Install Steam
login
|
language
简体中文 (Simplified Chinese)
繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese)
日本語 (Japanese)
한국어 (Korean)
ไทย (Thai)
Български (Bulgarian)
Čeština (Czech)
Dansk (Danish)
Deutsch (German)
Español - España (Spanish - Spain)
Español - Latinoamérica (Spanish - Latin America)
Ελληνικά (Greek)
Français (French)
Italiano (Italian)
Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)
Magyar (Hungarian)
Nederlands (Dutch)
Norsk (Norwegian)
Polski (Polish)
Português (Portuguese - Portugal)
Português - Brasil (Portuguese - Brazil)
Română (Romanian)
Русский (Russian)
Suomi (Finnish)
Svenska (Swedish)
Türkçe (Turkish)
Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
Українська (Ukrainian)
Report a translation problem
Discussions Rules and Guidelines
Report this post
I start my build soon, which shouldn't take too long, as I really just want to roleplay a fairly straightforward (maybe, at first..) character after I redownload and refresh Skyrim to its vanilla roots. I'll make a clean backup of my Skyrim installation (so I can start over again without having to redownload everything). Then, once I get Mod Organizer running like I want it, I'll build my character. (EDIT: oops, had that backwards!! Terrible headache this morning. Ugh!)
We'll see..the fall can be a fairly busy time for us. Wish me luck!
3E 431, 15th of Midyear
Rynandor and Lilandtar stared at the warriors sparring in the sunny courtyard as they settled down to an outdoor lunch, the stone work of the courtyard displaying the colors of the glass towers above them. In the heat, the kaleidoscope of color and pattern was almost dizzying and Lilandtar was uncomfortable. He was also unclear as to why Rynandor had dragged him all the way to Alinor's training center. They were guest lecturers from the Crystal Tower, a training center for warriors was not where he was supposed to be. He was supposed to be writing lecture notes for a lecture to be given at the lecture hall for the Office of Provencial Studies, not sweating profusely watching warriors try to kill each other. But when his friend was set on doing something, there was no saying “no” and Lilandtar sat staring at the warriors as he picked at his salmon. He didn’t have to like it, though.
“So why are we even here?”
“I think it is time we chose a pair of knight guardians,” Rynandor answered.
“Oh, you have been harping on this for months! Why? What’s the threat? Rynandor, there is nothing wrong and it’s hot outside and frankly, they kind of smell. Though nothing can possibly smell worse than the trolls that currently guard the Tower."
“Don’t be such a naggy she-elf,” retorted Rynandor with a smile, because the troll remark was indeed true, “Just trust me, friend, I think having two knight guardians watching our backs is a good idea. I’m sure nothing will happen and this will merely be an exercise in being extra prepared. You and I have neglected to take knight guardians and what better day than today to select them? When we're already here. Just bear with me for a few hours, enjoy a fine lunch, and then you can go back to your lecture notes, Lilandtar.” Rynandor smiled and raised a glass of wine, gesturing to the warriors training in the courtyard. He smiled, but in his mind, there urgency. His nightmares were getting worse. Visions of vast Daedric hordes and then the unthinkable, the razing of Crystal-like-law in a cloud of dust and smoke, the skies red with fire, the cries of his people filling the air, the smoke burning his lungs... Rynandor put those images out of his mind. It could not happen. It would never happen.
The friends finished lunch and then walked towards the training warriors. Lilandtar’s mind was focused on his classes, while Rynandor watched the warriors with interest. Two, in particular caught his attention. He had seen them before…
“Äelberon! I think we’re being watched.” Said Vingalmo as his sword struck Äelberon’s shield.
“Yes, and it is distracting you,” Äelberon laughed as he easily shrugged off the blow with his shield.
“They look like mages, I think they are with the Crystal-like-law. Let’s give them something to watch, eh?” And Vingalmo began to circle Aelberon.
Äelberon easily blocked another blow. Vingalmo needed to pay more attention to his swordplay, not to the staring of mages. Vingalmo was the quicker of the two, clad in Elven armor that glittered in the sunlight, dancing circles around Äelberon. He was showing off, casting firebolts. Äelberon blocked them with his shield.
“That one looks very impressive,” observed Lilandtar, “he moves very quickly and he knows some magic. Can I pick him and then we can be done with this?”
“Don’t you want to observe more?”
“No, I like that one, he is fast, don’t we need fast?”
“Well, yes, but there are other factors to consider---“
“Fine, it’s settled then, YOU! The one who dances in his armor, come here!” Ordered Lilandtar.
Vingalmo and Äelberon stopped fighting and Vingalmo approached the two mages.
“Yes, my Lord?”
"Name."
"Vingalmo"
“Well, Vingalmo... You seem quick enough and excellent with a blade, and you even know some magic, I think you’d make me an excellent guard. How would you like to be a Knight of the Crystal Tower?” smiled Lilandtar. Of course the warrior would jump at the chance, who wouldn't want to serve one of the Master mages at Crystal-like-law?
Vingalmo’s jaw dropped. This was the opportunity of a lifetime, to serve as a knight of the Crystal tower would open many opportunities for career advancement. Äelberon whispered in his ear.
“What are you waiting for?”
“Yes, my lord, of course, it would be an honor to serve you.” The young Altmer quickly replied. Äelberon gave him a pat on the back and grinned. What a boon! Vingalmo had been waiting for this moment since he had arrived to train last year. Äelberon had been assigned to show him the lay of the land and the two became fast friends. Vingalmo had great ambition and Äelberon was proud of his friend.
“Well then, be at my study at the Office of Provencial Studies tomorrow morning at 7am, just ask for Master Lilandtar, I am known by all there. There, you will wait until my fellow mage Rynandor and I are ready to make the trip back to Crystal-like-law.” Fine, he was done, he could now go back to his lecture notes and get out of this oppressive heat. The two warriors left the courtyard, still in shock at Vingalmo’s good forturne.
“Are you coming, Rynandor? Because I’m finished here.” Asked Lilandtar, tapping his foot, impatient to leave.
“No, I will stay and observe some more, but by all means, go on ahead. Lunch was a pleasure as always. See you back at Provencial Studies, friend.” Rynandor replied as Lilandtar walked away. Which is where he wanted to be in the first place, Rynandor sighed. Lilandtar was an exceptional mage, but impatient, loathe to do important things at times, especially when it caused him inconvenience. Rynandor was often called “The Bold”, by his people, but he was far from it. He was the opposite actually, taking time to plan his actions and he was always prepared. Of course, that approach resulted in success so it gave the people an impression of boldness. It really should be Rynandor "The Overly Prepared", but that lacked the ring of "The Bold". At any rate, he was not finished at the training Center.
For a few more hours he sat at the courtyard and observed as young, able-bodied warriors sparred. All of them were extremely capable, very much like that young fellow Lilandtar picked, what was his name? Oh, Vingalmo. Quick on their feet, wielding bound weapons and destruction, clad in light armor. If this was the force that would defend The Isles from attack, Rynandor was pleased, but something held him back from picking any of them. It was the other, the one who sparred with Vingalmo that captured his attention.
He was very different from the others. While they pranced around in Elven armor, he was clad head to toe in an old, worn set of Steel plate, moving slower, but still with speed. While they used bound weapons, he seemed to not use magic of any kind. Was he incapable? Rynandor had been observing him for a few days before he brought Lilandtar this afternoon. That one got up early, often before dawn, and first practiced with a bow, an actual bow, not a bound one. This he did for some hours while the other warriors filtered in, blurry-eyed from the adventures of the prior night. Rynandor assumed he was friends with Vingalmo as the two frequently sparred together. Vingalmo was brilliant to watch, but Rynandor long sensed a pattern to his fighting style. With the other, there was no such pattern. He often switched weapons mid fight, favoring either a sword or an axe, but daggers were also used, as was a bow. What was very interesting was his use of the shield. Almost unheard of among Altmer warriors, as most preferred to wield two weapons or use a spell along with a blade. This one used a shield, and he used it well, blocking all blows with ease. He even used his shield as a weapon; frequently disarming his sparring partners with it or knocking them to the ground. Or, conversely, he would use his weapon as a shield. Something about that one grabbed Rynandor’s attention. That the young warrior could think on his feet and improvise could be a great asset. Rynandor smiled, he had made his selection. Tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow, he would approach the young elf.
3E 431, 16th of Midyear
Well confounded! Where was he? Rynandor scratched his head, puzzled as he continued to wander the training center looking for the elf. He had spent the better part of the morning looking for him and if he didn’t find him soon, he was going either abandon his search or miss Lilandtar’s lecture and that was going to make Lilandtar quite angry and Lilandtar angry wasn’t the best way to experience Lilandtar so that was just not an option. He approached a group of sparring elves and stopped. They all looked the same to him, but he was 90% certain he had not asked this group of warriors. The kaleidoscope pattern reflecting on the stone floor wasn’t the same, so this was a new area of the training center.
“I am looking for a warrior?”
“Well Master, if you’re looking for a warrior, you’ve found quite a few.” One Altmer smirked, as his friends smiled. “How can we help you?”
“He wears heavy armor?”
“Oh, you mean old Steel Plate? Really, you want him?”
“Just tell me where he is.” Rynandor was growing annoyed. These Altmer were a cocky bunch.
“He isn’t here.”
Rynandor’s heart sank.
“He doesn’t train today, he goes to the temple of Auri-El instead. Spends the whole day there. Dunno what he does.”
“I know,” Chimed a warrior, “Prays for the god to send him some decent armor!” The others erupted in laughter. “Or for the wit to use a bound weapon!” Cried yet another.
“Does he do well against any of you in battle?” Retorted Rynandor.
The crowd then fell silent. Their laughter turning to embarrassed shrugs. So he had probably beaten the lot of them in combat. This warrior was growing more intriguing every moment. Rynandor had to meet him.
“I thought so. Thank you for your help. I will take my leave but not without some wise words from an old mage of the Crystal Tower... Sometimes it’s not the trappings of a warrior or his weapons that makes him great, but the warrior himself.” He didn’t have much time, he’d find the elf later at the temple, now, he had a lecture to attend. It was a long trip from Alinor to Crystal-like-law, and an angry Lilandtar would make it miserable…
WHY was he fidgeting so? Thought Lilandtar as he gave his lecture to an attentive crowd at the Office of Provencial Studies. It was on the Metaphysics Relating to the Application of Enchantments by Bending the Law of Firsts and he was, as always, brilliant. But Rynandor didn’t look like he was paying ANY attention and he even seemed itching to leave! He may be confidently giving his lecture on the outside, but inside Lilandtar was sulking. Of all the people NOT to pay devoted attention to him, his dear friend. He must have some reason. He would wrestle it out of him over dinner. He didn’t feel like dwelling on it though when he heard the thunderous applause as he uttered the last word of his lecture. It was, of course, completely warranted. Lilandtar smiled, he was brilliant. He stepped away from the podium and was immediately greeted by his fans. Asking him all sorts of questions about Bending the Law of Firsts, what was the Crystal Tower like, numerous invitations to dinner. It was all very tedious after a while and he was growing tired of so many elves. He was surrounded by a particularly inquisitive group of fans when Rynandor approached, grabbing him by the elbow and gently leading him away from the crowd. YES!
“Pardon me, but Master Lilandtar and I have some important matters to discuss before we journey back to Crystal-Like-law.”
Lilandtar leaned toward Rynandor and whispered in his ear, “Thank you, I never thought they’d stop pestering me with silly questions. I love it, but it gets so tedious after a while. I was brilliant, though. I must admit, some of my best work.”
“You were excellent as always, friend. You have the gift to deliver lectures.”
“But I’m sulking, you weren’t paying attention.” Accused Lilandtar.
Rynandor sighed. “I was paying attention. I just have something important to do. Or rather someone to see. We need to go to the Temple.”
“Of Auri-El? Really? At this hour? No dinner? I just gave a brilliant lecture; I’m entitled to a fine dinner and copious amounts of alcohol. You owe me that much for not paying attention.” Lilandtar said, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Fine, first the temple, though, please, I really need to go there. Then I’ll take you wherever you wish to go and buy you a fine dinner and all the alcohol you can drink myself. Just indulge me first. Trust me, please.”
"FINE." Groaned Lilandtar. This better be quick. He was starving.
The two mages walked along Alinor’s streets reaching the Temple of Auri-El just before sunset, its golden emblem on the heavy double doors glowing in the waning light. They entered the Temple and saw the giant statue of Auri-El standing sentinel over his people, bathed in the golden light of sunset as it filtered through the large crystal windows. While Rynandor saw splendid architecture and holy relics, Lilandtar saw multitudes of very, very sick Altmer. Sick Altmer with diseases, diseases he could catch. Ugh, he hoped they didn’t have to stay long. Yes, they were being healed by priests with Restoration magic, but Elves were still coughing… On him… He wrinkled his nose in digust. His wife would need to thoroughly disinfect him when he returned to the Tower. Upon thinking of his lovely young wife, however, the digust became a wicked grin, his apple green eyes narrowing with lust. Being disinfected was not such a bad prospect after all. Ha! Perhaps child number three?
He tapped Rynandor on the shoulder and whispered, “Why are we here?”
“I’m looking for someone, but I don’t see him.” Whispered Rynandor, his eyes scanning the breadth of the temple, searching… Where was he? There was no elf clad in steel plate anywhere? Did the other Altmer deliberately deceive a Mage of the Crystal Tower?
“See who?” Lilandtar insisted.
“The one who was with Vingalmo.” Replied Rynandor impatiently, his voice rising.
“You don't have to raise your voice. I can hear you just fine from here. You're making a scene and people are staring." Rynandor scowled at his friend and Lilandtar, undaunted, continued, "Him? The one in steel plate? Seriously? You’re looking for a warrior in a Temple? You’re mad.” His own voice increasing in volume. A priest stared at the two mages arguing for a moment and then left for one of the smaller chambers adjoining the main temple. The two mages continued to search for some time, scanning all the rooms for a glimmer of steel plate.
Frustrated, Rynandor threw up his arms in exasperation.
“His fellow warriors said he would be here, but confounded, I can’t find him! How hard can it be to find an Altmer in steel plate?!”
“It is far harder to find him when he is not wearing any…” Replied a voice.
Rynandor whirled around and came face to face with a very tall bear of an Altmer, clad in the robes of a priest. His long hair was sliver-white and painted on his face was the simplified emblem of Auri-El in white.
“One of my brothers mentioned that you were searching for me. My apologies, Masters, I was healing in one of the chambers and did not see you come in.” He gestured, “Please, would you like to enter one of the chambers to discuss the reason for your visit, or perhaps you are hungry? I am finished for the day, we can step out and eat if you wish.” Lilandtar imploring looked at Rynandor. See, even the priest wants to eat. Lilandtar was liking him better already.
“We will eat, but I insist that I cover the meal. I had promised my fellow Mage. He has just finished a brilliant lecture at the Office of Provencial Studies." Lilandtar beamed.
“I will not protest.” Smiled Äelberon.
“Your name?”
“Äelberon, and you, Masters?.”
“Master Rynandor and Master Lilandtar, of the Crystal Tower.”
“I am honored, Masters. Vingalmo has spoken of nothing else since your visit yesterday. He is very excited to accompany you to Crystal-like-law.”
“We are not from Alinor, is there a place you recommend?” Interrupted Lilandtar, his stomach growling loudly.
“Yes, just a short walk up the road, it is not crowded and the food is quite good.”
They entered a quiet tavern, humble by Altmer standards. Lilandtar wrinkled his nose. This place better be good or he'd take back the part about liking Steel plate. Their status as Crystal tower mages was immediately noted and they were provided with a private room to consume their meal. Food was quickly served and the trio settled down to eat. It smelled delicious. Fine, he liked Steel plate again. Bloody elf knew a good tavern. While Lilandtar noisily drank wine and ate, Rynandor asked.
“Are you really a priest?”
“Not yet, but I am close to taking my orders, perhaps a few more years of study.”
“Then why do you train at the training center?”
“Because I was sent there by my patron over at Dusk." Aelberon then continued to explain. "That is where I am from, Dusk. My family does not hail from a long line of mages or princes. My father is a retired soldier and my mother is a blacksmith. When they saw I could wield a weapon and fire a bow with some skill, they wished me to train in Alinor as they had before me. But, a soldier’s life, especially an honorable one’s, is not a life filled with wealth. They could not afford to send me. Enter the Head Priest of Dusk’s Temple of Auri-El. My parents were part of a force that saved it from a horde of vampires when I was very young. The priest never forgot their service. When I came of age, he offered to sponsor my time in Alinor, if I offered service to its Temple of Auri-El as an apprentice healer in exchange. I was more than glad to do so.” The young Altmer bent his head slightly in admittance. “It was difficult to master some of the spells at first, but with his help, I managed. When I was ready, I was sent to Alinor.” He leaned back against his chair and took a sip of glass of water. Rynandor furrowed his brow, he did not drink. Äelberon, continued. “Five days out of the week, I train at the Center. Two days I devote to healing the sick at the Temple. I have done this for four years. I am no Master healer, but think I do my part to help, and I hope to continue to do Auri-El’s work; both at the temple and at the battlefield.” He smiled. An engaging smile, thought Rynandor. A sincere smile. “If a bow and a shield were good enough for Auri-El to use against Lorkhan, then those weapons are good enough for me as well.”
"Speaking of the shield…" Asked Rynandor. Äelberon was sipping water and motioned with his finger to wait as he finished.
"Oh yes," Äelberon smiled, a hint of mischief in his red-orange eyes. "Once when sparring, my fellow warriors played a prank on me and took all my weapons before I began the fight. They left the shield.” He let out a chuckle. “It was their mistake. A shield can be a formidable weapon too. Afterwards, I was no longer the subject of pranks. I count Vingalmo as a close friend, though. He arrived just last year. I was assigned to show him around and we became fast friends.” His expression then grew quite serious and he faced Lilandtar, “You have selected well, Master Lilandtar, I would trust Vingalmo with my life."
“Did you make that steel plate yourself?” Asked Lilandtar, looking up from his roast goat, a bit of wine dripping from his chin.
“Yes, my mother taught me the basics of crafting. I make my own weapons and armor, though the armor is very difficult to do.”
“Well no offense to the good blacksmiths of Summerset, but isn’t it just easier to conjure a weapon?” Pressed Lilandtar, “It’s not a hard spell, I’m sure you could manage it with some training.”
Äelberon’s eyes narrowed. “And summon Daedra to this plane?” Rynandor looked up, intrigued by Äelberon’s response.
“It’s only a weapon, we’re not talking dremora lords here, just weapons. Weapons that I’m sure are far superior to anything you could whip up at a forge.”
“With all due respect, Master Lilandtar, I would prefer not to. A daedra is a daedra, even if only in the form of a weapon, and subject to the rules of Oblivion, no matter how we may think we can control them. Yes, my weapons may be weaker, but they are solely under my control, not vanishing from one plane to another or falling under the command of another being.” Ugh, Lilandtar didn't like Steel plate again, how can one disagree with summoning? Clueless. Completely clueless.
Rynandor, however, was not a summoner. His own religious convictions caused him to focus mainly on Elemental magic, Alteration, and Restoration. Lilandtar was the summoner of the pair, calling forth powerful Elemental Atronachs to his side in battle, in addition to wielding powerful Elemental spells. Rynandor wasn’t going to lie, the summons helped quite a bit. With their combined magicks, that of the other mages, and, of course, the trolls, they had collectively thwarted several attempts to raze the Tower. The culprits were a group of dissidents known as The Beautiful, but in light of his recent dreams, could there be truth to Äelberon’s words? Could their very own summons turn against them? No, that could not possibly happen, that would shake the very foundation of the summoning school. Rynandor was lost in thought when Äelberon spoke.
“May I ask a question, Master?”
“Of course, Äelberon. I'm sorry my mind was elsewhere.” Rynandor replied. The youngling looked right at Rynandor. Aye, he liked this young one. The eyes were keen and he had his head on straight.
“Why does Rynandor the Bold dine with me tonight?”
“Why do you think?” Rynandor answered. Äelberon nodded slightly and spoke.
“It is your wish that I serve as your knight guardian at The Crystal Tower.”
Lilandtar stopped eating and looked up in surprise. Rynandor wanted THIS elf? Of all the elves in the training center, he wanted this oaf in heavy armor, using puny weapons, and shunning magic except to heal sick peasants? What? What was Steel plate going to do in the heat of battle? Get on his knees and PRAY the enemy away?! Rynandor was off his mind. He stared at Rynandor in disbelief.
“And do you accept, Priest?”Asked Rynandor. You have got to be kidding me, thought Lilandtar.
Rynandor noted his friend's disapproval of his choice as he glanced at him. Then he shifted his gaze to Äelberon. At that moment Rynandor caught a flash of profound sadness in Äelberon’s eyes. Rynandor knew that look. It was the look he himself had after one of his dreams. What did Äelberon know?
“Yes, Master Rynandor,” Replied Äelberon, looking him straight in the eye, fully aware of what he was getting into. “I will serve you at the Crystal Tower. I will serve.”
Ah bother, thought Lilandtar, rolling his eyes in disbelief. Fine, Rynandor, your call. You want Steel plate, take him. He can pray while an enemy is bashing your head in. But don't worry, I've got Vingalmo. I'm sure he'll watch both of our backs.
You're welcome.
That is a pretty awesome compliment. Thanks.
I see that more for Lilithia, not so much for Aelberon.
By the way, Sunfire is a pretty epic spell. Aelberon's been playing around with that one. Wow. I had never seen it in action before. Me likey. I'll do some work on Aelberon soon. I just completed a rough timeline that reconciles events in his life with events in Tamriel history. It was pretty tough. I had to read sources and everything! Brain hurts.