Good part. I agree with mALX that while not that much happened there was a lot of development there. Teresa is coming into her own, I wonder who will recognise her when she returned to the IC, I can't see her finding the waterfront much like home any more. And I suspect she'll quite easily deal with Vols having coped with the FG.

I liked the little references to other pieces, I caught three, though I suspect I missed some. All the fics seem to be slowly moving to cohabit the same world.

But I doubt they would let the contestants bet, just because of that. -- That's where Chance comes in, you get him to put the bet on for you in return that he knows what you're doing and can put his own money on, or you find Scumbag gro-Lotsofcash of the local mafia and cut a deal.

"Not carin' if you do or don't is I," the beggar said quietly. "But why is it that you do?" -- I loved this line. It fits her character so well, and might be part of the reason she knows so much.

Yet when she saw none other waving back, she found her own hand raising in a shy reply. -- And this was very Teresa. Of course the competition will be interested, someone else who came from nowhere and shot with the best of them, and not only that but another bosmer lass too. Of course Teresa won't realise that she is rather interesting, even if she has realised she has skill.

I wonder if Lady Scaurus remembers that nice Lars gro-Porsena on the other side?

' Teresa opened her mouth to reply, then shut it again a moment later. Why did she care? So what if people called her that? Of all the nicknames to have, it was hardly bad. Not like 'Teresa who can't hit the broad side of a barn' would be, or 'Teresa of the corpse-white skin', or 'Teresa of the dyed hair'.'
Oh my. I guess you're right, Teresa! I never thought of the other possibilities. Seriously, this was delightful!

I really enjoyed how Teresa was watching the shooting, then ruminating, then sort of watching, then chatting with Aia, then daydreaming about facing her Shadow like Ancondil told her, then watching some shooting. I know how fun that type of scene is to write! Are you sure Teresa's not a blonde under that red henna dye? This was all so very Teresa and you really portrayed it all well. It all gave such a perfect perspective of how the tournament fits into Teresa's other priorities. Yes, she is being somewhat swept into the event, but she still realizes that it is simply a sporting event that does not compare to some of the challenges she has faced in such places as Belda and Jensine's store.

There are only a couple scenes that you and I have attempted to almost perfectly 'mirror' between TF and BF, and the exchange of waves between Buffy and Teresa here was one of those. I can only hope that seeing your elf in BF when we portrayed this scene gave you as broad a smile as seeing mine here gave me.

I loved Aia's story of Lady Scaurus and that it included more of Bravil's mining town history. Also some hope that Count (His Pompousness) Regulus might someday be summarily removed.

'Teresa of the corpse-white skin' This had me rolling! And oh, how I loved that shy wave!

"Did she marry?" Teresa asked. It seemed odd that she had never heard of a Lord Scaurus. Imperials always wanted to marry. It seemed the most important thing in their lives. Although why escaped Teresa.
I loved this piece of cultural musing. Teresa has been reading Juno Austenius!

Holds the biggest balls too. Chance really gets around! Or would that be Pappy…

The mention of all the holidays made me jump for joy. I hope Lady Scaurus invites Teresa to Jester’s Day!!

Such an enjoyable segment. I’m glad Teresa sat with Aia. That lady brings a lot to the party.

21.1

Ah I'm happy Simplicia continued talking with Teresa with out missing a beat after she finds out that it isn't a guy Teresa's seeing. And shared some wisdom with Teresa.

21.2

Teresa's learning why 'normal people' dislike thieves and the like so much. She's worked hard for what she owns and she fears now that someone could just take it all away. I'm glad that little observation was included.
That's a neat banking system you have. I never thought of having a temple in charge of money. The part about the hair was great!

21.3

Raminus Polus again! How does Teresa not know who it is? She saw him tearing through Dremora not that long ago! There we go! She finally recognized him! (I'm writing this as I read)

It seems to be popular to portray Irlav as a grump. Complaining about Khajiit? Maybe a specific white furred Khajiit perhaps?

21.4

That grandfather is hilarious!!!

Fascinating history. Is it lore or did you make it up? Either way it's great.
After a gift like that I hope Teresa gets a few free hours
Good idea not sharing the whole truth with Herminia. She might not like the idea of looting the ruins for profit.

21.5

It brought a smile to my face when Teresa was checking out Herminia. Easy there Teresa!
More fascinating history!

21.6

Ugh Pelinal Whitestrake should have been put down like the animal he was a lot sooner.

21.7
&
21.8

War after war, hatred after hatred.

Oh and I meant to say this: I was thinking that it would be great if Teresa took Herminia on a little excursion to a ruin. I'll see if that ever happens!

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

22.1

First sentence and I'm excited. Vol's perspective! I've been wondering what's going on in his head for a while now.







I've always liked Lex. In the game he never seemed very bright but he did what he could to enforce the laws fairly.

22.2



I loved this chapter! The reward for hard work: more hard work.

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

23.1

My my my Teresa, look at what you walked in on?

23.2

I'm very glad that Teresa is not bothered that Nerussa does not love her. This could have been a very unpleasant parting if Teresa felt betrayed.

23.3


By the Nine Teresa has become ferocious.

Exciting skirmish, can't wait for Teresa to take down the armored one. He won't be so easy with the heavy armor.

23.4

Yikes just as I feared. Teresa went for a chest shot right into the thick armor.
The Legion to the rescue! Never ignore an enemy even if they are a tiny little Bosmer. There are enough lethal Bosmers on this forum for me to know not to underestimate them.

23.5

I'm glad you included some female legion in your story, I always found it a bit odd that Oblivion didn't have ANY. There is one female guard captain, but that's not legion and she's the only one.

I wonder if they will travel together now?

23.6

First the Blades, now the Legion want Teresa. She's impressing the right people that is for sure.
Off to Bravil and the Fighter's guild now!

haute ecole rider: You just touched on one of the things Acadian and I have been striving for. Showing how the same events look from a different point of view. Especially those places where Buffy and Teresa intersect.

One of the reasons I am glad I created the character of the Great Lady of Bravil was to do as you said, use her to show more of Bravil's history, and how it blossomed from a dot on the Niben to a boom town.


mALX: I had not thought about it, but you are right about Lady Scaurus and Teresa. There is no bone-jumping desire there, or mommy feelings. So that means whatever relationship develops between them will be based only on respect and amity. Although both their social positions place a huge gulf between the two. Granted that has not stopped Teresa and Methredhel from remaining friends.


Captain Hammer: Horatio at the bridge! I wanted a recognizable name for the Lady's lost love. Someone who died in a heroic last stand. Horatio was the first to pop into mind.

Aia is a fun character to write, because she tells it like it is. She says the things others hold back on for the sake of politeness. I had originally planned out an intricate plot of Teresa's involving water-walking and invisibility potions to get Aia into the tourney. But in the end I thought the direct approach would work much better, as it allowed me to develop more of Teresa's relationships with her guildmates, and with a certain Bravil guard.


Olen: Scumbag gro-Lotsofcash! It is a good thing Teresa is not so devious! Or maybe a bad thing. Depending on how you look at it. You were right about the other cameos, it was only Aradroth, Zerina, and of course Buffy. A character from a fourth F will make a cameo during the finals, about 6 or 7 posts from now. If I could have found a way to work in more, I would have!


ghastley: Lars! Oops, wrong Lars.


Acadian: You are right, I guess Teresa was having a blond afternoon! I think my favorite scene between Buffy and Teresa was the one in the alley. I think because of Buffy's faint smile, the same outfit, and just the way it showed both characters. Perhaps some nice chap named Brutus would be glad enough to dethrone that nasty Tarquinius Superbus Regulus?


Grits: Well, It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered as the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters.

That would be Pappy with those big balls. I think Vincent might be the more appropriate party guest for Jester's Day though. Just so long as the Lady locks up her cucumbers...


King Coin: IRL the banking industry began in the temples. In many religions, charging interest was sacrilegious, which I am sure would have made them more popular than the private usurers too.

I also make my comments as I read. That way I do not miss things. I write my replies the same way!

I got my inspiration for Irlav from Cardboard Box's Raj'irra. Just as mALX indelibly marked Fathis Aren in my mind as a lech, Cardboard forever set Irlav as lazy, conservative, bigot. I just cannot picture either any other way anymore.

Perhaps one day Teresa and Herminia will explore the ruins of the Old Way, beneath the Imperial City?

By the Nine Teresa has become ferocious. Buffy is not the only bowgirl who can be cuddly as a rattlesnake!


Previously on Teresa of the Faint Smile: Teresa and Aia spent the afternoon watching the last of the qualifications. In that time Teresa learned a bit more about the Lady Scaurus, shared a wave with Buffy, and vowed to start facing her Shadow. Next, she returns to the FG to learn that she is indeed invited to the Lady's Tournament Ball.


Chapter 34.17 - The Tournament Of Archers

"Teresa!" Tadrose Helas cried as she entered the guild hall. "Where have you been? You only have a few hours to change and get ready."

"Get ready?" Teresa blinked at the Dunmer armorer. Her face was stained with the soot of the forge, and she was clad in worn leather trousers and an equally frayed linen top. Yet somehow she was more beautiful than any woman Teresa had ever laid eyes upon. By Dibella, how did the dark elf do that to her?

"Yes, get ready," the vice-commander proclaimed. "The ball begins in a few hours. Your invitation arrived just after you left this afternoon."

Teresa smiled faintly. Aia had been right - she mused - as usual. The Great Lady of Bravil had indeed invited her to her Tournament Ball. She followed Tadrose to the bath, where they both washed and soaked themselves in the giant tub, much to Teresa's delight. She was almost sorry when they dressed once more, only to head up to Teresa's room on the second floor.

There the Dunmer helped her change into the green velvet gown that she had bought from Nilawen's store her second day in Bravil. Teresa had always dreamed of Tadrose helping her out of her clothes, rather than into them. But she was thankful for whatever Dibella gave her. Afterward they sat at her plain dressing table while Tadrose first helped her with her makeup, then worked to braid Teresa's hair into an elegant ball behind her head.

"There," the vice-commander declared when she had finished. The dark elf set her hands upon Teresa's bare shoulders, at the edge of where her long-sleeved top met her bare skin. Teresa would have reveled in the sensation, except for what she saw in the mirror before her.

The hairstyle, while exquisite, only seemed to make her face even more long and angular than before, while her wood elf ears jutted from her head like the antenna on a insect. Thankfully Tadrose had left a few wisps of hair free to dangle down in front of them. But they were still not enough to hide her ears behind. Or her whole face for that matter.

Screenshot

"I'm not going," Teresa bit her lip and stared down at the table before her. Anything but look into the mirror.

"Why not?" The surprise was evident in Tadrose's voice. "I thought you were excited to go? If you are worried about not knowing anyone, Ancondil will be there, and Gaius, not to mention Kud-Ei and Henantier."

"I look terrible!" she pouted. "They will all laugh at me."

"Oh my dear," Tadrose's husky voice was close to her ear. "Whatever gave you that idea? Just look at yourself!"

"I did," she murmured through a tight throat. "I look like a giant mushroom!"

"Why are young women never happy with what Mara gave them?" Tadrose sighed. "You are beautiful Teresa. The most beautiful woman in Bravil."

To emphasize her words, the Dunmer bent down behind Teresa and slid her arms around the wood elf's belly. The scent of primrose was strong in the forester's nostrils as Tadrose leaned her head against her own, and the next thing Teresa knew the dark elf's lips were pressed against the bare skin of her throat in a soft kiss.

Teresa closed her eyes and rejoiced in the feeling. When she opened them again, she saw the dark elf in the mirror, standing straight behind her once more and smiling. Her heart soared higher than Aetherius. She saw in the mirror that her cheeks had flushed with color, and that a wide grin crested her rouge-colored lips.

"Tadrose… I…" Again Teresa cursed her tongue, now still as a rock within her mouth. There were so many things she wanted to say to the dark elf at the moment. But none would come from her throat!

Then a loud rapping sounded through the door. "Is our forest princess done in there!" came Pappy's strident voice. "We're ready to leave."

Teresa bit her lip. No! she silently railed, this was not fair!

"Don't bite your lip dear," Tadrose chided quietly. "It will smear your makeup."

Then the dark elf turned to step to the door. A moment later she opened it, and Teresa rose to her feet. Tadrose had kissed her! She had kissed her! The wood elf wanted to close her eyes and relive that moment for eternity. But the husky voice of the vice-commander brought her back to reality.

"Yes she is," the Dunmer woman said through the doorway. Then she turned back to Teresa and smiled. "Remember what I said Teresa, and enjoy yourself."

Teresa saw Pappy and Ancondil standing in the hallway beyond. The guild commander was dressed in impeccable black and red linen. Ancondil rose up behind him in blue and gold velvet. Both stared at her, in what Teresa imagined must be horror. Nothing else could explain their widened eyes and dropping jaws.

"Well I'll be damned, she's smiling!" Pappy exclaimed. "What did you do Tadrose, switch our Teresa with an imposter!"

Teresa simply blushed once more, thinking of what Tadrose had done. If only the dark elf had done more!

"Teresa, is that you?" Ancondil exclaimed next. "I should think that Dibella herself had come to grace us with her presence instead. Tadrose, please tell me I am not dreaming."

The wood elf felt stared at the floor and tried to control the pounding of her heart. Had he just said what she thought he had? Given that the first night she had met him, he tried to get into more than just her room, perhaps she had!

She wanted to say something in reply, but as it always did, her tongue deserted her. Nodding to the pair of men, she walked to the door. Her feet were unsteady in the high heels of her velvet-lined court shoes. Pausing to turn to Tadrose, she saw that the vice-commander as still beaming back at her. Had that kiss been merely a friendly, sisterly peck? Teresa wondered. Or had it been more? As much more as she prayed?

She let Pappy and Ancondil lead the way down to the ground floor, while Tadrose remained behind. There they found several of the other fighters crowded in the doorway to the sitting room off the vestibule. They hooted and hollered at the finely dressed men, until Teresa came into view. Then a chorus of whistles rose from the crowd. Even from Kurz, who was uncharacteristically not at a tavern - yet.

Teresa stared at Vincent, who was laughing and whistling with the others. She remembered what Aia had said to her during the afternoon: "calling you that people have been almost since you first came here." She bit her lip once more, and then silently reproached herself for doubtlessly smearing her lipstick.

Walking on unsteady feet, she stepped through the crowd to the Breton, who stared at her with a puzzled expression. "Vincent, I owe you an apology for what I did this morning." It took every ounce of willpower she possessed to force the words from her lips. "I shouldn't have spiked your tea. I'm sorry."

"What?" the Breton's eyes flew wide. "I knew it! I knew you did something! I spent all morning on the pot because of you!"

Teresa lowered her gaze to the floor, carefully inspecting the simple pigskin shoes that the Breton wore. When she finally lifted her gaze, she saw that Vincent's fingers had balled into fists. Her heart doubled its pace, and time seemed to slow to a crawl. She saw his right hand rear back, then launch forward like an arrow shot from a bow. She steeled herself to stand still, rather than dodge aside as her body screamed at her to do.

Suddenly she remembered her first day at the guild hall, when she had stormed out. Pappy had grabbed her, and she had almost hit him. She remembered how the guild commander had simply stood there, waiting for her to land the blow. Only where she had pulled her punch, Vincent did not.

His fist cracked into her jaw like a mule's kick. Teresa saw stars, and felt her head snap back. She tottered on her high heels, and felt her feet go out from under her. Yet she did not slam into the hard floor a moment later. Instead she felt a pair of giant hands catch her, and hold her aloft.

"It's raining wood elves!" she heard Lum gro-Baroth's voice in her ears.

Then the room descended into a cacophony of shouts. Teresa saw fighters holding gold and silver coins aloft, and realized they are taking bets on the fight between her and Vincent. She shook the stars from her eyes, and rubbed her chin. Her jaw hurt all the way back to where it joined her skull. One thing was for certain, Vincent knew how to throw a punch!

"I know I had that coming," Teresa heard herself say. "Does that settle this?"

The Breton stood with arms akimbo. He looked frustrated. Teresa wondered if it was because she was not punching him back. The other fighters roared around them, placing bets, and urging them both to have at it. Vincent turned for a moment, rubbing one hand on his chin as if deep in thought. Then he turned back to regard Teresa.

"Just tell me one thing," the Breton growled. Teresa nodded and he continued in a suddenly lighter tone. "What do you call a mosquito in field plate?"

Teresa shrugged, wondering what on Nirn the Breton was talking about?

"A bite in shining armor!"

Vincent laughed uproariously at his joke. The other fighters merely shook their heads and groaned. Teresa forced a smile to her face, feeling the tension slip from her body. She extended her hand to Vincent, and the Breton took it without rancor. Looking back to the others, she saw a look of approval on Ancondil's features.

Then she ran back up the stairs as fast as her ungainly shoes would allow. She had to fix her makeup, and see if the punch had left a bruise!

Love that screen on Teresa, her hair is beautiful! I'll come back to read tonight or tomorrow, way too busy a day today to get any reading in today.

Way to go Teresa!

Apologizing to Vincent and taking his punch was awesome! Though to be honest, Vincent's response to her apology left something to be desired. Perhaps he needs to get in touch with his own Shadow? Of course, he probably doesn't know why she spiked his tea in the first place - likely thought he was paying her a compliment when he registered her as Teresa of the Faint Smile in the tourney!

And a wonderful transformation of our little forester elf. Green is definitely her color, especially with that red hair. Too bad Julian didn't go anywhere outside the Leyawiin Mages Guild with hers!

Ah, the curse upon all mankind. And by that, I mean MAN-kind. As exemplified by poor Ancondil.

You see a pretty woman all dressed up for the night out, and you can only think that an avatar of Dibella has graced you for the evening. And even if you know you can't have it, you want it, if only for a moment.

It's a good thing Vincent and Teresa ended it where they did. Who knows what could have happened to that dress had it gone any further.

Still, it would have been a good idea to apologize before getting ready, or after the party. No sense in repeating the same job for the same results because of bad timing.

Perfect timing... still I rather suspect Tadrose is interested now, and if she hadn't before had realised now. Was she wondering of Teresa was interested I wonder? With a smile like that (less of the faint smile than of the broad grin) I suspect her doubts might be put to rest. After the final is my bet.

Both of them seem to have rather a lot wanting in dealing with eachother. Spiking someone's drink because they call you a name seems excessive, but then the punch was a bit much too.


I doubt it'd be that quick, they normally take a while to come up. For the final the morning after though or at the party, if she's unlucky.

Olen's right. Speaking from personal experience, it takes two to three days for bruises to become truly colorful. Probably during the ball, it'll be just red. The blue comes the next day, then the gorgeous purples, greens and yellows. The yellow is the last to fade.

What good fun we had today! I agree with mALX, Teresa looks stunning in that hairdo!

Sometimes it's just one punch is all that is needed to get something out of someone's system. It's good to see Vincent isn't holding anything against Teresa, even though she pulled a naughty no-no with his tea.

I still wonder about Tadrose, and whether or not she does love Teresa, but I shall wait patiently to see what may happen. I make no speculations about love, as love is something you need to simply let happen. No one can force it.

I hope Teresa enjoys the ball, though.

How fun was this?!? Well for us readers anyway. Parts of it were not so fun for Teresa. Nevertheless, a wonderful episode.

'while her wood elf ears jutted from her head like the antenna on a insect. '
Buffy's heart was breaking. She knows all about feeling self-conscious about those wood elven horse ears.

"Why are young women never happy with what Mara gave them?" Tadrose sighed. "You are beautiful Teresa. The most beautiful woman in Bravil."
Tadrose is wise. Teresa no doubt does not yet see how Tadrose feels about her.

"Is our forest princess done in there!" came Pappy's strident voice. '

"Don't bite your lip dear," Tadrose chided quietly. '
In case there was any doubt Teresa, this sounds a lot like the sound a mate makes when they nag!

"Teresa, is that you?" Ancondil exclaimed next. "I should think that Dibella herself had come to grace us with her presence instead. Tadrose, please tell me I am not dreaming."
A lovely compliment. Fortunately, Teresa knows Ancondil well enough to know he means every silken word of it.

"It's raining wood elves!" she heard Lum gro-Baroth's voice in her ears. '

'She had to fix her makeup, and see if the punch had left a bruise! '
Oh thank Mara for healing and bloom spells!

The 'fight' was well handled by both you and Teresa. I'm so glad Vincent pulled his head out, and that Teresa taking the punch disarmed him.

24.1

Yes! The Faregyl Inn!
I think it's funny that she thinks she needs to include some credentials with her name when she introduces herself to Alix and the knight. "I'm Teresa, um, archer, potion-maker, and explorer."

24.2

I love tie ins!
I really liked this section, you captured the emotions of S'jirra and Alix so well. This is such a fantastic section.

I guess I'm a fan of chick-writing.

24.3

It's nice that after seeing Alix's and S'jirra 's pain that Teresa was inspired to send a letter.
And she's leaving out her encounter with the bandits! Probably for the best I guess. I'm sure Simplicia would not benefit from hearing about that little episode! That was such a thoughtful letter.

GAAAAH! Vincent should have punched her in the stomach, not smudged her make-up !!! Some people never learn!

I got a kick out of this line:




ROFL !!! "That was great, now where is the rest?" ROFL !!!

Awesome Write, even if I do want to have Maxical run Vincent through now for punching Teresa !!!

Lovely Teresa! So many wonderful words to read! I only wish I could stay up all night reding. But my boss won't like me to sleep during morning meeting so....But as i told mALXie and others...I'll get there!

Yikes, it seems that Vincent can’t take a joke, but Teresa can sure take a punch! I’m glad they’ve made peace, whether or not their score is even. When he slugged her, all I could think was “Oh no, if she fights she’ll mess up her hair!!” She looks absolutely stunning, her dear friends have that right.

But on to important matters: the kiss! Finally!! Even if Teresa talks herself into thinking it was a friendly, sisterly peck. How sweet that they have each nominated the other for Bravil’s most beautiful woman, one by thinking, the other by saying! Loved this episode.

mALX: Teresa was hoping for the rest too! Well, maybe someday.


haute ecole rider: Vincent's response was indeed extreme by modern, civilized standards. But you have to remember that they are the Fighters Guild, not the Mages Guild, or Vintner's Guild, or Miner's Guild, etc... They brush their teeth with scotch, and settle their arguments with their knuckles. Pappy would not have hired Vincent if he did not have that inner scrapper. Or Teresa for that matter.


Captain Hammer: I was also thinking what terrible timing that apology was on Teresa's part. But you know wood elves, always acting precipitously.


Olen: Are not those interruptions at just the wrong moment just wonderful?


Thomas Kaira: The Breton Buck is not the type to stew over vengeful thoughts. Especially after he already skinned his knuckles on the chin of the offender. His only disappointment was probably that Teresa did not fight back.


Acadian: Your comment about the nagging made me laugh out loud. Also, I am glad someone liked the line about 'raining wood elves'.


King Coin: Chick-writing it is then! That whole chapter at the Faregyl was mainly intended to give more depth to Teresa's relationship with Simplicia, which was not nearly as well-portrayed as I wanted it to be in the TF 1.0 over at the Bethesda forums.


minque: Glad to see you back. Min. Hope to see more of Serene soon as well!


Previously on Teresa of the Faint Smile: In our previous episode of TotFS, Teresa got ready for the ball with the help of Tadrose, and got a real kiss on the neck from the mysterious vice-commander. She also apologized to Vincent for spiking his tea in the morning, and settled their dispute by eating a knuckle-sandwich. Next, Teresa is off to the ball!


Chapter 34.18 - The Tournament Of Archers

Teresa drew forth a small mirror from the purse at her hip, and stared at her reflection in the silvered glass. A simple healing spell had dispelled the red mark that Vincent's right cross had tattooed upon her chin, along with the ache that had spread through her entire jaw. The soft red rouge that colored her lips glistened in the mirror. At the same time her green eyes seemed to almost glow in the shadow of the kohl that hovered over them and darkened her lashes.

"Come on princess," Pappy reached out a hand to drag her forward. "You look beautiful."

"That's easy for you to say!" Teresa exclaimed. Yet she allowed herself to be pulled forward to the wide portico that lined the front of Scaurus Manor. The stone mansion was lit up with brilliant glowstones, and a velvet carpet rolled down the steps to the street outside. Servants in pressed linen flanked the entrance, standing as stiff and still as statues.

Teresa laid one hand on Ancondil's proffered arm as she ascended the steps. She was still getting used to the court shoes. While she could not deny how much she loved the way they looked on her feet, not to mention how undeniably feminine they made her feel, walking in them was not easy. She wondered how women such as Nerussa could make it look effortless?

Years of practice, Teresa imagined as they entered the manor. She had to fight her jaw's urge to drop to the floor as she gazed about the vestibule. It was larger than the entire Merchants Inn in the Market District. The floor was polished marble, as were the columns rising to the ceiling overhead. The walls were painted with images of the Nine Divines and inlaid with gold leaf. Potted plants rose from small tables, or sprouted from massive planters on the floor, filling the room with warmth and life.

Even in the vestibule, patricians and equites in fine silk, velvet, and lace stood and talked. Servants in linen wove their way through the islands of partygoers, carrying trays laden with delicately curved glasses of wine or sweet treats. Heads turned to take in the trio, and Teresa's heart stopped for a moment. Then they all turned back to their private conversations, as if nothing momentous had happened.

"Come on, let's hit the bar," Pappy declared, leading them to a ballroom off the vestibule. Teresa swore that the gigantic hall was the size of an insula. As with the vestibule, it was all polished marble and gold. A band of musicians played in one corner, and nearly a hundred people danced in the center of the floor. They did not move in pairs, but rather all danced together as a group, in a routine as intricate and polished as any of Pappy's early morning drills.

Teresa could not help but to stop and stare at the women. Oh Dibella the women! Of every race on Tamriel, they were all so fine and resplendent in their elegant gowns, cinched corsets, and sparkling jewels. The delicate ladies flowed across the floor in court shoes higher than her own, but with the grace of swans, or of Aedra themselves. Adorning them Teresa saw diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and every other precious stone imaginable, set in earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings of gold and platinum.

Teresa sighed. Why could she not look like that?

"And whom do we have here?" the voice of a lioness rose in Teresa's ears. Turning, she saw the Great Lady of Bravil herself - Metella Scaurus - standing behind her. The middle-aged Imperial wore a gown of cream silk and lace. The rubies that had once graced her throat were now replaced by a glittering web of diamonds, and the same stones sparkled from her ears. As always, she stood as regal and proud as a queen, and Teresa felt her heart double its pace in her chest as the lady held her hand out to her. "Teresa of the Faint Smile is it? Along with Ancondil of Cheydinhal?"

Teresa stared blankly at the other woman's hand, noting that the diamond on her finger was larger than any she had ever seen in her life. Then she remembered what Tadrose had told her about Imperial etiquette. Lifting the hem of her skirt with both hands, she did her best to execute a formal curtsey. At least as best as her high-heeled shoes would allow.

A moment later Ancondil followed suit, only bowing this time instead of curtseying, and gently kissing the Imperial's hand. Teresa could see that unlike herself, he knew what he was doing, as his every motion was smooth and practiced. When he spoke, it was with equal grace. "I am your humble servant, my lady."

"I am pleased that you both have joined our celebration," the lady declared. Teresa wondered if she meant the 'our' as the royal 'we'? or if she merely meant to include the other guests in her reference? She was not about to ask. "May I presume that your commander is also in attendance?"

"Yes indeed my lady," Ancondil replied. "I believe he has sought out refreshments."

"With the young ladies no doubt," Lady Scaurus murmured, and Teresa could not keep a faint smile from crossing her lips. That is until the lady looked her in the eye. She held her breath, waiting for the rebuke that was sure to follow. Yet when the Nibenean spoke once more, it was without rancor.

"Yet not with this young one," she said softly. "You must be quite remarkable indeed, to resist the charms of the infamous Commander Vitellus."

"Indeed, Teresa is a woman like no other."

Teresa turned at the voice, and blinked at the young man standing before her. Dressed in soft red and purple velvet, his handsome features were marred by scars. One slashed down his forehead to the inner tip of his left eyebrow, and another cut across the cheek on the same side of his face. His pale blue eyes sparkled as they took Teresa in, and before she knew it, he was reaching out to take her hand. Executing a bow as formal and perfect as Ancondil's, he bent down to softly kiss her fingers.

"It is an honor to meet once again."

"Val- Sir Nasica," Teresa stammered. After a moment of staring at the knight, she remembered to curtsey, and thanked Dibella for allowing her to execute the tricky maneuver without falling over. "I… did not know you were in Bravil."

"The two of you are acquainted then?" The Great Lady of Bravil arched one eyebrow ever so slightly. On anyone else, the motion would have been barely perceptible, yet on one so studied in her composure as the Nibenean, Teresa suspected that it spoke volumes.

"So we are," the scarred knight said, now turning to Lady Scaurus. "We share a mutual friend in Nerussa, whom we both hold in equal regard."

Now the lady's eyebrow did more than just barely move. It rose a full inch. Teresa wondered what that might mean. Did she know Nerussa as well? Or simply know of her? It seemed there was little in Cyrodiil that escaped the attention of Lady Scaurus.

"Is that a fact?" she said quietly. "Well then, you are indeed an unusual young woman, are you not Teresa? Archer, alchemist, magician, guardian of the forest, and now a friend of the Golden Lady of the Imperial City as well."

"Um, if I may be so bold, do you also know Nerussa, my lady?" Teresa asked nervously, hoping that she was not overstepping her bounds.

"That I do," the middle-aged Imperial replied, showing no signs of displeasure. "When I was younger. Younger than you are now. We were… close."

Now Teresa could not help but to raise an eyebrow herself. Did that mean what she thought it did? The Nibenean smiled back at her. It did. Teresa's head swam. What a tangled web of relationships she had flown into! She was thankful when the music stopped, causing all to turn their heads to the dance floor.

"I must say, I have been desirous of a turn about the floor for some time now." The Great Lady looked at Ancondil, and there was no mistaking the meaning behind her statement.

"Then please allow me to escort you Lady Scaurus." The Orisimer extended an arm to the Imperial, who laid a soft hand upon it and glided away with the towering man. As they stepped away, Teresa saw Ancondil lean down and whisper something in the lady's ear, which brought a trill of laughter from the older woman.

What magic you wove into this scene as Teresa enters the grand ball! I love this chapter! The fact that Nerussa seems to have made an early conquest of all three participants (along with all the mobile eyebrows) added the perfect amount of humor to their second meeting, LOVE this chapter !! Awesome Write!

I love the haughty Lady Scaurus! Class all the way. Remove those flashy diamonds and she would still command just as much respect as always. It's all in the demeanor, kids, all in the demeanor.

And that haughtiness hides a naughty secret? Even more delicious!

Oh my goodness, Teresa is in the thick of it now.

The Great Lady of Bravil is so impressive, and now also intriguing. Teresa did well recovering from the surprise of seeing Val- Sir Nasica. I love the glittering atmosphere at the ball, and the subtle exchanges between Lady Scaurus’ group. So much is said with eyebrows! An episode to be savored!

An excellent part. I enjoyed everyting about it, it was spot on. Teresa's mild discomfort at not knowing what to do in such situations came through well, Pappy rushing off for 'refreshments' and the unexpected appearence of Nasica topped it off. That I did not see coming. It's probably as well that none present are likely to talk, regardless of eyebrow mobility.

I certainly hadn't imagined she had wondered into such a complex web, and I doubt she had either. As Haute said: this section was delicious.

Gosh, I was smiling the whole way through this!

This is a stunning example, given the magnitude and length of the tournament storyline, where I am so grateful you conceived of this ball and brought it to life. Once again, you magnificently display another level of depth to what is happening in Bravil during the tournament. *sigh* If only little Dame Buffy's dance card hadn't been overly full that night screwing around looking for a damn scroll.

I could picture all the characters perfectly, and Teresa was absolutely beautiful. How wonderfully comforting to have her friend, Ancondil near. I bet she would have been even more nervous without the steady orc at her side.

And a wonderful revisit of the one man that has known Teresa's treasures. The continuing references to Nerussa helped glue things together and were such a treat!

Archer, alchemist, magician, guardian of the forest, and now a friend of the Golden Lady of the Imperial City as well."
Yep, that really sums up our Teresa!

All caught up once more! ♥ From what I've read the twists and turns between Tadrose and Teresa have been my favorite

This from Chapter 34.11 made my heart race...

The next thing she knew, Tadrose kissed her

Then sink with

It was just a quick peck on the cheek. Not even slightly romantic at all.

But then! in 34.17

....the next thing Teresa knew the dark elf's lips were pressed against the bare skin of her throat in a soft kiss.

So Lady Scaurus has known Nerussa, in the biblical sense. Given what we know of each woman's past, could the one have been involved in the other's, ah, retirement? Or was it simply a time before that in the Altmer's life?

I'm enjoying seeing Ancondil play the role of the perfect gentleman, and mingling well in high company. Sir Nasica might be a typical knight, but our Orsimer warrior-poet exemplifies the virtues lauded by many a bard. Probably helpful that Ancondil would make a great bard himself one day.

And then, when somebody decides to crash the party and interrupt his recitation of "The Death of the Udyrfrykte" he whips out that giant warhammer he carries. Nobody gets in the way of his poetry.

mALX: Nerussa does get around, eyebrows or not.


haute ecole rider: Is that the haughty Lady Scaurus, or the the haute Lady Scaurus? She is a fun character to write. Her demeanor comes from her keen awareness that she is not merely a noble, but the matriarch of her family. Her family's honor, fortunes, and future are all riding upon her shoulders. Everything she does is under the microscope of public opinion, and one misstep could be disastrous. I suspect the Great Lady envies Teresa precisely because of the freedom our red-haired Bosmer bowgirl possesses, which she will never know.

Her secret with Nerussa is probably not too naughty. Because Nerussa is female, there would never have been a possibility for children, or marriage, and thusly never a real danger to her family or her honor. Lesbian behavior was not too remarkable in the patriarchal societies of the Classical world because of that. For example, Spartan girls would go to the Temple of Helen at the banks of the Evrotas River and sing, dance, drink wine, and doubtlessly get it on. Plus of course we also get the very term lesbian from Sappho as well... So I picture much the same in Tamriel. So as long as the lady is not sucking face or holding hands with another woman in public she is fine. She would just have to keep it at the rumor level or lower. If it had been with a man, then it would have been an entirely different story. One Mr. Wickham would be the end of not only Lady Scaurus, but her family as well.


Grits: I am channeling a lot of Jane Austen with the ball: the wealth on display, the beautiful people, the demanding etiquette, etc... I am glad it is coming across like I had hoped.


Olen: I was planning on Valerius to appear here way back when I wrote him into The Rider. Just like with running into Pappy as a child, and learning her first spells from Raminus Polus, I wanted to set up a history between him and Teresa before introducing him in Bravil.


Acadian: This is one of those places where rather than converge, our two Fs show a different portion of the entire event. On the same night no less! While Teresa is getting an eyeful of Bravil's wealthy folk, Buffy was showing us how the gambling worked, something I only barely mentioned in the TF.

I do not think Teresa could have managed without Ancondil! And then a meeting with the man who, as you say, knows her treasures (I love that metahpor btw!). Poor Teresa is so in over her head!


Jacki Dice: I am having a lot of fun with the Teresa and Tadrose relationship, now that it is really getting into full gear. Granted, Teresa is not having nearly as much fun!


Captain Hammer: Lady Scaurus would not have been smiling if she had been the one to ruin Nerussa. I have never put it in stone, but I have always imagined that was the Empress, who is described as having been quite a nasty piece of work.

Ancondil as a bard? I can so easily see that! As you said, besides the lute, he is also skilled with percussion instruments...


Previously on Teresa of the Faint Smile: In our last episode, Teresa went to the Tournament Ball hosted by Lady Scaurus, and met the grande dame of Bravil herself. She was also surprised by the appearance of Sir Valerius Nascia, whom she has not seen since the three-way tryst between him, Nerussa, and herself. Next, Teresa spends some time with the Colovian knight.


Chapter 34.19 - The Tournament Of Archers

"Would the young woman also grace this poor knight with a dance?" Valerius motioned to the dance floor with one extended hand.

"I don't know how." Teresa shook her head. She realized that she was biting her lip, and forced herself to stop. Please Dibella, she prayed, do not let my makeup be smeared because of it!

"Well then, perhaps we might loosen our strides about the manor?" the young knight suggested, holding out one arm. Teresa wanted to bite her lip again, but this time stopped herself before she could. She now had the distinct impression that the lady's desire to dance was due less to her feet's inclination to move, as it might have been to arrange a private encounter between Valerius and herself.

Still, Teresa took his arm and allowed him to lead her from the room and through the expansive halls and chambers of Scaurus Manor. As before, she was amazed at the wealth displayed in every room. She had once heard that living well was the best revenge. Well if the Imperial had enemies, she was certainly having the best of them!

"Valerius I don't know what you think, but I-"

"I know," the knight said, laying a gentle finger on Teresa's red lips. "You are not interested in me that way. I can tell when a woman prefers the verses of Sappho to that of Catullus."

Teresa stopped to regard the man, and cocked her head to one side in curiosity. "Then what…"

"Am I after?" the knight finished her sentence. "I was hoping we might talk is all."

"Is it Nerussa?" Teresa felt a pang of worry shoot through her heart. "Has something happened to her?"

"No, she is fine," the knight smiled. "In fact, she told me to give you this the next time I saw you."

With that the patrician slid one arm around Teresa's waist and pulled her close. Before she knew it, his lips had pressed against hers, and the fingers of his other hand danced across her breasts. As much as it surprised her, she could not deny the pleasure that his hand sparked. One thing was for certain, Valerius knew where to touch a woman! She found herself kissing him in return, just as she had that afternoon at the Wawnet Inn. However, just as before, she pretended it was a woman she was kissing rather than a man.

When finally he disengaged himself, Teresa found herself sliding into a padded velvet chair. That had certainly been unexpected, she thought, yet not altogether unpleasant. If only Tadrose would do that to her! Dibella, what she would give for such a kiss from the vice-commander!

"Remind me to thank Nerussa the next time I see her." Teresa looked up at the knight and winked. He laughed and sat down beside her, stretching his legs out across the hallway. He looked as if he were at home, rather than in the manor of the richest and most powerful woman in County Bravil.

"I shall be obliged to relay the message," he smiled, "in kind."

"Somehow I have the feeling there was more on your mind than kissing me." That made her remember her rouge and their kiss. Reaching for her mirror, she studied her lips carefully in the glass. She frowned at the smear she found under her lip, and drew forth a soft cloth and carefully wiped the errant makeup away.

"That there is." Now the knight seemed less at ease, and he straightened up in his seat. "I wanted to ask you about the Fighters Guild, here in Bravil."

"What about it?" Teresa stared blankly at the knight. "Did you want to hire us for something? You should talk to Pappy, erm Commander Vitellus."

"No." The patrician shook his head with a smile. "Not hire. I was wondering if you might tell me what is like being in the guild down here? What sort of contracts do you perform? What are the people in the guild like? What sort of man is this Vitellus? I hear so much about him that is both good and ill, that I do not know what to believe."

"Valerius, are you asking to join the Fighters Guild?" Teresa wondered aloud.

"I am considering it," he admitted. "But I would like to know what I am getting into first."

"But you're a patrician!" she sputtered, "a knight! You're rich! Why would you need to work?"

"This may surprise you, but a noble pedigree does not guarantee one a reservoir of septims," Valerius said dryly. "There are plenty of patricians from very old and distinguished families that do not have two remans to rub together. I find myself in similar circumstances."

"But why here?" Teresa asked. "I am sure you could do much better in the Imperial City. And don't tell me you came this way because of me."

The knight licked his lips, and Teresa could see that she had struck a nerve. He's thinking of how much he wants to tell me, she realized, and how much to keep to himself.

"The Imperial City and I are not on friendly terms right now," he finally said, looking down at his hands. "To be honest, I am not in good standing with my family, nor with another family there."

What did that mean? Teresa wondered, other than the obvious falling out? But over what? Romance? Theft? Ideals? When it came down to it, she really knew almost nothing about Valerius. Except that Nerussa was very fond of him.

The former courtesan did not throw around her friendship easily, Teresa knew. She slept with anyone who took her fancy, that was obvious. But there was a big difference between that, and those that she bestowed her genuine affection upon. Yet she had certainly done the latter for Valerius.

"Well, it isn't easy being in our chapter," Teresa said, deciding not to press the issue It was really none of her business after all. "We exercise together for over three hours every day. Calisthenics, tactics, weapons, unarmed… we do it all. The people from other chapters that came here for the tournament say we're crazy. But I've seen the difference it makes when it's the real thing. It's why I'm still alive."

"Sounds like when I was a page and then a squire," Valerius nodded. "Ever since I was six I have been riding and training to fight. The same for all knights. I am actually glad to hear it. For it means that if I was to join, the people around me would be the best."

"We are the best," Teresa said without really thinking. "All of us. Some of my guild mates are new, but if they did not have what it takes, they would not be in the guild. Not in our chapter at least.

"You sound very proud of your companions," the knight observed.

"I am," Tersesa admitted, holding her chin high. "I'm proud to be one of them. What about yourself? I take it you are no parchment knight?" Teresa looked pointedly at his scars.

"These?" Valerius lifted one hand to the scars that marred his otherwise delicate features. "I got the one on the forehead at Bruma. The one down here on the cheek was from a vampire. And no, I am not infected. I will be at the tourney tomorrow, in daylight."

"So you were at Bruma," Teresa mused, remembering the rows of knights in their brilliant meteoric glass armor and gleaming ebony.

"All the knights of Cyrodiil were there," he replied softly. "And other patricians. Many of us did not come back."

"Well I am glad you did Valerius." Teresa laid a gentle hand on one of the knight's. Then she rose to her feet. "Let me introduce you to Pappy. If we don't find him early, he'll probably vanish under some girl's skirt!"

Uhh, two stud muffins under one roof? I'm not so sure about that! Valerius is just as hawt as Pappy, and likely as active in his own patrician way as Pappy.

Hmm, but then there's Vincent and Chance. But no way are they in Pappy's class. Now Vincent on the other hand . . .

Regardless, if Vincent joins the Bravil chapter, it's gonna get verrrrrry interrresting around Bravil! In that case I just might try to talk Julian into moving to this ramshackle town permanently!

My son is drumming in my ear, and it is thundering overhead (which means unplugging all electronics and bringing dogs in quickly) - I can't concentrate and don't want to miss a thing, lol. I'll come back and read at a more peaceful time. <3

Giving her the history with Valerius certainly paid off in this part, and now he's considering joining the guild. I can see things getting most interesting. His background in the IC might come into play I think too.

I'm slightly surprised they're going to meet at the ball to discuss business, I have thought that might wait until the morning (or afternoon ) after, as I suspect Valerius has not so different priorities to Pappy.

With both of them down there Nerussa might have to make a visit.

Before she knew it, his lips had pressed against hers, and the fingers of his other hand danced across her breasts. As much as it surprised her, she could not deny the pleasure that his hand sparked.

Good thing Ancondil didn't see that! He might've got the wrong idea

'She now had the distinct impression that the lady's desire to dance was due less to her feet's inclination to move, as it might have been to arrange a private encounter between Valerius and herself.'
Thank you, Teresa, for sharing this thought with us. It makes perfect sense of course, but would have zoomed right by me had you not mentioned it.

A down-on-his-septims knight delivering a personal message from Nerussa! Teresa has clearly earned the respect of Lady Scaurus, but I suspect there will certainly remain a gulf between them. Val on the other hand, is not only a patrician, but much more approachable. Not sure what solid access to a noble will get, but it does have interesting implications. The idea of him joining her guild is interesting indeed! I can see Pappy making Val the guild's 'Liaison Officer to Nobles'.

Thank you again for bringing this wonderfully rich aspect of life in Bravil (the ball) to us during the tournament!

'Then she rose to her feet. "Let me introduce you to Pappy. If we don't find him early, he'll probably vanish under some girl's skirt!"
What a perfect ending to the tail episode!

This chapter is an awesome display of the range you are capable of weaving into one episode - absolutely perfect balance of actions, emotion shown through Teresa's inner dialogue - and a little twist of intrigue and mystery in Valerius's discomfort regarding the Imperial City.

Loved this chapter !!! Awesome Write (as you always do!)

25.1

This is a pleasant turn of events! Simplicia is going to find out who is supplying Thoronir! She's a different woman now that she has a home and a friend in Jensine.

25.2


She has some resolve. Same thing with fighting the skooma. Good going Simplicia.

It's Dreth again! Hopefully Teresa doesn't have to deal with him again.

25.3

Methredhel is seeing her fox in the city? That's pretty cool. Good animal choice for a follower of the grey fox.

All that yelling and screaming because Simplicia wants her baby back. Hard to stay angry at someone for that isn't it?

25.4

Dreth better not be living in that place. That's just gross. I bet he has diseases.

25.5

Methredhel's got it figured out!

Vols still likes Simplicia after all these years.

25.6

Vols has arrived to take out the trash.

25.7

By the Nine Vols is a beast. Pulling a dagger out of his shoulder and putting it to use on Dreth.
What a twist! A necromancer!
(and Teresa won't be seeing Dreth ever again)

25.8
ARRGGHH!!! I have to wait to find out about Vols? Curses!

Maybe not it appears...

Wow what an awesome way to end the section! Shooting the necro and turning invisible. That's just great! And Vols is going to be confused for a while.

25.9

Simplicia knows how to use some leverage doesn't she?



I think that's supposed to say 26.1. At 2 am it confused me a lot

What a great ball Teresa has found. It is really great that Teresa is getting to know Valerius better now, and that he may soon find himself in a more permanent role in the tale. Knowing Pappy, he is definitely not going to get the Veteran's treatment, though. If anything, him being at Bruma is only going to get Pappy to push him even harder, simply for what that battle cost the land. To survive that battle proves that the body is able and the head is level, and that is exactly the sort of talent Pappy likes.

I'm glad Teresa enjoyed her kiss. A very warm regard indeed from Nerussa.

Nit?

What about yourself. I take it you are no parchment knight?

The former sentence is phrased like a question, but ends with a period. This seems a bit incongruous to me.

I love this chapter!

I thought it was very romantic... even though Teresa imagined kissing someone else

"Please Dibella, she prayed, do not let my makeup be smeared because of it!"

Love this! Made me chuckle!

And yay for Nerussa!

Highly selfless and overall wonderful, a true romantic

And Valerious... Teresa is a lucky woman to have such romance in her life, but i wonder if she truly appreciates his approach towards her romantically?

LOVE IT!!

Good write

So Teresa's first knight wants to join the Bravil Fighter's Guild as well? I'd warn Tadrose to be ready, looks like she's going to have start beating off the suitors with a black-smith's hammer!

Also, Andarmil? I recognize Sappho, having read a good portion of her work in my Greek Literature course, but I don't think I've ever heard of a classical poet with a sufficiently similar name. *One quick Google search later...* Nope, nobody.

Unless of course Andarmil's love poetry could be compared to, say, Catullus? In which case, I imagine Valerius has a great appreciation for that type of work. Great stuff, that. I always enjoy posting some of it when I need to avoid getting cited for inappropriate material.


Where else should he be? There's no battle nearby, and that annoying thing called 'Job at the Fighters Guild' isn't presenting an immediate emergency. Probably his favorite place on Nirn, like half the rest of the inhabitant of Tamriel.

I enjoyed Teresa’s thoughts very much in this episode. She displays poise and confidence when she talks to Valerius, a knight, about joining her organization. That was lovely to see! Their whole interaction was delightful. And of course, the skirt comment about Pappy, priceless! The chat about Nerussa brought back pleasant memories, and Valerius’ plans are something to anticipate. What a fun night!

haute ecole rider: I am thinking you meant Valerius in the second half of your comment? From where you said: Now Vincent Valerius on the other hand . . . ?

Well, Chance is working hard (oops, did I make a pun there ) to get into Pappy's class! As you said Vincent will always be far behind though. Valerius does indeed like sex, and with his looks, demeanor, social standing, and (previously) money, he could have it easily. Still, as you say, being a gentleman he is a bit more circumspect than Pappy.


mALX: Valerius is indeed not thrilled with talking about just why he is is poor knight in Bravil isn't he? Eventually we will learn what he has to hide.


Olen: We will find out if Valerius decides to join the FG at the beginning of Chapter 35. I do have some plans for his history in the IC, but it will probably take a while before any of that filters down to Bravil.

Nerussa just might have to visit! That would be interesting, to say the least. She would probably have the same effect on the Bravil Fighters Guild as a tornado!


Jacki Dice: If Ancondil had seen that, Teresa would have a hard time explaining that she really is not interested in men! It is such a classic plot piece, that I am surprised I never thought of it. But I am sure I can do something similar in the future...


Acadian: Indeed, Teresa and the Lady live in very different worlds, and social rules will always put a barrier between them, no matter how much they might like one another. Being a knight (and thusly at the bottom run of the noble social structure), Valerius is indeed more approachable. Being suddenly poor helps even more, as he cannot be blamed for rubbing shoulders with plebeians. Economically, he has no choice after all. I am sure there would be plenty other down-on-their-septims patricians in the same situation.


King Coin: That was a fun chapter to write, as I got to do it from the points of view of the people Teresa is closest too in the Imperial City. I was very glad to have to chance to give more depth to Simplicia, since she has always been such a major part of Teresa's life. As you noted, she has changed quite a bit herself since becoming respectable, but is still a tough old goat underneath.

And Vols is definitely a beast! Like you said, he takes out the trash! The necromancer was a way to keep that story from being too predictable, as I am sure everyone has played the quest over and over in the game. Working Methredhel in was just delicious irony, with her being a thief coming to the aid of a legionary.

That was supposed to be 26.1! How on Nirn did I miss that? Thank you for throwing that out so I could fix it.


Thomas Kaira: Pappy would indeed not go easy on Valerius. As a knight, Val has been riding and learning to fight since he was six or so, when he started up the ladder as a page. So he is going to be expected to pull a lot of weight in the Bravil Guild.

You were right about that sentence, it should have had a question mark. I went back and fixed it.


Rihanae: I wish it were possible to make out without ruining your makeup! If only we lived in the movies, where you can do that, or sleep in your makeup without getting it all over your pillow and sheets.


Captain Hammer: You were right about Andarmil. He is a purely made up poet. I just wanted someone to juxtapose Sappho. I thought about using the name Eros, but it just seemed a bit too generic romantically. I never did think of using Catullus though. I suppose he would be doubly ironic, as many of his poems are directed to Lesbia... I will go back and change it to him.


Grits: Isn't it interesting to see Teresa referring to the Fighters Guild that way? It is kind of hard to imagine what her life would be like now, if she had not joined the guild.


Previously on Teresa of the Faint Smile: In the last episode of TotFS, Teresa had a private talk with Valerius, in which he expressed an interest in joining the Fighters Guild. Next we find Teresa after the ball is over, taking her first steps to resolve her own personal issues.


Chapter 34.20 - The Tournament Of Archers

"Simplicia," Teresa asked, "how come my ears aren't round, like everyone else's?"

The middle-aged Imperial leaned down over the little girl, and ran a hand through the dirty strands of her brown hair. "That's because you're an elf," Simplicia said. "All elves have pointed ears."

"Why am I an elf?" Teresa bit her lip, staring down at the pavement of the alley between A Fighting Chance and The Merchants Inn. The stone walls of the insulas containing the businesses rose high into the air to either side. Old crates and barrels lined one wall of the passage, while the side from the inn was dotted with trash. The alley opened up into a small square in its center. A simple stone well rose there, with a worn rope and bucket hanging from a hand crank suspended over its mouth.

Simplicia's stained and threadbare bedroll was rolled out behind a small barrier of broken crates in the little square. It was here the pair sat, out of sight from any who walked through the alley. Simplicia leaned back against the stone wall of one insula with a groan. Reaching out with a thin arm, the grey-haired Imperial drew the elven child close to her.

"That is just how you were born," Simplicia said. Her voice sounded exhausted. More than usual, Teresa thought. More than a simple day's begging would deserve.

"But why was I born that way?" little Teresa asked. "Why couldn't I be like the other kids?"

"That is just how your mother was," Simplicia explained. "We are all born like our mothers."

"So how come I'm not like you then?"

Teresa stared up into the eyes of the middle-aged woman. She could see a deep emptiness there. It was not the blankness that Simplicia and the other street people usually wore behind their eyes. Rather it was an ache deeper than the well just a few feet away.

"I am not your mother Teresa," the beggar sighed. "Your mother was a wood elf, just like you are."

"So where is she?" Teresa asked.

"I don't know little baby," Simplicia said, and the elf wondered if she saw tears pooling behind the middle-aged woman's eyes. "I never knew who she was. Or your father. I found you in an alley, not much different than this one."

"Why did my parents leave me?" Teresa's lip quivered with the question. "Didn't they want me?"

"I don't know Cherry Blossom." Simplicia leaned down and gently kissed the elven child on the top of her head. "I don't know…"

Teresa's shut her eyes to the sight from her childhood. Her heart raced like a Quarter Horse. Just as she had a thousand times before, she felt an abyss yawn wide inside it: the empty spot where her mother and father should have been.

Why had they left her in that alley eighteen years ago? Had they truly not wanted her? Could there have been some other reason they abandoned her? Were they alive or dead? Would she ever learn who they were?

Teresa sighed and turned away from the dark, cavernous walls of her Astral Temple. She walked to the pool of water that filled the center of the vast chamber, and stepped into the amber rays of sunlight that poured through the opening in the ceiling. She stared down at the pool, through the crystal clear waters, at the green plants that swayed gently back and forth under the waves.

The rumble of a bear brought her head up however. Turning back to the dark, rough walls that edged the grotto, Teresa saw the eyes of the mighty animal glowing from the darkness. The body of the massive predator took shape a moment later, and he lumbered from the shadows to stand at the wood elf's side. Then his head turned, and he looked back into the shadows that bathed the walls..

Teresa knew that Bear was showing her this slice of her past for a reason. This was part of her Shadow. Her childhood revelation that Simplicia was not her mother. Not her real mother at least. Instead she had been abandoned by her parents, and never even learned their names, or why they had left her.

Teresa swallowed hard, past the lump that had formed in her throat, and stared at her feet. Facing her Shadow was not as easy as she thought it would be. Yet this was only the beginning! She had no doubt that it would only become more difficult as she went on, rather than less. How was she going to do it?

Harsh, rasping breath filled Teresa's ears. Raising her eyes, she found that her Astral Temple was filled with bears. They wandered along the walls, sat down next to her, and a few even plunged into the pool of water in the middle of the grotto. She smiled faintly at the sight.

She would face her Shadow, but would never be alone in the darkness.

"You must make a feast for your Daedra." Ancondil's words came back to Teresa. "…show them how you love them."

Steeling herself, she walked back to the darkness of the grotto's walls. The bears made way for her, only to once again congregate near her when she stopped before the entrance of a tunnel leading further into the gloom.

She reached out, and the blackness in front of her eyes rippled like the surface of a pond. Once more the same image from her childhood blossomed into light before her eyes. She stared at the little girl wrestling with the cold knowledge that her parents had deserted her. How could she console that child? How could she love that memory?

Her eyes pored over the scene, and one thing leapt out at her - Simplicia. With her round, human ears, the old woman could never have been her mother. Yet was that not exactly what she had always been? All of her life, the Imperial had taken care of her as best she could. It was Simplicia who always scrounged food for her, not to mention fresh milk. It was Simplicia who found extra blankets for her in the winter. It had been Simplicia who had taught her to read, and to count, using copies of the Black Horse Courier. The beggar was the one who warned her about the dangers of the street, and taught her to tell the truly dangerous thugs from those who were nothing but bluster. Had she not even been calling Simplicia mother since the Oblivion Crisis?

"Simplicia is my mother," Teresa breathed, "she always has been."

With that understanding Teresa smiled more than faintly, and let the image fade to black. Never more would it be one of pain, but rather a memory to cherish for all of her days.

A good way to show snippets of her past, very well thought out. I hadn't thought of that side of her facing her shadow but it's perfect. The events which shaped her and which you want to show are the eact ones she needs to think about. I suspect we might get a few more of these over the coming chapters.


You caught the emotional weight of the old memory well. Having her turn from it, exactly the opposite of what she was meant to do showed how hard it is to face. But you also showed how the emotional weight of it changed with a subtle change of perspective.


That line made me smile. It worked wuite well to lighten the mood for the last bit too.

Very well constructed part. However I suspect she only has so long to meditate before she needs to get to bed for the following day's competition.

In response to your comment:
The first Vincent (the one you quoted) is intentional. I was thinking of the rakish young men already in the chapter. I didn't lump Ancondil with them because he's got better class and manners. Not that Vincent and Chance aren't less appealing . . .

The second Vincent was accidental, though. I meant Valerius in that sentence. My bad. I was thinking that Valerius is a much more accomplished romancer (womanizer, winer-n-diner?) than either Vincent or Chance, and probably as successful in his bedding as Pappy.

Anyway, back to this chapter. Like Olen, I smiled at the image of the Astral Temple being full of bears. Big, fuzzy wuzzy grizzly bears.

And that has to be a devastating moment for young Teresa, finding out not only is Simplicia not her mother, but that her mother is nowhere, and that her father is virtually nonexistent. Why was she abandoned? Why didn't her parents love her enough to keep her? Those are questions virtually every adopted child has wrestled with at one point or another. And it's painful, very much so, especially as Teresa had always considered Simplicia as her own mother.

I find this as the source of Teresa's difficulty at controlling her temper to be quite plausible. Though I could be wrong, still this works for me. Here's hoping that she doesn't succumb to her rage and instead finds relief in those bears. They're certainly strong enough to give her the courage she needs.

It will be a privilege to watch Teresa take this journey. I find myself even more curious about Teresa’s origin, even as she conquers the pain that not knowing has brought her. I’m also curious about Simplicia’s experience, and why Teresa never called her Mother until she was grown. I would guess that was a decision Simplicia made early on, for her own reasons. The bears in the pool were an unexpected delight.

The shadow over Simplicia being her true mother (if not her birth mother) is one issue I thought Teresa had resolved a long time ago. That the first shadow was the abandonment by her parents was surprising to me - I thought the easier issues to tackle would come first and the hardest to face would be the last she would tackle. The Vols issue has nearly been tackled already...so I wonder what the greater shadows will be? GAAAAH !!!

What a neat journey!

Teresa's keen interest and curiosity in interviewing Aia upon learning that Buffy was an orphan now makes perfect sense.

The flashback was stunningly well done. The bittersweet memory is painful, and even one that displayed what must have been among the first of Teresa's patented lip biting episodes.

I don't follow mysterious symbolism stuff very well, but I sure followed this. Just like Ancondil told her to, Teresa turned her lemon into lemonade. The joy of her memory is that Simplicia is her mother in every single way that matters and always has been. And now Teresa really knows that - thanks to some help from some large friends. One green and well-spoken, the rest brown and furry.

So, after Julian and Maxical, this was the next story on my list to read. That's the only problem coming to these after hardly being online for a couple of years. These stories have grown! It's actually quite intimidating to start, knowing how long it's going to take to read

So, step by step. And up to chapter 15.5 now, and a major flashback into how Teresa came to be who she is. I've got to say, you've got me hooked. Highlights so far:

I love the way you've woven details from the game alongside your own plot, I've found that fascinating to read. The raven's eye view of the battle of Bruma was a standout as well, moving from above to right into the midst of battle. And those soldiers and mercanaries were really brought to life, the dialogue in those scenes was wonderful. As was the description of the battle.

The scenes with Morcant, on so many levels. Not only the affection you obviously have for this character, the subtle way the relationship grew, but also the conversations about the Spirit Guides, and managing to tie that in with TES mythology. It could have ended up a massive infodump, and instead became an entralling, and totally believable, conversation. And TES tarot readings to boot! Loved that idea! And (told you there were a lot of standouts) a believable description on how enchantment could be done. That's something I've been trying to find to be honest. I've been researching ways to make the use of magick in fiction believable, and (amongst others) I read City Magick by Penczak a couple of months ago - who I see you've stated on your website as being an influence - and it's been an added pleasure to see how you've managed to incorporate those concepts so seamlessly within the Tamrielic framework.

The battle in the shop alongside Volsinius. That was tense! The cliche was true, I was on the very edge of my seat. And again, descriptive, gritty, believable and very exciting.

It's an excellent read so far, and I look forward to what comes next, especially as we seem to be learning more and more about the beginnings of Teresa. She is quite a character!

Chapter 5 review

Teresa's dream was most interesting--I'm wondering what the significance of her being the woman covered in black feathers is. Especially when taken with the fact that she is seeing ravens and crows--the sense that they are guiding her that you mentioned in the story... I like this. This is a very interesting aspect. I can't wait to find out more about this...

When Teresa had the wine and bread and olive oil--YUM! My husband and I love to eat just that exact mixture along with a fine meal, or just as a light snack from time to time.... Excellent taste, my dear!

It was cute the way Teresa was so enamoured with Nerussa that she didn't even hear everything that Nerussa said!

She is rather elegant to be running the Wawnet Inn, so I'm wondering if you'll be going more into this mystery or not...?

Teresa is an adorable character--the way she is getting used to wine, and her embarrassment at being caught listening in on Nerussa's conversation with Aelwin... I love that she unwittingly drank a little too much wine, too. If you're not paying close attention, it's easy to do--especially because wine tastes so good!

So, Nerussa talked her into going after those slaughterfish for Aelwin--"there was no way..." I could almost see that coming--the moment she thought, "no way," I knew it was coming--especially since the title of the chapter was gone fishing... Nerussa sounds like quite the charmer! Of course, no surprise there, because she is one of the more exquisite looking NPCs in the game.

Her encounters with those slaughterfish--especially the line "It let go of the cage and turned to look at her with its glassy black eyes." Oooh, it made chills run down my spine! Very well written!

I laughed when poor Teresa realized she was showing it all off in her wet tunic when she went back to Weye. It was another cute episode of the sweet and innocent little Bosmer with the faint smile!

Also, I loved the description you added about the Jewel of the Rumare. Not only did you give it its own unique look, but the look of it as I imagined from your description is exquisite.

And I loved that she felt so good about helping Aelwin--the look of gratitude in his eyes as you described. It brought a tear to my eyes. This is so far my favorite chapter for so many reasons.

26.1

A very leisurely walk along a river. I really liked the interaction with the old man and his grand kids in the village. Not much else to say, other than it's nice to be with Teresa again.
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26.2

I noticed 26.3 was similarly mislabeled. I don't think chapter 25 wanted to end!

Another ruin! I wonder whose horse is tied outside?

Carandial! Wait who was that again? *checks wiki * Ah the researcher! Now Teresa knows where to go for some more interesting ruins. I don't think that the title of the chapter is referring to Carandial, who else are we going to meet?
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25 26.3

Just thinking on the Emperor, if he hadn't died, would Teresa be who she is now?

Goodness Woodelves just love swimming don't they?

Bravil's been rearranged judging from your screenshot of the lucky old lady.

Aia! I remember reading about Teresa and Aia in Acadian's TOA. I really wish that I was caught up for that, that would have been a real pleasure to read about from two perspectives.
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25.4 err.. 26.4

The buildings of Bravil have that sprawling feel to them.

I can understand Teresa's nervousness about entering the guild hall. Giving up a portion of the freedom she has would be difficult, especially when she doesn't know how much of it they will demand.

An empty guild hall? Strange... Good way to spend the time, getting some reading done in that book of hers.

Hey the guild needs an archer? Well I think they just had one walk in. And I remember Pappy needing someone able to make potions even before his guild was gutted at Bruma. I think Teresa will be a good fit. The only question is, how much of her freedom will they demand?

Already checking out the vice commander's butt

Well if she noticed it doesn't seem to have bothered her!
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26.5 I'm just going to say here that every section of chapter 26 has been taken hostage by chapter 25


That would be hard on any commander. I had picked out a favorite from the guild, then I think his body was found minus his head.

I thought I found a nit but it turns out Hondling is word after all.

I liked hearing about how the guild works.
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26.6 How am I the only one to notice the 25 invasion? Everyone just must be more polite than I am

Oh no! It would have been better if she'd just said no! Baurus had everything tidied up!

How on Nirn did Pappy accept all that?



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26.7

I can tell Pappy is going to enjoy getting her riled up.

I like Pappy's training method R. Lee Ermey would be proud!


This is going to be a very common occurrence I think.
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26.8

Teresa's got a heck of a temper. It's good that she restrained herself from pitching something at a possible future employer's head. Now she wants to deck him? Good luck with that Teresa.




Wise man. He probably thinks it's just her time of the month lol. Is it?

Chapter 6

It is with this chapter that we can really see the changes that have taken place in Teresa since her meeting with the Emperor. Her return to her home really brings out the changes, and the title is very fitting.

Her life before had been focused simply on her day to day survival in the harsh world of being on the streets in the city--far removed from the haughty nobles who would look at her with disdain before. It's always sad and yet comforting that human beings never truly change. They make up their minds about others based merely on their outward appearances, and Teresa used to when her focus was different. But with her broadening horizons comes the ability to see deeper than most people see, and you portray that beautifully.

Her relationship with Simplicia is wonderful to see, and I could feel that hint of sadness that Teresa has sort of outgrown her relationships with the people from her life, such as Simplicia. I am glad she still makes plenty of time for the sweet old beggar, and that she left money with her to help her survive. Teresa is moving beyond her former self, but that hard life she used to have gave her some beautiful life lessons that people who live more privileged lives don't usually understand.

Teresa's confidence is another thing you portrayed very well--going from a shy, insecure little bosmer street urchin to a forester with strength and confidence has made a world of difference for her, and it shows.


She knew them, remembered all the things they had done together. But none of it felt connected to her anymore.

This line summed it up perfectly, and I can definitely relate to it, especially in my current state. Looking back at the few years since I graduated from high school, and connecting to the friends I had been so close to then, now we all seem so very different, and it's hard to believe any of that from before ever was. We still are friends, but we can't go back to the way it was then, because all of us have changed so much. It's somewhat sad, but it's a necessary phase that everyone goes through when they grow up and move on with their lives. It really is a good thing, though it doesn't always seem like it, because it is a sign that you are moving forward, and not remaining stagnant in your youth, trying to relive the past. Teresa is moving on to bigger and better things--though she will always love her friends from her past, she has to move on so she can make something of herself.

Another excellent write!

Greetings Rosa! I have spent what I can only describe as a wonderful day catching up on the months of Teresa I have missed out on. So much has happened in Bravil! New and old characters, Teresa's mental and physical struggles and the finding of a new friend: Bear! So many beautifully written chapters full of vivid character descriptions have made for fabulous reading! I'm now desperate to find out more about Teresa's past as well as wanting to see more of this mighty bear which I absoloutely love. The ongoing romance with the gorgeous Tadrose and the archery tournament are brilliant! I shall wait patiently for more during my short break from the hectic lifestyle of a student.

A beautiful episode which captures the sweetness and innocence of a child. "Why am I an elf?" - we will never know, sadly, but only a child, or maybe a philosopher, would ask that question.

Olen: I have about eight scenes planned out of Teresa facing the shadow, which as you guessed, I intend to spread out across the following chapters.


haute ecole rider: While her orphaning is part of Teresa's issues, it is unfortunately only one, small piece. From here on out, her road will only become much more difficult. Thankfully, she does have a healing spirit to help, not to mention another that is a guide for those who walk in dark places.


Grits: Teresa is still curious about her origin as well. Eventually, all will be made clear.


mALX: This was perhaps Teresa's simplest issue to deal with. The following ones only become worse.


Acadian: Turning lemons into lemonade is what facing the shadow is all about.


Burnt Sierra: I got to meet Chris Penczak at a festival a few years ago. He was a very cool guy! I learned quite a bit from him.


Lady Syl: Except for some regional differences, wine, bread, and olive oil are the staples of the Imperial peasant's diet. We will be seeing more of Nerussa in the future. She will play an important role in Teresa's life. Chapter 6 was rather bittersweet for me, because while on one hand it clearly showed Teresa's growth, it also came at the price of outgrowing the Imperial City, and many of her relationships there. It is one of those examples of just what you cited. How people's lives move on to different places.


hazmick: We will be seeing more (unpleasant) snippets of Teresa's past interspersed through the following chapters.


Ceidwad: Teresa still wonders why she was born the way she is. Although she is no So-crates.


Previously on Teresa of the Faint Smile: In our last episode, Teresa took her first step in the long journey of facing her Shadow. Next, the final day of the Tournament of the Archers begins.


Chapter 34.21 - The Tournament Of Archers

Teresa's heart pounded in her chest like a chapel bell, loud enough to drown out the sound of the announcer as he welcomed the crowd to the final day of the tournament. Scanning the bleachers, she saw that not a single seat was empty, not even at the very top. In fact, hundreds of people were standing in the aisles because there was no room to sit.

The Bosmer willed her hands not to shake as she stared down at the turf below her feet. You can do this, she told herself, you have faced much worse. In her mind, she reeled off a litany of deadly encounters: Vilverin, Jensine's shop, Belda, the Green Road south of Lake Rumare, and all the other places she would have died if not for her skill with the bow.

Teresa raised her head and looked around at the other archers who stood on the field with her. Standing next to her was Lum gro-Baroth, still without a shirt. Parwen hovered nearby as well, inspecting the feathers on one of her arrows. Beyond her stood Zerina - the red-haired Dunmer that Teresa had seen qualify the day before. Now Teresa saw that the dark elf carried a bow that was neither an Imperial longbow of yew, or a Valenwood recurve of golden sila. Rather her weapon's stave was made of a curious white substance that appeared to be overlapping bones, or the carapaces of giant insects.

To one side stood Aradroth, clad in black and his body coiled like a spring ready to snap. There was also an olive-skinned Nibenean whose name Teresa did not know, wearing a mithril cuirass and a long skirt. The forester made a mental note to never wear those two things together. It simply looked awful. Chatting with her was an Imperial Forester, a Colovian from his golden hair and crystal blue eyes. He wore leather armor emblazoned with the Imperial dragon, and had a white scarf jauntily draped around his neck.

The sight of his armor made Teresa remember Attius standing on the ridge overlooking Morcant's cottage, looking back down into the valley below. Then she recalled him lying in the trampled wheat fields outside of Bruma, his life stolen by a Daedra. Briefly, Teresa wondered how Morcant was, and if she was in Anvil now? She prayed to Bear that the Witch would find the healing that she desperately needed there.

Then the other archers briefly parted, and through their ranks Teresa saw the final three competitors. Daenlin wore the same hunting garb of leather and fur that he had when Teresa had seen him in the stands during her qualification. His hands were cupped over the top ear of his Valenwood bow, which trailed down to the grass at his feet. Teresa noted that unlike the other recurve bows she had seen, his was decorated with a brace of eagle feathers that were bound below the grip by a leather cord. The champion archer's head was bowed and eyes closed, as if in silent prayer or deep mediation.

At his side was Dame Buffy, also garbed in the same buckskin greaves and boots that she had worn when Teresa qualified. Only now she also wore a beige top with a dark vest. Her composite bow was in her hands as well, and she leaned over to say something to the last archer to make the finals.

Alawen wore the same leather armor that Teresa did. Also like Teresa's, her hair was brown. But unlike hers it was not dyed red. This close, the forester could see that the other woman's eyes were hazel in color, and that her features were very easy on the eyes. The ranger appeared to listen carefully to what Dame Buffy had to say, and smiled shyly in return.

Then the announcer introduced the Count of Bravil, who stood in his box to address the crowd. It did not surprise Teresa that he was a Nibenean, with the jet black hair and olive skin of his race. He was taller than most Imperials though, with broad shoulders and a barrel chest. Yet his stomach swelled in a paunch, and his face looked worn and haggard. He was dressed in blue and gold velvet, and Teresa's eyes quickly fell to the arming sword that rode upon his left hip. What she could see of it - grip, guard, and pommel - was solid black. Unlike ebony, it did not gleam brightly under the morning sun. Instead it seemed to devour the light, reflecting none back to the world around it. It was as if the sword was a rip in the fabric of the world, leading straight to Oblivion.

Teresa did not really listen to what he had to say. According to everyone she had ever spoken to, Count Terentius was a drunk and a wastrel. Given the way he was swaying on his feet, she had no trouble believing them. Apparently he was once a great knight and tournament champion in his own right. But Teresa could plainly see that was in the past. Worse, everyone in the city knew that his son was a skooma addict, and that the Count ignored the drug trade because of that. Ardaline had once even pointed out exactly which building on Riverwalk the skooma dealers used.

The other things Teresa could forgive, but not the skooma. Not after what it had done to Simplicia. She spat on the grass thinking about it, and made a point of looking anywhere but at the Count.

Scanning the crowd, she saw Ardaline, Kud-Ei, and Delphine Jend from the Mages Guild. They were dressed in fine velvet, and even held parasols of delicate lace. Accompanying them were Henantier and Carandial, also dressed to the Nine. Teresa imagined that Kud-Ei must have worked hard to drag those two from their ivory towers of academia!

Moving her eyes, she soon found the Fighters Guild. Teresa smiled faintly to see Aia sitting between Ancondil and Tadrose. Next to them was Vincent, and then Chance, who had a woman beside him that Teresa did not recognize. His latest conquest no doubt. Then there was Storm-Tail, who sat beside Kurz, and next Tavian. Finally Pappy sat with a young Imperial woman who was dressed in lace, and Teresa could see she had one hand clasped in his own. Yet another conquest, Teresa imagined.

Once the pleasantries were over, they got down to the business of shooting. Teresa saw that the scoreboard had been cleared of the names of the qualifiers. Now it bore only those of the ten to make the finals, herself included. She also saw that they had been arranged in the order they would shoot, starting with the highest qualifier to the lowest. At the top was Daenlin's name, with a small, red plaque next to it that signified it was his turn to shoot.

That made the Bravilian master the first on the firing line. The crowd responded with a loud cheer as he stepped up to shoot. He was the reigning champion, and had been for seven years straight. No wonder they liked him, Teresa thought.

The master archer revealed not the slightest hint of trepidation as he readied himself. Then he showed why he was the champion. One arrow after another sprouted from the bullseye as he shot. Only one drifted out of the center dot, to land the second ring away. Like most of the others, Teresa stared in awe.

Then came his protégé, Dame Buffy, Knight of the White Stallion. Like her teacher, she put on an impressive display of archery. Only missing the bullseye twice, but each time placing her errant shots in the first ring from the center. That gave her the same score as her godfather: an eighty eight.

Alawen - the ranger of Anvil County - shot next. As with the first two Bosmer, her arrows seemed to simply grow from the bullseye. Only one strayed beyond it to the nine point ring. Leaving her in the lead with a score of eighty nine out of ninety.

"Dreck!" Lum cursed through wide eyes. "How are we gonna compete against that?"

"Just do your best," Parwen replied coolly.