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

[liliandra nadiar]

Wow, no wonder things were so bad. I had expected, at best (worst?) a beligerant/resentful commander, not... that. Cordelia has a long way to go to get any respect from either her 'fellow' commanders or her troops. Still, Viera is an excellent model to try for.

*wonders which person in the JF is doing the DB line, roots for them, at least up to a point*

[Acadian]

Poor Sai, still lugging around that bone!

“Who in your command has Legion experience?” Her blank stare told me what I needed to know about the quality of her leadership.’
This is effectively phrased. Nice.

Leading by sex. I was beginning to wonder when Julian dragged Cordelia upstairs after paying 25 drakes for her. Then when she made Sai wait outside, I started to get worried. Whew. Just some girl talk.

[Grits]

What a gigantic mess. This group needs a complete do-over. I wouldn’t know where to start. Julian does, though! Wow.

Through all of it, I had to smile when Sai remembered to pick up his bone.

[SubRosa]

So is Valeria Cordelia's last name inspired by a character from Buffy the Vampire Slayer?

“We don’t serve dogs in here,”
You don't serve droids? Erm, oh, dogs...

Well, so much for taking them outside before brawling!

And respect is not given, it is earned.
Indeed.

Another great episode of Julian showing off her legion chops. Not only knowing when to crack down hard, but also when to let up and listen, and then do something to create a positive change.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Nov 22 2011, 03:23 AM

[McBadgere]

“I’ll get them out before I start brawling with them, sir,”

My favourite line by a country mile... ...

Loved it...Absolutely...Well loving this story...

Brilliance...

Nice one... ...

[treydog]

Excellent as ever. And yes- the IG definitely needs to be informed of what goes on with Draconis. The choice of decanus leads to the question- malicious or stupid?

There is plenty of rot within the city guard, and in this case the fish appears to be rotting from the head....

[haute ecole rider]

@All: Well, I got so caught up in the whole Apple training thing that I missed my posting day yesterday. My apologies!

@D.Foxy: This entire thing with the Leyawiin guard just blew up in my face. I was thinking mere slackers, but nooo. The more I wrote, the worse it got. I'm surprised Julian didn't just chase them all away. But I guess she has other things in mind for them. I quite agree that this unit IRL would require very, very drastic tactics to deal with them.

@Olen: I'm not sure the guard is going to be sorted out except in the harshest way. But Julian has done what she can. Let's just hope these folks pay attention to what she has said, and to what Metellus will be telling them. As for getting back to Martin and CRT, that is the one thing keeping Julian from taking them in hand!

@Lil: Yes, Cordelia has a long way to go before she can get real respect. She has a lot to learn. Thing is, will she learn 'em in time? There will be no DB in OHDH - Julian's not that type of person. And she's too recognizable for the undercover thing.

@Acadian: He he he - so we kept you guessing for a bit there, huh? Not to worry - Julian has a place for sex, and that ain't a 25-drake-a-night bed at the Jerall View!

@Grits: Naturally Sai continues to make his presence known. He won't be leaving these pages for a while. He and Blanco make too good a team!

@SubRosa: Never watched Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but I have watched Star Wars a bazillion times! And yes, she did get them outside before she started brawling with them! What happened in there (putting her katana to effective use) didn't qualify as a brawl by a country mile. If she had brawled with them, especially in her present condition, they wouldn't be able to walk back to their camp!

@McB: Thanks!

@Bowwow: Yes, the Inspector General will be getting an earful from his former pilus about the situation at Leyawiin. As far as Julian's concerned, that's far worse than Count Terentius and his skooma sucking son in Bravil. I suspect Draconis was getting rid of competition by sending Cordelia, who is so obviously unsuited for a leadership position, on a suicide mission.

The story thus far: Julian has discovered that the Leyawiin contingent leaves much to be desired both in leadership and in training. She does what she can to get them straightened out before they get themselves (or worse, the other guard contingents) decimated by the daedra.

***********************
Chapter 29.6: A Warm Welcome Home

"Hail, Julian!" Achille's greeting from the watchtowers above the gates warmed my heart after the long ride up in the late afternoon gloom. I waved back, then dismounted just as the gates before us opened. As before, Roliand and Caroline stepped through to welcome us home.

"Every time you return, you bring a new companion!" Caroline exclaimed as she gestured toward Sai. I glanced back to see him standing beside Blanco's hindquarters, his gaze wary on the two Blades.

"Careful," I stopped Caroline from approaching him. "He's still suspicious of any armored soldier we meet. Let him warm up to you first."

"But I don't want his bone!" Caroline exclaimed, but Roliand nodded.

"Aye, I understand," he clapped a restraining hand on Caroline's shoulder. "Skyrim Huskies are slow to accept strangers, and do so only on their own terms."

"There's that," I admitted. "But also, his last master was killed by a Legion rider, so any person in heavy armor is suspicious to him."

"Ah, I understand," Caroline fell back slightly. She removed her helmet and smiled at Sai. "What's the best way to get him to accept us?"

"Share your dinner with him." Irony tinged my answer as I thought back to how I had won his trust and how he had accepted Berennus beside the campfire, He had even settled down at the Kvatch encampment after Inian had given him a morsel of mutton. "Especially meat."

"Well, then, you're just in time," Caroline nodded emphatically. "Let's get Blanco settled in, and we'll go in to eat!" She patted the white stallion affectionately and took his rein from me. "Does the dog have a name?"

"I named him Sai the Lucky," I answered, as the Husky mix fell in between me and Blanco, the bone clenched firmly between his teeth. "He's no fighting dog, but he has proven to be quite the partner."

"He went into Miscarcand with you?" Roliand asked. "That's surprising, considering that these dogs typically don't have the fearlessness of the Legio war dogs."

"He wasn't fearless," I admitted, thinking back over our time together. "But he looked out for me, and I for him." I sighed. "I doubt I would have made it through that place without him at my side." I dropped my right hand to his ears. "He hates goblins."

Roliand held the torch higher so he could see my face. "How was Miscarcand?"

"Scary," I looked away from the firelight. Sai whined softly around his bone.

Caroline glanced at me over Blanco's withers. "That bad? Then it's a good thing Sai went in there with you!"

"Yes, it was," I agreed. I was relieved when neither of them pressed the subject further.

"Did you stop in Bruma?" Caroline's voice reached me at the same time as we stepped onto the plaza.

"Yes, I did," I answered. "And for the most part I'm glad to see so much support from the other counties."

"So is Countess Carvain," Caroline nodded as Roliand took the rein from her. She caught my startled look. "I accompanied Grandmaster Jauffre to the County Hall to see if she and Captain Burd needed any help from the Blades." Her gaze darkened slightly at a memory. "Leyawiin -" her voice trailed off, then she shook herself.

"I don't think Leyawiin will be such a problem anymore." I could still hear the frustration in my tone.

Cordelia trailed dismally after Sai and me as we approached her command. Most of the tents had been re-erected, straighter and neater this time. At the rear of the encampment, a bonfire blazed vigorously, fed by the trash still being added to it by three of the guardsmen. I ran a quick head count. Of the forty or so guardsmen, most sat bent over their gear. The tapping of repair hammers and the hissing of whetstones brought back memories of my old cohort.

I searched the gathered men and women for a familiar face, and found Apsice demonstrating the proper way to hold a sharpening stone to a small-framed woman. He nodded encouragingly at her attempts as we approached.

"Apsice," I caught his attention. When his gaze fell on Cordelia behind me, he straightened with a salute. "I need you for a moment," I continued, stepping away toward the command tent in the center.

"Keep it up, Petelius," Apsice nodded at the woman still bent over her sword. "It will get easier with practice. I'll check back with you later." He fell in behind Cordelia as we entered the tent.

The gloom was cold and empty. Apsice moved past me to light the lamp on the camp table. I found the surface bare of the usual scrolls that came with command. That's going to have to change, I mused to myself silently.

Sai sat down beside me as I turned to face Cordelia and Apsice. They avoided each other's gazes. He kept his eyes on me, she turned hers to the rough dirt beneath our feet.

"Apsice, Cordelia is the commander here," I caught the faint hope fade from his eyes. To his credit, he showed no other sign of disappointment. "But she can not command alone. She needs someone with Legion experience to back her up." His brows rose ever so slightly as I paused. "Will you do so?"

"Yes, ma'am!" The lean Breton did not hesitate. His gaze became thoughtful.

"I'm going to trust you," I continued, "do perform your duties in a properly respectful manner. I will trust you not to do or say anything to diminish Cordelia's standing in the sight of her command."

"Understood!" His nod was more emphatic than the look in his eyes. Yes, her standing needs bolstering more than anything else. You have your work cut out for you.

Now it was Cordelia's turn. "I strongly suggest you listen carefully to Apsice's advice." I gestured her toward the table. "And the first duties of a commander is making sure she knows her men and women, and that they have everything they need to form an effective combat unit. That means drilling with the other units, recording their names, families, experience and behavior while here. It also means being aware of what they need. And no, it's not unlimited alcohol and sex." I ignored her flush and tapped the table to bring her gaze up to mine. "If you have questions, do not hesitate to ask Apsice or one of the other commanders here."

Doubt flickered across her face. "I'll figure it out," her tone held a faint hint of defiance.

"Given time, I’m sure you could," I hardened my tone. "But time is the one thing you don't have. How many of your command will die before you figure it out on your own? How much blood will be on your head before you realize the true meaning of command?" I shook my head. "No, best to listen to those who have been there before you, and learn fast. Preferably before the next Gate opens."

Apsice stepped forward. "Don't worry, ma'am," he spoke firmly. "We'll do it - together. All of us."

"Good." I nodded my appreciation at him before turning back to Cordelia. "The first thing you must do is make Apsice your second-in-command. That will give him the authority to act on your behalf, and make him the butt of any disgruntlement your comrades may feel. Second, forget all about trying to fit in. For the duration of your stay here," I leaned my hands on the table and held her gaze steady with mine, "you need to be the officer, not a fellow guard. That means distancing yourself from the others. Don't call anyone by their first name, and don't let them call you anything other than 'ma'am' or 'Cordelia.' Understood?"

Her eyes widened. "What difference does it make if they call me 'Valeria' or by my family name?"

"Apsice can explain that to you," I straightened up. "Now I need to be elsewhere, but I'll check back in with you. And I'll speak to Captain Lerus on my way out, so she knows you'll be coming to her for advice."

"Good," Caroline's heartfelt comment brought me back to the present. She nodded as she stepped away. "I'll go in and make sure they save a fresh bone for Sai." She smiled crookedly at me and walked away.

"And I'll put up Blanco for the night," Roliand waved me after Caroline's departing form. "You've come a long way, and it's become colder here since you left!"

"I know!" I drew the thick woolen cloak around me for emphasis. "But I'd best take those saddlebags with me. Blanco won't let you near them."

"That stone?" Roliand's brows rose beneath his helm. "He wouldn't think we'd steal it?"

"Apparently he knows it's important," I answered. "He wouldn't let anyone but me handle those bags. Nearly took Tilmo's head off with a capriole before I realized it." I shook my head at the memory. "Caught both of us off guard - he's normally so cooperative with the stable crew."

"Something to do with him having been bred by the Witchmen, I'm sure," Roliand muttered. "Well, let's get those bags off of him so both of you can get inside." He nodded humorously at Sai. "I doubt the dog minds the cold so much."

I laughed. "I doubt it, too!" As a matter of fact, Sai had gamboled through the snow as Blanco and I plodded up the mountainside. He had repeatedly dropped his bone into the drifts, then sent snow flying as he dug for his treasure. Blanco had shook his head at the dog’s antics several times when snow hit his head and neck.

Blanco turned his head and looked at me as I pulled the saddlebags from his back. I patted his rump fondly. “Behave for Roliand, now,” I admonished him. “I’ve got the stone now. Thanks.” I directed that last to both Blanco and Roliand. His grin flashed in the dimness as the tall Nord led the white stallion away.

[Acadian]

What a nice homecoming at Cloud Ruler Temple after Julian’s extended time on the road! Good that you spent some time acquainting and reacquainting the Blades with the animals. And good reminders of Miscarcand via the memories of Julian and Sai.

Down in Bruma, I expect Countess Carvain must be feeling a little better having a fair amount of support from sister cities on hand.

[Grits]

The title really says it, what a wonderful, quiet return to Cloud Ruler Temple. I love the image of Sai playing in the snow all the way up the mountain.

Poor Tilmo, I bet he got a surprise! Don’t mess with the Witchhorse!

I imagine that while Julian is frosty and wind-burned from her travel, Martin is bent over and squinty from his work. I look forward to their meeting.

[liliandra nadiar]

So which Blade gets to tell Julian that the Captain's been worried about her? At least Sai will be warm, though the sight of so many folks in heavy armor will not make him comfortable.

[Olen]

Yes I suspect the Captain will try to have a quiet word. It's not quite the same as the situation with Cordelia given that she answers to Martin and Jauffre and it's (probably) more monogamous. Still an interesting parallel, as I'm sure is intended, for when the crisis is over and that comes to a head.

It's nice to see CRT again, you've really brought the place to life and given character to the inhabitants. I look forward to her meeting Martin.

[Athynae]

Caught up again, my youngest and I got a dose of changing seasons accompanied by a touch of pneumonia and bronchitis but are on the mend now.

YES I liked how she handled Cordelia and her ....contingent? Now they will be anyway...thanks to the guiding katana, I mean voice, of The Pilus that lives inside our Julian. I get the feeling that Cordelia now feels like she will be letting Julian down if she does anything less than LEARN TO COMMAND, that's always a good thing.

The return to CRT was special. I could easily see Sai playing with his bone in the snow, it made me giggle at the picture it conjured. And her friends welcoming her back did not disappoint. What a wonderful group of personalities you have surrounded Julian with.

I so look forward to the next installment and her meeting with Martin and Jauffre and of course the Captain.

[SubRosa]

So we are back to the old Cathode Ray Tube, erm, Cloud Ruler Temple, at last.

That will give him the authority to act on your behalf, and make him the butt of any disgruntlement your comrades may feel.
Yep, the XO always get to be the bad guy, so the captain can look good. It looks like Julian is sorting things out with the Leyawiin crew. Now we will see what Martin has come up with next.

[McBadgere]

Nice one... ...

Always had a soft spot for Caroline...Ever since the time my first character went to sleep in CRT and when he woke up Caroline was in that bed... ...They're married in my story... ...

Most excellent again...

Loving it...

Nice one... ...

[haute ecole rider]

I'm doing this early since I will be quite busy tomorrow.

Oh, an update on Nanowrimo - I completed the month with over 53K written. The story is not yet finished, however, so I have continued working on it alongside this one. There may be a lull in the posting schedule, as the next episode of OHDH is not yet completed, and I really want to finish the Nanowrimo story as well. Plus I have a big project due this week and finals next week. I hope to resume the posting pace after that.

@Acadian: I'm not sure Countess Carvain is feeling better with that bunch of slackers on her doorstep, but at least she should find some comfort in the fact that Julian has tried to fix that situation.

@Grits: Bent over and squinty-eyed? Hmm, maybe only at 2 am! Julian won't stay frosty and wind-bitten for long if she can help it!

@Lil: I'm not sure the Blades even know how the Captain feels about Julian. I'm not sure he knows it himself! Though I suspect Jauffre knows more than he lets on . . .

@Olen: Julian is too much the professional soldier to let a - ummm, crazy little thing like love interfere with her ability to carry out her duties. I rather think the Captain is the same way. Yes, it will be interesting to see how it all shakes out eventually.

@Athynae: I'm glad you and others enjoyed Sai's antics on the way up the mountain! As I've said before, he is inspired by the dog next door, and that is exactly how Presley loves to play in the winter snow!

@SubRosa: I sure hope Julian has sorted things out with the Leyawiin crew! But only trial by fire will tell if that's the case.

McBadgere: Thanks!

The story so far: On her return to Cloud Ruler Temple, Julian is welcomed home by her fellow Blades. Now she introduces Sai to the rest of them.

*********************
Chapter 29.7: Julian’s Stones

Saddlebags over my left shoulder and Sai at my heels, I entered the Hall of Blades. Within, Belisarius greeted us heartily and waved toward the door to the dining hall. "Dinner is ready," he remarked. "And Caroline went ahead to save a beef bone for your new companion," he tipped his head toward Sai. "Dogs are always welcome here, though they don't always stay around!"

Ahead, I could see several figures clustered around Martin's study table. I recognized Captain Steffan and Grandmaster Jauffre standing shoulder to shoulder, facing Martin with Baurus just behind him. I frowned at the tableau. What's going on there? Are they having a confrontation? Unease caused my stomach to quiver as I approached them.

"I don't like it," I caught Jauffre's gruff frustration. "It's dangerous, is what it is."

"I know," the weariness in Martin's tone made me acutely aware of my own. "But unless you can come up with a better plan, it's our only chance to end this crisis."

End this crisis? My breath caught in my throat. What is so terrible about ending this crisis? My step faltered, and I halted a few steps away. Sai sat down at my left side and dropped his bone.

Again the sound of the bone hitting the wide timbers drew attention to us. Captain Steffan and Jauffre turned to face us, and Baurus gave me a grinning nod.

"Welcome back, Julian," Martin's weary visage relaxed into a genuine smile. "It's always good to see you safe."

"Of course," Jauffre said gruffly, stepping to my right side and clapping me on the shoulder. Beyond his shoulder, Steffan's lazy grin shone white in his wind-burned face. I looked quickly away from his blue eyes, so like Sai's.

I wondered if the tension I had felt just a breath or two ago was merely my tired imagination. But no, there it was still present as a vague shadow in Martin's hazel gaze. His eyes dropped from my face to the brown form at my side.

"I had heard you found a new companion," he smiled at the Husky mix. "At this rate you'll need to open a menagerie to support them all!"

"I didn't pick him," I half-protested. "Or Blanco, either!" I swung the saddlebags from my shoulder and set them onto the table. Sai growled softly as he picked his bone up and followed between the soldiers. "Shush, Sai," I turned and dropped my hand to his head briefly. He slipped beneath the table and laid down with his bone. The sounds of teeth scraping on bone drifted up along with the typical Skyrim Husky mutterings. I caught a humorous flicker in Martin’s eyes.

“I found three different kinds of stones in Miscarcand,” I flung the flaps back. “I doubt this one is the Great stone you wanted, sire,” I drew out the smaller blue stone. Martin smiled and took it from my hand. Cyan flickered around the Hall, competing against the warm amber glow from the fire and the candles.

“You’re right, this isn’t the Great one,” Martin nodded. “It’s a common Welkynd stone.”

“If it’s common, how come they’re so -“ I paused, searching for the right word. I settled for “- uncommon?”

Martin chuckled. “That’s because in the thousands of years since the fall of the Ayleids, mages and witches have gathered as many of these stones as they could. They are common only within Ayleid ruins, but not in the light of Magnus.”

“They were common enough within Miscarcand, that’s certain,” I answered. “I thought they couldn’t be the stone you need, but I took one anyway.” I caught the curious glances from the Blades but kept my gaze on Martin, who continued studying the blue-green stone. “Are they useful for much more than light sources?”

“They can be used for light,” Martin nodded. “But mages and witches find them more valuable as sources of magicka. When you are depleted from casting too many spells, using one of these stones can recharge your energy. Battlemages valued them, until potions to recharge magicka were developed.”

“Potions are smaller and easier to carry than these,” I felt chagrined at a sudden remembrance. When I was so run down in Miscarcand, after fighting that Lich, I could have used that stone! Sai and I would have gotten out of there sooner!

Martin nodded. “That’s likely why there are still so many of these left in certain Ayleid ruins.” He set the stone carefully down on top of a stack of books. “You said you found three different kinds of stones?”

Now I drew out the smaller of the two unique stones, the white one with the brilliant argent glow. Baurus was the only one who didn’t step back from its light, but he turned his face away.

“A Varla stone!” Martin breathed, his hands cupping it from mine. “I have never seen one of these, but I have heard of them. They are rare, indeed, both within the ruins and without!” The stone’s light cast a bone-chilling effect on his face as he smiled at me. For a moment I saw a grinning skull in place of Martin’s familiar features, and tried to blink it away.

Martin set the stone on the table and picked up a nearby volume. He opened the book and turned it face-down over the stone, effectively cutting off its glare. That skull disappeared, along with the sense of foreboding it had triggered.

“Varla stones are much more valuable,” Martin continued. “They can be used to recharge enchanted items.”

Again I experienced chagrin. Could have saved myself that expensive soul gem! I suppressed the sigh of frustration I could feel in my throat and instead dived into the second saddlebag, the one holding the prize. “I believe this is the stone you need, sire.”

Gasps and sharp inhalations rippled around the Hall as I revealed the long, narrow crystal that had been so difficult to obtain. The grinding of teeth on bone stopped, and I glanced down to see a pair of intense blue eyes peering at me from beneath the table. Almost reverentially, Martin held his hands out for the stone. Carefully I set it into his palms.

“This is more beautiful than I even suspected!” he whispered breathlessly. He met my gaze steadily, his expression turning somber. “I had no doubt you would succeed where so many others have failed, but I can see that it has cost you dearly.”

A sudden sense of dread moved through me as Jauffre shuffled his feet beside me. Martin said there were four elements needed. So what is the fourth one? And is that why Jauffre is so uneasy?

“There is one more item you need for the ritual, right?” Somehow I steadied my voice. “What is it?” Martin’s eyes wavered slightly as he drew breath to answer.

Jauffre clamped his hand on my shoulder. “Time for that later,” he said gruffly. “You’ve traveled far, you must be weary. Come! Let’s go eat something hot!”

My stomach grumbled softly. Quiet. You just ate. I know it’s the altitude but show some manners at least! Still I kept my gaze on Martin. Relief had shimmered through his expression, betraying the tension I had seen earlier. “Sire?”

“Grandmaster Jauffre’s right,” Martin smiled wearily at me. “It’s time to eat, and to rest. We will discuss the next task tomorrow.” With a reluctant glance at the Great Welkynd stone, he stepped away from the table and turned for the dining hall. Baurus nodded at me before he fell in behind Martin.

“Let’s go, Julian,” Jauffre encouraged me. “Both Captain Steffan and I are dying to hear how you obtained a dog ever since we heard about him!”

I glanced sharply at him. “Agents in every city?” Jauffre’s light blue eyes only sparkled in amusement.

[SubRosa]

What is so terrible about ending this crisis?
You have not heard his plan yet Julian!

I looked quickly away from his blue eyes, so like Sai's
Methinks slightly different in some ways however...

They are common only within Ayleid ruins, but not in the light of Magnus.
This was nicely put.

The varla stone and its skull-like impression on Martin's face was nicely done. You leave us wondering if that was just a trick of the magical light, or if perhaps it was prophetic.

[liliandra nadiar]

Don't feel bad Julian, Myrin didn't know about the uses for either stone for dozens of ruins. She just kept them 'cause they looked pretty decorating her home(s).

"I didn't pick him," I half-protested.

Your intentions are quite irrelevant in the matter. Don't you know that by now?

Enough hints and portants getting dropped for even the most oblivious Redguard to get a bad feeling about the last part of the plan, and Julian's not that Redguard.

[Olen]

Julian’s Stones -- *giggles*

I liked the tension surrounding the discussion table, I can't imagine many people liking Martin's idea, even if it is the only option. I will be interested to hear Julian's take on it. Martin's explaination of the stones, as well as their descriptions was most enjoyable and reintroduced him well.

I see there's more tension with Steffan too. It's very Julian to look away and ignore it.

Agents in every city? - A good reminder, and a fun throw away line.

Nit:Jauffre's gruff frustration. <snip> Jauffre said gruffly, - I found 'gruff' used to describe Jaffre's tone twice in such close sucession a bit jarring.

[Acadian]

And the reunion with her fellow Blades continues. I see that Sai fits right in at the Cloud Ruler Temple - or at least under the table. Wonderful to see Martin again.

“If it’s common, how come they’re so -“ I paused, searching for the right word. I settled for “- uncommon?”

’For a moment I saw a grinning skull in place of Martin’s familiar features, and tried to blink it away.’
A very ominously effective image.

Jauffre certainly has his mysterious sources, but what I really like is his idea for what to do next: “Let’s eat!”

[Grits]

Love the title.

For a moment I saw a grinning skull in place of Martin’s familiar features, and tried to blink it away.
Yikes.

“Let’s go, Julian,” Jauffre encouraged me. “Both Captain Steffan and I are dying to hear how you obtained a dog ever since we heard about him!”
I guess it’s going to be pretty hard for Julian to surprise them.

It's great to be back with the Blades, even with the tension. So… dinner?