It took me a couple of reads before I saw what it was that made this episode stand out. Teresa missed her target twice! (OK, so one of her misses took out a random necrodude, but not Jalbert) She's fallible, but she still wins, because she's got the best team behind her.

Aela turns the Lich, then Chance whacks Jalbert. Kind of makes the horses' unintended revenge on Mael insignificant, but I liked that too.

And the sword itself is still in Teresa's bag, to threaten more nastiness next time.

In the last one…

Ugh, Teresa really got the crappy job. No amount of magic makes it OK to swim in poo. I thought it was a great touch that she was under the wrong privy. I mean, it would be almost impossible to get exactly the right one from that angle. Just another way you make the story so (in this case yuckily) real.

Then she felt her. Not in the still flesh stretched out on the floor. But within the grip of the terrible blade that had taken Pompeia's life. It felt warm now, as if it was filled with her love, with her anger, with her laughter, and with her tears. A whispering came to her ears, just loud enough to hear, but not enough for Teresa to make out the words. All that she could tell for certain, was that it was Pompeia…
This part was one of the most beautifully haunting things I’ve read. Awesome.


This episode…

"You know, you can cause harm by casting that spell too much…" Mael observed dryly.
I like that magic use has consequences, some of them not so good.

"You have already met the real Mael. He was one of the worm anchorites you destroyed in Anutwyll."
Oh wow, now I know it’s the real endgame! That whole fight that followed was full of cheer-inducing moments! What a great adventure!

And an ending for Chance as he avengers his father. Awesome.

46.3
there was Chance, who seemed to have glued himself to Methredhel
HA! Chance might be taking some chances, staying that close to a thief! He might find his pockets empty!

I see where Teresa got the sewage taste from. Lovely.

Excellent idea with the gauntlets. I wonder what would happen if someone were to touch it?

46.4
"Oh, he is a savage!"
This line made me laugh so hard! That ridiculous stereotypical homosexual voice popped right in my head as I was reading. That was fun listening to their conversation.

The different magicks to knock out the workers! I enjoyed that part. Now hopefully the workers don’t come in all at once.

mALX: I imagine overcasting the Bloom spell would be just like excessive hand-washing. Eventually it starts to do bad things to your skin. Too much of any good thing usually turns out to be bad.

You had me laughing at the idea of the startled family!


Acadian: It was indeed Nerussa who taught Teresa her faithful Bloom. Where would she be without it?

I could not resist Mael being ultimately done in by the very horses he conned the stable out of.

I tried to keep the reminder of Chance's own history with Jalbert brief - so it would not interrupt the flow of the story. But I did want to make sure some mention of it was made, since it was a long time ago that Chance learned who killed his father and swore vengeance.


ghastley: I do want to keep Teresa from seeming too overpowered. She will not be changing her name to Mary Sue any time soon! But also Jalbert was just too important a villain for his demise to be so simple as a single arrow. He has been the driving force behind the trolls that attacked Teresa on the road and killed Marius, the goblins taking over Lady Scaurus' mine, and of course this whole move against the count in Bravil. I wanted Jalbert's demise to be appropriately satisfying to match his dastardlyness.


Grits: Ugh is definitely right. Swimming in poo is still swimming in poo. I am glad it came across as unpleasant as it did.

I am also glad that Soul's Rattle - and Pompeia's soul within - came across as hauntingly tragic, since that was the goal. I wanted it to be more than just scary, but sad as well, for what it did to people's lives.

I guess Chance is the First Avenger, one of Bravil's Mightiest Heroes, that sort of thing...


King Coin: I think Chance is willing to take that chance, if he is going to have a chance with Methie!

The savage line was meant to be funny. I have tried to portray Ungarion as light-hearted and flamboyant. All based upon his in-game greeting of "Take a chance on the Warlock's Luck!" He is definitely a "let a smile be your umbrella" kind of guy. Which makes him very fun to write.

The different based magics were part of how I wanted to illustrate that while Aela and Ungarion are both University trained mages, their usages of magic are very different. I wanted to make sure each felt unique.


Previously On Teresa Of The Faint Smile: Our last episode found Teresa and Mael leaving the city, with Soul's Rattle hidden in Teresa's Thieves Bag. However, once out of sight, Mael stopped and demanded that Teresa hand over the sword. A group of necromancers emerged from the forest to back him up, including Jalbert and Drels Theran. But a quick arrow from an invisible Methredhel saved Teresa, and she was able to flee to cover while the rest of her team also sprang into view and attacked the necros. During the ensuing battle Teresa was knocked nearly senseless by a Thu'um wielding Draugr, only to find Jalbert standing over her when she came around. However, before the necro could finish Teresa off, Chance appeared behind him and smashed his head into putty. Thus did Chance avenge his father, who had been killed by Jalbert at Vilverin.


Chapter 46.9 – Methredhel's Eleven

But the din of battle snapped Teresa out of her reverie, and Chance as well. The Redguard warrior let his mace dangle from its leather wrist strap, and reached down to help Teresa to her feet. Pulling an arrow from her gorytos, Teresa took the time to poison it. Then she trotted back to the road with Chance at her side.

They found Ancondil and Valerius on foot at their end of the road, and their horses nervously waiting farther away to north. There was no sign of the lich which Aela had taken control of, and Teresa wondered what could have destroyed a creature so powerful?

Chance and Teresa ran out to meet the other fighters, and the three warriors formed up into a line to engage the two skeletons and the Nordic zombie. Ancondil parried a blow of the zombie's longsword upon the haft of his hammer - Persuader - and pushed it down toward the ground. The Orisimer giant followed with a quick jab from Persuader's butt. Yet the Nordic monster was unfazed by the blow. Chance and Valerius parried and countered their opponent's blows as well, but seemed evenly matched with the skeletons. In the meantime the forester circled around the fight, to get a clear shot at the necromancers beyond.

The skull-robes were grouped in the center of the road now. One of the necromancers wrestled with another, his ebony dagger seeking his erstwhile comrade's warm flesh. But a third reached down to grab the knifeman with a flash of purple energy, and just like that he stopped fighting his friend, and climbed to his feet.

Far beyond them stood Kud-Ei, Methredhel, Aela, and Ungarion. The Argonian guild magister flung a green spiral into the necromancer who had stopped the infighting among them. The skull-robe went stiff as a board, and pitched over onto the paving stones. But a moment later the dagger-armed necromancer flung a bolt of purple energy into his paralyzed companion, and she once more found the ability to move.

Kud-Ei was using her command and paralyze spells, Teresa thought. While they did not permanently harm any of the necromancers, it did take them out of the fight. That time was used to good effect by Methredhel, who fired arrow after arrow into the dread zombie that lurched toward her and the mages.

Aela stood with one hand out, creating a wide disc of energy that shimmered in the air before her like a body shield. Ungarion crouched beside the Breton Witch, and a moment later a ball of fire splashed upon Aela's ward, erupting into an inferno that surrounded the pair. Yet when the flames cleared, the two were revealed to be unharmed. Ungarion stepped out and blasted his own fire into the nearby zombie. Teresa did not see the salamander that the high elf had summoned at the beginning of the battle, and imagined that like the lich, it had been a casualty.

Teresa buried an arrow into the back of a necromancer, and felt a grim measure of satisfaction when he pitched forward and lay still in the road. She was reaching for another arrow when she noticed the Nordic zombie stop in mid sword swing, and begin to shake. A moment later it turned, and cleaved one of the skeletons that stood beside it in two. Valerius' meteoric arming sword swept out a moment later, and smote the other into dust.

The three fighters charged into the necromancers, the Nordic zombie now leading the way. However, a tidal wave of ice from Drels Theran brought the mortal warriors to their knees before they could reach the spellcasters. But the zombie ignored the freezing assault and effortlessly lopped the head off the nearest necromancer. "Aav Dilon!" it shouted in a gravelly voice. This time no magic issued from its throat however.

Teresa had readied another arrow by then, and took aim upon Drels. A moment later the Dunmer fell, clutching at the black and white feathers that sprouted from his throat. Then an inferno of fire engulfed the necromancers, and the dread zombie vanished into thin air just inches from Kud-Ei.

When the smoke cleared, the necromancers lay dead. Only the Nordic zombie remained, staring at Aela. "Aam Zol Mul," it rumbled. The Witch frowned, and with a gesture from her hand it too disappeared.

Ancondil, Chance, and Valerius struggled to their feet. Their armor was rimed with frost, and they shook like leaves in the wind. The mages rushed over, and each taking a wounded man, poured white healing energy into them. Soon they were hale and whole once more, and Teresa drew a bottle of Tamika's from her Thieves Bag. She took a long swallow and passed it to Methredhel, whom she was relieved to see needed no healing. The thief gulped the wine as well, and wiped her lips with the back of her hand.

"Oh that is good," her sister wood elf grinned with the same post-battle exultation that sang through Teresa's veins. "Damn, that is good!"

"Anything is good when you're alive," Chance murmured as he took the bottle next and gulped down a swig. "Too bad Pappy isn't here," the Redguard grinned, "he'd have brought flin!"

"I imagine that our guild commander - and vice-commander - are still making statements to the city guard about their 'battle' with the necromancers at the brewery this morning." Ancondil was next to take a sip of the delicate wine, before passing it on to Valerius. "But I must admit, I prefer Tamika's."

"We don't have much time to celebrate," Valerius observed as he took a drink. "We have to clear this mess before someone comes along."

The wine momentarily forgotten, the group gathered up the necromancer's bodies and dragged them into the Great Forest. With a raised fist, Aela summoned an Aedra that was shaped like a man, but was comprised of dirt and stones. The chthonic spirit passed his hand through the soil, gouging out a hole far larger than his appendage. The necromancer's bodies were dumped within, and a moment later the Aedra deposited the ground back over them. When he was finished there was not even the slightest sign that it had been disturbed.

"An Archaean," Ancondil nodded to Aela. "You have an impressive talent for conjuration goodwoman."

"It's the gangster special," Ungarion winked. "The best way to get rid of a body. Quite handy in the secret passage business as well!"

"Now Count Terentius - and the King of Worms - will both think that Jalbert and Drels Theran took the sword," Methredhel thought aloud. "And they'll never have a clue that it was us instead. I have to say, that was a brilliant idea Teresa."

"I just want to know what that thing with the horns was?" Teresa dodged the praise, and the blushes that usually accompanied it, and rubbed the back of her sore head. Now that the excitation of battle was wearing off, it was beginning to throb from where she imagined she had slammed into a tree. "It practically shouted me across the orchard!"

"Shouted indeed," Ungarion said. "That was a draugr, and a potent one at that, given its mastery of the Voice. One of those necromancers must have come from Skyrim."

"This one has been informed that Drels Theran trained not at the Arcane University," Kud-Ei said, "but rather in the College of Winterhold. That one must have summoned it."

"Aye," Aela nodded somberly, "it was Theran's. I felt his connection when I took control of it. It was one of the draugr overlords. A master of the thu'um, who served the dragons before history was writ."

"Is that what he told you before he vanished?" Methredhel asked.

"Nay," Kud-Ei answered when Aela remained silent. "That one said 'serve the stronger' in the ancient dragon tongue. It was offering itself into Aela's service."

"But aren't they just symbols?" Teresa asked. "Ideas given flesh by magicka?"

"Not with undead," Ungarion answered. "Those who are summoned are spirits trapped in the Soul Cairn. To summon one, a necromancer must first call it up unbound, and then bend it to his will. Only then will they serve. It is the same with daedra."

The faint sound of clomping hooves rose from the south. Teresa turned her head along with the others, but did not see the approaching rider, yet. "We had best vanish before anyone comes along," Valerius warned.

With that the group split up. Aela, Teresa, and Methredhel headed east toward the orchard, and Niben Bay beyond. Ancondil and Valerius trotted off to their horses and rode north to gather up the wagon. Finally Ungarion and Kud-Ei faded into the Great Forest to the west. Chance however, stopped Methredhel with one hand. While Teresa and Aela looked on with amazement, he pulled the thief close and planted a deep kiss upon her lips. Methredhel did not look perturbed. In fact, she gave as good as she got, before finally prying herself from the Redguard.

"Until we meet again," Chance breathed huskily. Then he did turn and stride into the forest.

"Let's go give your old friend Raminus a present," Methredhel said. Teresa raised an eyebrow at the other woman's attempt to deflect the obvious questions. She was surprised however, when Aela broke the silence.

"So you know him too?"

Looks like Teresa's found her aim again. Drels wasn't as dodgy as Jalbert.

I particularly liked Kud-Ei's commanding and paralyzing the necrodudes. It's a wonderfully annoying tactic, and most enemies don't see it coming. The Draugr whacking the skeleton being a good example. It wasn't expecting that!

Liked the "summon sexton" spell at the end!

Nit: I'm not sure you wanted "delicate wine" in both places.

I loved the magic battle! Wonderful display of the artistry of illusion and conjuration. It is so much fun to silence a necrodude after they conjure something, then turn their own summon on them.

A ‘dirt golem’! I remember us talking about your elemental Aedras, including this one, but I believe this is the first time we’ve seen him in action.

And Chance gets the gurl (sort of)! Something tells me these two will see each other again.

All in all, a good day for Teresa and her diverse crew. Tamikas all 'round!

Sorry that I've been remiss in replying to last week's post. Let me correct that oversight.

I totally enjoyed the entire scene as it played out. I had been waiting to see what "Mael's" backstory was, and it was well worthwhile! I felt like I was reading a Robert Ludlum novel should he ever write a TES espionage storyline!

For the most part I'm going to echo everyone else on that post, (except the part about the startled family). However, I can not move forward without pointing out my absolute favorite lines of the entire episode:


Poetice justice, indeed! And Chance gets to gain his revenge! That's the part where I really felt like screaming, cheering, jumping up and down and high-fiving someone. Except my cat doesn't high-five.

Now for today's post, I enjoyed it as well. I agreed with ghastley that you may want to change one of the occurrences of "delicate wine." Maybe "delightful libation?"

Let me get another nit out of the way: You have a sentence fragment here. Maybe drop the "Though?"

Loved Kud-Ei stepping up and playing her part in the fight. I'm currently playing the game with CM Companions and my character is paralyzing everybody so her partner(s) can bash the crap out of them. It's very, very useful in a team situation. Before, without companions, I always had difficulty coordinating my spells with my weapons. Having the partners along really helps me explore the effective use of the various spells, and I'm enjoying a whole new level of the same old game.

Fire? That's how I killed the Lich King of Miscarcand the first few times. However, I have to admit that there is something sooooo satisfying about the shock spell that it has become my default destruction magicka. And I think it is more effective against the undead than even fire.

This is very different in feel from the previous battles you (and I!) have written, and I think it is because we now have spellcasters very involved on both sides. It's fun and educational and interesting and fascinating to read!

And no, I'm not surprised Chance grabbed Methie in a clinch and she enjoyed it too! It fits both their natures very well. And after the excitement of the battle, I'm not surprised either that both welcomed a positive release of all that adrenaline!

Only the Nordic zombie remained, staring at Aela. "Aam Zol mul," it rumbled. The Witch frowned, and with a gesture from her hand it too disappeared.
I love this part. From what you have already shown of Aela’s abilities and beliefs, I could guess that she was refusing the draugr’s service. Very, very cool moment.

The summoned Archaean was my favorite part of this episode, though. Gangster special indeed.

Hmm, I won’t be surprised if Chance finds an excuse for another boat ride to the IC.

46.5
Wow, life detection amulets everywhere. He must be paranoid.

And the thief is in! Smooth! She’ll just have to slip off the shoes if she wants to move quietly.

Fathis the skirt hound! I kind of liked that guard, I expected him to be drooling over her. Maybe he just prefers the Nords?

Now there was a true gentleman
No kidding!

46.6
Methredhel might just be coming back a few years later to sack the count’s quarters!

Well, that escalated quickly. The page almost jumped her right there!

The sword changed the count. Perhaps he’ll be a different man when they get it from him.

Wow, she’s got it! Now getting out is going to be the real trick.

What?...I deliberately waited for the end of the fight...Yes I did... ...

Aaamywho...

As ever, I'm in awe of yer fight scenes...Brilliant!...

OOoh, Mael!...See, I knew he was no good... ...

Loved the battle, the epic summoned creatures were amazing...Espescially the Overlord!!...That was cool...

Ooooh, have I mentioned my love of over-powered heroes?...Well, this has put Aela right at the top of my list...She's absolutely amazing... ...That whole control stealing thing puts shivers up my spine!... ...

Loved that her and Ungarion were side by side in the fight too...

Ooooh, and Chance and his mighty mace!!...That was niiiiice... ...And then his grabbing of Methredel... ...

Aw hell...So much to love...The impromptu grave-digger!!...Kud-Ei's paralyze...A brilliant pair of episodes...

So amazing...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

46.7
Teresa’s going to scrub for hours after this, even with the Jewel of the Rumare.

Did the sword touch Teresa? I thought the gloves protected her. It is more powerful than the gloves? That was so creepy. The squirm of the sword was sickening. Brilliant! And vision was a very interesting detail. I wonder if that was all the sword, or if that had anything to do with Teresa’s magic.

Clever plan at the end too having the Fighter’s Guild come in and take care of the necromancers, only to have them escape! I hope the show they put on was enough!

46.8
The thieves bag! Excellent hiding place for the sword. She needs some of Pappy’s brandy to cleanse her lips.

I guess the riot wasn’t part of the script? Lol.

Betrayed? I expected to see Jalbert before this was through.

It’s so cool seeing Teresa’s backup appear.

A draugr! Nice addition, far from their tombs. And Chance got the killing blow in. I forgot that it was his father that was killed. Fitting. He might have more luck with Methredhel now though.

46.9
What’s the Draugr saying? It seems like there’s more to it than someone taking control. Loved how that bastard just ignored the frost spell. I guess it was simply controlled. Very cool though.

Called it with Chance! So the sword goes to the Mages’ Guild then?

This melee fight is just as it should be, so many parties involved that Teresa only gets glimpses of action as she looks around - very realistic feel, to have too much going on to comprehend it all and can only concentrate on the enemy that falls into Teresa's eyesight - loved this whole battle from beginning to end.

I have to admit looking up the Nord Zombie's words, "Serve most strong" in dragon language? That is what I came up with. Now I have to go back a chapter and see if this is the one that was an ally of theirs who Jalbert said he'd made a zombie of - speaking the dragon tongue was an intriguing clue!

Oh, I loved your explanation for it! And the little side jaunt into Skyrim background was very cool! I like that Drels will be blamed for stealing the sword, and that the bodies won't be easily found. I'd have looted Drels's body, lol.

Another thing that really struck me strongly here (other than how well the Fighters Guild and Mages Guild worked together against a common enemy - absolutely LOVED that - but it wasn't just that, it was the skill of Kud-Ei in particular. The game has a tendency to make everyone in the Mages Guild inept do-nothings except the Player, and when you get the apprentices from there they don't last any time at all - I LOVED that you made her skilled and a real asset in the fight (plus knowledgeable about the Draugr/dragon language/etc). That was outstanding, to me.

For as equally matched as all Teresa's allies were in this battle, I still loved Aela's parts the best, she was awesome and calm in the midst of all that madness of battle - Loved her and Ungarion working together and pictured it being like old times for them - Awesome backstory they have!

I loved this whole episode, this whole section regarding the necromancers and Bravil - this was inspired and inspiring to read (and I hope it isn't over yet, lol) - Awesome Write !!!!!

Wow, i love this. The entire conversation between the 'witch' and Teresa.

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