"I disagree," Ancondil insisted. He stepped beside Teresa, and the wooden rail creaked in protest as he added his weight to it. "It implies that she feels hindered from acting on her feelings, rather than not possessing them in the first place."

Ancondil is simply wonderful in this episode. His gentle manner, wise counsel, and sheer physical presence are such an endearing combination.

"She knows how she feels about you. By Oblivion's fire, you have won her heart already, without really trying! Talk to her. Be honest with her. Simply be yourself: that same wonderful, compassionate, quirky mer we all know and adore, and she will come around."

Perfect advice, and what a sweet description of Teresa. I hope she can replace some of the mean voices in her head with Ancondil’s affectionate one.

What a great episode! If Teresa doesn’t go for it now, I might be tempted to borrow Persuader to use on her!

Well Ancondil certainly did well. I think Teresa probably already knew a lot of what he told her, but that doesn't mean she didn't need to be told it. I wonder what she'll do now that he's told her - will there be a conversation with Tadrose before the chapter end - I hope so I will be a treat.

Her revelation about Tadrose's 'dau-' was well done, the repetition caught her thoughts over theer being something she'd missed as the idea formed. Now she knows I wonder if she'll mention it to Tadrose. The characters in this are really excellent...

I wonder if Teresa will have the chance to repay this favour.

Just thought i'd let you know I'm still catching up. I'm currently on chapter 35 and I'm loving every bit of it. Almost there now! Can't wait to start commenting in sync! Haha

Great work

McBadgere: I worked to come up with an ES-version of the cold shoulder. I am glad the Skyrim variety works.


King Coin: Ancondil will be the hero indeed! So true too!


ghastley: I believe that men and women get divorced because they can. Simple as that. Until recently, it was just not an option for either one, or both, so people just got used to being miserable for the rest of their lives. Plus, in the past people did not expect to love their spouse, or experience any kind of bliss or have companionship. True love is a relatively recent invention, that sets the bar too high for most people to maintain forever. But what you said is true. Women sucker themselves into thinking that "if he loves me, he'll change," and men that she will always be an eighteen-year old hottie who will go down on them every night.


Acadian: I went back and did a little reworking of that passage you mentioned, as I could see where it could cause confusion. Teresa's cranial density and Ancondil's ever effective wit were indeed the stars of that last episode. They do make a great couple.


mALX: Yep, Ancondil really did not tell Teresa anything she did not know. All he did was make her really look at it all, without the usual self-doubt that typically short-circuits her.


Grits: No need to use Persuader on Teresa! This next episode will see her once again going for the gusto, quirks and all.


Olen: Sometimes all we really need is for someone to tell what we already know, but have convinced ourselves to ignore. Teresa's slow realization about Tadrose's daughter was inspired by the Watchmen comics, which did the same basic thing with Laurie's realization that her father was The Comedian. One day Teresa will get the opportunity to repay the favor, when she puts on her Emma hat. But it will probably be a while.


Tábrasa: Wow, you are really going through the old chapters. It takes me forever to read. I doubt I would be half as far.


Previously On Teresa of the Faint Smile: Our last episode found Teresa asking Ancondil's advice on what to do about her and Tadrose. The Orisimer insisted that Tadrose did indeed love her, and suggested that Teresa try once more to get through to the dark elf. Next, in the final episode of this chapter, Teresa does exactly that.


Something to listen to while you read. This song always reminds me of Teresa and Tadrose


Chapter 42.6 – What Do You Want?

Teresa rose the steps to the second floor of the guild hall. The corridor bisecting the floor stretched out before her, seemingly miles long. Her heart raced as she willed her feet to carry her down its length. After what seemed like an eternity, she found herself at the door to Tadrose's room.

She licked her suddenly dry lips, and stared at the wooden boards that separated her from the Dunmer. She knew that was not the only thing between the two of them. How many of those barriers had she placed there herself? Could she swallow her pride and remove them? Could she really reach Tadrose this time, when she had failed before? Would she just make things even worse than they already were?

A scent filled her nostrils. It was deep, strong, and wild. She instantly recognized it as that of a bear. Teresa closed her eyes, and breathed the comforting smell deeply into her lungs. She thought of Bear, of his soft, warm fur enfolding her. She remembered Barenziah, whom she had healed, and who had healed her in turn.

Teresa opened her eyes and knocked on the door.

There was no answer from within. Teresa waited, yet heard no sound. She knocked once more, louder this time. Again, there was no answer. Had Tadrose gone? Or did she not want to speak with anyone?

Her hand went to the door knob, and twisted it open. At least it was not locked, Teresa thought. That saved her the trouble of trying to pick it. Methredhel had always been much better at that, and she had fallen out of practice since joining the Fighters Guild.

Pushing the door open, Teresa poked a curious head within. "Tadrose?" she called out uncertainly.

The Dunmer's chamber contained the same, plain furnishings that all of their rooms did. There was a bed, dresser, mirrored wash basin, and combination dressing table and desk. Her elven armor grew from an arming rack in one corner, and Anganar was sheathed beside it. There was little else however. The walls were bare of adornment, but for a single low bookcase packed with worn volumes. A ceramic vase stood atop it, sprouting bright yellow flax. Alongside it lay a bared arming sword of ordinary grey steel. Its handle was wrapped in pewter wire, and its pommel was a simple disc of metal. The single window in the room faced west, and through it Teresa could see the lowering sun filling the mountains with red and orange light.

Teresa glanced from the window to the arming sword, so out of place next to the armorer's elven armor and longsword. Why would Tadrose keep such an unassuming weapon in her room, seemingly on display? She was capable of creating far more potent - and artistic - creations after all. Then Teresa's eyes moved back to the dark elf, and she forgot everything else.

The Dunmer was dressed in a simple flax top and a pair of leather pants. She stood before her dresser, taking the neatly folded clothing from within and stuffing it into a large duffel bag. Her eyes turned to meet Teresa's, and the wood elf saw something briefly flash there. Whether it was surprise, dread, or even relief, she could not discern. Then the armorer turned back to her packing.

Teresa bit her lip, and stepped fully into the room. "Tadrose?" the forester said again in a soft voice. But the dark elf ignored her, and went on with her work. Teresa shut the door behind her, and walked over to the slightly taller elf.

"What are you doing?" Teresa asked. A dark, empty place opened within her heart as she watched the dark elf. She knew the answer before Tadrose uttered the words. She was leaving.

"I am quitting the guild," Tadrose said plainly.

Teresa closed her eyes. While said quietly, the dark elf's words thudded in her heart like blocks of stone, crushing all hope beneath them.

"Have you told Pappy yet?" Teresa forced herself to ask in an equally soft tone.

"Not yet," Tadrose said coolly. She nodded to a sealed letter on the dressing table. "I have written him a letter of resignation. I will give it to him when I have finished packing."

"What will you do?" Teresa forced the words around the growing lump in her throat. Raven, please don't let her be leaving Bravil too!

"I have money in the temple," the Dunmer said. "I shall open an armory of my own, probably somewhere on the South Isle. That is where all the metal workers are."

"It's because of me, isn't it?" Teresa barely pushed the words from her lips. Her throat was tight, and she was afraid she might begin to cry again. She fought through it all, and reached out with one hand and laid it upon the Dunmer's arm. "Tadrose, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for how I've been acting. I'm sorry for everything."

"It is not your fault." Tadrose ceased her packing, and turned to look at the wood elf. "It was all mine. I should not have led you on. I should not have lost control. I know I have hurt you. You probably cannot believe it right now, but I really did not mean to."

She gently disengaged her arm from Teresa, and went back to her packing.

"Stop Tadrose," Teresa stepped closer, and laid her hand down over one of the dark elf's. "Please don't leave. Not because of me. I know I've been a s'wit to you. I promise, it won't happen again."

"Teresa, I understand," the Dunmer said. "What I did to you was terrible. It is only natural for you to be angry, to hate me, for it."

"I don't hate you Tadrose." In spite how desperately she tried to dam them, now tears did begin to spill down Teresa's cheeks. "I could never hate you. I lo…"

There was so much more she wanted to say, but the words would not come out. Teresa lowered her head, and stared at the floor. Was this it? Was it truly over forever?

She heard Tadrose sigh, and moment later felt the dark elf's arms draw her close. Teresa breathed in the scent of her primrose body wash, and felt the hard muscles of her body so close to her own. She burned those sensations into her brain, knowing that it might be the last time she ever felt them again.

"I don't want to lose you Tadrose," Teresa found herself sobbing.

Tadrose shushed her with a gentle voice, and led her to the bed. There they sat side by side. Each slid one arm about the another, while their free hands clasped together between their laps. Teresa laid her head on Tadrose's shoulder, and felt the other woman's lean against her own in turn. They sat there for long minutes, until the wood elf's tears finally subsided.

"Tadrose, I know you had a daughter by that man." Teresa gently lifted her head and gazed into the Dunmer's darkened eyes. "I know you… lost her, because of your family." The wood elf could not bring herself to come out and bluntly say that Tadrose's daughter had been murdered by her own family, even though in her heart she knew it was true.

"That's why this is all so hard for you, isn't it?"

Tadrose nodded, and now Teresa saw the tears begin to fall from the dark elf's own eyes. She drew her hand free of the Dunmer's, and reached up to brush them away. But they continued to cascade down the dark elf's face. Teresa reached back into the elf's dark hair, and pulled her head down to her shoulder. She rocked Tadrose gently, while great, hitching sobs racked the armorer's frame.

"I only saw her for a moment," Tadrose wept. "After she came out of me. I never even had the chance to hold her. Not even once. Then they took her away and…"

"I am so sorry." Teresa did not know what to say. She could simply not imagine how that must have felt. Or how it must still feel. Instead she thought of Bear, and tried to channel all of the spirit guide's healing energy through her body and into Tadrose. She sat there while the Dunmer cried, and Teresa wondered if this was the first time Tadrose had ever told another person about her daughter? She imagined it was, and simply held on as ten years of torment flowed from the other woman.

In time, Tadrose grew still, and pulled back from Teresa's embrace. She did not look at the Bosmer. Instead she simply stared down at her lap. "When I first came here, I felt like my heart had been ripped out," she said quietly. "My entire life, everything I had ever lived for, had been just torn away."

Teresa did not reply. Instead she laid one hand on the other woman's leg, and squeezed gently.

"For the past ten years, I have gone through life like a zombie," Tadrose continued. "I have not felt anything. Not love, not hope, not joy, nothing at all. I learned how to work metal, and spent all my time in the forge, so I would not have to face living. Then I became vice-commander, and spent even more of my time with the guild, anything to take my mind off…"

"Then you came." Now Tadrose lifted her eyes to meet those of Teresa. "You came, and changed the world. You breathed color back into my life. You have such a love for live, your spirit is filled with beauty and compassion, that you made me dare to live again. You made me dare to feel again. It felt as if you had lifted me up on your wings and bore me to Aetherius itself."

"But you're afraid of losing it all again, aren't you," Teresa bit her lip.

Tadrose nodded, and looked down at her lap. "I just cannot go through that again. I cannot. I would rather be dead."

"So that's why you want to leave," Teresa said, trying her best to keep the dread she felt out of her voice.

"I do not want to leave. I just cannot do it Teresa," Tadrose said. Her eyes welled up with tears as she turned to face Teresa once more. "I cannot be your-"

"Just tell me one thing Tadrose," Teresa interrupted her softly. "What do you want?"

"Teresa, I canno-"

The wood elf cut her off again, this time placing one finger on the Dunmer's lips.

"I didn't ask you what you can't do," she insisted. "I asked what you want. Just tell me."

Tadrose stared down at her lap.

"I want you," she said in a tiny, cracking voice. "I want you."

"Then you shall have me," Teresa resolved. She did not know where her confidence suddenly came from. It may have been from her spirit guides, or perhaps it had even been buried somewhere deeply within herself all along. But it was there, and she let it carry her along.

"I don't know everything that happened to you in Morrowind." Teresa now reached out and wrapped both of her hands around Tadrose's. "And I don't know what the future will bring. But I do know one thing, and that is us. I know that we can face anything, even the Daedra in your past. We can do it just like we faced that lich - together."

"I don't know if I can," the other woman lamented.

"You have no idea what you can do," Teresa said with a quiet smile, remembering the same words Uriel Septim had once spoken to her. "But I do. You didn't join the Fighters Guild because you wanted to spend the rest of your life running. You did it because you wanted to fight. It's our choices that define us. That's how you defined yourself then. How are you going to define yourself now?"

Tadrose sat for long moments, staring down at their clasped hands. Teresa swallowed hard, crushing the lump trying to form again in her throat. This was it, she knew, she had thrown the dice once more. Would she come up dragon eyes? Or would she roll the hard six?

"I define myself as yours." Tadrose pulled her hands from Teresa's, only to gently place them about the wood elf's head. Leaning closer, she planted a soft kiss upon the Bosmer's lips. Then another, and another. Teresa wrapped both of her arms around Tadrose's waist, and let herself float away on the moment.

When Tadrose finally pulled away, she smiled, and then looked down again. "I am going to need some time Teresa," she said. "Time to get used to this. Can we take this slowly?"

"We are both elves," Teresa smiled broadly. "We have all the time in the world."

Tadrose answered her with a smile. It made Teresa's heart feel as if it would burst from her chest and fly to Aetherius. The armorer reached out and took the Bosmer's hand once more.

"So what do we do now?"

"Well, we could go downstairs and see if anyone wants to play mahjong," Teresa grinned.

The dark elf made a face, and swatted at Teresa's nose with playful fingers. The wood elf dodged back, and found herself tipping off-balance and falling back across the bed. The next thing she knew Tadrose was on top of her, giggling like a ten-year old as they wrestled.

Teresa could have sworn that the Dunmer was Dibella herself in that moment, and could not stop herself from giggling with delight as well. When finally they grew still, Tadrose leaned her head down, so that her forehead was touching Teresa's. Her red eyes were filled with warmth, and the Dunmer smiled shyly.

"I love you Teresa."

Teresa closed her eyes as the Dunmer leaned closer, and a moment later the dark elf's lips softly met her own. She pulled the other woman closer as they kissed. The Dunmer's strong arms enveloped her, and Teresa breathed the scent of her hair deeply into her nostrils. She reveled in the moment, wishing it could last forever.

When finally they did draw apart, both women rose up to a sitting position. Teresa leaned her head upon Tadrose's shoulder, and smiled as the other woman snuggled up close to her.

"Why don't we just watch the sunset?" Teresa suggested. Her eyes stared out the window, to where the horizon glowed in a brilliant swath of red, orange, and yellow.

Nothing was trivial, she thought as she held Tadrose close, nothing at all.

*Sings*

We have all....the time...in the world...

time enough for life...to unfold...all the precious things, love has in store...

We have allllll....the tiiiiime....in the world...

IF that's all we have...YOU WILL FIND...WEEEEE need nothing moooree!!!!

Beautiful! We finally learn who speaks the Chapter’s title – that brought more than a faint smile to this old paladin.

Teresa learned to fight for what she wants. And to lead when necessary. And Tadrose learned that sometimes it’s best to let someone else lead – if only for awhile. What a delightful role reversal you so delicately and gradually wove into this chapter. I have no doubt that the power of Tadrose’s personality and wisdom will resurface, but it was nice to see her softer and more vulnerable side. And to see Teresa come through (with a little help from Raven and Bear).

Teresa better give Ancondil a big hug for the loan of some of his strength and wisdom.

This episode required some delicate writing and scene painting and you surely did not disappoint on that count. A lovely finish to a wonderful chapter. Well done, my friend!

At least it was not locked, Teresa thought. That saved her the trouble of trying to pick it.

That was an unexpected smile when I was already tense over their meeting!

Tadrose’s story is just heartbreaking. What a beautiful, tender scene between the two of them. I also want to hug Ancondil, for I thought some of his calm wisdom reached Tadrose through Teresa.

"We are both elves," Teresa smiled broadly. "We have all the time in the world."

Yay!! Teresa of the Broad Smile!

Teresa wandered in just in time. I have no doubt that Tadrose would have resigned and walked away without a word to Teresa if Teresa didn’t search Tadrose out.

What an emotional episode. Teresa finally knows that Tadrose wants her. I’m very happy for the two of them. Using Uriel’s words to Teresa from the beginning was brilliant. The nightmares will trouble Teresa any longer. Tadrose has a ways yet, but she’s decided to live again.

Wow. A very important part, both as a turning point and a major event. Brilliantly written too, very warm and fuzzy.

Acadian picked up on the reversal of roles here already but I second it. Seeing Teresa take the lead here and realise that the strength to do so was in her was great. I wonder if some of those self doubts might start to diminish.


This made me wonder if he might have been repeating them from someone else. The same strength being passed along from one person to the next.


Awww, but it also shows how confused Tadrose has been feeling. You did a good job of showing things from her side in this part, and Teresa seeing them was probably vital.

I wonder how the rest of the guild will react, and what will come next.

*Bows down to greatness*...

Flipping heck* that was just amazingly well done...

So much emotion...And, right, I almost punched the air and cheered when I read it this morning...It was only the terror of look on the wife's face if I'd woken her up stopped it... ...

Sooo good...

Most brilliant...

*Applauds*...

Nice one!!!... ...



(* = Edited for forum-filterness... ...)

For some reason my eyes are tearing up. It must be the winter dryness. Yeah, that's it...

Beautifully done.

Yaaaaaaaaaay!

Amazingly well-done! I found myself tearing up along with Teresa then grinning as Tadrose finally came full-circle. Good for them, they both deserve this. I'll be looking forward to seeing what's next for our newest couple. Keep it up

Well, I was right in who asked the title and who it was to, though wrong on how. Still something I can live with. I'm guessing Teresa's still assuming Tadrose's daughter is dead and/or still in Morrowind, something I don't think our favorite Dunmer smith is going to correct anytime soon.

Still 'Yays' all around for T&T, shockingly, Persuader wasn't even needed! I bet next few days around the Guildhall will be interesting between the girls finding their places around each other and rest of the personalities undoubtedly making comments before Pappy slaps them silly(er).

Finally.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

D.Foxy: Sing it Louie Armstrong! Teresa is no James Bond though! It may sound funny, but I never even though of that song when I wrote those lines for Teresa.


Acadian: After all this time, Teresa finally did come through. With a little help from her friends, as always. That scene was a pure joy to write.


Grits: The lockpicking thought was something that just flitted into my brain as I was writing it. I am glad I am not the only one who got a faint smile from it. But what is this? If she is not careful, Teresa might get a new nickname soon!


King Coin: Absolutely. Tadrose was about to go for good. Although not from the city. She cannot do that with her daughter living in Bravil. The Emperor's last words (and no, not argh! ) have always been Teresa's guiding star. Like the man himself, they are what has prompted her to change her life. It was so fitting for her to use them here, when Tadrose was so unsure of herself.


Olen: You are right, I bet those words that the Emperor told Teresa were probably told to him some day, and so on. Perhaps even going all the way back to Tiber Septim himself?

I am glad that Tadrose's feelings have been evident to so many people in not only that segment, but these last two chapters. It was important for me that she not seem like some cold and distant object, a trophy for Teresa to win, but rather be a living, breathing, and emotionally-scarred person.


McBadgere: Well, I wouldn't want to terrify your wife. But that is the reaction I was hoping for from people when they read this.


Glargg: Must be those onions you were peeling when you read it.


RainbowVeins: That last episode was quite a rollercoaster ride was it not? But it is very satisfying to see them together at last, after so much time spent dancing around one another.


liliandra nadiar: I knew you would get the asker and askee of the title right. You are also correct that Tadrose has done nothing to change Teresa's assumption that her daughter is dead. Like you, I do not see that changing any time. Teresa may be her lover, but Sere is her daughter, and children always come first.


Jacki Dice: It sure is about time isn't it? Now if we can only get Lilitu hooked up with someone nice...


All: No update this time. I have not started work on the next chapter yet. I am wrestling with a decision of who's pov to write it from. It will either be Teresa's, or from a new character's, but I am not sure which would be the most worthwhile. The advantage of the new character's pov is that it would give us a look at the Bravil FG from an outsider's perspective, someone going into it with no preconceptions or attachments. The disadvantage is that the new character has no ties to Teresa at all. In the past my alternate pov characters have always illuminated something about Teresa herself, or have been indirectly driven by her. So I have to wrestle with the decision. Needless to say, it will be a while before there is more TF.

Thanks for letting us know your plans. I wish you the best as you work on the coming episodes. Know that we will be patiently waiting for more Teresa goodness.

*Pouts*...

*Goes over there to sulk*...

*Attempts to learn patience...And to play Patience...*...

URK !!


We can't lose our beloved Teresa for long !!! We're invested in her life, her thoughts and feelings; care and want to know what is happening to her, what she is going through.

Small slips into another point of view can be acceptable, but will it conflict with Teresa's story or enhance it? Does it further her storyline or break the immersion of it?

Grits has had this happen a couple times, and she has made a short story and posted it on its own thread - chapters that gave us insights into other characters without taking time in the story away from (Teresa) - would doing that be a solution?

Just as long as Teresa isn't lost in the shuffle, your readers will follow you wherever you take (us).

<3

Thank you for letting us know! Much anxious clicking has been avoided. (No update? No update? Still no update?! )

How exciting to think of seeing T & T and the rest of the guild through neutral eyes. Bringing the two of them together seems like a natural place for a shift in the story, if you want to go in that direction. Whatever you decide to do, I will be ready to read it!

-sniff, sniff-

I have that problem too whenever I want to switch from Wrothken to Lilitu to whoever else needs to be seen. In fact that's one reason why Wrothken has been so neglected. So I'll be waiting... patiently... maybe rereading some chapters to get my Teresa fix.

Or if you did open a new thread, I'll be there quicker than Lilitu to a new pastry shop!

And this is for Teresa and Tadrose ♥

I'm sure it will be good when it comes though. Until then I'll just have to wait.

This is really very good though, so I'll just take this opertunity to say thanks for sharing!

Urk !!

Although many fans here are saddened to see no new chapter, I am ELATED!

Not because I do not like your story, oh NO, but because it gives me a lil' more time to catch up!

Great story, and I love your use of Simplicia, and the whole girl-on-girl thoughts with Nerussa AND the GENIUS idea of the ring which leaves Teresas clothes waterproof!

As you can tell I'm still far behind, but I'm working on it

It's slow (actually dead) at my job today, and I'm TOTALLY enjoying the early read. Teresa just found herself in the prison. There's a lot to read, and forgive me if I don't wind up having the time to read it all, but it's good, SubRosa...it's realllll good!



This rocks!




I've found myself doing this with several characters! Trying to get a better look...trying to peer my head (in 1st person) thru the bars! Depending on the character, I'll sometimes try to throw a fireball at that annoying dark elf (doesn't work) beating on the bars, or going off to a far corner to get bummed out and what not.



Sorry I keep quoting your story...can't help it! i'm feeling generous today. But I just love this bit. I'm also always trying to think of little ways the game can be explained like this.

Sorry...I'll stop quoting now....



..or command starships...lol. Sorry....

*head hits brick wall repeatedly* I hate romance...I hate romance...I hate romance...

Subrosa... coming from a guy who hates romance, that was so damn good.

Keep it up, and feel free to take your time.

After a long wait, Teresa returns. I would like to thank everyone for all of their kind words in her absence. They give me more than a faint smile.

For those new to the TF, I know going through the entire thing is a monstrous chore. I am mulling over creating a cliffnotes version to help new readers get up to speed. But even if I encapsulate each chapter into a single paragraph, that will leave me with over 40 paragraphs in recap. Hence my mullage.


Previously On Teresa Of The Faint Smile: Our last chapter found Teresa back in Bravil, feeling depressed and angry after Tadrose's rejection. Taking the advice of Ancondil, she made one more attempt to get through to the vice commander. She succeeded. Teresa learned that Tadrose had once had a daughter by the heir to a rival House, and believes that Tadrose's own family killed the infant. Tadrose admitted that Teresa had changed her life, and taught her to live again. In the end, she declared her love for Teresa.


Chapter 43.1 – Hand of Fire

28th Suns Dusk - 3rd Evening Star, 3E433

Teresa rinsed her hands in the water basin near her alchemical table, then wiped them dry with the towel hanging down its front. She looked down at the blue and pink vials of liquid that filled the small side-table beside the main working area. Upon it were arrayed enough antidotes, night eye, and shock resistance potions for a small army.

She wondered why on Nirn Pappy had wanted her to brew so many of those particular potions? Clearly something was afoot. He did not give her special orders for potions every day. Nor had he ever instructed everyone to give their armor to Tadrose for a special inspection - as he had in the morning.

They must have a big contract, Teresa mused, and an especially dangerous one at that.

She expected that Pappy would spill the beans at dinner. He had insisted that everyone be there in their best. At least they would get a good meal before learning what they would be up against. Teresa wondered if this was how it had been before Bruma? She bit her lip. Surely there would be no more battles like that in Cyrodiil, now that the Oblivion Crisis was over? Unless Pappy had news about Summerset Isle that no one else yet possessed…

The forester stepped into the hallway and closed the door behind her. The corridor was much smaller than those in the two floors below. The only other doors led to a storeroom across from the workshop, and Pappy's combined office and bedroom at the end of the hall.

Teresa knew that the guild commander would not be there however. He would be down in the kitchen making dinner. She bit her lip once more, and hoped that he would remember to make something without meat. Otherwise she would end up having bread again, like the first time she had eaten dinner at the guild.

Teresa walked through the short hall to the stairs that crisscrossed their way down to the foyer on the ground floor. She only made her way to the second story of the guild hall however, and went to her room. She paused as the sound of heavy footsteps and clattering metal came to her ears, and looked back to the stair.

Rising from the first floor was Morghak. The orc was clad in a simple tunic and leather pants. Slung over her shoulder was a bag that clanked with every step she took. Teresa imagined that her armor must have been inside, and that the Orisimer had just picked it up from Tadrose. The corners of Morghak's mouth turned down ever so slightly as her eyes met Teresa's. She nodded to the wood elf, but said nothing as she marched past her down the hall. Teresa turned back to her room and stepped inside.

Teresa was not surprised at the cool reception. Not anymore at least. Ever since she and Tadrose had made their relationship clear to the rest of the guild, Morghak had barely said more than two words to either of them. Teresa supposed that sapphic relationships were not common in Orsinium, or at least not publically acknowledged. Granted, that was little different from Cyrodiil.

Yet the other guild members did not seem perturbed. Ancondil was his usual amiable self. He had better be, considering how he had prompted her to pursue Tadrose! Likewise with Pappy. Valerius was no different either. That was no surprise, given how they had first met at the Wawnet Inn…

Chance was nothing but smiles, and she had even overheard him thanking Ancondil for talking to her about Tadrose. Teresa still had no idea why the Redguard would say that. Vincent and Tavian even joked about wanting to watch her and Tadrose when they were in bed together! Storm-Tail was his usual silent, expressionless self. Even for an Argonian, he gave little clue as to what he was feeling. That could mean something, or nothing at all.

Teresa shrugged, and glanced at the empty arming rack beside the doorway. Tadrose had Aldariel down in the armory, checking it along with everyone else's gear. Teresa knew that nothing was wrong with her armor of course. She watered it every day after all, and had even moved the rack so that the miran-talurn armor would catch the late morning sun from her window.

Crossing the small room, she went to her dresser and began rummaging through the folded clothing within. Drawing forth the emerald gown she had bought her second day in Bravil, she held the soft velvet up against her frame. She frowned when she saw her image in the mirror of her washbasin however. The dress was cut low in the chest. Low enough that the scars on her shoulder would be plain to all. So too would be the marred flesh left behind by the city guard arrow that had found its way into her breast. She could never wear a dress like that again.

Teresa sighed, and stuffed the gown to the bottom of the drawer. She continued searching the dresser and armoire beside it, but everything seemed too casual, like the leather pants and linen tunics she usually wore. Or it revealed too many of her flaws, like her velvet dress. She had more clothing then she had ever seen in her life. Yet she had nothing to wear!

Finally, she took out a plain white chemise. It was far from her best, but at least she could pull up the shoulders. That should cover the worst of the scars. A tan skirt followed, and finally she drew on a light brown bodice and laced it up her chest. She stared in the mirror afterward and bit her lip. The scars were still there.

She sighed and sat on her bed. There was nothing she could do. The deep gouges in her flesh were there, and everyone would see them.

With the fingers of one hand, she undid her bodice and threw it on the floor. The chemise and skirt followed a moment later. Wearing nothing but her loincloth and the green velvet spirit bag that hung from her neck, she stared at her naked body in the mirror. It was lean, hard, and scarred. Even her hands were callused from the constant use of her bow. She was a far cry from the soft and feminine ideal that women were supposed to live up to.

But Tadrose did not seem to mind. If anything, the vice-commander was even more muscular and scarred then Teresa was herself. She was even further from the soft and curvy fantasy that women were supposed to be. Yet no woman had ever set her on fire like Tadrose. Not even Nerussa.

Teresa strode back to the dresser, and yanked out the green velvet gown. She was going to be in her best, and she damned well did not care what anyone thought about it!

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New chapter!! I generally don't check Chorrol first thing in the morning, but something told me to do so today

This was a great write It's nice to see the guild members (most of them, anyway) reacting well to Teresa and Tadrose. I bet they saw it coming a long time ago!

Woven within this delightful interlude was a masterful summary that fully accounted for the delay since Teresa’s last episode.

We were gently brought fully back up on the relationship between T&T with the added bonus of providing her guild mates' reactions. You spent an extra moment or two with Morghak – a good call since she is a bit newer to TF. I enjoyed the review of her wonderful and unique armor and its plant-like requirements. You reminded us that although Teresa is hardened and scarred, she is still full of self-doubts that include those about her appearance. And finally, Teresa reminds us that she is made of pretty determined stuff as she pulled on that beautiful green gown for (hopefully) a meatless dinner-a- la-Pappay.

It is so wonderful to have our stringy redhead back! And we are all waiting to learn what this big, dangerous contract for her guild is!

’She had more clothing then she had ever seen in her life. Yet she had nothing to wear!’
Yup. Teresa is all gurl!!!

Not as new as some of us reading it though... ...

*Does dance of joy*...YAY!!!... ...< Dance of joy...Honest!...

She's baaack!!... ...

Excellent stuff...

Wonder what is afoot within the guild house presently?...Yes...

Speaking as a man whose woman is constantly (and completely unnecessarily) bringing herself down about her appearance, I thought Teresa's unhappyness at the end was very true to life...



Ah men of all worlds, when confronted with lesbians... ...

Love it!!...Missed it!!...So glad it's back!!...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily with a tear of joy in his eye*...

Yay, Teresa is back!

She looked down at the blue and pink vials of liquid that filled the small side-table beside the main working area. Upon it were arrayed enough antidotes, night eye, and shock resistance potions for a small army.

Hmm, all I can come up with is a cave full of spider daedra. I wonder what these are for.

It was great to get a mention of each guild member in the context of how they have reacted to T&T’s relationship. It reminded me who everyone is and also filled in the social climate both within the guild and in the greater TF.

I was happy to see Teresa comparing her own physique favorably to that of her beloved Tadrose. I suspect that her idea of the feminine ideal is another misguided inheritance from former prostitute Simplicia. It was great to see Teresa moving toward embracing her own standard of beauty.

Woooo Teresa is back! Great to see this continued.

Good part to set things going again, the last phase is over and the next is beginning. The potions link right back through the whole story but also forward and form a nice continuity. Shock shield, antidotes and night eye, tantalising mix against the backdrop of war with Summerset Isle. Shock shield to avoid mages, antidote... well an obvious point for invasion would be Valenwood and forests have poisonous things in them? Getting a bit tenuous there though, can't wait to see what Pappy has to say.

The quick run through the guild members was well done and refreshed my memory.

Then a charming attempt to choose what to wear. Most enjoyable and look forward to the next part.

Glad to see Teresa hasn't changed in the intervening period. She's still indecisive, but makes the right decisions in the end. Which usually turns out to be what she first thought of.

Tell her not to worry about scars. Judging by the preparations going on, they'll all have them soon, and she'll have a head start when they compare them afterward.

TERESA! Woo! This makes me so happy.

Hm, I wonder what it is that Pappy has to tell everybody. It makes me a bit nervous.

It's nice to see that (most) everyone in the guild is so supportive of T&T. This strikes me as cute, in a naive sort of way:


It seems she is very unfamiliar with the inside of many men's heads. Way to go, Teresa, haha!

That's a great pic of our favorite red-headed faintly smiling Bosmer. She is lovely, scars and all.

So good to have you back, Subrosa!

Chapter 42.6 : I'm...I'm not crying, darn those onion cutting Ninjas

Chapter 43.1:


Teresa should wear those "flaws" proudly! A few scars here and there just show that she has had experience! Well as long as Tadrose does not mind
Granted, I myself just put on what fits, So I have never gone through what Teresa has.

Men need to read a romance every now and then. I would think it would be a bit of learning experience, actually, if you've never done it. But yea, I agree...this is a really good story. Wish I had more freekin' time to read it.

Yeah! Teresa’s back!

Night eye, shock resistance, and antidotes. Armor inspections. What’s Pappy got in store for them? A reminder of Bruma. Pappy’s not letting that happen again. Who survived that? Was it just him and Tadrose?

Interesting, Morghak is clearly uncomfortable, or disapproving of Teresa’s relationship. I know little of orcs in Tamriel, so I will have to learn more about that as it is revealed. The men, well, there’s no surprise!

Haha, good choice. Wear the velvet dress, she doesn’t need to impress anyone.

I'm back, and I'm caught up!

What can I say? 'Blivion's globes, it's about fetching time! Good job girl!

Scars? Who cares? I like scars. No, I love 'em. On men as well as wimmen. Hmm, I don't think I have a single female character who doesn't have scars. I even have a couple having a scar collection competition! So Teresa shouldn't be ashamed of hers. They're a mark of her courage and to be worn (and shown off) with pride.

It's funny, I was reading a history of swordsmanship (fencing) the other day. Came across this interesting tidbit - in Germany in the late 1800's - early 1900's, dueling was such a rage that a man wasn't considered a man until he had a great big ugly dueling scar on his face. The uglier the better. Hmmm, now those kinds of scars don't appeal to me at all. I prefer the ones that are come by honestly.

Jacki Dice: Most of the guild did see it coming. Although maybe not after Teresa's little tantrum in the sitting room last chapter. Or perhaps because of it.


Acadian: You hit it all on the head. Teresa's uncertainties warring with her confidence was definitely the heart of that episode.


McBadgere: Women tend to be hypercritical of their appearance because everyone instantly judges us by it. There is an old saying, "Men are judged by the work they do, women by how they look." Even in the modern age, this still hold true.


Grits: Not spider daedra, though a cave is about right. Keep guessing!

I almost took out those paragraphs of Teresa ruminating on people's reactions because it strikes me as too much telling rather than showing. But it appears to be worked, seeing how many people have commented on it.


Olen: I am glad to get going again. This chapter is a huge one. The only one larger is the Tournament of Archers. So it took a long time to get done. Of course the plus side is this also means that it will take all summer for me to post it.


ghastley: Isn't it funny how the first thing you think of is usually the right choice? That is actually something I learned in school about taking tests.


RainbowVeins: I would not call it naive that most of the guild does not care about T&T's relationship. Keep in mind that this is not the Real World, and does not possess the same things which promote homophobia. Two hundred years from Teresa's time, two guys getting married is not even remarkable in Tamriel.

Although I kind of dispute that. I do not see ES marriages as being like modern RL ones, where people get married for true love and expect bliss with their partner. I see ES marriages as being the way it was in the old days of RL. No one expected to love their spouse, or even know them. You got married because it was an economic, social, and political alliance between families. Even more importantly, to have kids and establish a legal line of succession for the inheritance of property and titles. Now a days we do not think like that. But a few hundred years ago it was a very big deal.

I see the latter as being the biggest cause of negativity for gay relationships in Tamriel. They would not be seen as serious, but rather as adolescent flings. Worse, if they prevent someone from marrying and having kids with a person of the opposite sex, then it is failure in your duty to your family. Given the shorter lifespans of humans, I imagine them to take things like that much more seriously then elves. An elf can spend a few centuries playing the field before settling down and starting a family. Humans obviously do not have that luxury.

Sorry, don't meant to preach. I really don't want to turn this into a political or social essay. I'm just explaining the background behind people's reactions.


Fawkes: It will be a long time before Teresa can learn to be comfortable with her body. That is a hard thing for any woman to do, let alone one with a history of low-self esteem. Granted, Tadrose does not have to learn to be comfortable with Teresa's body...


Lady Saga: It probably would be a learning experience. Especially in the "things not to do" column, since every standard romance entails the guy screwing things up royally about half way through, and then spending the rest of the story trying to win the girl back.


King Coin: Funny you mentioned Bruma, because one of the characters is going to do that soon as well. You are almost right on the survivors of Bruma. It was Pappy, Tadrose, and Vincent. Valerius was there also, but not with the guild. He fought with the other knights in the cavalry.


haute ecole rider: A while ago I read the autobiography of Otto Skorzeny. He was in one of those fencing clubs. They did not use fencing foils, but rather heavy sabers. The primary move was a great downward hack at the other guy's head. That is how he got that doosy of a scar across his face.


Previously on Teresa of the Faint Smile: Or last episode found Teresa at the Fighters Guild hall. She finished up after spending the afternoon brewing potions in a special order from Pappy. Afterward she went to her room to chance for a special dinner he was making for all of the guild.


Chapter 43.2 – Hand of Fire

Teresa walked into the dining room, and found Tadrose setting out the last of a score of plates and utensils. The dark elf's face lit up with a smile when she turned to see Teresa in the doorway. The wood elf made an effort to avoid looking down at the scars that marred her shoulder and breast, which she knew were plainly visible above the plunging neckline of her velvet gown. Instead she kept her eyes locked upon those of the dark elf, and found herself practically falling into the other woman's arms a moment later.

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Teresa wrapped her arms around the Dunmer's neck as they embraced. She closed her eyes, and delighted in the feeling of Tadrose's lips upon her own. She opened her mouth, and their tongues danced with one another. A moan of pleasure rose from deep within her body, and with one hand she reached down to gently caress the Dunmer's breast through the soft blue velvet of her own gown.

One of Tadrose's arms clutched her tightly around the waist. The other rose to take hold of the back of her head. Teresa found the other woman holding her even more tightly, and reveled in the feeling. They continued to kiss, and her hand became more insistent upon the firm mound of the Dunmer's breast.

Finally, Teresa found the will to pull her lips away from the other woman. She inhaled deeply, and stared into Tadrose's eyes.

"I missed you this afternoon," she breathed.

"I can tell," Tadrose practically giggled, and leaned her forehead forward to touch Teresa's. "I missed you too."

"We should stop," Teresa said. "Someone might walk in at any moment."

"You are right, we should," Tadrose agreed. Still, she made no move to let go. Nor did the wood elf.

"People will talk," Teresa said. She could not stop herself from playful rubbing her nose against that of the Dunmer.

"They already are," The dark elf replied. Then her lips moved forward again, and Teresa found herself swept away in the armorer's kiss. The sound of booted feet in the hallway outside brought her back to reality however. She let go of Tadrose, and the two women stepped away from one another. Teresa smoothed down her hair with one hand, and hoped that it was not a mess. She wished for a mirror, and dabbed at the skin under her lips with the other hand, to wipe away any smudged lipstick.

She sat down just before Chance and Vincent walked in. The Breton wore a green doublet of fine linen over a white shirt and dark trousers. The Redguard was decked out in a similar doublet of soft burgundy, along with an indigo shirt and pants. Valerius trailed the pair, and was resplendent in a cream-colored velvet stitched with cloth of gold.

Immediately upon walking into the dining room, the Breton and Redguard began whispering to one another. Given the way their eyes were locked upon her and Tadrose, Teresa had little doubt about whom they were speaking. They sat down across from Teresa, still going back and forth in their private conversation, until finally Tadrose interrupted.

"Perhaps you two would like to spend some time alone together?" the dark elf said with a smile. Then she sat down beside Teresa, and the wood elf had to fight to keep her hand from reaching out to take that of Tadrose.

"We're just won-" Vincent's words were cut off when Valerius sat down beside the Breton and elbowed him in the ribs.

"Oh, my pardon good man," the Colovian knight said with an utter lack of sincerity. "I must have slipped."

"What Vincent meant-" Now Chance spoke up, but he too was interrupted when Valerius loudly cleared his throat and reached for the wine.

"Is this Tamika's, 412?" he said. "That was a good year."

"You may as well concede Valerius. There is no need to dissemble for those two." Tadrose shook her head, and turned her gaze from the aristocrat to the other two men. "Go ahead and spit it out. We are dying to hear your words of wisdom."

"Well, we were just wondering you see," Vincent paused to shoot a wary gaze at the knight beside him. "Well, I mean, it's about…"

"What he's trying to say is that we have a bet going," Chance spoke up.

"And…" Teresa found herself speaking. She had no doubt that whatever the pair were up to, it would be juvenile, and directed at her relationship with Tadrose.

"Whose bed did you two sleep in last night?" Vincent spat out with a grin.

Teresa sighed, and closed her eyes. Here it comes, she thought. The taunts, the jeers, the insults. If only they could have kept things a secret. The last thing she expected to hear was Tadrose's saucy reply.

"Who says we slept?"

The two men burst out laughing and slapping the table. Valerius covered his mouth with one hand, and made a show of coughing. But his eyes danced with mirth. Even Teresa herself could not prevent the ghost of a smile from crossing her lips.

"Aww come on," Chance said as soon as he caught his breath. "You have to tell us. There's money on the line here!"

"You bet on that?" Teresa shook her head. Yet within, she breathed a sigh of relief. There was no rancor in her guildmate's eyes. They were just being their usual irreverent - and gambling - selves.

"We didn't just bet on it," Vincent insisted. "In fact, we both swore by Zenithar when we put our drakes up."

"So you see it's really a holy mission," Chance declared. "You wouldn't stand between a man and the gods would you?"

"I expect that Zenithar shall be going home empty-handed." The fighters all looked up to see Ancondil enter the room, with Storm-Tail in tow. The Orisimer was resplendent in azure velvet, and the Argonian was clad in simpler green and brown linen. They crossed the room and sat down beside Teresa.

"Really gentlemen, I cannot believe you actually broached the subject." Ancondil said. As usual, Storm-Tail did not say a word, or make any sound at all.

"I attempted to dissuade them," Valerius insisted. "But to no avail."

"Hey, we never said we were gentlemen!" Vincent grinned, and looked at Teresa and Tadrose. "But if you two ever need help with, you know… I'll be glad to jump right in and finish you both off!"

"Vincent!" Ancondil exclaimed with wide eyes. Even Chance covered his face with the palm of his hand. Valerius however, did something with the Breton's chair, and the next thing they all saw was the Vincent flying backwards onto the floor.

Tadrose just laughed. Teresa was not sure how to react. On one hand, she could not believe the Breton had said that. But then she felt Tadrose's fingers slip over her own and clasp tightly. She could not help but to smile, and looked from Tadrose to the Breton's feet, which now jutted up from the floor.

"Don't forget to bring your cucumber." Teresa was amazed at the words spilling from her lips. She smiled even wider when Tadrose let go of her hand and clapped her on the back. The dark elf's arm lingered much longer than necessary, and slipped comfortably around her shoulders. Teresa wanted to lean in closer, and put her head on Tadrose's shoulder. Instead she reached down under the table with her hand, and gently stroked the Dunmer's leg.

"Oww!" Vincent cried, still laying back on the floor and legs jutting up in the air. "Someone get me a healer!"

"Don't you know when to shut up?" Chance murmured as he leaned down to help the Breton up. "Heal your damn self you idiot. You're lucky she didn't shoot you."

Vincent glared at Valerius as he righted his chair and climbed back to a sitting position. He rubbed the back of his head with one hand. "Now what was that for?" he complained.

The patrician just shrugged in return, as if he had no idea what had happened. "It must be a defective chair," he said with a straight face. "I suggest you take it to a carpenter for examination."

"What did Vincent break this time?" Morghak strode into the room like a goddess of destruction. She was dressed in black leather and furs. The hooks and buttons of the outfit were made from little bones, and bracelets of fangs hung from her wrists. The only thing out of place was the finely-crafted gold necklace she wore, which bore a pendant in the shape of an eagle with wings outstretched. Other than that she looked every inch the ferocious barbarian, a stark contrast to the other - finely clad - members of the guild.

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"His head nearly," Chance muttered.

"Yeah well, nothing important then right?" Vincent winked at the orc. The tall, muscle-bound woman glanced over at Teresa and Tadrose. Then she walked to the opposite side of the table. She paused behind Vincent's chair, and lay one hand on the back of his head.

"Does that hurt?"

"Aye, it's a little sore," the Breton said.

"Good." The orc snapped her fingers out against the side of Vincent's skull, and the Breton flinched with a grimace. "Pain makes you strong little man."

Teresa sighed, and closed her eyes. Here it comes, she thought. The taunts, the jeers, the insults. If only they could have kept things a secret. The last thing she expected to hear was Tadrose's saucy reply.

"Who says we slept?"



It's nice to see that Tadrose knows exactly how to deal with the men! And I can definitely see her and Lilitu getting along very well! (Not in a romancy way, in a smart mouth way)

I rather quite enjoyed the little byplay with the boys here. They (especially Vincent) were their usual - ahem - immature selves where the subject of T&T's love life is concerned. It's good to see them being so honest about their curiosity. Well, Valerius was a bit more mature, but still . . . !

"Don't forget to bring your cucumber."

Teresa gives a fine lesson in the meeting inappropriate comment with like.

Some good dialogue there, always fun to read the guild interactions. To be different I'm going to pick up on Storm-tail here. I should imagine he's wondering what all the fuss is about given that Argonian women (assuning that's what he's into - multiple different species presumably complicates things) lay eggs... Though he's appearing more so I wonder if we're going to find out more about this enigmatic character. I do wonder why he's silent and what he does. They all have their reasons for being there, but we've yet to really see him.

And then there's Morghak, bones and bracelets of fangs. She seems to be becoming rather more orcish.

Kisses. Then smiles all around. Nice job with the dynamics among Teresa’s brothers and sisters in arms. I liked the comfortable back and forth. I'm pleased that T&T did not receive hushed whispers and awkward stares. In fact, had the happy couple been, say, Teresa and Ancondil (as Tadrose once feared) I expect the teasing would have taken a similar path only with different questions and jokes.

As always, I love Ancondil here and I'm liking Morghak very much as well - but then I have a soft spot for orcs.

I’m looking forward to Pappy’s entrance with the hope that he will shed some light on this mysterious mission or contract ahead of the guild. Oh and some good chow as well!

The wood elf made an effort to avoid looking down at the scars that marred her shoulder and breast, which she knew were plainly visible above the plunging neckline of her velvet gown.

The dark elf's face lit up with a smile when she turned to see Teresa in the doorway.

Tadrose doesn’t mind Teresa, with what comes next and her own scars that were previously mentioned. The men of the guild just missed it!

Loved the chaos as the other members showed up. Tadrose showed Teresa how to deal with them. And Valerius’ maneuver with the chair and denial of responsibility was hilarious!

Is it me or is it warm in here?... ...

Aamywho... ...

That was just funny that was... ...

Tadrose giving everything right back to the chaps was just excellent...And then Teresa joining in as well...

Love the way noone gave a monkeys really, except whether they were happy...Brilliantly done there!!...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

Slightly surprised at Morghak not commenting on Teresa's scars. She'd view them as enhancing her, not as a flaw.

Vincent needs to work on his situational awareness. A good fighter shouldn't have fallen for that one, and the others should let him know that. Hopefully he's learned something. Maybe Pappy should have him practice falling off his chair without hurting himself?

"I missed you this afternoon," she breathed.

No kidding! It’s nice to see that things are hot between the two of them after all of that longing.

I love how Chance and Vincent started whispering as soon as they came through the door. That made me think that they were going to be awkward and uncomfortable. Then when the teasing started, it was a huge relief! Thankfully Teresa gave as well as she got, right along with Tadrose.

"Good." The orc snapped her fingers out against the side of Vincent's skull, and the Breton flinched with a grimace. "Pain makes you strong little man."

Nice to see Morghak hassling Vincent in all of her orcish glory. I love her description as a goddess of destruction. Quite a contrast to the velvet-clad Ancondil. Now I’m ready for Pappy to make an entrance!

Jacki Dice: Yep, Tadrose knows exactly how to give it back when it comes to banter. I am sure she was taught the fine arts of verbal sparring when she was a young noble back in Morrowind.


haute ecole rider: That was a fun episode to write, specifically because of the boys being boys.


Olen: Teresa has indeed been learning. The Fighters Guild has given her a great deal of confidence, enough to sling back crude comments of her own these days!

Storm-Tail's behaviour is something I have based around RL reptiles such as crocodiles. They can be absolutely still for hours, and then explode into sudden action. So most of the time Storm-Tail keeps that silent and still exterior, just waiting and watching the world go by around them. I am not really sure what he thinks of all this romance business either to be honest. The game is unclear on exactly how that works with Argonians, or if they even reproduce though sex at all. The game says they are descended from the Hist trees, and I believe some sources suggest that is what they are born from as well.


Acadian: I am sure the teasing would have been little different if it had been Ancondil and Teresa! Vincent and Chance will take any opportunity to let their young maleness out, especially Vincent. Pappy's entrance and good chow coming next!


King Coin: I am glad Valerius and the chair was funny. I was afraid it might come across as being too extreme. This being the Fighters Guild, they tend to be extreme and physical though...


McBadgere: Sadly, no more scenes quite as warm as that one in the rest of the chapter. But there will be more excellent interactions between members of the guild.


ghastley: Morghak did congratulate Teresa on her scars several chapters ago, before she related the story of her doomed relationship with Agronak. With the way Vincent puts his foot in his mouth, I'd say he needs to practice all forms of self-defense. Maybe starting by learning a shield spell.


Grits: T&T are in that new-relationship/everything is hot stage you get when you first meet someone. So expect lots of physical interaction in the near future.

Morghak was fun to write there, precisely because of how she is such a contrast to the cultured Ancondil. She is an old-school orc, and it is good to let that out sometimes.


Previously On Teresa Of The Faint Smile: Our last episode saw Teresa meet Tadrose and the other members of the guild in the dining room. Her relationship with Tadrose was the subject of much good-natured teasing by Chance and Vincent, but both of the elves gave back the banter in equal measure. Next, Pappy makes his entrance, and several guests arrive.


Chapter 43.3 – Hand of Fire

"Will you meatheads stop picking on Vincent?" Pappy's voice came out from the doorway to the kitchen. "He was born that way, he can't help it."

The guild commander was dressed in black and gold linen, and wiped his hands with a rag. "Now we've got company coming, so I want everyone on their best behavior. That means no shooting dice on the table during dinner!" First he stared at Chance. Then he turned his gaze to Vincent "No jokes about naked werewolves and their staffs!" Finally he set his eyes upon Teresa and Tadrose. "And you two… just keep your clothes on until dinner's over alright?"

Teresa felt her cheeks flush warm as laughter rose from around the table. Tadrose gave her one last welcome hug with her arm, then let her hand drop under the table. The armorer's fingers clasped around hers, and her face glowed with a smile. Clearly, she was not embarrassed. Nor did anyone else appear to be.

"So we shall be entertaining guests?" Ancondil asked as the last of the chuckles died away.

"I presume they are part of this contract we are all preparing for?" Valerius added.

"Aye," Pappy nodded, and leaned back against the doorframe. "We got a battlemage coming from the Mages Guild to help us out on this one." That brought more than one raised eyebrow from around the table. Teresa could count the number of missions they had performed with help subcontracted to Mages Guild on one hand. She had been on none of those contracts however. She wondered what it would be like, to work with a battlemage trained at the Arcane University?

"Is it Delphine?" Vincent asked. His mirth had vanished, and now his face was all business.

"No," the guild commander shook his head. "She's already on another job, out of the city. We are getting new meat, some girl named-"

"Saya." Everyone's head turned to the far doorway. Standing within it was a Dunmer in gleaming black velvet and lace. Her torso was hugged by a corset of black leather, faced with panels of silk embroidered in a twisting floral pattern. Her long, straight hair was milky white, and parted to one side. Red eyes burned from eye sockets shaded black, and her lips gleamed with the same color. Even her fingernails were lacquered with a glimmering shade of ebony.

"Saya Aren."

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Teresa felt her breath catch in her throat as the Dunmer sauntered into the room. She did not walk, so much as glide across the floor. Her hips swung like a bell as she moved, and the wood elf noted that she planted her feet heel to toe with each step. The high heels of her court shoes clicked on the floor as she sidled up next to Chance, and Teresa realized that she was holding her breath as the battlemage sat down beside the Redguard.

By Dibella, why could she not look like that? Saya was everything a woman was supposed to be. Her body was an hourglass of plump breasts, narrow waist, and wide hips. All were even more accentuated by the corset she wore. Her skin was smooth and appeared to be soft as silk. Her every motion was made with grace and refinement. Most of all her eyes, those deep red eyes, burned with the promise of sensual delights.

Teresa hated her already.

"And you are?" Saya said, staring deeply into Chance's eyes.

"Scum and Villainy," Pappy said before the Redguard could respond. "Actually he's scum," the guild commander fist gestured to Vincent, and then pointed to Chance. "He's villainy."

"Good," Saya replied coolly. Her gaze went from Pappy and back to Chance. "I like scoundrels."

"Well then Saya," Chance took her hand and gently kissed it. "Let me be the first scoundrel to welcome you to the Fighters Guild. I'm looking forward to working - closely - with you." His eyes never left those of Saya, nor were his fingers in any hurry to stray from hers.

"Cool your heatstones loverboy." Pappy laughed, tossing the rag at Chance. "We've got business to talk about."

"And food too," Morghak said. "You promised us a meal."

"And you'll have it," Pappy replied. "Once our last two guests arrive. I think that might be them now."

The sound of footsteps came from the hallway outside, and a moment later Tavian ushered in a pair of men who could scarcely be more unalike. The first was a squat Breton whose skin was lined and weathered with age. His beard was snowy white, as was the hair that spilled out from under the brim of his wide hat. He was dressed in worn and dirty buckskins, and a hand axe was tucked into his belt. He lumbered into the room like a tired animal. But the old man did not look feeble to Teresa's eyes. Rather he appeared as tough as the leather of his shoes.

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The man who followed him was tall and slender, dressed in fine red velvet and silk. He had the olive skin of a Nibenean, and his jet black hair and goatee were short and neatly trimmed. Teresa imagined his features were what most women considered handsome. He was young, perhaps only a few years older than Chance and Vincent. But unlike them, his hands were not callused from weapons, nor was his skin bronzed from exercise in the sun.

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"Well dip me in moose dung!" the old Breton exclaimed as his eyes set upon Pappy. "If it isn't Centurion Vitellus!"

"Mad Josse Kermor!" Pappy grinned, and strode across the room to shake hands with the older man, and slapped one hand across his back. "I didn't even know you were in Cyrodiil. I thought you were down in Valenwood, working with the Third as a civilian scout?"

"Well I was," the Breton said. "But you might say I had me a little misunderstanding with that legate of theirs. I thought it'd be politic to make tracks, afore anything untoward happened to my skin. So I mosied on over this a' ways."

"That Mede is a snake in the grass," the guild commander said. "What'd you do? Piss in his best brandy?"

"Well, you might say so," the Breton began. "I said he was an idjit in one o' his war councils. What with the way he was pullin' troops out o' Summerset for no good reason. That was afore all the trouble with the goldenrods o' course."

The Nibenean beside the pair cleared his throat, and Pappy turned to offer his hand. "You must be the Lady's agent then?"

"Indeed commander," Teresa wondered if she saw the young Imperial wince under Pappy's handshake? She felt sorry for the man, who plainly a bureaucrat. She knew all too well the strength the Colovian fighter possessed. After all, she had endured the same iron grip her first day at the guild as well. "Laberius Maesa, at your service."

Pappy released the unfortunate parchment knight, and turned to introduce each of the members of the guild in turn. He bid them all to sit, and waved for Tavian to follow him back into the kitchen. The pair emerged a moment later with platters piled high with food, and set them upon the table.

There were kabobs loaded with cubes of roasted lamb, onion, peppers, eggplant, and mushrooms. Chicken shawarma mixed with hummus and pine nuts filled a wide bowl. Another was loaded with fattoush salad, and finally came a platter of deep-fried falafel balls packed into pockets of pita bread, and laced with tahini paste.

"By Zeht's plow!" Chance exclaimed as he reached for a kabob. "This is just like home!"

"I thought you might like a little taste of Hammerfell," Pappy said as he eased into a chair. "It's been a while since I made Redguard food. I didn't want to lose my touch."

"You'll never lose that old man," Vincent mumbled around a mouthful of shawarma. "Damn, this stuff is good."

Teresa ladled fattoush and falafel onto her plate, while Tadrose filled their glasses with Tamika's. She started with the salad, making note of the fried chips of pita bread. She imagined that would be the only difficult part to make. The rest was simply lettuce and other vegetables, such as cucumbers, onions, radishes, olives, and peppers. She made a mental note to have Pappy show her how he prepared the bread chips. Once she knew that, she could make it herself.

"Shall we be joined by another?" Laberius looked at the plate which Tavian had prepared, in front of an empty chair.

The table grew silent. Teresa found herself staring at the empty chair. For a moment she saw Marius sitting there in his mail armor. He leaned forward with his elbows on the table, chin resting on his folded hands. A soft smile crested his features, and his eyes sparkled as they looked back at Teresa.

Then he was gone.

"That space is for those ones who are no longer with us." It was Storm-Tail who broke the silence. Teresa was not sure if it was only her imagination, but his voice sounded even harsher than normal for Argonian vocal chords. "These ones never forget our own."

Teresa could easily imagine whom Storm-Tail must see in that chair. Tadrose had told her about his father Morning-Star - one of the many guild members who had fallen at Bruma. She knew that it was his father's armor and sword that Storm-Tail carried in battle, and she had no doubt that he was the reason that the Argonian had joined the guild.

Teresa glanced at Tadrose beside her, and saw that the Dunmer was also staring at the chair with a faraway look. In fact, so too did the other Bruma survivors - Vincent, Pappy, and Valerius. Who did they see in that chair? How many old friends had joined them tonight?

"Well I gotta say, this here Hammerfell fare sure beats week-old corn-dodgers!" Mad Josse broke the somber mood by speaking through a mouth full of shawarma.

"Corn dodgers?" Ancondil asked, "What pray tell might those be?"

"Balls of hot water cornbread," the aging Breton answered. "Made by Miss Nilawen herself at The Fair Deal."

"Why on Nirn are they called that?" the Dunmer battlemage asked.

"Well, 'cause they're usually dodging corn whiskey in my stomach!"

The table erupted in laughter. While chuckling herself, Teresa made a mental note to try to talk to Nilawen and get her recipe as well. She might make a batch of them for her next trip into the forest.

"So how is it that we have such excellent company tonight Pappy?" Chance's gaze went from the curvy Dunmer beside him, to the guild commander at the head of the table.

"Aye," Morghak said, "and why is it we spent all afternoon sharpening up stakes?"

"It's like Bruma isn't it?" Vincent said seriously. "We're taking on so many we need to make fortifications. Is it the high elves?"

"All right, all right you meatheads." Pappy raised his hands for silence. When the table had finally quieted down, he set his hands back on the table. "We have a contract alright, and for the entire guild this time. And no, we're not going to war, not with Summerset at least."

"Last week goblins overran the Lady Scaurus' gold mine, off of the Green Road north of here. They killed or drove off all the miners, and set up shop in the mine. We've been hired to take it back."

"Is this not a mission for the City Guard?" Ancondil asked, "or the Imperial Legion?"

"The Count is unable to lend assistance," Laberius Maesa spoke up, "and the Legion's resources are stretched too thinly to take action. That is why the Lady has elected to contract your guild's services."

"Count Terentus has troops stationed in the villages less than a day away," Valerius declared sourly, "yet he refuses to budge them."

"Why not?" Chance asked. "I mean he's a drunken fetcher for sure, but if he's got the manpower right there…"

"The Count is jealous of Lady Scaurus," Tadrose said quietly. "The city loves her, from prole to patrician. While everyone hates him."

"Aye," Valerius agreed. "Terentus would love to see the Lady suffer. Even now the fetcher must be laughing in his cups."

"Are we aware of the numbers we shall be facing?" Ancondil asked, rubbing one hand thoughtfully against his chin.

"Eighty to a hundred," Tadrose replied. "Possibly more."

Vincent whistled loudly. "That's a whole tribe of the bounders, or near to it."

"Given the numbers, shall your guild be sufficient for this undertaking commander?" Maesa inquired. "Perhaps we should acquire more men first?"

"We don't need more fighters," Morghak rumbled. "Just show us where they are, and we'll show you a hundred dead goblins."

"Aye," Tadrose agreed. "Have no fears, our guild is more then up to the task. Our chapter has defeated far greater threats, alone and together."

A hundred goblins! Teresa's mind whirled. Just three of them had nearly killed her in the Imperial City sewers! How could they stand a chance against so many?

Yet when she looked at Tadrose and Pappy, she found no sign of bluster or uncertainty in their eyes. Rather their faces were set with absolute certainty in the capability of the guild.

In Teresa's mind's eye, their soft clothing was replaced by armor of human and merish steel. A glance across the table showed the rest of her guild likewise attired for war. She thought of them all standing together, as they did in drill every morning on the practice field. Just like that, her doubts melted away.

They could do it. They would do it. Nothing could stand against her guild. Not when they stood and fought as one. Teresa looked back to Laberius Maesa, her eyes just as certain and determined as those of Tadrose and Pappy. "We are the best chapter in the Fighters Guild," she declared. "You can tell the Lady Scaurus that her mine shall be back in her hands shortly."

Uncle Jessie!!... ...

And Henry the eighth in the same scene!!...Hell yeah!!...

Oooh Daisy Duke...*Sigh*...

*Cough*...

Aaaamywho...

Loved this chapter...Looking forward to seeing more of the new girl...She's cute!... ...

Liked muchly the idea of the empty chair for those lost at Bruma...Very cool that...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

I wonder how long before Teresa’s skin will thicken some. I’m sure she’s always going to be like that, but with her guild she can grow comfortable with them.

Teresa is staring! Don’t give Tadrose the wrong idea!

Everyone gets dressed up and Pappy serves kabobs? Not what I consider classy food. Perhaps it is different in Cyrodiil.

I love it that the empty chair was heavily featured. The Bruma survivors must see many.

Goblins. Not quite what I was expecting, but it sounds like there are plenty of them.

This was sort of funny in a dark way. I wonder how much trouble she's going to cause, and if she's any good. Smooth skin suggests she doesn't spend that much time in realistic training, or that she's very good and cooks anyhting before it gets near... I can't see Pappy not testing her first though. Chance is typical, though she's trouble that one I suspect.


This has to be one of the best introductions I've read. Brilliant line and it already says so much about the character. I suspect Mad Josse will be a lot of fun, though I do wonder what he is doing there.

The beurocrat is entertainingly out of place. I suspect he's there for a reason though. I'm sure we'll find out.

A hundred goblins? This promises to be quite the fight. Am I the only one thinking gas?