Old Habits Die Hard Part Two, An old dog learns new tricks Options

[Olen]

Jeanne isn't quite as I imagined her but I think your version is better, I can certainly see why winding her up would be good fun (surely Julian can manage to enjoy it a bit ). I had suspected she'd go for the mages guild but wasn't certain, now it seems she'll be becoming a mage.

Well if we're all guessing I'm going for her elopeing with Brother Piner to become antequarian book dealers in Port Televanis.

[Destri Melarg]

The fact that she runs around town drunk from 10 pm until 3 am before going to bed is one of the most, well, amusing NPC's behavioral characteristics I've ever seen.

So that’s why Skjorta runs around Bruma like an idiot! Honestly, I bump into her every time I leave the Mages Guild and until now I never knew why.

There is no mystery as to your feelings about Jeanne Frasoric. You should check your keyboard. I think you got rid of it all, but there might still be some venom left in the spaces between the keys! You incorporated the in game dialogue well, and your versions of Volanaro and Orania are so good that I can’t wait to meet J’Skar.

I have to differ with the others in one respect. Somehow I just don’t see Julian advancing to the level of Master Wizard. I think her foray into the Mages Guild will result in a better understanding of the basic spells, and maybe a rudimentary understanding of the advanced versions of said spells. But beyond that I think there is still too much of the cultural bias of the Redguard and the suspicions of a career soldier inside of her to ever give herself over fully to magic.

I’m still holding out hope for Jauffre! He could spend his time reading all the books that Julian doesn’t want to. And don’t forget Merowald . . . ‘e fries up a mean slaughterfish ‘e does!

[Acadian]

What a fun romp!

What little time we spend in Bruma is trying to stay warm at the mages guild hall. You captured it nicely. I am so delighted that Julian joined the Mages Guild.

Jeanne Frasoric has always struck me as a woman to feel sorry for. Kind of a bubbly, clueless airhead. Over her head, but not ill intentioned.

My guess is that Julian will demonstrate her typical loyalty to her new mates in the guild of mages and relish improving her magic skills for functional and practical purposes (hitting, killing, curing); however, I see in her the Hero of Kvatch and future Champion of Cyrodiil, not a future Arch Mage or Master Wizard. It will be fun to learn if I am right or not.

[haute ecole rider]

@Remko: Julian shares your opinion about Frasoric! As for enjoying this, well . . .

@SubRosa: I had my fair share of those airheads in my high school as well! I guess there's about ten or twenty in every high school across this country, though they may be overrepresented in So. Cal. I'm really glad that you enjoyed my portrayal of Frasoric.

@Olen: Julian has had wayyy too many incompetent officers in the Legion to enjoy yet another incompetent superior. She has the experience to handle them, though, like any old USMC sergeant. I'm sure Acadian will agree!

@Destri: Yet again you prove to have uncanny insight into Julian's character. She can't let go of the sword long enough to rely on magic (much like myself when playing these games). She'll find magic useful in conjunction, but will take the spell efficacy hit in lieu of being weaponless and unarmored. I do hope you enjoy meeting J'skar in this next segment.

@Acadian: You are right as well in your assessment of Julian's attitude toward magic. She will come to respect the Legion battlemages even more than she already has, but she won't aspire to be as good as they are, let alone take on the MG questline. I have no plans for her to tangle with the necromancers at this point.

@all guessing at Julian's love: this is starting to sound like a pool here! Luther Broad, Brother Piner (kudos to Olen for creativity!), Grandmaster Jauffre, and Merowald. Hmm. Y'all are wrong so far! More guesses are always welcome, but I'm not going to say yea or nay until it is revealed in the story!

A little late today, since I spent the day having lunch with friends, then running errands all afternoon. But here is the conclusion of the quest for J'skar. You get to see a little more of Julian's old habits coming out.

**************************
Chapter 10.7 J’skar

Limping out into the hall, I saw Orania conferring with Frasoric. Is she telling Frasoric about Volanaro’s prank? “Julian seems nice enough,” Orania was saying, “and I think she’ll fit in well with us. I think she’s capable of keeping the younger ones in line.”

“Who, me?” I asked. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t help overhearing.”

“Oh, not at all,” Frasoric assured me, rising and falling on her toes. “Selena was just telling me that another member of her maturity would be most welcome.” I saw the pained look in Orania’s face, and knew my own expression mirrored hers. Frasoric seemed oblivious to the effect on us of her choice of words and pranced away toward the dining room.

“Look,” Orania whispered to me, “I suppose I like Jeanne well enough. It’s a shame she doesn’t know more about her craft, though. Still, I don’t think she deserves the hard time the others give her.”

A glance behind me told me we were the only ones in the hallway. “I agree with you, Orania,” I whispered back. “But for now, I’m going to play along. I really need to find J’skar to get my recommendation from Frasoric.” I lowered my voice even more. “But be certain, I’ll make sure Volanaro and J’skar will regret this practical joke before I’m finished.”

“If you can do that,” Orania responded, “you’ll make me very happy.”

Turning from her, I headed to the south end of the hall. I found my way to the second level above the lobby, where Frasoric’s private quarters lay. The door was unlocked, and I let myself through. Within, I found an ornate desk that took up nearly half the floor space. Most of the drawers were full of parchment and quills, but one was locked. Pulling out a couple of lockpicks, I stroked the first one in the lock. The simple one-tumbler lock was easily picked, even with my rusty skills.

Inside, I found the volume Volanaro wanted, Manual of Spellcraft. It was well-thumbed, the pages worn, the spine cracked. Frasoric must have spent a lot of time studying. It’s too bad she hasn’t benefited as well as she should have. I hated to remove it, but the idea of going to the Arcane University and crafting my own spells held too much appeal to me at the moment. I’ll make sure it gets replaced, I promised myself. Re-locking the drawer, I turned for the stairs.

I found Volanaro in one of the sleeping rooms. “Have you pulled that little prank yet?” he asked me.

“Little prank?” I repeated, handing him the volume. “More like a prank too big for your britches.”

He ignored my comment, looking at the worn volume. “I see you got Jeanne’s book, all right. Meet me here just after ten tonight.”

“Ten bells,” I said. “What time is it now?”

“Oh, you’ve got an hour or so yet, before Jeanne goes upstairs to bed,” Volanaro responded. “I’ll show you J’skar then.”

I spent the intervening hour upstairs in the main hall, looking over the books on the shelves, reading their titles. Several copies of The Fundaments of Alchemy caught my attention. Taking one copy from the shelf, I sat down in a comfortable chair near one of the tall candlestands.

Before it was time to meet Volanaro again, I had progressed through the introduction. I decided to study it along with The Amulet of Kings, Piner’s book, and Sigrid’s little volume. Returning downstairs, I found Volanaro waiting impatiently for me. “Ready to find J’skar?” he asked. I nodded silently. “Just watch, then,” he said. “You’ll see!”

He turned to one side and threw a purple glow from his left hand at a space next to me. Startled at the near miss, I stepped back as a Khajiit appeared at my side. The man-feline turned to me, his amber eyes bright with glee.

“Hello,” he purred. “I hearr you’rre looking forr me.” I narrowed my eyes at him, not saying anything. His eyes rounded, and his ears went down. “Please, don’t be angrry. We werre just having some fun.” Now he scowled. “We just get tirred of Jeanne lorrding herr position overr us, when she barrely knows anything about magic. Everry now and then, we like to trrick herr.” He smiled. “We figurred it was time to move on to a new prrank. This one was getting borring, anyway. So you can tell Jeanne you’ve found me!”

“Do you think so?” I said skeptically.

“Finding ways to confuse herr just neverr gets old forr me. It’s good prractice of ourr skills, too, but mostly it’s just forr fun.” J’skar smile faltered, and the tip of his long, thick tail twitched.

“You’ve got nothing better to do here?” I asked him.

“Therre’s not much to do in the Brruma chapterr,” J’skar responded. “If you can get to the Arrcane Univerrsity, though, they let you make yourr own spells therre.”

“It was a good idea, wasn’t it?” Volanaro chuckled, moving to sling his arm across J’skar’s shoulders, leaning on the shorter Khajiit. “I wonder how long she’ll spend trying to figure out where she put that book down!” he slapped his free hand against J'skar's. The two young mages exchanged chuckles and mirthful glances. “She won’t be able to figure it out for weeks!” Volanaro crowed. “Oh, it’s times like this I enjoy what I do.”

I eyed both of them, feeling my jaw tense. Limping to the door, I closed it softly, then turned back to face the two pranksters.

“If you think all I’m going to tell Frasoric is that I’ve found J’skar,” I spoke as icily as I could, watching the glee fade from the young men’s faces, “you are sadly mistaken. What you are doing is disrespectful,” I chopped my hand forcefully down between us when Volanaro opened his mouth to protest. “I know she’s not very competent,” I met his gaze with my fiercest glare, “but she is your chapter head. She deserves your support, more so with her own lack of skills.”

I moved my gaze to J’skar. “Every time you prank her, you undermine her authority, not only in your own eyes, but in the eyes of all of Bruma.” I took a deep breath, realizing that I now stood ramrod straight, as if I stood on the drill field in front of the Ninth Cohort. “And each time you do that, you degrade the reputation of the Mages Guild.” I pointed at the Khajiit, his ears abject. “You want to gain entrance to the Arcane University?” Now I pointed at Volanaro, who straightened up and dropped his arm from J’skar’s shoulders at my glare. “You want to get out of Bruma?” I shook my head. “The only way you’re going to accomplish that is to suck it up with Frasoric. She alone has the power to send you along to better posts, and the only way she’s going to do that is if she feels you deserve it.” I paused to give them a chance to think. “Am I clear?”

The two mages shifted their feet, glancing sidelong at each other. I only glared at them. Finally, J’skar hung his leonine head. “Yes, ma’am,” he murmured.

“I can’t hear you!” I snapped, my tone cracking across the room. Both young mages stiffened, and J’skar’s tail lashed violently from side to side in alarm.

“Yes ma’am!” J’skar’s voice hissed. I turned my glare to Volanaro.

“Clear as a bell!” he spoke crisply, just as surprised as J’skar at the sudden change in my demeanor.

“Now, about that book,” I held Volanaro’s gaze. “I have no problem telling Frasoric about my part in this particular prank,” I kept the ice in my tone. “I’ll take my consequences. The question is, are you prepared to take yours?”

“Uh, I’ll return it,” Volanaro promised, his tone abject. “In the morning, when she’s up and downstairs.”

“See to it,” I growled at him, “and she won’t hear of it from me. Delay, and you’d better be prepared.” Now I scowled at him. “I don’t accept any excuses.”

Turning to the door, I opened it and stepped out, closing the panel behind me. As I did so, Orania stepped out of the shadows between the sconces.

“Is there a problem ma’am?” she asked me. On a deep breath, I shook my head.

“No, no problem at all, Journeyman,” I answered, secretly satisfied at the bland tone in my voice. Orania eyed me thoughtfully.

“For a moment there, I thought I overheard a dressing-down,” she said quietly.

“Maybe you did,” I replied.

“The Legion shows,” she said pointedly. Startled by her perception, I shot a glance at her. Finally I shrugged.

“I had a couple of very tough pili,” I remarked. Orania shook her head.

“Sounds to me like you were a very tough pilus,” her tone was firm and decisive. Recognizing the futility of hiding that aspect of my history from her, I said nothing for several moments.

“Between experience and attrition in the ranks,” I remarked, “it’s almost inevitable, if you stay in long enough, to get into a position where you’re going to get killed because of a stupid recruit mistake.”

“But you didn’t,” Orania responded, waving for me to follow her down the hall to the sleeping room next door. Feeling suddenly weary in my old bones, I limped after her.

“I was nearly killed by a stupid recruit mistake,” I commented. Orania eyed my limp thoughtfully, closing the room door behind us. She waved me to the bed on the right hand side.

“You can sleep there,” she said. “But first let me see that knee.”

Setting my pack down beside the indicated bed, I glanced sharply at Orania. “I’ve been to several healers,” I began, but she shook her head.

“Ever been to a Mages Guild healer?” she asked. “Or an alchemist?” Her gesture was imperative. I sat down and raised my skirts above my right knee. The scar was livid with inflammation, the joint swollen from the pounding it had taken earlier.

Orania knelt beside me to take a closer look. Though her touch was feather light, I still sucked my breath between my teeth as she gently felt the swelling. “This is an old wound,” she said softly. “It never healed right?”

“It festered,” I said breathlessly. Something made me show her the wound on my left side. “Same with this one. It’s not bothering me any more, thank Akatosh.”

“Well, the infection is gone from both of them,” Orania said after she finished examining the wounds. “But the tissues,” she indicated my knee, “knitted wrong.” She looked up at me, sitting back on her heels. “It would be difficult to heal it without cutting.”

“No,” I said flatly. “I’m not taking a risk like that again.” Orania frowned at me.

“Who did the original surgery?”

“Someone in the Legion,” I answered, reluctant to remember his name. “These wounds got me kicked out of the service.”

“Not your fault,” Orania countered. “Look, let me speak to Cirroc, the chapel healer. He’s very good. Maybe he can help you.”

I shrugged. “I can’t stop you,” I said. “But I’m not agreeing to anything.”

“Neither am I,” Orania replied. “But for now, get some sleep.”

I didn’t argue with her. Removing the quilted doublet and the skirt, I cast my nightly healing spells, then crawled beneath the brocaded coverlet.

This post has been edited by haute ecole rider: Jun 24 2010, 03:04 AM

[SubRosa]

My this is one big chapter! We are at the seventh segment and still going strong.

The old centurion returns! Julian shows us not only the disciplined soldier who follows the rules and respects her superiors, but also the seasoned veteran who understands that you respect the rank, even when you cannot respect the person who wears it. Because without that the entire group breaks down, and everyone is screwed.

With the old pilus comes another glimpse at the circumstances that caused her injuries as well, which I welcome. The more of Julian's past that you show us, the better. A person of her maturity has been shaped by the events of her past. Seeing those events helps us better understand who she is today. Please give us more of these little flashbacks and insights!

And since my previous guesses were out, let me venture a third: Raminus Polus. As the song by Heart goes, he's a magic man...

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Jun 24 2010, 02:17 AM

[Acadian]

Somehow, I just know that she enjoyed this. Yup:
Gunnery Sergeant Julian of Anvil, Imperial Legion, Retired.
And don't piss her off!

This was so fun to read! Julian reminded me of Jack Webb - both as the DI and as Joe Friday.

Ooh, I'm thinkin' that knee may get the attention it requires (I hope, I hope).

You have taken a wonderful fun little quest and made it your own. I loved what you did with it!

Julian just gets more likable all the time.


Oh, take a peek at this:

“If you can get to the Arrcane Univerrsity, thought, they let you make yourr own spells therre.”

Did you perhaps mean 'though'?

This post has been edited by Acadian: Jun 24 2010, 02:40 AM

[D.Foxy]

Sub Rosa - STOP PHISING!!!

[ureniashtram]

@all guessing at Julian's love: this is starting to sound like a pool here! Luther Broad, Brother Piner (kudos to Olen for creativity!), Grandmaster Jauffre, and Merowald. Hmm. Y'all are wrong so far! More guesses are always welcome, but I'm not going to say yea or nay until it is revealed in the story!

Since Julian is Redguard serving in the Legion, I think it's only fitting that her flame should be another Redguard or someone serving in the Legion.

Hmm... could it be:

Baurus

Cyrus (another Redguard serving in the Blades)

... Adamus Phillida (cackles madly)

Hieronymus Lex ( )

the Redguard working in the stables of ANvil (what was his name again?)

Ruslan?

I'm runnin' out of ideas. Anyway, I like this chapter. It really shows (so to speak) Julian's experience in the Legion. More, please!!

[Remko]

Nah, Ruslan is out of the question imo. Not enough spine in that one.

This post has been edited by Remko: Jun 24 2010, 02:34 PM

[haute ecole rider]

@SubRosa: Yes, I thought the Bruma recommendation quest was annoying, and my own reaction was quite similar to Julian's (though hers was stronger and much more effective). She got to do just what I wanted to do so badly! Lucky woman! I'm glad you picked up on the hints at her background and how she came to be discharged from the Legion.

@Acadian: I just had a feeling this segment would appeal to you in particular. I knew it did when you called Julian a retired Gunnery Sergeant. That is exactly how I see her, myself! Thanks for catching that nit. Muscle memory, you know (I type up to 100+ words a minute - not nearly fast enough when my mind is running in fifth gear). As for her knee, well, it'll be a few more chapters yet of limping before it finally gets fixed, but yes, it'll be Cirroc the Redguard from the Chapel of Talos who accomplishes the impossible.

@D.Foxy: He he.

@ureniashtram: Thanks for adding more candidates! I'm glad you're enjoying this so far.

@Remko: I'd agree with you, but Julian? Who knows what she will think when she meets him?

So far, the candidates we have include Raminus Polus, Baurus, Cyrus, Adamus Phillida, H. Lex, Ernest (that was his name), and Ruslan. Like I said, I'm not going to say yea or nay. I'd rather wait and see if anyone spots Julian's love before she gets blindsided.

On to a new chapter - much happens in Chapter 11.

********************
Chapter 11.1 Reporting the Results

The two younger mages were silent over breakfast the next morning. Both of them eyed me uneasily throughout the meal, each picking at his plate. Part of me felt bad for killing their high spirits, but the old pilus I used to be remained implacable toward them.

Orania noticed their subdued attitudes and shot me a meaningful glance, but I was in too much pain from my knee to pay much attention to her. I wanted to finish this job, get my recommendation from Frasoric, make my report to Gerich Senarel, then hike the long uphill climb back to Cloud Ruler Temple to report to Jauffre.

The three healing spells I had cast this morning helped with the swelling in my knee, but the pain still shot up my thigh when I walked on it. Again, I silently cursed myself for leaving my backup weapons at Cloud Ruler Temple. Still, I knew that my knee had been much more painful not that long ago. I had become accustomed to the decreased pain recently. Resentful of this relapse in the old wound, I realized that my left hip remained mostly pain-free. I decided to be grateful for small mercies.

After my meal, I headed upstairs, finding Frasoric squinting at a volume.

“I found J’skar,” I said simply.

“Found him, did you?” she repeated. She seemed distracted this morning. “Well, that’s good.” I was surprised at her lack of enthusiasm. Beyond her shoulder, I saw Volanaro tiptoe across the south stair hall, a familiar volume in his hand, toward the stairs leading up to Frasoric’s quarters.

“Yes,” I answered. “He was trying out a new invisibility spell and got carried away.”

“Oh,” she said faintly. Then her eyes focused on me. “You’ll have to forgive me,” she said worriedly. “I seem to have misplaced something -” her voice trailed off. I groaned inwardly. Don’t ask me to find that damned book for you. “Hmm, yes, well - let’s never mind that,” she shook herself. “You’ve fulfilled your end of the bargain, I’ll fulfill mine. Raminus will have my recommendation.” Now she simpered at me. “And don’t forget about me once you’ve finished your training!” She bounced on her toes in that characteristic manner of hers. “I’m sure we can help each other out!”

“Thank you, ma’am,” I said, secretly glad she hadn’t asked me about her missing book. I hated lying. Volanaro returned back across the stair hall, his hands empty. He caught my gaze and nodded once. That book has been returned. Good. “As for what you seem to be missing,” I said to Frasoric, “where is the last place you remember seeing it?”

“Oh, on my desk,” she responded. “But it’s not there, now. Hmm -”

“Where do you normally keep it, on top of your desk?” I asked her. She shook her head.

“No, I keep it in the drawer. Maybe I should look again -”

“It’s amazing what we miss right under our noses,” I commented quietly.

“Amazing, isn’t it?” Frasoric tapped her lower lip thoughtfully. “Well, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll go and have another look then.”

“Good bye, ma’am,” I said, as she headed for the stairs. She waved absent-mindedly at me. Turning toward the front door, I saw J’skar and Volanaro standing in the north stair hall, watching me anxiously. I felt guilty at destroying any little fun they might have had in what they considered a forsaken corner of Cyrodiil.

“Remember,” I said, walking up to them. “No more pranks on the chapter head. No matter what your feelings about her capabilities. However,” I regarded the abject young men, “there is nothing harder to prank than an expert prankster.” I stifled a smile as sudden comprehension dawned on their faces. Volanaro and J’skar exchanged glances, each assessing the other. “Have a good day, gentlemen,” I said, and turned for the door.

Orania caught me as I reached for the latch. “I’m sorry to see you go, Julian,” she said quietly, pressing a couple of vials into my hand. “Use these when you have great need,” she warned. Strong Potion of Healing, the cursive script on each vial read. Slipping the precious potions into my belt pouch, I smiled at her.

“Thanks, Orania,” I said. “I appreciate this gift of yours. I’m sure I’ll see you again.”

Outside, the sky was overcast, though the air remained clear and crisp. I shivered in the cold, and limped north along the terrace toward the Hammer and Axe. After picking up my newly-sharpened weapons, I turned west up the hill towards the Castle.

Inside the Castle, I found Burd and Senarel at breakfast in the barracks. Senarel spotted me and waved me to join them. Refusing the food he offered me, I sat down in the indicated seat. Burd poured me some hot klah without asking, which I accepted gratefully.

“It was very cold last night,” he commented.

“Yes, I spent the night at the Mages Guild,” I answered. “I didn’t feel like hiking out in the dark.” Burd only grunted. Taking the clay mug, I wrapped both of my hands around it, my chilled fingers soaking up its heat.

“Well,” Senarel looked at me. “Anything to report?”

“Jearl was working for the Mythic Dawn, the cult responsible for the Emperor’s assassination,” I sighed. “I found her cellar - she had another bed there, and the first two volumes of the Commentaries of the Mysterium Xarxes -”

“Wait one second, Commentaries of the Myster-” Burd interrupted me.

“The Mysterium Xarxes,” I answered, pulling the two volumes out of my pack and setting them on the table. “There are four volumes of these books, that make up the canon of the Mythic Dawn cult. They refer to the Mysterium Xarxes, which is said to be written by the daedric Lord Mehrunes Dagon himself.”

Senarel whistled. “Mehrunes Dagon!” he exclaimed. “Is he the one behind these Oblivion Gates that are opening outside cities all across Tamriel?” I nodded. “Gods preserve us!”

Burd only glanced at the younger Imperial. He turned his level gaze back to me. “So you found the first two volumes of these books?” he prompted me. I nodded.

“There was a door in her cellar that opened into a cavern system. I followed that to an entrance on the south side of the mountain, just below the city walls.” I looked at Senarel. “That must be how she got the other woman inside her home. That Dunmer, by the way, is Saveri Faram. She, too, was a Mythic Dawn agent.” I took a deep breath, thinking of the scroll in my pack. Should I show it to them? They need to be aware of the danger Bruma faces.

Reluctantly, I put the warm mug down, and reached into my pack, drawing out the scroll. “I also found this,” I continued. “I need to take this to the Grandmaster, but I think you have to see this too.” I handed the scroll to Burd. He unrolled it and started reading it, while I nursed the klah in my two hands, hunching over its steaming warmth. Burd’s face grew grim as he perused the meaning of the orders to Jearl. When he finished, he handed the scroll to Senarel, meeting my gaze squarely.

“There is no doubt that Jearl was a spy for the Mythic Dawn,” he said quietly. “Do you know what she did in Chorrol?”

I shook my head. “I do know that Weynon Priory, just outside of Chorrol, was attacked by Mythic Dawn assassins,” I answered. “The Prior was killed before the brothers managed to fend off the attack.” Burd regarded me silently, but I offered no further information. He seemed to know better than to ask.

“Hmm,” he said as Senarel looked up from the scroll, stunned. “These Oblivion Gates,” he continued, taking the scroll from his lieutenant’s slack hands and rolling it up before handing it back to me, “how dangerous are they?”

Before answering, I took a sip of the hot klah. “Very,” I said shortly. “They are disks of pure fire suspended between something resembling tusks or fangs rising out of the ground. At least four times as tall as a man - a Nord.” I looked at Senarel’s incredulous expression. “You can see through it, you can walk around it, but if you touch it -” I caught my breath at the memory of my disorienting transition, “- you’re sucked right through into the Deadlands.”

“Mehrunes Dagon’s plane of Oblivion,” Burd commented.

“Hey, wait a minute,” Senarel sat up. “You,” he pointed at me, “you’re the one who went into the Kvatch Oblivion Gate and closed it, aren’t you?”

I didn’t answer Senarel, only looked into my klah.

“Yeah, yeah, you are,” Senarel nodded to himself. “That explains a lot of things.”

I glanced at him, then met Burd’s level gaze. “The Deadlands are not to be traversed lightly,” I continued. “There are enemies everywhere, the land itself is hostile, and the Gate can be closed only by taking the sigil stone out of its source of power. Break that focus, and you destroy the Gate.”

“And what happens to you then?” Burd said, arms crossed on his chest.

“You end up back where you started.” I answered. “Alone.” I shrugged. “At least, no enemies followed me through the Gate, but then, few were left alive.”

We were silent for a few more moments, then Burd uncrossed his arms and stood. “Well, better notify the Guard what to watch for.”

I finished the last of the klah. “Well, if you’re satisfied with my report,” I looked at both Burd and Senarel. Both men nodded. “I’ll be heading back to Grandmaster Jauffre, then.”

“Right, then,” Burd said. “Give my regards to the Grandmaster.”

“I will, Captain.” Picking up my pack and slipping the scroll inside it, I stood. The pack slung at my shoulder, I nodded at the two men and limped out of the barracks.

Peter Brugels greeted me when I limped to the North Gate. “Hello, Julian,” he hailed me. “I heard you had a spot of trouble yesterday.”

“Aye, but your fellow Guardsmen saved my behind,” I answered. “I’m grateful for their accurate aim.”

“Hey, we’re here to protect and serve, ma’am,” Peter said as he pushed the great panel open for me. “Travel safe, and stay away from those Oblivion Gates!”

I laughed, but felt hollow. “I’ll try!” I said as I stepped through. As the gate closed behind me, I sighed. Something told me I had more Oblivion Gates in my future.

[SubRosa]

Something told me I had more Oblivion Gates in my future.
Gee, I get the same feeling!

The old soldier shows strongly once more, both in her conversations with the two delinquent mages, but also with her conversation with Jeanne, and later with Burd.

It is also good to see Julian's knee acting up still. As someone who suffers from chronic knee problems, I love seeing someone else in the same agony! Seriously though, having a main character with very real physical vulnerabilities like that is refreshing to see in the fantasy genre.

[Acadian]

Masterful, Rider! Julian is one cool woman!

What a neatly composed update. The MG recommendation finale was a delightfully light romp. Then back to spies and gates.

Julian's descriptions and assessments of Oblivion Gates were stunningly chilling - and she should know!

I don't envy her the limpy walk back up that cold hill to CRT.

Ooohh! A contest to guess Julian's love!!!! Oh, I'm so terrible at this. I can't figure out 'whodunits' until Mrs Acadian tells me during the closing credits! Hmmm, I have a guess though, perhaps a wishful one. I'm not familiar with Julian's exact age; particularly as it might relate to Redguard menopause. . . . I was kind of hoping that while at CRT, perhaps the seeds for another heir to the Dragonblood could be planted. See where I'm going here? Yup, that is my humble guess.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Jun 25 2010, 05:52 PM

[haute ecole rider]

@SubRosa: I assure you, the knee will be a bum for some time yet. Oh, about four more chapters or so. That old soldier aspect of Julian’s nature caught me by surprise as she was reaming the young’uns a couple of new ones. But I have to admit, I relished writing that scene, especially since they irritated me so much the first time I played the game and encountered them.

@Acadian: You’re not the first one to wish that poor Martin would get lucky. Don’t worry, we’ll learn Julian’s exact age in a couple of chapters! In any case, I think the Septim line ends here. If you read the Lore, the Septims have been holding the Amulet only for the last 400 years or so; previous Emperors are not related to Tiber Septim, so blood relationships are not required to hold the Amulet. Unfortunately it gets destroyed at the end of the MQ, or things might get pretty interesting . . . As for figuring out who Julian falls in love with, I think she might be the last one to know. I had it figured out by Chapter 15, but then, I’m the writer!

A bit long this time, but I hope it's not noticeable. Enjoy Julian's day off!

*******************
Chapter 11.2 A Day Off

The hike up the mountain to Cloud Ruler Temple took the rest of the morning. The pain in my right knee slowed me down, and the chill didn’t help at all. It felt colder this morning than it had yesterday, before I left the heights of the temple. By the time I limped up the stairs, I was shivering, and my jaw felt tight with the pain. Captain Steffan paused on his patrol of the walls to look at me in concern.

“Julian, are you all right?” he asked. “You look like you’re in a lot of pain.”

“Those two were spies,” I answered, more curtly than I intended. I met his gaze regretfully. “I’m sorry, sir. They attacked me, and I had no choice but to run.” I tapped my knee. “And this old thing doesn’t like running.”

“So how did you manage?” he left the question incomplete.

“The Guard is very well trained,” I said quietly. “And their aim very accurate.”

Steffan nodded in satisfaction. “Burd is a good commander,” he said simply. Jerking his head towards the temple, he ordered me inside, out of the cold. “Get some hot lunch, and some hot klah, put your foot up by the fire, and take it easy.”

“Yes, sir,” I replied. As he walked away from me, I limped towards the Great Hall. Captain Steffan’s a good commander, himself.

As Jena opened the front door for me, Jauffre called to me from the west wing, “Hail, Julian!” He frowned at my face when I turned to look at him. “Are you hurt?” he demanded. Does it really show on my face? “Get inside this instant!” he ordered, striding towards me and nodding at Jena to hold the door open. At Jauffre’s unspoken command, I entered the Great Hall and limped past Martin to the chair beside the great fireplace.

Jauffre hooked a stool with his foot and nudged it towards me. Gratefully, I slumped back in the chair and put my right foot on the stool, stifling a groan as I straightened my knee. Quickly I cast three healing spells, while Jauffre poured a mug of klah. He pulled up another chair and handed me the steaming mug.

“Now, Julian,” he said, still in that commanding tone, “what have you learned about those spies?”

Martin joined us as I started telling Jauffre what I had learned in Bruma, what Burd had said about Jearl returning from a trip south, about the attack on me, and what I had found in her house. Handing Jauffre the scroll, I sat back and sipped at the hot klah while he read the damning evidence.

“She was at Chorrol?” he exclaimed when he began reading. “She stole the Amulet?” He continued reading, his face blanching as he proceeded to the end. Thoughtfully, he handed the scroll to Martin and regarded me for several seconds. I began shifting uncomfortably under his steady gaze. He sighed.

“Excellent work, Julian,” his tone was softer, quieter. “I knew we could count on you. The gods did not idly choose you as their agent, however you and Martin,” his eyes flickered at the Septim heir seated next to me, “may think.” His eyes turned hard. “It is clear that Mankar Camoran will soon bring all his power to bear against Bruma. I will need to notify the Countess of the danger.”

“I had to give Captain Burd a report,” I volunteered. “He has read that,” I nodded at the scroll in Martin’s hands. “I don’t doubt he will hesitate to make the Countess aware of it.”

Jauffre nodded approvingly. “Nevertheless, I must pay her a visit,” he persisted.

Martin met my gaze. “I was worried when you didn’t come back last night,” he said. “But Jauffre said you would be fine.”

“Oh, I joined the Mages Guild,” I answered. Jauffre stared at me. “One of the shopkeepers told me if I joined a Guild, I would get a free bed in any city in Cyrodiil.” Puzzled by his reaction, I met his gaze. He laughed suddenly, drawing the attention of everyone to him.

“Except for the Imperial City,” Jauffre advised, smiling. “But that was a good move, joining the Mages Guild. It would give you a good cover and an excuse to travel around. Don’t you have to get a recommendation from each chapter head to gain access to the Arcane University?”

“Yes, I do,” I was surprised by the implication of Jauffre’s statement.

“And it will provide an excuse for your traveling all over Cyrodiil,” Jauffre continued. “It seems Emperor Martin has made some progress with the Mysterium Xarxes.”

“Ah, yes, I have,” Martin handed the scroll to Jauffre. I looked closely at him. His eyes were brighter, not so red, and the dark circles beneath them had disappeared. Good, he’s got some sleep.

“I’ve deciphered part of the ritual needed to open a portal to Camoran’s Paradise. The Xarxes mentions four elements needed for the ritual.” Martin tilted his head at me. “So far, I have only translated one of them, the ‘blood of a Daedra Lord.’” He held my gaze. “In fact, daedric artifacts are known to be formed from the essence of a Daedric Lord, from whence they derive their great power. Not an easy thing to come by, obviously, but we will need a daedric artifact. I’d like you to find one and bring it to me.”

Nearly spilling my half-drunk klah, I started at Martin’s words. “F- find you a daed- daedric artifact?” I stammered. “Now where in Oblivion am I supposed to find one?” Catching my breath, I remembered my place. “Sire.”

Martin smiled dryly at my incredulous tone. “The only way to obtain a daedric artifact is through the cults devoted to each of the Daedric Lords. The book Modern Heretics is the best introduction to them. The library here has a copy of it.” His eyes twinkled sardonically as I groaned silently at the thought of more reading. “Remember,” he continued, “the Mysterium Xarxes ritual will consume the physical form of the artifact in order to release its physical power.” He handed me the book he had mentioned.

“Are you sure that’s what the Xarxes means?” I asked. Martin nodded, more somberly this time.

“I’ve learned that the Mysterium Xarxes is both the gate and the key to Camoran’s Paradise,” he explained. “In fact, the book is Camoran’s Paradise. Mankar Camoran bound himself to the Xarxes when he created his Paradise, using dark rituals which I will not speak of further.” His eyes grew dark at some long-lost memory.

“A gate can be opened from the outside, however. It will be very difficult, as I will have to temporarily bind myself to the book.” Now Martin smiled encouragingly. “But I believe it can be done. I will continue working to decipher the arcane items needed for the binding ritual.” He clasped my right shoulder. “I know I lay a heavy task on you, Julian,” he finished. “But you need to rest, and,” he nodded at the book in my lap, “time to get some reading done.”

I turned to Jauffre for help. He shook his head. “I’ll make sure the klah pot stays full and hot,” he offered. “It’ll help with the reading, I know.” He rose to his feet. “Besides, you need to get that knee better before you can travel again. And don’t forget to practice those healing spells!” He walked away from me.

Looking back at Martin, I considered begging off from this latest task, but I saw the weariness still carved into the lines of his face, the care that weighed his shoulders down. “All right, Martin, Sire,” I said quietly. “I’ll do it.”

“Thank you,” Martin rose to his feet and took the now-empty mug from my hand. “You have been truly a friend in need,” he said, moving to the fireplace and refilling my mug. He nodded at Baurus, who brought over a small table and set it at my elbow. “If you need anything, just let Baurus or myself know.”

“I will,” I answered, opening the book Martin had given me. After a few minutes, I took the plunge. I was interrupted when Baurus brought me a plate of bread and cheese for lunch, but soon returned to it after he reminded me to cast a couple of healing spells on myself.

The aching in my knee subsided as I continued puzzling out the words on the crisp parchment. I learned how to identify Daedric shrines, how to learn their locations, and about the Azura shrine high in the Jeralls northeast of Cheydinhal. I’d have to make an offering of glow dust?

Finishing the book, I set it down and mused over what I had learned. I don’t think I want to go will-o-wisp hunting. I have enough problems with goblins and imps. Maybe one of the other shrines will be easier. I wonder which one would accept my offering.

A sudden thought spurred a sharp inhalation. Gwinas! What was it he said? “I’ve visited the Shrine of Sheogorath during the Festival of the Mad! I’ve spoken with Hermaeus Mora beneath the full moons!” Yes, he’d help me, especially after I rescued him from a sticky situation. I had to stifle a chuckle at the thought of the prissy Bosmer shouting “For Lord Dagon!”

I’ll see if I can find him at the Imperial City. Maybe Phintias will know where to find him. Deciding to start my search there, I cast a couple more healing spells, then stood up. My knee no longer stabbed to stand on it, and I took an experimental step. It hurt, but only with a dull twinge. Encouraged, I picked the book up and limped over to Martin’s table, setting the book back on the stack at Martin’s elbow. He looked up at me quizzically.

“I think I have an idea of where to begin,” I said to him.

“You will go to the Shrine of Azura, then?” he asked me. I shook my head.

“I’m not ready to face will-o-wisps,” I answered. Martin smiled and nodded agreement. “I think I know someone in the Imperial City who may be able to help me,” I continued.

“Good, then,” Martin said. “And is your knee better?”

“Better,” I agreed. “I’ll start out in the morning.” I shrugged. “I don’t know how long I’ll be gone, though.”

“I understand,” Martin responded. “I think you know how urgent things are right now, but like you said, one has to take time to eat, drink, and sleep.” He set the book in his hand firmly on the table. “Speaking of which, I believe it is supper time. Let’s go in the dining hall, and we’ll speak as friends.”

Jauffre joined us in the dining hall, helping himself to the platters in the middle of the table as he sat across from me and Martin. “I see you are walking better, Julian,” he said to me. My mouth too full to answer, I nodded. “Hmph,” he grunted, his own mouth rapidly filling up with food.

“Why is it,” I finally said, watching the others eat with equally ravenous appetites, “that we eat more at higher altitudes?”

Jauffre paused in his eating to consider my question. “I never thought of that,” he said finally. “But it must be the cold. We burn more fuel staying warm in this cold, thin air. That stimulates our appetites in turn.” He pointed his fork at me. “You must observe your own appetite as you go hunting for shrines, and report to me.” He wasted no further time in resuming his eating.

“Yes, Grandmaster,” I replied, smiling. “I will.” I glanced at Martin. “Would I need to do something I wouldn’t otherwise do, Sire?”

Martin considered my question for a few moments. “Yes, you might,” he said finally. “I believe some of the Daedra Lords, like Mehrunes Dagon, are inherently evil, while some of the others just - are.” He looked at me. “Azura is one of the more benign Lords,” he continued. “That’s why I recommended her Shrine. But I understand your reluctance to take on a will-o-wisp at this time.”

Martin leaned back in his chair, twirling the tumbler of wine in his hand. “If you speak with a Daedric Lord, and the task he sets for you is not to your liking, you can always refuse. Sure, you may gain the contempt of that Lord and his coven, but you can’t please everybody.”

After a few more moments, Jauffre rose and stacked his plate and fork on the nearby scratch pile. He turned to us and bowed. “It’s late, Sire, and I’m off to bed,” he said quietly.

“Good night, Grandmaster,” Martin and I murmured together. As Jauffre left, Martin turned to me. “I will study a while longer,” he said. “Perhaps you will, too?”

I thought of the books I had collected so far - The Warp in the West, The Pocket Guide to Cyrodiilic Flora, The Amulet of Kings, Mages Guild Charter, and The Fundaments of Alchemy. “There’s one or two books I’d like to finish,” I answered. “But I should be packing for the trip tomorrow. I’d like to leave at first light.”

“Very well,” Martin rose from the table as well. “If I don’t see you again before you leave, safe travels. May Akatosh guide you and watch over your path.”

“Thank you, Martin,” I stood, facing him. He surprised me by embracing me, then turned away and left the kitchen, Baurus on his heels. With a deep breath, I limped down to the armory, where I had left all my weapons and gear.

It was quite late when I finished my packing. Martin had already gone to bed by the time I returned to the Great Hall. I looked around the vaulted ceiling, seeing again the katanas of fallen Blades hung from the rafters. After a few moments, and three healing spells, I too, went to bed.

This post has been edited by haute ecole rider: Jun 29 2010, 04:38 PM

[Acadian]

Oh Rider, I love it when you feed me while I'm reading. And the chow at the CRT is among the best!

This was great interaction among Julian, Martin and Jauffre.

I was so pleased that Julian decided to pass on seeking Azura's favor and think more along the lines of Sheo. Although she doesn't realize the value of Azura's artifact, her rationale made PERFECT sense from her perspective. Incorporating wills-o-the-wisp and prissy Gwinas into her decision matrix was brilliant. Methinks you are very clever at looking out for our Julian! Very smoothly done.

Lots of travel ahead for the old soldier and her knee. I'm so glad that her friend Paint will be able to help with that.

Edit: Had to pop back in for another cup of hot klah and noticed this:

A sudden though spurred a sharp inhalation.

I'm sure you meant 'thought'?

This post has been edited by Acadian: Jun 27 2010, 08:44 PM

[SubRosa]

I love the idea of doing the MG recommendation quests as a cover for Julian doing her Blade work. That is simply brilliant! Having it come from Jauffre makes it even better, as it gives him the opportunity to act like the leader he is supposed to be (something rather lacking in the game).

Julian's reaction to Martin telling her to find a daedric artifact was priceless!

I was thinking Julian might try Azura first as well. You know, you can just buy the glow dust from the Gilded Carafe or Main Ingredient... It is the only way you can do the quest at low levels.

Still, you gave me more than a faint smile to read that Gwinas will be appearing again! Perhaps this time in a larger role than before? I hope so, he was so much fun the first time around. It would be neat to see him doing one of the daedric quests alongside Julian.

[Olen]

I go away for a Birthday and then a run and suddenly there's a mound of new updates, a pleasant surprise indeed. Your description of her knee is very good, almost too good, it seems to be making mine hurt more.

Julian's reaction to being told to find a daedric artefact was brilliant but I think this line:

I turned to Jauffre for help. He shook his head. “I’ll make sure the klah pot stays full and hot,” he offered.

was even more so, Jauffre seems out of his depth with this, and I can see why. In game it was never really expessed what a ludicrous thing to ask for this was.

Still after your first portrayal of Gwinas I can hardly wait to meet him again.

Anyway good stuff the way you weaved together the seriousness of her main mission and the triviality of most of what happens at the mages guild was very good. I still think she really wants to go the the shrine of Sheogorath and give him a good dressing down.

Great stuff, keep it coming.

[Winter Wolf]

Still limping along here, lol! I will catch up eventually.

I guess I am the only lucky one here at the forum. Melbourne is bitterly cold (well when I am sitting in front of my laptop and not moving that is!) and I have the fantastic Bruma storyline to read through.

The wind, the cold, yes sir I can relate to that. Makes me want to go find the Minestrone soup...

Reading this story cannot be the same for you bikini wearers!!

EDIT - Caught up at last. Julian at the Bruma MG was absolutely delicious. The way you described Jeanne was so perfect, the bouncing of the toes, ha, ha. Great. I really thought she might wear out the floorboards there.

When Julian paid out on the boys for using a prank I thought I was listening to my mother there. I even sat bolt upright as Julian took them both on at the same time. Wow!! That Julian is one strong woman if she can make me do that from the other side of the world.

I always have fun searching for J'Skar by myself. Sometimes I find him at the bottom of the stairs invisible, other times he is sleeping in his bed. I love the way he tells me to get lost because I am ruining everything. Lol. Did you consider throwing that into the story? Jeanne would have really gone off then!!

I was thinking Julian might try Azura first as well. You know, you can just buy the glow dust from the Gilded Carafe or Main Ingredient... It is the only way you can do the quest at low levels.

Actually the Bruma MG does have one Glow Dust sitting on the table downstairs. It does save the time and effort of buying it at the IC. I always pick it up when I do the MG quest there. One time I even accidently mixed it by mistake in my pestle. Boy, did I look stupid that day.

This post has been edited by Winter Wolf: Jun 28 2010, 11:56 AM

[Destri Melarg]

I have just finished Chapter 10.7 and I can’t wait to finish the rest to comment.

As always your writing is excellent. And, after a dressing down like the one received by Volanaro and J’Skar (can you say ‘buzz-kill’, Julian?), I think it’s only fair for me to take the opposite track:

“Come on, Miss Frasoric, it’s called a ‘Dispel Other Spell’! Volanaro sells one for Mara’s sake! If you are so inept that all you can do is summon scamps then Volanaro and J’Skar are right to give you the business, especially given how you act! Like Julius said in Remember the Titans, ‘Attitude reflects leadership, Captain!’”

All due respect to both you and SubRosa haute, but personally I am a bit disappointed in Julian. I have never seen her so judgemental. She is not an ‘officer’ in the Mages Guild. Hell, she is not even qualified to be considered a ‘grunt’ yet. She is a 'fresh off the snow' newcomer who walks into the Bruma Guild and within a few hours time she is dressing down two of her fellow mages. She was in Frasoric’s company for two minutes and her distaste for the woman was almost palpable. Volanaro and J’Skar have to live there. It’s easy enough for Julian, she gets her recommendation and then it’s off to the next chapter house. It seems that someone who is so familiar with complaining about a pilus would have more empathy for the mages under Frasoric.

Edit: Okay, so now I’m all caught up again. I enjoyed Julian’s report to Burd and Senarel and I echo Acadian’s comments. I also like the fact that Julian at least felt a pang of remorse for being so hard on Volanaro and J’Skar (though I still find her condescension towards them slightly out of character).

I have to withdraw my recommendation of Jauffre as Julian’s potential significant other. The man is just wound too tight for his own good! Seriously, I have always imagined that she and Baurus would eventually get together, but only you really know.

I love the part where Martin tells her to just refuse if the task set by the Daedric Prince is one that doesn’t sit well with Julian. That’s right, let’s make an enemy out of a Daedric Prince. Sheogorath makes it rain flaming dogs on the village of a bunch of Khajiit! Molag Bal orders you to stand still while a man beats you to death! And Mephala orders you to kill the patriarchs of two families! Why? Because they are bored . . . imagine what they’d do if they were moved to hate someone!!

I was also going to mention the portion of glow dust in the Bruma Mages Guild, but Winter Wolf beat me to it.

This post has been edited by Destri Melarg: Jun 29 2010, 05:52 AM

[haute ecole rider]

@Acadian: Yes, I’m sure Julian agrees the chow at CRT is among the best as well. Thanks for the nit. Muscle memory is still a problem for me, I see!

@SubRosa: I always felt that Jauffre kind of fades into the background once you get Martin to CRT - I feel he should be more of a commander than they let him be in-game. Could be something to do with the fact that he becomes non-essential after a certain point in the MQ. I’m glad you’re looking forward to seeing Gwinas again.

@Olen: I figured you were off celebrating your birthday in style when you went AWOL over the last few days. I’m glad you had a good one, but sorry to hear about your knee. Jauffre strikes me as more Julian’s kind of fighter - trust your own sword more than magic. Going off on a wild goose chase to find artifacts is a bit hare-brained for this old soldier. As with Rosa, I’m glad you’re looking forward to seeing a certain prissy Bosmer again.

@Wolf:I see from weather.com that you’re currently in the 40’s and 50’s (Farenheit). Tell me, how can that compare to Bruma? I figure Bruma’s average temp is about 30 degrees above zero in the summer, and more like 40 below in the winter (judging from the constant snow cover, and yes, it snows less when it’s colder). Your mom must be a hell of a woman (pardon my French), and has my respect! As for finding J’skar without going through the prank, I’ve only done it with my Dunmer character (she already had the detect life spell). It would never occur to Julian at this stage to look for glow dust in the MG, so that wasn’t included. If she had known to ask you for advice first, the outcome might have been different!

@Destri: You have done it again! You have spotted the flaw in Julian’s character! Yes, she is judgmental - she has not learned to look at people from a viewpoint more forgiving than the Legion’s. After spending much of her life in the military, civilian life (and civilian habits) confounds her from time to time. This is one old habit that will die hard.

Julian heads down to the IC, but first gets sidetracked at a certain village. This is one for all you Paint fans out there (you know who you are!).

******************
Chapter 11.3 Invisibility Village

Paint’s hooves clattered to a halt when I asked him to enter the village of Aleswell. He braced his legs under himself and threw his head up, ears pointed at the communal garden in the center of the settlement.

Following the direction of his gaze, I spotted a hoe suspended in mid-air, moving in a weeding motion through the pumpkins. How in Oblivion is that possible? A bulky shadow, thrown long by the westering sun, wielded that of the implement.

With a pat for Paint on his tense neck, I dismounted and dropped his rein. “Stay here,” I said to him quietly. I watched the garden a moment longer, recalling Atellus’s words - “Nice inn there, though I haven’t seen anyone there for a while. I’m starting to hear stories from travelers that the place is haunted.”

“Well, don’t stand there staring!” a rough voice greeted me from the garden where the hoe paused in its work and raised to a vertical position. “We’re not a minstrel’s freak show here!” Behind me, Paint shifted uneasily, turning his head back toward the road.

“I’m sorry, sir,” I answered hastily. “It’s just that I’d like a place to stay tonight, but Paint is scared. I’m just trying to figure out why.”

“Ach, talk to Diram!” the voice - sounds Orsimer - grumbled as the hoe returned to its work. “He’s in the inn.”

“Thanks, sir,” I responded. I picked up the rein and coaxed Paint to walk past the garden. He did, head up, prancing at my shoulder to keep me between him and the invisible Orc. When he followed me to the weathered inn perched on the cliff edge at the far side of the garden, I praised him for his courage and trust. Once he was standing quietly in front of the inn, still watching that moving hoe, I fed him an apple from my pack. He snatched at the pieces nervously, but ate it nonetheless.

He nearly took off again when the inn door opened behind me, and only stopped when he stood at the end of the rein. Trembling, he shot wide eyes in my direction.

My hand clutched on the rein, I turned to look behind me. Again, I saw nothing, only a long shadow standing next to mine. “Hello, traveler,” a male voice with a Dunmer accent greeted me from that direction. With a deep breath to quieten my pounding heart, I backed up until Paint’s breath blew hard on my neck, stirring my ponytail. “I’m sorry to startle your horse, ma’am, but we’re in a bit of a sticky situation here.”

“I see, sir,” I responded. See what, exactly? “I think. You’re not all ghosts here, are you?”

“Ghosts?” the voice repeated. “Oblivion no! We’re all very much flesh and blood, like you and your frightened horse. We think it’s that damned Ancotar’s fault!”

“What happened, sir?” I asked, my heartbeats slowing down with the continued conversation.

“We suddenly became invisible several weeks ago,” the Dunmer answered. “It was pretty fun at first, but now the novelty has worn off.” His tone turned aggrieved. “Travelers have stopped coming here, and that’s bad for business. We’ve been hoping the spell will wear off, but now we’re out of patience.”

Paint’s breath slowed on my back, and his ears pricked forward at the voice. I could feel him stretching his neck forward, his nose nudging past my shoulder. A glance at him showed the white surrounding his dark eye, but his nostrils were fluttering.

“Oh, I believe your horse is smelling the carrots in my hand!” the Dunmer exclaimed. “Here,” his voice moved closer to me, and I felt something nudge my hand. Paint dropped his nose, blowing forcefully. Moving my hand away, I shook my head.

“Best you give him the carrot yourself, sir,” I said quietly, running my hand down Paint’s arched neck. “He needs to realize that you mean him no harm. You don’t, do you?” I added at a sudden thought.

“Of course not!” the voice exclaimed indignantly. Paint mouthed at thin air, and a bit of orange appeared briefly between his lips as he took a crunching bite. “He’s a good boy, your paint,” the Dunmer added approvingly. “First horse not to spook and run away since we all became invisible.”

“This is Paint, sir,” I offered. “I’m Julian, from Anvil.”

“And I’m Diram Serethi, innkeeper,” the Dunmer responded. “That’s Shagoth gro-Bumph there in the garden.” As Paint took the last of the carrot from Serethi, I heard the sound of hands brushing on fabric. “That’s all, Paint.”

Paint stood more relaxed, and the white had diminished from around his eye. He remained alert, but no longer appeared anxious to flee. Scratching his neck just above his withers, I smiled at him when he sighed disappointedly.

“You said it was Ancotar’s fault, sir?” I turned back in Serethi’s direction. “How so?”

“Ancotar’s a mage who took up resident in the ruins of Fort Caractacus a few years ago,” Serethi responded. “He’s caused us no end of inconveniences with his magical experiments. But this is beyond inconvenience!” I could hear the anger seeping back into his placid voice. “We tried to find him, but no such luck. He’s hiding from us, I’m sure. No wonder!”

Glancing back at the garden, I regarded the hoe, still working away. With Orsimer muscle behind it, that innocuous tool could become quite the deadly weapon. I had a sudden image of pitchforks and hoes floating into the ruins of a fort, carried by angry shouts, but no visible wielders. No wonder Ancotar hid from them.

“Where is this Fort Cara-” I blanked on the rest of the name.

“Caractacus,” Serethi offered helpfully.

“-Caractacus, sir?” I managed to get the tongue-twister out.

“It’s just to the southeast of here,” Serethi answered. “Down at the end of that path,” he indicated the faint dirt trail at the side of the inn that dived down the cliff face. “There are invisible monsters infesting the ruins!”

“The whole village is invisible?” I turned back to Serethi.

“Aye, even our sheep are invisible!” the Dunmer exclaimed. “Look over there! See?”

Somehow I had the sense that Serethi was imperceptibly pointing somewhere. Looking around, naturally I saw nothing of the invisible sheep. What I did see, were a few tattered cottages, thatched roofs covering wattle-and-daub walls, and a sheepfold off to the east, near the Red Ring Road.

“Fool!” gro-Bumph growled from the garden gate, where the hoe rested on its blade. “The lady can’t see where you’re pointing, let alone the sheep themselves!”

“Oh, of course,” Serethi’s abashed tone reached me.

“That’s all right, sir,” I assured him. Stepping to Paint’s side, I reached up and took down the Kvatch Wolf from the cantle. “I’ll go and talk to this Ancotar. You said he is a mage?”

“Yes, he is,” Serethi responded. “You’ll help us? A stranger off the road?”

“Why not, sir?” I said. “I’d like a place to stay for the night, and I don’t like the idea of being surrounded by people I can’t see. Maybe I can get Ancotar to reverse the spell.”

[SubRosa]

Ales well that ends well, I always say. (sorry, could not resist the pun).

This is a nice little diversion from the seriousness of the main quest. I especially liked how you handled Paint's spooked reaction to the invisible people. Quite a brave horse he is though, considering all the others fled! Good for Paint!

I’m Diram Serethi
For a moment I thought it was Sarethi, and that you had worked in some kind of a Rales crossover.


nits:
breath to quieten my pounding heart
looks like a typo on quiet.