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

[treydog]

1.11, Part 6

[quote]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.[/quote]

That turn of phrase just strikes my peculiar sense of humor.

[quote]Suddenly the Khajiit held a hand up and the pack stopped.[/quote]

Doggone clever Khajiit trackers! Where is some catnip (or moon sugar) when your need it?

[quote]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.[/quote]

Urf.

[quote]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.[/quote]

Not that there’s anything WRONG with that….

[quote]“Your faithfulness,” she kissed his chest.

“Will always be,” his stomach.

“Rewarded.”[/quote]

I just have a bad feeling about this…

And the entire part AFTER that- just… WOW!


Julianos

[quote]None of what you’ve been told is the truth. Not all of what you’ve been told is a lie.

Remember this.[/quote]

Cryptic much, Julianos?

[quote]You never knew this, and what you knew you have forgotten.

The Truth.[/quote]

And that is another “wow” part.

1.11, Part 7

[quote]As Julianos was distracted, he failed to notice a cow walk up to the pond. Swish its tail and then drink in the pool.[/quote]

And it is the little touches that I love so much.

[quote]During the Dawn War, the energies and violence unleashed on both sides was so great that cracks had been rent in the multiverse. The They/Them had closed most of them out there. But some of the small fissures had been missed, and Julianos' home being as vast as it was, contained a few of them. Some things would appear, he would be told where, and the small Divine would go and look with genuine excitement. Sometimes it was nothing more than a fruit, sometimes more. Julianos had once had to entice a cow to follow to him to the Paradise room. A thought which still amused him when it passed through his vast and ancient memory.[/quote]

A long quote- but one that highlights a passage I simply love.

And- and… Darnand’s journal! Woo Hoo!

[quote]A chime sounded and the glass panel on the wooden box lit up blue. A scrawl appeared on the glass…[/quote]

Aedric IM?

[quote]In an age before the Dawn War, Julianos had watched everyone's work be for naught as one or other's creations fell. So he decided that if he were to create something, they would be invincible and ageless. Adaptable and intelligent. Strong and determined. Unbeatable. He would only need one if he made it right.[/quote]

That could be a problem- especially if he does it right.

[quote]All of them brilliant.

All of them the same.

All of them as different to each other in actuality as the same in appearance.

All of them as mad as a box of cats.[/quote]

Yes- a slight problem.

[quote]"Firstly, can you tell me why you're on Masser?"

"It is quiet?" [/quote]

Smile.

And the whole part is most excellently done- love the visuals.

[Athynae]

Not surprising that I really enjoyed this especially, when I was a kid I loved historical novels about the sea, mostly pirate stories but...anyway, good stuff. The pics were awesome too.That trimaran is truly something special.

This quote made me wonder if he was an ancestor of Thyna's somehow

so mind bogglingly stupid as Supreme Commander of The Thalmor Invasion Force, Merhal Tcheet.

It has to be hard to think of taking orders from someone younger than oneself but....

Ye Gods, he’s younger than some of my grandchildren

that is just stupid...lol. Taking orders from someone that much younger than you takes something special.

I absolutely loved the part about the ghost ship, wonderful descriptions so much that I could see it.

Woohoo, J'Drell, I like him

Great stuff my fuzzy friend, can't wait for more...

[mALX]

This whole chapter was outstanding, LOVED it !!! Great Write !!!!

[treydog]

16th Day

The shifting through time makes sense in a “slap my head- why didn’t I think of that” sort of way for beings which exist outside of Time. Plus, it makes for great storytelling possiblilties.

[quote]Two overturns of the calendyear and I’ll be fourteen, how grown up do I have to be? [/quote]

That is one of those things one should NEVER say- along with “what could go wrong?” and “How bad could it be?”

[quote]The Dragon continued its climb for a few seconds until a sword removed its head from its body.

The two parts continued upwards for a distance, stopped and then started to fall, separated.

Myrrl enjoyed the rushing air as he fell, and watched the ground come towards him for a time.[/quote]

I admit to a slight ambivalence here- but no more than that.

[quote]Even with the travel portals, Commander J’Drell and his oh so amazing Armeris - even if they were on their way - would be hours yet. Ours being stuck behind the shield. The dark haired girl thought.

Someone should have planned that better.[/quote]

Yes- a COUPLE of “someone’s” perhaps….

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

Just loved that bit.

[quote]He moved the giant finger away, aware that that may not be the greatest way to wake up, for a human at least.[/quote]

Possibly not…

[quote]“Am I in trouble?” she asked.

“Ooooh!!...More than you can imagine,” the commander replied with a laugh, “Myrrl wants me to train you for the Armeris.”[/quote]

Trouble for sure.

[quote]The Argonian frowned, “You get to explore the ruins.” He said raising his eyebrows again.

Well, that sold it.[/quote]

Perfect. I loved the whole section.


1.11 (Interlude Part 2)

[quote]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?”[/quote]

Cue organ music…

[quote]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?”[/quote]

Excellent.

21st Daytime

[quote]Dear Gods does she ever shut up?! Thought J’Drell.[/quote]

Quoted without comment.

[quote]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.[/quote]

See previous lack of comment.

[quote]“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.”[/quote]

And THAT is how any gods one would care to meet SHOULD manifest themselves.

[quote]“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.[/quote]

Simply LOVE that whole bit of interaction.

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

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

Hehe

1.12 (Empire Part 1)

First- the whole part is simply wonderful.

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

Riiiight…

[quote]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?”[/quote]

Simply brilliant and hilarious.

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

Which allows me to trot out one of my favorite bits of wisdom- “The map is NOT the territory.”

[quote]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!”[/quote]

And that is what SHOULD have happened before Skyrim.

[quote]“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.”[/quote]

ROFL- and of course they do.

[quote]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?”[/quote]

And that one left ME gasping for breath- for different reasons fortunately.

[quote]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.[/quote]

Oopsie.

[McBadgere]

Treydog...Seriously, words cannot express the gratitude I have towards you...*Manly hugs and pats on back*...Seriously...

Athynae...So many thanks...Yes, it's always difficult taking orders from younger peoples, but as Areldur is 600 years old, most people can be younger... ...And Tcheet is the son of the Overlord...And Nol has no choice in the matter...

Thank you so much though...Always appreciated..

mALX...Many many thanks, glad you're still reading...

Mustard...Cheers... ...Like I said to Acadian, I was giggling when I managed to Elder Scrolls that name... ...Thanks also for still being around...*Manly hugs also...*...

BTW...I'd many hug you ladies too, but...Y'know...

Grits!!!...Wow...Cheers...A whole book?...Yes, I'll see about that if I ever finish this story... ...And the Dwemer tech in Skyrim is one of the pleasures of it, so I thought it appropriate for the naval stuff...

So many many thanks...


Oooh!!...*Manly air hugs for the laydeez...*... ...

Reet...NEW PARTS!!!...Which don't really follow on from anything before!!!...Stop groaning... ...It's some history stuff...Please enjoy!!...


EDIT...The Empire storyline takes place in the year 3E 604...So these X-years ago are dated from then...






1.12 Empire – (pt.3, Know Thine Enemy – i)




30 years ago. The city of Dusk, Summerset Isles.





Commodore Siar Eremnor walked carefully along a quayside of the city on the south-eastern corner of the Summerset Isles, Dusk. Cowled and caped against both the chill of the air and watching eyes; Lightly but strongly armoured against ill-intent of any kind, the Commodore stopped several times, or walked into deep shadow in order to make sure he wasn’t being followed.

Siar looked northward, towards the main city. Dusk was his favourite city on Nirn. The place of his birth, the name of his ship, everything he held dear was here, in this city.

The only thing that could genuinely be called cosmopolitan on the somewhat staid Summerset Isles, Dusk was truly an international port. The only place goods and peoples from around the world were allowed to officially land. This had had the effect of turning the whole place into a melting pot of cultures and languages. It was an explosion of peoples, speech, music, colours, clothes, food, drink and dance. But possibly the worst crime to the city’s name, it was a place of ideas, prevented from “Infecting” the rest of the isles by the simple matter of geography, for beyond the gentle, gradual slope of the Graylie Hills beyond the edge of the city, lay the sheer sided, snow-capped granite of the Tarsuschii Mountain range, that ran southwest to northeast across the lower corner of the main island. And the only ways past them were along the two highways around the coast, and thus through the walled towns of North and West Checkpoint. The pair straddling the highways, like bloated Giants demanding a toll.

The slim, black haired Altmer made his way carefully through the whole of Dusk’s harbour district. The shine of the Knimidium powered street-lighting sparse here, lending an air of the classic to the evening.

‘The Well-Carved Mermaid’ was the quintessential sea-dog inn, small enough to be pleasant, yet big enough to “have a decent swing at yer ship-swine of a cousin”, should a chap need one. Jaunty music was playing in the corner, quiet enough to be considered background, yet loud enough that a hundred hushed conversations could take place without fear of eavesdropping.

Eremnor let his eyes acclimatise to the dark. He turned towards the bar and went over and ordered an ale, while he surreptitiously scanned the booths around the outside. Spotting a likely one, he paid the inn-keeper and walked towards it. Seated in the booth were three men, all cowled, caped and armoured, similar to him.

Recognising the two Fleet Admirals - Nol Areldur and Jeck Harramaund, along with-

“About bloody time kid!” Growled the Oversaar of the entire Altmer navy, Miitr Farrada.

Not many people could get away with calling a four and a half century old Altmer Commodore, kid, and get away with it, but then again, Farrada wasn’t your usual Commander-In-Chief. It was also a measure of how long the men at the table had known each other.

“What? Did you stop to see my sister at the brothel?..Again.” continued the white haired, almost portly Farrada.

“No, your mother. She sends her love.” Eremnor answered with a raised eyebrow.

The other’s steel-grey eyes stared over for a short while before Farrada grinned and said, “Well, as long as she cooks me breakfast in the morning.”

There was handshakes all around and the briefest of catching up with Harramaund before the Oversaar reached under the table and brought out some folders with official seals on them.



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“Right gentlemen,” started the Oversaar, “we have a total clusterfus of a situation, and it stinks worse than an Argonian garbage scow in the height of summer. Oostermann and his Thalmer finally got into power.”

There was a deep sighing from around the table.

“Except this time it’s Thalmor.”

“From One-elf to One-world?” asked Areldur.

“Didn’t he try this a hundred years ago?” Eremnor added.

“Yeah, but the Cyrodiilian supertrio of Ocato, Ormandin and McWylde – which sound like a sinister firm of solicitors – put their oars in, and he was dismissed as irrelevant.” Answered Harramaund.

“But now the damned idiot managed to get the army behind him. Something about communing with ‘the Divine Arkay’ to convince them to get behind the idea.”

The three younger High-Elves looked at Farrada with disbelief for a short while before Eremnor picked up his ale, drank a bit then asked, “Who?”

The older man smirked, raised his eyebrow and announced, “General Ofwysyn Tcheet.”

More groaning.

“Well, that makes some sense I suppose, if not a pleasant idea. He’s been on about being blessed by Arkay himself for years hasn’t he? This is what he says gives him and his ‘Elite troops’ their power.” Said Areldur.

The Oversaar nodded. “Anyway, it won’t be long before them and their ‘Second Aldmeri Dominion’ start digging their claws into us, so, to keep you out of harms’ way, lest you three decide to do something stupid,” Farrada raised his eyebrows meaningfully, “here’s your orders. Areldur and Eremnor, you’ll be taking the Third Fleet along with some clever mage-ish people to do shipwreck mapping and also some land and stellar cartography for Ormandin’s University. And you, my dear Harramaund are taking the Fourth to Black Marsh. Inter-Naval, anti-piracy protection of Argonian garbage scows off Lilmoth.” He grinned at Harramaund’s falling face. “At least it’ll be quiet, nothing much ever happens off Lilmoth.

“Oh yes, long duration stays. The stores at Firsthold await both your storeships. You pick the map-makers up off Anvil, by the way. See you all in ten years. Auri-El willing.”

The men drank up. Picked up their respective orders, shook hands and left.



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



20 years ago. Dusk harbour district, Summerset Isles.



Siar Eremnor thought much had changed in the ten years since these four men had sat together around the same table.

For one, the inn-keeper had changed the name of the inn to ‘The Sailor’s Cape’. This had seemingly had the effect of drawing more customers to the place. Thus, more conversations to hide behind.

Dusk itself was more subdued, quieter, not so festive.

Damned Thalmor. Thought Eremnor. Tcheet’s security force, the Justicars were prowling around, seemingly around every corner, making everyone nervous about doing anything.

But maybe the worst change was to Miitr Farrada, the steel-grey eyes still had their fierce burning behind them, but he was physically half the Altmer he’d been. The Oversaar was almost skeletal. Pale and drawn, with thinning hair, it was a wonder that Farrada had managed the trip. Eremnor had also noticed that a nagging cough had been punctuating the whole of Farrada’s conversation.



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



“Anyways, good to see you boys-coughcough-aaachh!...Sadly, there’s never enough time these days.” The old man sighed, “Look, things are bad up there,” Farrada pointed over his shoulder with his thumb, towards the capitol, Alinor, “Tcheet wants to go out and conquer-coughcough-everyone, and Oostermann keeps telling him to wait and follow Arkay’s plan, whatever that is...But of course, Cyrodiil’s looking all weak and vulnerable with McWylde gone, so he’s like a slaughterfish to blood..coughcough...And all the time-coughcough-Tcheet’s trying to get control of all the militaries, and the Mage’s Bureau, the Libraricon, The Information-Coll-cough-Aaargh! Damn...Collatoria. He wants everything...Fortunately they’re all up in Lillandril, out of the way.”

There was a pause as the old man sipped his water, “They’ve banned Talos worship, just stripped him from the temples.”

“Bet that pleased The Knights of The Nine.” Said Jeck Harramaund.

“Coughcough...” Farrada nodded and sat there simply breathing for a while.

Eremnor looked over the table at Nol Areldur, but he was focused on the Oversaar, his sea-blue eyes filled with as much pain as Eremnor was feeling at seeing their friend so...Diminished.

Finally, Farrada said, “They had the Knights banished from the Isles on penalty of death if they return...The Mage’s Guild has been hobbled, because of Ormandin presumably. Cyrodiil’s embassy is still open here in Dusk at least, but they’ve had to remove anything that is...Talos related.”

“So how are they getting their Knimidium?” Asked Harramaund.

“Coughcough...Not...” The old man shook his head, “Taking the lights down and breaking them up. Mages having to go back to old ways...Not...Easy...”

Farrada reached down under the table and pulled up two files. “Nol, Siar, go map some archipelagos on the far side of the Padomaic. Jeck, pirate chasing.” The old man’s eyes misted over. “Lads, we’re in trouble...I don’t know how-coughcough-long...” He looked them all in the eye, then shook his head, “I don’t know how long I can keep Tcheet out of the navy...If he does...” The Oversaar sighed, “If he does, be good Altmer boys and wait. We’re High-Elves, we play the long game very well...Coughcough...Oostermann and Tcheet will be at each other’s throats soon enough. Find the people you can trust. Make some standing orders to take it all back again.” He smiled, “for me.”

“Ach, you’ll be at the front, leading.” Said Nol.

“HAH!-coughcoughcough.” Miitr Farrada smiled, patted the side of Areldur’s face with affection and shook his head.

“Go!!...I don’t want to spend any more time with you maudlin women...Go on, stop darkening my days-coughcough-Aach!!...”

“Ten years?” asked Harramaund.

Miitr Farrada smiled, raised his eyebrows and nodded.

Areldur did the un-Altmerish thing of hugging the old man, then he stood up, kept his head down and walked straight out of the inn.

Farrada watched him leave, “Look after him, boys. This will be hard on Nol.”

Siar’s eyes misted as he shook the Oversaar’s hand and covered them with his left hand. Farrada nodded.

Harramaund did the same.

The two old friends stood up, picked up their orders, saluted Farrada and left.

Miitr Farrada watched them leave then said quietly, “Love you too boys.”

He drank his water, then stood up and left.



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15 years ago. Padomaic Ocean.



What the maps declared as Batracci Island was obviously once an Imperial outpost. There was a man-made deep harbour, deep enough for the Pride of Alinor and The Sword of Dusk, and many of the other larger vessels. There was small village built around it, a testament to the Imperialist “We can own anywhere” attitude. A fort had been built into the accessible parts of an ancient Dwemer city. Throughout the settlement, there were books, furnishings and assorted trinkets aplenty. There were also, against all odds, wells in both the village and the fort, and a free-running stream of clean, fresh water just a ways out into the grove out into the islands interior.

The Triinachii Archipelago was a chain of small islands, the largest of which was Batracci. From the highest point on the island (Nol had taken to calling it Mount Farrada, a joke the old man would have appreciated.) it was possible to see from horizon to horizon over the top of the other small islands. At the opposite end of the Archipelago was a small colony of Redguards from Yokuda. Why they’d never found the fort and its shelter was beyond Nol.

Batracci made both a good staging point for the Fleet, and a chance for all the sailors to stretch their legs at some point. Areldur gave thanks to whichever expansionist Emperor created this oasis in the deep sea.

Nol breathed deeply of the sea air and looked up to the sky. The high cloud suggested that there may be a chance of storms coming soon. The Altmer sighed, turned and was about to descend from the fort tower he was currently on when he glanced up at Mount Farrada. He could see signalling from the top, Ships Incoming, repeated over and over. Nol put his hand up and signalled the acknowledgement, then started barking orders for crews to make ready.


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


Some time later, Nol Areldur, Siar Eremnor and Head of Fleet Security, Colonel Rae Treort, stood on the harbour watching a sleek, black ship enter the harbour and pull to a stop next to a set of stairs. The flag that it bore on its single mast, the only reason it hadn’t been blown out of the water by the watch-ships.

The Thalmor.

Areldur watched as a group emerged from the cabin at the back of the main deck. A man garbed in the dark trouser and shirt outfit, covered by the long black, hooded overcoat of one of Tcheet’s Justicars walked to the edge of the ship and stepped confidently onto the stone stairs, followed by two security soldiers, in full elvish armour no less.

Areldur found himself smirking. Bet that’s hot. He thought to himself.

Several other fully armoured Thalmor stood at points along the deck, watching the harbour.

“Something amuses you Fleet Admiral?” asked the Justicar as he approached the trio.

“Just pleased to see a...Friendly face, Justicar?”

“Ecclensivar.”

Areldur inclined his head to the Thalmor. “To what do I owe this...Pleasure, Justicar?”

“Six months ago, Oversaar Farrada died.” Began the Thalmor.

Areldur raised his eyebrow, Stubborn old man wouldn’t give up...Four years though?

Ecclensivar was still talking, “And so Overlord Tcheet now commands the Navy personally. It has taken to some time to find the orders concerning your fleet, Admiral. They were seemingly deliberately vague as to location. Similar to that of the Fourth Fleet.”

“Mapping archipelagos, what can I say? Sail up and down the ocean until you find one, stop, map it and move on. Can’t write home you know?..How did you know to look here by the way?”

The Justicar wrinkled his nose, and his face betrayed his rising anger. “Fleet Admiral Areldur, we are aware of the connections between yourself, Fleet Admiral Harramaund and the Oversaar. The Overlord is willing to put your...Absence, down to Farrada’s-”

“Oversaar Farrada.” Areldur narrowed his eyes.

The Thalmor nodded slowly, “Oversaar Farrada’s overzealous and completely unjustified protection of his navy. You are hearby ordered to end your...Mapping, and make at top speed for The Isles, where you will be given new assignment. Possibly.”

It was Areldur’s turn to get angry. “Is that a threat?”

“Nonesense, Fleet Admiral. I have no need for threats. The Overlord’s orders are clear. Follow them. Now.” The Justicar turned to leave.

“How exactly did Farrada die? Was it his illness?” asked Eremnor.

“Oh no! He drowned himself in the ornamental pond outside the Crystal Tower.” Ecclensivar answered casually, over his shoulder.

Areldur looked round at Eremnor, “The Oversaar of the Navy, drowned?”

The Justicar wheeled around, greatcoat billowing, and walked swiftly towards the Fleet Admiral.

Areldur noted Colonel Treort taking a step into the front and blocked the Justicar’s progress. The Thalmor bodyguards drew their swords.

The shorter Colonel looked up at the Justicar and growled. “The Fleet Admiral has asked two questions. I suggest you answer them both.”

“Is that a threat Colonel?” The shocked Justicar asked.

“Yes, it damned well is boy. You’re a hell of a long way from home to be trying to throw your weight around. Answer the questions.”

The Justicar sighed, dismissed his security, who took several steps back, beyond hearing range. Ecclensivar looked to one side, out to sea and then began, “I know nothing beyond what I’ve been told of The Oversaar’s death. I am genuinely sorry, I had admired him for many years, though I would not dare say to my superiors. As for how we found you. This is where I was told we would find you. In my briefing the Overlord himself said he had had Divine guidance on the matter. Again, that’s all I know.”

“Not big on asking questions are you boy?” asked the Colonel.

“I find it’s kept me alive so far.”

Areldur winced.

“I will make ready the Fleet. Please excuse me while I gather my men.” Said the Fleet Admiral, nodding a salute to the Thalmor Justicar.

“Very well, I shall be accompanying your ship on the voyage. I shall take my leave to make preparations.” With that, Ecclensivar left.

Areldur sighed, bowed his head, then looked up and out to sea. Nol turned and looked at Eremnor, who was looking straight back at him. The Commodore nodded his head, obviously thinking the same thing.

“Colonel,” Areldur said quietly, “I need you to gather your men, board that ship and kill them all. Can and will you do that?”

There was a pause. The Colonel sighed and nodded. “If we go back now, we’ll all be up Tcheet creek without a paddle?”

“Indeed.”

The Colonel saluted, turned precisely and walked quickly towards the fort.

Areldur watched him go and then turned to Eremnor. “Which do you think is the fastest ship?”

“The Maxarishii Hunt.” The newest armoured-courier class vessel.

Areldur nodded, “That’s what I thought. Take it and the Dusk, follow the channels between the islands, get behind that other Thalmor and sink it. Well tow this one out to deep water and do the same.”

“We’re going to need to trust an awful lot of people after this Nol. I hope this is right.”

“Me too. Go.”

Eremnor nodded and left.

Nol Areldur looked back to Mount Farrada, then he turned and looked along the white sands of the beach out to the most beautiful blue coloured sea, and saw, in the distance, the gathering storm clouds, “Oh, irony.” He said quietly.



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This post has been edited by McBadgere: Apr 3 2012, 01:03 PM

[mALX]

*

Firstly - Miitr Farrada: You brought this character visually to life in that scene, Awesome Write !!!

Next scene, and the total difference in styles of command are seen - having them in the same chapter makes the contrast even more blatent between leader to almost dictatorship. I did expect Farrada to be dead, but was surprised by his end coming the way it did...irony at its finest, McB.

Awesome Write in both sections, this has to be one of your greatest chapters yet !!

*

[Athynae]

Urf! Middle of commenting my computer shut down so I'll start over....

I really like this chapter, the interaction between the 4 was quite special.

“Well, as long as she cooks me breakfast in the morning.”

ROFL!!!!!

Sniff, sad about Farrada but seems to me there might have been something overlooked on that one. Um, seems a bit fishy if you ask me.

I do have one question though, how long did you plan for that line? You know the one I'm talking about, Tcheet. Only one nit: creak as in Tcheet creak should be creek...LMAO!!!!!!!!!! that one caused me to spew a sip of tea thankfully not onto my computer screen, but on my youngest son as he walked past, glad he thought it was funny after the shock of being shot with tea wore off.

I did love this one, the way Nol took the mantle was very well done.

Keep it up, can't wait for more, you are a furry badger for another day, lol.

[treydog]

1.12 Empire (Part 2)

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.

And yet, history has shown us that sort of thing happens frequently.

Oh I like this Fleet Admiral!

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?”

And his friend, as well.

So big...It dwarfed – for want of a better word – the Alinor...”

Ha- caught you, Fleet Admiral- you punning seadog you.

“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?”

Hooray for J’Drell! And then that whole exchange was a treat.

1.12 Empire (Part 3)

Lots of excellent atmosphere in the opening paragraphs.

“Didn’t he try this a hundred years ago?” Eremnor added.

“Yeah, but the Cyrodiilian supertrio of Ocato, Ormandin and McWylde – which sound like a sinister firm of solicitors – put their oars in, and he was dismissed as irrelevant.” Answered Harramaund.

Several snortles in quick succession there. Similar to our old friends- Shaftem, Gougem, and Graft.

Got to love a fellow like Farrada who sends his people out of harm’s way.

“If he does, be good Altmer boys and wait. We’re High-Elves, we play the long game very well...Coughcough...Oostermann and Tcheet will be at each other’s throats soon enough. Find the people you can trust. Make some standing orders to take it all back again.” He smiled, “for me.”

And with the laughter there are also some sniffles. And yes- "the long game" indeed- simply brilliant.

“Is that a threat Colonel?” The shocked Justicar asked.

“Yes, it damned well is boy. You’re a hell of a long way from home to be trying to throw your weight around. Answer the questions.”

Best NOT to annoy the commander of what amounts to the Fleet Marine Force. He did not get his rank from a box of cereal.

There was a pause. The Colonel sighed and nodded. “If we go back now, we’ll all be up Tcheet creak without a paddle?”

ROFL- but beyond the spelling question Athynae posed- would that be “Tcheit Creek?” Just curious.

Nol Areldur looked back to Mount Farrada, then he turned and looked along the white sands of the beach out to the most beautiful blue coloured sea, and saw, in the distance, the gathering storm clouds, “Oh, irony.” He said quietly.

Wonderful additions- the posts AND the characters.

This post has been edited by treydog: Mar 23 2012, 01:46 AM

[Acadian]

‘The Well-Carved Mermaid’ was the quintessential sea-dog inn, small enough to be pleasant, yet big enough to “have a decent swing at yer ship-swine of a cousin”, should a chap need one. Jaunty music was playing in the corner, quiet enough to be considered background, yet loud enough that a hundred hushed conversations could take place without fear of eavesdropping.’
Magnificently introduced and described!

‘We’re High-Elves, we play the long game very well.’
Indeed they do, I imagine.

‘Nol breathed deeply of the sea air and looked up to the sky. The high cloud suggested that there may be a chance of storms coming soon.’
How well put for an old mer of the sea. Watching the weather is an acquired nautical habit.

‘A man garbed in the dark trouser and shirt outfit, covered by the long black, hooded overcoat of one of Tcheet’s Justicars walked to the edge of the ship and stepped confidently onto the stone stairs,’
‘The Justicar wheeled around, greatcoat billowing, and walked swiftly towards the Fleet Admiral.’
Holy images of Darth Vader, Batman!

So the high elven sea dogs are not going to quietly sail into submission it seems. Well done!

[Darkness Eternal]

Your writing is splendid, I would of never have guessed. Your description of "Dusk" was wonderfully written. Especially the cosmopolitan feel of it, "explosion of people and etc" nicely done! The brothel part made me chuckle. Reminds me of the stories I hear of the Navy and brothels, you did well here with the young commodore.

Oversaar seems eager to thwart the Thalmor and seems at odds with the second rising Dominion! Nice to see a man not set in their ways, especially High Elves.

The coughing old man at the second part of the chapter was just pure win. The smiles and the eyebrows raising gave us some clues about his character.

Honestly, I was a bit confused by the time skipping, but it became more clear as I focused. When I read

The entire story gives off an exotic vibe. We are, after all, reading about the High Elves and their own lands of Summerset Isles. The Archipelegos and etc. Promising so far, and a great cast of characters.

[Grits]

“No, your mother. She sends her love.” Eremnor answered with a raised eyebrow.

“Yo mama,” Altmer style.

I can’t even discuss my favorite parts of this section, because once again the whole thing is my favorite part. There is such depth and richness to your writing and the pace still keeps moving. I look up from reading feeling like I’ve been there and know these characters personally, and although it seemed like five minutes went by I actually read it twice, went back and read it with the last part again, and now I need to hurry up and make the lunch! Still in my pajamas at noon? I can explain. First, this is loungewear. And I was in a McB-induced time warp!! Sigh. I love this story!

[jack cloudy]

I'm still not sure if the whole time-jumping thing works. It makes it hard to find the connecting thread between them. So far I think the thread consists of the whole death of the Divines (and the plan to stop it), and a few characters such as the McWyldes.

That said, I absolutely love the universe you're building. Its roots are based on Tes but you managed to give it an exotic flavor that makes it all its own. I also adore the many characters you keep bringing in. All of them seem unique and fun to read about. So hats off to ya.


Finally, something about the latest timeperiod. I like how you've given shape to the Thalmor Dominion. More specifically, I enjoy how you show the buildup to it instead of just pulling a sudden world-dominating army out of the void. I also like how not all the Altmer are happy about it and how the Thalmor seem to be a reign of terror thing with secret police and stuff.

Off-topic, I'm not much of a fan of the Thalmor really. Yeah, you've written them well but I just don't like their presence in Tes lore in general. Same thing with Morrowind's destruction. Wiping out the provinces of the last game by means of exploding mountains, assassinations and sudden rampaging, looting, raping, pillaging armies is a pretty good way to wipe the slate clean. But I don't like it. It just makes all the hard work the player-character put in seem useless. Besides, said pc is conveniently not present to stop said armies and natural disasters. At least this time around it looks like the Knights of the Nine and their friends will preserve Tamriel.

[Colonel Mustard]

Right, here now, commenting. Sorry.

Must say, I liked this part a lot out of the latest batch that have come out. You've managed to flesh out the Thalmor extremely well, and added a great deal of detail to them and, more importantly, you're making them seem more competent; I was beginning to worry from earlier bits that you might end up making them buffoonish comedy villains, but provided you keep this up then my fears will prove unfounded.

Looking forward to more.

[Amifae27xx]

My friend, how do you do it? You know what, I'm jealous. How do you write like that? I can't write, even if someone waved a big bar of chocolate in front of me and said "Write a really good story off the top of your head!" I'll have a go though! I might post a story on this, I can't decide...

I love the characters, by the way. They're realy cool.

This post has been edited by Amifae27xx: Mar 26 2012, 05:15 PM

[McBadgere]

Amifae!!... ...Well, what can I say?...Except, you won't be eating it all in one go, stop picking on yer brother and get to bed earlier...Oh yes...MWAH!!...

Mustard - No MWAHs for you, but thank you very much m'friend. I hadn't originally meant to flesh them out as much as I have...But then you start, and then it's all there so...*Shrug*... ...Thank you...

Grits - As ever your comments make me smile and shake my head in amazement...I hope I can continue to give (apparently) good story for you...

DE - Thanks for reading!!...Glad you're enjoying our soujourn into other lands...

Athynae - The Tcheet Creek line is one of them, *think*...*snort*...*Type*...*Try to figure out where to put it*...ones ...Glad it made you laugh, you furnish us with so many it's time to give some back I think... ...

mALX - My habit of killing off characters you really like seems to be continuing...Sorry about that... ...But thank you so much for the compliments as ever... ...

Acadian - The Darth Vader thing is entirely Bethesda's fault... ...Thank you muchly...

Jack - Cheers matey!!...Glad you're still with us...The time thing...*Shrug*...Can't help it...I'd find it impossible to cover this much history without it...But thank you so much for the compliment on the characters...I appreciate it... ...

Treydog - Maaaaate... ...As ever...A massive thank you...So appreciated..




NEW PARTS ALERT!!!...




Currently it is 3E 604 and the Thalmor invasion of Cyrodiil, North Valenwood and Eastern Hammerfell is underway. This is basically some of the history of the Thalmor told by one of those caught up in it.

Note...The 10 years ago is from 3E 604...






1.12 – Empire (pt.4, Know Thine Enemy - ii)








10 Years Ago. 50 miles south of Sunhold, Summerset Isles.







The island wasn’t found on any map. If anyone had thought it worth a note, it would barely have been a speck on the page. The only part of a giant mountain not hidden by the water, the island was all rock and earth above the sand which had accumulated over time to form picturesque beaches. Palm trees and wicked, sharp grasses clung to the slopes up to the summit of the mountain. Miitr Farrada had had the sheerest side of the island worked – as a favour by Altmer naval engineers – into a walled, almost enclosed harbour.

The Maxarishii Hunt glided to a stop next to the wall. A second small ship – a fleet outrunner – was there, the name The Looking Elsweyr was visible on its side.

Two men left the Maxarishii Hunt and walked along the man-made path further up the slope into the mountain.

They passed a small but solidly built, one story building. Miitr Farrada had thought of everything when he’d planned his personal island’s facilities. The old man had known that there would be no way for any of his invitees or, like Nol Areldur, Siar Eremnor or Jeck Harramaund, those who’s permission to use the island was a given, would be able to get there without even a minimal crew. So, the old man had seen to it that those crews also had some comforts, without needing to invite them all into his home away from home.

The two men walked past the building and followed the path to its end, which came at a large white marble-esque door and frame. A line had been carved all the way down the stone of the door, broken in the middle by a ball shape. One of the two pushed this inwards, and with a grinding, the door opened.

They walked several steps into a wide, well lit corridor, one of the men pushed another ball on the wall, and the door ground shut behind them.

The corridor was wide enough that several men could walk next to each other and still not be troubled by the walls. They walked a short distance from the entrance and followed a curving set of stairs down to a foyer of sorts.

A large room, containing several soft chairs, sofas and low tables greeted the men upon opening a large metal gate. Dried flowers of many types and colours were in vases upon the table, meant to give some semblance of decor to the white-walled room.

The pair passed through the room and stood before another door like the one at the entrance. Instead of simply pushing the central ball shape in, one of the pair walked to the side of the door, pushed in a concealed panel and pressed several stone switches in a particular order. There was a clunk sound and then the other of the two pushed in the ball.

The door ground open.



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



Nol never got tired of being in wonder at the place Miitr Farrada had found to be his “Island Getaway”. An old Ayelid ruin that – according to writings discovered inside – was called Morhavan. It contained the one large room outside the door he and Siar Eremnor had just passed through, this second huge room, and several others which all branched off from this one. Just to his left, a set of stairs ascended to an open-plan corridor that ran around three of the walls, off which were four bedrooms. At the back of the room from where Nol stood, he could see three passageways which were blocked off by the far later addition of new-style doors, so as to make this area warmer. All three passages led to exits. One led straight to a door on the opposite side of the island, which could only be opened from the inside; the second up – via a long and torturous ascending square of stairs – to another door, outside of which was an observation balcony, where many a drink had been consumed in much younger days. The third passage led down to yet another door, but no amount of trying could get it to open.

Nol stared about him, around the walls were mottled glass covered Knimidium lights, which gave the room a warmer glow than the usual whiteout that Ayelid buildings tend to have. In the centre of the room was a Knimidium heater, with boxed-in pipes leading up and off to the other rooms for heating. Several other devices around the room that Nol noted meant that, from his guesswork after what Farrada had said the...Last time Nol had spoken to him...This may be the last place in the Altmer nation that had any of the conveniences that the Knights of The Nine had brought to the world some years ago.

“In here.” Came the sound of a female voice from a room on the right.

Nol and Siar walked into what had obviously been Farrada’s study. A truly huge set of bookcases filled three walls, and a gap in one of them for a door to another room – Nol knew – led to a second roomful of books like this one.

A black-haired woman sat in a chair at a large oak desk, reading. Without looking up she passed an envelope to Nol.

“He left this for you.” She said, still absorbed by the book. “There’s one for you too uncle Siar.”

Nol took the package and asked. “Where did you find this then?”

“In here,” She pointed to the drawers in the desk, “along with this note.” She passed it to Nol.



Koyree,

That snooping is going to get you in trouble
one of these days.

Give these packages to your dad and the boys
when you see them.

Love you.

M.

PS. Give your mother a kiss for me? She
deserved better than that good for nothing
wastrel.

HAH! Got you again Nol!




Koyree Areldur finally looked up at Nol and her big brown eyes melted his heart, as it ever did.

She stood, walked over to her father and hugged him.

He kissed the top of her head. “You well?” he asked.

Koyree looked up, paused and then nodded.

“How did you get into the desk?” asked Siar, who’d been passed the note and picked his envelope up.

The youngest ever female Commodore broke away from the Fleet Admiral and walked to the other Commodore and said with a mock admonishing voice, “Uncle Siar, what a stupid question.” She hugged Siar then looked up at him with a smile and a raised eyebrow, “I picked the lock of course.”

Siar grinned.

“Good reading?” Nol asked of the book Koyree had been reading.

“Yes actually,” she replied, then walked back to the desk, “it does explain why the Thalmor have gone mad for destroying the Knimidium.”

“Oh?”

“It says, ‘The Knimidium seam was, of course, found in the Colovian Mountains by the Knights of The Nine when they were excavating more stone for one of their building projects.

Recognizing it as being magical, they quickly learned of its properties and practical use – a replacement for soul gems.

The name Knimidium comes from the obvious combination of Knights and a tribute to Tiber Septim’s giant Dwemer Numidium golem.

Although King Maloryn of Morrowind has – so it is believed – refused to allow testing of the giant jewel called ‘The Heart of Lorkhan’, it is believed to be the same type of magical rock that powered the ancient Dwemer giant construction.

It was, of course, the Numidium golem that tore much out of the Aldmeri Dominion at the end of the Second Era and paved the way for Tiber Septim’s eventual complete conquering of Tamriel.’”

“So the Thalmor are breaking up the Knimidium because it kind of represents their earlier defeat?” asked Siar, while reading the note he’d found in his envelope.

“Maybe. It could also be that they’re terrified of something as huge as the Numidium coming along again, so they feel that if there’s less Knimidium then there won’t be enough to power it.” said Koyree.

“Idiots.” Said Nol.

“Really? You want to put money on the Knights not building something like that? Just to see whether they could?..I wouldn’t.” Said Koyree.

“And the banning of Talos worship is punishing Septim the God-”

“Because Septim the man kicked their ar$es all those years ago.”

Nol sighed and opened his envelope. It contained a short note and a journal. He flicked through the book and noted the list of Thalmor crimes, constructions, plans. In short as near to a complete picture that Farrada had put together of the Thalmor, up until the point where he decided to put this all away. As if he knew his death would be soon.

How did he feel when Farrada knew he’d not be back here?

“Well, l’k what th’cat dragg’d ‘n’” said a voice. “If it in’t good old Nol!..Come t’ pull one last save out ‘f yer ar$e? For old t’mes’ sake?”

“Uncle Jeck! Go and sit down before you fall over. Come on.”

“Tha’s Fleet Admir’l Uncle Jeck to you missy.”

“Yeah well, Miitr put that ‘Keep all ranks outside the door’ sign for a reason.”

“You,” Jeck Harramaund poked Koyree in the chest, “are not Miitr Farrada.” He raised himself higher, turned and pointed at Nol, “and neither, are you.” He stared Nol in the eye.

Which is probably why he didn’t think about Siar Eremnor, who walked up to Jeck, put his hands to the other’s shoulders, smiled, and then said, good naturedly, “Jeck.” and head-butted him.



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



“How long has he been like this?” asked Nol.

“A few days.” Koyree gestured to the pile of bottles lying on the floor of the kitchen. “Poison resistance can be a b*tch.”

Nol agreed with a nod.

Jeck Harramaund was lying on a sofa with an ice block wrapped in linen on his forehead.

Koyree continued “We’d been waiting a few days, and figured you may have been delayed-”

“We dropped a few friends off near Anvil.”

“Ah. Anyway, we decided to go to the mainland.” Koyree sighed, looked down to the floor and shook her head.”

“I couldn’t find them.” Said Jeck, from the sofa.

“Who?” asked Nol after a pause, having waited for Jeck to continue.

“Any of them. My sister, his sister, your sons. Friends. Noone. People I’ve known for a couple of hundred years walked past me as if I was a stranger, or slammed doors as soon as they saw who it was.”

“You didn’t think to mention this?” Nol looked angrily at Koyree.

Her eyes misted over and she said quietly, “I haven’t seen you for twenty years daddy, I wanted a few minutes where we weren’t rushing off on a save, is that so wrong?”

A lump formed in Nol’s throat. “No.” He said. Nol then grabbed Koyree, then held her to him for some time.

“What now then?” asked Siar after a while.

“Now,” said Nol, “we go and see if we can pull one last save out of our ar$es.”



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



Dusk was unrecognisable as the same city of twenty years earlier. It was quiet, dark. People walked with their heads down, shops were closed, boarded up. The few lamps that dotted the streets occasionally were oil fuelled, casting flickering shadows about the place. Making some places appear sinister. The Thalmor seemed as omnipresent as before.

And this was only the harbour district.

The four hooded figures walked stealthily along, keeping watch behind and about them. They’d decided to head for ‘The Sailor’s Cape’ as a starting point, to see if they could find any of their old allies there.

When they reached the Inn they were horrified. The once beautiful sanctuary had been burned out. The roof gone, the front wall collapsed inwards, the side walls almost complete but the top of one leaned dangerously.

The four looked at each other.

“Now what?” asked Siar.

“Now,” said a voice, “you come with us.”

As several figures appeared out of thin air, one, in the Justicar uniform declared, “Fleet Admiral Areldur and his famous cohorts! Well, I am Justicar Ondolemar, and we have been expecting you. Please resist.” He smiled a particularly vicious smile.

Nol looked at Koyree, her eyes wide. Nol shook his head. Koyree looked pained and vanished.

“NO!” shouted the Justicar.

One of the guards squealed as his innards started spilling on the ground, but then, as nothing more happened, the Thalmor shouted “We’ll find you! You can’t go far!...Damn.”

With what Nol had decided must be a trained and practiced, signature move for the Thalmor, Ondolemar wheeled around and stalked up to the Fleet Admiral. From just an inch from Nol's face, the Justicar said with bared teeth, “The Overlord has been waiting such a long time to meet you Admiral.”

“Fleet Admiral.” Nol replied companionably.

Ondolemar wrinkled his nose with rage and disgust. Then he said. “Bring them.” And stalked off.



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

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Mar 31 2012, 05:19 PM

[Athynae]

Boy what I wouldn't do for a getaway like that, peace and quiet-aahh.

Just to let you know I was paying attention...

Currently it is 3E 604 and the Thalmor invaion of Cyrodiil,

Where'd yer ess slither off ta?

I liked the note to Koyree, haha, I've got a youngster that I have left a note like that for....looking for where I hid his xbox controller...

Well D***, da** and dam* again....leave me hanging like that off the cliff, not nice mean ole badger...not nice at all.

More please, hurry please....fingers get tired hanging like this....

[Acadian]

As the men progressed into the island structure, your descriptions reminded me of Ayleid ruinage. How neat to see that confirmed – Morhaven it is!

Interesting history and lessons about Knimidium. It fell nicely into place as the group returned to Dusk and noted the streets lit by oil lamps.

“Fleet Admiral Areldur and his famous cohorts! Well, I am Justicar Ondolemar, and we have been expecting you. Please resist.” He smiled a particularly vicious smile.’
This Justicar has truly mastered the art of villainy!

And captured they be, it seems.

[Grits]

That does it, now I want an island fortress! I love the way Farrada made an Ayleid ruin into an inviting home.

Koyree Areldur finally looked up at Nol and her big brown eyes melted his heart, as it ever did.

That was so sweet. The note was great. I love that Miitr knew it would be Koyree who found the packages.

Ondolemar wrinkled his nose with rage and disgust. Then he said. “Bring them.” And stalked off.

Yikes! As Acadian said, Justiciar Ondolemar oozes villainy. At least Koyree is free, and she seems extremely capable. To the Overlord!! I can’t wait to find out what happens next!!

[Darkness Eternal]

Ondolemar=Darth Vader. Nuff said.

[mALX]

Awesome description of Farrada's “Island Getaway” - easily visualized by your detail in it !!!

Really enjoyed the note, lol.

Loved the interplay between Nol and Koyree, so well done !!!

What an ending to this chapter !! You never cease to surprise in your chapters !! Awesome Write !!!