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

[McBadgere]

Danikka is Aldmerian (of Imperial race), and having been essentially cut off from the rest of Mundus for many thousands of years they (Aldmerians) have similar but not the same words (like you said, Draig/Dragon Muir-El/Myrrl)...

I think there's more explaination of Aldmeris in part 2 of this, but as the whole thing wound up being over 4000 words, I had to cut it somewhere... ...Obviously the clarity went with it... ...

Sorry about that...

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Feb 18 2012, 09:21 AM

[mALX]

I was confused by the Myrrl/Muir-El too, had to go back and re-read that section unsure if it was one and the same. Loved the section from where Danikka wells up with tears and looks up at the Argonian - and Myrrl/Muir-El's gesturing to get his/her point across through the language barrier. Interesting chapter, mostly in the second half. I was kind of lost in the first half, feeling like I'd eaten too much pizza and was having a vivid nightmare - probably how Danikka felt about that time, lol. Great Write !!

[McBadgere]

I appear to have confused issues with using slightly different words...Here...Here's part 2 to make things more confusing... ...

Just to get it off me hard drive... ...





1.11 – Galasafon (Interlude pt.2)






Masser 3E 438 (Tamrielic calendar)





Myrrl appeared on Masser and turned to his sister, Neerlah.

“Sister! Good to see you!” he said in the whisper thin atmosphere, and walked over to the other Androform. Myrrl grabbed his sister in a big embrace, which never failed to stun Neerlah.

“Myrrl.” She replied from over his shoulder.

Neerlah patted her brother’s back and he released her.

“Arrai sends her love.” She told him.

“Excellent! I must visit dear Arrai. It has been too long since we spoke face to face.”

The two Androforms turned to view the city in the crater. Their intelligences reviewing all possible evidence that could be seen from this point.

“Impressive.” Myrrl declared, “It has been here an awful long time. I look forward to viewing it up close.”

“How is Aldmeris?” Neerlah asked, “It has been a long time since I was there.”

“Indeed it has dear sister!” Myrrl replied, “Aldmeris calms piece by piece. It shall soon be the green and pleasant land it once was, again.”

There was a thump and the two Androforms spun around.

“Father! Lord Akatosh! Good to see you!” Myrrl walked over to the pair and clasped both of them about the shoulders in turn.

“Good to see you too, Myrrl.” Answered Akatosh with a smile.

As Myrrl grabbed him, Julianos put his hand to the forearm of his son and smiled affectionately. “It’s been too long Myrrl, you should visit more.”

“Ah yes, I have been busy of late Father. But, Hah!...What’s an age between Immortals?!”

“Indeed.”

Myrrl released his father and walked away. “Dear sister here says you have a task for me Father?”

Julianos then explained all that they had seen in the likely future and the need for Myrrl’s influence in events.

Myrrl turned to view the city and was silent for a time. “I will, of course, do as you ask of me.”

“But?” said Akatosh.

“Oh, there is no but, Lord Akatosh, oh no, I shall do as asked. However I’m leaving the land I have called home for some time, undefended. That is not to be taken lightly. Due to your actions so long ago,” he pointed at the Divines, “Aldmeris is all but cut off from the rest of Mundus. Indeed it appears cut off from Divine attention of any kind. The people know of them, all of them, and many worship, but only because of the Arrived and what the three of us,” he indicated himself and Neerlah, “have managed down the ages.”

“What do you mean all of them?” asked Akatosh with a frown.

Myrrl tilted his head and answered. “All. Of. Them. The eleven Divines. The truth. Is there a problem with the truth Lord Akatosh? Aldmeris may be the only country in the world that knows the actual truth, no?”

“Why you arrogant...” Akatosh started towards Myrrl, but then stopped. Myrrl’s sword point had gone from sheathed on his back to digging a hole in the moon dust, seemingly without any intervening movement. Akatosh also paid attention to the fact that Neerlah was stood watching intently with her arms crossed.

Julianos turned away, looked at the moonscape, sighed and said, “What a magnificent desolation.”

“Mundane threats,” Myrrl sighed, but then continued as if nothing had happened, “are taken care of, they can manage them, but with new threats literally appearing from nowhere at any time, from any time it seems, it has not like I have been sat on my chair watching the world go by these past years.”

“The Arrived?” Julianos asked, still turned away.

“Yes, the people that arrive on the land from nowhere. Whatever you did those years ago is pulling people and things there. And I am leaving it untended and undefended.”

“I will go Myrrl.” Said Neerlah.

Myrrl turned to look at her. “You would do this?”

“Aye. I always enjoy the time I spend there. It would be a pleasure dear brother.”

Myrrl walked over to the other Androform, sheathing his sword on his back and said, “Dear sister! You are wonder.” And grabbed Neerlah in a furious embrace. This time, Neerlah seemed to relax into the hug, and put her arms around her brother.

“Here is how everything works.” Myrrl said and he linked his mind to his sister’s and shared the information.

“Impressive.” Declared Neerlah, “You have been busy.”

Julianos turned back to view them with a frown. Then he looked at Akatosh.

“I think we need to visit one of these days.”

Akatosh answered with a nod.

“Although Father, there is one favour I would ask.”

“Name it.”

“There is a human girl I have just met. She is one of your seekers yet she has no Divine-light within her. She is incomplete. And I fear that her continued looking for answers will soon be her undoing. I believe that she is...Important.”

“You want me to Call to her in other words?”

Myrrl nodded.

“Where to? I’ve been sending them to the Knights. Where is she going to go?”

“If I may Father?” Myrrl walked towards Julianos with his finger extended towards the Divine’s forehead.

The God shrugged and allowed the contact.

Julianos considered and then nodded his agreement. “A fair idea. Neerlah, can you link with Arrai please?”

There was a moment’s pause and then, “Father.”

“Arrai, could you have the house prepare the Aftaar?”

“Where is it going?” Arrai asked.

“Aldmeris.”

“It will be difficult for the house to manage it there. I shall have it prepare The First.”

“Thank you Arrai.”

Myrrl bowed and said “Thank you dear sister!”

“Myrrl, if you’re going to Cyrodiil, you have no excuse to not come and see me sometimes. Take care.” Said Arrai.

“I will...To both! It will be...Good to see you!”

Akatosh smirked. “Anyway, a mysterious city awaits. You can both spare a few hours. Come and see what’s there.”

“Wait!” said Neerlah. They all turned to look at her, “Arrai?” she added.

“What’s the name of person we’re sending Aftaar to?” Arrai asked.

Julianos looked to Myrrl.

“It will be quicker if I link you the name and location.” The Androform said.

Myrrl then turned his head. “Lord Akatosh, the information I gave the Aldmerians was only the truth. It is only information. It has not caused any grief, panic, terror or otherwise. The people of Aldmeris have far more pressing concerns, such as ‘Please Gods let me have some crops to tend and also could I not be eaten today?’. The country is too busy to be worried by dogma and division over religion. As it should be. Please let us not be at odds over this?”

Akatosh nodded and indicated the city with his head.

They walked.


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




21st daytime of calendyear Six, in the Aldmerian cycle, 25373 ADW. (After Dawn War).




Outside Drzancheleft. North-west Aldmeris.




Dear Gods does she ever shut up?! Thought J’Drell.

They were out by the nearest Watcher, ostensibly going over the basics of shield use and sword holding, but actually using the cover to talk of more delicate matters.

“I thought you said I’d be exploring the ruins?” Danikka pouted.

“Yes, I did. And you will. Just not yet.” Replied J’Drell. “When you started talking of your dream though, I thought it best to...talk separately. You wish to have the finest minds on Aldmeris to start crawling around inside your brain?..If you’re not careful, literally.”

“What do you mean?”

“If I’m right, it sounds as if you’ve been called to the service of the Nine in the name of Julianos. And since I’ve been here, there’s only been a dozen people who were Called. And they were Arrived.”

“Eleven.”

“What?”

“There’s eleven Divines. And what do you mean the only Called were Arrived?”

“Sorry, of course. No, wait, two are dead so there’s only nine. Anyway, you get talking about a dream like that, and what it means...People will get curious. Just get on with your stance practice. And I meant that the only other Called I’ve ever met are Arrived, brought here...and I know when they Arrive because I’m told by Myr...I mean, Muir-El.

“Get on with it!” He pointed.

The girl ran through the form drill and J’Drell had to admit that Danikka was a fast learner. And a surprisingly hard worker, given her tendency to pout.

And my Gods she could talk.

“Make sure your feet are planted properly. Balance.” He walked to her with his sword and shield and demonstrated again.

“That’s a very pretty sword Commander.” Danikka observed.

J’Drell looked down at his Katana. Yes it was pretty. His original one was in his home. Impossibly old now, he’d had a ‘Smith make a new one every so often down the years. Always a copy of the original. He looked down at the girl, handed the sword to Danikka and stepped back.

She swished the sword experimentally. J’Drell frowned. Five days she’d been in the Armeris, having apparently never been near a sword. He had to admit, Myrrl may have been right about this girl.

“Go back to your sword. Tell me all of the dream again.” The Commander said.

Danikka sighed but talked as she moved.

“Well, there was a voice first. It said ‘Why is it only I get sent to silly girls out in the middle of nowhere, hmm?’ then a white haired old man in strange dress appeared. He was frowning. And then he said to me ‘Mark well girl, and remember.’ Then he put his hands together and opened them like it was a book. I felt a burning in my mind.” Danikka carefully put a hand to her head, “..And then...Then there were some pictures of mountains and stuff...And then the old man raised an eyebrow, grabbed the edges of his jacket by his chest, said ‘Hmmph!’ and disappeared.”

J’Drell half-smiled at this last bit. Then he turned away from her and his eyes glowed purple as he activated the life detect, just to be sure. He turned back to talk to her.

“Well?” she asked.

“The location? Can you picture it? Back in my day we were called to The Priory, Or New Kvatch, or Newheart. I’m really not sure where you’d be called to here.”

“Wait, I know some of them names, but they’re not on Aldmeris.”

“Hah...Yes, they’re a long way from here.”

Danikka frowned. Where are you actually from? When are you from? The girl thought, but she said, “I’ve read them, years ago.” She made a noise of frustrated effort. “Where do I know them from?”

J’Drell sighed. “So you’ve forgotten already?”

“What do you mean?”

“What did he say? And do?”

“Oh!”

Danikka put her hands together, concentrated and opened them like a book. A glowing tome appeared in them. “Ah!” she said stunned. The book felt warm in her hands. Words scrawled along the page and realised instantly what the ‘Book’ did, “We have an old journal in the house, a very old journal.” She said, frowning at J’Drell. “The Knights of The Nine. You’re a Knight of The Nine. From Tamriel. You’re in the journal. It’s not just someone with the same name is it?, it is you isn’t it?”

J’Drell looked down at the floor and dug at the ground with the point of the sword. He slowly nodded, not looking up. “Cyrodiil.”

“How the hells is it you? How old are you anyway?! How did we get the journal?”

“Well...” J’Drell scratched the back of his neck, “Long story, ageless and I look at you now and remember something I should never have forgotten. Someone.”

“Who?”

“Nevermind.”

“Tell me!”

J’Drell frowned and said “Remember who you’re talking to girl.”

Danikka pouted.

J’Drell rolled his eyes. “The pictures, location...Do they mean anything to you?”

Danikka sighed and shook her head. Then a look of an idea crossed her face. She closed the book and then opened it again. “Here!”

J’Drell smiled and said “Good girl, I know that place. We’ll get some of the others and go find it, starting tomorrow.”

He looked down at the girl and sighed.

“I’m sorry. The story of my age and how it is me is such a long one.”

“Is it a long trip? You can tell me then.”

“Hah...Yes, it might well be.”

Danikka frowned as if considering if this was an insult. “The someone?”

“A woman, with long dark hair...Called herself Shaade. But that’s for later. Storytime over, back to your practice.”

Danikka did, with renewed enthusiasm.

Suddenly there was a hum and a tall figure appeared before them.

J’Drell frowned.

“That’s not Muir-El.” Danikka said.

“I know.”

The figure walked over to them.

“Myrrl told me about you.” The Androform said, “He’s been called away, I shall be here instead.”

“I can understand you! I can understand!!”

Neerlah looked at J’Drell, who rolled his eyes.

“Wait!” said Danikka, “how can I understand you?”

“It’s the Call, Julianos’ gift.” J’Drell told her.

Danikka positively beamed and started doing a dance on the spot whilst singing “I can talk to Anshalls, oh I can talk to Anshalls.”

Neerlah looked at Danikka, to J’Drell then back to Danikka and shook her head. She said to J’Drell, “I am Neerlah, I will be here in Myrrl’s stead. Fear not.” She nodded and then vanished.

Danikka stopped dancing. “Why does it-”

“She.”

“She?!..How do you know?”

J’Drell sighed and raised his eyebrows.

“Anyway, why does she keep calling him Myrrl?”

J’Drell winced and looked down briefly “Because that’s his name?”

Danikka’s jaw dropped.

“Enough of this today. I can’t take anymore.” Said J’Drell with a laugh, “Let’s go talk to your mother about some things.”



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

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Apr 3 2012, 03:26 AM

[Athynae]

Typically I would kick myself in the seat if I was late getting to one of your posts but (DO NOT take this wrong!!!) this time I am glad I was occupied elsewhere.

I am awed by this, really, just the way you describe everything and pull it all together, wonderful. The manner that Myrrl, Neerlah and Arrai communicate is classic but works so well for this piece. I am enjoying the look into the past/future or the future/past or well you know what I mean.....love it, just love it.

Danikka reminds me of a young elvish imperial I know.....hehe

[Acadian]

I like anything featuring a dragon! And this one could fly straight up – well, until it got its head cut off. By a sword.

I see Danikka is gradually figuring out brother Androform and sister formette.

So pouting, frowning, talking Danikka is striking to become a Knight of the Eleven! And she is clearly making good progress because, before the end, she is swishing swords and dancing!

[mALX]

Looks like Danikka made quite an impression on Myrrl, lol. Can't wait to see where that takes her ... to the Knights of the Nine in Cyrodiil by chance? Great Write !!


Ah crap, I thought I was at the end of it and missed a whole section. Hold on, I'll be back with more comments, lol.

Hah !!! I am loving the addition of Danikka !!! Great Write !!!

This post has been edited by mALX: Feb 19 2012, 04:06 AM

[Grits]

Wow, the Spydros sound extremely creepy. The tiny feet really got to me for some reason.

I think the switches in POV between Danikka and Myrrl worked very well here, as I didn’t go too long guessing in Danikka’s paragraphs before Myrrl’s thoughts confirmed or corrected me with the Tamrielic names. (I didn’t get that it was a dragon until Myrrl named it, for example, but I didn’t have to wonder for long.)

The five Spydros took one step and were crushed as the body of the Draig landed on them.

Danikka was stunned as Muir-El made a shouting noise and then started applauding himself!

All in a day’s work for Myrrl! The, er, huge Androform really charmed in this section, and the part with J’Drell.



As Myrrl grabbed him, Julianos put his hand to the forearm of his son and smiled affectionately. “It’s been too long Myrrl, you should visit more.”

Isn’t that always the case with parents and their grown offspring. Even the immortals should visit more often!

The little standoff between Myrrl and Akatosh was very interesting. Good to get the nod from Akatosh that he wasn’t going to start a religious war as his first act upon visiting Aldmeris.

How fun to see J’Drell of the expressive face dealing with Danikka of the running mouth.

I really enjoyed this part!

[treydog]

1.11 (Part 4)

[quote]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.[/quote]

Rather reminds me of Indie shooting the scimitar-wielding character in Raiders… And is equally gratifying.

[quote]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. [/quote]

Oh my- definitely a twist I did not see coming.

[quote]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.” [/quote]

Damn and blast. It is always hard losing comrades.

[quote]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.”[/quote]

Have to agree there.

[quote]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.[/quote]

Incredibly vivid scene- so well described that I felt as if I was there.

[quote]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.”[/quote]

A real leader- a good one- will give you the reaming you deserve- AND understand why you had to do what you did.

1.11 (Part 5)

[quote]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.[/quote]

As did I upon reading that.

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

Quoted for truth.

[quote]“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.”[/quote]

That goes a long way toward explaining things- and is also some powerful writing.

[quote]“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.”[/quote]

Perhaps- if he was feeling generous…

1.11 (Interlude)

[quote]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.[/quote]

A lot of history expertly covered in a small space.

[quote]“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.[/quote]

That made me smile.

And really- I want to quote the WHOLE section. But I will settle for closing with this- as the wise writer did before me-

[quote]The two old friends sat - or stood - and watched the stars come out.[/quote]

[McBadgere]

Thank you so much Treydog...I imagine that a post likes that takes ages, and I'm so...Oh, I don't know the word...They all seem trite somehow... ...But whatever it is, I am...Thank you so much...It's always encouraging...

For the more recent parts, thank you all and I apologise for being so...Confusing... ...Which these next few sections will make even worse, as they have little to do with the last part... ...

To colour in from the start...The year is 3E 604, which is a good 160 years after Oblivion and New Kvatch's start...This is the year that the game Skyrim makes out as when the Aldmeri Dominion (The ruling Altmer and Bosmer collective) having conquered many lands previously held by Cyrodiil's Empire, decide to invade Cyrodiil itself...Obviously, I'm having none of that as it makes no sense within where I'm going with me story...

I've had this rebuttal planned since about a week after Skyrim came out...I hate the game's story, and am enjoying burying it...

Thank you...






1.12 – Empire (Pt.1)







3E 604 – Imperial Palaces, Newheart. 30 miles south-west of Cheydinhal.






Seven pairs of heavy booted, martial feet echoed as they made their way along the marble floor of the Imperial Palace’s throne room. The soldiers of the Second Aldmeri Dominion marched briskly towards the occupant of the throne, looking neither left at the opulent furnishings and ornate hanging tapestries, depicting the major cities and landmarks of Cyrodiil, or right, out of the giant windows, beyond which lay ornamental, manicured, terraced gardens. Seven pairs of eyes stared fixedly at the seated, emerald green attired small woman with copper coloured hair, who at this point seemed to have not noticed their approach.

The lead Altmer, General Sher Derlar, brought the party to a stop at the base of the steps up to the dais. He watched the Empress reading a book to the two children at her knee. The young girl’s eyes kept trying to turn to watch the soldiers, but the son’s seemed to be fixed on his mother. The General looked up behind the throne. Two soldiers – a pair of The Empire’s vaunted Knights’ Blades – stood either side, a female Khajiit on the left and a male Nord on the right. Both stood with legs apart and arms folded, at ease. Knowing who they were, the General was under no illusions about how battle ready the pair were.

Sher Derlar didn’t become the Aldmeri Dominion’s finest general by going into situations blindly, and recognised the shape of this trap before it could be sprung.

He cleared his throat.


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


“Empress Mia McWylde, The Second Aldmeri Dominion has conquered your most hallowed hall and now holds you prisoner. Call off your armies, submit to our will and rule and you will be treated fairly.”

“...And that is how Farn Olfsson saved the day again. If only all Olfssons were as heroic, eh?” The Empress smiled and turned to look at the Nord.

The children laughed at the joke.

“Madam!” the General said with an edge.

“Oh, yes, hello!” Said the Empress with surprise and closed the book. “Still, after a hundred and fifty years, some things have to change eh?” she smiled at the Aldmeri soldiers. “Have you ever read this General?...Um?”

“Derlar, madam.”

“Derlar,” the Empress nodded. “Well, General? Have you ever read ‘Legends of The Knights of The Nine?’”

“We are required to study all the texts regarding our greatest enemies.”

“Greatest enemies? You’ve only been causing trouble for thirty years for Aetherius’ sake, how can they be your ‘Greatest Enemies’” The Empress said in a mocking voice while she made quotation marks with her fingers.

“Madam, your Highness, please, I don’t think you appreciate the danger you’re in. We have you completely at a disadvantage. You have sent all your troops away, you have little to no defence here. We are the elite troops of the Aldmeri Dominion and there are only two here to defend you. There were none outside.

“You can end this without loss of life. All you have to do is surrender, right here, right now.”

“Otherwise?”

“Please, have one of these...Soldiers take the children away. I am not without respect. They do not need to hear...discussions.” The General narrowed his eyes.

The girl whimpered and looked up at her mother with trembling lip.

The Empress put her hand out and gestured with her eyebrows, then winked. The daughter smiled weakly and put her hand to her mother’s, who gripped it.

Mia McWylde was about to speak when her son said,

“Can I kick him in the nuts?”

The words died in the Empress’ open mouth as she looked at her son.

“Only Olfsson said I should kick people I don’t like in the nuts.”

“Did he indeed?” The Empress looked around at Cairn Olfsson who had the good grace to look embarrassed. “We are at court Robert, can you mind your manners?”

“Oh, sorry mother...Please can I kick-“

“No!

“We used to call then Jerbey’s in my day and then only-”

“MADAM! You are in a dire situation. Could you please give it some damned respect!!”

“You mind your language in front of my children man! Now, what do you know of me?”


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


The General could feel the trap starting to bite, but he was – he had to admit – somehow unable to see where it was coming from.

The Empress asked him again.

“What do you know of me?”

The months of study ran away with his mouth.

“You are Empress Mia Seren Jarn, but you rule with the Dynastic name of McWylde. A former Knight of The Nine yourself, you married Andreius Jarn, another Knight of The Nine after you rose to the throne and eventually had these two...children, Prince Robert and Princess Eleni. Your father is the Nordic Knight, Karran Shernsson, one of these ‘Legends of the Knights’ you speak of, and your mother is Maire Shernsson, bearer of the Emerald Lamp, high-keeper of the flame in the Order of The Lamp. She is the only daughter of Emperor Robert McWylde and his wife prior to his rising to the Dragon Throne, Caroline. Your mother’s younger brother was taken by the same conflict that also took your father, your brother, and led to your grandfather’s death in the destruction of the old Imperial City.

“That act is still under discussion as to how it happened, the White-Gold Tower had stood for many an age, and yet it now lies ruined by a wave of destruction previously unheard of.” Having no opinions or facts levelled at him, the General continued, “I know that you are much older than you appear, and that’s down to the Altmer blood in your family, which seems to be still going strong given that it is now four generations back.

“You ascended to the throne twenty years ago on the day your Grandfather died. Your mother actually inherited it, but then abdicated in favour of you within seconds.

“You rule over a much diminished Empire – if it could be even truly called that anymore – but much of the blame for that lies with the Elder Council’s having ruled for too long without a true Emperor...Or Empress.

“And you rule from here, the palaces in the city of Newheart, as in New heart of the Empire. Very clever.”

The General tilted his head, “Anything else or can we get on with it now?”

The Empress leaned forward with a particularly venomous smile. “No, that’s my biography, I said what do you know of me?”

Damn, the General thought, I can feel the trap...Where is it?


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


“Did you know that my favourite colour is emerald green, because it reminds me so much of my mother?...Or did you know that I when I’m here alone you’re more likely to find me in the servant’s kitchens of an evening, eating chicken and deep fried chipped potatoes with them, than the dross that I get at these almost unending damned banquets?..I love cats, dogs, the smell of summer rain on sun-baked ground, I want a pet unicorn and did you know that I would never, ever,” The Empress spat the word with all the venom she could, “keep my children in a situation where there was the slightest danger to them?”

The General frowned and looked left and right.

“I have three words for you General and your ‘we need a second Aldmeri Dominion because the first one failed spectacularly.’”

General Derlar sneered, “I’ll never surrender?”

“Isn’t that technically four words? I’ll...It’s a contraction isn’t it?...I will never surrender...That’s four?..But I suppose I’ll is used so much that it doesn’t matter really...” The Empress shook her head and frowned, “But anyway, ignoring the possibility of it being four words, it is definitely a cliché. No, I was thinking more,” The Empress sat forward with eyes shining with magic as she said,

“Fus-Ro-DAH!”

The air blast from the Thu’um knocked the seven soldiers backwards as if autumn leaves before a storm. They came to an abrupt halt at the wall and thick oaken doors that had been closed behind them.

The Empress stood, lifted the front hem of the skirts on her emerald silken gown and sped towards the piled soldiers. Skidding to a dignified halt next to the General. Mia knelt down and smiled a particularly humourless smile at the Altmer.

“You arrogant little $hit, you really believed you could just walk in here and demand we roll over for the great Altmer nation didn’t you?” she nodded, “You thought that you could just lure me into making a mistake like leaving here undefended? HAH!...What’s most insulting is that everyone always underestimates me. I mean how stupid can one man be fercryingoutloud? You said it all yourself, Knight of The Nine? Nordic Legend of a father? Most powerful woman in the world for a mother? And I’m the kriffing Empress you idiot! Any idea of the power that gives you? And I mean literally not figuratively. And you genuinely thought that you seven ever held a slightest threat to me? HAH!”

The general was gasping for breath but he forced out, “Language Empress. More soldiers coming, Shrouded. You’re dead but you don’t know it.”

“No there isn’t.” McWylde shook her head. “We knew you were coming, we knew when you crossed onto the estate and you were followed all the way in here.”

“Heh, impossible. We know that the Shrouded cannot be followed.”

Mia’s eyes flashed purple. A ghostly figure appeared, hanging in the air behind her. A full face covering dwarven helmet on its head, its chest covered in a ghostly representation of the Knights’ armour, ending in the traditional wispy skirts of the wraiths.

“Meet the Zephyr Wraith, for want of a better name...I call him Keith.” She smiled back at the wraith. “Developed by the finest minds in Cyrodiil, they came up with the ultimate defence for the Shroud. You see, you still make people shaped air pockets when you move.” The Empress shrugged. “They saw, they warned us, you were followed.”

“Impossible.”

“Besides, with a room full of soldiers you were never going to get very far.”

“What the hells do you mean now woman?” asked the General with a disgusted sneer.

“Meet my husband, General.”

A man appeared, standing right behind the Empress. He was blonde haired, blue eyed and had the look of a man who was generally unimpressed.

The General’s eyes widened in shock. The shock grew as the remainder of the soldiers revealed themselves.

“General,” Mia said, “Meet the Knights’ Blades and the Knights’ Shadow. Be impressed, be very impressed.”

“We still have an invasion fleet.” The General spat out.

“Yeah well, we have a J’Drell. Now,” men’s knees buckled, the young princess squealed briefly and fainted. She caught by the prince and placed, seated on the throne, the Universe was generally warped as Mia McWylde brought the full power of the Voice of The Empress to bear on the Altmer General, “what are your plans General? And I don’t mean the ‘Log cabin for the weekend with pretty lieutenant’s pretty wife.’” Mia looked left briefly, “Widow.”

Mia looked thoughtful for a moment, then she added, “And just for the record, I’m going to take it all back. Every bit of the lost Empire I will have back. I’m going to live for a long time General. Every country. One at a time.

“Now, about those plans.”


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


When the General had finished talking Mia stood up.

“Deal with that.” She ordered the soldiers while pointing.

Two fast talking children rushed at the Empress, and it was with a wince at the squeal from the Altmer General that she realised that the answer “Yes of course!” had gone to the wrong question. As the little princess had run to her with, “Mummy! Mummy!! Did I do good? Was I a brave girl?” the prince had simply asked at the same time, “Please can I kick him in the nuts now?”

“That reminds me,” she said to her husband, “did the Surilles ever deliver the wine?”

She kissed the heads of the two children and called Cairn Olfsson over to look after them. She dragged her husband behind one of the large stone columns inside the throne room. Then she planted her lips on his and kissed Andreius deeply.

They parted and he asked, “What now?”

“Well,” she looked up demurely from under her lashes, “I’m going back to my room and have a beautiful Khajiiti help me take off my clothes,” She bit the corner of her bottom lip, “and change into something more befitting,” she leaned in, lips close to his, “a good...Hard...Ride...” She paused. And then said loudly, “It’s your own fault Olfsson, you shouldn’t have been eaves-dropping.”

Mia looked up at her husband. Andreius said, “You’re going to Anvil aren’t you?”

She nodded. “I have to.”

Jarn frowned, “No you don’t, you want to.”

“Careful husband, I am still your Empress.” She mock chided him.

“Yes, that you are your Highness. I can still worry can’t I?”

“Of course. It won’t make the slightest difference though.” Mia smiled.

“Would it help if I was on my knees?”

“Undoubtedly,” the Empress raised an eyebrow, “but we haven’t got time for that sort of thing.” She smiled at her husband briefly but then it dropped as she shouted, “Olfsson!! Oh for Gods’ sake, go get a drink man!” Mia sighed and then said, “See the children safely to Cloud Ruler Temple, I’ll join you ere I’m able.”

Andreius looked pained.

“Why are you suddenly talking like that?” he asked.

“Dunno, seemed somehow appropriate. Look, if all goes well, it’s unlikely to take very long.”

“And if it goes badly?”

“Then I shall arrive at Cloud Ruler needing a long hot bath...As I shall be all...Sweaty and dishevelled...” She paused. “I said, sweaty and dishevelled!”

Mia leaned back behind the column to look at the soldiers. All of them were staring towards the throne, she looked back to her husband who was also doing likewise.

Empress McWylde turned and beheld a well dressed, bearded man, sat on the opulent throne. As one, the sound of many swords being drawn and the noise of destructive spells being called to free hands filled the room.

“Oh dear,” the bearded man said, “I fear this is becoming a familiar and tiresome habit.” And clicked his fingers.

The scene changed to all the soldiers spinning around the room as if dancing formally, hand in hand and hand on back, all in a large circle. Music was coming from all around them, with no visible means.

The dead Altmer were lying on the large sofas, as if asleep.

Mia noted that while she was dancing with the bearded man, her husband was with the Khajiit, Ka’Sari, Cairn Olfsson was looking less happy at dancing with the Altmer General, but the children were laughing while dancing together quite happily in a smaller circle inside the adults’.

“Aww.” She cooed.

“Yes, quite sweet.” The bearded man said. “Now, my dear, it’s been a while...Let’s talk of blessings shall we?”


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

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Feb 25 2012, 02:44 PM

[Colonel Mustard]

A very enjoyable part once more, and the Empress toying with the Thalmor general was a wonderfully fun read; not to mention the rather ingenious use of magic in this part once more (looking for displaced air was inspired).

Did notice this rather odd sentence here, though:

“I have three words for you General and your ‘we need a second Aldmeri Dominion because the first one failed spectacularly’”

It seems like you started writing this sentence and then forgot to finish it, as far as I can tell.

[mALX]

“Can I kick him in the nuts?”

... “We are at court Robert, can you mind your manners?”

“Oh, sorry mother...Please can I kick-“

ROFL !!!!

“I have three words for you General...

“Fus-Ro-DAH!”

SPEW !!! Loved this !!!

The air blast from the Thu’um knocked the seven soldiers backwards as if autumn leaves before a storm.

...“You arrogant little $hit, you really believed you could just walk in here and demand we roll over for the great Altmer nation didn’t you?”

...What’s most insulting is that everyone always underestimates me. I’m the kriffing Empress you idiot! Any idea of the power that gives you? And I mean literally not figuratively.

... More soldiers coming, Shrouded. You’re dead but you don’t know it.”

...impossible. We know that the Shrouded cannot be followed.”

...“Meet the Zephyr Wraith, for want of a better name...I call him Keith.” She smiled back at the wraith

...you still make people shaped air pockets when you move.”

...with a wince at the squeal from the Altmer General that she realised that the answer “Yes of course!” had gone to the wrong question.

Sounds like Sheogorath at the end, lol.

I have to say, this was my fave chapter so far. Loved it !! Awesome Write !!

*

[Acadian]

A surrender gone awry! Nice build up, and lovely manner you gave to the empress. The general even suspected a trap, but it didn’t save him.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Feb 26 2012, 02:31 AM

[Grits]

Oh, this is great! Prince Robert was hilarious. When he used his courtly manners, I laughed and laughed.

I just love the Empress! She was awesome throughout. I especially enjoyed her sense of humor.

This is such fun! I’m guessing that Empress Mia’s hard ride to Anvil is to meet the invading fleet? I can’t wait to see where you go with this story!

[Athynae]

Yepper, I concur with all the previous posties, WONDERFUL!!!!

Even with the loss of understanding on my part to any Skyrim references, I know nothing of Skyrim really, this is still an incredible piece that stands quite well as it's own story. Little Robert reminds me of someone I know, hhmm, let me think....well, anyway, seems like I know him or at least one of his off springs off spring...nevermind.

McB I loved it, absolutely loved it. Fan, fan, tastic.

[McBadgere]

...

Colonel Mustard, thank you very much sir...I enjoy muchly the magic stuff...I hope you like what's coming up in a while...Cheers mate... ...

mALX...Glad you liked it...I really enjoyed writing that one...More me that chapter I think... ...

Acadian...Thank you so much, your words are always encouraging and I thank you for the compliments you paid in your message...*Salutes*...

Grits... ...Yes, Mia is on her way to Anvil...All hell will break loose methinks... ...Big stuff for her soonish...Cheers so much, glad you liked it also!... ...

Athynae...Sorry about the Skyrim stuff...I keep forgetting not everyone knows it all...Hopefully I've gone some way to correcting that with the intro to this one...

Thank y'all so much...

NEW PARTS!!!!...


There are some words in these sections upcoming that some people may not get...Here is a list of the most likely and links to explainations...

Dwemer

An Illustration of Dwemer architecture Not a great representation, maybe there’s better elsewhere...But the Dwemer seem to fuse magic and technology...At least in my story they do... ...It looks kinda Steampunk, with lots of brass coloured steam-driven pistons and cogs and stuff like that...Y’know...Oh Google it!... ...

Impeller. And this Which lead to these and this prettyness.


Where we are...



It is 171 years after the events of Oblivion. The Altmer/Bosmer joint ruling council, The Second Aldmeri Dominion has begun a bid for world domination. Having annexed the southern half of Valenwood, they now push north overland in one offensive, and head for Anvil on the Gold Coast of Cyrodiil with a second wave, a huge naval force. The initial attempt by the Altmer Elite General Derlar to force the surrender by threatening the Empress has failed...However, the navy is unaware of this turn of events...





1.12 – Empire (pt.2)





3E 604 – Approximately 1.5 Miles off the coast of Anvil, Cyrodiil.




Fleet Admiral Nol Areldur of the Great Altmer Navy, looked up from the map for the tenth time today, pinched the bridge of his nose, and walked to the handrail at the front of the bridge of his ship, The Pride of Alinor.

The ship was three hundred years old – half Areldur’s age – and Areldur had been its Captain first, and then, when he quickly rose in rank, to the very top of the command chain, Areldur chose it as his flagship.

It – and he – had sailed around the globe more times than any other vessel in existence, the Dwemer impellers below the waters having pushed it to or past so many wonders – the giant Mariarly Reef at Pyargnarngan; The boiling seas at Narm; The Fliedhe Wrong off Yokuda.

Areldur had taken the Pride of Alinor to the very edge of the current’s pull towards The Great Mistake, the mile high – at a guess – upward flowing step of water that legend has it, surrounds the lost continent of Aldmeris, where other legends have it, the Altmer nation was sundered from. Having sailed all the way around The Great Mistake and looked up in wonder, with his crew, at the eye-watering wrongness of the wall of water, it’s hard to see how the Great Altmer Nation managed to get down in the first place.

It was hard to imagine a port that the Admiral had not stopped at; a people not traded with; a pirate of the Eltheric Ocean, Azuran or Abeccan Seas not chased and battled.

And for all those miles full of wonders and peoples, Nol Areldur found it hard to imagine how he’d wind up having to take orders from someone so mind bogglingly stupid as Supreme Commander of The Thalmor Invasion Force, Merhal Tcheet.

Dear Gods, even the pirates had some sense of honour...and basic sea tactics. How in the name of Auri-El had he come to this?

Areldur sighed, took one more look along the length of his mighty ship and turned around, leaning back against the front guard-rail.

“For the thousandth time, we cannot and I will not order, the driving forward at full speed.”

“Admiral-” started Tcheet.

“Fleet Admiral.”

“I apologise, Fleet Admiral Areldur, who exactly is in command here? Hmmm? I am tired of sitting here for the...However many days it has been now, watching my men heave over the side over the boat.”

Areldur sharply drew breath. “Commander Tcheet-”

“Supreme Commander.” The other greasily added.

“Most Supreme Commander, I have been on this ship for twice the time your father has been alive. I have seen things that would make your immaculately preened hair turn white. And even you must realise that a wall of cloud that define the edges of a box, that when a ship goes near, it turns said around and pushes it back the way it came, cannot be less than a trap.”

Areldur had to grant that the cloud covering them was light enough to see well, but not thin enough to see through.

He continued, “We have lost the compasses’ ability to give a reading...Something is stopping them working, therefore we have lost all sense of direction. Our impellers are all at station keeping, but given my experience, I’m convinced the entire square that the fleet covers has been turned around more than once. Even if we could get through that,” he pointed at the cloud, “for all we know, we could dash on the rocks as soon as we were out.”

The Supreme Commander’s jaw was still slack and the shock still evident. “They’ve turned the water around?”

“I suspect so,” Areldur answered and then smirked, “and you want to invade them.”

“The Aldmeri Dominion will cover the world. Glory to the Thalmor.” The commander said without feeling.

The Admiral bowed his head, put his hands into the pockets of his greatcoat, turned his back on the Supreme Commander and said under his breath, “I do so hope not.”

Fleet Admiral Nol Areldur looked out at the clouds and thought, Whatever you’re going to do, do it now...Please?..

When the universe failed to comply, Areldur sighed. He was about to turn around when he caught sight of his oldest friend in the fleet, Commodore Siar Eremnor, pacing along the deck of his ship, the giant battleship, The Sword of Dusk. Eremnor turned his head towards Nol smiled briefly and continued his pacing, hands behind his back. Areldur was about to turn away when the Commodore hand flashed in signal, the words “Port in view.” Which made the Admiral smile. The old naval equivalent of “Are we there yet?”

“What was that?” asked the Supreme Commander behind him, obviously having witnessed the exchange.

Areldur counted to ten and then turned to face the man. “Nothing Supreme Commander, a status report, nothing more.”

Merhal Tcheet was looking decidedly green, the Admiral decided. He wondered how much was down to the sea. Ye Gods, he’s younger than some of my grandchildren, thought Areldur. “How much time have you actually spent at sea Merhal?”

The Supreme Commander frowned briefly at the familiar use of his name, but then softened and answered, “We went on manoeuvres to practice the voyage and landings, around the islands out in the Abeccan. A few weeks maybe.” He shrugged. “I spent a lot of time studying though, General Derlar-”

The Admiral snorted at the name.

Having heard the objections before, Tcheet continued, “General Derlar briefed me on much of what to expect and had me study naval tactics and the such-like.

“My father, the Overlord, personally chose me for this for my skills Admiral, so please don’t treat me like a child.”

“That’s unfair Merhal, I know very well who your father is, and exactly why he chose you. I’m not treating you like a child, you’re responsible for the lives of thousands of people here, and be honest, you may be an exceptional warrior on land, but this,” he gestured out, “is not the most familiar of territories for you.

“Well, it is for me.” He gestured for the young man to follow and walked to the side-rail and looked down. “If you think you have seen almost everything the sea can throw at you, she’ll find something new to surprise you with. All you can do is follow the currents that you’re on now and hope that she doesn’t choose to dash you on the rocks as soon as look at you.”

“Are we talking about women now?” Merhal had obviously got the point, but smiled as the question was asked.

Nol laughed, “You may as well say I have been married three times. Two of them were loving marriages, bore children, but ultimately failed because they couldn’t compete with my first love...Wife.”

Tcheet smiled perplexedly and shook his head.

Areldur continued, “A wise man called Hogarth once observed,

‘I’ve seen too much of life,
So the sea is my wife,
And the sweet ocean cloud is the mistress I’m allowed,
For now.’”

Merhal looked up at the clouds and simply said, “I’d rethink your taste in mistresses if I were you.”

Nol shook his head with a smile. He looked at the Supreme Commander, who was again, looking perplexed. “Leave the sea stuff to me lad. I know what I’m doing.” He sighed and looked down at the sea, “I know how much this means. As soon as we know what this is,” he gestured upwards, “we’ll find a way out, and you’ll get your glory from your father, don’t worry.” He smiled.

Merhal inhaled deeply and nodded, seemingly satisfied. “Glory to the Thalmor.”

“Indeed.”

They paused a while, the only sound was the gentle hum of the impellers, holding them in place. The young Altmer broke the quiet.

“What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen out there Fleet Admiral?”

Areldur didn’t pause before starting, “The Alinor was out on in the middle of the Padomaic Ocean when all four of the impellers failed, just stopped dead. Nothing could be done with them...There was a brief moment of worry, I will admit. The Padomaic is a big expanse of water to be marooned on. There was nothing from horizon to horizon, no land, no ships. It was as flat as a mirror...So still.” He paused for a time. “Rather than let the crew go to despair, I allowed the...rations to be broken out and a celebration of sorts began below decks. Knowing that these things often go better without the commander watching, I left and went for a walk on the deck. We’d left no watch as there seemed no need. So, I was alone with the still, moonlit ocean...Or so I thought.

I turned around and saw the most beautiful and terrifying sight I have ever had the fortunate misfortune of.”

“Wait, this is the ghost story isn’t it? This is the Mriizeleft. Hah! Pull the other one Admiral, you’re not telling me you saw it?”

“You look into my eyes and tell me I’m joking.”

The Commander’s jaw fell again.

“It was indeed, the lost dwemer Greatship, The Mriizeleft. I watched it approach, draw next to us, no further away than that next ship...So big...It dwarfed – for want of a better word – the Alinor...” Areldur shook his head, “Massive ship...Anyway, it passed so close I could see up into some of the windows. I think the most disquieting thing about it were the lights in some of them.

It passed by slowly, its impellers constant. Then it was away, and I watched it towards the horizon until I couldn’t pick its lights out amongst the stars.

The entire time from first seeing it to losing it in the night, I felt as though I was being watched.” Nol squeezed the handrail as he said, “It was the most beautiful ship I have ever seen.”

“Were you rescued quickly?”

Nol laughed shortly, “Oh, that was the best bit. I stood on deck looking at the horizon long after I’d lost sight of the Mriizeleft. I almost jumped out of my skin as a ship-man touched my elbow, I hadn’t heard him trying to talk to me. That was when the impellers all started up again. As if nothing had happened...Well, I ordered full speed on the heading I knew the ship had taken, but we never caught up with it.”

There was suddenly applause and an Argonian voice said, “Oooh!! That was excellent!! Do you know ‘The Mystery of Sar Tharen’? Maybe you could tell that one too?!”

Nol turned around and beheld a giant, silver-blue Argonian in Knights of The Nine armour. If he hadn’t been pressed against the rail already, the Altmer Admiral would have taken a step back.

For all the Supreme Commander’s faults, one of them was not his prowess in battle. Areldur suspected this was why it took the whole of ten seconds before Tcheet was lying unconscious, slumped against the cabin’s front wall.

“Call them off.” The Argonian gestured to the approaching soldiery. “I want to talk, that’s all.”

Areldur paused, ordered a halt and waved the guards to descend the stairs again.

“Knight-Commander J’Drell, I presume?”

J’Drell nodded, “And you’re Marn Areldur’s cousin, Nol.”

“You know my cousin?” Asked Nol with surprise.

“Yes, he’s also a Knight of The Nine, one of the original actually.”

“And yet he doesn’t lead you?”

“What?!” J’Drell frowned and smiled at the same time, shook his head and mumbled something about bloody Altmers, and then he said, “No, not quite. It’s a long story and we don’t have time.” J’Drell offered Tcheet’s sword, pommel first to Areldur, “Let’s talk about how we can save some lives, yes?”



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

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Mar 8 2012, 10:16 PM

[Darkness Eternal]

That Empress is a handful, isn't she?

Areldur had taken the Pride of Alinor to the very edge of the current’s pull towards The Great Mistake, the mile high – at a guess – upward flowing step of water that legend has it, surrounds the lost continent of Aldmeris, where other legends have it, the Altmer nation was sundered from.

The name of the ship is pretty cool. I like how you explained some of the description of The Great Mistake and the lore behind the water.

“That’s unfair Merhal, I know very well who your father is, and exactly why he chose you. I’m not treating you like a child, you’re responsible for the lives of thousands of people here, and be honest, you may be an exceptional warrior on land, but this,” he gestured out, “is not the most familiar of territories for you.

It is remarkable how one that is young or an amateur can hold the lives of thousands. It's a great responsibility that would have dire consequences if not taken care of.

Overall, you give some of the Altmer some new light I have never seen. I always regarded them as stuck-up, prideful golden rods but here you show a competent military force. It is no wonder the Thalmor got so far in their conquests. They are, in most ways, more efficient than the Empire.

[Acadian]

Very evocative sea stories, with just the right ring of detail and mystery. What stories the admiral’s six hundred years could surely tell! Loved the Dwemer ghost ship. As one with over a thousand days underway on naval vessels, I can attest that the sea can indeed be an unforgiving mistress.

Then an interruption by a Knight of the Nine who came aboard The Pride of Alinor by means of. . . Argonians are quite aquatic after all, aren’t they?

[McBadgere]

Darkness Eternal!!...Hello mate!!...Thank you so much for reading these last couple of chapters...Much appreciated...

Yes, the Empress is a handful, but that comes from her heratige... ...And she's a red-head...They're trouble they are...Watch them...Watch them carefully... ...

The Ship names are always fun...The books I read tend to have spaceship names so I get a load of them jumping at me...I had much fun with the names for the upcoming sections... ...Hope you like the others...

As for the Altmer...Thank you! *Bows in thanks*...I read somewhere that your heroes are only as good as your enemies...So the Altmer had to be credible at least in order for their flattening to be truly satisfying for me... ...

As for the Empire...We've had 170 years of the Knights of The Nine, in this universe at least...And there's some very clever people in there...This ain't yer Daddy's Empire no more... ...As you'll see...Or sea...


Acadian!!!...I thank you so much...Glad the ghost ship got yer attention... ...The name of it made me giggle a little when I...Well...Appropriated it... ...

Thank you...

What stories the admiral’s six hundred years could surely tell!

Funny you should say that... ...

Then an interruption by a Knight of the Nine who came aboard The Pride of Alinor by means of. . .

Some of those very clever people I mentioned...All will be...Revealed...Or should I say...Unshrouded...

...


Thank you both so much...Appreciated...

[Grits]

Oh, I love this part! As usual I was immediately captivated by your characters and the setting. Nol’s telling of his Mriizeleft sighting was exactly right. I would read a whole book of his stories. The ship’s Dwemer technology adds another fascinating layer to the story world.

And then J’Drell! I have high hopes that he and the Fleet Admiral can work something out. If they’re not hindered too much by young Supreme Commanders. You’ve given me things to think about and made me reconsider the Thalmor.

This whole section was pure enjoyment to read, every time.

[Colonel Mustard]

Mriizeleft

I see what you did there. Most cunning, sir.

Anyway, enjoyed the part once more, especially the relating of the Admirals' various experiences, and J'Drell's entry was suitably impressive indeed.

All in all, good stuff.