Congratulations Andrea! Welcome back.

I’m also reluctant to kill giants. Paralysis poison is handy if you happen to pass too close to one while traveling with a maniac follower. Vorstag.

Thank you grits!

It's good to be back! I know I wasn't on here for very long before my vacation, but it really does feel wonderful to be back and to see new and exciting characters from familiar faces! Hopefully this time I won't get anymore surprises that leave me absent, unless my fiance decides on a surprise wedding haha

Hi Andrea! It's good that your back! I liked your Jessika snippits in this thread... I hope you continue to do more!

ANYWAY latest with Kendra... more of the same. This girl just refuses to do anything other than bounty hunt. I try to persuade her, but she wont. I'm just hoping that one day she'll find it tiresome and move on!

Hehe! Heather, that sounds like Griell, either that or anything that can get him a lot of gold, Ihe already mentioned to me before about those rumors about mercs, That they will sell their own mother for gold, that they are dirty cheaters, will dig up graves for money, things of that nature, are all true on his account!

He has so far refused to go to his birthplace, Morthal, rumor is that him and Benor have a past.

As for giants, none of my guys would hurt them, the giants are simply peaceful, heck one of them ruffled Omar's hair when he set up camp next to him. Giants are good at keeping bad things away at night, and make the perfect beds/pillows

Aravi, my Khajiit, won't tangle with giants either. For a long time they were too strong for her to take on, and that impression never left her despite her growth in power.

Oh my, Jessika won't go near giants! Purely because she finds their visual appearance innapropriate and it creeps her out. She has some odd values, but at least it keeps her nice and safe

So instead of restarting my game with Jess I simply read my old posts on this thread to find out where she was, because I couldn't ask her

So previously Jessika and Brelyna were collecting books for Urag at the college, and she continues to do so.
Her latest excavation took her to Bloated Mans's Grotto to fetch a book called 'The Old Ways'; and what a crawl that was.

a bunch of sabrecats and spriggans, all at two at a time! If Brel wasn't with Jess it would have been dire! But Jess managed to pull through and got the book, as well as mysterious blade called the Bolar's Oathblade. It has some neat enchantments to it, too; Stamina damage by 25 pts plus fear on enemies up to level 12. Pretty cool

Me too.




Giants also make convenient and spontaneous bodyguards. Can't tell you how many times i've had a character get surprise attacked by like.... 2 bears or several ice wraiths, surely this isn't going to end well? But then I'll remember there's a giant camp nearby. Run to the giant camp (while healing or drinking potions ... gulp gulp) and the giant will do the rest!

Turdas, 7:47 AM, 11th of Evening Star, 4E 201

Days Passed:: 116

"By Kynareth it is COLD out here!"

Lord Haaf-Mersey and his traveling partner Marcurio leave the walls of the College of Winterhold. Outside, it is typically windy and cold. The sun initially shines, but as the pair walk across the dangerous bridge down to the village (what's left of it anyways), the snow suddenly starts.

"Ahhh cannot wait till we maketh our way back to Falkreath. To Lakeview".

Marcurio says nothing. He's a Riftenite, of course, and an Imperial to boot. Perhaps he's too cold for words. Haaf-Mersey is mostly Breton, but also partially a Nord. The cold doesn't bother him to the point of wordlessness but it does bother him!

Weeks ago, Haaf-Mersey lent Rahgot to Marcurio, which is an ancient mask of heavy armor that also increases Stamina. The wizard immediately fell in love with the green mask, and has been wearing it often, especially out here in the wilds.

"I have many important things on my mind. Your concerns are not any of them", says the College's resident Thalmor agent contrarily.

"I did not asketh thee, now did I?", says the Crusader from Cyrodiil.

He cannot wait to be out of Winterhold. Place doesn't even have a house of worship. Of course, it had been mostly destroyed at some point but even in the College itself, he expected to find some sort of idol devoted to Julianos: the member of the Nine most revered by magic-users. But this was not the case.

"I have a lot of respect for the Restoration school", says a guard. "Skyrim could use more healers".

"Why...I thanketh thee. Finally, a man with some sense in his head".

Before leaving Winterhold, Haaf-Mersey makes an expensive purchase at the goods shop: and buys a Necklace fo Recuperation, which regenerates Stamina at a 20% faster rate; just the thing he'll need when power-attacking a group of enemies. It is expensive at just over 1,100 gold, but he has more than enough to afford this piece, and he hopes his money will go towards helping this dreadful hamlet 'recuperate' itself in some way.

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11:50 AM

"I YIELD I YIELD!"

The snow continues to fall down hard. Haaf-Mersey spies what looks to be a cat-person being attacked by a couple of snow wolves. He runs towards them, and downs one of the wolves while Marcurio takes care of the other with a blast of chain lightning.

"Are you okay, Khajiit? I shall heal thee with mine spells, if you wish."

"M'aiq once walked to High Hrothgaar*. Sooo many steps. He lost count!"

*yea I know it's misspelled!

It is a cat-person, but also something of a sage, as well.

"What speaketh thee, Khajiit? Many steps?" but the cat-person changes the subject....

"M'aiq can travel fast across the land. Some lazy types take carriages. It is all the same to M'aiq", the cat says, shrugging.

"Sometimes, it is more convenient to take a carriage. What speakth thee of steps, though?" but the cat-person (obviously named M'aiq) changes the subject again. Apparently, his sagely words are like morsels given out one at a time, for the listener to pore upon and savor....

"Once M'aiq got in trouble in Riften, and fled to Windhelm. It is good that nobody there cared".

Puzzled, Haaf-Mersey looked over to his partner, who merely shrugged.

"M'aiq is tired now. Go bother somebody else", says the mysterious cat-man.

Okay. Lord Haaf-Mersey walks off, still wondering what the sage had mentioned about "many steps". What does this mean?

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8:46 PM
It is now dark outside, and the icy forest is dangerous. Haaf-Mersey and his wizard partner have encountered several wolves, giant spiders, and a couple of ice wraiths. The wraiths nearly killed Haaf-Mersey. He shudders to think what would have happened, had he been out of healing potions at that moment, and had Marcurio not been there at his back. The man is annoying, but very necessary out here.

The pair now come to a dark structure, probably a fort. The Crusader from Cyrodiil casts a Detect Life spell, and sees one red figure standing guard.

"'Tis a group of enemies", he tells his partner. "I can see but one of them up ahead".

"Divines smile on you, friend", Marcurio answers. He seems to relish the thought of enemies ahead.

"We shalt take them not by surprise, but by our wits. They shall quake in the name of mighty Talos".

"Lead on".

"I AM LORD HAAF-MERSEY, CRUSADER FROM CYRODIIL", he calls out. "GIVE UP THINE UNHOLY WAYS, AND GIVE IN TO THE NINE!"

He casts a Shield spell for extra protection, a Candlelight spell to light his path, then he walks calmly forward, blade still sheathed.

9:00 PM
He receives no answer, so walks boldly towards the fort's entryway. Once he is there, he can see that the road goes directly through this fort, which means it is necessary to travel this way, anyways. He will spare the lives of any enemies who dwell within, if they let him walk the road in peace.

"That's close enough" a lady's voice calls from somewhere.

"I shall decide that, mi'lady".

"I'm warning you, BACK OFF!" she warns.

"You warneth me? In the name of mighty Talos, I am the one who warneth thee!" Haaf-Mersey has just enough time to see that there is a road sign right in the middle of this fort. He looks to see if he's still going in the right direction (towards Dawnstar) but before he can make out the sign, Marcurio gets spooked, and raises his arms to prepare one of his spells.

"Time to end this little game!" the Nord woman decides.

The battle lasts mintues. Marcurio handles most of the ensuing madness, killing off bandit by bandit with his chain lightning spells. After it is all over, Haaf-Mersey decides he's going to go inside what looks to be a small house on the fort's property.

"You wait out here. I shalt take these enemies in my own way, and call if I need thine help".

"Don't make me wait too long", Marcurio cautions. "I get bored very quickly".

"I shall keepeth as such in mind".

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10:27 PM

"....thought I heard something".

There are two bandits in here, both quickly fall to the calling of The Nine. In the cottage's lower floor, Haaf-Mersey is irritated to find these bandits have apparently murdered the place's owner. He's still lying upon the bed. Perhaps he had been this place's roadkeeper, peacefully living and keeping the place free of wolves. And now look what happened to him.

"Murdering BASTARDS! They shall pay!"

Haaf-Mersey goes into the rest of the fort, taking down enemy after enemy, sending them off to their afterlives in Oblivion's planes, perhaps. Haaf-Mersey and Marcurio have no other choice, really. Not only are they murdering bastards, but there is also nowhere to sleep in the cottage; not with blood all over its bed. The pair of adventurers must make their own beds, then.

I'm having so much fun reading about Lord Haaf-Mersey's adventures, Lady Saga! He is quite the character!
I like the interactions between him and Marcurio, as well as his internal thoughts on situations.

GRR! Bloody beds leaving them unable to sleep! Jessika and Brelyna have had this trouble before... very annoying indeed! Haha

I liked the meeting with Maiq.

Jessika Update:

Jessika and Brelyna continue to search for books for Urag. Their latest endevour is searching for a book in a fort to the east of Morthal called Broken Tower Redoubt.

Approaching morthal, Jess and Brel came across a little boy called Joric, who seemed, to put it politely, slightly crazy. As he ran around Morthal his sister, Idgrod, explained to a concerned Jess that Joric has a few mental health problems due to a family 'gift'. She asked if Jess was passing Whiterun at anypoint, to which Jess said maybe. Idgrod asked if Jess could deliver a letter to Danica of the Kyraneth temple, to which Jess Gracefully obliged.

The rest of the journey to the fort was less than exciting, but things got interesting once they arrived. After defeating some forswarn outside the fort Jessika thought she would take the Forswarns armour for herself. Although (somehow) it gave her more protection, it didn't leave much to the imagination! Dispite this she continued to don the armour as she and Brel continued through the Forswarn infested Fort in search of the book.

After a long and dangerous trek through the fort they found the book in a chest, along with a set of Elven armour! Excited, Jessika tried it on. Although it didn't look as cute as her old fur armour, it was light and protective; and covered up her 'essentials'.

They spent the night in the fort before heading out in the morning. They decided to head to Solitude to catch a carrige to Whiterun to deliver Idgrod's letter, then back to Winterhold.

However, on the way to Solitude Jess and Brel came across a bandit camp near a bridge. The Bandits demanded money for the girls to pass, but the girls refused. A fight ensued, to which Jess and Brel barely managed to take out the bandit camp.

They are now continuing their journey to Solitude...

EDIT: A piccy of Jess in her Elven Armor

Thank you Andrea and King Coin. Yeah, that was fun, having that convo with M'aiq. I'm really into dialog! Wow, Jess is very fetching in that pic. It's amazing how close she looks to the "Jess" in your sig, there. Hmmmm

I kept playing last night, but did not write it up in story form. Basically, Marcurio and Lord Haaf-Mersey wound up in Dawnstar after invading Fort Fellhammer and Fort Dunstad. Immediately upon getting into Dawnstar's Inn, Haaf-Mersey overheard some townies talking about some dreams they've been having. Any of my other characters would have ignored this conversation, but of course Haaf-Mersey does the 'right' thing, and follows up on it.

He is now in Nightcaller Temple, following the 'priest' who was telling the spooked townspeople to calm down. To be honest, I'm a little creeped out by this man for some reason. Haaf-Mersey doesn't know him, and Marcurio refused to enter Nightcaller. So now, Haaf-Mersey is about to leave the temple, to see where the hamster Marcurio went. I REALLY hope the dude did not just take off to walk back to Riften.

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Loredas, 9:57 PM, 13th of Evening Star, 4E 201

LEVEL: 24
Days Passed: 118

"Dammit! The priests must have activated this barrier when the Miasma was released!"

...says the robed man named Erandur, the one Lord Haaf-Mersey had followed into this dark and creepy old fort. Miasma is supposed to be some sort of gas, which had rendered some folks here unconscious. Something like that. Haaf-Mersey cannot remember the robed man's words.

"Well, what should we do?" asks Haaf-Mersey.

"Impossible actually", answers the robed man. "Oye wonder.....there may be a way to bypass the barrier, but Oye must check the library, and confirm that it can be done".

"Library?" asks the Crusader from Cyrodiil. "And where is such?"*

"Oye suppose there's no point in hiding the truth, any longer. Moye knowledge of this place comes form personal experience" the robed man admits.

"Personal experience?* Interesting. Go on"....*

*I almost never say the pre-written dialog the game offers, ....

"When the orcs invaded the Temple, Oye fled. Oye left my brothers behind. Oye spent the last few decades living in regret, and seeking redemption from Mara".

"'Tis okay", says Haaf-Mersey. "We all have our failings from time to time. But what can we do now?"

"Oye still have moye key to the library. Whenever you're ready. Let's move on".

Lord Haaf-Mersey is a little puzzled. Something is up with this man named Erandur. And the Crusader is on his guard.

11:41 PM
Erandur leads Haaf-Mersey back up the flight of curved steps, to a door they had passed earlier. He unlocks the door, and warns the Crusader there will be more of the "Awakened" within. Haaf-Mersey prepares his usual Candlelight and Shield combination of spells, then presses on, superior steel sword raised.

"Oh I wish I had my silver sword instead", he moans quietly.

There is now a new enemy they've faced: a Vaermina Devotee: one of the priests who once dwelled here. As he loots the body, Haaf-Mersey looks upon his timepiece, and realizes it is just after Sundas.

"I must bow my head in worship, once I get back to Dawnstar. I hope Dawnstar has such a place to bow my head. Sigh".

The village did not look as bad as Winterhold, but Haaf-Mersey can't help a moment of pessimism, anyways. He has a quick bite of venison before following Erandur further.

"This library used to be filled with interesting books and tomes. Now, it's all burned", says Erandur. "Oye hope the one we're looking for is still here".

Haaf-Mersey goes down some stairs, and sees a couple figures rising from the floor. Again, he and Erandur kill a group of the "Awakened", but this time, Erandur falls to the ground in near-defeat. As the Crusader heals him (after the final enemy was defeated) Erandur says:

"Barring anymore interruptsion, perhaps we can locate the information Oye need".

"Information? Of what do thine speakth?"

"We're looking for a book of alchemical recipies called the 'Dream Scribe'. It should be somewhere around here".

"Yes. Let us press onwards".

4:31 Am
Hours go by. As Haaf-Mersey searches the "library", Erandur literally does nothing.

"Yes, what is it my son?" he asks occasionally.

The Lord searches all over the place (seriously, this isn't as hard as Tomb Raider to figure out, but it is kinda irking me) until he spies a stone column which has fallen across the top floor. There are books over there, one of them is quite big. The Crusader walks over to pick it up. The book is THICK, and it's called THE DREAMSTRIDE.

"I have found thine book, sir!" he called out.

He starts to walk down, but being an avid reader he can't help but pick DREAMSTRIDE up and skim the work. Apparently, the imbiber of a very powerful potion would wind up in a dream (uh oh....what are you up to Bethesda?), and his or her physical body would vanish.

"Interesting work. Let us press on...." Haaf-Mersey says, eager to get OUT of here, and into a house of worship while it is still Sundas.

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Erandur flips quickly through the book Haaf-Mersey gave him, and starts mumbling about "Torpor" or something. Then he says that as a devout priest of Mara, he cannot drink the Dreamstride potion, but the "unaffiliated" can do so.

"Well, I do not want to drinkth it! I am not a priest, but I am quite the follower of Mara meself!"

"Nooo..." Eranudr says. He tries to convince Haaf-Mersey the elixir will be safe to drink. "Oye swear upon Lady Mara, that Oye will never let any harm befall you".

"Well...okay". Haaf-Mersey gives in, remembering that it will for the good of the townspeople of Dawnstar, people whom he had barely met before following this 'priest'.

8:55 Am
Haaf-Mersey eventually finds the Torpor bottle, and Erandur says it should be okay to drink ... so the Crusader does just this!

compassion! what followed was a very trippy, psychadelic series of moments. Started with some sort of conversation between two former priests, and eventually I got to move around in 1st person (I'm a 3rd person gal, usually). Haaf-Mersey's dream involved walking through a group of orcs battling it out with the Temple priests, while day-glo colors swirled all over the place.

He eventually found a lever, was able to activate it, and this released the Miasma gas.


That's all for tonight. I'm tired.

Haha thanks Lady Saga! The fact that Jess and Laurie Holden (siggy Andrea) look alike was purely coincidental, but I imagine that some kind of subconscious inspiration had a part in it! Haha.

Ooh, the creepy Dawnstar quest! Jess has yet to even go to Dawnstar, but she s very much like Lord Haaf-Mersey; can't resist helping!

I can't wait to find out what happens when LHM continues further in the quest!

I will update Jessika's progress later; haven't played at all today so it will probably be wither this evening or tomorrow

This is hilarious!!

Yeah, it is hilarious. I like laughing a lot in real life I guess that sort of filters into the tale.

I finished that quest just now, I agree, that was a really good one. Creepy one. Lord Haaf-Mersey heard the voice from the woman at the end, and I was thinking "that can't be Mara saying that", so he did not attack Erandur. The whole time, my blood pressure was raised and my adrenaline going because I was like: OMG, is he going to turn into some sort of DEMON??

I won't spoil the rest, in case you've never done that one Elizabeth Hollow. But the thing is: Haaf-Mersey was bummed to be "working" on a Sundas. But once all the enemies were defeated, he realized that he's in A Temple devoted to Mara. That cheered him up. He found an idol to pray in front of at about 8:00 PM, spent a few hours in front of it, (as I'm typing this), and then left the place.

Poor Marcurio was waiting outside alll that time!!! Ooops.

Morndas, 12:59 AM, 15th of Eveing Star

Lord Haaf-Mersey

Leve: 24

Perks: Novice Restoration, Apprentice Restoration, Regneration, Recovery (1/2), Novice Alteration, Apprentice Alteration, Steel Smithing, Dwarven Smithing, Juggernaut (2/5), Well Fitted, Shield Wall (2/5), Armsman (3/5), Bladesman (2/3), Haggling (2/5), Novice illusion, Animage, Apprentice Illusion

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"Many apologies. I should not have left you out here for so long. Did you suss inside the Temple at all?"

"Hmmm?" asks Marcurio. He is wearing Rahgot again, and Haaf_Mersey cannot see his face. He cannot tell if the Imperial Wizard is freezing or not.

"I had to bow my head in prayer, in worship of Lady Mara. To thanketh she. For she watcheth over me She watcheth to make sure I am safe".

"Let's get going then", Marcurio suggests. His voice has a bit of pep in it, as he carries a torch in his hand.

The two walk a path which leads down a long hill. Some snow falls slightly, but otherwise the sky is cold and clear. By the time they get to Dawnstar, Haaf-Mersey is so weary he can barely stand. He collapses in bed for seven hours, wearing some fine clothes and boots instead of his usual heavy armors.

Morndas, 10:21 Am
The next morning, Haaf-Mersey emerges from bed, wondering if he looks too dressed up for this small Nordic village. His outfit is silly and pretentious, but it is also warm. But as a Lord, Haaf-Mersey also likes to dress up once in a while.

As he leaves Dawnstar's inn, the Windeak Inn, he wonders if news has spread through Dawnstar. Have the nightmares of the village's people's stopped?

"We need to do something about these vampire attacks." says a guard.

Yes, we must, thinks Haaf-Mersey. And he's going to be the one to take on the cauz....but first, buying and selling. He's got goods to trade. There had been a group of Khajiit traders on the edge of the village a couple days earlier, but they are not here now. He spies a woman nearby chopping wood, walks over and says

"Hoy there milady!"

"Thoring runs the inn. Speak to him", she says coldly.

The Lord is nonplused. "I have possession of such a room in such. But what of thine nightmares?"

"Need something?" she says, uncaring. She starts walking away.

Haaf-Mersey decides to walk into the village's proper area. He eats some snowberries to warm his blood, and then walks into an establishment which looks as though it could be a goods store.

12:59 PM
It is not a store, it is the guard's barracks.

"You look lost, friend", says a female Nord. And before Haaf-Mersey can ask, a male guard says "No more nightmares. Thank the Gods for that".

"They have stoppth? You have had a pleasant night of rest, then?"

"I'd be a lot warmer and a lot happier with a belly full of mead", the guard admits.

Haaf-Mersery smiles. His work is done, then.

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12:38 PM

"The Jarl and I have our disagreements. Sorry you had to witness one of them".

Immediately after the good news about the town's nightmares, Lord Haaf-Mersey had stumbled upon Dawnstar's Jarl. The Jarl was upset for some reason, and threatened to have a lady and a man executed if he caught them sending letters to General Tulius.

"Executed? Speak freely."

"Skald supports Ulfric's rebellion, and he's a fool. A dragon has a dragon has asttacked Helgen! Dawnstar needs the Empire now more than ever".

"Well", answers the Crusader, "I have traveled the lands North to South, East and West, Far and Near. And I can assureth as such, no dragons have returned. 'Twas the dragon that was sent to guard me, Lord Haaf-Mersey, by the power of Akatosh himself".

"Stay out of trouble now", the lady cautions. She then walks away, while Haaf-Mersey makes a beeline for the Jarl's hall.

12:56 PM

"Get away from me!"

"I am Looord Haaf-Mersey, Crusader from Cyrodiil. I mean no harm, melord. I am here for work, and to seekth the mighty path of Talos". He hopes mention of Talos will show that he is also a supporter of the Nine, and therefore the cause of Skyrim's Nords.

"I'm Skalld's Housecarl, and head of his Hold in Dawnstar", he says, then turns to the Jarl. "My Jarl. I have concerns about the plight and safety of Dawnstar".

"Safety?" answers the Jarl. "Don't I have you to handle the town's safety"? he asks, his voice rising. "What is this about Dawnstar's saftey?"

"You keep pledging more and more of our guard to the front lines! The way this is going, we wont be able to defend our own borders".

"Noonsense! the best best place for our men is driving the Imperials badk!" the Jarl disagrees. "I will ensure that men from Dawnstar get every opportunity to glory."

"Glory is meaning less and less if there is no home to come home to", the Houscarl points out.

The argument goes on for a few minutes. Just before Haaf-Mersey is able to speak up, another man addresses the court. The Jarl openly jabs the man with his laughter. He turns out to be the Court's servant, yet he wants to enlist in the Stormcloaks.

"You? Enlist with the Stormcloaks".

Finally Haaf-Mersey speaks."I am Loord Haaf-Mersey, Crusader from Cyrodiil! I am new here in Dawnstar, and wish to seekth the attentions of this court."

"The nightmares in Dawnstar have lifted, and I hear you made this happen. You have my thanks", says Jarl Skald.

Haaf-Mersy blushes. "O well, I am only a servent... of The Nine, meelord". Might I offer my services, sir? To take down any rabbel-ry here in The Pale?"

"Giants are a common problem in the pale. The Empire always demanded I should leave them be but ... the Empire isn't here", says the Jarl slyly. "Go and slay one of the beasts and let them know Jarl Skald means business".

Dammit! I don't wanna fight a hamster cave giant!!!! Arrgh. Sooo glad the game gives an option for "No"

"I cannot bear to slay one of those meself, melord. The giants of Skyrim are a peaceful creature. I cannot partake of such" Haaf-Mersey says.

"You don't have time? fine". says Jarl Skald.

Haaf-Mersey walks out of court befuddled, his moment of glory fading already withing the Jarl's eyes.

"Don't bother me again unless it's important!" the Jarl calls out, as the Crusader from Cyrodiil leaves the court with his virtual tail between his legs.

Sundas, 9:57 PM, 21st of Eveing Star

Days Passed: 126

Level: 25


"You're back! Let's play a game!"

It is late in the evening. Lord Haaf-Mersey has just returned to his home in Falkreath, and is greeted by Lucia. And before he can speak, he feels a clenching in his gut. The presents! He had forgotten all about the presents he had bought the girl while he traveled from Winterhold to Dawnstar to Whiterun, and to Falkreath. The dolls, the dresses? They are all still back in Whiterun.

Lol he fails as a dad sooo hard!

"A game? It has been so long, my dear! Ohhh all right. A game we shall commit to playing".

"What do you want to play?" asks Lucia

"Let's play hide and seek", he says. There is no way in Oblivion he's going to try playing tag in the house. Besides, Marcurio and he are both wearing their battle gear. Wouldn't want to cause some sort of accident...

"Okay!. You stand right there and count to 10! No peeking!... Reeeady?"

Lucia runs towards the front door. Hesitates, and then goes outside.

"Blast it! Bloody girl has taken her will to the wilds. I shall have to follow her. Too late to be out side. Wait here, Marcurio".

"Okay. I'll be right here".

Haaf-Mersey told Marcurio this just in case. If there are any enemies out there, the wizard might wind up throwing one of his deadly lightning bolts, and wind up hitting Lucia by accident.

10:36 PM
His intuition has proved correct!

"Stop! Why are they hurting each other?" Lucia cries!

"STAY HIDING LUCIA! I SHALT RESCUE THEE!"

Outside are two wolves! Haaf-Mersey has a moment of befuddlement (he had a frickin' Candlelight spell equipped instead of his sword), but quickly dispels of the wolves. Then he readies his Detect Life spell, to find his little girl!

After doing so, he sees her hiding on the far end of the house. She appears blue in his vision. There is also another image and this one is red. An enemy!

"Come hither, prime wolf!!"

The wolf doesn't last long. He calls his girl inside, so that she will be safe.


The Next Morning, Morndas, 9:33 AM

"I apologize profusely my girl, for not bringing you gifts. I must go now to Falkreath, to make amends".

Lucia says nothing, and this makes Haaf-Mersey feel really bad. He decides he's going to walk to Falkreath by himself. Marcurio can stay behind at Lakeview to keep Lucia safe. Despite having some new-found gear (including Steel Plate armor which boosts Heavy Armor by +15 pts, and a Blessed Steel Sword, which causes undead under Level 3 to flee), Haaf-Mersey has decided to wear just casual clothing. He and Marcurio cleared the road to Falkreath just a few hours ago, and The Lord just wants to walk in some casual clothes for a change. Feel the cool, damp Falkreath air through his blouse, instead of through a pivot point of his armor.

All of this turns out to be a waste of time. The goods store does not have any children's clothing or toys. Not even a wooden sword.



Tirdas, 7:27 AM, 23rd of Evening Star
The other reason Haaf-Mersey returned to Lakeview is to retrieve his Silver Hand sword, which is made of silver, of course. As he and Marcurio were about to tackle Dimhollow, the Crusader from Cyrodiil had realized if he's going to take on a vampire lair, he's probably going to face many varieties of undead

I checked UESP today. Turns out, there is silver swords to +20 of damage to undead. That's a lot more than I thought.

But try as he might, he cannot find his silver sword anywhere.

"Marcurio! Perhaps we shall make plans to travel back to find some Silver Hand bandits. The trip shall be worth it".

LOL, I think LHM is a great dad. He plays and he’s always thinking of his girl, but he has rules like no running in the house and no shocking the children with lightning spells. He can give her three wolf pelts for her bed as a present.

REally? You can give wolf pelts? Coool, I'll have to try that.

Right now he sucks as a dad though. He's never there, and when he is, it's for 2 or 3 days at a time. He bought her all these gifts for her, but left them in Whiterun's inn! He wears a Mara amulet when I remember to, but has not found a suitable mate.



I suppose that once he finally gets Dawnguard started and Serana back to her vamp family, maybe then he'll have time to focus on all the other stuff, and slow the adventuring down a bit! Actually I have no idea what his reaction to Serana is going to be. Khahkhayre met her as well, and he wound up being smitten with her (as a friend).

To "give" her the wolf pelts, I think he'd have to just toss them onto her bed. Mikke keeps a few items in her inventory in case one of her kids comes up looking for presents. She has that absentee parent guilt, too. Of course she is out there saving the world, but that doesn't stop the kids from wanting their sweetrolls.

In other news, Asrael died. Dammit.

@-}------------

Sorry to hear that. Refresh my memory. I'm remembering the name Asreal, but not her story.

Lord Haaf-Mersey has almost died a few times. I am glad I lowered the bar for his game (he's on Apprentice level instead of Adept) because these moments don't happen as often. I gotta say...I am REALLY proud of the way he's coming along. I really need to post some screenshots soon.

He found this Steel Plate Armor of the Knight in one of the chests at Silent Moons Camp, and wow...this is it. He totally has the "look" of a Hollywood Crusader*. The armor gives him +15 in Heavy Armor, and it has this slight greenish glow to it. He's carrying his Silver Hand silver sword as well, he's just bad boat! A vampire hunter! if there ever was one!

*albeit one who looked as if he could be a member of Spinal Tap. )

Perhaps he might become Skyrim's patron saint of quality footwear then?

Asrael, Redguard Spellsword.

Great find for LHM! I love the steel plate with a silver sword. Very knightly.

@Grits: Oh okay. That's a good-looking man, by the way. Phew!

@lol SubRosa

I wish you all wrote more Skyrim stuff. You two. I understand you get busy with life and other stories and what not, but I miss you all writing here. Anyways.

I met a really cool lady today, she's about my age. Hopefully somebody new for me to hang with. Anyways, guess what her name is? Sharon! This confirms it...my next character's name will also be Sharon. I still can't think of a last name. Sharon LeBon is the best I've come up with. ..ya know....like the sister of the lead singer of Duran Duran. I' m not naming her "Sharon Lebon, though". THen I'll just keep thinking of Duran Duran songs the whole time I'm trying to RP with her.

I think she'll have a similar (although more sinister) background than Skank did. She will become a vampire. I know this! *diabolical laughter*

Turdas, 4:42 PM, 25th of Evening Star

Lord Haaf-Mersey

Level: 25
Days Passed: 130

Lord Haaf-Mersey chooses a spell he rarely uses: Clairvoyance. He usually trusts his wits and his memory to locate places, but in this case, he just wants to get there in one piece, without having to face a horde of giant spiders or trolls or ice wraiths.

"Almost here, Marcurio. Can ye feel it upon yer skin? The evil that emits. Dimhollow must be near".

I actually do have a sense of dread as I approach the place...

Marcurio says nothing, as usual. His comments come rarely, but since he's so arrogant and self-affirming, maybe it is a good thing he doesn't speak so often.

The mountain side climbs and climbs, and once they get to the top, they take a break. Eat some salmon meat, cheese, and snowberries to warm their blood. sssss!. It is blessedly sunny today. At least they can see where they are going, as well as the beautiful landscape that surrounds them. As they get higher and higher, the path they walk upon also becomes less visible. Haaf-Mersey would be lost without his Clairvoyance.

6:25 PM

"ARRGH!!"

Suddenly, Marcurio draws his arms in spell formation! The pair are attacked by a couple ice wolves! The Lord barely has time to ready his sword (he's been casting too many spells!), but Marcurio handles them both.

"I am glad to have thee under my servitude. For I would be lost, without thee".

"Divines smile on you friend!"

This is why Lord Haaf-Mersey, Crusader from Cyrodiil likes the man. He is obviously a worshiper; he's just not as vocally devout about his beliefs. Which is okay.


7:37 PM
The Lord and Haaf-Mersey eventually come to an obviously man-made area. Lots of steps. The Lord's Clairvoyance spell tells him to go down, but he cannot help walking up the steps, instead. Are these the steps the cat-person named 'M'aiq' spoke of?

8:49 PM
After an hour of contemplation, Haaf-Mersey has heard from the Gods, and knows where he is. It is not Dimhollow, it happens to be near Dimhollow, though. The place he is now happens to be a shrine devoted to Mehrune's Dagon.

"We shalt come back to this unholy place. But first....to save the citizens of Skyrim".

From anybody else, it would sound pretentious. But Haaf-Mersey means what he says. Onwards! To slay some vampires!

9:53 PM
Finally they make it. Both men are tired, and it's cold out here. They've run out of snowberries. Then enter the cave, and then hunker down in a sneak position, listening for anybody (or anything) within.

"These Vigilants never learn their lesson! I think...." says a voice in the distance, but The Lord can't hear the rest, because Marcurio finally says something.

"Keep your eyes open for traps. Old ruins like this are usually full of them"

"SHhhhhhh!" The Lord shushes his partner. He needs to know who (and how many ) foes he is about to deal with. His Detect Life spell is useless at seeing undead.

"All this talk is making me thirsty", says one of the vampires (Haaf-Mersey assumes they are vampires). "We must have another Vigilant soon".

There are apparently two of them: a male and a female. Haaf-Mersey walks back outside the cave, then prepares his usual spells: Candlelight and Shield. Then he and Marcurio rush back inside.

"I AM LORD HAAF-MERSEY, CRUSADER FROM CYRODIIL. I URGE THEE TO COME FORWARD. BOW YOUR HEADS IN SACRIFICE, AND ARKAY MAY FORGIVE YE FOR YER MISDOINGS!"

Initially there is no answer, but as the pair make into a sort of enlarged chamber area, thy are first attacked by a death hound, and then three vampire guards. All fall within seconds.

"The ancient Nords were a savage peoples, but they built some amazing crypts and temples", Marcurio informs.

"Remindth me next time you've got a lecture upon the roster" Haaf-Mersey teases.

They find a dead Vigilant nearby, and are not sure if this is the one whom they met weeks ago in the Dawnguard's castle or not. They collect vampire dust from each one they find, and loot their bodies for useful things. One of the things they find is an elven sword, which Haaf-Mersey feels has the power to banish daedra back to Oblivion. Since he is already carrying his silver sword, he gives this new magical one to Marcurio, who gladly decides it will become his primary weapon.

They are ready for the vampires!

5:22 Am
As Haaf-Mersey walks deeper and deeper into Dimhollow Crypt, his senses sharpen. It is as if the Nine Divines are watching his every step.

I turned up the HUD a couple bumps, so I can see his stats better!

He eventually tells Marcurio to wait behind. Now is not the time to hear his comments on how much of an "expert" he is on Nordic barrows. The vampires so far are not very strong, but the Crusader knows that perhaps they will get stronger, the farther he gets. Then he will call for Marcurio's assistance.

10:10 AM
Eventually they come to a large cavern with a circular arena in its middle. The vampires here offer some resistance, but cannot thrive in the presence of The Nine.

"Try not to set off any traps, will ya?" Marcurio says, ever the charmer.

I am just too tired these days to write things. If work ever lets up then hopefully I can start up again.

Maybe you could name her Sh'ren LeBlood? or Sha^ron Fa'ng?

Her name is Rio and she dances on the sand...

Sharon LeBlood...heh heh...that's close! I'll have to obsess on this for awhile! Thanks

Just be thankful you are working, I guess. I know some people personally who are in their 40s and ...will probably not have a job ever again .... it's been so long since they've worked. The longer you stay unemployed, the less chance of being re-hired. Sucks. We need to win that hamster cave powerball.

This seems like a lot of fun. I should try this!!

Loving the post Saga! Lord seems like a really fun person ,love the dialog.
I would write if I could, but the Ps3 keyboard does not lend itself for long post, but i'll see.

You can just hook up an ordinary computer keyboard to a PS3. I think you plug it on the front almost to the very left, next to where the USB stick would plug in. Yea I know the virtual keyboard on consoles is very slow to use.

I'll hunt one down in the flea market.

There ya go...that's an excellent idea. YOu can also ask relatives & friends....it always seems like one of mine has something they don't need anymore.

Oh, and you have to make sure the cord ends with a USB-style plug. If it does not, you may need to make a trip to Radio Shack to find the proper adaptor. And OH! i was wrong earlier; the keyboard plugs into the very left slot on the front of the console, right next to the charger cord thingie (where we charge up our Sixaxis).

I apologize in advance, this one is going to be a bit longer than usual, but it's mostly because my one of my fave follower NPCs shows up.

Fredas, 11:19 Am, 26h of Evening Star, 4E 201

Lord Haaf-Mersey



Level: 25

Locations Discovered: 72
Dungeons Cleared: 32

Days Passed: 131
Hours Slept: 1,029
Hours Waited: 870

Gold Found: 50,231

DG quests Completed: 1
Quests Completed: 10
Misc Objectives Completed: 54

Favorite Weapon: Silver Sword
Critical Strikes 88]

Spells Learned: 15
Favorite Spell: Candlelight

Whiterun Bounty: 1,040
Tribal Orcs Bounty: 2040

Fines Paid: 77
Items Stolen: 5


"These ruins might be interesting, if I weren't such an expert on Nordic history".

Lord Haaf-Mersey and Marcurio have come to a large, circular arena-like structure. A multitude of vampires were here, but one by one they fell to the mighty voice of The Nine, their souls destroyed forever.

I was doing some reading today. Apparently the consensus in this one thread I was looking at is that when vampires are destroyed, they are gone forever. Their souls don't go to Oblivion, as I had been assuming. This is the assumed payback for their former gift of eternal life.

In the center of this arena is a small podium, and the Crusader had placed his hand on it. Bad idea! A spike shot up from the middle of this podium, piercing his skin! Then a series of soft glowing purplish lights started shining from the floor of the arena. And Haaf-Mersey hasn't a clue what this could mean.

"Let us avoid this spot, Marcurio. We must presseth on further, to seekth more vampires".

12:29 PM
They walk away from the Arena, and after a few moments of searching Haaf-Mersey discovers a staff which re-animates dead. He struggles with his conscience, then decides not to tell Marcurio of this staff. Re-animation of the dead (something which Cyrodiilic conjurers did not know how to do yet) is Conjuring. And Conjuring is forbidden in his line of duty, as decreed by his fallen Nordic saint, Dyan phor a'Cauz.

"Remember to check behind you once in a while. Who knows what may try to sneak up".

Haaf-Mersey palms his face. "But that is why I have hired thee, Sir Marcurio. Such is thine job! To watcheth mine back! Oh....you ARE of annoyance at times." He rolls his eyes as he says this.

The pair start walking. They walk for another minute or two when Marcurio speaks up again.

"If these ruins frighten you...take comfort in the knowledge that I am here".

"That is better, Marcurio. Such is of appreciation. And no, I am not of fright as we face these monsters as such."

They walk a little further and the Imperial speaks out again.

"The ancient Nords were a savage people!" Marcurio informs. "but they built some remarkable structures".

"I have a job for thee, Marcurio".

"Divines smile on you, friend".

"Wait here. . Just.....wait right here. Yes? Can thee take such upon thine come-uppance?"

"Don't make me wait too long...I get bored very easily."

Haaf-Mersey needs his mind clear as they delve further and further. Clear, so he can strategize and plan ahead. His former military training down in Cyrodiil has taught him that chatty men, cultured chatty men especially, are a bad thing to have when trying to stalk a fort, or plunder a cave such as this. One needed to think like the enemy. See things through their eyes. What would they be looking for if an enemy (especially a 'noble' one) suddenly showed into their lair? Were there any weak areas (strategy-wise) to exploit? How many enemies are there? Would it be better if Marcurio were with him? Or not? Marcurio was really only needed during the toughest of spots, and Haaf-Mersey needed to be able to discern when and where these spots would show up.



Fredas, 4:38 PM

"Ugh", now it is Marcurio who is annoyed. "...I suppose you intend to carry off EVERY item of value in these ruins?"

He asks this as Haaf-Mersey explores the area opposite the 'arena', and the Crusader from Cyrodiil feels a pang of guilt at the moment. Marcurio finally has a good point. Haaf-Mersey (as a budding warrior down in Cyrodiil, learning from his elders) had been trained that financing one's own campaigns was just as important as being able to fight and survive. Dyan phor a'Cauz had also grabbed as much wealth as she could carry during her days. But is it right to loot old ruins such as these, which were often full of just as many good fallen warriors as evil ones? Haaf-Mersey (to be fair) has not looted every single urn and vase he had found. He leaves some for those who perished fairly, and did not come back as draugr. But Marcurio still has a point.

On the other hand, to be able to survive, one needed to have the best gear on the market available to him or her, and such gear often took money to purchase and upkeep. One might not need this gear at all times, but for certain enemies (like Umaril, in Dyan's case) it was pertinent to at least have access to the very best.

4:44 PM
Haaf-Mersey found a lever a moment ago, but wants to see what this lever might do before he pulls it. He also finds a chest and removes some gold, a magicka potion, and a silver ring from it.

4:51-5:18 PM
He finds a gate with no means of opening it, and surmises that this must be what that lever is for, so he goes back to pull the lever. And the pair are attacked by several draugr & skeletons, all which fall within minutes. The Crusader from Cyrodiil is glad he took the extra time to fetch his Silver Sword from Falkreath; it definitely seemed to be making a difference against the undead.

As Haaf-Mersey walks quietly back to the gate he opened, Marcurio blurts out:

"Draugr are slow and clumsy. No challenge for a man like me".

Lord Haaf-Mersey resists the urge to palm his face again.



Fredas, 10:20 PM
Haaf-Mersey and Marcurio fight another slew of undead, including a draugr deathlord. What sort of person might this have been in real life? A very evil one, for sure. An evil chief or a general, perhaps. Haaf-Mersey placed a couple blows upon this deathlord, and then felt a LOT of his health drain as the deathlord hit back! His strategy from that point on became: keep away from this monstrosity! Let Marcurio hit the deathlord from afar with one of his famous lightning bolts! Haaf-Mersey would also place a couple more blows on the deathlord here and there, but if he received a blow in return, it was time to get away. And heal up again.

Eventually, they explored some more, but only found that the crypt exits back to Skyrim's outside if one presses further. So The Crusader had started casting clairvoyance spells again * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * until he found himself back in front of the mysterious arena, specifically towards the center podium (which pierced his wrist painfully earlier). He does not know what to do. Then, he sees there are some outer braziers arranged in an irregular pattern on the arena's floor, so he decides to touch one of thse. It moves.

Time to break out those Tomb Raider lessons!

Occasionally when moving a brazier, the entire structure (the floor of the arena) would shake! Haaf-Mersery also realized the pattern of purplish-blue lights would also change. He keeps arranging them until this pattern seems to be consecutive, for lack of a better word.

And then....



10:52 PM
The floor's center starts moving with magic, and Haaf-Mersy draws his blade! "Get back Marcuirio!"
And then...nothing.

The purplish-blue lights have died to a minimum, and the center podium grows in height. But that is all. Haaf-Mersey casts his clairvoyance spell, which leads leads directly back into this center. So he nudges forward carefully, forward slowy, and places his hand upon the monolith that this podium has become.

my eyes literally teared up at this moment, seeing Serana stumble out of the monolith

"Ahh....where is ...who sent you here?" says a mysterious woman, wearing red and black. Haaf-Mersey draws his silver sword (just in case this is a trick) and demands an explanation.

"That....is not of your concern."

"I think it is, actually", the lady argues back. "Why would someone who isn't .... someone like me ... come all the way down here?"

Haaf-Mersey feels himself wanting to sheath his sword, but doesn't quite do it. Not yet. He feels a sense of relief that she does not raise her arms in anger. She seems very quaint, actually. No spells are being powered, no weapons drawn, not on her part.

"I am Lord Haaf-Mersey, Crusader from Cyrodiil. And I have been sent here to seekth what might have been sought by these dreadful creatures all around us now. All fallen by mine sword of silver", he says with pride. "But the question. Who are'st thou?"

"Ugh. Can't you tell what I am just from looking at me? I'm a vampire". She admits in a soft, almost soothing voice. Moment by moment, Lord Haaf-Mersey feels soothed, and calmed by this female.

"You. You are. ....a vampire?" he asks, his resolve slipping away. "You knoweth, of course, who I am, what my purpose here is, then. Yes?"

12:27 AM
The lady does not know that Haaf-Mersey is a vampire hunter, but she quickly learns this from him. But instead of attacking him, she starts trying to reason with him, instead. Haaf-Mersey can't escape her cool, logical vampire mind. Everything she says is making sense. Soothing him. He feels okay that she is a vampire. And maybe it is okay.

The Count of Skingrad during Dyan's day had also been a vampire. Perhaps Dyan may have even met this man! He was known to be quite civil, keeping a faithful rulership over his town's peoples, rather than using them as blood-cattle. Not all vampires are bad, then. Right?

"Remember to check behind you once in a while", Marcurio repeats. "...you never know what might try to sneak up".

....Marcurio's voice sounds distant and not quite as annoying of self-importance as it did before. He may as well be in another room. .....It's those eyes. Her eyes! The mysterious lady's eyes have The Lord captivated. He mentally tries to call upon The Nine for guidance, but they too seem far away. And unimportant. Haaf-Mersery cannot fight them.

"My family is living on an island west of Solitude", the lady says. "By the way. My name is Serana. Good to meet you".

As she extends her hand, The Lord feels his resistance shaky at best. He cannot help himself, as he shakes her hand in his. Cold, palid flesh is what he expects, but hers feels nothing like this; instead it is soft. Pliable. Feminine. And warm.

"I cannot. I mean...." the Lord stumbles. To recover some sense of dignity (for part of his brain knows he is failing), he decides to ask her... "why, praytell, werest thou emtombed into this stone? And why?"

"I..." she started, and faltered. It is almost as if she's human, Haaf-Mersey thinks.
"I'd...rather not get into that with you. If that's alright. I'm sorry. It's just that i don't know who I can trust, yet. Take me back to my home, and all will be told".

Fair enough answer. Haaf-Mesey wants to know more, though. He's not just going to lead her to safety, not without knowing a little more, and making sure she's not some hypnotic daedric lord or something.

"Well, how long then, have thee been in thine entombment?" he says, already feeling sympathetic and sorry for her.

"Good question. Hard to say. I can't really tell. I feel like it was a long time. Who is Skyrim's High King?"

"That has been quite the conumdrum, me-lady. The High King of Solitude was muldeled by Ulfric Stormcloak a few months back. I mean murdered. He was murdered by Ulfric Stormcloak".

"Ahh...oh wonderful. At least life hasn't been boring since I've been locked up. Who are the contenders?"

"Ulfric Stormcloak in Windhelm is at war with Lady Elisif up in Solitude. The Empire has fragmented, and Skyrim wants its own sovereignity and freedom".

"The Empire? What empire?" Serana asks.

"The Empire.... of Cyrodiil? Tiber Septim himself founded as such. Long ago? 'Twas the beginning of the Second Era?"*

*=I might be wrong....might be the Third Era, not the Second. If this is so, its is Haaf-Mersey's mistake, not mine. He's supposed to be the "expert".

"Cyrodiil.? ...is the seat of an Empire? I must have been gone longer than I thought; longer than I had planned. Please, I need to get home, to find my family".

Lord Haaf-Mersey can see the logic in this. She is a vampire, but she also needs his rescue. His resolve. He cannot help but feel a need to comply with her wishes.

"Just one more question, me-lady Serana. Thine home. You sayeth it is near Solitude?"

"It's on an island near Solitude. Hopefully we can take a boat there. It's my family home. Not the most welcoming place, depending on who's around. But I'll be safe there".

"Dependth on who is around?" Haaf-Mersery feels concern..a protectiveness of her. She needs him. "Why wouldst thee not be safe, upon return?"

"Let's just say that my mother and father have had a falling out before I left. Don't worry, I'm not in any danger. It'll just be more unpleassnat to run into my father" Serana cautions.

His questionings satiated, Lord Haaf-Mersey looks to Marcurio, who faithfully holds his torch up high for the pair to conversate with one another. The wizard says nothing for a change, and the Lord thinks this is the greatest thing since sliced cheese.

"Does the air feel ...heavy down here?" asks Serana. "I'm a little bit woozy, but it might be from just waking up".

God I hamster cave love her. I jsust hamster cave love this NPC. She touches me. Makes me feel all teary-eyed!.

"Well...let us be off, then", the Lord says, meaning it. He is not really sure if he should eradicate this beautiful, feminine, and loquacious creature he has met from the world of Skyrim or not. He cannot even think of her as an undead being, tho technically that is exactly who (what) she is. For now, he's going to "sleep on it", as we say on Earth. .... The three of them (Lord Haaf-Mersey, Marcurio and Serana) start the process of leaving the place.

"The ruins might be interesting, if I wasn't such an EXPERT on Nordic history", Marcurio the wizard informs Serana.

"It'll be good to breathe fresh air again", she says. "I don't miss sunlight, but I do miss fresh air".

Lord Haaf-Mersey laughs to himself. Serana is already ignoring Marcurio's words, too.

I was grinning like a loon reading this bit; Haaf-Mersey and Marcurio make quite a pair!


So, finally fixed my copy of Skyrim the other day, getting rid ofthe annoying bug which meant I couldn't talk to people (and believe me, trying to play that game as a mute sociapath quickly loses its appeal). With out of the way, I did two things:
1) Worked out what kind of character I want to play: in this case, a pure destruction magic-based, with a great fondness for fire spells in particularly (de-facto class name of 'Pyromancer'). The result is Terrenna Calmenin, pyromanical Dunmer extraordinare.
2) Downloaded a very cool and shiny Random Start mod; in essence, instead of starting off in a cart on your way to Helgen, you pick a premade character loadout that affects your starting gear and are dropped in one of 21 random locations. The main quest is started by the 'Investigate rumours of dragons' prompt you are given. With this in mind, I decided Terrenna's background would be decided by where she's randomly dropped. The location, Ancient's Ascent, a Word Wall just south of Helgen. So I figured I might as well get on with the main quest seeing as it was there and I had Metro 2033 downloading...




Extract from the Journal of Terrenna Calmenin







Day 1

So, I got to the old source of power that's on top of Ancient's Ascent. It was a wall. I trekked all the way from Falkreath (absolute dump, must burn it to the ground next time I'm there, it'll be an improvement) and all I found was a wall. Oh, and some wolves, though those turned out to be nice and flammable so they weren't too much trouble.

Oh, and when I actually got close to the wall my vision went dark, there was some weird rushing sensation and I could hear a choir chanting for some reason. I'm not sure why. Possibly due to fumes of some kind. Not sure what kind of fumes. Skooma fumes, maybe, not sure what effect skooma has on people but that might be one.

Note to self: get high on Skooma. For science!

Anyway, figured I'd stop by Helgen to grab some supplies. The only problem was that something had already burned the place to the ground. It was awesome. Wish I'd been there.

So, I did a bit of poking around, found some big old tracks. Like bird tracks. But not from a bird. At least, not from any bird that I know about, as said bird would have to be about fifty feet long and be able to breath fire. I'm not sure what kind of bird that would be (aside from an awesome one) but if it wasn't a bird then it was probably a dragon. And that would be bad because dragons aren't, I guess, as flammable as most birds are. Scales don't tend to burn all that easily. Possibly, however, it was a kind of fire-breathing, flying land shark. And that would be bad. Except for the fire-breathing part. That would be awesome.

Firefirefirefirefire. Precious, beautiful fire, cleansing the world of its sins.

So I figured I'd go check on Riverwood while I was there, see if that hadn't been burned to the ground too. It wouldn't have been too great a loss, I feel (the place is made of wood so they're practically asking for it) but it was probably what most people would call the right thing to do so I did it. Some old lady said she'd seen a dragon, thus ruling out the possibility of airborne land sharks and making dragons more likely.

Anyway, went to the general store. Overheard an argument. Bought some potions and spells from the general store. Agreed to return a golden claw back to the store that had been stolen by some bandits from the barrow they were camping out in.

The barrow itself was interesting. I met some bandits. They were all set on fire. Then I ran into a giant spider. After I burned it to death (unfortunately I fear it will still haunt my nightmares) I helped another bandit get down so that I could get the golden claw back. He lied to me and tried to run away. He was not able to outrun fire.

If there was one thing I learned about the undead while I was down there, it's that they're not particularly fireproof. In fact, if you mummify a corpse and remove all the liquids from it, the things go up like kindling, even if they do start trying to walk around. And when the dead start to walk around, they get mean. Not fire retardant, though. Sucks to be them.

So I basically burned everything there and took everything else that didn't burn (the undead aren't going to need it, they were all on fire). There was one particularly mean customer who had himself a rather impressive cave. He, too, ended up on fire. Then I found another wall which made a choir shout at me. Don't know why they keep yelling at me. It's weird. Wasn't so sure about the Skooma this time around, but I'm guessing it might be worth experimenting with other hallucinogenics as well. Just to be sure.

I also found some weird stone with some kind of map on it. Not sure if it's worth anything, but it'll be nice to put up on the wall.

So by the time I got out of there through a rear exit, it was getting late. I figured I'd let the Jarl of Whiterun know about the dragon tomorrow and headed back to Riverwood. The people at the trader were happy I'd got their claw back, I was happy with the 400 septims I got paid and I'm bunking tonight at the Sleeping Giant Inn (where I'm writing this).

Tomorrow, I set out for Whiterun. And after that, I dunno. Probably go to Winterhold or something, learn about fire from an expert.

I wonder if that hearth needs a bit of help burning...

Heh, wow, well done, Mustard! That starting mod sounds cool, I would definitely get that if I had a PC. I also love the "land shark" part! And the effect the wall had on her, too.

There actually is a land shark in my ancient D&D Monster Manual. I think it was a "very rare" or even unique creature.




Loredas, 4:51 Am
Lord Haaf-Mersey notices that if he turns away from Serana, he feels like his old self, again. He can think and rationalize and seeketh guidance from the Nine Divines. But these things are not to be counted upon, once he is in conversation with her. Her eyes did nothing but hold his attention, captivate him, and tell him it's going to be okay. Any thoughts of ridding her quickly become nullified, if she has his attention.

"Ahh...it's so good to breathe again!" Serana says once they leave Dimhollow Crypt. "This weather is incredible".

"'Tis but cold and snowy! And 'tis night-time, as well!" Haaf-Mersey says cheerlily. "And thee find such conditions ... 'incredible'?"

He is completely charmed by his newest companion Serana, without realizing it. He likes her, and wants her to like him as well. Soon, the sun is rising. As the trio of travelers take a break in a nearby fort, Haaf-Mersey notices Serana starts pacing back and forth. He eventually wonders (after a few minutes of eating some potato soup) if she is feeling the sun's wrath upon her skin, as the day gets lighter and lighter. There are hardly any clouds in the sky. But Serana says nothing about this. At not least not right away.

7:56 AM
The trio are heading to Dawnstar. Haaf-Mersey and Marcurio are both tired. Exhausted. It's been days since they've slept in a real bed, and have only taken brief naps (sitting upon draugr thrones) inside Dimhollow. Eventually they see a trio of other travellers. Cat people! The trading caravan! This makes Haaf-Mersey happy. Last time he was in Dawnstar, he noticed there was no place to trade goods, not that he could find, anyways.

8:01 Am



"It's so bright out here..." Serana finally comments on the sunlight. "I don't know how you stand it".

"You are okay, to stand in the light? But I have heard that thine ancestors would fail in such". ....Haaf-Mersey says this, and then remembers that vampires can endure sunlight, as long as they've recently fed on blood.

But Serana had not fed upon any, had she? Had she? No, it would be impossible. She's been with Marcurio and him the whole time so far. In any case, it is no matter. She must be taken to the Inn of Dawnstar, as soon as possible!

9:52 AM
When all three enter Dawnstar's pub/inn, Haaf-Mersey christens the moment by lighting the place with a Candlelight spell. He is letting Dawnstar know that The Lord of Cyrodiil, who recently saved them from nightmares, is here.

"Ahhh colorful" says Thoring the innkeeper, commenting on the spell.

"Might I purchase a sightly room for the day? I have some travelling guests".

"Sure thing. It's your for a day", says Thoring. Lord Haaf-Mersey also buys lots of food and wine, including an expensive bottle of Surille Brothers, to remind him of home.

There is only one bed in this room, so the Crusader from Cyrodiil lets Marcurio have it first. Marcurio gets 6 hours of sleep, while Haaf-Mersey delights in the company of Serana.



author's note: I am in love with Serana. There I said it. I am in love with an NPC. She's such a bitching NPC. She is so curious... She always moves around, has a seat, comes to look upon Haaf-Mersey as he sits at the table, sits next to him! Gets up and starts dancing with the pub music! You never know what she's hamster cave going to do next!

It's gonna be hard to give her up, but LHM is going to have to do so. That's okay. I have another charcter in mind who is going to possibly get the full Serana experience.



Sundas, 6:06 AM
It is Lord Haaf-Mersey's favorite day, and he initially gets up (after hours of rest) thinking of walking up to Night Caller Temple for a day of worship with Mara. He completly forgets about Serana's requirements, that she hates sunlight, especially .

"Wouldst thou like to make thus journey with me and the wizard? To a temple on the top of the hill?"

"Yes?" she asks, apparently not hearing his question. But Haaf-Mersy takes her question for an answer. ...as in "Yes", instead of "Yes?"

"Let us be off then!" he says gallantly. "Ahhh to worship Mother Mara , 'tis a wonderous thing! For she heals all who seekth her guidance."

Serana says nothing, but she does follow him. Marcurio has no interest in the temple. He decides he's going to stay behind. And that's okay with Serana and the Lord.

8:37 AM
As the pair walk up to the temple, Serana is sullen and silent. But at the top, they are attacked by three ice wraiths! This is a struggle! Several times, Haaf-Mersey had to heal up while the vile creatures badgered him. Serana eventually fell, struggling with lack of health!

Haaf-Mersey had to drink several health potions (while healing frantically and walking at a snail's pace), but he managed to barely kill them all!!!

After doing so, he immediately runs to Serana, healing her up by laying of hands. She didn't seem to mind, but she also did not comment on his action. But she does remind him: "it's so bright out here. I don't know how you stand it!"

"O! I have forgotten, my sweet! On the morrow, we shall go! I make mine promises here and now. On the morrow".

He is suddenly a little nervous, since they are about to enter a holy place. Will Serana accept this? Was she a devout follower of the Eight? (for clearly, she had been entombed before the death of Tiber Septim).

10:09
And once inside, Haaf-Mersey finds Serana does not want to follow him in here.

"She does not believe in thee Mara. Such is her failing. She has no willing for the worship of thine love".

Now that Haaf-Mersey is away from her, and protected by Mara's walls, he knows and can see more. He and Marcurio are in danger. Not from Serana, but from the vampires of her home. Serana is a rare creature, Haaf-Mersey surmises, so far as vamps go, in the sense that she is not intrisically evil. But she has had him under her spell. She has charmed him. All of this is true.

Haaf-Mersey knew all of this in the back of his mind, and he accepted it. But now that he is in a house of actual worship to The Nine, and calls upon Mara for guidance, now he knows the rest of the story as well.

He is dismayed by all of this, but there is nothing he can do. He can't stay here very long, then, nor can he leave his new vampire friend outside in the bright sunlight. He places his hands upon the idol to Mara, receives her blessing, and then goes outside to take Serana back to Dawnstar.

Morndas, 8:17 AM

"It may not look like much, but my boat can get you to any port in Skyrim".

Haaf-Mersey gets up early the next morning while Serana follows. It is snowy and the sunlight is dim, and this is good for Serana. Try as he might, Haaf-Mersey just cannot make this journey after nightfall.

When the Crusader tells the captain where they need to go, he balks, and refuses initially. Then he wants some serious gold: 500 of them! Haaf-Mersey pays this without hesitation, and the three of them ride off to her home.

Poor LHM :[

Serana is a likable character. When she came back after I said "Nah, no thanks" to being a vampire lord, I was like ":DDDD you're NOT evil!!!"

He heh, that's cool, Elizabeth. I'm wondering what will happen in the long run....is LHM going to have to kill her? I sure hope not. Any vamp but her!

...but if he has to do it, he probably will.

He is honorable, so he would.

BLEHH I'm working on mine for one of these short stories! I'm excited

Lady Saga: You come up with the funniest and most clever of names! Thanks to you, I am inclined to make a new character named "Ben Dover"*has a better effect if you say it out loud). And you write . . .a lot. I am impressed!

I think I had a character named Ben Dover. Not in TES, but in Sims: Castaway. He was the "doctor" of the team.

Terrenna looks great, Mustard. My attempts at elven females have turned out looking like insects, so I am very impressed with your attractively alarming pyromancer.

I am really enjoying LHM, Renee. The way he cares for his followers even when they are vampires or suddenly hitting on him says a lot about his character.

I checked in with Mikke of Green River today, since I had completely forgotten where she was and what she was doing. Asrael the Awesome was supposed to be my Dragonborn for the new DLC until he died in a Dwemer trap. I should know better than to try to play when I only have about 30 minutes. Anyway I loaded up Mikke’s game to see where she was (because I had about 30 minutes, this could have gone quite badly). She was in a Dwemer ruin with Vilkas. They turned around and got the heck out of there. When they stopped at the wolf lodge (Heljarchen Hall) for the night, Vilkas decided to stay there for a while (because she made him steward).

The next morning she headed for Jorrvaskr, and Torvar. Here’s her version of what happened.

Kyne smiled on my path the whole way across the hills to Whiterun. I could smell the Gildergreen over the walls, and Adrianne’s forge, and of course the water. I made a place to live and a family of my own in Hjaalmarch, but Jorrvaskr will always be home.

I found him out back arguing with Farkas. Farkas wanted to train, and Torvar wanted something to fight. Farkas finally went inside. I waited until Torvar sat down at a table, then I sat down beside him. He was a mess, as usual. Back in his old leather armor and eyes like pissholes in the snow. He didn’t even look at me.

I wanted to tell him why I married Roggi, because I finally figured it out. He’s a good father and a fine husband, just like I knew he would be. He’s hard-working and kind, and he can tell a tale that will make a soul laugh and cry all at the same time. I’ve tried so hard to be the wife that he deserves, but I’m still just the one he married.

“I’m not going to leave him,” I said to Torvar.

“You’re here now.” Torvar sounded like he could use a punch in the gut. Sometimes I do that to help his hangovers along. He gave one of those deep sniffs. “I think I’ll head down to the meadery later. Smell that honey on the wind.”

I smelled more than honey. The man was rank. I made a plan to maybe push him into the river.

“I’m going to see the Greybeards,” I said. Then I chewed on my lip to keep from asking right away.

Torvar didn’t say anything, just downed another half-tankard of mead. He’d love Roggi’s mead, I’d wager. It’s a shame they can’t be friends.

Then I had to keep talking. “I guess what Jarl Balgruuf said might be true. What happens to me around dragons is not normal. I’ve been called again, and I’m going to do what’s right.”

“You always do.” He made it sound like an insult.

“Come with me, Torvar.”

He studied the inside of his tankard. “They say you’re in charge now.”

“I don’t mean it like that. This is something I have to do, not for the Companions. I have to do it. But what I want is to be with you.”

Torvar had that look like he was trying to count without using his fingers.

I thought I’d feel shamed or at least sorry to hear it out loud, but all I felt was relief. And hope. I twisted Roggi’s ring around on my hand. “When it’s time I’ll go home to him. I’m still Roggi’s wife.”

Torvar stood up without tripping over the bench. He wasn’t as drunk as he looked. “Lead the way.”

Hehe, cheers, Grits. I'll admit I cheated slightly and used one of the preset faces as a baseline; whenever I don't do this it always ends up with my characters looking like they've received a severe thrashing from the Ugly Stick.

Poor LHM! I love how much of a hard time he's having with Serana; I've still not got Dawnguard (stupid goddamn poverty...) but she does seem to be one of the most talked-about characters and parts of the DLC, and it's cool to see why this is! And the random start mod is incredibly useful; Helgen's an excellent tutorial and introduction to the game, but only to play once. After that, it just gets dry, very quickly, though I do miss actually stepping out into the wide world of Skyrim with all the loot and skill ranks I acquired whilst going through the dungeon.

Extract from the Journal of Terrenna Calmenin

Day 2

It is official: I am Queen Badass of Awesome Mountain.

After a night's sleep, I made my way down Whiterun; it's a nice place. Small and cosy,and sort of rural despite being a city. Everything is made out of wood, though, which is kind of asking for trouble. Delicious, burning trouble.

I poked around a bit and bought some potions and so forth from a couple of shops around and about, and then headed up to Dragonsreach, the main hall there, to see what I could do about this whole dragon business. Once I finally got past the fact that everyone there was arguing, I told them about Helgen and Riverwood, and the Jarl agreed to send some troops down there. So with that done, I went and talked with Farengar, the court wizard about the dragon problems. Turns out the stone I found in that old ruin yesterday was a map of dragon burial sites he needed for research into dragons or something. I picked up a couple of spells there, including one for summoning a Fire Atronach and also another one that shoots big spikes of ice at people. I'd like a fire version of it, but he didn't have anything like that and frankly shooting giant icicles out of my hands is fun.

Once that was done, some guard or runner or something came sprinting into the hall yelling about a dragon attacking a watchtower. So Jarl Balgruf's Housecarl, another Dark Elf named Irileth (she doesn't like fire much so I don't think she's a proper Dark Elf) asked me along to help. So we went went out to the watchtower (place was a mess) and killed a dragon. In fact, I killed it. It was awesome.The dragon was kind of stupid, though; it kept trying to burn me with fire-breath and I'm a Dunmer, but it didn't seem to realise that I was naturally fire retardant. It's loss, though.

The ascension to my Badass Throne of Badassitude did not stop there, mind. Once the dragon was dead, I had another wierd moment with a whole rushing noise and a choir yelling at me and at the same time the dragon somehow speed-decomposed into a skeleton. Considering that if it had rotted in the normal way it could have provided the soil around with a large amount of vital minerals, I felt that this was a very selfish thing of it to do.

So, one chat with some of the rightfully awed guards later and it turns out I might be something called the Dragonborn. I think that means I'm a god or something, considering one of them started talking about Tiber Septim being Dragonborn too. I considered ordering them to bow down and worship me there and then, but considering that they all looked kind of frazzled, I decided against it; I will be a benevolent goddess in my iron-fisted, firey divine rule, I have decided. Also, a bunch of people called the Greybeards yelled at me from a mountain with magic shouting or something like that and asked me to come and visit them. I'll do that at some point.

And in gratitude for my awesomeness, Jarl Balgruf also made me a Thane of Whiterun, so I've got privelige of rank AND, best of all, a Lydia. Lydia's great; she's my new Housecarl and can carry my stuff and hit people with swords and things and she can't complain about it because it's her job! (She does get snarky about it). And to think mother said I wasn't mature or coherently sane enough to own a pet. The Jarl also gave me a greataxe, though I'm not sure why considering that I don't know where to start with the thing, so I gave it as a present to Lydia. She likes it enough to keep hold of it.

Tomorrow I'm planning on picking up some bounties and me and Lydia having a girls' day out killing bandits. It should be fun. There should be lots of burning, too.

A quick word from Mikke:

Last night we stayed at the Vilemyr Inn. Klimmek gave me a package to haul up the steps, and Jofthor decided to sit in our room all night. Chores and chastity. So far this affair is a lot like marriage.

It’s pouring down rain this morning. I guess around Step 2,000 it might turn to snow. We’ll make the climb anyway. I have my axe and my bow, and Torvar. Today the rest doesn’t matter.

Beautiful. I am glad you two have written, and Today in Skyrim has some flow again! I still havne't had Lydia as a follower yet. Grits the tale about Mikke is a gem! Fokkinge beautiful! Thanks.

Where we left off: Lord Haaf-Mersey has been to Fort Dawnguard, and has taken up the path of a vampire hunter. He has also been to Dimhollow Crypt, where he and Marcurio released Serana from her tomb. The trio went to Dawnstar, stayed a couple days, and then The Crusader from Cyrodiil decided he'd like to make the journey to Serana's home .... without Marcurio. They would travel by boat, instead of on foot.

Now...he and Serana have arrived, and the boat which carried them has left, its captain ... refusing ... to stick around.

Morndas, 10:20 PM, 29th of Evening Star

Days Passed: 134

The Crusader from Cyrodiil and Serana have arrived to a stony shore, and the boat which brought them now slowly departs. Haaf-Mersy looks at Serana, and casts a Candlelight to see his immediate surroundings.

The journey took many hours. It is now nighttime, and it's dark, the sky above overcast. Lord Haaf-Mersey was hoping for some of Skyrim's famous Night Lights so that the world would be colorful and easy to see, but this is not what has been fated.

The Lord calls out to The Nine, and more specifically to Mara and Talos. He calls for some guidance, for he is now all alone with her. He feels a hesitation before taking this next step, whatever it may be.


11:03 PM

"Well. Here we are", Haaf-Mersey says as he gazes upon a vague establishment across the water. He can barely see a dim dark shape in the distance. Place looks gloomy and depressing.

"Do you need something?" Serana asks.

Yes. I do need something, Haaf-Mersey thinks. I need to seekth proper guidance from the Nine. This is what he thinks. But what he says is:

"Thee might decree what cometh next".

The Lord says this, and then wonders why he said it. He has no idea. Being around Serana was like being a young boy again, feeling nervous at the thought of wooing for the first time.

Lord Haaf-Mersey also finds himself torn at the thought of losing her, yet lose her he must. She wants to go home, and he certainly would not want to stay with her (in some vampire's coven). Nor could he bring her to his home in Falkreath to meet Lucia. He trembles at the thought of that ever happening.

Serana's home apparently is on an island across the water. He already knows it's a bad idea to go there; he will face evil itself if he does so. He knows these things. Yet he feels driven and urged to keep moving. This seems to be his destiny. Is it the Nine who are creating this yearning within? Or is it Serana?

There is a second boat, a longboat which can be used to travel across the water. Haaf-Mersey looks at the boat, looks AWAY from her, and then decides this has to be it.

"Well. Here we are. We travelled now far, and to thine home, across the waters. Ye are now of safety. But it is time for me now to taketh mine leave".

Haaf-Mersy gathers up courage before looking at her again. But he cannot look at her eyes. Instead he looks down at her feet.

"I bid thee fond farewell milady. 'Tis time for ye to maketh thine journey now by yer own sort".

"And go where?" Serana sounds mildly annoyed. He's disappointed her! "You can't just leave me alone here if you feel like it!" she argues. "I'm coming with you, whether you like it or not".

"Very well then", the Lord says. "I shalt make thus journey with thee as such, then".

Again, he feels that urge. Like he has to do this. Perhaps it is fated by The Nine, but Haaf-Mersey (at this moment) does not have his usual confidence that this is so. Not when she is around. His choices are: ride the longboat with her and deliver her to safety. Or try to leave. And if he tries to leave, she is not going to let him leave. She has made this clear.

There is a third choice, of course. He could fight her. But he doesn't want to do so, not after befriending her and spending so much time with her. What if she were human? Would he just leave her on some dark coastline? Of course not. He must do right by her, then, as he would any other lady of his past in Cyrodiil. He is also not entirely sure he would be capable of finishing the job, should he decide to take her on in a duel.

"Let us taketh our leave, then"



12:11 am
The journey does not take very long with both of them rowing. How foolish of him to think that she could move this heavy boat by herself, and across the currents of the north waters! Now that they've arrived on yet another dark, stony shore, Haaf-Mersey feels a mixture of emotions: trepidation and fear mixed in with that previous urge.

"Well this is it. Home sweet....castle" Serana jokes. "Ready to go inside?"

It is even gloomier than Haaf-Mersey could have imagined, now that he sees the place up close. And the cloudy skies overhead do not help to brighten the mood either. But what else did he expect? Snow started to fall just after they arrived here. As soon as she asks him to come with her, he knows he must do so. Again, it seems fated that he do so. There is no other choice.

"I shall take thee upon thine final travel, then. But I must--"

"Hey so before we go in there..." Serana interrupts.

"Yes Mi'lady?"

"I wanted to thank you for getting me this far", the vampire says, projecting her charms on Maximum, now. "But after we get in there I must caution you. I know your friends would want to kill everything inside my home. But I'm hoping that you'll give us a chance", she says, her eyes persuading once again. And once again, Haaf-Mersey's resistances feel flawed. "Once we're inside...just keep quiet for a bit. Let me take the lead", Serana suggests.

"Yes. I shall do as such".

Haaf-Mersey wonders why he feels so relaxed, all of a sudden. Things are going to be okay. Once again, she has persuaded his will, like a puppy faced with a long taffy treat to chew on. The two walk into the castle, gargoyle statues to their left and right.



2:07 AM

"After all these years....Lady Serana's back", says a man standing at the castle's gates. He speaks slowly and calmly, and does not raise a weapon. Haaf-Mersey expects to be greeted by pure evil, yet this seems not to be the case. He could be an ordinary citizen! the Lord thinks. He senses nothing evil about this man.

"I watch the gate", says the man watching the gate. "Aint much else to tell".

Haaf-Mersey has nothing to say either.

2:24 AM

"How dare you trespass here!" says a man wearing a vampire's typical grey armors. They have just walked inside. "...wait. Serana? Is that you?"

On the inside, the castle looks grand yet (again) dark and gloomy. But as The Lord's vision gets used to the darkness, he can see that there is some light in the next room. Light caused by lots of fire, that is. And there's a smell he knows he has smelled before, but cannot quite place.

"Is that truely you?" the man asks again. "I cannot believe my eyes!" He says this, and then starts walking towards the next room. "My lord! Everyone! Serana has returned!"

"I guess I'm expected", Serana says, and starts following the man, walking away from the Crusader.

Lord Haaf-Mersey feels for the door behind him, chancing possible escape. But it is now locked.

"My daughter!" says a man in the next room.

Curiosity gets the better of the Crusader from Cyrodiil, and he cautiously steps a few paces forward, until he can see down into a grand area which could be for entertaining and dining. Immediately he notices a dead body on the ground, to the right side of a long table. He also sees lots of people (vampires? all of them?) sitting and a few standing.

"...I trust you have my Elder Scroll?" Serana's father asks.

"All these years and that's the first thing you ask me?"

"She has the scroll?" asks a lady incredulously.

"Ahh if only your traitor mother were hereI" says Serana's father. He is regally dressed in red, black, and gold; obviously the place's leader. "I would watch her die after putting her head on a spike".

At this, Haaf-Mersey feels a familiar sort of anger. How dare he even suggest such a thing to his friend Serana?
That her mother should perish by his hand! How DARE he!

"Now tell me ....who is this stranger you have brought into our home?"

"This is my savior. The one who freed me", Serana says, and steps aside.

Obviously this is my cue Haaf-Mersey thinks, as he tries his best to call out for guidance. He also tries to illuminate the room with one of his Candlelight spells, but is dismayed and frightened to suddenly see that the spell does not work! He tries to cast it again, unsuccessfully. Haaf-Mersey's intuition was right, then. Having Marcurio the wizard along would have been a waste of time.

2:57 AM

"I'm not known for my patience", says Serana's father. "Do step forward".

Haaf-Mersey obeys. And he considers his options now, as they stand.

He is outnumbered and he knows it. And he cannot escape. But he is mostly unafraid. Despite these odds he feels a certain calm. This is his fate. ...As he steps further into the room, he gasps. They're eating corpses! Right off the table! Blood is everywhere! And they've laid several bodies for the vampires to feast from, as if they're in some ordinary tavern! Who are these poor folks?

But the revulsion he initially feels is overcome just a moment later by something else. A sort of bravery to press onwards. And nobody (so far) has made comment on the fact that he's a mortal. Nobody has raised a weapon or cast any spells. If anything, they seem to be honoring him with their presence. He can feel this.

"For my daughter's safe return you have my gratitude" says her father. "Tell me, what is your name?"

"I am Lord Haaf-Mersey", he says, and stops. He almost says 'Crusader from Cyrodiil' as well, but then he thinks this might not be the best thing to say to a group of powerful undead beings.

"I am Harkon .... Lord of this court. By now my daughter should have told you what we are".

"Yes. I knoweth as such. Ye are vampires".

As he says this, he hears something growling nearby, probably a big, mean dog. He also hears the sounds of the other vampires eating at their long tables. ...smack smack... There's a coppery smell in the air, one which The Crusader is quite familiar with.

"Not just vampires" Lord Harkon corrects. "We are among the oldest and most powerful vampires in Skyrim. For centuries we have dwelled throughout Skyrim". Lord Harkon makes another mention of his wife being some sort of traitor, but Haaf-Mersey does not catch it.

"I see". Marcurio would love to meet this man, Haaf-Mersey thinks; for all his talk of history. "Well thine daughter has been brought to thee and with safety, as was mine concern". Haaf-Mersey looks around as he speaks. There roughly a dozen of others present, yet none of them make any sudden moves. "And ye have mine blessings, to wit".

As the Crusader speaks to Harkon, he chances a look into the man's red eyes, and wonders if his mental capacities will be swayed, the way Serana could do so easily. But there is nothing but evil here. A certain coldness. This man (unlike Serana) is pure evil, and whatever powers he might have, they aren't working on the Crusader. Serana's ability to charm has nothing to do with evil, the Lord realizes. Her's comes from the heart ... or what is left of it.

"You have done me a great service, and now you must be rewarded", Lord Harkon says, pointing and jabbing towards Haaf-Mersey. Harkon rambles on a minute then gives Haaf-Mersey the ultimate choice. "... I offer you my blood. Take it so that you will walk as a lion among sheep. Men will tremble in your path, and with the gift of Eternal Life, you will never fear death again".

As he says this, the Crusader from Cyrodiil feels a RUSH of magic traipse throughout his body. All his prayers have been rewarded with guidance, and at this exact moment.

"I am Lord Haaf-Mersey, and I have no such fear of death".

"Then you will be prey. Like all mortals. I will spare your life just this once, but ye shall be banished from this hall. If you need convincing, I shall give you one more choice. Will you accept the gift of Eternal Life? BEHOLD THE POWER!" he says, raising his voice.

At this moment, Lord Harkon now changes ..into something which is not quite as human-looking.



3:57 AM

"THIS IS THE POWER THAT I OFFER! Now...make your choice!"

Before the court, Lord Harkon has turned from a rather creepy-looking man with red eyes into something that looks far from human, indeed. His skin is now greyish-green, and he's got the head of a goblin, or something even more fierce than a goblin! Wings have sprouted from his back, and his fingers and nails have grown longer and more deadly. Haaf-Mersey trembles, yet finally feels the guidance within.

"I shall take my leave, then", the Crusader defies, raising his voice so everyone can hear. "Ye have thine daughter back! So I shall choose to leave this hall, conferring upon my guidance from above ...and within".

"So be it.... you are prey! Lke all mortals! I banish you from my castle!"

Lord Harkon says this, and then throws a spell which blurs the Crusader's vision, sending him into a deep fog! Haaf-Mersey hasn't even got time enough to wonder if he shall die or not!

Voices swirl around him, and all becomes darkness ... for awhile.



4:15 AM
As the spell wears off, Lord Haaf-Mersey finds himself standing back outside again, on the banks of the stony shore. He draws his silver sword, but nobody is here.

"He has kept his promise. I am of safety. I must thanketh thee. For 'twas thee who kept me of safety".

Haaf-Mersey says this, bowing his head a moment. He also drinks a potion of disease-curing, just to be sure he will not become one of 'them'. He checks his neck, hands, face, arms, his entire body body. He feels he is okay. Then he casts a Candlelight successfully, entirely thankful that he is able to do so.

As he gets onto the longboat, he finds that (despite the fact that he is alone now) he has never had so much strength to row a boat before as he does now.

-

Goddamn, you had to leave us on a cliffy, didn't you? I wonder how on earth LHM is going to handle this one.

And now for an update from Terrenna Calmenin, Queen Badass of Awesome Mountain.

Day 3
So with my new main squeeze Lydia in tow, I figured I'd start Thaning up the place and go kill some bandits. With that in mind, we got ourselves a bounty letter and headed off to the Valtheim Towers. On the way we encountered a Necromancer who we killed the living daylights out of, and I got their awesome robes which gives a massive boost to the speed at which they generate magicka (and they look pretty stylish, too). And then we got to Valtheim Towers.

It was awesome; the place is basically two towers with a bridge between them over a river, and so we managed to fight our way up one, use the bridge as a chokepoint and then deal with the bandits from there. Me and Lydia were like a team or something; she charged in getting in their faces with an axe and I hung hang chucking fire and spells everywhere and we killed everything and I totally didn't use her as a human shield. Honestly.

So by the time we were done, it was getting late and we're camping out in the place right now. If Lydia stays as useful as she is, ascending to godhood is gonna be easy.

Day 4
Today began with trolls and ended with a resolution of what to do next.

We found the trolls in a cave overlooking the river by Whiterun. We went into just take a poke around and kill everything that moved, saw them in the distance without being noticed, and decided to cut our losses to leave [Mustard's note: What actually happened was Terrenna and Lydia dying three times before I decided I had bitten off more than I could chew and didn't have a stab at a fourth]. It didn't take long to get back to Whiterun after that, though for some reason there was a dead giant outside the gate, right in front of. No idea why, it was just there. Being dead. Nobody moved it or anything. [Screen] [Mustard's note: I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED!]

So we poked around town a bit and did some chatting with the locals, as well as stealing a bottle of Argonian Ale for a beggar in return for a healing potion. I managed to pick up a Fireball spell from Farengar as well as a Healing Hands one (Restoration magic is for wet blankets, but it's probably a good idea to keep my meatshield Lydia alive) and he mentioned the College of Winterhold. Now, I know I've got to see the Greybeards about this whole dragonborn business, but the way I see it it can't do any harm to start my ascension to firey goddess-hood without picking up some skills first. So, Lydia and I packed up some supplies and set out from Whiterun to Winterhold.

Heh heh...yeah, I had to leave on a cliff, but mostly because that post was so LONG@@@@!!! Sorry 'bout that. That entire post probably consisted of maybe a half-hour of gaming, if I were not writing up a story! But as a story ... heh heh...

I agree about the necro robes, they've got the look and it's cool that they regenerate magicka sometimes. I like Valtheim Towers, especially once all the bandits are dead. It's so peaceful to just look out across the river from up high. Lord Haaf-Mersey recently got in a fight with an archer right in the middle of the bridge, and almost fell off!

That's so creepy ...that dead giant. It made it all the way up there and the guards must have taken care of it. What the hell?

Brb, dying...

umm...... What?

Tirdas 6:33 PM, 3th of Evening Star

The sun is setting in spectacular colors. Lord Haaf-Mersey is leaving a Fort known as Hraggstad, which is located on the north edge of the world, it seems. He is tired and has just two potatoes left to eat.

The bandits here were tough; almost too tough for him. He spent several hours attacking and retreating, until all the outside scum was dead! Haaf-Mersey then tried to take on those inside the fort, but these were just too much for him. They saw him enter, and as soon as they did, three of them were swinging and flailing!

The Lord now walks briskly eastwards, away from the fort. He had wanted to defeat at least some of the enemies inside, and then take up residence for the night, but this was not to be so.

As he walks, he thinks of Lady Serana. Who mysteriously became entrapped in some sort of elaborate device, deep inside a cave. Now that she is gone, the Lord feels relief that she is no longer with him. But he can't help thinking about her anyways.



7:09 PM
He notices a group of three travellers on the road: Imperials. Haaf-Mersey decides to follow these individuals for awhile. The enemies up here are tougher than are in the south, and safety is simply provided best in larger numbers.

7:21 PM
The group of Imperials leave the road abruptly! And Haaf-Mersey suddenly needs to run to catch up!

"ARRGH! OHHHHHHH!!!

IT happens so fast. He runs up a small slope, drawing his weapon and expecting the Imperials are fighting a troll or some ice wolves, but the enemy turns out to be neither! As he nears the combat, suddenly he sees a group of soldiers leaving the scene. Lord Haaf-Mersey must climb a small hillock, and finally finds them. The Imperials (all three of them) are dead. They've been killed by Stormcloaks! In a matter of seconds.

As Lord Haaf-Mersey looks down the hill, he now decides...maybe it's best to tag along with the Stormcloaks now, instead!

That was one of those really unexplainable RP moments...where compassion just seems to fall into place from the heavens or whatever.



7:36 PM

"If you know any true sons and daughters of Skyrim...tell them to head to Windhelm! Ulfric Stormcloak wants to see them."

The Stormcloaks eventually turn around in circles, as if they're lost. Haaf-Mersey takes the opportunity to introduce himself, and also heal them up if they desire, by laying of his hands. But this makes the soldiers nervous. They immediately draw their weapons, so The Crusader retracts his offer.

"I see. Ye need to find yer way. I shall not be of interrupting of thine plannings".

"Hope I don't draw guard duty tonight", says a male soldier to one of his companions, ignoring Haaf-Mersey.

"Well you must be okay if you've got time to complain". answers a woman.

The three start walking west. This is not the direction the Crusader wants to go, but he cannot travel on his own. He will go wherever they do.

8:04 PM
The group walks back to that same hillock (where the Imperial lay) and then starts walking down the mountainside, literally down its rocky crags. They encounter a giant spider eventually, which is easily felled.

"I bet they'll have rabbit again", says the female. "I'm getting sick of rabbit".

"You'd rather be plowing a field?" counters one of the males.

The lady has no answer. Haaf-Mersey lights a Candlelight spell while the trio seems a bit lost again.

I laughed so hard I almost died. Not...really, of course. Just that particular phrase made me laugh much harder than it should have.

Oh okay....yea I wasn't sure what was going on! Like maybe you were actually...


anyways.... just ignore me, lots of people do!