Ahnaressu's Travels Ch. 8 Options

[Dantrag]

I'll try to continue updating on this wonderful site as well as the official forums.

Chapter 8

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A dunmer of about nineteen years stared at the Odai River as the wind blew his long, thin, black hair across his face. His arms were thin, but taut with muscles, a trait gained from years at the forge. He had worn black leather boots, brown pants, and a black overcoat covering his light grey shirt. His fierce red eyes took in everything around him. he watched the dazzling reflections of the trees on the surface of the water, the movements of a scrib, and he felt the presence of the mer walking towards him.

"Hello there. young lad." the elderly dunmer began. "Would you happen to know where to find a young dunmer by the name of Ahnaressu?"
"Actually, I do." said the young elf. "But might I ask why you want to know?"
The elderly mer continued. "I have need of his services. I am old, I will need help getting to my annual pilgrimage to Ghostgate."
"When do you need to get there?"
"Tomorrow."
"Meet you here at dawn. I will escort you to ghostgate then."
The old priest laughed. You had me fooled for a moment, but I knew who you were all along."
Ahnaressu began to walk back towards town and yelled behind him, "Remember. First light."

Ahnaressu had started a mercenary-like business about two months ago, having quit his old smithing job at the Razor Hole. When he started the business, he had hoped for exciting jobs from collectors of artifacts, great houses, guilds and the like, but being based out of Balmora, he usually got jobs escorting priests wanting to go to various shrines. He chuckled to himself whenevr he thought of the time he escorted a priest to the House of Earthly Delights in Suran - without revealing the priest's identity. He made more money than he did working for Thorek, and he had the added bonus of getting out of the monotony of "civilized" life.

When he had saved up enough money, he rented the top half of a house on the west side of the river. He, Cali and Relgar all shared the little house and it was a large improvement from the room in the temple, and less pressure on Ahnaressu to join the ranks of the temple doctrines.

Ahnaressu walked into the house he rented. Having only rented the top half, he always ended up carrying things up the steps for Cali.
"Ahnaressu!" Relgar yelled happily when he saw his older brother walk through the door.
Ahnaressu suddenly became a young child again when he yelled, "Relgar!" and ran towards his brother.
They ended up wrestling, the seven year old Relgar emerging triumphant while Ahnaressu played dead.
Cali laughed, just as she did every time she saw the two brothers together. She turned away from the brawl for a moment to check on the soup, tasting a sip before deciding if it was ready or not.
"Okay, boys, time for dinner."
Relgar jumped off Ahnaressu and quickly sat down at the table. Ahnaressu slowly got up and brushed himself off before seating himself.
The two males in the house rubed their hands together in anticipation of the food. Cali served them and sat down herself.

After dinner Ahnaressu went to sleep in preparation for the next day's short trek to ghostgate.

[Dantrag]

"Thank you, young man." The old priest said as he walked to the entrance of the tower of dusk. "Now for your reward..."
Ahnaressu waited patiently as the old mer searched around in his pack.
"Aha! Here it is." The priest exclaimed, holding up a huge, bulging bag.
"That is entirely too much gold for such a short trip." Ahnaressu said."
"Ah, but it is not gold. You have the choice as to what to do with this. You may sell it for gold, or do something entirely different with it."
Ahnaressu raised an eyebrow. "What is it then?"
The priest held up a green shard. "As a former blacksmith, you should know what this is."
"Glass."
"There are many more similar shards in this bag. Probably ten or twelve. I figured that if you needed the gold you could sell it, if you wanted armor or weapons, you could forge it into something."
Ahnaressu would have preferred gold, but took the glass anyway, not wanting to argue with the old man.

Ahnaressu sat at the table in his house, staring at the glass shards inside the bag. He thought of his first fight with Valnor then, the rage burning inside. He still had a small scar from where his scrolls had not healed the enormous wound properly. He decided then and there to avenge his family. He scooped up his bag of glass and made his way to The Razor Hole.

"You want to use my forge again, boy?" Thorek asked.
"That's right," Ahnaressu said.
"Alright, but only after I have closed the shop. I don't want to lose money by letting you use my anvil."
"Deal." Ahnaressu said, thankful that he had left the forge on good terms with Thorek.

Ahnaressu worked late into the night, forging a glass katana. He had not gotten very far before he became exhausted and began the short journey to his house.

"You're quite late." Cali said as Ahnaressu waled into the door.
"I'm planning on being late every night this week." Ahnaressu stated flaty.
"Well, where were you?" Cali continued, not going to let him off easy.
"Making a sword." Ahanressu answered like a boy answering his mother's probing quiestions.
"You aren't going to-."
"Yes, I am."
"When?"
"Whenever my blade is ready."
"What about me? Little Relgar? What will I tell your little brother? That you're going to go kill someone?"
"Not right now, Cali, please. We'll talk in the morning."
"Alright." Cali said as Ahnaressu turned and walked towards his bed.

[Dantrag]

Ahnaressu sat outside of Balmora watching Relgar cast an array of weak spells. They seven-year-old dunmer was actually quite adept at spellcasting, especially for such a young age. Ahnaressu admired the fireball, but it also brought back memories of his mother's final moments. Ahnaressu mused that he must have gotten his father's fighting skills and Relgar got his mother's magical prowess.
"Did you see that?" Relgar yelled. "That was my biggest yet!"
"Pretty nice fireball. Can you do other spells?" Ahnaressu asked.
"Hmm....I can use illusion alright I guess, I can heal my scratches, and that's all I've learned so far." Relgar explained.
"Well, you keep at it." Ahnaressu said. "And soon you will be better than most Telvanni ever dream of being."
Relgar didn't even hear the last statement, already practicing his light spells.

Cali sat on her bed, dwelling on her conversation with Ahnaressu. She had no idea of how to stop him from going. Whenever he decided he was going to do something, he did it. No person could stop him. Not even Cali. While she had gotten over her grief over her own mother, Ahnaressu had somehow turned his sadness into a boiling rage deep inside. Cali wanted to help him, but he was too blinded by the rage that had been a part of Ahnaressu's life for far too long.

Relgar had long exhausted his magical and phyisical powers, and was snoring contentedly on the soft ground on the banks of the Odai. Ahnaressu thought of the deed that he had to do. He had let Valnor live far too long, and was determined to finish what he had vowed to start, and he hoped to finally rid himself of the same disturbing dream.

But something else made him want to abandon his vow forever. Cali. She was his best friend, and he wanted to go further, but was scared to say anything for fear of making himself and her feel awkward around each other, losing their current friendship. He almost felt cowardly, but this was a different kind of problem he faced. He could not slash it out of existence with a sword, or pound it out with an armorers hammer. He wished it were that simple, but it wasn't.

Ahnaressu picked up his little brother and walked back to his house.

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That's all for now. Enjoy.

[jonajosa]

cant wait for another :goodjob:

[Wolfie]

Cool. can't wait for the next part

[Dantrag]

Ahnaressu hammered yet another flaw from the heated glass blade. He Turned it around, and hammered the other side to even it out. The dunmer inspected the piece while he held up the blade with his prongs. He made sure it was straight before letting it cool down for the night. He gathered his shirt, put it on, and began the walk back to his small house.

Cali sat in her favorite chair after not being able to catch any sleep. Her mind was too restless. Thoughts of Ahnaressu's departure and what could happen on that journey filled her head, along with the question of how she would find work in Balmora to support Relgar, made her dread the day when Ahnaressu finished his sword. She felt like Ahnaressu was abandoning her and Relgar and letting fate grab them by the throats. But she had decided a different course - It didn;t matter if Ahnaressu agreed or not.
Ahnaressu walked in, shutting the door behind him.
"Why are you up this late?" Ahanressu asked.
"I couldn't sleep."
"Because of me isn't it?" Ahnaressu guessed.
"Yes, because of you! You want to leave your brother and me to fend for oursleves while you hunt down some...some..."
"Killer? Murderer? Rapist? Plunderer?" Ahanressu finished for her, his voice dripping with anger.
"Yes. Exactly." Cali answered. Taking the bait.
"And how many other will he rape and kill before I even get to him?" Ahnaressu argued. "I am not only avenging my family, but my tribe and any other person who has gone through the torment that Valnor so often dishes out to others."
"I know, but..." Cali continued, not quite sure of how to disprove his logic. "It's just that you are leaving me and your brother - your own flesh and blood! - to fend for oursleves. What will we do? I can't work and take care of your brother!"
"Well, what do you propose I do?" Ahanressu asked.
"Let us come with you." Cali said.
"Wh-What?" Ahnaressu stumbled over his words.
"You would obviously have to track down the Urshilaku or some other ashlander tribe's camp, and we could stay there while you hunt Valnor."
Ahnaressu could tell by her tone of voice that he couldn't talk her out of it, so he shrugged his shoulders.
"You may come. But you will also have to let me teach you how to defend yourself. the enemies we will face do not slow their blades for women."

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Next part will come soon. enjoy.

[jonajosa]

:goodjob: Keep it coming

[Dantrag]

Wow, been WAY to long since I've added to this...Rping takes it outta you. lol.

I WILL write tomorrow, since school finally let out.

[Dantrag]

sorry it's been so long...
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Ahnaressu held up the finished product, checking it one last time for flaws. After a thorough inspection, Ahnaressu was satisfied. He took the glass katana and wrapped it in his overcoat before going home with it,

Cali waited for him outside of their house with her newly aquired silver shortsword. Ahnaressu had been teacheing her to fight and she learned well. While she was no match for Ahnaressu, she soon would be.
"Ready?" Cali asked.
"Sorry, no practicing today." Ahnaressu answered. "We're leaving."
"So soon? I don't think I'm ready to-"
"Not to find Valnor." Ahnaressu clarified. "We're going to Sadrith Mora."
"Why?"
"Telvanni enchanters. I think our weapons could be improved magically..."
"We better start packing." Cali suggested as she skipped back towards the house like a little girl.
Ahnaressu shook his head at her antics at first, but then he quickly fell in step with her.

Ahnaressu, Cali, and Relgar took the silt strider to Vivec, and then took a boat to Sadrith Mora. They all stayed in the Gateway Inn for a day before going to the wizard's tower.

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Enjoy

[jonajosa]

[quote=Dantrag]Enjoy[/quote]

I did. :goodjob:

Glad to see you still writing

[Dantrag]

The long ignored "Ahnaressu's Travels" now continues!!!

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Ahnaressu walked down the streets of Sadrith Mora early in the morning. He had left Cali and Relgar sleeping in the Gateway Inn. As the mushroom tower of Tel Naga appeared in front of him, Ahnaressu was amazed. The houses and shops in Telvanni towns were amazing, but a tower this size, made of mushrooms, was beyond words. Believing the rumors, Ahnaressu brought along a few levitation potions he concocted from his mother's worn recipe journal. He opened the small round door and walked inside.

He knew he was looking for a Telvanni counselor named Neloth. He used his levitation potion to reach a ledge, and then continued through an upwards-leading tunnel. He drank another while in midair, not wanting the magic to expire and go tumbling down that shute. He reached the top of the tower where Neloth's quarters were.

Neloth had a few guards, but all kept a safe distance away.

"Councilor Neloth." Ahnaressu said respectfully.
"What do you want?" Neloth replied, a scowl appearing on his face.
"A special favor."
"One you will repay, I hope - If I even grant your favor."
Ahnaressu ignored the man's obvious arrogance. "I would like this enchanted." Ahnaressu continued while unwrapping his blade.
Neloth picked up the blade. "I'm no warrior and I can see that this is a fine blade. Where did you find it? In some ancient hero's tomb?"
"I made it." Ahnaressu replied flatly.
"A lie, no doubt." Neloth began. "But that is not the point. Why should I even use my glorious talents to enchant a blade for you?"
Ahnaressu decided to use the wizard's pride against him. "You're stalling."
"What?" Neloth asked incredulously.
"You can't give this blade a powerful enchantment without wasting many valuable soulgems. Apparently, you aren't as skilled an enchanter as I had heard - I guess I'll have to go visit Councilor Fyr. Maybe he is talented enough." Ahnaressu said mockingly.
"You will wish you had never insulted me, boy." Neloth said. "I will enchant your blade...on one condition."
"And that is...?"
"You will have to do me a favor...which I will decide when you return to pick up your sword."
Ahanressu turned to leave.
"Wait!" Neloth said, turning Ahnaressu around. "What would you like your blade's enchantment to be?"
"Surprise me." Ahnaressu replied.

Ahnaressu walked back to his room in the inn to see his companions still snoring contentedly. He went to the inn's common area and bought a small breakfast. A dirty imperial woman sat down beside him. She had obviously been traveling for some time, her netch leather armor had a layer of dust on it.
"Flin, please." She said to the server.
Ahnaressu cocked an eyebrow. "This early?"
"What's wrong with a little intoxication to start the day?" she asked with a smile.
"Whatever makes you happy." Ahnaressu muttered. "If you want to spend your life drinking, have fun."
"Look," the woman began. "I don't know who you are, thinking you can judge me! If you knew what I did yesterday, you would drink too."
Ahnaressu glared back. "Try me."
"Have you ever killed an innocent ashlander child because a man named Eno Hlaalu told you to?" the woman asked, her voice cracking.
Ahnaressu grabbed her shoulders and shook her. "Ashlander? What tribe?"
"Urlishak...no, Urshu.." she began, obviously struggling.
"Urshilaku?"
"Yes! That's it!" The woman exclaimed. "How did you know?"
"I am of that tribe." Ahnaressu answered.
"I-I'm sorry. I feel so -" the woman started.
"I think what you did was horrible. But so do you." Ahnaressu began. "A younger me would have tried to cut you down where you sit. Now I make you suffer by letting you live with it." Ahnaressu got up, leaving his unfinished breakfast.

Ahnaressu went back down to his room to check on Cali and Relgar.
He was greeted with a loud, "Ahnaressu!" as Relgar slammed into his leg, knocking him over.
"I guess you're awake." Ahnaressu said dryly. his statement was unheard, for Cali's hysterical laughter overcame every noise in the inn.
"I suddenly feel like going back to sleep." Ahnaressu muttered to himself, crawling back into bed.

-----
after these messages, we'll be right back!
enjoy.

[jonajosa]

Another great addition to this wonderful story. I like how your plot is coming along. Please continue. :goodjob:

[Dantrag]

[quote=jonajosa]Another great addition to this wonderful story. I like how your plot is coming along. Please continue. :goodjob:[/quote]

Yeah, I had to have someone let him know the urshilaku still existed...

I have one reader!!!

jona you get a :cake: :cake: :cake: :cake: :cake: :cake:

[jonajosa]

I guess im beating you by 2 then... we suck :ashamed:

[Dantrag]

[quote=jonajosa]I guess im beating you by 2 then... we suck :ashamed:[/quote]

what's really bad is we read each others' stories, which almost doesn't count.

[jonajosa]

oh man! 3 subtract 2(me and you) equals.... 1! Dang. :crying: Why cruel world!? Why!?

But Treydog did mention your story in his won thread at the ES Forums.

[Konji]

i think its real good.

[minque]

Dantrag!!! I READ YOUR STORY!!!!! And I enjoy it ...a lot ..I love ashlanders and stories about them, and your story is just great.The thing with that little brother is ever so sweet, ..see.....so one more reader, and one who wants more......pleeeease..


I´ll just add a jonajosa: :goodjob:

[treydog]

So glad to finally catch up with this story- it is one of my favorites. You have done a great job of "maturing" Ahnaressu, while retaining his essential character. I like the way it has taken him time to learn the skills he needs- but he still burns for vengeance.

Excellent.

[Dantrag]

Ahnaressu made his way back to Neloth's tower with another levitation potion in hand. He made his way up the tunnel and into Neloth's chambers. The Telvanni wizard had his back turned to Ahnaressu, leaning over the ashlander's katana.

Ahnaressu didn't even have to announce his presence before Neloth spoke. "If you're here for your sword, it isn't ready."
"You've had three days." Ahnaressu said.
"There is more to my life than serving you." Neloth replied.
"I'm just curious as to when it will be finished." Ahanressu said defensively.
Neloth didn't answer. Instead, he spoke the words of a spell and presented Ahnaressu with the sword. "Now it's ready."
"Great. What did you surprise me with?" Ahanressu asked.
"If I told you, I wouldn't be surprising you."
"I'm not here for a wizard's riddles." Ahanressu said through gritted teeth.
Neloth calmly changed the subject. "Now that I have done my part of the deal, You will uphold yours."
"Fair enough." Ahnaressu replied.
Neloth leaned in close. "I want to fight you."
"What?" Ahnaressu asked incredulously.
"A duel of sorts. I haven't met anyone willing to fight me. everyone is scared of getting burned, shocked, or frozen to death. I need to stay sharp, but I can't if nobody will fight me."
"Alright. I'l fight you."

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sorry for the shortness...I had planned this battle for awhile, but I'm going to make it cool, which takes time. so