Memoirs of a Morag Tong Assassin - Solstheim, Chapter Two: North as the Racer Flies Options

[Athynae]

I just love a good Dralas...Seth, fight. Seems to me that is where he is the most comfortable. But nice touch with Apronia, he is a softy....sometimes

Great stuff, more please...

[McBadgere]

Oooh, be this romance for young Seth?... ...

Excellent stuff as always...His removal of the Dragur's was very cool...Loved it!...

Loving the East Empire Company...That yours or Bethesda?...Just checking... ...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

[Black Hand]

@Olen - Well thank you as usual. I didn't have a particular idea for Veresa TBH, I just like fleshing out characters a bit.

@Grits - It's a well deserved rest for our anti-Hero.

@McBadgere - Yes...lovely pics...actually I use Picasa which makes it very easy. It's like Photoshop lite I guess. But there are some decent mods for MW so it makes displaying what I see in-game on-par with todays graphics IMHO. And thank you for the lovely comments as usual....Romance? Who knows? Things happen on this strange island.

@Colonel Mustard - Glad to have you still reading

@Minque - A way? Which way? One way? Hopefully not the wrong way,

@Treydog - I think we know who the aggressor is, and I see you got my little 'inside' joke there.

@Athynae - SO good, heres s'more!

__________________________________________________________________


Apronia and I made our way back to the Colony accompanied by her mournful dialogue. Perhaps it would be too much too call her a chatterbox, but not enough to call her a Conversationalist. Regardless, I was content to listen to her, especially given her recent trauma.

She seemed to have attached herself to me in some way as she walked beside me closer and closer, and finally wrapped her arm around mine. Natural, I mused, given that she was out in the middle of nowhere surrounded by hostile creatures, and likely wanted to assure herself that I wasn't one of them either. She even made a comment about how horrible it would be if she were too survive all that, just be murdered out in the middle of the woods.

I had too say despite my former career, the thought took me aback. There are some things you just don't do.

As we arrived, a team working on a recently felled tree made an odd look at me as I had left the camp alone, and returned with an Imperial Woman on my arm. The grins on their faces told me I was certain to hear about it later. The deadly gaze from Pene assured me I would hear something about it sooner. How ironic she was the Camp Healer.

I sent Apronia to her regardless with a look that matched hers and said 'Play nice.' I would later hear about the unnecessary poking and the obvious 'does this hurt' when she pinched her.

I briefed Falco on the situation, and he took it all in with a blank expression, only nodding on occasion. He took several moments too consider the situation and then gave me his orders.

"Take a team to the site of the wreck and see who you can't give a decent burial, then I want you too scour that ship for its cargo, anything of value you can bring back. Mainly, I want you too find the shipment of pickaxes that were sent with it. I know this is a little outside your usual job description, so I'll see that you and the men are duly compensated." He said.

I nodded and prepared to dispatch his command, but he stopped me for a moment.

"And Dralas, good work with Apronia, not only am I certain she appreciates it, I appreciate it as well. I've never questioned your past, and I won't start now; however, if what you say is true you dispatched three Draugrs single-handedly, that makes you more skilled than I previously assessed." He said with an air of mystery to his statement. Like he wanted to ask a question, but it was not yet the time.

I accepted it in stride, and selected three of the hardier workers to assist me, as I didn't know what the amount of stores and wares would be. We took a pair of hand wagons with us and some shovels.

Elberoth was the first to be buried. We found two other bodies that had washed ashore, and the three sailors who had scouted ahead. The seventh could not be found, and as the sun would set soon, we went to work on the ship.

I found the chest with the pickaxes as Falco had requested, and then we loaded up the remainder of salt, dried meats, and other goods. I went to the Captains quarters finally and took the Log, valuables, and the semi-luxurious bedding for Apronia.

As we returned, Falco had us all sign the Right of Salvage documents for the East Empire Company as witnesses, a fifth of the value would be liquidated and sent back too the headquarters in Cyrodiil along with the log and any information concerning the Sailors next of kin.

Among the Valuables was a bottle of Vintage Brandy, too which Falco donated to the team, along with a medium purse of gold for each of them. I received one as well, and Falco signed his final report to give to me to deliver to Carnius.

As I prepared to leave with Veresa, I could hear Falco chortling out loud as he read the Captains Log, and overheard him make a comment about how this Captain was an idiot with him writing more about being a swashbuckler than a Ship Captain.

I suppose he died as he wanted.

I arrived at the fort, just as the sun began to touch the horizon, and entered the Imperial Cult. Carnius was almost incensed at the amount of time it took for me too return.

"I have been waiting all day for you, Clerk! Where is the Shipping Manifest I asked you for?!"

I handed him the report, and explained everything as plainly as I could, slightly intimating that this may have been caused by the delay to a proper dock being built.

Carnius looked vehemently at me as he crumbled the report, and tossed a small purse of coins at me.

"Fine, what's done is done! Another ship will just have to be sent for, at great expense mind you. The salvage won't even cover the base of this cost. Here, this is for your trouble, at least you show greater competence then that infernal Falco! Now get out of my sight, the less I see you, the less I have to think about it." He said angrily.

I was happy too oblige.

This post has been edited by Black Hand: Apr 19 2012, 12:56 AM

[Athynae]

I really don't like Carnius...careful of that one Seth...you might want to practice some of your previously acquired skills on him just to make sure you still got it.

Is Pene a bit touched by the green-eyed monster? Maybe she is becoming more human, emotionally anyway, but if I were Apronia I wouldn't test her.

Good stuff again, nice to wake up to.

[McBadgere]

Fantastic chapter, as ever...

Love it!!...

Loved the way Seth got everyone mobilised to bury the crew...And the idea that the Captain's journal read like a swashbuckler... ...

Loving this story so much...The Colonial feel is so well done...Now...There's a surprise... ...

Brilliant stuff...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

[Black Hand]

The aftermath of the ship crashing did have at least one positive consequence, and that was Carnius finally approved of the Docks Construction. It was not easy, especially given the rudimentary resources we had. I worked with Veresa to help determine the proper depth of the water far enough from the shoreline for a Ship to dock using a simple rock tied to a twine.

The crews were able too find tall enough trees inland in the woods to fell them for the posts. I acted merely as a Guard on these expeditions, as my encounter with the Draugr had earned me a reputation. Especially the way Apronia recounted the tale with great exaggeration.

Miss Alfena herself was in fact the latest addition to the Colony, as an Agent she acted more in the Administrative capacity, ensuring proper benefits and wages, approving of funds for new projects and the like. Ironically, Pene had taken an interest in her job, and despite her mistreatment at her hands, she even had taken her on as an Apprentice of sorts. Though I remained dubious of Penes true motivations, as ever.

Up until this point, the majority of the crew had gone from sleeping in tents, too sleeping in bunks in cabins built for many, to finally having individual quarters. Apronia had ordered and approved of a series of personal housing for the more senior and permanent members of the Colony such as Falco, herself and the Miners. Laborers still stayed in the crew quarters as their place was likely more temporary. Though any who had a change of heart could simply speak with her and Falco to arrange permanent housing.

The issue of Pene and I staying in the crews quarters did come up one day. Apronia approached me as I was sitting on the Docks one morning, enjoying the warming sunlight mixed in with the cool air. To me it was a sensation I had only ever experienced in the Jerall Mountains of Northern Cyrodiil.

"I was wondering why when I asked Pene whether she wanted a house or not, she said I should speak with you?" Apronia approached me matter-of-factly.

"Likely she's uncertain whether or not we're going to stay til after the Colony is complete Sera." I replied.

"That's not what I meant. I meant, why does everything she do or say seem to have to meet with your approval first? She's obviously not a Sister, unless one of you is adopted. Is she a Wife, a servant? I don't get it? Why do you dominate her so, when she's obviously a free-spirited woman? What hold have you over her?" She belted out with a tone of indignation.

"As to your first question, she is a companion, nothing more, nothing less. As to your second...Pene does have some trouble understanding people. She's...special I suppose, as Mages go. I think I understand her a bit more then most, so likely she defers to my judgment in certain cases. Otherwise she is a free and independent person capable of making her own choices. I do not 'dominate' her in any sense, and least of all for the reason that she is a woman." I said without really looking up, or changing my tone of voice.

"Oh." Was all that the Conversationalist could reply with.

"Well, in any regard, my housing has been completed, and I think I would like to thank you properly for saving my life. I think I would like to cook you a proper meal."

I took a swig of my tea, a concoction of Pine Needles and other natural herbs gathered by Pene from throughout the area, it had a mild spice and invigorating effect, resulting in the Colony dubbing it "Pene Pine Tea" as a simile on words, and the teas description could also be applied to the undercover Daedra.

"I'd accept your offer, but we both know that you can't cook worth a damn." I said half-serious.

She gave another tone of indignation, before finally asking how I could possibly know that. "Your hands don't speak well of your skill with anything but a quill. Even with a belt knife you don't cut bread, you rip chunks off; and the other day you actually ate the cooking leaves."

She stood there dumbfounded. "You're not supposed to eat the leaves?" she asked.

"Nope. They're there for flavor in the stew, not to be eaten."

"Well, I suppose your such a good cook than." She bit back.

I shrugged in response. "I know my way around a fire." I replied, getting a flash of many a traveling meals I had prepared.

"Fine than, it's settled, you'll cook tonight." She said leaving in a rustle of skirts.

I smiled. What she lacked in cooking, she made up for in speech. She had successfully asked me whether I was involved, and invited me to a meal at her place, all without directly asking. Well played, I mused to myself.

Then of course, there was also the logical result of Pene, whom made her presence known shortly thereafter.

"Not like you to be manipulated so easily." Pene commented as she poured a bit of the eponymous tea.

"Very much like you to mind other peoples business." I retorted.

"If you don't mind me asking, Master, what are we doing here exactly?" Pene asked.

"We're building a new life away from the old one."

"Or running away." She replied.

"Running away implies that there is a problem that could be solved by facing it head on. While I admit my reaction was a bit hasty, the problem comes from trying to fix something that isn't broken. This is, as much as I may not like it, the solution."

Pene shrugged. "As you say."

"So...what is the situation with you and Apronia, exactly?" I asked Pene. "It's not like you to show an interest in something as mundane as finances and administration, I always had you pegged as the bloodthirsty type."

"Well, as you have shown me, there is more to this world than just violence. It's interesting learning about your culture...cultures." She corrected herself.

"So you read and speak ancient Nordic, but don't know anything about our customs?"

"I absorb objective information. Mathematics, sciences, factual processes. I can't absorb emotions, beliefs, perspectives, that sort of thing, those stem from the individual, they are choices largely. I can tell you what this Pine Needle Tea is made of, I can't tell you if you like it, or should like it. My ability works in much the same way, were I able to absorb those things, likely, I would not be capable of having choices or perspectives."

"That's awfully deep for a Seducer...I admit, I know so little of your kind." I remarked.

"So little of you survive long enough to learn it." She complemented the statement.

"Than why be jealous of Apronia and I?" I asked.

"Jealous? I suppose on some level I am...though you've made my position with you clear enough, I suppose. Then again, I've also never been the Servant Companion of a Mortal before, even one that intrigues me as much as you, interpret that however you like, so I am also learning the proper...etiquette for these situations. As you once told me, this is a learning process for the both of us, so I have even less answers than you."

I nodded in agreement, and saw perhaps for the first time her perception of the events. She saw herself as belonging to me in some sense, but I applied no leash to her. She was bound to me, but I permitted her as much freedom as our arrangement allowed. It was an odd change from rigid Daedric Caste system where the less powerful sought to serve the more powerful and did so with loyalty and much demand from their Lords.

I demanded nothing, and in doing so, she perhaps felt as though I did not need her. Yet, I did.

[McBadgere]

*Does dance...Possibly disco-esque...Behold my glitter balls!!*...

Oh yeah...I was right....Oh yeah!!.... ...

Aaaamywho...

Excellent chapter right there that was...

Loving the sound of the colony...Oh, did I say that before?...

Would love to see it...Hell, would love to live there... ...

Quite like the sound of the Pine tea as well...*Nods*...

Brilliant stuff matey!...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds most heartily*...

[Athynae]

Surely the glitter is uncomfortable McB...never mind

Hey BH, I agree with Badgere, I did really like this one. Pene just gets more and more interesting but I also liked the way Seth figured out that Apronia wasn't a cook, too cool and smooth as an assassin-hehe. I think he didn't mind getting sucked in, probably realized it just didn't let us hear that thought....

Post machine? Hhmm, is this a glimpse?

[Colonel Mustard]

*Does dance...Possibly disco-esque...Behold my glitter balls!!*...

Surely that would...why would...it would itch...it...aaaargh!



Right, McBadgere's glitter balls to one side, I enjoyed this chapter a lot; the conversation about Pene between Apronia and Sethyas, sorry, Dralas, was particularly enjoyable, as well as the cooking-based ribbing. Spiffing stuff, old bean!

[Olen]

Wow this has expanded suddenly. Great stuff as ever and varied. The action with the draugr, then meeting Apronia and Pene's reaction. You're managing the interactions brilliantly, Pene is becoming more human in many ways but still has an alien quality to her. She seems to be jealous of Apronia too, this is quite the tangled romance brewing...

Look forward to more!

[Black Hand]

@McBadgere: S:"Put those things away! *Presents Sharpened Dagger* Unless of course, you'd like them hanging from the ceiling..."

@Athynae I have my moments...

@Colonel Mustard Cheers, mate!

@Olen My thanks for the insights and whatnot I shall continue to endeavor to be intriguing.
___________________________________________

I met Apronia at her place that evening as she had coerced, and made use of the the Islands more local fare. I prepared a rabbit and venison stew with various herbs and vegetables, careful to slowly put the cooking leaves into the stew while glimpsing at Apronia. The way she rolled her eyes at me and smiled ever so slightly meant she got the joke.

While I tend to be a Mer of few words to begin with, I still had even less too discuss given that my entire past was now, quite purposely, being slowly faded away. Though it was less of an issue than I had thought it would be, given that Apronia was quite a talker in her own right.

I learned of her past in the Imperial Academy and her subsequent employment into the East Empire Company, how she constantly relocated anywhere the Company made port, which was quite expansive. What the Empire itself failed to conquer, the Company capitalized on, as she put it. It wasn't necessarily a bad thing when she explained how they could often cripple rebellious areas with trade, rather than force.

As the evening wore on, and the conversation became a bit more intimate, she then began to explain her relations to men.

"Given that I am constantly moving about the map, I have little, if no time at all, for relationships. Perhaps someday I'll settle down and get married. However, at this point in time, I am married to my job, and colonies like this are like my children. That being said, I am a Woman with needs as well, while I do not sleep around, I do select...companions where I stay from time to time, and only those who understand my rules and accept my arrangement." She explained.

I remained silent as she stared at me growing slightly red. Perhaps feeling as though I was judging her.

"Well, what do you think?" She finally asked quietly.

"There's more to this story, I think." I finally said.

"There is, but to put it bluntly, it is none of your business. My arrangement is too share my bed and not my heart." She said with a steely tone. "So if you're the type to suddenly develop feelings and whatnot, say your peace now, and we'll forget we ever had this conversation.'

I thought about it for a few minutes, in response I poured another cup of the brandy for each of us. Our clay cups met in midair as we said "To your health."

I awoke the next morning with much less tension than I had carried with me these few months. It seemed that this arrangement could work out, there was no pretense or manipulation involved. Just two individuals meeting on open and equal ground.

I had left soon after it was done, rather I was thrown out, and I returned to the crews quarters to sleep. It was cold and impersonal after; but truthfully I think it was for the best. I was certainly in no mood for additional dramas in my life given what I had left behind. Much as I never admitted it...my heart also belonged to another.

Falco came up to me as I walked across what had become the main square of the colony. His demeanor had visibly changed. His face, normally quick with a smile, instead had a jaw that constantly clenched, and dark circles under his eyes. His entire composure spoke of a man ready to throw a punch.

This isn't good. I thought to myself.

"Come with me, please." Falco said in a very low tone without really stopping, and without really asking.

Clearly my Employer wasn't pleased with something, and I was apparently the center of it. Hopefully it wasn't a personal issue, or a very recent personal issue.

I followed him to just outside the Colony into a small copse of trees. He looked around to make certain no one was in earshot, and stared at me hard for a moment before starting.

"I can reveal to you now that the true reason I took this position was to counter whatever schemes Carnius may have. I want to see this colony succeed, Dralas, and I believe you can help me to see that it does. I shall give you some time to think it over. Let me know when you are ready to make a choice." He said simply enough before returning to the colony.

I finally realized that there was in fact more going on in the little spats that Falco and Carnius seemed to have, it was some sort of power struggle...no, Falco didn't want power, he wanted the best possible outcome for the Colony. It was Carnius who was having the power struggle.

Falco had said to see him when I made my choice, which meant that Carnius had an option to present for me. I could at least hear the Factor out I figured, as I returned to Fort Frostmoth.

"Oh, don't even say it. I can tell by the look on your face. Falco gave you his little pep talk, didn't he? "Oh, Dralas.... I need your help. Won't you help me?" Ugh. Perhaps instead you should think about doing yourself a favor and aiding me, Clerk."

I merely blinked at immediate address of the issue, and asked what exactly he was offering.

"Believe me, I can make you a much better offer than Falco ever could. Don't be fooled. I will tolerate you only for as long as you are useful to me. If you perform well enough, it will be to your benefit. I think it's clear that I'm in a position to offer you a great deal more than Falco might; serve me well, and you may end up taking Falco's place. Take a little time and think it over, Clerk."


Here ends Chapter Two, 'North as the Racer Flies'.

This post has been edited by Black Hand: Apr 22 2012, 06:17 PM

[minque]

Ohhh Post machining again are you? Well the first I will apologize for not being around lately ....but now i've finally caught up with this one.

Now Blackie....YOU figure out which way! hehe You know EXACTLY what I mean...

these FIVE latest installments have taken Seth to the decision point which will determine his futire doings. The journey has not been very easy yet he has gone through it with a sort of elegance...

First one: Great pics! Nice descriptions of the development of the colony...i liked the way you made the shipmaster a real person, I always like when charachters in-game are getting specific personalities... And so he had to investigate the shipwreck!....

Second one: Seth in action again! yay....as usual he showed his skill and I'm not surprised at all..Leading on to Apronia..hmmm yes she's one of a kind. I got some funny feelings about her collapsing into Seths arms....made me wonder a bit but not for long...in the...

Third one ..it was all cleared up..or not! Apronia did what every woman in her situation would have done...wrapped herself onto Seth!! . Then salvaging the cargo...pickaxes oh yes they're valuable so...that task was very well described, taking men with him and also proper tools! Liked that very much. So finally carnius got his papers, he didn't show much gratitude though! Nope I don't like Carnius!

Fourth one: So she can't cook, Lady Apronia!? Haha that was very amusing..since we all know SETH can! Now we spot some tension between Pene and Apronia...just a little bit but still. Then we also come to know more about Pene's personality and that is very interesting! You created a very interesting person (or whatever) in Pene! I like he opinions and sayings. She constantly ask seth what they're doing in sostheim..and seth never give her a straight answer.....I wonder!!

Fifth and final one: Now things get ..I don't know...intense maybe. I suspected Apronia would be like that...no problems, she has her doings ...but somehow she thought HE made a go at her....In my opinion SHE made it at him! And I wasn't sure he'd fall for it but he obviously did...poor guy. i can understand him actually I can....but

Much as I never admitted it...my heart also belonged to another.

makes one wonder...or not

Anyway chapter is ended and we have yet to find out which way Sethyas/Dralas will take....with falco or with Carnius. I think I know the answer....but you can never be sure.

Sorry this was a long post but I just had to comment on all parts I missed!

[Olen]

I was certainly in no mood for additional dramas

But that type of arrangement breeds drama like nothing else. I didn't see this exact direction occuring but I'm sure it will get complex. Seth is a romantic at heart I think, for all his coldness and I wonder how such an arrangment will sit, especially if he thought he would stay the night. Apronia is trouble though, there's history there, and she's sharp. She got with him, as Minque noted, with him thinking he'd got her in many ways and is playing him. But he sort of knows this and she might end up coming off worse.

I'm very interested to see how this side plot runs. I also wonder which side of the Falco/Carnius line Apronia stands on, and if her motives may go beyond satisfying a need.

This post has been edited by Olen: Apr 23 2012, 11:21 AM

[McBadgere]

"Put those things away! *Presents Sharpened Dagger* Unless of course, you'd like them hanging from the ceiling..."

Dude...Where else would you put disco balls?... ...Right! that's it...*Removes Night Fever record with a scratch*...If you're not going to play properly, I'll take my balls elsewhere...

Aaamywho...

Excellent chapter...Much fun...See what you meant about the romance... ...

But yeah, I'm guessing the emotional turmoil angle with Pene will be a new wrinkle in the story...Or not...We shall see... ...

Love it...

Brilliant stuff...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*... ...

[Athynae]

And Olen addressed every question that cruised through my mind, the biggest being which side of the fence is Apronia on because I feel reasonably certain which side of the fence Dralas will fall/land. I do expect him to investigate exactly 'why' Carnius is less than likeable....in his typical fashion.

The situation with Apronia is a bit of a quandary. I'm not so sure that the 'needs' she inferred are the only ones she intends to have met. I don't trust that woman for some reason. HHmmm.

Good one.