since he’d needed to do this, it was probably best to have a shield of some sort. Besides, being hit by magic always made his teeth itch.

He stretched out his awareness. The girl and the fine horse had failed to make much progress, and indeed she was now on the ground. Gael shook his head. Brellin - who he liked - was racing down the Gateway...Good man that Brellin...The soldiery had most of the enemy in hand or dead, all that remained were these two irritants.

Releasing the Forest Guardian, he concentrated on the first of the two wizards. He held up his staff to catch the shock and channelled it into the ground. Then he grinned at the poor man. The wizard stopped shooting in confusion. Gael gestured up with his head. The wizard looked up and screamed, briefly. The Rock-Form dropped on him from a height, landing heavily.

The Forest Guardian crossed the space between it and the Atronach in three paces. The remaining wizard screamed and concentrated his fire on the wooden giant. The Frost Atronach tried to clap its massive hands to crate the Avalanche Blast effect, but the Guardian grabbed an arm in each hand, placed its foot in the middle of its chest, and pulled. The arms sheared off. Before the apparition could disappear, the Guardian span and hit the wizard full on with one of the icy limbs. The instantly dead wizard flew through the air for some distance and the Frost Atronach disappeared. The Guardian, satisfied, walked back to the Druid.

The Rock-Form and the Forest Guardian stood before Gael. He bowed deeply to the Rock-Form, then once more to the Guardian. Both then bowed in return. They raised their arms and described a half circle. A shimmering, eye-watering long window appeared behind each of them. The Forms stepped back into them and vanished. There was a flash and a rumble as both windows vanished. Gael turned, looked at the damage he’d done to the road, placed his staff in the wound and walked from one side of the road to the other. When he was done, there was no sign that anything had ever been amiss. He smiled briefly and walked back towards the hill that led to his home.

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

Posted by: Grits Dec 25 2011, 09:59 PM

Oh my gosh, that was tremendous! Gael, the Rock-Form, and the Forest Guardian had my jaw hanging open.

I love the settlements that have sprung up around Kvatch. Touring them at a running pace with Aeirawen and Two filled in a lot for me. Drell's Gate made me smile. Now I have a real sense of scale for New Kvatch, as well an improved sense of time.

Wow, amazing!!

Posted by: Acadian Dec 26 2011, 01:38 AM

Like Grits, I thoroughly enjoyed the high speed tour!

The pursuit of Aeirawen controlled the urgent pacing, but allowed her passing thoughts to linger at selected moments to paint beautiful snips of the area around New Kvatch. The way you used this was brilliant.

Loved the docile ogre construction workers!

Posted by: mALX Dec 26 2011, 06:26 PM

Aeirawen's extended use of command on the horses is an interesting touch, I couldn't be sure if this was how the spell works for all or was her Mer ability giving her a greater rapport with beasts. If it is the latter I'm in awe of that touch added to your story !!



I've been trying to figure out if there is a purpose in Aeirawen being referred to alternately as Aeira.

I assumed at first Aeira was an affectionate nickname that Caroline (or only those close to her would use) - that pattern would be easy for the reader to pick up on (and be a clue to the reader whom Aeirawen's closest friends were), a very nice detail in your story.

The problem (for me) is that I can see no discernable pattern being established that would explain and give purpose to the use of the alternate name, and that creates confusion (for me at least).

It is especially noticable when used in the narrative descriptions of Aeirawen's actions (which causes confusion as to whether you are describing one person or two - especially when switching between names in the same paragraph as in the example below).

(Example:

It would help a lot (at least for me it would) if you could stick to one name or the other in the narrative/descriptions of action.


The scene with the Forest Guardian, the Rock-Form and Gael was fascinating - but a cliffhanger! What happened to Aeirawen? ARGH !!!

Awesome Write !!

Posted by: McBadgere Dec 27 2011, 01:48 PM

NEW PARTS ALERT!!!!... ...

I'm putting this last part up today...Probably before many of the others have read part 2 because I want it...Out there...Then I can start on the next bit... ...Huzzah!!...Had a bit of trouble starting the next chapter due to research hold up... ...

Aaamywho...

Grits and Acadian...Thank you very much...Glad you liked this bit of the tour... ...There'll be more new places around New Kvatch cropping up, but West Masons is going to be in it quite a bit...

mALX...The Beast Command spell is on the original Bosmer build for Oblivion isn't it?...I think...Aaamywho, I've given Aeirawen more of a thing with animals than some other Bosmers...Galasafon doesn't have much of it...Maybe it's a girl-thing... ...But I think she only used it once to get the horses going away from the Bandits et-al and once on the road to split the two Knights up...Anything else is either Aeirawen's riding skills or Two's own mind... ...

Ah yes, the Aeira thing...It's meant to just be a contraction...Yes, her friends will most likely call her Aeira...But you're right, I should just stick to Aeirawen...I think I was just being lazy, trying to find another way of saying Aeirawen, other than she said, the Bosmer said, the Knight said, y'know...But yes, I should stop it...It's not like I'm going to suddenly start calling them Rob, Deakso or Caz!!... ...

Glad you all liked Gael and his buddies...I had loads of fun with that... ...

As for what happened to Aeirawen...



1.10 – Aeirawen (pt.3)




Somewhere Else...



Aeirawen woke up. She could smell grass, the forest, any flower she could think of.

Aeirawen sat, then stood up and looked about her. She was in a room whose dimensions were initially unclear. It gave the impression of being not all that big, but at the same time, she couldn’t focus on the walls and ceiling, which gave it an almost limitless feeling.

There were three figures sitting in high-backed chairs, staring at a mist-form on a table. The lady on Aeirawen’s side of the table had wavy copper-blonde hair, which cascaded down over her shoulders and down onto an exquisite dark dress. The man on the other side looked Nordish. He had fair skin but a jet-black beard. He also wore a slightly dour expression while he was concentrating.

The third figure, the silver-haired older woman looked up and started with shock. “Aeirawen?” The two others looked up from the table and turned to look at the Bosmer.

“Don’t worry my dears, you just keep working, I’ll catch up.” The woman said to them.

The man resumed his task. The copper haired lady stared at Aeirawen for what seemed like an eternity before finally turning and resuming whatever she’d been doing before.

The older lady in the flowing green and brown dress approached the Knight.

Aeirawen collapsed.

“Whoa there dearie.” The woman caught the Bosmer’s arm and helped her stand again.

Aeirawen pointed at the lady sat at the table, “Is that?...That looks like...”

The old woman turned and looked, “Ah, no. It really isn’t dearie.

“We have met a few times before, though you have no known it. Yet you have never been before me here. I wonder, why are you here now?” The old woman raised an eyebrow.

Aeirawen looked into the deep brown eyes and struggled to form an answer.

“Ah, nevermind. I think I know.” The old woman paused, looking deeply at Aeira. “Ah!” she smiled, “So Gael finally woke up again? Excellent! But oh, you poor dear. A poisoned arrow?” she tutted, “Nevermind, if Gael’s remembering himself, you’ll not be long here...Therefore we must be brief. Well, brief enough.

You have always been in service to me Aeirawen of Anvil. I have guided you for many a year, and you fight for me in the service of the Nine.”

The Knight’s eyes widened and she collapsed to her knees. “Kynareth.” She bowed her head. A hand cupped her chin, with a firm invitation to get up. So she stood up again.

Kynareth shook her head. “Not here dearie, there is no time. Gael and the two other Knights of Kynareth on Nirn are now so old you could never believe it was possible.”

“The Nord?” Aeirawen asked.

“Ha!” The old woman smiled, “Is that what he looks like now? No dearie, that’s not what he looks like. It’s just the appearance he’s chosen to be in.

They are the old world Aeirawen, and will never survive. They need help for what is coming.” She paused. “This meeting was always going to happen my dear. But obviously it has been decided...” Kynareth rolled her eyes, “that it should be brought forward, so to speak.” Kynareth sighed. “Give me your hands.”

Aeirawen lifted them and Kynareth took them in hers. “This is not to be taken lightly. But taken it must be. Do you willingly submit to being a Knight of Kynareth, Aeirawen? A Kynelord?”

The Bosmer blinked and then smiled at Kynareth, remembering Galasafon’s words from earlier, “I have a choice?”

Kynareth laughed, “Good girl. This will hurt, and you will have such a headache when you wake up...”

“Wait!”

“What is it now dearie?”

“Does that mean I’m immortal like Gael and the others?”

Kynareth looked to one side, pursed her lips and blew out her breath. “Yes, yes it does.” She shrugged. “Ready?”

“No. Wait!”

Kynareth raised an eyebrow, “Good girl.”

“No, really, wait. I’m twenty-eight years old...Immortality? I have to decide in seconds whether I want to outlive the world? All my loved ones?”

“Yes.”

Aeirawen shook her hands free of the Divine, walked away and then turned around, “So can I be killed at all?”

“Yes,” the Kynareth sighed. “you can be killed. You’re not invulnerable, Aeirawen, or invincible. Just immortal. If someone chops your head off, you’re dead. If someone stabs you in the heart, you’re dead. You can lose a limb and survive, but lose too much blood and...You’re dead. You’re a Knight aren’t you? You’re not invincible now. You have avoided being killed so far. Well, up until today anyway.” She smiled briefly, paused and then said, “After what is to come has passed, if you get bored of being alive, get someone to stab you. Pick a fight and lose. But until then...”

“But...Will I have to leave my friends? Go and live in a cave?”

Kynareth frowned, “Why on Nirn would you do that? Do you want to?”

“No.”

“Then don’t. Does Gael live in a cave?”

“I don’t know...”

“No, you don’t have to leave anywhere...Aeirawen, this isn’t a death sentence. It literally is the opposite of a death sentence.” Kynareth paused. “Think of all you can learn over time. Think of the power you will learn to use. Gael will help you. Just as you will help him.”

“What If I forget myself?..Like you say Gael did...”

“Then don’t.” Kynareth shrugged, “it’s all a choice Aeirawen. Do or do not. Your choice.

There is no more time. Now, Aeirawen. Please.”

The Bosmer lowered her head and a tear fell to the ground, then she nodded.

Kynareth took the Knight’s hands again. There was a glow like sunlight in each of Aeirawen’s arms.

Then Aeirawen screamed.

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



Interlude...



As Aeirawen disappeared, Kynareth sighed and walked back to the table where the other Divines were still working.

Putting her hand on her husband’s shoulder, she informed them “After that, I need to take some air.”

Zenithar put one of his large hands onto hers and turned his face up at her. Kynareth noted the naughty glint in his eye. She kissed his lips. “Oh hush you.” She smiled, “you know what I mean.”

“Don’t take too long Kynareth. This is hard enough as it is.” Said the third Divine.

“Mara dearie, I will be back before you know it.”

Mara rolled her eyes and went back to her task.

Kynareth walked from the room. She followed a verdant, grass carpeted corridor for some time. She no longer noted the blooms sprouting wherever her feet stepped. Or marvelled at how the cloudscapes on the walls altered to her passing.

Rising up onto a new section of corridor, this one with a marbled floor, she stepped out onto a balcony. From here she could survey all that they had created - at so much cost - many millennia ago.

Below her, a lone creature walked, his head turning one way and then the other, looking out over the plains far below. One of the oldest and fiercest creatures on Mundus looked for all the world like a lost puppy from here.

“Paarthurnax.” Kynareth said.

The beast whipped his head around and looked up to the balcony where Kynareth stood.

“My lady,” the Dragon bowed his big head down towards the ground, “you do me much...Honour.”

Kynareth smiled, “Good boy.”

The Dragon’s tail swished left and right.

“My lady, it has been much...Time...Since you came to...Visit...To what do I owe this...Joyous audience?”

“You still fly don’t you?”

“Yes, my lady. Not...Often, but yes...It gives me...Contentment, while I await my...Brother.”

“Do you remember how high you can fly?”

The Dragon smiled and his tail swished harder as he craned his long neck upwards to the sky. “Oh yes!..I can look down upon this...Splendour, from the very black itself. I cannot venture...Beyond too much, I cannot hold myself aloft. Nirn’s hold on me is...Too strong.” His head bowed down again. Paarthurnax looked at Kynareth. “But all you have wrought is...Most beautiful from up there my lady.”

“I know Paarthurnax, good boy.”

The great tail swished again.

“I need you to do something for me.”

“Anything, my lady.”

“Do you remember the Yskraich?”

The last dragon’s head and his tail dropped to the snow, and Paarthurnax crouched down as small as he could. “My lady.” The word came out as barely a whisper.

“First, I need you to find the Derwydd, then come back and tell me where they are. And then...One of the Yskraich is back. I need you to find its trail. For that I give you something new to learn.”

The great Dragon stood up again and lifted his head in joy. His tail swishing. “My lady, it has been so long since anything...New, came to me!..”

Kynareth extended her hand and passed knowledge to the Dragon. The Dragon’s eyes closed and his neck slowly passed left and right as he savoured the new thoughts.

“You can follow the Yskraich without being seen now.”

There was a thump and a rustle of pages behind Kynareth. Followed by a “Dammit! Damned books.” And a sigh. “I do wonder why you never gave them that ability in the first place? But then again, you were a lot crueller in them days weren’t you?”

Kynareth closed her eyes and sighed. “We all were Akatosh.”

Akatosh came to the edge of the balcony and leant on the marble railings. “Paarthurnax!” He smiled.

The great dragon looked up emanating joy, “Father! Could my day get any more...Amazing?”

“Good boy Paarthurnax!” Akatosh said, “Now what is it she wants you to do?”

The dragon lowered his head, “My lady has asked me to fly as high as I can, to find her...Derwydd and return, and then,” Paarthurnax lowered his head further, “to find her returned...Yskraich.”

“Good boy Paarthurnax.” Akatosh turned to Kynareth, “And then what? What if you found out there were more? Say, as if there were at least three?”

There was a noise from below. The closest thing a Dragon could get to a whimper.

Kynareth’s eyes widened. “Oh no.” She looked away.

“Don’t worry, the Knights know how to stop them now. It was messy, but they did stop one of them.”

“They killed one?”

Akatosh smiled briefly and shook his head, “I didn’t say that. Two others came through from somewhere and dragged it away before they could finish it off. But given a little more time...”

They looked out at the world, so peaceful from up here.

“Paarthurnax, be careful. Time to go.” Said Akatosh.

The Dragon bowed his head, “I have not seen you for so long father. More joy I have not had for many...Ages.”

Akatosh smiled. “Good boy.”

The Dragon bowed to Kynareth, “My lady.” And then he spread his mighty wings and took off, circling the peak twice and then shot upwards.

“My beautiful boy.” Akatosh whispered. He looked at Kynareth, “If anything happens to him...”

“What?”

“He wasn’t strong enough to take one Yskraich on his own. If they see him...”

Kynareth looked levelly at Akatosh, “What? If anything happens to Paarthurnax, you’ll remove me like you did Lorkhan?”

“I never touched Lorkhan!” Akatosh shouted, “Why does everyone think I did? They took Lorkhan, you know that.” Akatosh frowned at Kynraeth confusion. “Why do you not know that?”

“Who are They?”

Akatosh blinked and vanished.

Kynareth gripped the railing and stared up after Paarthurnax.

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

Akatosh stood on a hill above Anvil and called out “Julianos!” then looked out over the bay.

There was the sound of a creaking door and then, “What?” asked a small man wearing a slightly rumpled brown woollen suit and a straw hat. “Oooh, a new book for me?”

“What? Oh...Dammit!!” Akatosh threw the book on the ground, “Do you remember the They?”

The small man went and picked up the book, put it in a pocket and then walked up to Akatosh with his bushy eyebrows knitted together in a frown. He came right up and looked deep into the chief Divine’s eyes.

“Yeeesss...” He looked down again and turned away, he took several paces away and turned his head, “Yes, I remember They...How could I forget?”

“Kyn has.”

The small God’s eyes lit up. “So I was right!” He came back to Akatosh and gripped his arms. “Someone has changed the books! The knowledge is lying.” Julianos looked down again and turned his head, “Things are...Not What Was anymore.”

“Can you fix it?”

The small man looked up and wore a pained expression and softly said, “I don’t know...Maybe...” Julianos put his finger to his lips in thought and looked out over the bay. “Are you sure it needs to be?” He looked at Akatosh and held up the finger to stop any protest. “Wait, even you can’t get at the books if I don’t want you to. How do you know it wasn’t They that changed it.” Julianos patted his body, “I know I haven’t been changed...I’d remember something like that,” he smiled, “There should be a whisper on the books, I just need help to go through them. If we can find what, maybe we can find the why.”

“Let’s go then...”

“Ha-ha-haaa!!”

“What?”

“No, my friend.” Julianos shook his head and smiled at Akatosh, “I need help. Not you setting fire to the place out of boredom.” He looked out at the bay again. “I know just the chaps.

“Akatosh, always a pleasure.” Julianos smiled and extended a hand to the other Divine who shook it warmly. They stood looking at each other for some moments until Julianos raised his eyebrows and motioned with his head.

Akatosh smiled, shook his head and vanished.

Julianos looked at the bay again. He sighed, slumped slightly and simply said, “Damn...” He clicked his fingers and a door opened nearby. He walked through it and closed it to behind him.

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



Here and Now...



Gael walked up to the small group crowded around Two and the prone Aeirawen. He nodded at Brellin and walked up to Two. The horse lowered his head in greeting. Gael smiled and ran a glowing hand along Two’s forehead. The horse stopped shaking. Gael nodded at the horse and smiled even more.

He knelt down beside Aeirawen. Brellin and two Hospitaliers were tending to her. Brellin looked at Gael and said “She’s barely breathing,” he indicated the crossbow bolt, “I think it’s poisoned. Dammit, I can’t...I mean we can’t lose her.”

Gael put his hand to the arrow and then it was simply out of Aeirawen’s arm. The Druid sighed and incinerated the bolt. He put his hand to the wound and closed his eyes. A glowing could be seen under the skin of his hand. Aeirawen moaned, screamed and then opened her eyes.

“Oh hells that hurt...Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Aeirawen,” said Brellin, “What colour are your eyes?”

“Blue.” She said cautiously, “Why?”

Brellin looked at Gael, then down into Aeirawen’s now dark brown eyes.

Gael grinned and then winked at Aeirawen.

He stood, patted Two affectionately and then left Aeirawen to Brellin and the Hospitaliers. Finally, Gael walked up the hill, back to his home.

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

“Brellin, the fort...It was...Too much...We need to tell the Commander.”

“You can have a damned good go. We can’t find him. Gods only know where and when it was he went. I just hope he’s well enough. Let’s get you home. You look, radiant...Considering.”

“A compliment Brellin?”

“Yes. Yes it is.”

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

Posted by: mALX Dec 27 2011, 08:13 PM

First let me get this out of the way: Paarthurnax !!!!!

Whew! I thought I would burst holding that in, lol.

This interplay with the gods is fascinating !!! I can't wait to see where this will take us next !!! Awesome Write !!!

Posted by: Acadian Dec 28 2011, 01:24 AM

Yes, godly fun indeed! A blue-eyed Bosmer goes in and a brown eyed girl screams out.

Nice healing, Gael.

And a (Skyrim) dragon!

Posted by: Grits Dec 28 2011, 02:08 AM

Woo hoo, Paarthurnax!

The small God’s eyes lit up. “So I was right!” He came back to Akatosh and gripped his arms. “Someone has changed the books! The knowledge is lying.” Julianos looked down again and turned his head, “Things are...Not What Was anymore.”

I’m not sure if this is meant the way I’m thinking, but yes! Someone has changed the damned books!!!

Kynareth's stroll down the grassy corridor was just magic. Part 3 is my favorite part of Aeirawen's chapter.

Posted by: Athynae Dec 28 2011, 02:30 PM

WONDERFUL!!! Like reading your way through a dream....I really like the interaction of the gods but Aeirawins run through the villages was magical.

I must admit I don't know much about Paarthurnax, or Skyrim for that matter (sacrilege I know, but ...) anyway
how can a god ever go wrong by sending a dragon in to clean something up???? I admit to having an affinity for dragons.

I really liked these additions McB. Let's do keep going, shall we? It just keeps getting better.

Posted by: Colonel Mustard Dec 28 2011, 07:19 PM

Parthanuux!

Bwess 'im, he's doing Kyraneth's dirty work now, and nice little nod to Alduin there as well.

Also enjoyed Aierawen's flight there, and Gael's use of the elementals (sort of, I suppose) was an exctiing, enjoyable read there. Like it a lot, and it'll be interesting to see what effect Aierawen's being Kynelord will have on the story from now on.

Posted by: McBadgere Dec 29 2011, 02:58 PM

Dramatis Personae –

My Knights of The Nine story takes place over a large number of years, as you might expect with either long-lived races or immortal characters...This is leading to several extra storylines, set in different decades...

The main story is meant to be the New Kvatch story, so those characters have nothing added...I’m adding the names of the storylines in which the other characters appear in brackets, so as to say which era they belong to...

Here’s a timeline guide to the storylines...So far –

New Kvatch – 3E 439...
Empire – 3E 604...
Skyrim (Includes http://chorrol.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5024&st=0) – 3E 634...

Robert McWylde (Commander. Imperial man with Elvish blood from his Grandfather. Ex-Legio Elitarii. A favourite of Emperor Uriel Septim. Responsible for re-forming the Knights.)

Caroline McWylde (Knight-Marshal. Imperial woman with Nord blood from her Grandmother. Wife of Robert McWylde. Ex-Imperial Legion, Dragon Company.)

J’Drell (Knight-Marshal. Argonian male. Ex-Legio Investigato. Large for an Argonian. Quietly one of the strongest mages on the planet.)

James Thedret (Knight-Marshal. Redguard man. Ex-Imperial Legion. One of the “Original Nine” Knights at the re-formation.)

Aeirawen (Knight-Marshal. Wood-Elf woman. Ex-Imperial Legion. Caroline McWylde’s best friend. She was recently made a Knight of Kynareth and therefore, Immortal.)

Galasafon (Knight-Marshal. Wood-Elf male. Not much is known of his past, but his magic is off any chart.)

Mazkay Dinai (General. Nordic man. Ex-Imperial Legion. Formerly retired, General Dinai packed up and brought his wife from Morrowind to follow the call.)

Kelleryn Oreyn (Knight. Dark-Elf male. Expelled from The Mages Guild’s Arcane University due to his ever present wraith-esque “Uncles”, and his inability to focus and keep the disciplines separate. Nephew of Modryn Oreyn, who essentially raised him.)

Niil Deaconsson (Knight. Redguard Man. Has aspirations to be in the Knights Shadow.)

Darl Ordan (Captain. Imperial Man.)

Sharneena Royal (Captain. Orc. Adopted daughter of Lady Helen Royal. Shy when talking, but deadly in a fight. Half human.)


Keern Ralman (Knight. Imperial. Portly. Excellent with calming spells. Likes his food.)

Marlshan Jacks (Knight. Imperial. Ex-Legion Scout. Niil Deaconsson’s best friend.)

Tarn Holforn (Captain. Nordic male. In charge of the clean-up division. Everyone from Robert McWylde down know he’s a General, but he doesn’t want the glory.)


Carodus Oholin (General. Chief of The Knights Shadow. Imperial man. Ex-Imperial Legion. One of the “Original Nine” knights.)

Marcus Jarn (Captain, Knights Shadow. Imperial man.)


Brellin (Sub-Commander of the KOTN. Wood-Elf male. One of the “Original Nine”. )

Avita Areldur (nee Vesnia) (Knight-Marshal. Imperial woman. One of the “Original Nine”.)

Marn Areldur (Knight-Marshal. High-Elf male. One of the “Original Nine”.)

Gukimir Friedasson (Maer (Mayor) of New Kvatch. Nordic Male. Architect. Lost an arm in defence of Bruma. Ex-Legion in Skyrim. One of the “Original Nine”.)

Geimund Friedasson (Knight-Marshal. Nordic Male. Brother of Gukimir. Ex-Legion in Skyrim. One of the “Original Nine”.)


J’Zirlo (Captain. Khajiit. Ancestor of the J’Zirlo in the Skyrim storyline.)

J’Zirlo (Skyrim) (Knight-Marshal. Khajiit male. Selected by J’Drell as one of the Knights tasked with attempting to find the previous generation of Knights of Skyrim in order to conquer Skyrim and bring it – once more – into Empress McWylde’s Empire. Has the Blessing of Zenithar power.)

Caerellin (Empire/Skyrim) (General/Knight-Marshal. Bosmer. The son of Aeirawen and Brellin. Has the Blessing of Julianos power.)

Wulff Olfsson (Skyrim) (Knight-Marshal. Nordic male. Descendent of Farn Olfsson. Blessing of Akatosh power.)

Dinasafon (Empire/Skyrim) (Knight-Marshal. Bosmer male. The son of Galasafon and Celia Warlasarde. Blessing of Kynareth power.)

Shaade (Skyrim) (Knight-Marshal. Imperial woman. Blessing of Mara power.)



Other Militaric Orders -



Lady Helen Royal (Chief Knight-Hospitalier. Imperial woman. Head of the College Hospitalier. Adoptive mother of Sharneena Royal.)

Farn Olfsson (Knight-Marshal, Head of the Fighters Guild, Blade. Nordic Man. Cousin of Caroline McWylde. Married Caroline Trewan of The Blades during the Oblivion Crisis.)

Caroline Olfsson (nee Trewan) (Sub-Commander of the Blades. Imperial woman.)

Andreius Jarn (Empire) (Knights Shadow General. Imperial man. Married to Empress Mia McWylde, father to Prince Robert and Princess Eleni.)

Cairn Olfsson (Empire) (Knights’ Blades Captain. Nordic male. One of the bodyguards of the Empress. Descendent of Farn, and father of Wulff Olfsson.)

Ka’Sari (Empire) (Knights’ Blades Captain. Khajiit female. One of Mia McWylde’s protectors.

Nol Areldur (Empire) (Altmer Naval Fleet Admiral. Altmer male. 600 years old. Has sailed pretty much every sea on Nirn. Cousin to Marn Areldur of the KOTN.)

Siar Eremnor (Empire) (Altmer Naval Commodore. Altmer male.)

Jeck Harramaund (Empire) (Altmer Naval Fleet Admiral. Altmer male.)

Miitr Farrada (Empire) (Altmer Naval Oversaar (Naval chief). Altmer Male.)

Koyree Areldur (Empire) (Altmer Naval Commodore. Altmer Female. Daughter of Nol Areldur.)

Rae Treort (Empire) (Colonel. Aerldur's Altmer Fleet Security chief. Or as a wise man observed, Chief of the Fleet Marines.)

Farkas (Skyrim) (Companions leader. Nord Male.)

Aela (Skyrim) (Companion leader. Nord female.)



Royalty –



Uriel Septim (Emperor. Imperial Male.)

Mia McWylde (Empire) (Empress. Married to Andreius Jarn of the Knights Shadow. She is the granddaughter of Robert and Caroline McWylde. Her mother is Robert and Caroline’s daughter Maire, and her father is named as the Nordic Knight, Karran Shernsson. She has two children. Prince Robert and Princess Eleni with Jarn. Her Altmer heritage (via Robert McWylde) means she has an extended lifetime.)



Civilians -



Seri Ormandin (Archmage of the Mages Guild’s Arcane University. High-Elf male. Robert McWylde’s best friend. Recently elevated to Archmage after four years in High-Rock.)

Maloryn (Bodyguard to Ormandin. Dark-Elf male. Not much is known about Maloryn, except for one allusion to a mysterious past.)

Tauren (Assistant. Imperial man. Robert Mcwylde’s personal assistant. Not a servant as he gets paid. A fusspot.)

Gael (Orchard Keeper. Appears to be a Nord, but is apparently something else entirely. A Derwydd - an original Knight of Kynareth.)

Ras'sheena (Khajiit female. Had an unfortunate of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.)

Kenth Olford (Imperial Male. Caroline McWylde's father. Retired General. Sword trainer. Trained Caroline and Robert McWylde, Farn Olfsson and Uriel Septim amongst others.)

Danikka (Imperial girl. Citizen of Aldmeris. Saved by the Androform Myrrl from an attack by spiders and a dragon. Later called by Julianos into his service.)

Danica Pure-Spring (Skyrim) (High-Priestess of Kynareth in Whiterun. Redguard female.)

Trellanwr (Empire) (Bosmer male. Aide to Overlord Tcheet of the Thalmor.)

Mrs Bleddyn (Empire) (Altmer woman. The aged landlady of Trellanwr.)


Divines -



Tiber Septim (God. Formerly known as Talos. But since the lighting of the Allfire (a magical barrier to stop re-invasion from other planes of existence) the original Tiber Septim personality has re-emerged.)

Stendarr (God. God of Mercy. Responsible for the Curse that afflicts Robert McWylde.)

Akatosh (God. Chief Divine. Lord of Time and all that.)

Kynareth (God. Mother Nature. Yes, yes she is.)

Julianos (God. God of Knowledge and Logic. The mysterious Keeper of the Books.)

Mara (God. Her teachings guide Carline McWylde.)

Zenithar (God. Husband of Kynareth.)

Kyralee (Former God. Murdered by Lorkhan for reasons unknown. This event started the Dawn War between the Divines)

Lorkhan (Former God. Destroyed by the They/Them for starting the Dawn War by Murdering Kyralee.)

The They/Them (Creators and overseers of the Universe and the Divines.)



Representing Evil -



Marrick Gellert (Imperial Male. Ex-Imperial Commander. Head of the Dragon Company soldiery. Conspired with Mehrunes Dagon and the Mythic Dawn to bring down the Emperor.)

Glarthir (Bosmer male. Ex-Legio Elitarii Captain. Galasafon's former brother-in-law. Murdered Galasafon's sister in a paranoid rage and, with the aid of a rogue company, murdered the rest of the village. Presumed killed by the Elitarii, until it was discovered that he'd been murdered by Ras'sheena)

Ofwysyn Tcheet (Empire) (Overlord of the Thalmor. Altmer male. Former General. Apparently communes with the Divine Arkay. Received powers from Arkay, suggesting similar in power to the KOTN.)

Oostermann (Empire) (High Priest of the Thalmor and Arkay. Altmer male. Communes with Arkay.)

Merhal Tcheet (Empire) (Supreme Commander of the Thalmor invasion of Cyrodiil. Altmer male. Son of Ofwysyn Tcheet.)

Ondolemar (Empire) (Justicar of the Thalmor. Altmer male. Captures Areldur et al in Dusk, Summerset Isles.)

Ecclensivar (Empire) (Justicar of the Thalmor. Altmer male. Discovers Nol Areldur in the Padomaic Ocean and orders him home. Killed by Rae Treort (on orders from Areldur) and ship scuttled and sent to the bottom of the ocean)

Bethesda Softworks (Sorry, couldn't resist... )



Mythical Beings and Animals



Paarthrunax (Dragon. Last of the Dragons. Vigil keeper. Awww bless 'im. *Tickles chin*)

Two (Horse. White Anvillian destrier owned by J'Drell.)

Ewythr (Horse. Cheydinhal Black, owned by Kelleryn Oreyn.)

Yskraich (Giant, apparently un-killable multi-armed beings. Presumed extinct.)

Myrrl (Androform. First creation of Julianos. Sees Myrrl as his son. Ten foot tall, made of an invulnerable white marble-esque element. With a blue, oversized skull-like head with super-welkynds where eyes and a mouth would be. A third, smaller “Eye” in the forehead. Chest, hands and boots armoured in blue with gold trim. Completely invulnerable. God hunter.)

Arrai (Androform. Sister of Myrrl, daughter of Julianos. Tends to the Nirn-Sphere orrery, that displays the whereabouts of the peoples, creatures and divines of Nirn.)

Neerlah (Androform. Sister of Myrrl, daughter of Julianos. Currently serving as protector of Aldmeris. Prefers her own company...And long walks on Masser.)





Other terms...



Legio Elitarii - Black-Ops squad. Answerable only to The Emperor. Now disbanded.

Legio Investigato - FBI.

Knights Shadow - Replacement for the Elitarii.

Knights Hospitalier - Medical and healing arm of the KOTN.

Knight Blades (Empire) – As time went on, and the Blades had no Emperor to protect, the Blades fell under the watch of the Knights of The Nine while still retaining their own separate identity, as an order of monastic watchers.

Knight-Marshals - Before the KOTN became as large an organisation as it is during this story, there were far fewer knights about. Once the decision to go fully into the militaristic way of things, due to the influx of The Called, all the "Inner Circle" Knights were given the title Knight-Marshal...This basically means that although they are under command of the Commander and Generals, they have the right to go and do whatever they see best...Sanctioned Rogue Operatives basically...

Order of The Lamp - From a genuine Oblivion book, came the Military arm of the Mage's Guild called The Order of The Lamp...Taked with the protection of Mages on tour, they seem to have been disbanded by the Oblivion game years...Ormandin reforms the Order soon after 3E 638...

Derwydd – The original Knights of Kynareth...Mythical beings with powers over the fabric of Nirn...

Justicar - Bethesda's original word is Justiciar...However a combination of idiocy, and not hearing the word properly before, meant that when I was planning all this, it became Justicar...Which in an infinately cooler word...As the other just sounds like Justice Sissies...Yes it does...Anyways...

Justicar - The Thalmor (not-so)secret police force/security/spy network types.

Posted by: McBadgere Dec 29 2011, 03:22 PM

Answers!!...

Thank ye all on yer comments about Paarthrunax...'Tis only a cameo, I think over-use of him would be wrong...But d'you know, that bit and the following bit are the only parts th'wife has read?...She loved it too, cause she knows who I based Julianos on... ...But cheers, yes...

Cheers all...

Grits - not sure what you think it means... ...But it is a kind of nod to everyone's Lore gripe... ...And as I'm going to change some of it anyways... ...

Athynae - ...I'll keep going so long as I don't get run out of town by pitchfork wielding fellow posters... ...

Mustard - Yes, it's going to be quite an adjustment for Aeirawen...Someone has to tell Caroline yet...

Acadian and mALX - Many many thanks...Glad you're still with it... ...

Next will be Galasafon...As soon as I finish it... ...*Shivers*... ...

...

Posted by: Athynae Dec 29 2011, 03:25 PM

Merci Beaucoup for the second round of clarification, one can never be too clear on these things...lol.

Posted by: jack cloudy Dec 29 2011, 09:12 PM

Aww, who knew that dragons could be so cute? (Not that I know what little Paart looks like, but he seems so cuddly.)

I also liked the gods' interactions. They're more anthropomorfic than I imagined, but it works. Besides, its not productive to break your future knight's minds with impossible angles and stuff during the recruitmentspeech.

And finally, rocks should not fly. But I don't care, because flying rocks are more awesome than notflying rocks.

Posted by: mALX Dec 30 2011, 02:54 AM

Loved Aeirawen's immortality - she's immortal till someone kills her, ROFL !! Thanks for the update!

Posted by: McBadgere Dec 30 2011, 07:02 AM

Ahh, the flying rock thing...Thought it looked too subtle... ...

Y'all heard of Stonehenge?...Large monolithic structure, said to be anything from an ancient calendar to a sacrificial altar and an alien landing beacon...

Aaamywho, noone is entirely sure how it was built, as the type of rock used comes from hundreds of miles away...And one (I hope) joke theory is that the Druids flew them there...

So I had my Druid be able to levitate rock...

Oh, and trust me, you'd want to marry Paarthrunax...Really...He's the cutest thing on the game...By miles...I wanted to...*Sniffs...Wails*...

Cheers Jack...*Bows*... ...

mALX...Yes, a lot of immortals seem to come out as Superman, where they're also invulnerable...I think it's slightly boring and lazy, so Aeirawen - at least - will still have to rely on her wits until the end of time... ...

Posted by: Athynae Dec 30 2011, 03:15 PM

Hey I see flying rocks all the time!! Does that mean my son is a druid?? Sometimes I think his head is as hard as a rock too, is that another sign?

Posted by: McBadgere Jan 1 2012, 01:16 PM

New Parts Alert!!!!... ...

Previously on KOTNNK...Galasafon turned up inside Fort Freedom just in time to save Caroline Mcwylde from Marrick Gellert...At present, he is holding onto the unconcious body of Gellert on fellow Knight Kelleryn Oreyn's horse, headed(-ish) for New Kvatch...

As for his past...



1.11 – Galasafon. (pt.1)




Commander J’Drell, our assets on The Summerset Isle report complete and horrifying success of the operation... The Crystal Tower and the entire of Alinor, right the way down to Sunhold... Having removed fully one third of the island with the explosion, and your own success against the Navy, it would seem that the Aldmeri Dominion has collapsed entirely... It would probably be an excellent humanitarian gesture for the Empress to offer aid to the Isles, given that no-one other than the eight of us (well, seven now) know about the Island operation... The Geo-Morph suggests that keeping an eye out for dimming of the sun and any seismic activity along the Gold Coast is advisable...

I do hope the cost was worth it...

May the Nine forgive us...



- Edited sections of the report to Knight-Commander J’Drell by General Eshe Deaconsson, Knights Shadow. 3E 604.




Sun’s Dusk, 3E 432.


He opened his eyes.

He was leaning his back against the rock as he caught his breath.

Why was he running again? The Bosmer frowned.

An arrow passed mere inches from his face and he suddenly had an idea why. Feeling like up the road was really the best option, he ran.

Who the hell was he? Why did these people want to kill him? What the Hells was this red diamond in the middle of his armour? It meant something didn’t it? Damn damn damn. The Bosmer knew the answer was there, just out of reach. He blinked the tears away from his eyes.

Suddenly, the world changed. Frowning, he passed an arrow that was floating in the air. Looking up, the birds were standing still. There was a roar as the air was pushed past him. What the Hells was this?

Something hit him from behind and he pitched forward. The Bosmer managed to get his hands over his head before he hit the ground. A giant woman in gold armour – what there was of it – started pummelling him. He put his hand up, said a word he didn’t remember and the woman flew backwards.

Instantly he was on his feet and again and running. The world changed again. He looked down and cried out. He couldn’t see his legs! In his shock he stopped. The golden clad woman ran past him and didn’t slow down. He turned and looked back the way he came. There were several more of the armoured women charging up the road, as well as a few others, armoured or otherwise.

What the Hells have I done?

Shrugging, the Bosmer started running again. Suddenly he remembered why he was headed this way. Laughing, he put his head down and charged.

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

The white and grey armoured Bosmer thought he’d reached the clearing well before the crowd following him, but on turning around he discovered they were far too close for comfort.

Damn, he thought to himself. He chewed his lip and swept his shoulder length dark hair back out of his face. Then he looked into the grove at the end of the road.

He knew that through the roiling, seething, glowing orb that sat in the middle of the grove like a miniature sun, lay where he needed to be. Why, he wasn’t sure, or – indeed – where that actually was, but he was absolutely certain that was where he needed to be.

The golden armoured woman from earlier was walking around the grove, looking outwards. He watched the woman slowly turning a circle.

Hugging the wall either side of the entrance to the grove. He knew he was out of time.

“If I may suggest...Sir,” the last word was dripping with sarcasm, delivered by a seemingly bored voice beside him.

The Bosmer jumped and fire appeared around one hand, ready – it seemed – to be launched at the newcomer. “Who the kriffing Hells are you?”

“Oh dear, about to be incinerated again,” the close-crop haired man sighed, “very amusing.”

The man frowned then narrowed his eyes and looked down into the Bosmer’s. Sighing deeply, he turned away. “I fear, My Lord that the Lady Relmyna’s ministrations have left you...At a disadvantage...And if you are here alone...I fear for...” There was a pause, “I’m so sorry, sir.” The man’s eyes seemed genuinely sad when he turned back, but then hardened again. The smartly dressed man looked down the road, “It would seem we are about to be overrun...Sir. If you would permit me to offer several words?”

The Bosmer nodded.

The man said some words and told the Bosmer to repeat them.

Instantly, the air seemed to thicken and a great chill descended on the grove. A thick fog obscured everything. Light dimmed and noise was swallowed up. Although the Bosmer could still see the road in front of him, his actual destination had been hidden by the cold and clammy fog.

“Wow.” Said the Bosmer.

“Indeed,” said the slender man with his eyebrow raised, “really most impressive...Now, with your permission My Lord, if you truly intend to leave these lands to its fate and return to Mundus, would you at least transfer the Word of Rule to one who would try keep the lands in...Order?” There was the hint of an amused grin and one eyebrow twitched.

“Umm,” the little grey eyed Knight started to say, “I have no idea what you’re talking about at all. Rule?..Me?..I don’t even know where I am for the Nine’s sake.” The Bosmer frowned deeply “The Nine...” He shook his head, “Do you mean give whatever to you?”

The man nodded. “It seems these last few months with you here have left the land...Better. I find I am...” The slender, well spoken man’s face contorted somewhat into a wince, “Happy.

It seems I’m compelled to do the...Right thing.” The man’s face looked as though he’d trodden in something foul.

The Bosmer shrugged, “Okay. How do I do it then?”

“Put your hand on my arm and repeat these words, Lord, and it will be done.”

Words were spoken, there was a flash, the man winced and then there was...No change.

“Did it work?” asked the Bosmer.

“Oh yes,” said the man, his eyes flashing amusement. He turned, raised a hand and a glowing barrier appeared a little way down the road. “That should hold them for a while...

“Right, my former and future Lord, I believe you were leaving. All you need to do is get through her,” the man inclined his head towards the grove, “and I think you will need these for that.” He opened his hands and an ebony sword and shield appeared.

The Bosmer grabbed them, put the shield on his arm and swept the sword about experimentally.

“Yes, very good Sir. Time is of the essence...”

“Thank you.” The Bosmer said. “Umm...I really don’t remember your name.”

“Haskill, my great and little Lord.” Said the man with a smile and an outstretched hand.

The Bosmer smiled back, shook the offered hand and asked. “So what is my name?”

“I believe you once told me that your name out there,” Haskill gestured towards the grove again, “was Galasafon.”

The Bosmer raised an eyebrow, “Really?”

Haskill actually laughed, “Yes, Sir, really.”

“Oh.”

“One more thing, Sir. You are now vastly different to when you came here. You are now possessed of - so-called - Godly powers. They will affect you on Mundus...Profoundly...Take care, won’t you?”

Galasafon nodded just as the firebolts started exploding against Haskill’s barrier.

“Farewell for now My Lord, and good luck...and...Thank you.” Haskill winced and shuddered.

“Will you be alright?”

Haskill nodded, pointed a thumb backwards and said, “As they say elsewhere, Go?”

Galasafon smiled, ran, met the golden armoured woman head on, and in a flurry of sword against sword, then sword point through chest, the fight was done.

Galasafon looked back, but the fog was still obscuring the muffled sounds of battle. Still feeling like he’d forgotten so much, he stepped through the portal.

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

Haskill finished off the last of his attackers, and he brushed his hands together as if clearing them of crumbs.

He turned to the grove, then, dispelling the fog, he walked towards the portal.

“Well,” he said raising an eyebrow, “we can’t be having you coming back any time soon can we?”

He made a half-box shape, touching the tips of his fingers to each other. Then he crushed his hands together. The portal exploded searing everything still living within a mile of the grove.

Haskill watched the explosion from the inside, protected by the power so recently given to him.

When it was all done, Haskill looked at the place where the grove used to be and smiled. He turned to walk down the road.

Then he blanched.

“Ooooh...That was such a pretty wee burning laddie!!...I never thought you had it in you!!...” The newcomer narrowed his eyes... “Well, ya didnae did ye?..They were mine, then they were his, but now they are yours? How very peculiar...Well...I cannae stand here all day gossiping like an old woman...” The bearded man frowned and patted himself, “I’m no an old woman this time am I?...That would be odd...Even for me!...Ha-haaa!...” The man took on a murderous look. “The power’s mine Haskill...Gimmie...Now...”

Haskill screamed.

Sheagorath laughed.

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

Gaius Prentus walked out of his tent, a fur blanket covering his shoulders against the chill of the night air. It was late in the year, so the nights were longer and colder. But still, the view of the stars kind of made up for it, he thought to himself looking up into the star strewn blackness.

He looked at the remains of his fire and added some of the dried wood that had been sent with the latest supply boat. Pulling the blanket tighter around him as he waited for it to catch, he silently thanked the Nine for his sister’s twice weekly visits with fresh food and supplies.

Looking up the hill towards the bane of his life, he sighed to himself and swore. He stood, walked into his large tent, opened his food trunk, picked up a couple of apples, closed the lid again. Then he went to a second trunk and brought out another blanket. Gaius thought briefly, put his load down, picked up and fastened his sword to his hip, grabbed the blanket and apples, then walked out of the tent again. He tied it shut and walked up the slope towards the giant stone arch.

It had appeared from nowhere, and although no-one could say for sure when it had turned up exactly, it hadn’t been there twelve months ago. For nine of those Gaius had stood sole guard of it. Keeping all but the most desperate out of the damned thing, and despatching the worst of the gibbering fools that came back through from it, raving and waving swords around like they’re fighting daemons. Surely he was due a break soon, but no, the Commander of the Bravil Guard seemed content to leave him there, sole candle against the...Whatever darkness that lay through that keyhole.

As he came to the top of the hill, he turned and looked at Bravil. The torches and lamps along the walls were burning brightly and inviting. He could see an orange glow rising up from the lamps in the heart of the city. Thousands of lives still going about the business of living. Thousands of loves still burning passionately in thousands of hearts. His heart ached to be away from here and back in his home again. Aliya. He blinked the tears away and shook his head.

He turned around to the portal and called out, “S’fara...” His voice caught briefly, and he tried again stronger. “S’fara!!..”

“You cannot see me!!” Came the reply from behind the rocks to his right.

“Yes dear, that’s right. I’ve brought you up some apples and another blanket.” He placed them on top of the rock he was next to.

Gaius heard a scuffling and then the Khajiit woman appeared. She looked at him and just stood there. Sighing, he turned around and looked at the archway. Without hearing any approach, the blanket was moved and he could hear the apples being crunched. The Khajiit made an appreciative noises in her throat.

Gaius turned to look at the woman. If he could convince her to go for a swim to clean herself up, he thought she’d be pretty - as much as he was able to say with the cat people. But sadly, all attempts usually resulted in a hissing “You cannot see me!!” It’s not like I was going to stand there gawping, he thought to himself.

S’fara finished the apples. She looked at him, then down, and then back at the Imperial. “S’fara.” She said and touched her chest. Gaius was pretty sure this was her way of saying thank you. Despite his initial misgivings, he’d been sharing some of his supplies with her for a good while now, and his sister had joked that she should bring the priest from the Chapel of Mara to make the marriage official. He’d laughed lightly with her, but really. No.

“Come down to the fire S’fara, it’ll be warmer.” He offered again, like he had each day since the season had turned colder.

The Khajiit just tilted her head, like she had each day. He was about to sigh and walk back down when S’fara said her name and looked down. She walked up to him and linked her arm with his. A lump stuck in his throat. He cleared it and turned to walk down when S’fara sniffed. Her head turned towards the portal and she sniffed harder. Knowing what this usually meant, Gaius sighed and drew his sword.

S’fara walked towards the portal sniffing and growling quietly.

The portal was flickering. Which was unusual in itself. Gaius snorted and smiled grimly, he was stood next to something he’d gleaned down the months as being a portal going to somewhere called The Shivering Isles, and now, this was unusual.

A shape fell out of the light. The khajiit started towards it, but Gaius grabbed S’fara’s arm. She hissed at him, but stopped. “Please stay here.” He said to her. The Khajiit tilted her head, looked towards the shape and back to the Imperial. Finally she looked down. Gaius nodded, said thank you, and walked slowly forward towards the shape. When he was close enough to, Gaius recognized the armour and ran to the man. “You! I thought you’d died months ago.”

The Bosmer opened his eyes.

“Ouch.” The Knight of The Nine said. He looked up at Gaius and frowned, seemingly with effort of concentration. “Umm...Prentus...Yes, Prentus...” The Bosmer sat up. “Months? And you’re still here?” The Bosmer blinked and shook his head. “No, I’m not dead... Not quite...Well...I think we’re talking point of view here.”

Gaius looked to the portal’s still flickering and gestured with his sword. “Will anyone else be joining us?”

“I do hope not, but looking at that, I’d say it would be a good idea to get away from it, yes?”

Gaius sheathed his sword and slipped an arm under Galasafon’s shoulders and helped him stand. Gaius could tell the man was weak, so continued to help the Bosmer away from the portal. “S’fara!” the Imperial called, “Come down to the camp. You’ll be safer there until I can come back up...Come on!!”

The Khajiit had walked up towards the portal, sniffing and growling. Suddenly S’fara had flattened her ears and bared her fangs. The hissing started and Gaius realised that something was really wrong.

The portal was pulsing, then disappearing, then flashing back on, then it was pulsing a deep, vivid and livid bruise coloured purple.

He and the Bosmer were - by now - at the top of the ramp up from the shore-side camp. Gaius turned them around and saw how close S’fara was to the portal. He let go of Galasafon, who promptly dropped to his knees.

Gaius heard the Bosmer cry “Prentus!! No!!” But all he could think of was S’fara. Even Gaius could feel that something was coming now.

Then, the portal exploded.



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

Posted by: Athynae Jan 1 2012, 03:50 PM

A nice cup of cider with a few nuts....wonderful way to start the New Year!!!!

Great write, and now we know Galasafon a bit better, wonderful.

Now what? What's next? Waiting impatiently.....

Posted by: mALX Jan 1 2012, 04:46 PM

The scene with Haskill and Galasafon was great! You really encompassed the confusion of the Isles in this update. There was a great feeling of familiarity with this update, I could imagine the Saints as I read - and Gaius Prentus, Haskill, etc. Loved it !!

Posted by: Grits Jan 1 2012, 10:49 PM

What Athynae and mALX said! It was great to learn about Galasafon by witnessing his exit from the Isles. The sense of confusion at the beginning was fun, and very suited to the scene.

I also enjoyed the bit with Gaius looking wistfully across at the lights of Bravil.

Yikes, what's next?!

Posted by: Acadian Jan 2 2012, 02:00 AM

’It seems I’m compelled to do the...Right thing.” The man’s face looked as though he’d trodden in something foul.’

I quite enjoyed the relative calm of the scene with Gaius Prentus. His reflections of Bravil, getting a glimpse into his long vigil and his kindness toward S’fara were a pleasure to read.

Posted by: Colonel Mustard Jan 2 2012, 06:05 PM

Not really much else to say that hasn't been covered, but all in all I like it, especially Haskill's characterisation; that was spot on.

Keep up the good work!

Posted by: McBadgere Jan 7 2012, 06:09 AM

New Parts alert!!... ...

Thank you all so much for your kind words about Haskill and Gaius Prentus, I really enjoyed writing those bits...

In my game, it was Galasafon who did all the Shivering Isles stuff, so it's him that's done it in the story...And it's going to affect him as stuff goes along...

And the question is, of course - Why and how is Sheagorath back?...Yes, you hadn't thought of that had you?...No... ...Well, I'll let you know as soon as I figure it out...Eventually... ...

I have to admit, this Galasafon section is turning into a Grateful Dead self-indulgent guitar-solo kind of thing...And while I'm concious of focus losing, apparently it all needs to come out...It means something... ...Just so you know...

Aaamywho...

Ooooh, just a note about voices...The following exchange was written with the game voices in mind...Just so you know...Imp and Bosmer if you need a reminder... ...

What's next you ask?...

Previously on KOTNNK...Galasafon's past...Which continues here...





1.11 – Galasafon (Pt.2)




3E 434




He opened his eyes.

Galasafon could feel the effects of the paralysis spell on him. Oddly, it felt as though the spell had failed to reach his mouth and vocal chords. Galasafon frowned. Or - indeed - his eyebrows. Galasafon realised someone was speaking.

"You sleep rather soundly for a murderer. That's good. You'll need a clear conscience for what I'm about to propose...Odd, though, that so vaunted a Knight should take this path...But that matters not to the Night Mother.

“I am Lucien Lachance, a Speaker for the Dark Brotherhood. And you, you are a killer. A taker of life. A harvester of souls. Your work, your deathcraft, pleases the Night Mother. And so, I come to you with an offering. An opportunity...to join our rather unique family."

“Lachance?..As in, son of Mariel Lachance?” Asked Galasafon.

“Umm...I have no family other than the rather unique one I previously alluded to...and my voice is the will of the Night Mother. She's been watching you. Observing as you kill, admiring as you end life without pity or remorse. The Night Mother is most pleased...That is why I stand here before you. I bear an offering. An opportunity...to join our rather unique family..."

“Yes, you said. So that wasn’t actually a no then was it?”

“What wasn’t?” Lachance said with a hint of confusion and loss of momentum.

“Whether you’re the son of Mariel Lachance or not? Or Mariel LeShaft as she was known back in the day.”

There were some moments of silence.

“Oh, so you prefer silence then?” said Galasafon, “I’ll take that as a definite yes then.”

“I do not spread rumours, I create them. My only mother is the Night Mother.”

Galasafon laughed. “Bet she squeals just as much when I have her too.”

Thinking his victim powerless, Lucien took too long in drawing his dagger with theatrics. Reveling in the view of his ebony dagger clearing the scabbard.

Sadly for him Galasafon had never been held in the first place, and he punched Lachance square in the nose, which flattened instantly. Staggering backwards, Lucien’s hands came up to his nose and he blinked his watering eyes.

“How?! You caddot...Caddot...Damn...Can...nnn...Cannot have!”

“Probably not.” Replied Galasafon, then he kicked Lachance between the legs.

The would-be assassin dropped into a groaning, vomiting mess on the floor.


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



A short time later Lachance was tied to a high backed chair. Naked.

“I like this hood,” said Galasafon, “I think I’ll keep it. You don’t mind do you Lucien? You can keep the robe. It’ll need a good scrubbing mind.”

The Imperial looked up, his face a bloodied mess. “You will not get away with this. My brothers and sisters will-”

“Oh, I had her too.”

“WHAT?!!”

“Your sister. Oh yes, lovely girl. You’d be really surprised what she likes...Although, maybe not. Shall I tell you anyway Lucien?”

The Bosmer’s grey eyes glittered beneath the Black Hand hood, and he stroked his dark goatee beard.

“Okay. Enough reminiscences, although I could tell you so much.” Galasafon lifted the ebony dagger and examined it. Holding it each end and turning it over. “Such a nice weapon Lucien, you must be very proud. Well, you’ll be getting to know it very well...Unless you tell me where your friends are. I need to stop them.”

Lucien laughed, which rose in pitch until it sounded truly hysterical and pathetic.

Galasafon grinned. Then laughed. Then stabbed Lechance in the shoulder.

The assassin screamed.

“You cannot kill us all, you stupid little crap pile!!” The assassin shouted. All veneer of menace lost. “We’re a kriffing religion, not just some rabble.

"We are the Dark Brotherhood!! The remorseless guild of paid assassins and homicidal cutthroats! We are a union of like-minded individuals. We kill for profit, for enjoyment, and for the glory of the Dread Father, Sithis. We are family, with bonds forged in blood and death."

“Stop eulogizing Lucien, I don’t care. I want your friends. The Nine know I know all about religion. I’m not crossing the Empire in search of every last one of you, but we will stop you in Cyrodiil at least.

Now...Where. Are. They.”

“I have tortured so many, how can you think that one such as you can break me?” said Lachance.

“What has that got to do with anything? I’ve eaten feasts like you wouldn’t believe. Doesn’t mean I can cook one. Oh, and trust me,” a sad, faraway look came into Galasafon’s eyes, “I’ve seen a master torturer at work,” He swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat, “I will find out.”

“I am trained against this sort of thing, Bosmer. I’ll die first.”

“No, no you won’t.”

Galasafon twisted the knife.


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



He had to admit, this was not what he was expecting from the sanctuary.

Bright, oil filled lamps banished any darkness from the corridor in which Galasafon now stood. He could hear someone playing a lute. From the noises in another section, Galasafon could tell there was sword training taking place.

He breathed deeply, taking in the smell of burning pine, lavender, tea-tree...Antiseptic.

Some sort of air circulation system was built into the corridor. He could see the grills spaced out along the top of the walls. This was dragging the smells towards him, but taking the smoke from the lamps up. Ingenious! Shame they had to die really. I’ll have to bring Brellin here to show him this. Maybe use it in his designs for Kvatch.

Hidden deep within the Shroud spell, Galasafon had no fear of discovery and allowed himself time to marvel, It’s not like anyone here will be leaving in a hurry, he thought to himself.

The Shroud. A spell he’d brought back with him from the Isles. Much more than the Invisibility spell. The basic Invisible spell was easily countered by Detect Life. Shroud had no weakness. You simply did not exist as far as life detection was concerned.

Absentmindedly, he twirled the rings he was wearing – one Life Detect and one Invisibility (just in case) – and then sighed.

Drawing his sword and dagger, he walked forward, towards the first of the glowing figures. The first died with an “Urk!” as the sword went through his heart, the next jerked as the dagger went up through the base of her skull. Galasafon paused at this one as he let her gently fall forward.

He read the documents on the desk. Noting all the names and places on the contracts, he realised that they were assignments. Frowning, he counted the glows he could still see. Five. There were fourteen different names. Looking back down, he saw a document that made him pause.


“Kenth Olford, Retired General. Applewatch, Bruma.

I want him dead. Obviously.

He is too good for just one, you will fail. Send five. I will
pay for them all, you know I can.

No rush, but soon.

L.”


Olford? Wasn’t that McWylde’s new wife’s maiden name? Galasafon folded the note and tucked it into one of the pouches around his belt.

Choosing his targets, he walked to the two furthest away and removed them from concern. That left the lute player and the sword players. Galasafon chuckled to himself at his joke. He’d have to be careful here.

Walking back to the doorway to what appeared to be a common-room of some sort. The Bosmer realised he was in danger of getting complacent.

Casting the Focus spell had the usual effect of removing the Shroud, but as he was wearing the Invisibility ring Galasafon wasn’t overly concerned. That was until the lute player stopped and inhaled sharply and the swords stopped their chiming song.

Uh-oh, thought Galasafon and tried to quickly slip back into the Shroud spell. Sadly, using Shroud in the first place took a lot out of the caster, and Galasafon realised just as the lute crossed the space between the player and himself that he was tired and in trouble.

Dodging the lute, he upped his speed and ran at the Imperial. The assassin had fire in his hands as Galasafon reached him. He caught the Bosmer on the arm and Galasafon was blown sideways by the spell. The diminutive Knight rolled with the force of it and jumped out of the fall into a fighting stance with sword and dagger in front of him. By now the assassin had rendered himself invisible and was rushing at Galasafon. Like they were jousting, Galasafon ran straight at the Imperial. The Bosmer easily avoided the outstretched short-sword and raked his dagger across the assassin’s robed front. The man screamed and doubled up, trying to hold his insides in. Galasafon simply walked up to him and stabbed the man through the heart from behind.

As the Imperial fell, the hairs on the back of Galasafon’s neck stood on end and he upped his speed as far as possible to get him out of one of the common-room’s doors just as the fireball spell exploded in the middle of it. All the contents of the room flew in all directions, sending burning debris flying everywhere. Galasafon ran down one corridor straight into the path of the second assassin. The new threat raised his hand and shot lightning from it, and Galasafon was stunned as the shock ran through him. Thanking Kynareth for Brellin’s acquisition of some Legion tags, Galasafon dispelled some of the shock’s effect and Focussed again as he raised himself up. The assassin was on him instantly and Galasafon was forced into constant defence as the Breton’s sword flashed at him. It said something for the man’s skill that he was able to fight an invisible foe and actually be winning.

Realising he would lose soon if he didn’t do something, Galasafon tried to move to one side only to realise that the second assassin was behind him and also invisible. Risking all, he closed his eyes and raised his awareness.

Suddenly, time had slowed and he was in the corridor looking down on himself. One assassin in front and one behind. He watched his body move back, out of the way of the sword stroke, raise his hands in perfect aim and say a word. The Breton flew backwards into the wall, and the second assassin skidded along the corridor on his back.

Collapsing onto his knees, Galasafon breathed heavily. The sound of blood dripping made him look around and he suddenly realised it was his, from his nose. He sniffed and put his wrist to the bleeding nose. Then he blinked away the daze to see the Breton getting up onto his knees. Realising that the second assassin would likely be coming to himself, Galasafon pushed up to standing, walked over to the Breton, and shoved his dagger through the assassin’s eye.

Galasafon tried to put some distance between himself and the last of the assassins. Try and get some respite. Casting the spell of the same name, he felt his energy levels rise again, and the nose stop it’s throbbing. Rounding a corner he stopped, put his back to the wall and then bent over, put the heels of his hands on his knees and breathed heavily.

One more.

He turned his head as he felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise again.

He was running before the fireball reached the corner and exploded. He was still thrown forwards by the explosion and rolled over and over with the momentum. Pushing himself to his knees, he watched as the invisible assassin rushed at him with supernatural speed. A sword cut at him and his opponent’s Invisibility fell away. Galasafon realised he was in trouble.

Vampire.


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

Posted by: mALX Jan 7 2012, 06:28 AM

SPEW !!! Another Tellie in our midst, with ways to irk Lucien Lachance from his mission and then leaving him with his jewels ruptured, ROFL !!!

The whole first half of this episode had me in stitches, the second half had me holding my breath!! Your Galasafon ROCKS !! Awesome Write !!!

Posted by: Colonel Mustard Jan 7 2012, 12:09 PM

You just ruined my favourite NPC...

Posted by: Grits Jan 8 2012, 12:39 AM

Oh my gosh, how hilarious and exciting!!

Now I love Galasafon forever.

But yikes, the vampire...

Posted by: Acadian Jan 8 2012, 01:50 AM

What a fun and delightful read! I love the humorous slant you give the dark business that Galasafon is about here.

’I’ve eaten feasts like you wouldn’t believe. Doesn’t mean I can cook one. ‘

Shroud – I know another Bosmer who NEEEDS that spell!

’just as the fireball spell exploded in the middle of it. All the contents of the room flew in all directions, ‘
How very TES. Yup, that’s exactly how they work.

And. . . Uh oh. Vampire!

I really did thoroughly enjoy this. Well done!

Posted by: McBadgere Jan 14 2012, 07:20 AM

mALX, Grits and Acadian...Thank you so much...Much appreciated...

Mustard...Awww, thanks... ...

NEW PARTS!!!... ...

Previously on KOTNNK...The Bosmer Knight Galasafon had captured and tortured the assassin Lucien Lechance until he'd given up the location of the Cyrodiilian Assassins Guild sanctuary...Which he then infiltrated and began his cleansing...Then it got a bit...Toothy...




1.11 – Galasafon. (pt.3)





While the Breton had almost finished Galasafon with finesse, the Vampire was simply using speed and brute force. There was no need for rest, no pause for breath, just a constant, never ending slamming down of several feet of Dwarven metal.

Galasafon was sweating. His arms jelly. Only by application of sheer will and magic was he still holding the sword in some sort of defence.

He envied Brellin and McWylde. They may have seen some weakness that could have been exploited. Brellin may have trained Galasafon in swordplay many years ago during their time in the Elitarii, and there was little doubt the dark Bosmer was skilled, more so than most common enemies, but Galasafon was a sneak, an assassin, not a swordsman.

This was too much.

Abruptly, the barrage ceased. The silence was deafening. But Galasafon didn’t stop. He ran towards the portal out.

A shape rushed from a side passage and knocked the Knight flying into the wall. Breath left Galasafon and he felt something break in his side. His sword slid further down the corridor.

Instantly twisting onto his back, the Bosmer brought both hands up and practically screamed the telekinesis spell.

The Vampire flew up into the ceiling and crashed down to the floor, stunned.

Galasafon stood as quickly as he could, retrieved his sword and made back towards the prone figure. But seemingly without any intervening state between being on the floor and full attack, the Vampire renewed his battle.

A fine mist seemed to be coming from the Vampire’s skin, and Galasafon tasted metal in his mouth. Oh no, thought the Bosmer. Porphyric Haemophilia. He’d caught it once before, but had managed to get to a cureall before it took hold. He envied those who were able to cure themselves of everything. Galasafon had not been able to do that since his return from the Shivering Isles. Seemingly, the words burned from his mind.

As if realising the battering wouldn’t work, the Vampire changed tactics.

The sword attacks came slower, but still constant and inescapable. It was only dimly that Galasafon’s brain registered that the chiming was singing a marching rhythm into his head. The Vampire began a monotone.

“Give Up Little Bosmer. You Cannot Win. Give YourSelf To the Vamp. Sleep Wake Feed Joy.” The Vampire intoned.

Galasafon’s thoughts were starting to fuzz, he desperately pushed the Focus into his head and shook it in an effort to clear. What the Bosmer started to hear meant nothing, just words.

“Rain. Tree. Crow. Sky. Thrice aRound the Well will Make the Fleeing Fly.”

Galasafon’s eyes began to close but still the chiming and the monotone continued.

“Sleep Now Go Now How Now Brown Cow Die NOW.”

Galasafon’s eyes snapped open just as the Dwarven sword doubled its rate and strength. Realising his ploy hadn’t worked, the Vampire snarled and resumed his first plan of beating the Bosmer into submission and slammed the sword down, down, down, down, swipe. Glasafon’s sword flew down the corridor and he was defenceless. The Vampire’s sword came down.

“-lo?”

He was in a corridor. That much was certain.

“Hello?”

He was in a corridor...He...What was his name again?...

“Hel-lo?!”

A voice, someone was calling. The man looked at his hands. He could see his hands. Why was that a surprise?

Blood dripped onto his hands and he put one of them to his nose. What the?

He looked about himself. There was a pile of clothes on the floor and a large sword. Familiarity teased at his brain. Something...

He shouted in pain as his memory returned. He crashed to his knees and vomited. Trying desperately to keep his face off the floor with his achingly tired arms, he tried to piece together what had happened.

The sword fell and...The sword fell...And...

Wincing with effort he stood up. Whatever he’d done, he...Galasafon...Yes, Galasafon, Bosmer Knight of The Nine...Was still here, so for that, he was thankful. He stumbled over the clothes. Frowning at them, still trying to piece it together somehow. He retrieved his sword and sheathed it.

“HELLOOO!!! Assassin in waiting here!!”

Assassin? Another one? Sighing, Galasafon walked down the corridor towards the calling. He saw a shape walk past the end of the corridor, then heard a gasp and watched it run back, just as he was a few paces away.

The Bosmer shouted in a voice he didn’t recognise as his own “STOP!” The fleeing shape did as commanded. Voice of Command thought Galasafon. A spell, yes. Why did he have that again?

He reached the shape and looked at what it was. A Khajiit lady stood there shaking. Galasafon raised an eyebrow.

“Hello,” he said “I’m afraid they’re closed for business.” Galasafon looked the Khajiit up and down. He found himself doing it again. Shaking his head clear, he then noted the assassin dagger.

“So, you’re an assassin?”

The Khajiit shook her head frantically.

“And yet you are here?”

The Khajiit looked about herself as if trying to think of something, then she finally nodded, shrugged, smiled her widest smile and fluttered her eyelashes.

Oh, thought Galasafon, you’re very good.

He felt his legs were about to give way so he picked up an upset chair and sat on it, in front of her. “What are you doing here?” The Bosmer asked.

“Well...Y’see a man called Lucien said to come here when I talked to him a few days ago. I was just...Y’know...Delayed. Well, a girl has got to eat hasn’t she?”

Galasafon agreed with a nod. “So, presumably you used that on someone then?” The Bosmer pointed to the dagger.

The Khajiit looked sad and nodded.

“Tell me.”

So she related the tale of meeting Lucien and The Inn of Ill Omen.

“Well, good news for you is that Rufio was already dead. I did it. So you took your time getting here.”

“I really am very good at my job you know? He was breathing when I killed him, I’m sure of it.”

Galasafon shrugged and waved it away. “As you wish.” He paused. “So how was it that you came to meet the oh-so-great Lucien Lachance in the first place?”

“Well, there was an incident at my...Work, in Skingrad. A hideous little man wouldn’t pay what was...Owed.”

Galasafon feigned sympathy as he realised what she was saying.

“Glarthir his name was.”

Galasafon froze.

“Y’alright mister? You look...Pale.”

“Glarthir?”

The Khajiit frowned in confusion.

“You’re sure his name was Glarthir?”

“Yesss...He is...Was...Known to many of us in Skingrad...Hideous man.”

“And you killed him?”

The Khajiit nodded.

Galasafon sat, staring into nothing. Without moving his head he dispelled his hold on the Khajiit. “Best run along,” he narrowed his eyes, “Now...”

Galasafon sat...Staring into nothing.



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

Posted by: Colonel Mustard Jan 14 2012, 10:54 AM

Hmm, I wonder what Glathir and Galasafon have to do with each other, then?

Also, a very enjoyable part, but I'm somewhat confused as to what happened with the vampire; no offence, but he just seemed to disappear rather randomly, as far as I could tell.

Posted by: Athynae Jan 14 2012, 12:46 PM

Well that'll tweak the senses early in the morning now won't it?

Yea, what the Colonel said, what happened to the blood sucker? I don't doubt Galasfon's ability I just want to know what he did, I might need to use it later when I face the Werebeasts...

Like it, love it, want some more....sorry, skipped into the cheerleader mode, not that I ever was one mind, GROSS, but you daughters and all....

Posted by: Acadian Jan 15 2012, 01:15 AM

That was an exciting fight under retreat from the vampire! Looking forward to finding out more about the Khajiit and how Glarthir fits in.

And Rufio. . . well, he probably deserved to die twice.

Posted by: mALX Jan 15 2012, 02:15 AM

*

What a great battle with the vampire! As you described it I could visualize it happening, Awesome fight!

LOVE the description of how the disease is spread - Great world building!

Ooh, creepy! That gave me chills!





Wonderfully HUGE writing here to show Galasafon's disorientation - Awesome Write !!


GAAAAAAH !!! It's Ras’sheena !!! Does that mean she is alive or does it mean Galasafon is dead? URK !!! Sounds like it means Ras’sheena is alive !!! WOO HOO !!!

I can't wait to find out how Galasafon and Glathir are connected/related !!!

Awesome Write !!!

*

Posted by: McBadgere Jan 15 2012, 08:39 AM

Cheers all very much... ...No, not new parts, just a reply... ...

Yes, it's Ras'sheena...And yes she is dead...

Just a note on timeline...

Present day in KOTNNK is 3E 438...It's bigger so I don't get confused...

Oblivion and the Emperor's death is a fixed point in time and therefore always happened in 3E 433... ...

As these events happen in Galasafon's past I did put the years at the start of them, but I appreciate that this is this story we're talking about, and I do wander around the years somewhat... ...

The events in the Shivering Isles and with Gaius Prentus was winter-ish 432 (so before Oblivion), this part with the sanctuary is 434 so it's the year after...

If y'think I need to put some sort of timeline in with the Kon-tikipedia then I shall endeavour to do so... ...

But yes, Ras'sheena got killed in 438 and this is 434 and it does appear in her chapter right at the start of all this... ...

The Glarthir thing will be explained next time and length of chapter depending so will the disappearing vampire... ...Because, as ever...There's a few more things to cover...And then...We jump 150 years to the future... ...*Applauds himself heartily*...

Yes, madness...

Many many thanks to you all for sticking with it... ...*Hugs all 'round*...

Posted by: mALX Jan 15 2012, 08:50 AM

WTH? ROFL !! I think I'd need a schematic to follow all that. But I think I'll go back and read Ras'sheena's chapter just in case it will clue me to something I may have forgotten (been a while since I read it, my mind is like a sieve, lol).

Posted by: McBadgere Jan 15 2012, 11:28 AM

Lol...Very lol indeed... ...

Right, I thought I'd got it straight in me own head, and I'd been following a brief list I'd written down in me notebook, but obviously, this is getting away from even me being able to follow it...So I'm dooing a timeline post...'Cause it's fun, I'm enjoying doing it and I love all that detail stuff that Tolkien went into with his dates...Not that I'm comparing myself to Tolkien, just doing the same thing...

I apologise for being confusing, but there you go... ...

It'll be up as soon as I've gone through everything pulling all the dates and writing it up...Cheers...

I'm not losing focus...No I'm not...

Posted by: McBadgere Jan 15 2012, 01:47 PM

Timeline



Dawn Era - The Universe, Nirn and the Divines created by The They/Them. The Divines create abundantly but then ultimately War between themselves. Akatosh, Julianos and a third Divine battle the remaining seven with the help of the Androforms. The They/Them remove Lorkhan from the universe. The fate of the others is unresolved as yet.




3E 401 – Uriel Septim forms the Legio Elitarii.


3E 423 – Uriel Septim rewards Marrick Gellert with the Imperial Dragon Warhammer and the title of Imperial Commander. With Septim’s blessing Gellert forms the Legion’s “Dragon Company”.


3E 429 – Kelleryn Oreyn expelled from the Arcane University for causing too much disruption with his “Uncles”.


3E 430 – Aeirawen meets Caroline Olford in Bruma.

Galasafon traps Glarthir at Broken Promise Cave only to lose him over a waterfall. Glarthir not found, presumed dead.


3E 432 – The Emperor sends Robert McWylde to Anvil to investigate the slaughter at the Chapel of Dibella. Reformation of The Knights of The Nine.

Shortly after the defeat of Umaril, Galasafon is called by Kynareth to the Priory of The Nine. Soon after he is sent by McWylde to Bravil in order to investigate the portal that had appeared on an island nearby. He is not seen for six months before reappearing shortly before the portal explodes in late 432.

J’Drell, while still Legio Investigato tries to arrest Ras’sheena in Imperial City.


3E 433 – Ras’sheena in Skingrad. Marries the Bosmer Maglir and moves to Bravil. Several months pass and Maglir is sent to Leyawiin. Ras’sheena travels to Leyawiin in time to see him killed by Farn Olfsson.

Farn Olfsson named Guild-Master of The Fighters Guild.

Emperor Uriel Septim betrayed by Marrick Gellert’s Dragon Company and murdered by The Mythic Dawn. Caroline Olford is by the Emperor’s side when he dies.

The Oblivion Crisis. Attempted daedric invasion by Mehrunes Dagon, thwarted by Uriel Septim’s illegitimate son Martin, the Knights of The Nine, The Blades and The Imperial Legion.

Farn Olfsson meets and marries Caroline Trewan of the Blades in Bruma.

Robert McWylde named Champion of Cyrodiil.


Late 433 – The ruin of Kvatch is ceded to the KOTN. Clearing and rebuilding starts.


3E 434 – Fadrin Madigan marries Robert McWylde and Caroline Olford in Chorrol.

Ras’sheena kills Glarthir in Skingrad.

Galasafon captures Lucien Lachance and discovers the location of the Dark Brotherhood’s sanctuary in Cheydinhal. He kills all the assassins therein. Ras’sheena appears at the sanctuary and meets Galasafon.

Aeirawen kills Lucien Lachance in Skingrad.


3E 436 – Ras’sheena in Anvil. Meets Jayred Grice. Joins Grice’s Fighters Guild-esque mercenary band “The Dragon Company”


3E 437 – The Dragon Company moves to Elseweyr.


Early 438 – Ras’sheena and the Dragon Company discover three presumed extinct creatures called Yskraich. Jayred Grice has one of them sent to a mysterious silent partner in the business.


3E 438 – Present day. The Allfire barrier lit.

Ras’sheena killed by Kelleryn Oreyn outside Fort Freedom.

Marrick Gellert is captured at Fort Freedom.

Robert McWylde has the Curse of Stendarr removed.

The Gods suddenly take an interest in the affairs of the Knight of The Nine.

Aeirawen is made Immortal by Kynareth.


3E 440 – Tar-meena translates an Ayelid nursery rhyme to do with the Yskraich.


3E 483 – Liiaric Jend discovers the existence of a Doomsday spell called “I Explode” in the remains of an explosion at Michel Jend’s house at Bravil, and sends it to Archmage of the Arcane University Seri Ormandin.


3E 486 – Caroline McWylde writes the first volume of her memoirs “Wylde Girl”.


3E 540 - Caroine McWylde dies.


3E 550 - Robert McWylde finally bows to pressure and becomes Emperor of Cyrodiil and it's Empire.


*circa 3E 574 - An Altmer High-Priest of Arkay, called Oostermann and one General Ofwysyn Tcheet bring the Thalmor to power in the Summerset Isles. Tcheet declares himself Overlord of the Thalmor and the Isles. Miitr Farrada sends Nol Areldur, Siar Eremnor and Jeck Harramaund to faraway places away from the Thalmor Ruination, sorry, I mean Thalmor Dominion.


3E 584 - Final battle against the False Pretender family. Due to the abandonment by several of the Legions (hence their branding "Traitor" Legions) many Knights of The Nine, loyal Imperial Legion and other allies lose their lives. Imperial City explodes, killing the all that remained of the False Pretenders, ending that threat to Cyrodiil forever, but also killing Emperor Robert McWylde at the same time.


*circa 3E 584 - By now, the Thalmor are becoming a totalitarian empire, with their own police force and banning worship of the Divine Talos. An obvioulsy ill Farrada sends Areldur et al away on long duration missions again.


*circa 3E 588 - Miitr Farrada dies by "Drowning himself in the ornamental pond outside The Crystal Tower" in Alinor.


*circa 3E 589 - Areldur discovered on Batracci Island in the Padomaic Ocean by the Thalmor agent, Justicar Ecclensivar, apparently by direction given by the Divine Arkay. Areldur ordered home, the Fleet Admiral chooses to not go and destroys the Thalmor ships.


*circa 3E 594 - Areldur, Eremnor, Harramaund and Areldur's daughter decide to try one last time to do something about the Thalmor. Then the three older men are caught by Justicar Ondolemar.


3E 602 – Francois Jend of Bravil Mages Guild writes the book “Notes on Magic Usage”.


3E 604 –Knight-Commander J’Drell and the Knights of The Nine, along with the Imperial Navy, destroy the invading Second Aldmeri Dominion (The ruling Altmer (Thalmor) of the Summerset Isle who invaded and conquered much of Valenwood before trying it with Cyrodiil) as they were trying to land on Cyrodiil's Gold Coast at Anvil. Further threat of invasion is removed by the destruction of one third of the main Summerset Isle, centred on the Crystal Tower and the capitol. The explosion destroyed Alinor and the lower third of the island.

At this time, what remains of the Empire is ruled by one Empress Mia McWylde.

Any remaining Thalmor not caught, escape to Skyrim and impose their will on the "True" Empire there.


3E 634 - Knight Commander J'Drell takes five Knights to Skyrim to attempt to find any former Knights of The Nine left in Skyrim after their Purge in (*circa) 3E 584 by the Traitor Legions and the ressurrected False Pretender's "True" Empire, who invaded and took over Skyrim after their attempt on Cyrodiil was ruined. Bwahahaa!!...

Sir J'Zirlo of New Kvatch and Wulff Olfsson attempt to infiltrate the group known as The Companions in Whiterun, Skyrim.


3E 637 – Wulff Olfsson finds Uriel Septim’s diaries in the remains of Cloud Ruler Temple.


4E 01 – The first book of The God War is discovered in the Great Chapel of Alfarn in Bravil.


Unknown era – The world ends with the last woman and the last man removing themselves from it through a portal.

Posted by: McBadgere Jan 15 2012, 01:49 PM

There you go...How it is for now...

As soon as I learn how (or indeed, if I can) I shall put a link to the specific posts for the Timeline and Konnitkipedia in me sig...

I shall go lie down now... ...

Posted by: Grits Jan 15 2012, 06:14 PM

Bless you for the Timeline!!! Whew. I think that keeping the Third Era going past Martin’s death is a nice way to completely sidestep the Skyrim timeline and events. I love and admire the scope of your story!!

I’m puzzled and intrigued by the vampire’s death and the link to Glarthir, but I know the answers will come. There’s only so much that can fit into one post!

Like mALX said, that Sleep Wake Feed Joy was quite chilling.

Oh dear, Ras'sheena getting in trouble again. At least she didn’t show up during the fight. And we know there’s far worse in store for her.

I went back and read all of Galasafon’s parts together, and I’ll do it again with the next one. That’s how much I love this story.

Posted by: mALX Jan 15 2012, 08:24 PM

ROFL !! I'm shipping you some RITLIN !!!! I def appreciate the timeline, can you post that on page #1 with the Character list? Aren't your fans awfully demanding ??? ROFL !!! Thank you !!

Posted by: McBadgere Jan 15 2012, 09:17 PM

...Oh, I love it really... ...

Reet, look at my signiature...Under the McBadgere bit are links to the timeline and konnitkipedia...Thanks wholly to an exceptionally brilliant woman... ...

The 1st post will get too unwieldly to edit if I put it there...It may freak many things (and any new readers...Pfffft...I'm hoping... ...) out...So using the signiature links will be easier...

Posted by: mALX Jan 15 2012, 09:53 PM

WOO HOO !! Great idea !!

Posted by: Acadian Jan 16 2012, 01:04 AM

The timeline is quite helpful. Thank you!

Posted by: McBadgere Jan 16 2012, 03:24 PM

Cheers... ...'Twas fun...Hope it helps us all keep track... ...

NEW PARTS ALERT!!!... ...

Previously on KOTNNK...Galasafon was shocked to discover that Glarthir had actually been alive until recently...This is why...




1.11 – Galasafon (pt.4)




3E 430




Galasafon watched as Farn Olfsson backhanded a bandit straight across the corridor and into the opposite wall, then - almost casually - run the man through with his sword.

“Is he here?” the Nord turned his head and shouted up the corridor.

Galasafon bit his lip and frowned. The trail led here. The crazed bandit they’d run into had talked about torture, horrors and death. And that was within the gang.

The ironically named Broken Promises Cave was sat in the side of a mountain, with picturesque views over Skingrad in the distance, much of Chorrol somewhat closer and on a good day, you could see the White Tower in Imperial City. Outside its entrance was a lake that fed a waterfall, over which the water fell to jagged rocks and rapids until the river opened out and made its lazy way towards Skingrad and then Anvil.

“Farn!” Brellin shouted from a side corridor.

The Nord rushed towards the sound of clashing metal. Galasafon a few paces behind. He watched Olfsson go from fast to practically unseeable as he ran into the giant, hammer wielding bandit.

Using two stubby handled hammers with large heads of dwarven metal, the Nord bandit had been pummelling Brellin’s shield, while the Bosmer hadn’t been able to reply.

The bandit, to give him some due, had managed, from lying on his back, to throw Olfsson off. The hammers were back, one in each hand. The bandit had them spinning, windmill fashion, walking towards the Nord Knight with a murderous look on his tattooed face. Farn had his helmeted head tilted in what Galasafon imagined was probably amusement. Olfsson raised his hand and shot a large fireball into the bandit’s exposed chest. The bandit skidded down the corridor on his back and stayed there.

Turning around, Farn asked again. “Is he here?”

Galasafon looked at Brellin who was nursing his shield arm with a wince. Brellin looked pained and said “Unless McWylde and Foss have found some other entrance - which wouldn’t surprise me, given Glarthir’s penchant for hiding - he’s not anywhere in here.” Shrugging and looking up at Farn, Brellin continued, “This is the end of the system. These are the living quarters. I’m pretty sure between the three of us, we had this whole cave system covered for life detect.”

The Nord had nodded agreement, sighed, then turned his head to Galasafon. “What now?”

Galasafon didn’t know was the answer, but he couldn’t say that. He’d brought them all here on the strength of their trust in him. All of them risking the wrath of the Emperor on what was at best, capturing a wanted deserter and murderer turned bandit without direct orders, and at worse a personal vendetta against his brother-in-law...Former brother-in-law.

“Let’s get back to the centre of the system, I’m going to try that thing Celia taught me.” Galasafon said.

Brellin widened his eyes and then frowned. “You’re not strong enough for that.”

“Have you got a better idea?”

The two Bosmer stood staring at each other.

“Hurry the hells up will you? Wherever he is, we’re losing him.” said the Nord.

Galasafon led them back past the bodies of fallen bandits to a junction and stopped. “Here.” He said and knelt down. The Bosmer breathed deeply and quietened his mind. Then he was above himself he could see Brellin and Olfsson, then he pushed outwards. All at once he could sense all directions. Down the explored cave tunnels, the inaccessible level above, the hole in the wall out the side and up. Outside...Oh hells...

All at once Galasafon’s self rushed back into his head and he tried to stand up. Falling against the wall, he tried to run and fell forward. Brellin grabbed under his shoulder and helped him stand. All he could say was “Out!” and pointed. The Nord was gone down the corridor instantly and Galasafon waved Brellin away.

He bounced off several walls as he made his way towards the entrance, trying to stem the bleeding from his nose.

When he finally reached the outside, the glare from the sun was blinding. Blinking his way out, he could see Robert McWylde and Olfsson had Glarthir cornered towards the end of the stone near the waterfall’s edge, and Galasafon knew instantly how this would end. Shedding a tear, he apologised to his sister’s memory and walked towards the trio. He passed Brellin, sword still drawn, trying to staunch the blood flowing from the chest of the Dunmer, Mral Foss. He looked down at Brellin and their eyes met. Brellin shook his head the tiniest amount. So, another death Glarthir. This one will cost us all.

He walked up to and between the Imperial and Nord. “Foss?” asked McWylde, breathing heavily.

“Brellin’s with him.”

“No I’m not,” said a voice behind them. Which then quietly added, “There’s no need anymore.”

Galasafon shook his head and laughed at Glarthir.

“What?” asked the cornered Bosmer with some venom.

Galasafon laughed some more.

“What are you laughing at?!..Are you laughing at me?! ME?!!”

“Yes you little $hit, of course I am. You ignored your orders, you took your squad and murdered a village. Then you murdered your squad and went on the run. Now...Now you’ve nowhere left to run. I think you should give up, don’t you Glarthir?”

“Never.” The Bosmer spat. “You all are here to kill me, just like those damnable Blades want me dead. The Emperor...He wants me dead...He knows nothing...All of them...Everyone...Wants me, him...Us...Dead!!!...Just like she tried to kill me...Poisoned me, she did...Always poisoning me...And they, they were the worst!!...”

Galasafon was breathing hard, trying desperately to hold his anger. “You killed our whole village Glarthir...Your family...My family...” He heard McWylde inhale sharply.

“We did all this for revenge Galas?”

“Ooooh!! See, he tricked you too!!...” Shouted Glarthir. “He lies to everyone...Everyone...And he calls me mad?..”

Galasafon turned his head. “No Robert, we did this to bring him to justice. That is what my sister...and the...the others... would have wanted.”

“JUSTICE?!!” Glarthir descended into hysterical laughter “I’ll be dead before the next morning if you take me back to the Emperor.”

Galasafon narrowed his eyes at Glarthir, “I fail to see the downside.”

Glarthir snarled and came at Galasafon with his sword. Galasafon stepped to the side as Glarthir lunged, and stabbed the dagger he was holding deep into the other Bosmer’s abdomen.

As the former Elitarii Captain dropped his sword and held onto Galasafon’s arm, the current Elitarii knight whispered in Glarthir’s ear, “You are a blight on this world, you are a fool and a murderer. I pray that Kynareth sends a spirit of Vengeance to chase you through Oblivion forever. Now get out of my kriffing sight.”

With that, Galasafon pushed Glarthir backwards. The bleeding Bosmer stumbled to a stop. “Help me?” he asked of McWylde.

Olfsson answered him with a Nordic Thu’um, and the Bosmer flew backwards over the waterfall.

The four Elitarii walked to the edge and looked down.

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

Four days later the Knights stood before Emperor Uriel Septim, their eyes forward as they took the scolding.

When he was finished, The Emperor stopped before Galasafon and simply asked,

“Is it done?”

Galasafon had nodded and said, “Aye Sire, it is done.”

At which point, Uriel Septim had put his hand on Galasafon’s shoulder, looked with more than a trace of sympathy into the Bosmer’s eyes and said, “I’m so sorry.”

Then he turned on his heel and stalked out.



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

Posted by: Athynae Jan 16 2012, 11:21 PM

Ok, pardon me, little slow today, read it, went and read time line, reread it, now it makes sense.

It was a bit of a ride, intense. Always good stuff, always.

Little off my mark today, but I did enjoy it, really.

More please.

Posted by: Acadian Jan 17 2012, 01:22 AM

Bandits with windmilling hammers!

So now we know what happened to Glarthir.

“JUSTICE?!!” Glarthir descended into hysterical laughter “I’ll be dead before the next morning if you take me back to the Emperor.”
Galasafon narrowed his eyes at Glarthir, “I fail to see the downside.”
I love the dry humor here!

Posted by: Grits Jan 17 2012, 01:59 AM

Wow. Nordy-Boy Farn really is a badass!

Stabbed in the gut and Thu’umed off a waterfall, I can see why they thought Glarthir was dead. And why Galasafon was upset.

I love that after all of the action and crazy talk from Glarthir it ended on a quiet note with the Emperor.

Like Athynae said, this whole chapter was quite a ride! I have enjoyed reading all of the parts together.

Posted by: mALX Jan 17 2012, 04:02 AM

Well that answered a lot of questions, but also raised some. Uriel gave condolences to Galasafon like Glathir was a family member. Great Chapter !!

Posted by: treydog Jan 17 2012, 01:53 PM

Reading- standing slack-jawed in amazement- or perhaps that is my normal state... No matter, comments are not simply "owed" but DESERVED. Beginning with 1.7-

Eeep! And also- hooray for Tar-Meena!



Funny how the people down at the bottom of the pyramid seem a lot less "spiritual" than those at the top...



And to follow that moment of gallows humor with-



More to follow- MUCH more.

Posted by: McBadgere Jan 20 2012, 05:33 AM

NEW PARTS ALERT!!!... ...

Cheers Athynae...Glad you liked it in the end, and I apologise for running around the years with it all... ...

Many thanks Acadian and mALX...Yes mALXie, he was comiserating Galasafon on the whole thing...His sister as well as his Brother-in-law...Plus, his Brother in arms too remember...We know a song about that... ...

Aaamywho...

Grits...Farn is way more of a badass than he's appearing in that other thread...I'm not sure that I'm not demeaning him somehow, but hey...He's my character and I'll take the piss if I want... ...

And thank you for thinking it worth re-reading...I'm so...Grateful?...Not sure that's entirely the word I'm looking for, but Thank You So Much... ...

Treydog...WOW...Right back atcha... ...Thank you so much for that...And there's much more coming?...Thank you matey...

Reet...

Previously on KOTNNK...Galasafon had been cleansing the Dark Brotherhood sanctuary at Cheydinhal...During which he'd found a note requesting the killing of Caroline McWylde's father, and fought a Vampire, contracting Porphyric Haemophilia...Galasafon had lost a period of time during which the Vampire had been killed...The Bosmer had then run into Ras'sheena who'd related the tale of Glarthr's demise...

We continue...





1.11 – Galasafon (pt5)






3E 434 – Cheydinhal Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary.





Galasafon woke with a start. The weariness of last night’s work having exacted it cost soon after his reverie began.

A moment’s terror passed as he remembered about the Vampirism, but unless his information was wrong about the way that it worked, the pounding of his heart made it clear that he should be more concerned with a different problem.

When was he cured?..

More importantly, How was he cured?

The sword fell and...The sword fell...

Galasafon frowned, stared at the floor, stood up, screamed, grabbed the chair and threw it against the wall, shattering it into pieces.

The Bosmer walked down to where the pile of clothes marked the remains of the Vampire he’d been fighting. An outline of dust, all that was left of the man.

What the hells did I do?

The sword fell...



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


Galasafon stood outside the door of the Dark Brotherhood’s sanctuary-disguising house. Concealed once more within the Shroud, he watched the morning pedestrians ambling about. Some City-Watchmen, some people talking in pairs, others walking with purpose, several simply enjoying the morning air.

He shook his head. You have no idea what happens below this house, Galasafon thought, the terror you would feel if you did.

Still feeling sick from the revelation of Glarthir’s more recent demise and more, the Bosmer started walking generally southeast, towards the bridge that spanned the river that ran through the centre of Cheydinhal. He’d always liked the city, and standing on the Lass Bridge - as it was called - watching the water always seemed to be calming.

Keeping his head down, he walked past the half-timbered houses of the residential area. Despite neatly avoiding several collisions at the very last moment, he nevertheless wasn’t prepared for a hand on his shoulder. He started, but then span away from the hand.

“I did try to get your attention a couple of times, but I’m trying not to look insane calling to an empty space.” Said Robert McWylde. “Now, drop the Shroud and I can talk at a slightly better volume.” Robert smiled and waved at a passer-by, then looked down again. “Galas?”

Galasafon sighed and dropped the Shroud spell prompting a squeal from a passing lady. “One of these days you’ll tell me how you can see into that. You’re the only one that can.”

“Well, there is another, but that’s beside the point. Anyway, why should I give up my advantage?” Robert smiled.

Galasafon chuckled once and shrugged. “Can we walk to the bridge? I want to stand for a while”

“Of course.”

The two friends walked in silence for a while. Robert admiring the houses and waving occasionally to acquaintances and neighbours from his time living in the city.

They reached the bridge and simply stood admiring the blue of the water. The flowers on the banks giving an eye watering array of colours to focus on.

After a short while Robert said, “It’s not you I can see. It’s the...” He paused seemingly searching for the word. “Imprint maybe? Kynareth’s touch on you.” He shrugged. “It’s part of the Talos gift. It’s how I can see when someone’s genuinely been...Called.”

“How did you know I was here?”

“I didn’t,” Robert said with genuine surprise, “I was here for a meeting with the Count. He’s giving us some land, over near the castle to build a new Chapter-house for the Knights. Large though the one we have now is, we need something purpose-built.”

“I bet Brellin’s in his element.”

Robert nodded and looked away. “And Gukimir.” There was a pause, a sigh, and then, “Anyway, I was here for that with Farn, who’s got some Fighters Guild business of some sort as well. He went to that and I was just coming from the Chapel so everything’s all...” he waved his hand, “On...And I saw you. I was as surprised to see you as you were about me.”

There was further silence for a minute and Robert winced and looked down at the Bosmer.

“Are you going to tell me what you’re doing here? There’s obviously something bothering you.”

Galasafon sighed and related the past couple of weeks to Robert, culminating in the news of Glarthir.

The Knight-Commander shook his head. “But how? We never found a damned thing along the river save fish and mudcrabs. And we’ve all been in Skingrad hundreds of times since then.”

“I just think the Universe likes to take the piss out of us sometimes.”

Robert inhaled sharply.

“Oh, don’t start on me again Commander.” Galasafon spat. “You know out of all of us, even Farn, I’m the least comfortable with all this Nine business. Denying them now would be like denying that the sun rises and sets. But worship? Why? What have they done for me to worship them? Glarthir died because he attacked a prostitute when she insisted on payment not for what he did to my sister...His wife?..His kriffing kids for...” Galasafon started breathing heavily. “I have too much hate Robert. For everyone and everything. I am not worthy of being a Knight. This with my sister broke me somehow. The betrayal, the loss, all of it. And then...Then, to top it all. The Emperor.”

Robert put a hand on Galasafon’s shoulder, but the Bosmer shrugged it off. “Don’t patronise me.”

McWylde turned around, put his back to the rail and looked the opposite way to the Bosmer.

“Why did he send us all away Robert? Did he feel like we’d all betrayed him because you’d followed me? Foss died because of me.”

“No Galas. You’re carrying way too much guilt over that.” Robert said, but Galasafon continued as if he hadn’t heard.

“He sent me and Brellin to Valenwood. You were sent to Anvil, Farn was already gone.”

“Yes, but he sent the others away too Galas. There was none of us left to defend him. Gods know how it would have turned out otherwise. It was as if he knew what was coming and put us all out of harm’s way so we could stop what happened next.”

“And yet the others haven’t come back.” Galasafon looked up at McWylde

Robert made a humourless smirk with one side of his mouth. “Yeah, I know. There’s still time.”

Galasafon shook his head.

“Look, Galasafon. Take some time to rest. You’ve been non-stop since you came back from The Shivering Isles. This year’s been hard on us all...Oh, that reminds me, your old friend Gaius Prentus has transferred here.”

“Oh.” Galasafon had his eyebrows up.

“Yes, it seemed he had some issues with being able to do it until I asked Farn to go and have a word with the Commander of the Watch in Bravil.”

“Hah!” Galasafon actually smiled, “Which word was that?”

“I think it was “Sit” First at least.” Robert smiled, turned to the Bosmer and then looked down. “In the end Prentus is here as second to that new Captain.”

McWylde sighed “Galas, I want you to stay here for a while. You love this place...This place.” He said, patting the rail of the bridge. “Help in the current chapter-house for a while. It’s not permanent.” Robert said quickly, seeing Galasafon’s face. “I’ll be about often enough, and everyone’s about at somepoint.”

They continued to watch the water. “I think we could all do with a rest,” said Galasafon, “especially you. After all that with your new wife...” The Bosmer’s hand shot to his belt-pouch, “Oh Gods, I forgot about this.” He passed the note he’d found in the sanctuary to Robert.

His Commander read it and vanished. Galasafon knew that the draught of wind meant that Robert McWylde had given himself to the speed-fortify.

He watched as the note drifted down to the river and vanished into the currents.

Galasafon disappeared into the Shroud.


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

Posted by: jack cloudy Jan 20 2012, 01:59 PM

Finally all caught up. First off, all the timeswitching confuses me, even with the dates in bold black letters. I'm stupid like that. So I just go with two periods. Present (yskraich trouble and all that) and past (pretty much all of our little Bosmer's deeds)

Speaking of which, I had a good laugh out of the way you put down Lucien. You used his original 'look at me, I'm so hard and tough' lines and turned them into a complete joke. I also like the flashback to Glarthir. I guess the paranoid loonie must have been sane at some point or he'd never made it into the knightly orders.

Posted by: Athynae Jan 20 2012, 02:14 PM

The interaction between Robert and Galasfon was very realistic, and very touching. I got the feeling there is far more between them than just being knights of the order.

This line made me shiver:

YA THINK:


This entire part was a look into Galas that was quite profound to me:


Awesome write, one of my faves from this story thus far, but I am sure there will be more. I look forward to them all. Keep it up.

Impatiently waiting....

Posted by: mALX Jan 20 2012, 05:03 PM

*

I don't know why I assumed everyone in Cheydinhal knew what they had in their midst, but this sentence really hit me as the truth - what a great detail to not have bypassed that aspect of it !!!




Absolutely loved this whole interchange!

The comfortableness between McWilde and Galasafon was really well done. Great Write !!

*

Posted by: Grits Jan 20 2012, 10:46 PM

How funny that Glarthir was able to hide in Skingrad, given how much running away from Glarthir goes on in the game.

I love this surprise meeting in Cheydinhal with the quiet talk on the bridge. You gave a real feeling of the setting, it was just like being there. Their friendship and emotions felt very real to me, just wonderful the whole way through. I think this may be my favorite scene so far!

And of course there’s still the mystery, what the hells did he do? (Unless I’ve missed a clue! )

Posted by: Acadian Jan 21 2012, 02:11 AM

I like how Robert could locate Galasafon through the shroud. Others are correct – you did a wonderful job with their conversation. And Gaius Prentis is now in Cheydinhal; I’ll bet he’s happy about that! So it looks like Galasafon may stay there awhile while the new facility is being built. And Robert has ‘family’ business to attend. Nice job!

Posted by: Colonel Mustard Jan 21 2012, 11:25 AM

Galasfon's musings were enjoyable to read, and the point he made about the Dark Brotherhood hiding underneath Cheyindal was, like for Malx, a new and interesting one for me. In fact, I'm not sure why I didn't think of it before.

In any case, loved it, and looking forwards to more.

Posted by: McBadgere Jan 22 2012, 10:03 AM

New Parts Alert!!...

Many thank yous...

Jack...Sorry about confusing you... ...Multilinear storytelling...Oh yeah!!...Cheers for the thumbsup about Lucien...Silly man that he is... ...Cheers muchly...

Athynae...Cheers so much...Galas and Robert are close friends...And have been for years by this point in their story...Glad you liked Galas' world weariness...I like him a lot... ...Thank you...

mALX and Mustard...That surprises me about the Sanctuary...I never thought Cheydinhal was that laid back... ...Cheers for reading...Thanks a lot...

Grits...Thank you so much...I'm glad everyone felt the bond between the two...That's just ace right there, that is..

As for the mystery about what happened...And whether you missed a clue...No...And yet...Yes, maybe...But no...The answer is coming...Promise...Just...Not yet... ...But it's all been there from the start of his chapters...

Acadian...Thank you thank you thank you...I appreciate the compliments so much... ...This next chapter is to do with the familial business in question...

Thank you all sooo much, I appreciate it...


Reeet...


Ooooh...AUTHOR'S NOTE™...Prescience...It's a spell much like the shield one that I gave Marcus Jarn a few chapters ago...I couldn't work its description into the story without it being clumsy, but it's basically, life detect and fortifyers of speed, strength, fatigue, magika, awareness, all that stuff...As one of Caroline's tutors will explain in a few chapters time...It ramps everything up so it seems like you can predict the future...Hence the name...Y'know...One of my mad unbeatable spells... ...



Previously in KOTNNK...

In the depths of the Dark Brotherhood's Cheydinhal sanctuary, The Bosmer Knight Galasafon found a letter, employing the Dark Brotherhood to assassinate Caroline's father, Kenth Olford. Having shown his friend Robert McWylde said note, the Commander is en-route to try to warn him...





1.11 – Galasafon (Interlude)






3E 434 – Outside Bruma.




The morning was beautiful, and retired General Kenth Olford was a content man. He still had his health - the farm kept him active enough. He still had his skills, the daily solo exercise regimen and the twice a week sword technique training sessions at the Bruma Legion barracks saw to that. And, of course, he still had his family...Well, most of it.

As he walked beneath the glorious blue of a Jerall Mountain summer’s day, a smile played on his lips. On one side was his horse, the Anvillian destrier, Chain, as joyful and happy in his retirement as was the man, and on the other his beautiful and brilliant daughter, fairly recently joined to the Knights of The Nine and even more recently married to its Commander.

They had made a supply run into Bruma, and were making their way home to Olford’s farm, Applewatch.

Kenth pulled Caroline close in shoulder hug and kissed the top of her head. She laughed and smiled, seemingly as happy and content as he. He turned his head to look at Chain. The horse eyed Kenth warily then lifted his head up and shook it with a snort.

Kenth laughed.

His daughter was staying with him for a while to get over the traumas of her experience in the Imperial City’s depths, the invasion by Dagon and then the trials of those individuals caught and deemed responsible for the plot to murder The Emperor, the Dragon Company.

A high cloud took the perfect opportunity to pass briefly over the sun, dimming it. Kenth nodded a salute to the memory of his Master, Pupil and friend Uriel Septim.

Olford had always been against Caroline’s joining the Dragon Company. He’d never actually said so. Caroline being the type to notice things though, initially took it as a slight against her and for a time there was tension between the two.

That despite all Caroline’s efforts to save the Emperor, she’d been branded traitor along with the remaining Dragon Company still made the retired General angry. Run around like headless chickens, desperate to make scapegoats.

It was the testimonies of himself and several other notables that had saved Jayred Grice, Alix Lencolia and a couple more. Many others - lesser notable soldiers - had been executed as traitors. Kenth was well aware that had it not been for Robert McWylde and the ex-Investigato J’Drell, his daughter may have been included in the deaths.

All these dark thoughts threatened to taint his morning, so he shook them off and breathed deeply.

Caroline turned, looked up at Olford and tilted her head, frowning. Kenth’s heart melted. Gods, she looked like her mother.

A lump threatened his speech but he forced out, “It’s nothing Cally, just thinking, your mother loved days like these.” He waved his hand to indicate the sky.

They walked without further talk towards the farm. Insects, birdsong and the occasional chink as their scabbards banged a leg, accompanied their stroll along the road. Supply run or not, the Jerall roads were not to be taken without any precautions. Both wore their swords and toughened leather waistcoats, which, though they wouldn’t stop a sword, were better than nothing.

They entered Applewatch’s lands and made their way towards the house.

Chain slowed to a halt. Kenth looked at him questioningly. The horse had his head down, ears turning this way and that.

Kenth looked to his house, then down at Caroline. He frowned.

“Caroline,” he said with exaggeration, “It would seem that your Grandma’s here to visit.”

The Knight looked up with a frown at her father and Olford raised his eyebrows. Caroline nodded almost imperceptively.

The Imperial patted his horse, drew his sword and walked towards the house, a multicoloured aurora shining in his eyes as he gave himself to the Prescience.

Olford briefly looked left and saw that Caroline also had her sword out and was walking around the other way to the back of the house. They locked gazes for the briefest time, and he smiled as Caroline winked one shining eye at him.

Olford stood still and let his awareness enfold his property. Five? Olford thought, I am honoured.

Well...Here goes nothing.

Olford reached the door and gripped the handle. In an instant he was several feet back, just as the dagger that would have pierced his head stood on end in the boards where he was. The masked assassin dropped out of the eaves and swords began ringing. Smirking at the amateurish technique being displayed and the resulting shifting of confidence in the eyes of what was obviously a young assassin, Kenth raised an eyebrow and said “Who sent you?” Sneering arrogance once more entered the assassin’s eyes and Olford sighed. In two strokes he disarmed then decapitated the man.

“Well, it was worth a try.”

Kenth frowned and focussed. “Good girl. Three.”

The door of the house burst outwards and another assassin lay on the floor with a dagger through his heart.

“Two.”

Caroline walked out of the farmhouse with blood down her arm, retrieved her dagger and looked toward the sheds behind.

“Cally!” Olford called and walked towards his daughter. “Chain, come.” He shouted to the horse, which obediently followed.

“Well, someone needs to help me fix that,” Kenth pointed at the broken door, “you’re not getting out of it because you’ve had a scratch.” he said with an eyebrow raised.

“Sorry Daddy.” Caroline mock pouted.

Kenth looked at the wound, winced then gripped Caroline’s arm and healed it.

“Just like old times.” Caroline said with a weak smile.

Kenth swallowed, coughed and then nodded.

He gestured with his head towards the barn and outhouses.

The two walked with an unconscious symmetry towards the remaining danger. The careful gait, the stance and sword grip an almost exact copy.

Kenth turned his shining eyes towards Caroline and asked quietly, “Still with it?”

“Always.”

“Good girl.”

Turning towards the buildings and resting the tip of his ebony sword on the ground, the graying Imperial shouted. “We know you’re there. This isn’t going to end well for you either way. Either we kill you...Or your masters do.” A dark look crossed the retired General face. “You tried to hurt my daughter, so I have to ask - Which do you fear the most?”

The hyper-awareness of the Prescience warned the knightly pair an instant before the flechettes were launched, and so they passed harmlessly. The two black-clad shapes burst from their hiding places, looking anything but harmless and furious battle was joined.

The assassin that came at Kenth had a dagger in each hand and was intent on making it a close-quarters fight. Somehow the shadow-warrior managed to get inside Kenth’s guard and the Imperial was forced to drop his sword and defend, hand to hand.

The Prescience spell was the only thing that was keeping Kenth alive, putting him where the daggers were not, and it was through this that he found himself behind the assassin, his forearm gripping the man around the neck.

A warning screamed into Olford’s mind and he spun around, assassin in tow, to see Caroline on her behind and the assassin’s rapier starting its downward swing.

Seemingly quicker than thought, Kenth had gripped his would-be assassins arm, aimed it and loosed a shock spell into the man. The wrist launcher activated and a flechette buried itself deep in the second assassin’s skull and he fell lifelessly forward.

“Piss!” exclaimed Olford as the shock also blew himself and the shadow-warrior backwards onto the ground. The assassin was instantly on his feet and running for the hills, but Caroline’s thrown dagger found its mark and the death-dealer pitched forward onto the ground.

“Nice throw.” Kenth said as he took Caroline’s outstretched hand lifting him up.

Caroline gripped her father in a furious hug. She looked up at him from his chest and said, “Nice catch.”

Olford gripped his daughter’s head, tilted it down and kissed the top of it. “Anytime.” He said.

Separating, they walked to one of the assassins.

“We need to go get Burd.” Kenth said to Caroline, “he’s got to see this.”

“I think I need to dress a little...better first.”

Kenth nodded, said “Take Chain.” and Caroline went to change into her Knights armour.

Olford looked down at the assassin and shook his head. “You could have avoided breaking the window at least.” He sighed.




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




The late evening sun was dipping onto the horizon. Kenth and Caroline were sitting on kitchen chairs on the farmhouse’s porch, drinking mead from stoneware cups, the pitcher on the small table between them.

Kenth’s unfocussed eyes failing to take in the beautiful view that his head was pointed towards.

Olford – nevertheless – snapped back to attention when an approaching dust cloud resolved itself into Robert McWylde.

Caroline was on her feet. Her hands clasping and unclasping.

Robert started to say “You’re in da-“

“We know.” Said Caroline.

“The Dark-“

“We know. It’s done.”

“Oh.” Relief passed over the Commander’s face, then he raised an amused eyebrow and said, “I just rode all the way from Cheydinhal to tell you this you know?”

“So where’s your horse?” asked Olford, frowning.

“Stables.” McWylde pointed his thumb back the way he came.

Caroline walked in a controlled manor - Kenth could tell she was desperate to run – to the Commander and hugged him. Then she turned her head up and said “I love you.” and then gripped the back of Robert’s neck, pulling his head down and kissing him deeply. Kenth turned away, finally looked at the view and took another drink out of his cup.

He heard Caroline say “I guess you’ll need a long bath after all that hard riding.” And Olford almost choked into his drink.

He turned and watched Caroline and Robert walk towards the repaired farm door, arm around each other’s waist. Caroline looked towards him and smiled. Kenth raised an eyebrow, shook his head in amusement and raised his cup. McWylde turned his head Kenth’s way and nodded his thanks.

“This farmhouse isn’t as big as it used to be.” He said quietly out-loud.

Standing up, he picked up one of the chairs by hooking his arm through the open back, then collected the cup and pitcher and made for Chain’s pen.

Reaching it, he set the chair and drink down outside the gate, went into the stable and gave the horse more hay. He then collected the chair and put it down to one side of the stable door and started to drink from the cup. A nose nudged his shoulder and he looked up and back.

“No,” he said to the horse, “You can’t have some. You were ill for days the last time.”

The horse snorted and Kenth had to wipe his ear. Sighing, he got up and slowly tipped the jug up, letting the mead flow slowly out. The horse’s tongue darted repeatedly into the stream and back out.

“There...Happy now?” Kenth’s eyebrows arched questioningly.

The horse shook his tail happily.

“Can I sit down now?..Good.”

Kenth did so.

The two old friends sat - or stood - and watched the stars come out.



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

Posted by: Athynae Jan 22 2012, 02:52 PM

I LOVED this piece!!! Yes, there was a fight sequence but it was a touching scene between father and daughter.

This line in particular sounded more like my Dad and I than I could even begin to explain. We never fought with swords but small injuries were no excuse to not fix something....

But this line sealed the deal (I'm such a sap)


His interaction with Chain was lovely, and comforting, a good friend to have for both of them.

I think I favor this piece. It is simply beautiful....

Looking forward to more my friend. Impatiently waiting...

Posted by: Grits Jan 22 2012, 03:24 PM

I love this Cally and Daddy piece! As Athynae already pointed out, this line was my favorite:

The two walked with an unconscious symmetry towards the remaining danger. The careful gait, the stance and sword grip an almost exact copy.

Then Robert charges to the rescue, just in time to… get a bath from his wife. Kenth’s strategic withdrawal to Chain’s company made me smile. Newlyweds!!

I enjoyed this so much!

Posted by: mALX Jan 22 2012, 05:48 PM

Whew! Alix Lencolia spared !! Thank goodness!


The scene with Caroline and Olford was outstandingly done! The dialogue was totally natural...supurb. (Grits got my favorite line there)

Loved this line !!

The scene with the horse was adorable !! Awesome Write !!

Posted by: Colonel Mustard Jan 22 2012, 07:27 PM

Very nice, very nice indeed; somehow managed to have a rather tender family moment amidst a whirlwind of combat, which was rather skilful, to say the least. Good show, that man, good show!

Posted by: Acadian Jan 23 2012, 01:22 AM

What a beautiful interlude! I really enjoyed this episode that was so rich in subtle emotion and family ties.

’The two walked with an unconscious symmetry towards the remaining danger. The careful gait, the stance and sword grip an almost exact copy.’
A wonderful way of saying ‘like father, like daughter’.

And a mead drinking horse! I love it!

Posted by: treydog Jan 23 2012, 04:45 AM

Still getting there- but rather than doing a giant commentary all in one go- say sometime next Whitsuntide...

I will do a bit now- and more later. Suffice to say- it is a JOY!

1.8

The natural progression- apparently towards extinction- of Delphine’s spell was such a treat….

[quote]“Release me,” The God of Mercy’s eyes had glowed, “NOW!”

“No.” Was the simple answer.[/quote]

Woo Hoo!

And I will refrain (barely) from quoting the entire passage, but the moment when Tiber calls upon the THIRD god- simply wonderful.

[quote]“Robert. Stay.” Said Tiber, “Stendarr, do you think me a fool? I can see you know? The line...The entire line, forever. Now. Do I have to call Akatosh back? He will be so pleased.”[/quote]

[quote]“There always are,” Said Tiber, “But not from you. If I hear that you are behind so much as a wafted bad smell in the direction of him, his or his friends. I will find you. And there will be war. And I fought many wars before Talos’ many gifts dug their claws into me. Is that clear? We were once friends.” He shook his head, “Do not let me keep you from your gift giving any further.”[/quote]

Oh my. And to think, my Daggerfall characters usually signed on with Stendarr. (There was this handy power that came with membership- a small chance of coming back from a fatal mistake- such as drowning).

1.9

[quote]“She-who-is-in-charge almost took his head off with her back-hand and released it. She’s an awfully confident lady that one.” Jarn raised an eyebrow, “Maybe we could have Marshal McWylde and Aeirawen wrestle with her before the end sir?”

Oholin snorted despite himself, but raised a finger of admonishment, “Stop drooling, it’s unseemly.”[/quote]

GOT to remember the checklist! Sharp objects cleared away, beverages likewise, screen guard affixed to monitor….

[quote]“Then along comes the Emperor trying to escape down the tunnels. Well, you know what happened there.”[/quote]

Sounds… familiar.

“[quote]I’ve seen far more of that woman than I ever wanted to. She’s evil, vicious and brilliant.”

“Well, being good, vicious and brilliant, you’ll take her in a heartbeat won’t you?” said Carodus, “Although I suspect Jarn will pay good money to watch that.”[/quote]

The banter is just so perfect and tells us so much about the characters.

The idea of the Warvoid is wonderful- as is THIS bit:

[quote]“Don’t start getting Warvoid envy now. You can go compare each other’s later...”[/quote]

Um- perhaps should not be talking of “bits” in that context.

[quote]This was going to be interesting he thought to himself.[/quote]

I just hate it when someone says- or even thinks- that.

And now for more-

1.10

[quote]The last woman and the last man on Nirn pulled their cloacks tighter…[/quote]

Um- even though the typo makes for an interesting picture- at least for those who have had biology or Latin-you might want to drop the second “c”.

Having said that- have to also add- that was quite an amazing “excerpt.”

The entire Aeirawen section would need to be copied and pasted for me to indicate the parts I like- so… Simply note it as said.

[quote]J’Drell and Thedret’s horses being the most experienced of them, and possessed of truly amazing amount of intelligence whinnied and stamped their feet as the other horses started fleeing the incoming horde. The pair of Anvillians chased them down, herded them up into a line then headed dead northeast.[/quote]

Sounds as if Julian’s Blanco was not an anomaly.

[quote]The chase. Nothing like it. He ran.[/quote]

Woo Hoo!

[quote]“Hah! Oh, I’m sorry sir,” she said snarling the word out, “I have yet to hit the Hold. It’s sometimes difficult to restrain myself. Besides, I’m amazed you could be superior to anything that doesn’t live in the ground.”[/quote]

Hooray for Aeirawen!

[quote]So no, spy was not high on her list of things to do. Hitting people and things very hard with axes and maybe setting them on fire, yes. Spy, no.[/quote]

I think Athlain can understand that line of reasoning…

[quote]Caroline tilted her head again and drew her eyebrows together in an almost frown, “I think...Mara told me to.”[/quote]

Hmm- humm…

[quote]Now...

Aeirawen was riding north, or as best as. She’s passed out of the thickest of the forest and…[/quote]

Another typo- believe that should be “She’d passed out….”

1.10, Part 2

I love all of the post-Oblivion Crisis changes you weave into the story.

[quote]Gael felt the Wood-Elf leave. He stared at the pursuit for a while, then he made a decision. He gripped his Oaken staff tightly and started running down the road.[/quote]

Something is about to pop, I believe…

[quote]A giant, made entirely of wood. As defined as the Rock-Form but somehow more beautiful. The leaves on the top of its head serving to give it a definite crown. It appeared both lithe and powerful. Barely contained power emanated from it. Aeirawen felt it from where she sat. She felt a calling to it, deep within her. She felt the need to bow down to it.

“Forest Guardian...” she breathed. Then she frowned, “But that would mean...Derwydd.”[/quote]

When I grow up (doubtful)- I want to write passages like that.

[quote]Releasing the Forest Guardian, he concentrated on the first of the two wizards. He held up his staff to catch the shock and channelled it into the ground. Then he grinned at the poor man. The wizard stopped shooting in confusion. Gael gestured up with his head. The wizard looked up and screamed, briefly. The Rock-Form dropped on him from a height, landing heavily.[/quote]

Woo HOO!

1.10, Part 3

Another part I would have to quote entire to highlight the places that sing…

[quote]Aeirawen lifted them and Kynareth took them in hers. “This is not to be taken lightly. But taken it must be. Do you willingly submit to being a Knight of Kynareth, Aeirawen? A Kynelord?”

The Bosmer blinked and then smiled at Kynareth, remembering Galasafon’s words from earlier, “I have a choice?”[/quote]

Smart lady that one. Officer material for certain.

[quote]“Then don’t.” Kynareth shrugged, “it’s all a choice Aeirawen. Do or do not. Your choice."[/quote]

Kynareth and… YODA?! The dachshund mind boggles- (not hard to do actually).

Interlude

And Kynareth… decides to…. “take some air”???

Need a lie-down after that.

LOVE IT!

Posted by: McBadgere Jan 31 2012, 02:11 PM

Thank ye all...Espescially Trey...Cheers matey...I shall edit the others in later...On me dinner break and someone is stamping their foot waiting for the next bit... ...

New parts alert!!...

Previously on KOTNNK...Galasafon and Aeirawen had left to take Marrick Gellert back to New Kvatch...Then all hell broke loose...

And now...This...




1.11 – Galasafon (pt.6)






3E 438 (Present day Jack ) – West of Fort Freedom.




Ewythr burst through the trees and neatly jumped the rock that had been out of sight until then. Galasafon had given up trying to direct the horse. He was just concentrating on not falling off, having to hold Marrick Gellert’s comatose form in front of him.

Oreyn’s Cheydinhal Black horse was fast and agile, and Galasafon had quickly realised that the only way any of them would get out alive was to simply let the horse go.

They were some way from Fort Freedom by now. In which direction, Galasafon couldn’t say. They had simply run - as Aeirawen had commanded the horse – once the horde had burst into the clearing where the Knights’ horses had been kept.

The Bosmer had been hard pressed to hold on once the horse had launched himself at full sprint, so he had absolutely no idea what had become of Aeirawen. He was aware of the growing frustration within him, but had to ignore it in concentration.

Aeirawen. She was young, beautiful and looked almost exactly like the great love of his life. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t help but stare at her. Over the few years, Galasafon had obviously gotten to know the Knight well, and was also in love with her for her own reasons.

But then, wasn’t he betraying Celia by it?

He had no idea where Celia was, she had been sent away – like the rest of the Elitarii - by the Emperor and hadn’t come back from it. Was she dead? Was she in hiding and had no idea how to get word? It’s not like she couldn’t come to McWylde. She should know that the rest wouldn’t be far away. Celia wouldn’t be able to read the news, but surely McWylde was the most famous man in Cyrodiil by now? Someone would have mentioned his name.

A fireball interrupted his reverie and Galasafon cursed himself for having let his concentration waver...Again.

Frowning, he put his hand on Gellert and risked a look backwards. A Khajiit was in the lead of a group of men. Judging by the hand waving and fireball hurling, the majority were Breton or Imperial wizards, but several armoured Redguards and Nords were in the pack.

He sighed at his situation, then blasted the base of a nearby tree with a concussive fireball. The base of the tree blew sideways, and the canopy made its inexorable way down to the ground. Several of the group failed to avoid the falling tree and ceased to be a problem. Trying the same trick again, he looked backwards to see the group slow, but not stop, preferring to stalk their prey from far enough back to avoid being flattened by a surprise.

Galasafon urged Ewythr on and the horse put his head down and pushed harder.

Putting some clear distance between him and the pursuit, Galasafon began to feel a little calmer. Enough to think and plan.

All around him, rocks of all sizes were jutting out of the ground. In several places he’d passed a grouping that headed higher than the tops of the trees. An idea formed, and all they needed was a ramp. He risked a look backwards and, satisfied, he backed the horse off a little.

Galasafon felled several more trees to delay pursuit just that little bit longer.

Ewythr left the woods behind and they were in open country, though Galasafon couldn’t immediately work out where. However, with the Colovian mountains in front and to the right he guessed he was headed west.

Still the bare rocks were above ground and the Bosmer saw the perfect one.

“Whoa boy...On there...Quick...” Galasafon looked behind. Dammit...No idea.

The horse got up onto the rocky plateau and turned around, shaking from the run. Galasafon said to the horse, “This will not be pleasant...I’m sorry boy.” And put his fingers in the horse’s ear. Ewythr objected to this and shook his head. “We don’t have time for this.” The Knight said, released Gellert and held the horse’s head with Telekinesis. He then found the wound he’d inflicted in the Imperial and put his finger in that. The Imperial moaned and Galasafon kicked him in the head.

And with utter terror about what he was about to do, he activated the Shroud spell, just as the pursuit burst out of the woods.

Shrouding himself initially took a lot out of the Knight, and hiding the three of them almost made him faint. Fighting the dizziness and its attendant nausea - desperate not to vomit and waste the effort – he held the horse against its surprise.

“Sssshhh.” He quietly hissed into Ewythr’s ear. “They’ll go past soon.”

The pack headed out in his general direction. The Khajiit scanning this way and that. He pointed forwards and the charge began.

Hoping desperately that this wouldn’t take long, Galasafon watched the group approach. His stomach threatened to let loose and spoil everything.

Suddenly the Khajiit held a hand up and the pack stopped.

“Oh no.” Whispered Galasafon and the Khajiit’s ears swivelled forward. The tracker got off his horse and looked down.

Galasafon simply didn’t have anything left for another chase.

The Khajiit walked with his head down, and despite the summer having left the ground hard, there was enough on the grass to make it obvious what had happened.

Others in the pack had realised what had happened and left their horses behind, heading for the plateau.

Galasafon began shaking with the effort of the Shroud.

Exhaustion finally taking him, he fell forward and off the horse. All three became visible and as Galasafon hit the floor, he heard a cry of triumph from the Khajiit.

The Bosmer also heard himself quietly say, “Mazken hai warrant Sii...”

As he closed his eyes, Galasafon registered that there was an ear splitting bang as the air was shoved aside for something that hadn’t been there an instant ago.

He could smell cut grass, fruit, flowers...Spices.

He opened his eyes.

He was in the bed of an ornately decorated room. His head was on a soft pillow, but pointed towards a large, open window. One of three such large windows that were easily twice his height that tapered to a rounded point at the top. Turning his head to take in the rest of the room, he saw there were several columns in the room. The tops of these were decorated with various repeated motifs. Not all of these seemed very pleasant. Unless you really liked bearded creepy men that is.

Galasafon’s gaze took in more of the room. The walls were covered in a patterned design that seemed to flow together and separate as you looked at it. There was furniture in the room, wardrobes, dressers, chairs and tables.

One long table had a veritable feast of fruit on it, and in front of this stood a tall, slim woman. A naked tall, slim woman.

That caught his eye.

Long dark hair, slender shoulders and arms that obviously knew work, the back tapering from the shoulders down to a narrow waist and then out again for her decent hips and glorious behind, and then lovely long shapely legs. That all this picturesque beauty was covered in scars – all over, some of them fresh – only seemed to add to the delight. Something else for the eye to follow...As if another reason were needed...

Galasafon sighed happily and the woman turned around, which brought forth another sigh of delight from the Bosmer.

The woman had been helping herself to some grapes, and she put another into her mouth with a raised eyebrow.

She chewed and swallowed the fruit, then said, “My lord! You have awakend!..” She tilted her head and bit her lip. “You’re no longer sleeping either.”

Galasafon blinked and then grinned. “My love.”

The woman grinned back, turned back to the table and grabbed a handful of grapes and made her way - hips swaying - to the bed.

Galasafon couldn’t help but stare.

She sat by him at the top end of the bed and fed him a fruit.

“Sleep well my Lord?” she asked.

His head ached and he allowed a frown to spoil the joy he felt. “Not really...I keep getting this feeling...Pulling me away...Towards somewhere else...Like there’s something going on...Or...Or about to happen...Not here, but out there...In the other’s realms...”

“The other Daedric princes plotting maybe?..I’ve heard they do that from time to time.”

“Yeah, probably.” He massaged his forehead, widening his fingers and thumb to his temples.

He looked into the Bosmer’s eyes and lost himself in their beautiful, huge, deep brown openness. “Cutter, I love you...You know that don’t you?”

“I love you too my Lord...”

“Don’t call me that.” Galasafon frowned. “Not here, when we’re alone.”

“Very well, Galas...I love you too.”

Galasafon looked at her, extended an arm and ran his finger down her midline, between her breasts and then opened his hand to tickle her. She squealed, batted his hand away and sat smiling down at him.

“I have never known such joy Galas...Your coming here has been such a new thing for us all...I hope it never ends.”

“Me too.”

Galasafon sighed and a shadow fell onto his heart that he couldn’t place and looked out of the window at the sky. “That place I came from...Do you remember what it was called? I can’t...I think I should, but I don’t...Why is that?”

“Aaahh, that is not my area of things to know, my...Galas...You are Lord of these lands, they are all that you need, so maybe the world you came from is being taken from you?”

Galasafon’s sadness grew and he turned back, frowning. “There’s something about out there...” He gestured, “I may need to-”

Cutter placed a finger on Galasafon’s lips, shushing him. She placed the grapes on the bedside table then moved the silken sheet away and climbed onto Galasafon.

She kissed him deeply on the mouth.

“Forget the other place.” She whispered and kissed his neck.

Cutter looked into Galasafon’s eyes and said, “You have all that you will ever need...Right here.” Moving herself down, she said,

“Your faithfulness,” she kissed his chest.

“Will always be,” his stomach.

“Rewarded.”

He was in the country. He could see the trees. Hear birds singing.

He blinked and looked about himself. There were corpses everywhere. Some were just piles of armour with ash in them.

Who were they? Who was he for that matter?

He put a hand to his face and blood dripped from his nose onto it. Gripping the bridge of his nose he turned around and looked about himself. A few horses were milling about some small distance away. A black one stood apart from the others, closer, eyeing him warily.

Suddenly Galasafon came back into his mind and he screamed at the pressure.

The black horse flinched and made as if he was about to run, but seeing Galasafon was not headed for him, stayed where he was.

Looking about himself with fresh awareness, Galasafon felt scared. Had he done this? It’s Cheydinhal all over again.

Looking up at Ewythr, the Bosmer suddenly remembered about Gellert. Galasafon rushed up to the plateau, but the Imperial wasn’t there. Running back down the slope, Galasafon started searching the base of the rocks. That’s where he found Marrick Gellert, leaning back against the rock, staring out...Saliva dribbling out of one side of his mouth. The Imperial was breathing, and as the Bosmer watched he sucked the spit in and swallowed.

Galasafon waved a hand in front of Gellert’s face but there was nothing, no blink response, no awareness...Nothing.

A tear fell down Galasafon’s cheek and he sat down hard and started sobbing quietly.

A dark sadness took him, and he lost himself.

Time passed.

He was aware when a nose pushed his shoulder, but he did not respond.

Darkness fell.

He heard a voice say, “Dear Gods...Marshall Galasafon, thank goodness we have found you. Are you injured?..Marshall, are you injured?..” A sigh, and then, “Stay guard, Khajiit will get help...Come horsey, will you permit J’zirlo?..Good boy.”

Time passed. A cart arrived and Galasafon felt himself picked up and placed on it. And then...And then...

The sword fell...


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

Posted by: Fawkes Jan 31 2012, 04:52 PM

I just saw this fic, I might be blind! Haha, so naturally I skipped class so I could read through it and this is how I was the whole time; http://i2.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/085/444/1282786204310.jpg

Yay, keep it up ^^

Posted by: mALX Jan 31 2012, 05:01 PM

*

Outstanding !!! Love that paragraph !!


But then we see this :




Cutter: "What is this? Aeirawen was here? And who is Celia?"


ROFL !! Kind of takes the depth from his deep thoughts of earlier, lol.





Really Nice!! (or excusing his behavior? ROFL !!! )


The whole last segment from where he found the Imperial was outstandingly done. I only quoted this one section so as not to spam your thread.



GAAAAH !!! His own sword dropped from his hands? The Khajiit's sword dropped onto his neck, severing it? URK !!! You cliff-hung me !!!

Awesome Write !! I would love to read this story in the chronological order the events took place, really feel like cutting it up and organizing it to stop all the back and forth in time, lol.

This is added to one of my favorite chapters, Awesome Write !!!


*

Posted by: jack cloudy Jan 31 2012, 05:19 PM

It appears you do not simply walk into mordor away from madness.

Going by the last words before he blacked out, I thought Galas summoned a Dremora. But then we were in the Shivering Isles. So did he teleport away/invade the mad god's skull? Or was it a flashback? Who knows and who cares, we're all mad anyway. Have some cheese but be careful. You must wear pink or the cheese will eat you, or will it chase dogs?

Posted by: Athynae Jan 31 2012, 06:40 PM

Wonderful, intense, mad...crazy mad, sad, and then ...the noose. Not nice McB, not nice at all. And how long shall we wait for the next bit that will solve this mystery, hhmm?

Just couldn't find the words....


Hateful cusses aren't they?

And mALX got the rest of them, dangumit! So I won't repeat herself.

Great one, another great one, so when is the next one, huh? (crossed arms, foot tapping will begin shortly)

Posted by: Colonel Mustard Jan 31 2012, 10:05 PM

Why did you stop the story there?! Give me the next chapter NAO!!

Anyway, not much to add that hasn't been said, other than I loved the turn for the brilliantly surreal it took towards the end and a rather good cliffie. Looking forwards to more.

Posted by: Acadian Feb 1 2012, 02:09 AM

I enjoyed the horse chase. Your pacing mirrored the speed of the hunt. Then everything went fuzzy. I guess that happens in the Shivering Isles. Loads of neat images jumping around to enjoy for a second or two before bouncing to the next. Fun to see Cutter. I mean, really see Cutter. You painted some beautiful pictures throughout this piece.

Posted by: McBadgere Feb 1 2012, 05:01 AM

Aaaah...Yes...As a wise man once said..."Noo, you do me too much honour..."...Which could also mean....Nooo, you give me too much credit..."The sword fell" isn't the cliffhanger...It's Galas' memory...This is from the earlier chapter...

So yeah, it does it in the earlier one as well, (the actual fight) so I was just echoing that...


Some thank yous are in order from both...Umm...parts...

Athynae...Glad you really enjoyed the Olfords chapter...I really enjoyed writing that one...Thank you...And as for this one...Cheers, glad it's got layers...Like an onion...Yes...Thank you...As for the noose...(See above)...

Mustard...Cheers for the compliment on the Caroline one...And this story will be resolved in- Oh my, what's that on the tele?...What?..What was I saying again?...Cheers matey!...I appreciate it...

Jack...Indeed...Walking away from madness...*Nods*...Keep eating the cheese Jackie-Boy...It's good for you...Ps...You may have missed a bit...Not saying you did...But you may have...Thank you though...Cheers...*Bows*...

Grits...Cheers for that...Glad you liked it... ...

Acadian...Thanks for enjoying the Caroline one...I know she's a fave of yours... ...Cheers...And yes...This whole Galasafon thing is actually about the Shivering Isles and the consequences of it...Well...Not the whole thing...But the consequences definately...Glad you enjoyed Cutter...I'm pretty sure she's my fave NPC in the whole game... ...Cheers Acadian...I appreciate it muchly...

Treydog...Wow...Thanks so much...I'm glad it was worth all them quotes!...Wow...I'm stunned you thought that that much was worth quoting!...Wow...Thank you so much... ...It does encourage so much...

mALX...Firstly thank you...Sooo much...I'm glad that despite the bombing around the timeline, you're still hanging in there and enjoying it...If you think it's worth cutting and pasting, then be my guest ...Just remember, we're still early days in the KOTN and more of the same may happen later...Or earlier...If you know what I mean?... ...I'm so glad you're enjoying it at the mo at least... ...(Robert knows what is coming and is worried mALX will hate Robert... ...)...See earlier about the cliff-hanger...


I think that's everyone...

EDIT!!!!...Fawkesie!!!...Sorry matey...Lol...Reet, I'm so glad you enjoyed the story so much, that picture made me laugh... ...But, IF I HEAR YOU'VE SKIPPED CLASS TO READ A STORY AGAIN I SHALL RAISE MY EYEBROWS AND POINT AT YOU...LIKE THIS...*Raises eyebrows and points*...SO THERE...Cheers though...I appreciate it...

Reet, just at the mo...Time (ironically) is...Annoying...And our tele obsession is eating into the writing time, as a programme about The Crusades and A witty commentary on France by one of the funniest men ever, Johnathon Meades, is having to be On-Demanded in the mornings...So the next part of the story will probably be...A little while away...

And...It's not actually the next part of this...And I can pretty much say you'll all sit there and go..."Wha?"...But it's important to some of the other things I'll (probably) do eventually at least...

The Julianos show continues...But it's set at the present time at least... ...

*Rubs hands in joy*...

Thank you all so much...It's so encouraging...Genuinely am chuffed you like it...*Hugs heart*...

Laters...

Posted by: Grits Feb 2 2012, 03:29 PM

Oh, yikes!! A headlong flight, desperately hiding in plain sight while being stalked by a Khajiit , and then they’re spotted!! So Galas summons a Mazken (I think? No?) and then… Naked Cutter?! She seemed to be making a persuasive case for staying in crazy town, but no deal. I thought that whole part was beautifully done. And Cutter’s remark made me giggle.

Galasafon is such a compelling character. I like that his power comes with a price. Plus I can relate to him being somewhat confused occasionally. Also it was great that instead of Gellert (boo, hiss), he protected the horse.

I love this story!!

Posted by: McBadgere Feb 5 2012, 06:16 AM

Cheers Grits... ...Glad you're still there...Muchly...

Had a bit of trouble...But I have to share this...

NEW PARTS!!!...




Statement Of Intent –

Julianos




All you have been told is almost a lie. A “Truth” given to you, twisted in the telling through countless Akaviri whispers, by those with need to justify.

Quite simply, how could any of you know what went on? None of you were conceived of when we made this.

When we were made.

None of what you’ve been told is the truth. Not all of what you’ve been told is a lie.

Remember this.


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


We were made.

We made this.

There was a war.

Right won.

Three stood against Seven.

One brought his celestial fury.

One simply brought knowledge and the right swords.

One was murdered, unprepared for what had come to pass.

The two strongest Aedra stood side by side and fought the seven to a standstill.

It could be argued – if the truth (the real truth) be known – that it was five against seven. For the three swords were stronger than any God. Devoid of anything but the right thing to do, they stopped the lesser Divines in their tracks.

The two strongest of both sides almost tore the universes apart with their battles.

Right won.

Wrong pointed fingers and pleaded.

The They/Them heard.

They/Them came back into the universe and were angry.

“YOU! TELL.” They/Them Prime said.

The Aedra looked down at his brother, but the brother was too consumed with fury and disgust to notice, so Akatosh told of the war.

The They/Them grew angry. “We give you all this and still you cannot be satisfied. You do not deserve. Come, Lorkhan. Never again will you be troubled.”

Lorkhan screamed as everything he was, was torn apart, never to exist in this realm again.

“What of her?” They/Them Second asked of Akatosh’s brother.

The strongest of the Aedra stared at the betrayer with absolute fury, then clicked his fingers, turned his back and walked towards his home. The swords followed him.

The They/Them shouted, “JULIANOS YOU WILL NOT TURN YOUR BACK ON US!” and raised their hand.

The Divine simply said “Neeylah.”

The Androform spun around and stared The They/Them in the eye with her Universe blinding blue.

The They/Them flinched.

Julianos turned slowly and simply said. “Don’t ever try that again.” And walked out of the world.


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


You never knew this, and what you knew you have forgotten.

The Truth.


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

Posted by: Athynae Feb 5 2012, 12:59 PM

um, well, man it's early....words, use your words dear.....

AWESOME

That's about as well as my brain could ever put it.....fantastic.

Now, could you get on with it please?????

Posted by: treydog Feb 5 2012, 01:35 PM

Still working my way toward being caught up. But this story is like good whiskey- one should NOT "guzzle" no matter how tempting it is.

Interlude-

PAAR! Woo Hoo! And that is another part which I would have to quote in its entirety. Will content myself with:

[quote]One of the Yskraich is back. I need you to find its trail. For that I give you something new to learn.”

The great Dragon stood up again and lifted his head in joy. His tail swishing. “My lady, it has been so long since anything...New, came to me!..”

Kynareth extended her hand and passed knowledge to the Dragon. The Dragon’s eyes closed and his neck slowly passed left and right as he savoured the new thoughts.[/quote]

AND

[quote]Akatosh came to the edge of the balcony and leant on the marble railings. “Paarthurnax!” He smiled.

The great dragon looked up emanating joy, “Father! Could my day get any more...Amazing?”

“Good boy Paarthurnax!” Akatosh said, “Now what is it she wants you to do?”[/quote]

Woo-Hoo!

[quote]“I never touched Lorkhan!” Akatosh shouted, “Why does everyone think I did? They took Lorkhan, you know that.” Akatosh frowned at Kynraeth confusion. “Why do you not know that?”[/quote]

Hmmm!

[quote]Julianos patted his body, “I know I haven’t been changed...I’d remember something like that,”[/quote]

Simply love your versions of all the Nine.

[quote]“Aeirawen,” said Brellin, “What colour are your eyes?”

“Blue.” She said cautiously, “Why?”

Brellin looked at Gael, then down into Aeirawen’s now dark brown eyes.

Gael grinned and then winked at Aeirawen.[/quote]

Oopsie.


1.11 (Part 1)

The opening has a “taste of madness” to quote Tom Waits (Heart Attack and Vine). Which is NOT to say it is not brilliantly done- quite the opposite.

[quote]“Oh dear, about to be incinerated again,” the close-crop haired man sighed, “very amusing.”[/quote]

Hehe

[quote]“Indeed,” said the slender man with his eyebrow raised, “really most impressive...Now, with your permission My Lord, if you truly intend to leave these lands to its fate and return to Mundus, would you at least transfer the Word of Rule to one who would try keep the lands in...Order?” There was the hint of an amused grin and one eyebrow twitched.[/quote]

“Order.” Yes well- to quote someone else, Inigo Montoya in this case: “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.”

The Bosmer smiled back, shook the offered hand and asked. “So what is my name?”

[quote]“I believe you once told me that your name out there,” Haskill gestured towards the grove again, “was Galasafon.”

The Bosmer raised an eyebrow, “Really?”

Haskill actually laughed, “Yes, Sir, really.”

“Oh.”[/quote]

Well- you know- it COULD have been Reg the Stomper or similar, so...

[quote]The bearded man frowned and patted himself, “I’m no an old woman this time am I?...That would be odd...Even for me!...Ha-haaa!...” The man took on a murderous look. “The power’s mine Haskill...Gimmie...Now...”[/quote]

“Madness” did I say? Ah- all becomes obscure now.

[quote]Surely he was due a break soon, but no, the Commander of the Bravil Guard seemed content to leave him there, sole candle against the...Whatever darkness that lay through that keyhole.[/quote]

Simply a wonderful image there!

And the introduction of S’Fara. Well- I shall let your words speak for me-

[quote]She walked up to him and linked her arm with his. A lump stuck in his throat.[/quote]

Yes- mine too.

[quote]Gaius heard the Bosmer cry “Prentus!! No!!” But all he could think of was S’fara. Even Gaius could feel that something was coming now.

Then, the portal exploded.[/quote]

Oh dear.

1.11 (Part 2)

Too many places to quote wherein Galasafon punctures the pretentious (I wear black- oo scary) Lucien to quote them all. Still-

[quote]“Yes, you said. So that wasn’t actually a no then was it?”[/quote]

And

[quote]Sadly for him Galasafon had never been held in the first place, and he punched Lachance square in the nose, which flattened instantly. Staggering backwards, Lucien’s hands came up to his nose and he blinked his watering eyes.

“How?! You caddot...Caddot...Damn...Can...nnn...Cannot have!”

“Probably not.” Replied Galasafon, then he kicked Lachance between the legs.[/quote]

It is so pleasant to see Lucien writhing in pain. Oh- did I say that out loud?

[quote]“What has that got to do with anything? I’ve eaten feasts like you wouldn’t believe. Doesn’t mean I can cook one.[/quote]

Loved that comparison!

[quote]Sadly, using Shroud in the first place took a lot out of the caster, and Galasafon realised just as the lute crossed the space between the player and himself that he was tired and in trouble.[/quote]

Did someone say- or rather think- something about “complacency?”

[quote]Pushing himself to his knees, he watched as the invisible assassin rushed at him with supernatural speed. A sword cut at him and his opponent’s Invisibility fell away. Galasafon realised he was in trouble.

Vampire.[/quote]

Whoops.

1.11 (Part 3)

[quote]Galasafon had not been able to do that since his return from the Shivering Isles. Seemingly, the words burned from his mind.[/quote]

Hate when that happens.

[quote]The sword attacks came slower, but still constant and inescapable. It was only dimly that Galasafon’s brain registered that the chiming was singing a marching rhythm into his head. The Vampire began a monotone.

“Give Up Little Bosmer. You Cannot Win. Give YourSelf To the Vamp. Sleep Wake Feed Joy.” The Vampire intoned.[/quote]

Oh my. That is just a brilliant bit of scene-setting and creatively creepy too.

The holes in Galasafon’s memory make for fantastic story-telling, and you use it effectively.

[quote]“Well, there was an incident at my...Work, in Skingrad. A hideous little man wouldn’t pay what was...Owed.”

Galasafon feigned sympathy as he realised what she was saying.

“Glarthir his name was.”[/quote]

Oh- that cannot be good.

Posted by: Grits Feb 5 2012, 03:16 PM

Oh, now I am really excited for what will follow. I love the parts with the Divines! And though I can’t say I’ll be patient, at least I’ve learned to hold on to my questions!! And reread, and reread, and happily read again.

Posted by: mALX Feb 5 2012, 04:09 PM

*

Holy Crap !! (and I do mean Julianos)

Or will he? MWAAAHAAAAHAAAA !!!!! And another Divine bites the dust !!! Stendarr, now Julianos ... By the time the story ends the Eight will be revealed for their weakness and the only one that will be left standing will be The Plus One - Tiber Septim.

AWESOME WRITE !!!!

*


Awesome Write !!!

Posted by: Colonel Mustard Feb 5 2012, 07:16 PM

So another bunch of the Divines are down now. Interesting, very interesting...

Posted by: McBadgere Feb 5 2012, 08:26 PM

Oh, ye of little faith... ...

Spoilers...



Cheers...Athynae, Grits, mALX and Mustard...

And a mahoosive thank you to Trey for all that...Again...*Bows*...Thank you so much...

EDIT: Who knew smileys messed up the spoiler tags?... ...

Posted by: Fawkes Feb 5 2012, 09:34 PM

That was freaking epic!

Posted by: mALX Feb 5 2012, 10:02 PM

But wait! I knew Akatosh was good from the meeting with Stendarr, and already said Septim...but ... but ...



????? Huh?

Posted by: McBadgere Feb 5 2012, 10:22 PM

It's just to show that with the three behind him, in his anger he is so powerful that he will ignore anything...

He is sooo cool...Just so you know... ...

The most powerful Aedra...

You have forgotten... ...

Posted by: mALX Feb 5 2012, 11:55 PM

Urk...well, on the "Don't ever try that again..." all I could think of was the man on his honeymoon that hires a romantic carriage to take them to their honeymoon hide-away in the mountains, far away from any civilization. A ways up the mountain the horse balks and refuses to move. The man gets down from the carriage and beats the horse.

"That's once." Says he, and climbs back into the carriage.

Further up the mountain the same thing happens. The horse balks, he beats it.

"That's twice." Says he, and climbs back into the carriage.

Way up the mountainside, the horse balks a third time.

"That's three times, now you've had it!" He yells. He beats the horse and then shoots it right there between the carriage stays.

"What the hell do you think you are doing? Now how will we get up to the cabin, or back down again? We're out here in the middle of nowhere! How will we carry all our luggage?" The new bride yells.

"That's once." Says the man.

*

Urk.

Posted by: Acadian Feb 6 2012, 01:12 AM

By the Nine! Or maybe the Three or the Two? Or perhaps by the Seven.

Oh, I know! By the Seven of Nine! Oops, wrong lore methinks?

Who can fathom the ways of the Gods? Family squabble? If it is all a lie, then is that fact a lie? If a tree falls or a big bear poops in the forest but no one is there to witness, then did it happen? How would one know?

My faves are always Mara and Kyne. Love, sky and little forest creatures – what’s not to love?

Oh look! A butterfly. . . .