Blood on the Moon, A Journey of Discovery Options

[treydog]

Athynae's Responses-

Thank you all once again for your continued support, it means so much to me!!

@McB- Thank you, as always, I am so glad you liked it. Yes, it was intense, it was intense to write as well...but maybe she'll be on the up side of it now...Oh, and aren't we the most hateful to the ones we love or is that just me?

@mALX- Thank you for you support, as I said in the alternate universe, from my beginning here not so long ago. Athynae has become as real to me as she can. It is just "there" what she will think, say or feel in any given situation...at first it was really weird, now I love her, she is my alter ego...hehe (maybe)

@Grits- You also have been here pretty much since Trey wrangled me into this, thank you so much. And yes, of course she would ask Azura to keep him safe, hopefully after the healing as well....

@Black Hand- To get a jaw drop from you is a compliment indeed! Thank you for reading, thank you for allowing Seth to be such an integral part of Athynae, and THANK YOU most for continuing your story...

@Minque- What to say to you? Thank you for creating Thyna in the first place, thank you for allowing me to develop her and helping me to keep her where you want her to go. And Thyna says she needs more journal AND SOON!!!!

@Olen- Your input, coupled with your attention to detail, are anxiously awaited as soon as Trey puts up one of my segments. You see things that occur just because they were supposed to not because I planned them, and you see Athynae, I think, almost as completely as I do. There is a depth to her that is far beyond what the average person sees. Thank you so much for ALL of it. And fear not, you will get Athlain's POV but as you said, if we had done that one first it would have taken away some of the intensity of Thyna's POV. And you were right about the caps but that said, they were yelling at each other at the top of their lungs for most of the post...just sayin...

You guys are the best!!! Thank you, thank you!!!

Where we are- Athlain has returned with the potion- and with a story of deception and horror. This section will pick up from his perspective- and (nod to Olen) there will be a later retelling in more detail of the events with the false Glenmoril Wyrd. But- not yet.

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

Athynae had said all she intended to- I recognized the tilt of her chin. If necessary, she would wait until the moons crashed into Nirn- or until I conceded. So I nodded once and handed her the precious vial, filled with the mixture I had created. As I did so, I resisted the impulse to let my fingers brush against hers; she was as taut as a bowstring and would not react well. I also knew more of her thoughts- her fears- than she realized, so when I stepped to the entrance of the cave, I never turned away from her. When I reached my chosen post, I faced her unblinking.

She had seen me walk away too many times- more to the point, giving her my back then, as she struggled against the disease and against Hircine’s insidious prompting, would be an insult. To her tortured mind, it would seem as though I was making light of her fears. More than the disease itself, she was paralyzed by the thought that she might kill me. And there was another reason, one that I kept hidden. I had to be able to see what happened when she finally took the potion, and it was not because I believed the ordeal of the healing would drive her into a maddened frenzy that I would have to fend off.

No, I knew something that she could not admit, could not risk. No matter how well I had practiced my alchemical skills, no matter how great Athynae’s strength of will- a healing of this magnitude required still more. In a Temple or Chapel, a circle of healers would have supported and strengthened one another, as well as the patient. All ‘Thyna had was herself- and me- and the word of the goddess I had never truly wanted to believe in.

We stared at each other for an eternity, neither able to form words that had more meaning than the feelings that flowed back and forth. At last, she closed her eyes, and I heard her voice in my mind:

I will always love you.

Then she pulled the stopper from the vial, raised the silvery potion to her lips, and drank. And I- I watched as her lovely face contorted in agony, as her limbs twisted and her muscles writhed beneath her skin. She fell to the ground, with her jaw clenched tight to hold in the scream that wanted to escape. And still I waited, watching as her eyes went from lavender to red, to yellow, and back again to lavender, before closing tight. Terrible spasms racked her body, but through it all, she remained silent and I held my place, until I thought I could stand it no more, and a calm voice, a voice of starlight and of unknowable love, spoke from everywhere and nowhere, telling me:

NOW! Go to her. Lay your hands upon her and conduct my spirit into my chosen vessel.

I did so, seating myself behind her and pulling her close against me. I held her then, not flinching as my hands became wreathed in a blue glow, nor as my beloved Athynae convulsed beneath them. Time stretched forever, and still I maintained the contact. At last her breathing slowed and I slipped her silver dagger, the one I had taken when I left, back into her boot. She seemed to almost smile then and murmured:

“Thank… you.” There was a long pause and she added, “Kill… you.”

She curled onto her side, falling into a peaceful sleep, and I noticed something else. Where there had been a constant murmur of her thoughts in my own mind, now there was silence. Fear gripped me and I held my bracer before her lips and was relieved when her breathing fogged the polished surface. But- why could I no longer "hear" her?

She neither spoke nor moved throughout the long day. I held her most of that time, letting go only long enough to dip cloths in cool water and place them on her brow. The sun was dropping below the horizon, and dusk was nigh when she at last stirred and asked, in a dry whisper:

"Athlain...?"

"Yes ‘Thyna? What do you need? I will do anything."

"I would really like a cup of hackle-lo tea." She reached a hand down and touched the hilt of her dagger and closed her eyes again, saying, "Then I am going to kill you."

“But- I thought the tea.... moderated your homicidal impulses?”

“Only in the morning. It isn't morning, and you almost argued too long.”

“Yes- well, I think I should go and.…”

“You really should just listen to me.”

“Gather some wood…”

“And do as I say…”

“Yes- that's it. Wood and-- and--- water. Can't have tea without water.”

“Make sure and bring me a really long stick to beat you with, as soon as I am able to pick it up.”

“My dear 'Thyna, you could not beat a scrib just now.”

“Then it will just have to wait.”

“Yes dear. It will be as you say.”

“Ooohhh! I hate it when you do that!”

And she picked up a rock and threw it in my direction, but it only traveled a few feet. She fell back into the bedroll, exhausted from the effort. I put water into the small kettle and hung it over the fire, waiting for it to boil as I watched her watching me. When it was ready, I poured the water over the hackle-lo leaves, straining the liquid into a cup, which I offered to her.

“Drink your tea now. It’s good for you.”

She turned her head away and tugged at the blanket, muttering:

“I don't want any tea. I want you to go away.”

“Now, now. There’s no need to be fussy.”

“I thought you were going to get wood.”

“We have enough for now; I can get more later. Please drink this.”

“Ooohh! Why can you never do as you are told?” And then she took the cup from me and in a voice tinged with some of her old sarcasm, cooed, “Yes dear. Whatever you say dear. I love you dear.”

I ignored her jibes and said mildly, “Some tea will fix you right up. And then you can rest, after which you can pummel me to your heart's content.”

She held the cup but still did not drink, so I folded my arms and looked at her, waiting. She looked back, trying for an expression of innocent incomprehension, but her tired features were not up to it. She set the cup aside and threw herself down amongst the blankets again, growling:

“UGH! I’m tired. I'm going to sleep. Leave me alone.”

I picked the cup up and wrapped her fingers around it and told her:

“AFTER you drink your tea.”

She bolted back upright, nearly spilling the liquid, her eyes ablaze with the light of battle.

“Excuse me? Was that some kind of command?”

“If you like.”

“No, I don't ‘like’. You can't tell me what to do, sera. Now can… I… go… to… sleep?”

“Take the cup. Drink the tea. Please? For me?”

“FINE. Give me the damn thing, then go away.”

“Of course. It is in your hand. And- no.”

She finally drank her tea, after which she stuck her tongue out at me. Recalling a phrase my mother had used when I was being a difficult patient, I noted:

“Good, it’s not coated.”

Her eyes crossed as she looked at me, almost as if she thought I was the one with the fever.

“What? What are you talking about?”

“Your tongue- it isn’t coated- that is supposed to be a good sign. I looked when you so kindly stuck it out for me to examine.”

Her sarcasm came back full force and she grumped, “So happy I could accommodate. Now I just want to read….” She stopped abruptly and tried to stand, only to collapse back into the blankets. She grabbed my arm and gripped it tightly.

“Oh no, Athlain. My pack, my things, they are still at the cabin.”

I put her apparent panic down to the after-effects of the healing and tried to speak in a soothing tone:

“Yes they are. And they will be safe there.”

She shook my arm and hissed, “Mother’s journal….”

I moved to fix the blankets and told her, “Tomorrow.”

She was going on, her agitation growing worse, “Uncle Seth’s journal. I cannot lose them. Please Athlain.”

“So- let me understand this. You...want me to go- in the dark, with werewolves prowling, to get your.... books? We already discussed this.”

She had huddled down into the blankets, her eyes huge as she stared at the darkening entrance to the cave. But she had not given up; she was mumbling to herself:

“How far away are we? Surely I didn't wander too far.” But then my words broke through and she exclaimed, “Books?”

Ignoring the violence her expression promised, I asked, “And you honestly think that I will leave you? Really?”

“You're right. I’m sorry.”

That was a warning sign to anyone who knew her, and I grew concerned. “Lie still, I need to see if you have a fever.”

She closed her eyes for a moment and murmured, “I just think, now that I am cured, you could….” Then as I tried to touch the back of my hand to her brow, she slapped it away. “Stop that.”

“You never give up so easily. So- I was worried.”

“I am disoriented. But whatever happens- Athlain…” Her eyelids dropped again and she stifled a yawn with her fist. I sat behind her again and held her as I had while the potion worked its magic. She put her head back against my chest, but was still fretful.

“I cannot lose those journals. I can’t!”

“Shhh.”

“You don't understand.”

“Rest now. Tomorrow. I promise.”

Still not opening her eyes, she burrowed deeper into the blankets and mumbled, “Mother brought her journal to me at your house and just left it for me to find, and I read until I couldn't anymore. It was too hard. And there were things in Mother's journal about Uncle Seth, so I thought maybe if I read his it would be easier.”

“ 'Thyna, I know this is important. But- it is more important for you to rest. Please?”

“I'm so tired.”

“Let me wrap another blanket around you. There. Better now?”

“There are potions at the cottage too. I can hear your heartbeat.”

I began to hum a quiet song from our childhood, one that I had learned from my mother. It seemed so long ago.

“That's the song you sang when I fell out of the tree and Aunt Baria couldn't find Mother to come heal my arm. It's nice.”

"Rest now my child."

"Sleep and dream."

"The stars and the moons,"

"See you sleeping."

"Rest now..."

[McBadgere]

That's reet good there m'friend!!... ...

It reminds me so much of Han and Leia for some reason..."I am not a commitee!!" springs to mind...

...

Aaamywho...Excellently done...Beautiful writing...

*Applauds heartily*...

Nice one!!... ...

[mALX]

Whew! She's healed !!! Great Chapter !! I saw a lot of places to quote, but this is my absolute favorite:

“Thank… you.” There was a long pause and she added, “Kill… you.”

[Olen]

The cure. There were warnings of a great cost before hand, although we don't know everyting I suspect its been one Athlain was willing to pay. Assuming it has been fully successful it has caused changes rather than cost. The first mention of love between them and various shifts in the dynamic of their relationship. They're still very definatly the same people (the argument after the healing was enough to show that) but how they interact has changed.

Another change might be in Athlain. His beleif in the gods is rather set now, he can still ignore them certainly though given that he has asked for aid whether he will see a certain hypocracy in doing so remains to be seen.

Athlain's surprise at winning the argument was priceless. It illustarates my above point but also... well it sums them up really. It also put me in mind of the phrase: 'If a man speaks in the forest and there's no woman to hear is he still wrong?'

I wonder what will happen next, and how complete the cure is.

[Darkness Eternal]

I just love how you wrote the werewolf aspect of the tale. Never seen a better story written during the Bloodmoon.

[Darkness Eternal]

The werewolf looks cool, even for an old game. I love the narrow little eyes. You can tell it is evil because of that alone.

I beg to differ. Werewolves in ES aren't really evil.

[minque]

Ohhhh.....I'm closing my eyes, hoping for Thyna to be recovered when she wakes up. But how efficient is the cure? Gah, for Athlain's sake let it be potent, let her be ok again. I mean she must be special, being the first child born after the blight!? Besides she's a child of mixed spirits, Imperial and Dunmer....who knows what features that mixture will yield!

Keeping my fingers crossed for her.....

[Grits]

I’m guessing from the return of Athynae’s dagger and the retreat of her thoughts from Athlain’s mind that the cure is complete, at least as far as Athlain will know. Their arguing shows that they’re the same people as before this ordeal, but there’s also the new element between them. I wonder how they will adjust.

I also wonder how they will react to whatever secrets Athynae might learn from the journals. I’m interested to hear what Athlain has to say about what he went through for Athynae, both with the witches and as the conduit for Azura’s healing. Resolving this crisis has only drawn me in more!

[treydog]

@McBadgere- My thanks. Fortunately- whatever may be revealed- there will definitely NOT be a “by the way- meet your sister” moment. Athlain shudders and adds- “I already have TWO of those!”

@mALX- Thank you so much. And that short line is perhaps the summation of Athynae.

@Olen- Your perceptions are quite gratifying and amazing- as always. You are exactly right about the concept of “rebirth through ordeal.” For Athynae- it was the healing itself, which effectively altered every cell of her body. For Athlain- it was the search and the necessity that drove him to ask for- and accept(!)- Azura’s help. Some of the changes will be apparent- others will be revealed at the same pace with which I write- glacially… I cannot tell you how much your careful reading and thoughtful replies mean to us both.

@Darkness Eternal- WELCOME! Both to the forums (I have started your most excellent story and will comment soon)- and to this little piece of madness I laughingly call “something to do in my spare time.”

@minque- More about the cure will be forthcoming- but… not yet. And we will be seeing more about Athynae’s unique heritage in upcoming posts, as well. And- this is as good a place as any to again say- THANK YOU. For being one of my first readers- for staying with it for all these years- and for letting me hijack the lovely Athynae for my story.

@Grits- You touch upon one of the highly symbolic moments of the post- that silver dagger. It has even greater significance to Athynae, as will be seen in a bit. But for now- it is the token of a promise fulfilled- when Athlain took it, it was a pledge to return it- one way or another. Given their personalities, I think it is safe to say that the adjustment to the changes will be… volatile. And- we will see more of Athlain’s experience in just a bit!

Where we are- Athlain has returned to Athynae, with the cure for lycanthropy in hand. The preparation of the cure- and the healing itself- required the aid and intervention of Azura, Goddess of Dusk and Dawn. Treachery on the part of the supposed Glenmoril Wyrd was revealed- and things were not as they appeared with those Imperial “ladies.” Now- with Athynae resting, Athlain has time to reflect upon the frantic hours of the previous night.

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

As Athynae slept, I remembered. I remembered the events of the previous night, the ones I had told and the ones I had not. Watching her untroubled sleep, the color coming back now to her cheeks, I thought of the other innocent.

When I had arrived at the Altar in the cold light of the moons, Etienne had awaited me. She stepped aside, revealing the bound form of a young girl upon the stone table. The raven-clad woman had smiled at me then, showing teeth that glowed white in the darkness. She seemed to revel in my horror, and spoke in a low voice:

“Greetings, Imperial soldier! The Rite is nearly complete!”

She gestured like a conjurer making a pass- or a merchant hawking his goods.

“Behold the innocent upon the Altar. Beautiful, isn’t she? A Nord, a very nice specimen. She still lives- just barely. Your next step is simple- you must kill the innocent, remove her heart, and give it to me. You may use the dagger there on the Altar, or another- any blade will do.”

Her eyes glinted in the moonlight and her smile grew still wider:

“I did tell you that the Rite would require the sacrifice of both flesh and innocence- did I not?”

And she threw her head back and laughed, a malicious croaking that was swallowed by the night. I wanted to wrap my hands around her throat, to throttle that harsh sound forever. But- too much depended upon me. I would beg- I would negotiate- but this- I would not do. Placing my hand on Athynae’s silver blade where I had sheathed it at the small of my back, I protested:

“If a sacrifice is required, a life for a life, take mine and let this girl- and Athynae- go free!”

Etienne smirked at me, shaking her head, her voice filled with mock regret:

“It is not so simple, young Redoran. It must be an innocent for an innocent. You have the blood of many on your hands, do you not?”

“What do you mean? I know Athynae has harmed no one since this curse fell upon her, but before that? Surely she has slain…?” I stopped as the woman shook her head.

“Nay, my fine hero. Though she perhaps has the will, she has never faced the need. A shadow goes ever before her- or behind her, as the case may be. She has a guardian even more deadly than you....”

A terrible, necessary determination came over me, and the Glenmoril sister seemed to divine my thoughts.
“So you think to murder your love instead of this stranger. And how is that better or more just- killing one innocent instead of another?”

My resolve strengthened and I stood straighter:

“Because it is the choice she would make if I asked her- as I will.” Even as I spoke, I pictured the events in my mind. I would explain to Athynae; she would insist that I give her the silver dagger and leave. She would then take the only honorable course left to her. And I- I would wait, and then open my veins with my own dagger so that we would be together for all time.

But Etienne would not be thwarted; with a scream of fury, she picked up the ceremonial blade from the Altar. “No! You will not cheat me- you will not cheat Boethiah of this prize!”

Quick as thought, Athynae’s dagger was in my hand. The silver blade spun in the moonlight and transfixed Etienne’s throat, sinking to the hilt. Her eyes blazed black and then- red. As the life force drained out of her, her features seemed to melt and flow- and she was revealed as an ancient Dunmer instead of an Imperial. My mind whirled; I did not understand what had just happened- why had she said I would not “cheat Boethiah”? What did the Daedric prince of plots and murder have to do with this?

And then, the enormity of what had happened washed over me like a wave and I fell to my knees. I had saved my honor only to ensure Athynae’s death. There was no cure- it had been a web of deceit from the beginning. But no- Korst had believed the Glenmoril Wyrd possessed the knowledge I needed. I would go to him and…. A sound stopped my racing thoughts- a weak moan. At first, I thought it must be the false “Etienne,” breathing her last. But when I rose to finish her, I saw the girl on the Altar, shivering in the cold.

Athynae was perhaps lost to me- but I would not let this girl die. I was a healer as well as a warrior. A knight was charged to protect the innocent, and so I would. I sliced through her bonds and wrapped her in my spare cloak, lifting her down out of the wind. Propping her against me, I opened a healing potion and poured it between her lips. She shuddered, coughed, shuddered again- and then opened blue eyes and stared up at me. A look of horror crossed her features and she buried her face in my chest. For some unknown time, I just held her, letting her sob and shake.

When she quieted, I asked her name.

“B… Britte,” she whispered. “I was visiting family- I came from Skyrim. I saw a raven and knew it was supposed to be an omen. I… I wanted it to tell me my future, so I followed it. But then, those… women… grabbed me and bound me and carried me off to a cave.”

Telling her story, along with the restorative potion, seemed to give her strength, and she went on:

“They kept me there for several days, tossed in a corner with,” she paused and shuddered again, “with some bodies. At first, I thought they were going to kill me, too, but they talked as if I was not even there.”

She turned to look at me and her eyes grew even wider. “They were talking about you and about Hircine and someone named ‘Athynae’ and how Boethiah had directed them to spoil the Great Hunt. They murdered the real Glenmoril Sisters and took their place. They were going to fool you and get you to… to… kill me.”

My own tears spilled then as I told Britte, “In that at least, they failed. But, by killing ‘Etienne,’ I have also sealed Athynae’s doom. There never was a cure for lycanthropy and I know she will die before she will become a werewolf.”

The girl straightened and said, “But there IS! There is a cure- I heard them say so. One of them- the one whose cloak was reddish, said, ‘He will have no need of that. Let it rot with those Imperial meddlers.’ And she threw a scroll in with the bodies- and with… me.”

“Britte- are you sure? And do you know where the cave was, where they held you?”

She looked at me oddly and said, “Of course I’m sure. I listened to everything, hoping for a way out of there. And you already know where the cave is. You have been there. I heard you talking to those… women. It is where they have that huge cauldron. I thought they were going to cook me in it.”

Much as I wanted to race off and find the scroll, I could not leave Britte alone. And even if I could have done- Athynae- or Mother- or Father- would have killed me if they ever found out. I gave her another restorative and asked:

“Can you use a Divine Intervention scroll?”

She nodded and I told her, “We are going to the Imperial Cult shrine at Fort Frostmoth. Can you get back to your family from there?”

“Oh yes. They are in the new colony at Raven Rock. I can take the boat.”

After making sure Britte was safe, I returned to the cave. The false Isobel and Fallaise had cleared out, leaving the cauldron and, in a dark corner, the bodies of three Imperial women, so shapeless and small as to look like bundles of twigs. And among the bodies was a scroll.

Petals of monkshood (also called wolfsbane), gathered at dawn
Ripe berries of the belladonna (these need not be fresh, so long as they were ripe when gathered)
Hackle lo
Holly berries
Water from a free-running river or stream
Mix all and let stand in a clear vial under the light of the moons


Here Ends Chapter 15

This post has been edited by treydog: Jan 28 2012, 05:40 AM

[Black Hand]

The firmness of Athlain's moral center against the Prince of Plots is astounding and well represented in this post.

An even deadlier guardian you say? Wonder who...

[McBadgere]

*Does excited dance*...I got the crossover...Raven's Rock...That's where Seth is isn't it?...

Brilliant...

Sooo brilliant...

I like his "I will do anything for love, but I won't do that..." stance...Good man that Athlain...

Nice one!!,.. ...

*Applauds heartily*...

[Black Hand]

*Does excited dance*...I got the crossover...Raven's Rock...That's where Seth is isn't it?...

Yes and no.

Trey and Seth are parallel Characters. Since they are both the hero in Morrowind, our stories are two separate universes. However, the characters are each in the others stories, pretty much the same characters, minus the Nerevarine aspect.

Athlain is in my story as well,...though minus this whole, incredible story. I haven't written him in per se, but he's there just the same, as well as Serene Sarethi and her whole family.

[McBadgere]

OOooh, multiversing...Like it... ... ...Oh hell...*Slaps forehead...Again...*...Yes, someone did tell me...Duh...

Fair enough...Cheers for that...

*Applauds*...

[Grits]

What Black Hand said. Athlain’s strength here is astonishing. His terrible, necessary determination, as he so simply and powerfully puts it.

I think this part works so well as a memory, removed from any sense of what-happens-next. It’s all about experiencing Athlain’s choice with him.

Also,
A shadow goes ever before her- or behind her, as the case may be. She has a guardian even more deadly than you....”

*shiver*

[Darkness Eternal]

Okay, new chapter reviews. It's still taking me awhile to catch up throughout the whole story. And so far, it may seem it's more on the human side. I can tell you that my stories with werewolves are always pro Hircine, pro-hunt and pro-Lycanthrope and anti-human. But I guess you have to relate to someone, right?

And why oh why does she have to cure Lycanthropy? It's a gift of Hircine to elevate mortals above normal!

But enough of my anti-human rambling. Here is my thoughts:

She had seen me walk away too many times- more to the point, giving her my back then, as she struggled against the disease and against Hircine’s insidious prompting, would be an insult.

I enjoyed this. The "insidious prompting" made it juicy.

I did tell you that the Rite would require the sacrifice of both flesh and innocence- did I not?”

“If a sacrifice is required, a life for a life, take mine and let this girl- and Athynae- go free!”

Interesting part indeed. I like how you somehow made the Glenmoril Witches to be the false version of the real deal. Yet the concept of sacrifice is not far fetched. It's interesting how Hircine requires a sacrifice of flesh. In Daggerfall, for a werewolf to sustain itself, they had to kill an innocent person to survive or else they might lose their own health. Same for Bloodmoon, although just a mortal sacrifice would suffice. Hircine is also known as the Sacrifice of Mortals, makes sense he wants his Hounds and children to kill people, since their the only sacrifice he finds acceptable. And they do it in the name of the hunt, so I loved that little instance.

Now, onto the character in the story. I find it intriguing how the selflessness in the second quote is presented. She's not enamored by the ideas

Thanks for the welcome, by the way. But in all honesty, I love Elder Scrolls mostly because of the werewolves. Hell, only because of werewolves. So you're story was a bonus in my opinion and it is based on an island where Hircine hosts a hunt for his children? That in and of itself is badass. Now I must read about the character more. Back to the first page.

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: Jan 28 2012, 06:16 PM

[Olen]

Daedric princes galore. There must be some sort of get together up there. Boethia might not have been the best one to have to thwart, but I doubt he will be too bothersome before things come to a head with Hircine which has been foreshadowed most well in this chapter.

“I did tell you that the Rite would require the sacrifice of both flesh and innocence- did I not?”

My ramble starts here I think. Interesting that he was willing to pay any price but backed off from exchanging a life for a life. I'm sure there is some parallel to be drawn between refusing to sacrifice one innocent to save another while being quite happy to kill smugglers, raiders, lunatics, bandits etc en mass to keep himself alive. I'm quite sure he doesn't see it, yet, but when he does he might find himself more like his old man than he knows.

The question of innocence is an interesting one too. As yet Athynae hasn't killed anyone, she's done plenty healing but never killing. I suspect that might end soon, it will be interesting to see how she deals with it. I suspect it might cause further changes in their relationship when she eventually has to. He on the other hand is very much not innocent but that seems to catch the 'rebirth through ordeal' (as you so neatly phrased my comment) which recurs in this piece. It reaches right back to his leaving and very definitely with Carbo who carved him into the man he is now. In many ways his entire time on the island is a rebirth through ordeal and coming of age. I wonder how much Trey will recognise his boy now, and what he will think of the changes.

And now I suspect on to the final push. This has developed into much more than just seeking the captain now, it's a matter of his faith and in many ways his self that is on the line against the hunt. Of course I'm sure a bit of vengeance might be appreciated too. Makes me wonder about his 'hunting' for the captain, 'getting' Azura and almost certainly wanting some degree of vengeance - are the daedra actually winning?

Before I become totally incoherent I'll say this: Great stuff.

[mALX]

WHEW !!! Just WHEW !! Powerful Write !!! Awesome !!!!

showing teeth that glowed white in the darkness.

"Where did you go? Ah yes, there you are ... " (Lili Von Shtupp)

This post has been edited by mALX: Jan 29 2012, 04:34 PM

[minque]

WoW! That was a mighty ending of chapter 15! Athlain is absolutely right, Athynae would never let him kill an innocent girl, her Redoran honor would forbid it. But still the clever young man succeeded very well in getting the proper potion, as we already know!

Wonderful wonderful writing!

And...speaking of crossovers and parallell universes...yes, Trey, Athlain and Sethyas Velas are all in my story...which shall be continued...soon

(I just have to ask someone something, )

[treydog]

@Black Hand- Thank you so much. When I know “how the story turns out,” it is difficult to convey how desperate Athlain was. Yet, at the same time, the decision was not hard. He could not imagine any world in which Athynae would accept the “gift” of an innocent life in exchange for her own.

“A more deadly guardian”- mysteries abound.

@McBadgere- Many thanks! As noted, there are a few crossovers going on with this one. What can I say, I am like a pack-rat dachshund- I see someone else’s shiny characters and want to borrow them. In fact, Athynae is the first such borrowing- as she is actually minque’s creation. Then there is Serene. And also a whole chapter featuring haute ecole rider’s Julian of Anvil (and where IS haute, anyway?) And Sethyas- well, he is so compelling in his own right- and his life is so intertwined with Athynae’s- that he has to be here. He has made at least ONE earlier appearance in this story, a fact which will be referenced in the upcoming chapter.

@Grits- I depend upon you to tell me when I have managed to paint the picture I want. The choice of remembering, rather than telling in “present tense,” was one of those fortunate accidents- it just worked out that way. That deadly shadow will be given more time upon this stage, as well.

@Darkness Eternal- One of the early questions from a reader, as chapter after chapter appeared, with no sign of shape-shifting critters- “I thought Bloodmoon was about werewolves- where are they?” And they are actually fairly rare even in this game, until the player progresses some way on the main quest.

There is a lot tied up in the first quote you cite- not least, Athlain’s feelings of guilt that Athynae is in this situation.

The idea that the Glenmoril Wyrd he meets are false came from a question that bothered me. “If they worship Hircine, why would they be willing to thwart his wishes?” That became even more pointed as we began to show that Athynae is not “just another” potential Hound. So- I did some reading and came up with an answer that is certainly outside of the game- but not outside of TES- someone plotting to put Hircine’s Great Hunt awry. And welcome once more.

@Olen- Yes, the 3E 4—Daedric Prince Convention held on lovely Solstheim. As always, you see the complexity of Athlain’s values. He does not necessarily value “life,” although the deaths at his hands DO bother him- and yes, much like they bother Trey. One of the “big secrets” of Athynae which maybe was not so secret, was the fact that she had not killed anyone. Athlain rather foolishly assumed, given the nature of Solstheim, and the time she spent looking for him, that she must have done. The fact that he never asked says something about how he views even “justified killings.”

The discussion of rebirth and change and vengeance- wow. Thank you for reading as deeply as you do. That you are willing to do so tells me that my attempt to write interesting characters is working.

@mALX- Thank you. And….Blazing Saddles!? ROFL

@minque- If the “kids are alright,” it is because of how- and by whom- they were raised. Whether Athlain realizes it yet or not, he is following very much the path his father did- perhaps with SLIGHTLY less whining. It has pleased me tremendously to be able to weave all of these stories and characters together- while keeping true to who they are.

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Interlude 16

Athynae’s journal, inside cover:

To Her Highness the Princess of Trouble,

Congratulations on completing your fourth year. A very Happy Birthday to you. Fill these pages with memories so you can look back and remember you were once a child.
Uncle S

Written in her own hand just beneath the note:

The ony reezen he sez he mayd me that is cuz I git into all most az much trouble az he duz an if thas troo then good I will be her highness princess of trouble forever.

Page 1
I got it I got it I got my bow from the ahemssa mama sed I culd have it when I gro up an I got it two day at my birthday cele sela pardy. I am going hunting az soon az I can git a way frum lidea

I went hunting fond a beetle got a arow and put it on the string and pulled then uncle seth showed up and made me not shoot it and ast me if I was trying to kill myself I was not shoting the arrow backward he is so mean sometimes he brought me home and made me give him my bow until he culd lern me how to use it.

Page 2

I ges befour I put a lot of stuf in here the most portant thing is the story bout how I becam a princess cuz I never ever never wanna four get that story it wuz tha most portant day of my life.


From the Prophecies of the Hunter:

Night rejects the false mistress
Refuses itself from her sight

The moons hide their faces
From the one who spurned their gift

The fickle bride finds that darkness
Is no longer her friend

A scene on Vvardenfell:

The Dunmer appeared at the door of Indarys Manor. He spared a glance for Baria, but no words. Trey looked at him for a long moment and asked simply, "Is it time?" At the other's nod, he took his cloak from the hook by the door, kissed his wife, and stepped outside with the assassin.

This post has been edited by treydog: Feb 4 2012, 01:36 PM

[mALX]

A scene on Vvardenfell:

The Dunmer appeared at the door of Indarys Manor. He spared a glance for Baria, but no words. Trey looked at him for a long moment and asked simply, "Is it time?" At the other's nod, he took his cloak from the hook by the door, kissed his wife, and stepped outside with the assassin.

Gasp !! What is this then? URGH !!! More I say !!! MORE !!!