Saying Farewell to 2017 with a Preview of What’s to Come
with surprisingly little spoilers XD
TLDR; I’ve got shit planned for this year and I hope to get to it all. HAPPY NEW YEARS GUYS!!! :D
More after the break.
From a creative aspect, 2017 was a worse year overall for me than the previous year. I had so many plans, so many stories that I wanted to tell, but a mixture of laziness and falling ill (for approximately a month and a half, but the days weren’t consecutive) to that trap I like to call “like envy,” and me simply not enjoying some of the stories that I wanted to tell made it so that I wasn’t able to progress my stories as I had hoped. As a result I posted way less this year than I did the previous year.
It didn’t help that for vast stretches of the year some of the people that I would talk with about our stories/characters/character backgrounds/etc. kinda just didn’t talk to me. So... That was rather rough, and combined with the fact that my stories for a while didn’t seem like they were going over well with my (supposed)* 800+ followers made my drive to put out content rather... Low.
HOWEVER, I’ve never been a popular/big-name person in the Skyrim community. So after I let all that bs pass, I felt like I kicked it up a gear in the latter half of the year. And although I wasn’t able to push some of the stories forward that I wanted to, I was able to introduce you all to my Rising Stars series that’s honestly been a freeing experience for me creatively.
But fuck all that noise, with the year ending here’s my plans (as long as I do fuck all again) on what everyone can look forward to in 2018:
I plan to finish Trace this year. As far as my original outline for the story goes, it’s near the end anyway and I just kinda didn’t want to let it go yet... But it wouldn’t be fair to anyone if I deaded the story because of such selfishness... So I won’t.
The Story of Sorerica will OFFICIALLY begin this year, and I’m hyped for that. If you didn’t know, Sorerica is my Dragonborn and well other than her cameos in my Flame-Child story and my Rising Stars series, she’s only been seen rather rarely on my blog. So I’m looking forward to focusing on her. :D
There’s one story that I REALLY want to tell, it’s called Cross Worlds. In my head it’s going to be one giant ass crossover story that I’ve been slowly trying to build towards with all my stories. The main issue though is that I need for Trace, Red Witch, and Never Leave Regrets to be over before I can even begin it. So... Hopefully all of those things happen this year. ^_^ (it probably won’t :\)
Speaking of Red Witch, I feel like we’re about midway though the story, and other than me needing to fill in a few gaps here and there I feel like the story has been progressing rather nicely and seems to be getting received rather positively, so I thank you all for that. :D
With the start and continuation of my Rising Stars series, I believe that it’s time to officially say that I am going to have to scrap a few of my stories so that they may be revamped and assimilated into the series (which will make it easier for me to work on them to be honest). These stories include The Blazingsai Invitational, Deus Ex, Dark Uprising, and possibly others.
Although I’ve recently done chapters for World Tour and Breaking One’s Shell, I cannot say for sure whether or not I am going to keep them separate from Rising Stars This is for two reasons. 1) Arianne would work well in the Rising Stars format seeing as she just heads off to random places to challenge people in the first place, so the World Tour has a high probability of being integrated. And 2) I honestly hate writing on Breaking One’s Shell. It might be because public nudity, especially a focus on it and how it’s to be cultivated isn’t something that I wish to do. So I don’t plan on scrapping it, but it’d be easier for me if I integrated it into my Rising Stars series, that way I could do like 1 part at a time and feel okay about it rather than having to do 4+ parts at a time and feeling terrible.
After I finish the arc I am currently on with them, both Sai and Madina & Light and Shadow are highly likely candidates to be merged with Rising Stars as well (mainly because both started out as, and are essentially side stories that would work pretty good in the Rising Stars format).
I hope to be more engaged with you all and promptly reply to anything that I receive from you guys. I’ve been kinda slacking on that, and I apologize for that. :(
That’s all I got for now. For anyone who made it this far, thanks so much for supporting me, and I hope this year is better than the last one for everyone. :)
Hope you all have a wonderful New Year.... Oh, and Rising Stars will continue on the second. :|
Duraza's never been the hardest person to get along with, but she's also purposely never given people the easiest time on their first meeting. So even though her opponent was bigger and stronger than her, Duraza decided to test Seline the first time they met just as she had done Vex, Leijona, and Sherry before her...
Mjoll wrapped Trace up in her arms and pressed the Imperial close to her.
Mjoll: If you’re going to tell that lie, at least put on a convincing face… And don’t have tears in your eyes you silly woman…
Mjoll: See? I’m fine! And even if you were rubbing off on me, it won’t change who I fundamentally am or how I feel about you. Stop tremb—d-don’t worry about any of that nonsense… okay?
After embracing Trace for a while, Mjoll pulled away and was surprised when the Imperial simply dropped to her knees and started bawling her eyes out.
Mjoll looked down at Trace and couldn’t believe what she was seeing.
Mjoll: (Is this… Is this really all due to those words? Aerin… What have you done…)
Mjoll could feel her anger toward her current living companion boil over, and she shocked herself at how much aggression she had towards him.
Mjoll: I take back what I said earlier. A few lumps? No… I’m going to do something that’ll make him never want to get involved in my personal relationships EVER again!
Turned to storm off, when Trace suddenly gripped her in a way that further surprised the Nord…
Trace: *sniff* L-look… It’s not only that… Just… I’ll tell you everything. So calm down Mjoll… please.
Mjoll: *awkwardly* O-okay…
Trace rose to her feet and sighed deeply.
Trace: (It’s all good Trace, you’ve got this…)
Mjoll: Whenever you’re ready Jalena… I won’t rush you.
Trace: *smiles* Thanks Mjoll…
Trace: So… *sigh* I’ve just had a lot on my mind. Aerin’s words, and how you might react to me not telling you I was okay was just the beginning of my worries… I… My situation with the Brotherhood’s become worse. If they found out that I spared Cicero… And now I might have to kill Astrid and the Listener…
Mjoll: Wait, calm down. And explain everything from the beginning.
And so Trace did. She told Mjoll about everything that was bothering her. From her insecurities that were only furthered due to Aerin’s words, to her being unable to choose between Vex, Astrid, and Mjoll herself. She told Mjoll about the impact her and Vex’s relationship was having on the Guild. Trace also informed Mjoll of what happened at the Dawnstar Sanctuary and how she spared Cicero’s life; of how the Night Mother’s words echoed throughout her head… and the revelation that she may have to kill both Astrid and the Listener…
All the while Mjoll listened, and digested everything that her love was telling her as she tried to think of a way to respond… and then she found it.
Just as Trace was about to carry on some more, Mjoll put a finger to the Imperial’s lips and stroked her cheek.
Mjoll: I… I think I understand now. You’ve had a lot on you mind, and trying to appease everyone Vex and I with all of that… I apologize for the three of us for backing you into this type of corner…
Trace couldn’t believe what she hearing.
Trace: W-what!? What do you all have to be sorry about? I-I’m the one that’s in love with three women. If anything, I’M the one who should be apologizing, not—
Mjoll stroked Trace’s face again and gave her a look that silenced her.
Mjoll: I just… I want to let you know that I’m fine with whatever you decided, and that until this Dark Brotherhood stuff is behind you, I won’t get in your way at all. Sure it’d be nice if you let me know that you’re alright from time to time, but unlike before you don’t have to go out of your way to do so. Just…
Mjoll: …Just let me know before you go off again. I’d like very much to give something to you when you do.
Trace: Heh… Well about that… *diverts eyes* Before I knew you were here, I was actually about get going… I-I hope that doesn’t bother—
Mjoll grabbed Trace by the head and pulled her into an impassioned kiss that echoed all around them.
Trace: M-Mjoll… MMmmm… W-we… we can’t—
Mjoll pulled her closer to silence her disagreements and simply showed her but a taste of the love and passion that had built up within the Nord throughout their relationship that she was never able to express until now…
When Mjoll finally released Trace from their kiss, Trace had to gasp for air which was weirdly hilarious to the Nord…
Mjoll: Ha! You really are something else, you know that. No wonder you were able to make three women with such strong personalities fall for you…
Mjoll: You’re strong, smart, kind, and you have the biggest heart I’ve ever seen.
Trace: Mjoll…
Mjoll kissed Trace on her cheek, and then cupped her face.
Mjoll: No matter what anyone says, you’ll always have my love. Even when we fight, even when we don’t talk or see each other, my heart is yours. You hear me?
Trace: *nods*Yeah… Jol…
Trace turned to head off when she felt something grip her backside…
Trace: Mjoll!! W-what’s come over you? You’re so… *grins* hands-on today.
Mjoll: Heh, I don’t know what to say. But with this… It’s how the guys say, ‘I hate to see you go but i love to watch you leave.’ Just make sure to get your cute little back to Riften as soon as possible!
Mjoll: But seriously Trace, try to be done with all of this… All of this Dark Brotherhood business as soon as possible. For our sake, and yours…
Trace hesitated. She hadn’t told Mjoll everything about Astrid and the Listener, such as the fact that she didn’t know if she was able to or would be able to kill either of them if it came down to it…
Trace: …Yeah… I’ll try…
Trace took a deep breath and with a final hug Trace rushed off once again, and for the first time since she heard the Night Mother’s voice, she felt really and truly happy.
Trace: (Now I have to get out of here, or else I’ll just explode!! Thank you Mjoll, you lovable bear you!!)
After exiting the Cistern, Trace felt immensely better just by inhaling air that wasn’t the recycled pungent air of the Cistern.
Trace: Aaaah… Finally! Eheehehee… Maybe I’ll run around the city for a bit. Just to stretch my legs a bit. It’s not like I want to hurt Vex…
Trace: But I am NOT her pet, nor am I her underling—
???: Lost in your own head again I see, Jalena. When I was told you were still lurking about the Guild I couldn’t believe it. But here you are.
Trace stopped in her tracks and couldn’t believe whose voice she as hearing.
Trace: There’s no way… I mean, is it really you…
Duraza: *smiles* Hmph, why are you looking like you’ve seen a ghost? There’s only one Orc that I know that would associate themselves with your kind sneak thief, and you’re looking at her.
Trace couldn’t contain herself as she sprang on Duraza and gave her a hug. It had been years since they’d seen each other, and there wasn’t a say that went by that Trace didn’t miss her former Master…
Trace: OhmygawdohmygawdOH! MY! GOD!!! It’s really you! When you left the Guild and I didn’t hear anything about you—
Duraza: Alright girl, get offa’ me already. What did I tell you about all this sappy touchy-feely business? I’ve got a reputation to upkeep after all!
Trace obliged with her request, but she couldn’t stop herself from grinning.
Trace: (First Mjoll comes to visit and cheers me up, then Master Duraza OF ALL PEOPLE comes and visits me!!! By the Divines… If this is a dream, please oh please don’t wake me up!!!)
Duraza: Stop fidgeting around already! I want to get a good look at my cute little protégé.
Duraza: Hmmm… Not bad, not bad. Seems like you had an injury on the right side of your face but that seemed to heal up nicely. And I’ll admit, the blind eye and your tanned skin is a good choice. Gives you a little… OOMPH!!
Trace: Ehehehehee… Master called me cute! I’m not going to forget this!!!
Duraza: Ugh… I’d sooner rather that you did…
Although Trace was still rather elated, the high of her Master’s sudden appearance suddenly came to pass…
Trace: Wait a second Master, what on Nirn are you doing here? I thought you were excommunicated from the Guild…
Duraza: That was due to your previous Guild Master, the slime ball. I always said that he was taking coin from the Guild, but I never knew he was LITERALLY doing so. Anyway, me and Vexy have entered into a little arrangement so I was just coming to go over some things and catch up. So what have you been up to short stuff?
Trace: *blushes* Oh well… Y-you know… I’ve been doing a bunch of stuff, changed my profession a few times, been in a couple of relationships, and am in a complicated situation right now… Y-you know, nothing interesting.
Trace: B-but enough about me, what have you been up to Master?
Duraza: *shrugs* What’s to say? I was doing contract work for high paying clients, and recently I’ve back on my grind as the best thief in all of Skyrim. Oh yeah, and I guess I was on both sides of a near world ending crisis that almost no one even knows happened.
Trace: *laughs* Heh, when did you get a sense of humor Master? That was pretty good!
The older thief raised an eyebrow at Trace’s statement.
Duraza: I don’t see what’s funny. It was annoying having to swap sides, but I got paid either way so… It wasn’t a big deal. I’m just glad that I ended up realizing what was going on before it was too late. Although it DID cost me a couple thousand septims… DEFINITELY not a laughing matter.
Trace: I-I-I see…
She awkwardly tried to laugh it off again, but when Duraza’s expression didn’t change to one of laughter Trace had to turn around to hide her shock and embarrassment.
Trace: (By the Divines… could I… Could we all have really died!?)
???: Useless, pointless, nonsensical to worry about such trivial matters when there are indeed much much MUCH more pressing ones at hand.
Trace: Show yourself!!
???: My my my, no need to shout. This poor loyal soul wouldn’t dream of slaying his savior! At least, not while they were awake…
Trace: No… Nonononono!!! What in the world are you doing here? Wait a second… YOU TOLD!! And to think that I spared your life… Looks like I’m the fool…
Cicero: Hohoho! The Deserter is no fool! In saving Cicero you’ve done the brightest thing anyone could EVER do! You’ve gained a friend, an ally, a best buddy for life and the nicest lass you could ever dream of! Oh yes Deserter, we’re going to have so much fuuuuunnnn!!!
Duraza: *glances at Trace* So… You’re hanging out with fools now? I can see why you’d want to omit that little tidbit in your little recap.
Trace: (I have never been so humiliated in my entire life…) *sigh* Alright Cicero, tell me what it is that you want or I’ll make you wish that I had killed you back then.
Cicero looked over her shoulder and smirked.
Cicero: Oh me, oh my! Help guard, I dare say I am in need of assistance! This vile, grim, one eyed harlot is about to assault poor, innocent, little Cicero. Oh whatever shall I do—
Trace had had enough of the jester’s games and swiftly slammed Cicero into the wall of the cemetery, pinning her to it.
Trace: Now then I’ll ask you again, what is it that you want?
Cicero: Cicero will admit that he likes it quite rough, especially when dealing with his… delicate places…
Trace gripped Cicero’s wrists tighter and glared at the fool.
Trace: This is your last chance fool. What. Are. You. Doing. Here.
However, even after all of that Cicero’s little way of messing with Trace never changed.
Cicero: Oh Deserter, poor Deserter. Cicero knows that his new form is… quite desirable, but Cicero thinks it unwise to mess around here. Especially with what is to be happening at that Sanctuary.
Trace: That’s it! I’m sick of your shit Cicero! I’m gonna—
Cicero: Stop! Please!! C-Cicero was just joking, just testing the Deserter. Get of me and Cicero shall reveal all to the Deserter. Cicero swears on the Night Mother!
Knowing that the fool would never swear on the Night Mother frivolously, Trace let her go and the red-head smiled at her.
Cicero: Cicero received a tip, from who I’ll never tell, that Penitus Oculatus agents have received a tip from a certain… ‘High Ranking’ Dark Sister.
Trace: You… You lie…
Cicero: You’re calling me, sweet Cicero, a liar!? Preposterous! And to think I was prepare to tell you that if you hurried she might be able to intercept them. Hmph! But now Cicero never will, not even if the Deserter beats, hits, and whiiiips~ poor Cicero.
Without saying another word to either of them, Trace ran out of the cemetery and started off towards Falkreath as fast as her legs would take her.
Cicero: So long, farewell! Let’s kill someone next time!~
Duraza: Yeah… Vex told me that Jalena had joined the Brotherhood, but I thought she’d have more common sense than to mingle with people like… this…
After hearing Cicero’s words, the Night Mother’s own ones continued to repeat over and over in Trace’s head…
Night Mother: …You may have to kill both the ‘Listener,’ who Cicero did indeed have a just reason for wanting to kill…
Trace: (Damn, damn, DAMN!!! Neither Nazir or Babette would never betray us… Neither would the others… So that could only mean… Did… Did you really turn on us Astrid!?)
And Here We Are: 21
Duraza gra-Morbak, Malacath’s Chosen
New Thing I’m doing. Kind of like Tweaking the Cast except that I’m not going to really be tweaking anything (for the most part). Rather, it’s just going to be a showcase of my characters using my new ENB.
Although the gig with Teresa didn’t pan out as she’d planned, Duraza was happy to once again be able to assist her former apprentice Niyleen. After witnessing the Halfling’s wedding to her Nord lover without them being aware, Duraza went back to being a freelance thief and was quite successful as she made people remember why she was the greatest thief living in Skyrim.
Recently she’d caught word of the Thieves Guild Leader’s, Mercer Frey’s, death and decided to meet up with the new Guild Leader in order to try and patch things up between herself and the Guild. She was elated when she saw that it was Vex, and after a few rounds of mead the two of them came to a relatively decent deal for the both of them. Duraza was to be reinstated as a member of the Thieves Guild but she could still do her freelance jobs on the side (while giving the Guild 5% of the take). This allowed the Halfling to have a wider variety in her assignments, more possible sources for income, and to once again be able go back to the one place she ever could truly call home...
