Blood on the Moon, A Journey of Discovery Options

[Grits]

LOL baldness.

It was so real that I turned, expecting to find her standing nearby, arms folded and a frown on her face. But the only thing moving nearby was the ungainly form of a horker. I eyed the creature suspiciously, but it simply undulated to a hole in the ice and disappeared, showing no sign of the power of speech.

This flight of fancy on the heels of admitting that he might be delaying is simply priceless. I hope Athynae never learns that he slightly confused her with a horker. Oh wait, too late.

Not only the arrows, but an overstuffed belly made the beast sluggish. I gritted my teeth and tried not to think of what it had dined upon.

Ugh. And someone’s leg. This fight was even more horrifying because it was so personal.

At the beginning of this segment, Athlain chafed at being told what to do for the Skaal test. When Svenja started to tell him about his last chieftain task, he seemed like he was politely declining. Then she explained the problem, and he volunteered before he knew what the task was. This progression was a delight to watch.

Athynae captivates from the first paragraph. Her descriptions of how she feels Athlain’s presence from a distance and pushes her thoughts out to him made perfect sense to me.

The note had me rolling. Technically, it is truthful. She did borrow a few books. I love this girl!!

[Thomas Kaira]

Athynae... more story... NOW.

That's all I can say.

EDIT: I sent a little analysis to Athynae via way of PM, but I think it would be nice if I were to post it here, too.

You wrote from the heart. You made the words into precisely your own, with your own style, and your own personal methods of conveyance.

What I especially loved was just how unpretentious and honest you were about that. Not only is it refreshing to see an author who is not afraid to be him (or her) self (which is why I frequent this site) in the text, it says a lot for the character you are writing about. After reading just the first paragraph, I knew I was reading something truly unique, and I cannot possibly ask any more out of a writer, especially an aspiring one.

Take me for example, I am very direct and to the point, and I reflect that in my own personal writing style. My stories tend to be fast-paced because of that. You, on the other hand, take the time to savor every thought and feeling going through your character's head. We get to see Athynae for exactly who she is, and you have pulled it off beautifully.

What I'm worried about right now is just how high you've set the bar for your writing. But you know what? I'm not THAT worried.

This post has been edited by Thomas Kaira: Jul 13 2011, 05:21 AM

[Athynae]

TK-Thank you, again, ditto to all I replied to you in the PM. And I trust that if ever I post something that doesn't quite hit the "bar" that you will be the first to let me know. (But trey will need a good drag through the mud as well since he reads EVERYTHING first-hehe). I will be the first to say constructive criticism is ALWAYS welcome, there's no way to improve if you are unaware of what you are doing wrong.

EVERYONE- Again thank you for all of the comments regarding Athynae's contribution, I don't quite know what to say other than that. I will attempt to do Thyna justice anytime I am given the opportunity to write from her perspective.

Trey- Thank you!! What an awesome experience for me, not only to be here reading all of these incredible stories from authors with so many different views and abilities but also for the opportunity to share my view of Thyna. You are ....well you know.

[minque]

I just wanna say that never in my wildest imagination I thought that Athynae, whom I just invented in a conversation with treydog once, would be a character-star around here! It's simply amazing! So my message to you Athynae and of course treydoggie, my friend and inspirator:

THANK YOU both for making a real person out of an idea and also for making her so vivid and alive!

I just love both of you!

[Athynae]

And I KNOW that I can speak for Trey on this...WE LOVE YOU!!! Thank you for the conversations that brought Athynae into the story, in all truth she is and will always be your creation. I was drawn to her because of Trey and it seems, to a certain degree, I have become her voice. In the end all I have done is give voice to your vision. But know this, I love her, she is a part of me and becomes more so as each day passes.

Honestly in the beginning when I first joined the forum I was simply going to use Thyna to get the pen back in your hand, I believe I have accomplished that (YAY!!! We can't wait!!!) along with so much more!!!!

I DO LOVE YOU MOTHER, and Minque!!!

[SubRosa]

As others have remarked, Athlain taking a token of each Skaal and creating a medicine bag from it was a brilliant inspiration. Also completely in keeping with the rest of his journeys on the island, which have always been as much spiritual and psychological as physical.

The rumors of Athlain's exploits vs. the Duke were priceless! But equally so is Athynae's reaching out to him, and her decision to gear up and go out to find him.

So it will soon be Chief Athlain? I did not see that coming. I wonder what the Legion will think of him becoming a Nordic clan leader?

Athynae's segment was a welcome change in pov. I loved the books in Trey's library. A very clever melding of the forum's stories with the reality within those stories.

I paced the decks like a chained kagouti
This is so her!

[treydog]

First, I want to thank everyone for the warm welcome they have given my guest-writer, Athynae. But it is no more than I have come to expect from this wonderful community. Even so, it is quite overwhelming- the only downside is that I am kicking myself for not enlisting her aid sooner. The good news is- she will continue to provide her insights and her voice to this story- which should help stave off premature hair loss.

@Black Hand- Yes, she can render us speechless…. Must be one of those “powers” granted to half-elven princesses.

@haute- It was also a treat for me to have a different point of view in this story. And we will likely see more of her reflexive shouts at the supposed “heroes” of these tales.

@mALX- You are correct- the player in Oblivion can discover Svenja Snow-singer’s ultimate fate… sadly. Yes, even Athynae’s “mental” presence is quite overwhelming, especially for Athlain. The lines you quote were some of my favorites, also. I wish I could take credit for Svenja’s words- but they are actually in-game. And- because I am a wise old doggie- there will be more of Athynae’s words- in this post and the next.

@Athynae- I will simply call your attention to what others have said…. Your contribution to this story has been far more than just words. And the words you have provided are welcome and wonderful.

@Olen- My humble thanks. I trust you to keep me on track and as a guide to whether the story is “working.” And it was about time to see Trey again- especially from someone else’s perspective.

@Khajiit_Thief01- Thank you so much. And you correctly perceive that discovering the value and the cost of “family” is at the heart of this story. And yes, he could have declined the offer until Svenja “made it personal.” He gives his loyalty to people rather than to entities or institutions. And it was such a joy to me to have Athynae “speak for herself,” especially so eloquently. And yes- Trey and his books…. I wonder if he might plan a trip to Solstheim, after all?

@Acadian- Thank you so much, my friend. No more duels- at least for a little while…. And the only thing better than one peek inside Athynae’s thoughts… is MORE Athynae. Which will be coming up shortly.

@minque- Your happiness with our vision of Athynae is so gratifying. She is very much Serene’s daughter- even as she finds her way towards being her own person. And it is no surprise that the first-born child of the great and wonderful lady of House Redoran is quite wonderful herself…. And as much as anything, your beautiful depiction of Serene, along with our many conversations, brought Thyna to life.

@Grits- Yes well, the fear of hair loss was rather on my mind as I was hastily typing that part…. Oh dear, Athlain may need to do some “clean up” on his journal before Thyna sees that horker confusion. Perhaps he can plead stupidity? The fight is one of the harder ones- even if the Unmentionable does look kind of like someone in a bad gorilla suit. And Athlain inherited that trait of having to be dragged kicking and complaining from his father. And I knew as soon as I saw the words Athynae had written- that I HAD to have them in this story. Thank you so much.

@TK- And your wish shall be granted. “Thank you” seems inadequate as a response to your wonderful words. But know how truly it is meant.

@SubRosa- Athlain’s professed agnosticism has undergone quite a strain- and his spiritual journey has been a surprise to me. At the same time, it has become an essential part of the story. Picturing Athynae contemplating all the rumors was quite fun for me- I could see her exasperated smile quite clearly. As noted, he would have ducked the leadership of Thirsk if he could- but Svenja made an appeal that he could not refuse. And Athynae asked me to tell you how much your words mean to her- thank you.

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Athlain

Though I desperately wanted to delay my confrontation with Aeslip the Draugr Lord, time seemed to press upon me with a renewed urgency. Captain Carius had been missing for some weeks, while I had been entangled at Raven Rock and with the seemingly endless Skaal “tests.” Still, I had fought a difficult foe, and was emotionally exhausted as well. Sleep would not be amiss; I could practically hear ‘Thyna’s acerbic remarks about “not thinking ahead”- and there really was no reason to seek out an undead spell-caster in the dark of night.

Following the practice of master smiths everywhere, Brynjolfr had banked his forge fire, rather than simply letting it go out. Thus, the smithy was still warm and I possessed enough furs to make myself a pallet. It was also a good place to clean and repair my gear. After seeing me settled, Svenja departed for the coast, where she would send for builders and crafters who would restore Thirsk. As a result, I was left alone for a time, with only my own thoughts for company.

As I smoothed away the dents in my shield and scrubbed the grime from my armor, I considered that moment when I thought Athynae had admonished me to pay attention to the task at hand. The words had seemed to come from the air itself- or perhaps from within my mind. There were stories of people who “heard voices”- and they usually did not end well. The gods knew I had been under a strain of late, and that I had been alone entirely too frequently. Perhaps my sanity was slipping at last. Those were the pleasant thoughts with which I beguiled my evening and that carried me to a troubled sleep beneath a bench in the smithy. Worse yet, all through the night, the solidly-built structure seemed to rock like a ship at sea, a sensation that was more disconcerting than unpleasant.

The dawn brought no answers, just a meal of stale biscuit and weak tea. The only spice was a reminder of my responsibilities as I gazed at the column of flame that still rose from the lake. As I strapped on my armor, I wondered if there might ever come a night when my sleep was uninterrupted- followed by a morning where my greatest concern was what to have for breakfast. And that naturally prompted memories of mornings at Indarys Manor, complete with a variety of meats, kwama eggs, breads, and pastries- along with honey or jam. Perhaps at that very moment, Mother was sitting across from ‘Thyna, whose archer’s eye and reflexes were doing good service in preventing my sisters from procuring all the best bits for themselves.

I hoped Mother had ensured an adequate supply of hackle-lo tea- Athynae was a wonderful person, but she was… perhaps… not precisely at her best in the mornings- at least until after she had gotten herself outside of a cup or three of tea. Of course, if she had stayed at Indarys Manor this entire time, it was likely that the retainers had developed the habit of placing a steaming cup on her bedside table before she awoke. Those thoughts, along with the amusing image of my father seated at the table with four redheads, none of whom were exactly- ah “cheerful”- in the morning, carried me outside.

As so often seemed to be the case with prophets- or shamans- Korst’s remarks about the Test of Strength had possessed a high quotient of the disturbing, while at the same time maintaining the correct ratio of vagueness. But what it came down to was that I was supposed to go into a cave either under or near the lake, where I would confront the ancient, evil, unpronounceable monster- which had become active again for the first time in generations- no doubt just for my very own personal benefit and growth. Somehow, I felt like I had already accomplished that task- and I was equally sure that the response to my protests would approximate- “That is very true- but what have you done for me … lately?”

And another question that concerned me- exactly how many caverns might there be that matched that sketchy description? What if I got the wrong one? Somehow I doubted that whatever monsters lived in those caves would just let me get by with an apology and a boyish grin. And of course there would be monsters in every one of the caves- otherwise, why even bother to have a cave? Perhaps if Solstheim had fewer caves, the Skaal would have fewer problems. And perhaps Athynae was not the only one who did not do well on early mornings with an insufficient supply of tea….

At that last thought, I felt a sudden sting on my left ear, exactly as if someone had flicked it with their finger. I turned to look for the culprit, but all I saw was an empty, snow-covered landscape. The experience broke me out of my wallow of self-pity, but did not do much to settle my jangled emotions. Auditory hallucinations were barely acceptable- some of history’s greatest heroes had “heard voices.” But phantasmal physical assaults were too much- especially when they were of the sort that made me feel like a small child chastised for “being cranky.” Perhaps facing an ancient undead wizard would not be so bad, after all.

* * * * *

Athynae

My eyes slowly adjusting to the light coming into my cabin, I reached for the table beside the bed and promptly rolled onto the floor. I rose shaking my head, thinking:

Oh. Ship. Bunk smaller than my bed at Indarys Manor….AND NO HACKLE-LO TEA!!!

Aunt Baria’s retainers had taken to “delivering” my tea before I woke. I guess it was their way of saying:

“Although we are happy to have you here, we don’t like you before you’ve had your tea.”

I wondered if I could resist injuring someone before I got to the galley for a cup. I started to dress and realized the ship had slowed considerably. I looked toward the small porthole and saw dark green trees and snow-covered land. With that sight, the blood began to rush through my ears and my hands started to shake- and it was not due to a lack of tea.

I’m coming Athlain, and I do hope you are not in one of your “states”- paralyzed by thinking about the awful mess you are in!

Then- I couldn’t help it- I reached out and flipped my finger, imagining Athlain standing there, wanting him there so I could REALLY flick his ear like I did when we were kids. That’s what I always did when he started trying to mumble his way out of one of our adventures, like with the cliff racers. In those days, he would try and use his verbal talents to avoid getting involved in my plans. But since he had joined the Legion, he seemed to think he had to do everything himself. I wondered if he was like that because of me. Or maybe he was like that so if he wanted to turn tail and run there wasn’t anyone there to see- or to stop him. But- as soon as that thought came to me, I knew it was false. I was certain that he got scared- even he wasn’t foolish enough to not be afraid, but he was also far too honorable to run. Even when running was a good idea! Idiot!

I shook myself out of my reverie, scrambling to get my things together; there was no time to waste. As soon as the gangway was lowered, I would go straight to the fort; maybe he was still there. Deep down, I knew he wasn’t- he felt… farther. But at least I was making progress; I was getting there, closer than I had been idling the hours away with his sisters.

I heard the sailors shouting and although I couldn’t understand exactly what they were saying, I knew they were calling out the directions to lead us to the dock. The Khajiit shipmaster knocked and spoke:

“Hurry, please. A storm approaches and this one would prefer to have his ship at sea. Make haste.”

“Thank you Captain; I’m almost ready now.”

I gathered Uncle Seth’s memoirs and Mother’s journal and wrapped them tight in a leather pouch that I normally kept my ingredients in, knowing that if his books were damaged in any way Uncle Trey would be less than happy with me. I could always pick up another pouch at Fort Frostmoth. And of course I didn’t want to lose Mother’s journal before I had a chance, or at least was ready, to read it. Whenever that would be. That thought stopped me for a moment. It was not like me to hesitate- that was an Athlain trait. I had heard the old women say that married people became more like one another as they grew old… but- I wasn’t married- and I certainly wasn’t old!

I walked down the ramp, thoughts still whirling. I kept seeing the scenes of death and destruction that had come to me in my dreams at Indarys Manor and the foreboding of danger for Athlain. I didn’t know what it meant; all I knew was that it had drawn me back to Solstheim. I had to get to him before something horrible happened. He was going into danger- alone- and he just could not be smart about it! He needed me, whether he knew it or not.

This post has been edited by treydog: Jul 17 2011, 01:55 AM

[Black Hand]

But phantasmal physical assaults were too much- especially when they were of the sort that made me feel like a small child chastised for “being cranky.” Perhaps facing an ancient undead wizard would not be so bad, after all.

“Although we are happy to have you here, we don’t like you before you’ve had your tea.”

Hmmm. Seems like being a morning person is not traits either family shares...

Regardless, this update was wonderful as usual!! Although what it lacks in action, it makes up for in introspection. Which by no means is a bad thing! Its posts like these that develop the depth of characters and their stories!

Please, continue!

[mALX]

*snip*

WOO HOO! Nice new Avatar Blackie !!!



@ Treydog & Athynae - "I'll be back" (spoken in an Arnold voice) - when I have time to read and digest the new chapter, lol.

[Olen]

which had become active again for the first time in generations- no doubt just for my very own personal benefit and growth.

I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again - I love Athlain's dry humour. It just works so well and like many things in this story does so much more than meets the eye, it lightens the mood a little when needed but that reflects Athlain's character perfectly. And it almost serves as a coping machanism for him, it was perhaps less intense before he came off the skooma but since then when things get dark and a bit heavy he breaks them down with it.

His worrying over his sanity worked well too. It shows how he is managing the island very well but also how much he misses company (one person's particularly I suspect). The mead hall massicre makes that all the more intense. And now he's off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard... oh wait.

Athynae's part was also good. She's drawing closer, but I wonder how much trouble she's going to have in finding him. He certainly knows the island better and will be more accepted by the Skall.

I'll wait and see, SGM

[minque]

Yess yess yess! Lovely just sheer joy to read this....Woooohooo! Watch out Athie..Thyna is COMING...and she's´strong and eager to help, oh my ....just gotta love those two. As Olen said Athlain's dry humour is awesome..and >Athynae...my my..isn't she a wonder? Renie's first born, gah I am so proud of her..but jeez, don't tell her or she will totally head for the stars!

[Athynae]

Nah, not a chance she'd let something like that go to her head Minkie, after all, she's Serene's daughter so that alone keeps her on the ground. It is simply something that must be done, failure is not an option. She is driven just like her Mother to protect those she loves.

[treydog]

OK- post-machine time. Thanks to the wonderful Athynae, I actually had enough for two posts and will gladly continue the hair-loss prevention program....

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Athynae

I made a quick stop at the commissary to grab a pouch for my medicinals and headed deeper into the bailey. The first guard I met was so young, if he hadn’t been in uniform, I would have mistaken him for a child playing pretend. I shook off the thought- there simply wasn’t time.

“Can you tell me where Saenus Lusius might be?”

“Yes ma’am. He’s in the armory trying to make too little go too far, ma’am.”

The conditions of the fort were not much changed since last I saw them, other than some temporary barricades that didn’t appear strong enough to keep out mice, much less the raging beasts that had attacked and caused all of the damage originally. I made my way to the armory as quickly as I could. There was no way I was going to stop any longer than I had to; I didn’t want to see all of the damage or the fear in the soldiers’ eyes. I didn’t need anything else to add to my already inundated brain.

I opened the door to the armory and Saenus was testing the weight of a katana that had definitely seen better days- most of those long ago.

“Saenus?”

“Athynae! What are you doing here at Fort Frostmoth? I thought you had returned to Vvardenfell.”

“It’s a long story, but I need to find Athlain. Is he here?”

“No ma’am. I’m sorry to say he isn’t. He hasn’t been in several days, since the interrogation.”

My heart lurched. What had he done now? What had he done that- oh, by the way- he had neglected to tell me?

“What interrogation?”

“About the death of Carnius Magius. Athlain killed him and they called in this Redguard Pilus prior all the way from Skyrim to interrogate him. You know how they are about the East Empire Company. Julian, her name was- and she made me feel guilty of something just by looking at me. I don’t know what she asked him, but he was in that room for 3 or 4 days from the rising to the setting, sometimes later. And he’d come out lookin’ like he’d faced down Dagoth Ur. But she cleared him, said it was justified, and let him return to duty.”

“Athlain wouldn’t have done it if it weren’t justified, Saenus.”

“Oh, I know only too well, ma’am. That Carnius was bad meat all the way to his black liver.”

“Yes he was, more than you know.” I could see Athlain in the throes of fever as I nursed him and helped him recover from the skooma addiction. I couldn’t help the shiver that ran through me, but Saenus didn’t seem to notice. “I need to know where Athlain is; I must find him quickly.”

“Miss Athynae, he went back up north. Looking for the Captain. Said something about having to go to the Skaal to be tested.

He paused and looked away, unable to meet my eyes as he added:

“But before you go, you need to know what happened at Raven Rock.”

“What? What happened?” I could tell Saenus was battling something inside himself; he wanted me to know, but he felt like he was betraying Athlain’s confidence.

“Whatever it is Saenus, you can tell me. You need to tell me.”

“Yes Miss- but Athlain probably won’t talk about it; it had him pretty tore up.”

“What is it?” I needed to know, I felt sure, but every minute he took telling me was one minute I was losing in getting to the Skaal village.

Saenus told the story in a rush, as if my urgency had imparted itself to him:

“There was an attack; they said it was Skaal, but it wasn’t. Athlain had hired some guards to help protect the mine and Falco. Anyway, somehow they got ‘em trapped in the mine, but some of the miners were still down there too. Athlain and one of those guards he hired went into the mine to get the miners out and take care of the scum what had been trying to kill Falco. They did what they went in there to do, but the guard was killed. Athlain was with him when he died. A dark elf… I don’t know if I ever got his name.”

“A dark elf you say? Where was his home?”

“I guess Khuul; that’s where Athlain took his body for the rites.”

Khuul. I visualized the map of Vvardenfell and traced the route in my head. So after he escorted the body, he went to see the Duke. Meaning he had passed right by Ald’ruhn- and Indarys Manor- and me- TWICE! He really had been that close, and I had known it, had felt him approaching- and receding. Why hadn’t he come home though- just for a little while? I took a deep breath- those thoughts could wait; priority one was finding him. I could decide what to do to him then, after I knew he was safe from the monsters of Solstheim. The “monsters of Vvardenfell,” perhaps not so much…. I brought my gaze back to Saenus and muttered:

“That’s just like Athlain; doesn’t trust anyone to do anything as well as he can. But in this case he could not have allowed himself to do any less.”

“Miss, he’s an officer and a damn good one, if you ask me. He had to take care of his own.”

My mind screamed: And what about taking care of me? He was close enough to throw a stone and hit me with it but he couldn’t “drop by for a cup of tea” at the very least? But all I said was:
“Yes he is.”

As angry as I was at the thought of him being so close, I knew to the heart of me that in his mind he was bound by honor to bring his fallen comrade to his final resting place. It was one of the innumerable reasons I loved him so, but I would hurt him for ignoring me!

“Saenus, what is the quickest way to the Skaal village? I mean is there a faster route than following the river north to the lake and then north some more?”

“Not that I know of, Miss Athynae, unless of course you can sprout wings and fly,” he said with a grin. But the humor did not reach his eyes, and he glanced away from me.

“Is there something you aren’t telling me, Saenus?”

He seemed to misunderstand, perhaps on purpose:

“There aren’t any ships, if that’s what ya mean.” His gaze still avoided mine as he continued in a low voice, “He took it hard, losing that elf, ma’am.”

“I’m sure he did.” And I was also sure it wasn’t just because of honor. It was a bond to him to fight side by side with another person. And I knew there was much more to the story as well, things he had probably not even told Saenus. I could just feel it.

“He blames himself ma’am, and I think Carnius said some things too- scared him- things about his family.”

His intense gaze told me Athlain had not taken what Carnius had said as an idle threat, which was all the more reason for him to feel justified killing the man who had tormented him.

“Saenus, I am sure Athlain will talk to me when I find him, but I NEED to find him!”

“Yes, miss, the north route is the fastest. Actually- it’s the only one I know of.”

“Thank you Saenus.”

This man had helped me with my “hunting of Athlain” twice now. I wondered briefly if there would be more conversations like this with him. Oh dear Sweet Azura, I hoped not!

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully and said,

“I guess if a person had enough levitation potions or spells…”

“That can be quite exhausting, not to mention diminishing my supplies.”

“But it would keep you out of reach of the wolves and bears….”

“Yes, I guess it would. But regardless of how I get there, I need to be on my way. I will see you again.”

“Ma’am?”

“Yes, Saenus”

“Bring him back?”

“WITHOUT A DOUBT! If he….” my breath caught in my throat. ”If… Saenus, I have to go. I will do everything I can to bring him back, even if I have to knock him out and carry him!”

The smile on his face was testament to how he felt about his superior officer “YES MA’AM!!!!”

“Thank you Saenus, for everything.” I considered hugging him for all of his help but I certainly didn’t want to risk giving him the wrong idea. Instead, I just touched his sleeve. “You are a good friend to both of us. Until next we meet.”

“You be careful. Whatever attacked the fort-it’s still out there.”

“I am nothing if not careful.” I thought again of Athlain and how he had a tendency to run headlong into situations without evaluating- without planning. I HAD to keep my head on straight and stop letting all of these thoughts and images distract me. I could hear Uncle Seth, a lesson from a couple years back…

You cannot EVER let your guard down. Focus. You may not “see” it coming, but Thyna, you will always “feel” it as long as you are attentive to your surroundings. You must be in tune with all your senses. If you are, even the slightest change will be noticed.

And he was gone again, almost like he just disappeared into thin air. It always gave me chills when he did that!

I exited the fort and headed north along the river.

[Black Hand]

Indeed.

[mALX]

there really was no reason to seek out an undead spell-caster in the dark of night.

SPEW !!! Love this line !!


***

“Although we are happy to have you here, we don’t like you before you’ve had your tea.”

ROFL !!! Oh yeah, she's a redhead all right !! ROFL !!

I reached out and flipped my finger, imagining Athlain standing there, wanting him there so I could REALLY flick his ear

BWAAAHAAA !!!

he had passed right by Ald’ruhn- and Indarys Manor- and me- TWICE!

Uh oh, this does not bode well for Athlain when Athynae does catch up to him, ROFL !!

The scene with Saenus was so well done, a glimpse at his closeness to the two protagonists and the inkling of that bond continuing and growing closer in the future - Awesome!

[minque]

Uhhhh, Thyna for Nirn's sake! Be brave but do not be foolish! Listen to your mind, I will be there and so will your Uncle Seth! You may need help and support in this and you will have it, I promise.

Awesome both of you! Just plain awesome!

[treydog]

@Black Hand- Athlain is most certainly not a “morning person.” And no amount of Legion training has changed that….

The character-building, besides being of value for itself, is also (I hope) building tension for when the action does commence again.

@mALX- You picked out most of my own favorite moments. And- the next meeting between the A and A team promises fireworks for certain. And I agree- the conversation with Saenus did a lot to show the loyalty and even love that Athynae and Athlain are able to cultivate just by being themselves

@Olen- Thank you so much in regards the dry humor. It is very much an Athlain trait- one he inherited from dear old Dad- though he may not know it. And yes- he has to do something to deal with all the responsibilities- and is fearful of any sort of “medicinal” crutch. And- as you do so often- you catch the key point. Loneliness is beginning to weigh upon him. Whether he “enjoyed” the EEC duties or not- they provided camaraderie. With the loss of Thirsk- and the mistrust of the village Skaal- he feels the isolation more keenly. Thyna’s “Athlain Detector” is working quite well- she could find him under a frozen lake if needful- oh wait.

@minque- She has learned more than Serene ever knew- or perhaps intended. In this case, that is fortunate for Athlain. Thank you- your happiness with who Athynae has become means so much. And your concerns for her are perhaps well-founded- there are forces at work of which she is still unaware.

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Of course, simply muttering, “I’m going. I’m going,” to the world at large- and whatever disembodied assailants stalked me- did not get me any closer to the lair of the draugr. As I tried to solve the riddle of its location, I stared with no great favor at the column of fire. It had certainly served its purpose as a signal- if indeed that had been the intent. Aesliip- or whoever had created the spectacle- had the full attention of the Skaal. The only question was why he wanted it, and I supposed he would answer that if I could find him. Unfortunately, his little demonstration had also melted the ice that had imprisoned the Udyrfrykte, allowing the monster to roam free.

An idea began to take shape, as slowly as the falling snow. I considered the words again- “…the fire melted the ice.” According to Athynae and Svenja, Lake Fjalding’s ice cover was permanent. Not even during what passed for summer on Solstheim did it melt. The only openings were those made by the horkers- or by Skaal whose idea of a good time was to sit out on the ice, dangling a baited line through a hole. Apparently it was a contest to see if they would catch a fish or freeze to death first. The betting was probably lively. Nords were a peculiar race. But all that was beside the point- which was that there was now a large hole in the ice, near the middle of the lake. And Aesliip’s cave was supposed to be under the lake. In other words, I was being given the opportunity to be roasted, frozen, and drowned- all at the same time. And my reward for surviving that ordeal would be a chance to meet with what amounted to an ancient, flesh-eating liche lord.

Despite my complaints, I was actually well-supplied with potions to circumvent the “environmental” problems. With fond familiarity, I raised the flap on the satchel ‘Thyna had given me at the site of the airship crash. The interior was divided into numerous pockets, each of a size to hold a single vial. The center row held restoratives and was raised slightly- which meant that a groping hand would encounter those potions first. Other compartments held resistance potions- including those against fire or frost. As for the problem of going under water, I could count on my own magicka for that.

Because drinking potions with different effects in rapid succession could have… unfortunate… results, I waited until the heat of the fire was almost unbearable, and then swallowed the first one. It was my hope that the cold would not begin to affect me until I had gotten inside the draugr’s cave. When I reached the edge of the ice, I spoke the words of the water-breathing spell and jumped into the green water of the lake.

The silence and the dim light were restful, and I was interested to see that the fire seemed almost to rest upon the surface of the lake, rather than originating from the depths. The weight of my armor carried me downward until I landed on the bed of the lake. A sense of peace crept over me, and I shook it off with an effort. That feeling was one of the dangers of the spell that allowed me to breathe underwater- the idea that I had all the time in the world. The cold had not begun to affect me yet, but it soon would, so I turned my head carefully, looking for any sign of a cave. I tried not to move my feet, as I did not want to stir up clouds of silt. A low stone mound was only a few yards away, and I moved towards it, finding a tunnel on one side.

The entry angled down for some distance, then turned sharply upward and emerged into a system of ice caves. Somehow, whether by physical laws or magic, the tunnels were dry and I was happy to pull myself out of the water. Once on more or less solid ground, I swallowed down a potion that prevented the cold from turning me into a block of ice. And then, I simply stood for a moment, extending my senses to glean whatever I could. Lamps guttered along the walls of the cave, and the smell informed me that they used horker fat for fuel. But there was another smell that permeated the air, as well, a smell I had come to know. It was equal parts old ice, desiccated flesh, and open grave. Draugr were present- and in numbers. Close on the heels of that thought came the sound of a wheezing howl- they apparently also had bone-wolves for company. So, the first attack was not a surprise. What came after, however….

But the unexpected revelation did not come immediately. First, it was apparently necessary that I wander through twisting, slippery, icy corridors for many frustrating hours, smashing my way through the undead that infested them. It seemed to me that if Aesliip had gone to the trouble of sending up the signal fire, then he could also be a bit more welcoming. Of course, perhaps the fire was not the work of the draugr. Korst had been doubtful, but he had also refused to talk about his concerns. And this was not the time to be distracted. Even if the “normal” undead posed no challenge for me, a liche would require all my concentration and skill. I knew my father had nearly lost his life to an undead mage in Mournhold- his face still turned pale on the few occasions he spoke of it.

At last, when I was almost ready to give up and seek some other cave beneath the lake, I found a side-tunnel, which terminated at a wall of ice. However, unlike the other dead (or undead) ends- this wall was riven with a narrow fissure. By hanging my shield on my back and turning sidewise, I was able to squeeze through. I prudently decided to lead with my right side, so Athynae’s Gift emerged foremost. As soon as I reached the chamber at the other end of the passage, I knew I was close. The torches illuminated crates and rough furnishings, all of which appeared to be old beyond measure. Something moved in the flickering light, and a voice came to me from the shadows.

This post has been edited by treydog: Jul 23 2011, 07:43 PM

[Athynae]

Of course telling you to wait wouldn't help, would it? Just charge right in....I'm trying to get to you TO HELP!!!!! but no you can't just SIT STILL somewhere for a moment. I have no idea what or who you are facing all I know is this vision or dream or whatever the **** it is keeps repeating like a song spell gone wrong. Now add to that visions of fire...and ice...and water...and death

UGH!!!!!!!! you are so absolutely ...... when I find you you will be sorry!!! I promise you that SIR!!!!

[Olen]

Now there's a cliff hanger... so as not to spoil it I'll just say I await Athlain's reaction with interest.

Good part as ever. A bit more build up before the fight, and some rather unexplained undead needing smashed to bits.

idea of a good time was to sit out on the ice, dangling a baited line through a hole.

I see Athlain's thoughts on fishing, and particularly ice fishing match my own. I enjoyed this paragraph.

Because drinking potions with different effects in rapid succession could have… unfortunate… results

Indeed. I like how you add to the setting without doing any major changes. It makes perfact sense that mixing different magics might have undesirable effects (or at least unexpected ones) and you weave it into the setting well. You also show that Athlain is getting better equipped with his growing experience, he certainly won't be having the problems he had before, indeed he has become fairly formidable, sooner or later he'll realise it.

Nit:the smell informed me that the used horker fat for fuel - they rather than the second the?

[haute ecole rider]

After living five years in Minnesota while attending vet school, I had to smile at the ice fishing line. Yes, and let's not forget the big coolers full of beer (the coolers were to keep the beer from freezing)! I remember the little shacks they would tow out on the lakes every winter. There was at least one news story about a fishing shack falling through the ice due to stupidity on the part of the owner or user of said shack.

I second Olen on his points. I also second Athynae on her points as well, but I have to say, would Athlain have waited had he known 'Thyna was on her way? Or would he be like the big, dumb Marine and go ahead anyway, cuz it's something that has to be done, preferably yesterday.