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25 comments
So ALL they need is a Master Necromancer eh? Sounds easy enough
Nice touch making the witch that resides there Darwyn's Mother!!
Can't wait to see what happens!!
Then Jade's VERY interesting thoughts of "us/them" spawning from her own mixed feelings....
OR was that Boethia's induced thoughts messing with Jade now??
Wouldn't put it past that massively manipulative b1#ch....^^
Then Jade, SO obviously trying to be a brash little SHOW-OFF, or perhaps a minor effort to prove her worth, pushes right past Rathe, casually and nonchalantly disarming that double-mace trap at the end, right in front of him....Hahahahahahaha!
(You never did say whether Rathe was impressed or not....) ^^
I guess NONE of Darwyn's fellow thugs knew about his "dark" little secret, eh?
He seemed a bit shocked AND pissed that Rathe mentioned it out loud in front of his "crew", who were just as shocked upon hearing that little tidbit.
Rathe then took credit for knowing said little dark secret, focusing any of Darwyn's ire upon him instead of Jade, who is the one who tipped Rathe off about it in the first place. Smart!
Cicero's soul is "....barely tied to this world...."
Perhaps he's been sent to another Plane, like what once happened to Uriel Septim VII in "Arena"....
Darklight Tower....isn't that the abode of that Witch: Silvia....Darwyn's MOM ?!?
Brilliant bombshell! So that's where he got his skills in the black arts from....^^
Powerful Necromancer indeed if I remember that quest correctly....her reluctant daughter, Illia, ( Darwyn's sister? ) is there too, what role will SHE play in the fight to come, I wonder?^^
Yet another great, and very smooth tie-in to yet another vanilla quest! ^^
I LOVE it when you do that, Jess!
If Darwyn is willing to sacrifice his own mom....what does that say about the upbringing that he, to say nothing of his sister, probably received from Mommy-not-so-dearest? ^^
Very intriguing chapter!
Swiftly endorsed.
Warm thanks, Jess, and cheers, dear!
I think Darwyn kept his dark past a secret from his crew more out of shame than anything (maybe also so they wouldn't coerce / force him into using the Black Arts in his Dead Eye responsibilities). But yeah, he was a tad p'd off when Rathe brought it up... though his inner demons about that time in his life were more off-putting to him than his crew knowing (more on that later).
Yup, Darklight Tower IS the tower where Illia's ma resides, but i've taken some poetic license and used Illia's 'part' in the vanilla story as Darwyn. So she won't make an appearance sadly (I already have enough trouble controlling my massive cast of characters, I don't need anymore (I'm no George Martin!! ) ). But yes indeed, Darwyn's upbringing was far from sweetness and light, the full extent of which will be revealed next chapter.
However, does that mean he's willing to kill his ma? Or is he still out to get vengeance on Broody and Jade???
MOST interesting and intriguing....perhaps there might be some unresolved, mutual feelings of slight attraction there?
The Ladies Mara and Dibella subtly plying their "stock-in-trade" between these two soul-damaged, LONG-suffering mortals?? ^^
Wouldn't that serve Boethia SO right....an interloper getting interfered with in turn....looks DAMNED good on the b1#ch! ^^
Cheers, dear!
Darwyn and his dark arts, once pulled in could you truly ever leave, do not think, no matter what he lost, or wants to forget, I think he deep inside will enjoy what he does, and if he does indeed have a big enough beef with Mommy dearest then it seems he is indeed more cold then he came across when they were beating Rathe, something does not quite ring true here about him, I wonder what it is, is he in with Jade and trying to trap Rathe again for that piece of s#*! Maven or is Jade starting to see how much it will cost her to be free.hmmmmmm lots to think about girl as always with your chapters.......... Amazing shots enjoyed it very much......... off to read next one yay
Darwyn is an interesting one and I won't say much about him or his motives here except that yes, once a dabbler it's hard to give it up (a bit like a drug addition I imagine). So whether or not he'll be able to resist the Black Arts when he's confronted by the Tower... and MOTHER... we'll see!!
I will give you one piece of advice hon; trust me.
I felt like this chapter gave me more of a "breather, if you will, from all the action of the last few- which is good, because I have a feeling this may be the calm before the storm and something crazy is going to happen- soon. Well, especially if there's a necromancer involved, in the foreseeable future. That and I'm really nervous about "meeting" that Cannibal person and what he's cooking up (or whom) O.OI've learned from your stories to definitely expect the unexpected and never expect a happy ending. Not for this Rose and Thorn anyway! Wonderful work Jess. Gonna save the next chapter for tomorrow night after work
Glad you enjoyed this chapter and the music (I know how off-putting it can be to listen to a song with lyrics while trying to read and I too do what you do with those stories; read them first without music or listen to the music first and look at the images). I do however try to choose songs that either fit the story OR create a mood to the piece. In this case, the song is about giving up one's innocence to make 'easy money' (the lyrics are actually pretty disturbing) which I thought was pretty apt considering the Dead Eyes', Jade's and Rathe's ways of making a living.
This was very much the calm before the storm... the next few chapters WILL be action-packed, and then come a few pretty emotional ones so buckle up! It's going to get bumpy
As for happy endings... I'm not known for them... but occasionally they happen!
Was great that tension as Jade appeared to the Dead Eyes once more, the hiss of blades greeting her as she walked into the firelight, their eyes turning to one that had recently been their mark, suspicions about having been betrayed filling their minds. It was wise of Darwyn not to meet Rathe's words with blades, not knowing just how many foes might be hidden nearby. Rathe sure did well in making him see reason, countering his thought of some kind of betrayal. Rathe sure had no patience for that argument over gold, tossing the man a bag of coin much to the surprise of Jade and Darwyn.
Jade did learn well the wisdom of informing herself about those she hired and the skills of a spy did serve her well for that. Seems that part of his past was not as hidden as Darwyn would have wanted. His words about regretting something in his past sure hit a sore spot for Rathe though he did not show it. It is curious how Rathe was angered by insults directed at Jade, as he had used similar insults against her, seems his feeling about her are changing as hers are. Seems an slightly uneasing trust is growing between them, which is good when facing one as twisted as Quin. Another very intriguing chapter, Jess
Yes there's most certainly some interesting conflict between R and J; their words (spoken and unspoken) saying a lot about the state of their 'relationship' if such a term can be used to describe things between them. That and the casual looks suggest... well, who knows where it will head
I think considering the situation, all parties handled themselves well. Darwyn and his gang would've done themselves a disservice had they attacked Rathe and Jade outright, and she and Rathe would have got nowhere without Rathe's peace offering (the bag of gold). I guess scoundrels are of a like mind and know how to please one another!
Thanks again hon!
Rose and Thorn look good together in those armors and they make a competent team from the looks of it. Easily working through the traps and enemies in the sewers as they made their way to the Dead Eyes. Lots of good points from both Jade and Rathe on what has been happening between them (past and present with some subtle hints on a possible future). Nice to see Rathe showing up off his competency and skills, impressing Jade in spite of herself.
Then the very tense meeting of "run a way" Jade and her mark at the lair of the Dead Eyes. Best point was the fact that they are all scoundrels and they would have all done the same in her place I bet. Kettle calling pot black.
Darwyn was very well done - seems competent yet clearly his past has affected him. Admire the fact he tried to set aside the black arts. Yet it seems his past comes back to haunt him ... which is an all too common theme for everyone sadly. If only he can find a way to deal with it and maybe get some closure on it. Course having his mother as a witch and necromancer ... one he wants to kill ... is also very intense. That is a bit warped but then life seldom cares about relationships and connections.
Very curious to see what develops next. Is Darwyn planning a double cross? Does he hate his mother or is he helping her? Is Jade becoming "us" with Rathe and leaving Maven to the "them"? Will they find the Jester? If so in what condition and where?
Lots of mysterious! Nice set of images and a very good story!
I would so love for Rathe and Jade to become a partner duo called Rose and Thorn (and I'm not going to say yes they do, or no they don't
Hahaha, I love the pot calling the kettle black comment. Most likely very true; the Dead Eyes aren't a bunch who inspire loyalty are they?
Thanks for the comment about Darwyn. I actually am really happy with the way he's come out too. From humble beginnings as merely a conduit for Jade to hire the Dead Eyes to being a fleshed out character in his own right, took a bit of thought and scrabbling! I didn't know the witch would be his mother until one sentence before he said it! Sometimes that's what happens with characters eh?
Lots of what ifs and what next's but I've got to keep you all interested! There's about another 13 chapters till the end so it's all coming to its twisty conclusion! Thanks as always for your comments!
Looks like Rathe is as broody a ever and it is understandable, since he wondered practically in den of his foes with sneaky Jade, whim he suspects of treachery... his all his growling was more like bark then bite like Jade rightfully has decided.
Her thoughts about Rathe certainly became quite... intriguing. She certainly likes him, and he is probably the only man who made her blush in her life, so it sure reflects on her Besides maybe Rathe is not a paragon of virtue but he would never sink to Maven's level so maybe Jade new thoughts about Black-Briars as 'them' all were caused by Rathe's actions. Still I wonder what she intends to do with her own plans, since things were not a easy as it seems with Darwyn and his Black Arts talents.
It was interesting to see that men did not do anything stupid like attacking Rathe and it went as intense but otherwise quite calm meeting. also I did not fail to notice that Rathe dislikes Jade being called not by name but rather of her previous pace of job 'wh*%#'. Maybe it is just intentional on Rathe's part but it seems there is quite a tension between him and Jade already... wonder how this will play out.
Hopefully Darwyn is serious about necromancer stuff and doesn't want to make a trap by locking Rathe and Jade away in Darklight tower with a witch... but I guess only time will tell was his story true or not.
Thank you very much for sharing your wonderful work and I will look forward for continuation!
As for Rathe's thoughts about Jade; he keeps those close to his chest, but things like his irritation when Darwyn insulted her might be clues. Plus he's still got Boethia's words planted in his subconscious about 'saving her'... so who knows what that might mean for them.
Darwyn's intentions certainly seem honourable, though whether driven by gold or vengeance will be seen in time. Or, perhaps it's all a big plan cooked up by one of Rathe's many enemies... some of whom might have even been standing right next to him!!!
Glad you enjoyed this chapter dear!
maybe I am hoping for more... only seeing what I want to believe..... loving that tension between Rathe and Jade..... imagine furious struggle between them as furniture and other things break when the tension finally becomes too much.... will they ever become loving partners.. I don't see it. But I bet they could get a good stress relief ... lol
Not far off in my ideas... when Darwyn left the warehouse I see. Must of been some enchanted gold that he was tossed. How easily he concedes to breaking his vow to not practice the art again. Or perhaps he sees an opportunity to get vengeance on past slights.
loved all of the barbs..... a wit you have for them. Would not want to ever embarrass or slight you. Can easily imagine you slicing me to pieces with only that sharp tongue.
The shots spot on and fantastic lighting. The music very setting the tone very well.
Very enjoyable addition
Darwyn is surprisingly a complex guy. Unlike your typical run of the mill muscle for hire, he's actually a deeply intelligent guy, with a conscience and streak of good in him. That said, is it gold motivating him now? Or as you say, the desire for vengeance. And if it IS vengeance, who against... His mother, or rathe?
Hahaha, nah, in real life I shy away from verbal or physical fights. I'm mild mannered, introverted and a bit of a geek. I live vicariously through my characters!!
Glad you enjoyed it!