Great chapter, once again!

Teresa sits anxious as she awaits the start of the final parts of the tournamet.

Your use of imagry is very powerful: I could almost see what Teresa could.

Your attention to detail is amazing.

Well done!

Standing next to her was Lum gro-Baroth, still without a shirt.

This really made me smile!

At least the Count’s opening drone gave Teresa a chance to spot her friends in the crowd. I’m glad Kud-Ei managed to drag Henantier there, or maybe he didn’t need that much coaxing. He certainly owes Teresa!

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

"Just do your best," Parwen replied coolly.

I didn’t think about how the rest of the archers would react to knowing they couldn’t win. Interesting. I’m looking forward to seeing Teresa shoot!

You certainly have a way with words. That was absorbing and really sucked me in; such intricate description could have fallen flat but instead it had a narrative almost. Even though three people shot the whole part was fascinating, the different Bravil personalities, who was doing what. The setting has really come to life.

I shan't pick through as I might have as I'm currently stuck with a dying 12" CRT older than I am and will develop a migraine if I do.

By Mara this was good! What a delightful portrayal of the early portion of the day of finals. There is just so much going on that I'm grateful for Teresa's astute eyes and insights to help add such richness to the event! We have seen the event from the limited perspective of one archer with her own dramas so it is fascinating to see it from the perspective of another - also with her own dramas to deal with.

What a perfect blend of showing the scene and letting Teresa share her fears and concerns with us. It was a treat to see her perspective on the other archers, right down to the understandable observation that a cuirass and long skirt look atrocious together! Solid economy of words as you gave us a delightful rundown of the finalists, right down to our mer in black, coiled like a spring. Pappy and Chance, already wearing trophies on their arms. And our mage ladies complete with lace parasols! I loved it all!

Do I see some sort of foreshadowing in the sinisterly interesting blade riding the hip of Count Bravil? I cheered as Teresa refused to even look at the Count as he spoke.


Nit? 'Once the pleasantries were over, they got down to the business shooting.'
Take a look and see if perhaps you agree that changing the last words to 'business of shooting' would be better? I suspect that might have been what you wanted?

This chapter is most delightful. Even though we know who won the tourney, what's really important here is Teresa's POV - her thoughts, her musings, her impressions of this wondrous day and of her fellow competitors.

I liked how her impression of Terentius is consistent with so many others', yet Teresa's observation of that inimical sword of his makes me wonder if the man is still dangerous, even with the drink and skooma.

Others have already commented on the depth of description here, so I'll just echo everyone else.

Well done!

Teresa's heart pounded in her chest like a chapel bell

BONG! Nice way to introduce the chapter, by focusing on the pre-match nerves of Teresa.

Great description of the other characters present at the finals, especially Regulus. Your description of him reminded me of King Henry VIII - another (real-life) barrel-chested, bloated individual whose star burned much brighter in his youth than as the years went on.

You tell the other side of the story well. Whereas Acadian tells the story of Buffy, Alawen, and Daenlin in great detail, I hope you will shed some light on the other contestants involved.

You've really brought this tournament alive and it's not hard to visualise these images when reading, well done. Teresa's disregard of the Count was wonderful, she would clearly prefer to be on a long walk with Bear (or Tadrose ) than at an overcrowded tourney!

I loved your latest chapters but 34.20 was my favorite. Teresa is one of my favorite characters on this forum because to me she is very easy to relate to. As a mix between my parents' races, I've often looked at them and asked why couldn't I have darker skin and freckles or straight hair or whatever trait I wanted out of them or their side of the family.

I wondered if Teresa realized subconsciously that Buffy had thrown her score deliberately?



This sentence tag is so fitting to the Parwen you have shown us here !!

I was surprised by the abrupt summary of the shooting at the end, but the early paragraphs more than made up for that, Great Write !!

27.1

I Teresa really misread Pappy. He's not the type to screw with you. Why is she surprised he wants to check into her history? With a story like that she's lucky he didn't toss her out on the street!


What a hardship. I'm sure she'll manage somehow.

27.2

See Teresa, background check. Even the well cultured orc has to be checked. Pappy is going to be very careful especially after losing almost his entire guild in Bruma. I suspect that is why he's turned so many people away.

27.3


I wonder who that might be?

Talking to Ancondil, Teresa has learn something of herself, she's a natural alchemist!

Just Ancondil's luck! What an awkward way to find out she's only interested in women. Too bad for him!

27.4


I like to think about how the story began and where Teresa is now. She was nothing more than a street urchin with only sack cloth to wear. Now she's going to buy velvet and lace. She's come a long way.

I like the description of the city. It's enough like the city in the game to recognize, but expanded and made to more believable proportions.

And here's Delphine's infamous tea!

27.5


Very handy spell. Too bad Pappy demanded a more direct test of the potions brewed by Teresa.

Teresa is a very gifted natural alchemist then. I liked that interaction with Ardaline.

27.6

Ardaline and Teresa are so similar in personality, it's so funny seeing them take turns blushing

The Bravil Mages Guild is such a warm place.

27.7

This was delightful little section of just Teresa and Ardaline getting to know each other. Good job.

Rihanae: Thank you. This first segment of the finals was mainly just meant to paint the scene, so it was heavy with descriptions.


Grits: Who can resist the shirtless orc? As a shtick goes, it's a pretty good one. So I made the most of it.


Olen: As I mentioned to Rihane, that first segment of the finals was so heavy on the descriptions because it was setting the scene. The rest of the finals segments will be more activity-oriented. I hope you can get a decent monitor soon!


Acadian: Yes indeed, now we see it from another limited perspective. It is too bad we could not have a third author writing the pov of Riveus, Schlera, Zerina, and the Mer in Black. That would cover every angle of the tourney.


haute ecole rider: I do plan to use that sword of the Count's in the future, which is why I shined the spotlight on it now. In fact, the story arc it features in has already started, although it will not become apparent for a while yet.


Ceidwad: I was not thinking of him, but King Henry 8 is indeed perfect for how I wanted to visualize the Count. A once physically great man gone to seed. The rest of the finals in the TF will focus very tightly on Teresa and her guildmates. The previous segment was merely setting the stage for the drama, hence its wider scope.


hazmick: Teresa would definitely rather be taking that long walk with Tadrose.


Jacki Dice: Thank you Jacki, I am glad that my humble archeress was able to inspire that sense of empathy.


mALX: I am sure Teresa is far to wrapped up in her own drama to realize the Buffster's machinations. Besides, she has never seen Buffy shoot before, so has nothing to measure her performance by.

The descriptions of the three archers shooting was rather cursory. Since Acadian is already giving a tight focus on the shooting between Buffy, Alawen, and Daenlin, I did not want to cover the same ground.
Also, as with this chapter overall, bloat is something I have been keenly aware of. This chapter is huge already, I am trying to keep it from becoming a monster. So the shooting will be tightly focused on Teresa and her guild mates.


King Coin: You have Pappy read perfectly. After Bruma, he is being very careful in how he takes on in the future. Hence his brutal entrance exam. He wants to really see what someone is made of before he puts his life in their hands. Teresa is of course, far too wrapped up in her own self-doubts to see that, or why a background check would be necessary for everyone.

Ardaline was a fun character. I like writing her with Teresa. I can see them getting along incredibly well. Unfortunately I just have not had many opportunities to show that since that chapter.


Previously on Teresa of the Faint Smile: Our last episode saw the beginning of the final day of the tournament. After a boring speech by everyone's favorite Count, Teresa was wowed by the nearly flawless display of archery put on by Daenlin, Buffy, and Alawen. Next, she takes her turn on the firing line.


Chapter 34.22 - The Tournament Of Archers

Riveus - the Imperial Forester - came fourth. He waved to the crowd, and Teresa noted that most of those who responded with cheers were female. She imagined that he must be handsome, although she had never been a good judge of that sort of thing in men. Too bad Methredhel was not here, Teresa thought, she would know.

Teresa was relieved to see that unlike the first three archers, Riveus was at least not infallible. Instead his shots were an even mix of eights, nines, and tens. At least there was someone she might stand a chance against!

"Shooting next for the Bravil Fighters Guild, Teresa of the Faint Smile!"

Teresa shook her head as the announcer introduced her, and the red plaque moved down beside her name on the scoreboard. Sweet Mara, would she ever live that name down now? Still, she could not help but allow one of those namesake smiles to escape her lips as she stepped up to the firing line. Pappy had said having a nickname was good. He said it built up a mystique about you, and made it easier for people to remember you.

She wondered how he felt about being called Pappy? or Gramps? Old, she imagined, as the Time Dragon's footsteps weighed heavily upon his race. Yet he did not seem to be perturbed by it. There was no reason for her to be upset at her name either.

She drew an arrow from the bag at her hip and looked to Sinia. The Redguard judge nodded to her, and stepped to one side so Teresa was free to shoot. Just as at practice, the wood elf let out half of her breath as she drew her string part-way to her face. Sighting in on the center of the target down the field, she then used all of her strength to draw the arrow back to her cheek.

Then she loosed, and watched the missile as it spun its way down the field. Tadrose said that the spiral pattern of its fletching gave it that spin, which in turn made it fly truer. One of the benefits of using arrows made by Daenlin, she thought, the reigning champion of archery in Cyrodiil.

The arrow sprouted from the center of the target. A wave of relief washed over Teresa. She had been so afraid that she would miss her first shot, and be the laughingstock of the entire tournament! Restraining the urge to wipe her brow with the back of her hand, Teresa continued her first flight of arrows. She was rewarded with one shot slightly off center and another in the bullseye.

"A score of twenty nine for the first flight." The announcer's voice boomed through the amphitheater, and the crowd cheered and clapped their approval.

Screenshot

That was the easy part though, Teresa thought. Only fifty yards away, with all the time in the world. Now she took a moment to breathe deeply. Then she looked to Sinia, who had produced her hourglass. Teresa nodded that she was ready, and the line judge flipped the glass over in her hand.

Teresa's eyes instantly snapped from the Redguard to the target down the field. Reaching into the bag at her hip, she quickly brought an arrow to her stave and sighted in. A moment later she loosed. Wasting not an instant, she reached for another arrow while her first missile was still in flight. She did not really think about what she was doing. She simply performed the actions drilled into her from countless hours on the practice field. There was nothing but her, the arrows, and the target. She merely put them all together.

"Perfect score!" came the voice of the announcer.

Teresa breathed deeply once more. The quick-fire had been the easiest in the qualifications as well, although she did not know why. Most people seemed to think it was the most difficult. Yet now came the part that she had dreaded since the day she qualified, the long range flight.

She waited while two burly attendants picked up the archery butt and carried it down the field, until the range had doubled. A swarm of butterflies took flight in Teresa's belly. Here we go, the forester thought as Sinia gave her the signal to fire when ready. Time to see what she really had in her.

Taking her time to feel the breeze coming off the bay, Teresa stared down at the target for long moments before setting an arrow to the nock of her bow. She let out some of her breath and drew the string half-way to her cheek. She sighted in on the target, adding height for the range, then a little more for the wind she would be fighting. Compensating for the slight sideways drift of all arrows, she moved her aiming point over a tick. Then she realized that her bow had dipped somewhat in the effort, and readjusted the height of her shot.

Finally she loosed, and stared down the field as the missile sped through the air. She held her breath, and did not release it again until it struck home in the outermost ring of the target. A six, she shook her head. That was no better than her qualifications!

Drawing another arrow, she went through the same process once more, and was again rewarded with the same score, only now planting her arrow at the opposite side of the target. Biting her lip as she made her final shot, she was mortified to see that it barely even struck the top of the target. Outside of the last ring, it scarcely clung to the straw that filled the butt.

A five, she thought. The worst score you can get without completely missing!

"Seventeen," the announcer's voice filled her ears, followed by sighs from the crowd and smattering of polite applause. "Total score: seventy six."

Teresa shook her head and stared at the grass as she walked back to where the other archers waited. She did not even notice when Lum gro-Baroth stepped past her to take his turn on the line.

It was the exact same thing she had shot for her qualifications, Teresa fumed. She was never going to stand a chance shooting like that!

I didn't mean that as a complaint and hope it didn't come across that way. It wasn't at all a disappointment, only a surprise because I've never seen you break into a succinct mode before in years of reading Teresa and your other works.

Your stories are always extremely immersive, the reader is taken away into whatever world you are creating. The sudden change of that section gave the feeling of a horse being reined in abruptly, breaking the immersion.

I re-read the chapter, but avoided reading that section on the second read - Aaaaah !!! Able to close the page sated and got my "Teresa, take me away" moment from it. (IE: Calgon Bath Oil, lol)

I fully understand the need to watch bloat, lol.

***

On to this chapter:

Teresa giving her faint smile as she stepped up - that was a huge touch, as was her musing over how Pappy may feel about his nickname.

Beautiful screen of Teresa !!

Oh, bless Teresa's heart! She can't stop that mind of hers from racing, that probably distracted her focus.

One of your many huge talents in writing, you use the most subtle descriptions to set the stage for the action. They are so unobtrusive that they slide into the reader's subconscious and make it easy to visualize the scene. This chapter was a showcase for your ability - way too short, I could have easily stood another 700 words, lol.

Awesome Write !!!!!!

I've done enough hobby shooting with a BB rifle (the world's worst weapon) to appreciate your description of the care Teresa took with the long range shots. Yes, windage does matter, especially with a projectile as long and bulky as an arrow. A BB isn't much better - no punch at all. I think Dad and I barely damaged the trunk of the chokecherry tree we hung our paper pie plate targets on. I found BB's in the ground around it years later when I did some landscaping around that tree.

I loved how you reminded us of the location of the tourney with the description of the breeze off the bay. It quite literally put me there! I was reading with bated breath as she loosed that first arrow of the long range flight, and sighed with disappointment when she did as poorly (in her 'pinion) as her qualifications. Still, I doubt I would have hit it at all!

OH NO! Poor Teresa! She thought too hard for the final three shots and didn't do as well as she'd like, then didn't think at all for the timed shots and gets perfection. There was probably the element of nerves in there somewhere as well (and all those people watching wouldn't have helped, that would almost be as distracting as a naked Tadrose standing there! ) If only there was a bear healing section to the tourney A quick mind is probably better than a trophy anyway.

I agree with Haute, I was holding my breath from the first arrow. Again she over thought the long distance shots, I wonder if it's just more practise she needs now or if something more is wrong. She's using a simpler bow and isn't strong, or using an enchantment to rectify this, certainly a faster arrow should be easier to hit with.

Still if anything it's later I'm looking forward to. She might be disappointed, but she did make the finals and shoot with the best of them and if she doesn't realise it I suspect someone will remind her.

I'm wondering what next now, the tourney is winding down and she has no immediate business I can think of. It's bits like that in stories I find most exciting in some ways.

This was such a joy to read! It was wonderful to get the detailed perspective of Teresa as she did her best. Fabulous job, Teresa, on the first two flights. Hmm, over thinking the last flight - I hope she realizes her amazing talent and how to optimize it. The clues she needs are right there.

'She wondered how he felt about being called Pappy? or Gramps? Old, she imagined, as the Time Dragon's footsteps weighed heavily upon his race.'
I love it when I hear a writer paying homage to the vastly differing lifespans between men and mer, since the game seems to give it short shrift. This passage has to be the most eloquent and elegant tribute to the bittersweet difference I've read.

I agree that your tiny mention of the breeze off the Niben was a superbly powerful tool to make sure we were right there with Teresa.

I'm so glad she is using some of Daenlin's arrows with the twist built into the fletching! Tadrose again shows her versatile wisdom in recommending Teresa use them.

Too bad Methredhel was not here, Teresa thought, she would know.

If I remember correctly, it was Methredhel who first put a bow in Teresa’s hands. That brings back thoughts of the IC and friends that Teresa has outgrown, and makes me wonder what memories she will face next.

The arrow sprouted from the center of the target. A wave of relief washed over Teresa. She had been so afraid that she would miss her first shot, and be the laughingstock of the entire tournament!

Yikes, the very thought brings sweaty palms! The stakes are very high indeed. I didn’t expect Teresa to be upset if she didn’t win the tournament, but I completely overlooked the humiliation of flubbing a shot in front of all those people. Her flawless, natural performance in the quick-fire is how I think of Teresa always.

In addition to enjoying your story immensely, I have also learned quite a bit from your comments on the choices you made crafting it. Especially how you have chosen what events to show, and how you have kept the focus tight on Teresa and those closest to her.

Chapter 7a-7b

As one chapter of her life closes, another one begins. Bittersweet is the perfect word for it, as you said. She is setting out into the vast world for adventure, instead of staying put with what she knows, as Simplicia advised her to do. It is good advice for one looking for security--but not for one like Teresa who needs something more than that. The entire world was out there waiting for her to see it.--That was very well put.

The dream she has been having continues to unfold, becoming a little clearer with each episode. Now she has become the bird--soaring through the air, high above Nirn. Freedom and adventure are hers for the taking. I especially like the scene where she flies over the mountains to see Jauffre, Julian and Martin riding toward Cloud Ruler Temple. What a perfect example of, perhaps, the spirit leaving the body during the sleeping hours to see more than one can when confined in these heavy bodies.

And the feathers scattered around her when she wakes... tangible evidence that her dreams are, perhaps, more than they seem.

And it appears Daedra may have gotten to the bandits outside Vilverin for her... That would probably be enough to send me running for somewhere safe! But then, curiosity might eventually get the best of me. It seems it got to Teresa right away. She is a brave one.

And she has learned not to ignore her intuition. That is a good lesson to learn, as I often find that my intuition is usually correct, though my mind often fights it with logic. Sometimes reality does extend beyond the realm of logic, though, and Teresa is discovering that with each new adventure.

Great chapters. I'm looking forward to the rest of her adventures through Vilverin.

Subrosa... I have just finished reading the whole story of Teresa again, and am, once again, loving it. May she always smile faintly

And please post more?

mALX: It is true that there are a number of things I would have liked to have done a deeper dive upon in this chapter, such as Teresa's time spent shopping with Ardaline, and then again the same with Tadrose. But the truth is those things did not contribute to the plot of the chapter, and only made small contributions to character building. Normally I do not mind spending an extra thousand words on something like that. But this chapter is nearly at 38k words already. So I really do need to pick and choose what goes in.

When I wrote the final day of shooting, I considered going into more depth with how the other competitors did. But I realized that I would be losing the real focus, which was always on Teresa. Whether it is Teresa's relationships with her guild contemporaries, or her own abilities as an archer. So I decided to gloss over the parts not directly related to her, and instead pull the camera in tight around her.


haute ecole rider: I had a wristrocket slingshot when I was little. I could not hit a thing with it!


hazmick: Yep, the choke factor is a huge thing in professional sports. Look at how many basketball players cannot make free-throws, when they have all the time in the world and no one to block their shots. But put them in a fastbreak and they sink the ball every time.


Olen: Someone probably will remind her of what it took to get this far, not to mention of keeping the tourney in perspective. Probably not who most people suspect though!


Acadian: I am glad the reasons for Teresa missing those long-range shots are evident to the reader, even if they are not to Teresa. I did not want to tell people why but rather show it. I almost did not put the rifled arrows in, but when I read they have been used for thousands of years, I thought it only perfect that it would be another wood elf thing.


Grits: It was Methredhel who taught Teresa how to shoot, way back when they were kids in the IC. Just wait, Teresa still has time to flub a shot!

I have found that writing this story here (and earlier at the Beth forums) has helped me immensely in terms of things like what to leave in and what to leave out. While it is true that in this environment one can write just for the joy of it, and not worry about keeping the plot tight, it still does help with the entire process of deciding how to construct the story. I would do a lot of things differently if this was meant for publication. Even if I am not doing most of those things here, the practice I have had at analyzing the plot has shown me what those things are.


Lady Syl: That really was a liminal chapter, where Teresa is seen moving from one phase in her life to another. Her spirit flight is one example of that, and will not be the last time that happens. Likewise her desire to explore Vilverin, in spite of how much logic and good sense might dictate otherwise!


Doommeister: Wow, you must have been awfully bored to do that! Seriously, that gives me a faint smile to hear. More on the way.


Previously on Teresa of the Faint Smile: In our last episode, Teresa made her first of the three rounds of shooting in the finals. While she performed well in the close range and rapid fire shooting, she fell apart in the long distance flight. Next we will see how she fares on her second round.


Chapter 34.23 - The Tournament Of Archers

Teresa stepped up for her second round of shooting and vowed to do better. Already Alawen, Daenlin, and Dame Buffy had pulled far ahead from the rest of them with their nearly flawless archery. She would need perfect shots with every arrow if she was going to stand any chance of even keeping up with them now. Thanks to her dismal long range shooting, Parwen had not only out-shot her in the first round as well, but also Aradroth and the forester Riveus.

Breathing deeply and trying to relax, Teresa began her first flight of arrows at mid range. She was disappointed with a single bullseye and a pair of nines. Yet the next flight of timed shots once more saw her with all perfect scores, and again the crowd cheered her efforts. Then came the part she had been dreading. The long range flight.

Once more the wood elf took her time and did her best to take into account every possible variable, knowing that even the slightest miscalculation would have drastic effects in so far a shot. Her first arrow fell in the outermost ring, as did the second. Biting her lip, she made her third shot. It completely missed the target, falling to Nirn just inches before the butt.

The wood elf closed her eyes as the announcer proclaimed her score for the total flight: a seventy. She had missed the target! How on Nirn could she be so pathetic! She stared into the ground at her feet, afraid to see the looks the other archers were doubtlessly giving her.

Teresa shook her head, feeling her cheeks burn with the shame. Gritting her teeth, she tried to ignore the staring eyes of the crowd as she made her way back to the other archers. She had missed completely!

"It could happen to anyone," Lum said, laying a consoling hand on her shoulder. Then he stepped to the line to shoot next.

"Teresa." Parwen's voice came to her ears, and the forester saw the Skingrad fighter's boots standing on the grass before her. "I've been training new archers for decades now, and I think I might be able to help."

Teresa looked up, feeling tears burning behind her eyes. It took every ounce of her willpower to prevent them from cascading down her cheeks. Instead she swallowed hard, and took a moment to steady her shaking hands.

"You do?"

"I see you shoot flawlessly when you are timed," the older wood elf observed. "From that I take it you are accustomed to combat shooting. Am I right?"

Teresa nodded, wondering what that had to do with anything?

"Let me guess, in battle, you can make shots like these you are missing." Parwen said.

"I can!" Teresa bit her lip once more, and clenched a fist. "I know you don't believe me, but I can. That's what's so frustrating about all this!"

"In battle, how much time do you take to shoot?" the older elf asked next.

"Not much at all," Teresa blinked. She had no idea where this could be leading. "I aim for a second, then shoot. There isn't any time for more."

"Exactly," Parwen said. "Now for your next long range flight, I would like you to try shooting it as if you were in battle, with only a second to aim and fire."

"But I'll-"

"Miss?" Parwen's eyes sparkled with mirth that Teresa suspected was well-intended. "A little late to worry about that I think." The Skingrad elf put a hand on her shoulder. "I've seen this before in other Bosmer. You are second-guessing yourself. You over-analyze your shots, and that makes you ignore both your instincts, and the years of practice that have gotten you here. Stop thinking so much, and just shoot. Your muscles know what to do, that is why we train for hours on end."

"A score of seventy two for the second flight." The announcer's voice boomed through the amphitheater, and the two elves turned to see Lum gro-Baroth walking back their way. Teresa glanced up at the scoreboard. The Orisimer had shot a mix of sevens, eights, and nines, and now stood one point ahead of her with a total at one hundred and forty seven.

"That is my cue," Parwen smiled, and stepped off to the firing line.

"Good luck!" Teresa cried after the older woman.

Lum returned to stand beside Teresa, and the wood elf looked up at the emerald-skinned giant.

"Good shooting," she said.

"Thanks Teresa," the orc rumbled, wiping the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. "It's a lot harder than practice, that's for sure!" The orc looked down at her, and laid a friendly hand on her back. "You'll do better next time, don't worry."

"I hope so." Teresa bit her lip, and watched Parwen outscore her as well.

By the time the next break came, Teresa saw that she had fallen to eighth place in the standings, with only Zerina and Schlera behind her. A troupe of actors came out onto the field to entertain the crowd during the time between rounds. Along with the others, she retired to an open-walled tent. Within were samples of food and drink from the various merchants at the festival. Teresa stared at the sweet rolls from Salmo's Bakery and licked her lips.

But they had been at the amphitheater since early morning, and it was now well past noon. Nature was calling, and she would not be denied. Teresa knew she had plenty of time before the actors finished their routines, so as she had seen many other contestants do already, she headed off the field. Taking the tunnel reserved for only the archers, she made her way past the guards at the other end, and went hunting for the nearest privy in the sea of tents that surrounded the arena.

Thankfully one was not too far distant. Upon finishing her task, she started her way back to the private tunnel. But the smell of cinnamon and apples caught her nose. Following the lovely scent, she found a kiosk selling baked treats. The Iron Champion Bakery, proclaimed the banner above it. Working alone behind the counter was a Bosmer with a most prodigious chest. Her brown hair was tied back in a ponytail, and her smooth features were dusted with flour and brown sugar.

Teresa sourly noted that just one of merchant's breasts was larger than both of hers put together. But the cinnamon apple muffins on her counter were too seductive to pass up. Teresa stood in line for what seemed an eternity, but she knew was actually probably only a few minutes. Then finally the forester was able to purchase one of the delights, and she found that the wait was more than worth it. Reveling in the crumbly-topped masterpiece, Teresa wandered away without really watching where she was going.

She came to an abrupt halt as a chest sheathed in munition armor nearly met her face. Careful not to drop her half-eaten muffin, she stared up with a start. Towering above her was Kurz. Like the other fighters, he wore his armor and guild medallion. She wondered how many of them were doing it for looks, and how many because they were also taking turns working the betting booths as Chance and Ancondil had the day before?

"Lum was right," he laughed, "it's raining wood elves alright!"

Teresa worked up a faint smile through her mouthful of baked splendor. Finally chewing it down and swallowing, she was able to reply.

"Kurz!" she stammered, "I'm sorry, I did not see you. These muffins are so good. You should try one."

"Is that one of Kirsty's?" The orc looked over Teresa's shoulder to the busty wood elf's kiosk, and puffed himself up in his armor. "I get the feeling she likes me."

Teresa mustered up a faint smile at his remark. She had no idea if he was serious or not. But he was being kind to her, so she was not going to spoil it by being impolite.

"Well, she certainly knows how to bake!" Teresa declared. "She has some other impressive… attributes as well."

"Umm Teresa, I've been watching you shoot, and it got me thinking," the Orisimer said slowly. Teresa realized that he was now choosing what he said very carefully. The Kurz she knew was not one to mince words. If he was looking for the right one, then she imagined it must be very important to him. Or very bad for her.

"I'm not a very good archer," the orc admitted, "as I'm sure you noticed. I never was, never will be. Lum got the bow juice in my family. I'm an axeman."

"So why did you come to compete?" Teresa asked.

"I didn't," the orc said plainly. "I'm on a contract. I entered as part of my cover. But it does not really matter now. The man I've been shadowing can't be the one we're looking for. He's a worse archer than I am!"

"You're here to follow one of the contestants?" Teresa raised an eyebrow.

"Aye," the orc responded. "I was at least, but he washed out yesterday. The Chorrol Guard thinks he murdered someone. But the man we're looking for made a long range shot across half the city in the middle of the night to kill the victim. This fetcher I was sent to watch couldn't hit the broad side of a mountain!"

"But that's not what I was going to say," the orc shook his head. "I was going to say I was watching you, and I think you're taking this whole tournament too seriously. I can see you clenching your fists and biting your lip out there. See, you're doing both now."

"I don't know about those other shooters, but you, Lum, and me, we're fighters. When we shoot, we do it for real." The orc waved a hand at the looming mass of the amphitheater overhead. "This dreck is just play. When it's all over, we're gonna shake hands and walk away. It's not for real. So what if you win? That and a reman will buy you a mug of cheap ale. If you lose, that ale's gonna cost the same. You think I care if I washed out? Oblivion no."

"The only time it matters is when someone's life is on the line," the orc said, "and it don't matter how pretty you shoot your arrows then. Only that you hit, and hit hard. Half these spoiled princelings would probably fill their drawers with shite if they saw a skeleton charging down on them. But you and me, we stand and deliver. Yeah, I heard about you from Chance. He said you saved his bacon in some Ayleid ruin. That's all that matters. Not any of this fetching nonsense. So don't let it get to you."

Teresa stared up in amazement at the green leviathan. He was absolutely right, she thought. She had not even wanted to compete in the first place! So why was she letting herself get so frustrated because of it? Parwen was not bothered by the thought of losing. Nor was Lum, well not much at least. Obviously Kurz did not mind failing to even make the finals. So why did it matter if she did not win?

"Kurz, did I ever tell you what a great guy you are?" Teresa wrapped her arms around the burly orc and laid her cheek against his breastplate.

"Aww, not here," the orc laughed. "Kirsty might see and get the wrong idea!"

Teresa laughed as well, and let go of the other fighter.

"You better get back to the amphitheater," he rumbled. Then he turned to look at the wood elf bakery, and winked down at Teresa."I think she likes big men, if you know what I mean. I'm gonna go find out."

"Good luck," Teresa cried at the orc's receding back. Holding her head up high, she turned and made her way back to the arena.

Aww Kurz went all gruff and brotherly on Teresa! But he said exactly what I was thinking. Don't take time on the long range flight -- just do it. Muscle memory will take over every time.

I'm glad to see Kurz and Parwen give such great advice to Teresa. That's what being a guild member is about.

I wonder if Kurz's suspect was Honditar?

Ain't that the truth!

Sorry for the block quote, but I just loved that entire segment there. Those three paragraphs were the perfect advice, and what a way to say it!

Mind you, when Teresa bumped into Kurz, I half expected something else, I'm glad that he seems to know when not to chase skirts

And Subrosa, your comment about me being bored? Not likely. Your story had me so enthralled I didn't realize the time, and I now have to go to work with no sleep. Not many stories do that to me, so I was pleasantly surprised, and will have to remember that next time.

Anyway, I think it might be a good idea to let Kurz get on with chasing skirts... he's been shooting me these most uncomfortable looks

28.1

what the hell is Pappy doing in Teresa's room?

uninvited guests do that Teresa.

That's really neat that you made what is normally a side quest unrelated to any faction really and made it an “unofficial” fighter's guild quest.

28.2

Into the dream. This has been one of my favorite quests since 2006.

28.3

Fantastic description of the dream scene. When I got a body mod I was a little surprised to see that Aravi really was naked in the dream. I had kind of forgotten about that bit.

28.4

This test wasn't so bad. When Aravi did this test, she found her lesser powers still worked fine so it was easy for her to see all the traps.

Clever angle in this screenshot:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/subr...ightmare08n.jpg

28.5

This test, for me, was the most difficult. It took me a while to see that there was a symbol that meant a block was safe. I wasn't much into reading the stupid scrolls when I first started the game way back on the Xbox

More clever positioning
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/subr...ightmare09m.jpg

28.6

Nice to see that Henantier is gradually coming back together.

What an odd looking dress. It's the one Syl wears, correct?

Ooooh this test I can see being very difficult for Teresa. It was easy for me because I knew the developers weren't going to break the game. This is real life for Teresa. Having to go down with out hesitation when you don't KNOW when it ends. That would be tough.

She seemed to get through it pretty easily. She's got guts. Or should I say faith? This test almost felt more like a test of courage than the fighting one did.

28.7

Good choice Teresa! I always took the staff in that test as well. You can just machine gun everything down with it.

Wow I'm impressed with the screens. That must have been tough to get out into the camera in time to shoot a lightning bolt at one.

Not grinning like a maniac? Lol
28.8



sorry Henantier, you're not her type.

I can see Henantier needing a bath after spending days in bed. Bodily functions don't stop...

She's in the Fighter's Guild!!!!

Ancondil is such a gentleman I loved that little exchange between them.

28.9

I wouldn't have guessed Henantier to be so funny

I enjoyed that a lot. I was always a little bothered how you could summon anything anywhere and nobody cared.

Teresa's not done putting Henantier together I see.

Thankfully one was not too far distant. [snip] Reveling in the crumbly-topped masterpiece, Teresa wandered away without really watching where she was going.




Kirsty!!!!

It was so well written, especially her trademark messiness I loved the whole section as I do all your writings. ♥

Woo, another cross-overy thing. I suspect I've missed some too...

Good part, there was a lot of sound advice there which served it's purpose well. I think Parwen's advice will develop her as an archer somewhat while Kurz's will proove more valuable. I suspect she gets so competitive because she's a little insecure with so many people watching how she does and surrounded by Cyrodiil's finest. Kurz chose his words well by saying tht it's a game and that she can delivery where it matters. It also shows the commeraderie of the guild well that they offer such good advice without being asked.

As for length, I think you're getting this chapter right. One of the joy's of the internet is that you aren't constrained by the norms of printed works. This chapter seems likely to be another major turning point in her life and if it takes so long for it to happen then that's fine, it's all so tied together that breaking it would be unnessesary. Equally I can see why you've cut some less nessessary scenes.

I think I can guess the subject of the next chapter... but I'll have to wait (not too long I hope) and see.

Clearly Teresa needs to regard that ranged target as an enemy. I wonder who she can think of to shoot at? She needs to meet Kurdan!

Working alone behind the counter was a Bosmer with a most prodigious chest. Her brown hair was tied back in a ponytail, and her smooth features were dusted with flour and brown sugar.

Yay, Kirsty!! What a delightful surprise!!

"Well, she certainly knows how to bake!" Teresa declared. "She has some other impressive… attributes as well."

I expected Kurz to agree with Teresa about our favorite busty brunette Bosmeri baker, but I was blown away by his heartfelt affirmation of Teresa’s worth. I loved this episode!

Comfort eating ftw! I hope Teresa listens to her friends, they're just trying to help and they all have the right idea. I kind of want a sweetroll now...

haute ecole rider: I was glad to finally show that there is more to Kurz than just being a thug picking fights. As you noted, the loyalty he and Parwen show is indeed part of being in the guild. They may fight among themselves in private, but they always stand with one another the rest of the time.


Doommeister: Kurz has probably heard by now that Teresa does not eat sausage. I would be worried if he was shooting me those looks too though!


King Coin: I had fun taking those screenshots. That was indeed Syl's dress she wore in a few of the segments. I wanted something really bizarre, to fit the fact that it was a dream gone wrong, and it was perfect. And that is how Teresa got in the Fighters Guild. She definitely got the most difficult initiation of all the new members since Bruma.


Jacki Dice: Thank you again for loaning me Kirsty for the tournament. I poured over your descriptions of her (and her treats) in MHMSM to get it right.


Olen: You nailed Teresa's feelings and their reasons exactly. Even though she never wanted to even compete, she has found herself caught up in the fervor of the tourney because of her own insecurities, exacerbated by all the people watching, and inevitable comparisons to all the other shooters people will doubtless make.


ghastley: Well, she could try thinking of Vincent again, that worked for her in the qualifications!


Grits: Like I said to h.e.r., I was glad to finally show that Kurz was not just an a-hole. In fact, he has a lot in common with Teresa. They both have a temper that drives them to do stupid things, and really try the people around them. And they both have a deep-seated insecurity that is driving it to happen. I think on some level, Kurz can see Teresa as a kindred spirit.


hazmick: Teresa is lucky she has such people in her life. Can you imagine if she had not joined the Fighters Guild?


Next on Teresa of the Faint Smile: In our previous episode Teresa made her second round of shooting, and missed the target on her last shot because of her over-analyzing. After some sound advice from both Parwen on how to shoot, and Kurz on how to feel about the tourney, she returns for the third and final round.


Chapter 34.24 - The Tournament Of Archers

"Not much point in us even bothering," Lum grumbled while Riveus took his shots. "We are not in this anymore. Alawen won."

Teresa looked back up at the scoreboard. The orc was right. Even if he had a bullseye on every shot, Lum would still finish behind Daenlin. The seven-time champion himself had only taken third place, trailing behind his protégé Dame Buffy. Of course with a score of one hundred and forty seven, Lum was one point higher than Teresa in the standings…

"We can still do it for ourselves," Teresa said. "So what if we are not going to win? We can at least show what we're made of."

"That's the spirit Teresa," Parwen nodded. "I have been coming to these tournaments for about twenty years now, and I've never won. I always have a good time though."

Lum coughed, glancing to the private box where Fathis Aren sat near the Count. "So we've heard," the orc murmured through a smile.

Parwen merely smiled back, her eyes twinkling like stars.

"A total score of two hundred and forty three for Riveus of the Imperial Legion!"

Teresa looked back to the firing line to see the Imperial Forester walking back to where she and the other contestants stood. The Colovian had a grin on his face. Clearly he did not mind taking fourth place, which his score now put him at.

Gripping her bow, Teresa walked up to the firing line, pausing a moment to congratulate Riveus as she passed the blond-haired man. Stepping up to the line, she waited while the attendants set up her target at mid range.

Doing her best to ignore the noise of the crowd, she closed her eyes and breathed deeply in and out. Just relax, she told herself, and pretend no one else is here. As Parwen had told her during the break: there was only her, the arrow, and the target. Nothing else.

Opening her eyes, Teresa saw that the target was ready. Sinia nodded to her to begin, and Teresa smiled faintly at the Redguard. Parwen had suggested she shoot rapid-fire for the long range flight. Why not do it for the entire round? After all, she had nothing to lose.

So Teresa drew her first arrow and quickly set it to the nock. She pulled back her string halfway to aim, drew full to the cheek a moment later, and loosed. Not waiting to see if it hit, she drew another arrow and quickly fired. Finally she did the same for the third arrow, and after less than half a minute from when she started, her bow fell silent once more.

"Perfect score for the first flight!" The announcer's voice boomed through the amphitheater, and the crowd was suddenly alive with noise.

They were probably not expecting that, Teresa thought with a faint smile. Who would shoot rapid-fire when there was no need to after all?

Now Sinia produced her hourglass and signaled Teresa to begin the second flight when she was ready. Once more Teresa nocked and fired as quickly as she could. When it was over she found three more arrows sprouting from the bullseye.

"Perfect score for the second flight!" came the announcer's voice."

Teresa waited while the attendants carried the target down the field. She glanced back at the other archers, and saw Parwen and Lum giving her the thumbs up. "You can do it!" Lum mouthed silently, while Parwen smiled and nodded her approval.

Finally Sinia gave her the go ahead to take her final three shots. Doing her best to slow her racing heart, Teresa once again drew as quickly as she could, took only a second to aim, and loosed. She nocked and fired her next arrow so quickly that it was in the air before the first hit the target. Her final arrow chased that one through the sky as well, thunking home in the center of the butt just an instant after the second missile.

The crowd was silent for long moments. Teresa wondered if they had turned away before her first shot, and turned back only to find it all over. The thought gave her a modest giggle as she made her way back to Lum and Parwen. Finally the voice of the announcer rose up around the arena, and the crowd began to cheer.

"A score of twenty eight for the last flight. For a final score of two hundred and thirty four for Teresa of the Faint Smile, from the Bravil Fighters Guild!"

Lum jogged out to meet her half way, and showed his approval with a hearty slap on the back. "That's showing 'em Teresa!" he grinned. The wood elf nearly tumbled off her feet under the orc's playful blow. Thank Bear that had not struck her hard, she thought, else she would need healing!

"Thank you Parwen," Teresa breathed when she returned to where the other wood elf stood. "You were right, about everything."

"Well of course I was right, I'm a woman!" the older elf quipped. The two of them laughed, and turned to watch Lum make his shots. Teresa found her arm slipping around Parwen's waist, and was pleased to feel the other woman do the same in turn. It was warm and comforting, like she imagined holding a sister might feel. Teresa liked it.

Teresa was surprised to find that she actually felt good. Thanks to the combined advice of Parwen and Kurz, and finally completing her part of the tournament, she felt as if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Nothing else mattered now, she thought. She could just stand back and enjoy the day.

"A total score of two hundred and sixteen for Lum gro-Baroth, of the Chorrol Fighters Guild!"

Teresa and Parwen let go of one another in order to clap for their comrade as he made his way back to them. Before Parwen could step out to meet him, Teresa leaned closer to give the other wood elf a peck on the cheek. "For luck," she smiled.

Parwen smiled back and trotted off to the firing line, slapping hands with Lum as they passed one another. Teresa had a hearty slap on the back for the Orisimer when he returned to the archer's staging area. Unlike when the roles had been reversed, Lum appeared to barely feel it however.

"See, you shot good," Teresa said. "Maybe after this you will be able to afford to buy a shirt!"

"Never!" the orc grinned.

The pair turned back to watch Parwen do her shooting. As always, the Skingrad elf was a solid archer, scoring either an eight or nine with every shot. Yet she did not shoot a single bullseye either. In the end she came away with a score of two hundred and twenty five.

Teresa bit her lip as she looked at the scoreboard. That put Parwen behind her own final score, dropping the Skingrad fighter to sixth place in the standings. Teresa knew that if not for Parwen's advice, she never would have shot her final round as well as she had. Instead she would still be behind Lum in the standings, in eighth place. Teresa felt tears forming behind her eyes. How could she have done this to Parwen?

"What is wrong?" the other elf said as she returned to find a morose Teresa.

"Parwen, I…" the forester stammered. Gulping, she fought to retain her voice. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…"

"Surpass me?" Parwen said with a raised eyebrow. She went on with a quiet voice. "You cannot help that dear. You are just a better archer than I am, the same as Daenlin and Buffy are. I have always been a good teacher, but I have never been in the realm of archers like they are. I just do not have the same inborn gifts."

Teresa did not know what to say. Instead she simply put her arms around the other woman and held her close for long moments. When she pulled away, she found Parwen smiling back at her.

"That was the kindest 'thank you' a student has ever given me," the older elf said. "Now let's enjoy the rest of the show. I hear the best archers in Cyrodiil are here today…"

Teresa needs to stop being so altruistic and enjoy success! Forget Parwen and enjoy the achievement of an eighty-eight final round!

"See, you shot good," Teresa said. "Maybe after this you will be able to afford to buy a shirt!"

"Never!" the orc grinned.

Lum loves himself more than any woman, I think. Nice camaraderie and banter there!

Now that's damn fine shootin'! This is my favorite part of the whole thing.

Yaayy for Teresa! She did herself proud after all! And the competition doesn't have to be about who's the best archer in all of Cyrodiil, but rather about giving your personal best. That is exactly what happened here.

I also loved how Teresa fits in so well with the other Fighters' Guild members now. The camaraderie now includes her, and rightly so.

This has been a good contest for the teachers. Both Daenlin and Parwen have much to be proud of.

Now can Teresa turn that "don't think about it, just do it" lesson to anything else?

"We can still do it for ourselves," Teresa said. "So what if we are not going to win? We can at least show what we're made of."

Teresa rallying her friends really set the wonderful tone for this episode. So many things came together for Teresa here, with a warm hug at the end. This is an episode to savor!

Good episode, she shot fairly well and though she sort of realises it she hasn't fully I think.


That line is brilliant. It's quite Teresa but it also captures so much of her mood so efficently. But more than just being glad it's over and didn't matter and she can enjoy the festival (I'm told Tamika has some special editions for it) she's also done well against the best archers of Cyrodiil.

You've got the fighters' guild spot on too. The tournament has made her a member in more than just name, her getting advice then passing it on to the others shows that clearly enough.

Now I want to know what happens next...

Forgive the tardiness caused by my travels. Gosh, I hated waiting so long to see how Teresa did!

34.23 -

This was great. A perfect rendition of Teresa's second round, then the aftermath. I was heartbroken to see Teresa miss the target. I know it's a 'silly tournament', but I could feel and understand the devastating effect it had on her confidence.

"Miss?" Parwen's eyes sparkled with mirth that Teresa suspected was well-intended. "A little late to worry about that I think." The Skingrad elf put a hand on her shoulder. "I've seen this before in other Bosmer. You are second-guessing yourself. You over-analyze your shots, and that makes you ignore both your instincts, and the years of practice that have gotten you here. Stop thinking so much, and just shoot. Your muscles know what to do, that is why we train for hours on end."
YES! This is so what Teresa needed to hear! That is why Parwen is such a good teacher!

Lum's support was touching and exactly what I would expect him to offer his guild-sister.

And finally, some wise advice from an unexpected quarter. I was delighted to see you portray the other side of Kurz. And of course I loved the reference to that shot in Chorrol that was heard throughout Tamriel and once again gently links TF and BF for the tournament:
"Aye," the orc responded. "I was at least, but he washed out yesterday. The Chorrol Guard thinks he murdered someone. But the man we're looking for made a long range shot across half the city in the middle of the night to kill the victim. This fetcher I was sent to watch couldn't hit the broad side of a mountain!"

A wonderfully natural and smooth introduction of Kirsty!

Nit: '"I don't know about those other shooters, but you, Lum, and me, were fighters.
I suspect you may have wanted we're instead of were?

34.24 -

And a magnificent finish to the shooting!

I found myself both grinning and cheering as Teresa shot that astonishing final round! I'm so glad she listened to her guild mates. She is truly an amazing talent with that bow.

Teresa was surprised to find that she actually felt good. Thanks to the combined advice of Parwen and Kurz, and finally completing her part of the tournament, she felt as if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Nothing else mattered now, she thought. She could just stand back and enjoy the day.'
If her shooting made my cheer, this passage made my sigh contentedly. I love the growth this represents for Teresa. This, combined with the beautiful exchanges with Parwen near the end, confirmed for me she has gained from the tournament not what we might have expected, but more than we could have hoped for.

With the shooting now complete, it is such a joy to see that both of our elves have gained so very much from our 'silly tournament'.

Ceidwad: Lum is definitely too sexy for his shirt!


haute ecole rider: Those relationships with the other guild members was one of the things I wanted to focus on with this chapter. I am glad it worked!


ghastley: Teresa just do it? With Tadrose? Probably not!


Grits: Teresa finally got her act together in that last episode (after only 24 episodes! ), and you are right, once she did, everything did come together.


Olen: What will Teresa do next? Well, the same thing she does every night, try to take over the world! Oh wait, this is not Pinky and the Brain...


Acadian: We're indeed. Thank you for getting a lock on that my friend. Both of our elves did gain quite a bit from this 'silly tournament' Much the same things too. They made new friends, deepened relationships that they already possessed, and came to new realizations about their own abilities.


Previously on Teresa of the Faint Smile: In our last episode, Teresa shot her final round, taking the advice of both Parwen and Kurz. Both obviously worked, as she did excellent. Next, the final episode of this monster of a chapter.


Chapter 34.25 - The Tournament Of Archers

"Our ship sails on the morning tide, so we have to get going."

"Are you sure you don't want to stay another day?" Teresa bit her lip as she stared up at the gro-Baroths. She wore her oversized legionary tunic and Fighters Guild medallion, and her crimson hair was tied back from her face in a ponytail. The two orcs were dressed in linen, except for Lum of course, who went shirtless as usual. The three of them stood on the front porch of the Fighters Guild. With Magnus but a faint glow on the eastern horizon, the streets were still and dark.

"It would at least give you time to sleep off last night's celebrations."

"Don't remind me of that," Lum said with a wince, lifting one hand to the side of his head. "I've got a headache like you wouldn't believe."

"Well no wonder, you probably drank more than the Count!" Teresa laughed.

"The honor of the Fighters Guild was at stake!" Kurz grinned. Then a moment later he too winced, and closed his eyes in pain. "I never knew Argonians could drink so much!"

"That's 'cause they're immune to poisons!" Teresa chided. "You two didn't know that?"

"Well poisons yeah," Lum said, "but since when is rum a poison?"

"It is when you drink as much as you two." The trio turned to find Parwen standing in the doorway. She wore her mail armor. A pack was slung over her shoulders, and her combination bowcase and quiver hung from one of her hips. "But Teresa's right, you can't out drink an Argonian. Alcohol has no effect on them."

"Damn," Kurz shook his head, and then seemed to regret that decision. "You mean those poor buggers can't get drunk?"

"Sure they can," Teresa offered. "But on tree sap. Give them maple syrup, and they go right around the bend."

"You know quite a bit about the tailed folk," Parwen noted through a raised eyebrow.

"I used to live with an Argonian, back in the Chamber Pot." Teresa said.

"Well, I guess we better get going," Lum declared. Still, neither he or his brother made any sign to leave.

"I am going to miss you both," Teresa said, biting her lip. Before she could talk herself out of it, she leaned forward to give each Orisimer a warm embrace. "I'll see you both at the next tournament. You come too Kurz, even if you're not on a secret mission."

"You can count on it!" the pony-tailed orc grinned. "We can see which Bosmer wins next year!"

"I think it will be Dame Buffy," Teresa said. "She's really good."

"I think it will be you," Parwen declared. "You are talented yourself, and are only going to get better."

Teresa turned red, and stared at the floorboards.

"And you're just as shy as that Alawen," Lum said. "She barely said two words in her acceptance speech."

"At least she could say them!" Parwen replied. "The Count was so bollixed that he kept forgetting what he was going to say!"

"Yeah, he swims in a wine barrel," Teresa scowled. "Bravil would be so much better off without him."

"Well, our ship sails at dawn. So if we don't get moving we're gonna be swimming back to the Imperial City." Lum stared down Silver Avenue to Bravil's interior docks. "We still got a long walk from there to Chorrol too."

"You come see us if you're ever in the highlands," Kurz said. "You too Parwen. I am sure we can rustle up a dark elf to keep you company."

Teresa was surprised to see the older wood elf blush. But she still smiled at the orcs, and waved goodbye along with Teresa as the two men walked away.

"It's time for me to go too," Parwen said, turning back to Teresa. "It's a long walk back to Skingrad as well."

"You aren't taking the roads are you?" Teresa asked. "There have been problems with bandits."

"Of course not!" the Bosmer laughed. "I'm a wood elf after all, like you." Then the archer turned serious. "Goodbye Teresa. Keep yourself well."

"Goodbye Parwen," Teresa embraced the older elf, and did not try to hold back the tears in her eyes. "Thank you so much, for everything. I will see you again at the tournament next year. If not sooner."

Then the other elf was making her way down Silver Avenue, in the opposite direction from the men. Teresa stood on the porch and watched until Parwen vanished into the darkness of the gatehouse.

Wiping the tears from her eyes, she wondered how long it would take Alaine Retiene to use the sketches he had taken of the four of them separately and make a single oil painting from them? Henantier had already told her that he could make copies of it. The Altmer magician had said that portraits were more difficult than simple ink and parchment pages, but were not impossible to duplicate. Then she would have a freight company like Wandrev & Farthir ship them to the Chorrol and Skingrad Fighters Guilds. She only wished she could be there to see their faces when the paintings arrived.

Hmmm I'd thought the last night's celebration might have been eventful enough to warrent a part, but apparently it was just another party (and in that case I can see why you didn't bother). Thought that it was just another party rather says something about how Teresa's developed.


I liked this line, I might even have to steal it...

The painting was unexpected too, she seems to be accumulating friends all over cyrodiil now. As well as enjoying some of the finer things, certainly a long way from where she was at the start of this mammoth (and pivotal) chapter.

Looking back (to page 58 no less) and the beginning of this highlights how much it's changed her. Before the guild was more a job and training, not I think they are less important aspects in some ways and the other people have taken precedence for her in it. Along with obvious things (like getting her nickname) it's cemented the change in her which started as she left the Imperial City. She has more confidence both with the bow and with people.

I said it once, but I'll say it again: I like bits like this in stories, she could really go in any direction now. Back for a visit to the IC to celebrate, more jobs round Bravil, more statue hunting... whatever it is I suspect she will think to her own happiness more now, she still has her shadow to confront and a house to buy.

A hearty congratulations on bringing the magnificent TF TOA to a perfect conclusion! I had more than a faint smile myself and could absolutely feel Teresa choking up as she said her poignant goodbyes.

I loved the time you spent teasing the orcs over the fact that Argonians can't get drunk on rum - but leave it to a pair of orcs to try.

Lovely light references to the evening prior awards ceremony, since that was pretty well detailed in the BF version. I am firmly convinced that the two versions of the TOA together present a much fuller and richer picture of the tournament than either one alone could hope to. Thank you, my friend. It has been such a joy to see these two complementary versions of the TOA come to fruition after the tremendous time, effort and fun that went into bringing them to post.

I'm delighted at how much closer the TOA has brought Teresa to some of her wonderful guild mates. Those orcs are solid friends once you get to know them all right. And you really brought Parwen to life as a wonderfully wise archer and guild mate (even if she can't look down and see her toes). I just know that if Teresa's future travels bring her to Chorrol or Skingrad, she will have those wonderful friends to visit.

Nit: "She barely said too words in her acceptance speech."
Here of course, you wanted 'two', and the darn spell checker was of no help at all, was it?

"The honor of the Fighters Guild was at stake!" Kurz grinned. Then a moment later he too winced, and closed his eyes in pain. "I never knew Argonians could drink so much!"

"That's 'cause they're immune to poisons!" Teresa chided. "You two didn't know that?"

"Well poisons yeah," Lum said, "but since when is rum a poison?"

"It is when you drink as much as you two." The trio turned to find Parwen standing in the doorway. She wore her mail armor. A pack was slung over her shoulders, and her combination bowcase and quiver hung from one of her hips. "But Teresa's right, you can't out drink an Argonian. Alcohol has no effect on them."

Interesting observations here. The game doesn't recognise that alcohol is a poison it seems, as Argonians are just as affected by the drain intelligence effects of booze! I like how you transferred their ability to get drunk to tree sap. Very nicely explored.

"The Count was so bollixed that he kept forgetting what he was going to say!"

Hmm, I didn't know 'bollocks' was used in America, never mind 'bollocksed'. In any case, no change from the usual Regulus.....

I just had to quote this line, it reminded me of my first encounter with rum...I was also shirtless! But not on a boat.

I loved these two chapters, Teresa getting closer to Parwen then having to say a teary goodbye to her new friends. I imagine that we will be seeing more of them? Who knows, maybe Lum will find a shirt!!

"Well poisons yeah," Lum said, "but since when is rum a poison?"

"It is when you drink as much as you two."

this made me literally LOL. Such a quick, simple, yet hilarious line!

I also love how Lum compared Teresa to Alawen; even if it was only a minor comparison.

great write!

I loved the front porch chat with the gro-Baroth brothers and Parwen. It reminds me of the mention of Teresa jumping off the bridge. I didn’t have to be at the party to picture it and smile. Though two orcs getting tanked with a still-sober Argonian would have been fun!

"I used to live with an Argonian, back in the Chamber Pot." Teresa said.

A mention of Geen-Rana is always a pleasure. I wonder what she’s up to these days?

"Goodbye Parwen," Teresa embraced the older elf, and did not try to hold back the tears in her eyes. "Thank you so much, for everything. I will see you again at the tournament next year. If not sooner."

This chapter has solidified for me that Teresa has found a place to be. Whatever journey she takes next, she has a foundation under her.

Olen: I did not want to post the same thing that was already in BF about the closing ceremonies, and as you said, it was just another party, and would have felt anti-climatic to me. So I decided to move to the next day, and address the high points in dialogue.

The painting was my idea of the Tamriel equivalent of taking a picture of everyone involved.


Acadian: Two words indeed. See how shy Alawen is, she said them in one word! It took a few months, but we finally got here!


Ceidwad: Argonians getting drunk on tree sap is an idea I got from some of the lore about them. They are supposedly descendants of the Hist trees in Argonia, and there are hints that licking the Hist trees is apparently what causes them to advance through their stages in life. So I thought it would be natural that tree sap in general would get them drunk.


hazmick: Lum, in a shirt! Aetherius forbid!


Rihanae: That was one of those lines that just flew out as I wrote, I am glad it worked.


Grits: Geen-Rana is one of those characters that I wish I could have done more with, but there was never a place to actually have her make an appearance. So I simply do my best to mention her whenever I can.


Previously on Teresa of the Faint Smile: Our last episode wrapped up the Tournament of Archers, when Teresa bid a fond farewell to her fellow guild archers. Next up, Teresa continues her hunt for Arimer artifacts.


Chapter 35.1 - Bawn

9th - 13th Frostfall, 3E433

"Val… Sir Valerius!" Teresa exclaimed as she turned a corner in the guild hall.

Clanking down the hallway toward her were two men. First was Pappy. He was dressed in his mixed orcish and legion armor, and his Dwemer arming sword rode at one hip. The knight in question followed behind the guild commander. The patrician was clad from head to toe in armor made of meteoric glass, and an arming sword of the same material was slung at his left hip. What might have been ordinary mail lay beneath the aetheric plates, and in places such as his boots Teresa could see leather beneath that. The preternatural crystal pulled at the wood elf's eyes, for it glowed faintly in the hallway. Even from where she stood, Teresa could feel the magicka brimming within it.

Screenshot

"Did you decide to join the guild after all?" Teresa asked as the pair of Colovians drew near.

"That's right," Pappy answered before the younger man could reply. "Kid's pretty fetching good with a sword too."

"As is your commander." The younger Imperial drew his meteoric glass helm from his head. Sweat stained his features, which would have been delicate enough to be elfin in appearance, if they were not marred by scars. One cut down from his scalp to the inner corner of his left eye. The other slashed an angry ridge across his cheek on the same side of his face.

"I must declare, I barely survived the entrance examination!" Valerius smiled. "You may refrain from using my title however, as it would be awkward under the circumstances."

Teresa felt a wave of relief wash though her. As much as she liked the patrician, the idea of having to constantly watch her etiquette around him was something she had not been looking forward to. It was one of the reasons she loathed being around nobles.

"Let's go upstairs to my office," Pappy said to the knight. "I'll give you a guild amulet. Just remember, you're still only a probationary member until your background check goes through."

Teresa smiled faintly as the pair of men continued down the hallway to the front of the building, where they would have to ascend the stairs to reach Pappy's office on the third floor. After her own experience joining the guild, she was always relieved to hear that everyone else had to pass that same background check before becoming a full member.

Setting her feet back into motion, Teresa made her way to the rear of the building, across from the dojo. There she opened a door that took her down a wide set of stone stairs to the forge. The stone-walled room was brightly lit by glowstones, and was dominated by the circular furnace that sat cool and dim in the corner. Before it stood several anvils of various sizes, and along one wall nearby were hung numerous tongs, hammers, and other tools.

A ramp wide enough for a cart rose on the opposite side of the room. Teresa knew that led to a pair of cellar doors in the alley outside the guild hall. She imagined that back when the building was a luxury inn it had been used for deliveries: a means to keep the servant's work from the eyes of the wealthy folk staying there. But having lent her muscles more than once to carry raw metals into the forge, and finished armor and weapons out of it, Teresa was thankful for the second entrance.

Teresa was surprised to see that Tadrose was not in front of the furnace. Instead she sat before a long table with pieces of green and brown leather laid out before her. The Dunmer looked up as Teresa entered, and her crimson eyes widened slightly.

"Teresa," she said. "What brings you down here?"

The forester walked to the other elf. As she stepped up to the table, she realized that the strange material Tadrose was working on was actually armor.

"I am leaving for Bawn tomorrow." Teresa bit her lower lip as she stared down at the dark elf. "I was wondering… well…. if you might…"

"Oh I am sorry Teresa," the vice-commander sighed. "I am going to be too busy. I have a hundred swallowtails and twenty pincushions to make for Daenlin, an order for an elvish arming sword, and I have this to finish as well."

Teresa could not stop herself from frowning. Or was it pouting? She was not sure. She just knew that her heart fell lower than Oblivion at the sound of the armorer's words.

"So what is this anyway?" Teresa forced herself to fill the awkward silence that was growing between them. "It looks like leather."

"Not at all." Tadrose smiled. "These are leaves."

Teresa blinked. "They're what?"

"Leaves," the armorer smiled faintly. "I know, everyone is surprised the first time they see miran-talurn armor. The brighter green pieces are miran leaves. They are resilient as steel when struck or cut, yet supple like leather when force is not applied to them."

To demonstrate, the dark elf lifted what looked like a plate of the emerald material. It seemed as flexible as the stiffened leather in Teresa's own armor. Yet when Tadrose struck it with a closed fist, it did not bend around her fingers. Rather it stood firm and solid as a piece of wood, and even rapped with a similar noise.

"The darker leaves are from the talurn plant," the vice-commander set down the plate and lifted a vest of deeper green material. "It does not stiffen like the miran leaves, but is more difficult to cut, almost like rubber. It makes an excellent under tunic to protect the joints, while the miran pieces act like any solid plate might. All at a tenth of the weight of ordinary steel."

"Oh my," Teresa lifted a gauntlet of the combined material. It was soft and supple in her hand, and did indeed feel more like a leaf than leather. "Where does this come from?'

"Valenwood." Tadrose rose to her feet, casting a critical eye upon the forester. "They use the miran leaves to build their homes with, as it flexes with the swaying of the trees. Henantier has a customer who ordered an enchanted suit of it. He imported the leaves, and I have been crafting them into the armor for him. When I am finished he will enchant it. He and I often work like this when people want enchanted weapons and armor, and do not have an original piece to supply him with."

Teresa nodded. It was the same as how the armorer made Daenlin's arrowheads.

"You know, you are about the same size as the woman who ordered this." Tadrose looked up and down Teresa's frame. "Why don't you try it on? It would help me make sure I have the dimensions right."

"Me?" Teresa bit her lip. "Here? Now?"

"Well, I don't think asking Vincent to try it on would do any good!" the Dunmer laughed. "Really, it would help a great deal. I can lock the door so no one comes in."

Teresa nodded as the armorer ascended the steps to ground floor and bolted the door that Teresa had entered through. She let her eyes fall to the pieces of armor scattered across the table. The boots and gauntlets were obvious, but the function of many other pieces eluded her. When Tadrose finally returned, Teresa was still marveling over the Valenwood leaves.

"Let's get you out of these clothes, shall we?" Tadrose said. The armorer reached out to loosen the laces on the black bodice that the wood elf wore. Teresa's breath caught in her throat as the other woman's fingers undid the tight garment and drew it from her frame. How many times had she dreamed of this moment! Yet this was not at all the way she had hoped it would happen.

Teresa tried not to look in Tadrose's eyes as the dark elf lifted her cream-colored chemise over her head and set it on the table. The last thing she wanted was for the armorer to see how she felt, else she might never have this opportunity again. The forester breathed in relief when the other woman turned away from her and began going through the pieces of armor on the table. That allowed her to pull her skirt down without Tadrose seeing, and left her standing in nothing but a thin loincloth of dark linen.

Tadrose was all business however, and began to set piece after piece of armor upon Teresa's nearly bare flesh. As she said before, the darker talurn went on first, creating an undersuit that completely sheathed her frame. Then came the separate pieces of brighter miran, laced both to one another, and to points on the talurn underneath.

It all went much quicker than Teresa would have imagined. While she had never worn steel plate, she had helped the other guild members don theirs. It was a slow, tedious process. The suppleness of the miran-talurn leaves made them much easier to pull on however, almost as if they knew where they belonged on her body. It was only the lacing that took any time.

"The way this is designed, the talurn underpadding can be easily slipped on," Tadrose explained. "The miran plates can remain laced together in many places, even when you take it off. So most of this only has to be done once. With some practice, you can probably get in and out of this in just a few minutes."

Teresa pulled the fingerless gauntlets on, and looked up to see Tadrose holding up a full length mirror. She nearly gasped at the image she saw staring back at her in the silvered glass. It was her to be certain, but the green armor that sheathed her frame was simply beautiful. Unlike her leather - which was purely utilitarian - the miran-talurn armor was as much a work of art as a protective device. The emerald miran plates were embroidered with designs of vines and leaves. They were so cunningly placed that they seemed to grow from the darker talurn underneath, like leaves upon the bough of tree.

Teresa took a few moments to move around in it, staring at herself in the mirror the entire time. She found the plates did not hinder her movement as she imagined they might. As she had seen before, they were as flexible as her leather, and were designed to move with her rather than against her. The talurn underneath was practically a second skin, and after a few minutes she barely noticed it was even there. Only in her shoulders and upper arms did she find the armor too tight as she went through the motions of drawing a bow.

Screenshot

"It looks like I have the measurements almost right." Tadrose's voice brought Teresa back to Nirn. "The shoulders look a bit tight though, I had better loosen them. The upper arms too." To reinforce her words, she felt along those areas of the armor with practiced hands.

"Aye," Teresa nodded. "It is a bit stiff there."

"As I thought, I still have some more work to do before I can pass it along to Henantier." Tadrose sat back down at the table and began taking notes. Teresa frowned. That was so like Tadrose, she thought, completely absorbed in her work. She was always the ever-competent armorer and lieutenant. Was she just imagining that Tadrose felt something for her after all? Would they never be more than friends?

"So who is this for anyway?" Teresa asked, hoping that Tadrose would at least turn back to look her way.

"A customer of Henantier's." The vice-commander shrugged, still staring down at the sheet of parchment before her. Now Teresa could see it was a diagram of the armor, with lengths called out along the various pieces. It was there that the armorer was busy crossing off numbers and writing in adjustments. "She is a wood elf, like you. Henantier sent me her measurements, along with the leaves."

"Oh," Teresa breathed, staring down at her armored form. "How much does a suit like this cost anyway?"

"Here in Cyrodiil? Probably about four thousand drakes," the Dunmer said off-handedly, still looking down at her papers.

Teresa felt her eyes nearly jump from their sockets. She could buy Decimus' farm for that! Not only the house, but the twenty acres of fields to go with it. Another thousand drakes and she could buy a suit of meteoric glass armor like Valerius wore! As if she could ever spare the money for something like that.

Teresa sighed. If only she was rich. Maybe someday, after she had raised the money for the farmhouse, and collected more of Umbacano's statues. Maybe then she could afford such a suit of armor, and a recurve bow to go with it.

Ahh, the warrior's dilemma! The good stuff just keeps getting more and more expensive. This is the TES version of the arms race, with each side (Morrowind, Skyrim, Valenwood, et al) coming up with their own ultimate armor.

I always liked the idea of glass armor, but found the TES version of it just plain ugly.

The description of the Valenwood armor is fascinating. I know such materials are possible - there is research going on all the time about that kind of stuff.

And Teresa gets her top taken off by Tadrose! Too bad it's for work, not for something - more fun.

Enchanted armour from Valenwood - exotic! Too bad Teresa's too poor to afford it. Nice work with the screenshots too.

I think you missed a trick here:

"Really, it would help a great deal. I can lock the door so no comes in."

No what? Mountain lions? Think you missed a 'one' there.

I am loving that leaf armor! It's always interesting to get an insight into different armor and weapons of the different races, you have done an excellent job!

I'm pleased to see that our noble friend has been accepted into the guild, I hope his background check comes through OK. I imagine he will play a bigger role in the future?

and then Tadrose removes Teresa's clothes, a dream come true! What's that? for work purposes? dang. One day Teresa...one day...

It was great fun to see Teresa get excited about that wonderful leaf armor, even as was she distracted and frustrated by Tadrose. I continue to enjoy the barter for service that you have going on such as for arrowheads that you have now applied to enchanted custom armor.

I like the idea that a top quality suit of armor is considered as price-worthy as a decent house. And for good reason. I'm glad you drew the comparison in those terms. I so hope that someday, Teresa finds herself in possession of such a suit of armor. . . and a recurve bow.

Money is a problem here. Armor, Valenwood bow, farmhouse for Simplica. . . I wonder if that is a factor in where Teresa will go next. Clearly it sounds like this post tournament chapter will involve another Ayleid Arimer Ruin. Is that undead I smell?

Nit: "Let's get you out of these clothes, shall we?" Tadrose said. The armorer reached out to loosen to laces on the black bodice that the wood elf wore. '
Perhaps you meant 'the' instead of 'to'?

From the chapter title (and her declined invatation) I suspect we're in for some ruin delving this chapter. I look forward to whatever it is she encoutners there, maybe it will be exciting enough to attract a certain person along on the next excursion.

I liked the idea of leaf armour and the two different parts. It adds to the Valenwood lore you've been building, and looks like another piece of bosmer kit Teresa would like to get her hands on. Also having armourers and enchanters work together makes perfect sense, both have a specilisation which benifits from the other, and it brings Henantier back into the picture. Teresa should get him to make her a fortify strength thing.


I wonder if that will unearth anything more of our noble's background...

"Let's get you out of these clothes, shall we?" Tadrose said.

Oh my...

I can just imagine poor Teresa trying hard not to squirm or blush too hard during this.

I like Val’s color so much better. In the game, I just can’t get past the green.

Just remember, you're still only a probationary member until your background check goes through."

I also wonder if the IC shenanigans will appear in the background check.

The miran-talurn armor is as fascinating as it is beautiful. I wonder how Henantier will enchant it.

With some practice, you can probably get in and out of this in just a few minutes."

I’m sure Tadrose meant Henantier’s customer, or maybe he is feeling happy to be alive? Nice to see Tadrose practicing getting Teresa out of her bodice and chemise, even if it was only business.

I just love this episode.