Well, Teressa has made friends with Lum and Kurz gro-Baroth. I'm sure any wussy Imperial's belch would be third-rate at best.

I can understand Teresa's view on the Armor. The things it was made of, and the man wearing it, both took important people from her and caused friends pain and grief. No amount coin or statement would ever wash it away when ever she sees it.

I suspect the armor's weight making sure Kurdan stays at the bottom of the lake has something to do with that decision, too.

The other point is that the game ensures you can't get full payment for Daedric, because the merchants never have enough cash. I never bother bringing back Daedric as loot, as the weight is too high for the payback. Cosmus knows what it's worth, but he'd never have had the chance to try and sell any.

OOooh, where's she off to now?... ...

Most excellent epilogue!!... ...

Nice one... ...

More aftermath, and Teresa has made friends with another beggar.

If you're gonna get principles, at least do it on the cheap!
It's already been quopted but it's too good not to quote again. This guy is a genius

Honestly I'm surprised Tadrose had nothing to say about ditching the armour, if only so she could have a play. Though I suppose she's probably seen it before and if Teresa feels so strongly...

And immediatly we move onto the next bit. The pacing of this story is spot on, not rushed at all but never standing still. I'm fascinated to see what Morandil has to offer. He's not stupid, she just killed his boss and (almost) all the henchmen and has some convincing friends so I suspect he hasn't got revenge in mind. I think it's more likely he's frightened that she will continue the clean up and will try to placate her. How well that goes remains to be seen.

Her worry about the Khajit makes sense, just because she's a little paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get her. It also adds to the whole archer/ witch thing in some ways, the killing is changing her (though not perhaps in an un-witchy way as I can imagine they tend to be ready too).

haute ecole rider: How about Wet, Wounded, and Worn? One fly and one wall coming up.


Grits: I am glad Tadrose's P.R. plan worked. I spent a long time working out the plot of this chapter, namely handling the fallout of Castle Grief.


Acadian: Whether or not to include the necessary meeting with Ursanne, or just recap it is something I had to give a lot of thought. I eventually went with a summary because the climax of the chapter is of course Kurdan's death. I did not want to have three scenes of aftermath following it, so I looked for a way to cut it down.

I had to laugh at the loaded for bear line. After all, if that were the case, she would be wearing a wetsuit to keep dry from all the hugs and licking!


King Coin: The old Teresa would have so mortified that she probably would have hid beneath the table! But the current Teresa has come a long way since those days, and Pappy has definitely had a large role in that. Not to mention just all the experiences she has undergone since coming to Bravil.

I think of the Daedric Armor this way. How many WWII vets would put on an SS uniform? Sure, they would take pistols and helmets home as trophies, something to show off and brag about. But to actually put it on and use it, is to also make what that stands for a part of yourself. Teresa, Tadrose, and everyone else who has suffered at the hands of the Daedra would not want anything to do with their gear. People like Kurdan however, wear it precisely because it is such an object of fear and horror. Cosmus of course, only cares about money, because he does not have any. So all he sees is the dollar sign. He'd likely say the same about finding skooma.


liliandra nadiar: You called it with the gro-Baroths! They are a great way to desensitize a person! Likewise with the daedric armor.


ghastley: That armor would indeed make sure that Kurdan never floats back up. Not to mention it would be a lot of trouble to take it off.


McBadgere: Now it is off to face the new crimelord of Bravil...


Olen: Yay, another fan of Cosmus' "on the cheap" statement. He is a fun character to write, and that line so sums him up.

A very observant, erm, observation about Teresa's attitude toward killing. In the heat of the battle she has never thought about it. She just does what she has to and is glad to be alive when it is all over. But outside of battle itself, she never used to want to kill anyone. But since she has come to Bravil she has been growing desensitized to it. Taking Herrenius prisoner was an example of her consciously facing that growing ruthlessness. In the end she only kept him alive because she thought he would be more useful as a threat of crucifixion.


Previously On Teresa of the Faint Smile: Our last episode found Teresa treating Cosmus the Cheat to dinner. During their conversation we learned that on Tadrose's idea, the story was put out that Lord Herrenius actually died heroically at Castle Grief, attempting to rescue Aleron. This was meant to prevent the patrician's murderous family from taking revenge upon Teresa. After the meal, Teresa was met by a young Khajiit, who informed her that Morandil wanted to speak with her. Next, Teresa faces the new crimelord of Bravil in the final episode of this chapter.


Chapter 40.13 – The Hunter


Teresa downed a combination shield and magicka restoration potion when she reached the end of South Street Bridge. Staring down the street before her, her eyes quickly picked out a trio of hooligans. Even though they were clad in the same worn flax as everyone else on South Island, they stood out from the regular folk like ogres in a chapel. Their weapons hung too comfortably at their hips, their eyes were too hard, and their bearing too arrogant. Teresa had seen their like her entire life. They were trouble, pure and simple.

Well, she had not expected this to be as pleasant as shopping for clothes with Ardaline. She kept the symbol for her Burning Hand at the top of her mind, and strode down the street to the Lonely Suitor Lodge. The first thing she noticed was someone outside scraping the peeling and cracked paint off the walls. When she stepped inside, she found more workmen ripping out old boards here and there and replacing them with new wood. Still more laborers put up new plaster over walls that Teresa imagined either had already been repaired, or were sturdy enough to not require it.

Scattered among the workers were more ruffians like those in the street: rough, hard, and well-armed. In the midst of it all stood Morandil, again dressed in fine velvet. The high elf was overseeing the work, and paused to say something to an attractive Breton standing next to him. Taller than most of her race, she was dressed in finely pressed linen, and wore her long hair back in a ponytail. A saber of elvish design hung at one of her hips, and a parrying dagger at the other. She nodded along as Morandil spoke, and darted off a moment later.

"Ah, it is Bravil's most favored archer," the high elf said when he caught sight of Teresa in the doorway. He swept across the common room of the inn like a lord in his manor. "I am pleased that you decided to accept my invitation. Shall we go upstairs, where we can speak in private?"

"After you." Teresa nodded to the stairs that curled up one side of the room.

The Altmer smiled as faintly as Teresa ever did. He tapped a nearby barmaid on the shoulder. "Tamika's," he said, "in my study." Stepping in front of Teresa, he made a show of walking sedately up the stairs. The forester wondered why he was making such a pretense at civility? Had he not sent her off to be killed a few days ago?

The second floor reminded her of the guild hall, only shabbier. A single, long corridor ran its length, dotted with doors that Teresa imagined led to the rooms they had for rent. They did not tarry there however, and Morandil led her up the stair to the third and highest floor. A single Nord stood guard there. His blond hair was swept back from his face in an unruly mane, and long mustachios drooped down from his face. His bare chest was covered with swirling tattoos, and Teresa wondered if the rest of his body bore the same? He held a long-handled Nordic battle axe in both hands, its single, massive blade trailing down like a long beard before him.

The high elf swept by the Nord after a nod of greeting. He then led Teresa down the short hallway and through one of the doors. Within she found an office that looked like a tornado had blown through it. Opened crates and barrels were strewn about, bursting with odds and ends such as a stuffed troll's head, several skulls turned into drinking mugs, and even a painting of a naked orc woman.

Kurdan's, Teresa thought to herself as she stared around the clutter. The shelves on the single bookshelf were empty, and Teresa wondered if that was where the former crimelord had kept his skulls and other trophies? The chipped and scarred desk was clean however, with a stack of blank parchment, ink bottle, and writing quill neatly arranged upon its surface. Morandil sat behind the desk, and motioned Teresa to the single chair before it.

"You will pardon the state of affairs here." Morandil leaned back in his chair. "We are in a state of refurbishment."

"Let's just get on to the part where you threaten me," Teresa grumbled. "That is why you brought me here after all."

"Why nothing could be further from the truth." Morandil leaned forward. "In fact, I wanted to thank you."

"Thank me?" Teresa blinked. "What for?"

"Why for disposing of the former owner of this study of course." The Altmer waved a hand in the air, indicating the room. "Did you believe I sought revenge? Not at all. There was not a man who met Kurdan who did not want him dead. He was a thug and a boor, and left the world no poorer in his passing."

"Then why did you work for him?" The serving girl entered with a carafe of fine crystal, and pair of similar goblets, balanced on a silver tray. She was young, attractive, and her attire left little to the imagination. She set her cargo down upon the desk, and poured red liquid into each glass.

"Thank you Juleta," Morandil nodded to the young Nibenean. She bowed slightly in return, and shut the door behind her after she left. The high elf lifted one glass and took a sip, then leaned back in his chair.

"Go ahead, sit down and have a drink, it is not poisoned," the Altmer said. "Take an antidote first if you wish. I'm sure you have one in that bag of yours."

"You seem to know a lot about me." Teresa did sit down. She lifted the second glass and stared into its depths. Wine she thought. Swirling it around like she saw Ancondil and Nerussa do, she took a tentative sniff. The scent was deep and robust, with a hint of vanilla and black cherries. That was definitely Tamika's, without the slightest hint of nightshade's noxious scent.

"It behooves me to know about you," the Altmer replied. "You are one of Bravil's most important personages, and one of its most contradictory. You are a member of the Fighters Guild, yet have called out the city guard for its corruption. You have killed a nest of smugglers, and slain trolls with your bare hands. Yet you heal bears and call them friends. You are a huntress who does not hunt. An archer skilled with magic. You rub shoulders with beggars and patricians, and while born on the streets of the Imperial City, you are more at home in the forest than anywhere else."

"Then why did you try to kill me?" Teresa set down the wine glass without taking a sip, and stared the other elf in the eye.

"I had no control over that." The Altmer frowned, and put down his glass as well. "Kurdan gave no other option. A long time ago I warned him that his preposterous hunt would be the death of him. But he would not listen. He never listened to the voice of reason. It was all ego with him, choosing who lived and died, as if he was a god."

"Besides," the Altmer paused a moment for dramatic effect. "I did tell Cosmus where Kurdan was going. Just as I instructed Dakari to wait for your vice-commander at the docks."

"You what?" Try as she might, Teresa could not prevent her eyes from growing into saucers.

"Do you think I normally discuss secret arrangements at the end of the South Street Bridge, with a nosy beggar sitting just two paces away?" Morandil raised one eyebrow, as if to show surprise at Teresa's reaction. "I knew he would tell your guild. I gambled that they would reach the island in time to stop Kurdan."

Teresa leaned back in her chair, studying the Altmer. He had played both Kurdan and herself, and now thanks to his machinations he was the crimelord of Bravil. No wonder he was thankful. She had gotten rid of his boss for him, in such a way that he could not even be implicated for it.

Just as when she had first met Morandil, she could feel the enchantments on his clothing, his opal ring, and his dagger. He was right, Kurdan had been just a brute. But the high elf, he was another fish entirely. His accent, so carefully managed, still screamed Chamber Pot to her. But he was just at home in velvet and fine wines as Ancondil or Lady Scaurus. Clearly, he had clawed his way up from the gutter, just as she had. Yet Teresa suspected that he had left far more bodies in his wake, and innocent ones at that.

"So why did you ask me here?" Teresa asked. "Surely not just to gloat?"

"Well, there is that." The Altmer leaned back in his chair with a faint smile, and appeared to relax. "I asked you here to offer you a position."

Teresa just stared him. Had he said what she thought he had?

"Oh don't act surprised," Morandil said. "Your exploits have made you famous in Bravil's underworld. First you killed a dozen smugglers in Bawn, then put the city guard on the carpet for their corruption. Now you have laid Kurdan low with but a single arrow. Many have wanted to do that, some have even tried. But you are the only one to succeed. Between your bow and my intellect, there is nothing we could not do together."

"You want me to be your enforcer?" Teresa blinked. Was he mad? Then she remembered the three gangsters waiting across the street from the inn. Those had not been Morandil's thugs, but rather his opposition! That was why he wanted her, to kill them. No doubt the others who did not join him as well. "Not everyone is happy with you taking Kurdan's place, are they?"

"It is true that there are some who dispute my leadership." The Altmer steepled his fingers together before him, and stared thoughtfully at the wood elf. "But they will be dealt with. Once a few are made examples of, the others will fall into line."

"I'm not an assassin," Teresa rose to her feet. "Or a legbreaker, or any kind of ruffian."

"Don't play high and mighty with me," Morandil sneered, and his affectations slipped away like a thief in the night. "Let's be blunt here. You're just mercenary. You take money to kill people. I know you come from the street, just like me. You know better than anyone else how important gold is, and what people will do to get it. I can make you rich Teresa. You will earn more in a month with me then that guild will give you in an entire lifetime. Think of what you can do with that money. Think of the people closest to you, who can benefit from it. All you have to do is kill scum this city will be happier without. You've been doing that already. Why not get paid for it from now on?"

Teresa shook her head. "For all that you say you know me, you don't know a thing about me Morandil. I don't kill for gold, or for pleasure. I do it to protect myself and others. I'll never join you. And if this is the part where you do threaten me, just remember how that worked out for Kurdan."

Then she vanished through the door, with the croaking of a raven on her heels.

You tell 'im, girrl!

This right here is the Teresa Doctrine. Much like Buffy's, when you think of it.

You have done well in creating a truly awesome villain in Morandil. He belongs over in the Best Villain thread on the General Discussion forum!

Fallout is right. Julian has yet to be hit with the fallout from her foray.

And this is the final episode of this chapter? Well done!

I like Morandil, I suspect he will proove an efficent crime boss but I suspect Bravil will still be safer and better for having him. I'm not sure that I agree with with Haute about him being a villain, certainly he isn't a good or pleasant person but there's a little more to him. He wants money and power, but I suspect he knows enough not to do unnessesary damage, if only becasue it's bad for business. I wonder if he's considered moving to Morrowind for a career with the East Empire Company or Hlaalu...

I love that he was playing both sides, the conveniance of the guild hearing makes sense now. Very clever, I'm quite sure we'll see him again even after Teresa's given him a piece of her mind. Whether that's with or against Teresa, or neither reamins to be seen. It's an interesting point he raises, she might only kill in defence but she certainly goes looking for it. The moral line is a thin one.

An excellent chapter. I wonder what will be the focus of the next one...

And this right here is proof positive that Morandil's far more dangerous then Kurdan was. He thinks and plans. Though like Olan said, there's a decent enough chance that this'll be good for Bravil.

Still, yay for Teresa. Threaten corrupt guardsmen, bandits and smugglers before lunch and top it off with a crimeboss before dinner.

It would be interesting to see current Teresa from the eyes of her pre-story self.

The end of another great chapter. Your clever and well-delivered take on this favorite quest was wonderful throughout. And what a delicious series of twists near the end here!

’they stood out from the regular folk like ogres in a chapel.’
Loved this!

’bursting with odds and ends such as a stuffed troll's head, several skulls turned into drinking mugs, and even a painting of a naked orc woman.’
Positively inspired how you did this! Yup, that is Kurdan all right!

I loved Merandil’s accurate tirade on the contradictions that are indeed Teresa. I’m not surprised he offered Teresa a position. Regarding his calling her simply a mercenary, I disagree. I knew immediately that she would decline his offer. Anyone who really knows Teresa would realize that as well. Teresa is right. There is a world of difference between her and Merandil.

Here is my hope, Rosa - since that Merandil is shaping up to be both a first-class villain and a character well worth developing, I suggest that you create a deep and subtle plot twist around him....surprise us! Make him as michiavellian and cunning as you can, and then make his own plots turn back and bite him in the tail!

"Besides," the Altmer paused a moment for dramatic effect. "I did tell Cosmus where Kurdan was going. Just as I instructed Dakari to wait for your vice-commander at the docks."

Oh, Morandil is even more interesting. A budding crime lord who is already in over his head, with a chip on his shoulder even bigger than his pretensions. I could believe that he blew his cool so abruptly as a ploy to establish a connection with the formerly quick-tempered Teresa and mention their common background, then plant the seed of the idea that she could provide a service by taking out Bravil’s trash. Now he has something to apologize for after she’s had time to think it over.

I’m grasping for straws, I’d like to see more of Morandil!

Wow...

Just...Wow...

*Robert goes off shaking his head...*...

Nice one... ...

Nit: You have killed a nest {of} smugglers, ... and apparently the odd word here and there.

Yes, Morandil's a different villain from Kurdan, but I'm not sure he's more dangerous. He's logical and his motivation's apparent, which should make him more reasonable and predictable than Kurdan. I'm sure Teresa and the Guild will be able to engineer a few conflicts between him and the Count, to the benefit of the community at large.

I was a little confused by the details of the Breton and the Nord, which left me unsure if I was being given clues to something else, like a possible connection to her earlier smugglers, or just introductions to people who will be filled out later. I'll have to wait and find out, I guess.

haute ecole rider: You are right. That is half of the Teresa Doctrine there. The other half I wrote last week for the next chapter: I can't just stand by safe and sound when someone else needs me.


Olen: Another vote for Morandil! You are right, he would do extremely well in House Hlaalu, or the EEC. With a different background, he would have been a frightening Senator.

Aside from this next episode, which is about Morghak, the following two chapters are all about Teresa and Tadrose, and will be a pivotal moment in their relationship.


liliandra nadiar: I don't think the Teresa from Chapter 1 would recognize the woman in Chapter 40! She would certainly insist that she could never do things like her. She is not a hero after all.


Acadian: I was saving the best bit of aftermath for last, where Morandil got to show off. It was also an important scene for showing why Tadrose and Morghak were able to come to the rescue.

Yay, a vote for the naked orc painting! I wanted Kurdan's study to really reflect him. In another world, he might have had a velvet Elvis, and those naked woman mudflaps.


D.Foxy: I think you just hit on the only way to bring Morandil down. Some kind of elaborate sting that hoists him by his own petard. I am not sure if our Teresa is worthy of that kind of brilliance. But you never know, she can be very clever when her back is to the wall. And she has some rather smart friends too.


Grits: Sadly, I do not have anything more planned for Morandil right now. He might make some appearances later in the TF. Perhaps even in a future Aela Fic too. I liked writing him because he is like the Meyer Lansky of Cyrodiil.


McBadgere: Thank you, it was fun to finally get the chance to sit down and write this chapter, and put a new face on this old quest.


ghastley: The breton girl (Luciana Galeana), the Nord, and even the Khajiit messenger are not characters from earlier in the TF you forgot about. I put them in here to foreshadow possible future appearances. Also, just as we saw Kurdan with his lieutenants and soldiers, I wanted to show that now that Morandil has taken charge, he has his own lackeys as well.


Previously On Teresa of the Faint Smile: In the previous chapter, Teresa was lured out to Castle Grief while investigating the disappearance of Aleron Loche. She found him already dead, and herself the target of a diabolical hunt run by Bravil's crimelord - Kurdan gro-Dragol. Kurdan hired out his services to wealthy individuals, who wanted to hunt and kill people without the danger of being harmed themselves. Teresa turned the tables on the hunters, and with a timely assist from Tadrose and Morghak, killed them all. Returning to Bravil, she found that her rescue had been engineered by Kurdan's right hand - Morandil, who wanted his boss out of the way, so he could take over. When Morandil offered Teresa a job as his own lieutenant and enforcer, Teresa refused.


Chapter 41.1 – Nothing is Trivial

12th - 14th Sun's Dusk, 3E433

Teresa sat naked on one of the benches in the guild hall's bathing room, and passed a glowing hand between her legs. She smiled faintly as the soft brown hairs underneath her fingers fell to the floor. Aela's spell was certainly much more convenient than using a razor, especially in such delicate areas!

Her legion tunic and baggy trousers hung from a peg on the wall above her, and were flanked by the clothing of Tadrose and Morghak. To one side of the bench rose a metal rack holding sponges, soap, razors, and numerous jars. To the other towered the great bulk of the guild's cedar tub. It rose so high that one had to use the line of wooden steps that curled up its side to enter it. The glow of heatstones emanated from beneath its copper bottom, and steam rose from the surface of the water.

Before Teresa, the other two mer washed off their muscular frames with wet sponges. The dross drained down the sloping floor and vanished into a metal grate in the center of the room. Teresa noted that Morghak's green skin was marred by even more scars then she and Tadrose had together. She likewise appeared to have more muscle then the two of them combined as well.

The orc caught Teresa's glance. Before the wood elf could turn her head away, she looked at the scars that marked Teresa's shoulder and breast. "Your mate must be proud, to have a woman that bears such badges of honor. Yourself as well Tadrose." Now the Orisimer turned to the vice-commander, whose own body was prominently graced by the marks of old wounds on her forearm, belly, and thigh.

"I don't have a mate," Teresa frowned at the mass of disfigured white flesh on her left shoulder. "No one wants someone who looks like me."

The Orisimer's eyebrows came together in confusion. "What man would not want a woman with such scars?" she asked. Teresa realized that the former gladiator was completely serious. "They are a testament of valor and endurance. It says that you will bear children with steel in their veins."

"As usual, Teresa does not give herself enough credit," Tadrose said. "But it is true that the men of Cyrodiil are not like those of Orsinium. There a woman's scars are a mark of distinction, that proves her worthiness as a mate. But in most of Tamriel men want women who are young and pretty, soft as flowers, and less accomplished then they are. Women like us intimidate them."

"I heard that said by female gladiators from Cyrodiil," Morghak replied, "but there were always men ready to meet them after matches."

"I daresay they were not looking for wives however, or even relationships at all." Tadrose said. "I suspect those men are attracted to danger, just as many women are. We are like wild animals to them. Lionesses that they think they can tame. But in the end, we are just something they want to conquer. Not someone to bind their lives to."

"Why would any man want to conquer a woman, when it is her strength that hones his own? After all, only real women give birth to real men." Morghak shook her head. "Cyrodiil is such a strange land. Sometimes I wonder if I am in Sheogorath's realm instead."

"So what about yourself?" Teresa rose to her feet and stepped to the gigantic tub. "Is there a Lord Morghak somewhere?"

The light that had shone in the orc's eyes dimmed, and her features fell into shadow. She looked down as she sponged the sweat from her hard frame. Tadrose shot the wood elf a glare, and Teresa wondered what she had said wrong?

"He is dead," the Orisimer finally replied.

Teresa bit her lip and closed her eyes. By Mara, how could she be such an idiot! Since she had joined the guild the week before, the orc had been silent about her past. But where she had been dark and distant at first, she had been much more animated of late. At least ever since Teresa had returned from visiting Aela at Bawnwatch.

"So the rumors are true then?" Tadrose asked quietly. "About Agronak?"

"Aye," the gladiator breathed. "We were bound by Praa Visya."

"Pra-what?" Teresa asked.

"Visya," Tadrose answered before Morghak. "It is the informal mating rite of the Orisimer."

"You seem to know a great deal of my race," the orc observed. "Especially for an elf."

"Before Gaius, the guild commander here was Ghabruz gro-Marob." Tadrose explained. "He taught me a great deal. More than simply fighting. Besides, we are all mer."

"What became of him?" Morghak asked as she rose the steps of the tub and slipped into the water across from Teresa.

"He retired four years ago, and went back to Orsinium to settle down." Tadrose followed the green woman into the steaming water, and slid next to Teresa. "He was born there. He only came to Cyrodiil to make his fortune."

The same reason as Parwen, Teresa mused. It seemed that many people came to Cyrodiil for a better life. Or at least a richer one. That made the wood elf wonder what things were like in the other provinces? Were they all so poor, that no one wanted to live in them?

"Is that why you came here from Orsinium?" Teresa asked, hoping that she would not be once again putting her foot in her mouth.

"Nay," Morghak shook her head. "I came for honor and glory, in a place where my name would stand on its own merits. That is why I joined a gladiator ludus, and entered the Arena."

Teresa wondered if that meant she had a relative who was famous in Orsinium? Or perhaps the orc was from a wealthy and powerful family?

"Well your family must be proud of you," Tadrose said. "The Grand Champion of the Arena is nothing to sneer at!"

"I left that title behind when I came to Bravil." Morghak's features were once more veiled in darkness. "Along with Agronak. It was always his. I never wanted it."

"Then why did you become champion?" Teresa asked. The wood elf searched through her memory for the stories about Morghak in the Black Horse Courier. But unlike the men in the guild, the Arena was not something she paid attention to. All she could remember was that there had been a Redguard, whom Morghak was to fight for the title.

"That was a blood oath." Morghak's voice was a rumble from the depths of Nirn. "I swore it upon my man's corpse. Sulesa killed him, and honor demanded her blood in return. I never cared about the damn championship. And afterward, I could never look at the laurel without thinking of him… What is the point of glories and trophies, when there are none to share them with?"

Teresa bit her lip. So that was why Vincent and Chance kept calling her 'The Avenger'. Would she feel that way about the guild if something happened to Tadrose? Could she bear to walk the lifeless halls, stand within the forge without her, or soak in an empty tub?

"If it is not asking too much," Teresa was surprised when Tadrose continued the conversation. "How was it that she defeated him? Everyone thought he was invincible."

"It was my own cursed fault." Morghak turned her head to stare at the stones of the floor outside the tub. Only after long moments did her gaze move back to the elves. A deep sigh escaped from her lips as she went on. "He wanted more than just the Praa Visya. He wanted to join our families as one. He wanted children to carry on our names. He wanted the blood-bond: Vivaha. I was such a damn fool, because I never told him that I needed none of that to love him."

"What is wrong with being married?" Teresa asked. The way most Imperials talked, it seemed like the most important thing in the world to them.

"The Vivaha requires the formal declaration of one's ancestors," the gladiator said. "Agronak did not know who his father was. He only suspected it. So he insisted we find out. Together we went to the castle where his mother lived before he was born. It had fallen into ruin, but we learned the truth there nonetheless."

"And Agronak did not like what he found?" Tadrose said.

"His father was a Cyrodiilic nobleman, just as he thought." Morghak looked away once more. "He was also a vampire. He had been before meeting his mother."

Teresa's eyebrows beetled together. He was a vampire before becoming Agronak's father? How could that be? But if it was true, that would make Agronak part vampire as well!

"So he did not fight when Sulesa challenged him." Tadrose said.

"No, he did not," Morghak frowned. "She was in the same ludus as Agronak and I. When she learned how tormented he was, she challenged him. I tried to stop him from fighting, but he would not listen. He would not talk to me anymore, or anyone else."

"I thought fights between gladiators in the same school were not allowed?" Tadrose asked.

"It is not," Morghak said. "She quit and joined the Greens an hour beforehand. She did not kill him in honorable combat. It was pure murder. That is why I swore vengeance."

Teresa stared at the ripples in the tub between them. She had not known her father either, or her mother. She could easily imagine how Agronak felt, wondering who his father was. But to learn that he was a monster, and had passed that horror down through his blood, it was no wonder that Agronak was crushed. How would she feel if she learned her father was a vampire? That she was part vampire herself? That would be even worse than being an Ayleid…

What a fantastic discussion of one of the most tragic quests/stories in TES IV!

Agronak is one of the reasons I've only played the Arena storyline twice. I just hated the way he took the news of his ancestry and gave up. And it really hurt me to have to kill him because he asked me to. If Julian had ever entered the Arena and followed this storyline, it would have driven her back to skooma just to forget.

I liked how Morghak reacted to Agronak's death the way she did. Just what the Leyawiin contingent needs to whip them into shape! Too bad the Countess doesn't like orcs . . .

A couple of nits:

Was that closing quote left over from a previous edit?

And: I hope Agronak knew where that 'h' went off to!

A talkie section and very well done. As much as I like the action with characters like yours it's parts like these I really look forward to. We see more background to both orcs and Morghak. Their different marital system works well to make them not just 'strong green people', though given their temperaments I'm not surprised it's very formal...

Tying it in to Agronak's origin was a good touch. Quite a dark bit of the game and you show it's impact very well.

The opening certainly grabbed the attention too. A good way of setting the scene and that spell from Aela links the story together, as well as sounding rather useful.


I sense some foreshadowing, but first I suspect more talkie bits

A rousing and bittersweet story of romance and vengeance.

As we’ve said before, removing the elven fur from her bits is certainly better than trying to dye it henna red!

I take much of my inspiration for portraying Orsimer from Klingons, replete with savage nobility and honor. And I also view them every bit mer, as you do. Despite the game stats, I see them as bigger, stronger and faster than any other race. With all that in mind, I was delighted to see that you view this magnificent race rather similarly.

Passing vampirism on to a child is certainly a reasonable choice for TF. I will go the other way for BF and not allow it to be passed by birth. Also reasonable, I hope.

You certainly do a wonderful job in these episodes that are dialogue intensive. What a pleasure to listen in.

’That would be even worse than being an Ayleid…’
This is interesting for a couple reasons. First, it seems like another tantalizingly foreshadowish hint about Teresa’s own heritage. Secondly, that you used the word Ayleid. Was that intentional or did you intend Arimer? Either is fine, just curious.

If I bow down any more you'll all start thinking I'm strange...

...

Just brilliant...

From all the excellent fighty stuff to menace now to naked women in a bath...

Excellent... ...

Joking aside, I really did enjoy the dialogue...Really is so well done...

The one time I did the Grey-Prince quest I felt so bad for him not fighting I never did it again...

Bless him...

Nice one!!... ...

I have to ask...

Does this class as Oblivion's fan-fic's first BraVillian?...

I can't believe I just said that...

Going now...

Ah, is it time for the T&T torture session?

Spending time naked with the girl of her dreams also naked, but she can only look because it's obvious the other doesn't feel like her like that.

Oh, and Morghak was there too.

Origin of the Grey Prince was always both a desired and apprehensive quest. His training was very helpful, but I hated doing that to him.

Sorry I’ve been absent. New game and all.

Ahah! Very well put about the Daedric armor. I completely agree. When Aravi first found Skooma I had her take it to sell, but then she dumped it not long after word because of its nature.


Ch40.13
Now that Kurdan’s gone, it looks like whoever’s in charge wants to run a classy establishment.
Heh, I’m sure he’s happy Teresa gave him a promotion. Now’s the part where he offers her a job.
I’m kind of impressed with the Altmer’s maneuvering. If Kurdan survived, there would be nothing pointing to him.
Teresa’s right, this new guy is going to be a lot worse than Kurdan was in some ways. He’s a lot more dangerous.
41.1
A nice chat in the wonderful bathing room. Sure Teresa put her foot in her mouth a time or two, but not really her fault. I liked hearing more about Morghak. She’s an interesting character.

Future Aela fic, I like the sound of that!!

I like your portrayal of Orsimer culture very much. Morghak’s story flowed beautifully from what you have already shown of her. It was even better to hear now that I’ve been curious about her and then seen her in action.

Quick question, I’m afraid I need a refresher. I remember that the Arimer are responsible for the ruins and star wells in the TF, but I don’t know who the Ayleids were and how they differ. I'm guessing that it will be an important distinction, especially for Teresa.

haute ecole rider: I have only done the Arena all the way through once as well, because of how it ends with Agronak (if you do his side quest that is).


Olen: I had a lot of fun working on orc culture for that segment. Morghak's story with Agronak is something I have wanted to bring out since she first appeared at the beginning of the previous chapter. There are lots more talkie bits, and unfortunately no more shaving bits.


Acadian: I am basing the TF orcs partly on Klingons, partly on Spartans, and just a dash of Tolkien orcs for flavoring. I found a bunch of Tolkien orc quotes that actually work rather well in ES. The "Iron in the blood" and "Flowers in the blood" from last chapter are two examples. Likewise, when Morghak says only real women give birth to real men, that is based upon Spartan philosophy.

This article gave me some interesting ideas on how to portray orcs in the TF as well. Based on it I decided to that orcs have always been just as they are now. But in the past, as worshipers of Trinimac, they were the warrior caste of the Aldmer. When the Chimer left Summerset and became daedra worshipers, Trinimac fell out of favor because he failed to stop them. Boethiah did not eat him and shat him out. He made a fool out of him in public. The other Aldmer turned away from Trinimac, and the orisimer in the bargain. Trinimac then threw a hissy fit, and became Malacath. The 'if they want bad, I'll show 'em what bad is' mentality. But the orcs of Orsinium - like Morghak - still worship Trinimac in his original form. As the article suggests, if their belief is strong enough, the could turn Malacath back into him.


McBadgere: Women shaving their genitals and then getting all hot and wet is brilliant? Well I have to agree there! You called in in the Bravilian wax job, others have noted the same thing. A person with that spell could probably make a good living giving shaves in bathhouses, or barbershops.


liliandra nadiar: Yep, it is always fun being naked around the person you are hot for and having to pretend nothing is going on. At least Teresa has had plenty of practice on keeping up a cool exterior by now.


King Coin: Morandil does indeed want a classy place. He is not only greedy, but wants to flaunt his wealth and power. He wants to be surrounded by nice things. No more living in the dumps for him. For him, that is what being on top is all about. Having the best things in life. And yes, he is a very dangerous fellow, because unlike Kurdan, he prefers to think about what he is doing, and manipulates others to do it.


Grits: An Aela fic is something I have been kicking around for a while. I have even been thinking of a cast of characters to tag along with her. People who are just as much outsiders in one way or another as she is.

The Arimer and Ayleids are one in the same. Arimer is the elven name for them, meaning "star elves". While Ayleid is the name given to them by the humans who overthrew them, meaning 'hateful elves' in a combination of Old Aldermic and Nordic. I chose Ayleid in this instance, because Teresa was thinking of them in terms of the race famous for torturing slaves for entertainment. Not to mention necromancy. I use Arimer when she is thinking of them in a positive light, because then she thinks of them in the same fashion and Bosmer, Altmer, etc...


All: I expect to be working late tomorrow, and probably won't have a chance to post. So I decided to air the next episode of the Teresa show a day early.


Previously On Teresa of the Faint Smile: Out last episode found the women of the Bravil FG in the bathtub. Morghak spilled the beans about her past, revealing that she was indeed the lover of the Grey Prince Agronak, and that the reason he lost was because he learned that his father was a vampire, and was too disconsolate to go on living. She challenged his slayer for revenge, but gave up the title of champion afterward because she did not want it. It was always his in her mind. Next, we find Teresa waking up the following morning.


Chapter 41.2 – Nothing is Trivial

As ever, Teresa rose from her bed before the first rays of Magnus graced the sky outside her window. Focusing her mind on the symbol of her Bloom spell, she poured her magicka through that image. The energy washed over her like warm water, leaving her feeling as cleansed and refreshed as if she had just scrubbed herself with soap and soaked in the tub.

Her green spirit bag hung from one of the arms of her mirror. She reached up and took its cord by one finger, and settled it around her shoulders. Rather than following with her over-sized legion tunic and baggy running pants, she instead donned Aldariel. As Tadrose had said when she first set eyes upon the Valenwood armor, she did not have to add each piece one at a time, as one did with plate armor. Thanks to the flexibility of the leaves, she was able to slip into the leggings with their plates already attached, and likewise with the cuirass. Only the gauntlets, boots, and hood followed separately. Then she clasped on her potion belt, mithril daggers, Thieves Bag, and guild amulet. Last of all came Ravenfeeder and its chitin gorytos.

Screenshot

Exiting her room, she quietly padded through the hallway that bisected the living quarters on the second floor of the guild hall. With equal silence she made her way down the stairs at the front of the building. There in the foyer she found a surprise.

Tadrose stood by the front door, looking back at Teresa on the stairs. The dark elf wore a light green cloak, and beneath that her armor of elvish steel. A pack and bedroll were slung over her back, along with her two-handed sword Anganar.

Screenshot

"Tadrose." Teresa blinked as her feet settled upon the ground floor. "What are you doing here?"

"Why I am coming with you of course." The Dunmer's smile was like Magnus bursting to life within Teresa's heart. "You did ask me after all."

"But you said-" Teresa sputtered. This was not fair. Tadrose never accepted her invitations to go out to the forest, never. Teresa knew how to deal with her rejections, like the one she had given the day before. She had no idea how to react to Tadrose actually agreeing!

"I know." The Dunmer held up a hand. "But I paid the bakery and milkman for the next two weeks in advance. The same with Tavian. The mortgage payment is not due until the end of the month, and we will return long before then."

"What about your work in the forge?" The wood elf did her best to suppress the silly grin that wanted to explode from her lips. She could not believe it. Tadrose really was serious about coming along!

"It can wait. Or they can go somewhere else." The Dunmer shrugged. "You almost sound like you do not want me to come along after all."

"Of course not!" Teresa exclaimed as she darted across the foyer. "I mean of course I do! You know what I mean. It's just that you never want to go out with me."

"Well perhaps it is time for that to change," Tadrose smiled. "Besides, I could use some fresh air and a change of scenery. Getting out of the city will be good."

With that the Dunmer led the way out the door. Teresa glanced up at the sky after she stepped outside. The eastern horizon was flushed a deep pink and orange, giving way to cool blues and purple as her eyes moved up into the firmament. Magnus was but moments from revealing himself, she thought. This was one of the best reasons for waking up early. To imagine that she had spent most of her life sleeping past noon!

"It's cold," Tadrose pulled her cloak more tightly around herself. "Winter is nearly here."

"Oh this isn't cold," Teresa breathed the slightly chilled air deeply into her lungs. "Just a crisp autumn morning."

"So says the wood elf," Tadrose shivered. "My people are made for warmer climes. I never saw snow until I came here. In Vvardenfell the mountains are bone dry year round."

Teresa led the way down Lady Street. She took her time, carefully scanning not only down the thoroughfare, but also the homes and alleyways to either side.

"Are you still worried about the gangsters?" Tadrose asked as they stepped up to the Lucky Lady. "I think they are too busy to bother with you right now."

"I know." Teresa said. After one last look around, she leaned forward and kissed the bronze statue upon her flowing skirt. "Morandil told me that no one wept over Kurdan's passing. But a lot of his hounds must have had friends and families. There is no telling what they might do."

"Morandil has his hands full right now." Tadrose followed the wood elf's lead, and also kissed the statue. "One of the other gangs tried to kill him yesterday afternoon."

"Cosmus told me over dinner," Teresa nodded. She led the way back down Lady Street to Silver Avenue. "The assassins were from Canuleius' bunch. Cosmus said Morandil summoned a clannfear to kill them all. I'll bet they find Canuleius floating in the bay when the sun comes up."

"Nasty pieces of work, those clannfears," Tadrose murmured. Teresa shuddered involuntarily, remembering her encounter with the small, but deadly Daedra in Jensine's shop. The poor Nord shopkeeper had never truly recovered from what its magic had done to her, reflecting her own mace blows back upon her skull. "He must be an accomplished mage, to summon a Daedra so powerful."

"Why would anyone want to, when there are Aedra to summon?" Teresa spat in the street. "It ought to be banned, after what they nearly did to all of us."

"Not all the Daedra are murderous beasts slavering for a chance to destroy the world," Tadrose said. "I know it must seem that way after the Oblivion Crisis. But that was only one Daedra Lord, not all of them."

"I know, that's what people say." Teresa glanced up to see a bright spot of yellow now glowing in the east, spilling its light along the line of the horizon. Good morning to you Magnus, she thought to herself. "But I still don't understand why people would want anything to do with them. I mean, it was the Aedra who sacrificed themselves to create our world. The Daedra had no part of it. They sat safe and sound while others suffered to create us. Now they want to play at being our gods? Well not with me."

Screenshot

"That is what the Church of the Nine would say," Tadrose agreed as the two women turned back onto Silver Avenue and headed north. "But perhaps there is more to the story than what they believe, or want to admit?"

"What do you mean?" Teresa wondered.

"Well, I am sure you know that Saint Veloth brought the worship of the Daedra to my ancestors, when he led them from Summerset to Morrowind. He taught us to win the aid of good Daedra such as Azura and Meridia, and protect us from the bad ones like Dagon or Sheogorath."

"What the worshipers of the Nine do not want to admit is that Veloth also said that the Daedra were in fact part of the creation of Nirn. But unlike the Aedra, they were able to withdraw before suffering death or dismemberment. Yet some of their energy is still here, still a part of us. That is why so many of the Daedric Princesses represent one phenomena or another, be it magical initiation, the energy of life, or even nightmares and destruction. If they really were complete outsiders, they could not. Just as you said, how could they play at being gods over creatures they could not comprehend, in a world that likewise defied all their understanding?"

"There is even another view, put forward by Saint Assurnanit of the Ashlanders. After his escape from Apocrypha, he said that in his time in Hermaeus Mora's realm he learned a truth that even the Daedra had forgotten. That they were not only part of the creation, but they were actually a part of Lorkhan himself. We all know that the Aedra who survived the birth of Nirn gathered at Adamantine Tower and took their revenge upon the trickster. They tore him to shreds. His corpse was cast into the sky and became the moons, and his heart thrown to the east, under what became Red Mountain."

"But according to Assurnanit, there were other parts sundered from Lorkhan as well, and cast into Oblivion's abyss. Those shards of divinity later coalesced, and became the Daedra Princesses that we know today. Not all the stars in the night sky are holes made by the Aedra fleeing in horror. Some were made by the Daedra as well. The evening star - the first on the horizon every night - is Azura. So too is the small moon Secunda. That is why the Moon and Star are her symbols."

"If he said the Daedra are actually Lorkhan's bits and pieces, that must not have made him very popular," Teresa observed.

"Indeed not," Tadrose smiled wryly. "In imitation of what the Aedra did to Lorkhan, the other Ashlanders dismembered him and scattered his parts around Vvardenfell."

Teresa could not restrain a faint smile at the irony. Here she thought zealots did not have a sense of humor! "How come I've never heard any of this before?"

"Veloth's teachings are hardly something the clergy of the Nine bandy about," Tadrose laughed. "You will have a hard time finding a copy of any of his texts outside of Morrowind. Assurnanit's teachings were heresy even in there. The Ashlanders and the Temple both executed any who preached them openly, or were caught with a copy of his book. Just as the Dissident Priests were persecuted by the Tribunal before the coming of the Nerevarine."

"So how did you learn about it?" Teresa asked.

"I obtained a copy when I was a teen. I thought I was such a rebel." Tadrose rolled her eyes. "Then when the Nerevarine overthrew Dagoth Ur and revealed the true source of the Tribunal's power - Lorkhan's heart itself - everything changed. The Tribunal was cast down, their temples were destroyed in the riots, and all the banned books and teachings came out. We learned so much of our own history in the years after. Things that the Tribunal and their priests tried to hide from us."

"Never let religion enslave you Teresa," Tadrose said quietly. "Learn from my people's mistakes."

Can't have that. She has a reputation to maintain.

Interesting take on the Deadra, though 'unpopular' would be a massive understatement.



And now I have this mental picture of Tadrose in biker leathers, seven piercings and a cigarette. With Teresa in 'future librarian' swooning over her.

Tadrose stood by the front door, looking back at Teresa on the stairs.

Yay!

"It can wait. Or they can go somewhere else." The Dunmer shrugged.

Wow, she really is serious! We know there’s a lot going on under that casual shrug. She paid the bills for two weeks. That should be a pretty good walk in the woods.


I found Tadrose’s creation stories very interesting. A whole new way of looking at Daedra. It gives the “good” Daedra a valid reason to interact with mortals.


"I obtained a copy when I was a teen. I thought I was such a rebel." Tadrose rolled her eyes.

How funny. I can certainly relate to this. I’m sure many of us had our own teenaged version of Assurnanit's teachings tucked under the mattress.

Now they’re off to the woods armed and armored with freshly depilated girl parts, and Tadrose seems in the mood to share her past. It’s an auspicious start to the chapter!

I had to double check my calendar when I saw the Monday & Thursday Teresa show treated us to a Sunday episode! Hmm, SubRosa must have a busy week ahead of her.

How delightful that the two ladies are going ‘splorin’! Nice touches about the Vice Commander’s ‘XO’ duties that keep the guild running. I love the subtle improvements you have made to Tadrose’s elven armor, especially her boots.

Wonderful ‘feel’ you impart to their exit from Bravil as you give us some streetside descriptions and references to the challenges posed by and to Morandil.

So Tadrose and Teresa get treated to a beautiful sunrise and the magical opportunity for romantically gentle talk turns to . . . a religious history lesson. Goodness, these ladies surely know how to woo each other! Actually, they’re quite endearing when together. Can we get an Almost Kiss?

This was my standout from this chapter. I really enjoyed the entire segment, honestly. But this last statement from Tadrose is oh, so true!

I suspect Pappy may have had words with Tadrose too... and perhaps she's discovered that Teresa and Ancondil are most definatly not an item, or perhaps she's taken a look at Teresa's bookshelves...

Whatever the reason they're heading out into the wilds together with a nice sunrise to see them off. Tadrose has perhaps decided that she should venture beyond her forge and enjoy herself - it's well hidden but I suspect Teresa may not be the only one facing shadows just now.

She seemed in a mood to share her past though:

I think that's the first explict mention of Vvardenfell and after a bit of juicy gossip there was quite a lot on philosophy there which suggests she has some background in religeon, perhaps dissidents.

Acadian - I wouldn't hold your breath for that 'Almost kiss'. I suspect this will involve a lot of talking, secret gazes and tension building...

Also - I love the chapter title, is the pun deliberate?

Me? Do an unoriginal joke? Surely not... ...

...

Brilliant...

Loved the whole thing...I remember way-back-when, the wife and I went out on a "Not a Date" (it was complicated back then ) and I was absurdly excited about it...So yeah really made me smile...

And I loved the whole Aedra/Daedra discussion...Brilliant...

Nice one... ...

liliandra nadiar: If Teresa is not careful, she might get a new nickname after all. Teresa of the Shat-Eating Grin would be even worse than her current one! I also love the image of Tadrose as the teen rebel! Sort of like a Dunmer Joan Jett. I may have to watch The Runaways movie again now!


Grits: Don't we all think we are so wild and edgy when we are 17? Then we turn 30 are realize how ridiculous it all was.

I mentioned the daedra idea a while back in the JF, when you premiered the daedric shrine. Based on this, I have an easier time justifying why daedra would want to have anything to do with Nirn at all, let alone being able to relate to its people on some level. It also makes it easier for me to do the opposite, and I will have a (non villain) daedric summoner appear in a few chapters.


Acadian: No worries, the Teresa Show is back to its normal air times. Those boots are a little mod I downloaded that de-bird foot's them. They look so silly the vanilla way. Now I am free to love every inch of the elven armor.

You know our Teresa and Tadrose alright, the heart and soul of romance! One Almost Kiss coming right up though. I guess I gave it away with my comment in last week's episode of the BF.


haute ecole rider: I think Joseph Campbell put it well: "I'm calling a symbol a sign that points past itself to a ground of meaning and being that is one with the consciousness of the beholder. What you're learning in myth is about yourself as part of the being of the world. If it talks not about you, finally, but about something out there, then it's short. There's that wonderful phase I got from Karlfried Graf Durkheim, "transparency to the transcendent." If a deity blocks off transcendency, cuts you short of it by stopping at himself, he turns you into a worshiper and a devotee, and he hasn't opened the mystery of your own being."

Given the events of the Morowind game, especially concerning the Tribunal's murder of the original Nerevar, stealing Lorkhan's power, keeping it all a secret, and finally the gestapo-esque nature of their temple, I think that the post 3rd game Dunmer would have finally learned that lesson.


Olen: The title is a quote of Brandon Lee's, from the last interview he ever gave. We will see more of that much later in the chapter, where it is said by a character T&T meet.

There is indeed a lot going on under that armor of Tadrose's. We will start to see that this episode in fact, as well as throughout the rest of this chapter and the next. Like you said, Teresa is not the only one with a Shadow haunting her.


McBadgere: One of the things I try to show in the TF is people just being people, meaning women having their periods (Teresa had hers a while back), shaving their legs and other parts, etc... The stuff most writers pretend never happens. I think the only place I draw the line is masturbation and defecation. This is a youth-friendly forum after all...

This 'not a date' (which I have been on more than one as well), might just go right beyond the 'not' part however! As we will see this episode.


Previously On Teresa of the Faint Smile: Teresa is back to her normal time slot. Last episode saw her leaving for an excursion in the woods, only to find Tadrose waiting to accompany her. The two women kissed the Lucky Lady, and related the story of how Bravil's budding crimelord Morandil had to defend his position with a clannfear, against assassins from a rival faction. Then talk went to the Daedra themselves, and Tadrose said that in Morrowind it is believed that the Daedra actually did take a small part in Nirn's creation, and that some radicals even think that they are parts severed from Lorkhan. Next episode picks up with that conversation, and sees a tender moment between the two women.


Chapter 41.3 – Nothing is Trivial

"Is that why you believe in Mara now?" the wood elf said, trying to keep everything the armorer had told her straight in her memory.

"No," the Dunmer said. "Not really. As many women in Morrowind, I followed Azura then. I will admit that my breath still catches in my throat when I see the white moon rising in the sky alongside the evening star. But my heart is with Mara now. It has been ever since..."

"Ever since?" Teresa looked upon the other woman with anticipation.

But Tadrose looked away, to the gatehouse that now filled the street in front of them. "Look, your friend Gaius Prentus is on watch this morning."

There she goes again, Teresa thought, changing the subject as soon as her past came up. Before she could stop herself, the wood elf reached out and took the armorer by the arm.

"Ever since what Tadrose?" Teresa stopped in the road, and faced the Dunmer directly. "Why won't you ever talk about Morrowind?"

The other woman halted as well, and met Teresa's gaze once more. The forester saw her breath catch in her throat. A shudder ran through her body when the air finally escaped from her lips. "Teresa… I-" she stammered, then shook her head. "I just can't."

"Is it because of that mistake you said you made?" Teresa said softly. She stared deeply into the Dunmer's eyes. So normally brimming with fire, now they were as shadowed as a forest at twilight. "Whatever it is, you can tell me Tadrose. If it's a secret, you know I won't betray it."

"I know." The dark elf's words were ragged with restrained emotion. She pulled away from Teresa's grip, and drew her cloak tightly around her. "I know Teresa. But I just can't talk about it."

Teresa bit her lip as she stared at the armorer. No one had ever seemed so alone as Tadrose did in that moment. Gods, what should she do? Should she relent, and give the Dunmer her space? Should she press things, when Tadrose clearly could not give her the answers she wanted? What would Mara do? What would Bear?

Without another thought Teresa moved closer to the taller woman, and slipped one hand around her waist. Pulling the Dunmer close, she willed all of the compassion she possessed into the other woman. Tadrose turned to face her, still firmly in her embrace. Teresa found her free hand rising to the dark elf's face. Her fingers pushed back the errant locks of raven hair that had spilled in front of the armorer's eyes. Then her hand gently cupped Tadrose's dusky cheek.

Tadrose opened her mouth to say something, but closed it again a moment later. Her eyes moved from Teresa's, then down to her lips. Teresa felt the Dunmer's arms fold around her, and pull her even closer. Tadrose's lips hovered over her own, and her head tilted slightly to the side to prevent their noses from colliding. Teresa closed her eyes, and leaned her head forward ever so slightly to meet the dark elf's.

"Teresa!" A male voice rang out in the chill morning air. Tadrose pulled away an instant before their lips could touch. Teresa let go as well, and hid a frown of frustration by lowering her head. When she had regained control of her features, she looked up again to see Gaius Prentus walking toward them.

"It is you," the tall Nibenean said as he drew near. "I'm still getting used to seeing you in that leaf armor. Usually you have your running clothes on at this hour. Ah, and that is you too Tadrose. What are you two up to so early in the morning?"

It was more a question of what they were not up to anymore, Teresa thought sourly.

"We are on our way out of the city," Tadrose answered. "To the villages north on the Green Road."

"Watch for trolls up there." The Imperial's face turned serious. "Goblins too. Our people up there have been reporting seeing more of the latter these days, especially the farther north you go. If you don't mind me being nosy, what takes you two up that way?"

"We're hunting," Teresa said. When the Nibenean's eyebrow rose a full inch in surprise, she went on. "Trolls. But I suppose goblins will do as well."

"Teresa Trollslayer it is then," Gaius murmured. "That's what some are calling you these days you know. Though I like 'of the Faint Smile' better myself. Is your guild under contract from the Count then?"

"No," Tadrose said.

"He's not going to part with one red septim of his drinking money," Teresa frowned. "This is personal. Those things are out there, and someone's got to do something about them."

"Well you've got us in the guard cheering for you." Gaius led the two women back to the massive gatehouse that guarded the only land entrance to the city. "Wish we could get you two in a surcoat, what with all that you've done for the city lately."

Teresa rolled her eyes. "I think you had better just speak for yourself on that score," she muttered.

"No, I mean it," Gaius insisted. "Even the ones that don't much like you for - other reasons - have to admit you've done us some good turns. We all know what those trolls are like, and no one is sad to see Kurdan gone. That orc was just as evil as those furred nightmares. And now that his old gang is all killing each other, you've given this town a long overdue purgative."

Teresa could not restrain one of her namesake smiles at the Imperial's final quip. If only Marius had been the one to make it. Her faint smile deflated at the thought to the dead guardsman. If only she really was a trollslayer, then he might still be alive today.

"Have your people heard any more news of Summerset?" Tadrose filled the awkward silence with her quiet voice.

"Nay, not a word." The guardsman shook his head as he stepped into the darkness of the tunnel that bisected the great stone fortress. The two women followed a moment later, and Teresa found that it took her eyes a moment to adjust to the dim light within the fortress. "So I imagine the troops are still holding out in Alinor. No news on what the Council is going to do about it either. Not even since the Count and the others all came back from the Imperial City. So if they've got a plan, it's a pretty good secret."

"Let's just hope they don't make things worse," Teresa said. "We've had enough troubles this year. Another war is the last thing anyone needs."

"Aye, first the Daedra, and the Emperors," the Nibenean's voice lowered as he mentioned the Septims, but rose again as he continued. "Now these damn trolls and goblins. It's like the world's been turned upside down. I've even heard people saying this is the Fourth Age now."

"Perhaps it is," Tadrose nodded. "So much has happened in our lifetimes. Tamriel is nothing like it was in the days of our parents."

"Well, you two be careful out there." The guardsman came to a halt at the end of the gatehouse and raised his hand to wave the two on.

"You too Gaius." Teresa returned the wave of one of the few guardsmen who would speak with her. A moment later her feet were on the planks of the Larsius bridge, and the sound of the water rushing past underneath filled her ears. She glanced at Tadrose beside her, but the other elf was as inscrutable as a statue.

Whatever breakthrough she had been about to make - if she had not been imagining it all - was out of reach now. Teresa sighed. Perhaps someday Tadrose would open up to her. She prayed to Dibella that she could remain patient until then.

A lovely episode!

So good to see Gaius Prentus again, albeit a shame he busted up the almost kiss.

’It was more a question of what they were not up to anymore, Teresa thought sourly.’

"Teresa Trollslayer it is then," Gaius murmured. "That's what some are calling you these days you know. Though I like 'of the Faint Smile' better myself.’
I’m with you, Gaius!

’I've even heard people saying this is the Fourth Age now."
Someday, historians might agree.

Nit: ’Gaius led the two women back {*} the massive gatehouse that guarded the only land entrance to the city.’
You lost a word here, probably toward or to.

SubRosa, I agree with your comment about Joseph Campbell. His writings were where I learned how to craft stories.

Oooh, so close! I admit to having mixed feelings about Gaius Prentius just in that moment myself.

Teresa Trollslayer? I'm with Acadian and Gaius about the "Faint Smile" - it's so much more like Teresa herself. Trollslayer is like an Arena nickname. Huh.

So not only trolls but goblins too? What is Nirn coming to? Going to 'Blivion in a handbasket?

"Is that why you believe in Mara now?" the wood elf said, trying to keep everything the armorer had told her straight in her memory.

This is my favorite line in the episode. I find it so endearing. Tadrose is great at explaining things, right up until ever since...


Ah, and that is you too Tadrose. What are you two up to so early in the morning?"

Argh, Gaius!!


Whatever breakthrough she had been about to make - if she had not been imagining it all - was out of reach now.

Maybe Tadrose will give Teresa something that's stronger than her self-doubt. An almost kiss didn’t quite do it. I’d say it’s a pretty good start, though!

41.2
I love Teresa’s armor! Very nice.

Teresa’s reaction to Tadrose was hilarious! 'What? You're not supposed to want to come with me!'

I found the info Tadrose shared with Teresa on the Daedra very fascinating.

41.3
Damn that guard! So close Teresa, so close.

Ah well, Tadrose might have walled back up, but she’ll come around. That moment was proof.

DAMMIT!!!... ...

As a hot-blooded male I whole-heartedly praise this episode...*Applauds*...

Excellent writing as ever...On sooo many levels...

Fair dues...*Bows further*...

Nice one... ...

...

Darn Guards. Never pay attention when you want them to, and do when you don't want them to. Take heart Teresa, you'll have plenty more chances once you get your Dunmer alone in the woods. :eyewiggle:

An almost kiss - I'm surprised. But now that barrier is broken I would be more suprised if there's not a repeat somewhere a little more... private. I should imagine Tadrose is feeling as irritated as Teresa by the intrusion. Saying that this is Teresa, and events in the wilds might get in the way.


Seeing as no one else has I'll comment on this - well done. I immediatly knew what they were talking about but in another couple of chapters that might well have slipped my mind.

I noticed it but assumed I'd missed...Y'know...A couple of bits somewhere... ...

What'd I miss?... ...

Acadian: It seems that soldiers like Gaius Prentus and Lucillus have that nasty habit of interrupting wood elves when they are trying to get busy. Still, he did save Teresa's life... The Trollslayer nickname was something that came to me as I was writing the first draft. Given the way she so publicly killed the trolls outside the city gates, it struck me as something she would become famous for in Bravil.


haute ecole rider: We will be seeing more of those goblins two chapters from now. Things really do seem to be falling apart around Bravil. Or at least in the countryside north of it.


Grits: Yep, Tadrose is getting good as sharing her past with Teresa. Right up until that ever since.... I am afraid our wood elf did not pick an easy person to fall in love with.


King Coin: I am glad you liked the little but of humor with Teresa's consternation over Tadrose coming along. She is prepared for Tadrose to say no. But not to say yes!


McBadgere: Well if you liked the last one, you will probably like the following 3 or 4 episodes as well, as they too focus on Teresa and Tadrose, and the relationship they are forming. You did not miss any bits about Summerset, at least not that I think. Unless you did not go back far enough to read about their succession. All the other bits have been depilated by Teresa.


liliandra nadiar: Well, hopefully a troll does not interrupt the next Almost Kiss!


Olen: I put in that little discussion about Summerset just so it would not completely slip people's minds. It is a plot line that will take a long time to reach fruition, because the wheels involved move slowly. Also because the next half-a-dozen or so chapters need to cover ground closer to home in Bravil, and bring closure to some other plot lines.


Previously On Teresa of the Faint Smile: In our last episode, Teresa almost got Tadrose to talk about her past in Morrowind. But again the Dunmer changed the subject. Teresa tried to press the issue, but an emotional Tadrose could not talk about it. A compassionate and supportive hug then almost turned into much more, but was interrupted by Gaius Prentus. Next, Tadrose opens up a little more about Morrowind.


Chapter 41.4 – Nothing is Trivial

The two elves trekked north along the hard stones of the Green Road. To their left rose the expanse of the Great Forest. The once green leaves of its maples, oaks, birches, and sorrels were now a riot of bright yellow, red, and orange. To their right stretched carefully ordered rows of apple and olive trees, alternating with wide expanses of farmland. Teresa noted that the latter were busy with peasants toiling in the soil, and stared in bewilderment.

"What are they doing in the fields?" she finally asked Tadrose. "The harvest was two months ago."

"Aye, the main harvest was." The dark elf's gaze followed Teresa's. "They are preparing the fields for the winter wheat. I imagine they will begin planting in a week or two. "

"Decimus mentioned that once, I think," Teresa searched her memory for her many conversations with the old farmer from Silverbridge. "I think he said it's a chancy thing up in the farms by the Imperial City, so they don't usually try planting it. But with the warmer weather down here in Bravil, the wheat does much better. "

"He calls this warm?" Tadrose pulled her cloak more tightly around her shoulders.

"Oh this is nothing," Teresa smiled faintly. "Simplicia told me in her last letter that the fall colors already came and went back in the Imperial City. They're just starting down here. I bet they'll be having snow up there next month. I don't know when we'll get it down here, if at all."

"It will come," Tadrose muttered. "It always does. Usually not until Morning Star though."

"You really don't like the cool weather do you?" Teresa observed.

"Not at all," the smith admitted. "It's much hotter in Morrowind, year-round. Like I said before, I never saw snow until I came here. In Morrowind, the only place it snows is in the western mountains, by Kragenmoor. But that is all Redoran territory."

"So there is no winter?" Teresa wondered.

"Not like here," Tadrose said as they walked on. "We have the rainy season, and the dry season. Except up in the Ashlands, like at Ghostgate. It is always dry there."

"Ghostgate?"

"It was the only way through the Ghostfence," Tadrose explained. "The Tribunal created it around Red Mountain to keep in Dagoth Ur and his minions. My House had the honor of maintaining the gate, and performing raids into Ashwalker territory. I spent many years there, when I was not in Mournhold."

"So you were a warrior even then?" Teresa asked. Tadrose was actually speaking about her past in Morrowind! She wondered how long it would take until the dark elf changed the subject, as she always did.

"No." Tadrose shook her head. "Oh, I was trained in the use of the sword and destruction magic. It was all very academic however, with teachers afraid to push me, let alone harm me. And of course my parents would never allow me to go on the raids, or take the walls during an attack. That was for 'lesser' mortals."

Which meant that she was an aristocrat, Teresa mused. It was just as the wood elf had suspected for some time. Unlike Parwen, Morghak, and so many others, Tadrose was no simple adventurer who had left home to find fortune or fame in Cyrodiil. She had been someone important. Important enough that whatever mistake she had made, it had driven her half-way across Tamriel to escape it.

What would a woman like that - an aristocrat - ever see in a gutterspawn like herself?

"So it was nothing like training with Pappy then?" Teresa forced herself to continue. "I always have to wear my armor when I spar with him."

"As well you should!" Tadrose smiled as well, and clapped a hand on Teresa's back. "When I came here, I thought I was so skilled, so strong, so disciplined. I barely survived my first real fight. No one had ever tried to step on my foot in practice, or elbow me in the face. It was Ghabruz who taught me to really fight, just as Gaius has taught you."

"I remember my first fight. My first real fight." Teresa's mind wandered back to the previous spring. Try as she might, she could not prevent her throat from going tight as she went on. "That was when the Emperor, when he… I just went mad then, when I saw him fall. Something in me snapped. Baurus had to pull me off the body of his assassin, because I just kept stabbing it with the Emperor's sword. I have never felt so furious in my life. I hope I never do again."

"Righteous fury can carry one a long way." Tadrose said quietly. "But in the end it will get you killed, when you face an experienced foe. That is what happened to Njall at Bruma. I am glad to see you know better than that."

"I hope so," Teresa said. Now her memory flitted to her encounter with the trolls outside of Bravil. She should have drank a potion after killing the troll that had bit her. Nor should she have walked into the field of fire of the city guard archers. But she has been so focused on simply killing that last troll, that no other thought had entered her mind. She had never been so reckless before, or since. But perhaps that had been because her wounds? She had never been so badly injured before. Not even during the Oblivion Crisis. Had that clouded her judgment?

They walked on in silence for some time, passing one village after another as they went. This was the heartland of Bravil County, Teresa mused, as was the strip of land running along the coast south of Silverbridge. Miles upon miles of farms and orchards, and the rugged folk who toiled upon the rich, dark soil. The real wealth of Bravil was not in the city itself, she realized, but out here in the cornfields.

Teresa noted the clouds gathering on the eastern horizon. Not the pleasant white fluff that often played across the summer sky, these were dark and brooding stains upon the firmament, pregnant with rain and thunder. They would be getting wet soon. She had the Jewel of the Rumare to keep her dry and comfortable. But she feared Tadrose would not be so well favored. Would that make the Dunmer regret coming?

As if conjured by her thoughts, the armorer's words filled Teresa's tall wood elf ears. "Looks like rain later today," Tadrose said as she gazed toward Niben Bay.

"It might not be so bad." Teresa bit her lip. "The wind might change, and it might miss us."

"A little rain never hurt anyone." Tadrose looked back to Teresa and smiled. "That is something I am used to. Besides, it will be good for your armor. The leaves need water as much as they do sunlight."

"I am so glad you decided to come along with me Tadrose." Teresa fought to keep from grinning like a fool at the other woman. She prayed to Dibella that she was not blushing as well! "Even if it's only for a few days."

"I am glad I was finally able to make the time, what with my duties as vice-commander and armorer." Tadrose smiled, almost shyly, in return. "We have not been able to really spend any time together since we went shopping during the tournament. Other than that night out with Aela and Ungarion of course. As long as you want to stay out here, I am with you."

How about forever then? Teresa thought. Once again, she hoped that she did not look like a complete fool. "Well, we need to be back by the eighteenth," she frowned, "although I'd like to stay longer."

"For Ancondil's birthday," Tadrose said, smiling once more. "What did you get him?"

"Two of his favorite things," Teresa said. "A bottle of Surilie Brothers, and a book."

"Oh a book," Tadrose said, "by which author?"

"Catullus," Teresa replied. "It's a collection of his poetry."

Tadrose arched an eyebrow. "Why you wild elf you."

"What do you mean?" Teresa beetled her own brows in confusion.

"You did not know?" Tadrose laughed. "Catullus was the most - vigorous - of Cyrodiil's erotic poets. Just the thing to keep a man up in the coming winter nights."

"Oh Mara!" Teresa felt the palm of her hand splay itself across her face. "I had no idea! Ardaline told me it would be a good choice when we were at Nilawen's yesterday."

"I am sure it will be," Tadrose said.

Teresa groaned inwardly. It was obvious that the dark elf was enjoying her discomfort, given the secret little smile that graced the armorer's features.

Oh, I actually read this before Foxy came along??!!

And those winter nights can get mighty loooong! Poor Ancondil! Will he get lucky? Hmmm, that new Orsimer member's mighty fair . . .

A good bit of dialogue there, it flowed much like a real converstion and didn't have any of the divergance form the scene that can happen. Very well written.

And lots of juicy details too. So Tadrose was an Indoril noble, somehow that had never crossed my mind but it makes sense. I can guess roughly what happened then, though any details remain a mystery. I wonder what she makes of the Nerevarine coming and ending the problem.


A good bit of realism there.


I loved this line.

And she's got Ancondil a book of erotica. That made me smile, I wonder if she just thought she was getting him poetry or if she had seen him reading Catullus in the guildhall He didn't seem the type for Mills and Boon. I wonder if he likes his women large, green and scarred, his heritage would suggest so but perhaps not his upbringing...

A very natural walk. I really enjoyed the agriculture and fall leaves you imparted to the area outside Bravil. Even your large scale was implied here by suggesting the significant climate difference between the IC and Bravil.

"A little rain never hurt anyone." Tadrose looked back to Teresa and smiled. "That is something I am used to. Besides, it will be good for your armor. The leaves need water as much as they do sunlight."
How neat to emphasize that Teresa’s armor is, in a way, alive!

It is nice to see the Rose opening up a Tad more.

Hmm, they’ve been out for a time now. I hope Teresa brought some chow (like maybe a picnic) in her thieves bag. Yes, that is a shameless request for you to feed me within an episode or two.

Good slow bit of development. Our favorite two elves rarely get a chance to be alone enough to talk. Although...



Is that immediately following the end of the Witch Of Bawnwatch Island or have they had multiple outings since then? Would be nice to see Aela again.

Other note: Your fiction site messed up the links. Everyone is going to The Hunter.

The once green leaves of its maples, oaks, birches, and sorrels were now a riot of bright yellow, red, and orange.
Beautiful, I’m getting images of Skyrim’s autumn forests in my mind. Aravi needs to spend more time there.

What would a woman like that - an aristocrat - ever see in a gutterspawn like herself?
Now that seems kind of rude to Tadrose, just assuming she’s that petty.

I’m kind of surprised Tadrose was complaining about the cold, then welcomes the rain.

Teresa’s gift is going to be interesting to say the least!

What a lovely walk through autumn countryside. Nice to know that Teresa and Simplicia are still in regular contact through letters.

What would a woman like that - an aristocrat - ever see in a gutterspawn like herself?
A fair and uncomfortable question. If Teresa comes to see Tadrose as an aristocrat, it might be difficult for her to set aside her own prejudices. This also brings up the mystery of Teresa’s origin. I’m led to think by her very unusual pale skin and special connection with things Arimer that she is not at all gutterspawn, but someone special herself. Hmm, interesting!

"A little rain never hurt anyone." Tadrose looked back to Teresa and smiled. "That is something I am used to. Besides, it will be good for your armor. The leaves need water as much as they do sunlight."
Well that’s good to know – the Jewel of the Rumare has been keeping Teresa dry and comfortable, but her poor armor must be parched! Better strip it off immediately and give it a good drink. And Tadrose’s better come off, too. To keep it dry.

"For Ancondil's birthday," Tadrose said, smiling once more. "What did you get him?"
Oh, darn it! She still thinks that Teresa and Ancondil… And Teresa got him a book of erotic poetry and a bottle of wine… Oh dear.

haute ecole rider: I think it is only the unintentional innuendos that get Foxy's attention... Poor Ancondil will eventually get lucky, but not until someone puts on their Emma hat to help him along.


Olen: I had to look up Mills and Boon. In the States we have Harlequin instead. I do not see Ancondil normally sitting around reading erotica either. So I went back and made it more plain that it was Ardaline who suggested the Catullus. Ancondil's tastes to run to women who are tall, slender, and golden-skinned. Just like a certain alchemist at the Bravil Mages Guild...

Tadrose was indeed an Indoril. It was alluded to before, in the scenes from her pov back in chapter 37. No one really seemed to pick up on them though, except for the part about her daughter.

and later



Acadian: I have been working off the idea that the Imperial City has a climate like that of Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, or NYC. Bravil like that of Wilmington, North Carolina, Leyawiin like Nawlins, and Bruma is Montana. That helps me keep all the winter/summers straight.

Oh the puns! I cannot complain though, because whenever I hear Poison's Every Rose Has Its Thorn, I keep thinking Every rose has its tad...

Funny you asked for lunch. Coming right up!


liliandra nadiar: The new few scenes will be similar. Then things will pick up. That dinner with Ungarion and Aela was indeed right after the events of Bawnwatch Island. Aela has not been back to Bravil since. Gah! I don't know what happened to the links on that page. Thank you for mentioning it, because I had no clue.


King Coin: That is not so much rudeness on Teresa's part, as low self-esteem. If Tadrose was not an aristocrat, Teresa would just find some other excuse to think she would not want her. Tadrose does not mind the rain because she is used to it from her life in Morrowind. We will see more about that soon.


Grits: I keep wishing I could find some way to tie Simplicia in more to events in the story. So I have been looking for allusions like that letter that I can slip in to keep her still on people's minds. Because Teresa certainly has not forgotten her!

I was thinking the same thing about Teresa's armor and the Jewel of the Rumare. It needs to be watered like any other plant, but her ring is keeping it dry!

And now we see another reason why Tadrose thinks that Teresa and Ancondil are an item. We will have more examples next week as well.


Previously On Teresa of the Faint Smile: In our last episode Teresa and Tadrose began their trek north along the Green Road. Tadrose revealed more of her past, concerning her being a noble, and how she spent her time living between Mournhold and the Ghostgate. Teresa also related that they had to return in time for Ancondil's birthday, and she learned that the book she had bought for him was erotica! Next, the two women continue to share more of their lives with one another.


Chapter 41.5 – Nothing is Trivial

The sky had turned slate grey by the time they stopped for lunch at the village of Dewhurst. Most of the men were toiling in the fields, but the two mercenaries found that the women of the settlement were happy to greet them. Once they saw their guild medallions that is. Teresa was reminded of how relieved the farmers of Maplemill had been to see her as well. Where city folk took their safety for granted, those who lived outside of stone walls were far less carefree. To them the swords and bows of the guild always seemed to be a welcome sight.

Once Teresa mentioned that they were out hunting for trolls, the villagers practically fell over themselves to make them welcome. Before either could say a word, they found themselves plied with fried squash, soft cornmeal muffins, and mugs of tangy apple cider to wash down the meal.

Tadrose tried to pay them for the food, but the women of Dewhurst refused to take a single coin. They said it was enough just to have them nearby, and doing something about the trolls. Given that, Teresa could plainly see their disappointment when she and Tadrose went on their way again afterward.

Teresa naturally found herself walking along the forest-side of the road. Whenever a long branch reached out near enough, she met it with her soft fingers. The song of birds filled her ears, along with the scuttling of squirrels hiding away the last of their winter stores. Tadrose's footsteps were quiet beside her. For all the metal pieces in her armor, it made barely a whisper. Teresa wondered if that was normal for all elvish panoplies, or if hers had been enchanted to make it silent, as Aldariel had been?

"It is good to see you out here," Tadrose said when Teresa glanced her way. "You seem so at home here. It is just as I always thought."

"Ever since I first set foot in the forest, I have known that I belonged here." Teresa hoped that she was not blushing again.

"Is that because you are a Witch?" Tadrose asked.

Teresa's heart skipped a beat for a moment. When Imperials said 'Witch' it was usually a curse, rather than a compliment. How had Tadrose meant it? The Dunmer's crimson eyes held no rancor in them however, and Teresa breathed easy as she replied.

"I suppose so," she admitted. "Or maybe I am a Witch because I belong here?"

"You will have to pardon me for asking, but even after ten years, some things in Cyrodiil still elude me," Tadrose said. "Just what is a Witch anyway? I have never understood that."

"To be honest, sometimes I don't either," Teresa almost chuckled. It brought back memories of her first meeting with Morcant, who had said likewise when she asked the same question. "I suppose it depends on who is saying it. To the Mages Guild, anyone not in their guild seems to be a Witch. To the Church of the Nine, anyone not in their faith. To men, any woman who is better at them in something."

"But I thought you followed the Nine?" Tadrose asked. "You swear by Mara's name often enough."

"I do," Teresa admitted, "and out of all of them, Mara is the one I feel closest to. She speaks straight to my heart. Because of Simplicia I think."

"But since I came out here, I realized there is so much more than the Nine. There are Raven, Bear, and all the other spirit guides."

Teresa stopped at the side of the road, and dug her fingers deeply into the cool dirt there. Lifting her hand, she let the soil fall slowly from between her fingers. "Other people look at this, and just see dirt. I see divinity. They look at a stag, and only see an animal. I see Cernon. We are surrounded by gods, we are gods. People like Aela and I celebrate the full beauty and majesty of the world. Not just the Nine alone, or the Daedra."

"I think I understand." Tadrose stepped up beside Teresa. "I am glad you have this. It is not always easy to find serenity and a place to belong. I know life was hard for you, being an orphan on the streets, and looking so much like an Arimer."

Teresa's breath hitched in her throat at the last word. Tadrose knew about the Arimer? Most people simply thought she was a freak, with her flour-white skin. They did not seem to realize that the ancient elves of Cyrodiil - so renowned for the horrors they had inflicted upon others - had the same white skin as her own.

But of course Tadrose would know. She was a noblewoman after all, and an elven one at that. The Imperials and other round-eared races felt no need to keep the memory of the Arimer alive, except as monsters to frighten children. Herminia Cinna was an academic outcast because of how she clung to the facts over propaganda. But why should the elven races feel that way? The Arimer were their kin after all.

"I was hoping you might start coming to the chapel with me on Sundas," Tadrose went on, seemingly oblivious to Teresa's thoughts. With one hand, she gestured at the riot of brightly-colored trees before them. "But I see that this is your chapel."

"You really like it there, don't you," Teresa said. It took every fiber of her being to avoid putting her arm around the other woman. "The chapel I mean. It gives you the same sense of peace?"

"It does," Tadrose breathed. "In Morrowind I followed Azura. As goddess of dawn and dusk, she holds sway over transitional periods in life. As I imagine most teens do, I could identify with her because of that. She helped me go from being a girl to a woman. I never felt anything for the Tribunal however. They were just there, and we all went to Temple because it was required. Of course once everyone learned that they had stolen their power from the heart of Lorkhan… Well, no one is saddened by their passing. No more than any in Bravil miss Kurdan."

"Were you there when that happened?" Teresa asked.

"No," Tadrose shook her head. "I had already come here, and found Mara. It felt like I had lost everything in the world back then. But she was there, always, with me."

Now it was Tadrose who slid her arm around Teresa, so that the folds of her cloak stretched out over the two of them. Teresa felt herself press closely against the other woman's armored frame, and an instant later her head was laying upon Tadrose's shoulder.

"No matter how alone I felt, I knew that she could understand what I was feeling." Tadrose said softly. Her head leaned to one side, touching Teresa's. "She was the one thing in the world I could count on, and she got me through it all."

"Tadrose." Teresa felt her heart pounding in her chest, like a like an army of blacksmiths hammering upon their anvils. "Why did you leave Morrowind?"

Tadrose sighed, and turned to face Teresa. Her arm still clung to the wood elf, and was followed by the other. Teresa stared up into the Dunmer's fiery eyes, hoping that she had not pushed the armorer too far with her questioning. She was relieved when the vice-commander finally spoke.

"I fell in love." Tadrose's words were bitter ashes, and her face was covered in shadows deeper than those cast by the forest.

"What is wrong with that?" Teresa found one hand rising to cup one of the Dunmer's cheeks. Tadrose leaned her head against the wood elf's fingers, and Teresa could not stop herself from gently caressing the armorer's dusky skin.

"When it is with the wrong man, from the wrong House, it is the worst thing in the world." Tadrose closed her eyes, her lips fluttered, and her jaw clenched tightly. Teresa wondered if she might begin to weep?

"Because you are a noblewoman?" Teresa said.

Tadrose nodded. "When you are noble, you do not have the same freedoms as others. Everyone thinks we are so lucky, to live in palaces, wear silk and jewels, and be waited on hand and foot. But the truth is those manors are prisons. To be a noble, is to be a sacrifice. Stretched out upon the altar of duty, and disemboweled by the dagger of authority. Our own children are our first victims."

A roll of thunder punctuated the dark elf's words. The pitter-patter of raindrops followed, as if the sky wept for the Dunmer's plight. Teresa did not know what to say. Instead she drew the taller woman close, and folded her in the warmest embrace she could muster.

There's a few more details there. You'd more or less already said that a man was behind her leaving, though there's still nothing on why she left - just honour or avoiding repercussions or something more... I'd missed his name before, along with him being from another house there's an obvious contender, though it's not certain.

As ever the conversation is a joy to read - I particularly liked Tadrose subtly asking Teresa questions, like on her being a witch. I suppose from Tadrose's point of view Teresa's past is a bit of a mystery and she won't necessarily know exactly how much of a mystery it is to Teresa too.

We have a definite cuddle now too. I'll be very surprised if they aren't an item when they return to Bravil, it will be interesting to see how surprised the Bravillians are.

While I would like to agree with Olen, I doubt the two will work through thier respective misconceptions of the other in this trip. After all, Teresa has just found out that Tadrose was in love with a man, so "naturally" she wouldn't want to be with a woman.

Still, cuddles! ^.^!!

Thanks for the wonderful lunch! Just the thing to precede more of our beautiful walk through the temple forest.

Wonderful tidbits here as Teresa shares what she believes a Witch to be and Tadrose shares more of her background. I love that dear Mara is a powerful link between them.

Although it might give rise to some doubts (after all, Teresa is full of them), I actually do not believe that the nature of Tadrose’s love history with *gasp* a man, will weigh that heavily on Teresa. I suspect Nerussa taught her better than that.

I'm with Acadian - never mind that Tadrose has been with a man.

In truth, I know more than one Lesbian who discovered her sexual orientation after being with men *yawn*. Sorry, guys! So it comes as no surprise that Tadrose would be interested in Teresa after her experiences.

But I also agree that Teresa is so besotted with Tadrose that she will find it difficult to believe that Tadrose feels the same way about her. After all, she is only "gutterspawn," for that is how others have viewed her for most of her formative years. And that's a tough baggage to get rid of. Like that infamous red suitcase Dere unloaded himself on by the docks of Anvil in another story . . .