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24 comments
Sad to see Darwyn die. He was a rather likable character. But then nobody is safe in your work!
Fantastic chapter dear!
WAY better results than what those two "creepozoids" back at the Sanctuary got on their little recent 'soiree' : Qreepy Quin and Dumb Dwight....
I liked how you described and displayed the caution and experience of a seasoned Assassin in Rathe as he "went Marcincko" in Darklight Tower: sneak and peak, then shoot, loot and scoot.
Speaking of which: When sonny snooped through mommy's nightstand, that "small, black" item he got must have been the black soulgem that he'd later use on mommy-not-so-dearest.
Too bad that Darwyn had to perish, but it can be easily seen as a final, satisfactory closure for such a horrible childhood.
Silvia quickly realized the horror of what her severely-estranged son was up to upon seeing the black soulgem in his hand as he chanted in her face....she skewered him with an ice spike, but it was already too late for her....
The Soul Cairn now awaits Silvia's imminent arrival.
Curious that Dwight used a quarterstaff instead of a more conventional weapon....it's almost 'monk-like'....^^
Endorsed.
Thanks and cheers, dear!
Yes, Darwyn did indeed pocket the black soul gem from Silvia's quarters. I thought there was something very poetic about having her get trapped inside her very own trinket! Plus it was a nice touch considering Darwyn had to die to do the deed; at least he had the satisfaction of taking her soul to the Gells with him.
I'd love to say that Darwyn using a quarter staff was some inspired bit of work on my behalf, playing upon monk like elements etc, the truth is that when I spawned him via the console that's the weapon he had in his hans. Soooo, nice idea but just coincidence I'm afraid
No point in restating what occurred, though I am pleased to see that Jade may begin to see just what Maven really is.
A bit saddened by Darwyn's death, really thought there just might be a chance that he would become more than just being the leader for his corrupt little band of miscreants.
Jealous of your shots am I. Wondrous and captivating shots.
An excellent time I have had in your presentation of drama...
I guess in the end Darwyn DID turn out to be more than the leader of the Dead Eyes; he died taking out pure evil. Can't ask for more than that!
The shots all come down to the ENB I use; over a year old and still a WIP but never have I come across one I love as much!
Greetings from the Lowlands on this rainy Sunday (the dry garden sreams hurray!).
Looks like they entrance was not as subtle as Rathe would have wanted with Darwyn's inattention, the din of battle filling that shadowy hall. Jade certainly knows how to wield that bow of hers with precision, making quick work of that second witch, seems a very good weapon for her as she prefers not to confront her foes directly. The trio do have good teamwork despite the tension between them, their skills working well together. Darwyn is a little reckless in battle, charging in when faced with the spells and talons of a Hagraven, others might hesitate against such a foe. Was interesting how Darwyn's words about his mother struck Jade, her seeing a reflection of Maven in those words, seems she is questioning her loyalty to Maven more and more, one not worthy to be a mother figure. Jade was quite a bit more practical about Darwyn's black magic ward, the source of the protection not something to argue about when facing a powerful witch.
I like how you depicted the intensity of that battle against Silvia, them barely evading that searing spell through quick reflexes and protective spell, Darwyn suffering through the pain of that scratch to hold his mother in place to make sure his spell worked, to assure her end, giving Rathe and Jade time to finish her with blade and bow. Rathe was being a bit too pragmatic after the battle, not caring for the death of Darwyn as Jade did, her wanting to bury him, he should at least appreciate that he sacrificed his life to make sure he had a way of finding Cicero, he would know nothing of his fate otherwise. A very intense and wonderfully done chapter, Jess ^^
The trio worked well together as you said, playing to each other's strengths. Darwyn becoming the tank, Rathe the ranger and Jade holding back to be the archer. If they had their own mage amongst them what a demon fighting force they could be! They'd make a good companion group for DAI actually
Yes Darwyn's words seemed to impact on Jade quite strongly. I think it was his words and what they might mean to her that made her feel a little more sad about his death. Rathe on the other hand is much too (i like your word) pragmatic to be slowed down by someone like Darwyn's death. The man was a tool to get what he needed. And now he has it and now he's single-minded determined to go and find the mad fool.
And off they go.
Thanks again hon.
Impressive fight as well against Darwyns mother - she really had no heart or soul left, figuratively speaking of course. Amazed Darwyn came out as good as he did with a mother like that. Always strange how good parents can raise cold hearted criminals and yet evil parents can sometimes raise a child that is good ... or at least not all bad.
A very fierce battle and I wasn't sure if Dawryn would die in the end or not ... even at the last I thought Jade might pull out a healing potion for him. Rathe was pretty cold although I suppose he had a point in that Dawryn had been an enemy not long before. But then I gather that since no one shows him any mercy or kindness he is under no duress to do likewise. An eye for an eye.
Jade, however, showed some additional depth to her character at the insight, spurred on by Rathe, about her own life, even if Rathe might not know exactly what the reaction would be. Guess Jade has a lot to think about about after seeing Darwyn take the risk needed to finally gain freedom from his own demons even if it did cost his life. Perhaps he saved his soul in the end, unlike good ole mum living in a gem!
Nicely done images that accompanied the music and text very well. That ENB really does a nice job in your capable hands - enjoyed the entire mix.
No, Darwyn's mom was a lost cause and in the end, I think Darwyn didn't really care if he lived or died, as long as he took her down. I guess that redeemed him for any evil he may have done in his life (though his time with the Dead Eyes was probably more about petty theft etc than major evil).
Oh of course Rathe was cold toward the dying / dead Darwyn. It's not in his nature to be super caring about even people he's close to let alone someone who he considers below him (for many reasons he'd think that about Darwyn). But, I think he grudgingly was thankful that the man carried through on his promise and got the soul gem imbued. As for Jade, I don't think she was overly concerned with Darwyn's death per se, but more about what hs words might mean to her. She's definitely highly vulnerable and questioning her entire life right now. His words (and rathe's) about dying free just seemed to hit home.
As I said to Bowsong, this ENB can be the most stunning in the history of ENB's with the right lighting... or else it can be a bloody pain in the butt to get a decent shot our of! No middle ground! Still hopeful that one day JoP will return to finish it... sigh.
The Darklight Tower is a great setting to weave your stories thread into and is a favorite of mine. The next time I go there I'll be wondering if Rathe and Jade are hiding somewhere in the shadows. Very interesting idea about the soul gem urging Rathe to travel to the North. I'll have to pull out my game map for possible locations where they might find Cicero. Can't wait to see what Jess has up her sleeve for these two
This whole Darklight Tower idea was never part of the original plan (way back in chapter one) but kind of grew out of necessity. Now i'm glad it's here because I think the action scene breaks up the monotony of talk fests that usually become my stories!!
North... North East to be sure
Your Images were spot on as always, telling so much with just them that the words just added to each shot more ........ Rathe did seem rather glad to have that soul gem in his hand, see I just knew no one puts down the Jester......... lol..........
Maven really is one of the most evil character in (my) Skyrim. One could argue that ZuZu was a product of her upbringing and circumstances, Quin is being manipulated by Boethia... but what's Maven's excuse? Nothing. Power. Ambition. Greed. She's just generally horrible.
Yeah, I couldn't quite find it in me to bump off the mad jester. Not saying he won't be a little... damaged... from his time away though
I was wondering about many things about Rathe trip to Darklight Tower... of what it would be a trap, what of Jade or Darwyn or both can turn on him and how they will deal with a witch...
Darwyn sure looks like tragic character, given his horrific childhood and things his mother made him do... no one should have mother like this... and thankfully his words reached something in Jade's heart for indeed Maven treats her the same way as Darwyn's mother treated him... Maybe this new revelation makes her rethink some of her goals... or maybe nor.
In any case, they made formidable trio and sure did not give an easy fight to their opponents and I find it is is very interesting to read the magi fight from non magic user eyes. No wonder Rathe dislikes magic so much and doesn't trust it, given how hard it is to overcome such opponents and seeing what necromancy can do...
I've had a feeling that despite their powers, they might face loss ad it sure happened... but at least Darwyn indeed died free and even manged to help Rathe with gem that could led then to Cicero... I wonder what happened with mad jester... is he imprisoned or maybe there is something unexpected Rathe might find? Too bad Nazir is gone to overlook for Quin, considering that Quin most likely is not in Sanctuary by now... And I wonder what Jade was thinking over dead Darwyn... probably about his words and his life, which might show her that with mother like Maven it is impossible to ind family or even understanding.
I would look forward for continuation and thank you very much for sharing your wonderful work!
Yes, Darwyn did have a tragic upbringing, but considering what he lived through, I guess joining the Dead Eyes was actually quite a step up for him. At least he didn't get into the Black Arts like his mother... and who knows what she'd have done to him as he grew to adulthood; probably fed him to the other Hagravens! At least in death his words and actions may have some affect on Jade.
They were a good trio really, blade, bow and staff. Darwyn's brute strength allowing Rathe to do his silent dancing from the side while Jade hung back and peppered everyone with her arrows. They'd have made a good team... if they inherently didn't mistrust one another and one didn't die!
Oh yeah, Rathe hates magic. Never had time for it (and probably because it's something he doesn't really understand, this just feeds his hatred of it). I think that's part of the reason it took him so long to make a move on Fleur - because of her magic.
Thanks for the comments and glad you enjoyed this chapter!
Rathe sure was cold and a tad ungrateful in a way, Darwyn did sacrifice himself so he could have that gem to track down Cicero...the man at least deserve a burial or just cremate him if you don't want to dig a hole. I do understand the man did try to kill him some time ago though and it's kind of an eye for an eye..I guess Darwyn died at peace with himself.
Incredible chapter dear ! looking forward to the next chapter !
Darwyn must've had some internal fortitude to turn out semi decently (though being a Dead Eye wasn't really a massively noble calling). If nothing else comes from his life or death, at least he's contributed to clearing out a nest of witches and Hagravens and maybe his words might have some lasting ramifications for Jade.
Ah, you know Broody; he barely spares niceties on people he's FRIENDLY with let alone someone who tried to nail him recently! I just think Darwyn's lucky Rathe didn't spit on his corpse! But the important thing; he has the soul gem now. And off to Cicero they go...