Blood on the Moon, A Journey of Discovery Options

[mALX]

Wait, was that a thu’um when he gave his battlecry? His Nord ancestry perhaps?

This was my favorite line:

or in determining whether I was myself edible.

I am loving these quests! I didn't know about any of them!!!! Awesome write!!!!

[D.Foxy]

Many writers can describe the fury of combat, but few indeed are those who can fuse that with the beauty of the environment .... and the culture which that environment spawns.

You have got the Nordic Mood perfectly, Trey. Congrats.

[minque]

Treydoggie, my oldest writing-friend, at last I got some time to read through the last installments, it seems as my time to read all the great literature in this section gets less and less....hmm at the moment I have an excuse anyway, preparing for the arrival of My Norwegian Princess takes its time!

Anyway I enjoyed the read immensely! Since I once played all those quests I'm so thrilled to see how Athlain copes. And he copes well, Athynae would be proud of him, really!

A quote that mde me smile, so typical trydoggish

“I hope you are the Good Beast, because if you aren’t, I’m going to be very sorry in a few seconds.”

[Olen]

Now back to the Skaal, certainly the test of loyalty has shaped Athlain rather and seen a shift in the direction and feel of the story. He is a particularly good character, to the extent that I can not only guess with fair certainty what he'll do but why and what his thoughts on it will be. Though exactly how much beyond the game will go on I am fascinated to see.

Athynae was safe at Indarys Manor.

Is he sure... I suspect something will be happening, I even suspect that there might be a hint in the coming interlude. *beseeching puppy eyes*

wearing 60 pounds

Rather him than me. A minor thing and really a point of preferance but in general I find it smotther when numbers are written in full.

Anyway I want to see what comes next.

[treydog]

@hazmick- Thank you- every now and again I like to let Athlain unleash the Breton “suffering artist” part of his heritage. You will really enjoy the entire GOTY. One thing- be careful when you sleep after installing Tribunal… Keep a weapon and some restorative potions handy.

@Acadian- I am always pleased when my words are able to paint an effective picture for you. And I very much want this story to be about much more than the fighting…. I hope to emulate yourself and the other brilliant writers here, who write such wonderful conversations and human interactions. And yes, he is finally beginning to free himself of his discontent and unhappiness. That Skaal shaman knows what he is about…

On the Conjurer line, I should really give a hat-tip to Julian of Anvil- I guess that is a staple of Legion basic training that she and Athlain both absorbed…

@mALX- And another place where I owe some credit to another writer. Yes, I was reading Destri’s story again and that thought occurred to me. I already had the “inarticulate cry” in place- just added the (imagined?) paralyzing effect. Of course, Imperials have the Voice of the Emperor power, as well…. So a combination Breton-Imperial-Nord warrior mage on a Skaal vision-quest might discover all sorts of things.

@D. Foxy- Thank you. That is high praise- every writer wants to know that s/he has achieved the desired result.

@minque- Kitties require lots of attention, as our own Juneipurr is prone to remind us at 2:30 a.m. It warms my heart (and Athlain’s, too) to know that you are still watching over us. It has been quite a ride- and it has some time yet to go. I am having a vision- I see Athynae and Serene’s creator with a cup of tea and a sleeping kitty- and they are in front of a computer- writing. And my predictions always come true!

@Olen- You note the less-reliable nature of Athlain’s predictive powers- that is definitely a significant moment. The Interlude has a small hint…

@All- Athlain has finished the difficult Test of Loyalty for the Skaal, and believes that he is close to learning the missing Captain’s whereabouts… But there are old problems that must also be solved- and new people to meet- read on to find out what I mean.

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

Interlude 13

Indarys Manor, Vvardenfell District, Morrowind:

Baria looked quizzically at the girl- “No,” she corrected herself, “the young woman,” standing before her. She took in the armor, the well-worn hilt of the katana rising over her left shoulder - and the striking red hair that went surprisingly well with her blend of Dunmer and Imperial features.

“Yes, Athynae? How can I help you? Are your parents well?”

The usually poised daughter of Serene and Athyn Sarethi fidgeted, right hand twisting the Imperial Legion bracer she wore on her left arm. Finally she straightened and clasped her hands in front of her like a child about to recite a lesson.

“Aunt Baria… I request sanctuary.”


A letter sent from Solstheim to Indarys Manor, Vvardenfell (a portion):

…have considered the problem and realize this is the honorable course. It was wrong to leave it up to you and Mother; I should fight my own battles. This letter will likely find you before I reach Ebonheart, as there are some things I still must do here on Solstheim.


Legion Report on the "Raven Rock Incident" (a portion):

In conclusion, it is my firm belief that Agent Treyson’s actions in no way reflect badly upon the Legion. While it is true that he was working in his own interests, and those of the Company, rather than for the Legion, it is also true that the results were beneficial to the Empire and to this particular region. Other questions that have been raised in some quarters are beyond the scope of my orders and are not germane to this report.

Respectfully submitted,

Julian of Anvil, Pilus Prior, Legio VI, Skyrim

[hazmick]

Julian of Anvil, Pilus Prior, Legio VI, Skyrim

STORY CONNECTION ALERT! READER INTEREST AND EXCITEMENT LEVELS CRITICAL! MORE STORY NEEDED TO AVERT OVERLOAD! please?

[mALX]

Julian of Anvil, Pilus Prior, Legio VI, Skyrim

STORY CONNECTION ALERT! READER INTEREST AND EXCITEMENT LEVELS CRITICAL! MORE STORY NEEDED TO AVERT OVERLOAD! please?

DITTO !!!!

[Acadian]

trey, how can you drop so many questions and intriguingly delicious hints in so few words? This is gonna be good!

[haute ecole rider]

And how!

I've been remiss in commenting the past few days, but not in keeping up with my reading. The last few updates here have been wonderful, trey! I loved this reiteration of the old Aesop's fable of the lion with the thorn in his paw, especially with Athlain's thoughts about whether or not the bear was the Good Beast.

[SubRosa]

Oh noes! I was so busy blasting super-mutants in the ruins of D.C. that I missed this!

and the sober realization that this was not simply a game
It's not?

Once again, the Good Beasts will feed the Skaal when they are hungry, clothe them when they are cold, and protect them in times of need.
Here you have accurately described one of the basic tenants of core-shamanism. Animals are gods, who have come to earth as flesh and blood. Killing and eating them returns them to their divine Otherworld, and as such is a holy rite that joins the earthly with the divine. For example, among the Ainu, their word for sacrifice means "to send away". It should come as little surprise that many forms of shamanic initiation involve the shaman being killed by an animal, and then reborn with their new power.

I also see that Julian is getting around! I wonder whose F she will appear in next? Perhaps we should take bets?

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Sep 6 2010, 05:17 AM

[minque]

AWESOMEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

So Thyna seeks sanctuary...with her mother in law to be??? That is really very interesting, hmmmm. AND the appearance of the most handsome distinguished redguard lady Julian...makes me speechless..gah I got an idea now...hehehe

S.G.M

[Remko]

Loved the Julian of Anvil cameo
The rest was "pretty good" too

[Olen]

Well you managed a fairly high revelation density there... and a Julian Cameo. That was an excellent (and now connects Hautes (and Subrosa's) fiction to the rest though with a slight time wibble). And Athlain's been cleared of dessetion by the sound of it.

It's the middle section which strikes me as most portentious, I think I know who it's from but can't see how he'd have posted it, if I'm right it would be the first contact with his father for a while so maybe it's not from him. But then... well I'm most confused though I'm sure explaination will be forthcoming.

As Minque said: SGM.

[mALX]

It will be a great day
When Athynae
Meets Julian of Anvil
So it will!!!!

This post has been edited by mALX: Sep 6 2010, 03:54 PM

[treydog]

Everyone- I considered delaying this a bit longer, just to see how much I could ratchet the tension. But then I thought better of it, because if I don’t hurry, Julian will probably hamstring me as a way of keeping me confined to my writing chair….

The first order of business, then, is a heartfelt “thank you” to haute ecole rider for allowing me to borrow Julian for my story. The idea grew from a casual comment I made in re Julian’s time in Skyrim and the shaky command structure at Fort Frostmoth. Once the seed was planted, I became convinced it was worth nurturing. And haute was wonderfully generous enough to allow me to go forward- and to provide valuable assistance and input.

Second, a note about time. As Olen has pointed out, my timeline does not match with haute’s- or anyone else writing an Oblivion story, really. In fact, it does not match the Bethesda timeline. That is one reason I have been vague about dates- but it can be deduced that Blood on the Moon takes place at least 20 years after Morrowind, which would make it 3E 448 or so. And that is a date that does not exist, except in my alternate universe, where time and events run differently.

As to Julian’s role- all I will say is “read and find out.” As is often the case, I have only the most basic plan and a couple of scenes in mind right now. This will be yet another “journey of discovery” for myself, as well as for you. I hope it meets your expectations.

@hazmick- I wondered who would be the first to see the “Easter egg,” and what the reaction would be. It has been all I could have wished. Hope the following will prevent the “Crossover Crisis.”

@mALX- Thank you so much. Although I am not sure if Athynae and Julian will actually meet in this story… There would surely be some sparks if they did- what with Athynae trying to “rescue” her sweet Athlain from the “Legion bully”- who is just trying to do her job. Hmmmm….

@Acadian- My original concept for this story, long since abandoned, was to have it consist entirely of “documentary” material- i.e., the Interludes. Even though that fell by the wayside, I still like to provide cryptic hints and fragments that pose more questions than they answer. And parts of this chapter will use that method again.

@haute- Again, my thanks for your willingness to indulge my madness and for allowing me to drag Julian along… The Good Beast- there are LOTS of bears on Solstheim, even though only a few are white. And someone as prone to skepticism as Athlain would almost have to wonder- “OK, it’s a bear. But how do I know it’s the RIGHT bear?”

@SubRosa- Welcome back, Lone Wanderer! Of course it’s not just a game! My descendant, Three-Dog, assures me that is so. The lines you noted are directly from the game- someone at Bethsoft apparently did their homework. You never can tell where Julian will appear- for a recovering addict with a bum knee, she sure gets around!

@minque- I knew you would like that bit. Athlain’s plan was good in most ways- the fatal flaw is that his “intended” is now with his mother- and his sisters(!)

@Remko- Thank you- and I am so happy to see more Rales and Zerina.

@Olen-You are correct about the timeline issue; see above. As to the purpose of the investigation, it will be revealed- eventually. The second note was written by Athlain- the meaning will have to wait for a while.

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

Chapter 13

“Agent Treyson, you are not under arrest, nor are you required to answer my questions. However, the Legion and the Empire would appreciate your assistance with our inquiries. If you so desire, you may request counsel before we proceed. Do you understand what I have just explained to you, sir?”

I looked at the tall Redguard Pilus Prior seated across the table from me and tried to read some clue from her demeanor. It was hopeless- her face gave away nothing- green eyes held my gaze steadily, and her mouth was set in a straight line. She did not frown or smile, she just- waited- as if she had all the time in the world, and nowhere she would rather be than that small office at Fort Frostmoth.

My eyes moved from her face, framed by close-cropped black hair, to her uniform. The helmet on the table bore the device of Legio VI, so I knew she must have come from Skyrim. Despite her recent sea-voyage, the uniform was spotless and every bit of metal gleamed as if it had just come from the manufactory. She was, in every way, the image of an ideal Legion non-commissioned officer- tall, straight, muscular, clear-eyed and clear-voiced. In some indefinable way, she reminded me of Senior Trooper Carbo, and I idly wondered if the Legion had some secret facility that produced such consummate soldiers ready-made.

“Agent Treyson? Sir? I ask again- do you understand your rights and responsibilities as regards this inquiry? I should add that if you have any question regarding my right to conduct this interview, I am acting under orders. Do you require counsel, sir?”

I waved away the question and focused on her eyes again. Green eyes, unyielding as High Rock granite…. My mother’s eyes were green, as well, and no counsel could have saved me from one of her “inquiries,” either. Surely that was a sign, though I could not decide if it was good or bad. Finally, I straightened my shoulders and said clearly and firmly:

“I understand my rights and responsibilities. Please proceed.”

The Redguard acknowledged my statement with a quick nod and then turned to the clerk who had seated himself behind her.

“You may go. If I determine that an official witness is necessary, I will send for you.”

Her voice was low and pleasant, but there was steel at its core and the clerk made no protest. He took his writing supplies and left the room, closing the door quietly behind him. Julian laid out her own quill and ink, along with some small, blank leaves of parchment.

Taking the quill in her left hand, she wrote slowly, as if the effort was painful. She made no attempt to conceal the words, and I was quite adept at reading upside down.

23 Frostfall

Inquiry into diverse events occurring on or about the island of Solstheim and pertaining to the East Empire Company’s Raven Rock Colony.

Location: Fort Frostmoth, Solstheim

Lead Investigator- Julian of Anvil, Pilus Prior, Legio VI

Subject- Athlain Treyson, Agent, Deathshead Legion, detached

No one else present at this session

Inquiry opens.

She stopped writing, saying:

"The Legion loves their paperwork. If you and I don't suffer through this now, they'll make us do it over again until we get it right.”

She then set quill and paper aside and focused on me.

“Start with how you came to work for the East Empire Company."

* * *

Deponent further states that he was informed by Falco Galenus, EEC Deputy, that evidence existed of Carnius Magius’ corruption. Agent Treyson did not himself see any such evidence at that time, but was asked by Deputy Galenus to “make a choice” as to whom he would assist as regarded the Raven Rock Colony. Deputy Galenus explicitly cast the decision as taking sides with either himself or with Factor Magius. Deponent states that he considered the matter briefly and chose to aid Deputy Galenus.

Note: Agent Treyson noticeably uncomfortable re: Factor Magius, and rather vague re: reasoning behind decision to assist Deputy Galenus. Avenue for further inquiry at later session? Transcript resumes.

One of the first actions undertaken by Agent Treyson was to suggest building a general trader’s shop for the colony, as opposed to a smithy. His work with the EEC was then interrupted by Legion duties- specifically, determining if the Nords indigenous to Solstheim had knowledge of, or were complicit in, the attack on Fort Frostmoth and the disappearance of Captain Falx Carius. Agent Treyson met with Skaal villagers and was required to undertake a Test of Loyalty (see Addendum D) before they would provide any information. Upon completion of this Test, Agent Treyson returned to the Skaal village.

The Pilus held up her hand to signal a halt. “Let’s take a break. Do you want some water? Or would you prefer tea?”

I was not sure that her quick eyes missed my momentary flinch at the word “tea,” but I hoped so. To cover the lapse, I stretched and agreed:

“Yes, all this talking is thirsty work. Tea would be wonderful.”

The clerk was called back in to prepare the tea, and we remained silent while he fussed with the pot and cups.

All too quickly, the respite was over; Julian returned to her seat and I did the same. I had no idea what she was like on the parade ground, but she was certainly tireless and invincible in that interview room. When I had made myself as comfortable as I could, she glanced at the last page of her cryptic notes and said,

“Very well, sir. You returned to the Skaal village. In your own words- what happened next? Feel free to consult your journal, if you like.”

Her face was composed in an expression of polite interest, which did a remarkable job of concealing her actual thoughts. I took a deep breath and resumed the story.

[hazmick]

Yes, yes and a thousand times yes! I found Athlain being crippled by Julian's silent power quite entertaining, you and Haute have done a great job with her time in Solstheim. I hope Athlain can survive the rest of the interview!

[mALX]

@mALX- Thank you so much. Although I am not sure if Athynae and Julian will actually meet in this story… There would surely be some sparks if they did- what with Athynae trying to “rescue” her sweet Athlain from the “Legion bully”- who is just trying to do her job. Hmmmm….

...Maybe that is how Julian's knee got injured...????



And...GAAAAAAH! Not enough...MORE... * mALX imploded in front of PC *


*

This post has been edited by mALX: Sep 6 2010, 08:34 PM

[Acadian]

This was great fun.

I care not a whit for making the times or all the details match up when characters cross stories. It is plenty good to imagine that this happened when Julian was still in the Legion, well in advance of her current story. I applaud you both. It was fascinating to see Julian in the prime of her Legion career.

Athlain, as ever, was wonderful. Like someone else I know, one of the times that he shines brightest is when being used as a vessel or foil to draw out the beauty of another character. Athlain's spirit is so selflessly giving in that way. It is one of the things that make him so very, very endearing.

[Black Hand]

Wow! Thats one heck of a character cameo/inclusion (have no idea what the depth of her involvement will be.) Well done yet again Trey.

[Remko]

That is one serious hearing. Love how you have consequences to Athlain's "desertion"