Yess yess yess! Lovely just sheer joy to read this....Woooohooo! Watch out Athie..Thyna is COMING...and she's´strong and eager to help, oh my ....just gotta love those two. As Olen said Athlain's dry humour is awesome..and >Athynae...my my..isn't she a wonder? Renie's first born, gah I am so proud of her..but jeez, don't tell her or she will totally head for the stars!

Nah, not a chance she'd let something like that go to her head Minkie, after all, she's Serene's daughter so that alone keeps her on the ground. It is simply something that must be done, failure is not an option. She is driven just like her Mother to protect those she loves.

OK- post-machine time. Thanks to the wonderful Athynae, I actually had enough for two posts and will gladly continue the hair-loss prevention program....

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I made a quick stop at the commissary to grab a pouch for my medicinals and headed deeper into the bailey. The first guard I met was so young, if he hadn’t been in uniform, I would have mistaken him for a child playing pretend. I shook off the thought- there simply wasn’t time.

“Can you tell me where Saenus Lusius might be?”

“Yes ma’am. He’s in the armory trying to make too little go too far, ma’am.”

The conditions of the fort were not much changed since last I saw them, other than some temporary barricades that didn’t appear strong enough to keep out mice, much less the raging beasts that had attacked and caused all of the damage originally. I made my way to the armory as quickly as I could. There was no way I was going to stop any longer than I had to; I didn’t want to see all of the damage or the fear in the soldiers’ eyes. I didn’t need anything else to add to my already inundated brain.

I opened the door to the armory and Saenus was testing the weight of a katana that had definitely seen better days- most of those long ago.

“Saenus?”

“Athynae! What are you doing here at Fort Frostmoth? I thought you had returned to Vvardenfell.”

“It’s a long story, but I need to find Athlain. Is he here?”

“No ma’am. I’m sorry to say he isn’t. He hasn’t been in several days, since the interrogation.”

My heart lurched. What had he done now? What had he done that- oh, by the way- he had neglected to tell me?

“What interrogation?”

“About the death of Carnius Magius. Athlain killed him and they called in this Redguard Pilus prior all the way from Skyrim to interrogate him. You know how they are about the East Empire Company. Julian, her name was- and she made me feel guilty of something just by looking at me. I don’t know what she asked him, but he was in that room for 3 or 4 days from the rising to the setting, sometimes later. And he’d come out lookin’ like he’d faced down Dagoth Ur. But she cleared him, said it was justified, and let him return to duty.”

“Athlain wouldn’t have done it if it weren’t justified, Saenus.”

“Oh, I know only too well, ma’am. That Carnius was bad meat all the way to his black liver.”

“Yes he was, more than you know.” I could see Athlain in the throes of fever as I nursed him and helped him recover from the skooma addiction. I couldn’t help the shiver that ran through me, but Saenus didn’t seem to notice. “I need to know where Athlain is; I must find him quickly.”

“Miss Athynae, he went back up north. Looking for the Captain. Said something about having to go to the Skaal to be tested.

He paused and looked away, unable to meet my eyes as he added:

“But before you go, you need to know what happened at Raven Rock.”

“What? What happened?” I could tell Saenus was battling something inside himself; he wanted me to know, but he felt like he was betraying Athlain’s confidence.

“Whatever it is Saenus, you can tell me. You need to tell me.”

“Yes Miss- but Athlain probably won’t talk about it; it had him pretty tore up.”

“What is it?” I needed to know, I felt sure, but every minute he took telling me was one minute I was losing in getting to the Skaal village.

Saenus told the story in a rush, as if my urgency had imparted itself to him:

“There was an attack; they said it was Skaal, but it wasn’t. Athlain had hired some guards to help protect the mine and Falco. Anyway, somehow they got ‘em trapped in the mine, but some of the miners were still down there too. Athlain and one of those guards he hired went into the mine to get the miners out and take care of the scum what had been trying to kill Falco. They did what they went in there to do, but the guard was killed. Athlain was with him when he died. A dark elf… I don’t know if I ever got his name.”

“A dark elf you say? Where was his home?”

“I guess Khuul; that’s where Athlain took his body for the rites.”

Khuul. I visualized the map of Vvardenfell and traced the route in my head. So after he escorted the body, he went to see the Duke. Meaning he had passed right by Ald’ruhn- and Indarys Manor- and me- TWICE! He really had been that close, and I had known it, had felt him approaching- and receding. Why hadn’t he come home though- just for a little while? I took a deep breath- those thoughts could wait; priority one was finding him. I could decide what to do to him then, after I knew he was safe from the monsters of Solstheim. The “monsters of Vvardenfell,” perhaps not so much…. I brought my gaze back to Saenus and muttered:

“That’s just like Athlain; doesn’t trust anyone to do anything as well as he can. But in this case he could not have allowed himself to do any less.”

“Miss, he’s an officer and a damn good one, if you ask me. He had to take care of his own.”

My mind screamed: And what about taking care of me? He was close enough to throw a stone and hit me with it but he couldn’t “drop by for a cup of tea” at the very least? But all I said was:
“Yes he is.”

As angry as I was at the thought of him being so close, I knew to the heart of me that in his mind he was bound by honor to bring his fallen comrade to his final resting place. It was one of the innumerable reasons I loved him so, but I would hurt him for ignoring me!

“Saenus, what is the quickest way to the Skaal village? I mean is there a faster route than following the river north to the lake and then north some more?”

“Not that I know of, Miss Athynae, unless of course you can sprout wings and fly,” he said with a grin. But the humor did not reach his eyes, and he glanced away from me.

“Is there something you aren’t telling me, Saenus?”

He seemed to misunderstand, perhaps on purpose:

“There aren’t any ships, if that’s what ya mean.” His gaze still avoided mine as he continued in a low voice, “He took it hard, losing that elf, ma’am.”

“I’m sure he did.” And I was also sure it wasn’t just because of honor. It was a bond to him to fight side by side with another person. And I knew there was much more to the story as well, things he had probably not even told Saenus. I could just feel it.

“He blames himself ma’am, and I think Carnius said some things too- scared him- things about his family.”

His intense gaze told me Athlain had not taken what Carnius had said as an idle threat, which was all the more reason for him to feel justified killing the man who had tormented him.

“Saenus, I am sure Athlain will talk to me when I find him, but I NEED to find him!”

“Yes, miss, the north route is the fastest. Actually- it’s the only one I know of.”

“Thank you Saenus.”

This man had helped me with my “hunting of Athlain” twice now. I wondered briefly if there would be more conversations like this with him. Oh dear Sweet Azura, I hoped not!

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully and said,

“I guess if a person had enough levitation potions or spells…”

“That can be quite exhausting, not to mention diminishing my supplies.”

“But it would keep you out of reach of the wolves and bears….”

“Yes, I guess it would. But regardless of how I get there, I need to be on my way. I will see you again.”

“Ma’am?”

“Yes, Saenus”

“Bring him back?”

“WITHOUT A DOUBT! If he….” my breath caught in my throat. ”If… Saenus, I have to go. I will do everything I can to bring him back, even if I have to knock him out and carry him!”

The smile on his face was testament to how he felt about his superior officer “YES MA’AM!!!!”

“Thank you Saenus, for everything.” I considered hugging him for all of his help but I certainly didn’t want to risk giving him the wrong idea. Instead, I just touched his sleeve. “You are a good friend to both of us. Until next we meet.”

“You be careful. Whatever attacked the fort-it’s still out there.”

“I am nothing if not careful.” I thought again of Athlain and how he had a tendency to run headlong into situations without evaluating- without planning. I HAD to keep my head on straight and stop letting all of these thoughts and images distract me. I could hear Uncle Seth, a lesson from a couple years back…

You cannot EVER let your guard down. Focus. You may not “see” it coming, but Thyna, you will always “feel” it as long as you are attentive to your surroundings. You must be in tune with all your senses. If you are, even the slightest change will be noticed.

And he was gone again, almost like he just disappeared into thin air. It always gave me chills when he did that!

I exited the fort and headed north along the river.

Indeed.

SPEW !!! Love this line !!


***



ROFL !!! Oh yeah, she's a redhead all right !! ROFL !!



BWAAAHAAA !!!




Uh oh, this does not bode well for Athlain when Athynae does catch up to him, ROFL !!

The scene with Saenus was so well done, a glimpse at his closeness to the two protagonists and the inkling of that bond continuing and growing closer in the future - Awesome!

Uhhhh, Thyna for Nirn's sake! Be brave but do not be foolish! Listen to your mind, I will be there and so will your Uncle Seth! You may need help and support in this and you will have it, I promise.

Awesome both of you! Just plain awesome!

@Black Hand- Athlain is most certainly not a “morning person.” And no amount of Legion training has changed that….

The character-building, besides being of value for itself, is also (I hope) building tension for when the action does commence again.

@mALX- You picked out most of my own favorite moments. And- the next meeting between the A and A team promises fireworks for certain. And I agree- the conversation with Saenus did a lot to show the loyalty and even love that Athynae and Athlain are able to cultivate just by being themselves

@Olen- Thank you so much in regards the dry humor. It is very much an Athlain trait- one he inherited from dear old Dad- though he may not know it. And yes- he has to do something to deal with all the responsibilities- and is fearful of any sort of “medicinal” crutch. And- as you do so often- you catch the key point. Loneliness is beginning to weigh upon him. Whether he “enjoyed” the EEC duties or not- they provided camaraderie. With the loss of Thirsk- and the mistrust of the village Skaal- he feels the isolation more keenly. Thyna’s “Athlain Detector” is working quite well- she could find him under a frozen lake if needful- oh wait.

@minque- She has learned more than Serene ever knew- or perhaps intended. In this case, that is fortunate for Athlain. Thank you- your happiness with who Athynae has become means so much. And your concerns for her are perhaps well-founded- there are forces at work of which she is still unaware.

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Of course, simply muttering, “I’m going. I’m going,” to the world at large- and whatever disembodied assailants stalked me- did not get me any closer to the lair of the draugr. As I tried to solve the riddle of its location, I stared with no great favor at the column of fire. It had certainly served its purpose as a signal- if indeed that had been the intent. Aesliip- or whoever had created the spectacle- had the full attention of the Skaal. The only question was why he wanted it, and I supposed he would answer that if I could find him. Unfortunately, his little demonstration had also melted the ice that had imprisoned the Udyrfrykte, allowing the monster to roam free.

An idea began to take shape, as slowly as the falling snow. I considered the words again- “…the fire melted the ice.” According to Athynae and Svenja, Lake Fjalding’s ice cover was permanent. Not even during what passed for summer on Solstheim did it melt. The only openings were those made by the horkers- or by Skaal whose idea of a good time was to sit out on the ice, dangling a baited line through a hole. Apparently it was a contest to see if they would catch a fish or freeze to death first. The betting was probably lively. Nords were a peculiar race. But all that was beside the point- which was that there was now a large hole in the ice, near the middle of the lake. And Aesliip’s cave was supposed to be under the lake. In other words, I was being given the opportunity to be roasted, frozen, and drowned- all at the same time. And my reward for surviving that ordeal would be a chance to meet with what amounted to an ancient, flesh-eating liche lord.

Despite my complaints, I was actually well-supplied with potions to circumvent the “environmental” problems. With fond familiarity, I raised the flap on the satchel ‘Thyna had given me at the site of the airship crash. The interior was divided into numerous pockets, each of a size to hold a single vial. The center row held restoratives and was raised slightly- which meant that a groping hand would encounter those potions first. Other compartments held resistance potions- including those against fire or frost. As for the problem of going under water, I could count on my own magicka for that.

Because drinking potions with different effects in rapid succession could have… unfortunate… results, I waited until the heat of the fire was almost unbearable, and then swallowed the first one. It was my hope that the cold would not begin to affect me until I had gotten inside the draugr’s cave. When I reached the edge of the ice, I spoke the words of the water-breathing spell and jumped into the green water of the lake.

The silence and the dim light were restful, and I was interested to see that the fire seemed almost to rest upon the surface of the lake, rather than originating from the depths. The weight of my armor carried me downward until I landed on the bed of the lake. A sense of peace crept over me, and I shook it off with an effort. That feeling was one of the dangers of the spell that allowed me to breathe underwater- the idea that I had all the time in the world. The cold had not begun to affect me yet, but it soon would, so I turned my head carefully, looking for any sign of a cave. I tried not to move my feet, as I did not want to stir up clouds of silt. A low stone mound was only a few yards away, and I moved towards it, finding a tunnel on one side.

The entry angled down for some distance, then turned sharply upward and emerged into a system of ice caves. Somehow, whether by physical laws or magic, the tunnels were dry and I was happy to pull myself out of the water. Once on more or less solid ground, I swallowed down a potion that prevented the cold from turning me into a block of ice. And then, I simply stood for a moment, extending my senses to glean whatever I could. Lamps guttered along the walls of the cave, and the smell informed me that they used horker fat for fuel. But there was another smell that permeated the air, as well, a smell I had come to know. It was equal parts old ice, desiccated flesh, and open grave. Draugr were present- and in numbers. Close on the heels of that thought came the sound of a wheezing howl- they apparently also had bone-wolves for company. So, the first attack was not a surprise. What came after, however….

But the unexpected revelation did not come immediately. First, it was apparently necessary that I wander through twisting, slippery, icy corridors for many frustrating hours, smashing my way through the undead that infested them. It seemed to me that if Aesliip had gone to the trouble of sending up the signal fire, then he could also be a bit more welcoming. Of course, perhaps the fire was not the work of the draugr. Korst had been doubtful, but he had also refused to talk about his concerns. And this was not the time to be distracted. Even if the “normal” undead posed no challenge for me, a liche would require all my concentration and skill. I knew my father had nearly lost his life to an undead mage in Mournhold- his face still turned pale on the few occasions he spoke of it.

At last, when I was almost ready to give up and seek some other cave beneath the lake, I found a side-tunnel, which terminated at a wall of ice. However, unlike the other dead (or undead) ends- this wall was riven with a narrow fissure. By hanging my shield on my back and turning sidewise, I was able to squeeze through. I prudently decided to lead with my right side, so Athynae’s Gift emerged foremost. As soon as I reached the chamber at the other end of the passage, I knew I was close. The torches illuminated crates and rough furnishings, all of which appeared to be old beyond measure. Something moved in the flickering light, and a voice came to me from the shadows.

Of course telling you to wait wouldn't help, would it? Just charge right in....I'm trying to get to you TO HELP!!!!! but no you can't just SIT STILL somewhere for a moment. I have no idea what or who you are facing all I know is this vision or dream or whatever the **** it is keeps repeating like a song spell gone wrong. Now add to that visions of fire...and ice...and water...and death

UGH!!!!!!!! you are so absolutely ...... when I find you you will be sorry!!! I promise you that SIR!!!!

Now there's a cliff hanger... so as not to spoil it I'll just say I await Athlain's reaction with interest.

Good part as ever. A bit more build up before the fight, and some rather unexplained undead needing smashed to bits.


I see Athlain's thoughts on fishing, and particularly ice fishing match my own. I enjoyed this paragraph.


Indeed. I like how you add to the setting without doing any major changes. It makes perfact sense that mixing different magics might have undesirable effects (or at least unexpected ones) and you weave it into the setting well. You also show that Athlain is getting better equipped with his growing experience, he certainly won't be having the problems he had before, indeed he has become fairly formidable, sooner or later he'll realise it.

Nit:the smell informed me that the used horker fat for fuel - they rather than the second the?

After living five years in Minnesota while attending vet school, I had to smile at the ice fishing line. Yes, and let's not forget the big coolers full of beer (the coolers were to keep the beer from freezing)! I remember the little shacks they would tow out on the lakes every winter. There was at least one news story about a fishing shack falling through the ice due to stupidity on the part of the owner or user of said shack.

I second Olen on his points. I also second Athynae on her points as well, but I have to say, would Athlain have waited had he known 'Thyna was on her way? Or would he be like the big, dumb Marine and go ahead anyway, cuz it's something that has to be done, preferably yesterday.

Excellent update all around, but, I chose this quote as the one being what I love about your story. The small attention to details like this that really bring the story to life.

AT LAST I'M BACK!!!

Trey - you and Mrs. Trey are a tag-team combination that's hard to beat!!!

Now go get that Draugr!!!!

Excuse me Foxy but I need to clarify something for you. THE Ms Trey resides at Indary's Manor and is the mother of my Athlain. I am the child of Athyn and Serene and was raised at Serethi Manor. Ms Trey, Aunt Baria, is like a second mother to me BUT she is by no means ME!

I absolutely loved this whole section.

An idea began to take shape, as slowly as the falling snow.

Wow, I felt like I was right there in Athlain’s mind. I thought this was a perfect paragraph. Athlain’s solid reasoning, wry mental asides, some justified grumbling, and the sense that he would jump into the icy water anyway.

The weight of my armor carried me downward until I landed on the bed of the lake. A sense of peace crept over me, and I shook it off with an effort. That feeling was one of the dangers of the spell that allowed me to breathe underwater- the idea that I had all the time in the world.

Even reading this gave a peaceful feeling. Right up until the wheezing howls. The description of the ice tunnels was just right. Squeezing through an ice fissure sounds like something one would do only after exhausting other possibilities. Yikes. Well, whatever awaits at the end, I guess it won’t be wide.

Oh my. Something seems to have stirred Athynae’s blood. Lack of sleep might be making her cross. Perhaps Athlain could give her a break by looking at something pleasant after this adventure. Let her have one dream about fluffy bunnies.

Hmm, This is what happened the last time I was entangled at Raven Rock. Thankfully Athlain's difficulties were not quite as toothy.

There were stories of people who “heard voices”- and they usually did not end well.
Not just in fiction either...

Those thoughts, along with the amusing image of my father seated at the table with four redheads
Is this a kind thought toward his father? Gods forbid, Athlain is indeed learning not to resent his old man.

And of course there would be monsters in every one of the caves- otherwise, why even bother to have a cave?
It's like that in Cyrodiil too. I have never found an empty cave there. I think the Union of Cave Makers have a partnership with the Monsters Guild.

A hilarious seque into Athynae' section, with her thinking about the servants bringing her tea before she woke! Her entire scene was so pure Athynae, it had me laughing and shaking my head the entire time!

And finally we are back with our intrepid Athlain. Very clever to put the Lich's lair under the lake. Now we shall see just who this bag of bones is, to be causing such a ruckus.

SubRosa I am glad you enjoyed Thyna's thoughts especially regarding her tea. That is merely art imitating life in this case. No one wants to talk to me until I have had the first sip of my second cup of coffee, a lesson my children learned at a young age. The invention of a coffee maker with a timer has saved many lives...

Grits visions of fluffy bunnies would be a nice reprieve.

Lol, that sums it all up in one concise sentence, lol.



Oooh, great detail !!

I'll admit I couldn't stand the suspense and looked up this quest in the WIKI several chapters ago, lol. Just...had to know what was going to happen, lol. Great Write !!!

@Olen- Yes, I could not help myself. And we will leave cliff hanging for a bit longer…. Fishing requires a level of patience Athlain has never demonstrated. I think he would be more of a mind to “Cast a fireball in the water so as to catch AND cook the fish in one go.” I always thought that there should be the possibility of odd and variable side-effects from guzzling too many potions. You are correct that this next encounter will test him in unexpected ways. Nit noted and fixed.

@haute- And then there are the cars that go through the ice- and the floes that break away from the main pack and go drifting- complete with fishermen and ice shacks. Athynae is quite pleased with your approval- she thinks rather highly of Julian- who actually got Athlain to SIT STILL for several days. It is possible that knowing ‘Thyna is on the way might just propel Athlain into even greater flights of stupidity- he must know she will NOT be happy.

@Black Hand- Thank you so much. I have tried to take more time to make the world come to life in this story. And that bit of business was inspired by a passing remark in Athynae’s earlier installment.

@D. Foxy- Welcome! And thank you. Um (whispers)- my co-author is not Mrs. Treydog… But we appreciate the compliment all the same.

@Grits- Thank you so very much. Your descriptions- of the world- and of the people in it- are an inspiration. I am afraid the visions that will come to ‘Thyna will be more “furry” than “fluffy.”

@SubRosa- No velociraptors on Solstheim- thankfully. Teeth are in the offing, however. And yes- experience is teaching our intrepid soldier that dear old Dad actually knows a thing or two… I believe you are correct about the Cave Builders and the International Brotherhood of Monsters… My only regret about letting Athynae write her own scenes is that I did not think of it years ago. One draugr- coming up. But not yet.

@mALX- Thank you so much! I am laughing my way through Maxical’s meeting with the Immortal even now, and saving quotes with which to spam your thread. And- even though you will not be hanging from a cliff over the Draugr Lord, ‘Thyna has a nail-biter of her own coming up…

@Everyone- The story picks up with Athynae, following her departure from Fort Frostmoth. Words cannot express my appreciation for my co-author, whose words and ideas have given this story new life. Also- for those who are interested, check out the Character Interviews thread in the General Discussion section. Someone managed to get Athynae and Athlain together in the same room- at least for a little while.

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I rounded a slight bend and felt a rush of familiarity. I was near the cabin, the cabin where I had found Athlain as close to death as I had ever seen anyone that wasn’t actually dead; in the delirium brought on by addiction to skooma and then moon sugar. The light was slowly fading and I decided it was better to rest in the safety of the small dwelling. Although I knew it wasn’t the best of plans, I also knew that I needed the security it offered. Solstheim, darkness and lone traveler made a recipe that I had no desire to be an ingredient for. I veered slightly more east than north, hoping I would arrive before darkness engulfed me. I was not normally afraid of the darkness, nor of anything that walked in it, but that did not mean I should take foolish risks.

I quickened my steps, praying to Azura that my memory of the location was accurate. The shadows were growing longer and I began to feel as if I was being watched by every creature I had ever seen in my nightmares. Although I had often experienced the feeling that someone was watching me, I had never before been frightened by it; this was very different. By the time the cottage came into view I was at a full run, trying to stay upright, even when my foot caught on a root that I didn’t see. I vaulted onto the small porch and almost dove for the door. My hands scrabbled at the latch and I pushed inside and slammed the door behind me.

I’m in!!! Breathe, just breathe.

I held my eyes closed tight for a moment or two as my heart rate slowed to a more natural rhythm and my breathing followed suit.

I opened my eyes and saw that the room was exactly as we had left it. When? It seemed like a lifetime ago. I dropped my gear and struck fire to the lantern, releasing a contented sigh at the blessed light. I placed kindling in the fireplace and proceeded to build a fire to drive the bone-chilling cold back outside. I needed food. I dug through my pack for bread and kwama eggs. I remembered the honey on the shelf as I cooked the eggs and so I sat down at the table and ate what had to be one of the best meals I’d ever had…. Or maybe it was because I hadn’t eaten since before I left the ship…. I could hear Mother…

“ ‘Thyna! You have to eat! I know you get caught up in what you are doing, but you cannot just NOT EAT. I know only too well how easy it is at times to be so driven by your determination to see something finished, but in order to maintain your strength of body AND mind you must sustain the nutritional needs. Else one day your epitaph will read ‘Here lies Athynae Sarethi, she was at work on an incredible invention, but alas she was so focused she forgot to eat and so she starved to death before she saw it completed.’ “

I laughed out loud.

But as the laughter died, the memories began to roll in like water over a broken dam. Mother and Father at the dining table, both glowing as Mother’s pregnancy was becoming obvious. Mae and Cai in their normal mode of planning for their next victim –and Athlain warning me,

Do not ever get on their bad side.

Too late for that advice. I had left without telling them I was going; they were probably at that moment planning my unfortunate demise. My only solace was that least everyone else would quite likely be highly amused by whatever vengeance they exacted. Of course, I would be in dire need of a hidey hole where I could die of embarrassment without an audience.

And the memories continued, a flickering stream of images and incidents. Aunt Baria and Uncle Trey, almost as much parents to me as my own. Aunt Baria NEVER hesitated to scold me if she saw the need and had even taken my bow for “safe keeping” until I had learned a lesson after my careless actions one day. I had inadvertently pinned the gardener to the tree under which he was planting flowers. I had intended to remove the ridiculously tall hat he insisted on wearing, but he stood up just as the arrow shaft departed my fingers. So it had instead pierced the side of his tunic and then embedded itself in the trunk of the tree in such a way that he couldn’t free himself. The humor of the memory was tempered by the image of Aunt Baria’s face as she responded to his screams and realized that one of my arrows was responsible.

Athlain…Athlain. Watching him through the window as he searched frantically for the moon sugar I had just returned from throwing in the sea. Knowing if I had been delayed, even just a couple of days, I would have found his lifeless body. I didn’t know still if he had any idea how very close to death he had come. The truth had come to me in a flood when I performed the healing to ease the cramps that had racked his body. My healing senses found that his vital organs were struggling to even function from lack of sustenance.

Athlain I need you. I need to find you. I have to know that you are well.

I closed my eyes and imagined his face the last time I had seen him, the stunned expression when I kissed him and the way it changed from thrilled to dumbstruck when I told him I loved him. Just before I disappeared holding the amulet of Almsivi Intervention. That thought brought another; again I heard Mother’s voice:

‘Thyna, you know not what lies ahead; prepare now for the all the possibilities.

I needed to be ready when I found Athlain; feeding him dried twigs and leaves to heal him wouldn’t be quite as effective as a prepared potion. This cottage was as safe a place as any for me to put my alchemy skills to good use and reconcile my ingredients into a more useful state. That meant I would be there another day, but I had no idea what I would find when I caught up to Athlain. Nor did I know what I would need in the way of potions… either to get to him or to treat him once I did. With that resolution established, I decided I could rest. I removed the least flexible pieces of the white fur armor but kept the greaves as well as my bracer from Athlain. Then I stoked the fire and fell onto the cot, suddenly realizing how thoroughly exhausted I was.

Sleep found me quickly but so did the dreams…bodies and body parts strewn hither and yon, blood rivulets running across the stones on which the bodies lay and spatter painting the walls. I still didn’t understand why it was so quiet; was I merely deaf to the sound or was there no sound to be heard? I searched for a face I recognized, though none in my vision could be discerned….. The dream changed, and I felt frigid cold, burning heat -fire and ice were all I could see.

Well, another great post from 'Thyna! I have to say that Julian and I share a growing respect for this young woman - would that more young women were as brave, courageous and far-sighted as Athynae. The writing is immediate and emotional, while keeping us grounded in our overall place in the story. And we both agree that it's good that Athlain has a healthy respect (fear?) of 'Thyna. Does a baldness spell have anything to do with that?

I think I know the source of the vision 'Thyna is experiencing, but only because I share Athlain's POV, so it's recognizable to me. I wonder if 'Thyna will come upon Thirsk and discover the truth of the silence and the bloodied body parts. And what will she prepare potion-wise? I look forward to finding out!

This is universal, and readily understood by many - great detail!

Athynae has a touch of "ken" - something I always wondered about before because of her always timely interventions in Athlain's life - Great Write !!!

The interview was great fun. I love Athynae’s red tea cup.

Although I had often experienced the feeling that someone was watching me, I had never before been frightened by it; this was very different.

This made me chuckle. Now I wonder who that could have been?

Athynae’s return to the cabin is something I’m sure many can relate to. Finding a familiar place when you’re not exactly sure where it is feels to me just how Athynae describes it. And racing the last part with unseen creepiness behind her made me think of dashing up the basement stairs at night. *shiver* Although in her case, I’m sure the unseen danger is real.

I’m glad Athynae has gotten close enough to do something tangible, making potions. Perhaps now Athlain can go a day without receiving a phantom ear-flick.

More Athynae! I loved the recollection of her inadvertently pinning the gardener to the tree! Lucky for him it was only his tunic that was pierced!

And a wonderfully creepy vision of the mead-hall and the frozen lake at the end. I am sure that once Athynae heads north and sees the pillar of fire, it will all make sense to her. Unless of course Athlain takes care of business before she arrives.

It's all been said really. Athynae's parts have a huge mixture of introspection, memory, thought and events all woven together, but as said they keep a fairly close hold on the overall events (unlike another character at times). It works well both to tell the story but also with her personality.

I wonder who the watchers might be. I have suspicions...

@haute- Thank you so much for your words- they mean a great deal to us both. And yes- fear of premature (and permanent) baldness may be one reason for Athlain’s justified fear… A sudden vision of ‘Thyna and Julian standing together, discussing Athlain rather as two equestriennes might consider the points of a horse just came to me. Now THAT is a nightmare he has not yet had!

@mALX- Oh yes- she is very much Serene’s daughter in her tendency toward visions… If she happens to travel to the Imperial City, an accidental meeting with a certain albino Khajiit might shake the foundations of the Empire!

@Grits- I simply had to steal your red cup for ‘Thyna. She is a wonderful person- but… not without her beverage of choice in the morning. And yes- she has been “watched” by at least a couple of people her entire life- something which will be explored a bit more in the future. What her proximity to Athlain will mean shall be seen- but in the next post.

@SubRosa- I agree completely that the recollection of her past misdeed adds wonderful dimension to Athynae. It is good to see her more as she sees herself, rather than only through Athlain’s eyes.

@Olen- First- I am SO glad to see you writing again! And I will comment soon, I promise! Adding Athynae’s “voice is one of those equations where the whole is more than just the sum of the parts… I will be forever grateful for my co-author’s contributions. And I think your suspicions about the watchers are correct.

@Everyone- And now, we return to Athlain in the lair of the... well, he is about to find out.

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“You are brave or foolish to enter this place, Imperial soldier.”

The voice sounded of spiders and clotted soil and old tombs better left unopened. It was a voice that had long forgotten whatever it might have known of sunlight and blue skies. I wanted to bring my shield to the ready, but feared to make any sudden movement. And I could still not see the speaker, though he seemed to be in front of me. He continued in a musing tone:

“Brave or foolish… But I sense that you carry just a bit of wisdom with you. Or perhaps it originates with the one who walks by your side….”

I turned involuntarily to look- but there was no one there. The cryptic remarks and the mocking tone angered me, so I raised my mace threateningly and growled,

“You apparently wished to bring someone here, else why light that great signal fire? Which fire led to the deaths of many of my friends, by the way. And I do not appreciate your attempt to distract me with this talk of ‘one who walks by my side’. Well do I know that I am alone- as do you.”

The unseen speaker muttered something about “blindness,” and then spoke more clearly:

“Perhaps you are correct, and we are the only ones here. And yet, you can hardly blame me when your mind brings such a strong- presence into my chamber. But let that go; I am ancient by your reckoning, and have been alone for a vast span of time. So who am I to speak of companions? But perhaps I see less- or more- than you, with your mortal eyes.”

A deeper darkness moved among the shadows of the cavern, and a blackened, awful form emerged.

If I described the- creature- as “skeletal,” it would be correct and also useless. Certainly, his body was gaunt to the point that there was hardly any flesh left. The bits and pieces of fur armor that clung to him emphasized, rather than hid, the lack of mass. It was also true that the skin of his face had dried and shrunk so that his teeth were bared in a permanent rictus. And yet, a fierce vitality lit his red eyes and he moved with manic energy among the crates and benches.

“As to your complaint about a fire- I lit no fire, sent no signal to anyone. And I have no need of fire, beyond the illumination provided by these torches. There is no fire on all of the Mundus that can take the chill from my bones.”

His gaze grew sharper and his voice hardened: “As to the deaths of your friends, I doubt you would believe me if I expressed any regret. Still- I will not take the blame, either. And, I warn you- if you attack me or try to keep me from my task, I will kill you where you stand. Or perhaps I will perish at last in the attempt. But you should know- there are more dangerous things in these caverns than even this poor soul.”

I stared at Aesliip- for it must be him- with revulsion. But a quiet thought insinuated itself into my natural loathing for the undead. Hear him out. There will be time to react if he attempts to cast a spell. For now- listen.

I relaxed my stance slightly, but did not take my eyes off of the spectral creature. “You spoke of a ‘task.’ What task is that? And what is the danger? Why should I not view you as a foul, unnatural thing and act accordingly?”

He lowered his clawed hands in response and his eyes ranged the cramped confines of his “home.”

“I have been in this cave for many centuries. The draugr you met outside of my chamber are not my kin, nor are they my creations. They are mindless creatures, driven only by their desire for living flesh upon which to feed. Though I have been called ‘necromancer’ and worse, I do not raise the dead. No, my story is quite different. Will you at least grant courtesy to my venerable age, before you strike me down?”

The tone was again mocking, but also somehow… lonely. I could not easily reconcile the mind behind those words with the appearance of the speaker. But, it had never been my way to simply attack that which I did not understand, so I replied:

“Very well, I will listen- but I cannot promise more than that.”

“Truthful, as well as wise. Perhaps the world has changed, since I was forced to leave it. Or perhaps you too, are more than you seem….”

He let out a gusty sigh, wafting toward me reeking breath that I wished he had kept inside. But he missed or ignored my disgust, as his eyes were focused far away- in time as well as distance.

“I was once a mage, of those people who call themselves the ‘Skaal’. I was powerful in those days, young Imperial- powerful beyond the reckoning of my simple tribe. But I… strayed. I delved into the black arts and became learned in the ways of necromancy. When I was discovered, I was cast out by my people. Exiled and alone, I came to this place. All that was left to me was the quest for knowledge, the desire to learn and to accumulate more power. I continued my studies, discovering all I could of the ways of the living flesh and the energies that animate it. I became a summoner. I communicated with the Daedra and learned of their plans to destroy my people.”

He paused and I interjected: “Destroy the Skaal? How- and why?”

“At first, I thought it was my doing; that I had summoned the fiends and set them loose. But I soon realized that they were beyond my ability to compel or command. Worse, they sought to destroy all life upon this island, to slaughter the Skaal and all we hold dear. I knew I must act. As to the ‘why,’ who can truly understand the workings of such alien minds? Perhaps they hate humankind, or perhaps they simply revel in destruction for its own sake.”

His voice fell to a hoarse whisper. “I tried to warn my people, but I was an empty voice to them, as one who was already dead. So, I found my own way to protect those who had cast me out. I used my magic to erect a barrier deep in the ice, strong enough to contain those Daedra and prevent them from overrunning Solstheim. The barrier held; for years I maintained it. But I grew old, in the way of all mortals, and knew that my death would mean the end of all life on my beloved island.”

“Therefore, my life had to be extended beyond the mortal span. So I used my knowledge of the black arts and turned myself into the creature you see before you. A loathsome thing- a draugr- an Eater of Flesh. But… my life was infinite. I could keep the barrier intact and my people would survive.”

He paused and looked at me and his eyes were neither hostile nor angry… simply resigned.

“And now, you appear. Sent here to kill me perhaps? It is possible that you have the power to do so, but mayhap you have a greater purpose, one even you do not yet know.”

Despite myself, his story had swayed me; if it had been my death he sought, he could have attacked me any number of times, could have prepared a deadly ambush. And if he wanted my soul, he would find that it already belonged to another and would not be easily wrested away. Cautiously, I responded:

“And what ‘greater purpose’ might that be? To serve as a subject of your necromantic arts?”

He shook his head angrily and grumbled, “NO, you fool! I told you before; it was not my doing that brought you here. But, since you have arrived unasked and unheralded, I have a mind to end this contest with the Daedra. Fight by my side, young soldier. Together, we might vanquish the creatures and send them back to their unholy plane. If you agree, I will lower the barrier and we will cleanse the land of this threat. What say you?”

Indeed- what could I say? The easy, mindless answer was that Aesliip was a draugr, an undead, undying corruption and therefore- evil. And yet… there were even worse things afoot than this sad, powerful tatterdemalion whose eyes burned into mine. And, in truth, what trespasses had he committed? Had I witnessed those supposed crimes, or been charged with the task of exacting justice for them? He had denied causing the fire- and Heart-Fang had ordered me to “investigate the disturbance on the lake.” I had done so. And, if the draugr lord sought my death, there were easier ways to accomplish it than this convoluted story.

Resolved, I tapped Athynae’s Gift lightly against my shield and said:

“Very well. I will fight by your side. The Skaal are not my people, yet they are my friends. Lead the way.”

The undead wizard relaxed slightly, but his mocking tone returned as he spoke.

“So impatient! I have maintained the barrier for hundreds of years; I cannot dissolve it with a snap of my fingers! Conserve that youthful energy for when it is needed. For now, find somewhere out of the way and let me work. And don’t pester me with questions- this task will require my concentration.”

Feeling slightly deflated by the dismissal, I seated myself on a crate and let my mind wander. And, as it always did, that wandering took me to thoughts of Athynae. I stared at her mark upon the wax seals of the potions that were meant to keep me alive. I hoped she was still safe at my home; I prayed that she had somehow not heard of my foolish challenge to the Duke…. And it seemed that I almost heard her voice, sharp with anxiety and annoyance:

You were so close, why didn’t you come to the Manor? Why didn’t you come to see your family --AND ME?

And the mystery of the fire on the lake thickens! So the draugr lord is not responsible for the deaths of Athlain's friends? I'm not sure I believe him, but as it's Athlain and not I who stands there, I'll trust his judgment. For now.

And yes, how dare you pass so close to the Manor without stopping in to see your beloved?

Okay, it's officially been far, far too long since I've been commenting on other people's stories. Everybody turn and thank Destri for forcing me to get off my a$$ and write.

This was quite nicely put together. Aeslip's initial comments, identifying Athlain and his 'companion' was a great way of establishing his mystic credentials. Since I don't believe that he's been publishing any peer-reviewed articles in Arcane University Press Quarterly, you've gone for the next best thing.

Aeslip is one of my favorite characters from Bloodmoon, and his rather limited time to interact with the player probably plays a part in that. Also, his bada$$ ring, which I gotta say is probably one of the best items in the game.

I've truly enjoyed Athlain's development as he begins to discharge the various obligations he's stumbled into. You've brought a sharp but inexperienced youth out of the protective confines of Bal Isra, aged him (without quite irrevocably pickling him in Skooma) and have started growing the potential that is in him, without suddenly transforming the sapling into the mighty oak that his father seems to be. But he's getting there, and as I've gone back and read through this, I'm struck by how little this story is a tale of high adventure by a young man and his romantic endeavors, but instead it's a true coming of age story as a boy steps out of his father's shadow, and despite early incidents wherein he nearly gets trampled down, he's clearly not going anywhere. The return of a Daedric Prince's ritual hunt is merely a catalyst, and not the true heart of the story.

Now, on to a lighter note!

tatterdemalion
Not going to lie, had to look that one up. For those who want to save themselves the trouble (or just claim that they already knew): as a noun, it means 'tattered, ragged man or bum; dirty and unkempt sot; ragged tramp (my personal favorite).

You were so close, why didn’t you come to the Manor?
His mother was there. And there was no guarantee of seeing his Father, whose accumulated wisdom and status of "Not being your son, but your husband and Athlain's Father" would have allowed him to...mellow out that reunion.

Why didn’t you come to see your family
See above.

--AND ME?
Not going to touch this one. Not even going to mention "Cling Factor." Won't bring up "Such a thing known as Personal Space." Moving right past, without drawing attention to, "A Right to just a Little Privacy." Giving the barest passing acknowledgement of "Unfair Numerical Advantage of Supporters in What I Hope You Won't Turn Into a Fight."

See? Didn't do any of those things!

Not a nit, per se, but a question:

You end the first line with a comma, not a period. I understand that it's supposed to be an indication of the tone of the subsequent line of dialogue, but is it allowable to end a paragraph like that? I thought the proper way was to eliminate or relocate the paragraph separation, but as I am not a professional of the English Language, your knowledge is likely to exceed my own.

Yay more BotM. Good part, you caught Aeslip exactly as I imagine him and he's one of my favourite characters in the game. Exactly what makes necromancy so bad, and is it still wrong if you use it to save people? And is the unnatural creature good, bad or indifferent. He raises a lot of interesting questions. I'm glad to see Athlain took the time to consider what he had to say, if not the paradox which is the draugr lord (though he's not given to such considerations while on the job).

- Interesting, I don't remember this. I wonder who did.

Good stuff as ever. I can fully understand why he didn't visit Bal Isra on the way past. He had work to finish and didn't want to pass through only to have to leave straight away. And of course there's certain inconveniance which can be put off a little longer.

yay! Got me thinking of Grey's Anatomy, the soundtrack....Anna Nalick did that song, right?

As usual wonderful updates, oh do I like the "memories of Athynae" How she remembers her childhood, also she was an attentive child, remembering Serene being pregnant....with her **** Nope, not to be revealed yet if there's gonna be a brother or a sister...or both!

Very enjoyable to read on the first day of my return to Sweden...

Yes, never get two redheads together in the same city if you want it to be standing, lol. Great Write!

The voice sounded of spiders and clotted soil and old tombs better left unopened. It was a voice that had long forgotten whatever it might have known of sunlight and blue skies.

*shiver* I love this!!

The tone was again mocking, but also somehow… lonely. I could not easily reconcile the mind behind those words with the appearance of the speaker.

I’ve been thinking about liches lately, what it would be like to turn to necromancy for some noble purpose and hate it the whole time. Now here’s a draugr who seems to have done that. He even finds himself loathsome. Should be an interesting ally.

And even a lonely, undead wizard finds a reason to scold Athlain. That made me chuckle.

You were so close, why didn’t you come to the Manor? Why didn’t you come to see your family --AND ME?

Gosh, with mystical women riding along in his mind, why should he go and visit in person?

“You are brave or foolish to enter this place, Imperial soldier.”
I hope both is not out of the question!

There is no fire on all of the Mundus that can take the chill from my bones.
This was an excellent line!

Aeslip is an intriguing character. Necromancer, Lich, Draugr, or just plain icky. Yet he certainly presents quite an interesting tale. I wonder if the deadra he speaks of overrunning the island are somehow related to what is causing the werewolves? Or if they are completely separate? Of course this also begs the question, if Aeslip did not create the pillar of fire, who did? The daedra perhaps, in order to melt the ice?

There is one good thing about having to catch up on this story, I get to take it all in during a single (or in this case double) sitting.

Starting way back in Raven Rock. Athlain continues to affirm his standing in Falco’s eyes. From his choice of men to guard the colony, to his leadership of those men when (as hautee put it) the cacat hits the ceiling oscillator, every decision he makes has been spot on. We as readers can see his growth right before our eyes. As testament to this I can honestly say that I had forgotten that Athlain was the son of Trey and not the Nerevarine himself.

The death of Garnas affected me more than I can adequately say with words. Reading it lit a fire under me to stop mucking about with Chirasch’s death in my own story. For that I can’t thank you enough. I’ve said it before but the thing that I like most about your writing is your amazing ability to evoke reader empathy with the minimum number of well-crafted words.

Yay, Athynae is back!!! In this story I mean. I notice that the real Athynae is alive, well, and posting. Forgive my inexcusable manners in not welcoming you to the forums properly, Athynae. Since you don’t have a thread of your own yet (hint hint), I guess I should tender my official welcome here (and thanks for motivating trey to get back to the keyboard). I really have no defense for my actions, and I hope you won’t see fit to burden me with worries of the spell you are concocting. Speaking of which, the next time I find myself wrestling with a bout of ‘I just can’t write-itis’ I hope that you don’t mind if I look to you for inspiration, seeing the good that it has done trey (Just FYI I am a man who long ago took to shaving his head, so for me the balding spell would be a blessing ).

Er . . . back to the story. I always wondered who Carnius reported to (let’s face it the man was not an alpha dog). Is it fair to say that Apronia was the puppeteer pulling his strings all along? If that is the case, then who pulled hers?

You really have to hand it to Athlain. When he sets his mind to get himself killed he does so in style! Marching into the Grand Council Chamber in Ebonheart and challenging Duke Dren to a duel in front of his bodyguard takes the kind of guts that one would expect from the son of Trey.

I can honestly say that I feel genuine pity for Athlain. Just think of all the pain he is going to have to endure through the efforts of the five women in his life ‘looking out for him.’

In any event, the Duke’s reaction to Athlain’s challenge and his handling of the whole affair was fantastic. I could just see Athlain’s realization that his mother had petitioned to marry him off to the woman he loves. I also thought it symbolic of their relationship that Athlain leaves the Council Chamber lamenting Athynae’s reaction to his efforts, without stopping to realize that those efforts were prompted by information received from Athynae! By the Nine (or the Three, Azura, or whoever Redoran looks upon as high muckety-muck these days), don’t look a gift horse in the mouth you two! Who cares who made the petition? The decision was made the moment Athynae decided to brave the wilds of Solstheim in order to help Athlain.

Ah, kids these days.

I agree with Brynjolfr’s assessment, Athlain is not as addled as we are led to believe. There is a certain madness to his method, if you know what I mean. It was great to see the old smith again. Then it’s back to the Skaal to endure the brooding condescension of their chief. I have never played the game so I am on pins and needles wondering what awaits Athlain at Lake Fjalding.

The attack on Thirsk is something I dreaded the minute Athlain spoke of how different his life may have been had he stayed. Duty dictates that he embark on the Test of Strength for the Skaal. But, knowing Athlain, he will probably seek out the Udyrfrykte to avenge those who showed him kindness and to bring a small measure of relief to Svenja. Hopefully he can kill the thing before Athynae shows up, just to reassure her that he is capable of holding his own without her.

Oh who am I kidding? Hurry Athynae!!

I just loved Athynae’s contribution to the story! She seems to instinctively adhere to the ‘better to beg forgiveness than to ask permission’ school of thinking when she ‘borrows’ Sethyas’ memoir (that reminds me that I really need to go back and finish all, what? TWELVE VOLUMES of Black Hand’s opus).


And

These quotes just scream Athynae to me! I think Athlain may look upon another Udyrfrykte and all the draugr and bone wolves of Solstheim as preferable to facing the wrath of his betrothed!

Athynae’s journey to the cabin was a harrowing experience. Given that every previous reference to her came from Athlain or her legion (no pun intended) of admirers, it is hard to imagine the shadows that could give her pause. Hearing the story from her POV is a welcome reminder that this goddess that we have all come to revere is painfully aware of her own mortality.

Aeslip’s revelations are so surprising that it has forced me back into the lore. In the book Thirsk, a History Bereditte Jastal lists all of the chieftains of Thirsk from Hrothmund the Red. One of those leaders was an Imperial named Caccino Aurelia. He led for the space of three weeks before being slain one Eldjar Bear-Skinner (I just LOVE that name) who presented Aurelia’s tongue as a battle trophy. Aurelia is remembered as a fraud in Thirsk. Could it be that Aurelia was not slain as Jastal suggests and that instead he went into exile?

Food for thought.

Well, as we close in on 100 forum pages of this (gulp!), it is appropriate that Athynae takes the stage once more. Burning questions will be posed- Will they find each other? Will she keep him? Will HE keep his hair? Will I ever shut up and get on with it? Athynae has graciously added her responses- they are first- followed by mine (in italics).

@Haute- Thank you so much for your comments, the respect is mutual. Thyna could learn much from Julian as her courage and foresight are second to none.

As far as I know, who or what caused the fire is never specifically revealed. I based my dialogue on Korst’s doubts and on what Aesliip tells the player character.

Athlain suffers from “target-lock” sometimes; a trait he shares with his creator. I can remember more than once, chasing after an intermediate step in a complex math problem, coming up with a number and saying- “OK- so the answer to that part is 5. Why did I care?” There is another, more directly applicable story- but
I will save that for another time.

@Capt Hammer- There are many things that could be said but on behalf of Thyna I will simply allow her thoughts:

“Well I never! Cling factor....personal space....privacy? He has been gone without word of any sort for weeks and you think I am being “clingy”? His mother is worried to death, his sisters are ready to murder him and you think I need to let him have his “personal space”?”

Thank you for reading, and for your comments, although I guess you can see ‘Thyna wasn't very happy with your observations. I am very glad that you are reading and hope you are enjoying it as much as I am enjoying writing.

First- welcome back! (And- thank you, Destri!) Captain, you correctly spot my dual purpose in having Aesliip “see” Athynae at Athlain’s side- it shows that he is a powerful wizard- and it discomfits our young soldier, which is usually a good thing.

And you also are correct that the “Journey of Discovery” is at least as much internal as external.

Confession time on “tatterdemalion.” I wanted aTES-friendly equivalent to “scarecrow,” but there are no birds on Vvardenfell. And a similar effigy not only would NOT scare away cliff-racers, but would probably ATTRACT the bloody things! So, I reached back to my comic-book collecting days, to a DC anti-hero by the name of “Raggedman.”

As to all the things you did not do, in regards to Athlain’s failure to visit…. Since you did not do them, I do not have to respond, thus avoiding the wrath of both Athynaes (Athynai?) --fictional and factual.

The comma and break before the dialogue was actually a mistake. It is a throwback to when I wrote “in-line” quotes. To make the text more “forum-friendly,” I have tried to instead use a “colon and line space” method instead. But sometimes I forget or still mix the two.

@Olen- You'll just have to wait and see......

Your encouragement is always most welcome- you continue to be one of my most perceptive readers. And I find this particular undead quite interesting, as well. The ambiguity of his choices forces Athlain to think about his own assumptions.

As to the fire, as I mentioned to haute, it appears that it was not Aesliip’s doing, although the explicit denial was my own addition.

Athlain appreciates your understanding of his need to complete the mission…. And he wonders if you would mind standing—right about THERE, so he can avoid an expertly-wielded staff to the head.

@Minque-Glad to see you are home Mother, so sorry I missed you. I am up to my eyeballs with this one….I have complete faith in your teachings as a healer and Uncle Seth’s sporadic tutoring of fighting skill. I have a feeling I will need it all in the coming days. See you when I return home, if I do…..

Glad we gave you something to enjoy on your return. And that you have given us a continuation, as well. As to Athynae’s memories- well, stay tuned.

@mALX- She's just good like that.....

Unfortunately for Athlain, he is going to have to come home to 3 of them- plus the one who will likely tie him up and drag him there.

@Grits- Hehe, we had great fun doing the interview as well, so glad you liked it. Thank you for your observations.

I have been paying attention to the “atmospherics” of certain writers- like you- and haute- and SubRosa- and… well, you get the idea.

And this particular draugr-lich-wizard is one of the most fascinating characters in the vanilla game- he admits to dabbling in “bad things,” but he then used that knowledge to do a terrible thing to himself so he could protect the people who had cast him out.

‘Thyna SAYS that the reason he should have stopped by is because his mother and sisters CAN’T “ride his shoulder.” (The real reason is that a good clout in the weesand [sp?] is more satisfying than a phantom flick on the ear.)

@SubRosa- Thanks for reading and commenting. Yes it was lucky it was only clothing she skewered, lol. That vision is just as creepy when seeing it in your mind's eye while writing about it.

Oh, I think “both” is definitely the correct answer. “Why, yes, as a matter of fact I WOULD rather face an ancient undead wizard in a cave under a frozen lake, rather than the woman I love.”

As to the fire quote, I wanted to try my hand at the atmosphere you and others describe so well…

The cause of the fire is never really answered in-game- something I intend to remedy- but not yet.

@Destri- Thank you for the welcome, though delayed it was obviously heart felt. I only turn to threats as a last resort, just so you know, but should the need arise I am certain I could concoct a potion or create a spell that would serve to cure “can’t write-it is”.

I am not only angry with him for ignoring her, I keep getting this horrible vision so I am also scared half to death for his safety.

It was very disconcerting, that feeling I had on the way to the cabin. Though not added to the journal pages it occurred to me that I have trained with weapons since I was old enough to hold them and I attended tournaments with great success. The one thing I had never done to this point was fight for my life.

First of all- WELCOME BACK! Regarding Athlain’s growth- it was always my plan to take him from being a somewhat spoiled, sheltered youth and turn him into a good man. That the process has gone on far longer than I intended is a result of the kind indulgence of my readers.

Garnas was one of those characters who simply insisted on his moment upon the stage- and that he be given a fitting exit. It was hard to write- but to have done less would have been to dishonor him.
Apronia is one of those mysterious characters in the game, and one whose presence is never explained. So-I decided to give her a far more interesting role- AND to allow her, in the fashion of super-villains everywhere, to escape into the darkness. Yes, Carnius was her cat’s-paw.

I must agree that the “I know- I will challenge the Duke of Dread- IN FRONT OF EVERYONE” moment was one that rather summarizes Athlain’s character- brave to a fault- but not always very smart about it. The Duke’s reaction was quite fun to write- Athlain also seemed to rather forget that his parents (and Athynae’s) have kind of MET the Duke- more than a few times. His tunnel-vision about Athynae is based on my own real-life experiences- but that is a story for another time.

It has been my great joy to have Athynae here to speak for herself. And it has benefited the story immeasurably.

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You were so close, why didn’t you come to the Manor? Why didn’t you come to see your family --AND ME?

And in my mind I heard his voice, as clear as if he were standing there watching me mix the potions that I was preparing for him.

“’Thyna, I had to return as quickly as possible; there is work yet to be done.”

“You are telling me you would go challenge the Duke to a duel to win my hand but you wouldn’t take fifteen extra steps to say ‘Hi, I’m fine, gotta go, thanks for the tea?’ ”

I felt that same feeling again of him being almost close enough to touch.

“Well, I was THINKING of you.” His voice sounded right; I KNEW it was his voice, especially that slight “lift” on the last word when he felt he had been caught out.

“ ‘THINKING OF ME’, oh, thank you so much, and what do you think I was doing? Planting a rose garden?”

I had an ethereal feeling, like I was there but not. But I also felt my anger rising at his neglect and my need to know why he would do such a thing.

“I thought you were staying safe; that’s why I sent you to Indarys.” The tension in his voice was growing as well.

“What was I staying safe from? I already knew the marriage contract was a ruse at that point. If you had stopped by for tea, I would have told you.” SO there! Unspoken, but clearly understood was- If you had stopped I could have saved us both from the embarrassment of your little escapade.

“You knew? And you didn’t try to tell me?” Even though he wasn’t standing there I could still see his face turning that deep shade of red.

“And how was I supposed to do that?”

“A letter maybe; there are only two places on Solstheim, Fort Frostmouth and Raven Rock. It would have found me.”

Right, like someone was going to chase him all over that forsaken island to deliver a letter.

“After you got back, maybe. But I hadn’t known long enough for a letter to reach you. And how dare you talk to me about letters. How many have you written me? HHMM let’s see…there was the one where you WISHED ME ALL HEALTH…what a treasure THAT was! And then there was, let’s see um, oh wait, THERE WAS JUST THE ONE!”

“I was still thinking of you and wishing you well.”

I barely heard this comment; good, he knew I was right so he was backing off. But- that was also the time for me to press the attack. An argument was just like a sword-fight; the time to strike was when your opponent was off-balance.

“And I was supposed to know that? How?” Rage isn’t the right word; fear maybe, or perhaps jealousy…

“I was BUSY!”

“No you were hiding.”

“Hiding? Did you say ‘hiding’?”

“For all I knew, you were dead.”

“What do you mean hiding?”

“For all I knew, you were seeing some blue-eyed Nordic girl.”

“Thyna…”

“WHAT?”

“ Thyna, I wouldn’t even think about dying without asking your permission first.” His voice had a tone of trying to placate me.

“HAHA, aren’t you the funny one.”

“And as far as the blue-eyed Nordic girl….she wasn’t you.”

“YOU MEAN THERE WAS ONE? I WILL KILL YOU, ATHLAIN TREYSON!” It was probably a good thing that he wasn’t there at that moment; I think the potion I was preparing started bubbling faster just from the heat of my hand.

“She wasn’t you!”

“How does that make it better?”

“Every time I see a woman, you are my first thought.”

“As in ‘I think ‘Thyna had better not find out?’ “

“NO! As in ‘I wish she was you.’ So I could reach out and grab you and never let go.”

“I wish you would do less ‘thinking’. “

“Did you miss the ’NEVER LET GO’ part?”

“And more holding.”

“NO ONE ELSE IS YOU!”

“And don’t you DARE take that tone with me! I AM trying to work here.”

“So, do you have any healing potions?”

“I’m working on them, and you are going to need several when I find you.”

“Please stop yelling. It seems I can hear you even when you don’t open your mouth.”

“I AM NOT YELLING; I AM JUST TRYING TO GET THROUGH THAT THICK HEAD OF YOURS! And what do you mean you can hear me even when I don’t open my mouth?

“‘IF you get killed I will bring you back to life so I can kill you myself.’ I think those were the words you used; do they sound at all familiar?”

“How did you know that?”

“I ….can…hear ….you; even when you don’t open your mouth. And I can go further than that even. Did you ‘flick’ my ear?”

“What? Oh that, um, well… maybe. But if I did it was because you were being foolish.”

“Foolish? Did you know I was standing at the entrance to a cave? And had anything exited that cave while you were distracting me…”

“No, you were standing there feeling sorry for yourself, so you were already distracted.”

“I could have been killed while I was looking to see who flicked my ear.”

“Did you get attacked?”

“Not then…”

“But it got your focus back to where you were and what you needed to be doing. And exactly what does ‘not then’ mean?”

“’Thyna, this whole talking to each other mentally is a little disconcerting. Could we please have this conversation when we are actually together? I don’t want to argue with you, especially when I can’t see your face, hold your hand…”

“I still don’t know what this is or how it happens. And, yes- it is a bit unbalancing to say the least. But just hearing your voice means I am getting closer to you. I don’t know how I know that, but I do. Please, whatever you are doing, be careful. I know you will not wait for me to get there, but will you please keep yourself alive?”

“What, so you can kill me when you find me?”

“Well, yes, and then revive you so I can hold you and try that kiss again.”

“The next time you try that kiss you won’t escape so quickly.”

“I hope not. Athlain, I do love you so very much. And I will do whatever is necessary to see this through with you.”

“I know, ‘Thyna. I love you too; never forget that, no matter what happens. Now get back to your work; I have a task ahead that I need to give my full attention. I have no intention of letting anything happen to me before I have a chance to kiss you again.”

“YOU DIDN’T KISS ME LAST TIME! I kissed you.”

I found the floor as it rushed up to catch me. What in the world was that? It must be the cabin; it was suffused with Sheogorath’s taint. I was losing my mind; that was it. I needed to be done with my alchemy so I could get out of there.

I rose from the floor and saw the vials on the table, each labeled and sealed with wax and stamped with my insignia. Everything was finished except for the cleaning up.

Thank you, Mother.



I proceeded to clean the equipment and return it to the shelves, hoping I never needed those particular items again. Afterwards, I stoked the fire and prepared myself something to eat, reflecting on my ‘conversation’ with Athlain. I shook my head with a smile. I really shouldn’t be so hard on him. I wouldn’t have him any other way than as he is- strong, honorable, trustworthy, kind to a fault, and loyal like no one else I know. Azura, please keep him safe.

I got my gear together so I could depart at first light and prepared for bed. Placing a couple of logs on the fire, I picked up the bucket I had been using to gather snow for water and walked out onto the porch. The dual moons shone bright in the night sky and off in the distance I heard what sounded like someone crying…..

Dear Gods, she takes waaay too much after her mother....

'Tis a very, very good thing I finished all of my liquids before reading this post! The exchange between Athlain and 'Thyna was excellent - loved the bickering. Those kinds of repartees are actually my favorite dialogue - more so than the purely romantic stuff or the melodrama. Guess that's why I prefer When Harry Met Sally to Gone With the Wind. Or what about Bringing Up Baby? Katharine Hepburn was awesome keeping Cary Grant flummoxed! Of course that big cat didn't hurt.

'Thyna is very good at keeping Athlain flummoxed, even though she didn't use the 'F' word here. When will Athlain ever learn that the woman (womer?) is always right? I'm sure he'll never learn not to keep making the mistakes, but I do hope that he learns that it's better to agree with a lady like 'Thyna than it is to defend himself.

Trey -

While I may not have been visible, I have been on the forums regularly, and let me say that I have been

entertained
entranced
enraptured
encouraged
enraged (when you didn't post fast enough)
en-rolling-on-the-floor-and-dirt-and-grass(don't ask)
en-smirked-and-snorted-and-guffawed-and-gigglesneezecoughchoked (definitely don't ask)

by your writing...

this last post of yours is SOOOO good I suspect any warm-blooded man will want to reach out and kiss his significant other. I hope you did, after finishing typing.

And, fair warning. If you do an Athlain and don't post fast enough, I will do something worse than snatch you bare headed. I know ways of making people fart uncontrollably AND LOUDLY IN PUBLIC....especially at formal parties, weddings, faculty meetings...

*I stole the spell from MaLX*

The internal communication between Athynae and Athlain is awesome! (... and hilarious!!!) GAAAAAH! A cliffhanger! Great Write!! And Athynae - you just lucked out by showing up on here, I was about to PM you and berate you for being gone so much!! ROFL !!! I couldn't do it though, I was gone a bunch too, lol. Awesome job, glad to see you were doing something constructive with your absense, wish I could say the same !!! Lol.

Why of COURSE! It's hilarious, great, awesome! I JUST LOVE IT! Trey and Athynae, your writing is dynamite, I'm stunned!

I love the conversaions between those two especially "in their minds"

Blackie I do believe that is the greatest compliment I could have possibly received!!!!!! Thank you so much!!!

And MINQUE this is for you as well!!! You said it...in response to BH's comment about my taking waaay too much after you

"Why of course! It's hilarious, great, awesome! I JUST LOVE IT!" Finally you see that you are an awesome writer. I do not believe that I have acquired the level of skill that you have but at least, according to BH I "take way too much after you" I hope that means as much about the writing as it does about the personality. Thyna very much wants to be the strong, self sufficient, admirable "womer" her Mother is....

Great part. We got to see a bit more of Athynae than before too. I suspect their eventual meeting will be quite spectacular, maybe visible from Vvardenfel

The bickering was spot on, I enjoyed it very much.

And now a cliffhangar, I wonder what it is and how much it will slow'Thyna down?

Well that was a both confusing and delightful telepathic argument! I imagine it would be like that if Professor X and Emma Frost hooked up! Poor Athlain. Most husbands can at least escape their nagging wives for little while. But she can yell at him from hundreds of miles away!

Let's hope that crying is not something like this

Great! Now I won’t be able to see the two A's without thinking of Grant and Hepburn, walking through the woods at night.

I can’t give you anything but love,
BABY!

That was a fantastic discussion (in my experience, things only degenerate to ‘argument’ when the woman is losing ). I’m glad that Athlain showed the good sense to be sure that peace was restored before he ‘hung up’. Now I’m left to wonder what this crying is all about. . .

Well, this started off with an “uh-oh,” but happily Athlain got red in the face quickly. After all, it takes two to argue have a discussion. Priceless! I loved it. Especially the part at the end.


Now, crying..?

@Black Hand- Yes, she does. Athlain might have done well to flee to Akavir when he had the chance…. Except- he never really did- have a chance, that is.

@haute- They do excel at that sort of exchange, and I am pleased that you enjoyed it. Let’s hope Athynae does not get the idea to bring a pet leopard into the mix… Yes- even Trey, stubborn as he is, learned it is best to apologize quickly, ESPECIALLY if he happened to be right.

@D.Foxy- Hail your return, Reynard! And here- to prevent baldness, flatulence, flat feet, painful corns, and the heartbreak of psoriasis- is more of this story.

@mALX- That conversation was one of the most enjoyable episodes we have written, it just kind of grew. And yes- I am anxiously awaiting more Maxical, as I am beginning to catch up….

@minque- As you said- “of course she takes after her mother.” What better role model than Serene? And thank you so much for all of your assistance and encouragement over the years. Most of all- THANK YOU for writing again!

@Olen- Thank you so much. And the part following this will tell us more about ‘Thyna- and what happens next. And yes- I imagine that meeting might cause some to fear that Red Mountain has exploded…

@SubRosa- “Most husbands can at least escape their nagging wives for little while. But she can yell at him from hundreds of miles away!” Oh dear!

As for the crying- nope- not exactly like that- and what it is will be revealed- next time.

@Destri- Not sure Athynae will accept the idea about a “peaceful resolution” to their “talk.” She tends to be more a believer in the “here, let me shut your mouth with my fist” method of concluding discussions.

@Grits- If we can even come close to your wonderful way with Jerric and all of his--- encounters--- we will be quite pleased. I have a feeling Athynae has an entire color chart of Athlain’s skin tones, such that she can gauge to a fine certainty just how angry, embarrassed, frustrated, etc. he is.

@All- And now back to Athlain and the conclusion of his time with Aesliip. Fear not, the lovely Athynae will be back next time.

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

The question had seemed so real, as had the “argument” that followed it. I could see Athynae’s eyes flashing brighter than the stars as she questioned me about Kolfinna. And then, as quickly as it had begun, it was over. I found myself tilting toward the floor and put out my hands to stop my fall. I also thought: Just like her- get the last word and then storm off. Well- FINE!

Apparently, I spoke that last aloud, for the ancient undead looked at me with an odd expression on his ravaged face. Was he… grinning at me? And how could I tell anyway?

“Trouble with your beloved, young Imperial? She is well, I trust?”

The words she had “spoken” were burned into my memory, but I tried to wave it away.

“It was nothing- a fancy- a daydream brought on by weariness and bad air.”

He tilted his grisly head and looked at me quizzically. “Are you certain?”

“I am certain she is safe with my family.”

The draugr’s gaze shifted, looking to the south, as if seeking something beyond the walls of his cave.

“And your family is on Vvardenfell, yes?”

I looked at him suspiciously before answering. “Yes. But I don’t see what that has to do with anything.”

He straightened and turned away from me, replying, “Nothing. Except that I can tell you this- she is not on Vvardenfell. She is much closer than that. Her essence would not be so strong, were she across the water from here.”

His words pitted my skepticism against a feeling that he was telling the truth- what reason would he have to lie about this? But- if he was right- where was she? And why?

In the end, my stubbornness won out and all I said was, “I do not believe in all that mystical nonsense. I am here to complete a task.”

Aesliip shrugged elaborately and responded, “Just as you say. And- if you would stop interrupting me, I could complete my preparations so you can be about it.”

Suddenly I understood why it infuriated Athynae when I spoke similar words to her. In that moment, I very much wanted to hit the draugr, right in his blackened teeth. But- with the unsatisfactory argument I had just imagined having with Athynae fresh on my mind, I decided to engage in a verbal battle instead.

“Fine then! But there is no need to be rude.”

He turned back to me, his eyes widening. If he had possessed eyebrows, they would have risen as he said:

“Rude? I was not being rude- simply making an observation. The faster I am ready, the sooner you can leave- and find your errant betrothed. And besides- YOU were the one who carried on a conversation that did not include me. Now THAT was rude!”

I threw my hands up in frustration. I could not even get the final word with a creature that had not had human contact in over 400 years! At last, he seemed to take pity on me, saying, as kindly as he could:

“Sleep, adventurer. You will need it.”

And the strange thing was- I did sleep.

When I next woke, Aesliip was standing before his firepit, mumbling phrases and tossing various powders into the flames. They flared through all the colors of the spectrum- and a few that I thought might be impossible. At last he straightened and waved to me, then pointed to indicate a passage at the rear of the cavern. Even as I watched, the misty barrier across the opening flickered and fell away. The draugr pierced me with his burning gaze and said:

“It is done. Now let us end threat this for all time. The creatures we face are beings of frost- they revel in the cold. Therefore, if you possess magic to resist the cold or to create fire, get ready.”

I carried out his advice as best I could, putting the Resist Frost potions I carried near to hand. As for combat, I would trust to my mace and shield. I knew spell-casters could be formidable in combat, but they were not trying to juggles shields and weapons and armor along with their spells. More important- most Legion battlemages had foot soldiers to protect them while they threw magic around. All I had was myself, along with an undead wizard so insubstantial he looked as though a slight breeze might cause him to crumble into nothingness. Nevertheless, you go into battle with what you have, not what you wish you had. It would have to be enough.

From what Aesliip had said, it sounded as though these creatures were akin to the daedric summonings that the Mages Guild occasionally lost control of. However, it would be unwise to make assumptions in advance of the facts, so I kept my mind ready and my senses receptive as we passed down the icy tunnel. I peered around the next bend and saw a figure moving in the dim light. Unfortunately, it saw or sensed me at the same moment.

It seemed spring from the very ice of the walls, a giant with blue-white skin from which vapor rose into the chill air. With a roar like an avalanche, the great creature brought its hands together and sent a bolt of pure ice hurtling towards us. I sidestepped and interposed my shield, feeling the chill as the missile flew past to shatter against the wall. Aesliip responded with magicka of his own. Although I would rather have been anywhere than in a crossfire of arcane energies, I gritted my teeth and charged the daedra.

If they are big, try to get in close and use their size against them.

Good advice; the giant did seem somewhat slow. Unfortunately, he had more than frost and fists at his disposal. After throwing one more ice bolt at the ancient wizard, the creature raised its right hand and I watched as a sword seemed to grow from the substance of its arm and the vapor it exuded. It was like watching an icicle form- except at an accelerated speed. I had planned to use my shield anyway; I only hoped the bitter cold would not cause the wood and metal to shatter. At first, I stayed on the defensive, turning so the giant had to follow me, thus giving Aesliip an unobstructed target for his spells.

With that accomplished, it was like any other fight- with simple rules: Don’t get hit. Do hit your opponent. I dodged or deflected the clumsy swings of the sword, using Athynae’s Gift to punish the daedra every time he gave me an opening. Because of the draugr’s magical attacks, those chances came more often than they otherwise might have. At last, a fire spell brought the creature to his knees and I shattered his massive head with a sidearm swing of my mace.

We plunged ever deeper into the passageways, encountering several more of the daedra, singly or in pairs. After every encounter, I gulped restoratives and cast healing magicka at Aesliip. He never said anything, but I could see him growing more ragged with every battle. His limping progress also slowed, but he waved me irritably ahead whenever I suggested that we pause for a rest.

“I have not rested or slept in 400 years, you young fool! I will see this finished, or give up my unnatural existence in the attempt.”

Even though the draugr’s impatience was palpable, I paced myself, refusing to be goaded into a headlong rush. At last, I reached a tentative hand out to gently grip his bony shoulder and responded quietly:

“Yes- and they have been here for those hundreds of years, as well. A few more minutes will make little difference to them. I, on the other hand, would prefer not to spend my eternity in these caves.”

Aesliip glowered at me wordlessly, but he also stopped treading on my heels.
It was well that we had that conversation, for we next came upon a cross-corridor where four tunnels came together. I hated such terrain- enemies could come at us from three sides at least. The trick was to draw them, preferably one at a time, into a single passage that we could defend. And because I was the one who bore armor and a shield, I was given the “honor” of serving as bait.

For some minutes, spells crackled, punctuating my own gasping breaths and the draugr’s muttered incantations. And then, as the last of the daedra shattered into bits of ice and a pile of frost salts, silence fell once more. I turned to see Aesliip, whose eyes bore a look of… relief. He was trembling and working at something on his left hand. At last, he leaned tiredly against the wall of the passage, the first time I had seen him stand still. He spoke hoarsely:

“It is done. My time is over. You have performed a great service here, for me- and for the people of this island. Now I may rest. Before I go, hoping to find the Halls of Sovngarde, take this ring.”

With that he stretched out his hand and dropped the heavy circlet into my own, before continuing.

“May you have the strength to continue you own journey, child of the Empire… and of Skyrim.”

The light in his eyes began to dim, but then they flared fiercely once more as his voice regained some of it former power.

“Seek your beloved. Cherish her. If I had loved another as well as I loved the quest for knowledge…. But, no matter. I did what I must. I am content.”

He spoke no more, but raised his eyes to the roof of the cavern, as if he could see through it to the sun and the sky above. The red light faded and he simply- ceased. His body crumbled and swirled away on a sudden wind and was no more. Even his ragged clothing withered to dust and less than dust.

As for me, I wearily retraced my steps through the empty, echoing tunnels, my breath a cloud that formed and disappeared, over and over again. With one last potion to resist the chill and my own spell to breathe underwater, I swam up from the bottom of the lake, breaking the surface to the ending of the day. The molten light of the sun was rivaled by the fire that still burned fiercely upon the water.

Korst Wind-Eye waited where I had left him, and he hailed me with a look of concern.

“The fire has not gone out. Were you unable to defeat Aesliip?”

I told the shaman all that had transpired, all that the ancient draugr had said. Korst’s frown grew deeper, although his words were friendly enough:

“And so- his unnatural span has come to an end, thanks to your efforts. And yet, there was more to him than any of us knew. You have done well, and I will be pleased to call you ‘Skaal’ from this day forward.”

He looked again at the column of fire and doubt crept back into his face, as he concluded:

“Give me a few days to consider what this omen may mean, and to consult the auguries. Return to the village after that time, and we will speak again.”

Good tactics are now beginning to complement your already good writing, Trey! Keep it up

(the writing I meant. As for the other, I'm sure Mrs. Trey will do the necessary).

Did I detect a hint of Donald Rumsfeld in there? Regardless, you interwove a realistic human-feeling perception in with the fell chill of the battle with the Ice Atronachs. Well done, and please weave your tales once more, O Bard.

I really, truly enjoyed the effect the - erm - "discussion" (as my father was fond of calling such conversations) had on Athlain. Then he tries to take out his frustrations on a 400 year old draugr? I was chuckling through the entire thing, until I reached this:
'Twas a good thing I had just emptied my mouth of tea, because that made me laugh for a good minute or so. I think the cats are avoiding me now.

So even draugrs get tired? It's impressive that he managed to hold himself together until the end, and be an invaluable ally for Athlain.

But that mysterious fire still isn't out? Darn! What is causing that thing? I wait with bated breath . . .

Do not allow me to suffocate from waiting too long, now.

Aesliip's comments on Athlain's "dialogue" with Athynae was hilarious! And I like that he called Athlain "of Skyrim" - confirming what I felt all along, that Athlain and the Skaal are more deeply connected than the coincidence of his helping them - glad to see he is now considered one of them, that is a day I have waited for!! Awesome Write !!

I found myself viewing part of this scene from Aesliip’s perspective. Alone for four hundred years after sacrificing himself for the safety of people who loathe him, he is joined at the end of his existence in this realm by… Athlain and the presence of Athynae! It could have been some grim, dour fellow. No wonder he enjoyed getting a few verbal digs in on Athlain. How lucky for him that his last human interaction was so, well, human!

In the end, my stubbornness won out and all I said was, “I do not believe in all that mystical nonsense. I am here to complete a task.”

Ha! It’s too bad that not believing in it won’t make it go away.

It seemed spring from the very ice of the walls, a giant with blue-white skin from which vapor rose into the chill air. With a roar like an avalanche, the great creature brought its hands together and sent a bolt of pure ice hurtling towards us.

I love this description the most. The whole fight was very exciting, and great fun to read.

Although I would rather have been anywhere than in a crossfire of arcane energies, I gritted my teeth and charged the daedra.

Wow, no wonder Aesliip called him a child of Skyrim.

He spoke no more, but raised his eyes to the roof of the cavern, as if he could see through it to the sun and the sky above. The red light faded and he simply- ceased. His body crumbled and swirled away on a sudden wind and was no more. Even his ragged clothing withered to dust and less than dust.

Can the death of a grisly, undead creature be beautiful? Apparently, yes!

Everyone else commented on the things that struck me in this chapter. Left with nothing to say, I will result to adorable puppy-dog eyes while holding up my empty bowl.

“May I have some more, sir?”