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Posted by: Jacki Dice Jul 31 2011, 04:37 AM

This is a little something I've been toying with for awhile. I've decided to bring it out to the forums here. This story will include the original version of Kalila Blackstone, from Madness Helps me Save Myself. This version of her has absolutely no ties to the one borrowed in the story.

Speaking of, Madness Helps me Save Myself will continue as planned. Sometimes working on something separate for a while soothes my writer's block.

In a perfect world, it would have been an assassin. Or maybe a bandit. It would be someone who was out to hurt her, who justifiably deserved to die. However, as Tara Karminova clutched her dagger to her chest, she knew it would be no such person. The world was too imperfect.

She looked around the dark alleys of the Imperial City Market District for someone no one would miss. Guilt weighed in her heart for even thinking that. Did someone’s life have less value just because they had no one to miss them? Of course not. But, she needed someone whose death wouldn’t prompt a thorough investigation. Maybe a skooma addict.

Oh, dear gods, what am I doing? She leaned against the wall of one of the shops. Her heart was no longer fluttering and her stomach no longer churned. Instead, she seemed to simply accept it. That was what scared her. “It’s for Clarissa,” she reminded herself. “It’s for her.” She clenched the grip of her dagger tightly and continued lurking through the alleys.

At first she thought she had blended in quite well with the street urchins in the Imperial City. She simply threw on an old, dirty robe that had torn a little on the bottom. Her brown hair was unbrushed and thrown back in a messy bun. Once she saw the beggars in person, however, she realized how far off she was. Their clothes weren’t just dirty, they were barely intact enough to keep them out of prison for indecent exposure. None of them wore the soft cotton that she was in. They appeared to be stitched together from odd pieces of fabric and sackcloth. Tara was also far too healthy looking. Her cheeks were somewhat plump and the robe hugged her frame tightly, revealing that she didn’t often go hungry. The beggars were nothing but skin and bones. The biggest difference was their eyes. Tara could easily tell who had lived on the street by the hardness or loss of hope in their eyes. There was no way for her to imitate them in that way.

She turned behind the Copious Coinpurse into a small garden. It was empty save for a young woman sleeping on the ground. Tara crept toward her, running her finger over the black soul gem stashed in her pocket. It would have been much easier to cast some sort of spell on her, but Tara thought a stabbing would look far more ordinary than magic.

The girl stirred slightly as Tara approached. Tara straddled her and turned her on her back. She was pretty. She had quite a young face. She was probably no more than nineteen. Tara hesitated for a moment before raising her hand. A violet flash erupted from her fist and washed over the girl. Once that was done she took out the dagger and plunged it into the girl.

The girl opened her eyes wide as blood oozed onto Tara. A scream rose from her throat and Tara quickly covered the girl’s mouth with her free hand, stabbing again and again until the girl stopped moving. She wished she had known where to plunge for a more painless and instant death. That part of her research had been overlooked. Tara took out the soul gem and was satisfied with the glow of the girl’s soul.

She got up and panted, staring at the girl’s body. Did she have parents? A sister? Probably not, since she had been sleeping there alone. Still, Tara was overcome with mixed emotions.

“It’s for Clarissa,” she said to herself.



Tara had to hold in her disgust as she stared upon Clarissa’s corpse.

Three years had passed since Clarissa Blackstone’s murder and time had not been kind. Clarissa’s skin was gone for the most part, only remaining in small patches. On the pieces of skin around her temples, sat dry tufts of her once luxurious black hair, though the slightest brush would turn it to dust. Her bones were not white, like the models shown at the Arcane University. Instead they were a filthy brown. The sockets that once held beautiful grey eyes were now empty and covered by a paper thin layer of skin. The gown she had been buried in had long since been eaten away. Though she went out and bought a new robe, Tara did not look forward to redressing her. Logically that shouldn’t have bothered her any more than digging Clarissa up or even setting her body on the kitchen table.

Tara wanted to pass the time doing something other than staring at Clarissa, but she was unable to take her eyes off of her. She was repulsed but fascinated at the same time. When she finally tore her eyes away, she decided to head into the basement to distract herself.

Just yesterday, the basement was full of alchemical equipment. The shelves had been lined with empty bottles and crates full of filled ones ready to be sent off to the different Mages Guild halls. Jars of ingredients sat along the windows. Now it was empty. The windows were boarded. A metal collar attached to a long chain sat in the center of the room. Tara picked it up and tugged it with all her strength. It held fast to the wall. She sighed deeply and dusted off her hands. Hopefully it would withstand the added strength of the undead.

She took a broom from a corner and started sweeping. Clarissa still deserves cleanliness, she thought. But the basement was usually kept neat and there was nothing much to sweep. She finished in seconds. She looked at the Mages Guild banners still hanging on the walls. Her eyes welled up with tears. How could she still keep those up knowing what she was going to do? How could she ever look at Arch-Mage Traven in the eye again?

With a trembling hand, she took the banners down. She tried telling herself that it was to keep them from getting ruined, but deep down she knew it was because she felt unworthy.

When she returned upstairs she was pleased to see that the hourglass was nearly empty. It was time.

For something so complex, it was strange that it was so simple to accomplish. She had imagined an elaborate ritual involving candles and conjuring. Strangely, the hardest part had been obtaining the soul gem. That and getting the soul. She closed her eyes, forcing away the image of the girl she had killed. She couldn’t afford to think about it. All spells, complex or not, required confidence and concentration.

Her home along the Lake Rumare was close enough to hear the temple bell from the Imperial City. As it rang twelve times, Tara placed the soul gem directly over where Clarissa’s heart had been. She focused on the soul inside, transferring it the way she would to an item.

The soul was stubborn. Even in death, it resisted Tara’s demand, almost as if it knew that it would cease to exist as itself. Tara trembled violently. Her heart pounded hard and she broke into a sweat. The soul would cooperate. It had no choice.

Tara grunted hard when the soul finally entered Clarissa. She panted heavily as the gem crumbled into dust, falling into Clarissa’s bare rib cage.

Clarissa’s eyelids fluttered. She sat up, turning her face toward Tara. Though the sockets were empty, she could feel the intense stare going straight through her. Tara backed up instantly. Would Clarissa remember? Or would she react with hostility? Clarissa opened her mouth, though the only sound that escaped was a dry crackle. Her body wouldn’t return to a normal living being until she received more souls.

“Clarissa,” Tara whispered. “Do you remember me?” She took a step forward. “I’m your sister.”

Clarissa tilted her head back and forth. A chunk of skin plopped on the floor causing a surge of bile to rise in Tara’s throat. She swallowed it back down and forced herself to ignore it.

“Everything is okay now,” she said. “You’re back home now.”

She held out her hand. Clarissa ignored it, seeming to be more confused than anything.

“She’s just in shock,” Tara said to herself. She glanced at the robe. She decided to put it on her when she had more skin as there was nothing really to cover.

She led Clarissa into the basement and locked the collar around her neck. “This is just to keep you safe. When you’re back to normal you can have your old room back. I’ll even get you into the Arcane University like you always wanted.” She sighed, not knowing why she said that. That wouldn’t be possible. Everyone knew that Clarissa had been dead a long time.

Clarissa crackled again, though Tara doubted that she understood anything she had been saying anyway. No need to feel like a liar, right? she wondered. “I’m going to go clean upstairs and then I’ll have to fix up your grave outside. I can’t have it looking like it’s been recently disturbed. I’ll be back soon.”

Once she was back in the living room, she locked the basement door and then placed a plank of wood in front of it. She couldn’t chance Clarissa getting out into the open. She would be killed on sight. Tara couldn’t have that. She refused to lose her twice.

She immediately set out sweeping up the living room and kitchen. There was so much dirt. Too much. Should any guild mates come for a visit, she felt it would cause immediate suspicion. Maybe it was just paranoia, but at the same time, her sudden insistence to work from her home instead of the guild halls already seemed strange. Sure, months had passed since then, the nagging feeling remained stuck in her mind.

Though it had to be done, she couldn’t keep her mind on her task. She felt drained. She sank to her knees staring at the basement door. She could hear Clarissa shuffling faintly, the chain jingling with her every movement. She glanced at the turquoise banner on the wall bearing the Mages Guild symbol. Her life as she knew it was over. She wept.

Posted by: Black Hand Jul 31 2011, 05:43 AM

This is an excellent introduction into your story! I could feel the tense clutch of fear and uncertainty as Tara wandered through the night in search of an innocent soul, and the description of Clarissa's corpse was creepily dead-on!

And the images you evoked of the undead Clarissa...or soon to be living through some dark means?, was provocative in the grisly horror it brought to mind.

Yet, that quote you provided from Nietzsche in the beginning ties in perfectly with the underlying humanity contained within this story. The irrational desire to bring our individual sense of fairness to an unfair world, a desire that has little to do with morality, and everything to do with love. A selfish love perhaps,....but love.

Posted by: haute ecole rider Jul 31 2011, 05:09 PM

This is quite the promising start to what seems to be an interesting character. Most necromancer characters I've read have explored necromancy because of their lust for power. Tara is only the second necro character I've read who've gone into this out of love for one who was lost too soon. But I fail to see how this will turn out well for both Tara and Clarissa - wouldn't it be better to leave the dead in their eternal sleep? How can Tara keep true to herself as she seeks to recover what she once had with her sister? Will she end up following an even darker path - one that leads to insanity and Oblivion? There are so many questions raised by this little beginning that I want to see more of this story.

Posted by: SubRosa Jul 31 2011, 05:10 PM

An excellent piece! You have given us a character whom we can identify with, as who would not move Aetherius and Nirn for their sibling? Yet at the same time one who is chilling, given the depths that Tara is willing to go to in order to get her sister back. Or at least a reasonable facsimile of her sister. As h.e.r. noted, this cannot end well. But it is a good example of how many people are doubtlessly lured down the path of necromancy. A very cool and creepy tale!


nits:
Three years had passed since the Clarissa Blackstone�s murder and time had not been kind.
I think you have a the left over from a previous edit.

to the different Mage�s Guilds
This is one that I wrestled with at first too. There is no apostrophe in http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Oblivion:Mages_Guild, or the Fighters Guild for that matter.

Posted by: treydog Aug 1 2011, 02:01 AM

You manage to take a character whose actions I want to abhor- and make me care about her. And the Nietzsche quote captures the "why" of that perfectly.

The descriptions are immediate and- well- creepy. But that is in keeping with the subject matter. Like haute, I do not see a "happy" ending- but then, not all stories do end happily.

One typo:

"...empty, she could feel the intese stare..."

The stare must have been so disconcerting that it scared the "n" out of "intense."

Posted by: King Coin Aug 1 2011, 03:52 AM

Interesting read, but I don't like the character yet. I'll read the next update.

Posted by: Grits Aug 1 2011, 03:02 PM

I am completely creeped out and intrigued. I like that Tara is appalled by what she is doing, it makes her interesting. And of course Clarissa faintly shuffling and jingling her chain in the basement will have me turning the lights on tonight.

Posted by: Zalphon Aug 8 2011, 08:15 PM

I am eager to see the next part Clarissa may be getting in trouble... Exciting

Posted by: Jacki Dice Aug 16 2011, 08:03 AM

Black Hand~ Your last paragraph was exactly what that part was about and you described it wonderfully

haute cole rider~ I'm glad to see all the questions. Of course they'll be answered as the story progresses

SubRosa~ Its something I wish the Elder Scrolls would note, that not all necromancers would do it just to have undead slaves. I'm sure at least a few would do it out of desperation to have a loved one back.

treydog~ I knew the moment I heard the quote (well, technically a reference to it) that it would be perfect for this story.

King Coin~ Well to be honest, she isn't exactly meant to be liked right now, especially seeing what she did

Grits~ I imagine some first-time killers would be appalled... then again maybe not all that appalled since they go through with it

Zaphlon~ I'm glad you find it exciting. That's been my biggest worry about posting this, if it was exciting enough

Kalila Blackstone sat in Hannibal Traven’s office just as she had countless times throughout her stay at the Arcane University. She sat up straight, her green eyes lowered as though she were in trouble. Her hands were neatly folded in her lap. Traven couldn’t help noticing that her green robe lacked any adornments. Most students added their own touches, like a colorful sash or some jewelry. Not Kalila. Strangely, it was her lack of distinction that made her stand out among her peers.

Traven smiled gently at her and received a slight one in return. He couldn’t remember ever seeing a full, beaming smile from her. Not even while Clarissa had been alive. The girl was just too damn serious.

“So,” he said, his hands folded on his desk. “Graduation is coming up. Have you given any thought to your plans afterward?”

“Sir?” She looked questioningly at him. “I’ve told you the same thing every time you have asked me for the past ten years. I am going to be a battlemage.”

He nodded, chuckling a little. “That you have. You know, most students come here with a goal in mind but it changes drastically over the years. By the time they’ve graduated, they want to pursue something completely different.”

“Not me. I’ve known what I’ve wanted for years.”

“Alright, well let’s see how you’re doing academically.”

Traven set out a piece of parchment and tapped it once with a wand. Before their eyes Kalila’s grades appeared.



Traven nodded as he looked it over. “I see you still require assistance in restoration.” He looked up at her. “Have you considered joining the Mages Guild? There’s one in Anvil that would greatly help you with restoration.”

Kalila hesitated before speaking. “I had considered it briefly,” she said. “But I’m not so sure I’d want to join. Even here, I’m known as Tara Karminova’s kid sister. If I do well, it’s attributed to her. If I fail, then they remark how good Tara was at it. I would much rather be merited on my own skill, not hers.”

Traven nodded. He, too, had been guilty of that crime when they first met.

Even if she weren’t a skilled mage, it was obvious that they were related. They shared many of their mother’s facial features and many of the same mannerisms. Traven quickly averted his eyes. He had never noticed it before, how similar she was to Tara. Beautiful Tara… He cleared his throat.

“It’s true that the Karminova family has produced some especially talented mages. Your mother, though she dropped out, had extraordinary talent, as does your sister, and you as well. It may be a little annoying to be under their shadow, but I assure you that you will make a name of your own, especially with your skill in destructive magic.”

Kalila didn’t say anything.

“You know, I was head of the Anvil Mages Guild and we did train a lot of people who went on to become wonderful battlemages.”

Her eyebrows raised slightly.

“You see, it’s not all shields and fireballs. You have to be able to heal yourself or one of your allies in case of serious injury. That said, the Anvil Guild is a wonderful place not only to learn, but it would be a good opportunity for you to go out and see more of Cyrodiil. You’ve never left the Imperial City area. Anvil is a beautiful place. Its right on the coast, so you can have the most amazing views and you wake up to the scent of the ocean.”

He could tell that she was considering it. After a long pause she sighed. “And you’re sure this will help me?”

“Kalila, I would never steer any of my students in the wrong direction. Just think it over and if you decide that’s what you want, I will write you a glowing recommendation.”

Her eyes lowered for awhile before raising back up to his. “Alright.”

She stood up and turned to leave.

“Oh, Kalila?”

“Yes, sir?”

He paused, trying to appear nonchalant. “Will Tara be attending your graduation ceremony?”

“Yes. Last I heard our mother is sailing around the Summerset Isles so she won’t be back in time.”

“Ah.” Traven nodded, once again unable to get the image of Tara from his mind. “I look forward to seeing her.”



Kalila left the room and sighed deeply. She tried not to view it as a setback. She knew Traven was right, after all. Her restoration was atrocious compared to her other skills and it would prove necessary on the battlefield. Still, she had planned on going into training straight after the University since childhood. Instead of a setback, she tried to think of it as a slight curve in the path.

She walked back to her dorm room and once she was there she stared out the window. Her favorite thing about her room was that it had a view of the training field. She watched the battlemages train for a moment before deciding to close the curtains. There were so many of them and not a single one was able to respond to a distress flare? Disgraceful. Though everyone told her not to place blame on anyone but the murderers she couldn’t help holding them at least partially responsible for Clarissa’s death. For heaven’s sakes, it would have been a mere five minutes to their house on horseback. There was simply no reason why Clarissa should have died!

She sat on her bed, tears threatening to fall. Clarissa was only a child when she died. She had such a bright future ahead of her. Traven was right. The Karminova bloodline had produced many skilled mages: Tara with, well, anything, Kalila with destruction, and Clarissa was already good at alchemy without any formal training. She would have been great, even better than Claudette Perrick on her best day.

Tara laying in the corner, a dagger sticking out from her stomach. A pool of blood seeped onto the floor, surrounding her. Clarissa was bleeding at well, though instead of from her stomach, it appeared to be coming from her thighs, her neck bent at an impossible angle. A noose was still around her throat. Kalila felt a sharp pain in her back, followed by another. She looked down and saw the arrowhead protruding from her shoulder.

Her hand flew up to her chest and her legs clamped shut.

She woke in the Arcane University’s infirmary. Tara was sobbing on the bed to her right. The pain in her back was dulled. She could feel stitches in her shoulder. There was a small body on the bed on her left. The sheets were pulled over its head. Tara was screaming for Clarissa. “Bring her back,” she screamed. Some people injected her arm with something. She quieted down soon after.

“Bring her back,” she whispered. If only.

Posted by: Black Hand Aug 16 2011, 11:22 AM

A new character! The sister to our anti-heroine no less. Widening the perspective a bit, we see the the affection that Clarissa had in life and the trauma her death produced. Well done, and please continue!

Posted by: haute ecole rider Aug 16 2011, 04:17 PM

This is really a heartbreaking piece and just adds to the tragedy that was Clarissa and is Tara. What will happen when Kalila finds out what Tara is up to? I assume that she doesn't yet know the truth. Tara strikes me as the super-secretive type - brooding, not talking to anyone, even her own cousin.

And yes, part of being a battle-mage includes being able to heal on the battlefield. Otherwise, if you're the only one left standing, what's the point? So she's thinking about heading off to Anvil now, is she? Wonder what she'll find there?

Posted by: Grits Aug 19 2011, 02:26 PM

If I do well, it�s attributed to her. If I fail, then they remark how good Tara was at it.

This is so true! Then the younger person ends up defined by the older even more, as trying to get out from under the shadow guides their choices more than what would be natural just for them.

I don�t need a story to be exciting all of the time, as long as it is interesting. I find your story very, very interesting!! I look forward to more.

Posted by: Zalphon Aug 19 2011, 11:20 PM

I like how believable Tara is. I can't wait for more

Posted by: mALX Aug 21 2011, 12:30 PM

Hey! Where did this come from? GAAAAH !!! I just saw this Jacki, will have to do some catch-up! <3

Posted by: Jacki Dice Nov 27 2011, 07:36 AM

Black Hand~ Yes, Kalila (hopefully) will be the one to show the other side of the coin when it comes to Tara's actions.

haute ecole rider~ I wouldn't say Tara is more brooding, but as she has a lot at stake in the Mages Guild, she is super, super secretive!

Grits~ I'm glad its interesting I was worried about topping the adventures of a poor mortal getting tangled with the Madgod

Zalphon~ Thank you Out of all the major characters in the story, Tara is actually the most recent creation and I think that gives her the advantage as she isn't over developed therefore easier to make work naturally.

mALX~ Lol! Yeah this has been hidden away for very old characters that don't quite fit with Wrothken's tale

The kitchen was once Tara’s favorite room in the house. The warmth of family meals always made it seem brighter than normal. Now it was lonely, what with Kalila at the University , her mother, Rhianna Karminova at sea, and Clarissa dead.

Well, not so much dead anymore, she reminded herself as she sliced some vegetables for dinner. But without digestive organs, Clarissa had no need for food yet. Tara dreaded the day she would need to eat. She still hadn’t found out whether or not necromancers fed their “creations” human flesh out of necessity or for kicks. She huffed in disgust. Those were the ones that needed to be stopped. The ones that did it for nothing. At least she had a reason for it, a very good reason… not that it would make a difference if she were caught.

“Clarissa,” she called to the open basement door. “When you can eat again, what would you like me to make? I can fry up some chicken or maybe a casserole? And of course I’ll make you a big cake! Chocolate pumpkin marble, your favorite! Do you remember?”

The jingling of Clarissa’s chain was the only answer. She knew it would be, but she felt like hearing her voice would be helpful, maybe even soothing, as the long process went on.

Tara went down to take a look at her. Some of her old toys had been brought down, but seemingly ignored. Clarissa simply walked around the room as far as her chain would allow. Tara frowned. She couldn’t believe how long it was going to take to get her even partially back to her old self. It was like having a mudcrab wander the basement! Still, getting her closer meant killing again. That was something she would happily put off if possible.

The faint sound of galloping caught her attention. It wasn’t the casual trot of someone on patrol. It was quick, the rider knowing exactly where they were going. And it was heading for the house.

Tara quickly shut the basement door and locked it. The good thing about Clarissa not having vocal chords was that she couldn’t cry out and cause suspicion. Yet.

The galloping stopped and was replaced with heavy footsteps. There was a knock at the door.

Tara took a deep breath before opening it. Act natural.

A battle mage stood before her dressed in his uniform. “Wizard Karminova?” Though it was a question, they both knew that he was fully aware of who she was.

“Can I help you with something?”

He pulled out a letter and handed it to her. Hannibal Traven’s official seal was on the front.

She tried to keep her face expressionless. After all there was no way he could have found out already and even if he did, he would send a whole group after her, not just one man. The battle mage stood there waiting. Traven must have wanted a response.



She sighed. Thank the gods it was only that. “Oh, alright.” She looked at the battle mage, though not before glancing at the basement door. “Please, come in while I write out my response.”

She showed the battle mage to her living room, kicking herself mentally for not straightening up further. A few of her alchemical supplies were still scattered on her armchair and on the coffee table. The Mages Guild banners were still draped on the couch.

“I had to rearrange some things,” she offered before he could ask. “With my sister graduating, I wasn’t sure if she’d be staying with me for awhile.”

“Ah…” he said. He had no reason to disbelieve her, but Tara still felt nervous.



She pressed the end of the quill to her lip.



“Here you are,” she said folding it up. She didn’t bother sealing it. Frankly, she wanted the battlemage out of there before any strange jingles came from the basement. She handed him a septim for the postage and another as a tip.

“Thank you, ma’am,” he said with a nod.

“Ma’am?” She asked aloud after he left. Good gods, she wasn’t that old, was she?



The morning of the graduation, Tara went down to visit Clarissa. Clarissa had been sitting cross legged on the ground. One of her dolls was before her. Clarissa didn’t touch it. She simply stared. Tara wondered how she could see from empty sockets. When she heard a faint, steady crackling from the girl it occurred to her that it could be a form of echolocation.

Tara knelt next to her and waved her hand in front of Clarissa’s face, slowly. Clarissa mimicked the motion. She gasped softly as she realized what an opportunity she had. No one in the Mages Guild had studied very much of the undead. Doing so would cause far too much suspicion and could result in being kicked out. However, it could be beneficial at least for personal study.

Everyone knew what the undead did, but not how. Figuring that out could greatly help adventurers and mages clear out some of the haunted locations or caves of necromancers. The evil necromancers, she corrected herself, as she was technically a necromancer herself.

“Clarissa, I have to go out for a few hours,” she said. “Kalila is graduating from the university today. Do you remember her?”

Clarissa only crackled.

“She’s grown up a lot since you… since you last saw her. She misses you very, very much even though she won’t talk about it.”

Hell, Kalila wouldn’t talk about much of anything these days.

Tara stood up and glanced back at Clarissa. She would be fine in the house alone. Tara just hoped no one tried to break in while she was away.



Kalila sat with the rest of her class, all of them dressed in bright purple robes and the traditional caps. Of course hers kept slipping and frankly, it looked ridiculous. She couldn’t wait to toss hers up with the rest of her class… and abandon it afterwards.

She stared up at the stage where Arch-magister Traven was speaking. Dreams, hopes, future, blah, blah, blah. She looked behind him. High Chancellor Ocato was there, looking about as bored as Kalila was. Next to him were the heads of the Cyrodiil Mages Guild halls and a few other prominent mages. And Tara.

Something was off about her. She was usually poised and confident looking. Today she seemed nervous. She kept wringing her hands and glancing elsewhere.

Traven stepped down and the audience applauded. Someone else took the stage, basically echoing Traven’s sentiments.

Kalila turned her gaze toward the section for the students’ families. Proud parents from all over wept and clapped, occasionally shouting out their child’s name. A couple even blew loud horns when a speech was particularly touching.

She scanned the crowd for her own parents, but didn’t see them. That meant that her mother was probably not there. Rhianna Karminova was known for many things, but blending in wasn’t one. She would have brought her entire crew for the occasion and would be hooting and hollering throughout the speeches. It was just as well, she supposed. If her father happened to be there, then there would be yet another ugly fight between them. Kalila didn’t feel like playing referee on her graduation day.

Another round of applause went by and another speaker stood up.

Kalila looked down at the ground. She sighed. She had spent so many years at the Arcane University. It was going to be strange not going every day. It would be even stranger being in Anvil. For the first time in her life, she would be truly on her own. Well, not entirely. She knew a few people who would be going there as well but this time Tara would be nowhere near and save for the Guild, she had no one she had to report to. It was exhilarating yet anxiety quivered in her stomach.

After the last applause, Tara stood at the podium.

“What an unforgettable day for everyone present,” she began. “It wasn’t too long ago that I sat in your seats,” she said to the students.

Sure, if nearly a decade isn’t too long ago, Kalila thought, pursing her lips to keep from giggling.

“I still remember it like it was yesterday. My mother stood proudly in the audience, with a flag she had enchanted to let out fireworks every time she waved it. My two younger sisters sat with her, beaming with pride, as I do now looking at one of them among her students.” Tara smiled at Kalila.

Several people turned and glanced at her. Kalila wanted to sink into her seat. Did she have to be so sentimental all the time?

“This is the moment where life begins whether you go into your chosen profession or continue your education even further through the Mages Guild. The best part about right now is that you can still do anything, anything at all.”

As Tara began going on about successes and achievements, Kalila thought about the day Tara had graduated. Though Tara remembered it well, much of it was a blur to Kalila. She remembered Rhianna’s flag and also Rhianna fighting with her father over whether or not he had any business there, as he was not Tara’s father. She also remembered her mother getting fined for assault over it. Most of all, she remembered Clarissa jumping up and down and screaming Tara’s name as she walked across the stage. Tara was right. Clarissa had been beaming with pride over it, as though she had a hand in Tara’s success.

A change in Tara’s voice grabbed Kalila’s attention. She sounded distant and she was looking away again. “And you may find yourself doing things you never imagined you would. And you’ll find that beliefs you held dear, that were once unshakable, you just might think the opposite one day. Just keep an open mind and listen to your gut above all else and you’ll do just fine. Thank you.”

Kalila clapped along with the rest of the audience, though she couldn’t escape the feeling that something was definitely up with Tara.

Posted by: McBadgere Nov 27 2011, 08:00 AM

*Opens mouth to say something*...*Closes it*...

Erm...

Wow...Umm...My eyes misted over...Genuinely...

Fantastic...


Nice one... ...

Posted by: mALX Nov 27 2011, 09:42 AM

You have a really nice deep undercurrent of emotions going in this chapter, very poignient moments and very realistically portrayed !! Awesome Write !!

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 28 2011, 06:41 PM

How did you sneak two posts by without me noticing? Well, now that I realized you have updates, I had best start reading!

So Kalila gets an aqua robe instead of the usual green bag? No fair! I did like Traven's assessment of her, and how she stood out by not standing out. So nice to see that she is also a sister of the faint smile.

Oh, I loved how Traven pulled up her grades on his parchment computer! That is the everyday use of magic that I like seeing in fiction.

And it seems Traven is smitten with her sister. I was wincing at the end of that scene, where he asked if Tara would be at the cermony, and give a speech. Talk about twisting the knife after Kalila had just lamented about being in her sister's shadow!

And a gripping memory/flashback of Clarissa's death. No wonder Tara is so broken up. Let alone why Kalila is so interested in Destruction and being a battlemage.

On to the next episode. I loved Tara's rationalizations at the beginning. It's those other necromancers who have to be stopped. Of course.

I loved her response to being ma'amed!

It looks like their mother is something else! Is she a pirate I wonder? The reference to her crew made me think that. And her father gets in real, physical fights with her? And she was fined by the guard! It is nice to know that while perhaps academically perfect, the Karminova's have all the dysfunctional issues of any other family. Well, not counting the necromancy of course.




nits:
It�s true that trhe Karminova family
looks like some necromancer summoned up an extra letter in your the.

I noticed that in the last post you used the term battle mage, while in the one before it you said battlemage. Just something to consider fixing up to maintain continuity of your terms.

Posted by: Colonel Mustard Nov 28 2011, 10:32 PM

This is stark, shocking and incredibly compelling. I love it already; you've set up a morally grey scenario that would normally make you label the person enacting it as the villain, and then you make them sympathetic to us. That's no mean feat, and I'm seriously impressed.

The best thing for me so far is Tara, for me; you've managed to capture knife-edge of nervousness determination that she's balancing on and the strain its already beginning to put on her brilliantly, and all her worries about the food and so forth for Clarissa as well as her efforts to try and bring her back are both tragic and slightly disturbing at the same time. Not to mention her attempts to justify it make for an interesting read so far, and I liked that comment about the other necromancers that you slipped in there.

Nothing really to nitpick, so all in all fantastic work, and looking forward to more.

Posted by: Grits Nov 29 2011, 11:10 PM

Figuring that out could greatly help adventurers and mages clear out some of the haunted locations or caves of necromancers. The evil necromancers, she corrected herself, as she was technically a necromancer herself.

And one who is thinking about killing again, although reluctantly. I should be repelled by her, but instead I�m still fascinated.

�Thank you, ma�am,� he said with a nod.

Ma�am is a fighting word!

Posted by: Jacki Dice Dec 18 2011, 04:30 AM

McBadgere~ Why thank you! I don't think I've ever caused a misting of the eyes before!

mALX~ Thanks mALX ♥ Though its not as romancy as my other fic, it does get rather emotional, especially as details about Clarissa come out.

SubRosa~ Lilitu must have stopped by and planted it while you slept And nothing gets past you! Rhianna is a pirate, though she prefers the term "Sea faring adventurer."

Colonel Mustard~ Aww... -rubs back of head- With Tara, I think I have the most fun. She's not evil, but she's not doing good either. Her flaws are easy to present that way and I think that makes her just a bit more believable than some characters I've done.

Grits~ Oh yes. Even I, at the ripe age of 22 ( ) have been "ma'am-ed." I was caught way off guard by that!

Traven felt a sense of pride as he watched Kalila clutch her diploma to her chest. She kept looking around the campus, as if she didn’t believe it was real. Tara stood with her arm wrapped proudly around Kalila’s shoulders. Even as others approached the pair, students to bid farewell to Kalila and mages to greet Tara, the sisters stayed planted together. Though during the speech Tara seemed a little uneasy, now she was back to her usual self, poised and smiling brightly. Her brown eyes glittered every time she laughed, slightly throwing her head back, her hand gracefully rising under her chin. Meanwhile, Kalila looked like she would rather be anywhere else. At least until her father arrived.

The few traits that Kalila didn’t share with Tara were plainly inherited from Aidan Blackstone. His strong jaw, his deep olive complexion, the high cheekbones. His black hair was long enough to reach his shoulders and streaks of silver had started to invade, along with faint crow’s feet. The most noticeable thing about him was his clear gray eyes. Eyes exactly like Clarissa’s. Other than those eyes, he blended in perfectly with the rest of the crowd. His outfit looked like it had been carefully crafted to be just ordinary enough.

Kalila tore away from Tara momentarily to embrace Aidan tightly. Traven took the moment to approach Tara, as she was no longer hovering over her sister.

“Touching speech,” he said.

“Was it?” She asked, biting her lip slightly. “Kalila thought it was too flowery,” she said with a laugh.

“Well, it’s a flowery occasion!” Traven smiled. “Besides, Kalila’s not really one for sentiment.”

Tara glanced over to Kalila. She was holding a pendant in her hands, as Aidan draped the chain over her neck. Tara’s eyes lowered momentarily, almost disappointedly. Traven patted her shoulder. He knew it had to be a little hard for Tara to witness the father and daughter bond, as she had never known her own father. He was either dead, a one night stand, or both. Rhianna had always been tight lipped about it.

Tara looked back at Traven. “It’s fine, really.” She must have seen the pitiful look in his eyes. His cheeks burned a little. “Aidan may not be my real father, but he never treated me any different. He was always good to me.”

“There she is,” Aidan said, almost on cue. “One of the Guild’s finest!” He gave Tara a warm hug. Though it was completely paternal, nothing funny about it, Traven couldn’t help a flash of jealousy. When Aidan looked at him, he feigned a smile.

“And the man behind it all,” Aidan said, holding his hand out.

Traven shook it, overwhelmed with the scent of fresh linens. By the Nine, he always smelled like that. The man was just a little too clean. “Oh, I can’t take credit for the sheer talent these fine women have been blessed with. I can only help guide them in its use.”

Traven noticed Tara’s eyes flinch slightly.

“Well, it’s been a pleasure, Arch-mage,” Aidan said. “You’ve proven yourself an excellent teacher to my daughters.”

Traven glanced at Kalila’s new necklace. “What’s that you got there?”

Kalila lifted it so he and Tara could see it better. It was a silver pentagram with rubies at each tip, with a smaller pentagram in the center.

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o46/Jacki_Dice/pentagram-2.jpg

“It was my mother’s,” Aidan explained, his arm firmly planted on Kalila’s shoulder. “She always said it was special, so now I’m passing it down.”

Kalila pursed her lips together, glancing at Tara for a moment. Tara smiled. “It looks beautiful on you.”

The church bells tolled in the distance. “Well,” Tara said. “We’d best get home if we’re going to make it by nightfall.”

“Leaving so soon?” Traven said quickly. “Oh, but we’ve barely caught up. I’ll tell you what, let’s have lunch Morndas!”

Tara took a step back, starting to shake her head. “No, no, I insist!” He said. “My treat! After all, you’ve yet to tell me about this big project you’ve got going on at home!”

“Alright, sounds nice,” she said. Traven sensed some hesitation, though he was willing to chalk it up to it being a busy day. “Aidan, a pleasure as always. Kalila, I’ll be in touch of course. I do love to visit each guildhall every so often.”

Kalila nodded.

With that, Traven turned and headed to his chambers, grinning all the way.


Kalila was obviously disappointed that her father had taken his leave just after Traven did. Tara loved Aidan dearly, but he had always been so busy. Too busy for Kalila and Clarissa. His business in the Imperial City, whatever it was, kept him away for days, sometimes weeks at a time. He stayed out longer after Clarissa died. Though he claimed it was simply because Kalila had been old enough to not need him as much, Tara couldn’t help wondering if being at their home hurt too much.

“Hey, chin up,” Tara said, gently stroking Kalila’s hair as their carriage crossed the bridge to Weye. She stared at Kalila, remembering her first day at the University.

Tara was nearly done with her term. Just three more years and she would be out of there, ready to prove herself in the world of the Mages Guild. Kalila was brimming with a quiet excitement. She didn’t speak, but she chewed her nails and thumbs in anticipation. Her hair had been short, barely a bob. Kalila liked it that way. It kept it from getting in the way of fireballs.

Clarissa sat on Rhianna’s lap. Clarissa had only been there a couple of times, but she had been too young to clearly remember it. This time, she stared in awe of Lake Rumare and the beautiful white structures. The entire weekend she sat listening to Tara’s stories about the University and all the things she had learned with wide eyed excitement. “Mummy, when’s my turn?” She asked, bouncing up and down, clapping her hands. “I wanna be like Kalila and shoot fire, and breathe under water like Tara and enchant my earrings to give me super hearing.”

“You’ve got a few more years, honey.” Rhianna ran her fingers through Clarissa’s hair and adjusted the pink flower clip she always wore. “I can teach you a few of those things at home though.”

Clarissa looked at the floor sullenly. “But I wanna go with Kalila and Tara.”

Rhianna feigned hurt feelings. “And leave your mummy all alone?” She sniffled loudly and started to pout before pretending to sob in her hands.

Clarissa giggled, pulling Rhianna’s hands from her face. “You’re not alone, you have daddy!”

Rhianna let out a dry chuckle. “No thanks, I’d rather be alone.”

Kalila’s excitement dulled and Tara shot Rhianna a look. “Not now,” it plainly said.

Rhianna rolled her eyes and looked out the window. “Amazing,” she said after a while. “My three girls, going to the University. You’re all so smart. Maybe if you put your heads together, you can find out whatever happened to Corvus Umbranox!”

Tara and Kalila laughed, though the joke went over Clarissa’s head.

Clarissa wobbled over to Kalila and curled up in her lap. “Please can I go with you? Please?”

Kalila hugged her close. “One day, I promise.”

Kalila was just a girl then, barely in her teens. Now she sat before Tara a young woman. By the Nine, where did the time go? Even while at the university together, Kalila blossomed into her own person and rarely crossed Tara’s path. It only got worse after Clarissa died. Some people grieve by isolating themselves. As hard as it was for Tara to accept, it was Kalila’s way.

She turned her attention to Kalila’s hair, tied back as usual in a Breton braid. She stopped cutting it long ago and now it reached her hips. “Have you thought about cutting your hair?”

Kalila stared out the window, precariously seated on her trunk. It was overly stuffed and was threatening to burst at a moment’s notice. She only shrugged.

“Hmm..” Tara said, looking at the floor. She started wringing her hands. How horrible was it that she couldn’t even make a good conversation with her own sister? Gods, they were almost like strangers now! She bit her lip, thinking about Kalila leaving on Morndas. That only gave her two days with her until she left for Anvil, possibly forever.

Worse there was the matter of the haunting in the basement… Tara couldn’t imagine what would happen if Kalila found out. Tara balled her hands into fists. They were going to bond, dammit. And do it away from the house!

Posted by: McBadgere Dec 18 2011, 04:37 AM

*Applauds*...

Brilliant...

Traven is making my skin crawl... ...

Nice one... ...

Posted by: RainbowVeins Dec 18 2011, 07:56 AM

You're not the only 22-year-old one who's ever been "ma'am-ed!"
Great stuff here; I particularly enjoy your seamless transitions between different characters' points of view. It helps us get a better feel for their thought processes which is key in their development. Keep it comin'!

Posted by: mALX Dec 18 2011, 07:05 PM

The undercurrent has become even stronger now, and the death of Clarissa a sad mystery. I have to agree with McB, Traven was giving me the creeps in this chapter too!! Awesome Write !!

Posted by: SubRosa Dec 18 2011, 07:24 PM

So Tara and Kalila have different fathers? That is an interesting twist. The plot thickens too. Aidan has business with the Emperor? Is he a Blade I wonder?

I love the double pentacle necklace. What a brilliant idea!

I love the ending. "They were going to bond, dammit. And do it away from the house!" It is good to see that Tara's priorities are not only on the dead members of her family, but the living ones as well. The part about away from the house was just hilarious!

Posted by: Jacki Dice Dec 26 2011, 02:26 AM

McBadgere~ If there's something I know, its how to pull off creepy!

RainbowVeins~ Thank you I actually worry that I do it too much, but I'm glad it comes off smoothly

mALX~ Thanks He's very different than your non-creepy Traven

SubRosa~ Yes, its Tara's yearning to bring everyone together that makes her do some of the things she does

The house was just as Kalila remembered it. The cottage sat on the path between Weye and Pell’s Gate. It was encircled by a wooden fence, with colorful flowers emerging from the lush grass. Bright welkynd stones sat in a pair of sconces by the front door. The forest draped beyond, adding a touch of shadow and mystery that had always fascinated Kalila. Lake Rumare sat in the distance, giving the home a scent of fresh water.

[url= http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o46/Jacki_Dice/map.jpg]Map[/url]

As soon as her trunk was on the ground it hit her. No more university. No more lectures, no more tests, no more aqua robes. It was all over. She had spent so many months preparing for it and it was gone in a flash. It was dizzying.

Tara seemed strange again. She smiled the whole way back, though her attempts at small talk were failing desperately. What was with her? Kalila wasn’t sure who Tara thought she was fooling, with her constant shifts in demeanor.

After the carriage started back up the path to the Imperial City, Tara was smiling that forced smile. “Here,” she said. With a flick of her wrist, a violet beam flew from her hand to Kalila’s trunk. Tara lifted it with ease. “Let’s get this back to your room and how about we go for a swim?”

Kalila raised her eyebrows. “A swim? Now?”

“Yeah,” Tara said. She balanced the trunk on her hip as she fished for her keys. “Come on,” she hissed, biting at her lip in frustration. “Oh, wait,” she said with a laugh. Another violet flash later, the door unlocked itself.

The inside was a little more cramped than Kalila remembered it. There was the couch and armchair by the fireplace. The banners with the Mages Guild symbol hung on either side of the mantel. Paintings of the sea and beaches decorated the walls. An alchemy station was tucked behind the couch, next to the bookshelf which was brimming with books on the local and rarest flora and instruction manuals for different types of summoning. A smaller bookcase sat next to it filled with fairy tales. Kalila had loved them as a child and eventually, when she became too old for such things, she passed them along to Clarissa. Tara didn’t have the heart to throw them out.

The kitchen was spotless as always, though Kalila noticed several boxes stashed under the table. The shelves were lined with bottles of powders and spices. Just outside the window sat a box where flowers and herbs grew. They were neatly labeled, so nothing would go wrong with potion making. An apple pie sat on the kitchen table. The golden crust was braided, just as Kalila had always liked it. Three places were set. Kalila felt a stabbing pain in her heart, reminding her of who wasn’t there but should have been.

“It was for Aidan,” Tara said. Kalila didn’t notice that her hand had flown up to her heart. Tara quickly took the extra plate away and put it in the cabinet. “I thought he would be joining us.”

Kalila just nodded, her hand wandered up to her necklace. Her eyebrows furrowed as her fingers traced the center star of the pentagram. It was hot, as if she had held it under a blanket. She lowered her hand slowly. Maybe that was a normal thing for jewelry. Maybe it was just reacting to her body heat. She was never big on jewelry so she didn’t know. She looked at Tara. Tara wore earrings and a few rings. She would know about those things, but it seemed a stupid thing to ask.

Instead, she turned her attention to the basement door, which had a bar over it. Kalila hadn’t even taken a step when Tara jumped over and stood in front of the door.

“Oh, you don’t want to go down there,” she said. “I’m working on something. Something dangerous.”

Kalila took a step forward. “What?” She reached for the door knob.

“Spider daedra,” Tara blurted.

Kalila’s stomach bubbled with disgust. She flicked her wrist, as if to rid it from the very essence of the daedra. “Disgusting.” She finally said. “What in oblivion for?”

“For knowledge.”

Kalila shook her head. She should have known. Tara was one of the few people she knew who wanted to learn not for anything useful, but for the sheer sake of knowing. Had she not been raised in a Nine fearing home, she would have likely been quite at home in the worship of Hermaeus Mora.

“Right,” Kalila said. She looked to where Tara had dropped her chest. “Well, I think I’ll go put my stuff away and call it a night.”

Tara tore herself from the basement door. “But I thought we were going swimming!”

Kalila shook her head. “It’s dark,” she said. “I don’t like having to dodge slaughterfish at night when I can barely see them.”

Tara laughed. “That’s why we cast a candle spell. You know how, don’t you?”

Kalila nodded.

“It’ll be fun,” Tara said. “Please?”

“How about in the morning?” Kalila offered. “It’s been a long day.”

Tara sighed. “Alright, tomorrow. And I’ll make stuffed Breton-style toast and berries for breakfast! Isn’t that your favorite?”

When I was five, Kalila thought. “Yeah, it is. Good night.” She picked up her chest and headed up the stairs.

“Good night, Kalila!” She said. Tara glanced at the basement door. She pressed her lips to the wood. “Good night, Clarissa,” she whispered.



Under the glow of moonlight, Kalila snuck out and sat at Clarissa’s grave.

It was set in the corner of the property, tucked away in the back by the fence. A stone statue of Mara marked the spot. Mara stood with a veil over her head, gazing gently down where Clarissa was. She held a flower in one hand. A lily. Clarissa’s favorite. A small bunch of peonies burst from the side where she was buried.

Shortly after her death, Kalila had gotten into the habit of sitting at the grave and speaking to Clarissa. Though Tara tried to discourage it, the habit persisted throughout the years.

“I graduated today,” Kalila said softly. Already her throat started to close up and she felt the burn of tears forming. She choked. “I’ll be leaving for Anvil in a few days. It’s not exactly what I had planned, but I suppose…” She sighed. “Nothing lives up to our plans, does it? They say I need more practice in restoration. I guess they’re right. That way if I ever come across…” She licked her lips.

If I ever come across someone hurting, I can help. I won’t be too late.

Tears fell silently.

“You should have been there,” she said. “That’s how it was supposed to be. You, me, and Tara.” She started sobbing. “It’s not fair.” She pounded her fist on the ground. “It’s just not fair! Why did it have to be you?” She buried her face in her arms. “Why?” She demanded. “Why, damn it?” She hit the ground once more and then stopped crying. She wiped her eyes with one hand and ran her fingers through the dirt with the other.

Why was the dirt so loose?



Tara woke slowly. Though she was tucked under several quilts, she felt a persistent chill. It was almost as if someone had left the window open during a snowfall.

“You sleep rather soundly for a murderer.” An icy, unfamiliar voice said. “That’s good. You’ll need a clear conscience for what I’m about to propose.” A man was standing at the foot of her bed, draped in a black cloak. His features were obscured by his hood.

Tara jumped up and reached for the dagger she kept between the bed and the nightstand. The man raised his hand and suddenly Tara was unable to move.

Dear gods, not again!

“Who are you?” She hissed. She looked toward the bedroom door. It was not torn open. Her window wasn’t broken. The only sounds were the two of them. “Where’s Kalila?” Tara clenched her teeth. “If you’ve harmed her—“

“Easy, easy dear child,” he said. He sat next to her, stroking her hair. His hands were like ice. Tara winced at his touch. “The girl remains in her bed, sleeping peacefully. I am not here to harm either of you. Rather, I’ve come to offer you an opportunity.”

“What do you want?”

“First, an introduction.” He stood up. “I am Lucien Lachance, Speaker for the Dark Brotherhood.”

“The…” Tara’s tongue suddenly felt like it was buried in sand. Dear gods, he’s come to kill me… Her stomach fluttered.

Lucien continued. “And you, you are a cold-blooded killer, capable of taking life without mercy or remorse.”

Then it dawned on her. The whispers of The Dark Brotherhood coming to recruit murderers was true! And the girl… somehow they knew about the girl in the Marketplace.

“The Night Mother has been watching, and she is most pleased. And so, here I am. I come to you with an offering. An opportunity... to join our rather unique family."

Tara couldn’t believe her ears. “I.. I’m not a murderer,” she said softly.

Lucien tilted his head back, in exaggerated surprise. “Oh?” Tara could see a smirk under his hood. “The Night Mother seems to think otherwise. Allow me to grant you a gift, in case you reconsider. It is a virgin blade, and thirsts for blood."

He set a dagger on her nightstand. It was made of ebony, with a beautiful intricate gold design on the handle and its sheath. Three prongs sprouted from the back of the handle. Tara could only imagine its purpose.

http://images.uesp.net/2/29/OB-item-Blade-of-Woe_02.jpg

“Why are you giving me this?” She asked.

“On the Green Road to the north of Bravil lies the Inn of Ill Omen. There you will find a man named Rufio. Kill him, and your initiation into the Dark Brotherhood will be complete. Do this, and the next time you sleep in a location I deem secure, I will reveal myself once more, bearing the love of your new family."

With that he disappeared before her eyes. She was able to move again. She jumped out of her bed and snatched her own dagger, casting a detect life spell. The only things she sensed were Kalila, in her bed and the pacing of Clarissa in the basement. She noticed that her room was once again warm and cozy.

She got back under her quilts and stared at the dagger she was given. She knew that in a month’s time she would have to kill again. She hated herself for thinking it, but perhaps this Rufio could be of some assistance.

Posted by: McBadgere Dec 26 2011, 05:40 AM

*Runs around the room remonstrating with the furniture*...Dammit dammit dammit!!...How many times must I kill him before he stays dead!!????!?!??!?...

...

Sorry...

So, Lucien LePonce noticed then?... ...

Exellent chapter...From all the "big sister" stuff, to the heartbreaking stuff by the grave...Brilliance...

Nice one!... ...

Posted by: mALX Dec 26 2011, 07:24 PM

Jacki, as grotesque as the subject matter is in this story - I have to say it is your best write ever, and that is saying a lot since your others were stuffed with brilliant characters.

This story is totally riveting and intrigueing (in spite of my stomach churning throughout, lol) - but seriously, it is a huge glimpse into how creative your imagination is. I have re-read it from the beginning again to put the characters in context and was floored by what you are doing with this story! Totally awesome write, absolutely huge!!!

Posted by: SubRosa Dec 26 2011, 11:28 PM

Tara's house sounds wonderful. Cozy, and an excellent reflection of the person living there. The fairy tale books were a nice touch, reminding us about the sister who is not longer there. At least not the way she used to be.

Loved Tara's reaction to Kalila just looking at the basement door. Overract much! Still, she explained things away very nicely with the spider daedra. Now Kalila is not going to want to go down there, and will discount any strange sounds from the basement as well.

When I was five, Kalila thought.
Ouch! Isn't that always the case? Still, it is nice to see how hard Tara is trying to win Kalila over, and renew their relationship.

Why was the dirt so loose?
Uh oh...

Lucien LaCroix LaChance! I did not see that coming. But in retrospect, it seems quite obvious. Well done. I loved how you portrayed him. I also loved the way Tara is seriously considering his offer. After all, Clarissa is going to need fresh souls soon, isn't she?

Posted by: Grits Dec 26 2011, 11:48 PM

Why was the dirt so loose?

This grisly detail after the snug kitchen was especially chilling. Tara has the table neatly set and an ambulatory corpse in the basement.

I loved the scene with LL. So many killers would be tempted by the new loving family, but Tara loves her family so much she needs to kill. Like mALX said, riveting!

Posted by: Colonel Mustard Dec 28 2011, 06:49 PM

Got to say, juxtaposition of the normal and the disturbing in this piece is something that you're currently doing, really, really well. The main highlight of the last two chapters was with the kitchen scene, when you had the rather homely atmosphere clashing with the horror lurking in the basement, but even stuff like the graduation scene being marred by Traven's rather creepy tendencies was another good example. Even the jump of POV between Tara and Kalila was a nice touch, with Tara trying to make Kalila think everything is normal and Kalila immediately spotting that something was amiss.

And now Kalila finds the grave dirt is loose. Oh dear...

Posted by: Jacki Dice Dec 30 2011, 08:28 AM

McBadgere~ Thank you

mALX~ Aww thank you! Hopefully this gets better and better as I continue ♥

SubRosa~ She's good at explaining away, but can she keep up with all the lies?

Grits~ It's almost like the Stepford wives. So nice and pretty outside but once you get to the bottom of it, not so much....

Colonel Mustard~ Lol! Oh what have I done to poor Arch Mage Traven? And Tara really shouldn't underestimate Kalila's ability to pick things up!

Kalila awoke to clattering in the kitchen. Warm golden rays peeked through the floral curtains. Kalila’s eyes glided over the room. Tara had left it untouched while she was away. A painting of a pirate ship was to her immediate left, over the bed. A desk was across the room, piled high with spell books. A few homemade scrolls were wrapped in a pile. Her bookshelf by the door had few books, as most had gone to the University with her. Instead it held mostly small mementos from her childhood. A stuffed bear ratted and torn from years of being carried all over, a porcelain doll dressed in a bold red dress and a flower in her hair, a little jewelry box with the name of her mother’s ship, Sedna’s Mercy engraved in fancy lettering across the front. Another box stored all the letters she had received from both of her parents as they traveled all over Tamriel. Her chest was left unpacked in the corner.

She had a hard time sleeping, though her own bed was a lot warmer and softer than the one at the university. First there was the unexplainable chill in the middle of the night that neither more blankets nor a small fire fueled by old school notes in an urn could soothe. Then there was the shuffling coming from the basement. Dear gods, that awful shuffling. Kalila could just imagine the hordes of spider daedra, their awful legs scuttling about, their wide mouths set in an eternal scream and those eyes. They all had eyes that were like looking into a pit of darkness so cold it could burn. It was the one daedra that Kalila simply couldn’t tolerate.

She stared up at the ceiling pondering the third thing that kept her from a restful sleep: the loose dirt on Clarissa’s grave. She had heard plenty of tales of grave robbing vampires looking to add more to their thrall. As much as she tried, she couldn’t wipe the image from her mind. No doubt Tara had been too busy with her work to notice.

As the scent of bacon arose to her bedroom, Kalila decided to drag herself out from under the thick quilts and into the bath before heading down to breakfast.



Tara hummed happily as she laid a plate of bacon on the table. It was a breakfast fit for a queen: bacon, scrambled eggs, bagels, sausage links, pancakes, stuffed Breton toast, Kalila’s favorite, fresh orange juice and milk. She clasped her hands together and grinned. This was going to be the start of a perfect day.

Kalila came down the stairs, her hair dripping wet and not yet braided. Tara gasped. There was just so much of it! “Good morning!” Tara chirped. She pulled out one of the chairs and beckoned for Kalila to sit down. She could tell Kalila was surprised by the amount of food set before them.

“So,” Tara said, piling food onto Kalila’s plate. “I was thinking that today we’d go for a swim and then we’ll visit the Marketplace and go shopping!”

“Alright,” Kalila said with a shrug. “For what?”

Tara set Kalila’s plate down and started on her own. “Just shopping.”

Kalila just blinked and turned her attention to her plate, piling eggs onto her bagel and topping it with her sausage.

“What’s wrong?” Tara asked. “Don’t you like shopping?”

Kalila shrugged. After swallowing her first bite, she said, “It’s alright.”

Tara raised her eyebrows. “Alright? Oh, Kalila, what sort of woman doesn’t like to go shopping?”

“I never said I don’t like it, it’s just…” She paused. There was a soft thumping in the basement. Kalila put her bagel down, her lips quivering in disgust.

Tara bit down of her own lip, her eyes trailing to the floor.

“Can’t you send those things back to where they came from? And leave them there?”

Tara let out a bleat like laugh. “Too much has been put into… what I’m doing.”

“It’s disgusting!”

Tara shut her eyes tightly. If only she knew what she was really talking about. “Just ignore it.”

The thumping continued, getting louder each time. “Here,” Tara said. “You eat up and I’ll go see what’s going on.”

She took a gulp of orange juice, wishing it were laced with vodka, and rushed down to the basement, locking it behind her.

It took her a second for her eyes to adjust to the darkness. “Clarissa,” she whispered. “Sweetheart, what are you doing?”

She stumbled for a moment on a doll. She picked it up and turned her attention to Clarissa, who was sprawled out on the floor. Tara gasped in horror. Somehow, Clarissa had broken her leg off and was hitting the floor with it. Tara snatched it away.

“No! You don’t hit the floor…with…” She glanced at it. “Your severed limb.” She sighed and took a seat on the floor. With a flick of her wrist a blooming light rose from her fingertips and hovered above her. She took a look at the leg, seemingly amputated at the knee. Ordinarily it could be salvaged with a few potions and an agonizing night of the bones reattaching themselves. Alas, Clarissa was not quite ordinary. Not yet anyway. Her leg would need to be bound together for the time being, at least until she developed flesh.

“Damn,” she muttered. If she were alone, it would be a simple matter of running upstairs and grabbing some leather straps. However, with Kalila home there was the risk of being seen. After all, as repulsed as the thought of the spider daedra was to her, there was always that morbid curiosity that would beckon her to look.

She looked at her clothes. Granted she had plenty of aprons to spare, but the fiber wouldn’t be strong enough to hold bone together if Clarissa continued to walk around. There was the option of attaching her to the wall, preventing any movement, but it didn’t seem right. Clarissa shouldn’t be bound like a dangerous prisoner.

“Stay right here,” she said to Clarissa. “Kalila!”

“I am not going down there!”

“I just need you to bring me some leather straps! I should have some balled up in the center drawer in the kitchen. I’ll stick my hand out and you can just give them to me.”

There was a pause then the scraping of the chair being backed up and a rustling. Tara sighed in relief. She headed up the steps and opened the door so only her arm would fit through. Within moments a wad of leather was plopped in her hand. “Thank you!”

She shut the door quickly and locked it.

“Now,” Tara said to Clarissa. “I’m going to reattach this, so don’t rip it out or anything.” She tied the tibia and fibula together at the top and looped the strap behind her knee cap and around the bottom of her femur. She tied a few around each strap just to be safe. She then helped Clarissa to her feet and watched her walk for a little bit. She seemed to have a little trouble with her strapped leg, but Tara knew she would have to fix it later.

“Now, I need you to be a little quieter, alright? I’ll be back when I can. I love you.”

When she came back out of the basement, she was startled to see Kalila standing right in front of her. “I love you?” She asked.

“I love you too,” Tara said with a laugh as she headed back to the table.

“No, I heard you say that to one of the spider daedra.”

Tara shrugged. “I love all my subjects,” she said, taking her seat.

Kalila just shook her head. She sat back down and they ate in silence for a moment. Damn, damn, damn!” Tara thought. This is not how it’s supposed to be!

“What was the leather for?”

Tara shot up, her eyebrows raised. “Oh, the leather? One of the spiders broke her leg.”

Kalila set her bagel back down and folded her hands under her chin. “What, a daedra broke its leg and you use leather to fix it?”

“That’s right.”

Kalila shook her head. “That doesn’t make any sense! First of all, they're daedra! They don’t break legs!”

“These ones do. There aren’t ordinary spider daedra--"

“And you’re covered in filth!”

Tara looked down at herself. “Oh my,” she said. Kalila was right. Her clothes were covered in dirt and dust…and possibly a few flakes of what little remained of Clarissa’s skin. “I had no idea the basement was that dirty!”

Kalila folded her arms. Tara wanted to squirm under the hard stare, but she continued picking at her plate.

“Speaking of dirt,” Kalila said after awhile. “The dirt on Clarissa’s grave is loose.”

Tara choked. “What?”

Kalila nodded. “Has anyone been around here?”

Tara waved her hand. “Oh, that was my doing.”

Kalila’s brows furrowed. “Why?”

“I wanted to see if flowers would grow. You know how much she loved them. I had to loosen the dirt to plant the seeds, but they wouldn’t take. It might just be the wrong season for them.”

Kalila’s stare softened and she resumed her breakfast in silence.

Tara sighed. Already it was quite a start to her “perfect day.”

Posted by: mALX Dec 30 2011, 06:35 PM

Chilling paragraph, and another glimpse into Tara as she had to know those Spider Daedra were Kalila's greatest fear.

Jacki, reading this story is like watching a very well done horror movie - that is how well you have written this. Awesome, Riveting Write !!!

Posted by: Grits Dec 30 2011, 06:58 PM

Dear gods, that awful shuffling. Kalila could just imagine the hordes of spider daedra, their awful legs scuttling about, their wide mouths set in an eternal scream and those eyes. They all had eyes that were like looking into a pit of darkness so cold it could burn. It was the one daedra that Kalila simply couldn�t tolerate.

Good grief! Now I�m afraid of them!!

She took a gulp of orange juice, wishing it were laced with vodka, and rushed down to the basement, locking it behind her.

Yep, that�s how fast those �perfect� days can turn around. There�s so much about Tara that is easy to relate to. Until you get down to the basement.

Posted by: SubRosa Dec 30 2011, 07:08 PM

It sounds like it was not a very good night for Kalila. Her musings on the spider daedra in the basement were wonderful, in an unpleasant kind of way of course. The part about the mouths open in eternal screams, and eyes that were cold pits of darkness, were excellent touches. I suspect that Tara knows her revulsion to spider daedra, and that is why she chose them for her cover story.

I loved Clarissa in the basement, playing with her severed leg! Who ever thought keeping a zombie would be so much trouble! And all the time Tara had Kalila right up the stairs. Yikes! That was a close one.

*Phew* she dodged two more arrows with the "I love you," remark, and the loose dirt on Clarissa's grave. Tara is really taking chances with Kalila being there. But it makes for lots of fun reading! The entire thing is almost comical, when you look at it a certain way. Sort of like Weekend at Bernies.



nits:
Somehow, Clarissa had broken her leg and was hitting the floor with it.
I think you might want to say broken her leg off. At first I was a little confused, because I thought it was just broken, not dismembered.

Posted by: Colonel Mustard Dec 31 2011, 02:16 PM

I've got to say, the sense of creeping dread that this is all going to come crashing down absolutely spectacularly that you've managed to imbue into this chapter here is awe-inspiring (the sense of dread, I mean. Chapter itself isn't awe-inspiring, and I mean that in a good way; it shouldn't be, it's supposed to be tense).

Also, think I worded the Traven thing badly; I meant more Tara perceiving him as creepy than he himself actually being creepy.

Posted by: McBadgere Dec 31 2011, 03:55 PM

Traven is creepy...*Shudders*... ...

Aaamywho...Excellent chapter...

Like has been said, the feeling of everything about to be discovered is excellently done...I know it's probably going to be a bit longer before Clarissa's found, but blimey there's been some close calls already... ...

Nice one!!... ...

Posted by: Taillus Jan 2 2012, 05:03 AM

This story has become one of my early favorites on the Forums. Well done!

Posted by: Jacki Dice Mar 13 2012, 07:11 AM

mALX~ Oh thanks so much! I'm glad to know that the countless horror movie/book marathons have paid off

Grits~ Bleh! The spider daedra are pretty horrible. I think if I were Kalila, even with all the great destructive powers, a spider daedra would turn me into a baby hiding in the closet!

SubRosa~ That's pretty much what I was going for with that chapter and a few more to come

Colonel Mustard~ Ahhh... well, he has gotten creepy and well.... it's only just begun as far as Traven goes

McBadgere~ Isn't that always how it goes whenever you try and hide something big, it's just one teensy step away from getting found out?

Tallius~ Awesome! I'm sorry I haven't posted anything in ages. It's been a pretty busy couple months

Tara tried not to cry as the carriage for Kalila drew up the path Sundas night. She pressed her lips together, trying to hold back as much as she could.

She couldn�t tell how Kalila was feeling. She sat on her trunk, playing with the end of her braid.

�Do you have everything?� Tara asked, forcing her voice to keep from cracking. She cleared her throat. �All your new clothes and books and stuff?�

Kalila nodded.

As the galloping drew closer, Kalila stood up and opened the door. The horseman came in and took Kalila�s trunk. Tara walked slowly with Kalila. Several other people were in the carriage. Some must have known Kalila, because they waved happily.

�Well, I guess this is it,� Tara said, looking at the ground. �You�ll be great.�

Kalila nodded.

�Just be careful. And please write to me if you need anything. Or if you don�t need anything. Just�� She sighed. �I�ll come visit you when I can, I promise.�

Kalila smiled at Tara and gave her a tight hug. Tara gasped for a moment, before burying her face in Kalila�s braid. �I�m going to miss you so much,� she said.

�I�ll miss you too,� Kalila said softly. �Once I�m better at healing, I�ll be back in the Imperial City for battlemage training. I don�t think it�ll take too long.�

Kalila released Tara, holding her hand for a moment before stepping into the carriage. Tara stood and watched it set off until she could no longer see it.

Once Kalila was out of sight, she allowed the flood to come. She ran to the couch, holding one of the cushions tightly as she cried. She wasn�t even sure why she was reacting so emotionally. She knew it was coming and it wasn�t as if Kalila was off to the Summerset Isles or Morrowind. It was just to Anvil.

She sniffed hard, trying to regain composure. She wiped her tears away and stared blankly out the window. �No reason to cry,� she said to herself. Still, she felt a dull pain in her chest. Her eyes weren�t producing any tears, but she felt like she might start bawling in a moment.

She stood up and looked around the house. There was nothing to clean. She frowned. She remembered years ago, whenever there was a mess she was more than happy to clean it. It gave her time to stop working, but keep thinking.

Tara went upstairs and sat on her bed, holding her head in her hands. She sighed deeply, her eyes trailing to the blade left on her nightstand by that Dark Brotherhood assassin. Her first instinct was disgust. She wanted to bury it in the backyard and pretend the assassin, Lucien, was just a bad dream. But she knew better.

Even worse, he knew what she did. He might even know more. Who knew if he had wandered the house, looking for blackmail. Tara bit her lip. And Clarissa did need more souls. A lot more. She laid back on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. What she would give just to have someone to advise her on what to do.

Her leg.

Tara sat back up, only just remembering Clarissa�s detached leg and the trouble she had walking. She would have to fix that. She ran downstairs to the kitchen and pulled out a ball of twine and a pair of scissors. She hesitated before grabbing some wire as well.

She opened the basement door. Clarissa was sitting on the floor. As soon as Tara crossed the thresh hold, Clarissa began to crackle for a moment. Tara narrowed her eyes a little. That had to be how she tracked movement. Tara glanced back up the stairs. This was something she just had to record!

�Clarissa, I need to see your leg.�

Clarissa remained still. Tara sighed. She couldn�t wait until Clarissa would have the capacity to understand her.

She sat next to Clarissa and reached for her leg. Just a week ago the very thought would have made her sick to her stomach. Now it seemed no different than wiping a child�s skinned knee.

She loosened the leather strap and Clarissa�s leg fell right off. She didn�t even seem to notice. Tara sighed. �And just how did this happen, anyway?� She tsked. Tara took wire and looped it through the bones in her leg. �Now,� she said, taking Clarissa�s hands and having her stand up. �Walk with me for a second.�

She guided Clarissa, noticing that while she still had a bit of trouble, it was nowhere near as bad as it was with the leather. �Good,� Tara said. �Now, just to reinforce it�� She knelt down and tied the twine around her leg and knee. �I guess we�ll have to leave it like that until you can heal proper.� She said, brushing her hands on her skirt. She hesitated for a moment. �In fact, while I�m here��

Tara lifted the steel collar around Clarissa�s neck, looking at the wire that held her neck in place with her spine. The sight of the broken bones caused a lump to rise in her throat.

Tara couldn�t tell if Clarissa was already dead. She could barely tell if she herself was even alive. All she saw was that man, that monster, that coward strangling the poor girl with a noose. Once it was firm around Clarissa�s neck, he threw the other end of the rope over the stair case. With an audible snap! the rope went taut and Clarissa�s body swung. Tara wanted to scream. She felt it build up inside her, but she didn�t have the strength. Though she held her stomach tight, she still gushed blood. Everything was going black.

Tara shook her head. �But we won,� she whispered. �You�re alive now.�

With that image melting from her thoughts, she made up her mind. �I�m going to be leaving in a few days,� she said. �I need to go to the Inn of Ill Omen and find a man named Rufio.�

Posted by: McBadgere Mar 13 2012, 01:52 PM

*Winces*...

I have missed this... ...

Love it, it's creepy and yet utterly compelling, I'm desperate to know what happens to Clarissa...And that picture of her is just the sweetest thing ever!... ...Awwww, bless her!...

Tara is deliciously complicated. Her descent into darkness is really well done, and again, dying to know what'll happen when everybody finds out... ...

Talking of Tara...Those pictures...Ooof!!... ...Nicely done there... ...

Brilliant story, loving it...

Nice one!!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

Posted by: Grits Mar 14 2012, 03:10 AM

That photo of Clarissa is so weirdly compelling. It�s her �before� picture.

I thought that Tara�s flashback was brilliantly done. Tara just gets more fascinating.

Posted by: SubRosa Mar 14 2012, 11:36 PM

At once extremely creepy, and yet also deeply moving. I love reading this story. Tara is such a wonderful character, so full of emotion, that we cannot help but to feel sympathy for her. In spite of what she is doing.

I agree with Grits about the pictures. The first two are "oh neat", then the one of Clarissa is like a sledgehammer to the noggin.

Posted by: mALX Mar 15 2012, 04:31 AM

Those pictures have really added a whole dimension to the story all on their own !!

I absolutely love this story, it shows a whole other facet of you as a writer and I'm tickled you are finally updating it again.

I'm so sorry it is taking so long to get to read this, I just haven't had time yet, Jacki - but you know I will, just having a very tough and hectic time here, lol.


"I'll be back" (said in Arnold's voice) <3




** Edit: Holy cow, what a chapter! Tara's mind fluctuations in this reveal a lot of her mental state, but also her genius and determination. Horror, yes - but also the touch of mad scientist that will do whatever it takes to achieve their goal. Now Rufio - can't wait to see what is going to happen next !!!

You are def exceeding your own self with this story, it takes your writing to a whole new realm - it takes the world of Tamriel to a new place where nothing can be expected or known except the place. I am totally loving this story and your absolute brilliant mind and talent in writing this !!!

Posted by: Jacki Dice Jun 5 2012, 02:53 AM

McBadgere~ I miss writing it! Boo to work and writers block and lethargy!

Grits~ Thank you I like the pic myself. I think I'll put one for each stage of her revival.

SubRosa~ I'm glad that I'm accomplishing what I meant to do with Tara

mALX~ Thanks mALX! As much as I will always have plenty of love for Wrothken's story, this one is my favorite to write. This sort of thing has always been just my style.

Morndas, 26th of First Seed, 3E431

This will be my only chance to produce any sort of study on this subject. I have grappled with the decision to put this in writing since the idea first popped into my head, but I have decided that I simply cannot throw this opportunity away.

The patient (who shall remain nameless for her and my own safety) was revived in a way that is not common to necromancers. She will not be my thrall or a guard. I brought her back because she was stolen away much too soon. I possess the power to bring her back to me and, as my mother often says about people’s talent, use it or lose it.

Most necromancers would be content with one soul used as they don’t intend to bring their victims back to full flesh and blood as I do. According to my research, she will require thirteen souls and the spell needs to be performed when Masser and Secunda are in their “new” cycles.

I dug up her grave last week and revived her to be animated. She’d been dead for so long that her body was reduced to mostly bone and the odd patch of skin. Her internal organs, including her eyes, have long ago decayed. Upon revival, she showed no signs of aggression. Possible bewilderment. I cannot read her as we have no way to communicate. I do speak to her daily. I plan to read her a bedtime story each night when life settles down a bit. I feel that it will be beneficial for her to go through this complex process hearing my voice constantly. I’m not sure if she even remembers who I am. If she does, then there is no doubt that she will be soothed.

She makes no sound except for a steady crackling. I believe that it is a form of echolocation. She mimics my movements while she makes the sound. I have yet to discover where exactly the noise comes from.

I do believe that she is unable to feel pain at this moment. She somehow managed to break her leg off at the knee. She sat there, using it to smack the floor. After I had time to think, as this has been quite the long weekend, I began to wonder if she was using the sound to help her “see.” It was considerably louder than the crackle she makes. Of course I didn’t leave her the way she was. I reattached her leg with some leather straps and later, when I had the time, I wired it in place. Her skull is also wired to her spine. That was the injury that killed her in the first place. At the time of her murder, there were other assaults… I am not sure whether or not they will have a psychological impact on her when she is fully revived.

This will be a long and strenuous procedure, but I can’t stop now. I can’t stop until she’s been returned to me.



“Dammit!” Tara awoke with a swear. She looked out her bedroom window to see the sun shining brightly. She had stayed up so late writing that she forgot about lunch with the Arch Mage. She groaned as she pulled her robe off and searched in her wardrobe for something nice.

“Dammit, dammit, dammit!” She muttered, holding up a violet dress to her neck and looking in the mirror. “I guess,” she said, changing into it. It was nothing too fancy. The sleeves were short with silver swirl designs. The skirt was pleated and brushed against the top of her ankles.

She lifted the skirt and got on her knees, searching for a pair of matching shoes. Something that hopefully wasn’t caked with dirt. Her silver ones were a little too dressy for a simple lunch. Instead she picked a pair of lavender ones.

She wasn’t sure how late it was, so she skipped a bath. Instead she pulled her hair up and rubbed a lightly scented lotion on her neck and arms.

“Clarissa!” She called to the basement on her way out. “I forgot I promised to have lunch with the Arch Mage! I’ll be back shortly.”

She picked up her skirt and ran to the edge of Lake Rumare, pausing only to cast a water walking spell. Though she was only jogging on the lake at a slow pace, she was surprised at how quickly she started to feel winded. She bit her lip, remembering when she and Kalila took the same short cut to the Imperial City. Kalila was able to keep the same pace without breaking a sweat!

She only slipped a couple times when the spell started to wear off. By time she made it to the waterfront her shoes were soaked. “Dammit!” She hissed. “What are you looking at?” She snapped at a passerby as she wrung the water from her slippers.


The table was set beautifully with a white linen cloth and polished silverware. The grass was such a rich green and the flowers that bloomed were all bright and fragrant. It was a beautiful day for a lunch outside. As the sundial slowly moved past two, Arch Mage Traven began to worry. Tara was never late. He glanced down at the table, neatly set for two, and he started to rap his spoon against the table. He frowned at the table. He was sure that she knew where to meet him. He was a man of habit and on warm days, he always had lunch in the Mages Garden. His stomach knotted even against his demands that it cease. He sneered at himself in disgust. He was acting like a boy forty years his junior, for the gods’ sakes!

He started to calm down as he began to stroll around the small garden. It would be a simple lunch; just tea and crepes. He wanted to know all about the project that had her away from the guild halls. Just a simple business lunch.

At least that’s what he told himself until she showed up.

She looked like she ran all the way there. Her cheeks were flushed and there was a light beading of sweat along her hairline. The bottom of her skirt was damp. Surely she didn’t run across the lake! That would put her right through the Waterfront. He couldn’t help wrinkling his nose at the very idea of her walking around that slum. She was lucky that she made it without getting assaulted or worse.

Tara managed a smile despite her tired appearance.

“I’m so sorry I’m late,” she said, approaching him as she pulled her hair from her face. “I was up all night with my research.”

Traven shook his head, pulling her seat out and inviting her to sit with him. “Not at all, Tara. In fact, I’d love to hear about what it is that you’re up to.” He poured her a cup of tea. He already knew how she took it. He then placed a crepe on her plate and one on his own.

“Spider daedra,” she said. “I’m studying their silk.”

Traven frowned. “Sounds dangerous.” He sipped his tea. “What is it you hope to find out?”

Tara’s eyes lit up. This always happened when she was starting a new project. It sent Traven’s heart to a flutter. “We know about spider silk made from spiders in other provinces. Some of them have natural properties that can be drawn out and manipulated when made into clothing. So what about that of the spider daedra?” She paused to try her crepe. She smiled as she chewed it, her eyes closing as she savored it. “That’s amazing. Anyway, so what we know about daedra silk is that it’s very heavy. In fact what is really about a pound of silk feels like it’s twice that. We also know that when mixed into certain potions, it can help you see at night.” She took another bite. “But what I’m starting to notice it that if you combine just the right about radishes, it can create a chameleon effect.”

Traven choked on his tea. “Radishes?”

Tara nodded. “I discovered it by accident when I was cooking.”

Traven looked into his tea cup. “Ah…” He paused. “It must get lonely for you.”

“Hmmm?”

Traven looked up to see Tara’s eyebrows raised. He silently kicked himself. That was supposed to stay in his head. “Well,” he said after a sip. “I mean you’re back at your house doing all this alone. You were staying at the Skingrad Guild for so long and to wind up back all by yourself… I mean, you’re not even in a city anymore.”

Tara smiled a little. “It’s fine. Someone has to watch over it now that Kalila won’t be coming back every weekend.” She paused, sighing a little. “It’s so strange. Sometimes I still expect for her to come home excited about something new she’s learned or with questions about her homework. I just can’t believe she’s all grown up now.”

Traven laughed a little, glad that his slip had gone by without incident. “You’ll always think of her as your kid sister. There’s nothing wrong with that. There are some student that I’ve watched grow up and then I just sit back amazed at how time has gone by… all these years…”

He looked up at Tara, slightly disturbed at what he was realizing. He had graduated nearly a decade before her mother should have. He was still studying at the Mages Guild when Tara was born. He had known her that long… He looked away, suddenly feeling a little queasy.

“Is everything alright?”

He looked back at Tara and suddenly his sickness vanished. He just couldn’t help what he felt when he looked into those brown eyes.

“Fine, fine… I was just remembering the days of my youth.” He sighed wistfully. He noticed that she had finished eating and was looking slightly fidgety. He frowned a little. “Well, it seems I’ve kept you long enough. I do hope that you will come back soon for another chat.”

Tara got up quickly. A little too quickly for Traven’s liking. “I will. Thanks for lunch.” She smiled and he saw that it was genuine. Why was she in such a hurry to leave?


Tara felt bad. She could tell that the Arch Mage noticed her rushing. She saw it in his eyes. She didn’t mean to, but she was on a deadline. Who knew if Rufio would remain where he was supposed to?

The trip to The Inn of Ill Omen was going to take a while. She sighed, casting the water walking spell on herself as she stood on the banks at the Waterfront. At least it would put her ahead of schedule. That would give her time for some actual work.

Posted by: McBadgere Jun 5 2012, 06:30 AM

Oh, you have much sympathy, I know all about work and lethargy... ...

Traven makes my skin crawl...He really does... ...Brilliantly done that...

Wonderfully done that picnic...Traven was far too eager to...Connect...And Tara was far too eager to get away, this is a bad combination as it'll probably just inflame Traven's purely professional desires even more... ...

Brillliant chapter...Brilliantly done...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

Posted by: SubRosa Jun 5 2012, 09:13 PM

The journal was a good way of bringing us back up to speed with where things are. Plus I believe there were a few new tidbits. 13 souls, and it has to be competed when both moons are new. Excellent choice on the new moon btw. It is a time after the death of the old, yet before the birth of the new. A time when all things are possible.

I lovee Tara's frantic dash across Lake Rumare! It takes waterwalking magic so for granted, but that is exactly how a magician like Tara would be.

So radishes and spider silk is it? In wonder how much of that was pure b.s. she made up on the spot? Probably all of it I suppose. Still, she dodged the Arch-Mage, at least for now.

Poor Traven too. From the outside he is just a creepy old man. But when you see things from his point of view, you see he does not really grasp how hard he has fallen for Tara. Though he at least does realize how much older than her he is now. I wonder if that will cause him to back off some now?

Posted by: Grits Jun 8 2012, 12:32 AM

Tara�s detached tone in her scholarly writing made the subject somehow more chilling. All of the little details here like the wet hem and scented lotion make her such a vivid, living character. Someone I feel I might know. Someone who needs twelve more souls.

Posted by: mALX Jun 27 2012, 05:04 AM

*

Lol, I wonder if Traven's infatuation will live past finding out she is a necromancer, lol. (It surpassed him realizng he was robbing the cradle, so it may live on in spite of Tara's activities. After all, she has a good cause).

Another wonderfully creepy write - you are in your element with the dark side, Jackie !!

Posted by: Lycanthropic-Legend Jul 1 2012, 12:07 AM

You are a very talented writer. I must say the first chapter of your story was intruging. Stealth, death and undeath. Makes for a very gritty story and a truly dark tale which has my buzzing about as a fly to fire. I will have to catch up to the other chapters. But I am definetly reading this!

Posted by: Jacki Dice Aug 12 2012, 06:58 AM

McBadgere~ I think Traven is one of the easiest for me to do.. simply because I wind up meeting people who make me feel exactly like that! And for the most part, I'm sure they don't mean to, but I'm very paranoid... >.>

SubRosa~ I think the thing I like best about this one over Madness, is getting to add what I know about magic and insert it here to build it beyond mysticism used in the game

Grits~ The journal was inspired by http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBFtWyvRMOk The first time I heard it, I just stopped what I was doing, and proceeded to listen over and over. Its just too perfect! SO the journal will be an ongoing thing throughout

mALX~ Aww thanks mALX As much as I love Madness (and promise that it hasn't been abandoned!) this truly feels better to write.

Lycanthropic Legend~ Aww thanks! Its always nice to have a new reader I hope you continue to enjoy it!

Thirteen soul gems had been prepared in advance. Tara had one slipped in her skirt. She ran her finger down the facets as she walked down the path to the Inn of Ill Omen. What a name, she thought. It made her all the more nervous to set foot there for fear that something would go horribly wrong.

The inn was just down the street from another. In comparison, the Inn of Ill Omen had doomed itself, likely due to its name. The other inn was brightly lit and even from the distance, Tara could smell the savory food cooking inside. Her stomach complained loudly. Night had long since fallen and she hadn’t eaten since lunch.

She placed her hand on the door, but pulled away quickly. If there was only a handful of people there, or worse, just Rufio, then she would be instantly named as the killer. Though she would give a false name if needed, there was still the lack of an alibi. If she were named as a suspect and her house searched… She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath at the very thought of others discovering Clarissa. Her name would be ruined. All she worked for would be for nothing.

Tara walked around the inn, noticing windows at the ground. If it was similar to her own house, the windows would lead to a cellar. She knelt down. It was large enough for her to slide into. A dim light shone through the filthy glass. It was a chance, but a better one than storming the door.

She used the dagger given to her by the assassin to break it. She hoped that whoever was upstairs wouldn’t hear it. She crawled down on the ground, overwhelmed with the fertile smell of dirt. It only reminded her of digging up graves.

She slipped into what seemed to be a modest bedroom. She landed on a ratty bed with a tattered blanket on it. A worn dresser sat next to it. A leather bound book was a top it.

Tara sat on the bed for a moment, her stomach starting to twist at what she was about to do. She buried her face in her hands, trying to calm herself down. How was it that other people could kill without a thought, yet it rendered her sick? She never in a thousand years would have expected to wish for that apathy toward another person’s life, yet here she was.

A shuffling caught her attention. She stood up, straightening her skirt, as if she were expecting someone important. She held the dagger behind her back, biting the corner of her lip. The side of her stomach felt like a thousand spiders were nesting inside. Her hands started to feel numb. She wanted to cry.

A man opened the door, jumping a little when he saw Tara. He was considerably older than her. Definitely old enough to be her father, perhaps maybe her grandfather. He looked her up and down suspiciously. “Who in Oblivion are you?” He asked.

Tara couldn’t speak. She couldn’t find the words. Besides, what was she supposed to say? Hello, I’m Tara and I hope you’ve lived well because tonight’s your last!

She didn’t notice her hand drift out from behind her, the dagger gleaming in the candlelight. He did. "No,” he hissed. He must have known that someone would be coming for him, because he fell to his knees, gripping Tara’s skirt. “Please! I didn't mean to do it, you understand me? She struggled! I... I told her to just stay still, but she wouldn't listen! I had no choice!"

By time Tara realized what he just said, she felt like a thick grease glazed over the spiders in her gut. “By the gods…” She whispered, taking a step back. Suddenly, she didn’t feel quite so bad.

“I didn’t mean it,” he said again. “Do you understand me!” He got up, trembling violently. His eyes were bulging out of his head. “She made me do it! Dammit, you can’t punish me for that!” He took a step toward Tara, grabbing her shoulders. “It wasn’t my fault!” He screamed, spittle flying from his mouth.

“Let go of me,” she said.

“All you wenches are alike!” He said through clenched teeth. For an old man, he had a tight grip. His hands travelled down to her arms, holding her tightly. “And now you, you come into my room and you think you’re going to kill me? Huh?” He threw her to the ground. The dagger skittered across the floor, under his bed. “You stupid, little tramp!”

Tara turned and with a wave of her hand, he was bathed in the purple glow or a soul trap spell. She crawled toward the dagger, but he grabbed her ankle and drug her toward him. She wanted to scream, but she knew that if she did, it was all over. As long as he was touching her, she couldn’t cast a shock spell.

There was a bowl on the floor. She grabbed it and threw it at him. It hit him in the face, making him lose his grasp for a moment. Tara took the opportunity to dash under the bed and grab the dagger. She had to hurry before the soul trap wore off. She hated to waste magicka.

She stood up and the moment he lunged for her, she held the blade out. He ran right into it. He froze, clutching the gaping wound in his gut. Tara closed her eyes. She thought she would take pleasure in it after know what he did. Just a little. A smidgeon. But she didn’t. She felt the same filthy feeling as the last time she did it. She took the soul gem from her pocket. As his eyes dulled, the black gem glowed. She threw his body off of her. Just as she feared, she got his blood all over her clothes. She sighed, sitting on the bed. Even if she got home without running into a patrolling guard, it would take ages to get the stains out.

“You shouldn’t have done it,” Tara said to Rufio’s corpse. She could still feel his bony fingers in her arms. She was about to climb out of the window when a familiar chill swept over the room.

The assassin, Lucien Lachance, appeared in the doorway, smiling down at Rufio’s body. His smile was colder than the air around him. Tara couldn’t suppress a shiver.

“So, the deed is done,” he said. “You are now a part of the family.”

Tara folded her arms. She didn’t feel comforted. In fact, she felt even worse. “Now what?” She asked.

“Now, you accept your fate. The slaying of Rufio was the signing of a covenant. The manner of execution, your signature. Rufio's blood, the ink.” He ran his finger in the puddle of blood that formed under Rufio. He dotted it on his lips, and then smeared it on Tara’s forehead. She flinched at his touch.
“As a Speaker of the Black Hand,” he continued. “I directly oversee a particular group of family members. Every Dark Brother and Sister is a child of Sithis. He whom we call Sithis has many other names. Chaos. Doom. Discord. Sithis is the Void. We of the Dark Brotherhood serve the Night Mother, who is the bride of Sithis. The Night Mother rules her children with a terrible Black Hand. The Black Hand is the ruling body of the Dark Brotherhood. It is made up of one Listener and Four Speakers. Four fingers and a thumb, if you will. As a member of the Dark Brotherhood, you must abide by the Five Tenets. They are the laws that guide and protect us. Welcome to the family.”

She said nothing.

“I still sense your hesitation.” He laughed a little. “No matter. In time, you will feel the embrace of your family. When you are ready to meet them, you will go to the city of Cheydinhal, to the abandoned house near the eastern wall. Enter the basement, and attempt to open the black door. You will be asked a question. Answer thusly: "Sanguine, my Brother." You will gain entrance to the Sanctuary. Once inside, speak with Ocheeva. We must now take our leave of each other, you and I, for there is much work to be done. I'll be following... your progress.”

Just as he had before, he vanished. The air slowly returned to its normal temperature, this time accompanied by the coppery scent of blood. As silently as she had slipped in, Tara climbed out of the small window.

Posted by: McBadgere Aug 12 2012, 04:02 PM

Yay!!...Missed this!...

Oooh, that was good!!...

The trepidation, the indecision...The will I get blood on my skirt?...

Brilliant stuff...

Well, old Ruffio definately deserved the punishment...

Nicely done that!!...

My views on the DB aren't exactly a secret, so I shan't bore you further with them now, just suffice to say, I had much fun ruining Lechance and offing all of Cheydinhal's chapterhouse in my story... ...I am, however, looking forward to seeing what you do with Tara and the DB, and how she keeps this from Kalia...

Love it!!...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

Posted by: Grits Aug 12 2012, 07:49 PM

Oh my gosh, that song!! I listened to it so many times! There goes the day. Thanks for posting the link.

She had to hurry before the soul trap wore off. She hated to waste magicka.

I particularly liked this thought and the annoyance of bloody clothing mixed in with the horror. Tara is so practical. Great to see an update, Jacki Dice!

Posted by: SubRosa Aug 12 2012, 08:19 PM

I sometimes wonder if Bethesda decided to call it the Inn of Ill Omen precisely because of it being the start of the DB questline.

overwhelmed with the fertile smell of dirt. It only reminded her of digging up graves.
This was a good little mood-creator.

Tara's first murder was as chaotic as I expected. I just loved her little moments of pragmatism through it all. Like hating to waste his magicka of the soul trap wore off before she killed Rufio. Or how it would take forever to get the blood stains out of her clothing.

Posted by: mALX Aug 28 2012, 06:01 AM

What a twist you've given to entering the Dark Brotherhood! LOVE this story, you are def in your element in this dark side! AWESOME Write !!!!

Posted by: Jacki Dice Jan 18 2013, 02:59 AM

I'm sorry I keep vanishing. When it rains...

Boy, do I have some catching up to do on my favorite stories....

Kalila was pleasantly surprised at the scent of Anvil. She had been expecting the stench of fish and pirates to be everywhere. Instead, she was greeted with the smell of ocean and there was not a pirate to be seen anywhere in the city.

The Mages Guild sat just behind a large tree, where a few robed mages sat buried in books. It was a large, three story building made from stone and topped with red clay tile. The blue banners hung proudly over the walls.

http://images.uesp.net/f/f2/OB-place-Anvil_Mages_Guild.jpg

Next to it was the Fighters Guild. Kalila noticed her eyes lingering on a pair of young men heading back inside. Their faces had been flushed and sweat beaded along their heads and into the cotton shirts they wore. As one of them met her gaze and smiled, she turned quickly. Lowering her eyes, she told herself that it was only the thought of training that caught her attention. She wasn’t sure that she was convinced.

Kestrella, a chatty, energetic Bosmer, wasn’t convinced either. “Check you out. Not in Anvil for two minutes and you’re already making friends.” She twirled one of her pigtails, bright and fiery as sunset with sparkling eyes that seemed to shift from green to brown like leaves of autumn.

Though highly introverted, Kalila didn’t shy away when Kestrella put her arm around her. “I see one of these days you and me are going to have to go over there and introduce ourselves. We’re practically neighbors after all…”

“You go ahead,” Kalila said, turning back to the Mages Guild. “I’ll be busy.”

Kestrella pouted. “Busy having no fun.” She paused. “You know, all work and no play—“

“Makes Jack a dull boy. I know. I’ve heard.”

“Shocker,” Kestrella said with a sigh.

Kalila frowned slightly, until Kestrella nudged her lightly. Even the slightest curve from Kestrella’s lips seemed to have all the brightness of the sun. The Bosmer was loud, cheerful, and seemed to have a reckless streak, Kalila couldn’t help feeling drawn to her in a way that she found confusing. Since Kestrella boarded the carriage at her house in the forests east of Skingrad, the pair had formed and become inseparable. While Kalila had friends growing up, Kestrella felt different than the others.

They followed the others through the light blue double doors. The interior was just as impressive as the exterior. Brown clay tile was at their feet, covered in some areas by matching red rugs. A pair of tables topped with fruit bowls and fresh bread greeted them. In the doorways beyond the entrance, Kalila could see shelves of alchemical equipment. A few people here and there dashed about, including a wood elf with an imp flying behind him. The man took a look at him and seemed to flinch. “The graduates?”

The group responded with nods and murmurs.

He let out a light sigh, as if they had come at a bad time. “Excuse me,” he said. As he ran up the stairs, leaving the imp behind.

Hushed voices upstairs were followed by a shrill “Now?!” A groan followed, as did the sound of rushing footsteps belonging to an Altmer woman.

“Welcome to the Anvil Mages Guild,” she said, smoothing her black dress. “I’m Carahil, the guildmaster. I apologize for the delay. It seems the gods chose this day for all oblivion to break loose.” She took a seat at one of the tables. “There was an attack at the Temple of Dibella and some blasted fetchers have been causing trouble up the Gold Road.” She sighed. “I’d love to give you all the grand tour, but we need all hands on deck. Thaurron,” she turned to the Bosmer. “Show them to the chapel.” She waved her hand to the door, sighing again. “And which of you is Kalila Blackstone?”

Kalila stepped forward. “I am.”

“Good, good. Arch-Mage Traven recommended you and he said you’ve got a knack for destruction. In a good way. I’ve got just the job for you.”

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Jan 18 2013, 06:32 AM

I just started reading and am intrigued!

Posted by: McBadgere Jan 19 2013, 04:29 PM

Yay!!..A story that I have missed muchly!!...

And it returns with an excellent chapter!!... ...

Everyone seems fantastic, and that new character's quite a laugh isn't she?... ...

...Excellent line... ...

Got any more story lurking back there?... ...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

Posted by: SubRosa Jan 19 2013, 11:07 PM

Welcome back Jacki!

Kalila is in Anvil, and not a smelly fish or pirate in sight! I loved her and Kestrella (love that name btw, is it based upon the bird Kestrel?) oogling the manflesh of the Fighters Guild. Of course Kalila has to be a stick in the mud, too busy having no fun.

So much for the welcome wagon. The temple attacked, and fetchers causing trouble on the road? Uh oh. And it seems the Arch-Mage has been dropping Kalila's name. That cannot be good. What kind of trouble is she going to get into next!?!

Posted by: PhonAntiPhon Jan 20 2013, 12:41 AM

Just started on the prologue, and - (yes I know I am playing catch-up with everyone else) - it certainly makes me want to read on and find out more, which is always the first test, isn't it?
I tend to cleave to characters who are either ambiguous in some way and/or have something of the dark about them, and these pieces of yours certainly open with a promise of ticking my boxes.
All good stuff,I shall immerse myself again shortly.

Posted by: Grits Jan 24 2013, 05:58 PM

I�m so glad you�re back!

What an arrival in Anvil for Kalila, and with an intriguing new friend. I love this story!

Posted by: mALX Jan 25 2013, 12:56 AM

Too short by far !!!!!!!!! Tell RL to take a hike! Kalila has always been too serious - both sisters are, and with good reason. It is amazing how you manage to create an ominous undertone in a simple joining of the Mages Guild - and all I can think of is what is going on with Tara and Clarissa while Kalila is here in Anvil - and when will the sister's worlds collide, lol. I love this story, I think you have found your niche in that little touch of darkness that hovers between love, madness, and necromancy. Awesome Write, as always!

Posted by: Jacki Dice Jan 25 2013, 07:40 AM

Elizabeth Hollow~ Welcome I hope you continue to be intrigued!

McBadgere~ Oh, there's so much more story bottled up and ready to burst!

SubRosa~ Kestrella's name might be somewhat related to the bird. Her name at first was just Kestrel, named after http://bloodrayne.wikia.com/wiki/Kestrel and looked like http://images.wikia.com/princeofpersia/en/images/2/2b/Shadee0.jpg In time her look changed to http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o46/Jacki_Dice/l_zpscd606cf5.jpg and her personality changed to what it is now. Kestrel was too serious, but Kestrella had a nicer, more cheerful sound to it.

PhonAnitPhon~ Aww thanks I'm glad that Tara is the kind of character that hooks people!

Grits~ And I'm glad to be back! I hope to rope in more of Kestrella wherever she fits. She's really fun to write!

mALX~ I know! This was my get-back-there post so it was a bit shorter than I wanted it. ♥

The instructions were simple: go to the Brina Cross Inn and speak with Arielle Jurard. Carahil gave her a small satchel and a few scrolls of resist frost, as apparently frost magic has been involved. Other than that, Carahil didn’t go into too much detail. Kalila got the feeling that she didn’t want to scare her off.

The way to the Brina Cross Inn was so similar, yet so different than the heartland of the Imperial City. It was still as green as ever, though instead of deep forest, the area was filled with rolling hills and tall golden grass. She could still smell a hint of salt water in the air. It was still warm, but a lot breezier.

It didn’t take long before she reached the inn. It was set just off the curved path. She supposed that she could have saved some time by leaving the main road, but she didn’t want to risk getting lost.

The inn was no larger than a house, built from stone and clay with a straw roof. It was quiet, unlike a lot of the inns in the Imperial City. When she entered, she only saw a handful of people. The name she was given suggested a Breton. Kalila turned to her gaze to a Breton seated at a small table by a window. The woman was dressed in a simple brown outfit. Their eyes met and she greeted Kalila with a smile.

“Hello stranger,” she said. “What can I do for you?”

Kalila didn’t sit in the empty chair across from her. She glanced around and said in a low voice, “I’m Kalila. I was told to come here and ask for you.”

Arielle nodded, her own eyes trailing around the room. “Carahil has sent you, has she not?”

Kalila nodded.

“Go and speak with Christophe.” She motioned to a balding man behind the counter. “Rent a room for the night. Once you have your room, I will meet you there. If anyone asks, you are a traveling merchant, nothing more. Do not say otherwise to anyone.” As soon as Kalila gave another nod, she said in a louder voice. “No, friend. I'm afraid I don't know the way to Cheydhinhal, but good luck in your travels. Please excuse me." She got up and went upstairs to where Kalila assumed she would be waiting.

She managed a disappointed expression, the way she figured one would look if they were a traveling merchant headed the wrong way to Cheydinhal, as she took a seat at the bar. Christophe approached her immediately.

“Welcome to the Brina Cross Inn,” he said with a smile. “Can I interest you in something to eat, or perhaps a bed for the night?”

Kalila was pretty hungry. The thought of even a piece of bread and butter sounded heavenly. However, she was on business and whatever it was that Carahil needed her destructive talents had to be more pressing. She would grab a bite as soon as she got back to Anvil. In fact, since they were on the coast, she might just be able to find octopus. Her mouth watered at the thought.

She turned her attention back to Christophe. “A room please.”

“Sure, sure,” he nodded. “I’ve got a couple available for thirty septims.”

As Kalila dug into her pouch and produced the money, he continued chatting. “Let me guess, traveling on business? You don't look like you’re out for a stroll.”

She hesitated for a moment. “Yes. To Cheydinhal.”

“Ah, yes,” he said with a sigh. “Thought so. We get many of them traveling through here. Well, we used to. Haven’t seen as many lately, what with the… well, you know.”

When Kalila’s eyebrows raised, he suddenly seemed sheepish. He rubbed the back of his head before handing her a key. “Oh, it’s nothing. Never mind.”

Nothing my golden bronze— Her thought was interrupted by an Altmer standing before her. Kalila couldn’t help wondering about her age. Elves usually appeared to be almost ageless, but this woman’s face was etched with wrinkled. Her hair had begun to take on a brassy golden color. “Pardon me,” she said. “But did I hear you say that you're a traveling merchant?”

“Yes. I’m going to Cheydinhal.” She mentally kicked herself for repeating that line over and over. It couldn’t sound natural.

The Altmer frowned. “Don't you worry, what with the recent killings and all?”

Kalila’s stomach suddenly felt as if it were line with ice. Murders? Carahil sent her out to stop a murder? For the love of the gods, she was barely out of the University! This was a job for the Anvil guards! Or battlemages!

Or battlemages. The ice soon melted into a fire. This was her golden opportunity. It was exactly what she wanted, what she needed to prove to herself and possibly Arch Mage Traven that she was ready. If she could do this, there would be no reason other than a slight lacking in restoration skill to deny her a place with the battlemages.

The Altmer didn’t wait for Kalila to respond. “I'd be ever so scared, if it were me. I haven't left the Inn in days, just in case! Well, you take care of yourself. I'd hate to hear about another senseless death. Good luck to you!”

When she was alone again and heading up the stairs, she couldn’t suppress the trembling in her legs. Her first job. It wouldn’t be easy, but she could do it.

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Jan 25 2013, 07:48 AM

That sneaky Altmer! -wink-

Kalila can do it! I have faith in her!

Posted by: mALX Jan 25 2013, 07:50 AM

You have really captured what I felt the first time I played this quest - GAAAAH! Oh Kalila, don't die and make Tara have to bring you back too! URK! Glad you added to the last post, it was almost a teaser, lol. Awesome Write!

PS: Where is the Philter of Frostwood when you need it? I was going to look up ingredients for her to pick if she had her mortar with her, lol.

Posted by: McBadgere Jan 25 2013, 07:25 PM

Good heavens m'dear...Please, McB will do, it's what everyone else calls me... ...Well, at least to my face... ...

Another excellent chapter...I've always loved the area around Anvil and Brina Cross and you paint it wonderfully here...

Hopefully Kalila'll get the chance to shine with this task...Although I remember doing this quest on one of my high-level characters (I'd left the MG till last) and the fight was this huge thing with Frost Atronachs all over the place...And a dead Legionaire...And a couple of Minotaurs I seem to remember...

Aaaamywho, I'm sure it'll go much easier for Kalila... ...

Loved that line... ...

Teeny edit nit...



I'm guessing you meant Inn...*Winces*...Just sayin...Don't hit me?...*Shrinks*...

Excellent stuff!!!...

Nice one!...

*Applauds heartily*...

Posted by: Grits Feb 6 2013, 06:19 PM

That's exactly what I thought the first time I did this quest. I love how Kalila's thoughts quickly turned the situation into a way to fill her ambitions.

That walk from Anvil to the Brina Cross is one of my favorites, and you did it golden justice here.

Posted by: Jacki Dice Feb 15 2013, 06:29 AM

Elisabeth Hollow~ The very subtle Altmer Some of the other dialogue the wiki said she was supposed to have was a lot less obvious >.>

mALX~ You know.... Tara bringing her back would make it rather interesting *scribbles down some notes*

McB~ Oh, I don't mind the nits! Please, bring them to my attention whenever you notice them. So dead legionnaires and minotaurs? I'm glad I played the MG on an early enough level and before I started the MQ. Oblivion gates can get so inconvenient!

Grits~ Aww, thanks! I haven't touched Oblivion since Skyrim came out (I had to buy a new Xbox and need to restart >.<) so I was going by memory

Just as Kalila thought, Arielle had been waiting upstairs. As soon as she unlocked the door to her room, Arielle followed her inside.

The room contained a small bed with a worn out dresser next to it. A copy of Alessia Ottus’ Guide to Anvil sat on it next to an hourglass. The glass had clouded with age and dust. Bits of blue sand glittered in the candlelight. The cover of the book showed several signs of constant wear. The few blankets on the bed also seemed to have been put to several years of use. Something about that made Kalila feel a little sick. She took a seat on the very edge of the bed as Arielle began to speak.

“Alright, it should be safe to speak here,” Arielle said, closing the door behind them. “Once you've rested here for the night, you need to continue along the Gold Road, heading towards Kvatch. Do you know where that is?”

Kalila nodded. “East of here.”

“Good. I shall be following out of sight, along with a fellow battlemage. Make no attempts to speak to us for the rest of the night. Trust that we will protect you. Should you be confronted by this cowardly mage, do not hesitate to protect yourself by whatever means possible. Do you understand that? This person will not hold back, so you cannot either. This fight very well may be you or them.”

Kalila’s eyes lowered to the ground. This was a lot to take in. Not in the Guild for even a day and she was set up in a potentially deadly fight. She had been in a few fights in her life, but nothing that resulted in more than a flesh wound or a broken nose. She looked up at Arielle. The woman seemed to have complete confidence in her. Otherwise she would have simply told Kalila to stay out of the way or run for cover. Forcing up all the stubborn determination that she held inside of her for years, she nodded once more. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Once the mage has revealed himself, we will step in and settle the matter quickly. Now, make sure you get yourself some sleep. You'll need to be well-rested. And remember, don’t speak with anyone, not even me. We don’t know if the mage might be someone here.” She paused. “Any questions?”

Kalila thought for a moment. “Carahil gave me these scrolls.” She pulled them out of the satchel. “Frost shields. What exactly does the mage use?”

Arielle frowned. “Well, we’re not completely sure. The bodies have been found with several frost burns, so we do know that they will be using that against you. There were some markings on the ground nearby that suggest conjuration magic was at work, but by time we were able to investigate the area, we couldn’t tell if it was an atronach or something else.”

She nodded to herself. Not only would she need the shield scrolls, but flame attacks as well. If there were atronachs as well, that would require a little more planning. “Is it just the one mage?”

“As far as we know, yes. It’s certainly not a large group, picking on lone travelers. Larger groups tend to stick to caves or abandoned fortresses. Even if it’s a few of them, that’s why I have a partner coming along, just in case. Between the three of us, we’ll be able to take down a small group if it comes down to that.”

“So when do we leave?”

“I would suggest being ready to leave around seven. Sound good?”

“Yes.”

“Right then. See you in the morning.”

Kalila left the room shortly after Arielle did. She was going to need some food in her if she was going to be at her best.


She took the meal up to her room, though she still wasn’t sure about the cleanliness of the bed. The plate of seared slaughterfish with a slice of bread and olive oil sat on her lap. She picked at it as she traced her finger along her thigh. When not picking at her plate, her other hand found its way to the necklace her father had given her.

“So, I go down this road,” she said, tracing to the side. “And I should be attacked around this area, I suppose. So if there’s a group ready to ambush, they’d probably be around the rocks… if not, if it’s just the one, they might follow me the moment I walk out the door.” She frowned. “We can’t get into it too close to this place or else someone could get hurt.”

She let out a sigh, sweeping her hand over the imaginary map as if to erase it. There couldn't be a set plan. She wasn’t a general preparing to strike an opposing army. Not even a battlemage, like Arielle. Just a new face from the Mages Guild; a face that any mage who has been in the area for a while wouldn’t recognize. That was probably the point. Her skill in destruction was just icing on the cake.

After she finished her meal in silence, she set her satchel on the floor and laid her head on it. She took the hourglass and placed her hand on it. “Evigilare faciatis; horarum novem.” Most of the sand rose up to the top and slowly began to fall. Soon after she closed her eyes, she drifted away and dreamed of snow.

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 15 2013, 06:41 AM

I'm excited to see how Kalilah handles herself! She sounds like she may panic. Hopefully not.

Posted by: mALX Feb 15 2013, 07:22 AM

This quest freaked me out so badly the very first time I played the game! I went into my room and shut the door. Within seconds the door popped open and Caminalda shows up. "I'm ever so frightened!" - she leaves, leaving the door open. I go shut it. Seconds later, the door pops open - it's Arielle. She leaves, leaves the door open. So I go shut the door. I lay down to sleep, when I wake up Lucien Lachance was standing by the bed! I shrieked like a banshee! By the time he got done calling me a murderer (had no idea who I had murdered) - then I've got to go face this murderer in the road !!! I'm telling you, I was freaked out as hell. So I'm walking down the road and she just popped out of the bushes - I was standing there shrieking so badly that my character almost got killed. Never liked this quest since, lol.

I absolutely LOVED the hourglass trick - really good world building to have the mages able to do something like that using magic !!! What a great idea !!!!

Awesome Write !!!!!!

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 15 2013, 07:47 AM

-points and laughs at mALX-


HAAAAA.

Posted by: mALX Feb 15 2013, 07:57 AM

You should have seen me on that Mages Guild quest where Janus Hassildor pops up in your face out of nowhere hollering at you! You know he's a vampire, and he (supposedly) asks you to meet him at 2 am out in some field. So I'm scared to death anyway, thinking he's coming to drink my blood or something. I waited in the wrong place, but was close enough to trigger the quest I guess. Next thing I know I saw a bunch of guys in black robes running around, a fight going on, and there is Janus Hassildor yelling that he needs blood! Next thing I know, he is in my face yelling at me! I shrieked my head off! Woke my son up, he was in hysterics laughing at me.

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Feb 15 2013, 08:06 AM

-points and laughs at mALX again!!-

HAAAAHAAAAAA!!!!

If it's any consolation, I did the same thing XD

When Lucien first woke me up, I screeched and almost threw the controller.

Posted by: mALX Feb 15 2013, 08:26 AM

Lol! I shouldn't have spammed Jacki's thread this way, urk.

Posted by: King Of Beasts Feb 15 2013, 09:43 AM

I've finally caught up

I remember I started reading this when I first registered to chorrol, but I can't remember why I stopped reading. This is quite an entertaining story! I'm really enjoying this.

That quest really confused me. Arielle told me to fight back if I was attacked, but the lady attacking me didn't take damage when I attacked her

You guys got scared when Lucien appeared near your bed an Janus Hassildor killed a bunch of necromancers then screamed at you?

I almost died of a heart attack during the boots of springheel jak quest and the arrow if extrication quest.

I remember during the boots of springheel jak quest, I wasn't very happy to start with when Jakben Nel sent me into the basement and THEN I see a vampire, a skeleton, another vampire, and a lich! I had to fight through ALL of that just to get to the coffin, so I'm already on the edge. I got pretty mad when the boots weren't in the coffin, but I picked up the diary and read it. As soon as I close the damn book, done dude in full Mitchell armor is running at me with a ebony claymore declaring that he was going to kill me. I didn't expect the earl to do that, so I dropped the controller and fled the room while my character was getting murdered

The arrow of extrication quest scared me pretty bad too. All the conjurers were summoning a bunch of different things, trying to kill me with all kinds if monsters, and setting me on fire. When I finally get into the wizards tower, I keep heading up the stairs until I see Fathis Aren doing something with a mortar and pestle. He seemed docile, so I walked up to him without sneaking. He suddenly turns around and starts attacking me! I nearly dropped the controller a second time!

Posted by: McBadgere Feb 17 2013, 07:49 AM

Excellent stuff!!...

Loving the description of the room, and her uncomfortable-ness with it...

Arielle is sooo pretty...

*Cough*...

Sorry, got a bit lost there...

Aaamywho...

Loved the imaginary map thing...That was excellent...And again, the hourglass was brilliant...Beautiful imagery...

Looking forward to the next bit...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

Posted by: Grits Feb 18 2013, 10:26 PM

Oh my gosh, I LOVE the enchanted hourglass! And the way she didn't want to touch the bed, lol. Been there!!

Posted by: Jacki Dice May 24 2013, 04:30 AM

Elisabeth Hollow~ As you'll see below, she handles it better than I would. >.>

mALX~ Wow sounds like you were pretty popular that night! Thanks though about the hourglass thing. Around the time of writing that chapter I went into a Harry Potter fit and read all seven books ♥ And even though wands aren't common, it gives some good ideas on practical uses of magic! Though they didn't do the hourglass one

King of Beasts~ Well, I'm glad you're back and getting caught up. (Talos knows I've been giving plenty of catching up time lately!)

McB~ Lol the dirty bed. I once lived in a house with five other young guys that weren't the cleanest of people >.> So... strange beds gave me that feeling.

Grits~ Glad you liked the hourglass too! Elder Scrolls is so awesome for having magic! It's one of my favorite things to write about... which is probably why a certain other story has gone neglected.

As commanded, the hourglass emptied the last of its sand nine hours after Kalila had set it. Bursts of blue light jumped from its top, bouncing on her face until her eyes opened. She sat up and twisted around until she was satisfied with the sound and feel of her spine popping. She grabbed her satchel and headed outside.

The air felt damp. Beads of dew sat on every surface, just starting to sparkle with the sun�s rays. Birds had begun chirping. A few butterflies danced from flower to flower. For a moment, Kalila was taken by the beauty of the area.

She had been expecting someone to start following her, so when she saw someone lunge from the bushes, she jumped in surprise.

Immediately, she recognized the high elf from the inn. She was still in her blue dress. The twigs and leaves in her hair made Kalila wonder if she had been waiting all night. "I'm afraid your journey ends here, traveler,� she said. �I'll be taking whatever you're carrying. After you're dead, of course. I do hope it's more than the last few had. They were most disappointing.�

Her arm was instantly clouded in frost. Kalila had only enough time to pull one of the scrolls out before she was hit with the burning freeze of her spell. Her arm and shoulder was coated in it. She did her best to ignore it as she read the incantation on the scroll. The parchment began to glow light blue. It suddenly grew rigid and shattered in her hands. The pieces surrounded her in a shield. Of course, it didn�t help the attack that had already hit her, but she was thankful to have some protection from any more.

Right after the shield formed, Kalila�s hands blossomed into flames and she began pelting the Altmer with her own attacks. The woman was quick, dodging most of the attacks before ducking behind some rocks.

Kalila held off on anything else until she was startled by the appearance of Arielle and an Imperial man. The both of them were fully suited in armor. The symbol of the Mages Guild was etched into the armor. Both of their heads were covered in the usual teal hood of battlemages.

�Is she back there?� Arielle asked, her eyes following where Kalila had been staring.

She nodded.

�Good. I don�t think she�s seen us. Go out to the rocks and try to lead her back here.�

Kalila dropped her bag and with both hands blazing, she began to fire shots toward the rocks, in hopes of luring her out. Instead of the Altmer, she came face to face with a frost atronach. The moment it emerged from behind the rocks, Kalila was surrounded by a sudden chill. With each step, the surrounding grass became coated with frost, the leaves on shrubs darkening instantly. The drops of dew became little pellets of ice. The creature itself stood at eight or nine feet, towering over Kalila and everything else in the area.

The flames engulfing her hands began to die down as she stared up at it. It wasn�t the first one she had seen, but it was the first one ever outwardly hostile to her. She could barely hear Arielle yelling over the pounding in her heart. Her body became overwhelmed with shivers and not all of it was from the cold.

The atronach slowly stomped toward her as its master took off the other way. It�s diamond-like body glittered in the sunlight, creating little flecks of rainbow on the ground. Against her will, she began to tremble. She cursed herself for it as the flames died down. Arielle seemed to be preoccupied with the rogue mage. She prayed that Arielle would finish her off quickly.

It took her a moment to register the other battlemage calling out to her. He was waving his arms toward them. Gaping craters filled the atronach�s back. Water gushed to the ground, freezing in place. With a crackling hiss, it turned to the man, stomping slowly toward him.

Kalila was unsure where to go. Each of the battlemages seemed to be holding their own just fine. Should she leave them to it? No, of course not. If she ran, she would never forgive herself whether or not the job got done.

She turned her attention to the mage herself. If she killed her, the atronach would vanish.

Dear gods, if she killed her? She had never killed a human being before! The very idea was nauseating. It wasn�t as if murder had never passed her mind. When Clarissa was killed, for months all she could think of was dishing out some well-deserved justice. And she had realized long ago that once she became a battlemage, she would have to deal with those who refused to come quietly. However, the difference between fantasizing and doing was vast. The fact that it was either their lives or the rogue mage�s only made it slightly easier. What would Tara do? Her older sister wasn�t a fighter, but she was always a good moral compass.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before running back in to the fight. Arielle�s shock spells were starting to take effect. The mage�s spells were starting to waver. It was only when she saw Kalila that she seemed to strengthen. She turned from Arielle and raising both hands, hit Kalila with a shock spell of her own.

Kalila had never been hit with anything like it. Her entire body contracted, yet spasmed involuntarily. The burning that coursed through her blinded her. She felt herself hit the ground. Everything was silent. She feared that she had gone deaf until she saw the Altmer on the ground, in a crumpled heap.

�Kalila?� She felt Arielle�s cool hand on her cheek. �Are you alright?�

Kalila wished there was a spell to eliminate tears, as they streaked down her face. She couldn�t find her voice, but she nodded.

�That was a nasty shock spell she got you with, but it looks like the magicka she needed made her drop her shield.� She held out her hand to Kalila. More than anything, she just wanted to remain on the ground, huddled in a ball.

The other battlemage made his way over. �Everything alright over here? The kid�s not hurt too badly is she?�

Kalila glared into the ground. Kid. And there she was proving it by crying into the dirt. She wiped her eyes with the back of her arm and allowed Arielle to help her up. �I�m fine,� she said. She didn�t try to take a step for fear that her knees would buckle under her.

�Well, you did it,� Arielle smiled. �Now that we have her, we can get to work on finding out who she is and sending a report to the Countess. And Carahil of course�.� Her brows furrowed. �Are you sure you�re alright?�

�Fine,� Kalila managed a smile. �Really, it�s no�� Her voice gave out for a moment. �Nothing I can�t handle.�

�Alright� well, thank you.�

They shook hands and parted ways. Though Kalila had every intention of going back to Anvil, she bought a room at the Brina Cross in once more. Her body was in so much pain that she blocked out the disgust at the seedy bed and collapsed into it. Even in deep sleep, she felt her muscles ache.

She knew that as long as she chased the life of a battlemage, this pain would be only the beginning.

Posted by: McBadgere May 24 2013, 05:20 PM

Oh, fair dues...That was excellent!... ...

Epic alarm clock!!... ...I absolutely loved that...Brilliantly done...

I loved the fight...The ice shield was brilliant...

Atronach!!...Oh yeah!!...That was a brilliant description of the terror of having one bearing down on you...And the way it melted from the inside out was nicely done...

As was the idea that the shocking of Kalila would take the magic from the nasty wee elf and be her undoing...

Brilliant fight!...And the post-adrenaline reaction to it was perfect...

Excellent story, loving it...As ever...

Oh, I also loved that she didn't care about the state of the bed in the end... ..

Nice one!!...

*Applauds most heartily*...

Posted by: Grits Jun 3 2013, 03:53 PM

Oh, I loved the frost atronach!

Kalila did a great job keeping her composure at the beginning of her first fight. Then her reaction when she got seriously hurt felt genuine. But someone tried to kill her, and they didn�t. I like how she collapsed into the formerly unacceptable bed to sleep it off (and consider her future).

What would Tara do? Her older sister wasn�t a fighter, but she was always a good moral compass.

Yikes.

Posted by: mALX Jun 23 2013, 04:39 PM

I'm getting here to read as soon as I can, Jackie! I'm sorry it is taking so long

Posted by: mALX Jun 23 2013, 09:13 PM

*

This chapter was amazing in so many ways! Over everything was Kalila's inner thoughts through the battle and especially afterward - and the tremendous battle itself! You brought that quest to life with this account of it, HUGE write!

Two things I loved as well = (1) :

Tara's moral compass may be a little skewed since Clarissa's death, so the irony of that statement really struck home - LOVED that !!!

(2) :

The "alarm clock" hourglass - loved that !!!

Awesome write, you are back full power with this chapter! AWESOME WRITE !!!!!!

Posted by: Jacki Dice Jul 11 2014, 03:42 AM

Tara did not speak to the woman named Ocheeva. She didn�t enter the abandoned house in Cheydinhal. In fact, she didn�t even set foot in Cheydinhal. After murdering the man named Rufio, she went straight home and collapsed on the couch. Days had passed before she felt clean again.

As the next few weeks flew by, Tara buried herself in work. She had agreed to go to the Arcane University twice weekly to assist younger students with conjuration and then there were research papers to do. Honestly, those were her favorite. Even as a child, Tara read anything and everything she could get her hands on.

Before she knew it, the next new moons came. The stars shined even brighter in their absence. So did Tara's eyes.

Clarissa was lead out into the backyard. It was her first time outside since being dug up from the dirt. It was a little odd seeing the girl standing over her own grave. Clarissa didn�t wander off at all. In fact, she just plopped herself right on the soil under the marker.

Almost as if she knows that�s where she belongs� Tara thought with a chill.

�Alright,� she said, taking out the black soul gem. �Let�s get started.�

Tara stood over Clarissa with the soul gem in both hands. With Rufio as ornery as he had been before, Tara expected resistance. Sure enough, when coaxing the soul out of the gem and into Clarissa, Tara felt as if she were extracting a tooth from a daedroth. She had actually broken into a greasy sweat and once his soul was finally separated from the gem, Tara grunted as if she had been lifting the physical man instead of his admittedly corrupted soul.

Clarissa glowed violet momentarily before the evidence of the new soul showed. The bones on her face were no longer so visible. More dry tufts of hair appeared over her head, though it was still very wispy. A layer of skin grew up to where her lips would eventually return. The paper-like skin covered a little more of the rest of her body, though her torso was still most bone. Not a shred of organs rested in her. Much to Tara�s disappointment, her eye sockets remained empty. Clarissa opened her mouth and crackled softly.

Well, what did she expect? It was only the second month. Tara sighed and took Clarissa by the hand. �Let�s get you back inside before a wolf decides to steal your femur or something.�



Though now given Rufio�s soul, Clarissa seemed as normal as the circumstances allowed. She seemed no more aware of her surroundings than she had been the day before. Upon returning to the basement, she sat on the floor and just crackled to herself. Tara watched for awhile before placing the chains back on her. She then went upstairs for a glass of wine.

Two down, eleven to go, she thought as she sat alone in the living room. A deep seed of disappointment remained in the pit of her stomach. She knew she shouldn�t have expected much, but she was looking forward to so much, so soon.

Even if logically she knew it wasn�t her fault, she kept wishing that there was more she could do to speed up the process. As the first wine glass turned to the third, she was near insistent that it had to be a flaw in her magic skill. Maybe she wasn�t getting the entire soul out of the gem. Or perhaps it wasn�t the soul that brought back the physical form, but the desire of the caster. She groaned. She did want it! There was nothing in the world that she wanted more than to look into those big gray eyes again! Two murders proved that point already!

Yet� she had to admit that she was scared of getting found out. Two decades of blood, sweat, and tears had gone into the Mages Guild. If the found so much as a black soul gem on her, that was it! She would be driven out. Clarissa would be killed all over again� maybe she would too. Could that fear subconsciously be holding her back?

�Oh, gods�� She said in a hushed whisper. Tara couldn�t allow that to be true. She stood up straight and marched right to the mirror in her bedroom. Her feet were spread to her shoulder's width and her hands were firmly on her hips. It was a pose that reminded her very much of Kalila. �Listen up," she said. "Whatever it is, you need to just get right over it. No matter what, you need to keep going. This is bigger�� Her voice cracked. �Bigger than the Guild. This is for your family, dammit.� The confident pose vanished and was replaced by a slump. �But I am trying!" She sighed. "It�s not a matter of not wanting it!� She turned away and threw herself in bed. Had this been any other problem, she could have gone to the Guild for advice.

If only there were a guild for necromancers�

Well� She sat back up. There were plenty of Necromancer Cults scattered around, right? She snorted. As if any of them would help her. They would probably be more than happy to chop her up and feed her to their thralls.

Who else?

The ebony dagger given to her by Lucien caught her eye. Would the Dark Brotherhood know? She doubted it. Their business was death, not reversing it. Still�. scumbags helped other scumbags, didn�t they? Maybe it was time to go visit Ocheeva afterall.

Posted by: Grits Jul 11 2014, 12:50 PM

Jacki Dice, you have made me a very happy reader with this update! Clarissa is fascinating and chilling with her dry bones, papery skin, and crackling. Tara�s dilemma as she descends into darkness for the sake of love tugs the heart. I love this story!

Posted by: haute ecole rider Jul 11 2014, 06:37 PM

What a great excuse to start the Dark Brotherhood quest line! If Tara needs - what - eleven more souls, what better way to turn assassin than via the DB? If she tried this on her own, wouldn't it turn the DB on her?

Keep going, I like how this story is so dark and yet rooted in love for a lost sister

Posted by: SubRosa Jul 14 2014, 05:39 PM

I have not been keeping up with this and Madness as well as I would like. Let me start changing that by at least catching up here.

Almost as if she knows that�s where she belongs� Tara thought with a chill.
This was a wonderful passage. Especially because it shows that Tara too, knows that this is where Clara belongs.

�Let�s get you back inside before a wolf decides to steal your femur or something.�
Like the Grateful Dead video for http://youtu.be/nCYbRmSlW-M?t=2m38s, when the dog steals the drummer's leg!

Maybe it is time to go visit Lucien after all. Now that is a chilling thought to end the post upon.

Posted by: Jacki Dice Jul 27 2014, 12:45 AM

Grits~ I am happy to be updating and working on this again!

haute ecole rider~ The Dark Brotherhood does make it fit very well and the walking skeleton that wanders the area brings some ideas, though I'll let you all see those soon.

SubRosa~ I'll have to check out that video! That's usually my thought when I see the rats and the zombies hanging out. Like one would want to nibble on the other, right?

Tara heard many times that the Mages Guild in Morrowind could teleport members from one guild to another. She found herself wishing such magic could work in Cyrodiil. Most scholars agreed that the mysterious magic in White Gold tower kept teleportation magic from working. It wouldn�t do if someone could just teleport into the Emperor�s chambers and behead him in his sleep. She sighed thinking about it. It would be such a time saver, instead of having to take a carriage to Cheydinhal.

When the gates to Cheydinal opened, Tara couldn�t help the overwhelming feeling of home. The Cheydinhal Mages Guild was her destination after graduating from the Arcane University. It was the first and only time in her life that she had not been charged with the care of her younger half-sisters or her mother�s lakeside home. Her time there had been sublimely independent.

She wasn�t sure if she should stop by the guildhall. Falcar, the guildmaster, was a horrible, cantankerous old coot. He was quick to criticize in the most brutal and condescending of ways. Tara knew of several good mages that either transferred to a guildhall out of Cyrodill or quit entirely because of him. Just thinking of some of the things he said made Tara�s blood boil. Her reason for being there was bad enough without him making things worse.

The abandoned house by the eastern wall� Tara thought. The part of town east of the river was locally known as �Ash-town� because of the concentration of Dunmer in the area. Before, Tara�s only business in Ash-town had been the food. She could smell the spices from the city gates and she laughed a little, wondering how she ever managed to get any work done with such an effective distraction. With that thought in mind, she headed over to Ash-town for a quick bite.

Both sides of town had similar architecture. The lower halves of the buildings were generally stone with wood framing while the tops were coated in white clay. The roofs had a concave curve to them as they reached their points. Even the parts of town that were less ornate were made of similar design, though on a smaller scale. In Ash-town, however, some houses or businesses hung flags with different patterns. Most of the words on them were in Dunmeri and Tara only knew the swears and very basic phrases.

After stopping in a cornerclub, as the Dunmer called them, Tara took a seat under a large tree with her plate. It was piled with deep fried sliced yams, fruit with chili powder sprinkled on top, flat dough with meat and cheese baked inside topped with pickled cabbage, onions, and carrots and a hot sauce for dipping, with a bottle of cold comberry juice. For the longest time, she tried to re-create Dunmeri dishes at home but either Clarissa found it way too spicy or the food was just too expensive to have imported. Maybe as Clarissa�s tongue literally developed, Tara could train her tolerance for spicy food. Or maybe not. A zombie flailing around because the food was too spicy would be a horrid sight. Daedra and Divines, she might even rip out her tongue in an act of desperation! The thought of having to sew it back in almost made Tara lose her appetite.

Almost.



There was a house on a lonely street that no one would enter. The windows were all boarded up, though the glass peeked out between the wood. The windows were so dirty that Tara couldn�t see inside. A few stones had fallen out of place, leaving gaps in the walls. Words written in Dunmeri were painted on the door, along with a few malevolent symbols. It was such a contrast to the rest of Cheydinal�s perfect story book houses.

If people had to pass it, prayers were whispered. Voices lowered and heads bowed. Some, usually teenagers, attempted to slip in but all nerve was lost and soon enough, they would come running out.

The official story was a case of the corprus disease brought over from Morrowind. A notice was pinned to the door, written in both Tamrielic and Dunmeri, that the house was contaminated with spores carrying the horrific disease. Everyone knew that was false, but no one argued it.

For once, Tara regretted her plate of food as she stood at the door. The pit of her stomach began to twist and churn violently as she put her hand on the knob. She looked around to make sure that no one had seen here before twisting the knob and slipping inside.

The door scraped loudly against the dusty tile as she closed it. With a flick of her wrist, a bright orb appeared in front of Tara, lighting her way. A few scattered footprints led to a door across the room. A few tapestries hung on the wall, though they were so neglected that she couldn�t see what they had been. Cobwebs were everywhere. The urge to clean was almost overwhelming. Tara wasn�t sure if she would have preferred to come in contact with corprus or this disaster!

Careful not to touch anything, Tara made her way to the basement. She wouldn�t even hold the handrail as she carefully descended the rickety stairs. It didn�t seem possible, but the basement was even worse. Not only did she sneeze a hundred times due to the dust and molds, it smelled of animal waste and death. Sure enough, she noticed a decaying rat under the stairs.

By the Nine, what sort of people were these? How could they stand seeing this every time they came in? Had they no dignity? Tara recalled hearing about a rival guild of assassins in Morrowind. She had a feeling that they wouldn�t stand for this filth. The fleeting thought of trying to join them floated through her head before she shook it violently. Divines, was she losing it, fretting over which guild of thugs to join up with? What would Kalila think of her if she knew? The fried yams threatened to snake up her esophagus before she forced it back down.

Tara continued on until she was faced with a door that glowed blood red when she approached it. A large skull was the center, with a dark handprint in the forehead. A woman was depicted , looking down at four smaller figures. The woman seemed to be holding a dagger and a hammer in her hands. There was no knob nor handle. Tara hesitated before placing her hand in the print. It glowed at her touch.

�What is the color of night?�

The whispering voice made her shriek. The orb of light puffed away, leaving her alone in the bloody glow. Her heart was thudding so quickly that it sent painful waves through her limbs and she wouldn�t have been surprised if it burst, leaving her dead on the floor.

When she finally regained composure, she looked back at the door. That question must have been the key. The more she thought of it, the more sense it made to use this sort of magical lock instead of a physical one. So all she had to do was answer the question. She remembered Lucien telling her what to say, but it was so long ago that the specific words were a blur.

Placing her hand back in the indentation, she spoke. �Black.�

The door remained shut. She thought that would be far too obvious, but people often said that the simplest answer was usually the right one.

�Blue...Purple.�

Nothing happened for either color.

She stood there for a moment. �Red?� She studied the glow of the door. That was it, but not that color. As much as she did not want to picture that man�s face, she closed her eyes to try and summon the memory.

�Sanguine, my brother,� she said, slowly opening her eyes.

�Welcome home,� the voice said lovingly.

Posted by: haute ecole rider Jul 27 2014, 06:44 PM

Normally I don't do the DB quests (have done it only twice), but I remember how that sinister welcome by the mysterious door made me feel, well, home. Good job bringing that curious emotion back for me!

I also loved the description of Ash-Town! It really brings home the fact that Cheydinhal is almost in Morrowind, what with a Dunmer Count and being so close to the eastern border of Cyrodiil.

Posted by: Grits Jul 30 2014, 03:25 PM

What an excellent notion that the White Gold Tower inhibits teleportation. I love game quirks explained in a story.

Tara�s Cheydinhal was both familiar and excitingly expanded with Ash-Town and the spicy food. I love the Dunmer influence you give it. The food sounds amazing! I�ll have a plate of chili-lime mangos, please.

Corprus contamination, brilliant! You evoked that first nervous creep through the abandoned house so perfectly. Well done! And yikes, now Tara is �home��

Posted by: Jacki Dice Jul 31 2014, 05:37 AM

haute ecole rider~ Thank you~ I've done the DB quests in all my playthroughs and I was pleasantly surprised by the creepiness of that door! I'm glad I was able to bring that here

Grits~ Cheydinhal is my favorite town and I am loving bringing it to life with all the Dunmer influence. And something tells me that their food would have a lot of spice to it... and it makes me a bit hungry for some fruit and chili powder~

~~~~~

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o46/Jacki_Dice/tara_zpsd815077c.png

At least it was clean.

Tara was pleasantly surprised by the interior. As it was underground, there were no windows, but candles sitting in amber scones bathed the room in warm light. As Tara took a few slow steps in, she caught a sweet scent in the air. After a few moments, she recognized it as incense and… cake?

Why did she smell cake? Couldn’t be.

She turned the corner and nearly shrieked again. Tara was face to face with skeleton in a suit of leather armor. It stood up and opened its mouth, letting out that now-familiar crackle. It silenced itself and that was when Tara noticed the large axe in its hand.

“Wait…” Tara said, immediately putting up her hands, though she wasn’t sure if it would understand the gesture.

Never in her life did she think she would feel so happy to see an animated skeleton. The bright feeling blossoming in her stomach almost made her giddy. Someone here had to have brought this skelton to life. Maybe she was in the right place after all! Of course, that depended on if this skeleton would attack.

Luckily, it didn’t raise its weapon. Instead, it turned away and let out a long crackle. A door opened and an Argonian woman appeared. “Aeron, what is it?” She asked. Then she set her large orange eyes on Tara. “Oh!” She approached with open arms. “Welcome, sister!” Before she could say anything, Tara was pulled into a tight squeeze.

“Let me look at you,” the Argonian said, releasing her from the hug, but keeping both hands on Tara’s shoulders.

Tara looked her over in return. The Argonian’s head had three small horns on each side, with a beaded cloth draping along the back of her head. She was dressed in the same armor as the skeleton, though hers was in much better condition.

“You must be Tara Karminova,” she finally said. “Lucien told me about you weeks ago. We weren’t sure if something had happened to you along the way.”

Tara just shook her head. She didn’t recall giving Lucien her first name, let alone her last name.

“My name is Ocheeva,” she said. “It’s so wonderful to have you here. Normally, I would start with a tour of the Sanctuary but we were just about to sit down for dinner. Won’t you join us?”

It took Tara a moment to find her voice. “I just ate,” she said.

“At least have some cake,” Ocheeva insisted. “Telaendril just baked one and her cakes just melt in your mouth! You’ll see!” Before Tara could object, Ocheeva took her by the hand and lead her to the room she had been in.

“Divines…” Tara breathed as she was brought to the dining area. The table and chairs were made of beautiful cocobolo wood. The red finish was illuminated by the several candles in the room. Several places at the table were set, with the meal in the center. From what Tara could tell, dinner was a large roast, several rolls, a garden salad, and mashed potatoes. A few bottles of shein were next to a set of wine glasses.

Tapestries featuring a black hand were hung around the room, but the featured painting was of a lush valley, with a river running down the middle. It was so realistic that it was almost like looking outside.

Ocheeva left her for a moment to ring a silver bell. “Everyone, I have wonderful news,” Ocheeva called out. “Our sister has finally come home!” When she returned to Tara, she placed her arm warmly around her shoulders. “Let me introduce everyone.”

The first one in was a tall man in fine black silk clothing. His long brown hair was tied in a ponytail, though a few graying curls hung at his face. What drew Tara’s attention were his eyes.They were a beautiful hazel, but something about them just dew Tara in. It wasn’t until he smiled at her that she realized he was a vampire.

The vampire took her hand and lightly pressed it to his lips. “Warmest greetings to you,” he said, releasing her hand. Tara’s eyes were wide and she looked to Ocheeva, who was just beaming. “I am Vicente Valtieri,” he continued. “I provide assignments for all new family members, but we’ll discuss that when the time is right.” He paused for a minute before leaning in a smiling gently. “Please do not let my appearance...unnerve you. The needs and tenets of the Dark Brotherhood come before my own needs as a vampire.”

Tara wasn’t sure what to say. She didn’t know what those needs or tenets were yet, but she wasn’t confident enough to promise herself safety.

With a light clap on her shoulder he moved on to the table. “Looks wonderful, Ocheeva,” he said. “I see these potatoes are separate from the others,” he lifted a small bowl. “This is mine, I’m assuming?”

“Yes, those are made especially for you,” Ocheeva nodded. “He’s very sensitive to garlic,” she explained to Tara.

The next one to greet Tara was a young woman. She was no older than Kalila, though judging by her bubbly demeanor, that would be Tara’s only reminder of her. “Welcome, dear sister!” Tara was pulled into another big hug. Tara lightly patted her back in return. She smelled of strongly of peaches. Really, if Tara hadn’t been in the Dark Brotherhood’s lair, she would never have guessed the girl to be a hired killer. Even her outfit, a colorful sundress, seemed impossibly out of place. “So good to finally meet you! My name is Antoinetta Marie!” With a grin at Ocheeva, Antoinetta joined Vincente at the table.

The next one kept his hands to himself. He was a bald Orc in a full suit of armor that clanged with every step. “Welcome!” He boomed. “Welcome to the family! I'd hug you, but Ocheeva told me not to.”

Tara immediately noticed that he was holding hands with a Bosmer. She hugged her tighly enough for both of them. “Warmest welcomes to you,” she said. “I am Telaendril, wood elf and loyal daughter of Sithis and this is Gogron gro-Bolmog. I hope you find our Sanctuary to your liking.”

Tara pursed her lips for a moment. “It’s very warm,” she said.

An orange furred Khajiit came next. Tara didn’t recognize him, but his green and blue robes made her wonder if he was a fellow mage. Perhaps out of everyone here, he would be one that she could connect to. “If it isn't the newest member of the ‘family,’” he said in a sneer that immediately dashed Tara’s hopes. “Let's get one thing straight. The Tenets prevent me from killing you. But I don't have to like you. I'll sell you equipment, but only because Ocheeva is making me. This family doesn't need any outsiders.” With that, he shoved himself past Tara and went to the table.

Argonians were not known for their expressiveness, but Tara could see that Ocheeva was fuming. “M'raaj-Dar,” she hissed. “I’m so sorry about him. He’s a real piece of work sometimes. He lacks understanding of how we like our sanctuary to operate. If he gives you trouble, you let me know.”

Tara sighed softly. Maybe it was for the best. With each friendly greeting, she noticed that she was beginning to return the fuzzy feelings. M’raaj-Dar’s coldness reminded her of where she was.

The final member to greet her was an Argonian man. He and Ocheeva greeted each other first and though he didn’t hug Tara, he was just as kind as everyone else had been. "I welcome you to our family, and this Sanctuary,” he said. “I am Teinaava. May you find yourself at home here, in the loving embrace of our Lady the Night Mother."

“That’s everyone,” Ocheeva said with a relieved sigh. “Come, let’s eat before dinner gets cold.

“Oh, but I already…” Tara gave up the argument as Ocheeva sat her down next to Antoinetta and across from Vicente. She grinned and waved. Tara hesitated, but waved back.

“This morning, something told me that today would be special,” Ocheeva said over the quieting chatter. “And now our sister has finally come home. Before we eat, Tara, let’s formally welcome you to the Dark Brotherhood.”

She picked a book off a shelf and opened it up.

“Tara Karminova, you have been brought here by our Speaker, Lucien LaChance. With Lucien, you signed a covenant. The manner of execution, your signature and in the shed blood, the ink.”

There were nods and murmurs of approval that made Tara want to just disappear.

“Know this,” Ocheeva continued. “Every Dark Brother and Sister is a child of Sithis. He whom we call Sithis has many other names. Chaos. Doom. Discord. Sithis is the Void. We of the Dark Brotherhood serve the Night Mother, who is the bride of Sithis. The Night Mother rules her children with a terrible Black Hand. The Black Hand is the ruling body of the Dark Brotherhood. It is made up of one Listener and Four Speakers. As a member of the Dark Brotherhood, you must abide by the Five Tenets. They are the laws that guide and protect us.

“The Five Tenets are as follows: Tenet Number One, never dishonor the Night Mother. To do so is to invoke the Wrath of Sithis. Tenet Number Two, never betray the Dark Brotherhood or its secrets. To do so is to invoke the Wrath of Sithis. Tenet Number Three, never disobey or refuse to carry out an order from a Dark Brotherhood superior. To do so is to invoke the Wrath of Sithis. Tenet Number Four, never steal the possessions of a Dark Brother or Dark Sister. To do so is to invoke the Wrath of Sithis. Tenet Number Five, never kill a Dark Brother or Dark Sister. To do so is to invoke the Wrath of Sithis.

“Tara Karminova, do you solemnly swear to uphold these five tenets and dedicate your life to the Dark Brotherhood and your family?”

Her family…. Kalila, Clarissa, her mother, and Aidan. This was going to be a necessary evil to continue dedicating her life to her family. Besides, she thought. If I need to kill anyway, I may as well make some money for it.

“I swear,” Tara said softly.

Posted by: SubRosa Aug 4 2014, 10:34 PM

Neat world-building with the explanation that White Gold Tower is what keeps teleportation magic from working in Cyrodiil. I liked the addition of Ashtown to Cheydinhal as well. The Dunmer flags with their weird bug symbols on them were neat, as was the cornerclub, ash-yams, etc...

I am smiling at the thought of zombie Clarissa flailing around because the food is too spicy!

I also love the description of Freddy's house on Elm Street, and Tara's indignation over their poor housekeeping!

At least the inside of the Sanctuary is nicer. And Cake!

Now Tara is part of Sithis' big happy psychotic family. I wonder how things will work out now? I get the feeling they are not really going to improve.

Posted by: Grits Aug 7 2014, 07:13 PM

Cake! These people can�t be so bad.

I love Tara�s reaction to the �living� skeleton. She�s looking for hope in the DB sanctuary!

Antoinetta Marie�s sundress and peach scent made me grin. I love the character that you�re giving the assassins.

Posted by: Jacki Dice Oct 28 2014, 06:09 PM

SubRosa~ Thank you~ I was trying to figure out how to explain no teleportation magic. I thought of banning it, but skooma is banned to so...


Grits~ They were all so nice (except M'Raaj-Dar) so I like playing with that aspect. It's not something expected of assassins

Though Tara reminded her yet again that she had already eaten, Ocheeva piled her plate with several slices of meat and scoops of the mashed potatoes, which Ocheeva said had been cooked with homemade garlic butter. She was a little less smothering with the rolls and salad. At first, Tara was sure that she wouldn’t be able to finish such a heaped plate, but seeing how the meat fell apart so easily into its own gravy helped encourage her hunger.

“Ocheeva is like a big mother hen,” Antoinetta said, giggling a little. “So you may as well get used to this! I wish my own mother had been as doting…”

Tara just nodded and ate as much as she could. Surprisingly, it tasted just like a home cooked meal. In fact, between dinner and Aiden’s cooking, Tara would find it hard to tell the difference. She managed to clean most of her plate, much to Ocheeva’s obvious pleasure. After some chocolate cake, which was shockingly moist, Tara was given the grand tour.

“You’ve seen the dining hall, obviously,” Ocheeva said, leading her into the next room. “This is the common room.”

Judging by the warmth of the dining room, Tara had expected something just as homey. She wasn’t disappointed. There were a few red couches, complete with matching cushions. A black hand was embroidered on each. There were several paintings on the walls. One of Cheydinhal at sunrise, one of an old woman with an otherworldly beauty, one of a meadow of flowers, one of the beach at night.

What really caught Tara’s breath were the lines of bookshelves taking up an entire wall. A plush burgundy armchair and matching footrest sat next to them, along with a few floor cushions. Tara couldn’t help immediately wandering off to inspect the titles.

Ocheeva chuckled softly. “I see we have another bookworm in our midst. Vincente brought a good deal of those along with him when he made the Sanctuary his home.”

Tara could see the age on some of them. It made her almost a little disappointed that she wouldn’t be living there. Imagining what she would find in some of those ancient books made her mind race.

“Next, we have the training room,” Ocheeva said, when Tara rejoined her. “Let’s see…” She paused, looking her over. “Let me see your hands…” She held them up, checking the backs and front. “I’d have to guess that you’re a mage. Am I right?”

Tara nodded. “I mean, I don’t fight really, but I am a mage.” Tara suddenly felt a little vulnerable. It wouldn’t be wise for a toothless lion to reveal his gummy mouth to a bunch of tigers, would it? That thought also was what reminded her not to go bragging about her rank in the Mages Guild. The less they knew about her, the better, right? No matter how nice they seemed, these people were killers for hire and they could destroy her without resorting to murder.

“Not to worry,” Ocheeva said. “In a way, your magic will come in handy. Cast a nice silencer spell and maybe one of paralysis and your victim will be clay in your hands.” She laughed some more. Tara started to feel a little queasy.

“And of course, we’re all here to help in any way we can. That includes M’Raaj-Dar. He’s also a mage, so he might be able to teach you a few tricks.”

Tara doubted that. She’d rather go ask Falcar for help and she’d rather pull a sore tooth from a daedroth than do that!

“And last,” Ocheeva said, entering a hall on the other side of the training room. “Here are the bedrooms.”

The hall was lined with gold tinted glass cradling welkynd stones. A few doors went down to the end. Even the hall had an impossible warmth to it. Her own house was more sinister than the Sanctuary! Tara wasn’t sure if she should be comforted or ashamed.

“There aren’t many rooms, I’m afraid,” Ocheeva said. “Perhaps once one of our neighbors move, we can look into expanding.”

Why not just kill them and take the place? Tara caught herself wondering. She immediately chastised herself for such a dark thought.

She followed Ocheeva to the third door from the end of the hall. Ocheeva unlocked it and stepped aside for Tara to enter. “Luckily Telaendril and Gogron have decided to move in together, so that’s a spare but we may have to start doubling up when we get too many members. Don’t worry, people join us far less frequently than other guilds.”

The room was rather ordinary. It was much smaller than her room back at her home and though there was a beautiful painting of a sunrise over Lake Rumare, it didn’t quite make up for the lack of a window. The full sized bed was at the wall, all made up with soft floral patterned blankets. A sprig of lavender rested on the pillow. A dresser with a large mirror was on the opposite side, next to a bookshelf ready to be filled.

“I don’t want to presume,” Ocheeva said as Tara looked around. “But it doesn’t seem as if you have any…. belongings with you.”

Tara took a breath and turned to face her. “Well, I never planned on staying.” When she saw a slight change in Ocheeva’s eyes, she quickly added, “It’s all very lovely. I never would have imagined it this way, but I can’t live here. I have someone at home to care for.”

“A child?”

“Yes. I mean, not mine. She’s my sister. It’s very complicated. You have no… She’s the entire reason I…. I mean, I couldn’t just leave her.” She stopped, realizing that she was rambling and with every word making things more cluttered than they had to be.

“That’s a shame,” Ocheeva said. “It’s a lot easier when you’re close by. Would it be possible to move to Cheydinhal? You could stay with her as needed and still come here.”

Tara shook her head. “She’s not…. well. She isn’t in any condition to travel.”

“What about your parents? Couldn’t they care for her?”

“Our mother is out of the country on business and I do not know who my father is.” Tara didn’t feel the need to disclose that they had different fathers. “Besides, she needs very specific treatment. I’m the only one who can help. I’m sorry, Ocheeva, but I need to be with her.”

Ocheeva nodded. “I see. At least stay the night. It’s late and a pretty girl like you shouldn’t travel alone at night. In the morning, we can get you measured for a suit and maybe we can get you started with shade repressing spells.”

As always, the talk of magic made her ears perk a little. “Shade repressing?”

“Well, in case you… ah… well, you don’t make it back from a mission, we need to ensure that in the event that your shade is summoned, you don’t inadvertently reveal any secrets. It’s standard procedure. I’m sure you have nothing to worry about. We can also go over the logistics of jobs and payment. Goodnight, sister.” With that, Ocheeva nodded and closed the door.

Tara looked around the room once more before sighing deeply. She came to Cheydinhal expecting to be hip deep in a nest of bloodthirsty people only a slight bit more civilized than the average goblin. To be welcomed so warmly felt so surreal. Thinking about it as she undressed and slipped under the blankets, these people seemed more familial than the Mages Guild. She almost wished she could bring Clarissa. There was already one walking skeleton about, so another might not be so bad…

But could she trust them? Perhaps some of them. Certainly not M’Raaj-Dar. Beyond exposing Tara, he might hurt Clarissa just out of spite. Tara shook her head. Besides, someone had to watch the house. Her mother had it built in that location specifically for when she was in the area, so renting it out wasn’t an option. Maybe when Kalila comes back…

Which reminded Tara that Kalila had not written her once since she left for Anvil! She felt a twist of hurt and fear. There had been an attack at the Chapel of Anvil recently. While Kalila wasn’t very active in her attendance, there was always a chance that she just so happened to go on the day of the attack. The Courier said that no one survived… By the Nine was she going to have to resurrect her too?

She shook her head. Kalila was fine. She was probably so wrapped up in her studies that she forgot about the rest of the world. That was how she was.

The scent of lavender was helping her feel more relaxed as she closed her eyes. She slept soundly.

Posted by: Grits Nov 4 2014, 04:51 PM

Now I really want roast beef with mashed potatoes and gravy. Since I don’t have an Argonian assassin handy, I guess I’m going to have to make it myself!

One tiny nit: The hall was lined with gold tinted glass cradling holding welkynd stones. I think you have an extra word in here.

The library sounds lovely and the embroidered Black Hand pillows made me smile. Somehow that’s almost as creepy as the expected dripping water, hanging chains, and cobwebs.

“Well, in the event that you… ah… well, you don’t make it back from a mission, we need to ensure that in the event that your shade is summoned, you don’t inadvertently reveal any secrets. It’s standard procedure. I’m sure you have nothing to worry about. We can also go over the logistics of jobs and payment. Goodnight, sister.” With that, Ocheeva nodded and closed the door.

Wow. That’s a brilliant idea and also scary. Yikes, cheerful assassins!

Posted by: Jacki Dice Nov 28 2014, 08:06 AM

Grits~ I got the idea from Lord of Souls. Or maybe it was The Infernal City. One of them. Anyway, they have so much more practical magic described!

It had been years since Tara woke to the scent of breakfast cooking. Groggily bundling up, she recalled the last time Kalila had cooked breakfast. Their mother had been home and she cheerily remarked that Kalila would land a man in no time if she kept cooking. In response, Kalila immediately laid down the spoon and hadn�t touched a stove since. Tara smiled a little at the memory.

With the smell of bacon permeating the air, she allowed herself to stretch out and just linger under the covers for a few moments. She was always so busy running around that sometimes she forgot to take time to just breathe.

With her eyes closed, she took slow breaths as she allowed her mind to relax. She focused on the feeling of her body on the mattress, the crisp sheets tangled around her bare legs, the weight of her hair on the pillow, the sound of something scratching at the bookshelf�

Wait.

She opened her eyes and saw the largest rat she had ever seen.

Tara got up with a shriek, pulling her blankets up on the bed so they weren�t touching the floor. As she brought nothing, she didn�t have anything to throw at it other than her shoes. She was not prepared to make that sort of sacrifice.

Antoinetta burst in. Her clear blue eyes were wide as she looked up at Tara. �What�s wrong?� She asked, taking a step forward.

�Rat!� Tara hissed. �Kill it!� It was then that she remembered that she could probably hit it with a good shock spell. She locked her fingers in a claw-like position and began to draw the spell from within her when Antoinetta picked it up. Bare handed. �Dear gods, what are you doing?� She asked as her hand slacked.

�Oh, dear,� Antoinetta said in a baby-like voice. �I think Ocheeva forgot to introduce me to you! I�m sowwy.� She made the rat make a waving motion with its front paw. �Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Schemer! I�m a very good rat most of the time, but sometimes I sneak into people�s rooms and give them such a start! But I�m very nice and I�m all clean!�

Tara had since dropped her hand and the look of fear was replaced by mild disgust. �You mean� it lives here? As a� a pet or something?�

�Yes,� Antoinetta said in her normal voice. �He�s a sweetheart. Don�t worry, he never leaves the Sanctuary, so there�s no risk of him bringing disease. Take a look, his fur is nice and glossy and his eyes are clear. I even brush his teeth!�

Tara couldn�t hide the repulsed look on her face. �You can�t be serious!�

Antoinetta shrugged. �Well, I guess since I�ve lived among rats and spiders for so long, they don�t really phase me. I never really had the luxury of being afraid of them.� She set Schemer down, outside Tara�s door. �So Ocheeva told me your sister is ill.�

Tara climbed down and began to make her bed. �Did she?�

Antoinetta nodded. �Shame. What�s she sick with?�

�Well�� Tara started, trying to come up with something. She had become better at lying lately, but it still made her nervous. She always had to recall exactly what she said and to whom and when� It was exhausting! Not to mention having to watch her body language for give-aways. She immediately stopped wringing her hands. �She came down with a case of yellow tick.�

Antoinetta nodded. �Such a shame. So you take care of her then?� She smiled a little. �How old is she?�

Tara could feel her stomach begin to grease up. She understood the questions. It was the usual small talk one engages in when joining a new guild. She couldn�t afford to appear cold and uninterested.

Besides, that was a difficult question to answer. Technically, Clarissa was fourteen. However, she spent three years dead. In fact, she was still technically dead and would be for another ten months. So would the lost time make her ten? Her mind and body would dictate so. In fact, that brought up another concern for Tara. When Clarissa became of legal age, she could still have the mentality of a teenager. She frowned at the implications.

�She�s fourteen,� she finally answered. �But she�s the baby of the family, so I guess sometimes she seems a lot younger than she is.�

�Ah,� Antoinetta nodded. �I was the youngest in my family, but�� She smiled and shrugged. �I guess not every family treasures the youngest like yours.� She looked like she was about to elaborate, but then a bell rang. �Oh! That�s breakfast!�



Breakfast was no less spectacular than dinner had been. It would surely be a bad idea to live here, Tara thought. I�ll gain weight and Mother will never let me hear the end of it!

After she ate, Vicente led her to a room at the end of the hall to begin her lessons in shade repressing. The room was much larger than hers. In fact, it was more like a suite. The main room contained a dark gray chaise lounge with an emerald green paisley print. A couple of green pillows were placed on each side. It was placed under a looming bookcase that stretch across the entire wall. It was tall enough to require a ladder that wheeled from one end to the other. Tara had always wanted one of those.

There was a nice fireplace that was currently unlit. Instead of bricks, it was made of white marble slab. Above it was a beautiful landscape depicting mushroom-like trees overlooking a crystal lake. The land looked almost swamp-like and was dotted with gold and pink flowers. There were other paintings as well, mostly depicting the same sort of landscapes.

�Please,� Vicente said, motioning to the chaise lounge. �Make yourself at home.�

As Tara moved a pillow out of her way, Vicente poured her a glass of water. �I�d offer you some wine, but it�s still a bit early.� He smiled. Tara found it very hard to keep from being drawn in too deeply. �So, I trust Ocheeva told you about our first order of business.�

�Yes,� she said. �I need to learn how to repress a shade.� She furrowed her brows a little. �I honestly have no idea where to begin.�

Vicente frowned a little. �So, she didn�t tell you how we go about that process?�

Something in his tone bothered her. �No. Should she have?�

Vicente sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. �Well, I think it would have been a lot�easier coming from her.� Vicente took a seat in a tall armchair. �What I am going to do is use magic to bring you just a breath away from death�s door. One you are there, I will summon your shade just enough for me to sense it and for you to feel it so you know how to hold it in. Then I�m going to revive you. We�ll go over it a few times and eventually, it�ll become an automatic response.�

Tara�s eyes widened as she clutched the pillow to her chest. �Isn�t there any other way? This sounds far too dangerous! I mean one little slip�� She set her water down. �I�m sorry, Vicente. I don�t think I can do this. You could kill me!�

�No, no, no,� Vicente said. �You won�t die. I have excellent control.�

Tara stood up, still frowning. Her heart felt like a stone, sinking into her stomach. Whether or not he had excellent control did not negate what he was about to do. �I don�t think you quite understand. You are asking me to put my life literally in your hands with this.�

�I am. Isn�t that what guildmates are supposed to do?�

�Yes, but this isn�t a�� She stopped herself, sitting back down. �It�s nothing against you. I just didn�t think there would be this level of involvement.�

�Hmm.� Vicente nodded slightly. �I suppose you figured it would be a little more like a band of hit men? Get the assignment, reap the reward, and call it a day, right?�

Tara said nothing.

�Sorry to disappoint, but we�re a lot more like any other guild. This includes having to trust in all of us as we will with you.�

Tara closed her eyes to keep the disbelief hidden. She was an upstanding member of the Mages Guild. They were assassins. They were not the same. Not even similar.

�Listen,� Vicente knelt down, taking her hand in his. Tara started to pull away, but damn it those eyes of his. The soft way he spoke� That smile� She relaxed. �I understand your fear. I was mortal once upon a time. You�ll just have to trust me. Trust us. We�re your family. I would never put you in harm�s way.� He squeezed her hand slightly. �Do you trust me, Tara?�

Tara wanted with all her might to be blunt and say �no� but when she looked into his eyes, she saw no malice. He seemed so honest� �Yes. I believe you.� She didn't even realize that she had spoke until the words were out.

�Good.� He said. As soon as he sat back in his chair that feeling left her. Tara suddenly felt vulnerable. And somehow dirty. �Then let�s get started, shall we?�

Posted by: Grits Dec 2 2014, 04:19 PM

Schemer! What an introduction!

Tara wanted with all her might to be blunt and say �no� but when she looked into his eyes, she saw no malice. He seemed so honest� �Yes. I believe you.� She didn't even realize that she had spoke until the words were out.

I love this part. This is exactly how I imagine vampire�s seduction would work. I really enjoy this story.

Posted by: Jacki Dice Apr 5 2015, 05:16 AM

Grits~ I'm so glad you liked the Vampire's Seduction. I was worried that it wouldn't translate well -phew!-

Tara went from laying on the chaise to suddenly feeling weightless, both physically and mentally. Her heart no longer sank with the always persistent thoughts of �what if� or �how will I make it?� It was as if all her cares simply evaporated.

All around her was complete darkness except for a point of violet light. Everything within her was telling her to go to it. In fact, she couldn�t resist. She was actually floating toward it.

But what about Kalila and Clarissa?

That thought intruded suddenly. Kalila alone in Anvil� Losing Clarissa had almost broken her. How would she get over losing another sister? And Clarissa was still locked away in the basement. What would become of her? What if some necromancer found her and forced her into servitude for the rest of her existence?

And her work! She was dragging herself through the foulest depths of Oblivion over this. She murdered people over it! She put everything dear to her at risk! It was too much to just throw away! Suddenly she wasn�t so eager to go into the light.

Then she felt a tug. It wasn�t like the gradual floating she felt before. This was more insistent. It was as if someone had slipped a hook just behind her bellybutton and was jerking it roughly.

With one more violent tug, Tara felt a hard slam in her upper body. Her head was ringing as she opened her eyes. �What in Oblivion�.?� She asked groggily.

Vicente helped her take a few sips of water. �It�s alright,� he said soothingly. �I pulled your shade.�

Tara frowned, feeling disappointed. �So it was that easy, huh?

Vicente smiled a little. �Don�t be so hard on yourself. I doubt you�ve had any experience to help you resist.�

Tara sipped her water in silence for a moment. �That light� What was it?�

�I can only make assumptions based on what others have told me, but if you�re talking about a light at the end of a tunnel, that was probably the entrance to the Dreamsleeve. Like I said, I�ll be bringing you to the very brink of death so I can start pulling your shade.�

She finished the water, still feeling a slight disappointment that she had been powerless to resist. Vincente seemed to have that effect on her in more ways than one. �How long does it usually take to master this?�

Vicente thought for a moment. �A few days. A week at latest.�

Tara stood up. �I can�t stay that long. In fact, I should have left last night. Do you have any books on this?�

�You mean books on how to lull yourself into a near death state and bring out your own shade?�

Tara sighed. �Alright, I guess I can�t do this alone. I suppose I can come back in a few days and maybe I can stay longer if I plan things out right.�



Tara left the abandoned house by way of an old well off by the east wall. It was a little hard to climb the ladder because Ocheeva insisted on sending her out with a care package. It was a sweet little basket filled with bread and fruit and at the bottom was a key to the well.

She wasn�t used to being so doted on. It made her feel a slight disappointment in what could have been between Tara and her mother. Though she didn�t doubt Rhianna�s love for her, she could be abrasive and harsh comments slipped a little too easily from her, especially when her lips were lubricated with wine. While Tara had thrived despite having to mother herself and her two sisters, Ocheeva�s kindness made her miss something she hadn�t realized was missing.

The thoughts lingered with her as she crossed though Ash-town. She remained so preoccupied that it wasn�t until she was standing across the road from the Mages Guild hall that she realized her distraction. Her feet has simply taken her where she had been used to going at the end of each day while in Cheydinhal.

At first, she thought about just heading to the main gates and catching the next carriage out of there, but something inside her told her to at least say hello to Deetsan. The poor woman was generally overwhelmed with having to smooth over the cruelties of Falcar and her general duties as a mage.

Tara had expected an air of gloom once she crossed the threshold. That was normal. However, she wasn�t prepared for the echoing sobs and thick tension when she went inside. As usual, Deetsan was fluttering around offering comfort where she could. A pair of the city�s guards were inside. They looked as though they had been trying to follow Deetsan wherever she went and simply gave up in exasperation. While one kept trying to get Deetsan�s attention, and kept it only momentarily, the other was speaking to Uurwen, the Bosmer enchanter. Her eyes were rather red and she dabbed them frequently as she spoke in hushed tones.

It was almost as if someone had died. Couldn�t have been Falcar, or else there would be celebration, Tara thought. She only half-chastised herself for thinking it.

�Deetsan?� Tara followed the hurried Argonian.

�Tara?� Her amber eyes widened. �Dear girl,� she said, taking Tara into her arms. �What an awful day for you to visit. Just horrifying!�

�What�s going on?�

Deetsan�s eyes closed. Her peridot scales almost seemed to ruffle with anger. �Falcar,� she hissed. �That filthy swine! He�� She growled. Tara didn�t recall ever seeing her so angry. �He killed one of our new associates.�

�He what?� Tara�s hands flew up to her mouth.

Deetsan shook her head. �He was sent to fetch a ring Falcar claimed he dropped in the well. Apparently he enchanted it to get heavier when someone picks it up. It was weighted in his hand and he drowned down there. We only found him last night. Vidkun, that was his name, was missing for nearly a week! I thought Faclar had just run him off or something.�

�Dear gods�� Tara was stunned. Falcar had always acted like a horrid, miserable old coot, but to murder someone? And by drowning no less! At least Tara made it quick when she killed. It wasn�t be highest horse to be on, but at least she wasn�t cruel.

�And then to top it off, we found a stash of black soul gems in his quarters!� Deetsan ran her hand over her scaled head. �He�s vanished, of course. I think he heard people complaining about the water tasting funny, so he figured we�d investigate sooner or later. I just can�t believe it. Our Guildhall leader was a murdering necromancer! It makes my blood boil, especially considering how often I wrote to the Council about him and his behavior. Did they so much as investigate?� She huffed.

One of the guards took note of Deetsan and headed in their direction. �I�m so sorry I can�t catch up with you,� Deetsan said. �I keep having to settle everyone down and its taking away from the investigation. Listen, I�ll write to you as soon as this calms down.� With one last squeeze, Deetsan met the guard to continue aiding the investigation.

Tara slipped out quietly. She was no longer a resident of the Cheydinhal guild, but after where she had been lately, she didn�t want to risk saying anything regretful. In fact, she was lucky that Deetsan didn�t think to ask what she was doing there. Even her love of Dunmeri food wouldn�t bring her so far from home for no reason. She would have to think up something later on.

Falcar�

She despised that man. Tara wasn�t a hateful person, but he brought that out in her by being such a loathsome brute. She had a lot of unkind thoughts about him, but truly she never would have guessed him to be a necromancer.

If only I had started this journey with Clarissa years ago, she thought bitterly. Perhaps he could have left some nuggets of wisdom for her in the manure that usually came out of his mouth.

Wait� Wasn�t the entire reason for going to Cheydinhal to find some sort of necromantic guidance?

No, not from Falcar of all people. She�d rather die and hope Kalila could bring her back.

Then again, it seemed that the only assistance she would get from the Dark Brotherhood was targets for souls. She scolded herself. �Targets� were an awful thing to call someone, even if it made it easier on her conscience.

Anyway, it wasn�t as if she knew where to find Falcar, even if she was interested in his help. But who else can help me? She wondered about it all during the ride back to the Imperial City.

Posted by: Grits Apr 15 2015, 03:07 PM

Your description of Vicente pulling Tara�s shade was vivid and easy to follow. I found myself worrying over what Vicente might learn. Tara has a lot to hide from everyone. Clarissa is the only person she can confide in, and who knows if she has enough ear parts to hear yet?

Poor Vidkun. I like seeing game quests go on in the background, and I like your explanation of how the ring made Vidkun drown. The tie-in with Falcar�s activities and Tara�s need for necromantic guidance is brilliant. Great update!

Posted by: Jacki Dice Jun 11 2015, 04:16 AM

Though the Chapel was still closed because of the murders, the bells still rang every hour. Promptly at six in the morning, Kalila woke up.

Out of all the mages at the Anvil guildhall, Kalila was the only one who greeted the new day with a jog. Dressed in simple cotton pants and a loose shirt, she did a couple laps around the inside of the city gates. Then she went back to her room for push-ups, crunches, tricep dips until she felt shaky and well past sore. Afterwards she took a hot bath and returned to her room to change into fresh clothes.

This time, before getting breakfast, Kalila sat at the small desk by her bed and took out a piece of paper and a quill. She hadn�t yet written Tara and she felt guilty for it. Most of her time was devoted to trying to improve her restoration. Usually, before she knew it, the entire day had been spent. The more she put off writing Tara, the worse she felt until she had avoided it for a few weeks. Tara was probably worried and if she didn�t write soon, Kalila was sure she would show up in a panic. Last thing she wanted was Tara swooping like a mage in shining robes thinking there was something to panic over.

21st of Rain�s Hand, 3E429

Dear Tara,

Sorry I haven�t written yet. Things have been really busy. I was sent on my first official mission for the guild, right when I walked in! There was someone killing off people at the Brina Cross Inn, just a couple miles north of here. The evidence looked like it was a mage doing it. It was. It was some ancient high elf. She targeted merchants and summoned frost atronochs to kill them. Don�t worry, I had two battlemages with me so I didn�t get hurt too badly.

Other than that, I�ve been really working to get better at restoration magic. I don�t know what it is, but I�m feeling stuck. The magicka is there and so is the intent but it just comes out all garbled when I try to apply it. Luckily there�s plenty of books so I can make sure I�m doing everything right, at least in theory.

There are actually a lot of pirates around here. They don�t have their flags out, but I can point them out pretty easy. They generally keep to the Harborside though and they don�t get too rowdy. Sometimes I wonder if Mother will show up. I hope not. Somehow I have a feeling she would start harping me about settling down with a nice man and all that.

I�ve been thinking of possibly joining the Fighters Guild. I see them a lot and maybe if things don�t clear up for me here, I could work with them. They�re contracted with the Empire too, so it shouldn�t cause any conflict, right? I mean, I�ll always want to be a battlemage, but if I can�t get this restoration thing, maybe that�s a good alternative.

Everything else here is fine. I�m eating properly and getting plenty of sleep. It�s a lot easier when I don�t have to stay up studying! I hope I�ll get the hang of restoration soon so I can come back home. I miss you.

Love,

Kalila

As she folded the letter and poured the wax to seal it, Kalila still felt guilty. There was something else.

She was sick. It was possibly incurable. Kalila felt it could be fatal.

Her mouth had started to dry out of nowhere, even if she had just had water. She was quick to feel nauseas. Her heart quickened and slowed. Feverishness came and went, leaving her feeling warm and clammy. Sometimes she even felt as if she was going to float out of her body.

Curiously, this only occurred when Kestrella was around.

With a huff, she pictured just what Tara would say. Oh, Kalila you�re in love! But that was ridiculous. Kalila didn�t have time for love. She had managed to avoid it for so long at the Arcane University, so why not now? Kestrella�s dimples didn�t have that much of a pull over her, did they?

Yes.

No!

Besides, it would end badly. She wasn�t going to stay in Anvil and Kestrella seemed to enjoy it there. Even if something did happen, which Kalila was working to avoid, they would wind up half a country away from each other.

Besides, it wasn�t likely to work out for very long. Kalila was simply not suited for romance. She didn�t know the first thing about talking to girls. Or boys. Or anyone. When things soured, and they surely would, it would cause such agony. She saw how that went for countless couples. In fact, when her parents divorced, Rhianna had been inconsolable and Aiden had made a hermit of himself until Rhianna went back to sea. Even then, it changed him. She would die before she was reduced to a sobbing mess, curled up in her bed for weeks and drowning in cheap wine. The easiest way to keep from getting burned was to stay away from the fire.

If only it were that easy.

Kalila brushed out her hair, leaving it down instead of her usual Breton braid. Kestrella said her hair was so pretty down, but that wasn�t the reason. No, not at all. If she didn�t go get breakfast quick, the sausages would be gone! Kalila loved sausages. Five minutes could not be wasted on braiding.

�Kalila, over here!� Kestrella grinned, waving as if Kalila were across the room of a crowded party, instead of only feet away at the doorway. As usual, an empty chair sat at Kestrella�s left. The resident imp was hovering at her shoulder, stealing grapes from her plate. �Sparky, no!� Kestrella said, slapping its tiny hand. �You have your own!�

As Kalila sat down, she couldn�t help noticing that Kestrella smelled of flowers. She tried to blame it on her hair. She had so much of it. At times, her curls looked like a lion�s mane. That was how she preferred it. Kestrella was constantly ruffling her hair to try and make it bigger.

�So,� Kestrella said while Kalila made her plate. �Plans for today?�

�The usual,� Kalila said.

�Kaaaaal,� Kestrella groaned. �It�s Sundas! Also known as Lazy-day.� She paused for a moment. �And you sound way too awake. Were you up at the crack of dawn again?�

�Nope,� Kalila said, after a sip of orange juice. �Dawn is at five. Besides, I have to study. I�ll never know if I�m making some sort of mistake if I don�t.�

Kestrella sighed. �I don�t know why you won�t let me see what the issue is. You�re real stubborn, you know that?�

�You�ve told me,� Kalila found herself smiling.

�Okay, so you agree with me on that. So why not let me persuade you to just relax today? It�s just one day, Kal. You have your whole life to stuff yourself in books.�

�Problem is, there�s no guarantee I�ll have a �whole life� to live.� She took a bite of an orange slice, glancing at Kestrella. As much as she wanted to focus and get out of there, Kestrella had a point. Besides, she was starting to become uncomfortably aware that she was behaving exactly like Tara. �Was there something you wanted to do?�

Kestrella gasped, grinning at Kalila with sparkling eyes. A flutter of butterflies intermingled with the orange slices. Kalila quickly looked away. �Well! There�s going to be a bard at The Flowing Bowl this afternoon. Her name�s Larchel. I saw her once at the First Planting festival. She was so good! And maybe we can just look around. I haven�t really looked around the Harborside yet.�

A bard in a tavern was not Kalila�s first choice of activities to do on a Sundas, but the excitement in Kestrella�s eyes promised a good time. �Well, alright.� She smiled. �Sounds fun.�



As promised, Larchel performed beautifully. Kalila didn�t know any of the songs, but Kestrella did and she sang along happily. After Larchel left, the two decided to stay for a few more drinks.

Kalila also noticed a pair of women eyeing them the entire night. They looks weren�t threatening, yet they didn�t appear too friendly. Kalila hadn�t been sure why they kept looking over until they approached.

�Never seen you here before,� the shorter one said. She was either Breton or Imperial, in a red velvet gown with a purple and gold trim. Her dark hair was styled elegantly. Even her makeup indicated status. What was she doing in a tavern like this? Kalila wondered. The women she was with, a blond Nord, dressed in a simpler brown dress. While she wasn�t as extravagant as her friend, she still seemed out of place.

Looking at Kalila, the shorter one said, �You look like you can handle yourself in a fight. And I�m sure you wouldn�t mind making a little extra money.�

Before Kalila could speak, Kestrella chimed in. �You kidding? She took down a mage and her summoned atronachs! She�s tough as nails!�

Kalila instantly began fidgeting, noticing yet another woman, a dark elf at the table next to them, looking in her direction. The women also caught the attention of a sleeping dog at the dark elf�s feet. It looked irritated. Kalila wasn�t used to having so many eyes on her. She wished she could quickly cast an invisibility spell and slip away. �I mean... I had help�� She looked up, willing her cheeks to stop burning. She was grateful for the combination of bronze skin and poor lighting to hide any reddening. �Did you need something?�

After exchanging looks, the woman continued. �Well, I�m Faustina and this is Signy.� She took the empty seat across from Kestrella and leaning in, lowering her voice. �I�ve put together a, well... a gang. We make money by luring fools out to the middle of nowhere and robbing them blind.�

Kestrella frowned. �Oh. That�s, well, that�s actually pretty horrible. Why would you do that? I mean, why are you even telling us this?�

Faustina shrugged. �Fools are easily parted with their money, so why should I feel bad for having them part with it for my gain? At least I leave them alive, unlike some of the pirates and bandits around here. And as for why I�m sharing this information, well there�s strength in numbers, see? Look at you,� she addressed Kalila again, lightly squeezing her arm. Kalila shrunk away slightly. �Think of the money we could make. Besides, it�s child�s play. Our targets are weak willed men who are easily fooled into believing they will have their way with us.� She laughed. �Men are so gullible. I leave the decision up to you. If you want to join up, meet us at the Gweden farmhouse around eleven in the evening. It�s just up the road. Oh, and one more thing,� she said, this time looking at Kestrella. �If you breathe a word of this to the city guard, you won�t live long enough to get whatever reward they�re offering." A flush of rage overcame Kalila. This criminal was blatantly threatening Kestrella! She had half a mind to shove a fireball right down her throat. A glance at Kestrella calmed her down. She didn�t seem bothered.

To Kalila, Faustina winked. �Think about it.�

With that, they both left.

Kestrella sipped her drink. �Well. That was something.� She swirled her cup, looking into the building foam. �You know, we really should tell someone. She gave us the name of the farm. Why not report it?�

�You don�t want to do that.�

Kalila looked over at the dark elf. She, too, seemed slightly out of place. Her hair was straight and dark brown, though Kalila could see from the texture that the straightness likely came from one of those metal combs she had seen and heard horror stories about. Her outfit wasn�t extravagant, like Faustina�s, but it had a certain look to it. She had on a high necked corset in a soft green and dark green pants. A pair of peridot studs were in her ears, matching the peridot pendant around her neck. As she turned to face Kalila and Kestrella, Kalila noticed green powder on her eyelids. The dog was mostly white, with tan fur on its back and the top of its head. A line green bow was tied around its neck. The varying shades of green seemed to have a magic of its own.

�Why not?� Kestrella asked. �She just admitted to luring innocent people to the middle of nowhere and mugging them! They have to be stopped!�

�Oh, no, I agree!� She said. �I would like to see them stopped, believe me. Just going to the city guard...� She shook her head. �Bad idea. You heard her. She�s got a gang. And if they�re organized, they could have connections with the city guard. Or one of them could be one of their victims and don�t want to pursue it because it�ll bruise their pride. Or they'll keep their promise and come after you.�

Kestrella frowned a little. �Then how can they be stopped?�

The dark elf smiled. Though it was nothing more than friendly, her eyes seemed to be fixated on Kestrella in a way Kalila found all too familiar. The elf�s outfit wasn�t the only source of green in the area. �I have an idea. Of course I�ll need your help. Mainly yours,� she said to Kalila. �Since they invited you specifically.�

�Sure thing!� Kestrella grinned. �I�m Kestrella, by the way. And this is Kal.�

The dark elf held her hand out to Kestrella. �I�m Lilitu and this sleeping bundle is Dolce. Nice to meet you both.�

Posted by: Elisabeth Hollow Jun 27 2015, 10:39 PM

Jacki, I love this story, and I'm so glad to see new chapters since my last visit!

I love that Kalila is becoming close to Kestrella. I just hope this turns out well for them, you know?

And Tara is finding out that family can come in many different forms. I'm rooting for her to find enough souls to resurrect her sister completely, as gross as it is in practice. I check often to see if you've gotten a new chapter up, and request that King of Beasts posts for me but it looks like he hasn't been doing that.

Posted by: Grits Jul 1 2015, 12:44 AM

Lilitu and Dolce!! I knew that had to be her, even though she wasn�t wearing her signature red. It was the straightened hair that clued me! Yay, this just keeps getting better!