Teresa of the Faint Smile, Adventures of a Stringy Bosmer Options

[Olen]

Woooo Teresa is back! Great to see this continued.

Good part to set things going again, the last phase is over and the next is beginning. The potions link right back through the whole story but also forward and form a nice continuity. Shock shield, antidotes and night eye, tantalising mix against the backdrop of war with Summerset Isle. Shock shield to avoid mages, antidote... well an obvious point for invasion would be Valenwood and forests have poisonous things in them? Getting a bit tenuous there though, can't wait to see what Pappy has to say.

The quick run through the guild members was well done and refreshed my memory.

Then a charming attempt to choose what to wear. Most enjoyable and look forward to the next part.

[ghastley]

Glad to see Teresa hasn't changed in the intervening period. She's still indecisive, but makes the right decisions in the end. Which usually turns out to be what she first thought of.

Tell her not to worry about scars. Judging by the preparations going on, they'll all have them soon, and she'll have a head start when they compare them afterward.

[RainbowVeins]

TERESA! Woo! This makes me so happy.

Hm, I wonder what it is that Pappy has to tell everybody. It makes me a bit nervous.

It's nice to see that (most) everyone in the guild is so supportive of T&T. This strikes me as cute, in a naive sort of way:

Chance was nothing but smiles, and she had even overheard him thanking Ancondil for talking to her about Tadrose. Teresa still had no idea why the Redguard would say that. Vincent and Tavian even joked about wanting to watch her and Tadrose when they were in bed together!

It seems she is very unfamiliar with the inside of many men's heads. Way to go, Teresa, haha!

That's a great pic of our favorite red-headed faintly smiling Bosmer. She is lovely, scars and all.

So good to have you back, Subrosa!

[Fawkes]

Chapter 42.6 : I'm...I'm not crying, darn those onion cutting Ninjas

Chapter 43.1:

Teresa sighed, and stuffed the gown to the bottom of the drawer. She continued searching the dresser and armoire beside it, but everything seemed too casual, like the leather pants and linen tunics she usually wore. Or it revealed too many of her flaws, like her velvet dress. She had more clothing then she had ever seen in her life. Yet she had nothing to wear!

Teresa should wear those "flaws" proudly! A few scars here and there just show that she has had experience! Well as long as Tadrose does not mind
Granted, I myself just put on what fits, So I have never gone through what Teresa has.

[Lady Saga]

*head hits brick wall repeatedly* I hate romance...I hate romance...I hate romance...

Subrosa... coming from a guy who hates romance, that was so damn good.

Men need to read a romance every now and then. I would think it would be a bit of learning experience, actually, if you've never done it. But yea, I agree...this is a really good story. Wish I had more freekin' time to read it.

[King Coin]

Yeah! Teresa’s back!

Night eye, shock resistance, and antidotes. Armor inspections. What’s Pappy got in store for them? A reminder of Bruma. Pappy’s not letting that happen again. Who survived that? Was it just him and Tadrose?

Interesting, Morghak is clearly uncomfortable, or disapproving of Teresa’s relationship. I know little of orcs in Tamriel, so I will have to learn more about that as it is revealed. The men, well, there’s no surprise!

Haha, good choice. Wear the velvet dress, she doesn’t need to impress anyone.

[haute ecole rider]

I'm back, and I'm caught up!

What can I say? 'Blivion's globes, it's about fetching time! Good job girl!

Scars? Who cares? I like scars. No, I love 'em. On men as well as wimmen. Hmm, I don't think I have a single female character who doesn't have scars. I even have a couple having a scar collection competition! So Teresa shouldn't be ashamed of hers. They're a mark of her courage and to be worn (and shown off) with pride.

It's funny, I was reading a history of swordsmanship (fencing) the other day. Came across this interesting tidbit - in Germany in the late 1800's - early 1900's, dueling was such a rage that a man wasn't considered a man until he had a great big ugly dueling scar on his face. The uglier the better. Hmmm, now those kinds of scars don't appeal to me at all. I prefer the ones that are come by honestly.

[SubRosa]

Jacki Dice: Most of the guild did see it coming. Although maybe not after Teresa's little tantrum in the sitting room last chapter. Or perhaps because of it.


Acadian: You hit it all on the head. Teresa's uncertainties warring with her confidence was definitely the heart of that episode.


McBadgere: Women tend to be hypercritical of their appearance because everyone instantly judges us by it. There is an old saying, "Men are judged by the work they do, women by how they look." Even in the modern age, this still hold true.


Grits: Not spider daedra, though a cave is about right. Keep guessing!

I almost took out those paragraphs of Teresa ruminating on people's reactions because it strikes me as too much telling rather than showing. But it appears to be worked, seeing how many people have commented on it.


Olen: I am glad to get going again. This chapter is a huge one. The only one larger is the Tournament of Archers. So it took a long time to get done. Of course the plus side is this also means that it will take all summer for me to post it.


ghastley: Isn't it funny how the first thing you think of is usually the right choice? That is actually something I learned in school about taking tests.


RainbowVeins: I would not call it naive that most of the guild does not care about T&T's relationship. Keep in mind that this is not the Real World, and does not possess the same things which promote homophobia. Two hundred years from Teresa's time, two guys getting married is not even remarkable in Tamriel.

Although I kind of dispute that. I do not see ES marriages as being like modern RL ones, where people get married for true love and expect bliss with their partner. I see ES marriages as being the way it was in the old days of RL. No one expected to love their spouse, or even know them. You got married because it was an economic, social, and political alliance between families. Even more importantly, to have kids and establish a legal line of succession for the inheritance of property and titles. Now a days we do not think like that. But a few hundred years ago it was a very big deal.

I see the latter as being the biggest cause of negativity for gay relationships in Tamriel. They would not be seen as serious, but rather as adolescent flings. Worse, if they prevent someone from marrying and having kids with a person of the opposite sex, then it is failure in your duty to your family. Given the shorter lifespans of humans, I imagine them to take things like that much more seriously then elves. An elf can spend a few centuries playing the field before settling down and starting a family. Humans obviously do not have that luxury.

Sorry, don't meant to preach. I really don't want to turn this into a political or social essay. I'm just explaining the background behind people's reactions.


Fawkes: It will be a long time before Teresa can learn to be comfortable with her body. That is a hard thing for any woman to do, let alone one with a history of low-self esteem. Granted, Tadrose does not have to learn to be comfortable with Teresa's body...


Lady Saga: It probably would be a learning experience. Especially in the "things not to do" column, since every standard romance entails the guy screwing things up royally about half way through, and then spending the rest of the story trying to win the girl back.


King Coin: Funny you mentioned Bruma, because one of the characters is going to do that soon as well. You are almost right on the survivors of Bruma. It was Pappy, Tadrose, and Vincent. Valerius was there also, but not with the guild. He fought with the other knights in the cavalry.


haute ecole rider: A while ago I read the autobiography of Otto Skorzeny. He was in one of those fencing clubs. They did not use fencing foils, but rather heavy sabers. The primary move was a great downward hack at the other guy's head. That is how he got that doosy of a scar across his face.


Previously on Teresa of the Faint Smile: Or last episode found Teresa at the Fighters Guild hall. She finished up after spending the afternoon brewing potions in a special order from Pappy. Afterward she went to her room to chance for a special dinner he was making for all of the guild.


Chapter 43.2 – Hand of Fire

Teresa walked into the dining room, and found Tadrose setting out the last of a score of plates and utensils. The dark elf's face lit up with a smile when she turned to see Teresa in the doorway. The wood elf made an effort to avoid looking down at the scars that marred her shoulder and breast, which she knew were plainly visible above the plunging neckline of her velvet gown. Instead she kept her eyes locked upon those of the dark elf, and found herself practically falling into the other woman's arms a moment later.

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Teresa wrapped her arms around the Dunmer's neck as they embraced. She closed her eyes, and delighted in the feeling of Tadrose's lips upon her own. She opened her mouth, and their tongues danced with one another. A moan of pleasure rose from deep within her body, and with one hand she reached down to gently caress the Dunmer's breast through the soft blue velvet of her own gown.

One of Tadrose's arms clutched her tightly around the waist. The other rose to take hold of the back of her head. Teresa found the other woman holding her even more tightly, and reveled in the feeling. They continued to kiss, and her hand became more insistent upon the firm mound of the Dunmer's breast.

Finally, Teresa found the will to pull her lips away from the other woman. She inhaled deeply, and stared into Tadrose's eyes.

"I missed you this afternoon," she breathed.

"I can tell," Tadrose practically giggled, and leaned her forehead forward to touch Teresa's. "I missed you too."

"We should stop," Teresa said. "Someone might walk in at any moment."

"You are right, we should," Tadrose agreed. Still, she made no move to let go. Nor did the wood elf.

"People will talk," Teresa said. She could not stop herself from playful rubbing her nose against that of the Dunmer.

"They already are," The dark elf replied. Then her lips moved forward again, and Teresa found herself swept away in the armorer's kiss. The sound of booted feet in the hallway outside brought her back to reality however. She let go of Tadrose, and the two women stepped away from one another. Teresa smoothed down her hair with one hand, and hoped that it was not a mess. She wished for a mirror, and dabbed at the skin under her lips with the other hand, to wipe away any smudged lipstick.

She sat down just before Chance and Vincent walked in. The Breton wore a green doublet of fine linen over a white shirt and dark trousers. The Redguard was decked out in a similar doublet of soft burgundy, along with an indigo shirt and pants. Valerius trailed the pair, and was resplendent in a cream-colored velvet stitched with cloth of gold.

Immediately upon walking into the dining room, the Breton and Redguard began whispering to one another. Given the way their eyes were locked upon her and Tadrose, Teresa had little doubt about whom they were speaking. They sat down across from Teresa, still going back and forth in their private conversation, until finally Tadrose interrupted.

"Perhaps you two would like to spend some time alone together?" the dark elf said with a smile. Then she sat down beside Teresa, and the wood elf had to fight to keep her hand from reaching out to take that of Tadrose.

"We're just won-" Vincent's words were cut off when Valerius sat down beside the Breton and elbowed him in the ribs.

"Oh, my pardon good man," the Colovian knight said with an utter lack of sincerity. "I must have slipped."

"What Vincent meant-" Now Chance spoke up, but he too was interrupted when Valerius loudly cleared his throat and reached for the wine.

"Is this Tamika's, 412?" he said. "That was a good year."

"You may as well concede Valerius. There is no need to dissemble for those two." Tadrose shook her head, and turned her gaze from the aristocrat to the other two men. "Go ahead and spit it out. We are dying to hear your words of wisdom."

"Well, we were just wondering you see," Vincent paused to shoot a wary gaze at the knight beside him. "Well, I mean, it's about…"

"What he's trying to say is that we have a bet going," Chance spoke up.

"And…" Teresa found herself speaking. She had no doubt that whatever the pair were up to, it would be juvenile, and directed at her relationship with Tadrose.

"Whose bed did you two sleep in last night?" Vincent spat out with a grin.

Teresa sighed, and closed her eyes. Here it comes, she thought. The taunts, the jeers, the insults. If only they could have kept things a secret. The last thing she expected to hear was Tadrose's saucy reply.

"Who says we slept?"

The two men burst out laughing and slapping the table. Valerius covered his mouth with one hand, and made a show of coughing. But his eyes danced with mirth. Even Teresa herself could not prevent the ghost of a smile from crossing her lips.

"Aww come on," Chance said as soon as he caught his breath. "You have to tell us. There's money on the line here!"

"You bet on that?" Teresa shook her head. Yet within, she breathed a sigh of relief. There was no rancor in her guildmate's eyes. They were just being their usual irreverent - and gambling - selves.

"We didn't just bet on it," Vincent insisted. "In fact, we both swore by Zenithar when we put our drakes up."

"So you see it's really a holy mission," Chance declared. "You wouldn't stand between a man and the gods would you?"

"I expect that Zenithar shall be going home empty-handed." The fighters all looked up to see Ancondil enter the room, with Storm-Tail in tow. The Orisimer was resplendent in azure velvet, and the Argonian was clad in simpler green and brown linen. They crossed the room and sat down beside Teresa.

"Really gentlemen, I cannot believe you actually broached the subject." Ancondil said. As usual, Storm-Tail did not say a word, or make any sound at all.

"I attempted to dissuade them," Valerius insisted. "But to no avail."

"Hey, we never said we were gentlemen!" Vincent grinned, and looked at Teresa and Tadrose. "But if you two ever need help with, you know… I'll be glad to jump right in and finish you both off!"

"Vincent!" Ancondil exclaimed with wide eyes. Even Chance covered his face with the palm of his hand. Valerius however, did something with the Breton's chair, and the next thing they all saw was the Vincent flying backwards onto the floor.

Tadrose just laughed. Teresa was not sure how to react. On one hand, she could not believe the Breton had said that. But then she felt Tadrose's fingers slip over her own and clasp tightly. She could not help but to smile, and looked from Tadrose to the Breton's feet, which now jutted up from the floor.

"Don't forget to bring your cucumber." Teresa was amazed at the words spilling from her lips. She smiled even wider when Tadrose let go of her hand and clapped her on the back. The dark elf's arm lingered much longer than necessary, and slipped comfortably around her shoulders. Teresa wanted to lean in closer, and put her head on Tadrose's shoulder. Instead she reached down under the table with her hand, and gently stroked the Dunmer's leg.

"Oww!" Vincent cried, still laying back on the floor and legs jutting up in the air. "Someone get me a healer!"

"Don't you know when to shut up?" Chance murmured as he leaned down to help the Breton up. "Heal your damn self you idiot. You're lucky she didn't shoot you."

Vincent glared at Valerius as he righted his chair and climbed back to a sitting position. He rubbed the back of his head with one hand. "Now what was that for?" he complained.

The patrician just shrugged in return, as if he had no idea what had happened. "It must be a defective chair," he said with a straight face. "I suggest you take it to a carpenter for examination."

"What did Vincent break this time?" Morghak strode into the room like a goddess of destruction. She was dressed in black leather and furs. The hooks and buttons of the outfit were made from little bones, and bracelets of fangs hung from her wrists. The only thing out of place was the finely-crafted gold necklace she wore, which bore a pendant in the shape of an eagle with wings outstretched. Other than that she looked every inch the ferocious barbarian, a stark contrast to the other - finely clad - members of the guild.

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"His head nearly," Chance muttered.

"Yeah well, nothing important then right?" Vincent winked at the orc. The tall, muscle-bound woman glanced over at Teresa and Tadrose. Then she walked to the opposite side of the table. She paused behind Vincent's chair, and lay one hand on the back of his head.

"Does that hurt?"

"Aye, it's a little sore," the Breton said.

"Good." The orc snapped her fingers out against the side of Vincent's skull, and the Breton flinched with a grimace. "Pain makes you strong little man."

This post has been edited by SubRosa: May 12 2012, 10:29 PM

[Jacki Dice]

Teresa sighed, and closed her eyes. Here it comes, she thought. The taunts, the jeers, the insults. If only they could have kept things a secret. The last thing she expected to hear was Tadrose's saucy reply.

"Who says we slept?"



It's nice to see that Tadrose knows exactly how to deal with the men! And I can definitely see her and Lilitu getting along very well! (Not in a romancy way, in a smart mouth way)

[haute ecole rider]

I rather quite enjoyed the little byplay with the boys here. They (especially Vincent) were their usual - ahem - immature selves where the subject of T&T's love life is concerned. It's good to see them being so honest about their curiosity. Well, Valerius was a bit more mature, but still . . . !

[Olen]

"Don't forget to bring your cucumber."

Teresa gives a fine lesson in the meeting inappropriate comment with like.

Some good dialogue there, always fun to read the guild interactions. To be different I'm going to pick up on Storm-tail here. I should imagine he's wondering what all the fuss is about given that Argonian women (assuning that's what he's into - multiple different species presumably complicates things) lay eggs... Though he's appearing more so I wonder if we're going to find out more about this enigmatic character. I do wonder why he's silent and what he does. They all have their reasons for being there, but we've yet to really see him.

And then there's Morghak, bones and bracelets of fangs. She seems to be becoming rather more orcish.

[Acadian]

Kisses. Then smiles all around. Nice job with the dynamics among Teresa’s brothers and sisters in arms. I liked the comfortable back and forth. I'm pleased that T&T did not receive hushed whispers and awkward stares. In fact, had the happy couple been, say, Teresa and Ancondil (as Tadrose once feared) I expect the teasing would have taken a similar path only with different questions and jokes.

As always, I love Ancondil here and I'm liking Morghak very much as well - but then I have a soft spot for orcs.

I’m looking forward to Pappy’s entrance with the hope that he will shed some light on this mysterious mission or contract ahead of the guild. Oh and some good chow as well!

[King Coin]

The wood elf made an effort to avoid looking down at the scars that marred her shoulder and breast, which she knew were plainly visible above the plunging neckline of her velvet gown.

The dark elf's face lit up with a smile when she turned to see Teresa in the doorway.

Tadrose doesn’t mind Teresa, with what comes next and her own scars that were previously mentioned. The men of the guild just missed it!

Loved the chaos as the other members showed up. Tadrose showed Teresa how to deal with them. And Valerius’ maneuver with the chair and denial of responsibility was hilarious!

[McBadgere]

Is it me or is it warm in here?... ...

Aamywho... ...

That was just funny that was... ...

Tadrose giving everything right back to the chaps was just excellent...And then Teresa joining in as well...

Love the way noone gave a monkeys really, except whether they were happy...Brilliantly done there!!...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

[ghastley]

Slightly surprised at Morghak not commenting on Teresa's scars. She'd view them as enhancing her, not as a flaw.

Vincent needs to work on his situational awareness. A good fighter shouldn't have fallen for that one, and the others should let him know that. Hopefully he's learned something. Maybe Pappy should have him practice falling off his chair without hurting himself?

[Grits]

"I missed you this afternoon," she breathed.

No kidding! It’s nice to see that things are hot between the two of them after all of that longing.

I love how Chance and Vincent started whispering as soon as they came through the door. That made me think that they were going to be awkward and uncomfortable. Then when the teasing started, it was a huge relief! Thankfully Teresa gave as well as she got, right along with Tadrose.

"Good." The orc snapped her fingers out against the side of Vincent's skull, and the Breton flinched with a grimace. "Pain makes you strong little man."

Nice to see Morghak hassling Vincent in all of her orcish glory. I love her description as a goddess of destruction. Quite a contrast to the velvet-clad Ancondil. Now I’m ready for Pappy to make an entrance!

[SubRosa]

Jacki Dice: Yep, Tadrose knows exactly how to give it back when it comes to banter. I am sure she was taught the fine arts of verbal sparring when she was a young noble back in Morrowind.


haute ecole rider: That was a fun episode to write, specifically because of the boys being boys.


Olen: Teresa has indeed been learning. The Fighters Guild has given her a great deal of confidence, enough to sling back crude comments of her own these days!

Storm-Tail's behaviour is something I have based around RL reptiles such as crocodiles. They can be absolutely still for hours, and then explode into sudden action. So most of the time Storm-Tail keeps that silent and still exterior, just waiting and watching the world go by around them. I am not really sure what he thinks of all this romance business either to be honest. The game is unclear on exactly how that works with Argonians, or if they even reproduce though sex at all. The game says they are descended from the Hist trees, and I believe some sources suggest that is what they are born from as well.


Acadian: I am sure the teasing would have been little different if it had been Ancondil and Teresa! Vincent and Chance will take any opportunity to let their young maleness out, especially Vincent. Pappy's entrance and good chow coming next!


King Coin: I am glad Valerius and the chair was funny. I was afraid it might come across as being too extreme. This being the Fighters Guild, they tend to be extreme and physical though...


McBadgere: Sadly, no more scenes quite as warm as that one in the rest of the chapter. But there will be more excellent interactions between members of the guild.


ghastley: Morghak did congratulate Teresa on her scars several chapters ago, before she related the story of her doomed relationship with Agronak. With the way Vincent puts his foot in his mouth, I'd say he needs to practice all forms of self-defense. Maybe starting by learning a shield spell.


Grits: T&T are in that new-relationship/everything is hot stage you get when you first meet someone. So expect lots of physical interaction in the near future.

Morghak was fun to write there, precisely because of how she is such a contrast to the cultured Ancondil. She is an old-school orc, and it is good to let that out sometimes.


Previously On Teresa Of The Faint Smile: Our last episode saw Teresa meet Tadrose and the other members of the guild in the dining room. Her relationship with Tadrose was the subject of much good-natured teasing by Chance and Vincent, but both of the elves gave back the banter in equal measure. Next, Pappy makes his entrance, and several guests arrive.


Chapter 43.3 – Hand of Fire

"Will you meatheads stop picking on Vincent?" Pappy's voice came out from the doorway to the kitchen. "He was born that way, he can't help it."

The guild commander was dressed in black and gold linen, and wiped his hands with a rag. "Now we've got company coming, so I want everyone on their best behavior. That means no shooting dice on the table during dinner!" First he stared at Chance. Then he turned his gaze to Vincent "No jokes about naked werewolves and their staffs!" Finally he set his eyes upon Teresa and Tadrose. "And you two… just keep your clothes on until dinner's over alright?"

Teresa felt her cheeks flush warm as laughter rose from around the table. Tadrose gave her one last welcome hug with her arm, then let her hand drop under the table. The armorer's fingers clasped around hers, and her face glowed with a smile. Clearly, she was not embarrassed. Nor did anyone else appear to be.

"So we shall be entertaining guests?" Ancondil asked as the last of the chuckles died away.

"I presume they are part of this contract we are all preparing for?" Valerius added.

"Aye," Pappy nodded, and leaned back against the doorframe. "We got a battlemage coming from the Mages Guild to help us out on this one." That brought more than one raised eyebrow from around the table. Teresa could count the number of missions they had performed with help subcontracted to Mages Guild on one hand. She had been on none of those contracts however. She wondered what it would be like, to work with a battlemage trained at the Arcane University?

"Is it Delphine?" Vincent asked. His mirth had vanished, and now his face was all business.

"No," the guild commander shook his head. "She's already on another job, out of the city. We are getting new meat, some girl named-"

"Saya." Everyone's head turned to the far doorway. Standing within it was a Dunmer in gleaming black velvet and lace. Her torso was hugged by a corset of black leather, faced with panels of silk embroidered in a twisting floral pattern. Her long, straight hair was milky white, and parted to one side. Red eyes burned from eye sockets shaded black, and her lips gleamed with the same color. Even her fingernails were lacquered with a glimmering shade of ebony.

"Saya Aren."

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Teresa felt her breath catch in her throat as the Dunmer sauntered into the room. She did not walk, so much as glide across the floor. Her hips swung like a bell as she moved, and the wood elf noted that she planted her feet heel to toe with each step. The high heels of her court shoes clicked on the floor as she sidled up next to Chance, and Teresa realized that she was holding her breath as the battlemage sat down beside the Redguard.

By Dibella, why could she not look like that? Saya was everything a woman was supposed to be. Her body was an hourglass of plump breasts, narrow waist, and wide hips. All were even more accentuated by the corset she wore. Her skin was smooth and appeared to be soft as silk. Her every motion was made with grace and refinement. Most of all her eyes, those deep red eyes, burned with the promise of sensual delights.

Teresa hated her already.

"And you are?" Saya said, staring deeply into Chance's eyes.

"Scum and Villainy," Pappy said before the Redguard could respond. "Actually he's scum," the guild commander fist gestured to Vincent, and then pointed to Chance. "He's villainy."

"Good," Saya replied coolly. Her gaze went from Pappy and back to Chance. "I like scoundrels."

"Well then Saya," Chance took her hand and gently kissed it. "Let me be the first scoundrel to welcome you to the Fighters Guild. I'm looking forward to working - closely - with you." His eyes never left those of Saya, nor were his fingers in any hurry to stray from hers.

"Cool your heatstones loverboy." Pappy laughed, tossing the rag at Chance. "We've got business to talk about."

"And food too," Morghak said. "You promised us a meal."

"And you'll have it," Pappy replied. "Once our last two guests arrive. I think that might be them now."

The sound of footsteps came from the hallway outside, and a moment later Tavian ushered in a pair of men who could scarcely be more unalike. The first was a squat Breton whose skin was lined and weathered with age. His beard was snowy white, as was the hair that spilled out from under the brim of his wide hat. He was dressed in worn and dirty buckskins, and a hand axe was tucked into his belt. He lumbered into the room like a tired animal. But the old man did not look feeble to Teresa's eyes. Rather he appeared as tough as the leather of his shoes.

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The man who followed him was tall and slender, dressed in fine red velvet and silk. He had the olive skin of a Nibenean, and his jet black hair and goatee were short and neatly trimmed. Teresa imagined his features were what most women considered handsome. He was young, perhaps only a few years older than Chance and Vincent. But unlike them, his hands were not callused from weapons, nor was his skin bronzed from exercise in the sun.

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"Well dip me in moose dung!" the old Breton exclaimed as his eyes set upon Pappy. "If it isn't Centurion Vitellus!"

"Mad Josse Kermor!" Pappy grinned, and strode across the room to shake hands with the older man, and slapped one hand across his back. "I didn't even know you were in Cyrodiil. I thought you were down in Valenwood, working with the Third as a civilian scout?"

"Well I was," the Breton said. "But you might say I had me a little misunderstanding with that legate of theirs. I thought it'd be politic to make tracks, afore anything untoward happened to my skin. So I mosied on over this a' ways."

"That Mede is a snake in the grass," the guild commander said. "What'd you do? Piss in his best brandy?"

"Well, you might say so," the Breton began. "I said he was an idjit in one o' his war councils. What with the way he was pullin' troops out o' Summerset for no good reason. That was afore all the trouble with the goldenrods o' course."

The Nibenean beside the pair cleared his throat, and Pappy turned to offer his hand. "You must be the Lady's agent then?"

"Indeed commander," Teresa wondered if she saw the young Imperial wince under Pappy's handshake? She felt sorry for the man, who plainly a bureaucrat. She knew all too well the strength the Colovian fighter possessed. After all, she had endured the same iron grip her first day at the guild as well. "Laberius Maesa, at your service."

Pappy released the unfortunate parchment knight, and turned to introduce each of the members of the guild in turn. He bid them all to sit, and waved for Tavian to follow him back into the kitchen. The pair emerged a moment later with platters piled high with food, and set them upon the table.

There were kabobs loaded with cubes of roasted lamb, onion, peppers, eggplant, and mushrooms. Chicken shawarma mixed with hummus and pine nuts filled a wide bowl. Another was loaded with fattoush salad, and finally came a platter of deep-fried falafel balls packed into pockets of pita bread, and laced with tahini paste.

"By Zeht's plow!" Chance exclaimed as he reached for a kabob. "This is just like home!"

"I thought you might like a little taste of Hammerfell," Pappy said as he eased into a chair. "It's been a while since I made Redguard food. I didn't want to lose my touch."

"You'll never lose that old man," Vincent mumbled around a mouthful of shawarma. "Damn, this stuff is good."

Teresa ladled fattoush and falafel onto her plate, while Tadrose filled their glasses with Tamika's. She started with the salad, making note of the fried chips of pita bread. She imagined that would be the only difficult part to make. The rest was simply lettuce and other vegetables, such as cucumbers, onions, radishes, olives, and peppers. She made a mental note to have Pappy show her how he prepared the bread chips. Once she knew that, she could make it herself.

"Shall we be joined by another?" Laberius looked at the plate which Tavian had prepared, in front of an empty chair.

The table grew silent. Teresa found herself staring at the empty chair. For a moment she saw Marius sitting there in his mail armor. He leaned forward with his elbows on the table, chin resting on his folded hands. A soft smile crested his features, and his eyes sparkled as they looked back at Teresa.

Then he was gone.

"That space is for those ones who are no longer with us." It was Storm-Tail who broke the silence. Teresa was not sure if it was only her imagination, but his voice sounded even harsher than normal for Argonian vocal chords. "These ones never forget our own."

Teresa could easily imagine whom Storm-Tail must see in that chair. Tadrose had told her about his father Morning-Star - one of the many guild members who had fallen at Bruma. She knew that it was his father's armor and sword that Storm-Tail carried in battle, and she had no doubt that he was the reason that the Argonian had joined the guild.

Teresa glanced at Tadrose beside her, and saw that the Dunmer was also staring at the chair with a faraway look. In fact, so too did the other Bruma survivors - Vincent, Pappy, and Valerius. Who did they see in that chair? How many old friends had joined them tonight?

"Well I gotta say, this here Hammerfell fare sure beats week-old corn-dodgers!" Mad Josse broke the somber mood by speaking through a mouth full of shawarma.

"Corn dodgers?" Ancondil asked, "What pray tell might those be?"

"Balls of hot water cornbread," the aging Breton answered. "Made by Miss Nilawen herself at The Fair Deal."

"Why on Nirn are they called that?" the Dunmer battlemage asked.

"Well, 'cause they're usually dodging corn whiskey in my stomach!"

The table erupted in laughter. While chuckling herself, Teresa made a mental note to try to talk to Nilawen and get her recipe as well. She might make a batch of them for her next trip into the forest.

"So how is it that we have such excellent company tonight Pappy?" Chance's gaze went from the curvy Dunmer beside him, to the guild commander at the head of the table.

"Aye," Morghak said, "and why is it we spent all afternoon sharpening up stakes?"

"It's like Bruma isn't it?" Vincent said seriously. "We're taking on so many we need to make fortifications. Is it the high elves?"

"All right, all right you meatheads." Pappy raised his hands for silence. When the table had finally quieted down, he set his hands back on the table. "We have a contract alright, and for the entire guild this time. And no, we're not going to war, not with Summerset at least."

"Last week goblins overran the Lady Scaurus' gold mine, off of the Green Road north of here. They killed or drove off all the miners, and set up shop in the mine. We've been hired to take it back."

"Is this not a mission for the City Guard?" Ancondil asked, "or the Imperial Legion?"

"The Count is unable to lend assistance," Laberius Maesa spoke up, "and the Legion's resources are stretched too thinly to take action. That is why the Lady has elected to contract your guild's services."

"Count Terentus has troops stationed in the villages less than a day away," Valerius declared sourly, "yet he refuses to budge them."

"Why not?" Chance asked. "I mean he's a drunken fetcher for sure, but if he's got the manpower right there…"

"The Count is jealous of Lady Scaurus," Tadrose said quietly. "The city loves her, from prole to patrician. While everyone hates him."

"Aye," Valerius agreed. "Terentus would love to see the Lady suffer. Even now the fetcher must be laughing in his cups."

"Are we aware of the numbers we shall be facing?" Ancondil asked, rubbing one hand thoughtfully against his chin.

"Eighty to a hundred," Tadrose replied. "Possibly more."

Vincent whistled loudly. "That's a whole tribe of the bounders, or near to it."

"Given the numbers, shall your guild be sufficient for this undertaking commander?" Maesa inquired. "Perhaps we should acquire more men first?"

"We don't need more fighters," Morghak rumbled. "Just show us where they are, and we'll show you a hundred dead goblins."

"Aye," Tadrose agreed. "Have no fears, our guild is more then up to the task. Our chapter has defeated far greater threats, alone and together."

A hundred goblins! Teresa's mind whirled. Just three of them had nearly killed her in the Imperial City sewers! How could they stand a chance against so many?

Yet when she looked at Tadrose and Pappy, she found no sign of bluster or uncertainty in their eyes. Rather their faces were set with absolute certainty in the capability of the guild.

In Teresa's mind's eye, their soft clothing was replaced by armor of human and merish steel. A glance across the table showed the rest of her guild likewise attired for war. She thought of them all standing together, as they did in drill every morning on the practice field. Just like that, her doubts melted away.

They could do it. They would do it. Nothing could stand against her guild. Not when they stood and fought as one. Teresa looked back to Laberius Maesa, her eyes just as certain and determined as those of Tadrose and Pappy. "We are the best chapter in the Fighters Guild," she declared. "You can tell the Lady Scaurus that her mine shall be back in her hands shortly."

This post has been edited by SubRosa: May 19 2012, 02:37 PM

[McBadgere]

Uncle Jessie!!... ...

And Henry the eighth in the same scene!!...Hell yeah!!...

Oooh Daisy Duke...*Sigh*...

*Cough*...

Aaaamywho...

Loved this chapter...Looking forward to seeing more of the new girl...She's cute!... ...

Liked muchly the idea of the empty chair for those lost at Bruma...Very cool that...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

[King Coin]

I wonder how long before Teresa’s skin will thicken some. I’m sure she’s always going to be like that, but with her guild she can grow comfortable with them.

Teresa is staring! Don’t give Tadrose the wrong idea!

Everyone gets dressed up and Pappy serves kabobs? Not what I consider classy food. Perhaps it is different in Cyrodiil.

I love it that the empty chair was heavily featured. The Bruma survivors must see many.

Goblins. Not quite what I was expecting, but it sounds like there are plenty of them.

[Olen]

Teresa hated her already.

This was sort of funny in a dark way. I wonder how much trouble she's going to cause, and if she's any good. Smooth skin suggests she doesn't spend that much time in realistic training, or that she's very good and cooks anyhting before it gets near... I can't see Pappy not testing her first though. Chance is typical, though she's trouble that one I suspect.

"Well dip me in moose dung!"

This has to be one of the best introductions I've read. Brilliant line and it already says so much about the character. I suspect Mad Josse will be a lot of fun, though I do wonder what he is doing there.

The beurocrat is entertainingly out of place. I suspect he's there for a reason though. I'm sure we'll find out.

A hundred goblins? This promises to be quite the fight. Am I the only one thinking gas?