Knights of the Nine - New Kvatch, Attempt at fan-fic Options

[mALX]

Aeirawen's extended use of command on the horses is an interesting touch, I couldn't be sure if this was how the spell works for all or was her Mer ability giving her a greater rapport with beasts. If it is the latter I'm in awe of that touch added to your story !!



I've been trying to figure out if there is a purpose in Aeirawen being referred to alternately as Aeira.

I assumed at first Aeira was an affectionate nickname that Caroline (or only those close to her would use) - that pattern would be easy for the reader to pick up on (and be a clue to the reader whom Aeirawen's closest friends were), a very nice detail in your story.

The problem (for me) is that I can see no discernable pattern being established that would explain and give purpose to the use of the alternate name, and that creates confusion (for me at least).

It is especially noticable when used in the narrative descriptions of Aeirawen's actions (which causes confusion as to whether you are describing one person or two - especially when switching between names in the same paragraph as in the example below).

(Example:

Aeirawen raced along the Highway - or Blockway as people mostly called it, as it was built specifically for the purpose of bringing stone to Kvatch – and her pursuers did so too. She was grateful that there seemed to be so few carriages on the road. Not that there was ever any let-up on the blocks coming down the road, but the random vagaries of horses meant that Aeira was able to maintain speed and still avoid the carts.

It would help a lot (at least for me it would) if you could stick to one name or the other in the narrative/descriptions of action.


The scene with the Forest Guardian, the Rock-Form and Gael was fascinating - but a cliffhanger! What happened to Aeirawen? ARGH !!!

Awesome Write !!

This post has been edited by mALX: Dec 26 2011, 06:28 PM

[McBadgere]

NEW PARTS ALERT!!!!... ...

I'm putting this last part up today...Probably before many of the others have read part 2 because I want it...Out there...Then I can start on the next bit... ...Huzzah!!...Had a bit of trouble starting the next chapter due to research hold up... ...

Aaamywho...

Grits and Acadian...Thank you very much...Glad you liked this bit of the tour... ...There'll be more new places around New Kvatch cropping up, but West Masons is going to be in it quite a bit...

mALX...The Beast Command spell is on the original Bosmer build for Oblivion isn't it?...I think...Aaamywho, I've given Aeirawen more of a thing with animals than some other Bosmers...Galasafon doesn't have much of it...Maybe it's a girl-thing... ...But I think she only used it once to get the horses going away from the Bandits et-al and once on the road to split the two Knights up...Anything else is either Aeirawen's riding skills or Two's own mind... ...

Ah yes, the Aeira thing...It's meant to just be a contraction...Yes, her friends will most likely call her Aeira...But you're right, I should just stick to Aeirawen...I think I was just being lazy, trying to find another way of saying Aeirawen, other than she said, the Bosmer said, the Knight said, y'know...But yes, I should stop it...It's not like I'm going to suddenly start calling them Rob, Deakso or Caz!!... ...

The scene with the Forest Guardian, the Rock-Form and Gael was fascinating - but a cliffhanger! What happened to Aeirawen? ARGH !!!

Glad you all liked Gael and his buddies...I had loads of fun with that... ...

As for what happened to Aeirawen...



1.10 – Aeirawen (pt.3)




Somewhere Else...



Aeirawen woke up. She could smell grass, the forest, any flower she could think of.

Aeirawen sat, then stood up and looked about her. She was in a room whose dimensions were initially unclear. It gave the impression of being not all that big, but at the same time, she couldn’t focus on the walls and ceiling, which gave it an almost limitless feeling.

There were three figures sitting in high-backed chairs, staring at a mist-form on a table. The lady on Aeirawen’s side of the table had wavy copper-blonde hair, which cascaded down over her shoulders and down onto an exquisite dark dress. The man on the other side looked Nordish. He had fair skin but a jet-black beard. He also wore a slightly dour expression while he was concentrating.

The third figure, the silver-haired older woman looked up and started with shock. “Aeirawen?” The two others looked up from the table and turned to look at the Bosmer.

“Don’t worry my dears, you just keep working, I’ll catch up.” The woman said to them.

The man resumed his task. The copper haired lady stared at Aeirawen for what seemed like an eternity before finally turning and resuming whatever she’d been doing before.

The older lady in the flowing green and brown dress approached the Knight.

Aeirawen collapsed.

“Whoa there dearie.” The woman caught the Bosmer’s arm and helped her stand again.

Aeirawen pointed at the lady sat at the table, “Is that?...That looks like...”

The old woman turned and looked, “Ah, no. It really isn’t dearie.

“We have met a few times before, though you have no known it. Yet you have never been before me here. I wonder, why are you here now?” The old woman raised an eyebrow.

Aeirawen looked into the deep brown eyes and struggled to form an answer.

“Ah, nevermind. I think I know.” The old woman paused, looking deeply at Aeira. “Ah!” she smiled, “So Gael finally woke up again? Excellent! But oh, you poor dear. A poisoned arrow?” she tutted, “Nevermind, if Gael’s remembering himself, you’ll not be long here...Therefore we must be brief. Well, brief enough.

You have always been in service to me Aeirawen of Anvil. I have guided you for many a year, and you fight for me in the service of the Nine.”

The Knight’s eyes widened and she collapsed to her knees. “Kynareth.” She bowed her head. A hand cupped her chin, with a firm invitation to get up. So she stood up again.

Kynareth shook her head. “Not here dearie, there is no time. Gael and the two other Knights of Kynareth on Nirn are now so old you could never believe it was possible.”

“The Nord?” Aeirawen asked.

“Ha!” The old woman smiled, “Is that what he looks like now? No dearie, that’s not what he looks like. It’s just the appearance he’s chosen to be in.

They are the old world Aeirawen, and will never survive. They need help for what is coming.” She paused. “This meeting was always going to happen my dear. But obviously it has been decided...” Kynareth rolled her eyes, “that it should be brought forward, so to speak.” Kynareth sighed. “Give me your hands.”

Aeirawen lifted them and Kynareth took them in hers. “This is not to be taken lightly. But taken it must be. Do you willingly submit to being a Knight of Kynareth, Aeirawen? A Kynelord?”

The Bosmer blinked and then smiled at Kynareth, remembering Galasafon’s words from earlier, “I have a choice?”

Kynareth laughed, “Good girl. This will hurt, and you will have such a headache when you wake up...”

“Wait!”

“What is it now dearie?”

“Does that mean I’m immortal like Gael and the others?”

Kynareth looked to one side, pursed her lips and blew out her breath. “Yes, yes it does.” She shrugged. “Ready?”

“No. Wait!”

Kynareth raised an eyebrow, “Good girl.”

“No, really, wait. I’m twenty-eight years old...Immortality? I have to decide in seconds whether I want to outlive the world? All my loved ones?”

“Yes.”

Aeirawen shook her hands free of the Divine, walked away and then turned around, “So can I be killed at all?”

“Yes,” the Kynareth sighed. “you can be killed. You’re not invulnerable, Aeirawen, or invincible. Just immortal. If someone chops your head off, you’re dead. If someone stabs you in the heart, you’re dead. You can lose a limb and survive, but lose too much blood and...You’re dead. You’re a Knight aren’t you? You’re not invincible now. You have avoided being killed so far. Well, up until today anyway.” She smiled briefly, paused and then said, “After what is to come has passed, if you get bored of being alive, get someone to stab you. Pick a fight and lose. But until then...”

“But...Will I have to leave my friends? Go and live in a cave?”

Kynareth frowned, “Why on Nirn would you do that? Do you want to?”

“No.”

“Then don’t. Does Gael live in a cave?”

“I don’t know...”

“No, you don’t have to leave anywhere...Aeirawen, this isn’t a death sentence. It literally is the opposite of a death sentence.” Kynareth paused. “Think of all you can learn over time. Think of the power you will learn to use. Gael will help you. Just as you will help him.”

“What If I forget myself?..Like you say Gael did...”

“Then don’t.” Kynareth shrugged, “it’s all a choice Aeirawen. Do or do not. Your choice.

There is no more time. Now, Aeirawen. Please.”

The Bosmer lowered her head and a tear fell to the ground, then she nodded.

Kynareth took the Knight’s hands again. There was a glow like sunlight in each of Aeirawen’s arms.

Then Aeirawen screamed.

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



Interlude...



As Aeirawen disappeared, Kynareth sighed and walked back to the table where the other Divines were still working.

Putting her hand on her husband’s shoulder, she informed them “After that, I need to take some air.”

Zenithar put one of his large hands onto hers and turned his face up at her. Kynareth noted the naughty glint in his eye. She kissed his lips. “Oh hush you.” She smiled, “you know what I mean.”

“Don’t take too long Kynareth. This is hard enough as it is.” Said the third Divine.

“Mara dearie, I will be back before you know it.”

Mara rolled her eyes and went back to her task.

Kynareth walked from the room. She followed a verdant, grass carpeted corridor for some time. She no longer noted the blooms sprouting wherever her feet stepped. Or marvelled at how the cloudscapes on the walls altered to her passing.

Rising up onto a new section of corridor, this one with a marbled floor, she stepped out onto a balcony. From here she could survey all that they had created - at so much cost - many millennia ago.

Below her, a lone creature walked, his head turning one way and then the other, looking out over the plains far below. One of the oldest and fiercest creatures on Mundus looked for all the world like a lost puppy from here.

“Paarthurnax.” Kynareth said.

The beast whipped his head around and looked up to the balcony where Kynareth stood.

“My lady,” the Dragon bowed his big head down towards the ground, “you do me much...Honour.”

Kynareth smiled, “Good boy.”

The Dragon’s tail swished left and right.

“My lady, it has been much...Time...Since you came to...Visit...To what do I owe this...Joyous audience?”

“You still fly don’t you?”

“Yes, my lady. Not...Often, but yes...It gives me...Contentment, while I await my...Brother.”

“Do you remember how high you can fly?”

The Dragon smiled and his tail swished harder as he craned his long neck upwards to the sky. “Oh yes!..I can look down upon this...Splendour, from the very black itself. I cannot venture...Beyond too much, I cannot hold myself aloft. Nirn’s hold on me is...Too strong.” His head bowed down again. Paarthurnax looked at Kynareth. “But all you have wrought is...Most beautiful from up there my lady.”

“I know Paarthurnax, good boy.”

The great tail swished again.

“I need you to do something for me.”

“Anything, my lady.”

“Do you remember the Yskraich?”

The last dragon’s head and his tail dropped to the snow, and Paarthurnax crouched down as small as he could. “My lady.” The word came out as barely a whisper.

“First, I need you to find the Derwydd, then come back and tell me where they are. And then...One of the Yskraich is back. I need you to find its trail. For that I give you something new to learn.”

The great Dragon stood up again and lifted his head in joy. His tail swishing. “My lady, it has been so long since anything...New, came to me!..”

Kynareth extended her hand and passed knowledge to the Dragon. The Dragon’s eyes closed and his neck slowly passed left and right as he savoured the new thoughts.

“You can follow the Yskraich without being seen now.”

There was a thump and a rustle of pages behind Kynareth. Followed by a “Dammit! Damned books.” And a sigh. “I do wonder why you never gave them that ability in the first place? But then again, you were a lot crueller in them days weren’t you?”

Kynareth closed her eyes and sighed. “We all were Akatosh.”

Akatosh came to the edge of the balcony and leant on the marble railings. “Paarthurnax!” He smiled.

The great dragon looked up emanating joy, “Father! Could my day get any more...Amazing?”

“Good boy Paarthurnax!” Akatosh said, “Now what is it she wants you to do?”

The dragon lowered his head, “My lady has asked me to fly as high as I can, to find her...Derwydd and return, and then,” Paarthurnax lowered his head further, “to find her returned...Yskraich.”

“Good boy Paarthurnax.” Akatosh turned to Kynareth, “And then what? What if you found out there were more? Say, as if there were at least three?”

There was a noise from below. The closest thing a Dragon could get to a whimper.

Kynareth’s eyes widened. “Oh no.” She looked away.

“Don’t worry, the Knights know how to stop them now. It was messy, but they did stop one of them.”

“They killed one?”

Akatosh smiled briefly and shook his head, “I didn’t say that. Two others came through from somewhere and dragged it away before they could finish it off. But given a little more time...”

They looked out at the world, so peaceful from up here.

“Paarthurnax, be careful. Time to go.” Said Akatosh.

The Dragon bowed his head, “I have not seen you for so long father. More joy I have not had for many...Ages.”

Akatosh smiled. “Good boy.”

The Dragon bowed to Kynareth, “My lady.” And then he spread his mighty wings and took off, circling the peak twice and then shot upwards.

“My beautiful boy.” Akatosh whispered. He looked at Kynareth, “If anything happens to him...”

“What?”

“He wasn’t strong enough to take one Yskraich on his own. If they see him...”

Kynareth looked levelly at Akatosh, “What? If anything happens to Paarthurnax, you’ll remove me like you did Lorkhan?”

“I never touched Lorkhan!” Akatosh shouted, “Why does everyone think I did? They took Lorkhan, you know that.” Akatosh frowned at Kynraeth confusion. “Why do you not know that?”

“Who are They?”

Akatosh blinked and vanished.

Kynareth gripped the railing and stared up after Paarthurnax.

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

Akatosh stood on a hill above Anvil and called out “Julianos!” then looked out over the bay.

There was the sound of a creaking door and then, “What?” asked a small man wearing a slightly rumpled brown woollen suit and a straw hat. “Oooh, a new book for me?”

“What? Oh...Dammit!!” Akatosh threw the book on the ground, “Do you remember the They?”

The small man went and picked up the book, put it in a pocket and then walked up to Akatosh with his bushy eyebrows knitted together in a frown. He came right up and looked deep into the chief Divine’s eyes.

“Yeeesss...” He looked down again and turned away, he took several paces away and turned his head, “Yes, I remember They...How could I forget?”

“Kyn has.”

The small God’s eyes lit up. “So I was right!” He came back to Akatosh and gripped his arms. “Someone has changed the books! The knowledge is lying.” Julianos looked down again and turned his head, “Things are...Not What Was anymore.”

“Can you fix it?”

The small man looked up and wore a pained expression and softly said, “I don’t know...Maybe...” Julianos put his finger to his lips in thought and looked out over the bay. “Are you sure it needs to be?” He looked at Akatosh and held up the finger to stop any protest. “Wait, even you can’t get at the books if I don’t want you to. How do you know it wasn’t They that changed it.” Julianos patted his body, “I know I haven’t been changed...I’d remember something like that,” he smiled, “There should be a whisper on the books, I just need help to go through them. If we can find what, maybe we can find the why.”

“Let’s go then...”

“Ha-ha-haaa!!”

“What?”

“No, my friend.” Julianos shook his head and smiled at Akatosh, “I need help. Not you setting fire to the place out of boredom.” He looked out at the bay again. “I know just the chaps.

“Akatosh, always a pleasure.” Julianos smiled and extended a hand to the other Divine who shook it warmly. They stood looking at each other for some moments until Julianos raised his eyebrows and motioned with his head.

Akatosh smiled, shook his head and vanished.

Julianos looked at the bay again. He sighed, slumped slightly and simply said, “Damn...” He clicked his fingers and a door opened nearby. He walked through it and closed it to behind him.

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



Here and Now...



Gael walked up to the small group crowded around Two and the prone Aeirawen. He nodded at Brellin and walked up to Two. The horse lowered his head in greeting. Gael smiled and ran a glowing hand along Two’s forehead. The horse stopped shaking. Gael nodded at the horse and smiled even more.

He knelt down beside Aeirawen. Brellin and two Hospitaliers were tending to her. Brellin looked at Gael and said “She’s barely breathing,” he indicated the crossbow bolt, “I think it’s poisoned. Dammit, I can’t...I mean we can’t lose her.”

Gael put his hand to the arrow and then it was simply out of Aeirawen’s arm. The Druid sighed and incinerated the bolt. He put his hand to the wound and closed his eyes. A glowing could be seen under the skin of his hand. Aeirawen moaned, screamed and then opened her eyes.

“Oh hells that hurt...Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Aeirawen,” said Brellin, “What colour are your eyes?”

“Blue.” She said cautiously, “Why?”

Brellin looked at Gael, then down into Aeirawen’s now dark brown eyes.

Gael grinned and then winked at Aeirawen.

He stood, patted Two affectionately and then left Aeirawen to Brellin and the Hospitaliers. Finally, Gael walked up the hill, back to his home.

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

“Brellin, the fort...It was...Too much...We need to tell the Commander.”

“You can have a damned good go. We can’t find him. Gods only know where and when it was he went. I just hope he’s well enough. Let’s get you home. You look, radiant...Considering.”

“A compliment Brellin?”

“Yes. Yes it is.”

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

[mALX]

First let me get this out of the way: Paarthurnax !!!!!

Whew! I thought I would burst holding that in, lol.

This interplay with the gods is fascinating !!! I can't wait to see where this will take us next !!! Awesome Write !!!

[Acadian]

Yes, godly fun indeed! A blue-eyed Bosmer goes in and a brown eyed girl screams out.

Nice healing, Gael.

And a (Skyrim) dragon!

This post has been edited by Acadian: Dec 28 2011, 02:25 AM

[Grits]

Woo hoo, Paarthurnax!

The small God’s eyes lit up. “So I was right!” He came back to Akatosh and gripped his arms. “Someone has changed the books! The knowledge is lying.” Julianos looked down again and turned his head, “Things are...Not What Was anymore.”

I’m not sure if this is meant the way I’m thinking, but yes! Someone has changed the damned books!!!

Kynareth's stroll down the grassy corridor was just magic. Part 3 is my favorite part of Aeirawen's chapter.

[Athynae]

WONDERFUL!!! Like reading your way through a dream....I really like the interaction of the gods but Aeirawins run through the villages was magical.

I must admit I don't know much about Paarthurnax, or Skyrim for that matter (sacrilege I know, but ...) anyway
how can a god ever go wrong by sending a dragon in to clean something up???? I admit to having an affinity for dragons.

I really liked these additions McB. Let's do keep going, shall we? It just keeps getting better.

[Colonel Mustard]

Parthanuux!

Bwess 'im, he's doing Kyraneth's dirty work now, and nice little nod to Alduin there as well.

Also enjoyed Aierawen's flight there, and Gael's use of the elementals (sort of, I suppose) was an exctiing, enjoyable read there. Like it a lot, and it'll be interesting to see what effect Aierawen's being Kynelord will have on the story from now on.

[McBadgere]

Dramatis Personae –

My Knights of The Nine story takes place over a large number of years, as you might expect with either long-lived races or immortal characters...This is leading to several extra storylines, set in different decades...

The main story is meant to be the New Kvatch story, so those characters have nothing added...I’m adding the names of the storylines in which the other characters appear in brackets, so as to say which era they belong to...

Here’s a timeline guide to the storylines...So far –

New Kvatch – 3E 439...
Empire – 3E 604...
Skyrim (Includes The Companionabe Adventure of Sir J'Zirlo of New Kvatch) – 3E 634...

Robert McWylde (Commander. Imperial man with Elvish blood from his Grandfather. Ex-Legio Elitarii. A favourite of Emperor Uriel Septim. Responsible for re-forming the Knights.)

Caroline McWylde (Knight-Marshal. Imperial woman with Nord blood from her Grandmother. Wife of Robert McWylde. Ex-Imperial Legion, Dragon Company.)

J’Drell (Knight-Marshal. Argonian male. Ex-Legio Investigato. Large for an Argonian. Quietly one of the strongest mages on the planet.)

James Thedret (Knight-Marshal. Redguard man. Ex-Imperial Legion. One of the “Original Nine” Knights at the re-formation.)

Aeirawen (Knight-Marshal. Wood-Elf woman. Ex-Imperial Legion. Caroline McWylde’s best friend. She was recently made a Knight of Kynareth and therefore, Immortal.)

Galasafon (Knight-Marshal. Wood-Elf male. Not much is known of his past, but his magic is off any chart.)

Mazkay Dinai (General. Nordic man. Ex-Imperial Legion. Formerly retired, General Dinai packed up and brought his wife from Morrowind to follow the call.)

Kelleryn Oreyn (Knight. Dark-Elf male. Expelled from The Mages Guild’s Arcane University due to his ever present wraith-esque “Uncles”, and his inability to focus and keep the disciplines separate. Nephew of Modryn Oreyn, who essentially raised him.)

Niil Deaconsson (Knight. Redguard Man. Has aspirations to be in the Knights Shadow.)

Darl Ordan (Captain. Imperial Man.)

Sharneena Royal (Captain. Orc. Adopted daughter of Lady Helen Royal. Shy when talking, but deadly in a fight. Half human.)


Keern Ralman (Knight. Imperial. Portly. Excellent with calming spells. Likes his food.)

Marlshan Jacks (Knight. Imperial. Ex-Legion Scout. Niil Deaconsson’s best friend.)

Tarn Holforn (Captain. Nordic male. In charge of the clean-up division. Everyone from Robert McWylde down know he’s a General, but he doesn’t want the glory.)


Carodus Oholin (General. Chief of The Knights Shadow. Imperial man. Ex-Imperial Legion. One of the “Original Nine” knights.)

Marcus Jarn (Captain, Knights Shadow. Imperial man.)


Brellin (Sub-Commander of the KOTN. Wood-Elf male. One of the “Original Nine”. )

Avita Areldur (nee Vesnia) (Knight-Marshal. Imperial woman. One of the “Original Nine”.)

Marn Areldur (Knight-Marshal. High-Elf male. One of the “Original Nine”.)

Gukimir Friedasson (Maer (Mayor) of New Kvatch. Nordic Male. Architect. Lost an arm in defence of Bruma. Ex-Legion in Skyrim. One of the “Original Nine”.)

Geimund Friedasson (Knight-Marshal. Nordic Male. Brother of Gukimir. Ex-Legion in Skyrim. One of the “Original Nine”.)


J’Zirlo (Captain. Khajiit. Ancestor of the J’Zirlo in the Skyrim storyline.)

J’Zirlo (Skyrim) (Knight-Marshal. Khajiit male. Selected by J’Drell as one of the Knights tasked with attempting to find the previous generation of Knights of Skyrim in order to conquer Skyrim and bring it – once more – into Empress McWylde’s Empire. Has the Blessing of Zenithar power.)

Caerellin (Empire/Skyrim) (General/Knight-Marshal. Bosmer. The son of Aeirawen and Brellin. Has the Blessing of Julianos power.)

Wulff Olfsson (Skyrim) (Knight-Marshal. Nordic male. Descendent of Farn Olfsson. Blessing of Akatosh power.)

Dinasafon (Empire/Skyrim) (Knight-Marshal. Bosmer male. The son of Galasafon and Celia Warlasarde. Blessing of Kynareth power.)

Shaade (Skyrim) (Knight-Marshal. Imperial woman. Blessing of Mara power.)



Other Militaric Orders -



Lady Helen Royal (Chief Knight-Hospitalier. Imperial woman. Head of the College Hospitalier. Adoptive mother of Sharneena Royal.)

Farn Olfsson (Knight-Marshal, Head of the Fighters Guild, Blade. Nordic Man. Cousin of Caroline McWylde. Married Caroline Trewan of The Blades during the Oblivion Crisis.)

Caroline Olfsson (nee Trewan) (Sub-Commander of the Blades. Imperial woman.)

Andreius Jarn (Empire) (Knights Shadow General. Imperial man. Married to Empress Mia McWylde, father to Prince Robert and Princess Eleni.)

Cairn Olfsson (Empire) (Knights’ Blades Captain. Nordic male. One of the bodyguards of the Empress. Descendent of Farn, and father of Wulff Olfsson.)

Ka’Sari (Empire) (Knights’ Blades Captain. Khajiit female. One of Mia McWylde’s protectors.

Nol Areldur (Empire) (Altmer Naval Fleet Admiral. Altmer male. 600 years old. Has sailed pretty much every sea on Nirn. Cousin to Marn Areldur of the KOTN.)

Siar Eremnor (Empire) (Altmer Naval Commodore. Altmer male.)

Jeck Harramaund (Empire) (Altmer Naval Fleet Admiral. Altmer male.)

Miitr Farrada (Empire) (Altmer Naval Oversaar (Naval chief). Altmer Male.)

Koyree Areldur (Empire) (Altmer Naval Commodore. Altmer Female. Daughter of Nol Areldur.)

Rae Treort (Empire) (Colonel. Aerldur's Altmer Fleet Security chief. Or as a wise man observed, Chief of the Fleet Marines.)

Farkas (Skyrim) (Companions leader. Nord Male.)

Aela (Skyrim) (Companion leader. Nord female.)



Royalty –



Uriel Septim (Emperor. Imperial Male.)

Mia McWylde (Empire) (Empress. Married to Andreius Jarn of the Knights Shadow. She is the granddaughter of Robert and Caroline McWylde. Her mother is Robert and Caroline’s daughter Maire, and her father is named as the Nordic Knight, Karran Shernsson. She has two children. Prince Robert and Princess Eleni with Jarn. Her Altmer heritage (via Robert McWylde) means she has an extended lifetime.)



Civilians -



Seri Ormandin (Archmage of the Mages Guild’s Arcane University. High-Elf male. Robert McWylde’s best friend. Recently elevated to Archmage after four years in High-Rock.)

Maloryn (Bodyguard to Ormandin. Dark-Elf male. Not much is known about Maloryn, except for one allusion to a mysterious past.)

Tauren (Assistant. Imperial man. Robert Mcwylde’s personal assistant. Not a servant as he gets paid. A fusspot.)

Gael (Orchard Keeper. Appears to be a Nord, but is apparently something else entirely. A Derwydd - an original Knight of Kynareth.)

Ras'sheena (Khajiit female. Had an unfortunate of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.)

Kenth Olford (Imperial Male. Caroline McWylde's father. Retired General. Sword trainer. Trained Caroline and Robert McWylde, Farn Olfsson and Uriel Septim amongst others.)

Danikka (Imperial girl. Citizen of Aldmeris. Saved by the Androform Myrrl from an attack by spiders and a dragon. Later called by Julianos into his service.)

Danica Pure-Spring (Skyrim) (High-Priestess of Kynareth in Whiterun. Redguard female.)

Trellanwr (Empire) (Bosmer male. Aide to Overlord Tcheet of the Thalmor.)

Mrs Bleddyn (Empire) (Altmer woman. The aged landlady of Trellanwr.)


Divines -



Tiber Septim (God. Formerly known as Talos. But since the lighting of the Allfire (a magical barrier to stop re-invasion from other planes of existence) the original Tiber Septim personality has re-emerged.)

Stendarr (God. God of Mercy. Responsible for the Curse that afflicts Robert McWylde.)

Akatosh (God. Chief Divine. Lord of Time and all that.)

Kynareth (God. Mother Nature. Yes, yes she is.)

Julianos (God. God of Knowledge and Logic. The mysterious Keeper of the Books.)

Mara (God. Her teachings guide Carline McWylde.)

Zenithar (God. Husband of Kynareth.)

Kyralee (Former God. Murdered by Lorkhan for reasons unknown. This event started the Dawn War between the Divines)

Lorkhan (Former God. Destroyed by the They/Them for starting the Dawn War by Murdering Kyralee.)

The They/Them (Creators and overseers of the Universe and the Divines.)



Representing Evil -



Marrick Gellert (Imperial Male. Ex-Imperial Commander. Head of the Dragon Company soldiery. Conspired with Mehrunes Dagon and the Mythic Dawn to bring down the Emperor.)

Glarthir (Bosmer male. Ex-Legio Elitarii Captain. Galasafon's former brother-in-law. Murdered Galasafon's sister in a paranoid rage and, with the aid of a rogue company, murdered the rest of the village. Presumed killed by the Elitarii, until it was discovered that he'd been murdered by Ras'sheena)

Ofwysyn Tcheet (Empire) (Overlord of the Thalmor. Altmer male. Former General. Apparently communes with the Divine Arkay. Received powers from Arkay, suggesting similar in power to the KOTN.)

Oostermann (Empire) (High Priest of the Thalmor and Arkay. Altmer male. Communes with Arkay.)

Merhal Tcheet (Empire) (Supreme Commander of the Thalmor invasion of Cyrodiil. Altmer male. Son of Ofwysyn Tcheet.)

Ondolemar (Empire) (Justicar of the Thalmor. Altmer male. Captures Areldur et al in Dusk, Summerset Isles.)

Ecclensivar (Empire) (Justicar of the Thalmor. Altmer male. Discovers Nol Areldur in the Padomaic Ocean and orders him home. Killed by Rae Treort (on orders from Areldur) and ship scuttled and sent to the bottom of the ocean)

Bethesda Softworks (Sorry, couldn't resist... )



Mythical Beings and Animals



Paarthrunax (Dragon. Last of the Dragons. Vigil keeper. Awww bless 'im. *Tickles chin*)

Two (Horse. White Anvillian destrier owned by J'Drell.)

Ewythr (Horse. Cheydinhal Black, owned by Kelleryn Oreyn.)

Yskraich (Giant, apparently un-killable multi-armed beings. Presumed extinct.)

Myrrl (Androform. First creation of Julianos. Sees Myrrl as his son. Ten foot tall, made of an invulnerable white marble-esque element. With a blue, oversized skull-like head with super-welkynds where eyes and a mouth would be. A third, smaller “Eye” in the forehead. Chest, hands and boots armoured in blue with gold trim. Completely invulnerable. God hunter.)

Arrai (Androform. Sister of Myrrl, daughter of Julianos. Tends to the Nirn-Sphere orrery, that displays the whereabouts of the peoples, creatures and divines of Nirn.)

Neerlah (Androform. Sister of Myrrl, daughter of Julianos. Currently serving as protector of Aldmeris. Prefers her own company...And long walks on Masser.)





Other terms...



Legio Elitarii - Black-Ops squad. Answerable only to The Emperor. Now disbanded.

Legio Investigato - FBI.

Knights Shadow - Replacement for the Elitarii.

Knights Hospitalier - Medical and healing arm of the KOTN.

Knight Blades (Empire) – As time went on, and the Blades had no Emperor to protect, the Blades fell under the watch of the Knights of The Nine while still retaining their own separate identity, as an order of monastic watchers.

Knight-Marshals - Before the KOTN became as large an organisation as it is during this story, there were far fewer knights about. Once the decision to go fully into the militaristic way of things, due to the influx of The Called, all the "Inner Circle" Knights were given the title Knight-Marshal...This basically means that although they are under command of the Commander and Generals, they have the right to go and do whatever they see best...Sanctioned Rogue Operatives basically...

Order of The Lamp - From a genuine Oblivion book, came the Military arm of the Mage's Guild called The Order of The Lamp...Taked with the protection of Mages on tour, they seem to have been disbanded by the Oblivion game years...Ormandin reforms the Order soon after 3E 638...

Derwydd – The original Knights of Kynareth...Mythical beings with powers over the fabric of Nirn...

Justicar - Bethesda's original word is Justiciar...However a combination of idiocy, and not hearing the word properly before, meant that when I was planning all this, it became Justicar...Which in an infinately cooler word...As the other just sounds like Justice Sissies...Yes it does...Anyways...

Justicar - The Thalmor (not-so)secret police force/security/spy network types.

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Jul 31 2012, 06:17 AM

[McBadgere]

Answers!!...

Thank ye all on yer comments about Paarthrunax...'Tis only a cameo, I think over-use of him would be wrong...But d'you know, that bit and the following bit are the only parts th'wife has read?...She loved it too, cause she knows who I based Julianos on... ...But cheers, yes...

Cheers all...

Grits - not sure what you think it means... ...But it is a kind of nod to everyone's Lore gripe... ...And as I'm going to change some of it anyways... ...

Athynae - ...I'll keep going so long as I don't get run out of town by pitchfork wielding fellow posters... ...

Mustard - Yes, it's going to be quite an adjustment for Aeirawen...Someone has to tell Caroline yet...

Acadian and mALX - Many many thanks...Glad you're still with it... ...

Next will be Galasafon...As soon as I finish it... ...*Shivers*... ...

...

[Athynae]

Merci Beaucoup for the second round of clarification, one can never be too clear on these things...lol.

[jack cloudy]

Aww, who knew that dragons could be so cute? (Not that I know what little Paart looks like, but he seems so cuddly.)

I also liked the gods' interactions. They're more anthropomorfic than I imagined, but it works. Besides, its not productive to break your future knight's minds with impossible angles and stuff during the recruitmentspeech.

And finally, rocks should not fly. But I don't care, because flying rocks are more awesome than notflying rocks.

[mALX]

Loved Aeirawen's immortality - she's immortal till someone kills her, ROFL !! Thanks for the update!

[McBadgere]

Ahh, the flying rock thing...Thought it looked too subtle... ...

Y'all heard of Stonehenge?...Large monolithic structure, said to be anything from an ancient calendar to a sacrificial altar and an alien landing beacon...

Aaamywho, noone is entirely sure how it was built, as the type of rock used comes from hundreds of miles away...And one (I hope) joke theory is that the Druids flew them there...

So I had my Druid be able to levitate rock...

Oh, and trust me, you'd want to marry Paarthrunax...Really...He's the cutest thing on the game...By miles...I wanted to...*Sniffs...Wails*...

Cheers Jack...*Bows*... ...

mALX...Yes, a lot of immortals seem to come out as Superman, where they're also invulnerable...I think it's slightly boring and lazy, so Aeirawen - at least - will still have to rely on her wits until the end of time... ...

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Dec 30 2011, 07:06 AM

[Athynae]

Hey I see flying rocks all the time!! Does that mean my son is a druid?? Sometimes I think his head is as hard as a rock too, is that another sign?

[McBadgere]

New Parts Alert!!!!... ...

Previously on KOTNNK...Galasafon turned up inside Fort Freedom just in time to save Caroline Mcwylde from Marrick Gellert...At present, he is holding onto the unconcious body of Gellert on fellow Knight Kelleryn Oreyn's horse, headed(-ish) for New Kvatch...

As for his past...



1.11 – Galasafon. (pt.1)




Commander J’Drell, our assets on The Summerset Isle report complete and horrifying success of the operation... The Crystal Tower and the entire of Alinor, right the way down to Sunhold... Having removed fully one third of the island with the explosion, and your own success against the Navy, it would seem that the Aldmeri Dominion has collapsed entirely... It would probably be an excellent humanitarian gesture for the Empress to offer aid to the Isles, given that no-one other than the eight of us (well, seven now) know about the Island operation... The Geo-Morph suggests that keeping an eye out for dimming of the sun and any seismic activity along the Gold Coast is advisable...

I do hope the cost was worth it...

May the Nine forgive us...



- Edited sections of the report to Knight-Commander J’Drell by General Eshe Deaconsson, Knights Shadow. 3E 604.




Sun’s Dusk, 3E 432.


He opened his eyes.

He was leaning his back against the rock as he caught his breath.

Why was he running again? The Bosmer frowned.

An arrow passed mere inches from his face and he suddenly had an idea why. Feeling like up the road was really the best option, he ran.

Who the hell was he? Why did these people want to kill him? What the Hells was this red diamond in the middle of his armour? It meant something didn’t it? Damn damn damn. The Bosmer knew the answer was there, just out of reach. He blinked the tears away from his eyes.

Suddenly, the world changed. Frowning, he passed an arrow that was floating in the air. Looking up, the birds were standing still. There was a roar as the air was pushed past him. What the Hells was this?

Something hit him from behind and he pitched forward. The Bosmer managed to get his hands over his head before he hit the ground. A giant woman in gold armour – what there was of it – started pummelling him. He put his hand up, said a word he didn’t remember and the woman flew backwards.

Instantly he was on his feet and again and running. The world changed again. He looked down and cried out. He couldn’t see his legs! In his shock he stopped. The golden clad woman ran past him and didn’t slow down. He turned and looked back the way he came. There were several more of the armoured women charging up the road, as well as a few others, armoured or otherwise.

What the Hells have I done?

Shrugging, the Bosmer started running again. Suddenly he remembered why he was headed this way. Laughing, he put his head down and charged.

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

The white and grey armoured Bosmer thought he’d reached the clearing well before the crowd following him, but on turning around he discovered they were far too close for comfort.

Damn, he thought to himself. He chewed his lip and swept his shoulder length dark hair back out of his face. Then he looked into the grove at the end of the road.

He knew that through the roiling, seething, glowing orb that sat in the middle of the grove like a miniature sun, lay where he needed to be. Why, he wasn’t sure, or – indeed – where that actually was, but he was absolutely certain that was where he needed to be.

The golden armoured woman from earlier was walking around the grove, looking outwards. He watched the woman slowly turning a circle.

Hugging the wall either side of the entrance to the grove. He knew he was out of time.

“If I may suggest...Sir,” the last word was dripping with sarcasm, delivered by a seemingly bored voice beside him.

The Bosmer jumped and fire appeared around one hand, ready – it seemed – to be launched at the newcomer. “Who the kriffing Hells are you?”

“Oh dear, about to be incinerated again,” the close-crop haired man sighed, “very amusing.”

The man frowned then narrowed his eyes and looked down into the Bosmer’s. Sighing deeply, he turned away. “I fear, My Lord that the Lady Relmyna’s ministrations have left you...At a disadvantage...And if you are here alone...I fear for...” There was a pause, “I’m so sorry, sir.” The man’s eyes seemed genuinely sad when he turned back, but then hardened again. The smartly dressed man looked down the road, “It would seem we are about to be overrun...Sir. If you would permit me to offer several words?”

The Bosmer nodded.

The man said some words and told the Bosmer to repeat them.

Instantly, the air seemed to thicken and a great chill descended on the grove. A thick fog obscured everything. Light dimmed and noise was swallowed up. Although the Bosmer could still see the road in front of him, his actual destination had been hidden by the cold and clammy fog.

“Wow.” Said the Bosmer.

“Indeed,” said the slender man with his eyebrow raised, “really most impressive...Now, with your permission My Lord, if you truly intend to leave these lands to its fate and return to Mundus, would you at least transfer the Word of Rule to one who would try keep the lands in...Order?” There was the hint of an amused grin and one eyebrow twitched.

“Umm,” the little grey eyed Knight started to say, “I have no idea what you’re talking about at all. Rule?..Me?..I don’t even know where I am for the Nine’s sake.” The Bosmer frowned deeply “The Nine...” He shook his head, “Do you mean give whatever to you?”

The man nodded. “It seems these last few months with you here have left the land...Better. I find I am...” The slender, well spoken man’s face contorted somewhat into a wince, “Happy.

It seems I’m compelled to do the...Right thing.” The man’s face looked as though he’d trodden in something foul.

The Bosmer shrugged, “Okay. How do I do it then?”

“Put your hand on my arm and repeat these words, Lord, and it will be done.”

Words were spoken, there was a flash, the man winced and then there was...No change.

“Did it work?” asked the Bosmer.

“Oh yes,” said the man, his eyes flashing amusement. He turned, raised a hand and a glowing barrier appeared a little way down the road. “That should hold them for a while...

“Right, my former and future Lord, I believe you were leaving. All you need to do is get through her,” the man inclined his head towards the grove, “and I think you will need these for that.” He opened his hands and an ebony sword and shield appeared.

The Bosmer grabbed them, put the shield on his arm and swept the sword about experimentally.

“Yes, very good Sir. Time is of the essence...”

“Thank you.” The Bosmer said. “Umm...I really don’t remember your name.”

“Haskill, my great and little Lord.” Said the man with a smile and an outstretched hand.

The Bosmer smiled back, shook the offered hand and asked. “So what is my name?”

“I believe you once told me that your name out there,” Haskill gestured towards the grove again, “was Galasafon.”

The Bosmer raised an eyebrow, “Really?”

Haskill actually laughed, “Yes, Sir, really.”

“Oh.”

“One more thing, Sir. You are now vastly different to when you came here. You are now possessed of - so-called - Godly powers. They will affect you on Mundus...Profoundly...Take care, won’t you?”

Galasafon nodded just as the firebolts started exploding against Haskill’s barrier.

“Farewell for now My Lord, and good luck...and...Thank you.” Haskill winced and shuddered.

“Will you be alright?”

Haskill nodded, pointed a thumb backwards and said, “As they say elsewhere, Go?”

Galasafon smiled, ran, met the golden armoured woman head on, and in a flurry of sword against sword, then sword point through chest, the fight was done.

Galasafon looked back, but the fog was still obscuring the muffled sounds of battle. Still feeling like he’d forgotten so much, he stepped through the portal.

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

Haskill finished off the last of his attackers, and he brushed his hands together as if clearing them of crumbs.

He turned to the grove, then, dispelling the fog, he walked towards the portal.

“Well,” he said raising an eyebrow, “we can’t be having you coming back any time soon can we?”

He made a half-box shape, touching the tips of his fingers to each other. Then he crushed his hands together. The portal exploded searing everything still living within a mile of the grove.

Haskill watched the explosion from the inside, protected by the power so recently given to him.

When it was all done, Haskill looked at the place where the grove used to be and smiled. He turned to walk down the road.

Then he blanched.

“Ooooh...That was such a pretty wee burning laddie!!...I never thought you had it in you!!...” The newcomer narrowed his eyes... “Well, ya didnae did ye?..They were mine, then they were his, but now they are yours? How very peculiar...Well...I cannae stand here all day gossiping like an old woman...” The bearded man frowned and patted himself, “I’m no an old woman this time am I?...That would be odd...Even for me!...Ha-haaa!...” The man took on a murderous look. “The power’s mine Haskill...Gimmie...Now...”

Haskill screamed.

Sheagorath laughed.

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

Gaius Prentus walked out of his tent, a fur blanket covering his shoulders against the chill of the night air. It was late in the year, so the nights were longer and colder. But still, the view of the stars kind of made up for it, he thought to himself looking up into the star strewn blackness.

He looked at the remains of his fire and added some of the dried wood that had been sent with the latest supply boat. Pulling the blanket tighter around him as he waited for it to catch, he silently thanked the Nine for his sister’s twice weekly visits with fresh food and supplies.

Looking up the hill towards the bane of his life, he sighed to himself and swore. He stood, walked into his large tent, opened his food trunk, picked up a couple of apples, closed the lid again. Then he went to a second trunk and brought out another blanket. Gaius thought briefly, put his load down, picked up and fastened his sword to his hip, grabbed the blanket and apples, then walked out of the tent again. He tied it shut and walked up the slope towards the giant stone arch.

It had appeared from nowhere, and although no-one could say for sure when it had turned up exactly, it hadn’t been there twelve months ago. For nine of those Gaius had stood sole guard of it. Keeping all but the most desperate out of the damned thing, and despatching the worst of the gibbering fools that came back through from it, raving and waving swords around like they’re fighting daemons. Surely he was due a break soon, but no, the Commander of the Bravil Guard seemed content to leave him there, sole candle against the...Whatever darkness that lay through that keyhole.

As he came to the top of the hill, he turned and looked at Bravil. The torches and lamps along the walls were burning brightly and inviting. He could see an orange glow rising up from the lamps in the heart of the city. Thousands of lives still going about the business of living. Thousands of loves still burning passionately in thousands of hearts. His heart ached to be away from here and back in his home again. Aliya. He blinked the tears away and shook his head.

He turned around to the portal and called out, “S’fara...” His voice caught briefly, and he tried again stronger. “S’fara!!..”

“You cannot see me!!” Came the reply from behind the rocks to his right.

“Yes dear, that’s right. I’ve brought you up some apples and another blanket.” He placed them on top of the rock he was next to.

Gaius heard a scuffling and then the Khajiit woman appeared. She looked at him and just stood there. Sighing, he turned around and looked at the archway. Without hearing any approach, the blanket was moved and he could hear the apples being crunched. The Khajiit made an appreciative noises in her throat.

Gaius turned to look at the woman. If he could convince her to go for a swim to clean herself up, he thought she’d be pretty - as much as he was able to say with the cat people. But sadly, all attempts usually resulted in a hissing “You cannot see me!!” It’s not like I was going to stand there gawping, he thought to himself.

S’fara finished the apples. She looked at him, then down, and then back at the Imperial. “S’fara.” She said and touched her chest. Gaius was pretty sure this was her way of saying thank you. Despite his initial misgivings, he’d been sharing some of his supplies with her for a good while now, and his sister had joked that she should bring the priest from the Chapel of Mara to make the marriage official. He’d laughed lightly with her, but really. No.

“Come down to the fire S’fara, it’ll be warmer.” He offered again, like he had each day since the season had turned colder.

The Khajiit just tilted her head, like she had each day. He was about to sigh and walk back down when S’fara said her name and looked down. She walked up to him and linked her arm with his. A lump stuck in his throat. He cleared it and turned to walk down when S’fara sniffed. Her head turned towards the portal and she sniffed harder. Knowing what this usually meant, Gaius sighed and drew his sword.

S’fara walked towards the portal sniffing and growling quietly.

The portal was flickering. Which was unusual in itself. Gaius snorted and smiled grimly, he was stood next to something he’d gleaned down the months as being a portal going to somewhere called The Shivering Isles, and now, this was unusual.

A shape fell out of the light. The khajiit started towards it, but Gaius grabbed S’fara’s arm. She hissed at him, but stopped. “Please stay here.” He said to her. The Khajiit tilted her head, looked towards the shape and back to the Imperial. Finally she looked down. Gaius nodded, said thank you, and walked slowly forward towards the shape. When he was close enough to, Gaius recognized the armour and ran to the man. “You! I thought you’d died months ago.”

The Bosmer opened his eyes.

“Ouch.” The Knight of The Nine said. He looked up at Gaius and frowned, seemingly with effort of concentration. “Umm...Prentus...Yes, Prentus...” The Bosmer sat up. “Months? And you’re still here?” The Bosmer blinked and shook his head. “No, I’m not dead... Not quite...Well...I think we’re talking point of view here.”

Gaius looked to the portal’s still flickering and gestured with his sword. “Will anyone else be joining us?”

“I do hope not, but looking at that, I’d say it would be a good idea to get away from it, yes?”

Gaius sheathed his sword and slipped an arm under Galasafon’s shoulders and helped him stand. Gaius could tell the man was weak, so continued to help the Bosmer away from the portal. “S’fara!” the Imperial called, “Come down to the camp. You’ll be safer there until I can come back up...Come on!!”

The Khajiit had walked up towards the portal, sniffing and growling. Suddenly S’fara had flattened her ears and bared her fangs. The hissing started and Gaius realised that something was really wrong.

The portal was pulsing, then disappearing, then flashing back on, then it was pulsing a deep, vivid and livid bruise coloured purple.

He and the Bosmer were - by now - at the top of the ramp up from the shore-side camp. Gaius turned them around and saw how close S’fara was to the portal. He let go of Galasafon, who promptly dropped to his knees.

Gaius heard the Bosmer cry “Prentus!! No!!” But all he could think of was S’fara. Even Gaius could feel that something was coming now.

Then, the portal exploded.



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

[Athynae]

A nice cup of cider with a few nuts....wonderful way to start the New Year!!!!

Great write, and now we know Galasafon a bit better, wonderful.

Now what? What's next? Waiting impatiently.....

[mALX]

The scene with Haskill and Galasafon was great! You really encompassed the confusion of the Isles in this update. There was a great feeling of familiarity with this update, I could imagine the Saints as I read - and Gaius Prentus, Haskill, etc. Loved it !!

[Grits]

What Athynae and mALX said! It was great to learn about Galasafon by witnessing his exit from the Isles. The sense of confusion at the beginning was fun, and very suited to the scene.

I also enjoyed the bit with Gaius looking wistfully across at the lights of Bravil.

Yikes, what's next?!

[Acadian]

’It seems I’m compelled to do the...Right thing.” The man’s face looked as though he’d trodden in something foul.’

I quite enjoyed the relative calm of the scene with Gaius Prentus. His reflections of Bravil, getting a glimpse into his long vigil and his kindness toward S’fara were a pleasure to read.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Jan 2 2012, 07:20 PM

[Colonel Mustard]

Not really much else to say that hasn't been covered, but all in all I like it, especially Haskill's characterisation; that was spot on.

Keep up the good work!