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

[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

[McBadgere]

Thank ye all...Espescially Trey...Cheers matey...I shall edit the others in later...On me dinner break and someone is stamping their foot waiting for the next bit... ...

New parts alert!!...

Previously on KOTNNK...Galasafon and Aeirawen had left to take Marrick Gellert back to New Kvatch...Then all hell broke loose...

And now...This...




1.11 – Galasafon (pt.6)






3E 438 (Present day Jack ) – West of Fort Freedom.




Ewythr burst through the trees and neatly jumped the rock that had been out of sight until then. Galasafon had given up trying to direct the horse. He was just concentrating on not falling off, having to hold Marrick Gellert’s comatose form in front of him.

Oreyn’s Cheydinhal Black horse was fast and agile, and Galasafon had quickly realised that the only way any of them would get out alive was to simply let the horse go.

They were some way from Fort Freedom by now. In which direction, Galasafon couldn’t say. They had simply run - as Aeirawen had commanded the horse – once the horde had burst into the clearing where the Knights’ horses had been kept.

The Bosmer had been hard pressed to hold on once the horse had launched himself at full sprint, so he had absolutely no idea what had become of Aeirawen. He was aware of the growing frustration within him, but had to ignore it in concentration.

Aeirawen. She was young, beautiful and looked almost exactly like the great love of his life. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t help but stare at her. Over the few years, Galasafon had obviously gotten to know the Knight well, and was also in love with her for her own reasons.

But then, wasn’t he betraying Celia by it?

He had no idea where Celia was, she had been sent away – like the rest of the Elitarii - by the Emperor and hadn’t come back from it. Was she dead? Was she in hiding and had no idea how to get word? It’s not like she couldn’t come to McWylde. She should know that the rest wouldn’t be far away. Celia wouldn’t be able to read the news, but surely McWylde was the most famous man in Cyrodiil by now? Someone would have mentioned his name.

A fireball interrupted his reverie and Galasafon cursed himself for having let his concentration waver...Again.

Frowning, he put his hand on Gellert and risked a look backwards. A Khajiit was in the lead of a group of men. Judging by the hand waving and fireball hurling, the majority were Breton or Imperial wizards, but several armoured Redguards and Nords were in the pack.

He sighed at his situation, then blasted the base of a nearby tree with a concussive fireball. The base of the tree blew sideways, and the canopy made its inexorable way down to the ground. Several of the group failed to avoid the falling tree and ceased to be a problem. Trying the same trick again, he looked backwards to see the group slow, but not stop, preferring to stalk their prey from far enough back to avoid being flattened by a surprise.

Galasafon urged Ewythr on and the horse put his head down and pushed harder.

Putting some clear distance between him and the pursuit, Galasafon began to feel a little calmer. Enough to think and plan.

All around him, rocks of all sizes were jutting out of the ground. In several places he’d passed a grouping that headed higher than the tops of the trees. An idea formed, and all they needed was a ramp. He risked a look backwards and, satisfied, he backed the horse off a little.

Galasafon felled several more trees to delay pursuit just that little bit longer.

Ewythr left the woods behind and they were in open country, though Galasafon couldn’t immediately work out where. However, with the Colovian mountains in front and to the right he guessed he was headed west.

Still the bare rocks were above ground and the Bosmer saw the perfect one.

“Whoa boy...On there...Quick...” Galasafon looked behind. Dammit...No idea.

The horse got up onto the rocky plateau and turned around, shaking from the run. Galasafon said to the horse, “This will not be pleasant...I’m sorry boy.” And put his fingers in the horse’s ear. Ewythr objected to this and shook his head. “We don’t have time for this.” The Knight said, released Gellert and held the horse’s head with Telekinesis. He then found the wound he’d inflicted in the Imperial and put his finger in that. The Imperial moaned and Galasafon kicked him in the head.

And with utter terror about what he was about to do, he activated the Shroud spell, just as the pursuit burst out of the woods.

Shrouding himself initially took a lot out of the Knight, and hiding the three of them almost made him faint. Fighting the dizziness and its attendant nausea - desperate not to vomit and waste the effort – he held the horse against its surprise.

“Sssshhh.” He quietly hissed into Ewythr’s ear. “They’ll go past soon.”

The pack headed out in his general direction. The Khajiit scanning this way and that. He pointed forwards and the charge began.

Hoping desperately that this wouldn’t take long, Galasafon watched the group approach. His stomach threatened to let loose and spoil everything.

Suddenly the Khajiit held a hand up and the pack stopped.

“Oh no.” Whispered Galasafon and the Khajiit’s ears swivelled forward. The tracker got off his horse and looked down.

Galasafon simply didn’t have anything left for another chase.

The Khajiit walked with his head down, and despite the summer having left the ground hard, there was enough on the grass to make it obvious what had happened.

Others in the pack had realised what had happened and left their horses behind, heading for the plateau.

Galasafon began shaking with the effort of the Shroud.

Exhaustion finally taking him, he fell forward and off the horse. All three became visible and as Galasafon hit the floor, he heard a cry of triumph from the Khajiit.

The Bosmer also heard himself quietly say, “Mazken hai warrant Sii...”

As he closed his eyes, Galasafon registered that there was an ear splitting bang as the air was shoved aside for something that hadn’t been there an instant ago.

He could smell cut grass, fruit, flowers...Spices.

He opened his eyes.

He was in the bed of an ornately decorated room. His head was on a soft pillow, but pointed towards a large, open window. One of three such large windows that were easily twice his height that tapered to a rounded point at the top. Turning his head to take in the rest of the room, he saw there were several columns in the room. The tops of these were decorated with various repeated motifs. Not all of these seemed very pleasant. Unless you really liked bearded creepy men that is.

Galasafon’s gaze took in more of the room. The walls were covered in a patterned design that seemed to flow together and separate as you looked at it. There was furniture in the room, wardrobes, dressers, chairs and tables.

One long table had a veritable feast of fruit on it, and in front of this stood a tall, slim woman. A naked tall, slim woman.

That caught his eye.

Long dark hair, slender shoulders and arms that obviously knew work, the back tapering from the shoulders down to a narrow waist and then out again for her decent hips and glorious behind, and then lovely long shapely legs. That all this picturesque beauty was covered in scars – all over, some of them fresh – only seemed to add to the delight. Something else for the eye to follow...As if another reason were needed...

Galasafon sighed happily and the woman turned around, which brought forth another sigh of delight from the Bosmer.

The woman had been helping herself to some grapes, and she put another into her mouth with a raised eyebrow.

She chewed and swallowed the fruit, then said, “My lord! You have awakend!..” She tilted her head and bit her lip. “You’re no longer sleeping either.”

Galasafon blinked and then grinned. “My love.”

The woman grinned back, turned back to the table and grabbed a handful of grapes and made her way - hips swaying - to the bed.

Galasafon couldn’t help but stare.

She sat by him at the top end of the bed and fed him a fruit.

“Sleep well my Lord?” she asked.

His head ached and he allowed a frown to spoil the joy he felt. “Not really...I keep getting this feeling...Pulling me away...Towards somewhere else...Like there’s something going on...Or...Or about to happen...Not here, but out there...In the other’s realms...”

“The other Daedric princes plotting maybe?..I’ve heard they do that from time to time.”

“Yeah, probably.” He massaged his forehead, widening his fingers and thumb to his temples.

He looked into the Bosmer’s eyes and lost himself in their beautiful, huge, deep brown openness. “Cutter, I love you...You know that don’t you?”

“I love you too my Lord...”

“Don’t call me that.” Galasafon frowned. “Not here, when we’re alone.”

“Very well, Galas...I love you too.”

Galasafon looked at her, extended an arm and ran his finger down her midline, between her breasts and then opened his hand to tickle her. She squealed, batted his hand away and sat smiling down at him.

“I have never known such joy Galas...Your coming here has been such a new thing for us all...I hope it never ends.”

“Me too.”

Galasafon sighed and a shadow fell onto his heart that he couldn’t place and looked out of the window at the sky. “That place I came from...Do you remember what it was called? I can’t...I think I should, but I don’t...Why is that?”

“Aaahh, that is not my area of things to know, my...Galas...You are Lord of these lands, they are all that you need, so maybe the world you came from is being taken from you?”

Galasafon’s sadness grew and he turned back, frowning. “There’s something about out there...” He gestured, “I may need to-”

Cutter placed a finger on Galasafon’s lips, shushing him. She placed the grapes on the bedside table then moved the silken sheet away and climbed onto Galasafon.

She kissed him deeply on the mouth.

“Forget the other place.” She whispered and kissed his neck.

Cutter looked into Galasafon’s eyes and said, “You have all that you will ever need...Right here.” Moving herself down, she said,

“Your faithfulness,” she kissed his chest.

“Will always be,” his stomach.

“Rewarded.”

He was in the country. He could see the trees. Hear birds singing.

He blinked and looked about himself. There were corpses everywhere. Some were just piles of armour with ash in them.

Who were they? Who was he for that matter?

He put a hand to his face and blood dripped from his nose onto it. Gripping the bridge of his nose he turned around and looked about himself. A few horses were milling about some small distance away. A black one stood apart from the others, closer, eyeing him warily.

Suddenly Galasafon came back into his mind and he screamed at the pressure.

The black horse flinched and made as if he was about to run, but seeing Galasafon was not headed for him, stayed where he was.

Looking about himself with fresh awareness, Galasafon felt scared. Had he done this? It’s Cheydinhal all over again.

Looking up at Ewythr, the Bosmer suddenly remembered about Gellert. Galasafon rushed up to the plateau, but the Imperial wasn’t there. Running back down the slope, Galasafon started searching the base of the rocks. That’s where he found Marrick Gellert, leaning back against the rock, staring out...Saliva dribbling out of one side of his mouth. The Imperial was breathing, and as the Bosmer watched he sucked the spit in and swallowed.

Galasafon waved a hand in front of Gellert’s face but there was nothing, no blink response, no awareness...Nothing.

A tear fell down Galasafon’s cheek and he sat down hard and started sobbing quietly.

A dark sadness took him, and he lost himself.

Time passed.

He was aware when a nose pushed his shoulder, but he did not respond.

Darkness fell.

He heard a voice say, “Dear Gods...Marshall Galasafon, thank goodness we have found you. Are you injured?..Marshall, are you injured?..” A sigh, and then, “Stay guard, Khajiit will get help...Come horsey, will you permit J’zirlo?..Good boy.”

Time passed. A cart arrived and Galasafon felt himself picked up and placed on it. And then...And then...

The sword fell...


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This post has been edited by McBadgere: Jan 31 2012, 02:12 PM

[Fawkes]

I just saw this fic, I might be blind! Haha, so naturally I skipped class so I could read through it and this is how I was the whole time; Just like this

Yay, keep it up ^^

[mALX]

*

Aeirawen. She was young, beautiful and looked almost exactly like the great love of his life. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t help but stare at her. Over the few years, Galasafon had obviously gotten to know the Knight well, and was also in love with her for her own reasons.

But then, wasn’t he betraying Celia by it?

Outstanding !!! Love that paragraph !!


But then we see this :

"Your faithfulness,”...“Will always be,” ... “Rewarded.”

Cutter: "What is this? Aeirawen was here? And who is Celia?"


ROFL !! Kind of takes the depth from his deep thoughts of earlier, lol.

It’s not like she couldn’t come to McWylde. She should know that the rest wouldn’t be far away. ...but surely McWylde was the most famous man in Cyrodiil by now? Someone would have mentioned his name.

Really Nice!! (or excusing his behavior? ROFL !!! )


The whole last segment from where he found the Imperial was outstandingly done. I only quoted this one section so as not to spam your thread.

He heard a voice say, “Dear Gods...Marshall Galasafon, thank goodness we have found you. Are you injured?..Marshall, are you injured?..” A sigh, and then, “Stay guard, Khajiit will get help...Come horsey, will you permit J’zirlo?..Good boy.”

Time passed. A cart arrived and Galasafon felt himself picked up and placed on it. And then...And then...

The sword fell...

GAAAAH !!! His own sword dropped from his hands? The Khajiit's sword dropped onto his neck, severing it? URK !!! You cliff-hung me !!!

Awesome Write !! I would love to read this story in the chronological order the events took place, really feel like cutting it up and organizing it to stop all the back and forth in time, lol.

This is added to one of my favorite chapters, Awesome Write !!!


*

[jack cloudy]

It appears you do not simply walk into mordor away from madness.

Going by the last words before he blacked out, I thought Galas summoned a Dremora. But then we were in the Shivering Isles. So did he teleport away/invade the mad god's skull? Or was it a flashback? Who knows and who cares, we're all mad anyway. Have some cheese but be careful. You must wear pink or the cheese will eat you, or will it chase dogs?

[Athynae]

Wonderful, intense, mad...crazy mad, sad, and then ...the noose. Not nice McB, not nice at all. And how long shall we wait for the next bit that will solve this mystery, hhmm?

She chewed and swallowed the fruit, then said, "My lord! You have awakend!.." She tilted her head and bit her lip. "You're no longer sleeping either."

Just couldn't find the words....

"The other Daedric princes plotting maybe?..I've heard they do that from time to time."

Hateful cusses aren't they?

And mALX got the rest of them, dangumit! So I won't repeat herself.

Great one, another great one, so when is the next one, huh? (crossed arms, foot tapping will begin shortly)

[Colonel Mustard]

Why did you stop the story there?! Give me the next chapter NAO!!

Anyway, not much to add that hasn't been said, other than I loved the turn for the brilliantly surreal it took towards the end and a rather good cliffie. Looking forwards to more.

[Acadian]

I enjoyed the horse chase. Your pacing mirrored the speed of the hunt. Then everything went fuzzy. I guess that happens in the Shivering Isles. Loads of neat images jumping around to enjoy for a second or two before bouncing to the next. Fun to see Cutter. I mean, really see Cutter. You painted some beautiful pictures throughout this piece.