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

[McBadgere]

Cheers... ...'Twas fun...Hope it helps us all keep track... ...

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

Previously on KOTNNK...Galasafon was shocked to discover that Glarthir had actually been alive until recently...This is why...




1.11 – Galasafon (pt.4)




3E 430




Galasafon watched as Farn Olfsson backhanded a bandit straight across the corridor and into the opposite wall, then - almost casually - run the man through with his sword.

“Is he here?” the Nord turned his head and shouted up the corridor.

Galasafon bit his lip and frowned. The trail led here. The crazed bandit they’d run into had talked about torture, horrors and death. And that was within the gang.

The ironically named Broken Promises Cave was sat in the side of a mountain, with picturesque views over Skingrad in the distance, much of Chorrol somewhat closer and on a good day, you could see the White Tower in Imperial City. Outside its entrance was a lake that fed a waterfall, over which the water fell to jagged rocks and rapids until the river opened out and made its lazy way towards Skingrad and then Anvil.

“Farn!” Brellin shouted from a side corridor.

The Nord rushed towards the sound of clashing metal. Galasafon a few paces behind. He watched Olfsson go from fast to practically unseeable as he ran into the giant, hammer wielding bandit.

Using two stubby handled hammers with large heads of dwarven metal, the Nord bandit had been pummelling Brellin’s shield, while the Bosmer hadn’t been able to reply.

The bandit, to give him some due, had managed, from lying on his back, to throw Olfsson off. The hammers were back, one in each hand. The bandit had them spinning, windmill fashion, walking towards the Nord Knight with a murderous look on his tattooed face. Farn had his helmeted head tilted in what Galasafon imagined was probably amusement. Olfsson raised his hand and shot a large fireball into the bandit’s exposed chest. The bandit skidded down the corridor on his back and stayed there.

Turning around, Farn asked again. “Is he here?”

Galasafon looked at Brellin who was nursing his shield arm with a wince. Brellin looked pained and said “Unless McWylde and Foss have found some other entrance - which wouldn’t surprise me, given Glarthir’s penchant for hiding - he’s not anywhere in here.” Shrugging and looking up at Farn, Brellin continued, “This is the end of the system. These are the living quarters. I’m pretty sure between the three of us, we had this whole cave system covered for life detect.”

The Nord had nodded agreement, sighed, then turned his head to Galasafon. “What now?”

Galasafon didn’t know was the answer, but he couldn’t say that. He’d brought them all here on the strength of their trust in him. All of them risking the wrath of the Emperor on what was at best, capturing a wanted deserter and murderer turned bandit without direct orders, and at worse a personal vendetta against his brother-in-law...Former brother-in-law.

“Let’s get back to the centre of the system, I’m going to try that thing Celia taught me.” Galasafon said.

Brellin widened his eyes and then frowned. “You’re not strong enough for that.”

“Have you got a better idea?”

The two Bosmer stood staring at each other.

“Hurry the hells up will you? Wherever he is, we’re losing him.” said the Nord.

Galasafon led them back past the bodies of fallen bandits to a junction and stopped. “Here.” He said and knelt down. The Bosmer breathed deeply and quietened his mind. Then he was above himself he could see Brellin and Olfsson, then he pushed outwards. All at once he could sense all directions. Down the explored cave tunnels, the inaccessible level above, the hole in the wall out the side and up. Outside...Oh hells...

All at once Galasafon’s self rushed back into his head and he tried to stand up. Falling against the wall, he tried to run and fell forward. Brellin grabbed under his shoulder and helped him stand. All he could say was “Out!” and pointed. The Nord was gone down the corridor instantly and Galasafon waved Brellin away.

He bounced off several walls as he made his way towards the entrance, trying to stem the bleeding from his nose.

When he finally reached the outside, the glare from the sun was blinding. Blinking his way out, he could see Robert McWylde and Olfsson had Glarthir cornered towards the end of the stone near the waterfall’s edge, and Galasafon knew instantly how this would end. Shedding a tear, he apologised to his sister’s memory and walked towards the trio. He passed Brellin, sword still drawn, trying to staunch the blood flowing from the chest of the Dunmer, Mral Foss. He looked down at Brellin and their eyes met. Brellin shook his head the tiniest amount. So, another death Glarthir. This one will cost us all.

He walked up to and between the Imperial and Nord. “Foss?” asked McWylde, breathing heavily.

“Brellin’s with him.”

“No I’m not,” said a voice behind them. Which then quietly added, “There’s no need anymore.”

Galasafon shook his head and laughed at Glarthir.

“What?” asked the cornered Bosmer with some venom.

Galasafon laughed some more.

“What are you laughing at?!..Are you laughing at me?! ME?!!”

“Yes you little $hit, of course I am. You ignored your orders, you took your squad and murdered a village. Then you murdered your squad and went on the run. Now...Now you’ve nowhere left to run. I think you should give up, don’t you Glarthir?”

“Never.” The Bosmer spat. “You all are here to kill me, just like those damnable Blades want me dead. The Emperor...He wants me dead...He knows nothing...All of them...Everyone...Wants me, him...Us...Dead!!!...Just like she tried to kill me...Poisoned me, she did...Always poisoning me...And they, they were the worst!!...”

Galasafon was breathing hard, trying desperately to hold his anger. “You killed our whole village Glarthir...Your family...My family...” He heard McWylde inhale sharply.

“We did all this for revenge Galas?”

“Ooooh!! See, he tricked you too!!...” Shouted Glarthir. “He lies to everyone...Everyone...And he calls me mad?..”

Galasafon turned his head. “No Robert, we did this to bring him to justice. That is what my sister...and the...the others... would have wanted.”

“JUSTICE?!!” Glarthir descended into hysterical laughter “I’ll be dead before the next morning if you take me back to the Emperor.”

Galasafon narrowed his eyes at Glarthir, “I fail to see the downside.”

Glarthir snarled and came at Galasafon with his sword. Galasafon stepped to the side as Glarthir lunged, and stabbed the dagger he was holding deep into the other Bosmer’s abdomen.

As the former Elitarii Captain dropped his sword and held onto Galasafon’s arm, the current Elitarii knight whispered in Glarthir’s ear, “You are a blight on this world, you are a fool and a murderer. I pray that Kynareth sends a spirit of Vengeance to chase you through Oblivion forever. Now get out of my kriffing sight.”

With that, Galasafon pushed Glarthir backwards. The bleeding Bosmer stumbled to a stop. “Help me?” he asked of McWylde.

Olfsson answered him with a Nordic Thu’um, and the Bosmer flew backwards over the waterfall.

The four Elitarii walked to the edge and looked down.

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

Four days later the Knights stood before Emperor Uriel Septim, their eyes forward as they took the scolding.

When he was finished, The Emperor stopped before Galasafon and simply asked,

“Is it done?”

Galasafon had nodded and said, “Aye Sire, it is done.”

At which point, Uriel Septim had put his hand on Galasafon’s shoulder, looked with more than a trace of sympathy into the Bosmer’s eyes and said, “I’m so sorry.”

Then he turned on his heel and stalked out.



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This post has been edited by McBadgere: Jan 16 2012, 03:33 PM

[Athynae]

Ok, pardon me, little slow today, read it, went and read time line, reread it, now it makes sense.

It was a bit of a ride, intense. Always good stuff, always.

Little off my mark today, but I did enjoy it, really.

More please.

[Acadian]

Bandits with windmilling hammers!

So now we know what happened to Glarthir.

“JUSTICE?!!” Glarthir descended into hysterical laughter “I’ll be dead before the next morning if you take me back to the Emperor.”
Galasafon narrowed his eyes at Glarthir, “I fail to see the downside.”
I love the dry humor here!

[Grits]

Wow. Nordy-Boy Farn really is a badass!

Stabbed in the gut and Thu’umed off a waterfall, I can see why they thought Glarthir was dead. And why Galasafon was upset.

I love that after all of the action and crazy talk from Glarthir it ended on a quiet note with the Emperor.

Like Athynae said, this whole chapter was quite a ride! I have enjoyed reading all of the parts together.

[mALX]

Well that answered a lot of questions, but also raised some. Uriel gave condolences to Galasafon like Glathir was a family member. Great Chapter !!

[treydog]

Reading- standing slack-jawed in amazement- or perhaps that is my normal state... No matter, comments are not simply "owed" but DESERVED. Beginning with 1.7-

Beware the Yskraich that lives out beyond
Two hands take your soul
Two hands break your bones
If last hand you shake in friendship’s frail bond
Kiss goodbye your all
Your world soon be gone...

Ayelid nursery rhyme, translated by Tar-Meena, Chief Archivist, The Arcane University. 3E 440.

Eeep! And also- hooray for Tar-Meena!

“The Nine will protect us all.”

“Oooh, lucky us then!” Said another woman with much scorn, this one Deaconsson thought, suggested washerwoman.

Funny how the people down at the bottom of the pyramid seem a lot less "spiritual" than those at the top...

“Sir Ralman!!” Ordan shouted, “It is most impolite and insensitive to eat the cheese of people so endangered!!

“Especially without offering me some first.” Ordan went over and ate some of the food.

And to follow that moment of gallows humor with-

“Oh hells. Bloody heroic last stand again, isn’t it?”

“Something like that.”

Jacks nodded. “Something like that.” He grinned and was gone.

Deaconsson raised an eyebrow and looked up the corridor.

“Something like that.”

More to follow- MUCH more.

[McBadgere]

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

Cheers Athynae...Glad you liked it in the end, and I apologise for running around the years with it all... ...

Many thanks Acadian and mALX...Yes mALXie, he was comiserating Galasafon on the whole thing...His sister as well as his Brother-in-law...Plus, his Brother in arms too remember...We know a song about that... ...

Aaamywho...

Grits...Farn is way more of a badass than he's appearing in that other thread...I'm not sure that I'm not demeaning him somehow, but hey...He's my character and I'll take the piss if I want... ...

And thank you for thinking it worth re-reading...I'm so...Grateful?...Not sure that's entirely the word I'm looking for, but Thank You So Much... ...

Treydog...WOW...Right back atcha... ...Thank you so much for that...And there's much more coming?...Thank you matey...

Reet...

Previously on KOTNNK...Galasafon had been cleansing the Dark Brotherhood sanctuary at Cheydinhal...During which he'd found a note requesting the killing of Caroline McWylde's father, and fought a Vampire, contracting Porphyric Haemophilia...Galasafon had lost a period of time during which the Vampire had been killed...The Bosmer had then run into Ras'sheena who'd related the tale of Glarthr's demise...

We continue...





1.11 – Galasafon (pt5)






3E 434 – Cheydinhal Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary.





Galasafon woke with a start. The weariness of last night’s work having exacted it cost soon after his reverie began.

A moment’s terror passed as he remembered about the Vampirism, but unless his information was wrong about the way that it worked, the pounding of his heart made it clear that he should be more concerned with a different problem.

When was he cured?..

More importantly, How was he cured?

The sword fell and...The sword fell...

Galasafon frowned, stared at the floor, stood up, screamed, grabbed the chair and threw it against the wall, shattering it into pieces.

The Bosmer walked down to where the pile of clothes marked the remains of the Vampire he’d been fighting. An outline of dust, all that was left of the man.

What the hells did I do?

The sword fell...



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


Galasafon stood outside the door of the Dark Brotherhood’s sanctuary-disguising house. Concealed once more within the Shroud, he watched the morning pedestrians ambling about. Some City-Watchmen, some people talking in pairs, others walking with purpose, several simply enjoying the morning air.

He shook his head. You have no idea what happens below this house, Galasafon thought, the terror you would feel if you did.

Still feeling sick from the revelation of Glarthir’s more recent demise and more, the Bosmer started walking generally southeast, towards the bridge that spanned the river that ran through the centre of Cheydinhal. He’d always liked the city, and standing on the Lass Bridge - as it was called - watching the water always seemed to be calming.

Keeping his head down, he walked past the half-timbered houses of the residential area. Despite neatly avoiding several collisions at the very last moment, he nevertheless wasn’t prepared for a hand on his shoulder. He started, but then span away from the hand.

“I did try to get your attention a couple of times, but I’m trying not to look insane calling to an empty space.” Said Robert McWylde. “Now, drop the Shroud and I can talk at a slightly better volume.” Robert smiled and waved at a passer-by, then looked down again. “Galas?”

Galasafon sighed and dropped the Shroud spell prompting a squeal from a passing lady. “One of these days you’ll tell me how you can see into that. You’re the only one that can.”

“Well, there is another, but that’s beside the point. Anyway, why should I give up my advantage?” Robert smiled.

Galasafon chuckled once and shrugged. “Can we walk to the bridge? I want to stand for a while”

“Of course.”

The two friends walked in silence for a while. Robert admiring the houses and waving occasionally to acquaintances and neighbours from his time living in the city.

They reached the bridge and simply stood admiring the blue of the water. The flowers on the banks giving an eye watering array of colours to focus on.

After a short while Robert said, “It’s not you I can see. It’s the...” He paused seemingly searching for the word. “Imprint maybe? Kynareth’s touch on you.” He shrugged. “It’s part of the Talos gift. It’s how I can see when someone’s genuinely been...Called.”

“How did you know I was here?”

“I didn’t,” Robert said with genuine surprise, “I was here for a meeting with the Count. He’s giving us some land, over near the castle to build a new Chapter-house for the Knights. Large though the one we have now is, we need something purpose-built.”

“I bet Brellin’s in his element.”

Robert nodded and looked away. “And Gukimir.” There was a pause, a sigh, and then, “Anyway, I was here for that with Farn, who’s got some Fighters Guild business of some sort as well. He went to that and I was just coming from the Chapel so everything’s all...” he waved his hand, “On...And I saw you. I was as surprised to see you as you were about me.”

There was further silence for a minute and Robert winced and looked down at the Bosmer.

“Are you going to tell me what you’re doing here? There’s obviously something bothering you.”

Galasafon sighed and related the past couple of weeks to Robert, culminating in the news of Glarthir.

The Knight-Commander shook his head. “But how? We never found a damned thing along the river save fish and mudcrabs. And we’ve all been in Skingrad hundreds of times since then.”

“I just think the Universe likes to take the piss out of us sometimes.”

Robert inhaled sharply.

“Oh, don’t start on me again Commander.” Galasafon spat. “You know out of all of us, even Farn, I’m the least comfortable with all this Nine business. Denying them now would be like denying that the sun rises and sets. But worship? Why? What have they done for me to worship them? Glarthir died because he attacked a prostitute when she insisted on payment not for what he did to my sister...His wife?..His kriffing kids for...” Galasafon started breathing heavily. “I have too much hate Robert. For everyone and everything. I am not worthy of being a Knight. This with my sister broke me somehow. The betrayal, the loss, all of it. And then...Then, to top it all. The Emperor.”

Robert put a hand on Galasafon’s shoulder, but the Bosmer shrugged it off. “Don’t patronise me.”

McWylde turned around, put his back to the rail and looked the opposite way to the Bosmer.

“Why did he send us all away Robert? Did he feel like we’d all betrayed him because you’d followed me? Foss died because of me.”

“No Galas. You’re carrying way too much guilt over that.” Robert said, but Galasafon continued as if he hadn’t heard.

“He sent me and Brellin to Valenwood. You were sent to Anvil, Farn was already gone.”

“Yes, but he sent the others away too Galas. There was none of us left to defend him. Gods know how it would have turned out otherwise. It was as if he knew what was coming and put us all out of harm’s way so we could stop what happened next.”

“And yet the others haven’t come back.” Galasafon looked up at McWylde

Robert made a humourless smirk with one side of his mouth. “Yeah, I know. There’s still time.”

Galasafon shook his head.

“Look, Galasafon. Take some time to rest. You’ve been non-stop since you came back from The Shivering Isles. This year’s been hard on us all...Oh, that reminds me, your old friend Gaius Prentus has transferred here.”

“Oh.” Galasafon had his eyebrows up.

“Yes, it seemed he had some issues with being able to do it until I asked Farn to go and have a word with the Commander of the Watch in Bravil.”

“Hah!” Galasafon actually smiled, “Which word was that?”

“I think it was “Sit” First at least.” Robert smiled, turned to the Bosmer and then looked down. “In the end Prentus is here as second to that new Captain.”

McWylde sighed “Galas, I want you to stay here for a while. You love this place...This place.” He said, patting the rail of the bridge. “Help in the current chapter-house for a while. It’s not permanent.” Robert said quickly, seeing Galasafon’s face. “I’ll be about often enough, and everyone’s about at somepoint.”

They continued to watch the water. “I think we could all do with a rest,” said Galasafon, “especially you. After all that with your new wife...” The Bosmer’s hand shot to his belt-pouch, “Oh Gods, I forgot about this.” He passed the note he’d found in the sanctuary to Robert.

His Commander read it and vanished. Galasafon knew that the draught of wind meant that Robert McWylde had given himself to the speed-fortify.

He watched as the note drifted down to the river and vanished into the currents.

Galasafon disappeared into the Shroud.


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

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Jan 20 2012, 07:02 AM

[jack cloudy]

Finally all caught up. First off, all the timeswitching confuses me, even with the dates in bold black letters. I'm stupid like that. So I just go with two periods. Present (yskraich trouble and all that) and past (pretty much all of our little Bosmer's deeds)

Speaking of which, I had a good laugh out of the way you put down Lucien. You used his original 'look at me, I'm so hard and tough' lines and turned them into a complete joke. I also like the flashback to Glarthir. I guess the paranoid loonie must have been sane at some point or he'd never made it into the knightly orders.

[Athynae]

The interaction between Robert and Galasfon was very realistic, and very touching. I got the feeling there is far more between them than just being knights of the order.

This line made me shiver:

He shook his head. You have no idea what happens below this house, Galasafon thought, the terror you would feel if you did.

YA THINK:

"I just think the Universe likes to take the piss out of us sometimes."

This entire part was a look into Galas that was quite profound to me:

"Oh, don't start on me again Commander." Galasafon spat. "You know out of all of us, even Farn, I'm the least comfortable with all this Nine business. Denying them now would be like denying that the sun rises and sets. But worship? Why? What have they done for me to worship them? Glarthir died because he attacked a prostitute when she insisted on payment not for what he did to my sister...His wife?..His kriffing kids for..." Galasafon started breathing heavily. "I have too much hate Robert. For everyone and everything. I am not worthy of being a Knight. This with my sister broke me somehow. The betrayal, the loss, all of it. And then...Then, to top it all. The Emperor."

Awesome write, one of my faves from this story thus far, but I am sure there will be more. I look forward to them all. Keep it up.

Impatiently waiting....

[mALX]

*

You have no idea what happens below this house, Galasafon thought, the terror you would feel if you did.

I don't know why I assumed everyone in Cheydinhal knew what they had in their midst, but this sentence really hit me as the truth - what a great detail to not have bypassed that aspect of it !!!

“I did try to get your attention a couple of times, but I’m trying not to look insane calling to an empty space.” Said Robert McWylde. “Now, drop the Shroud and I can talk at a slightly better volume.” Robert smiled and waved at a passer-by, then looked down again. “Galas?”

Galasafon sighed and dropped the Shroud spell prompting a squeal from a passing lady. “One of these days you’ll tell me how you can see into that. You’re the only one that can.”

Absolutely loved this whole interchange!

The comfortableness between McWilde and Galasafon was really well done. Great Write !!

*

[Grits]

How funny that Glarthir was able to hide in Skingrad, given how much running away from Glarthir goes on in the game.

I love this surprise meeting in Cheydinhal with the quiet talk on the bridge. You gave a real feeling of the setting, it was just like being there. Their friendship and emotions felt very real to me, just wonderful the whole way through. I think this may be my favorite scene so far!

And of course there’s still the mystery, what the hells did he do? (Unless I’ve missed a clue! )

[Acadian]

I like how Robert could locate Galasafon through the shroud. Others are correct – you did a wonderful job with their conversation. And Gaius Prentis is now in Cheydinhal; I’ll bet he’s happy about that! So it looks like Galasafon may stay there awhile while the new facility is being built. And Robert has ‘family’ business to attend. Nice job!

This post has been edited by Acadian: Jan 21 2012, 01:53 PM

[Colonel Mustard]

Galasfon's musings were enjoyable to read, and the point he made about the Dark Brotherhood hiding underneath Cheyindal was, like for Malx, a new and interesting one for me. In fact, I'm not sure why I didn't think of it before.

In any case, loved it, and looking forwards to more.

[McBadgere]

New Parts Alert!!...

Many thank yous...

Jack...Sorry about confusing you... ...Multilinear storytelling...Oh yeah!!...Cheers for the thumbsup about Lucien...Silly man that he is... ...Cheers muchly...

Athynae...Cheers so much...Galas and Robert are close friends...And have been for years by this point in their story...Glad you liked Galas' world weariness...I like him a lot... ...Thank you...

mALX and Mustard...That surprises me about the Sanctuary...I never thought Cheydinhal was that laid back... ...Cheers for reading...Thanks a lot...

Grits...Thank you so much...I'm glad everyone felt the bond between the two...That's just ace right there, that is..

As for the mystery about what happened...And whether you missed a clue...No...And yet...Yes, maybe...But no...The answer is coming...Promise...Just...Not yet... ...But it's all been there from the start of his chapters...

Acadian...Thank you thank you thank you...I appreciate the compliments so much... ...This next chapter is to do with the familial business in question...

Thank you all sooo much, I appreciate it...


Reeet...


Ooooh...AUTHOR'S NOTE™...Prescience...It's a spell much like the shield one that I gave Marcus Jarn a few chapters ago...I couldn't work its description into the story without it being clumsy, but it's basically, life detect and fortifyers of speed, strength, fatigue, magika, awareness, all that stuff...As one of Caroline's tutors will explain in a few chapters time...It ramps everything up so it seems like you can predict the future...Hence the name...Y'know...One of my mad unbeatable spells... ...



Previously in KOTNNK...

In the depths of the Dark Brotherhood's Cheydinhal sanctuary, The Bosmer Knight Galasafon found a letter, employing the Dark Brotherhood to assassinate Caroline's father, Kenth Olford. Having shown his friend Robert McWylde said note, the Commander is en-route to try to warn him...





1.11 – Galasafon (Interlude)






3E 434 – Outside Bruma.




The morning was beautiful, and retired General Kenth Olford was a content man. He still had his health - the farm kept him active enough. He still had his skills, the daily solo exercise regimen and the twice a week sword technique training sessions at the Bruma Legion barracks saw to that. And, of course, he still had his family...Well, most of it.

As he walked beneath the glorious blue of a Jerall Mountain summer’s day, a smile played on his lips. On one side was his horse, the Anvillian destrier, Chain, as joyful and happy in his retirement as was the man, and on the other his beautiful and brilliant daughter, fairly recently joined to the Knights of The Nine and even more recently married to its Commander.

They had made a supply run into Bruma, and were making their way home to Olford’s farm, Applewatch.

Kenth pulled Caroline close in shoulder hug and kissed the top of her head. She laughed and smiled, seemingly as happy and content as he. He turned his head to look at Chain. The horse eyed Kenth warily then lifted his head up and shook it with a snort.

Kenth laughed.

His daughter was staying with him for a while to get over the traumas of her experience in the Imperial City’s depths, the invasion by Dagon and then the trials of those individuals caught and deemed responsible for the plot to murder The Emperor, the Dragon Company.

A high cloud took the perfect opportunity to pass briefly over the sun, dimming it. Kenth nodded a salute to the memory of his Master, Pupil and friend Uriel Septim.

Olford had always been against Caroline’s joining the Dragon Company. He’d never actually said so. Caroline being the type to notice things though, initially took it as a slight against her and for a time there was tension between the two.

That despite all Caroline’s efforts to save the Emperor, she’d been branded traitor along with the remaining Dragon Company still made the retired General angry. Run around like headless chickens, desperate to make scapegoats.

It was the testimonies of himself and several other notables that had saved Jayred Grice, Alix Lencolia and a couple more. Many others - lesser notable soldiers - had been executed as traitors. Kenth was well aware that had it not been for Robert McWylde and the ex-Investigato J’Drell, his daughter may have been included in the deaths.

All these dark thoughts threatened to taint his morning, so he shook them off and breathed deeply.

Caroline turned, looked up at Olford and tilted her head, frowning. Kenth’s heart melted. Gods, she looked like her mother.

A lump threatened his speech but he forced out, “It’s nothing Cally, just thinking, your mother loved days like these.” He waved his hand to indicate the sky.

They walked without further talk towards the farm. Insects, birdsong and the occasional chink as their scabbards banged a leg, accompanied their stroll along the road. Supply run or not, the Jerall roads were not to be taken without any precautions. Both wore their swords and toughened leather waistcoats, which, though they wouldn’t stop a sword, were better than nothing.

They entered Applewatch’s lands and made their way towards the house.

Chain slowed to a halt. Kenth looked at him questioningly. The horse had his head down, ears turning this way and that.

Kenth looked to his house, then down at Caroline. He frowned.

“Caroline,” he said with exaggeration, “It would seem that your Grandma’s here to visit.”

The Knight looked up with a frown at her father and Olford raised his eyebrows. Caroline nodded almost imperceptively.

The Imperial patted his horse, drew his sword and walked towards the house, a multicoloured aurora shining in his eyes as he gave himself to the Prescience.

Olford briefly looked left and saw that Caroline also had her sword out and was walking around the other way to the back of the house. They locked gazes for the briefest time, and he smiled as Caroline winked one shining eye at him.

Olford stood still and let his awareness enfold his property. Five? Olford thought, I am honoured.

Well...Here goes nothing.

Olford reached the door and gripped the handle. In an instant he was several feet back, just as the dagger that would have pierced his head stood on end in the boards where he was. The masked assassin dropped out of the eaves and swords began ringing. Smirking at the amateurish technique being displayed and the resulting shifting of confidence in the eyes of what was obviously a young assassin, Kenth raised an eyebrow and said “Who sent you?” Sneering arrogance once more entered the assassin’s eyes and Olford sighed. In two strokes he disarmed then decapitated the man.

“Well, it was worth a try.”

Kenth frowned and focussed. “Good girl. Three.”

The door of the house burst outwards and another assassin lay on the floor with a dagger through his heart.

“Two.”

Caroline walked out of the farmhouse with blood down her arm, retrieved her dagger and looked toward the sheds behind.

“Cally!” Olford called and walked towards his daughter. “Chain, come.” He shouted to the horse, which obediently followed.

“Well, someone needs to help me fix that,” Kenth pointed at the broken door, “you’re not getting out of it because you’ve had a scratch.” he said with an eyebrow raised.

“Sorry Daddy.” Caroline mock pouted.

Kenth looked at the wound, winced then gripped Caroline’s arm and healed it.

“Just like old times.” Caroline said with a weak smile.

Kenth swallowed, coughed and then nodded.

He gestured with his head towards the barn and outhouses.

The two walked with an unconscious symmetry towards the remaining danger. The careful gait, the stance and sword grip an almost exact copy.

Kenth turned his shining eyes towards Caroline and asked quietly, “Still with it?”

“Always.”

“Good girl.”

Turning towards the buildings and resting the tip of his ebony sword on the ground, the graying Imperial shouted. “We know you’re there. This isn’t going to end well for you either way. Either we kill you...Or your masters do.” A dark look crossed the retired General face. “You tried to hurt my daughter, so I have to ask - Which do you fear the most?”

The hyper-awareness of the Prescience warned the knightly pair an instant before the flechettes were launched, and so they passed harmlessly. The two black-clad shapes burst from their hiding places, looking anything but harmless and furious battle was joined.

The assassin that came at Kenth had a dagger in each hand and was intent on making it a close-quarters fight. Somehow the shadow-warrior managed to get inside Kenth’s guard and the Imperial was forced to drop his sword and defend, hand to hand.

The Prescience spell was the only thing that was keeping Kenth alive, putting him where the daggers were not, and it was through this that he found himself behind the assassin, his forearm gripping the man around the neck.

A warning screamed into Olford’s mind and he spun around, assassin in tow, to see Caroline on her behind and the assassin’s rapier starting its downward swing.

Seemingly quicker than thought, Kenth had gripped his would-be assassins arm, aimed it and loosed a shock spell into the man. The wrist launcher activated and a flechette buried itself deep in the second assassin’s skull and he fell lifelessly forward.

“Piss!” exclaimed Olford as the shock also blew himself and the shadow-warrior backwards onto the ground. The assassin was instantly on his feet and running for the hills, but Caroline’s thrown dagger found its mark and the death-dealer pitched forward onto the ground.

“Nice throw.” Kenth said as he took Caroline’s outstretched hand lifting him up.

Caroline gripped her father in a furious hug. She looked up at him from his chest and said, “Nice catch.”

Olford gripped his daughter’s head, tilted it down and kissed the top of it. “Anytime.” He said.

Separating, they walked to one of the assassins.

“We need to go get Burd.” Kenth said to Caroline, “he’s got to see this.”

“I think I need to dress a little...better first.”

Kenth nodded, said “Take Chain.” and Caroline went to change into her Knights armour.

Olford looked down at the assassin and shook his head. “You could have avoided breaking the window at least.” He sighed.




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




The late evening sun was dipping onto the horizon. Kenth and Caroline were sitting on kitchen chairs on the farmhouse’s porch, drinking mead from stoneware cups, the pitcher on the small table between them.

Kenth’s unfocussed eyes failing to take in the beautiful view that his head was pointed towards.

Olford – nevertheless – snapped back to attention when an approaching dust cloud resolved itself into Robert McWylde.

Caroline was on her feet. Her hands clasping and unclasping.

Robert started to say “You’re in da-“

“We know.” Said Caroline.

“The Dark-“

“We know. It’s done.”

“Oh.” Relief passed over the Commander’s face, then he raised an amused eyebrow and said, “I just rode all the way from Cheydinhal to tell you this you know?”

“So where’s your horse?” asked Olford, frowning.

“Stables.” McWylde pointed his thumb back the way he came.

Caroline walked in a controlled manor - Kenth could tell she was desperate to run – to the Commander and hugged him. Then she turned her head up and said “I love you.” and then gripped the back of Robert’s neck, pulling his head down and kissing him deeply. Kenth turned away, finally looked at the view and took another drink out of his cup.

He heard Caroline say “I guess you’ll need a long bath after all that hard riding.” And Olford almost choked into his drink.

He turned and watched Caroline and Robert walk towards the repaired farm door, arm around each other’s waist. Caroline looked towards him and smiled. Kenth raised an eyebrow, shook his head in amusement and raised his cup. McWylde turned his head Kenth’s way and nodded his thanks.

“This farmhouse isn’t as big as it used to be.” He said quietly out-loud.

Standing up, he picked up one of the chairs by hooking his arm through the open back, then collected the cup and pitcher and made for Chain’s pen.

Reaching it, he set the chair and drink down outside the gate, went into the stable and gave the horse more hay. He then collected the chair and put it down to one side of the stable door and started to drink from the cup. A nose nudged his shoulder and he looked up and back.

“No,” he said to the horse, “You can’t have some. You were ill for days the last time.”

The horse snorted and Kenth had to wipe his ear. Sighing, he got up and slowly tipped the jug up, letting the mead flow slowly out. The horse’s tongue darted repeatedly into the stream and back out.

“There...Happy now?” Kenth’s eyebrows arched questioningly.

The horse shook his tail happily.

“Can I sit down now?..Good.”

Kenth did so.

The two old friends sat - or stood - and watched the stars come out.



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

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Jan 22 2012, 04:05 PM

[Athynae]

I LOVED this piece!!! Yes, there was a fight sequence but it was a touching scene between father and daughter.

This line in particular sounded more like my Dad and I than I could even begin to explain. We never fought with swords but small injuries were no excuse to not fix something....

"Well, someone needs to help me fix that," Kenth pointed at the broken door, "you're not getting out of it because you've had a scratch." he said with an eyebrow raised.
"Sorry Daddy." Caroline mock pouted.

But this line sealed the deal (I'm such a sap)

The two walked with an unconscious symmetry towards the remaining danger. The careful gait, the stance and sword grip an almost exact copy.

His interaction with Chain was lovely, and comforting, a good friend to have for both of them.

I think I favor this piece. It is simply beautiful....

Looking forward to more my friend. Impatiently waiting...

[Grits]

I love this Cally and Daddy piece! As Athynae already pointed out, this line was my favorite:

The two walked with an unconscious symmetry towards the remaining danger. The careful gait, the stance and sword grip an almost exact copy.

Then Robert charges to the rescue, just in time to… get a bath from his wife. Kenth’s strategic withdrawal to Chain’s company made me smile. Newlyweds!!

I enjoyed this so much!

[mALX]

Whew! Alix Lencolia spared !! Thank goodness!


The scene with Caroline and Olford was outstandingly done! The dialogue was totally natural...supurb. (Grits got my favorite line there)

when an approaching dust cloud resolved itself into Robert McWylde.

Loved this line !!

The scene with the horse was adorable !! Awesome Write !!

This post has been edited by mALX: Jan 22 2012, 05:49 PM

[Colonel Mustard]

Very nice, very nice indeed; somehow managed to have a rather tender family moment amidst a whirlwind of combat, which was rather skilful, to say the least. Good show, that man, good show!

[Acadian]

What a beautiful interlude! I really enjoyed this episode that was so rich in subtle emotion and family ties.

’The two walked with an unconscious symmetry towards the remaining danger. The careful gait, the stance and sword grip an almost exact copy.’
A wonderful way of saying ‘like father, like daughter’.

And a mead drinking horse! I love it!

[treydog]

Still getting there- but rather than doing a giant commentary all in one go- say sometime next Whitsuntide...

I will do a bit now- and more later. Suffice to say- it is a JOY!

1.8

The natural progression- apparently towards extinction- of Delphine’s spell was such a treat….

[quote]“Release me,” The God of Mercy’s eyes had glowed, “NOW!”

“No.” Was the simple answer.[/quote]

Woo Hoo!

And I will refrain (barely) from quoting the entire passage, but the moment when Tiber calls upon the THIRD god- simply wonderful.

[quote]“Robert. Stay.” Said Tiber, “Stendarr, do you think me a fool? I can see you know? The line...The entire line, forever. Now. Do I have to call Akatosh back? He will be so pleased.”[/quote]

[quote]“There always are,” Said Tiber, “But not from you. If I hear that you are behind so much as a wafted bad smell in the direction of him, his or his friends. I will find you. And there will be war. And I fought many wars before Talos’ many gifts dug their claws into me. Is that clear? We were once friends.” He shook his head, “Do not let me keep you from your gift giving any further.”[/quote]

Oh my. And to think, my Daggerfall characters usually signed on with Stendarr. (There was this handy power that came with membership- a small chance of coming back from a fatal mistake- such as drowning).

1.9

[quote]“She-who-is-in-charge almost took his head off with her back-hand and released it. She’s an awfully confident lady that one.” Jarn raised an eyebrow, “Maybe we could have Marshal McWylde and Aeirawen wrestle with her before the end sir?”

Oholin snorted despite himself, but raised a finger of admonishment, “Stop drooling, it’s unseemly.”[/quote]

GOT to remember the checklist! Sharp objects cleared away, beverages likewise, screen guard affixed to monitor….

[quote]“Then along comes the Emperor trying to escape down the tunnels. Well, you know what happened there.”[/quote]

Sounds… familiar.

“[quote]I’ve seen far more of that woman than I ever wanted to. She’s evil, vicious and brilliant.”

“Well, being good, vicious and brilliant, you’ll take her in a heartbeat won’t you?” said Carodus, “Although I suspect Jarn will pay good money to watch that.”[/quote]

The banter is just so perfect and tells us so much about the characters.

The idea of the Warvoid is wonderful- as is THIS bit:

[quote]“Don’t start getting Warvoid envy now. You can go compare each other’s later...”[/quote]

Um- perhaps should not be talking of “bits” in that context.

[quote]This was going to be interesting he thought to himself.[/quote]

I just hate it when someone says- or even thinks- that.

And now for more-

1.10

[quote]The last woman and the last man on Nirn pulled their cloacks tighter…[/quote]

Um- even though the typo makes for an interesting picture- at least for those who have had biology or Latin-you might want to drop the second “c”.

Having said that- have to also add- that was quite an amazing “excerpt.”

The entire Aeirawen section would need to be copied and pasted for me to indicate the parts I like- so… Simply note it as said.

[quote]J’Drell and Thedret’s horses being the most experienced of them, and possessed of truly amazing amount of intelligence whinnied and stamped their feet as the other horses started fleeing the incoming horde. The pair of Anvillians chased them down, herded them up into a line then headed dead northeast.[/quote]

Sounds as if Julian’s Blanco was not an anomaly.

[quote]The chase. Nothing like it. He ran.[/quote]

Woo Hoo!

[quote]“Hah! Oh, I’m sorry sir,” she said snarling the word out, “I have yet to hit the Hold. It’s sometimes difficult to restrain myself. Besides, I’m amazed you could be superior to anything that doesn’t live in the ground.”[/quote]

Hooray for Aeirawen!

[quote]So no, spy was not high on her list of things to do. Hitting people and things very hard with axes and maybe setting them on fire, yes. Spy, no.[/quote]

I think Athlain can understand that line of reasoning…

[quote]Caroline tilted her head again and drew her eyebrows together in an almost frown, “I think...Mara told me to.”[/quote]

Hmm- humm…

[quote]Now...

Aeirawen was riding north, or as best as. She’s passed out of the thickest of the forest and…[/quote]

Another typo- believe that should be “She’d passed out….”

1.10, Part 2

I love all of the post-Oblivion Crisis changes you weave into the story.

[quote]Gael felt the Wood-Elf leave. He stared at the pursuit for a while, then he made a decision. He gripped his Oaken staff tightly and started running down the road.[/quote]

Something is about to pop, I believe…

[quote]A giant, made entirely of wood. As defined as the Rock-Form but somehow more beautiful. The leaves on the top of its head serving to give it a definite crown. It appeared both lithe and powerful. Barely contained power emanated from it. Aeirawen felt it from where she sat. She felt a calling to it, deep within her. She felt the need to bow down to it.

“Forest Guardian...” she breathed. Then she frowned, “But that would mean...Derwydd.”[/quote]

When I grow up (doubtful)- I want to write passages like that.

[quote]Releasing the Forest Guardian, he concentrated on the first of the two wizards. He held up his staff to catch the shock and channelled it into the ground. Then he grinned at the poor man. The wizard stopped shooting in confusion. Gael gestured up with his head. The wizard looked up and screamed, briefly. The Rock-Form dropped on him from a height, landing heavily.[/quote]

Woo HOO!

1.10, Part 3

Another part I would have to quote entire to highlight the places that sing…

[quote]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?”[/quote]

Smart lady that one. Officer material for certain.

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

Kynareth and… YODA?! The dachshund mind boggles- (not hard to do actually).

Interlude

And Kynareth… decides to…. “take some air”???

Need a lie-down after that.

LOVE IT!


This post has been edited by treydog: Jan 24 2012, 02:12 PM