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26 comments
You know, I've played through all the Dark Brotherhood quests, but I've got to admit, Rathe is probably one of the most cold-blooded killers I've ever met. It's unsettling, which is good, because it takes a lot to unsettle me. He is definitely a very dangerous looking dude, and someone I would not want coming after me...
Great chapter dear.
Still not sure what to make of this eager young idolizing Darius! He makes ME uncomfortable!!
Magnificent work hon!
Thanks as always my dear for your comments!
And I bet Elrindir practically dropped a brick when Rathe came in!
Thanks dear! You made me crack up with that one!
Also it was cool how you described his approach - so much more like an assassin or a rogue (don't tell Rathe I used assassin and rogue together in one sentence please). Well described and, as your writing often does, it brought back many memories of books I have read focused on this type of character. I have to cheat with Grim somewhat - he is stealth but more like a Sabertooth cat is. Much better in the wilderness and more quiet ... but 8'3" doesn't hide well in towns and villages. So he has his illusion magic to turn away the eyes and mind.
It almost seems as if you are returning to a colder, more calculating Rathe. Oh I still sense some humanity in him towards Fleur, and even Darius, plus I know he has his own moral code ... but the last few stories he has seemed colder and more ruthless. Life is like that sometimes though. Villians, killers, criminals, bandits ... they still have emotions even if perhaps they isolate them more or only direct them at those they have let get close. Ala Bonnie and Clyde. Anyhow just an observation that stuck out as I read this story and compared it to some things you wrote in the last few stories.
It was a nice touch seeing Darious jump - always good to let the newbies know who is in charge after all Got all caught up in the story and then wham it ended ... need more Rathe and, yes, even Fleur and Darius
EDIT: Came back and saw Nataly's post and your response and I was semi-right, although I lacked Nataly's keen insight into his personality. I sensed the difference though - his lack of emotion while working versus how he is with his "pack" but contributed it to you focusing more on that aspect of him. Glad you clarified that with Nataly and I wasn't completely off in what I was sensing!
So yes, you were spot on when you said you thought he seemed somewhat colder than usual. However it was not a deliberate attempt to do this by not having Fleur in this chapter (much). She just didn't fit in in this chapter but now I think maybe that's a good thing - it's like a stark comparison of Rathes - the one who is conflicted, emotional and troubled... who has Fleur at his side; the other, cold, humourless and unemotional... who doesn't have her beside him.
What a choice.
Poor guy.
Anyway, thanks as always for your astute reading and comments dear!
Seems Darius is a little too eager for his own good leading to a little disappointed as he heard they were not going to track their target, he has not learned the patience that comes with experience. I can understand Elrindir being a bit less than happy to see Rathe again after that battle the last time, but luckily for him Rathe's focus is turned elsewhere. A fantastic chapter, Jess, look forward to seeing what happens in that city of carved dragons ^^
I didn't need any help describing the misty area surrounding Dragon Bridge; my Skyrim was particularly broody and beautiful that day! Helps when the scenery 'obeys' what you're trying to write!
He was definitely in Master Assassin mode as he stealthed his way through the town. It was nice to write 'classic' Rathe again doing that which he does so well.
Thanks again hon.
For all his seeming eagerness to do some bloodletting, Darius still must realize that this "line of work" is not all "death and destruction" all the time, but very often involves subtle, very stealthy, non-lethal, thief-like actions instead.
Elrindir's colour certainly drained from his ugly face REAL quick as the Shadow Walker showed up....while his little entourage was barely noticed.
Endorsed. Thanks and cheers, dear!
Gotta wonder about that Darius huh? Why so eager to kill all of a sudden? Isn't he the one who condemns his father for being a killer? Hmmm.
Yep, Elrindir sure looked like cottage cheese when Rathe walked into his Inn again!! Poor elf... nah, he deserves it!
Great story jess.......love the last shot.......... and good to see at least he is not drinking right now.........
P.S. I used to wish for Rathe to smarten up and be with Fleur but I have come to see for me in my mind that it would never truly work....... they are so very different and Rathe would not make a good lets go and farm the land man............ he needs the chase........ and she needs calm ......... to bad but sometimes love in not only about what you want......... its about what you need to be who you truly are .......... tooo.......... Great shots........ love the 2nd from bottom the expression on Elrindir face was priceless.
I like your thoughts about Fleur. Very apt observation in that rathe needs the chase and Fleur would be best with a quiet contemplative life. But sometimes I wonder if that's true at all... she DID follow him; the man who killed her brother... she DID keep following him when he dropped her off somewhere safe... and then when she was hurt of all the places she could turn to she went to the DB!! Sometimes I think she's more into the chase than he...
Anyway... the next chapter... game changer...