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Chorrol.com _ Oblivion cheats and hints _ The Goblin Lady

Posted by: Renee Jul 7 2019, 12:43 AM

Hey. So in this thread I will writing up stories pertaining to TES IV: Oblivion. Because I keep thinking of more an more ideas that occur within this game. All of these stories will be rather short, two or three months apiece, I think, rather than years and years. And the very first one shall begin in the post below.

So far there are three story ideas I've come up with: a former scholar, a monk, and a guard. All of this isn't just to write stories, it's to (as usual) enhance my gaming. Make it more interesting.


Posted by: Renee Jul 14 2019, 02:51 AM

Like a whirling dervish
Spitting out the salty shells into the sea
She's making me nervous
She pushes to the brink

Thinks upon her feet
Thinks upon her toes
Laughed by all of her friends
Respected by foes


Now begins the tale of...

THE GOBLIN LADY


IPB Image

Location: Ebonheart, Vvardenfell

Date: Hearthfire 8, 4th Era, Year 4

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"It happened so fast!"

That was what Angrus Tung realized first, as he explained to the Chief Ordinator located on Ebonheart's dock. The actual speed of their ploy had taken place in less than a minute. And within that minute, Angrus had lost all the money he'd previously had on his person. Two-hundred and siixty-five gold, saved up for a pack guar over the past seven months, gone. Just like that. How had he been deceived and distraccted so easily?

But it wasn't just their speed, it was also their delivery. They were good. They had plotted this out, for sure.. "They were good, they were slick," he explained. "They went about their scam seemingly without effort. As though they'd done this before."

Just one hour previous, Angrus had arrived to Six Fishes for his morning brew, where he was supposed to meet the man who promised to sell the guar. The sun was shining, without a trace of Morrowind's usual mist. Angrus had paid just one gold, then stood at the table while he imbibed his drink. Others were just showing up for breakfast, or for drinks like his own.

That's when he'd noticed her. The old lady at the table adjacent to his. The lady with the court-styled gray hair, tightly coiffed in such a manner that her temples and forehead were rather severe. She had an open face. She had looked straight at him, with a countenance full of some sort of desperation. Worrisome and vulnerable. He had cocked his head in greeting, and smiled. Top o' the mornin' to ya, he had said, before his own morning had not been so tops. And she'd then nodded in return.

Angrus Tung had seen her before, but when? And where? He joggled his memory. Couldn't quite get the pieces to fit. Had she been in Six Fishes on the previous evening? No, she had not. Angrus was sure of this.

"What happened next, sire?" asked the Imperial guard who'd shown up, and was scribbling notes upon a task-board. The Imperial nodded toward the Ordinaor who'd been first on the scene, some sort of unspoken notion passed between the two.

"Well I am afraid everything next happened in a blur," Angrus squeaked. "I am afraid what happened next might just be the most embarrassing moment of my life!"

A young Dunmer had come into Six Fishes, dressed in common tan clothes; another clever detail. Common clothes, common hair; he'd looked like a thousand other dark elves in Morrowind. He had moved into Six Fishes quickly. His eyes had swept the room, before locking upon the old woman. She'd seen him then, and her face had shown some sort of panic.

"You need not be afraid," the elf said. "Stay calm. Only fools earn my anger."

From somewhere near by, somebody whistled. But the old woman, she'd begun fidgeting, her court hair falling down. "I .... I haven't the money! Please!" she burst. "I haven't the money!"

"Your daliances don't fool me! Now, hand it over!" the dark elf shouted, causing the Six Fishes publican to drop the tan vase he was cleaning.

At that, Angrus had stood. Suddenly concerned, his morning drink losing steam. "I stood, and ... I did not know what I would do," he explained to the guard. "But as you can see I am a big man, and maybe my mere presence...." he trailed off. "Anyway, I began to walk toward them. When suddenly, a second Dunmer fellow, dressed much like the first, bumped into me, and then moved on."

"And then?" The Imperial scribbled.

And then Angrus had stopped, while the first Dunmer continued to accost the old woman. Angrus had stopped, then felt down to his man-purse, subconsciously making sure the gold he had saved for so long was still hanging from his belt. And it was. The purse was still there. So he moved forward again. But before he could act, the entire discourse was over.

"An Imperial guard showed up, much like yourself," Angrus said. "Dressed in full steel regalia. His mere presence caused the dark elf to scatter. But now that I think of it, BOTH dark elves left the Six Fishes! Both at once!"

"Both at once, eh outlander?" asked the Ordinator. Another unspoken notion passed between him and the Imperial, as they exchanged glances.

"What?" asked Angrus. "What is it? Do you know who the perpetrators might have been?"

"Uh, please continue, sir," said the guard.

"Well.. next, I turned to my table, then sat back down..."

Angrus sat back down, wondering when the man who was supposed to sell that pack guar would show up. Took a sip from his cooling drink. Turned his head to glance at the old woman. And she was gone. She was gone, the Dunmer were both gone, and so was the Imperial guard who'd bustled into the inn. And it wasn't until later, maybe one hour later when Angrus had gone to pay for a second drink, that he realized all the coin in his purse was gone.

"In fact, the purse itself had been replaced, with one exactly like it!" he cried out. "How can this be? How can they have done such a thing?! You must find them!" Angrus explained to the Imperial, and also the Ordinator. "I know your investigative task has passed into Imperial hands, but you must do what you can! ... Imperial or Ordinator, I do not care who succeeds in helping me, but I shall pay handsomely," he promised. "I shall pay handsomely indeed!"

The Ordinator nodded, and the Imperial dispatched his task-board, all the notes he'd need had been taken. Slowly, the brilliant morning sun began to hide behind Morrowind's usual cloudy, gray blanket.

But it wasn't until another hour later that everyone suddenly knew how desperate the situation had really become. A boat, a small schooner-for-hire, had reportedly left Ebonheart's dock two hours' previous. And on that schooner-for-hire were four procurious subjects: two Dunmer, a man dressed in full Imperial regalia, and one old woman, her face severe, her courtly gray hair pulled back upright, and deftly intact.

Standing on the dock, Angrus Tung smacked his prominent forehead, after realizing where he'd previously seen the old woman. Two days prior when he was consulting with an Imperial man about buying that pack guar, the old lady had been quietly loitering nearby.

Posted by: Lopov Jul 14 2019, 08:14 AM

Nice introduction.

Final sentences wrap up the story really well, giving answers to some questions.

From Ebonheart to Cyrodiil, I assume.

Posted by: Acadian Jul 14 2019, 01:26 PM

Very nice how we started in the middle of a scene and gradually sorted out what happened. A slick and coordinated heist indeed by the 'distract, bump and run' gang. tongue.gif

Posted by: treydog Jul 14 2019, 05:03 PM

Very nice! Well- not so much for Angrus... but you know. The short form can be the hardest, because you have to get everything into a small space. You do it well. We come in "after the action" so to speak, but are given everything we need to know, and from the perspective of the victim- along with some interesting significant looks between the guards..... hmmmm...

Posted by: SubRosa Jul 15 2019, 01:53 PM

Six Fishes is a great name for a dockside tavern.

That was quite a clever distraction to set up the pickpocketing. But how is going to pay handsomely if he has already been robbed? wink.gif

Looks like the thieves - Goblin Jane? - sailed way into the sunset as well!

Posted by: Renee Jul 21 2019, 11:12 AM

Wow, I got comments. Now I gotta finish this!

Lopov: Yes, from Ebonheart to Cyrodiil. Small spoiler now: I used TU Starting Options to begin her game, and chose one of its "random" settings, which means.... well, I don't want to spoil.

Acadian & treydog: Tanks! ... I had some trouble going back and forth from past perspective to what I'll call past-past perspective (Angrus sat down versus Angrus had been sitting down). Maybe you can help me (provide nits ... gulp) in the future if I screw this up. which I probably will.

SubRosa: Just you wait and see. biggrin.gif This story has a lot of twists & turns, and a crazy finale idea that'll have me messing with the Construction Set in ways I hope I can accomplish.


I am going to provide my own errata now, because there are several areas where I got clumsy, and several things I forgot to include.

1). There was supposed to be a scene in which Angrus was sold a leather purse in his past. This purse would have been sold to him by one of the Dunmer some time before; the implication being that this purse had some sort of trick which allowed the thief to remove it easily, then replace it with a second purse full of flat, rounded pebbles.

2). I screwed up the timing of the pack guar. At the beginning of the tale, it's mentioned Angrus met the Imperial several months in the past, yet at the end of the story it's mentioned this occurred just two days prior. The second timing makes more sense. Because "several months ago" they would probably have been in some other location.

3). I used the word "gone" too many times. laugh.gif Especially in those final paragraphs.

Anyway, this chapter is dedicated to Callidus Thorn, our restartitis-infected friend, wherever he is.

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

CHAPTER II: LOST



She awoke with a start. Stood upward in small panic. Thrashed around in a neat circle, and spat. Tried to stay steady on her feet, for she felt instantly woozy.

It was night time. Several shafts of moonlight fell through the trees. Forest sounds all around. Crickets chirping, katydids scratching, moody owls hooting, the sun itself gone to slumber. Where was she? Where were the others?

"Amal? ... Draculus?" she called out tentatively to the dark elves who'd virtually enslaved her several months ago. She would have called out to the Imperial man as well, the one who sometimes fancied wearing guard's armor whenever they'd pulled one of their heists, but she had never learned his name.

Well, at least her wrists weren't bound. At least her face was not hooded. These things were good. The others had been allowing her a little more of their trust lately, which translated to a little more latitude here and there. And over time, over several months, she had come to this conclusion: At least they weren't going to kill her. At least she was still alive! Though held within the party against her will, she apparently had plenty of value to them. The "fragile old lady" idea had become often a key feature of their attempts at foolery.

But that does not mean she became irrevocably compliant. When she gazed at that poor fellow back in Six Fishes with panicked emotion, this was not acting. She'd also tried escape several times in the past, but after these foiled attempts at freedom, she'd learned those lessons quick. As they'd moved from town to town in Vvardenfell, the group of brigands had struck many times. Balmora. Vivec's Foreign District. Suran. Pelagiad. Always one step ahead (or several, actually). Always days of plotting, which translated into quick moments of deception and Amal's expert abilities at sleight-of-hand. Always a trail of disgruntled authorities, and burgled citizens. Always a staggering amount of gold once the ruse was over. Always a plan to be somewhere else.

But she was still alive! She had somehow made it through.

Jayne Goodfall, once known in certain circles as 'The Goblin Lady,' sat down carefully, her back supported by a gigantic tree. An immense calm befell her as she realized the others were apparently not around.

She began thinking back, and yes, this seems to have been their plan. Little hints of conversation here and there, after they'd made landfall in Leyawiin. Last thing she could remember was sitting beside a fire at one of their makeshift camps. They'd given her some sort of candied brew. She'd tasted it with her usual caution, then drank several large swallows, for she was quite thirsty. And it tasted wonderful. Perhaps she'd been drugged by this brew, then somehow brought to ... wherever she was now.

"Oh. What is this?"

Jayne felt upon her hip pocket, where she discovered a small satchel had been placed. Inside was an apple, a small amount of gold, and a note. Jayne stood upwards again, gauged whether she was truly alone, then stumbled over toward an open area where moonlight was more prevalent so she could read.


-------------------------------------------------
Jayne,

please partake of something we know you hve been hoping for, for many months: Your Freedome. Take plesure, for you have served us well, Vic But now it is time for your casting aside. we have taken the luxory of giveing your share of the gold, and some of food. Do not try to find us, Do NOT contact the athorities for your querees will be met by only dowbt, and we will be gog long gone by the time you wake, any way.


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


The note was unsigned, of course. The Imperial who'd been leading them was all about minor details such as this. We are to leave no traces of our corruption! she could almost hear him snapping at the others. But what was of more concern to Jayne was the amount of gold they'd left her with. "Her share" should have been much more than the pittance they'd left behind. She counted them out then: seventeen gold in total. Not that Jayne wanted to be the swindler they'd forced her to be, but if they'd really divvied their Septims equally, she should have hundreds.

Jayne sat back down against that same tree, wondering if she should try to walk. But this idea seemed foolish. Too dark to go anywhere; it'd be safer in the morning. She'd be able to see her shadow upon the ground by then, and would hopefully be able to strike out in some sort of consistent direction. Maybe find a road.

But for now, she hunkered down next to her tree, slowly realizing her newfound fate, which was both good and bad. Good, because she had definitely been released from them. Bad, because now Jayne had other concerns to worry about. In fact, her future in Cyrodiil might just prove to be just as trying as her past in Morrowind.



Posted by: treydog Jul 21 2019, 03:05 PM

An excellent addition to what we have seen already. With some things revealed and many others left hidden. All of which makes for a story that will keep me reading.

QUOTE
Several shafts of moonlight fell through the trees. Forest sounds all around. Crickets chirping, katydids scratching, moody owls hooting, the sun itself gone to slumber.


Wonderful descriptive writing there. You quite effectively put me into the place where Jane finds herself.

Now for the "other". Just a few places were the tense shifted and one spelling variation.

QUOTE
But that does not mean she became irrevocably compliant. When she gazed at that poor fellow back in Six Fishes with panicked emotion, this was not acting.


"did not mean" and "that was not" to maintain consistency

QUOTE
slight-of-hand


In this form, "sleight-of-hand"

QUOTE
She began thinking back, and yes, this seems to have been their plan.


"that seemed"

As to when you actually do want to switch between past and present- for example, if someone in the present is telling a story about something that happened earlier.... my way of indicating that is to switch to italic for the "past" part as a way of distinguishing it. I hope that works for the reader- it helps me keep things straight, anyway.

Happy to see you continuing and I look forward to more. Well done!




Posted by: SubRosa Jul 21 2019, 04:10 PM

So the Goblin Lady was an unwilling participant in the string of crimes. And now she is free!

So what is next for Goblin Goodall? I am hoping to see Jayne living with a tribe of goblins. smile.gif

Posted by: Lopov Jul 21 2019, 06:51 PM

Nice, I didn't expect her to be enslaved by the other guys.

Well, maybe she only has 17 septims but at least she's alive - better this way than the other way around.

Hopefully her captors don't make a comeback, but one can never know in a Renee's story.

Now we also know the name of the Goblin Lady.

Posted by: Acadian Jul 21 2019, 07:59 PM

Ahah, I see how this ties right into the beginning of Jayne’s game now – a fun surprise. Welcome to Cyrodiil indeed!

With an apple and seventeen gold. laugh.gif

I wonder where she is and if we'll learn the story behind her name.

Posted by: Grits Jul 23 2019, 05:19 PM

Whoop, Renee stories! *happy dance*

I love that in her pocket Jayne found an apple, some gold, and a note. It's a classic NPC pocket package!

Posted by: Renee Jul 28 2019, 01:40 AM

Saturday night is usually the only time I have enough time to write, edit, and post, it's been this way for years. smile.gif Next chapter is not ready yet though so hopefully it'll be next week.

I am doing something interesting with Goblin Lady's game. I wrote the beginning to two different chapters, either one will definitely happen at some point. But depending which scenario happens first, I will continue that chapter. Sort of like a game quest. Some quests can be done several ways, you see? We can meet not just one person, but maybe more than one, and depending which one we meet first, that is the direction the quest and story will go.

Grits: Aww, thanks! It's been too long, right?

Acadian: Yes, all shall be eventually divulged, especially about her name.

Lopov: I actually did not know about her being enslaved either, literally until a day before I wrote that chapter.

SubRosa: Yes! Jane Goodall. Yes!

treydog: Thanks so much. I saw sleight-of-hand after the story was already up, didn't have time to catch that one, yikes!

Posted by: Renee Aug 4 2019, 03:40 AM

After that there were no more incidents of hostility, and the Goblins tolerated my presence, so long as I kept a respectful distance from their females and offspring. Occasionally a warrior would bark at me, but I simply replied by making the hand-rotating "intelligence" gesture next to my head, and the warrior would shrug and go back to his business. ~ An excerpt from https://www.imperial-library.info/content/sacred-rites-stonechewers, Submitted to The Imperial Library by Pilaf The Defiler

... And it is of utmost importance that I point out our own foibles in this matter. That we, as the inclusionists we purport to be, have accepted all manner of mer and even beastfolk into our own society, and make merits toward treating these as one within Cyrodiil, allowing them to run our bookshops, deliver our news, and even maintain positions within our Council. Yet we continue to banish, main, and eradicate the various goblin tribes as though they were only slightly-more-intelligent creatures, rats and mudcrabs. Well I have been face-to-face with these, formulating scholastic measures amongst them. I can fairly tell all who take the time to pore over these lectures my contrary opinions. Fearsome and regardless they seem, but for those who choose to take the time, we might discover that these 'fearsome and regardless' beings are really quite intelligent, quite societal, and quite similar to ourselves. ~ Jayne Goodfall, excerpt from An Account on Goblin Society


~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-

Chapter III: Drakelowe


IPB Image


"You are saying you know nothing? Nothing about a band of brigands who might have come through these woods, to place me upon that hill over yonder?"

"As I mentioned before, all's I saw were a bunch of colored lights," explained Melisande, the Breton owner of Drakelowe Farm. "Perhaps early last evening, just after nightfall. I was out here in the garden, minding my calves, and just happened to look up. There they were. Lights of green and red and yellow, flashing between the trees. As though some wizard might have shown up, then cast some colorful spell. And I may have shuddered. As you can see, I'm not exactly surrounded by the safety of civilization out here."

"I see."

"As for some band of outlaws, I saw no one. The lights were there, I wondered who might be casting them, but then, nothing else happened."

The morning was cool, tainted lightly by fog. After awaking in the forest, Jayne had stayed alert and terrified the rest of the night. Every sound was analyzed. Every shadowy movement, she'd skulk nearer to her tree. Fortunately, daybreak had arrived quickly. She'd then begun her search for a road or a footpath. There was nothing of the sort near to where she'd awoken, but her captors had to have made their way into wilderness somehow. After maybe a couple of hours of wandering, she hadn't much success. But then, she'd spotted Drakelowe from a distance. Which was interesting. Interesting that they would place her in the middle of nowhere, but also near to guaranteed safety.

"I wouldn't worry about them if I were you," Drakelowe's owner continued. "From what you're saying, it sounds like they wanted to be long gone. And they certainly succeeded at that. Like I said, must have had some deft wizardry going on, from what I was seeing."

Jayne Goodfall looked to the ground, and considered this. All along, she'd suspected at least one of the outlaws might be adept at a variety of magics; it would certainly explain how they'd always located her when she had managed escape. It would also explain how they'd pulled off some of their more dastardly capers. That magistrate up in Balmora for instance ... how could he have not noticed the scoundrels as they'd casually cleaned out his finery cabinets of a variety of jewels, and in plain view of his associates?

If so, if one or more of them were skilled in these matters, they'd certainly kept this facet of their organization a secret from her. Because ... magic. It was the only thing which made sense. She'd been teleported out here perhaps, teleported to the middle of the Niben. Because it made sense to get rid of her. What better way to hide the most knowledgable witness to all their crimes, while still keeping her alive?

"You know, you should really consider yourself lucky," Melisande attempted. "As you explained earlier, as soon as you were on that boat, your greatest fear was that they were serious, when they said they were going to push you off into the bay."

Jayne Goodfall, once a respected and prominent member of Imperial society, made a small whimpering sound.

"Come inside. And fear not, milady," the farmer said with confidence. "I've got tea, and plenty of herbs which can soothe. Those thieves and roustabouts, whoever they are, obviously are not interested in returning out here. Else, why would they not simply commandeer my entire property for their own?"

Jayne nodded and smiled briefly. Gathered her wits. Sighed. "Yes, I suppose you are right. I am so lucky to have... at least been placed near a welcoming location such as Drakelowe. Grateful, I am." She paused. "Anything you need. Anything. Your crops need picking in the morn? Your cow needs milking, Melisande?"

"You do me too much honor, Miss Goodfall, and there's no need to worry about such matters. Now please, come inside," the farmer said, sweeping her arms grandly. "Come inside, where all shall be made well. You can stay, as long as you like."

Jayne smiled broader now, and shuffled her feet a little. "Oh, just one more thing."

"Surely. What's on your mind, Imperial?"

"It has been awhile since I've traveled the Niben. Are there still goblin lairs out here that you know of? Near, in fact, to this property?"

"Goblins? Blecch!" Melisande grimaced. "I hate the things!"

Jayne Goodfall started to say something, her face forming a bit sternly, but then she bit her tongue. Now was not the time for sharp retorts. Her new host had been so gracious to let her stay, after all.


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https://i.imgur.com/BSDg1HH.png

https://i.imgur.com/ZdgMPuS.png (Jayne was hungry, and didn't know what the farm's owner would be like!)

https://i.imgur.com/618xDma.png

Posted by: SubRosa Aug 4 2019, 05:44 PM

Neat link to that article about Sacred Rite of the Stonechewers. I had no idea that even existed.

Drakelowe farm sounds inviting, even though it seems the owner is none to keen on the Goblin folk. It seems Jayne is already quite interested in Goblins, and intending on making contact with the nearest tribe.

Posted by: Acadian Aug 4 2019, 07:53 PM

I quite like the premise you seem to have going on here that goblins are worth a look/study. Given Buffy's lack of height and long ears, she could not help but notice the same in goblins and has long wondered if they were some form of rather primitive cave mer. Can't wait to learn more about them from Jayne!

Ahh, some refuge for a time - most welcome I'm sure as Jayne gets her bearings.

Posted by: Lopov Aug 5 2019, 06:13 PM

An interesting continuation, you used quite a different style this time, even opening the story up with paragraphs from various works.

I wonder what Jayne'd say, if she didn't bit her tongue.

Posted by: treydog Aug 10 2019, 02:57 PM

Somehow missed this when you first updated- but happy to have discovered it. The goblin commentary adds tremendously to the story- and makes us think a bit more about the "mindless creatures" who nevertheless have clear societal structures, as well as the intellect to use magic.

I admit to having some suspicions of Melisande, but that is probably just my ingrained paranoia.

Most excellent addition to this intriguing story.

Posted by: Renee Aug 11 2019, 04:11 PM

Comments and questions in this post, and I'll put this week's chapter in the next post later on. Easier for me edit the story this way. Because for some reason I always catch stuff once it's posted here at Chorrol, which I can't see in Notepad.

treydog: Melisande actually attacked my poor Jayne, so your paranoia is not unfounded! ... I have a mod in her game called Oblivion Jobs which is supposed to allow the player-character to pick crops for a small amount of money (and do all sorts of other menial tasks like cook food, smith weapons, pick grapes in Skingrad, etc.), On the Drakelowe property, Jayne could harvest crops and get paid by Melisande, and the mod author also gave the PC his/her own bedroll. But then something went wrong. sad.gif Out of nowhere, Mel decided to flip on Jayne for whatever glitchy reason.

In roleplay terms though, this actually made sense, as shall be seen.


Lopov: Yes, what would Jayne have said, if she hadn't bit her tongue? wink.gif

Acadian: I've been thinking about Buffy here and there, especially in this next chapter. Because I do remember she's got some experience dealing with goblins and all sorts of nasties, but is also open-minded to the fact that not ALL of them are horrid. Buffy also is quite resourceful about finding all sorts of items in the wild, and making them useful. I seem to recall she makes her own toiletries, for instance.

SubRosa: I decided to do a little research, typing "goblin" into The Imperial Library website, and quite a few results came up. smile.gif That Stonechewer book was submitted by somebody playing Elder Scrolls Online. I'm not sure if it was written by a dev, or by somebody playing the game in real-time. It fits though.

All: Melisande is part of the Vampire Cure quest, which I didn't know until I did a little UESP'ing. ohmy.gif So the part when Mel says "come inside, I've got lots of ingredients which can soothe...." yeah, she really means this!

This next chapter coming up is actually a half-chapter. As I was writing I kept getting more and more ideas, to the point that I was getting overwhelmed! To post the entire thing at once would provide more of a "flow," but then I'd have to wait until next week, and we don't want that. smile.gif

Have some cake. cake.gif

Posted by: Renee Aug 11 2019, 05:25 PM

Chapter IV: The Goblin


She spotted him from a distance. A stocky warrior, standing maybe fifty feet away. The warrior was distracted by something on the ground. He hadn't caught her scent.

Though well-versed in many goblin affairs, Jayne Goodfall (at that moment) was glad to have seen him first, not the other way around. She crouched behind a bush for some time, studying the warrior's movements. She could see that he was relaxed, not agitated. Which was good, of course. After studying the symbols upon his breastplate, she could also see he was from the Cracked Wood tribe, meaning that she'd made decent progress through the forest. She had to be on the western edge of the Niben. Hopefully, she was somewhere near to Cropsford.

Cropsford, that small village which had been decimated, then slowly rebuilt, at the end of the Third Era (and into the Fourth, she hoped). Though her memory was foggy, there had been some sort of trouble with goblins in the area, The Black Horse Courier had published a story about this. Two tribes at war, if she recalled correctly. One of Cyrodiil's numerous Third Era adventurers had managed to resolve the dilemma, as she recalled, and the tale then ended happily.

Jayne gripped the small wooden stick from her belt, looking at it doubtfully. She had fashioned this stick two days before, but was now unsure whether the warrior would even acknowledge her efforts. This stick was actually a bundle of several vines and twines, bent and tarred carefully around a central stake of oak, then secured in place with several small iron tacks. Jayne had found all the wooden parts herself around Drakelowe, while Melisande had provided the metal. It had taken several hours for Jayne to construct.

To most folk, her stick might appear to be a rather elegant accomplishment, perhaps an art piece of some sort, for it was too short to be a walking cane, too flimsy to be a weapon. But to Jayne, this 'art piece' could literally become the difference between her life, or her death.

It's a totem Jayne had explained to Melisande several days before, after she'd carefully begun dipping the newly-shaped item into a small pot of hot, black, gooish substance.

A ... totem! Melisande had squeaked. How very lovely! And whatever is this totem for?

And thus began the conversation, which caused the actual rift, which soon developed into the full-blown argument between host and guest back at Drakelowe Farm. ... GET OUT! Melisande had eventually screamed. Get OUT of here, before I CALL THE GUARDS!

Jayne shuddered at the memory. Drakelowe's owner had quickly gone from being mild and friendly to quite menacing, throwing spells at Jayne, even summoning an atronach of fire! Jayne hadn't foreseen how things could have gone so wrong! She definitely shouldn't have tried elucidating the woman about her past.

But of course, Jayne Goodfall now had more pressing concerns. Her totem, for instance. Had she done it right?

Unarmed and unarmored (but hopefully not too unprepared), the next few moments would make all the difference. Brimming with anticipation, Jayne began to sweat. She looked down to her clothes, the same coarse linens she'd been wearing for days, and was suddenly glad they were a bit scuffed. No longer freshly-laundered. She'd smell of the forest around her, meaning that the warrior would be just a little more open to her presence.

She thought it all through one more time, then stood fully. The warrior saw her. "Yargh!" he called, throwing his arms to the sky, readying his mace. He began to stomp quickly toward her. Before she knew it, Jayne was fumbling her totem, hoping it would make all the difference.


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https://i.imgur.com/v08odtU.png

https://i.imgur.com/w2aj9LR.png -- (Mel was chasing her by now. Wish I had gotten pics of her going batty. She really went overboard)

https://i.imgur.com/OiyxjOp.png -- (An SI mace actually. We'll have to use our imagination because I couldn't find something equivalent)

https://i.imgur.com/qHVNoWk.png

Posted by: Acadian Aug 11 2019, 06:54 PM

Well, done, Renee!

Thank Azura for those handy 3rd Era adventures and that one of them helped get Cropsford sorted out.

Wow, an interest and/or support of goblins sure seems an unpopular hobby in Colovia!

Well, let's hope that Jayne's totemic efforts impress the goblin warrior bearing down on her. If not, Jayne has a solid back up plan. . . right? tongue.gif

Posted by: SubRosa Aug 11 2019, 08:56 PM

I too, loved the inclusion of Cropsford and the 3rd Era hero who set things to right there.

Wow, so Mel is cool with curing vampires, but gets all in an uproar over making nice at goblins? Let's hope that Jayne has better luck with the goblins than she did with Mel!


Posted by: Lopov Aug 12 2019, 01:19 PM

Quite a cliff hanger, Renee Gade. Who allowed you to post one segment this week and the other one next week? biggrin.gif

I'm really curious what Jayne said that made Melisande attack her? We also don't find out whether Melisande survived the encounter, though I assume she did.

Very clever to use a mace from the SI as a totem. In fact it's more similar to a totem than to a mace.

Posted by: treydog Aug 16 2019, 05:15 PM

Interesting continuation. Our first encounter with a goblin, although not Jayne's, it would appear. Love the way you weave all the different eras together to make a consistent story.

Posted by: Renee Aug 18 2019, 06:46 AM

Acadian: Aw thanks! Yes, I left that sort of vague, the adventurer who saved Cropsford; we all have someone who did. smile.gif

SubRosa: Mel really disappointed both of us. Seriously I have no idea why she flipped like that. But in a strange way, it fit the story because in RP terms, there was supposed to be a tiff between those two anyway. Still though... she cast a flame atronach! What did my lady do to deserve this???

Lopov: Hee hee yes, thank you for helping me decide. Because I was unsure if I wanted to post the entire chapter as one BIG chapter. Turns out, that would have been too much, I think.

treydog: Aw, thank you. smile.gif I am loving your story too, even as I'm learning its scenarios piece by piece, years behind everyone else.

The next chapter is complete but we just got home from vacation earlier this evening, and I haven't slept in about 18 hours folks. So I'll post it tomorrow. Which is today, actually.


Posted by: Renee Aug 18 2019, 05:44 PM

This chapter is longer. cake.gif I thought of chopping it into two, but I think it'll be better not to break up the flow. I originally wanted to have BOTH chapters (last week and this week) as one, but that would definitely have been too ambitious.

treydog (or anyone here) when different languages are shown in stories, I know these words get italicized. But do they always need to be italicized? That'll get sort of tedious for me to write the code in (or highlight stuff and press the I button).

Well... I guess I'll just post this as-is for now.

---------

Chapter V: Cracked Wood Cave


IPB Image

After some moments of preparation, Jayne stood fully from her hiding place. Immediately, the goblin sentry saw her. "Yargh!" he called, throwing his arms to the sky, readying his blade, baring his teeth. He began to stomp quickly toward her. Before she knew it, Jayne was fumbling her totem, hoping it would make all the difference.

Yargh, the common goblin war cry.

During the 3rd Era and well into the 4th, many different goblin tribes inhabited Cyrodiil: the Bitterfish, the Dust Eaters, the Bloody Hands, and so on. These tribes spoke many different dialects, and sometimes used words unique to their homesteads. But almost all of them shared yargh, which (like many goblin words) had several potential meanings. The most obvious, in this situation, being "attack!" of course.

However, it all depended how yargh was said, and when it was said. If someone wanted to learn to speak goblinese, this learner had to pay attention not just to words and phrases, but also body language, and sign language. Unlike human and mer communications, which depended almost solely upon specific sounds and articulations, goblins spoke to each other not just through their voices, but also by gestures, hand motions, and sometimes their entire bodies.

Jayne Goodfall considered all of this within a split second, before nearly having great lumps hacked out of her. The goblin rushed toward her! Made some sort of scream as he swung his weapon.

... And then stopped, his gaze transfixed upon Jayne's shiny wooden totem. He then blinked. He actually blinked.

"Tschoo gshirri Muluk," the goblin spoke, suddenly flummoxed, his face suddenly carrying an expression which could only be described as dumbfounded.

"Yes!" Jayne said in her own language, miming with her left hand. "Tschoo Muluk gshirri," she continued, constricting her throat, forcing her voice an octave higher. "I have Muluk. Muluk gshirri rashidaka," (Muluk me find) she added, moving her hands from up toward the sky, down toward her heart.

Muluk... the common word for the god almost all their tribes worshipped. Once the goblin had said that word, Jayne knew everything would be fine. She would certainly live. She had managed to distract the sentry. "Muluk rashidaka Jayne," she said, pointing to herself. "Jayne gshirri." (I am Jayne).

Unlike the languages of mer and humans, one did not need to worry about the order of words when speaking goblinese. One did not need to worry about conjugation. Or prepositions. Or conjunctions, and so on. Grammar was nearly nonexistent in most cases. She could have said "Rashidaka Muluk Jayne" (find Muluk Jayne) and the 'sentence' would still make sense to the goblin, for it was her gestures and facial movements which made all the difference. Only the shamans spoke in more arcane terms. Within the goblin tribe, it was usually the shaman whose intelligence was highest, and the actual usage of certain shaman terminology was often forbidden by others within the tribes.

But now, the goblin's face molded into a rather unusual shape, as though he were trying to smile. "Tschoo Jayne" (You Jayne) he said solemnly, pointing toward her, his eyes becoming rather enormous. He could not quite pronounce her name correctly, causing Jayne to stifle a giggle. "Tschoo ... Jayne gahlin ksharra!" he further emoted. (You Jayne goblin lady!)

Jayne did not answer, nor did she need to. She knew her face was blushing.

"Tschoo ... Jayne gahli ksharra!" the goblin said again.

"Yes. I am the goblin lady." She was grinning now. She could not help herself.

"Tschoo Jayne gahli ksharra!" He made a little dance, as he spoke louder. "TSCHOO JAYNE GAHLI KSHARRA!"

At once, the sentry ran off into the evening, gesturing for Jayne to follow. And she did. She followed him round a large boulder, hastily spied what looked to be a small village across a road. She was sure it was Cropsford, but there was no time to investigate. She knew what was coming next.


~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~



Jayne was led to a door in a rock, which led to an underground dwelling which the Imperials had designated Cracked Wood Cave. The goblin rushed ahead, chittering and chattering so quickly, even she could barely understand. Once inside the cave, she waited a moment as the sentry rushed ahead. The place was well-lit by wall sconces, she noticed, which meant it was one of the more comfortably-inhabited goblin lairs.

"Oh, what have we here?" she spoke aloud. Within seconds, the initial sentry she'd met outside the cave was then joined by two others!

"Gahli tschoo ksharra!" they burst, speaking over each other. "Tschoo ksharra tshchoo ksharra gahli gahli!"

"Yes. I am the lady of goblins! And I have returned!"

Her voice delighted the green-skinned creatures. They parted ways, then motioned with their hands, allowing Jayne Goodfall to stride into their home. Down a set of passageways, and into a rather large chamber of stone, where she was greeted by their resident chef, and one of their designated warriors. All around, their babbling continued. The chef began scrambling in an over-excited manner, rushing over to her tables, probably trying to see if there was something for Jayne to eat.

After several more minutes (and several more urgings for her to venture deeper into Cracked Wood Cave) Jayne strode into a second large chamber, where she was met by their children. At least a dozen of them crowded around the goblin lady! At that moment, there was little difference between the adults and their spawn; all were in a frenzied state of rejoice.

Finally, the shaman herself joined the crowd. When she appeared, the others hushed their revelry at once, for the shaman's presence (in this situation) demanded a few moments of silence. It was important that the shaman make her inspection of any new incomers. Though more sullen than the others, Jayne did not mistake the shaman's downplaying of the moment. She knew at once what she must do. Jayne made a motion with her hips and hands, rather like a lass curtseying before a queen. She then held this pose. Five seconds. Ten seconds. Twenty. After thirty full seconds, the shaman seemed satisfied. She then made her cry, filling the underground with a shriek which might make a seasoned legionnaire shiver.

"Yarrrrgh!" She approved. And now, the celebration was on!

Jayne Goodfall was ushered toward a rather haughty-looking throne, and nearly forced to have a seat. The chef who'd been looking for some food earlier, finally bustled over. Handed Jayne some sort of roasted kebob, as well as a cup full of liquid. The kebab was either roasted rat, or roasted durzog. Whatever the delicacy, it certainly tasted good. As the goblins continued to make noise in festivity, Jayne cautioned the drink she'd been handed with a sniff. One had to be careful with goblin imbibements! But to her relief, she discovered the drink was ordinary beer.

As the celebration wore on, and two of the children began to paint Jayne's feet, Jayne could not allay a tinge of worry. She had been through so much, and now she was home. Back in Cyrodiil, for good. But because she was back for good, she knew her days as a free woman were numbered.

"I must return to the city," she said aloud decisively. "'Tis what is right, and 'tis what shall be required. And I must see. I must see if anything has survived. And if this means my imprisonment, so be it."

"Gahli maakshira towee!" one of the children called, pointing toward Jayne's newly-painted feet, expecting approval.

"Towee maakshira gahli," Jayne Goodfall agreed with a smile.


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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gV-t11HJeCs&t=136s -- (Even though I am the one who modded all this in, my gosh I got shivers when those gobs started running out of darkness! indifferent.gif It's kinda messy, but I spent so much time making it, and there are some genuine inspired moments at least! ... The beginning is really dark, not sure why. If you can't see what's going on, just fast-forward to 30 seconds or so).

Posted by: SubRosa Aug 18 2019, 05:57 PM

Great to see how Jayne is reaching out to communicate with the goblin.

It seems her reputation has preceded her! Very cool. Jayne is a goblin urban legend.

The video was really cool, watching that pack of goblins following her everywhere.

Posted by: Acadian Aug 18 2019, 06:50 PM

Fun vid as Jayne gathers her tribe!

Whew! A relief that her totem worked. Those nice goblins certainly seem kinder to Jayne that anyone of the 'civilized' folk we've met so far. They even painted her feet! tongue.gif

Posted by: Lopov Aug 19 2019, 01:44 PM

Very clever to include some actual goblin language.

Great video - look at how much they adore her! Long live the goblin queen! Nice to read some comments in the upper left screen. Goblin archers are named a4chers BTW.

This story answers to some questions but opens up several new ones. Looks like that Jayne has already been involved with goblins in the past, and there's something, whatever it is, that needs to be done in some town. A very intriguing story, Renee.

Posted by: treydog Aug 19 2019, 01:52 PM

As far as the foreign language, I am a typography dinosaur... And I think since it is clear by context, you can save yourself the coding. smile.gif

So apparently "Yargh" serves the same function in Goblinese as "Dude" does in Surfer English. (Since, according to a standup routine I saw, "dude" can mean anything from a greeting, to an indication that one has failed spectacularly, to an inquiry as to whether someone is hiding in the closet with a big knife... ).

The video was wonderful, as was her reception by the goblins. Loved the way the shaman had to make Jayne "show respect" before "Yarghing" the celebration into full swing.

And the children were also a treat.

Wonderfully done!

Posted by: Renee Sep 1 2019, 06:32 PM

SubRosa: Yes. Her reputation. smile.gif She certainly has several of these. Thank you, that video was somewhat stressful to make, as I'll explain in a minute.

Acadian: Yes totally, she gets more respect from baddies than goodies, it seems. emot-ninja1.gif I wonder what Buffy would think.

Lopov: Lol I know... Jayne has Goblin A4chers in her game! Oops.

treydog: Oh yeah, yargh has several meanings, it seems, just like the way people say dude or cool in English. I like to think these creatures only have a few hundred "words" which they use, some words only get used by certain tribes, while others are shared. A lot of them get reused.

Thanks for helping me with the italics / foreign language question, too.

The idea for that video struck just a week before I made it, and from that moment a slew of ideas began to flood my head as I worked at my job. panic.gif I'd struggle to try remembering them all (along with the ideas I was getting for the story itself) or write them down. If I'd spent more time on it, I could have made more cool stuff happen, but I also want to get this story told and over with. I estimate there are 7 or 8 more chapters to go.

cake.gif

Posted by: Renee Sep 1 2019, 07:32 PM

Chapter VI: The Yellow Road


On the morning of Last Seed 31, in the Fourth year of the Fourth Era, Jayne Goodfall left Cracked Wood Cave. Rain was falling softly but steadily. Her clothes quickly became soaked as she began to stride north. Confident, yet apprehensive. There was an apple in the new satchel one of the archers had made for her. Jayne grabbed it, and began to munch.

There would be plenty of jail time in her future, she knew this. She was ready to face it. After years of living as a fugitive though, fleeing from Cyrodiil, then living in poverty and obscurity in Morrowind ... after months of being enslaved by that gang, maybe incarceration wouldn't be so bad. The Imperial City itself was supposed to have rather 'comfortable' living quarters, compared to jails in some of Cyrodiil's outlying counties. So she had heard, anyway. Maybe incarceration wouldn't be so bad.

The time had come to get the matter addressed, at least. For she was not going back to Morrowind.

The goblins who'd hosted her for the night were not happy to see her go, of course. But the truth was, it could be dangerous for her to continue with them. Cracked Wood's shaman explained (brokenly, in Jayne's own language) that goblin hunting was rare nowadays. It had literally been years since any of Cyrodiil's Third Era adventurers had even been heard of,.in the Niben. Also, the former rivalry between regional tribes had died long ago. All of this was good news to Jayne, but she also knew the reality. Could not ignore the reality. The civilized world still viewed goblin societies with hostility. There was still plenty of work to be done.

As she walked she looked down to her feet, which were newly-painted: bright white, orange and green, plainly visible through the sandals she wore. She hoped her feet would not become a problem. The children had wanted to paint her face as well, but for reasons they could not understand yet, this would definitely not be a good idea.


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


By mid-day, Jayne reached the intersection between the Yellow Road she'd traveled upon, and the Red Ring Road she'd be taking to the city. Pleasantly surprised, she was, by the state of Cyrodiil's roads.

When she'd fled the province several years before, it was rare to see any sort of citizen traipsing along calmly. Roads were considered unsafe, mostly inhabited by outlaws, and the guards who chased them. Then, the Oblivion Crisis had begun to dominate Cyrodiil. One never knew when and where the next Oblivion Gate might break through. One never knew if that nearby grove of hickory and clover might become yet another opening into a hellish plane. For all these reasons, Jayne's final memories of Cyrodiil's roads were chaotic ones.

Well, this had certainly changed.

"Hello!" chirped a friendly merchant, greeting Jayne as though it were not rainy.

"Good to see you!" a Redguard lady waved.

"What is it, Breton trash?"

At one point, a platinum-haired elf walked by, a Dunmer, oddly wearing Nordic armor pieces. Jayne tried greeting this man on her own, but for once, all she got in return was a solid glare. Merely shrugged away. If this was as bad as things got these days, she had little to worry about.

Even when a leather-clad orc bandit spotted her, cast some sort of spell, then began chase, all Jayne had to do was backtrack down the Yellow Road. The chainmail-wearing Colovian soldier who she'd passed a half-hour before was still there. A quick fight ensued, the soldier gladly taking down the orc. Jayne was out of breath, but had garnered not even a scratch. She thanked the soldier for her assistance, then headed back north again. Back toward the city.

But then, she viewed an Imperial Legionnaire in the distance, and her spirit sank. The man was horseback. Clad in shiny, expensive armor.

"Time to get this done and over with," Jayne said aloud, before plowing tentatively forward.

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https://i.imgur.com/Ut1einV.png

https://i.imgur.com/LmMEyVS.png

Posted by: Lopov Sep 2 2019, 08:35 AM

Looks like Jayne has some great plans in mind. I wonder what she intends to do now, upon seeing the horseman.

Nice reflection of events before and after the Oblivion Crisis.

That's quite a farewell party. laugh.gif I'm glad they let her go, considering how much they adore her.

QUOTE
The Imperial City itself was supposed to have rather 'comfortable' living quarters, compared to jails in some of Cyrodiil's outlying counties. So she had heard, anyway. Maybe incarceration wouldn't be so bad.


I bet she read this in Life behind the bars by Kahreem of Weet.

Posted by: Acadian Sep 2 2019, 06:16 PM

I'm still getting a kick out of Jayne's painted feet. tongue.gif

I wonder if she's actually going to do some jail time?

Posted by: SubRosa Sep 2 2019, 07:13 PM

Yaaagh!

Jayne has her temporary goblin tats on.

Uh oh, Jayne is going to be doing hard time. Maybe Khareem will be her cellmate?

Posted by: Renee Sep 8 2019, 03:39 AM

Lopov: funny you just mentioned Kahreem. wink.gif

Acadian: I have no idea where that painted feet idea came from. laugh.gif Silly Renee roleplays in action. I was at work and I think I began thinking of pedicures. Like, Jayne gets her toenails painted. But then, why would they stop there? Human feet are much broader than goblin feet, I think. They make for better canvases.

SubRosa: Again, another Kahreem mention. Well, my Redguard does get a rather subtle cameo in this next chapter.

treydog: Dang, no treydog this week!

This one's rather long, it'll probably be the longest chapter (not including the final one). I was thinking of breaking it up, but it makes the most sense to just get it all out of the way at once. cake.gif I appreciate everyone's attention.

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



Chapter VII: The Guard


Too afraid to cry out
The world listens no more
For my heart there is no door
Help me if I sleep, a little more



IPB Image

She spotted him from a distance. The Imperial guard she'd turn herself in to was horseback, and roughly twenty yards away. A young fellow, barely old enough to shave. Not that beards were fashionable in those days. The guard's assigned route had probably covered the entire eastern side of Red Ring Road, but not the massive bridge which spanned the Niben. As he and his horse approached this bridge, they pivoted a half-circle, and were now abruptly headed Jayne's way.

Jayne Goodfall stood rigid, took a deep breath, then forced herself to relax. Now was the moment. How long had she been dreading this moment? ... She approached the man, and when he looked her way, she froze. The arrest process would begin.

First the guard would rush toward her, and she'd be referred to as "SCUM!" Next, her writ would be read. Like it or not, she was a criminal, after all. Finally, she'd have two options: Face arrest, or resist it. The usual third option (payment of gold) would surely not apply. She barely had any, after all.

But as Jayne neared the young man, there were no drastic reactions from him. "Six o'clock in the evening and all's well." He said cheerfully. "How can I help you ma'am?"

Jayne did not know what to say at first. Though she had never been arrested herself, it had been several years since she'd witnessed the process. Back in the latter Third Era there was one Redguard fellow, rumored to be a thief living on the Marie Elena, whose arrest she'd personally witnessed at least twice.

"Uh ... sir?"

"Please make it quick, citizen. My patrol awaits, and a legion steed can't keep still for very long."

"I..." Jayne blinked. "Are you not going to arrest me?"

The guard's face became quizzical. "Arrest you?" He cocked his head to the right.

Jayne stood stunned, unsure of what to make of this. Maybe policy for the unlawful had changed? Weren't Imperial soldiers in the province of Cyrodiil simply supposed to recognize outlaws? "I ... uh," she cleared her throat, trying to form the question. "My name is Jayne Goodfall. And aren't I a wanted woman? For as you can see, I have returned to Cyrodiil."

"Wanted? For return to Cyrodiil?" the guard said in his booming voice. "I cannot say I recognize you from our Most Hunted list, ma'am, and within the right mind of this personage of Imperial Law, you are therefore free to go."

"I am..." she shook her head as she realized the implication of his words. "I am ... free to go?"

"Well yes, you are," he chuckled. "Who exactly are you? Are you someone I should know? Have you stolen a few sweetrolls from the Roxey?"

Jayne shook her head again, this time in amazement. For he truly did not know who she was.

"Seriously, woman, who exactly are you? Are you someone I should know? You've got my ear for the moment, so let's hear it."

Jayne considered the man's question, then decided to answer it.



~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_



It was the month of Sun's Dusk, during the Third Era, year four-hundred and thirty-three. The rumors were proven to be true: Uriel Septim VII had been assassinated by a mysterious red-robed cult, and talk of some sort of Daedric attack upon the town of Kvatch was just beginning. At the time, Jayne Goodfall was in a rather peculiar and strategic position. For once, it was looking as though all her years of scholarly research might just prove beneficial, in one very massive way.

Jayne’s advanced schooling began in the year 409 when she was 25 years old. Her field of choice would translate to what is called ‘entomology’ in some worlds, basically, the study of bugs. In the land of Tamriel however, ‘bugs’ included all sorts of diabolical creatures, including some very dangerous predators, such as blood wasps, and shalk beetles! ... Fortunately for Jayne, she mostly studied smaller insects: ants, bees, torch bugs, and so on.

Jayne worked with teams of other scholars. The year 414 was her first of notable progress. She was in Skyrim, studying the hierarchy of honey bees, quietly taking notes, endlessly assessing them. When she returned to Bruma several months later, it was her theories which managed to increase the production of honey within that county. Unfortunately, since she’d been working with a group of others, her efforts did not receive specific acclaim.

Ten years later at the age of 35, she was living in the province of Morrowind. Jayne had graduated with full scholarly benefits a month before, and had taken a grant to do studies in the egg mines of West Gash. Again, she was working with a group of others.

Though traditional egg miners had been at their trade for centuries, certain lairs were having problems. Queens could get ornery, even in the presence of long-established miners. Kwama foragers were always a general nuisance, and so on. The miners were also having trouble breaking into new territories.

After painstaking study, it was Jayne’s contributions which made the greatest differences. The miners had known for ages that kwama communicated through small clicks and squeaks, but it was Jayne Goodfall who was first able to prove that they also relied upon their sense of smell to ‘speak’ to one another. After this discovery, miners began using specially-derived kwama scents to fool the more-hostile members into docility. The result? New egg mines in The Ashlands and Molag Amur were opened up. Locally, Jayne was hailed for her brilliance.

Despite these advances, once again her input got lost in the paperwork. All accolades eventually went to the overall leader of her field research team, as they often did.

It wasn’t until latter years back in Cyrodiil that she was finally recognized. By now, she had become head of the Imperial City’s Field Research Exposition Team. She even had her own office in White Gold Tower itself! This office was small, a virtual broom closet, yes, but it was her virtual broom closet. She was garnering plenty of respect from various important people, including Elder Council members.

But she wasn’t just living in the city with her name on a door. Jayne had spent several years in wilderness, studying the various goblin tribes in Cyrodiil, then living amongst them. Though the concept of a human living with goblins was not unheard of, Jayne was the first to academically prove it was possible to also learn their language, and even befriend their leaders. She was the first to be able to travel from tribe to tribe (something which the infamous cave-dweller known as Goblin Jim was unable to do), garnering respect as she went from the Dust Eaters to the White Skins, and so on.

Early in the Year 433, she was also the first to be able to peacefully bring an actual goblin into the city itself. This creature was merely a docile chef, true, but a breakthrough was still a breakthrough. Miss Goodfall earned the ‘Goblin Lady’ nickname during this time, after she paraded this chef before the Elder Council. She then proved it was possible to communicate with the green-skinned being. Several council members were able to ask the chef some questions, which Jayne translated back and forth, to eventual loud applause. It was her day in the sun, as the saying goes. Eventually, the idea was suggested by Jayne and her team: What if it were possible for citizens and goblins to live side-by-side, without conflict?

But then, the Oblivion Crisis occurred, and this changed everything.

Jayne’s original plan of a peaceful existence between societies became amended. Sometime during Evening Star of 433, she presented her latest (and final) dissertation to the council. In this one were several new ideas, including one which intrigued all the council’s members.

Oblivion gates were popping up all over the land, not just in the vicinity of Cyrodiil’s towns, but also in wilderness areas. It was thought the guards and guilds could handle the towns, but what about smaller villages, such as Pell’s Gate, or Aleswell? What about travel upon Cyrodiil’s roads? There simply weren’t enough protective feet on the ground in the country itself. Daedra attacks were becoming commonplace. The Hero of Kvatch, a middle-aged man with flowing gray hair (a former scroll-writing sage mysteriously known as The Grey Wizard) had managed to close the gate in that town (with the help of Martin Septim, of course). But the idea of one man doing it all seemed so ludicrous at the time, it was something nobody even considered.

Enter Jayne Goodfall, presenting her own seemingly ludicrous ideas before the council. Goblins lived all over the land, she informed. They lived near to some towns, they lived near to most villages, and they certainly lived in areas which only the boldest adventurers might venture. All goblin dwellings were fortified. What if she were able to successfully convince Cyrodiil’s numerous goblin tribes that they should join forces with the Empire? What if Imperial soldiers and goblin warriors were to fight parallel to one another, casting aside their usual fear and hatred?

Her suggestions quickly gained traction. Forty out of fifty council members forwarded the idea at the time; if only Uriel Septim were still alive, certainly Jayne would have the final go-ahead.

She was able to convince the council to allow her to entice a group of ten goblin 'representatives' from Fort Ash. These goblins came to the Imperial City with Jayne, under Imperial protection, and then entered the city itself without incident. The idea was to prompt these goblins to join forces with the Empire, then they'd go off and spread the word to other tribes. By now, Jayne had so much influence among these tribes. Any official suggestion from her (arranged by totems, or otherwise) might just be taken seriously.

It was on the morning of Evening Star 30 that the goblins, Jayne’s team, and the Elder Council were all to sign the first tentative contract toward what she hoped would become a fruitful endeavor. Not just for the sake of the Oblivion Crisis, but also for the future of these creatures, as well. If the goblins could prove themselves in war, assisting the Empire, certainly the time would come when they'd be recognized as possible candidates for citizenry.

Unfortunately, things did not go as planned.



~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_



“So,” the road patrol said in a rather smug tone of voice, “what you are saying is IF only for you and your … ability to speak to the goblins, it might of been you who’d became the Champion of Cyrodiil, instead of our current Arch Mage, the Grey Wizard himself?”

“You try my patience, soldier," Jayne answered pensively. "No, ‘tis not what I am saying a'tall. All’s I am saying is that if I had been able to implement my ideas into successful action, the crisis itself could have been curtailed with much less bloodshed, and with due haste.”

“Hmph," the guard seemed nonplussed. "Well, I must indulge, I suppose. So what happened next?”

“Well, I believe that some of the goblins became overwhelmed. Here they were, captive within the big city, a place full of foodstuffs, riches, and treasure which they could only previously imagine. They were to be held within one of White Gold Tower's numerous chambers for the night, under lock and key. And I should have been with them. But I was not."

"Go on," the guard prodded, his face summoned from a different time.

"Thank you. Well from here on, I blame myself for the events which unfolded. For I was not with them, no, I was celebrating in The Feed Bag, an establishment you may have heard of, in the Imperial City Market District. I'd had a bit too much to drink, all of us were full of glee. And the goblins.... apparently some of them somehow managed to break out of the tower. They can be masters with lockpicking, you know. Anyway, they took advantage of their newfound situation. Some of them, not all, but some, became apparently greedy. Went off looting in the middle of the night. Citizens were terrified, fights broke out, and then, one of the Market District merchants got killed. ... And I was to blame! ..I blame myself, soldier,” Jayne looked to her feet. “I blame myself.”

“You blame yourself?”

“I do. In the morning, the guards came for me. All the goblins had been founded, then eradicated, by then. I was on my way to my office, when one of the council members told me the news. Well, of course I immediately rushed toward the tower, but by then it was too late. I was confronted by a guard, who began to read my writ. I was to be placed under arrest."

“I see,” the soldier stifled a yawn. “Listen lady, is there much more to this ... tale?”

“You still seem in disbelief,” Jayne sighed. “Listen to me! Will you?"

The guard shrugged. Grabbed a bottle from a rucksack located on his horse's flank. Pulled the cork from its top. "Go ahead."

"Well, I panicked. Instead of consenting to immediate arrest I began trying to explain who I was, and what should then be done about this situation. And of course, the guard did not want to hear any of this. In his eyes, I was now resisting. He drew his weapon! And so did all the others within the locale. I had no choice but to panic, and run."

"You ran?"

"It was to be a temporary thing, me running from the law. I knew this. But fortunately at that very moment some sort of riot had just broken out upon the Waterfront. All the guards were called to assist. Something about taxes, if I recall. So the guard who'd been ready to take me in suddenly rushed away."

The soldier nodded, took a swig from his bottle. Was he intrigued, or bored? Jayne could not tell.

"I fled the city, but later tried to return. I needed to explain ... if only I'd been able to speak to a council member, maybe this could all have been sussed out. As it was, every guard I encountered wanted to hear none of it. My bounty was apparently quite high! They'd immediately draw their weapons if they even saw me approach.

"Again," she continued, "I had to run. I located a horse, then stole it. Rode off to Morrowind, because I knew its western shores quite well. Stayed there for many years. I had no other choice you see, but to spend those years in exile, and fear."

Jayne made eye contact with the man then, unsure what to expect. The guard was smiling though, had himself another swig from his bottle.

"Really ma'am, you are holding me up from traveling my designated route. The sun now crests the western horizon; I should be halfway back to Cheydinhal by now."

"So, you do not believe me?" Jayne nearly pleaded.

"Even if any of this is true, there's nothing I can do about it. Honestly, all this sounds like the ramblings of a crazy woman, if you ask me."

"I see."

The guard began moving off without another word, his horse clip-clopping slowly away. Jayne realized then that the bottle he'd been drinking from was full of ale.

"Oh, might I ask one final question of you sir?"

The guard sighed. "What is it now?"

"Have you heard any news about a gang of brigands, moving from town to town, thieving from successful citizens with ostensibly elaborate schemes, and then disappearing like specters into the night?"

This stopped the guard right on the spot, his horse no longer clip-clopping. He turned to her. His face (illuminated by torchlight) now a mask of disgust.

"Hey, what do YOU know about a gang of brigands thieving from citizens? Hmm? What of this? For you see, there are reports of some sort of ... gang, who've so far caused local havoc. First in Leyawiin, then in Bravil."

"Oh, you want my input on the matter?" Jayne feigned surprise. "Well, I don't know if you should trust me! After all, this information of mine could merely be just the ramblings of a crazy woman!"

"But" the guard stammered " ... wha-- but....how....?"

As the guard began motioning his hands this way and that, Jayne walked calmly away, relieved that she was still a free woman. She began wondering if The Sleeping Mare in Pell's Gate would have a place to stay for the night.


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

https://i.imgur.com/UW6j4GH.png?2

Posted by: Lopov Sep 8 2019, 03:27 PM

A very detailed and intriguing insight into Jayne's past. I agree, it was better to post this entire chapter in one piece. Looks like Kahreem's actions on the Waterfront might have saved her from being arrested.

It's the young Goblin Lady!

Posted by: treydog Sep 8 2019, 06:07 PM

I love the life you bring to the interactions- with the goblins, and with the other travelers. And I also like the idea of running the bandit back into the wandering guard.

And the description of prior events adds perfect background to the story.

And of course, the “arrest” does not go quite as she expected. I suppose the passing of the Oblivion Crisis affected the guards' previous omniscience regarding crimes....

The entomological details ring true and, once again, add wonderful depth.

And now (some of) the tale is told- at least how she became a fugitive from the law. And the current law- as embodied by a bored patrol rider, is not impressed. Yet she gets the last word and leaves him wondering. Most excellent!

Posted by: Acadian Sep 8 2019, 07:02 PM

Good that all of Jayne’s worries turned out for naught. Hopefully, she may now consider herself a free Goblin Lady.

Nice job on filling in more background – including reference to the Weet Bandit and the Gray Wiz. I really enjoyed reading of Jayne’s insights and accomplishments regarding bugs and goblins.

Posted by: SubRosa Sep 8 2019, 08:11 PM

You are bringing back so many Oblivion memories with things like running back to a traveling Legionary with a bandit in tow. Playing Morroblivion reminds me of what a big evolution that was between the games. There were no travelers on the roads in Morrowind at all. There were a few people in static locations, who never moved. But no people who regularly moved around the map on their own accord, like the Legion riders or black horse couriers.

Wow, Jayne is not the Original Gangster she thought she was!

If you want to study bugs, Morrowind is definitely the place to go! Half the critters there seem to be bugs, and the half lizards and reptiles. The only mammals are the people.

Very clever Jayne to think outside the crate and look at senses other than hearing being used in communication.

The Grey Wizard is the Hero of Kvatch in this timeline! I remember him! smile.gif

It's never good when the detective you are trying to confess to starts drinking to pass the time! laugh.gif

She stole a horse? Following in Khareem's footsteps there!

Jayne was a looker in her time!

Posted by: Renee Sep 22 2019, 02:40 AM

Aw, you folks make me smile. smile.gif I am glad this is bringing back memories for y'all. Too bad Grits is missing.

Rosa: Yes, the Grey Wizard was my CoC basically. He was based on my very first tabletop character of all: the Blue Wizard, who I rolled long ago in high school (summer of 1983). Back then, I wasn't so creative with names yet. laugh.gif

I wish I could pull a picture of my Grey Wizard character now, but he's entombed in the mess which is Photobucket.

Acadian: Thanks a bunch! You shall see in future chapters how things will unfold. This story is quite a lot of work. Very unlike my Kahreem days, when I would literally just game & write at the same time. Whatever happened back then actually happened, warts and all.

dog: I walked to work one morning, and as I was walking, my mind started going into overdrive. The whole entomological tangent came basically as I was walking past Volvos and Subarus, kempt lawns and suburban houses. I got to work and was hoping I'd remember it all!

scoundrel: Yes, I imagine you especially were surprised, since we write PMs nearly everyday! hehe.gif It's not easy keeping all these secrets from you!

This next chapter was supposed to be all one chapter, but again it'll have to be broken up. Mostly because I have to write a quest surrounding this portion of the story (which I still haven't finished yet).

Posted by: Renee Sep 22 2019, 03:32 AM

Chapter VIII: The Imperial City


The blonde-haired elf awoke and rose early, early for her, that was. She yawned. She stretched her legs, and rolled her back.

Over the years, she'd become accustomed to life in Cyrodiil. 'Cyrodiilized,' she jokingly called it. For her, being Cyrodiilized meant several unexpected changes. She'd become more tolerant of the province's cosmopolitan surroundings, for instance. She'd become more social, even made a few friends. She'd broadened her knowledge of magic immensely. But one of the greatest ways she'd changed over the years? She rarely got up before mid-morning, anymore. Mornings were for sleeping in, especially mornings in such quaint and peaceful surroundings.

She put on some clothes: common tans and browns. Bustled outside her small cottage. Grabbed a toadstool from the ground (a summer bolette, her very favorite) and so began her first meal of the day. Bitter, yet slightly buttery. Others might gag, while she only savored.

Many of her ilk had seen fame and fortune. Had retired. Gotten wealthy. Or gotten themselves killed. Though she had survived and seen great riches herself, she was never so content as to settle in her cottage, reading Barenziah books, engaging in endless, insipid conversation. No, this elf was one who preferred to roam. Ever seeking that great next challenge in life. And nowadays, her past Third Era lifestyle was often sought by those who needed her skills, and service.

She grabbed another toadstool from the ground, then unrolled the sheaf of paper she'd been handed the day before.

-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~



"Hello there!"

"What's going on with you?"

Two voices: one Breton, one Redguard. One male, the second female. To Jayne Goodfall, who'd arrived into The Feed Bag not so long ago, she barely registered these two voices, as she sipped her second taste of Cyrodiilic beer.

"I saw a mudcrab while walking by the water," the Breton said ominously. "Ugly creature!"

"Awful creatures," the Redguard agreed. "But you want to know my opinion?"

"What?"

"Their meat is rather tasty!" the Redguard lady scream-whispered.

"You don't say!"

At this, the Redguard got herself into some sort of coughing fit, while Jayne sat moping at her table.

It had been so long ago, that last joyous night she'd had in this very establishment. It seemed as if all the work she and her research faction had pored over the years might just change the world, in many positive ways. They had toiled so hard. Yet it had all come to naught, because she'd spent that one final night here, in The Feed Bag, instead of with her charges. All their libations and revelry seemed so foolish now, but how could they know what would happen?

So... why did I come here then?

"Because there is still work to be done," she whispered aloud. "And ye must pick yerself up, transform from the ashes. For the good of those many fallible creatures."

And also, coming here was (in its own way) an odd sort of healing. For she was often one who chose to face her fears and demons head-on.

That was how it all started, of course. Her desire to understand Tamriel's many faunas: imps and hounds and other such creatures from the lands had always been good-natured, but often led to her overcoming some sort of fear. Overall, her attitude was of preservation and understanding, not destruction and eradication. For some reason though, it was the goblin tribes of Cyrodiil which captured her attention the most, and goblins could be some of the most fearsome of all.

Everyone saw them as monsters! And perhaps it was because she too originally saw them this way, yet was never too jaded to not be surprised. Never too close-minded to not wonder if long-established norms within her chosen field of study could not be challenged, then overturned. And for awhile, it looked as though the citizens of Cyrodiil might someday all agree with her. Members of the Elder Council had been convinced, after all.

Her thoughts wandered. She ordered a second beer; starting to feel its effects. Which was fine, and fair. Her mind was working, that feeling of abjection was beginning to abate. This was how it all started, long ago.

"What do you want, ashborn?"

"Something on your mind, fur-licker?"

Two voices: one Khajiit, one Dunmer. Both of them males.. Jayne took a sip from her second beer, which was half-gone by now.

"I saw a couple goblins by the lakefront the other day," said the Dunmer, catching Jayne's attention. "I steered clear away from them!"

"Goblins, BLECCH!" the Khajiit burst.

"Awful, disgusting creatures!" It was Delos Fandas, owner of The Feed Bag, who was speaking.

"Filthy creatures! This one hopes to never see another!"

"...string 'em up when we see them!" Delos raised his mug. "Despicable green-skinned menaces, unfit to dwell heartily within our--!"

"How dare you make slight words against them, how DARE YOU!" Jayne exploded, knocking miscellaneous things from her table. "They are sensitive and amicable beings! Sensitive and amicable! ... Much less intrusive than the rogues and roustabouts who have forever hunted them in their very homes!" She was yelling, unable to withhold. "How would it be if one of THEM raided into yer home, eh? Yet they'd never consider the thought." Jayne glared all around. "And ye shall see ... ALL OF YE shall see! ... All of ye here, and now, shall see what 'tis the future! ... Awful, filthy, disgusting creatures are ya all! ... ALL of ye here!"

She smashed her beer against the counter. She was not in control, and knew it. Faces were aghast and glowering, it was time to go. As she rushed out The Feed Bag, she tried to slam its door. But it was made of heavy oak, like many city doors, and she could only thud it heavily shut with that usual, dull clunk.

She was angry, but she also felt good. It was good to be angry! Being angry was certainly better than being forlorn, that was for sure. As Jayne Goodfall stalked off into the night, eventually her ire cooled. She began to wonder if anybody here in the city might just remember who she was. Would she be able to locate any of her previous mates? Most importantly, what had become of her research organization? Was any of it even still intact?

"Tomorrow. I always have tomorrow," she muttered.

Posted by: Lopov Sep 22 2019, 06:16 PM

Is that Lady Saga you're writing about in the beginning?

Uh oh, looks like Jayne got seriously pissed off. I doubt it that she has something "nice" in store for residents of the Imperial City.

I like it how she tried to slam the door, but couldn't.

Posted by: Acadian Sep 22 2019, 06:39 PM

Yes, who is the mysterious mushroom-eating elf in the opening? I wonder if she will cross paths with Jayne.

Well. We know how to get Jayne fired up now. Insult mudcrabs? No problem. Insult goblins? Them's fightin' words! tongue.gif

Posted by: SubRosa Sep 23 2019, 07:16 PM

Is that blond elf with the summer bolette Lady Saga I wonder?

Jayne is facing her daedra by returning to the Feed Bag. That takes a lot of grit. Good on her!

Don't hold back Jayne, tell us how you really feel! laugh.gif I loved her near Mad Scientist rant. It reminded me of Bela Lugosi in Bride of the Atom.

Home? I have no home. Hunted, despised, living like an animal! The jungle is my home. But I will show the world that I can be its master! I will perfect my own race of people. A race of atomic supermen goblins which will conquer the world! Ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Well, there is always tomorrow to conquer the world.

Posted by: Renee Sep 29 2019, 03:02 AM

Yes Lopov, Acadian, and SubRosa, that is Lady Saga in the beginning. smile.gif

I apologize for Jayne's behavior in that chapter, she was getting drunk and has been under a lot of stress.

Ha, that Bela Lugosi rant is awesome! I like it! That entire rant was stream-of-consciousness for me (as the writer). Sort of like automatic writing without the spiritual connotation. I just tap into what my toon would like to say. Sometimes it does surprise even myself.

Well let's see where this all goes next. Hmm. The Imperial City stuff is getting more expansive than expected. I might have to break it up again. Because I don't want to task myself just yet, plus I know everyone's busy.

cake.gif

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

Chapter IX: The Beggar

IPB Image


"Excuse me kind lady. Are ya Jayne Goodfall?" asked the old woman with the cracked voice as she plucked at Jayne's shoulder.

"Why yes, yes I am," Jayne answered, rather surprised. She closed the book she'd been poring through. "What can I do for you?"

After waking up to embarrassed thoughts about the night before, Jayne spent the day walking slowly through Imperial City's Market District, marveling at all the changes it had gone through. Gigantic multi-colored banners hung proudly from walls and columns. Barrels and crates were placed all over the plazas, probably due to an overstock of goods. A bathhouse and a bank had been added to the district's northern end.

But the most significant change were its people, confidently strutting about, engaging in light-hearted conversation on this sunny day. This final fact alone made the most difference to Jayne. Not that there were people in the market's courtyards, but that there were more of them. Some, she recognized, but most of them she didn't.

Jayne walked from shop to shop, seeking familiar faces, and was happy to see there were still plenty of them. Jensine of Jensine's "Good as New" Merchandise had maintained her shop. Jensine's main competition Thoronir was also happily in business. Wherever she went though, she wasn't being recognized. Which was maybe a good thing. She got a "Hello again" from Claudette Perrick of The Gilded Carafe, as though Claudette knew Jayne from all the times Jayne had come to buy herbs and mushrooms for one of her expeditions. This was all.

Jayne then sauntered into her favorite shop of all: First Edition Books. It was here that she was interrupted from a quick read of Goids and Worship.

"Might we go outside?" the woman, a beggar, asked of Jayne. The woman/beggar then nodded over toward Phintias, who was glaring. "Ah don't think he likes my kind," she whispered.

Jayne nodded. Carefully put the book back on its shelf, and both women left the shop.

"I remember you, though not your name," Jayne started once they were both back under glorious sunshine.

"I am Simplicia, they call me 'the Slow,' and I remember ya too! Saw ya walk on by in the market earlier. Might ye 'ave a moment of time to spare?"

"Well surely," answered Jayne. Now that she was back safely in the city, it seemed she might have all the time in the world, until her money ran out, of course. "My, the city has changed,"

"Yep. And I'm still livin' here, as ya can see. They 'aven't kicked me out yet, anyhow!" Simplicia cackled. "What are ya keepin' up to these days? 'eard about yer terrible tragic fleeing of the city some years ago, ya know."

"You .... you remember those days?" Jayne asked cautiously. "Yes. Well I had to flee. The Oblivion Crisis was all over, and folks were saying we'd all be under siege pretty soon. I panicked," Jayne said, knowing it was not exactly telling the whole truth. "I fled to Morrowind. I had no choice."

Jayne started to say something else, but then stopped. Where was the beggar going with her inquiry, here?

"Oh how awful! ... So ya lived in Morrowind all those years? ... Yes I had been wondering might 'ave happened to ya."

"Did you, now?" Again, Jayne being cautious. Unsure. A well-dressed man walked by Simplicia and Jayne, keeping his distance, probably glad he wasn't about to get hit up for 'a single coin,' since the beggar was engaged in discussion.

"There was such a stir about the 'ole goblin thing. Oh yes, I know who ya are. Jayne Goodfall, the Goblin Lady, oh yep I do know."

Jayne did not answer. Instead, she glanced around with slight worry, wondering if anyone was eavesdropping. Again, where was Simplicia going with this? Was Jayne about to get accused publicly for the mayhem she'd caused?

"It is so good of ya to 'ave returned," Simplicia answered with a genuine smile, erasing any doubts then and there. "Most people 'ere might have forgotten all about that night. That day. Not I. I was 'ere, like I am usually. I saw some of what 'appened, how those goblins and guards rampaged the district!"

"Yes," Jayne replied sadly. "I ... I do not know what to say about that. There were many things and events at the time which I surely wish I could change. You understand?"

Simplicia nodded. "I do. We all 'ave our moments. Even magic cannot cure them, eh?"

"Yes. Yes," Jayne shook her head slowly. "Uh, listen. While I have you here, might you have any idea why I haven't been arrested? For I left the city with a definite bounty upon my head."

"Oh, well I suppose ya'd have ta inquire over in the Prison District, per'aps. Or if ya fear goin' there, and rightfully so, I hear the Office of Imperial Commerce keeps records on all that. Usually folks go there if they've got themselves a complaint, a'course, but ye haven't no complaint then, have ye? Vinicia might then be happy to assist."

"I see. Thank you, Simplicia. Well, you say you were here on that fateful night. What exactly did you see?"

"Bruises and mayhem, that's what! It was all a flurry. From what I know, yes there was a death because of it all, one of the merchant's lackey's, I recall. But who's to say whether it wasn't some guard who'd caused that death by accident? ... Ye know? ... Who is to say?"

"I appreciate all your help, Simplicia. Uh, have a coin. I haven't much to spare, unfortunately."

"Thank ye kind lady!" the beggar's face lit up.

Jayne looked around the market again, nervously. Their conversation had been long, and (again) she feared maybe somebody had listened to it. But no one was even paying attention.

Their talk then turned to other things: Simplicia told Jayne she hadn't a clue what happened to her former office, but she was certain at least one of her former workmates was still in the city. "I know fer sure a fellow, a Bosmer, by the name of ... err .. Ignatiq? Is that 'is name? ... is still around. And might be the one in charge of yer former organization, even."

"Ignytiq?" Jayne's said in horror. "He's in charge?"

"As far as I know, he surely's still here. Can't say fer sure though whether he's as capable as you were... err... are. Ye might try looking for him over at the White Gold Tower itself. Or per'aps the Talos Plaza District. Seems to 'ave quite a liking for the Tiber Septim Hotel."

"I see. Well thank you." Jayne Goodfall said, sounding not very pleased.

"One more thing. 'ave a look down at the Waterfront, Jayne Goodfall. Ya might be surprised; there's a real live goblin living down there, amongst all the peoples!"

"You don't say!" Jayne smiled, and that smile felt good. "A ... goblin living down there? Why, this is good news! Really good news indeed!"

"Blessings of Anu upon ye!"

The day's light was fading. As a Black Horse Courier cryer began hawking at Jayne to take one of his free publications, Simplicia the Slow wandered off, to wherever she wandered off to when the day's light began to fade.

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

https://i.imgur.com/6U5KYy2.png

https://i.imgur.com/nkEDRbW.png -- (this happened after meeting the guard a couple chapters ago. Take that you smug road patrol).

https://i.imgur.com/qh0Ee83.png

There is a goblin who lives on the Waterfront peacefully with all the riffraff down there. This goblin gets added by the Better Cities conglomeration. Unfortunately he was nowhere to be seen during this session, so no pic.

Posted by: Lopov Sep 29 2019, 06:52 PM

Neat story. I like it how you still continue to unfold events from Jayne's past, this time told from wise Simplicia the Slow.

I have a feeling that Ignatiq will play a rather important role in what's to come.

Posted by: SubRosa Sep 29 2019, 07:06 PM

Ignite It is in charge? That does not sound good at all...

Jayne is definitely taking after Khareem with all these stolen horses.


Posted by: Acadian Sep 29 2019, 07:18 PM

Like Lopov, I'm enjoying watching this story unfold. smile.gif

It was wonderful that you included Simplicia here to catch Jayne up on things in the IC - who better to know than a beggar? Simplicia played a small but important role very early in Buffy's fiction, and played a much larger, enduring role throughout Teresa's wonderful fiction by SubRosa.

Posted by: treydog Sep 30 2019, 11:46 AM

Mysterious late-sleeping elves.... Alarm bells are ringing already.

The mudcrab conversation had me snorting my morning tea.

Indeed, Simplicia is far from slow. It is amazing how much one can pick up when they are “part of the scenery” or, as is the case with the beggar, people pretend to not see her at all.

Another excellent addition to this intriguing story.

Posted by: Renee Oct 6 2019, 04:21 PM

QUOTE(Lopov @ Sep 29 2019, 01:52 PM) *

I like it how you still continue to unfold events from Jayne's past, this time told from wise Simplicia the Slow.


Thank you my friend. Hope you had a good bday. cake.gif This story is getting longer than I thought, mostly due to dialog. It's looking like my birthday perhaps, not yours, that it'll near conclusion!


QUOTE(SubRosa @ Sep 29 2019, 02:06 PM) *

Jayne is definitely taking after Khareem with all these stolen horses.

Hee hee yeah. So tempting. She was following the patrol for awhile, for safety's sake. The patrol rushes off at some point to deal with some baddies. The horse is free. Next thing we know.... emot-ninja1.gif

QUOTE(Acadian @ Sep 29 2019, 02:18 PM) *

It was wonderful that you included Simplicia here to catch Jayne up on things in the IC - who better to know than a beggar? Simplicia played a small but important role very early in Buffy's fiction, and played a much larger, enduring role throughout Teresa's wonderful fiction by SubRosa.

Yes, I remember Simplicia and Teresa had quite a bond. smile.gif Good to know she also played a part in Buffy's tale as well.

QUOTE(treydog @ Sep 30 2019, 06:46 AM) *

Indeed, Simplicia is far from slow. It is amazing how much one can pick up when they are “part of the scenery” or, as is the case with the beggar, people pretend to not see her at all.


Yes! I just figure she'd probably be outside late at night. Maybe she stayed into the Market well after her bedtime, for whatever reason.

Thanks all. I am a little hungover this morning, yet I just managed to write the next chapter, somehow. cake.gif


Posted by: Renee Oct 6 2019, 05:02 PM

Where we left off: Jayne spoke to Simplicia the Slow. Simplicia was able to inform Jayne that she can find out more about her past crime charges by speaking to Vinicia of the Imperial Office. Simplicia also informed that (as far as she knows) there is only one remaining member of Jayne's former team left in the Imperial City.

https://i.imgur.com/EG1K5s1.png.


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



Chapter X: Sussing Things Out


"If you've got a complaint, you've come to the right place. It's what I do. Listen to complaints. All ... day."

The afternoon had remained fair. Late-summer weather at its finest. Glorious sunlight was accelerating toward evening as Jayne entered the Office of Imperial Commerce. Jayne remembered Vinicia Melissaeia from long ago, when perhaps she did have a complaint.

"Ehm, my name is Jayne Goodfall, that's G-O-O-D-F-A-L-L. Ehm, I do not have a complaint. I understand nowadays you keep record of past crimes incurred, and I am curious if you have anything regarding my name?"

Vinicia explained that yes, her office did keep track of past crimes nowadays, but only for those criminals who had been pardoned. Jayne was expecting Vinicia to go bustling off into some back office perhaps, where she'd then look up any pertinent documents. The process would take some time, after which the office lady would come back harried, and in a fouler mood than usual. But to Jayne's surprise, all Vinicia had to do was tap a small cube upon her desk, then speak the names 'Goodfall, Jayne.' She dove under her counter, and then stood up holding some sort of magical, metallic tablet. After a few awkward moments, a message apparently printed onto this tablet. Vinicia then recited the message.*

"Turns out, some time during the aftermath of the Oblivion Crisis, a fair number of statutes were reviewed, amended, revised, and so on. Most criminals were deemed wretched scum! Rotting away in their cells, and we'd hope to NEVER see them returned!" she said, with real venom in her voice. But then her face, and tone, softened. "You, on the other hand..." the office lady tapped her tablet, and blinked. "Well, you were one of a handful which were looked up, then deemed unnecessarily unlawful."

"My, well this is good news." Jayne tried to keep her face neutral; would not allow herself to smile.

"For awhile, your bounty was high. Over 5,000. But this was dropped to a mere hundred as the Elder Council shifted seats, for a mere resistance charge. But then after the Fourth Era was conceived, even this charge was dropped. Seems you might have some friends in high places," she said with a wink.

"I .. err... I see. Well no. I mean yes. I must have some friends in high places. Well I thank thee, I suppose."

"Is that all?" Melissaeia asked abruptly, sliding her magical device away. "Any other questions? I must get back to all the usual complaints which have been filed."

Officially relieved, Jayne had nothing more to say. She nodded, then left Vinicia to her supposed tasks.


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


The wind had picked up at some point, as the day's slumber was about to occur. All around, light had changed from a brilliant gold, to rosier in color. Late summer weather at its finest. Jayne made her way from the Market District to Talos Plaza. Inside the Tiber Septim Hotel was the elf she'd wanted to find.

Draynas Pertrucio, also known as 'Ignytiq' for reasons Jayne had long forgotten, was standing right there, in the center. "Juh...Juh.... Jayne??? ... Jayne Goodfall? Is it really you standing before me?"

"Yes, it is me," Jayne answered. Quickly, she observed Ignytiq's decor: a finely-tailored blouse and trouser set whcih could easily have cost over a hundred gold. His shoes were also of the type frequently worn by nobles. "Looks as though you've done well for yourself," she said with a smile. Inside, however, she was definitely not smiling.

"Oh how delightful!" the elf answered with a smile of his own. He took a sip of mead. "I'd been wondering.... we'd been wondering what happened to you?" he said awkwardly. "Things got worrisome you see, quite so, for quite a while after you left."

"Yes, well, 'tis a long story. If you care to hear it."

"I... I thought you were dead!" he explained. "We all did! So yes, I do certainly care to hear it."

Over the next two hours, she told her tale, allowing Ignytiq to buy her a beer, but only one. Her coin had almost run out, after all, and she was not about to splurge. The Bosmer was genuinely shocked, as Jayne revealed her past. She told it all in great detail, and surprised herself that she did so in a rather cold manner. As though she were now speaking of someone else.

But she could not get her head past Ignytiq's attire: A finely-tailored blouse and trouser set which could easily have cost over a hundred gold. Back in the days of the Third Era, none of them would allow themselves to appear in such a garish way. They were employees of the State, for Akatosh's sake!

"What of our bureau, Ignytiq?" she finally asked. "I want to know what has happened to our illustrious department here?"

"Yes, it still exists. Simplicia told you right. However, the actual grouping has been whittled down to just one."

"Oh? It has?"

"Yes that's right. I am the only one left. I am the only one who's been left in charge of the entire Imperial Inquest Field Office, as it is now termed."

"But..." Jayne started, fighting her emotions, really glad she'd only had one beer. "But as I knew you back in the days, you were purely an academic." Her voice took on a haughty tone. She did not particularly like this tone, but there was nothing she could do about it. The man before her, who had once spilled a jar full of flying, stinging gnats he'd been so careless and uncomfortable around wildlife (causing the entire room to require magical extermination), was now stomping around in clothes fit for a gentleman. "And as I can see from your manner of dressing, and your skin tone, it's obviously been some time since you have even been outside the city. Am I right?"

"Hey, don't you judge me, Jayne!" the Bosmer snapped. "I do plenty of research in the field! In the muck and the mire and...and roaming around on horseback and..."

It was Jayne's raised eyebrows which perhaps stopped this lie right in its tracks.

"Drats. Yes, you are right. I am solely one for the books, just as I was in your time. But it's not my fault Jayne, it is NOT! ... They merely stripped down our entire posse, sent them off to other provinces. Some of them merely left, and found other work outside, in other counties. Until I was left. Only me! ... It all came down to the Elder Council itself, I had nothing to do with it!"

He was getting loud, his voice beginning to carry. Unlike Jayne, Ignytiq had already a couple meads by now, maybe more. Though not blatantly intoxicated, he was losing his temper, his drink now having its say. Which in her opinion, was a good thing. She could certainly relate.

"Easy, my friend. Calm down," she grabbed his wrist. "Easy there. I realize there are circumstances which are beyond yer control, Draynas. And truth be told, I certainly blame myself most of all."

The elf seemed not appeased though, at Jayne's consoling, or otherwise. He was angry. His face was all scrunched up with ire.

"Listen. Maybe we can begin anew. Maybe, you know, once I have announced my official return to the Elder Council, changes can be made, and things can then--"

But the elf wasn't hearing any of this. "Begin anew? ... You mean, the entire research team, built back up again, from where we left off? .... Oh no, no, no, I am afraid not. You don't know of the edict which was presented down from Chancellor Ocato himself. HE disbanded the entire inquest team, except for me. All the funds, the backings, the requests for exploration, all of that was canned."

"All of that was canned," she repeated. Why am I not surprised?

"I'm sorry to say, but they won't have you back. Of this, I am sure. Even if your criminal proceedings have been overturned, your name is like poison amongst the council, now."

Jayne pouted, taking this news in. But what were my expectations? What, exactly? She could not really think clearly now. Middle-aged and coinless. So poor, she'd have to sleep outside again. For she was not going to ask this elf, now pompous-looking and now so well-to-do, if she could stay in his place. "Yes, but maybe..."

"No Jayne. There is no 'maybe.'" He took a moment, finishing his mead. "Go speak to any of them tomorrow once council has convened, and you shall see. Your name is like poison now. Nothing can be done about this." He then furrowed his brow, seeming lost in thought for a moment.

Jayne glared. Not at Ignytiq, but at all the Tiber Septim patrons who were blabbing carelessly about this and that. Whose lives hadn't been ruined by their own (very large) careless mistake.

"I have an idea," the Bosmer said after a few moments' thought, tapping the table he was now sitting upon. "Yes. Perhaps I can arrange something for you here."

Jayne's gaze turned back toward her former workmate. Long ago, it was her who was constantly arranging things for him. Bookish things, of course.

"Meet me in Luther Broad's Boarding House at midnight. Yes, I think I can arrange something special for you indeed! And do not tell anyone. This shall be our own little secret."

Jayne couldn't answer verbally at first, so instead she nodded. "Luther Broad's Boarding House. Sure, I can do that. But what have you in mind?"

"No, I cannot say that here," he was now whispering. "THEY might be listening, you know. But here, take this gold," Ignytiq furthered, handing Jayne some coin. "It's a little something for you. You can use it to stay at Luther Broad's if you like. Looks as though you are indeed doomed to fall into a nice, warm bed, eh?"

"Thank you."

"Do not forget our date though, and don't oversleep. Luther Broad's at midnight," he said, still whispering. He then rose, tipped her a wink, and stalked off.

Jayne watched him go, wondering if it wasn't too late to order that second beer.


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https://i.imgur.com/6Po3fIm.png (my character's face looks really nice in that soft candle light)

https://i.imgur.com/8RKpm16.png

https://i.imgur.com/TObfwnW.png


* I've been watching too much Black Mirror lately.

Posted by: Acadian Oct 6 2019, 10:15 PM

I love how Vinicia has modernized her bookkeeping. It is the Fourth Era, after all! laugh.gif

And a nice resolution to Jayne's criminality concerns. Whew!

An interesting meeting with Iggy. So the Council is holding their goblin-grudge against Jayne. Hmm, I wonder what sort of proposal the elf has for her at midnight?

Gosh you are very right about that meeting with Vinicia screenshot – Jayne really looks lovely there! happy.gif

Posted by: Renee Oct 7 2019, 03:27 PM

Meh... so many mistakes! I was hungover though! laugh.gif

I think I got 'em all now. I hope. Enjoy.

Posted by: SubRosa Oct 7 2019, 04:32 PM

It sounds like Vinicia Melissaeia works the service desk for the Empire...

Vincia has a cool magical computer for looking up cases.

I wonder who her friends in high places might be? Apparently they are not on the Elder Council though, according to Ignite It.

He wants to meet at Luther Broad's at midnight? That does not sound sketchy at all!

Posted by: Lopov Oct 7 2019, 10:20 PM

Jayne can now sleep in peace, knowing that she won't need to rot in the Imperial prison. She won't be labeled as a criminal scum either.

Meeting an old acquaintance and seeing him clad in fine clothes obviously made Jayne angry.

There's quite a lot of anger in this old lady, I wonder, where this will lead.

She looks great by candlelight and I like the market scene, as she's passing the very same inn, where she's going to go soon.

Posted by: Renee Oct 13 2019, 01:13 AM

Acadian -- I've been watching too much Black Mirror. emot-ninja1.gif This is a show on Netflix, every episode features a different cast, different plots. They're very well done. Mostly themed with the latest tech, or ideas which could become true in the future. And so if they have magic in Cyrodiil .... bluewizardsmile.gif

SubRosa: Sketchy! emot-ninja1.gif Interesting word.

Lopov: Just imagine losing your job, and then some guy you used to work with who you know is not qualified now holds that position. mad.gif

Posted by: Renee Oct 13 2019, 08:04 PM

Hello. So, I keep thinking of more stuff I want to add to this story, which is causing me some stress, because I really wanted to get it done before Halloween / my birthday. The Imperial City stuff was only supposed to be two chapters, for instance.

So what I am going to do is divide the entire story into two parts. So there'll be two books. Book one is what is being written now. That'll get done by the end of October (assuming no breaks). Then maybe I'll take a long break. I'll write the second book some time in 2020. smile.gif

Book one's ending is going to be fabulous, I feel.

Those who are pressed for time can skip the dream sequence below. smile.gif I kept going back and forth, whether I should add that or not. It has nothing to do with the story's progression.

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

Chapter XI: The Plan


IPB Image

Middas, 1:55 am

Jayne left the Tiber Septim Hotel, then rented a room in Luther Broad's, just as Ignytiq had recommended. Ten gold out of the fifty the Bosmer had given her. Since she'd started the evening with just ten, this left her with exactly fifty.

She had every intention of following his advice further. Don't oversleep. But once actually in her rented room, a room with four actual walls made of stone and mortar, an actual ceiling, and a sturdy oak door to close safely behind her, a room in which the dirtiest thing was a mere spoof of dust inhabiting one far corner, well, she simply could not resist at least a nap. Over the past few years, it'd been nothing but bedrolls and hammocks if she were lucky.. More often, she'd wind up sleeping on the ground itself.

She sat upon the room's bed, a single bed fit for one person. Its pillow case made of some material she hadn't laid her head upon in years: silk. Encased within this pillow were plenty of feathers. She could feel them all in there, bundled just for her comfort. Blankets and sheets to cuddle within. She spent a few moments wresting those sheets into a suitable shape for her body.

"Just a nap" she said aloud.

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The skies were red and black, twisting high above with storm. Lightning bolts relayed across the platitudes, answered by the recoil of frequent thunder. Jayne Goodfall was somewhere within the Imperial City's Green Emperor Way, afraid for her life. Afraid, but at least not alone. There were several others about, as the frightening storm commenced. Most were running in fear. As she looked upward, she could see White Gold Tower there, in the center. And to her left, the sound of its main doors, opening.

There she is! ... She can help us! said a blue-robed man with dark eyes, and dark hair. Juh-Juh- Jayne Goodfall? Come with us NOW.

Though the man was commanding, and the soldiers around him formidable, Jayne felt only relief that she was being recognized, and sought.
Of course, how can I assist? I shall do as I can, she answered.

The group roamed quickly through Green Emperor Way, rushing past stones and mausoleums, finally passing through a large door which led to the city's Temple District. Jayne looked around in fascination and fear, as the blue-robed man suddenly morphed into a very large creature, a dragon in fact, then facing what she knew was Mehrunes Dagon himself! The soldiers began doing all they possibly could to help the blue-robed man-turned-dragon, shooting silver arrows, swinging silver swords, but their input was of little help.

Jayne! Martin is failing! somebody called out. Martin is failing! We need your help!

MY help? she shouted.

Call your goblins! Call them NOW! We need them here, NOW!

By mere thought, the plaza was quickly filled with dozens of the green-skinned humanoid creatures, zipping this way, and that. Beside her, the temple began to crumble as Mehrunes spotted Jayne, then began pounding upon its walls! Jayne stood steadfastedly, though. But..... the goblins weren't attacking Mehrunes! NO! They were going for the soldiers themselves! Dozens of ancillary fights broke out, axes, blades, and staves swinging! Arrows and varieties of spells zipping this way and that! Up above, the tall man who'd become a dragon was now on his knees, struggling on the other side of the district, knocking over an entire house as he stumbled.

BREAK THEM UP!!! somebody called. BREAK THEM UP!!! BREAK THEM UP!!!


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



Middas, 2:55 am

"Wake up Jayne, Wake UP!"

"Uuuh... Uhn!" she flailed. Nearly flung her pillow at the shape before her, "Oh. Draynas! My goodness! My apologies!" She sat up quickly, embarrassed.

"Hee hee, oh Jayne, if you could see your face right now!" It was Ignytiq standing before her, with a wooden box in his hands. "I told you not to oversleep! Been waiting downstairs now for over an hour, before I'd gained the foresight to ask Luther if someone matching your description showed up earlier, then rented a room."

"My," Jayne's embarrassment continued. "Such a potent dream." She clawed for the water she'd left on the room's nightstand. Took a sip. Congratulated herself silently for not buying any beer.

"Well, listen," Ignytiq said, speaking quietly. "I have several ideas which can help you, so listen close."

"Yes, surely I am listening." She had a seat upon the comfortable bed, her newest friend in all the world of Tamriel.

He was smiling. "I think I've found a way to get you back into White Gold Tower, and ultimately back into your position as head of the Inquest Team."

"You... you have?"

"Yes. Well, this will take some time, Jayne. Keep this in mind. It will take some time. Now, first step. You might be surprised to learn this, but over all these years, your precious tome of research notes has survived. Still within White Gold Tower, still within your old quarters."

Jayne smiled. "You kept my tome!"

"Yes. Of course I have!" he spoke a little louder. "You deserve all due respect for all your service to the Empire, after all. And as I said, they are safely within what used to be your office."

"Well, how lovely." Jayne was grinning now. "I cannot wait to repossess those. So, what of this plan, then?"

The elf fidgeted open the wooden box he'd brought in. "Now, in this box I have brought several items: Three keys, and some special garb for you to wear. My idea is thus: you are going to go into White Gold Tower, where you can return to your office. Your research notes are there, as well as a few documents you can sign.."

"Documents to sign? .... What sort of documents?"

"The genius of my plan comes now. I cannot just have you brought back into the city itself, back into White Gold Tower, and back amongst the Elder Council. As I said previously, this is something which cannot be done. However, what I can do is locate you into another town. Whichever town you'd like, be it Chorrol or Cheydinhal. Your choice. But my suggestion is Weye. Since the conclusion of the Oblivion Crisis, Weye, just outside of the city itself, has seen a surprising array of development."

"You would locate me in Weye. But why? I do not understand."

"I need you Jayne!" the elf suddenly burst, a little too loudly perhaps, for he then hushed his voice. "I need your direction and influence! You don't know what it's like! All day long, I manage inquests for research, yes, but it's all books! All I deal with are books.. I haven't got any real-world experience to draw from!"

Jayne nodded. Thought a moment.

"It would be as though you'd be back within your old position, but in a rather silent manner. At least for awhile. The council would not know it was you. They'd only know of my request for inquest expansion, which is where those documents come in. We could build back to where we were, day by day. Especially if you were in Weye, which is not too far to travel. Do you see?"

Jayne nodded again. She was liking this plan, seeing where he was going with it. "Yer saying you'd have me continue on just outside of the city, eh?"

"Yes, for awhile, at least. We'd be partners, you and I. Under payment and employment of the city, itself, if I can pull this off. And nobody within the council would know."

"I see. But why have me forge some documents within the tower? Why not just bring them to me in the morning?"

"Oh, I couldn't do that! We're after-hours right now," he explained. "And I cannot be seen mucking about within the Council chambers too much. Keep in mind, it will take at least a day before I can even find a moment to slip in and out of the chambers, unseen, once those documents have been signed. My request will be official you see, but I am not waiting for any sort official answer. I am merely going to prepare the proper documents, then shove them into the desk of the proper council member. It would be as though a vote had commenced at some time, and this vote was mostly 'Ayes'. There will be no actual vote however, but nowadays the council has become so scattered and flummoxed, the proper official I mentioned won't have time to gather this notion."

"Sure. But you are saying I can somehow just walk into White Gold Tower, where you've cautioned me about visibility, sign these documents, grab my research tome, and you'd basically handle the rest?"

"Exactly. Brilliant, isn't it?"

Jayne looked doubtful. "Well, I suppose." She moved her hands in silent thought, from one side of her lap to the other, weighing an unspoken decision "Well. Well, what have I got to lose, eh?"

He was handing her three keys. "Now, these will get you into the tower itself, and obviously, one of them fits what used to be your office," he gave her the keys, then handed her the clothes. "What I have here are a robe and hood set. They will disguise you, especially if you go in at night. Everyone will simply assume you are part of the Religious Council subset. It's a new faction of monks and scribes, allowed to roam freely within the tower. But especially at night."

Jayne pocketed the keys, then took the clothes. Donned her head within the hood. Looked around.

"Do not succeed in getting caught," Ignytiq warned. "Keep to yourself. Do not speak to anyone. Nobody will question you then."

"Do ya assume I'm that daft?" She narrowed her eyes. "Of course I shall keep to myself."

"May the Aedra of the sky speed you along!" He lifted his box, then motioned for her to follow him.

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https://i.imgur.com/jbxo2F8.png

https://i.imgur.com/YXxUDWT.png

Posted by: Lopov Oct 14 2019, 11:55 AM

I love the dream sequence, very-well written. I wouldn't recommend anyone to skip it.

I have a feeling that Ignytiq is up to no good...

Posted by: SubRosa Oct 14 2019, 01:07 PM

Sketchy is a trendy term these days, meaning anything that looks less than legal.


Renee's storytelling is gone out of control! laugh.gif Seriously, write as much as feels right.

After reading about Jayne's comfy bed and feather pillow, I am ready to go back to sleep!

That was quite a nightmare. Jayne's hopes turned to horror as her goblins became the enemy.

This Igniter guy is definitely suspicious.

Posted by: Acadian Oct 17 2019, 08:55 PM

Aww, another reminder that her plans for goblins and the IC didn't go so well. You can lead a goblin to Mehrunes Dagon but you can't make it attack the correct target. tongue.gif

'She had a seat upon the comfortable bed, her newest friend in all the world of Tamriel.'
- - Love this line!

Yes, I'm not sure I trust Ignito either. . . . We shall see.

SubRosa is right about writing how and what feels right. You'll find your readers can be pretty intuitive about picking up on what YOUR objectives for writing are and then supporting your goals. One nice thing about fan fic for fun is the freedom and flexibility it provides. Most of us here like it when a writer here 'lingers' and spends as much time as the story calls for in whatever areas the writer feels the story calls for. One example I like to use is a full episode of 1200-1500 or so words where Buffy was making camp for the night and spent 80% of the episode talking about how she made her toothcleaning powder and how she and Daenlin 'fletched' her toothbrush with bamboo and boar bristles. And casting all modesty aside, Buffy did a pretty good job of making it a fun and interesting episode. laugh.gif

Renee, I know you've been nervous about writing and calling it fan fiction. But fan fiction is exactly what you're writing - and doing a fine job of it if I may say so. I hope you can now realize that we are not hypercritical ogres but, rather, quite supportive of the efforts of our writers here. What I'm getting at is that if you would like this thread moved from here in the Ob cheats section over the fan fiction section of the forum, just let SubRosa or I know. Totally your call though. smile.gif

Posted by: ghastley Oct 17 2019, 09:06 PM

QUOTE(Acadian @ Oct 17 2019, 03:55 PM) *

... What I'm getting at is that if you would like this thread moved from here in the Ob cheats section over the fan fiction section of the forum, just let SubRosa or I know. Totally your call though. smile.gif

We hypercritical ogres are waiting over there for the fresh meat! biggrin.gif

Also "A supercritical fluid is any substance at a temperature and pressure above its critical point, where distinct liquid and gas phases do not exist." Or in other words, it can't boil because the pressure is too high. Hypercritical is an order of magnitude beyond that. Ogres don't like being under that kind of pressure and it makes them grumpy.

Posted by: Renee Oct 20 2019, 02:31 AM

Lopov, my friend. Now why would you suppose Ignytiq is up to no good? smile.gif

I was unsure whether I should add that dream, because originally I was going to mash last week's chapter and this week's into one. And that woulda been too much text. smile.gif

The most amazing thing about that dream (to me) was not its abruptness. I was amazed that all my HTML codes worked, you know, for all that italic text. I hand-wrote all those codes, like this: [ I ] text [ / I ] .. I wrote that dream, then managed to write all those codes in about 15 minutes. Amazingly, they worked too! When I copy/pasted that story I was expecting at least one mistake, but my gosh, everything was flawless!

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

SubRosa: wow really? I shall do so then (write as much as I like, that is). I still tend to cut stuff out though, here and there. smile.gif Believe me, I get tempted to add every silly conversation Jayne hears as she goes about the city, like I used to do when gaming with Kahreem. :lol; That would be way too much, though.

Yes, going back to bed is one of my favorite hobbies. I'm pretty good at it. Especially on Sundays!

Really? You also think the elf is up to no good? Why do people keep saying this? mellow.gif

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

Acadian: Again with suspicions about the elf! Well what if he actually means well? smile.gif He seems pretty goodhearted to me, so far. *shrugs*

Heck yes, you do add all sorts of little things like toiletries into your tales, this is true. I remember being impressed by the way Buffy would make homemade things out of bare ingredients, and you'd explain all the different items & ingredients she used. Lopov and I were recently talking about Buffy Book 2, comparing our favorite moments. Mine was when she went into that giant tree-city. And then brought Superian up there too!

Nice. smile.gif So you're saying it was okay that I sort of went off-track with her dream. Good! I get sort of nervous about this story, that is true. Whoa. This is Fan Fiction??? blink.gif Whoa, I need a drink. Yikes. Are you sure?

I want to discuss story writing for a moment. Writing this story behind-the-scenes is different from anything else, okay? ... Each Kahreem chapter for instance, took about 2 hours usually, with an hour of editing. Maybe another half-hour to add pictures. I was having a lot of fun, laughing as the story went along. I always gamed & wrote in real-time, too.

Well with Goblin Lady, each of these chapters is taking SIX hours, or more. indifferent.gif I enjoy it, but then sometimes I also get frazzled! I look at the clock and realize it's midnight, and I've been writing since seven. blink.gif But I'm not just writing, I am also dealing with Construction Set stuff. When you write quests, stuff always goes wrong, especially if you're trying to break out of your usual box of safety. So that takes extra time, too.

And then I ask myself all sorts of questions. "What does that guard think when Jayne lays out her past?" Why does he think she's BSing him?, and so on. It gets, actually, like, philosophical, and psychological, writing this story does.

Anyways, thanks, friend.

==-======-------------------------------

ghastley: Ha ha! laugh.gif I need another drink!

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To all: How long do you spend writing your stories? I am curious. What goes on behind the scenes?

Posted by: Renee Oct 20 2019, 02:57 AM

Chapter XII: White Gold Tower


IPB Image


Middas, 3:55 am

Ignytiq and Jayne planned on heading toward the Imperial City's White Gold Tower, but the hours had gone late. Much time had passed; it was close to four in the morning by then. The Bosmer and the Imperial agreed that it'd be best if they waited until the next night, to hatch their planned escapade. The Bosmer promised to meet his former taskmaster later on hat night, in Merchants Inn. All of this meant Jayne was free to spend the entire day, in any manner she wanted.

First priority: More sleep in her actual bed.

It did not take more than four seconds after the elf had left before Jayne was crawling back into comfort. Here she spent many more hours, sleeping, dreaming, wondering, listening to other tenants rise and be off into whatever daily routines.

Secondly: A leisurely day spent.

Bread and beer for break-fast. A slow walk through portions of the city. A long soak in the Market District's Public Bathing House (where she found more beer, as well as wine). Jayne wondered what the fuss was about, this new, free place to bathe? The concept did not make any sense. Upon entering its echoing walls, at first she had no idea where she was to go, to change out of her clothes. Nobody was about, so she simply disrobed righ there, dropping her shirt and skirt by the side of the pool. Eventually she noticed the sign: PLEASE GO THROUGH THE FAR DOOR TO CHANGE OUT OF YOUR CLOTHES, it said.

"Blimey. Well. No matter, I suppose."

All her life, Jayne had been a capable swimmer: Stroking through tepid, lukewarm pondwater here, or cold and salty seawater there. So the Bathing House's body-temperature liquid surprised her. It delighted her! She immediately felt some sort of transformation take place, after entering its warmth. An hour quickly passed, as she floated and dove lazily.

Eventually, Jayne could not resist taking one of the beers, located on a nearby table. She downed it within minutes, unsure whether she had committed a crime. Nobody had shown up though; no guards came rushing in. Her head recieved that familiar, floaty feeling. She began to go for another, wondered if maybe some wine might be even better? ... Then changed her mind. Cannot fall into old habits, lady! Not now. Let us wait and see how the night shall commence.

Dinner in Merchants Inn was served by Velus Hosidius, who still ran the place after all these years. Here, Jayne managed to further abstain. Instead, she drank plain water with her meal. She also spent her time looking around calmly, as other patrons wandered in. She indulged herself, imagining what it'd be like, being amongst common Cyrodiilic society again. Being courted. Being respected.

But, the hours began moving again. It was time to begin. Ignytiq the elf walked in at some point, winking impatiently, causing Jayne's pulse to pick up, her tummy to feel mushy with anticipation.

As patrons all around continued their meals and engaged in ponderous banter, Jayne stalked out quietly. Found a quiet alcove to change out of her clothes, the same clothes she'd been wearing ever since making landfall in Leyawiin. She then left them, right on the ground. She could not part with her totem, however. She'd put too much love and care into its creation, after all. It might still have some value in the future. Would this become a problem?


-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~


IPB Image



"You've got my ear citizen. Let's hear it," said a guard minutes later, as Jayne passed out of the Market District, and began nearing the tower.

Jayne said nothing. Did not acknowledge man's greeting. She continued to walk, sweating lightly under Ignytiq's supposed disguise. Overhead, the tower loomed, and she could not help but stop for a moment. Gazed at the massivity of it. But she did not pause for very long. Would one of these monks Ignytiq mentioned gaze and pause at the tower for long? Of course not. It'd be a site to see on that very first day, perhaps.

"Hail good citizen," another guard interrupted, making some sort of small salute. "How can I be of service?"

Jayne did not answer. Began plodding again, but more briskly. As though she were here every night, and knew where she had to go. But then, first problem:

Where are the tower's doors?

She began circling White Gold's base, unsure of where its exact entry was located. After several minutes (and probably an almost complete orbit around the gigantic spire), she finally found it. Walked between a pair of palace guards, then was in the coolness of the tower itself. Turned right. Walked steadily upon the corridor's curved surface.

"Speak," another guard suggested, after Jayne passed through the tower's lower set of doors, and into the upper Elder Council chambers. She paused walking for the slightest of moments. Nobody's telling me I need to contain myself to the first and second floors, she noticed. Nobody's telling me I need to 'show my respect' for the Elder Council, by 'keeping my voice down.'

She smiled under her hood. Ignytiq has apparently planned well.

Her observations were confirmed moments later. Even after she'd passed out of the upper council chambers and into the guards' barracks (forbidden area, for most) nobody broke routine. Nobody was clanking toward her. In their eyes, Jayne was just another monk or a scribe, here in White Gold Tower. In fact, an entire squadron of metal-wearing wardens passed by at one point, half of them pausing to say pleasant hellos to her. As though she belonged.

Oh Jayne, if you could see your face right now!


Ignytiq had said this, just after waking her up the night before from that wretched dream.

Jayne could not help but smile again, wondering if this might actually work. Wondering if it were okay to grin quietly under her hood. Did other members of this 'Religious Council' ever grin as they traveled their nightly routines? One thing's for sure, she thought, being with that gang of thieves surely caused me to become quite the actress.

It was true. Though taken by force by those roustabouts from her quiet life in Seyda Neen, then held agains her will for months, all Jayne could realize now as she padded quietly around the circular hallway was just how grateful she was that she'd been (incidentally) trained by them. Trained to keep calm. Trained to act a part. Trained to be ultimately successful. Or else. That devious training was helping her now, she realized.

You deserve all due respect for all your service to the Empire.


Ignytiq had said this, too. As Jayne Goodfall neared the next set of doors she'd need to open, she began to relax. She slowed her pace. A thousand memories then came flooding. Memories of her former workmates. Memories of hours spent looking up obscure references, and studying all sorts of bizarre creatures. She neared the next set of double doors: The Elder Scrolls Library. Location of her former office. She fetched around for the second key Draynas had handed her the night before. Grabbed it out of her pocket. "ESL" had been etched upon its haft. A moment of exhilleration buzzed through Jayne's body, as the key turned the door's tumblers.

The library! Jayne took another moment to pause, before striding confidently forward. Familiar scents of linen and lambskin, all around. A red-robed man approached her as she entered this precious place, then walked by without a word. Ignytiq had done well. The corridor continued to gently curve left before her. Jayne resisted an urge to have a walk into the library itself, instead pressing forward until she saw the actual door to her former office.

We'd be partners, you and I. Under payment and employment of the city.


Jayne paused. Suddenly grasping. Suddenly alerted.

Oh, I couldn't do that! We're after-hours right now!


Statements from her former employee, who now traipsed around the city like a count or a land-baron, wearing stately clothes. Scented by flowery perfumes. Sitting upon that table in the Tiber Septim. His statements were suddenly bothering her. But why?

The genius of my plan comes now.


Jayne reached for the final key. Lifted it out of her pocket. Had a look at its haft, which was engraved with the letters 'B' and 'C', causing more concern. She inserted it within the door's lock, and turned. Finally opened her way into the office itself. Had a look inside.

"You ... fetcher."

Jayne Goodfall, aghast. Yet not entirely surprised.

"You bloody ... bleeding ... FETCHER!!!"

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Posted by: Acadian Oct 20 2019, 07:32 PM

A pleasant day of bathing and beer. Wise of Jayne to keep her beer consumption under control, given her plans for the evening.

The robe disguise is working, as Jayne is able to wander freely around the White Gold Tower.

Uh-oh, a cliffhanger! I confess just a touch of uncertainty as to whether the 'fetcher' insults are being said by Jayne over a discovery or unexpected encounter in the office, or whether they are the words of someone who has just seen through her disguise.


No easy answer on my end on how long it takes to write stories. Sometimes I ponder for months, then sit down and actually write fairly quickly. Other times it requires outlines and 'storyboarding' to kind of help things along. When I began Book 1, I was basically journaling and writing as I went. By the end of Book 1 I had transitioned to a desire to have a longer range focus and gradually got about 25 episodes (in draft) ahead of posting. I liked that idea enough that I decided for all future endeavors, I would completely draft a story before even beginning to post it. So it was with Book 2 and I found that much more relaxing/enjoyable; that is, having a writing phase followed by an editing/posting phase.

When I write, I don't even think in terms of episodes; that is, I save breaking it into episodes until quite late in the editing process.

Regarding editing, I routinely read the whole story to make sure it all fits. When a piece of the story gets close to posting and is culled out into a prospective episode, it gets lots (and lots) of edits. Most of my edits are done in the word program that I write in but I find much value as posting draws near in viewing the episode in 'forum' view - that is, either via a PM to myself or a draft post that I don't actually post in order to get a different view of the episode which often catches additional minor things to adjust. Another very helpful tool I use for editing is to read the episode aloud - ideally to a willing subject like Mrs Acadian - I am often surprised to find things that are not quite right that only manifest by reading aloud.

Posted by: SubRosa Oct 21 2019, 07:13 PM

Jayne has that guard's ear? Ewwww! laugh.gif

I always want to bark when the guards say "Speak!"

Uh oh, looks like Ignite It's treachery is now coming to fruition. I wonder who BC is? Baurus something? I guess we will find out next episode!

Posted by: Lopov Oct 21 2019, 07:30 PM

That's very friendly, Renee, you let us hanging on a cliff. devilsmile.gif

I knew it that Ignytiq is up to no good! Malevolent scheming tree-hugger!

In this story one can really feel the change in mood - it starts peacefully, then it becomes more and more intense with every sentence and Jayne's passing thoughts until the very end.


Posted by: Renee Oct 26 2019, 10:36 PM

Acadian: YES, the part when you said you "ponder for months" that's what this story is like. Also, you mention Book 1, where it was more writing each update at a time. That was Kahreem for me, although I'd literally write while I was gaming!

Yes, Book 2 definitely had a sort of 'relaxed' feel to it. I remember. smile.gif Interesting. Okay, so you'd have a writing phase, and then an editing one. Very neat. I can see how this would work pretty well. It's like, almost a discipline, the way you'd write, right?

QUOTE
When I write, I don't even think in terms of episodes; that is, I save breaking it into episodes until quite late in the editing process.


Wow. huh.gif Does your story change as you write and edit it? See, because Goblin Lady keeps changing. She was originally supposed to join Dark Brotherhood, for instance.

QUOTE
When a piece of the story gets close to posting and is culled out into a prospective episode, it gets lots (and lots) of edits.


YES. This is what GL is like too.

QUOTE
Most of my edits are done in the word program that I write in but I find much value as posting draws near in viewing the episode in 'forum' view - that is, either via a PM to myself or a draft post that I don't actually post in order to get a different view of the episode which often catches additional minor things to adjust.


So this is why your story (along with almost everyone else's in the FF section) never has that "Edited by X at X time" messages at the very bottom of the page, right? biggrin.gif Maybe I should start editing outside of the actual thread when I start Laprimma's story.

Aw, how nice. Your wife proofreads for ya! That sounds really cozy.


SubRosa and Lopov: Yes a cliffhanger, sorry! BC. You're about to find out right now what this is (it's not a person).

I realized something. I am thinking Jayne went along with the elf's plan partially because she's become so used to getting involved in diabolical schemes in her past, especially after being brainwashed by the group she was with. I did not plan the story this way, but it's something I noticed.

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Grim faced and forbidding
Their faces closed tight
An angular mass of Cyrodiilans

Pacing at rhythms
Pause in sunlight
A fitful gaze at fallen matron

Flow through the streets
Engaging rumors
En masse to discuss that wretched Missus



Chapter XIII: l'intrigue s'épaissit


A cacophony of stimulations and emotions. Bewilderment. Astonishment. Disappointment. Ignytiq had had all day, Jayne realized, to plan what seemed was supposed to be her ultimate shaming. And I knew it! Deep down, she had known all along; something was not right. Whatever it was, she had certainly fallen for it.

But it wasn't just the scene before her which caused her anger. It wasn't just the severed head located on a desk in the middle of the room, surrounded by candles. It was also the fact that Jayne's former office, which she'd once joked about, calling her 'virtual broom closet,' was now an actual broom closet.

In the past this room held her plain wooden desk, her chair, and a variety of stands, drawers, bookcases, one large filing cabinet, and so on. Now, it was filled with cleaning supplies. Barrels of solvents. Dusters, mops, buckets, and, well, brooms. Assorted bits of paper and old books, lying here and there. Though it still contained a few items familiar to her, the room looked as though it hadn't been used as an office in years.

Her eyes adjusted, while she tried to temper her fury.

The head of a goblin had been placed carefully upon the room's sole table by someone, then surrounded by candles. As though the aim had been to shock and frighten her, perhaps. Jayne stared at it a moment, realizing there was no way Ignytiq could have (1) killed poor creature, (2) gutted it, and then (3) brought it all the way here, carrying it along like some sort of hunter's trophy. No, he'd be retching at the very thought of decapitation! Therefore, he'd had some sort of help.

Jayne stood still, listening carefully. Wondering if Ignytiq himself was about to burst into the room, enjoying this moment, as her haggard face was torn by emotion. Maybe this was some sort of prank, after all. A very tasteless one, of course, but a prank nonetheless.

But she heard no footfalls. Nobody was coming, apparently.

The only item which looked as though it actually belonged was her research tome, which was set upon a small stool. Jayne moved closer to her book, trying to ignore the head sitting two meters away. Was it really her book, though? She shined her torch upon it. She could see its cover was decorated in the way she remembered. So yes, her research tome. Here it lay. She flipped it open. First page had always been her 'dedication' page, in which a variety of her former charges had signed their names. And this was intact. She pored quickly through the rest of her tome, satisfied to see it was all still there. Her familiar scrawls, her familiar sketches. She relaxed, just a bit.

But the purported documents she was supposed to sign were nowhere to be seen. She investigated the room quickly, moving cleaning implements around, pushing them aside, already knowing her search would be futile. And... if what the elf had informed about was true, there'd be no reason why the papers he'd described would be anywhere other than with her tome.

Jayne's intuition triggered. She began moving quickly, leaving her former office behind, fearing she'd meet the elf just outside the door. No, he wasn't there. She stomped angrily down the corridor, no longer caring if anybody noticed her. Out of the Elder Scrolls Library. She did not bother to have a look inside the library itself, already knowing she'd likely never return. Instead, she opened the door to the library's outer ring, began moving upon its corridor, trying to calm her echoing footfalls. Ignytiq, you deplorable nuisance.

"STOP RIGHT THERE criminal scum!"

Jayne halted. A palace guard had moved into view, blocking her path.

"Nobody breaks the law on MY watch," he said ominously. "I'm taking all your stolen goods. You are under arrest now for trespassing. We already know you haven't the gold to pay the fine, so it's off to jail with ya! Now, how to you plead?"

Jayne did not respond at first. Ignitiq .. Draynas ... whatever your bloody name is. You are a fetcher.

Knowing it'd be useless to attempt stating her case, knowing it'd be useless to try and explain why she was there (for doing so would be seen as resistance to arrest) Jayne decided she'd not make the same mistake she made years ago. She would not go rushing off, stealing a stable horse, then fleeing to some other province.

"It's that bloody elf, isn't it? HE is the one who's behind this all. Well, I suppose I have no choice." She handed over her bag. "That tome is mine, and so is this totem. You can confiscate the rest, I do care not."

The guard seemed not to notice her words one way or another. "Hope you rot, criminal scum!" he stated.

-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~


Her sentence would not last long, she was informed after being locked up. A mere trespassing charge; it would be over in three days. She had never been arrested before. Long ago, all of this might have caused her some emotion. Not necessarily tears, at least not until she was alone. But certainly surprise, and also a lot of fear.

Now, however, Jayne went through it all with a coolness which she quickly took notice of. Her anger dwindled, as she spent the first several hours pacing around her cell aimlessly. I am not a criminal, she realized. Somehow, all of this was Ignytiq's doing.

She soon learned (from a man who was locked across the hall) that the Imperial City's jails offered conditions which were better than usual. "Was locked up in Bruma for awhile," he called to Jayne. "At least these cells we in now are warm! Swept daily, too. And no rats. Food's not so bad. Have a look in your barrel there. They come and restock every few hours, usually when you're sleeping."

His words were true, especially about the bread, cheese, and water which had been rationed. But within a day, Jayne had gotten sick. Contracted diseases which were later diagnosed as Brain Rot and Greenspore. It seemed no matter how much she slept, she always felt miserable and fatigued.

One day she awoke to find a Khajiit male standing just outside her cell's bars, scratching upon a hand-held board with a quill. He would look at Jayne, scratch something on his board. Look at her again. Scratch again. "Khajiit has no words for yoooo," he told Jayne after she inquired what he was doing.

Time passed, and since there were no windows in the cell. it was impossible to tell just how many hours had gone by. Finally came the moment when she awoke from her bedroll to find a familiar figure standing just outside the bars to her cell. Jayne could actually smell his flowery perfume before she saw who it was.

"Jayne Goodfall," he called out to her. "Here you are, right where I wanted you all along."

Jayne came toward the elf slowly. "Draynas. Despicable moron. Well I suppose yer all delighted now, eh?"

"I may be despicable in your mind, but you cannot deny I'm not daft." Ignytiq paused a moment, as if to let his words sink in. "Oh, what was it you said? 'I'm not that daft, Draynas.' Was that it? ... Well, seems the shoe fits rather nicely now, does it not?" The elf looked at her smugly.

Jayne stayed silent a moment, thinking. "You left my tome," she finally spoke. "All of that planning, the goblin's head, the candles, the certain arrangement to have this all done under Imperial watch, yet I've been given back my most prized possession from those days."

"Indeed I did give it back. Like I said, you deserve to have it back, for all your former years of service. And believe me, when I get done with you, that book full of trivialities will be all you'll have left."

Jayne did not answer. Months of training from her Morrowind abduction days were again crossing her mind.

"But I did not come to talk to you about your book. Oh no. I have other reasons for my visit."

"It was you, Draynas. Was it not? YOU are the one who's got me thrown into this jail."

"Yes, it was me who planned your capture all along. But that's not all. Oh no," he said, wringing his hands. "I have some rather unpleasant news for you, Jayne. Think back to that night long ago, when you'd so pompously arranged to have all those creatures imported into our fair city. Then you were off, drinking in The Feed Bag to your heart's content, eh?"

Jayne said nothing. Months of incidental training. Her face, she tried to keep neutral.

"And then in the morning," the Bosmer continued, "you blamed yourself once you'd learned about your rioting goblins, rushing all about the street that night before. But it was not your fault, Jayne. It was not your fault that they managed to escape their captivity. Oh no."

"What are ya saying?"

"It was I who had the key! ... Yes. And it was I who snuck to that room where those abominable creatures had been stayed for the night!" Igntiq was smirking now. "I let them out. I freed them, then stepped aside while they left their quarters, then ultimately swarmed into the city at night, straight to their very dooms!"

"You bastard. You fetcher."

"All these years you've blamed yourself. Meanwhile, once the mayhem was done, I finally had my chance to get rid of Jayne Goodfall once and for all. No more threat of seeing your success dwindle my chances for promotion. No more of your nagging voice, dragging upon my ears. You were supposed to fall for my ruse. You were supposed to NOT avoid capture, then find yourself right here, arrested and imprisoned. And for a much longer time.

"Little did I know you'd somehow avoid capture," he continued angrily. "Well, it was not my concern at the time. I figured you had died somewhere on the road. We all did." He smiled. "But now, here you are. Here you are."

Jayne glared. She then spoke, fighting to keep her voice sure and steady. "Time shall come, Draynas. You shall NOT get away with this. You shall not." As she said this however, she found herself unable to believe her own words.

"Oh but I will. I already have. You do not know who I am, apparently, and whom I have become, Jayne. I have influence now, you see. I am ingrained within the city's political system nowadays, although I am not any sort of politician myself. Upon your release, you shall see just what sort of power I now wield. You have no idea. None at all. And you shall see."

Jayne continued to glare. But her head swooned with sickness.

The elf in tight pants and grandiloquent perfume spoke one final time. "Upon your release, I predict you won't last within the city for more than a day, once you learn of what I have done. The dismantlement of your research team, and everything which has then commenced, will be the least of your worries. You shall see."

Draynas "Ignityiq" Pertrucio then stalked off. The next day her sentence ended, and Jayne Goodfall was to quickly learn that every word the elf had told her was true.

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Posted by: SubRosa Oct 27 2019, 01:12 AM

An academic's office being a broom closet is nothing surprising. Back when I was in college my office's of my profs were about that.

It's the head of Jason Voorhees' mother! ohmy.gif Or not... wink.gif

Jayne is going to the slam! Wonder if she will run into Khareem there this time?

So the Igniter was behind Jayne's downfall all along. The Fetcher!

Shouldn't that be In Search Of Research? biggrin.gif

Posted by: Lopov Oct 27 2019, 10:11 AM

Fvck, that's great! I mean the story, not what happened to Jayne.

I expected it'll be a trap of sorts, but seeing a decapitated head of a goblin and knowing how Jayne respects them, is a really vile act.

I really felt sorry for Jayne as she found out what the Wood Elf had done. And who knows more he has in store.

Oh but I bet that Jayne's revenge will be sweet. Maybe not anytime soon but Ignytiq must pay!

Maybe Kahreem will help her out.

P.S.
The link to the second pic doesn't work. smile.gif

Posted by: Acadian Oct 27 2019, 07:55 PM

Oh, my heart breaks for poor Jayne! Betrayed after trusting her ‘colleague’.

Ignito sure seems to harbor a lot of venom for one so small. I hope his horrible plans fall apart.

Perhaps Jayne can get away from the IC and go see her goblin pals again. They seem to accept her. And they do nice feet painting.

Great supportive pix but, like Lopov, the second one won't come up for me.

Posted by: Renee Nov 3 2019, 04:00 AM

Hey everyone, I appreciate your attentions. cake.gif

SubRosa: He really is a fetcher. S'wit is what they'd call him in Morrowind, I believe.

Yes, In Search of Research. That's better. smile.gif I actually did struggle over the quest's title. Originally, this portion of the story was only supposed to be Jayne returning to the IC, then looking for her research book. That was it! All this other stuff with the fetcher, I did not see that coming.

QUOTE
Jayne is going to the slam! Wonder if she will run into Khareem there this time?


Hah!

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Lopov: Wow, you think Jayne will get some sort of revenge!? ohmy.gif indifferent.gif Yikes.

QUOTE
Maybe Kahreem will help her out.


You think so? Why do people keep mentioning that Redguard thief. emot-ninja1.gif

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Acadian: Aww, yeah, this is a heart-breaker tale, for sure. I knew it would be.

Yes, maybe she should revisit her goblin friends. Some of the very first words in this story are "Thinks upon her feet, thinks upon her toes, laughed by all of her friends, respected by foes." These words were part of a song written by a long-ago singer I knew from my twentysomething years. And they make a lot of sense now, eh?

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Treydog: The dog is missing out. verysad.gif

Posted by: Renee Nov 3 2019, 04:20 AM

One come a day the water will run,
No man will stand for the things that he has done
... Hurrah!
... And the water will run


Chapter XIV: Contemplation


IPB Image

High above the ground, Jayne Goodfall stood at the very edge of the bridge, fidgeting softly in contemplation. The knuckles of her hands were white as kept she her balance. Her face was strained and pensive, but not overly emotional. Whole decades of her life had been spent toward quiet study and attempts at deduction (rather than brash, decisive outbursts) and she maintained these habits now. Standing high above the ground, the Imperial City's former head researcher still managed to continue detached observation. It was as if she was seeing herself in this very moment, viewed through the eyes of a distant, casual observer.

She looked up at the sky, and down at the valley. A lone dog was walking far below. Three or four seconds of time in mid-air, that's about all it would take.

She'd had an agonizing day, certainly the second-worst day of her life. Sure, being forced out of the city by swordpoint, and then riding that stolen horse across a land full of demons had been horrible as well, but at least the guard who'd tried to arrest her had merely been doing his job. At least the Daedra she'd encountered hadn't been specifically targeting her as she galloped by. By contrast, the people of the Imperial City who'd read the Black Horse Courier on Heartfire 7, Year 4 had specifically directed their jeers and their insults.


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She'd been released from jail early that morning. A stay of three days, as promised. Her precious research tome and her goblin-calming totem had both been returned. Amazingly, she'd also been given back the remaining gold (all 28 pieces of it) which had originally been gifted by Ignytiq.

But the robe and hood she'd been wearing at the time of her arrest (the supposed disguise she'd been suggested as she trespassed within White Gold Tower) these were not allowed, of course. Since she'd discarded the original clothes she'd been wearing three days prior, this meant she had no choice but to continue in the grungy jail outfit she'd been assigned.

She was weak. Jayne's head pounded and her breath wheezed, as she tried to move nonchalantly back toward the Market District. She'd been hoping to make her way to Jensine's shop so she could find something else to wear. After donning something new, her next plan would be a walk to one of the market's alchemy shops, where she hoped to procure something to remedy her sickness.

But as soon as she'd entered the district, the citizens were already there. Already staring. Already casting their judgments. And there were a lot of them. Debutantes and street-cleaners, noblemen and squires. They all came together to taunt and jab and poke.

"There she is!"

"What're ya gonna do this evenin', ma'am? Do ya fancy bringing all yer monsters into the city to kill more of us, eh?"

"You remind me of my homeland, during the BLIGHT!"

"I KNEW him! He was my friend! And your awful goblins KILLED him!"

A couple of them threw things: One bottle smashed right beside Jayne's sandaled feet, one stone caught her square on the shoulder. Any other day, the guards would have tried to stop this scene, but on Heartfire 7, Year 4.... it was as if they already knew what was to commence, and allowed it.

Jayne rushed and panicked. She'd somehow forced her way into "Jensine's Good as New," hoping to find at least a quick change of apparel. But Jensine also learned who Jayne was, and wanted nothing to do with her. "Oh, it's you! Get out of my shop Imperial dog, before I call the guards!" she'd warned. It was when Jayne asked if she could simply spend some coin for some clothes that she finally learned about the article.

"Guess you haven't seen your face in the Black Horse Courier? Here!" Jensine thrust Jayne a copy. "Hope you're satisfied."

Ignytiq. That bleeding rascal.

Upon your release, you shall see just what sort of power I now wield. You have no idea. None at all. And you shall see.


Oddly, Jensine did not ask Jayne to leave a second time. Maybe she saw the former researcher gawk in horror. Maybe she wanted to savor that moment: being the one who'd been able to inform the Goblin Lady of her scandalous new plight . Whatever the reason, Jensine allowed Jayne some time to read the article. Jayne herself couldn't have moved her feet right then anyway, even if she had tried.

QUOTE

GOBLIN LADY RETURNS

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by Sortus Phillidus

Long ago in the Third Era, as the midst of the Oblivion Crisis was deftly upon us, the Elder Council scrambled for new ideas. What could be done to help alleviate the hordes of Daedra which had swarmed Kvatch, then forfilled their promise of an imminent inhabitation of all Cyrodiil itself?

The council convened. And within the council, as dozens of ideas and purpotations were drawn up, drafted, voted upon (and so on) one Jayne Goodfall, head of the then-Imperial City Research Faction, suggested that the goblins she'd been living with and studying, might be a sort of 'answer' to the crisis.

Goblins, blecch! Despicable creatures! Though at the time, it was Jayne who had made them seem not so despicable. In fact, in her final affidavit presented to the Elder Council itself, surprisingly the idea that the multitude of goblin FILTH inhabiting our wilds might just rise to the challenge. The council voted, and it was mostly "Ayes" which filled the Elder Council chamber on that cool day in Evening Star.

Unfortunately, the small group of goblins she then had imported into the city went wild that night. Picked their way out of the captivity lockup in which they'd been located. Then hammered their way through the city's districts, assaulting dozens, and even killing one citizen: Malandi Dalorr, a former merchant who'd merely been waiting to ply his wares. Though their effort was quickly contained, the city demanded retribution against one Jayne Goodfaul, who Malandi's murder was ultimately blamed.

And now Jayne resides here within the city, where she has returned after years in poverty while living in Morrowind. At this writing she is currently imprisoned, for a minor trespassing charge. She incurred this charge after being caught, sneaking amongst the confines of White Gold Tower after-hours.

It is unknown what choices Jayne Goodfall shall make. Whether she'll stay within the city, try to find some menial task of a job, or even attempt to bring more goblins to invade our abodes! All of this remains unknown. But this can be said: LOCK THINE DOORS should Jane Goodfall come rambling near you!



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"Ha. There you are. Phew! I'm glad to have found you, lady. What're ya up to, anyway?"

Startled from her thoughts, Jayne flinched at the sound of the man's voice. Whoever this man was, he had crept up quietly enough to where she was standing.

"Stupid question. I know you've had a rough day. The roughest, in fact. I've been living here in the city now for over five years, yet I've never seen a freed prisoner get treated as you were."

Jayne Goodfall shivered. Her body rigid. Focused on balance. The ground far below, with the stray dog still wandering about. She made no attempt to reply.

"I wish you would come down from that ledge, my friend. Will you please? I need to talk to you."

"Go away."

The man would not do so, however. After a moment, she heard a bit of shuffling. Without warning, the man was now standing next to her, causing Jayne a wee moment of fright. Both of them, high upon bridge's ledge. Jayne cautioned a glance out of the corner of her eye, yet could not see his face clearly.

"My name's Winston. And I have a proposal for you. Because you see, I know a lot about you. I know a lot about everyone who stays in that jail. I have to know. It's how I choose some fresh recruits for my .. ah... profession."

Jayne did not reply.

"Ah fokke. I just said all that wrong. Too forward, that's what my cohorts always say. 'Tone it down, Wilbur, otherwie you'll scare them off,'" the man said abruptely, making his voice an octave higher. "Now you're probably scared of me, huh?"

Jayne did not reply. But a moment or two later, the man cautiously touched her hand with his own. First a finger. Then two. Then three fingers. Surprise, and warmth. It felt good, this simple warmth. It felt good, this simple contact. She needed this warmth, she needed this contact.

The man, a Redguard, seemed to realize he'd made some sort of progress. Firmly, he grabbed Jayne's palm with his own. "Come on down from here, right? We'll both walk backwards as one. Yes?"

Jayne nodded slowly. "Yes." Finally took her attention away from the ground far below. Away from the stray dog. Realized her heart was hammering. Had it been doing so all along?

The two of them then stepped in reverse, off of the ledge, still holding hands. Jayne's heart hammering. She breathed out a sigh of relief, realizing how close she had been. "I thank you, ehm ... Wilbur. You.... I ... I ... I do not feel so well." She heaved and shivered. Looked to the cobblestones on the avenue below. Realized she was dizzy.

"Anytime friend, I'm right here."

Suddenly, Jayne looked at the Redguard quizzically. "Say, I thought you said your name is Winston. Ain't that what ya said, firstly? Yea. Yet then you say your name is Wilbur. So....Winston? ... Wilbur? .... Who exactly are ya, anyway?"

The Redguard glanced to the sky for a few seconds. Freed Jayne's hand so he could smack his own forehead.

"Ah, fokke," he finally replied.

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Posted by: Acadian Nov 3 2019, 08:49 PM

That fetcher, Iggy! kvleft.gif

Poor Jayne, as she contemplates giving up and heading for that goblin cave in the sky.

I look at it this way. . . she has no friends at the moment and, whoever WilberWinston is, he's got to be a pillar of trustworthiness compared to Iggy.

I'm guessing he's recruiting for the TG but we shall see.

Posted by: Lopov Nov 4 2019, 01:57 PM

Fokke! That must be our Of Weet friend, that had just saved Jayne.

Poor Jayne, being shooed away from the Imperial City like that.

But I'm positive, that she'll return one day and repay that fetcher.

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 4 2019, 04:01 PM

Oh no, the locals are out with their torches and pitchforks, waiting for poor Jayne. It looks like Ignitit went to the media right after his visit with her in the pokey. '

Uh oh, just when Jayne is at her lowest on that ledge, here comes Winston. He sounds a lot like those thieves who had kidnapped Jayne in Morrowind. I am afraid that things are going to continue to get bad for Jayne, before they can get better. Still, I do hope that one day she can return to take out her righteous vengeance upon the people of the Imperial City!



Posted by: Renee Nov 9 2019, 04:36 PM

Oh yes, that's that I was going for, 'Rosa. I was trying for the medieval shunning thing, where they'd all come after her. Basically I had Jayne stand in the middle of the Market District. When somebody would come near, I'd use the Actor's Ball mod to make them point, or make some other gesture. Then I'd toggle their AI off with the console. All of this was time-consuming of course! I spent about a half-hour, and thought I pressed PrintScreen but that pic never showed up. mad.gif The Crowd Scene pic I posted isn't as good.

Winston = Kahreem. emot-ninja1.gif Sorry about that. Kahreem never uses his real name with strangers. He often forgets which name he is using, though. laugh.gif

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

Do you think she'll repay that fetcher, Lopov? huh.gif

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

Acadian: That is Kahreem (sorry I wasn't more clear) and yes, he's trying to recruit her. But yes, he's a pillar of trustworthiness compared to that blasted elf!

Well, this is it. The final Goblin Lady chapter starts now. Thanks to all for your attentions. cake.gif It's been fun, stressful, but fun.

Posted by: Renee Nov 9 2019, 09:52 PM

My sweet revenge
Will be yours
For the taking
It's in the making. baby
Aaaah!



Chapter XV: Ignytiq


IPB Image

Draynas "Ignytiq" Pertruchio spent the very last day of his life doing many of the things he usually did.

He rose from sleep roughly mid-morning. He powdered his face, and sprayed some cologne. He strolled from his illustriuos Arena District home, his tight pants going *scrawtch scrawtch* and his hundred-Septim shoes going *clop clop*. He bet on an arena match, lost 25 gold, and argued (once again) with Hundolin, the place's gate-keeper. All the Arena's fights were "fixed," he complained. Finally, he ate at Merchants Inn, all the while whining about the price of clothes and alchemy potions, which had risen so much over the course of four years.

After this, he was off to White Gold Tower, where he spent the next six hours at "work." Though he had claimed to be some sort of major political innard to his former supervisor, nothing could be further from the truth. He had said these things merely to intimidate her. But she wouldn't know of this. She would never know! ... Draynas "Ignytiq" Pertruchio had already received confirmation that his former supervisor had left the Imperial City in shame. Thanks to the Black Horse Courier, the entire city now knew her face, the entire city now knew her supposed crimes. Chances are, she'd never be back.

Draynas "Ignytiq" Pertruchio finished his day with a nip of Cyrodiilic brandy, congratulating himself for being one smart little cookie.

-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~


Jayne "Goblin Lady" Goodfall spent the first real day of her new life doing none of the things she would ever have expected.

The strange Redguard who couldn't keep his name straight had been able to help her get back to good health. He escorted her to the Waterfront District, gave her some new clothes, gave her the key to the Marie Elena ("It's a galleon!") and told her she could stay as long as she'd like. He explained that the ship was his, but that he actually spent much more time in some secret, nearby location. Finally, he gave her some mandrake. Much needed, to cure her ailing, aching body.

But ... all of these things were to be hers IF she eventually joined his, ah, 'organization.' "We could use somebody like you," he told her. "I have read all about your past in that Courier article milady. You are some sort of goblin expert, or something, huh?" Winston ... Wilbur ... whatever his name was, said this while his eyes went wild with possibility. "So, does this mean you can actually talk to them?"

"Well, yes I can," Jayne answered with a tinge of concern.

"Oh yes, we can certainly use somebody with your, ah, skills."

It was when he finally revealed which 'organization' he was part of that Jayne firmly had to reply negatively. "Thieves Guild, eh?" There was no way she could see herself getting involved with any more criminals, even if the setting the Redguard promised was not to be forced upon her. After all those months in Morrowind, living as an unlawful vagabond was the last thing she wanted here in Cyrodiil.

Thankfully, the Redguard who could not keep his name straight seemed not to know of this other past of hers. "I accept your denial," he told Jayne, "but the door is always open. I want you to know this. The door is always open for you. You've got ... special skills."

She could still stay in the Marie Elena as long as she wanted, he explained. "There's plenty of room!" But Jayne Goodfall knew better.

After a day of rest (hidden safely within the Redguard's galleon) Jayne Goodfall decided she'd return to Fort Urasek. She was unsure of where else she could possibly go on Heartfire 8, Year 4 of the Fourth Era. Thanks to the goblins' acceptance back at Cracked Wood Cave, news traveled fast amongst the region's creatures. Because of this, the goblins of Urasek had already welcomed her several days before she'd arrived in the city.

-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~


Later that evening

Once she was back at Urasek, she finally wailed. Cried uncontrollably, as green-skins gathered all around. After all she'd been through, Jayne's emotions finally burst. Though goblins did not have the capacity to cry, they certainly understood that water seeping from one's eyes meant things were not going so well.

"Chachoowel tschoo," Urasek's shaman asked. (Problem, you?)

Jayne Goodfall explained that yes, she certainly did have a problem. Then she told them all about it.


-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~


It was in the dead of night, Heartfire 8, that Ignytiq the elf was jostled from sleep. For all his years, he'd been a bachelor. He'd had no children. And his maid? He'd fired her weeks ago. Because of all these facts, Ignytiq the elf immediately knew something was wrong as he got out of bed.

"Oh, it's YOU. What are YOU doing here, Jayne Goodfall? How did you get in?"

"Through the Imperial City Sewer System," the former researcher said with a candid grin. "Did you know that many homes right here in the city can be accessed straight to it? Not all homes, but some. The sewers were designed this way in case of attack, ironically. The idea being that if one's home were knowingly invaded, he or she could safely sneak into the cellar, unlock a trap door there, and be gone."

Ignytiq glared. "What are you saying, wench?"

"However, one unforseen sort of twist, unforseen by the city's creators, that is," Jayne continued. "Nobody could imagine that soon, the sewers themselves would become inhabited. Sure, their entrances were locked, but locks can be picked. Little do most know of the riffraff and monsters lurking right below their feet."

"You have no right to be in here, Jayne Goodfall, NONE!" The elf's face was all scrunched up with anger. "Now GET OUT of here, before I call the guards!"

"There have no need, Draynas," Jayne said sadly. "I really do wish things hadn't come to this. If only you could see, Draynas."

"Don't call me that, wench! I am Ignytiq!"

"'Tis no matter, Draynas. I shall take my leave now. And my advice. Do not follow me. Allow me to leave. Do not call the guards."

The elf was fuming, but took a moment of perspective. "Hmm. Probably one of your crafty new friends down on the Waterfront let you in." He smiled. "Oh yes, I know all about your little trip down to the Waterfront. Probably cavorting with the Gray Fox himself. Believe me, I have eyes and ears where you'd least expect."

Jayne tried to keep her face blank. Said nothing.

"I also know quite a few spells," the elf continued, perhaps trying to intimidate. "Spells which can get me out of trouble, just in case your snivelling lockpicker happens to wish to challenge me!"

"Stay here, Ignytiq," Jayne tried, her voice calm. "I shall go in peace, never to return to the Imperial City. I just wanted to see yer face, before I leave."

"We'll see about that! No. Now it's back to the prisons for you! I could incinerate you right here and now with my spells, but I'd rather see you suffer."

Jayne turned to go. Ignytiq followed. Down the stairs they went, into the parlor of his manor. It was here that Draynas "Ignytiq" Pertruchio met his demise. Twenty-six seconds, that's all it took for the multitude of goblins waiting for him down there, all of them recruited from Fort Urasek. The elf cried for mercy, great lumps being hacked by the green-skinned creatures. Little was he to know that Heartfire 8, Year 4 of the Fourth Era would be the last day he'd have the pleasure of powdering his face, spraying his cologne, or hearing his tight pants go *scrawtch scrawtch* as he strode around the city.

Jayne Goodfall made sure to keep a wide berth from the goblins as they tore him apart. Her friends could be unpredictable when angry, after all.

~The End~


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https://i.imgur.com/TcIlJU5.png

https://i.imgur.com/5XLC449.png

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDyfkPqcov4

Posted by: Lopov Nov 9 2019, 10:34 PM

A fitting end for the fetcher.

Faced with the wrath of goblins, he stood no chance.

Nice video, must have last a while to make it all work, right?

Although Jayne didn't join the TG (I didn't expect her to), Kahreem nonetheless played an important role in her life.

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 9 2019, 11:47 PM

It sounds like Ignitit's hundred septim shoes would be handy for a https://youtu.be/JHFXG3r_0B8 to wear.

Don't tell me the Arena is just as fixed as professional wrestling! laugh.gif

I love the juxtaposition of how they either do exactly what was normal for them, vs. what was completely different.

She's living on the galleon! Now I realize that the mysterious Redguard is none other than the infamous Wheet Bandit!

At least Jayne is back among her green friends. Thank goodness there is at least someone in the world on her side. I can kind of see where this is going however...

I love that she used the sewers to get into the city, and Ignitit's house. That was perfect, given how many goblins live down in the sewers.

He got served a big heaping sandwich of Goblin Justice!

I love the sounds the goblins make in the dark!

Posted by: Acadian Nov 10 2019, 09:18 PM

QUOTE(SubRosa @ Nov 9 2019, 02:47 PM) *
... I love the juxtaposition of how they either do exactly what was normal for them, vs. what was completely different. ...
- - The same thought struck me while reading it. goodjob.gif

It was fun to see Jayne get some help from Wilbur - the artist thief formerly known as Prince The Weet Bandit. wink.gif

I had hoped Jayne would return to her goblin pals. As soon as she told the shamen her problems, I figured they'd help. And by Julianos' Little Teapot, help they did! Iggy's now just bowlful of tasty elf snacks. tongue.gif


A wonderful story, Renee. Well done, and thanks for sharing it with us. smile.gif

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