@McB- Um, don't quite know what to say…

Wow! Thank you thank you, I am thrilled that you are enjoying it. I just hope I can keep it up there.
And there goes that dancing, DISCO dancing badger again, what an image!!! LOL!

*note* I wouldn't introduce them to Duran Duran quite yet either, if yours are anything like mine they would be rolling in the floor with their hands over their ears yelling "Make it stop, make it stop!"

@mALX- J I was concerned about the length but there really wasn't a good place to split it so I am happy that no one seems to have been offset by the length. Thank you for the comments, I am happy you are reading.

The purpose of this for me is just building this character's world, and these are all 'visions' I had of her when I first put pen to paper on her behalf. I'm just strange that way I guess, any character that appears it seems as soon as I give them a name they have a complete life that sort of explains why they are the way they are. Anyway, glad you are here….THANK YOU AGAIN SO MUCH!

@minque and Black Hand- BOTH OF YOU! Left me twisting my toe in the dirt and speechless with your comments!

-minque-

What am I supposed to say to that one minque? Other than bowing my head and accepting the compliment and saying
I do so hope that I can live up to what has been set before me by these characters parents and their parents writers'
Through Athynae Seth will be in both lives as he touches one he will also touch the other, in this universe anyway.

-Black Hand-
I hope I didn't use all of my oxygen on just one note…..

THANK YOU BOTH from the bottom of my heart….I sure do love this girl….

@treydog- Oh haha, NO! you cannot lure me back from staring at pictures of the grand elf! I have a picture of her in front of me NOW as a matter of fact, just to the side of my computer screen, so mmeehh….she sure is something else…J

Just keep ponderin' the name cuz she ain't tellin and neither is he…

In this case both sets know that Thyna is the adventuresome one and both sets think Athlain slows her down a bit…little do they know…

And the rest I will bunch into a lump. Thyna is two separate people, the one everyone sees on the outside, and the one she knows lives on the inside. She just refuses to let anyone see how 'soft' she is, how much she truly 'cares' because that would change things from the way she wants them to be. Rahvin is a sweet boy that adores his big sister but gives as well as he gets, it's a little easier to 'see' when his feelings are hurt and as hard as Thyna can be on him at times she would take a dagger to the gut in a heartbeat for him, or pound the face of a bully that did as little as touch a hair on his head. Um, has anyone noticed she seems to go overboard just a bit???

To all of you, I appreciate your continued reading and I hope that this continues to entertain you as I take you further into the life of a Redoran princess….

I didn't really intend for this to happen this way but it seems the Princess of Trouble is insisting that I follow up on the previous story with the next few entries.

Recap: Athynae competed in a guar race, a big yearly competition supposedly for the 'best of the best' kind of thing. Mae and Cai decided to dose her guar with a 'fortify speed' potion before the race but then turns out that a nemesis that is racing has also dosed his guar. She concedes the race out of fairness but also accuses Berwain "Bug Stain" Arenim of cheating.

Now, let's see what she has in mind for PAYBACK.

Father was at the stables with Rah; Uncle Trey and Uncle Seth walked with Mother and I to join them; Aunt Baria was forcing Athlain to sit still for a few moments while she did a basic sketch that she would later turn into a wonderful painting. Mae and Cai had not been seen since the banner dropped to start the race. Athlain would take the win and he deserved it, but this would not be one that he teased me with. I really wished it were. Cheating just made no sense to me; what joy was there in a win that one had to cheat to have? That was just stupid.

Father hugged me. "We men are going to go do men things." Which meant brandy and hackle-lo pipes at the club. "I am thankful you are safe. I am proud of you." And he kissed me on the forehead before he shook Rah's hand, something Rah had just recently started insisting on rather than physical affection from Father. I thought it was stupid personally, but it wasn't me. "I'll be home later my love." And he hugged Mother and kissed her soundly. I had seen other kids' parents that barely spoke to one another and never touched, much less kissed. If I couldn't find someone that treated me the way Father treated Mother, I'd just grow old without. I didn't like boys anyway so it couldn't be any great sacrifice. Well, I kinda liked Athlain, as a friend. We knew each other better than any two people I knew, so good we could finish each other's sentences. I think maybe that's why our arguments went so far so fast- as soon as one of us said something, we already knew what the other was going to say. So, we'd probably be better off just going straight to infuriated "I hate yous" and "I never want to talk to you again." But it never stuck; usually before the day was over so was the mad.

"Your Highness." Uncle Seth whispered right into my ear and scared the scrib jelly out of me. I turned toward him and smacked his chest.

"Don't do that! Stop sneaking up on me!"

"Someday I hope you pay attention well enough that no matter what you are doing nothing can sneak up on you. Keep practicing."

"I was thinking. I have lots to think about you know. I am not the idle kid that everyone seems to think I am." I had my hands on my hips and was wearing my mad look.

He giggled. "Yes I know, idle and Princess of Trouble are quite opposite, yes. What were you thinking so hard about?" Raised eyebrow meant he had some ideas, fiddlesticks!

"Nothing. Well, nothing important anyway." I dropped my hands and shrugged my shoulders and tried to look the other direction so he wouldn't do that bore a hole through my head thing he seemed to be able to do.

"Right, nothing. Well I am going to say one thing that may or may not have anything to do with what you were thinking at that moment, but I have no doubt that you either have already thought about it or will be shortly. Take care with whatever you are scheming, do you hear me? The punishment needs to match the crime, and no one was injured AT ALL, right?" He was whispering so no one else would hear.

"I know Uncle Seth but how did you know what happened? You weren't even there."

"You should not make assumptions based on what you 'see;' that's something else you need to learn."

And he touched his forefinger to my forehead. It was the same thing as kissing me there or at least it always felt that way, a combination of endearment and a reminder- "use your greatest weapon."

"They could have hurt Lumhara; they could have been responsible for one of the other racers or their mounts being injured; or she could have charged into the crowd."

"Or you?" and he slowly shook his head at me with a 'tsk 'tsk look.

"Yeah, whatever. I can't just let that go now can I? I was the one riding; if someone had been injured it would have ultimately been my responsibility for losing control."

"Athynae, no one else would have thought that." He said it but I think he knew better.

"Right. One: who would believe I didn't dose her? And two: I would have felt that way." To me that was the most important because it was true.

"You are the only one that believes everyone thinks the worst of you; you know that, right?" I wanted to ask him who he was trying to convince, him or me, but that would not have ended well for me. We had had that argument before.

"I know you say it, but you don't see the looks I get. Thing is, I don't care what anyone thinks except Mother, Father, Aunt Baria and Uncle Trey, and you. But even what all of you think is not as important as what I know. I am honest, I try my best to be fair, I do not ever cheat at anything and I try to be good to both of the brats. I just don't change her nappies. My adventures are not an attempt to hurt anyone, unless of course they ask for it." And I gave a quick nod with a "hmph" for emphasis.

Uncle Seth just listened to my speech, not reacting. He simply stated at the end "Yes, I know."

Rah came out of the stable and headed toward me as Uncle Seth added, "I know better than to advise you to tell Baria or Trey, but I trust you to choose something equal.
Rahvin, do you think you can keep an eye on your sister for me?"

"If I say 'yes,' Uncle Seth it would be a lie. She disappears faster than a shalk beetle into the dirt." Rah rolled his eyes toward me and I tried not to smile.

"Right. You two just keep your noses clean." And Uncle Seth touched his forefinger to Rah's forehead just as he had mine.

"I always use my brain Uncle Seth," it was just a matter of fact "One of us has to." I punched his arm. "OW! What'd ya do that for? I was just speaking the truth, dear sister."

"I'm the one with the brain remember? I even have yours, Rahbrat. I used your alembic to suck it out through your nose." And I looked at him like I would be more than happy to do it again.

Uncle Seth was walking away but his shoulders were shaking slightly, obviously trying to keep us from knowing he was amused by our back and forth.

"Mother is checking Lumhara but she'll be here shortly so we don't have much time."

Rah was not as adventurous as I but he was a great conspirator. I just wasn't sure I wanted him to be a part of this yet if at all.

"Time for what?" acting like I was clueless.

"Don't even start that with me; it isn't fair. I know you're gonna do something and you are not gonna shut me out. I'll tell Mama if you try."

"Uh huh, you go ahead and tell brat. See what Mama finds out about her little angel…" I pulled the both eyebrows raised look and added a slight smile.

"Dang it Naynay, I want to help. They tried to hurt you." He was a good whiner, I give him that, and he could pull that 'pretty please' look even better than I did.

"First of all Rah, I do not for one second think they were trying to hurt me so let that one go, ok?" I made sure he nodded before I continued, "I don't think they were trying to hurt anyone; they just didn't want to lose that silly bet with Bug Stain's little sister, and they didn't see what they did as cheating because I was the one riding and I didn't do the dosing. They are not like that; they just don't like to lose and they see things in their own special way."

"Are you two ready to go home?" Mother exited the stables and joined us.

"Mama, can I please stay until Athlain brings Cos Mear in? I just want to talk to him for a few minutes. I'll come straight home after."

"Sure, I understand. And before you ask, young man, the answer is no, you cannot stay with her. This is something she needs to talk to him about without an audience." Rahvin bowed up and started to argue, but he looked at me and I tried to express with my eyes that was what I wanted and he got it, so he just sighed and crossed his arms.
They started toward Under-Skar and Rah said something to Mother and she stopped while he ran back to me. "Naynay, please come and talk to me when you get home. Please?" UGH! That look again.

"OK, but Rah I honestly haven't even thought about what happened to any great extent. I just want to make sure Athlain knows what happened. And congratulate him for the win."

"Right, you think about everything all at once; I know that." And he turned and raced back to Mother and they were on their way.

I climbed up on the paddock fence and waited and thought. I heard a sound from the back of the stables and Mae and Cai came around the corner of the building. I wasn't angry really so I didn't pretend I was.

They both started talking at once and it was a jumbled up mess of 'we're sorry didn't mean for that to happen' before Mae took over the apology. "Athynae we really didn't mean anything bad to happen but when we came to the stable to find you before the race Berwain was talking to his sister and we overheard him say he was going to win if he had to give his guar a 'fortify speed' potion. We couldn't let him cheat and beat you so we evened the chances."

That was a possibility I hadn't considered. So it wasn't just because they wanted to win the bet, well, not really, and it wasn't just coincidence that Berwain had dosed his guar. He had started this. It was all his fault.

"I don't think I will thank you; I hope you understand. Why didn't you tell someone what you heard?"

Yes, I get it, everyone thinks I don't tell anything but that isn't true, if it's more than I can deal with I do tell, REALLY, I do.

Mae and Cai looked at each other like they had missed something and Cai was on deck, "Really? Tell someone? Would you have told anyone?"

Suddenly I felt like my mother and I wanted to say, "Don't do what I do, do what I say." Instead I replied, "I do tell sometimes, if I…wait, it doesn't matter what I would have done. You two did this, not me. You both know I would NEVER cheat in a competition but you did it anyway. And you could have hurt my guar or one of the other riders or their mounts OR somebody in the crowd." Yep, I sounded just like my mother.

"We knew you would make sure that didn't happen. You're a good rider." She was trying to use compliments to butter me up. Obviously Mae had forgotten about my dislike for butter.

"I am a good rider, but I wasn't ready for the way Lumhara acted; I almost fell off!" I stopped talking when the Treyson Terrors started laughing. I wanted to choke them both or clobber them. I cocked my head to one side and held back, letting my expression show my anger, posing a question without actually speaking.

Their muted giggles became full blown guffaws and Cai gained enough air to say, "You should have seen it Thyna," and she was reduced again as Mae took short bursts of air to gain enough oxygen to speak.

"You went around and we thought you were gonna take off the wrong way, then she jumped straight up and turned around again" hahahahaha "And …"hahahahaha

I was just standing there staring at them, barely holding on to my composure, "Then Lumhara started hopping up and down like she was in a sack race. Thyna it was hilarious."

"So glad we could entertain you." Breathe, count, breathe, count, do not look mad. "I can imagine what it looked like. I sure wish I could show you from my view point when I thought I had lost my seat." They missed the intensity of my meaning.

"We didn't mean to scare you, Thyna. And no one got hurt. And Berwain didn't win. So, it all turned out just right." The two of them traded off, trying to explain what they thought was important- both missing the real point.

"Right, yes, it all turned out all right. Berwain didn't win even though he cheated. I had to drop out of the race so the judges would believe me when I said I DID NOT dose my guar so not only did Berwain lose, I had to concede the race, a race I haven't lost since I started riding." There was no angry edge to my voice, but I don't know how.

"Thyna!" Athlain's voice carried to me and I turned and waved.

"I would suggest you two make yourselves invisible for a while. Your brother won't be quite as, what's the word?" I looked up at the sky and tapped my chin. By the time I looked down again they were nowhere in sight.

"What happened? I mean I know you told the judges your guar and Berwain's were dosed but how? Who? Why?"

I leapt down from the paddock fence where I had remained perched through the encounter with the red rogues. "It's a long story. Come on and I'll tell ya while we get Cos Mear taken care of."

While we cleaned Cos Mear up and got him in his stall I gave Athlain the um, abbreviated version of the story, putting as much of the blame on Berwain the Stain as I could without it being obvious that's what I was doing. I was going to let Athlain in on whatever I decided to do to the little Hlaalu blot, but the lesson for his sisters, well, that was going to be all mine for two reasons: one, I didn't want him to get in trouble for picking on his little sisters and two, I wanted them to know they couldn't pull pranks on me without retribution from ME, only me. It wasn't a revenge thing; I thought of it more as a lesson, kind of like if you mess with the racer you get stabbed by the tail.

"So, what's the plan then, oh wise one?" Athlain could be such a smarty pants sometimes; he had been around me far too long.

"I don't know yet. This one is kind of tricky cuz he's Hlaalu and if I screw it up it could be bad not just for me but it could cause problems between the Houses. It's times like these that it stinks that Mother is the Arch Mistress." I had that disgusted look- you know where you kind of shake your head and roll your eyes.

"Why don't you talk to your mother?" I wasn't sure why he always said that but it was almost carved into the stone wall to be read every time something happened.

"Right, 'hey Mama I wanna kick Berwain's cheating butt to Sadrith Mora, can I'?" I was talking like I was five.

"I hate you."

"Yeah I know. It's ok cuz I hate you too. We hate each other so good that we spend all of our time showing everyone how great it is to hate your best friend." I was walking away from him so he had to run a couple steps to catch up. I glanced toward Under Skar and just inside the gate I saw Berwain talking to the council representative for House Hlaalu, Sera Ules. Wonder what that's all about, hhmm.

"Sometimes you make me so mad; you treat me like I'm stupid."

"No I don't. If I were treating you like you were stupid I wouldn't talk to you, I would draw pictures." I really didn't treat him like he was stupid, because he wasn't. I called him stupid sometimes but that was just when he made me mad.

"Well, I gotta go home. Thyna, I'm sorry Berwain cheated; you should have won just like you do every year."

"You are my best competition, and you could have won this year. You won the last training race, so it's only a matter of time before you leave me in the dust." Thing was, if he would just believe me for a second he would beat me but I didn't see it happening. And meanwhile, I wasn't going to let up; he had to meet me up here, because I wasn't going to push him up the hill. I would just keep pulling till he got it.

"Yea, whatever. Just keep me posted on the Berwain front. I'm all in but you knew that already."

"See ya. I've got alchemy lessons with Mother tomorrow morning; wanna spar tomorrow afternoon?"

"Bring potions."

"Always."

Oooh...Niiiice...

Revenge!!!...Cold and precise... ...Niiiice...

Loved the whole way Thyna was seething without losing it, and I loved the way the sisters just Did. Not. Get. It...So nicely done...

This made me laugh...



Love these little lines that you put in there...Always a joy to read... ...

Looking forward to the next part where the little slice of revenge pie gets served up in a big old dish made of ice...Oh yes... ...

"The making of a Princess" Title says it all....thing is YOU make it happen! I draw similarities with the Swedish Royal family...Our crown Princess Victoria! She also has that burden on her shoulders to be the next Queen of Sweden...and Athynae will probably be the next Arch Mistress of The House Redoran....if everything goes as it shall...

Thyna's interactions with Athlain are priceless....I can actually see them both and above all I can HEAR them...just exactly as I figured and their relation as treydog describes in "present time" is just so naturally coming judging from how they are when they are kiddos.

The little chemist is very promising, Rahvin is probably more intelligent than all of you thinks! I can see huge potential in him especially when his life for now is in YOUR competent hands..or dashboard.....yay I'm soo looking forward to hear more.

I was planning to write, I actually started but then I was ill and have been for the last week.. (yeah weak excuse but still an excuse).

So Ms Royal Redoran Honored Author.....More please!???/

"I'll be back" (said in an Arnold voice) - this is too long to catch right now, but I'll be back to read when I have enough time.

Absolutely loved "Uncle Seth's" role in this chapter. In his story he has this unreachable side, but there is a tangible piece of him that matches this story's portrayal !! Awesome Write !!

And THAT is the charm of Sethyas Velas! He is one kind of a man...in all stories where he's appearing he is DIFFERENT! That makes him extremly interesting to involve....I've had him in more than half of my story...so far and more to come!

Now Uncle Seth can be very nice and sweet to young children....

@McB- Yea , she does seem to simmer just below the boiling point, and she does it so well, lol. Thanks for pointing out the 'little' things too, much appreciated. Thanks so much for reading and being so supportive, I am so glad you are here an getting a kick out of Thyna and her antics…

@mALX- Thank you, I am glad you are here. Yes, there are many facets to Sethyas Velas, he doesn't often show the 'soft' side but he will step in for these kids in a second, secretively if necessary. Flip side of that is that he will read the kids the riot act just as fast….

@minque- Ms Royal Redoran Honored Author my goodness, that's um, well, my goodness…I am so happy you are pleased with the way things are going with the kiddos. Yes, the relationship they have now is slowly merging into the relationship they will have, the amalgamation of adolescent familiarity and adult relationship is in process certainly. Thing is it might take a bit still for them to truly 'see' what's happening. (Just a little teaser for BOTM there. J)

Rahvin is all that you said and then some. He is extremely intelligent as are all of Serene's children, Trey's kids aren't slackers by any stretch either but look who both of their parents are….He is as much a joy to work with as Thyna I must say, he has a color all his own.

Now, as far as your writing goes I am looking forward to your return to the story of Serene, I will gladly concede the title of Ms Royal Redoran Honored Author back to its original owner….



Thanks to all who read and enjoy The Making of a Princess, if you are enjoying reading half as much as I am enjoying writing then you are happy indeed…

And now part 2 of Payback

Thyna has learned that the Treyson Terrors, Mae and Cai, overheard Berwain discussing dosing his guar with a fortify speed potion before the race. She was quite angry with the girls for their part, causing Thyna to have to conceded the win because her guar was dosed by them, but upon hearing why they did it she is still quite peeved with them but not nearly as much as she is at Berwain...

Let's see what happens next....

"Athynae?" Mother's voice broke through my concentration as I sat reading one of the books on ancient magic. "I apologize for being late but I had visitors. Berwain's parents came to see me." I almost landed in the floor when I spun around on the stool where I was sitting.

"What? Why would they come and see you? To apologize for that cheat they call a son?" The sting of what had happened was still quite fresh, half a day and an entire night had passed and I was still so steamed I hadn't even thought about what I was going to do. It was never a good idea to lay the ground work for a plan when you were still this angry, something was bound to go wrong.

"Young lady I will not have you speaking like that about someone. He is still a person. Do you understand me?" She already had her 'loons in a twist and I had just given them another turn.

"Yes ma'am but Mother I am only speaking the truth. And if he hadn't cheated Mae and Cai would not have felt obligated to even the odds and I would not have had to concede the race." I was just a tad indignant about the whole thing.

"Oh, my dear, no they weren't here to apologize at least that wasn't the main reason. Sera Ules the representative for the Hlaalu council is insisting that something be done to restore Berwain's honor since you tainted it."

"Since I did what? Oh no, you have got to be kidding me? HE IS THE ONE THAT CHEATED!" Why did the gods allow so many stupid people to roam Nirn?

"I know Athynae and I am sorry but this could cause conflict between the two houses and disrupt the peace here. I know that is a heavy burden to carry for a child but that is the way it is. Berwain's parents are good people and they do not wish to cause problems, that's why they came to me, to keep Sera Ules from getting anyone stirred up before something could be done." She had sat down next to me and had that 'this is very important please listen' look.

"I like Sera Arenim and his wife, they have always been nice to me. How they could end up with that" Mother put her finger over my mouth to shush me.

"Just listen please. I do not want there to be any question or doubt about your honor or the honor of MY HOUSE, when this is over so I have sent the Arenim's back to Ules with the proposition of a challenge, not unlike a proper challenge except the rules will be set like a tournament match. I am sure he will be agreeable, he thinks Berwain has not only been thwarted but is also a great fighter." And Mother actually smiled and winked at me.

"So you are proposing that I meet him with weapons? Mother I have not seen him fight in several years, I don't know how good he is." It wasn't that I was afraid of him, far from it, but something wasn't sitting right in my head.

Mother raised an eyebrow "Does it matter? Here is what I know, you are a great fighter, one of the best for your age in Vvardenfell. Not only that but Berwain has acted dishonorably and if nothing else Azura will see to it that he beats himself if you don't. I am NOT doubting your skill in the least please understand, but you will not be the only one on your side." And she patted my leg in a gesture of reassurance. "I must go and get this planned so we can be done with it as soon as possible. I just wanted you to know what was going on before I went any further, you are good with this?" she placed her palm to my cheek.

"Do I have a choice? Seems like the only way it can be resolved." I almost snarled but it wasn't her fault so I wasn't upset with her. She kissed my forehead and departed the laboratory. And the barrage started. I wanted to throw things and scream. I wanted to go hunt that good for nothing cheat down and kick his sorry butt NOW! As much as I thought of myself as 'grown up' I knew that in the eyes of the adults I was still a kid and so was Berwain yet because of his abhorrent behavior here we were. I was going to be placed in an arena to fight him and it wasn't for bragging rights or ribbons it was for the honor of Redoran House, if I was allowed to say bad words there would have been a string of them that went all the way to the mainland and back. I hate you Berwain Arenim, you will regret this!

I don't know if I was early or Athlain was late, but either way I was ready to do something physically exerting to occupy my mind and he hadn't arrived yet. Mother had been late to our lessons because she'd had visitors and I was still a bit disturbed by what had happened, so I was distracted. I had been thinking clearly enough though that I brought my bow. It wasn't a good idea to spar with Athlain given my mood, so target practice it was.

"Hey. Wow, what world are you visiting?" I barely looked up when he greeted me.

"Just trying to figure out what in the name of the Nine happened this morning. I really hate it when things get muddled." I was still focused on something in the distance.

"OOOkkkayy. So, what is it this time? Did someone move your katana again?" He gave a laugh, which my look ended. "Seriously, I was just kidding. This isn't good is it?"

"I don't know whether it's good or bad, it just wasn't my plan." I had my brow furrowed, still thinking. I really did not like Berwain and that didn't look like it was going to change very soon.

"Are you going to tell me or do I have to let you beat it out of me?" He sat down beside me.

"Sera Arenim and his wife came to visit Mother this morning. Berwain has been shouting all over Under Skar and the outer wall that I am a liar and a cheat and it's all my fault what happened. Plus the Hlaalu representative is quite peeved that I broke Baby Stain's nose. He shouldn't have run into my hand like that. I mean I didn't swing at all- I just put up my hand so he wouldn't run into me. Is it my fault that his nose didn't stop in time? Anyway, he's just a big whiny cheater that got caught and now instead of me being able to teach him a lesson on my terms I am being called out." I shrugged.

"What? What do you mean called out?"
"You know, c a l l e d o u t…you know? Like bring your weapons and meet on the edge
of town? Not like being called out to play like a twelve year old."

"You aren't making any sense yet. Nothing new, but a point would be good any time now." He gave me a fake smile.

I rolled my eyes, "If you'd shut up, I would finish."

"Right. This is me shutting up so you can finish." He crossed his arms.

"Apparently Berwain went to the Hlaalu representative and claimed that I had been dishonorable in the race and on top of that had broken his nose so Sera Useless- I mean Ules- went to Berwain's parents and told them it was their responsibility to return honor to their name as well as House Hlaalu. They came to Mother to tell her what happened and from what Mother said they aren't very happy with Berwain either, but he is still their little piece of scrib scum. So Mother suggested a warrior's challenge to return honor to both houses. However it turns out, whoever wins, honor will be restored to both houses because we faced the public challenge." I paused and Athlain jumped in

"Um, Thyna, challenges like this are, they're, what were they thinking? I mean, Athynae, he could" and Athlain's eyes welled full "kill you." He was turning an awful shade of gray and looked like he needed one of Mother's stomach potions. If I'd been in a different mood I would have just let him keep thinking that for a while, just for the fun of it, but I wasn't really up for playing the game right now.

"You can't get rid of me that easy. It's going to be like the tournaments, I can't believe you thought, never mind. Anyway, they are working out the specifics now." I was rolling my eyes.

"Oh." Athlain's color returned along with a look of relief. "When is this 'challenge' supposed to happen?"

"In a few days as soon as they can post the notice. He is such an idiot; why did he think this was a good idea?"

"I have no idea cuz he's gonna get his hide skinned and tanned. This should be a good one for sure. Why are you so upset? You get to humiliate him in public." He pushed my shoulder.

"Yeah, I guess. I still don't know what kind of challenge it will be. Mother is planning on making it like a tournament match of sorts, so House Hlaalu can't refute the outcome. It's just more than it needs to be is all."

"I get that, but you'll still clean up the arena with him. No worries Thyna; you got this. The only one that even comes close to beating you with weapons is that kid from the Ahemussa tribe- what's his name?"

"You know, sometimes you are too much of a distraction. You are still missing the point.
This should just be between me and the Stain, not causing conflict between two Houses; this is ridiculously STUPID."

Athlain got a far away look and his eyes glazed over before he said, "But you get to fight for the honor of House Redoran. You get to show everyone you are worthy to be a Redoran Warrior." The glaze had pooled in the bottom of his eyes.

"You know Athlain, sometimes that 'honor' of yours looks a lot like your heart and you are wearing it on the wrong side of your skin." It hurt to look at him because I felt the same way about House Redoran, but that was no reason there should be a possibility of a House war. Holy guar butts and kagouti dung, how did a kid, A KID, stir up all this mess? I had stirred a lot of poop in my time, but even I hadn't gone this far.

He looked down and scuffed the ground with his foot. "You just don't get it do you? Even if I wanted to fight for the honor of House Redoran, I couldn't. I'd get my butt handed to me. And you just act like it is above you to do this or something." He had a sad look on his face that I had never seen before. It made me mad, but not at him. I was mad at the gods for not letting him be good with weapons, and at Uncle Trey for not being supportive of his efforts to learn to be a warrior, but most of all I was mad at myself, because no matter what I did to try to teach him, nothing worked. He couldn't hold a sword without hurting himself; it was just sad.

"I'm sorry Athlain; I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. Of course I am proud that I CAN fight for honor and I know you know that I would be your champion, but this isn't a situation that calls for such drastic measures, that's all I'm saying."

"Oh great, I can see it now, 'And standing as champion for Athlain Treyson, son of the great Trey of High Rock, is Athynae Sarethi. Yes, she is a girl but she won't hurt herself with the swords at least."

"You are so dumb! Why do you do that to yourself? Besides that isn't going to happen anyway; everyone likes you. And you'll figure out the weapons thing- you will!" I pushed him off of our perch. "Now come on; I don't want to fight today. Let's go for some target practice. I made some new fletching, and I want to see how well it works."

"I hate you." He was getting up and dusting himself off.

"Yeah, I know, that's why you never spend any time with me." I was walking toward the archery targets.

"I could change that you know?" And he came up and pushed me from behind, just a little shove.

"Careful- I'll call you out."

As much as I wanted to teach Mae and Cai a lesson, Berwain was at the top of the list. Unfortunately, the planning had been taken out of my hands.

Fantastic!...

I absolutely love the dialogue in this story...Never fails to make me laugh... ...

The way it's totally Elder Scrolls world, yet the "our world"-isms in the dialogue are in no way out of place is total genius...

I love the characters and the short journal entries rather than one long story like BOTM suits the characters a lot...Though I have no doubt that a longform story would be just as brilliant... ...

You've used this a couple of times and as a motif, it's beautiful... ...



Love it, love it, love it...

Revenge, in all it's glory, looked forward to...Oh yes...It is...

Nice one...

*Applauds muchly*...

I loved this chapter, mostly the interchange between Athynae and Athlain. Their differences were def on display here, but also their closeness and friendship. Awesome Write !!

Life is hard! Thyna has to learn that lesson, no doubt. Life is even harder when you're the daughter of an Archmistress..Honor is the lead word for a Redoran.

Good you have Athlain dear Thyna! Someone to confide in....but remember your Father, Athyn Sarethi loves you beyond comprehension, he backs you up always.

Making fun of poor Athlain...that IS amusing, makes me smile because I like that boy VERY much and i know he is the sweetest most caring friend you can have Thyna dear.

So now, prepare for the tournament....be very prepared my girl! You know you have a lot of support from those who care for you.

Payback- Part 1

First- it is the seemingly “small” touches that make it sing. For example, Rahvin insisting on handshakes instead of hugs.



Yes- funny how that works…



That bit made me laugh- it is again simply perfect.



And ANOTHER simply wonderful moment. You do these interactions as well as anyone I have ever seen.



Don’t you HATE it when that happens?



Lovely bit of description, so vivid I could see it.

And these two parts will stand in for wanting to quote EVERYTHING between the “A and A Team”:





Payback- Part 2



Only Athynae could get away with saying that about the head of House Redoran.

And- again I will refrain from trying to quote the “good parts” of the conversation between Serene and Athynae- because it is ALL the “good part.”



And Athlain’s poor, bruised body THANKS you.

And I am going to do one long quote at the end- because this so clearly shows all of the things you do so well with this story-



This is one of those stories where the more we read, the more we love it. And the more we DEMAND the next part! Please?

@McB- As ever thank you for reading and I am thrilled that you are here with Thyna and Athlain and the rest of the crew. The "I hate you" line just seems to permeate their relationship mostly because they can't say "I love you"…

@mALX- Thanks my dear. Yep they are the epitome of best friends that have been best friends as far back as memory goes so it would take a LOT to cause a real problem…maybe….

@minque- I am so glad you are here with me in this, your support is beyond words. THANK YOU!!!!
There will be some future stories about the relationship between Athyn and Athynae, they are actually quite close and she depends on him far more than has been shown to this point. Seth is her mentor and the one that is able to keep her grounded but Athyn is the one that feeds her intellect and heals the hurts that come when she wants to be petted rather than taught.

AS- Mother, looking back reading bits and pieces of these journals I realize what an incredible childhood I had. I tested you and Father to the Nth degree as well as Uncle Seth and Athlain and yet you are all still with me, it's a good thing to know that everything that might happen later in life my start is built on a solid foundation.

@treydog- My dearest muttly friend there aren't words…thank you for your encouragement most of all but also for your wisdom and input, editorial skills, etc….I am glad you are here and enjoying Her Highness, she is quite the handful so without you I doubt that I could handle her at all, lol.

And now we come to the final installment of Payback...hope you all like it.

The day of the challenge came early; it didn't matter- I hadn't slept anyway. How had two kids with a disagreement come all the way around to fighting for the honor of their respective Houses? And all because one of them wanted to win so bad he cheated and then turned it around to make it look like the other one cheated, the other one being me? I had pulled some stunts, gotten in some tight spots and been a lot of trouble to my parents, but none of it was because I was dishonest or under-handed. I had never, that I could remember, told anyone a lie or cheated at anything. The only time I had been tempted to cheat even was playing chess with Athlain. I hate chess and I stink at it, too.

I donned my leather armor and then meticulously inspected and cleaned my weapons. I knew I would be given a special sword for that part of the competition, one made especially for competitions, dulled to prevent fatal injuries. That didn't mean it didn't hurt to get hit with one, especially if the strike was well placed. I would be able to use my own bow for the archery part of the competition, I replaced the string so it would be perfect and chose a dozen of my best arrows and put them in my quiver. I removed the throwing stars from my sash but I left my dagger in my boot. I had never had to remove it before and I saw no reason to think I would this time. Besides, I didn't feel right without it there.

"Hey Naynay, are you ready?" Rahvin came into my room. "Mother and Father have already left so they could handle the formalities. Mother said to tell you to be there just before the trumpets sound to call order."

"I'll be there. I'm going for a walk in the gardens first." I was braiding my hair to keep it out of my eyes.

"See you there. He'll regret messing with you." And he was gone.

"Yeah." It was more of a thought than a response.

I had only met Berwain in competition once before, well except for the guar races, and it had been a couple of years. His parents, or more likely the Hlaalu representative for our district, had been sending him to competitions outside our territory. It didn't matter really, just meant I wasn't familiar with his style. I walked in the gardens, getting myself to that place, focusing. This wasn't just fun and games for me; competition never was, and this time it was bigger. I had teased Athlain about his 'honor,' but I felt the same way; I just didn't get bleary eyed about it. It still bothered me that House Hlaalu was forcing this. We were just kids, for crying out loud. We had no business fighting for the honor of our Houses. That didn't change the facts. I was going to teach that low life, good-for-nothing, lying cheat what it meant to bring my Redoran honor into question. He had really gone too far with this one.

"Say whatever you came to say, Uncle Seth." I was sitting on one of the benches and I just 'felt' his presence.

"Very good little one. You are learning." He sat down beside me. "I know you aren't concerned about the competition, so what is it that has you so worked up? You are as tight as that new bow string." And he twanged the string on my bow.

"I just can't get over being mad about this whole chain of events. How did it come to this? He cheated, him, and my honor is brought into question?" I was clenching and unclenching my fists.

"Let it go. You can't allow that to interfere with the competition. The emotions will cloud your thinking, keep you from fighting your best. Let it go." His voice was sharp and stern but I understood why.

"I know; that's what I am trying to do!" I didn't mean to yell but I did. "Sorry, I just…"

"You can carry all of this baggage in that arena with you and you will probably still win, but it won't be a pretty win. Let this go so you can walk into that arena with your head on straight and make this a clean, clear win. Leave no question as to who the victor is. This is no different than any other fight; you have met opponents that gave you a run for your money and still succeeded. Do me a favor. Don't let him even get that far. Stop him, just- stop him." And he rose from the bench and walked away.

The arena, a temporary grandstand just outside the wall, was crowded with spectators. Why was fighting so interesting to watch? There was an almost even mix of Hlaalu and Redoran people. Mother and Father, the representative from House Hlaalu and Berwain's parents sat midway in a covered box seat and the referees stood just under them on the arena floor.

Athlain was to my right, a step behind acting as my second, a nod to formalities. Berwain's second was one of the boys I had confronted six years ago for picking on Mae and Cai, Heldar. He was just as stupid as Berwain but the incident had served a purpose for him. He'd never retaliated nor had he picked on any of the kids again, at least not that I knew of.

We walked to the front of the box and Mother, along with the Hlaalu councilman, stood and gave us the rules. We would start with archery, then we would match swords and then a foot race from one end of the arena to the other and back, no small feat when you weren't tired, but after the rest it would definitely be a test.

"This is an official challenge to reinstate the honor of these two young people. Let it be known that as long as neither of them refuses the challenge, the outcome of this competition will bring any question of their honor to an end." Mother's voice rose above the din of the crowd, smooth and deep. "Athynae Sarethi, Berwain Arenim, do you accept these terms?"

We both indicated with a nod and went to one knee. "You are going down elf witch." Berwain whispered while our heads were bowed. I didn't offer a response, mostly because I felt it was disrespectful during the ceremony.

The archery judge stepped out from beneath the box. "You will each fire three arrows at the targets. Whoever strikes closest to the center will be declared the winner of the contest. If a clear winner cannot be determined, you will step back six paces and fire a single arrow each. This will continue until a winner can be determined."

We stepped to the line facing the archery targets and each nocked an arrow. Each arrow flew toward its respective target and in rapid succession the next two followed. The judge's voice rang through the arena, "Even. Six paces." The next station was actually marked by a line in the dirt. We nocked and fired again after we had stepped back.

The judges inspected the targets and stepped to the box and spoke briefly with Mother and Sera Ules. The archery judge returned to the targets as Mother's voice rose again

"The opponents are so closely matched we have decided to remove one target. Both will fire one arrow at a time, in turn, to determine a clear winner for this part of the contest. Berwain Arenim, you are granted the line first. Step up please."

He shot a nasty grin in my direction before he fired and, by all appearances from that distance, his arrow was anchored almost dead center. I just have to say- smug was not a good look for him.

I stepped to the line, taking my time pulling the arrow from my quiver as I focused on the target. The anger at this entire situation was still bubbling just under the surface and I was replaying the conversation I'd had with Uncle Seth when I heard a voice from the side line, clear and low, "Let it go, Thyna."

With the bow pointed downward I nocked the arrow as I let everything go. It was just me and that distant target, and I focused every sense I had on the fletching of the arrow protruding from the center of the target, raised the bow, pulled the string as I took a deep breath in, lined up, released half of the breath and 'twang'…. Time stopped it seemed while the arrow creased the air until 'shlup.' I heard the judges gasp. I looked to make sure I hadn't accidentally hit one of them as Berwain growled and threw his bow onto the ground. My arrow had split his into three pieces down the center. I heard Uncle Seth snicker, which made it even harder not to laugh.

We were given a break for a drink of water while the archery targets were removed and the temporary arena prepared for the next challenge. We had to stay inside a boundary to keep us from running each other into the wooden barricades that formed makeshift walls. We had each been given our choice of tournament swords, made specifically for this purpose, dulled so we couldn't stab or cut our opponent.

I decided well before we started that I was going to let Berwain wear himself out before I pressed my attack. His whole attitude about this entire fiasco was ludicrous; what did he think was going to happen? Even if I weren't skilled with weapons, this wasn't going to turn out well for him. The gods would see to that. He had been pushing his luck far too long; he had asked for this just the same as if he had put up posters that said "I need someone to kick my worthless butt."

"Fighters to the center please."

We stepped to the center of the ring and faced each other. The judge for this part of the competition reminded us, "No head strikes; do not lunge with the point of your sword. A win is determined by one being pinned, whether standing or on the ground. No magic and no other weapons except the swords you are fighting with. Understood?"

We both nodded our understanding. The sword I had chosen was in the sheath on my back, just like my real katana would be. Berwain already had his in his hand, looking to get the first strike in.

"Begin." And the judge stepped back.

"Draw your weapon, elf witch. Unless of course you are conceding before we even get started." And he swung the blade. I stepped back and pulled my upper body to the side and it missed my mid section just barely-by plan.

"Nah, I'll wait. No need in wearing myself out while you throw that thing around at nothing but air." I smiled at him.

"I wish this was a real sword so I could gut you like a boar." He narrowed his eyes and tried a spinning strike at my legs. I jumped over it like I was playing jump rope.

"Yeah, I know the feeling Bug Stain. Come on, this is what you wanted remember? To make a spectacle of kicking my butt. What are you waiting for? Here I am, come and get me." And I waved my hand in a gesture that said 'join me'.

He growled and pressed in. I felt the sting as his sword caught my upper arm. I'll give him this, he put some umph behind it, a nice bruise for sure. I'd had a few of those so this one was nothing new. I still hadn't drawn my sword. "You are just showing off your dodging skills. How are you in a real sword fight, Redoran scum?"

I shook my head, "Hurling words does nothing to me, Hlaalu has been. You should know that by now."

"I wish it was that little piece of scrap you call a brother out here. He's so worthless he wouldn't even stick to my boot if I stepped on him."

That one got me; I couldn't help it. I pulled the sword "You know, you really are as stupid as you look, maybe stupider. Look down at the dirt Berwain, cuz you are headed for a mouth full." And I struck the pose that I knew would draw him close.

He stepped in and I whirled around him and smacked his backside with the flat of the sword as I came to a stop behind him. The crowd roared. I'd never done anything like this before but if he wanted humiliation I was going to let him have it. Of course it was me that was supposed to be humiliated; lessons were in need of being learned…



He landed a couple more good whacks, but he got more than he gave, along with another to the other side of his lower brain. Sit on that for a while idiot. He was breathing hard; I was getting there but I absolutely was not going to let him know that, I still appeared to be just as relaxed as I was when we started.

He was getting angrier and angrier and in the process losing focus, making wild swings that struck nothing, growling at me and panting for breath. "What's wrong Berwain? Do you need a 'sight' potion? Didn't eat your oats this morning? Come on, this is what you wanted, what are you waiting for? Here I am, geez, I'm not so small you can't see me." I didn't usually tease my opponents either, but for the most part the competitors I had met were honorable and just wanted to test their skill same as me.

Berwain tried a rush with an overhand swing, and I stuck out my foot as he went by. He slid across the arena floor, both hands over his head and his face buried in the dirt. When he rolled over, I put my sword in the center of his chest. The judge called, "Done," and I couldn't help it; I laughed out loud. His lower lip was full of grit like he had stuffed his mouth with hackle lo like I had seen some of the farmers do. "I didn't know you could dip dirt. If it's all the same to you, I don't think I'll try it."

He started moving his mouth and I could barely hear his voice so I leaned down as if to help him up. "You use magic, and mark my words, it will be the last spell you ever utter. It is hard to talk with a broken jaw. You wanted an 'honorable' match, or at least that's what you wanted them to believe. Do not test me Bug Stain, I am tired of your crap."

I didn't help him up in the end. We were given another break for water and to put anything down that we felt would slow us for the foot race. The only thing I gave up was the stupid tournament sword. If it had been my own katana I probably wouldn't have but just because it was mine and I liked it being in the scabbard at my back.

For all intents and purposes I had won the challenge, but for the sake of completeness I suppose we were required to finish the foot race as well. Mother had told me that Sera Ules had insisted that this be one of the challenges so that was why there were three. She had picked swords for me, he had picked the foot race for Berwain and the third was chosen randomly in a blind draw. So, we stepped to the line.

Berwain was still slightly out of breath, and although my heart rate had increased a bit, I had yet to be overly exerted. That brought home to me more than ever the importance of the training I did. I mean I did it because I wanted to, because I loved it, and I knew the importance of it, but now I understood why it was important. "Just remember when you are lying in your bed tonight that you are the one that asked for this." I didn't look at him when I said it, but he heard me- I heard the growl. He made that sound a lot- I guess because he didn't have a large enough vocabulary to express how he really felt.

"Runners to your mark." We stepped to the line. "Get set." I tucked and dug my left foot into the ground, and Berwain just looked at me like I was crazy. BOOM! The flash spell exploded from the judge's hand and we were off. He wasn't in front of me, so I didn't press. I was running, fast, just not top speed; why waste energy that I didn't have to, especially on him. I slid in a crouch at the end line and turned and shot back again as I had from the start. He was just reaching the end line. I just ran, without caring where he was because like I said, he wasn't in front of me. When I got close to the start/finish line I considered turning around and taunting him, but that would have been a bit dishonorable even though it would feel so good to add insult to injury.

The trumpets sounded and Sera Ules' voice rang loud "Athynae Sarethi is the clear winner of the challenge. Let it be known that her honor has been restored."



"MY WHAT?" I was fuming as I marched up to the Hlaalu Councilor. My honor had only been in question because the lying cheat had brought it into question and all of the notices as well as the announcements Mother had made at the beginning had been vague, a general reference to both of us. "I played this fool game for the good graces of both Houses. I know what he accused me of, but Sera Ules, it was he that cheated and lied, not I. I just did not want to reduce myself to his level by counter accusation. I assumed that this would just let it be what it was in the end. But for you to announce it thus, I take offense. My honor, sera, should have never been in question to start with. He dosed his guar to win the race and mine was dosed without my knowledge, by someone who overheard what he was planning in order to even the odds. His nose got broken because he was hurling insults at me when I was on my way to the judges' stand to concede the race. I heard him running toward me and I turned and put out my hand to stop him from tackling me and HE ran into my hand. Now you can do with that information what you will, but Sera Ules, please do not question my honor again- or there will be a reckoning."

And I started for the gate at the end of the arena where Berwain was standing slack jawed. I stepped to him and in a voice only he could hear said, "I had planned to offer an olive branch and let the past be gone but that," and I pointed toward the box, "changed my mind. I may be a lot of things, and there may be hordes of people who do not like me, but I have never lied to you or anyone else, I have never cheated, I have never to my knowledge been under-handed in any way, but none the less you spread lies about me. Not only that you took those lies to the leaders. I have triumphed today not solely because of skill but because the gods saw need to punish you. Azura be praised. You will never be trusted again if it is the last thing I do." And as I shouldered past him, he never said a word.

Athlain stepped in my path and I skirted him as I said, "Not now Athlain, just leave me alone, please. I need to get this vile taste out of my mouth." Actually I just didn't want anyone to see me cry. I was so mad that I knew that's what was coming. I went to the practice field; Athlain would give me space and keep Rahvin away even though he knew where I was. Mother would be occupied with the stink I stirred up and Father would stay with her so that left Uncle Seth. Great, just what I need now a lecture about how I handled it. UGH!

Fantastico!!...

(Sorry, the boy's playing the Italian Assassin)...

That's just a brilliant chapter that is... ...

Loved the challenges...Loved the style with which she won them all...And was as outraged as she was with the Hlaalu idjot...And then was also proud of her when Thyna said her piece...Nicely done!...

Brillianto!!...(not official Italian...Probably... )...

Nah, absolutely fantastic...Well done that woman!!...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

I have really enjoyed these stories from Athynae’s youth! You do such a beautiful job of giving her indomitable spirit a younger voice. It is of course wonderful to see familiar characters here, but I think the stories also stand up by themselves. Which is to say I would enjoy them just as much if they were about Jane and John instead of Athynae and crew. Well done!!

ROFL !! Athynae and her famous redhead temper had me rolling in this !! Awesome Write!

Thanks guys, I'm glad you are still enjoying this. I sure have a great time writing it. I have a couple more 'entries' in the stash and after that I'll probably back off for a while so I can focus on BOTM and the possibility of the next saga of the A and A story.

@mALX- She should have been born a red-head that's for sure. She's got the fire for it, but she's a red head now thanks to dye and spells so I guess all's well that ends well.

@Grits- What a nice thing to say, makes me wonder what I could do with them if I altered them a touch...

@McB- You always make me smile, thank you for your time and attention to Thyna's stories, I am so happy you are here, always...

Intro for this one, 16th birthday sends her back to her 12th, the first time she and Athlain were actually alone as guests of honor...you'll see.

There are two things that reside at the top of Athynae's list of "This is ABSOLUTELY unacceptable", one is a color the other is the word previously mentioned as the word only Athlain knew but would never tell. This particular story just tells a bit of how she reacts to one of those...enjoy.


Sixteen. What did that mean to me? For starters, it meant an enormous celebration. I don't think I will ever accustom myself to the celebrity associated with being the first born in Vvardenfell after the Blight. I wasn't the one that had ended the Blight, but I was the living, breathing proof that it was over and no one in Vvardenfell would let me forget it.

Don't get me wrong, parties are ok, but my birthday wasn't just a party, it was an island-wide holiday that lasted for days…formal ceremonies, reenactments, carnivals, fireworks and the list goes on. So, there I was, presiding over another exhibition or play I don't know…when I was younger it was ok; it was like it wasn't really me- it was Mother and I just happened to be there holding her hand. And Athlain was there because he was the second born and Mother and Aunt Baria thought it was just the cutest thing.

The age of twelve brought changes. Mother and Aunt Baria no longer sat or walked or rode the litter or…, you get the picture. Now I was supposed to be the diplomatic one, acting as if I enjoyed this and smiling and waving when all I wanted was to be on the practice field, dressed in my leathers, sparring or shooting my bow or training Rah, or watching Athlain play with his giant twig, (staff to those who are unsure of the reference). Athlain was still with me, not because he really wanted to be but because I gave him little choice. Sometimes I could be an awful person. But this was a test of fortitude and patience that I did not want to endure alone.

Ceremonial duties were one area that he did not tease me about; well, not after the first time. All the apologies in the world would never make up for what I did. I was at one of the exhibitions, not unlike this one, feeling like a mud crab that had somehow wound up in the desert, all primped and polished. I was also in a state, as I had had a bit of conflict with Kausha while I was getting dressed.

"You really expect me to wear that t h I n g? It's, it's puh, puh, pe, pu hin k! Why can't I just wear my leather armor; that's who I am, not this abomination of fluff." I was mortified. Not only did I disagree with the chiffon, the flowers, the lace- the fact that it was that color that shall not be mentioned was pushing it over the edge. I don't know what it was about that color, just the pale shade mind, that made me want to throw up, but it did. Mauve was ok, deeper shades of ….red/white mix were ok, but that, that was absolutely NOT ok.

"I am not going to disobey your Mother. This is the dress she sent for you, and missy, you will put it on or I will pull a paralyze spell and put it on you." Kausha was tiny but she was a force unto herself. Now though, since I was older, the only time she did anything for me was in situations like this when Mother needed to make sure I did as she instructed, like wear a puh, puh, p…nevermind… dress. What was she thinking?

"I won't disobey her either, but Kausha, you have to see the torture in this. Not only do I not get to wear what suits me, what represents who I am, but I have to go to the other end of the universe." I had not whined in years, not really but I pulled it up from the depths of me. "IT'S PPPPPIIIINNNNKKKKK!!!!!"

"I don't care if it is imitation guar skin stripes with the head still attached- you will put it on and you will do it now."

Which meant now, not "five minutes from now." If I waited, I would be on the floor paralyzed for the duration of the dressing process. "Well fine, give me the thing." And I donned the dress, trying to keep from regurgitating the entire time. And I had then sat blank faced at she put my hair in curls and pins and braids. It was just stupid, STUPID.

Then to top that whole thing off Athlain was late arriving, so I had to step up to the seat in the box on the raised dais to the roaring cheers of the crowd BY MYSELF. I was not a happy Redoran, no I was not happy at all. He stepped up onto the platform just after the introduction and took one look at me and started:

"Wow, pink" eyes wide; "that's really pink," as he attempted to keep from laughing out loud. "I think the dressmaker made a mistake; surely Aunt Serene didn't pick, didn't pick," he lost his hold.

BBASAHAHAHAHAHAHA! "Careful, your face will stick like that, with that pink reflection on it, looking kind of purple…"

And then he was sailing backward, over the edge of the platform because there was no rail to stop him. I had hit him mid chest with a 'repel' spell, which I had done before with no harm, but I hadn't considered that we were fifteen feet off the ground. It reminded me of his leap off the roof when I yelled "Boo," only this time there wasn't an awning to break his fall. All Oblivion broke loose. Guards and spectators running in every direction, then some stupid jerk yelled:

"He tried to kill the First Born! I saw it, I saw it all- he tried to kill her!" And he was running hither and yon like someone had put a hot coal in his pocket. But his cries had alerted the battlemages that were standing guard a short distance away and they charged. I didn't think; I just jumped, surrounded by pink chiffon frill and lace, and landed beside Athlain.

"I'm sorry, are you ok? Can you walk?" Urgency was all over my face and in my voice.

"I think so, what in the name of Talos did you do that for?"

"No time. We gotta go, NOW! Someone is screaming you tried to kill me and the battlemages are coming and Mother is on the opposite side of the arena." As I helped him up I realized the dress was in tatters. There was no way I was going to run in it. Thank you sweet Azura! I had my breeches on underneath, so I ripped the trailing tails and we were off…almost.

Battlemages were behind us and a contingent of Mother's personal guard were in front, being led by three that I had not met. Wonderful. As hard as I searched, there was no easy way out, and no. It did not occur to me to say, "NO! HE DIDN'T!" I was about to get frantic when Uncle Trey appeared out of the throng of spectators.

"Are we having fun kids?" And he put his hands up to stop the impending crash of mages and guards. It was amazing, once I had a chance to think about it. There they were, intent on magic and mayhem, and he just… stopped them. "Not a word, not one, not yet. Let me get these fellas taken care of and on their way, then we will talk."

I wish sometimes I was more 'girl' and less 'warrior,' I would have fainted dead away, or done a good act of it, just to keep from facing another round of "What were you thinking?" But instead I had to stand there while Uncle Trey explained to both sides it was just a misunderstanding and sent then back the way they had come. Then there were Mother, and Father, and Rah, and Aunt Baria and of course, Uncle Seth, all looking like they were afraid someone had died, except for Uncle Seth, who was looking at me with an expression I could not define. With a mix of laughter and mortification, if there is such a thing, he took in my apparel.

I put my hand up in the air, "As if there were any question- it is my fault." I stopped there; no need to give information that wasn't requested; I had enough making up to do with Athlain as it was without everything else. How did everything I touched end up being like this?

"We can wait for explanations later, young lady, and I will have them when this is over, but right now you need to get your Redoran behind back up on that dais so the ceremony and exhibition can proceed. Am I understood? We will also discuss your choice of underclothes." And she gave me that 'you would be better off facing Dagoth Ur at Red Mountain' look. Geez.

I was really shocked when I took my seat on the dais and Athlain settled into the one beside me. He was either a glutton for punishment or I had adled his brain for good this time. "I am sorry Athlain."

"I know; you always are." He was staring straight ahead. "Just do me a favor- tell me who I took the hit for this time." And he just glanced my way then back to the arena.

"Everyone, no one, pink." I was still truly disturbed by the color of the dress. "I argued with Kausha about it, I still think I should be able to wear my armor, but she threatened to paralyze me if I didn't put it on. Then she swirled, twirled, knotted and pinned my hair and then you show up trying to be funny when I was already as mad as a cliff racer that can't fly. And for Azura's sake Athlain, IT'S PINK! PINK! What was my Mother thinking?"

I don't know if Athlain was feeling my pain or stifling laughter when he dropped his head, but either way it was better than what I deserved. "So, I am sorry. I just blew a brain cell. I so hate pink."

"I know. I'm sorry too, I know how you feel about that color. I don't know what I was thinking either. I should have just kept my mouth shut. But Thyna, the look on the people's faces when you jumped down off of that dais and ripped the ends of your dress off will live in infamy forever!" Then he bent double in his seat, tears rolling down his cheeks, he was laughing so hard, but then again, so was I. I looked down and I have to say it was an interesting combination, a pink frilly lacy chiffon bodice with tendrils dangling and dark brown leather chausses and boots.

Athynae will fit right into fashions today in that outfit, ROFL !! Really funny episode, and "shocking" - I thought Athynae never apologized to Athlain before the last BOTM episode, lol !!! Awesome Write !!

Oh, that was good... ...

Absolute brilliance...That made me laugh so much... ...And, as payback for the Tcheet line, I get...



*Wipes tea off screen...Again...*... ...

Nicely done...Loved the image of her running around with the leather trousers under the pink dress...And the hell breaking loose with all them mages...

But Trey?...Ooooh...Whataguy!!... ...

Most excellently done...

Love it!!...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds...Stops...Wipes tea off hands...Applauds heartily...*...

…or watching Athlain play with his giant twig…

Thank you, I was among those who needed the explanation!!

Oh dear, the color on top of a celebration that turns her into an event, just too much! No wonder she dyed her hair red, to never have pink suggested again!

Wow. Thank goodness for Uncle Trey. And still friends in the end.

OMG! Sorry, I missed commenting on your second last post! that was not intentional, hope you understand!

You really capture the difficulties of being the daughter of an Archmistress..I mean come on...Athynae is one of a kind and she has a stubborn yet very honest demeanor...but things are not always going her way... And then she has a temper....I wonder who did she inherit that from? Athyn? hmmmm

Anyway I giggle with excitement when there's a new post in this great story...because I know it will make me smile...make me think and make me nod my head thinking.."yeah! so right on spot"

Oh and I liked the appearance of Trey in the last post....honestly I miss the guy, and I hope you'll let him in again....I mean Trey is Trey...he's so unique and the very first fanfic charachter I felt aquainted to. Trey of High Rock means a lot to me.

Also I like the way you depict Athlain....the more I read about his youth the more I like the boy!

Conclusion: I love this story!

Awww so our poor princess of trouble doesn't like wearing pink eh? Awww poor girl

*whispers to Treydog "we are gonna have to find a reason to have the princess wearing a pink dress."*

An ominous silence descends upon the house, then all you hear is a panicked scream, then cries for mercy are heard throughout the town.

Great stories Athynae, I'm loving it. Please forgive my penchant for stirring trouble *whistles innocently*

@mALX- She certainly didn't make a habit of it, but things like this are different to her, this apology is for a physical pain that she caused. Apologizing for being a spoiled (not really) brat and treating him poorly because ...you get the point..."I'm sorry" for breaking a limb is different that "I'm sorry for treating you like an idiot"
She is a hoot though and I am glad you are enjoying it.

@Grits-Exactly, see, you understand...even about his, um, staff. Glad you are here, I hope she continues to bring much laughter...

@Doomeister- Thank you so much! I appreciate you taking the time to comment after reading but conspiring with the wiener dog is probably not the best plan...just sayin' Let's see what she gets into next...

@McB- My faithful furry friend, just don't bite the hand that pets you on the head...YAY!!! I caused tea spewage! That is something to mark on the calendar for sure...Paybacks are a -B- ya know...haha. Stick around and see what she does next.

@minque- Always, and ever, the original creator of this wonderful character. Thank you for reading, I am thrilled that you are enjoying and thank you for your assistance, much appreciated.

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO READ, so much. I really am elated that you are here.

Serene and Athynae are taking a trip together. Serene wants to expand Athynae's understanding of diplomacy...right. At the age of 14 and away from home trouble finds her, did you have a doubt?



Kausha woke me, which was unusual; I was normally up and out by the time the rest of the house exited their bedrooms. Today I was taking a trip with Mother. She had decided that it was time for me to gain a better understanding of diplomacy- in other words, how to hold my tongue and not say the first thing that my brain thought. I could do that if I wanted to; I just didn't want to most of the time. I was looking forward to the trip. Any time I could get with Mother was always a treat and traveling with her, well, that was something else all together after we got past the departure. And this time it was just me; the brats were staying here with Kausha. This was the first time that Mother had chosen to leave Bree for more than a day since she was born; it sort of made me feel a bit special that I was the reason.

We were starting out in Seyda Neen for several reasons, not the least being that Thavere Vedrano lived in the lighthouse there and was one of Mother's oldest and dearest friends. I had seen her a couple of times, but hadn't been around her enough to know her other than through the stories Mother told. I was looking forward to the chance to get to know her better- because if Mother spoke of her the way she did, then she was well worth getting to know.

I brushed and braided my hair, dressed and went downstairs to the dining room. The table was set with simple foods this morning, kwama eggs, fruit and bread with the usual dressings, scrib jelly and syrup of some sort that Cook had been making since before the Emperor was born I think. I had just sat down when Mother and Father came in.

"Good morning. All dressed up and ready to go I see," Father said with a smile behind his words but not on his face. Mother looked like she always did when she wanted me to dress, in her words, more appropriately. I still didn't understand why she was so adamant that I wear something other than my leathers, and until I understood, I would continue to have this discussion with her every time I chose the wrong thing in her eyes.

"Yes, 'dressed up'. I suppose by 'dressed up' your father means you are wearing the new leathers that he just brought you? I don't insist that you wear a dress, but I would like to see you in something other than leather armor occasionally."

I added a mental tally mark to the record I had been keeping for a couple of years; what I had affectionately begun to call "The Multitude of Ways: A guide to how many different ways Mother can tell me she does not like my choice of clothing."

"But we are travelling and you are wearing what you are comfortable in, are you not? So, why can't I be comfortable too?" I could have thrown in the 'that's not fair,' but it wasn't necessary, plus the response to that was always 'life isn't fair.'
.
Mother's eyes rolled upward as she took a moment. There she goes again, counting, silently, as if I didn't know what she was doing.

I finished my last bite of eggs and downed my juice, "Excuse me please? I need to get a couple more things." And as I left the dining room I heard a repeat of the familiar discussion between Mother and Father,
"Why do you insist on supporting her desire to wear armor instead of proper apparel when it is expected?" Her voice was firm but not mean.

"Is that what I am doing my dear? I thought I was supporting my daughter in her desire to be herself and not what the world at large expects her to be."

His tone was the same as always, that soft tone that always took the fire out of Mother. Now they were staring at each other…even without being there I had the timing down to a science as I walked up the stairs. As I stepped into my room, enough seconds had passed that they had smiled at each other and called it a draw with no more words.

Half an hour later Mother exited Father's study at the base of the stairs as I reached the bottom and before she came around the corner she spoke, "Please leave your weapons at least."

"Oops, too late." I whispered to myself as she turned the corner of the stairs and saw that I had my full regimen- my katana strapped to my back, my bow and quiver hanging over my left shoulder and my braids pinned up with two darts.

"Athynae Sarethi- do you really have to make such an affair out of this? We aren't going to battle, we are going on a D-I-P-L-O-M-A-T-I-C journey."

"I know that but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be prepared for the chance that some rogue band could attack." I gave her my wide-eyed 'there you go' look.

Mother clenched her teeth and pursed her lips before she responded, "We will be traveling by strider, and I seriously doubt the possibility of an attack." Her eyes locked with mine, "I appreciate your dedication to the endeavor of being Tamriel's greatest warrior, but you can take a break every now and again."

"I could, but where would the fun be in that? Besides, if we don't leave now we will miss our ride."

Here's the thing you need to understand. Yes, almost every time we went 'out' we argued about how I dressed, but it wasn't because she didn't want me to be myself, it was because somewhere inside of her there was a conflict-on one hand she remembered being my age and how important it was to feel comfortable with who one is, but on the other she was now the Head of Great House Redoran and with that came certain…expectations? She had to at least make it look like she was trying to conform. That's what I think anyway.

Father kissed me on the forehead "Don't be too hard on your mother, my little warrior; enjoy the trip but let her enjoy it some too, please?" And he winked at me.

I exaggerated a huge sigh "OK, fine. I'll do my best to be the best behaved child in Vvardenfell, as long as I can double up on the misbehaving when we get home so I can catch back up. You know how I hate getting behind." And I lowered my head and shuffled myself out the door as Father hugged and kissed Mother through his laughter.

"If it were possible for a man to reproduce without the aid of a female I would absolutely believe I had nothing to do with her, she is yours through and through." Mother whispered as she leaned in to kiss Father, "I had nothing to do with that one." And she pointed toward me with loving accusation if there is such a thing.
"You think that is a reflection of my gene pool? Me? Mr. Calm cool and collected? You are the one that can't sit still, I believe dear, she got more than a fair share of your genes, but I am more than proud to claim her. That fire is something that will take her places." He pulled her close and kissed her again. "Don't be gone too long I might have to hunt you down."

If someone who didn't know heard some of the things that were said about me by my parents- or anyone else for that matter- it would not shine a very kind light on me but I knew there was nothing mean-spirited there, it was all loving jibes, them letting me know they noticed I was different and it was really all right. I hoped that's what it was, anyway.

We arrived in Balmora and the first leg of our journey had begun. We weren't going straight to Seyda Neen as I had thought, but rather we were going to visit Fort Moonmoth. I was quite sure that visiting old friends was not the only reason Mother had for wanting to go there, but I also knew that if she wanted me to know she would tell me, and if she didn't want me to know the work involved in finding out just wasn't worth it at that point. Plus I really wanted to enjoy the time I had with her and not try to make her mad at me. We would bang heads before long whether I tried or not.

I wasn't particularly impressed with Balmora. It was pretty enough I guess but it was Hlaalu country and even though I knew a few Hlaalu that were OK, for the most part I had learned they could not be trusted. A man exiting the Council Club made eye contact with me and I know I probably should have lowered my head, but I wasn't about to let him think he had any power over me. Besides, I did not like the look in his eyes. I scowled and rolled my eyes. He responded by narrowing his eyes at me and patting his short sword. I raised an eyebrow and did a little 'slap the weapon' dance for him- right shoulder, left shoulder, waistband, boot and then I threw in a 'top that' look. At which point Mother caught the man eying me and paid him a glare that ended it all. I watched until Mother turned away and stuck out my tongue at the man and then smiled. Rather childish I know, but it still felt good.

I don't know what it was about Mother, but even if when she was playing her "simple traveler" role, she wasn't often challenged. At least I had never seen it happen, even when we traveled incognito like now. There was something about her that made most think twice about even approaching her, which seemed quite odd to me because she was the most giving, kind person I knew. She and Aunt Baria together were like a "Nice Fest" gone haywire; sometimes it was almost too much kindness.

As we exited Balmora on the road to the fort Mother cleared her throat to get my attention, "You do realize that man you had the stare down with was exiting the local gathering place for the Camonna Tong, right?" She looked at me with both eyebrows raised.

Although my heart took a stutter step, my mouth did not, "So. Is that supposed to scare me? He looked at me with a nasty expression when he came out of that place. I don't think I should act like a scared scrib just cuz I'm not a hundred years old; that's stupid." I meant the stupid part, the other though, well, if I had known that was Camonna Tong territory I might not have been quite so bold. Then again, he was looking down his ugly hooked nose at me so…it would have been the same.

"Sometimes, Athynae, it is better to let things go. Often the expression on someone's face has more to do with what they are thinking about rather than who or what is in their line of sight."
And she softened when she looked at me, that affectionate, exasperated wisdom expression.

"I don't wear what is on my mind on my face. If I did no one would like me because I would always look like I had a mouth full of bitters. I work hard to keep my face from showing how hard I am concentrating, sometimes on a bunch of stuff all at once." And I showed her the 'sucking bitters' look by sucking in my cheeks and crossing my eyes.

"You are rambling," Mother snickered. "It is no secret you never stop thinking about your battle strategies, even while you plan and prepare one of your 'lessons'. " Her face said it before her mouth did, "Didn't think I knew that, did you?" She looked like she had just taken the trophy in some major competition so I couldn't rain on her presumed victory by telling her it didn't matter- that I didn't care whether she knew.

"No! I did not. Have you been eavesdropping on private conversations, Mother? I get in big trouble for that. I think maybe you should be grounded when we return home so you can think about what you have done." And I tried to look all parental.

Neither of us could hold it long; we both started giggling. Mother was on my right side and just barely at the edge of my vision to the left of us I caught the smallest of movements. I didn't think about what I did, but I let Mother get a half step ahead of me and then all at once everything got crammed together except what I did. That was in slow motion.

The stupid bandit stepped into the road behind us and said something like, "What, couldn't afford a full size body guard so you paid half price for half size?" His laugh stopped pretty quick though, cuz as I turned around I pulled a dart from my hair and flipped it. It sank into his shoulder just above his collar bone. I hoped I had hit the right spot, and I did I discovered later.

Then Mother's voice snapped me out of slow motion and back to real time, " Why would I pay more for one with less skill? Seems to me she is doing a fine job." She cut her eyes at me and gave the slightest wink.

The dummy laughed and said "With a dart?" Mother cut off his laughter.

"Don't you mean a poisoned dart?" as she cocked her head to the side. "Now the decision is yours; time is short, so be quick about it. Call off the rest, if there are more, and you might live to see another sunrise. Otherwise you will die here today and your friends will go to Oblivion with you." She was almost whispering.

"I'm dead anyway if this is poisoned." They were glaring at each other.
"I can give you an antidote for the poison, but you must act very quickly or it will be too late. Call them off!" The last came out as a growl and her eyes, I don't know how to describe those. I had never seen that look before or heard that voice. I had done "mean," but I really needed to learn that mean, that could make some with less fortitude pee their britches.

The bandit raised his good arm as if to signal others and then muttered, "Fix this; they will leave." Mother was nonchalant as she moved toward him. I however was not. I pulled my bow, stretched the string and had an arrow nocked and was holding it half pulled by the time she had taken two steps. She reached into her satchel as she was walking toward him and pulled something out, I wasn't sure what because she didn't need an antidote for a dart that wasn't poisoned. I was actually pretty impressed that she thought that fast and I wondered if I had taught her that or if I had inherited it.

When she got to him she reached with one hand and not gently yanked the dart from his shoulder. His arm instantly fell to his side. I did it! I hit the nerve! "Now, don't flinch, take heed, she is better with that than she is at flinging darts." And she tossed her head toward me even as she pulled his hands behind him and tied them securely with the twine in her hand that I hadn't seen until just then. Where did that come from?

"What's wrong? My arm! What are you doing? You aren't stopping the poison. I can't move my arm!" He was screaming like a girl; it was pitiful.

"Poison? Oh, right, well I do hope you will pardon me for stretching the truth a bit, but you were getting ready to rob us or worse. There was no poison; however, the dart clipped a nerve that may or may not heal. It is hit or miss if you will ever use that arm again." She stepped behind him and pushed. "Captain, would you be so kind as to take up the rear to keep our prisoner from escaping?" The air she put on was truly majestic and I didn't skip a beat.

"Certainly, Your Highness, anything you require will be my pleasure Arch Mistress." And I bowed toward her, just because I saw the bandit cutting his eyes at us. His jaw hit the ground at the exchange. I have no idea how Mother and I maintained our ruse the rest of the way to the fort but we did. It was quite funny listening to Mother spin such a yarn for Sera Stupid, about how I had come to be a Captain of the Guard at the tender age of 10 by stopping a siege on Under Skar even before anyone else had been aware and what a well rounded warrior I was, as skilled with one weapon as another.
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That was just brilliant that was... ...

From the discussion about appropriate attire for going travelling in...To the way her parents complained with great affection about her... ...Just brilliance...

The bit where she found out that she's stared down the Tong was excellent...As was the Bandit "fight" at the end...Short elven archers?...Trouble they are... ...

Love the way you do these stories...They don't half make me laugh... ...

Excellent stuff, as ever, looking forward to the next part of this...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

Really nicely put, I just love how she puts it "Oh just a small detail you may or may not not lose the ability to use your arm, no biggy really."
Like always, enjoyed it very much, can't wait for more

How funny to think of Serene being a part of the ruse! Really funny chapter, Great Write!

The mother/daughter dynamic made more complicated by Serene’s position with its accompanying expectations for Athynae is fun to read. I love her father’s instant endorsement of the leather getup that he knew would not be acceptable to her mother. They made a great team against that bandit!

Ahahahaha....that was very very amusing! You got milady right on spot! Serene and Athynae really have some good chemistry between each other, they do understand unspoken words and act according to it! Yay ...you're incredible Athynae (the author) in making good intrigues and describing interaction between Athynae ( the daughter) and her Mother!.

So if you please will continue this I would be very happy!

First of all many apologies to everyone for the delay on part 2 of this one, RL has been both fantastic and horrid the past couple weeks. The great part was a trip to New York City courtesy of a special friend. Just to share a touch of it here's 3 pix I took

https://picasaweb.google.com/10763669033403...feat=directlink

The other RL stuff does not deserve mention other than I am still trying to figure out how the worst and the best can happen simultaneously...lalalalala

On to the best stuff...

Thanks to ALL who are reading, as I have said before I thoroughly enjoy writing this and even as the writer sometimes I am surprised by where it goes. This started out as a simple sort of humorous journal entry that turned into so much more....

@Fawkes- Glad you enjoyed it and it did kind of bother her conscience a little when she found out later that it was permanent. But his band was disbanded and all were sent to labor camps to work off their misdeeds.

@Grits- It is a very complex relationship, the two are so much alike in some ways and worlds apart in others, they never doubt or question their love for each other but they still have to be who they are. And the perfect example of one of the ways they are alike, the bandit didn't have a chance. hehe. As far as the leathers go, well, diplomacy is not Thyna's strong suit, example of worlds apart.

@mALX- The real funny thing is it isn't a ruse....it was the real thing, a bandit attack. I do hope you enjoy where it goes from here.

@McB- She rarely shows any negative internal feelings, it's sort of her twist on the "if you can't say anything nice" quote, thankfully since this is her journal we get to see not only her outward reaction but her mental one as well. Thanks for your loyalty my friend. Hope you like the rest...

@minque- So many things I could say that I have said so many times before, thank you is the best I can do since all I have are words to work with. Laugh with me, knowing that you are enjoying this from a half a world away reminds me how small the world really is.

The next couple of installments will get us from here to there so to speak. This piece starts at the gates of the fort with the bandit they thwarted in tow...

Oh, I know about all them sorts of things... ...

AAaamywho...AMAZING stuff!!...

This is absolutely brilliant...Keep telling ya, you should give her her own story!...

I loved the way you had Athynae think it was probably a set up, and then the terror when she realised that it actually wasn't...Nicely done there...I wonder if she pushed up the "Cool Mom" setting up a few notches at that point?... ...

Oooh, intrigue in the Houses...I've no idea what that means, but damn it sounds cool!...

Loving it!! Looking forward to much more...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds most heartily*...

Oh, and as for this...



Always, to both... ...

GAAAAH! A cliff hanger! What's going on ????? ARGH !!!! Awesome Write !!

Thanks to everyone who is still reading about Athynae's antics as a child. She gets into almost as much trouble as Denise the Menace. I apologize for the delays between postings, RL is beating me up lately....





Athynae and her mother, Serene, started out on a diplomatic journey and Serene got called away suddenly so she delivered Athynae to her friend Thavere who lives at the lighthouse in Seyda Neen. Thyna was a little less than happy about that and since Thavere didn't know better than to just openly suggest Thyna go exploring, well, no surprise, the little imp wandered a bit too far....



Relas and his cohort were still arguing about taking orders and transporting something and having missed the Arch Mistress. I had heard their voices through the trees; I had yet to work my way to a point where I could see their faces but I was getting there. I wanted to make sure that I was in a spot that would be outside both lines of vision so as I was working my way around I was also listening to the directions their loud voices were coming from.

I KNOW I did not make a sound, but Relas put his hand up right as I peeked through a small opening in the underbrush and looked toward where I was. He didn't see me, well, not until the dog growled behind me. I caught the mutt on the shoulder with my dagger just before I was hit with a spell I was all too familiar with. I really hate the paralyze spell.

The worst part of a paralyze spell is you are totally aware; you can see and hear everything; you just can't move. Prior to this that simply meant that I had to tolerate some sort of ministration from Kausha or Mother… like them putting something on me that I did not want to wear or putting my hair in some wild configuration of curls with ribbons and bows. This time it was a process of being tied with twine before I regained my ability to move.

Being mad was not always a good thing, but in this case I think being mad saved me from doing something stupid or, well, stupider because if I hadn't been so mad I would have been scared and that just would not have worked.

"Well what about this, Evos? I do believe our luck has changed; our trump card came to us. Who are you, girly? And why were you with the Arch Miss take of Redoran?" I raised an eyebrow but otherwise did not react; if he wanted to fuel my anger by saying stupid things like that he was more than welcome. It was well known in close circles that making me mad was NOT a good idea. It really didn't happen often. I mean frustrated sure, agitated of course but all out mad, even I didn't know why I went to the extent that I did when I was mad. What I did think of this time was that I needed to use the anger to my advantage and really be smart about how to handle this.

Mother is going to kill me and after she brings me back Father and Uncle Seth are going to take a turn. Fiddle digits. I hate being stupid.

"Well, answer me girly, who are you?" Evos looked like the lamp was burning but the fuel was low, glancing back and forth between me and Relas.

I still didn't say anything, just rolled my eyes. He called me girly, twice, if I opened my mouth right now it would be to spit on him, so I thought it best to keep my mouth shut.

"You can't be more'n eleven or twelve. What are you doing out here by yerself and why did Her Mighty Highness deliver you to tha lighthouse? What's Thavere got to do with you? And even more important than all that, you orta be scared enough to wet your pants right now silly girl."

Ok, a girl can only keep her mouth shut for so long before it is so full of words they spill out of their own accord, "Let me go and I'll show you how scared I am." The words came out with a venom unequaled by some of the spiders Rah had been milking.

"Oh oh oh , she does talk. This is good Relas, isn't it? It's good, right?" Evos was dancing around like someone had put hot coals in his shoes.

"Shut up!" Relas shoved Evos and he almost fell. "I ain't gonna ask you again who you are and what your relation is to that Serene woman." He had pulled a dagger from a sheath at his waist and put it to my throat.

"Kill me and you have no hold over the Arch Mistress." And I smiled an evil sort of gotcha smile.

"I have no intention of killing you. But that don't mean you won't go home missing something that you might want to keep like an arm or a leg or something."

I could tell by his eyes that he was bluffing, so I was going to just let it be what it was until I could figure out what to do. The most important thing was to keep my mind busy thinking about what to do and not think about what had happened.

"And Mistress Sarethi would see to it that you were missing something you not only want to keep but need to live- like your heart. She'd carve it out herself and probably use it in a potion or something." I was looking him straight in the eye, "Have you ever heard that evil laugh of hers? It would chill the skin off a draugr." And I shivered to emphasize my comment.

Relas picked me up and stood me on my feet. "Come on Evos, we gotta get her somewhere we can keep her hid. Let's take her to that old slavers cave; that should work just fine." He poked my back and I rolled back to the ground.
"Get up. What's wrong with you?" He was a bit peeved, but he'd get over it; he didn't have it in him to hurt me, it was easy to see that. He would do almost anything to scare me, but the only way he would hurt me would be by accident. I had every intention of using that against him. He had no idea what he had gotten himself into.

"I don't want to go to some slaver's cave, if you want me to go, you and your buddy are going to have to carry me."

Slight miscalculation on my part; I didn't think he was strong enough to pick me all the way up, but he was and threw me over his shoulder too.

"So be it missy. I am not losing my ticket to living in the lap of luxury."

He thinks I am his ticket. That's rich. As he walked and I bounced on his shoulder I asked how I was his ticket.

"Well not you exactly but that Arch Miss woman. I got some folks that are willing to pay big money if I bring her to them and since I missed her when she got here I'll just get her when she comes back."

"What makes you think she's coming back?" I was now on an information gathering mission as well as a "get myself free" mission all while I was watching closely so I would know which way to go when I did get free. Now it was getting interesting…. I must not be like everyone else, because this was kinda fun.

"She left you here, and she'll be back for you. You're just a kid."

"Are you sure about that? I mean that she's coming back, or that I am a kid?" He stopped and put me down at the entrance to a cave that had a makeshift door that hadn't been moved in an age.

"You look like a kid, you sound like a kid; therefore, you are a kid. She will be back because Thavere ain't got time to take care of a kid for any length of time."

"Well that makes a lot of sense coming from someone who doesn't know much but it's ok, you'll learn soon enough." I looked as sympathetic as I could, a piteous look if I had ever made one.

"What is that supposed to mean- 'someone who doesn't know much'?" He was offended, poor dummy.

"Obviously you have never heard of Lilliputian elves. I mean there aren't many of us so it is understandable that you would not have learned about us those two years you went to school but you really shouldn't make assumptions until you do know everything."

"What in Oblivion is lilly pukin? I ain't never heard that word before," Evos spoke for the first time since we left the woods outside Seyda Neen.

"It means tiny elves. I am full grown, I have been a grown up since I was the size of what you would consider a four year old. I am as a matter of fact a Captain of the Guard for the Arch Mistress. And our plan to keep her safe worked beautifully, I protected her to the lighthouse then hid her trail as she slipped past you. Now you have me. Or perhaps I have YOU! Funny how that worked out don't you think?" I was holding tight to a blank expression, no smile and no frown and really hoping my eyes were obeying my mental commands. I was hoping it was so far fetched an idea that he would be too stunned to doubt.

It's a hard read to try to turn someone's ignorance into an advantage, little one and the larger the game the harder the landing is going to be at the bottom. You have the ability to hide your feelings very well and that can sometimes be a good thing, but Princess Trouble, it does not guarantee a win. I will not school you in the art of deception. What you attempted today was far from using stealth or skill; it was underhanded and very unlike you.

The words Uncle Seth had spoken were what mattered just now; I did not want to think about what had prompted them. And I didn't like being dishonest, but it seemed to me that right now Uncle Seth would be ok with it. Besides, hadn't Mother and I sort of already started this ruse? I was just taking it to a different level.

Relas was quiet for a long time while Evos fought to remove the cover that was once a door over the cave entrance. "You know if you'd help me I could get this done a lot faster, stead a sittin' there lookin' like yer brain took a hike without you."

"Shut up. I'm trying to think." I almost giggled. All I could think was "Yep. 'Try' is about as far as you'll get."

Evos went back to trying to dismantle a structure that had obviously been made to stay closed. I really hoped there wasn't anything in there we were going to have to run from, but even with my hands tied I had no doubt I'd be ok, cuz I could outrun these two easily and that would be good enough, hopefully.

Finally the wood splintered and Evos squealed and Relas just about jumped out of his skin while I stood propped against a boulder trying to figure out how to make this work to the best advantage to keep them from doing anything stupid to me but even more important to me keeping them from getting to Mother. I already had the twine loose enough I could just slip my hands out and the two less than intelligent kidnappers had not taken my weapons they had just tied me. Actually standing here knowing I could get away very easily and had all of my weapons made the entire scene even more humorous.

"Let's go you." Relas barked at me," I don't have time to mess with you, I got stuff to do."

"You want me to go in there?" I asked, and he knew well I did not think it a grand idea at all.

"Move. I have to get you out of sight, now git!" He had reached and grabbed my arm and was pulling me forward. I almost let him pull my hand free because I wasn't expecting him to be quite so forceful.

"I would appreciate it if you would make sure there isn't anything in there that is going to eat me first, I mean I am at a tremendous disadvantage with my hands tied." I was trying to slow him down without just downright balking.

"Ain't nothing been in there in years. The back of it caved in last time the slavers was run off." Evos threw in his less than 2 pence worth.

"If you don't mind, a bit of light would be good please," I am not afraid of the dark, but I don't like getting the wits scared out of me by things that hide in the dark. I knew a few spells none of which was detect life so I had to count on two less than intelligent beings to assure me it was safe enough. Actually I wasn't concerned since I knew my weapons were at hand and my hands were as well; it made me smile just a little behind their flat heads.

Time to spray the Quot-o-Matic (TM Pat. Pending) with WD40. To begin with the beginning of this latest adventure of Vvardenfell's Smallest Guard Captain-



Whatever ELSE can be said about life with Athynae- it is not dull!

I want to quote the entirety of the breakfast banter between all 3 of the Sarethi clan- but will restrain myself.

OK- this bit from after, I HAVE to quote:





Of course- take her to Balmora and the first thing she does is get into a... staring contest with the Camonna Tong.



And that caused me to be happy I had set my tea aside beforehand.

And then to follow with what had to be the dumbest wannabe highwayman in all of Tamriel… just perfect.

Athynae’s quick reflexes are second only to Serene’s quick wits- what a team they make!



Here and throughout, you expertly capture the tension between Athynae's belief in her abilities and in how things "ought to be" versus her mother's wish that things were... different.



Just love that world-specific bit of imagery.



Oh dear.



Brilliant again.



And another beverage spewing moment barely averted.



And it just gets better and better.

Well yeah, of course she's gonna go running into trouble the first chance she gets...

I mean, one minute it's "Yes mother, I will stay safe inside this Legion Fort." and the next, she's being tied up in the woods... ...Insane girl/woman!... ...

Brilliant chapter...Much fun...

Looking forward to the next parts...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

That whole interaction between Thyna, Relas and Evos nearly ruined my keyboard! Like treydoggie, I had to put my tea to the side!

Loved the whole bit - more insight into what is already a fascinating character from trey's story.

LMAO these updates have been quite amusing, and as always a good read!

Oh how fun. They have her tied up and are at her mercy. Quite sensible to be concerned about the cave. After all, it's not the dark that gets you.

Just sitting here....shaking my head in wonder...You make Serene just SO magnificent! Just the way I wanted her to become as Arch Mistress! i don't think i can continue writing about her anymore because YOU do it SO much better! And the interactions with Athynae! Brilliant!.

Funny thing i also got caught up with almost the same quotes as treydog! Seems him and I still think in almost the same way!

For now I'm speechless...

Oh and i must apologize for not being around for quite some time..RL you know, not an excuse but maybe an explanation....(and a lousy one as someone would say)

I have to agree with what McB said, "Of course she's going to go running into trouble the first chance she gets!"

Great Write !!!

Please forgive my extended absence, RL has been a bit of a challenge lately and so I have not been as attentive to Athynae or any of her dear friends here on the forum. Please know that although I have not publicly commented I have been reading and enjoying all of the stories I just needed to be...quiet...for a little while.

McB I could blow a bunch of overly kind verbage up your fur but truth is truth and you have through all of this been an incredibly supportive friend and for that I am beyond grateful...Thank you so much....

minque, BH, mALX, Haute, Grits, AND FOXY!!!!!!!!! Wherever you are!!!!! Thank you for reading, I do hope you haven't lost interest in Thyna's antics in my absence.....

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!

*****
Relas and Evos have brought Thyna to an abandoned mine to hold her while they wait for Serene to return even as Thyna continues to attempt to convince them she is a Lilliputian Elf (explains her smaller than normal size) as well as Captain of the Guard for the Arch Mistress of Redoran. Please keep in mind Serene and Athyn Sarethi are her parents and Sethyas Velas has made it his mission to ensure that Athynae- Her Highness the Princess of Trouble is the absolute best at being....whoever or whatever she should decide to be....

Although Relas was frustrated with my behavior, he had Evos make a couple of torches before he forced me in, nice idiot that he was…

I really have to stop thinking like this else I am going to accidentally say something out loud and that will not go well. Great. Now I'm thinking like someone else; when did I care what I said or who I made mad?

Then the thought again crossed my mind that this could all be part of the master plan to make me more, um, diplomatically acceptable. I couldn't imagine Mother just blatantly lying to me about the whole deal but she had been getting more and more disjointed over my less than diplomatic appraisals. Would Father and Uncle Seth do something like this?

I looked up, then. I was so caught up in trying to convince myself that this was all a set up that I hadn't noticed my entrance into the cave nor where I had decided to settle. I was fairly close to the door and both Relas and Evos were toward the back of the cave. Did they want me to make a run for it? Were they trying to see what I would do? Or, the most likely- they really were that dumb and had no idea what in Nirn they were doing. I didn't want to do anything until my strategy was set in my head and I had a solid plan. This was always the most difficult part of any lesson for me, ALWAYS! Patience was not one of my strong suits, and attempting to evaluate every possible scenario before I decided on a course of action always proved distracting. The only reason I was a decent hunter was because I was moving, thinking, strategizing the entire time. Here I was just stuck, pretending my hands were still tied behind my back, knowing that all of my weapons were exactly where they were supposed to be, strapped to my body and I was being guarded by what it was easy to assume were a couple of Bug Stain's cousins.

But what was their deal? Why did they want Mother? Who were they hired to kidnap Mother for? Did it have something to do with the other idiot we had encountered on this trip? Then it hit me. I had read somewhere about natural selection and sometimes genes needed to be eliminated from the gene pool because bad genes were messing up good ones; maybe someone had decided to help out the gods by making sure some of the less fit were exposed to…and that is why I have such a hard time with the whole 'thinking' thing; there are far too many tangents to get diverted by.

"Hey girly, you hungry?" Relas spoke louder than was necessary, and he called me girly…again!

"Relas is it? You have not bothered to ask my name which I wouldn't give you anyway, but calling a female, ESPECIALLY a Lilliputian Elf, 'girly' is a sure way to get yourself into a rather serious situation." I tried to look like my last tutor when he wanted me to think he was upset with my classwork.

"How am I gonna get in a serious situation by anything I say to you since you're all tied up and everything? And I ain't skeered a no girl anyhow, tied up or not. Sides, seems to me if you won't tell me your name then girly is as good as anything." He didn't seem to realize the seriousness of calling me bad names. He could not have been endangering himself much more if he were trying to make me wear something pink. And now that I knew what to expect I could use the block spell that Rah had discovered in an old handwritten mage's volume that he was studying. And once again, I found myself distracted by my thoughts- this time thoughts of my brother.

He was the child that could do EVERYTHING well. No matter what he decided to do, he was better than average at it and, since he was my brother it was definitely a good thing, because the truth of it was if we had been on opposite sides I really don't know which one of us would have been victorious. His academic and scientific endeavors had provided me with many helpful items, spells, formulas, potions, well, lots of things that I would not have had otherwise, like the block for the paralyze spell. I had yet to test it on any other spell but we had spent an exorbitant amount of time testing its effectiveness in every situation, location or verbal extreme we could think of and it had worked every time, which made me very happy.

"You can call me Captain; that should suffice until you can't call me anything anymore." I heard the air as any inference beyond his understanding whooshed over his head.

"Haha, well then, Captain," and he bowed low, "are you hungry?" and he tried to sound royal.

"I am a captain, not a princess; a salute while standing at attention is more appropriate if you must." I never had felt like a princess anyway so…I didn't like it when I was called Her Highness by anyone except Uncle Seth because I was the Princess of Trouble to him and that was perfectly fine to me, far better than being some namby pamby, frilly pink wearing weakling girl whining about her fingernails.

"I don't much care what kind of pretend games you want to play while you're here, Captain but I do expect that when I ask you a question it is only polite to answer."

"Hungry? Was that the question?" He nodded. "What's on the menu?" I asked as flippantly as I could.

"This ain't no restaurant or high falutin' Arch Mistresses dining hall. We got some jerky and a little bit of smoked guar meat that we can make into stew. I think I saw a patch of mushrooms and we might find some tubers or something. So what'll it be?"

"I appreciate the offer but if it's all the same to you I'll just eat what I have in my pack." I tried to retrace our steps and remember where the mushrooms were and what kind they were. If they were the right kind then maybe I would ask for some, but would they know all of the qualities of a particular fungus and what happens if they were mixed with other ingredients? Well, if they were just button tops then I could eat them and no one would be the wiser, but if they were what I thought they were because of the location, then if nothing else I could certainly have some fun with my captors. I might even be able to figure out what they were up to and who put them up to it. "I would like to have some of those mushrooms if you don't mind; they will go nicely with my bread and cheese."

"Evos, fetch the grand Captain here some of them mushrooms. The happier we keep her the less trouble she'll cause." And he shot a look at me that said, "At least that's the hope."

"I have no reason to cause you any trouble. When the time comes for me to do something it won't be any trouble at all." And I smiled the best imitation of a Bree 'smile of innocence' I could manage.

"Good, keep it that way and you might not have to die." He tried to look tough but he didn't have what it took to kill someone; he didn't have that shadow behind his eyes that I had seen my entire life. Father, Mother, Uncle Seth, Uncle Trey, they all had it and I knew why, but I also knew that what they had done was done out of necessity, for survival, the survival of a way of life, of a race- and as far as I was concerned that was all the justification I needed.

"Could you please untie my hands so I can get to my pack, and reach my rations?" I didn't think he would but it was worth asking regardless of the answer. "I already told you I wasn't going to cause you any trouble."

"You promise?" And he squinted at me like he was trying to figure my intentions.

"On the honor of my station as Captain." And I pulled myself up as straight as I could and still maintain the ruse that I was tied tight.

"All right, fine. Me and Evos can handle you tied or not so I don't see the harm in it."

"Good," I said as I shook the ropes free before he could get to me. "That was beginning to wear on me just a little." I moved to a place that the wall was a bit smoother and sat, drawing my pack to me and pulling out the food I had brought. Evos returned and tossed a pouch at me. Relas never even reacted to my shucking of the ropes. I reached in and was happy to discover I was correct; the variety of mushrooms was innocuous the vast majority of the time, but mixed with a bit of 'Bane they produced mild hallucinations accompanied by bouts of extreme happiness- giggle fits if you will. Once again- Thank you Rah.

Now the mental ball was rolling; while I prepared the mushrooms, using their cooking utensils, I planned. First I had to get my own serving that wasn't tainted by the 'Bane without them noticing, but I also had to make them think the 'treat' was so good that they couldn't pass it up. A touch of Cook's special secret seasoning that made everything smell like it had been sent from the gods and taste almost that good was exactly what I needed. Thankfully I had my tiny wooden spice box.

It could not have worked better if they were actors in a play. I munched on bread and cheese as I waited for the inevitable.

"….and she said. Bahahaha. She said 'the midwife slapped ME when you was born!'" and they both guffawed. I had not been paying attention to what had prompted this statement; I didn't know if Relas was talking about his mama and him or someone else, but it wasn't a stretch to think…

"Least you knowed yer mama. Heck, mine dropped me at the gates of Balmora with a note that said, 'I ain't no mama.'

" I felt tears well unbidden even as they laughed harder. Suddenly I didn't want to hear anymore; it was time to get on with it.

"Hey boys, whatcha talking about?" Hahahahaha

"Our mamas, worthless biddies that they was. How bout yers, Capt?" HAHA "Capt? You ain't really a captain are ya? Youze just pullin our legs weren't ya?"

"Nope, honest to goodness, I am a Captain of the Guard for the Arch Mistress of Redoran House." I shrugged my shoulders and giggled.

"She sure did make them Cammona Tong people mad. I'd a thought she was smarter than that, but I guess not."

"How'd she make 'em mad you reckon?" I had decided talking like them might help, I don't know why, but making fun of them made it easier to laugh at the seriousness of what was going on.

"I ain't quite sure; has something to do with the Hlaalu and trade and writs or somethin. And she's protected somehow by some edict or somethin' so they can't just kill her."

I felt like Uncle Seth had drop kicked me into a marble slab. Trying to breath, I asked, "So what are you two sposed to do with her? If you can't kill her I mean, what's left?" I felt queasy just saying it but… onward…

"We's just sposed to kidnap her and hold her til they come tell us what to do. I figure they just want to hold her til they can get her to change the trade laws so the Hlaalu can go back to bein the underhanded scum they are."

"So, she made a good law that sorta keeps em from scamming everybody, even their own, but you are working with them so they can go back to bein underhanded scum?" At this I laughed; the irony was just way too funny.

Evos finally decided to add his thoughts, "Well Capt, a job's a job and we ain't had much luck getting work here lately, so when the councilman came to see us at the pub we was down to our last coin. Seemed like the thing to do, make some money, have some fun with the hoity toity harlot." He laughed at his funny, and Relas laughed too, but I felt like I was going to take off like one of Rah's experimental explosive devices.

You came up with this plan, this was your bright idea, it's too late to turn back now. Either keep gathering the information that they are giving up FREELY or tuck your head between your knees and let whatever happens happen. Are you a warrior or are you something else? Get a grip, Thyna, set up or no, you have to win, you always have to win.

*Does dance of joy!!*...

Oh yeah, oh yeah... ...

Right, second paragraph of the story and I'm laughing already?...Seriously, I detest real life when it gets in the way of everything...Grrr... ...

This was absolutely amazing stuff...

I absolutely loved the way Thyna worked out the plan to get them to spill the beans...

I loved the way she credited all that she did to Rah as well...That's sweet that is...

It's just incredible writing...Amazing stuff!!...



Pshaw... ...

*Slaps wrist*...That's for making us wait... ...

Loved it!...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds most heartily*...

I'm never far. I usually lurk in the shadows as its my nature, and I my trusty computer decided to take a massive crash on me, so were standing by for a new one.

As for this 'little' update...the plot thickens!?

Oooh, I can't wait to see what happens when Thyna sics that mushroom/'Bane combination on them! Giggle fits, indeed! Wonder if it works like truth serum? Hmmm, the possibilities are making my mind go off on another - um - tangent!

He tried to look tough but he didn't have what it took to kill someone; he didn't have that shadow behind his eyes that I had seen my entire life.

I like this a lot. Also the paranoid thoughts that this whole thing might be some kind of test. Thyna was not raised to blubber in the corner, she was raised to do exactly what she’s doing to these two idiots.

Great to read some more Thyna!!

Oiiiaaa! Alchemic potions huh? Or simply enhanced cooking..hehehe....most excellent Thyna my dear..MOST excellent. I also see my sweet Rahvin as maybe becoming a great magician..OR chef? Thyna ..now keep your head calm and be focused...YOU CAN DO THIS! You're the daughter of Serene...oh my...ME LIKE!

I WANT MORE!

Oh and FYI MY son has arranged so I WILL BE ABLE TO PLAY MORROWIND again! haven't played for...ehum 7 years..YOU guys just IMAGINE!