Old Habits Die Hard Part Six, some old habits never die Options

[Olen]

Nice touch of realism with the extra things being toxic to cats. Made me think - if Argonians are so immune to poison there must be an even wider range of treatments which apply to them. Makes healing all the more complex.

Your view of Frasoric is rather different from mine. Having her as air-headed but happy in the wrong profession is rather more charitable.

The flashback was an excellent way of setting that up, it all felt very natural and was very short for the effect it achieved. Another view into Julian's past too, perhaps the furthest back yet?

I'm not sure about serving tea in a beaker though, though I suppose potions get drank too.

[McBadgere]

I like Cirroc...Ever since my first char. went to Bruma...Top bloke...

Excellent writing there...Very sad story with the cat...Well done...

Nice one... ...

[haute ecole rider]

@Grits: I'm glad you enjoyed seeing Frasoric again. That woman totally owns my keyboard whenever she has a scene. Actors, never take a job with animals, children or Jeanne Frasoric! And I thought a beaker was totally appropriate for Orania's choice of mugware. And this is the career opportunity for Julian in LBMQ - though she has a ton of studying to get there! (and I speak from experience here!)

@SubRosa: I was really focused on making Frasoric obsessed with mastering her conjuration ability, and it just seemed logical that with her mindset (assuming she does have a mind to begin with) she would acknowledge Sai as another conjuring. Teresa could teach Julian a thing or two about animal healing! If she had been around for Cai, would Julian have gone into the Legion? Hmmm . . .

@Acadian: First, Happy Birthday! May the day be full of gladness and fun! Okay, I'm glad that you enjoyed seeing Frasoric again, like so many others. She is one of those people that is so irritating in real life, but you can't help but laugh (or at least chuckle) as you read her because we all know someone like that . . . And I really wanted a chance to show why Julian has a habit of rescuing stray cats, and this discussion about healing animals was a perfect opportunity to showcase that. And Cirroc is one of my favorite healers (along with Marz in Bravil and Oleta in Kvatch), so it was perfect that Julian would seek him out to answer one of her burning questions.

@Athynae: So good that there are so many people still rescuing cats and dogs (and who aren't hoarders) in this economy. It's tough to see the little critters suffer because of some stupid human (mer?). I'm glad to see this side of Julian's nature resonates with so many people.

@Olen: IRL, many, many things are highly toxic to cats. Tylenol will kill a cat if said cat so much as looks at it - and it does so within hours. It's dreadful to see. Cats are far more sensitive than dogs to the toxic effects of coffee and chocolate, antifreeze, and certain flea products (which is why it's IMPERATIVE for owners to double check the labels of their flea products to make sure they're safe for cats BEFORE putting them on the cats!), and so on. I'm not sure if this is the earliest of Julian's flashbacks, but it certainly goes quite a way back. I think of all of them, the one about how she feels about her name is the first one (when she and Martin are in the Chapel of Julianos on their way to Weynon Priory).

@McB: Looks like you and I share the same sentiments about Cirroc. Good man there.

Julian is on her way back to Cloud Ruler Temple with the Great Welkynd stone, and has stopped in Bruma to check up on how things are going. She learned that the Leyawiin contingent are not fitting in well, and that healing of animals is not banned or frowned upon by the Mages Guild or the Chapel healers.

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Chapter 29.3 Old Friends in New Places

The smoke of burning braziers and campfires hung heavy across the terrace fronting the castle walls as I stepped onto the cobblestoned surface. Sai paced so close to my side as to nearly trip me. The yellow surcoats of the Bruma guard stood scattered along the face of the high walls, looking out over the town below. Interspersed among them, I saw the livery of other counties standing watch.

Cheydinhal. Bravil. Anvil. Skingrad. Chorrol. Kvatch. But no Leyawiin. Why not? Soren’s barely suppressed anger returned in my memory. So that’s what Bor and Soren meant when they said Leyawiin’s not fitting in well. I could feel my jaw tighten. If they’re slacking off, I’d best send them packing back to their hometown. I’d better look up this Cordelius. I got them here, it’s my responsibility to see they do the job or go home.

“Hail, Hero of Kvatch!” A familiar voice rang out from the line. I turned to see Ilend Vonius waving his free hand at me, a big grin splitting his wind-chapped face. “I’m on duty,” he continued as I stepped toward him, Sai hanging back. “But our encampment’s over yonder,” he waved to the far end of the terrace. “Stop a moment by our fire and say hello!”

The guard next to him, a Bravilian by his surcoat, muttered something to Vonius. He took a breath in mock indignation. “She’s our Hero!” he countered. I had the sudden feeling this was an old argument between the pair already. “Saved my life in that Oblivion Gate, and fought alongside us to clear the city. We were the first ones!”

“She’s the Hero of Bravil, too!” I heard the Bravilian shoot back out the side of his mouth as I stepped up behind him. “Did what that no-good Count wouldn’t let us do, and got rid of that damned money-grubbing fetcher to boot!”

I shot Vonius a warning glare and clapped a hand on the Bravilian’s shoulder. The man stiffened beneath my palm. “I’m not anyone’s Hero,” I growled. “The real heroes of Kvatch are those folks in the camp below the city, and those of Bravil are the ones who do the right things every day, no matter what.” I cast my gaze up and down the line, and found myself the focus of every sentry, though they kept their faces forward. “Remember this, when this is all over, every one of you will go home heroes.”

“It will be over, won’t it?” the Bravilian asked, his back still to me.

“Yes it will,” I put the firmness I didn’t feel into my tone. “And we will beat the daedra of Oblivion.”

“How?” The Bravilian turned to look at me over his shoulder as my hand dropped away. I stepped forward, between him and Vonius.

“What is your name, guardsman?”

“Gladus Metternach,” he answered. I now recognized him as one of Frederick’s watch partners. He shook his head, and I could now see the familiar haunted look in his eyes, the same look that Vonius, Bor and Soren valiantly hid. Do I have that same look in my own eyes? “They just keep opening those Gates, ma’am, faster and faster. How can we keep up?”

I leaned forward to bring my face closer to his ear. “Do you know why they’re opening more frequently?” He shook his head. “That’s because we’re getting close to defeating them for once and for all. There are smart men,” I tapped his shoulder for emphasis, “smarter than you and I and the rest of us dumb soldiers,” I waved my other arm to encompass the line, “who are working to close those Gates forever and send Dagon back into the Void where he belongs.”

“So we’re just arrow fodder?” Metternach’s tone held a hint of despair.

“No,” I let the pilus surface in my tone. “You’re important too, because you’re holding the line and giving those guys the one thing they need the most - time.”

“See?” Vonius added. “I told you we were doing something important here! Otherwise Julian of Anvil wouldn’t be asking for us!”

My face didn’t flinch at the tone in Vonius’s voice. “I don’t doubt that you have courage,” I said to Metternach. “And I will tell you to keep the faith. That’s the one thing those daedra do not have. Faith in yourself, in your comrades to the left and the right of you, and in your commanding officers. And I assure you, Viera Lerus is one of the best out there, and she’s yours.”

Metternach straightened even further as if suddenly reminded of something forgotten. “That’s right, ma’am!” His tone no longer held doubt, only strong confidence. I smiled and clapped his shoulder again before glancing back at Vonius.

“I’ll go find that fire like you said, Vonius. Thanks for the invitation, and stay warm!” I shuddered to give effect to my words and stepped away, Vonius’s chuckles trailing after me.

Sai paced alongside me, glancing about us nervously. As I passed the first encampment, I recognized the sigil of Chorrol above its central tent. A lean form stepped out of its shelter and stretched his arms wide. As his yawning mouth closed, I recognized Ashcroft’s salt-and-cayenne pepper hair and waved. He blinked at me, then grinned in recognition.

“Hail!” He waved me toward the fire. I shook my head.

“I have another invitation first,” I remarked. “Kvatch.”

“Down at the end,” Ashcroft pointed. He stepped down. “I’ll walk with you, then, if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all,” I shook my head and started walking again. “How are your guards holding up here?”

“Good, good,” Ashcroft responded. “The folks here treat us well enough. The stories down at Tap ’n Tack are entertaining, and the ale hearty!” He grinned sidelong at me. “More than makes up for standing out in this infernal cold!” His gaze grew somber. “But not for those Oblivion Gates. Nothing could, except closing ‘em forever.”

“And there are folks working on that,” I assured Ashcroft, thinking of Martin and that Great Welkynd stone waiting under Blanco’s watchful eye.

“Well, that’s good to know,” Ashcroft’s voice brought me back to the present. He nodded at Sai, still shadowing me closely. “I see you’ve got a dog now.”

“That’s what you get for feeding every stray you see,” I remarked dryly. Ashcroft laughed at the reminder of the camp dog who had adopted him when he was a homesick recruit in my cohort. “Hopefully Sai will be more Lucky than Trouble was.”

“I remember you warned me to never name a dog Trouble, for trouble would find him.” Ashcroft shook his head at the sad memory. “I hope that Sai remains Lucky then.” His gaze flashed at me. “Though if he stays with you, ma’am, he’ll keep his luck.”

“I don’t know about that,” I shook my own head, thinking of the close calls with the goblins and the undead of Miscarcand. “He has a habit of finding trouble.”

“Admit it,” Ashcroft nudged me with his elbow. “You’re alive because of him.”

I paused and glanced down at Sai, ruffling the scruff of his neck fondly. “I won’t deny it, Ashcroft. I just can’t help comparing him to the dogs in Legio Ten.”

“Train him, then,” Ashcroft smiled down at Sai. I felt the dog’s tail wave slowly behind us as Sai returned the man’s glance. “I recall you spent quite a bit of time over in the Legio Ten learning how to command their dogs.”

“I know how to signal them,” I started walking again. “But I don’t know how to teach them to know those signals.” Again I glanced down at Sai. “I think someone started teaching him, because he does know a few, but he was alone when I found him.”

“And now he’s not,” Ashcroft remarked, lengthening his stride slightly to match mine. “I’m not surprised that he’s following you, though it’s obvious to me that he’s pretty wary of so many soldiers around.”

“I found him in a bandit camp,” I answered. “Shortly after a Legion rider cleared it of bandits.”

“Makes sense,” Ashcroft nodded.

The second encampment on the terrace sported the moon-and-star of Skingrad. The soldiers outside it waved at me in friendly greeting. Not recognizing anyone I knew, I waved back. They returned to their gear, hammering out dents in shields already scarred by clannfear claws, and running whetstones along steel blades.

“They’ve been good men to have at your shoulder,” Ashcroft remarked as we passed them. “Honest and hardworking. Their decanus, Andor Hallstein, has been rock-solid against the daedra.”

“That’s good to know,” I agreed, nodding once more at the Skingrad guardsmen. “They held the line for two weeks at their own Gate, so they’ve plenty of experience there.”

We walked on in silence, each of us thinking of the cost of defending the cities against the Oblivion Gates. Silently I thanked Akatosh that no additional Great Gates had opened to cause the same devastation that Kvatch had experienced.

Berich Inian straightened up from the flames, mug in hand, as we approached the Kvatch campfire. Like the others, the tiny encampment was neat and tidy, its off-duty guards tending to their gear in the manner of professional soldiers everywhere.

For some reason Sai did not tense as we approached the three men gathered around the hearth. Inian’s weary gaze brightened as he recognized me, but grew somber when he spotted Sai. He didn’t say anything, but waved us to join him beside the warm flames. Silently he handed me the mug he had just filled, and turned back to the fire and the klah pot.

“We’re just about to eat lunch,” one of the other guardsmen greeted us. “Care to join us?”

At that moment my stomach reminded me that Sai and I hadn’t eaten since we left the warm inn at Aleswell. “Certainly, if you’ve got the food to spare,” I recalled well the polenta Sigrid had fed me the first night I spent at Kvatch.

It wasn’t polenta that weighed down the platter the guardsman handed me. It was a chunk of mutton with roasted potato. Sai seated himself beside me and eyed my plate, his tongue flickering between his lips.

“Hey boy, catch,” with a whistle Inian turned from the fire and tossed Sai a smaller chunk of meat. The dog caught it deftly in midair and waved his tail in appreciation as he lay down to eat it.

“You know him?” I asked as Inian handed a second mug to Ashcroft and took a seat opposite us.

He nodded grimly. “The fact that he’s with you tells me that Cimber’s dead.”

“Cimber?” I recalled what Baro had told me. “You knew Sai’s owner?”

“Sai?” Inian’s gaze shifted from me to the dog. “Cimber called him Lucky. Sai’s close enough, I suppose.”

“Tell me something,” I asked Inian. “Was Cimber in the Legion?”

“Aye, he was,” Inian answered. “But he fell on hard times, and lost his way.” He shook his head sadly. “I tried to get him to come back to civilian life, but he had already burned his bridges. Why do you ask?”

“Sai seems to understand some Legion signs,” I answered. I shrugged. “Not all of the ones the war dogs know, but some.”

“Cimber served in Legio Ten,” Inian drank deeply of the klah in his hand. “Loved dogs, that man did. Found this one beside his dead mother, only one left alive of that litter.”

Like me, only I was older. I looked down at Sai, who was still working on the meat. Taking a bite of my own mutton, I glanced up at Inian. “How are you all doing here?”

“It’s cold!” The guardsman who had provided Ashcroft and I with lunch exclaimed around a mouthful of potato. “But Kvatch’s windier!” He shrugged under Inian’s swift glance. “Can’t tell you which is better.”

“We’re doing as well as can be expected,” Inian responded. “At least we’re doing some good here.”

I considered his words for a few moments. Is he one of those still depressed over the loss of Kvatch? “I hope you’ll do as much good here as you did in Kvatch,” my quiet tone brooked no argument. “If it wasn’t for the steadfast courage of all of you, there would have been no Kvatch for me to find.” I cast my gaze around the gathered guardsmen, and caught Ashcroft’s nod at my shoulder.

Inian drew a deep breath. “We didn’t know what else to do but keep fighting.”

“You could have given up,” I countered firmly. “But you didn’t. Fight here the way you did at Kvatch, and you’ll save not only Kvatch, but all of Cyrodiil.” I glanced down at my empty plate. The guardsman at my right rose to take it from me. I shook my head at his unspoken offer of seconds. “I have confidence in all of you.” I sought the words to boost their morale. “You took a beating there outside the walls of Kvatch, but you held the line. You lost family, friends, and more besides in there, but you held the line. Of every soldier standing watch here at Bruma, of every man and woman bearing arms against these infernal daedra, you deserve to be called heroes, all of you. I am jealous of Savlian Matius, for he is the only one who gets to call you his.”

[SubRosa]

Poor Sai. All those surcoats probably made him feel like a cat in a room full of rockers. No wonder he was glued to Julian's side the entire time.

Ilend Vonius? But he was just in Kvatch talking to Buffy the other day. How did he get to Bruma so quickly? It was good to see him though. Coming right on the heels of Julian's indignation over the Leyawiin contingent not pulling its weight, he is a good example of someone also there because of Julian, doing everything right. I loved that he and the Bravil Guard (Gaius Prentus perhaps?) were arguing over who got dibs on Julian being their hero!

And of course Julian is the last to admit that she is a hero. Along with healing animals, there is another thing she has in common with a certain stringy Bosmer.

So Sai's former owner was a deserter? Or simply discharged? Now that ties a very neat bow around the mystery of where Julian's lucky dog came from. Even Sai being an orphan makes him fit so perfectly with our favorite white-haired Redguard.

Finally, a tasty mutton dinner with all the heroes of Kvatch. It is good to see Julian catching up with them at last. I wonder if when the Battle of Bruma does take place, the warcry will be "Kvatch! Kvatch! Kvatch!"?

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Nov 10 2011, 09:07 PM

[Grits]

“Hail, Hero of Kvatch!” A familiar voice rang out from the line.

Uh oh. I loved that Julian responded with an inspirational talk instead of a lecture. Only she could have connected with the guardsmen and answered their concerns in the way she did.

The multiple invitations to share campfires also speak highly of Julian. It was great to get some meat and potatoes and answers at the Kvatch encampment. Sai had an owner who loved and trained him, then Sai fell on hard times just like Cimber. Now with Julian, he’s Lucky again.

“It’s cold!” The guardsman who had provided Ashcroft and I with lunch exclaimed around a mouthful of potato. “But Kvatch’s windier!” He shrugged under Inian’s swift glance. “Can’t tell you which is better.”

This was a neat interaction. I enjoyed the rich exchanges throughout this episode. It makes me tense for each one of the future heroes, and wonder who will walk home and who will ride in a box.

[Acadian]

This was a fabulous walk down soldier alley! And I agree with SubRosa that it was so nice to put a bow on Sai’s history.

“She’s the Hero of Bravil, too!”
And every other city in Cyrodiil!

“I don’t doubt that you have courage,” I said to Metternach. “And I will tell you to keep the faith. That’s the one thing those daedra do not have. Faith in yourself, in your comrades to the left and the right of you,’
Superbly put, Julian!

And thanks for the warm meal on such a cold day in Bruma.

“I have confidence in all of you.” I sought the words to boost their morale. “You took a beating there outside the walls of Kvatch, but you held the line. You lost family, friends, and more besides in there, but you held the line. Of every soldier standing watch here at Bruma, of every man and woman bearing arms against these infernal daedra, you deserve to be called heroes, all of you. I am jealous of Savlian Matius, for he is the only one who gets to call you his.”
My heart swells with pride here. Pride in the soldiers of Kvatch, pride in Savlian Matius, pride in Julian and pride in you for bringing forth the right words. Such a beautifully powerful end to this wonderful episode.

[treydog]

Had to laugh at Frasoric's immediate assumption about- and response to- Sai's presence.

Then Julian's thoughts about WHY the other mage cannot manage a conjuration because of her poor practice habits... As ever, you bring a practical eye to the workings of magic.

The memory of poor Cao was simply heart-breaking.

"Never know when you might encounter a cat to rescue."

Like maybe THIS one?

Rather than double-post, will just add to this one.

Speaking of post- the entire scene of Julian "walking the guard posts" is simply brilliant. It shows WHY she was such a good pilus. And why she is still the leader to whom the guards look for assurance. The fact that she tends to "lead from the front" does not hurt, either.

Sai's history is also a welcome addition.

This post has been edited by treydog: Nov 12 2011, 02:51 PM

[Olen]

A good overview of the other encampments. Having her wlak past them worked to review some older characters without grinding to a halt. I suspect the Kvatch contingent will be the best, both from experience and determination as well as the simpler fact that those who weren't so trained probably didn't make it. I also suspect we might be seeing the very best as a contrast to the Leyawin guard.

I suspect Julian's pilus voice will be needed in full. The dialogue should be as much of a treat as this piece was.

[haute ecole rider]

Hi all. Since so many forumers are lost in a certain Northern province, I'm going to decrease my posting frequency to once a week. I doubt that people are going to miss that second-day-of-the-week post.

@SubRosa: Ilend Vonius is a master of the teleport spell - you know, the kind that enables him to transport from one location in one story to a totally different location in another story - miles away! As for Cimber, he was discharged but couldn't find constructive work. Like most bandits in the OHDH world, he was trying to survive. Inian knew Sai the Lucky was the one bright spot in Cimber's life If I were to write a 'dog' story, that's the one I'd be writing. And yes, "For Kvatch!" will definitely be one of the rallying cries at the big fight. I teared up when I heard it used in the game at Bruma, and decided then and there that it was going to make it into this story!

@Grits: I think that inspirational chat with the guards on the line was a little glimpse in the way Julian used to boost the morale of her rookies up back when she was the boss of the Ninth Cohort. You'll get to see her "other side" today. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it. And those little interactions between soldiers when they are standing watch or taking their ease are my favorite parts of any war movie. "Saving Private Ryan" was full of those moments, and it really helped me to see each man as an individual person instead of a cardboard cutout. So when Sergeant Mike died in the climatic battle on the bridge, I bawled my eyes out. The Captain's death just put me over the edge!

@Acadian: I am delighted that you so enjoyed the walk down Soldiers' Alley. What a great name for that terrace fronting the castle in the vanilla version! I will always think of that name every time I walk along that stretch of cobblestones. I knew you would enjoy the meal at the Kvatch encampment. There will be another hot one waiting for her at Cloud Ruler Temple when she (finally) gets there. And I figured you would get the meaning of her words to the Kvatch guards - envious of Matius for the caliber of his men? Any good NCO would be!

@treydog: I'm glad you're finally caught up. It seems so logical for Julian to compare magicka training to what she knows about weapons/combat training. And if you ask me, she's not that far off the mark there. And I knew I was going to see a picture of Rico when I clicked on your linky. And of course that "walking the posts" is one old habit that will die very hard. I think it's a great reflection on Julian's sense of responsibility for these guys being so far from home in such a cold and unforgiving climate. (Though Orania's potions are most welcome, I'm sure.)

@Olen: Yes, I thought it was a great way to reintroduce everyone to some of the guards she had met during her travels. I hope you enjoy the upcoming dialogue as much as I enjoyed writing it. Julian in full blast as the pilus was such a - well - blast to write. I'm not so sure about the dialogue, but her body language is definitely that of a crusty old sergeant with little patience. You'll have to let me know what you think.

On her return to Bruma, Julian gets to meet the guards who have arrived at Bruma to reinforce the locals against the escalating Crisis. The title of this next post should say it all.

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Chapter 29.4: The Return of the Pilus

Sai trotted at my side, much happier with the mutton bone in his mouth, courtesy of Inian. More confident now that he had recognized a few old friends among the Kvatch contingent, he held his head high, balancing the thick limb easily. He no longer sought reassurance through contact, content to remain within arm’s reach of my left knee. If any soldier passed too close, he would growl softly around that bone. Most of them grinned and gave way, familiar with the ways of dogs and their treasures.

As I entered the castle courtyard, I scanned the remaining encampments within. Bruma yellow mingled with the colors of Bravil, Cheydinhal and Anvil. Still no sign of Leyawiin. I frowned. I hadn’t seen the White Stallion sigil on the watch line along the terrace, either. Seems Bor and Soren weren’t exaggerating when they described the Leyawiin contingent as slackers.

“Hail, Julian!” Varus’s voice drew my attention to the Anvil encampment just within the castle gates. Like the others on the terrace, the tents, marked by Anvil’s rust-brown livery, stood in a neat arrangement. A small fire crackled beneath a rough lean-to, the familiar ringing of steel on steel alerting me to the presence of a blacksmith. I wasn’t surprised to see Enilroth’s soot-covered face smiling at me as he returned the damaged blade to the forge.

“Hail, Varus,” I returned the greeting. “Hail Enilroth. I’m not surprised to see you here.”

“Ach, how could I let these brave men and women face the daedra with damaged gear?” Enilroth shouted back. “Even this cold won’t keep me away!”

I shook my head and turned to Varus as he paused beside me. “He’s been repairing not just our own gear, but those of Kvatch, Skingrad and Chorrol, too,” he added, echoing my own head shake. “It’s a calling for him, it seems.”

“And under these circumstances, a worthy one too,” I added. “Though Fjotreid here in Bruma’s a fine smith too.”

“I don’t doubt that at all,” Varus agreed. “But his forge’s been full with the others’. He’s grateful for Enilroth taking some of the load off of him.” He glanced up at the sky. “The way these Gates have been opening so quickly lately, both of them are busy day and night.”

“Listen,” I clapped Varus’s shoulder. “I never said thanks for your help with the situation at my mother’s farm.”

“Tis the least I can do for our own hometown Hero,” Varus grinned back. “And d’you remember Gogan and Maelona?”

“You had mentioned them, yes,” I agreed.

“They were right, one of the sailors were recruiting boys for the fight club on the docks. Cleared that situation up in a hurry. They’re minding the fort back home while I’m up here.”

“I imagine you’re glad Anvil’s in such good hands.” I smiled at the humorous tone in Varus’s voice. I knew of Captain Langley’s laziness - the man seldom appeared outside his chambers in the northwest guard tower. Again I wondered how Countess Umbranox tolerated his behavior.

“Aye, I managed to convince the Cap to put them two in my place when he assigned me the decanus position for this place.” Varus’s nod was as emphatic as his tone. Now he glanced at me, a canny assessment in his dark eyes. “Can I help you find something, Julian?"

“I’m just walking through, making certain everyone’s situated fine,” I responded. “I feel responsible for all of you being here.”

“Of course you would, if Ashcroft’s stories about you are to be believed,” Varus assured me. “But somehow I doubt he’s exaggerating anything.”

“Oh, Ashcroft does exaggerate,” I warned him. I looked down at Sai, who had flopped down with his bone. “I’m glad to see your guards seem to be getting on well enough.”

Varus sighed. “Most of us are,” he cast his eyes toward the tall peaks visible beyond the northern walls. “You know, I’ve always wanted to see the High Jeralls. Beautiful, aren’t they?” He dropped his gaze to me. “Almost makes you forget why you’re here.”

I frowned at him. “What are you telling me, Varus?”

“You’ve had a chance to see the watch line on the terrace outside?” Varus looked away. I could sense his uneasiness. What is that? Reluctance to criticize another officer?

“Yes, and I’ve noticed that Leyawiin seems to be missing, even though there are supposed to be five contubernii here.” I made my voice hard.

“Their camp’s just a little bit that way,” Varus pointed out the path past the Anvil encampment and the next one. Bravil.

“Thanks, Varus,” I said. “Let’s go, Sai.” As the dog leaped to his feet, Varus slammed fist to chest in the Legion salute before spinning on his heel to return to his men.

The Bravil camp lay quiet, its fire tidily banked down beneath a covering of ash. Either they’re out on the line, or they’re resting, or they’re down at Tap ’n Tack. Their tents stood smartly in an organized cluster around the fire, shields gleaming softly in the cold afternoon light. Beyond, I could see the sigil of the White Stallion hanging askew on its pole.

As I drew near the Leyawiin encampment, a sense of dismay crept into my throat. Trash cluttered the spaces between crooked tents, of which a few appeared ready to collapse. Dull, damaged gear lay tumbled about the sloppy hearth. One lone soldier ran a whetstone on his sword, hunched beneath a green cloak. As I passed the first of the tents, a strong, foul odor emanated out of its open flap. I glanced inside to catch a glimpse of sprawled forms, and my ears detected rattling snores from inside.

The soldier looked up as Sai and I approached the fire. I recognized the young man who had witnessed the confrontation between Caelia Draconis and me in the Five Claws Lodge, who had presented Mazoga and me with our White Stallion shields.

Apparently he recognized me, too, for he lowered his sword to the stool next to him and sprang to his feet, giving me that same smart salute I remembered.

“What is your name, sir?” I kept the ice out of my tone. Could there be at least one good man here? Out of all the gear, I had noticed that his was in good repair.

“Metellus Apsice,” he replied. I stumbled over the unfamiliar pronunciation. “I’m from Daggerfall.”

“Served in the Legion?” I asked, pleased by the steady way he met my gaze.

“Two years, ma’am,” he answered. Now I saw a flicker of chagrin. “Discharged when my rookie tour was up.”

Didn’t make the cut. Shame. “I thought so, by the way you were tending your gear,” I nodded at his sword, its edge gleaming softly in the firelight. My words brought his shoulders higher with pride. “But are you the only one in this contingent who understands that for your gear to take care of you, you must first take care of it?”

Apsice’s broad shoulders slumped. Sai sat down beside me, his attention on the guardsman before us. He whimpered in apparent empathy at Apsice’s dejection.

“In Leyawiin, servants take care of the gear,” Apsice murmured so softly I had to lean forward to hear him. “They would make fun of me for doing it myself.”

“They did, huh?” I failed to keep the ice out of my voice this time. “So you stopped tending your own gear until you came here, is that it?”

His gaze shot up at my tone. “I never stopped!” He caught himself and shifted his eyes away. “Ma’am!”

Why isn’t he the decanus? Would he have made the others tend their own gear like proper soldiers? Suddenly it was clear to me what I needed to do. Burd would never assume command of guardsmen from another contingent, nor would the others. Especially one so slack as this. But we can’t afford to have them weighing the others down. Suddenly I wished for that oaken cane that signified my old position as pilus prior.

“Where is your decanus?” I used the informal title that designated the temporary commander of a field detachment. “Valeria Cordelia?”

“In the Jerall View Inn,” Apsice shuffled his feet and met my gaze again.

“How many are here with you?” I gestured toward the tents.

“Maybe twenty, maybe a little less?” Apsice answered hesitantly.

“And where would the rest be?” I continued. Again Apsice wavered uneasily. I felt my brows rise in disbelief. “At the Jerall View?” His unhappy gaze told me the answer.

I unhooked Touch from my belt. Sai sprang to his feet as I stalked to the nearest floppy structure. A quick twist of the sheathed katana through one of the tent ropes dislodged the loose stake from the frozen ground. The brisk afternoon breeze rattled the tent sides as I continued pulling stakes until the tent collapsed.

Loud shouts and groans sounded from beneath the heavy fabric as I moved to the next tent. I ignored the cursing and brought the second tent down.

By the time all six tents lay limply on the ground, most of the guards had staggered out in various stages of undress, more than a few trailing disheveled tavern tramps. The air turned as blue from their language as their exposed skin did from the Bruma breeze. Apsice stared at me as I returned to the hearth, Sai trotting after me with low growls. Two of the men, their hair spiky from sleep and goosebumps rising on their bare chests, rounded on me.

“What in ‘Blivion!” one of them shouted, his fists rising before him. I slapped them aside with the sheathed Touch and stepped forward until we were toe to toe. When his enraged gaze met mine, I let the old pilus loose.

“Do you call yourselves soldiers?” I snapped, my voice crackling through the shouting. “Fighting men? Sworn to service? Service of what? Your puny shortswords?” I flashed my glare at the wenches, who began gathering their belongings.

“Who th’ hell are you to go around like this, s’wit?” the burly guardsman shouted back, his fists coming up again. “You got no right -“

Thwack! Touch’s wooden scabbard stopped his tirade cold, sending him reeling back with blood spraying from his nose. “Do you hate being here, at the backside of Cyrodiil with Skyrim farting in your face?” My gaze encompassed all of the guards now gathered around the fire. “I’m the one that got you here, and by Akatosh, I’ll be the one to take you out!” Sai growled beside me, bone resting on the ground between his front feet.

Either the sight of the dog’s bared teeth or the look in my eyes kept the guards back. Their cursing died down as I faced the burly one again. “I ask you, do you belong here? Are you good enough to take your place between the guards of Cheydinhal and Bravil?” Now I raked my gaze scornfully up and down the man’s half-clothed frame.

He wiped the blood away from his mouth and glared back at me, rising to his full height. Still he had to look up a little to meet my gaze. His jaw worked beneath the scruffy beard.

“Are you?” I challenged him.

“Yes!” he shouted back. “Better than anyone else here!”

“Then prove it!” I stabbed the katana at the collapsed tents. “Straighten up this place! Clean up this trash! And stow and shine your gear!”

“H- how?” One of the other guards chattered, wrapping his arms around himself. I stepped before him, waiting until he met my gaze unhappily.

“Look to your left,” I waved the katana toward Bravil’s encampment, “and to your right,” at Cheydinhal’s tidy cluster of eleven tents. “These are real soldiers. No need to look further than these two.” I moved to a discarded shield, its battered surface still bearing bloodstains. Hefting it before me, I slapped it with Touch, making the guards around me jump from the loud clatter. “As for your gear, look no further than -“ I tossed the shield at a nearby guard and returned to Apsice’s side. I clasped his shoulder firmly. “Look no further than this man.”

“Wh- what about the o- others?” The shivering man would not stop.

“Don’t worry, I’ll find them, and send them back to you when I get through with them.” I stalked through the group toward the castle gates. Sai seized up his bone and trotted after me with a final growl at the men between us. I stopped and turned back. “When I come back with your decanus, I want these tents straightened up, not a speck of trash left on the ground, and I want to see every last bit of your gear stowed and shined.” Now I let them see my battle smile. “Or I’ll have Burd put you up front at the next Oblivion Gate. By yourselves.”

[SubRosa]

“Hail, Julian!” Varus’s voice
Varus? Has he given the Emperor his legions back yet? I loved how he pointed out the slackness of the Leyawiin contingent, without actually saying so.

Poor Enilroth, he had to tear himself from the arms of Heinrich Oaken-Hull's wife! (if you did not know, they are having an affair in the game).

It was good seeing the Leyawiin soldier who presented Julian with her knight's shield. It was even better how she uprooted all their tent stakes! Vols would have been proud of how she whipped those babies into shape. I especially liked her final line. If that does not motivate them, nothing will!

[D.Foxy]

Two words, baby.

HELL YEAH!

Julian let them off lightly.

If it had been me there'd be a few teeth being swallowed.

[Acadian]

I think the once a week schedule will work fine. I see you are already providing a welcome ‘in our last episode’ warm up to snap readers right back in where you want us.

More Soldier Alley! You continue to capture the martial feel and icy cold of the place. Well, except for the sad sacks of Leyawiin.

I chuckled all the way through Julian’s well-deserved and well-delivered tirade. You did a great job of capturing the effect you were going for. She was just sooo JackWebbTheDI here!

I also enjoyed the full and continuous presence of Sai here as Julian’s partner and assistant drill instructor.

[Athynae]

Julian is the perfect combination of heart and HEAT!!! ("Touch" this!)

Julian is the kind of leader every soldier should wish for, she doesn't give them the option of weakness and she sets the prime example first. She has compassion that shows only when it NEEDS to be seen and as Trey said, she leads from the front. I can't imagine a better leader to follow.

Her handling of the Leyawiin contingent was all I expected, including the humor. I found it highly amusing that she dropped their pitiful tents on their more pitiful heads, just deserts I'd say. And then the dressing down was classic, I loved it.

I look forward to how she handles the remainder when she locates them. I imagine they'll get even more of a wake up than their cohorts at the camp. I might feel sorry for them if they didn't deserve it. Pull that hitch out of their giddy-up Julian!!!

[Grits]

I wasn’t surprised to see Enilroth’s soot-covered face smiling at me as he returned the damaged blade to the forge.

Yay, Enilroth! Banging away, no doubt. I love how you portray him. I can imagine him cheerfully repairing half of Cyrodiil’s equipment.


“They were right, one of the sailors were recruiting boys for the fight club on the docks. Cleared that situation up in a hurry. They’re minding the fort back home while I’m up here.”

What?! Now they’re going to have to go back to fighting in the tavern! How welcome to get some news from sunny Anvil.


Wow, Julian in full Pilus mode is something to behold! She sure ended the Leyawiin boys’ vacation. When she collapsed the tents, I was rolling! I enjoyed her rant from start to finish.

Now I let them see my battle smile.

And that was more than a little scary!

[liliandra nadiar]

And caught up finally. Two stories down, 400 to go. Fun to touch base with familiar faces amung the guards, and to do a bit more then touch to Layawiin's. I'm getting a feeling that the Tap is going to have a new story to tell soon. Julian and the Wastes of Space!

Good luck with your NNWM project.

[McBadgere]

I echo the Oh Hell-Yeah...

For both parts...

Most excellent...

Wow...

Nice one... ...

[treydog]

(Former) dog person that I am, I simply adored the description of Sai with his prize.

Varus' discretion as he walks that line between criticizing his "equal" (in rank, though definitely NOT in quality) and knowing one bad unit can ruin the entire force- perfectly handled.

Their tents stood smartly in an organized cluster around the fire, shields gleaming softly in the cold afternoon light. Beyond, I could see the sigil of the White Stallion hanging askew on its pole.

And there is how to SHOW rather than TELL.

And Julian's restraint in dealing with the sorry sods was quite impressive. They are lucky the TENTS were the only thing she dropped on their heads.

“When I come back with your decanus, I want these tents straightened up, not a speck of trash left on the ground, and I want to see every last bit of your gear stowed and shined.” Now I let them see my battle smile. “Or I’ll have Burd put you up front at the next Oblivion Gate. By yourselves.”

They can prove that they are soldiers- one way or another....

Loved to hear the crackle in Julian's voice, to see how far she has come since waking in that cell in the Imperial Prison.

[haute ecole rider]

@SubRosa: I'm glad Julian's reaction to the Leyawiin's slackabouts earned Vols's approval. As pilus, Julian gets to do what I've always wanted to do to the slackers I've always been stuck with. Yes, I knew Enilroth was having an affair back in Anvil. I suspect Morvayn knew, too, and that could be why he sent the young kid off to Bruma to cool his globes.

@D. Foxy: I'll see if this next post meets the same approval. I think one or two teeth got swallowed here.

@Acadian: If you liked Sai as the second DI here, I think you'll thoroughly enjoy his presence in this post. I liked that you compared Julian's pilus act to Jack Webb's. It means I'm doing something right.

@Athynae: I think you'll enjoy the upcoming scene.

@Grits: I'm glad you enjoyed Julian's rant at these slackabouts. She is awesome when she is in full pilus mode!

@liliandra: Welcome! That is becoming quite a chore, catching up on the entire story. I just peeked at the word count in Scrivener. Yikes! 350K!! I hope to finish this before it hits 400K!

@McB: Why, thank you very much!

@treydog: You will totally love Sai in this one! I loved hearing that crackle in Julian's voice, too.

Julian returned to Bruma to find the Leyawiin contingent woefully unprepared for the escalating crisis. She let her pilus out in full steam on these hapless idiots. Now she is off to find their so-called leader, Valeria Cordelia.

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

Chapter 29.5: A Lesson in Leadership

The careworn Nord behind the high counter met my gaze as Sai and I entered the Jerall View. His gaze flickered over my companion.

“We don’t serve dogs in here,” he shouted over the din, a note of ragged grouchiness in his voice.

“That’s all right, sir,” I answered, casting my gaze around the room. The White Stallion was scattered in clumps around the room, most of the men already deep in their cups, and the few women apparently not far behind them. “I’m only looking for a Valeria Cordelia?”

He only shook his head at me with a scowl. Another Nord, younger and with thick black brows, stepped next to me.

“Looking for that Leyawiin tramp?” His tone matched the innkeeper’s expression. “She’s over there,” he pointed out a slim Imperial seated with three other men, all of them knocking back shot glasses of golden liquid.

“Thanks,” I said, turning to approach the table. The Nord’s big hand clamped on my shoulder.

“They’ve drunk enough to start a brawl with anyone,” he warned me. “And I don’t want to get in the middle of ‘em all, if you follow my meaning?"

“Are you the bouncer?” I met his scowl.

“Logvaar’s the name,” he answered. “I get paid to deal with the mean drunks, but it don’t mean I like it when they all start brawlin’ at the same time.”

“I’ll get them out before I start brawling with them, sir,” I shook him off. “Trust me, I’ve done this before.”

“Yes, ma’am, I don’t doubt it.” Logvaar stepped back and clasped his hands behind his back.

When I unclipped the wooden sheath of my katana from my belt a second time that afternoon, Sai dropped his bone to the floor. The heavy limb made a thunk that brought a sudden silence as everyone turned to look at the source of the sound.

Valeria Cordelia met my gaze across the room. Her own dark eyes widened as she recognized me. Then her small chin thrust forward in a pout and she turned her eyes from me. She poured herself another shot from an amber bottle that I recognized as Nordic Whiskey from one of the Skyrim villages.

In two steps I was beside her. The hilt of my katana dropped onto her wrist, knocking the glass away from her face and spilling the alcohol across the table. “Valeria Cordelia?” Once again I let the old pilus prior out and slammed the sheathed tip onto the table in front of her, making everyone jump. “Do you call yourself a decanus? How dare you!”

“Dare I?” Cordelia’s eyes flashed through her drunken fog. She slammed her hands onto the table and pushed herself upright. Her chair flew backwards before it tipped over with a loud clatter. “How dare you!” She pointed a finger into my face. “How dare you come in here and tell me what to do!” She reached for the bottle of Nordic whiskey. My scabbarded blade struck her hand away and sent the bottle flying to shatter against the nearby wall. Two of the men at the table leaped up, reaching for me.

Swiftly I jammed the sheathed tip into the belly of one and swung the hilt against the chin of the other, sending both of them reeling back into their chairs. I turned back to Cordelia, rapping her right shoulder hard with the katana. Behind me, Sai growled loudly at the shuffling feet from another table.

The Imperial woman glared up at me, her right arm numbed by my strike. “I have no wish to brawl in here,” I warned her. “You have two choices. You can do what I tell you to do, or you can do this the hard way.”

Behind me one of her companions staggered back up threateningly, his wheezing breath warning me of his approach. Once more I sent the tip of my scabbard backwards into his abdomen. With a groan he collapsed onto the chair. I clamped my left hand on Cordelia’s bruised shoulder, forcing her back against the wall behind her. As she groaned and writhed from the pain my grip triggered, I turned back to the room at large.

“If you consider yourself soldiers and fighting men and women,” I filled my tone with as much contempt as I felt for this slovenly troop, “leave this inn right now. Go back to your encampment, straighten up your tents and see to your gear. Now!”

About half of the gathered guards staggered to their feet and stumbled out into the darkening afternoon. Cordelia’s three companions and a few of the others lingered, their eyes on her.

Again I slammed my weapon against the table. One of the remaining shot glasses tipped onto its side and rolled over the edge of the oaken surface. The guards shifted startled gazes to me. “Well?” I growled at them. “Do you have trouble understanding your orders?”

“We only take orders from Valeria!” One of the others, the one whose chin I had already rapped, grunted back. Blood from his bitten tongue stained his lips. I narrowed my eyes at his familiar use of her name.

“What kind of orders are those?” I snapped. “The kind that belong in the bedroom?” I shook my head furiously at him. “Let me warn you, I’m a Knight of Leyawiin, and that means I outrank your lovely Valeria. If you want to keep your globes, get your lazy butts out of here now!”

Finally the men did move, though with much drunken grumbling. They gave the snarling Sai a wide berth and staggered out the double doors. Logvaar closed the panels after them and turned back toward me, a question in his dark eyes.

I pulled Cordelia off the wall and looked around the main room again. Still quite a few people here. I dragged her after me to the bar and laid my katana down on its smooth surface before the innkeeper. “Do you have a room where we can speak privately, sir?”

“Yes,” he grunted, new respect in his eyes. He hesitated, and I anticipated his thoughts.

“How much?” I reached into my belt purse for my drakes.

“I normally charge twenty-five a night,” he mumbled uncertainly. I tossed a handful of the coins onto the surface. My fingers counted out twenty-five drakes, and gathered up the rest.

He handed me a key. “Downstairs, first door on the right,” he added.

Cordelia protested and struggled as I hauled her down the wide stairs. Sai, who had recovered his bone, bounded down the steps after us.

The door to the assigned room was unlatched, and I booted it open. Cordelia staggered against the writing desk within when I flung her through the doorway. I turned to Sai, dropping my hand to his head. “Stay here, Sai,” I ordered. He stopped just outside the door and whined softly as I closed the door on his blue eyes.

“What do you think you are doing, fetcher!” Cordelia screamed at me as I faced her again. I stepped past the smaller woman and pulled the chair away from the desk.

“Sit down,” I said quietly, the pilus still very prominent in my icy tone. “Believe me, you don’t want to do this the hard way.”

“You wouldn’t dare!” Cordelia spun unsteadily toward me, her right fist floating toward my face. I blocked it easily with my blade, the impact making a cracking sound that echoed around the small chamber. As she staggered back, I caught her right shoulder again and shoved her into the chair.

“I do dare,” I leaned down to her with a growl. “I’ve led men and women for years. I know what it takes to be combat-ready. I know what needs to be done to get the soldiers to that point and to keep them there. And so far, I haven’t seen any of that from you!”

“It’s not your business!” She knocked my hand from her shoulder.

“Oh, yes it is!” I snapped back. “It’s my business since I am the one that convinced Count Caro he needed to send a fighting force here to assist Bruma. But what does he send? A fighting force? Are you fetching kidding me?” I straightened up, my gaze still locked with hers. She returned my glare hotly, her chest heaving with angry breaths. I took a deep breath. “Have you any Legion experience?”

She blinked at my question, then shook her head fiercely. “What difference does it make?”

Why in 'Blivion did they make her decanus, instead of Metellus Apsice? “Who in your command has Legion experience?” Her blank stare told me what I needed to know about the quality of her leadership. “Do you mean to tell me you don’t even know the combat experience of your own command?”

“Why should I?” Cordelia shot back. “I never even wanted to come! Let alone be decanus!”

I leaned down to her so that we could feel each other’s breaths on our cheeks. “You never wanted command? That’s too bad. You were given it, you’re stuck with it.”

“What gives you the right!” Cordelia shot out of her chair and stumbled over the bed. She staggered to her feet and turned to face me. “You’re not part of the Guard!”

“No, I’m not,” I kept my voice even. “Believe me, if I were part of this Guard, it would be a far different group than the pathetic excuse of reinforcements you’re commanding right now. But,” I stepped closer to her, “I am a Knight of Leyawiin, and that stands for something, even if my Legion experience doesn’t. And shall I remind you who closed not one, but two Gates outside your beloved city walls?” I took another deep breath to calm my resurgent temper. “Now ask me again what gives me the right.”

Cordelia suddenly deflated as the whiskey-induced rage disappeared. She turned her face from me and stared at the floor. “I don’t know how to lead,” she whispered. “Captain Draconis put me in charge of this contingent. I don’t know why - I know nothing about this command you speak of. All I’ve ever done was try to fit in.”

I stepped back, no longer sensing any hostility from her. “Fit in?” I repeated softly. “Are you in a relationship with one of the men?” The flush that spread over her cheeks told me the truth. More than one? Those three sitting with her? I inhaled slowly. “And no one called you on it?”

“Captain Draconis knew what was going on,” Cordelia murmured. “She even has a few herself on the side.” Her gaze wavered at the flicker I felt passing through my face. “Was that wrong?” She shook her head. “I have no idea how other city Guards behave.”

“All those kinds of relationships do is damage the chain of command,” I said quietly. “In times of peace, it’s not noticeable, but when there’s a crisis -“ I let my voice trail away. I’m going to have a few words with Inspector General Camillus about this Draconis. She knows better! “Relationships outside the Guard, or your combat unit, are fine, but not with another within your own squad.”

“Are you going to send me home?” Cordelia’s voice turned wispy life a five-year-old child with her hand in the pastry jar. I felt my jaw tighten as she lifted her left hand to wipe at her cheeks.

“Do you want me to?” I made my voice more gentle than censuring.

“I’d rather not be here,” Cordelia lifted her chin and met my gaze. “But I’d prefer to be in Leyawiin even less. Not like this.” She took a deep and shaky breath. “I’ll stay, as long as someone else commands.”

“You were given the command,” I answered. “If you choose to stay here in Bruma, you should carry out your obligations to your men.”

“But I don’t know how!” Cordelia wailed. I cut her off with a chopping motion of my katana.

“There is someone in your troop with Legion experience. I assume you don’t have that kind of relationship with him?”

“Who?” Somehow Cordelia’s question suggested that she had been “through” many, if not all, of the men in the Leyawiin Guard.

Akatosh no, not Apsice! “Metellus Apsice has that experience. He can advise you.”

“Metellus?” Cordelia repeated, her eyes unfocusing a little. She shook her head, and I stifled my relieved sigh. “No, he’s not my type,” she muttered to herself. “Didn’t he wash out?”

“He completed his rookie tour,” I pointed out. “That makes him a veteran. And he alone of all of your command seems to know how to shine and stow his gear and how officers should be. Shall I have a word with him on your behalf?”

“Would he help me?” Cordelia asked. “I mean, he’s never been interested in me.”

Now I stared at her. “Why wouldn’t he help you?” I shook my head. “I’ve never slept with any of my tironii, nor have I slept with my commanding officers. Go talk to Ashcroft, with Chorrol. He served his rookie tour in my cohort, he’ll tell you that I don’t have that kind of relationship with my people.”

“Then how can you lead -?” Cordelia shook her head. This time I blinked in consternation.

“Leading by sex is best left to tavern tramps and camp whores,” my blunt words made her wince. “Soldiers, regardless of gender, lead by respect. And respect is not given, it is earned.”

Cordelia slumped down onto the edge of the bed, her eyes gazing blankly into the distance. “I - I never knew -“ She blinked and focused on me. “Will you show me?”

“I am already bespoken elsewhere,” I shook my head, thinking of Martin. “But I’ll ask Apsice to lend you his support and experience. If you want an example of how a woman should command her men, look no further than Viera Lerus.”

[D.Foxy]

Holy ships....the rot is far WORSE than I thought...

In fiction this unit will be able to be reformed. IRL, however, a unit that has fallen than low can be reformed in only one of two ways: in peacetime, total unit disbandment and starting from scratch: in wartime, the firing squad.

Hautee, this is just a RL observation. In your fictional world you are mistress supreme - it's your story! (And a Bloody Good One, may I add!)

[Olen]

So the mystery of the useless contingent is solved. Leyawin seems to have been getting rid of their less useful guards and then made a mess of choosing the leader (I wonder how she got that position...). However it seems Julian has it sorted (or at least is fortunate enough to have poeple who will sort it now she's started the process.

That should let her get back to CRT and Martin. I can't wait for her reaction when she hears the final ingrediant...