Athynae Sarethi: The Making of a Princess, Entries from Athynae's childhood journals Options

[mALX]

I loved this chapter, mostly the interchange between Athynae and Athlain. Their differences were def on display here, but also their closeness and friendship. Awesome Write !!

[minque]

Life is hard! Thyna has to learn that lesson, no doubt. Life is even harder when you're the daughter of an Archmistress..Honor is the lead word for a Redoran.

Good you have Athlain dear Thyna! Someone to confide in....but remember your Father, Athyn Sarethi loves you beyond comprehension, he backs you up always.

Making fun of poor Athlain...that IS amusing, makes me smile because I like that boy VERY much and i know he is the sweetest most caring friend you can have Thyna dear.

So now, prepare for the tournament....be very prepared my girl! You know you have a lot of support from those who care for you.

[treydog]

Payback- Part 1

First- it is the seemingly “small” touches that make it sing. For example, Rahvin insisting on handshakes instead of hugs.

We knew each other better than any two people I knew, so good we could finish each other's sentences. I think maybe that's why our arguments went so far so fast- as soon as one of us said something, we already knew what the other was going to say. So, we'd probably be better off just going straight to infuriated "I hate yous" and "I never want to talk to you again."

Yes- funny how that works…

"Your Highness." Uncle Seth whispered right into my ear and scared the scrib jelly out of me. I turned toward him and smacked his chest.

"Don't do that! Stop sneaking up on me!"

"Someday I hope you pay attention well enough that no matter what you are doing nothing can sneak up on you. Keep practicing."

"I was thinking. I have lots to think about you know. I am not the idle kid that everyone seems to think I am." I had my hands on my hips and was wearing my mad look.

That bit made me laugh- it is again simply perfect.

"I always use my brain Uncle Seth," it was just a matter of fact "One of us has to." I punched his arm. "OW! What'd ya do that for? I was just speaking the truth, dear sister."

"I'm the one with the brain remember? I even have yours, Rahbrat. I used your alembic to suck it out through your nose." And I looked at him like I would be more than happy to do it again.

Uncle Seth was walking away but his shoulders were shaking slightly, obviously trying to keep us from knowing he was amused by our back and forth.

And ANOTHER simply wonderful moment. You do these interactions as well as anyone I have ever seen.

Yep, I sounded just like my mother.

Don’t you HATE it when that happens?

"I would suggest you two make yourselves invisible for a while. Your brother won't be quite as, what's the word?" I looked up at the sky and tapped my chin. By the time I looked down again they were nowhere in sight.

Lovely bit of description, so vivid I could see it.

And these two parts will stand in for wanting to quote EVERYTHING between the “A and A Team”:

"Sometimes you make me so mad; you treat me like I'm stupid."

"No I don't. If I were treating you like you were stupid I wouldn't talk to you, I would draw pictures."

“See ya. I've got alchemy lessons with Mother tomorrow morning; wanna spar tomorrow afternoon?"

"Bring potions."

"Always."

Payback- Part 2

"Young lady I will not have you speaking like that about someone. He is still a person. Do you understand me?" She already had her 'loons in a twist and I had just given them another turn.

Only Athynae could get away with saying that about the head of House Redoran.

And- again I will refrain from trying to quote the “good parts” of the conversation between Serene and Athynae- because it is ALL the “good part.”

It wasn't a good idea to spar with Athlain given my mood, so target practice it was.

And Athlain’s poor, bruised body THANKS you.

And I am going to do one long quote at the end- because this so clearly shows all of the things you do so well with this story-

I pushed him off of our perch. "Now come on; I don't want to fight today. Let's go for some target practice. I made some new fletching, and I want to see how well it works."

"I hate you." He was getting up and dusting himself off.

"Yeah, I know, that's why you never spend any time with me." I was walking toward the archery targets.

"I could change that you know?" And he came up and pushed me from behind, just a little shove.

"Careful- I'll call you out."

This is one of those stories where the more we read, the more we love it. And the more we DEMAND the next part! Please?

[Athynae]

@McB- As ever thank you for reading and I am thrilled that you are here with Thyna and Athlain and the rest of the crew. The "I hate you" line just seems to permeate their relationship mostly because they can't say "I love you"…

@mALX- Thanks my dear. Yep they are the epitome of best friends that have been best friends as far back as memory goes so it would take a LOT to cause a real problem…maybe….

@minque- I am so glad you are here with me in this, your support is beyond words. THANK YOU!!!!
There will be some future stories about the relationship between Athyn and Athynae, they are actually quite close and she depends on him far more than has been shown to this point. Seth is her mentor and the one that is able to keep her grounded but Athyn is the one that feeds her intellect and heals the hurts that come when she wants to be petted rather than taught.

AS- Mother, looking back reading bits and pieces of these journals I realize what an incredible childhood I had. I tested you and Father to the Nth degree as well as Uncle Seth and Athlain and yet you are all still with me, it's a good thing to know that everything that might happen later in life my start is built on a solid foundation.

@treydog- My dearest muttly friend there aren't words…thank you for your encouragement most of all but also for your wisdom and input, editorial skills, etc….I am glad you are here and enjoying Her Highness, she is quite the handful so without you I doubt that I could handle her at all, lol.

[Athynae]

And now we come to the final installment of Payback...hope you all like it.

The day of the challenge came early; it didn't matter- I hadn't slept anyway. How had two kids with a disagreement come all the way around to fighting for the honor of their respective Houses? And all because one of them wanted to win so bad he cheated and then turned it around to make it look like the other one cheated, the other one being me? I had pulled some stunts, gotten in some tight spots and been a lot of trouble to my parents, but none of it was because I was dishonest or under-handed. I had never, that I could remember, told anyone a lie or cheated at anything. The only time I had been tempted to cheat even was playing chess with Athlain. I hate chess and I stink at it, too.

I donned my leather armor and then meticulously inspected and cleaned my weapons. I knew I would be given a special sword for that part of the competition, one made especially for competitions, dulled to prevent fatal injuries. That didn't mean it didn't hurt to get hit with one, especially if the strike was well placed. I would be able to use my own bow for the archery part of the competition, I replaced the string so it would be perfect and chose a dozen of my best arrows and put them in my quiver. I removed the throwing stars from my sash but I left my dagger in my boot. I had never had to remove it before and I saw no reason to think I would this time. Besides, I didn't feel right without it there.

"Hey Naynay, are you ready?" Rahvin came into my room. "Mother and Father have already left so they could handle the formalities. Mother said to tell you to be there just before the trumpets sound to call order."

"I'll be there. I'm going for a walk in the gardens first." I was braiding my hair to keep it out of my eyes.

"See you there. He'll regret messing with you." And he was gone.

"Yeah." It was more of a thought than a response.

I had only met Berwain in competition once before, well except for the guar races, and it had been a couple of years. His parents, or more likely the Hlaalu representative for our district, had been sending him to competitions outside our territory. It didn't matter really, just meant I wasn't familiar with his style. I walked in the gardens, getting myself to that place, focusing. This wasn't just fun and games for me; competition never was, and this time it was bigger. I had teased Athlain about his 'honor,' but I felt the same way; I just didn't get bleary eyed about it. It still bothered me that House Hlaalu was forcing this. We were just kids, for crying out loud. We had no business fighting for the honor of our Houses. That didn't change the facts. I was going to teach that low life, good-for-nothing, lying cheat what it meant to bring my Redoran honor into question. He had really gone too far with this one.

"Say whatever you came to say, Uncle Seth." I was sitting on one of the benches and I just 'felt' his presence.

"Very good little one. You are learning." He sat down beside me. "I know you aren't concerned about the competition, so what is it that has you so worked up? You are as tight as that new bow string." And he twanged the string on my bow.

"I just can't get over being mad about this whole chain of events. How did it come to this? He cheated, him, and my honor is brought into question?" I was clenching and unclenching my fists.

"Let it go. You can't allow that to interfere with the competition. The emotions will cloud your thinking, keep you from fighting your best. Let it go." His voice was sharp and stern but I understood why.

"I know; that's what I am trying to do!" I didn't mean to yell but I did. "Sorry, I just…"

"You can carry all of this baggage in that arena with you and you will probably still win, but it won't be a pretty win. Let this go so you can walk into that arena with your head on straight and make this a clean, clear win. Leave no question as to who the victor is. This is no different than any other fight; you have met opponents that gave you a run for your money and still succeeded. Do me a favor. Don't let him even get that far. Stop him, just- stop him." And he rose from the bench and walked away.

The arena, a temporary grandstand just outside the wall, was crowded with spectators. Why was fighting so interesting to watch? There was an almost even mix of Hlaalu and Redoran people. Mother and Father, the representative from House Hlaalu and Berwain's parents sat midway in a covered box seat and the referees stood just under them on the arena floor.

Athlain was to my right, a step behind acting as my second, a nod to formalities. Berwain's second was one of the boys I had confronted six years ago for picking on Mae and Cai, Heldar. He was just as stupid as Berwain but the incident had served a purpose for him. He'd never retaliated nor had he picked on any of the kids again, at least not that I knew of.

We walked to the front of the box and Mother, along with the Hlaalu councilman, stood and gave us the rules. We would start with archery, then we would match swords and then a foot race from one end of the arena to the other and back, no small feat when you weren't tired, but after the rest it would definitely be a test.

"This is an official challenge to reinstate the honor of these two young people. Let it be known that as long as neither of them refuses the challenge, the outcome of this competition will bring any question of their honor to an end." Mother's voice rose above the din of the crowd, smooth and deep. "Athynae Sarethi, Berwain Arenim, do you accept these terms?"

We both indicated with a nod and went to one knee. "You are going down elf witch." Berwain whispered while our heads were bowed. I didn't offer a response, mostly because I felt it was disrespectful during the ceremony.

The archery judge stepped out from beneath the box. "You will each fire three arrows at the targets. Whoever strikes closest to the center will be declared the winner of the contest. If a clear winner cannot be determined, you will step back six paces and fire a single arrow each. This will continue until a winner can be determined."

We stepped to the line facing the archery targets and each nocked an arrow. Each arrow flew toward its respective target and in rapid succession the next two followed. The judge's voice rang through the arena, "Even. Six paces." The next station was actually marked by a line in the dirt. We nocked and fired again after we had stepped back.

The judges inspected the targets and stepped to the box and spoke briefly with Mother and Sera Ules. The archery judge returned to the targets as Mother's voice rose again

"The opponents are so closely matched we have decided to remove one target. Both will fire one arrow at a time, in turn, to determine a clear winner for this part of the contest. Berwain Arenim, you are granted the line first. Step up please."

He shot a nasty grin in my direction before he fired and, by all appearances from that distance, his arrow was anchored almost dead center. I just have to say- smug was not a good look for him.

I stepped to the line, taking my time pulling the arrow from my quiver as I focused on the target. The anger at this entire situation was still bubbling just under the surface and I was replaying the conversation I'd had with Uncle Seth when I heard a voice from the side line, clear and low, "Let it go, Thyna."

With the bow pointed downward I nocked the arrow as I let everything go. It was just me and that distant target, and I focused every sense I had on the fletching of the arrow protruding from the center of the target, raised the bow, pulled the string as I took a deep breath in, lined up, released half of the breath and 'twang'…. Time stopped it seemed while the arrow creased the air until 'shlup.' I heard the judges gasp. I looked to make sure I hadn't accidentally hit one of them as Berwain growled and threw his bow onto the ground. My arrow had split his into three pieces down the center. I heard Uncle Seth snicker, which made it even harder not to laugh.

We were given a break for a drink of water while the archery targets were removed and the temporary arena prepared for the next challenge. We had to stay inside a boundary to keep us from running each other into the wooden barricades that formed makeshift walls. We had each been given our choice of tournament swords, made specifically for this purpose, dulled so we couldn't stab or cut our opponent.

I decided well before we started that I was going to let Berwain wear himself out before I pressed my attack. His whole attitude about this entire fiasco was ludicrous; what did he think was going to happen? Even if I weren't skilled with weapons, this wasn't going to turn out well for him. The gods would see to that. He had been pushing his luck far too long; he had asked for this just the same as if he had put up posters that said "I need someone to kick my worthless butt."

"Fighters to the center please."

We stepped to the center of the ring and faced each other. The judge for this part of the competition reminded us, "No head strikes; do not lunge with the point of your sword. A win is determined by one being pinned, whether standing or on the ground. No magic and no other weapons except the swords you are fighting with. Understood?"

We both nodded our understanding. The sword I had chosen was in the sheath on my back, just like my real katana would be. Berwain already had his in his hand, looking to get the first strike in.

"Begin." And the judge stepped back.

"Draw your weapon, elf witch. Unless of course you are conceding before we even get started." And he swung the blade. I stepped back and pulled my upper body to the side and it missed my mid section just barely-by plan.

"Nah, I'll wait. No need in wearing myself out while you throw that thing around at nothing but air." I smiled at him.

"I wish this was a real sword so I could gut you like a boar." He narrowed his eyes and tried a spinning strike at my legs. I jumped over it like I was playing jump rope.

"Yeah, I know the feeling Bug Stain. Come on, this is what you wanted remember? To make a spectacle of kicking my butt. What are you waiting for? Here I am, come and get me." And I waved my hand in a gesture that said 'join me'.

He growled and pressed in. I felt the sting as his sword caught my upper arm. I'll give him this, he put some umph behind it, a nice bruise for sure. I'd had a few of those so this one was nothing new. I still hadn't drawn my sword. "You are just showing off your dodging skills. How are you in a real sword fight, Redoran scum?"

I shook my head, "Hurling words does nothing to me, Hlaalu has been. You should know that by now."

"I wish it was that little piece of scrap you call a brother out here. He's so worthless he wouldn't even stick to my boot if I stepped on him."

That one got me; I couldn't help it. I pulled the sword "You know, you really are as stupid as you look, maybe stupider. Look down at the dirt Berwain, cuz you are headed for a mouth full." And I struck the pose that I knew would draw him close.

He stepped in and I whirled around him and smacked his backside with the flat of the sword as I came to a stop behind him. The crowd roared. I'd never done anything like this before but if he wanted humiliation I was going to let him have it. Of course it was me that was supposed to be humiliated; lessons were in need of being learned…



He landed a couple more good whacks, but he got more than he gave, along with another to the other side of his lower brain. Sit on that for a while idiot. He was breathing hard; I was getting there but I absolutely was not going to let him know that, I still appeared to be just as relaxed as I was when we started.

He was getting angrier and angrier and in the process losing focus, making wild swings that struck nothing, growling at me and panting for breath. "What's wrong Berwain? Do you need a 'sight' potion? Didn't eat your oats this morning? Come on, this is what you wanted, what are you waiting for? Here I am, geez, I'm not so small you can't see me." I didn't usually tease my opponents either, but for the most part the competitors I had met were honorable and just wanted to test their skill same as me.

Berwain tried a rush with an overhand swing, and I stuck out my foot as he went by. He slid across the arena floor, both hands over his head and his face buried in the dirt. When he rolled over, I put my sword in the center of his chest. The judge called, "Done," and I couldn't help it; I laughed out loud. His lower lip was full of grit like he had stuffed his mouth with hackle lo like I had seen some of the farmers do. "I didn't know you could dip dirt. If it's all the same to you, I don't think I'll try it."

He started moving his mouth and I could barely hear his voice so I leaned down as if to help him up. "You use magic, and mark my words, it will be the last spell you ever utter. It is hard to talk with a broken jaw. You wanted an 'honorable' match, or at least that's what you wanted them to believe. Do not test me Bug Stain, I am tired of your crap."

I didn't help him up in the end. We were given another break for water and to put anything down that we felt would slow us for the foot race. The only thing I gave up was the stupid tournament sword. If it had been my own katana I probably wouldn't have but just because it was mine and I liked it being in the scabbard at my back.

For all intents and purposes I had won the challenge, but for the sake of completeness I suppose we were required to finish the foot race as well. Mother had told me that Sera Ules had insisted that this be one of the challenges so that was why there were three. She had picked swords for me, he had picked the foot race for Berwain and the third was chosen randomly in a blind draw. So, we stepped to the line.

Berwain was still slightly out of breath, and although my heart rate had increased a bit, I had yet to be overly exerted. That brought home to me more than ever the importance of the training I did. I mean I did it because I wanted to, because I loved it, and I knew the importance of it, but now I understood why it was important. "Just remember when you are lying in your bed tonight that you are the one that asked for this." I didn't look at him when I said it, but he heard me- I heard the growl. He made that sound a lot- I guess because he didn't have a large enough vocabulary to express how he really felt.

"Runners to your mark." We stepped to the line. "Get set." I tucked and dug my left foot into the ground, and Berwain just looked at me like I was crazy. BOOM! The flash spell exploded from the judge's hand and we were off. He wasn't in front of me, so I didn't press. I was running, fast, just not top speed; why waste energy that I didn't have to, especially on him. I slid in a crouch at the end line and turned and shot back again as I had from the start. He was just reaching the end line. I just ran, without caring where he was because like I said, he wasn't in front of me. When I got close to the start/finish line I considered turning around and taunting him, but that would have been a bit dishonorable even though it would feel so good to add insult to injury.

The trumpets sounded and Sera Ules' voice rang loud "Athynae Sarethi is the clear winner of the challenge. Let it be known that her honor has been restored."



"MY WHAT?" I was fuming as I marched up to the Hlaalu Councilor. My honor had only been in question because the lying cheat had brought it into question and all of the notices as well as the announcements Mother had made at the beginning had been vague, a general reference to both of us. "I played this fool game for the good graces of both Houses. I know what he accused me of, but Sera Ules, it was he that cheated and lied, not I. I just did not want to reduce myself to his level by counter accusation. I assumed that this would just let it be what it was in the end. But for you to announce it thus, I take offense. My honor, sera, should have never been in question to start with. He dosed his guar to win the race and mine was dosed without my knowledge, by someone who overheard what he was planning in order to even the odds. His nose got broken because he was hurling insults at me when I was on my way to the judges' stand to concede the race. I heard him running toward me and I turned and put out my hand to stop him from tackling me and HE ran into my hand. Now you can do with that information what you will, but Sera Ules, please do not question my honor again- or there will be a reckoning."

And I started for the gate at the end of the arena where Berwain was standing slack jawed. I stepped to him and in a voice only he could hear said, "I had planned to offer an olive branch and let the past be gone but that," and I pointed toward the box, "changed my mind. I may be a lot of things, and there may be hordes of people who do not like me, but I have never lied to you or anyone else, I have never cheated, I have never to my knowledge been under-handed in any way, but none the less you spread lies about me. Not only that you took those lies to the leaders. I have triumphed today not solely because of skill but because the gods saw need to punish you. Azura be praised. You will never be trusted again if it is the last thing I do." And as I shouldered past him, he never said a word.

Athlain stepped in my path and I skirted him as I said, "Not now Athlain, just leave me alone, please. I need to get this vile taste out of my mouth." Actually I just didn't want anyone to see me cry. I was so mad that I knew that's what was coming. I went to the practice field; Athlain would give me space and keep Rahvin away even though he knew where I was. Mother would be occupied with the stink I stirred up and Father would stay with her so that left Uncle Seth. Great, just what I need now a lecture about how I handled it. UGH!

[McBadgere]

Fantastico!!...

(Sorry, the boy's playing the Italian Assassin)...

That's just a brilliant chapter that is... ...

Loved the challenges...Loved the style with which she won them all...And was as outraged as she was with the Hlaalu idjot...And then was also proud of her when Thyna said her piece...Nicely done!...

Brillianto!!...(not official Italian...Probably... )...

Nah, absolutely fantastic...Well done that woman!!...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

[Grits]

I have really enjoyed these stories from Athynae’s youth! You do such a beautiful job of giving her indomitable spirit a younger voice. It is of course wonderful to see familiar characters here, but I think the stories also stand up by themselves. Which is to say I would enjoy them just as much if they were about Jane and John instead of Athynae and crew. Well done!!

[mALX]

ROFL !! Athynae and her famous redhead temper had me rolling in this !! Awesome Write!

[Athynae]

Thanks guys, I'm glad you are still enjoying this. I sure have a great time writing it. I have a couple more 'entries' in the stash and after that I'll probably back off for a while so I can focus on BOTM and the possibility of the next saga of the A and A story.

@mALX- She should have been born a red-head that's for sure. She's got the fire for it, but she's a red head now thanks to dye and spells so I guess all's well that ends well.

@Grits- What a nice thing to say, makes me wonder what I could do with them if I altered them a touch...

@McB- You always make me smile, thank you for your time and attention to Thyna's stories, I am so happy you are here, always...

[Athynae]

Intro for this one, 16th birthday sends her back to her 12th, the first time she and Athlain were actually alone as guests of honor...you'll see.

There are two things that reside at the top of Athynae's list of "This is ABSOLUTELY unacceptable", one is a color the other is the word previously mentioned as the word only Athlain knew but would never tell. This particular story just tells a bit of how she reacts to one of those...enjoy.


Sixteen. What did that mean to me? For starters, it meant an enormous celebration. I don't think I will ever accustom myself to the celebrity associated with being the first born in Vvardenfell after the Blight. I wasn't the one that had ended the Blight, but I was the living, breathing proof that it was over and no one in Vvardenfell would let me forget it.

Don't get me wrong, parties are ok, but my birthday wasn't just a party, it was an island-wide holiday that lasted for days…formal ceremonies, reenactments, carnivals, fireworks and the list goes on. So, there I was, presiding over another exhibition or play I don't know…when I was younger it was ok; it was like it wasn't really me- it was Mother and I just happened to be there holding her hand. And Athlain was there because he was the second born and Mother and Aunt Baria thought it was just the cutest thing.

The age of twelve brought changes. Mother and Aunt Baria no longer sat or walked or rode the litter or…, you get the picture. Now I was supposed to be the diplomatic one, acting as if I enjoyed this and smiling and waving when all I wanted was to be on the practice field, dressed in my leathers, sparring or shooting my bow or training Rah, or watching Athlain play with his giant twig, (staff to those who are unsure of the reference). Athlain was still with me, not because he really wanted to be but because I gave him little choice. Sometimes I could be an awful person. But this was a test of fortitude and patience that I did not want to endure alone.

Ceremonial duties were one area that he did not tease me about; well, not after the first time. All the apologies in the world would never make up for what I did. I was at one of the exhibitions, not unlike this one, feeling like a mud crab that had somehow wound up in the desert, all primped and polished. I was also in a state, as I had had a bit of conflict with Kausha while I was getting dressed.

"You really expect me to wear that t h I n g? It's, it's puh, puh, pe, pu hin k! Why can't I just wear my leather armor; that's who I am, not this abomination of fluff." I was mortified. Not only did I disagree with the chiffon, the flowers, the lace- the fact that it was that color that shall not be mentioned was pushing it over the edge. I don't know what it was about that color, just the pale shade mind, that made me want to throw up, but it did. Mauve was ok, deeper shades of ….red/white mix were ok, but that, that was absolutely NOT ok.

"I am not going to disobey your Mother. This is the dress she sent for you, and missy, you will put it on or I will pull a paralyze spell and put it on you." Kausha was tiny but she was a force unto herself. Now though, since I was older, the only time she did anything for me was in situations like this when Mother needed to make sure I did as she instructed, like wear a puh, puh, p…nevermind… dress. What was she thinking?

"I won't disobey her either, but Kausha, you have to see the torture in this. Not only do I not get to wear what suits me, what represents who I am, but I have to go to the other end of the universe." I had not whined in years, not really but I pulled it up from the depths of me. "IT'S PPPPPIIIINNNNKKKKK!!!!!"

"I don't care if it is imitation guar skin stripes with the head still attached- you will put it on and you will do it now."

Which meant now, not "five minutes from now." If I waited, I would be on the floor paralyzed for the duration of the dressing process. "Well fine, give me the thing." And I donned the dress, trying to keep from regurgitating the entire time. And I had then sat blank faced at she put my hair in curls and pins and braids. It was just stupid, STUPID.

Then to top that whole thing off Athlain was late arriving, so I had to step up to the seat in the box on the raised dais to the roaring cheers of the crowd BY MYSELF. I was not a happy Redoran, no I was not happy at all. He stepped up onto the platform just after the introduction and took one look at me and started:

"Wow, pink" eyes wide; "that's really pink," as he attempted to keep from laughing out loud. "I think the dressmaker made a mistake; surely Aunt Serene didn't pick, didn't pick," he lost his hold.

BBASAHAHAHAHAHAHA! "Careful, your face will stick like that, with that pink reflection on it, looking kind of purple…"

And then he was sailing backward, over the edge of the platform because there was no rail to stop him. I had hit him mid chest with a 'repel' spell, which I had done before with no harm, but I hadn't considered that we were fifteen feet off the ground. It reminded me of his leap off the roof when I yelled "Boo," only this time there wasn't an awning to break his fall. All Oblivion broke loose. Guards and spectators running in every direction, then some stupid jerk yelled:

"He tried to kill the First Born! I saw it, I saw it all- he tried to kill her!" And he was running hither and yon like someone had put a hot coal in his pocket. But his cries had alerted the battlemages that were standing guard a short distance away and they charged. I didn't think; I just jumped, surrounded by pink chiffon frill and lace, and landed beside Athlain.

"I'm sorry, are you ok? Can you walk?" Urgency was all over my face and in my voice.

"I think so, what in the name of Talos did you do that for?"

"No time. We gotta go, NOW! Someone is screaming you tried to kill me and the battlemages are coming and Mother is on the opposite side of the arena." As I helped him up I realized the dress was in tatters. There was no way I was going to run in it. Thank you sweet Azura! I had my breeches on underneath, so I ripped the trailing tails and we were off…almost.

Battlemages were behind us and a contingent of Mother's personal guard were in front, being led by three that I had not met. Wonderful. As hard as I searched, there was no easy way out, and no. It did not occur to me to say, "NO! HE DIDN'T!" I was about to get frantic when Uncle Trey appeared out of the throng of spectators.

"Are we having fun kids?" And he put his hands up to stop the impending crash of mages and guards. It was amazing, once I had a chance to think about it. There they were, intent on magic and mayhem, and he just… stopped them. "Not a word, not one, not yet. Let me get these fellas taken care of and on their way, then we will talk."

I wish sometimes I was more 'girl' and less 'warrior,' I would have fainted dead away, or done a good act of it, just to keep from facing another round of "What were you thinking?" But instead I had to stand there while Uncle Trey explained to both sides it was just a misunderstanding and sent then back the way they had come. Then there were Mother, and Father, and Rah, and Aunt Baria and of course, Uncle Seth, all looking like they were afraid someone had died, except for Uncle Seth, who was looking at me with an expression I could not define. With a mix of laughter and mortification, if there is such a thing, he took in my apparel.

I put my hand up in the air, "As if there were any question- it is my fault." I stopped there; no need to give information that wasn't requested; I had enough making up to do with Athlain as it was without everything else. How did everything I touched end up being like this?

"We can wait for explanations later, young lady, and I will have them when this is over, but right now you need to get your Redoran behind back up on that dais so the ceremony and exhibition can proceed. Am I understood? We will also discuss your choice of underclothes." And she gave me that 'you would be better off facing Dagoth Ur at Red Mountain' look. Geez.

I was really shocked when I took my seat on the dais and Athlain settled into the one beside me. He was either a glutton for punishment or I had adled his brain for good this time. "I am sorry Athlain."

"I know; you always are." He was staring straight ahead. "Just do me a favor- tell me who I took the hit for this time." And he just glanced my way then back to the arena.

"Everyone, no one, pink." I was still truly disturbed by the color of the dress. "I argued with Kausha about it, I still think I should be able to wear my armor, but she threatened to paralyze me if I didn't put it on. Then she swirled, twirled, knotted and pinned my hair and then you show up trying to be funny when I was already as mad as a cliff racer that can't fly. And for Azura's sake Athlain, IT'S PINK! PINK! What was my Mother thinking?"

I don't know if Athlain was feeling my pain or stifling laughter when he dropped his head, but either way it was better than what I deserved. "So, I am sorry. I just blew a brain cell. I so hate pink."

"I know. I'm sorry too, I know how you feel about that color. I don't know what I was thinking either. I should have just kept my mouth shut. But Thyna, the look on the people's faces when you jumped down off of that dais and ripped the ends of your dress off will live in infamy forever!" Then he bent double in his seat, tears rolling down his cheeks, he was laughing so hard, but then again, so was I. I looked down and I have to say it was an interesting combination, a pink frilly lacy chiffon bodice with tendrils dangling and dark brown leather chausses and boots.

[mALX]

Athynae will fit right into fashions today in that outfit, ROFL !! Really funny episode, and "shocking" - I thought Athynae never apologized to Athlain before the last BOTM episode, lol !!! Awesome Write !!

[McBadgere]

Oh, that was good... ...

Absolute brilliance...That made me laugh so much... ...And, as payback for the Tcheet line, I get...

or watching Athlain play with his giant twig

*Wipes tea off screen...Again...*... ...

Nicely done...Loved the image of her running around with the leather trousers under the pink dress...And the hell breaking loose with all them mages...

But Trey?...Ooooh...Whataguy!!... ...

Most excellently done...

Love it!!...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds...Stops...Wipes tea off hands...Applauds heartily...*...

[Grits]

…or watching Athlain play with his giant twig…

Thank you, I was among those who needed the explanation!!

Oh dear, the color on top of a celebration that turns her into an event, just too much! No wonder she dyed her hair red, to never have pink suggested again!

Wow. Thank goodness for Uncle Trey. And still friends in the end.

[minque]

OMG! Sorry, I missed commenting on your second last post! that was not intentional, hope you understand!

You really capture the difficulties of being the daughter of an Archmistress..I mean come on...Athynae is one of a kind and she has a stubborn yet very honest demeanor...but things are not always going her way... And then she has a temper....I wonder who did she inherit that from? Athyn? hmmmm

Anyway I giggle with excitement when there's a new post in this great story...because I know it will make me smile...make me think and make me nod my head thinking.."yeah! so right on spot"

Oh and I liked the appearance of Trey in the last post....honestly I miss the guy, and I hope you'll let him in again....I mean Trey is Trey...he's so unique and the very first fanfic charachter I felt aquainted to. Trey of High Rock means a lot to me.

Also I like the way you depict Athlain....the more I read about his youth the more I like the boy!

Conclusion: I love this story!

[Doommeister]

Awww so our poor princess of trouble doesn't like wearing pink eh? Awww poor girl

*whispers to Treydog "we are gonna have to find a reason to have the princess wearing a pink dress."*

An ominous silence descends upon the house, then all you hear is a panicked scream, then cries for mercy are heard throughout the town.

Great stories Athynae, I'm loving it. Please forgive my penchant for stirring trouble *whistles innocently*

[Athynae]

@mALX- She certainly didn't make a habit of it, but things like this are different to her, this apology is for a physical pain that she caused. Apologizing for being a spoiled (not really) brat and treating him poorly because ...you get the point..."I'm sorry" for breaking a limb is different that "I'm sorry for treating you like an idiot"
She is a hoot though and I am glad you are enjoying it.

@Grits-Exactly, see, you understand...even about his, um, staff. Glad you are here, I hope she continues to bring much laughter...

@Doomeister- Thank you so much! I appreciate you taking the time to comment after reading but conspiring with the wiener dog is probably not the best plan...just sayin' Let's see what she gets into next...

@McB- My faithful furry friend, just don't bite the hand that pets you on the head...YAY!!! I caused tea spewage! That is something to mark on the calendar for sure...Paybacks are a -B- ya know...haha. Stick around and see what she does next.

@minque- Always, and ever, the original creator of this wonderful character. Thank you for reading, I am thrilled that you are enjoying and thank you for your assistance, much appreciated.

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO READ, so much. I really am elated that you are here.

[Athynae]

Serene and Athynae are taking a trip together. Serene wants to expand Athynae's understanding of diplomacy...right. At the age of 14 and away from home trouble finds her, did you have a doubt?



Kausha woke me, which was unusual; I was normally up and out by the time the rest of the house exited their bedrooms. Today I was taking a trip with Mother. She had decided that it was time for me to gain a better understanding of diplomacy- in other words, how to hold my tongue and not say the first thing that my brain thought. I could do that if I wanted to; I just didn't want to most of the time. I was looking forward to the trip. Any time I could get with Mother was always a treat and traveling with her, well, that was something else all together after we got past the departure. And this time it was just me; the brats were staying here with Kausha. This was the first time that Mother had chosen to leave Bree for more than a day since she was born; it sort of made me feel a bit special that I was the reason.

We were starting out in Seyda Neen for several reasons, not the least being that Thavere Vedrano lived in the lighthouse there and was one of Mother's oldest and dearest friends. I had seen her a couple of times, but hadn't been around her enough to know her other than through the stories Mother told. I was looking forward to the chance to get to know her better- because if Mother spoke of her the way she did, then she was well worth getting to know.

I brushed and braided my hair, dressed and went downstairs to the dining room. The table was set with simple foods this morning, kwama eggs, fruit and bread with the usual dressings, scrib jelly and syrup of some sort that Cook had been making since before the Emperor was born I think. I had just sat down when Mother and Father came in.

"Good morning. All dressed up and ready to go I see," Father said with a smile behind his words but not on his face. Mother looked like she always did when she wanted me to dress, in her words, more appropriately. I still didn't understand why she was so adamant that I wear something other than my leathers, and until I understood, I would continue to have this discussion with her every time I chose the wrong thing in her eyes.

"Yes, 'dressed up'. I suppose by 'dressed up' your father means you are wearing the new leathers that he just brought you? I don't insist that you wear a dress, but I would like to see you in something other than leather armor occasionally."

I added a mental tally mark to the record I had been keeping for a couple of years; what I had affectionately begun to call "The Multitude of Ways: A guide to how many different ways Mother can tell me she does not like my choice of clothing."

"But we are travelling and you are wearing what you are comfortable in, are you not? So, why can't I be comfortable too?" I could have thrown in the 'that's not fair,' but it wasn't necessary, plus the response to that was always 'life isn't fair.'
.
Mother's eyes rolled upward as she took a moment. There she goes again, counting, silently, as if I didn't know what she was doing.

I finished my last bite of eggs and downed my juice, "Excuse me please? I need to get a couple more things." And as I left the dining room I heard a repeat of the familiar discussion between Mother and Father,
"Why do you insist on supporting her desire to wear armor instead of proper apparel when it is expected?" Her voice was firm but not mean.

"Is that what I am doing my dear? I thought I was supporting my daughter in her desire to be herself and not what the world at large expects her to be."

His tone was the same as always, that soft tone that always took the fire out of Mother. Now they were staring at each other…even without being there I had the timing down to a science as I walked up the stairs. As I stepped into my room, enough seconds had passed that they had smiled at each other and called it a draw with no more words.

Half an hour later Mother exited Father's study at the base of the stairs as I reached the bottom and before she came around the corner she spoke, "Please leave your weapons at least."

"Oops, too late." I whispered to myself as she turned the corner of the stairs and saw that I had my full regimen- my katana strapped to my back, my bow and quiver hanging over my left shoulder and my braids pinned up with two darts.

"Athynae Sarethi- do you really have to make such an affair out of this? We aren't going to battle, we are going on a D-I-P-L-O-M-A-T-I-C journey."

"I know that but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be prepared for the chance that some rogue band could attack." I gave her my wide-eyed 'there you go' look.

Mother clenched her teeth and pursed her lips before she responded, "We will be traveling by strider, and I seriously doubt the possibility of an attack." Her eyes locked with mine, "I appreciate your dedication to the endeavor of being Tamriel's greatest warrior, but you can take a break every now and again."

"I could, but where would the fun be in that? Besides, if we don't leave now we will miss our ride."

Here's the thing you need to understand. Yes, almost every time we went 'out' we argued about how I dressed, but it wasn't because she didn't want me to be myself, it was because somewhere inside of her there was a conflict-on one hand she remembered being my age and how important it was to feel comfortable with who one is, but on the other she was now the Head of Great House Redoran and with that came certain…expectations? She had to at least make it look like she was trying to conform. That's what I think anyway.

Father kissed me on the forehead "Don't be too hard on your mother, my little warrior; enjoy the trip but let her enjoy it some too, please?" And he winked at me.

I exaggerated a huge sigh "OK, fine. I'll do my best to be the best behaved child in Vvardenfell, as long as I can double up on the misbehaving when we get home so I can catch back up. You know how I hate getting behind." And I lowered my head and shuffled myself out the door as Father hugged and kissed Mother through his laughter.

"If it were possible for a man to reproduce without the aid of a female I would absolutely believe I had nothing to do with her, she is yours through and through." Mother whispered as she leaned in to kiss Father, "I had nothing to do with that one." And she pointed toward me with loving accusation if there is such a thing.
"You think that is a reflection of my gene pool? Me? Mr. Calm cool and collected? You are the one that can't sit still, I believe dear, she got more than a fair share of your genes, but I am more than proud to claim her. That fire is something that will take her places." He pulled her close and kissed her again. "Don't be gone too long I might have to hunt you down."

If someone who didn't know heard some of the things that were said about me by my parents- or anyone else for that matter- it would not shine a very kind light on me but I knew there was nothing mean-spirited there, it was all loving jibes, them letting me know they noticed I was different and it was really all right. I hoped that's what it was, anyway.

We arrived in Balmora and the first leg of our journey had begun. We weren't going straight to Seyda Neen as I had thought, but rather we were going to visit Fort Moonmoth. I was quite sure that visiting old friends was not the only reason Mother had for wanting to go there, but I also knew that if she wanted me to know she would tell me, and if she didn't want me to know the work involved in finding out just wasn't worth it at that point. Plus I really wanted to enjoy the time I had with her and not try to make her mad at me. We would bang heads before long whether I tried or not.

I wasn't particularly impressed with Balmora. It was pretty enough I guess but it was Hlaalu country and even though I knew a few Hlaalu that were OK, for the most part I had learned they could not be trusted. A man exiting the Council Club made eye contact with me and I know I probably should have lowered my head, but I wasn't about to let him think he had any power over me. Besides, I did not like the look in his eyes. I scowled and rolled my eyes. He responded by narrowing his eyes at me and patting his short sword. I raised an eyebrow and did a little 'slap the weapon' dance for him- right shoulder, left shoulder, waistband, boot and then I threw in a 'top that' look. At which point Mother caught the man eying me and paid him a glare that ended it all. I watched until Mother turned away and stuck out my tongue at the man and then smiled. Rather childish I know, but it still felt good.

I don't know what it was about Mother, but even if when she was playing her "simple traveler" role, she wasn't often challenged. At least I had never seen it happen, even when we traveled incognito like now. There was something about her that made most think twice about even approaching her, which seemed quite odd to me because she was the most giving, kind person I knew. She and Aunt Baria together were like a "Nice Fest" gone haywire; sometimes it was almost too much kindness.

As we exited Balmora on the road to the fort Mother cleared her throat to get my attention, "You do realize that man you had the stare down with was exiting the local gathering place for the Camonna Tong, right?" She looked at me with both eyebrows raised.

Although my heart took a stutter step, my mouth did not, "So. Is that supposed to scare me? He looked at me with a nasty expression when he came out of that place. I don't think I should act like a scared scrib just cuz I'm not a hundred years old; that's stupid." I meant the stupid part, the other though, well, if I had known that was Camonna Tong territory I might not have been quite so bold. Then again, he was looking down his ugly hooked nose at me so…it would have been the same.

"Sometimes, Athynae, it is better to let things go. Often the expression on someone's face has more to do with what they are thinking about rather than who or what is in their line of sight."
And she softened when she looked at me, that affectionate, exasperated wisdom expression.

"I don't wear what is on my mind on my face. If I did no one would like me because I would always look like I had a mouth full of bitters. I work hard to keep my face from showing how hard I am concentrating, sometimes on a bunch of stuff all at once." And I showed her the 'sucking bitters' look by sucking in my cheeks and crossing my eyes.

"You are rambling," Mother snickered. "It is no secret you never stop thinking about your battle strategies, even while you plan and prepare one of your 'lessons'. " Her face said it before her mouth did, "Didn't think I knew that, did you?" She looked like she had just taken the trophy in some major competition so I couldn't rain on her presumed victory by telling her it didn't matter- that I didn't care whether she knew.

"No! I did not. Have you been eavesdropping on private conversations, Mother? I get in big trouble for that. I think maybe you should be grounded when we return home so you can think about what you have done." And I tried to look all parental.

Neither of us could hold it long; we both started giggling. Mother was on my right side and just barely at the edge of my vision to the left of us I caught the smallest of movements. I didn't think about what I did, but I let Mother get a half step ahead of me and then all at once everything got crammed together except what I did. That was in slow motion.

The stupid bandit stepped into the road behind us and said something like, "What, couldn't afford a full size body guard so you paid half price for half size?" His laugh stopped pretty quick though, cuz as I turned around I pulled a dart from my hair and flipped it. It sank into his shoulder just above his collar bone. I hoped I had hit the right spot, and I did I discovered later.

Then Mother's voice snapped me out of slow motion and back to real time, " Why would I pay more for one with less skill? Seems to me she is doing a fine job." She cut her eyes at me and gave the slightest wink.

The dummy laughed and said "With a dart?" Mother cut off his laughter.

"Don't you mean a poisoned dart?" as she cocked her head to the side. "Now the decision is yours; time is short, so be quick about it. Call off the rest, if there are more, and you might live to see another sunrise. Otherwise you will die here today and your friends will go to Oblivion with you." She was almost whispering.

"I'm dead anyway if this is poisoned." They were glaring at each other.
"I can give you an antidote for the poison, but you must act very quickly or it will be too late. Call them off!" The last came out as a growl and her eyes, I don't know how to describe those. I had never seen that look before or heard that voice. I had done "mean," but I really needed to learn that mean, that could make some with less fortitude pee their britches.

The bandit raised his good arm as if to signal others and then muttered, "Fix this; they will leave." Mother was nonchalant as she moved toward him. I however was not. I pulled my bow, stretched the string and had an arrow nocked and was holding it half pulled by the time she had taken two steps. She reached into her satchel as she was walking toward him and pulled something out, I wasn't sure what because she didn't need an antidote for a dart that wasn't poisoned. I was actually pretty impressed that she thought that fast and I wondered if I had taught her that or if I had inherited it.

When she got to him she reached with one hand and not gently yanked the dart from his shoulder. His arm instantly fell to his side. I did it! I hit the nerve! "Now, don't flinch, take heed, she is better with that than she is at flinging darts." And she tossed her head toward me even as she pulled his hands behind him and tied them securely with the twine in her hand that I hadn't seen until just then. Where did that come from?

"What's wrong? My arm! What are you doing? You aren't stopping the poison. I can't move my arm!" He was screaming like a girl; it was pitiful.

"Poison? Oh, right, well I do hope you will pardon me for stretching the truth a bit, but you were getting ready to rob us or worse. There was no poison; however, the dart clipped a nerve that may or may not heal. It is hit or miss if you will ever use that arm again." She stepped behind him and pushed. "Captain, would you be so kind as to take up the rear to keep our prisoner from escaping?" The air she put on was truly majestic and I didn't skip a beat.

"Certainly, Your Highness, anything you require will be my pleasure Arch Mistress." And I bowed toward her, just because I saw the bandit cutting his eyes at us. His jaw hit the ground at the exchange. I have no idea how Mother and I maintained our ruse the rest of the way to the fort but we did. It was quite funny listening to Mother spin such a yarn for Sera Stupid, about how I had come to be a Captain of the Guard at the tender age of 10 by stopping a siege on Under Skar even before anyone else had been aware and what a well rounded warrior I was, as skilled with one weapon as another.
[size=3][/size]

[McBadgere]

That was just brilliant that was... ...

From the discussion about appropriate attire for going travelling in...To the way her parents complained with great affection about her... ...Just brilliance...

The bit where she found out that she's stared down the Tong was excellent...As was the Bandit "fight" at the end...Short elven archers?...Trouble they are... ...

Love the way you do these stories...They don't half make me laugh... ...

Excellent stuff, as ever, looking forward to the next part of this...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

[Fawkes]

"What's wrong? My arm! What are you doing? You aren't stopping the poison. I can't move my arm!" He was screaming like a girl; it was pitiful.

"Poison? Oh, right, well I do hope you will pardon me for stretching the truth a bit, but you were getting ready to rob us or worse. There was no poison; however, the dart clipped a nerve that may or may not heal. It is hit or miss if you will ever use that arm again." She stepped behind him and pushed. "Captain, would you be so kind as to take up the rear to keep our prisoner from escaping?" The air she put on was truly majestic and I didn't skip a beat.

"Certainly, Your Highness, anything you require will be my pleasure Arch Mistress." And I bowed toward her, just because I saw the bandit cutting his eyes at us. His jaw hit the ground at the exchange. I have no idea how Mother and I maintained our ruse the rest of the way to the fort but we did. It was quite funny listening to Mother spin such a yarn for Sera Stupid, about how I had come to be a Captain of the Guard at the tender age of 10 by stopping a siege on Under Skar even before anyone else had been aware and what a well rounded warrior I was, as skilled with one weapon as another.[/size]
[size=3][/size]

Really nicely put, I just love how she puts it "Oh just a small detail you may or may not not lose the ability to use your arm, no biggy really."
Like always, enjoyed it very much, can't wait for more

This post has been edited by Fawkes: May 7 2012, 11:44 AM

[mALX]

How funny to think of Serene being a part of the ruse! Really funny chapter, Great Write!