The Talendor Chronicles, Part One Options

[ghastley]

Honditar spends a lot of his time outside the Mages Guild in Chorrol, so he's probably seen a lot more conjuration than most non-mages. So he possibly regards Talendor as a Bosmer who's messed up a summon and got something "foreign" if not alien stuck in his head.

Since Talendor has a Bosmer's instincts and someone else's memories, it's interesting to conjecture which of the two halves Honditar regards as the "right" one. It looks to me like he's trying to restore Talendor to his idea of what a Bosmer should be. But as an Altmer archer, you'd think he'd take the other side.

It all makes for a good story and plenty of potential for the plot.to go in any direction.

[Captain Hammer]

So Talendor'll be joining that great bastion of usefulness, the Mages Guild, eh? Well, if he does, good for him. That course of action is Breton-Spellsword approved!

On a more formal note, Honditar's lecture of Nirn's system of arcana is excellent and well put together. He's pleased when Talendor asks good questions, able to make his student demonstrate a lesson for himself, and demanding of his attention. He reminds me of my favorite professors, and your portrayal of a wise mentor for the less-than-fully-attentive student is spot on. Great job.

[TheOtherRick]

@ h.e.rider - Thanks for the nits...they have been picked. With Talendor not knowing where he is from, that line of thought had leaked into Honditars dialogue. You are absolutely correct that he shouldn't have assumed Talendor was not of Nirn.

@ ghastley - I'm zipping my lip on possible plot lines, but I like that idea of a conjuration gone bad and a foreign "spirit" in Talendor's head.

@ Cap'n Hammer - Even though Talendor is amazingly adept at both blade and bow, the Mages Guild did indeed seem the better option from an educational stand point. Thanks to you and h.e.rider for the compliments on Honditar's lecture. I hope your professor wasn't 6'6" with pointy ears!

@ Everyone - Thanks as always for your comments and support.

********************

Chapter 13 – The Mages Guild

Eldritch wisps of mist swirled amidst the moonlit trees. The mist seemed to have a mind of its own, performing a choreographed dance that had a purpose. As it wove in and out of the branches, the angel hair strands began to coalesce into form. The shape was vague at first and then recognizable as that of a woman’s face. She was beautiful, conveying benevolence and protection, such as a mother might appear to a child. The spectral woman spoke in an echoing, sing-song voice.

“The Thief shall guide your steps on the road to destiny. That road may twist in circles and switchbacks, but the final destination shall remain, for destiny brooks no change. Trust in your guide, for she will aid you in your times of need. Be true, always.”

The face faded to reveal the front of a house. A man stood in front of the entry with a woman at his side, her arm around his waist. The couple dissolved into mist and dissipated. The doorway to the house loomed closer and opened into darkness. The inky blackness became an interior landscape bathed in blood colored light. Furnishings were placed at odd angles and locations. They were undamaged, but out of place, with shadows cast at impossible angles. A bed stood on end against a wall. There was a table with chairs stacked on top of it, mocking gravity. A basement door beckoned and grew closer. The door opened to more blackness. The feeling of falling now, through complete and utter darkness, toward a ring of lights. They were nine distinct points of light that morphed from blue-white stars into balls of flame. The globes of fire congealed into one shape. A flaming demons face, grinning with evil intent. Then the demon began to laugh…

I jerked awake, evil laughter still echoing in my head like the final punctuation of a vile joke. I rubbed my face and took a deep breath, trying to exhale the remnants of the dream.

How could a dream change from being so soothing to something so horrific?

I rose, washed, and got dressed, all the while trying to shake the flames from my thoughts.

‘The Thief shall guide your steps…’ Who is The Thief? The only thieves I have encountered aren’t the type of guide I want…

Shaking my head again, I packed all of my belongings into my satchel and shouldered it. I glanced around at the room that had been my home. With a sigh, I left the room and went downstairs. Talasma was not at her usual station behind the bar, and the common room was completely empty. I sat at the bar, placing my satchel on the stool next to mine. I was contemplating what I should have for breakfast when Talasma came in from the kitchen. She was wearing an apron, and her usual blue blouse was smeared with flour. With a ‘pfft’ she blew a strand of her hair from her face.

“Never hire a Nord for a cook if you want breakfast prepared on time,” she said with a growl, “He will likely show up hung over at mid-morning. What can Talasma get for you this morning? Make it simple please.”

“Just a cup of milk and a sweetroll will be fine, Talasma,” I said. I couldn’t help but grin at her appearance.

When she returned, she glanced at my fully packed satchel.

“Are you leaving us today?” she asked.

“Yes, I’m afraid that I am. I am going to join the Mages Guild. Whatever balance I still have toward the room, I want you to keep. Your hospitality has been both patient and impeccable.”

“Well, Talendor, once you learned the proper function of a door, you were a fine guest as well. I do hope you will stop by from time to time. Now if you will excuse me, I have more kneading to attend to,” she stated and headed back to the kitchen.

I finished eating and left for the Mage’s Guild. The morning was cloudy, holding the threat of rain. The dog lady was out for her usual morning stroll with Bailey and Kezune. Turning the corner, I was rewarded with a toothless grin from a beggar when I tossed him a coin. When I reached the Guild hall, I paused for a moment, starting at the large blue sign. A stylized eye was etched into the wood and painted gold. I pondered the significance of the eye.

Quit stalling and get to it…

I entered into a main lobby. A curved counter at the back of the room hugged a round inset in the floor. The recessed circle was decorated with odd symbols surrounding a star-like shape with that same stylized eye at the center. It appeared illuminated, whether from the chandelier above or from within, I could not tell. I was walking toward the sunken circle when someone entered the room. He was a Bosmer, dressed in a blue and green outfit. He had a pleasant look about him and walked over to me.

“I am Athragar of the Mages Guild. How may I be of service?” he asked politely.

“I am here to join the guild,” I replied.

“Then you will need to speak to Teekeeus. He is the head of our chapter. You can find him in the next room,” Athragar said.

I thanked him and went into the adjacent room. There was an Altmer behind a counter working with a mortar and pestle. He had another apparatus on the counter that he poured the contents of the pestle into.

“Are you Teekeeus?” I asked the Altmer.

“Through that door,” he said, pointing at a door to my right.

“Thanks,” I said and walked into the next room.

There was an Argonian standing next to a bed. He was taller than Seed-Neeus. The scales on his head were equally vivid shades of green and red. Dark gray spikes bristled from his head in lieu of hair.

“What do you want, tree-hugger?” he said.

I turned around to look for a tree-hugger and saw no one. When I turned back, the Argonian was staring at me with what may have been impatience.

“Oh…you mean me? Sorry. I would like to join the Mages Guild,” I replied.

“Well then, let me tell you that joining the Guild is no small matter. Membership is as much a responsibility as it is an honor. Are you sure you wish to take on the responsibilities of membership?” he asked, as if hoping I might reconsider.

“I am,” I said, trying my best to sound confident.

“Then go and see Athragar. He will go through the enrollment process with you. When you have finished, return to me. Now, if you will excuse me…” he said and turned around, returning to whatever he was doing when I walked in.

I left the room and the Altmer was still behind the counter mixing…stuff. Stepping back into the lobby, I saw Athragar sitting in a chair near the corner. I walked over to him and explained that Teekeeus had sent me to find him for the enrollment process.

“So, you are joining our ranks. Let me tell you, it will be nice to have another Bosmer at our chapter. Let’s go up to the library,” Athragar said as he rose. I followed him up some stairs and he produced a key from his pocket to unlock the door at the top. We entered a room that was lined with full bookshelves. The scent of the air reminded me of Renoit’s Books. We walked to a table where Athragar instructed me to sit. He grabbed a sheet of parchment, quill, and ink bottle, and then joined me at the table.

“This is just a simple formality. We need some personal information for our records,” he said.

Personal information? I don’t HAVE any personal information!

“Ok,” I managed to say while my brain was racing.

“Your name?”

“Talendor,” I replied.

He wrote my name on the parchment. Then he asked, “And where are you from, Talendor?”

“Valenwood,” I lied.

“Age?” he asked.

I was dumbstruck. I have no clue how old I am.

Make something up! Lie! QUICKLY!

“Twenty-two…almost twenty-three,” I embellished.

“Your birthsign?”

“Huh?” escaped my mouth before I could stop it.

Birthsign? What’s a birthsign?

“Your birthsign. Under what sign were you born?” Athragar asked again.

“Um, what are my choices?”

Athragar looked at me like I had four ears. He set down the quill and placed his elbows on the table, intertwining his fingers as he leaned toward me.

“There are no choices, Talendor,” he said, “You can only be born under one sign. Everyone in Tamriel knows his or her birthsign. It is the constellation you were born under. This is important to the Guild because different signs convey different abilities. It directly affects the course of your training and many believe it guides your destiny.”

Guides my destiny… The dream… The Thief…

“OH!” I exclaimed, and followed it with a wave of my hand and a chuckle, “The Thief. My sign is The Thief,” hoping that ‘the thief’ was a birthsign.

Athragar gave me a sidelong glance as he picked up the quill and wrote it down. I was starting to sweat and my heart was pounding. Eventually, he would ask me something that I could not cover with a lie.

‘If you need to confide in someone at the Guild, trust Athragar…’

Honditar had said to trust this one, and I trusted Honditar. When Athragar started to ask the next question, I raised my hand to stop him.

“Athragar, before you ask anything else, I need to speak in confidence with you. Honditar told me that I could trust you, so I am about to. I can’t answer these questions…” and I went on to tell Athragar my story.

“Honditar did well to advise you to trust me, and you did well to heed his words. If you had spoken of this to Teekeeus, any hope of joining the guild would have been lost. We can work through this enrollment and once you’re officially a member, come see me and we’ll go over some basics to get you on track,” the Bosmer told me.

It seemed like every time I turned around, I was thanking someone for helping me. Athragar and I went through my false information so that my story would stay on track. He gave me the completed information sheet that we had co-authored, along with a book titled ‘The Mages Guild Charter’. Then he instructed me to return to Teekeeus. I found the Argonian downstairs and handed him the parchment with my information. He looked it over and then spoke.

“Very well, you are now an Associate in the Mages Guild. Congratulations. The full Guild hall is available for your use,” he said, and handed me a key, “You will need a recommendation from every Guild chapter to advance further, starting with this one. Until that time, the Arcane University will be closed to you. Go and study the charter, then you may return to me and we will discuss what will be needed to earn my recommendation,” he finished and then dismissed me.

As I walked upstairs, I exhaled a huge sigh of relief.

You’re in. Now what? For now, just do what you are told and stay out of trouble.

[haute ecole rider]

I really enjoyed the enrollment process. It brought back twenty-five-year old memories!

Let met guess, your play style is primarily bow with lots of magic (like Buffy's Mystic Archer)? I'm asking because of the differences I noticed between your Mages Guild and mine. I'm mostly slash-and-smash with little magic in my gameplay, though I'm exploring magic through Julian's roleplay. There's a lot to magic I haven't yet explored, and it shows in my writing. That's where you really shine.

I didn't see any nits this time.

[SubRosa]

I am up to chapter 7 of the TC now, and I am enjoying your writing. Talendor's reaction to Jauffre's attempt to conscript him was simply priceless. I really love how you wrote that.

It is a neat idea you have to write a character with no memory of who they are, or knowledge of the world. It allows you as a writer to explain how things in the world work as Talendor discovers them. This is often the best way to portray an alien environment. It also allows you to skip over huge things that he would not know.

I get the impression that Talendor may be no ordinary amnesiac as well, but rather someone used to being on the other side of the computer screen. Perhaps that dastardly MCP is up to its old tricks again...

Oh, and I never had the chance to mention, that your avatar looks like Kirk Douglas, only if he were an elf.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Feb 23 2011, 03:48 AM

[Captain Hammer]

I hope your professor wasn't 6'6" with pointy ears!

No, he was of only average height, mostly bald, and quite the cheery fellow overall.

Your process of joining the Mages' Guild (Teekeus: "Stop bothering me you Fool!") in Chorrol is priceless. I have images of "What do you mean you don't know what a constellation is? Are you blind?" running through my head. Athragar is one of the better guys in the Chorrol guild, and you bring him to life wonderfully.

[Grits]

Talendor’s dream was very effective, moving quickly from lovely to horrifying the way dreams sometimes do. I especially liked the mist.

Athragar looked at me like I had four ears.

[mALX]

I have the worst feeling Talendor's dreams are memories of his past that he isn't remembering. GAAAAH! My fave part:

“Age?” he asked.

I was dumbstruck. I have no clue how old I am.

Make something up! Lie! QUICKLY!

“Twenty-two…almost twenty-three,” I embellished.

“Your birthsign?”

“Huh?” escaped my mouth before I could stop it.

Birthsign? What’s a birthsign?

“Your birthsign. Under what sign were you born?” Athragar asked again.

“Um, what are my choices?”

Athragar looked at me like I had four ears

This had me rolling, and you are really doing an awesome job with making his amnesia believable !! Great Chapter !!

[Zalphon]

"You want to join the guild, Tree-Hugger?" Perfection!

[Acadian]

Ch 11

'Maybe ‘fetcher’ is what the Dunmer called children…'
How delightfully Talendor this is!

Our little Bosmer is gradually getting better at what he does.

No worries on taking license. You are doing fine. I think many of us use a mix of having our character create their own 'quests' and storylines, using the in-game quests as familiar splice for their story, and modifying the heck out of certain in-game quests to suit the nature of our character. I love seeing a character bring their unique perspective and even changes to the familiar things I love in Oblivion.

Ch 12

Lovely explanation/demonstration of Talendor's Beast Tongue power.

Nit:
“Absolutely,” I said, still staring {at} the small chest that housed coinage I should have held onto.'
I recommend adding 'at' as indicated.

Ch 13

I'll also endorse that fabulous opening dream, and echo Grits' appreciation of what you can do with some mist!

Delightful to see dear Talasma being her, well, Talasmically wonderful self.

It put me on the edge of my seat when Talendor decided to confide in Athragar. Then it warmed my heart to see his trust rewarded. Just as sweet as can be!

[SubRosa]

"Hey...you can't do that!"
Just kidding! In fact I am going to suggest you get comfortable with deviating from what is in the game, and make your world how you think it ought to be, rather than how Bethesda wrote it. Those personal touches are the things that set a fic aside from others and make it unique (as well as the characters of course!).

Ok, finally caught up now. I am enjoying Talendor's adventures through mysterious Cyrodiil. Your depiction of Honditar is quite a change from how I am used to seeing him! That is one of the fun things about fics, you often see the same characters, but portrayed in completely different ways! Sometimes one person's version is so strong that you can just never shake it again (like how mALX wrote Fathis Aren, I will never see him [and his marital robes] the same again).

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Feb 26 2011, 02:35 AM

[TheOtherRick]

Oh my! So many comments this time...

@ h.e.rider - Did you have to lie about your age and birthsign too?

My play style prior to Talendor has been a Dunmer, using marksman and stealth with some destruction magic thrown in, and then finishing enemies with a blade. Talendor is the first Bosmer I have played, so "his" play style is still TBD, but it explains why he is so good with a sword.

@ SubRosa (Part 1) - Welcome! Talendor and I have been looking forward to your arrival.

I am glad you enjoyed Talendor avoiding the Main Quest. "Do what?" was the best he could come up with on the spot.

The amnesia aspect was a serendipitous result of laziness on the author's part while avoiding having to come up with a backstory.

Oh, and the avatar is Talendor in the flesh...err...pixels. I am sorry to say that he has no plans to audition for a remake of Spartacus.

@ Cap'n Hammer - I do believe that Athragar was genuinely pleased that there would be another Bosmer at the Guild hall. Now someone else can be the resident "tree-hugger" from time to time.

@ grits - Dream sequences are so fun to write. No boundries. I am glad you enjoyed this one.

@ mALX - Welcome back!

Talendor can't help himself from looking foolish sometimes when he has to make stuff up on the fly

RE: the dreams...(insert zipped-lips emoticon here)

On a side note, I am so glad that Dixie is on her way to recovery. Give her a hug from Talendor and I.

@ zalphon - "Bosmers are to be seen and not heard" - Teekeeus

@ Acadian - Welcome back as well. Always a pleasure to hear from you and Buffy.

Ch. 11- Talendor and I have stopped worrying about going off the beaten path. The fears have been put to rest by the wonderful readers here and their support.

Ch. 12- Nit picked and thank you for catching it. You would not believe how much I languished over the Beast Tongue bit. Talk about re-writes!

Ch. 13- So far, Honditar has been true to his word, and the advice to trust Athragar paid off as well. He is very troubled by the dreams though.

@ SubRosa (Part 2) - "Hey...Yes I can!" As I told Acadian above, those worries are past. I am glad to hear that they are encouraged, because I'm gonna have a blast with it!

I'm so glad that you are enjoying the story and that you are caught up with us. I wish I could say the same about being caught up. I'm afraid it will be some time before I can say those words to you, mALX, and Acadian. So much to read and so little time.

You are not alone with the Honditar feelings. Many have said the same...maybe because he poisons deer.

@ Everyone - As always, I want to thank you all for your comments, compliments, and support. It is ultimately the readers that make this so enjoyable. On to the next chapter...

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

Chapter 14 – New Knowledge

When I reached the top of the stairs, the door was locked. I used the key Teekeeus had given me on the lock, and the tumblers clicked their confirmation of my membership in the Guild. I entered the library and saw Athragar sitting right where I had left him. He waved me over and I sat back down at the table with him.

“Since you have entered the library alone, I will assume your meeting with Teekeeus went well,” he said with a grin.

“Yes it did. Teekeeus said I am now an Associate in the Guild, and then told me to go study the book you gave me. When I have finished, I am supposed to see him again about the recommendation I will need,” I told him.

“Then welcome to the Guild, Talendor. Now, let’s go over what you know about Magicka so that we can start to make a mage out of you. Tell me everything you have learned so far, if anything.”

I recited all of my knowledge to date. I told him about incanting spells to heal myself and roasting rats, about the goblin staff, and about what Honditar had taught me. Athragar just listened without interruption until I had finished.

“Well now, that is at least a start. It is good that Honditar showed you how to use our inborn ability. But did he not explain about the abilities that come from your birthsign?” he asked.

“Nope. We never discussed birthsigns,” I replied.

“Then how did you come to tell me that you were born under The Thief?”

I explained about the dream I had this morning. His eyes grew wide at the telling of the last part. He sat up straight, and his voice took on a more serious tone.

“I don’t know enough about dreams to decipher their meanings. Henantier in Bravil, or perhaps Dagail in Leyawiin, may be able to help you with that. They are acquainted with dreams and visions. But the phrase ‘The Thief shall guide your steps…’ has definite meaning. Perhaps it is your true birthsign. We can test that theory. I was also born under The Thief, so I am very well versed in the abilities that are inherent with the sign.

“There are two abilities that come with the sign of The Thief. We call them ‘Feather Tote’ and ‘Scout’. We can test for ‘Feather Tote’ right here. Shoulder your satchel,” he told me.

When I did so, Athragar said to clear my mind, then picture the satchel and make the satchel empty in my mind, which I did.

“Now,” he continued, “clench your fist and ready yourself to release the Magicka to it. Then open it to cast the spell.”

I did as Athragar described and when I cast the spell, a wave of yellowish-white light washed over me. But I felt no different. It was as if nothing happened.

“I must have done it wrong. I don’t notice anything different,” I said dejectedly.

He just laughed and told me to stand up. When I did, I was amazed to find that my satchel did indeed feel empty, and I started laughing as well. I took a couple steps and laughed even harder. It felt like I was floating on air. The sensation was truly amazing!

“That spell has a long duration, which is one of its detriments. It is easy to get used to and to rely on. Don’t fall into that trap. Use it only when you feel that you must,” he said.

“What does the other, the ‘Scout’, what does it do?” I asked, still giddy from the lightness of my steps.

“The other we cannot test here. It has an aspect we call ‘Night Eye’ and would likely cause damage to your eyes, even in the ambient light of this room,” he replied, “That is another fact to be wary of. When you are using it, say in a cave or ruin, it is easy to get used to it and forget that you have it active. Many careless adventurers have been blinded by forgetting and walking into daylight, or a well lit room, with the spell active. Suffice it to say that if you have the one ability, you surely have the other. You were definitely born under the sign of The Thief.”

A concerned look had crossed Athragar’s face as I sat back down. Then he looked at me very seriously, seeming worried.

“What’s the matter?” I asked.

“It is your dream, Talendor. If one aspect of the dream held truth, then it seems likely that the entire dream held it as well. Teekeeus has said that he will want you to perform a task for your recommendation while you are still in Chorrol. After that, you will be free to choose which Guild hall to travel to next. Talendor, I am going to suggest that you make Bravil and Leyawiin the first two Guild halls you visit. Speak with Henantier and Dagail about your dream. Its substance does not bode well.”

All of the joy from experiencing the ‘Feather Tote’ spell had drained from me. Memories of the two dreams I have had filled me with a sense of dread.

Please don’t let those nightmares come true…

“I will do as you suggest, Athragar,” I said uneasily.

“It is good that you will, I am sure of it. Now, let’s see about getting you a bed. Afterwards, some food and more discussion, eh?” he said as he stood.

After Athragar got me settled into a room, we discussed spell casting as we ate mutton sandwiches. He taught me a new spell called ‘Minor Life Detection’.

“Try it now,” he said.

I did and pink light cascaded over me. When I looked at him, I jumped out of my chair. Athragar was covered with a pink aura that shimmered all over him!

“Oh no,” I exclaimed, “Does it hurt? I am so sorry!”

Athragar burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter, and then spoke through chuckles, “Relax Talendor. I am in no pain, I assure you. What you see is a manifestation of my life force. Look down.”

When I did, pink shapes were moving on the floor. I tried to touch them, but could not.

“What you see are people downstairs, because they are within range of the spell. The use for this spell is obvious. It can keep you from being surprised by enemies while you are in enclosed areas,” he explained.

Embarrassment flooded my face and I apologized for my outburst. Athragar assured me that no apology was necessary and told me that he reacted much the same way at his first experience. Then he went on to explain about using Magicka around enemies. He told me that the flood of light we experience when casting is just as visible to enemies.

“This fact makes using Magicka as a preemptive strike weapon risky, especially for novice casters. For now, use it defensively. The life detection spell is all you should be using prior to any attack for now. The ‘Flare’ spell you have used is more likely to anger an enemy than kill it, except for mud crabs and rats. As you gain experience with Magicka, you will be able to cast more powerful spells that can do considerable damage to larger enemies. But for now, rely on your bow more than your Magicka for offense,” he finished.

It seemed like Athragar had taught me more in one sitting than I had learned in my entire time on Nirn. My brain was starting to turn to mush. It must have showed, because Athragar said that we had covered enough for one day and that I should go to my room and study the Mages Guild Charter as Teekeeus had instructed.

“Find me in the morning and we will gauge your skills with alchemy before your talk with Teekeeus,” he said and bid me a good day.

I went to the room that Athragar had helped me settle into. From the window, I could look down on the massive oak in the plaza. I stared out the window for a bit, watching guards make their rounds and the town’s residents go about their daily business. It was still overcast and the wind was picking up. The darkening skies along the horizon promised a stormy evening. I sat down on the bed and removed my moccasins, reclined to a comfortable position and began reading ‘The Mages Guild Charter’.

* * *

The next morning had dawned clear and bright with the promise of a beautiful late summer day. I could see the upper boughs of the great oak through the window. They were waving at me with the breeze, as if inviting me to come outdoors and play. I dressed quickly and went downstairs.

I found Athragar speaking with the Altmer that had been making potions the day before. He introduced me to Angalmo, the resident alchemist. He then told Angalmo that I would need alchemy equipment.

“Do you have any at all?” asked the Altmer.

“I do have a mortar and pestle,” I replied.

“Well then, let’s get you what you need.”

He turned toward the shelves behind him and started pulling down pieces of equipment, reciting their names to himself as he did, and placed them on the counter.

“There you are. We have here a calcinator, an alembic, and a retort. The calcinator will enhance the potency of your alchemical ingredients. The retort will increase the positive effects of those ingredients. The alembic will decrease the negative effects, unless you are creating a poison. Then the alembic is your best friend, because it will increase the desired damaging effect,” Angalmo recited as if giving a lecture.

Athragar must have noticed the overwhelmed look on my face. He thanked the alchemist and promised that we would return them when we were through. Then he helped me carry the equipment upstairs, pausing momentarily to grab some nightshade blossoms that were decorating the dining table. We placed them all on the table that sat in the corner of my room. I just stood there and stared at them and Athragar started to chuckle.

“I know it seems a little confusing, but you will become familiar with these in no time at all. Let’s spend a little time discussing them before you have to go see Teekeeus,” he said.

We sat and Athragar gave me a rudimentary lesson on each apparatus, and then reiterated the recipes that Honditar had already given to me. I told him about finding and using the mortar and pestle below Imperial City, and that I had no idea how I knew what to do. He looked at me with that same concerned look he had when we discussed the dream, but then continued his lesson. He explained how Alchemy was just a way of distilling the Magicka found in herbs, flowers, fungi, and even food. Then we made three vials of poison, using my stock of wisp stalks and the nightshade he had picked up. He emphasized practice, saying that it was a great way to come up with some coins in a pinch. When he finished, he sent me to Teekeeus and wished me luck on whatever endeavor the Chapter Steward was about to task me with.

This post has been edited by TheOtherRick: Feb 26 2011, 04:04 PM

[haute ecole rider]

I love Athragar! He's even more fun here than he is in the game!

I'll have to say this about male Bosmeri - they're always so happy to see you they could burst! Never fails to put a smile on my face, especially coming from someone like Gwinas or Athragar. I think the only exception is the Adoring Fan.

Delightful chapter about the ongoing introduction into the Mages Guild.

[SubRosa]

I take it that you are using a mod with alternate birthsigns? Neat ideas to have the Thief give you the Feather and Nighteye. I still like that luck bonus of the vanilla version though.

“Oh no,” I exclaimed, “Does it hurt? I am so sorry!”
This was perfect! Talendor can be so adorable at times. Not easy when you look like Kirk Douglas!

What you see are people downstairs, because they are within range of the spell. The use for this spell is obvious.
It would be a handy way to find your cat too!

A fun little episode, as Talendor begins to learn his way around magic.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Feb 26 2011, 07:42 AM

[Captain Hammer]

Oh, come now, even the Adoring Fan puts a smile on my face.

Namely, when I put an arrow in his face at the edge of Dive Rock. Always good clean fun.

An interesting discussion with an interesting character. You help prove why Bosmer are such popular and enjoyable individuals, even amongst a board that proves why Bosmer are such popular and enjoyable individuals.

[Grits]

Athragar just listened without interruption until I had finished.

It’s nice to see a Bosmer who can do this. Talendor charms again, as does Athragar. How kind of him to give Talendor a room with a view of the Great Oak! Poor Angalmo can’t help seeming dry next to two bubbly Bosmeri, but I enjoyed his concise alchemy lecture.

Looking forward to Talendor enjoying some of that beautiful late summer day.

[mALX]

Try it now,” he said.

I did and pink light cascaded over me. When I looked at him, I jumped out of my chair. Athragar was covered with a pink aura that shimmered all over him!

“Oh no,” I exclaimed, “Does it hurt? I am so sorry!”

ROFL !!!

Love how you take these game mechanics and give real world explanations for them !!!

Great Write !!!

[Thomas Kaira]

Urgh... I'm behind!

Lemme comment on Ch. 12 while I'm here. That was a very inspiring look into the wonderful force of Magic in Tamriel. It made good sense, and yet preserved the mystery of the force. Good introduction to the Beast Tongue, as well. Looks like it's time for are now-slightly-penniless Bosmer to move along in his tutoring. Good luck in the Mages Guild.

I'll be catching up as I go along, so rest assured I'm still here!

This post has been edited by Thomas Kaira: Feb 27 2011, 07:41 AM

[ghastley]

Nice introduction to Detect Life but he may need a reminder that casting a spell reveals his own position, and that spell's best for seeing round corners. I'm sure he'll get that soon.

He won't need it for the recommendation quest, as that all takes place out in the open, but his new ability to make poisons could get a workout. Will that help wean him off the sword, to use the bow more?

[TheOtherRick]

@ h.e.rider - I'm glad you enjoy my take on Athragar. I feel the same way about Bosmeri NPCs in the game. Right from the beginning, when Rindir says, "I'm Rindir, and I sell magical staffs, imagine that!" with his bubbly voice. Believe it or not, I have yet to meet The Adoring Fan in-game, but I have read about him in the forums.

@ SubRosa - You are correct about the modded abilities for birthsigns (Cobl Races - Balanced). The luck factor is still intact.

@ Cap'n Hammer - The funny thing is, I had never played a Bosmer until I started this story.

@ grits - Athragar seems to have a bit more discipline than your average Bosmer, and certainly more than Talendor has shown.

@ mALX - I knew when I wrote it that I would get a good "ROLF" or perhaps even a "SPEW" from you.

@ Chef Thomas - Fear not about being behind. I am behind on almost every story in this forum. I'm sure you will catch Talendor much faster than I will be able to catch Teresa, Maxical, Jerric, and Buffy.

@ ghastley - Athragar actually did warn Talendor about revealing his position with spell casting in this chapter. He does thank you for the concern though, and says he won't be giving up his sword for anyone.

@ Everyone - Thanks again for the comments and support. Y'all are the best!

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

Chapter 15 – Too Many Fingers in the Mountain

I found Teekeeus in the main lobby. He was just finishing a conversation with another mage that I had not yet met. They were discussing the Emperor’s death, trying to decide whether or not to be worried about it. I politely waited for them to finish and then approached the Argonian. He spoke first when I stepped up.

“So, have you studied the rules of our Guild, Associate?” he asked.

“I have sir.”

“Good. Make no mistake, we offer no quarter to new Associates if they break them. The rules apply to you as much as they apply to any Guild member. Now, I suppose that you are ready for my recommendation. I’m afraid I can’t just write you one out of hand. That would be against protocol. But you can prove your loyalty to the Guild and earn my recommendation,” he said.

“What must I do?” I asked.

“You can clear up a small matter involving Earana---"

“What is earana?” I blurted, and then bit my lip as soon as I had.

“Do not interrupt me, Associate!” Teekeeus barked, “Earana is a person, not a thing! She and I have an unpleasant history. She does not care for Guild regulations, and errantly believes that I am misusing my powers as Chapter Steward. I have seen her around town. Although she has not approached me, I know that she wants something. I would like you to find out what it is. Now that I have finished speaking, do you have any questions?”

Way to go knot-head. You already have the Chapter Steward yelling at you…

“Do you know where she is staying?” I inquired.

“No, I do not. It seems that would be the first order of your task. When you find her, determine what it is that she is after, and how we may be rid of her. I do not want her here, spreading her lies. Make haste, Associate, I wish to be rid of Earana as soon as possible. Now go,” Teekeeus said and walked away.

I didn’t know where to begin looking for Earana. Athragar might know, so I went back upstairs to speak with him. He was sitting near a window, reading. I hated to interrupt him – he had done so much for me already – so I made it look like I was searching the shelves for a book, hoping he would notice me. I was rewarded with his voice asking if he could help me find something.

“I am looking for a town directory. I need to find a person’s address,” I told him.

“Who are you looking for?” Athragar asked.

“Earana,” I replied.

“Oh. Even if such a directory existed, she would not be in it. She does not live here. I assume Teekeeus wants you to find her,” he said.

“Yes he does, for my recommendation. He wants me to find out what she is up to. Do you have any idea why?”

“Well, I don’t know all of the details, but I heard that Earana constantly complained to the Mages Council about Teekeeus, to the point that they removed him from his position at the Arcane University. There is definitely some bad blood between them,” he replied, “At any rate, I would check the inns if I were you.”

“Thanks for the information, Athragar. I’ll see you later,” I said and left the library.

I decided to check The Oak & Crosier first, figuring that Talasma might be more forthcoming with information since I knew her. As I stepped outdoors, an Altmer woman dressed in a verdant doublet and silk skirt turned and started walking toward me. I had business to attend to and acted as if I hadn’t seen her, but to no avail as she stopped me near the great oak.

“Excuse me…excuse me, please,” she was saying.

“Yes?”

“I couldn’t help but notice that you just left the Mages Guild. Are you a mage? I mean…a member?” she asked.

“I am…”

“You must be new,” she stated, “You don’t have that ‘I’m-better-than-you’ snobbish air about you.”

“As a matter of fact, I am a new Associate,” I said with some pride.

“Perfect,” she said, more to herself, and then continued, “There is a small matter that you may be able to help me with.”

“Perhaps…um…what did you say your name was?” I asked.

“Earana.”

Talk about the luck of Zeni-whozawatzit! She found me!

“Well Earana, let’s go sit on the bench and you can tell me about it,” I said smoothly.

“Excellent,” she started as we sat down, “It’s a simple matter really. I just need you to fetch a book for me. It is entitled ‘Fingers of the Mountain’. It is of no use to you; you wouldn’t be able to read it. I, on the other hand, can read it and would very much like to.”

“Do you know where I can find this book?” I asked.

“You’ll find it at an old ruin called Cloud Top. It is north of Chorrol, up in the highlands. I’m afraid I don’t know the exact location,” she said.

“That’s ok. I know someone that can help me---“

“NO!” she said abruptly, “I mean…there is no need to involve your Guild in this matter. Better if it was kept between just between us. Please…just retrieve it for me and I will make it worth your effort.”

“All right, I’ll do it. But, I do expect to be paid,” I said.

“As I said, it will be worth your effort, and thank you.”

With that, Earana rose and walked away. I could not believe my good fortune! I waited for Earana to pass out of sight, then stood and headed back into the Guild hall.

Less than an hour and you completed your task! This should smooth Teekeeus’ scales…

I found Teekeeus and related that I had found out what Earana wanted. When he heard, his eyes went wide and he made a hissing sound.

“What? Not only does it exist, but she knows where it is?” he asked incredulously.

“Yes. Someplace north of here called Cloud Top,” I replied.

“This is unacceptable,” he said, looking down and shaking his head. Then he looked back at me and said, “I trust that as a member of the Guild, you will do the right thing and acquire this text before Earana does.”

“Um, excuse me? Sir…you said all I had to do was find out what Earana wanted.”

“I have changed the conditions for my recommendation! Pray to The Nine that I don’t refuse it altogether, tree-hugger. You will do as you are told! Are we clear?”

“Yes sir. I apologize if I was out of line,” I said with a remorseful tone, biting back my anger.

“Good. Now go to this place she described. Ignore her request and bring the book back to me...I mean...to the Guild, where it belongs,” Teekeeus said.

“I will sir,” I said and went upstairs to change into my armor and get my gear.

I left the Guild hall and started for Honditar’s house. If anyone knew where Cloud Top was, it would be him. I had learned one thing for sure. Teekeeus was liable to change his mind at the drop of a hat. I would need to make sure I didn’t anger him further if I wanted his recommendation. Fortunately, Honditar was at home when I arrived at his house. It was nice to see a friendly face after Teekeeus had railed on me. He invited me in and offered some tea.

“No thank you,” I replied, “I am actually in a hurry. I need to find a place called Cloud Top. Do you know where it is?”

“Cloud Top…hmmm…and why would you need to know that, Talendor?” he asked.

I explained to him about my recommendation, then about Earana and the book.

“Well, as a matter of fact I do know where it is. I’ll be happy to note it on your map for you. But…remember the fee for my help that we discussed? This will require one. Consider it payment for prior help and the favor you now ask,” he said.

“Sure thing Honditar, what is it?” I asked.

“I want that book,” he stated simply.

My jaw dropped as my eyes went wide.

“It is a small fee that doesn’t cost you a thing, Talendor,” he added.

“I can’t Honditar. I have to give it to Teekeeus or I won’t get my recommendation. Can’t I just pay you in Septims?”

“You misunderstand. I fully expect you to give it to Teekeeus. I would not want to cost you your recommendation. Give him the book, then steal it and bring it to me,” he said as if I should have known that already.

My jaw was getting stiff from trying to fall off my face.

“Steal it? Steal it? You want me to steal from the Chapter Steward? I might as well just resign and join the Fighters Guild. Wait, I hear they don’t take criminals---”

He cut me off with a wave of his hand and said, “Relax Talendor. Do you trust me?”

“I did until a minute ago.”

“Well, you still can, my friend. You will do fine. Just don’t get caught. There is a good reason for this request which I shall make clear to you, once the book is in my possession. You will just have to continue trusting me. What say you?” he said, standing there with his arms crossed.

I hesitated a second, then reluctantly agreed to do as Honditar wished. He smiled and asked me for my map. He handed it back when he had marked the location of Cloud Top. After I declined a second offer of tea and a snack, he wished me luck and sent me on my way.

How do you manage to get in situations like this, knot-head? Your first day in the Guild and you are conspiring to steal from the Chapter Steward? Brilliant!

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

EDIT: - Nit picked.

This post has been edited by TheOtherRick: Feb 28 2011, 11:26 PM