AAAAUUUUGGGGHHHHH! Aravi!!!!!

I totally thought this was the Will 'o the Wisp mission.

Over a year Grits and I’ve been eagerly awaiting this moment the whole time! Thank you very much Grits!

***

For Darnand’s comfort, I hope Jerric’s limb was on Ulfe.

Darnand strode up behind Jerric looking like a hedge wizard from a picture book…
Love the description of Darnand in his robes. Seems oddly appropriate for him to possess the lich’s staff. On a lighter note, he knows who’s really in charge! (referring to his confession about Jerric’s armor)

Lildereth’s tracking skills are invaluable here. Neither the Nord nor the Breton have anything like it.

“Where’s the tent?”
“Ulfe needs it at the settlement,”
Sure she does.

I liked seeing Lil’s scouting technique, and of course finding my Aravi! Lil took a big risk revealing herself, I know she’s more the type to just turn around and disappear. She made sure she was prepared though!

Loved your description of Aravi, I didn’t realize Lil had green eyes until I read this.

Thank you for pointing this out! I wanted to go ahead and answer now rather than waiting for the next update.

Lildereth has been asking people if they’ve heard rumors of any strange beasts or magical creatures, and the news of villagers disappearing made her think that she might find what she’s looking for here stalking Hope Valley. That’s why she suddenly got behind Jerric’s idea that they help find the missing people, she wants to see what got them. The boot prints told her that the village was being watched by something in boots, not a monster like she was hunting. So she was very disappointed and snapped at the first person she saw, Jerric with his earlier (implied) argument about his noisy armor. She knew she was being a bitch, but wasn’t sure how to reel herself back in without making it worse. (For example saying she’s sorry and then bursting into tears, causing the guys to be mortified first thing in the morning, lol.)

Does that make some sense? We'll get some more about this in a few more updates, so I want to make sure it's not still confusing. Thanks for mentioning this, mALX!

What an image of Lildereth sleeping as a little elf ball pressed into the corner, with the others a mass of sprawled limbs inside the tent.

The elf’s woodscraft really shines as she discovers the signs of her quarry.

‘They walked along the valley as the sun climbed up behind the Jeralls. Migrating snow geese sent their ghostly calls drifting down as they flew north and east in formation. The light caught their wings, marking them as points of white against the sky. The meadows offered little cover for wildlife, but the kahve ponds teemed with water birds. As soon as one flock took off another coasted down to take its place. Their overlapping wings cast great shadows as they passed overhead. ’
Another magnificent example of how beautifully you can paint with words! Passages like this make me sigh with admiration at how you can bring us right into the magical world you create for us.

What a treat to see Aravi! It was wonderfully clever of Lildereth to coax the formidable small cat out of the dark vampire lair into the bright of day. You know. . . just to make sure.

With a map of the dungeon’s layout, Aravi’s already proving invaluable. I’m sure Lil will use it to make a plan, while Jerric could care less about a map and Darnand will likely ask to inspect it for smudges.

So. . . it seems perhaps there’s a clan of vampires with a taste for the blood of coffeebean-fed Bretons.

All of them slept better when he was peaceful.
I'll bet they do!

Very clever thinking on your part about not only the depression made in the grass from someone sitting in place for a long time, but also the lack of frost on said spot.

A Khajiit, she realized. The old anger welled inside her.
I am guessing Lildreth was a veteran of the border war between Valenwood and Elsewyr. Or perhaps her parents were.

Like everyone else, Yay for Aravi! And over a year wait! That reminds me of how long Acadian and I had to wait for the Torment Tournament of Archers. To finally see posting. Congrats on finally being able to see your collaboration bear fruit. And plenty more episodes of Aravi and the Terrible Trio together. Woot!

Gives 'em energy! XD

Now I'm expecting commercials for "5 Hour Energy drink - Pomegranate, Orange, or new Breton-blood flavor with extra caffeine"

At first I thought that was what it was, but the end of that ("she wasn’t sure how to get over it") - made me think I must be wrong - like the disappointment seemed much greater than the trigger for it - then (like an idiot connected it with what you had said in your Comment Thanks and wondered if there was a bigger underlying disappointment that was the real catalyst behind her peevishness). Sorry about that Grits, that was me reading too much into that moment. Urk.




Vampire: "You seem cranky and slow this morning, have a Breton. That should perk you up some..."


*

HAAAAAA.

Previously: Jerric, Lildereth, and Darnand agreed to look for the missing villagers of Hope Valley. Lildereth tracked footprints to a ruined fort. Inside she met a barefoot Khajiit who was also stalking the ruin. Aravi!! She told Lildereth that the fort was occupied by vampires. They went outside to meet the guys. Lildereth hopes that Aravi will join them in their investigation of the ruin. Aravi brought a map.

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome for Aravi! Thank you KC for your teamwork and awesome screen shots!


mALX: Yay, I knew those footwraps would give her away! Thank you so much for your kind words about Lildereth. Her emotions often look like something they’re not to other people, so in these parts from her POV it’s a relief to be able to give the whole picture. Thank you, mALX!

Elisabeth Hollow: The Azura one? Well, this one also has vampires!

King Coin: Thank you, KC! I have had the best time writing these sections with you. I’m glad you picked out Darnand’s lines. He is definitely unwilling to cross Lildereth, but he still wanted to defend Jerric! That little elf makes their heads spin, lol.

Acadian: Lildereth and Jerric are such outdoor creatures that a sunny day is always a pleasure to write with them. A trip along the Orange Road would be wasted with the Breton. “Darnand read Ayleid Inscriptions volumes one through fourteen while the others exclaimed over the scenery.” I am still chuckling over coffee-flavored Bretons. Thank you, Acadian!

SubRosa: I learned a little about frost point in that episode. Your guess is correct about the source of Lildereth’s anger. The rest of that story is coming soon. Thank you, SubRosa!

ghastley: Caffeinated Bretons, not just for breakfast!


Next: Lildereth, Darnand, Jerric, and Aravi make the plan. This is part two of five featuring King Coin’s Aravi.

Chapter 16 Valley of Hopes, Part Three

Darnand seemed to leap forward within his own skin. “You have a map? When was it made? What is your source?”

“Easy there,” laughed Jerric. “Let her tell it.”

Aravi held the parchment in her hands. “The order I work with has contacts at the Arcane University. This ruin is a known vampire lair, but it’s been decades since the last raid. Whether someone has been holed up here for years or newly arrived is not known. Vampires can go underground for long periods, feeding on mortal cattle, animals, or even starving themselves into madness. It’s likely that the new activity at Hope Valley caught its attention, and it saw someone it wanted. When I looked in the main entrance I was able to confirm that we are dealing with a vampire here. Maybe several.” She glanced around at them. “What do you know about vampires?”

“Not much,” said Lildereth. She preferred to learn what Aravi knew first.

Darnand crossed his arms over his chest, probably to keep himself from grabbing at Aravi’s map. “My reading on the subject has been inconclusive.”

Aravi gave him a nod to go ahead.

“I understand that they are vulnerable to fire, enchanted weapons, and mundane weapons made with silver.”

“Yes,” said Aravi. “Frost attacks and poisons will do little damage. Many vampires are masters of illusion, so mind control spells often fail.”

Jerric patted his blades. “Enchanted, and I have a mace made of Nordic silver.” He gave Aravi an enquiring look.

She touched her own weapons. “This sword bears a fire enchantment, and this one is made of silvered steel.” Now it was Jerric who looked like he might pounce on her for a closer look at the blades.

Lildereth cleared her throat. “Is it true that wooden stakes will kill them?”

Aravi tipped her head back, indicating her quiver. “If they’re attached to silver arrowheads. A bow that enchants arrows is also effective.”

Lildereth hooked a thumb at her own back. “Silver tipped. I’m covered.”

Jerric shuffled his feet in the grass. It sounded like a stampede. “I’ve heard you can get infected from just the smallest cut. If their blood gets in.”

“This is true,” said Aravi. “Vampires carry Porphyric Hemophilia, and an untreated infection will lead to vampirism. Close combat is to be avoided if possible, and you must all take a curative potion once we leave this place. Just to be certain. Do not take one until it’s over, as you may be reinfected.” She paused. “And repeat infections are not so easy to cure.”

Jerric looked at Darnand. “If that happens to me, you have to kill me. Promise.”

Darnand snorted. “With my spell and your potions it would seem that your murder need not be a part of our advance plan. Besides, we would have days to cure you.”

“No, I mean the repeated thing. I don’t want to be a vampire.”

The three of them stared at Jerric.

“I’m serious, Breton. Don’t let me turn into one. Give me your word.”

Lildereth realized that he really was that worried.

Darnand sounded impatient. “I shall kill you one hundred times to death, are you satisfied? After an appropriate period of study, of course.”

Jerric still looked troubled. “You’re jesting, right?”

“You are indulging in theatrics. We shall revisit this discussion if you sprout fangs. Agreed?”

Jerric tugged on a fistful of his hair. “Agreed.”

Aravi gave Jerric another calculating look.

“He’s steady in a fight,” Lildereth offered.

Darnand spoke up. “I have read one treatise that suggests vampires may move freely in sunlight, but their skin will sparkle, betraying their condition.”

“Sparkle?” Jerric sounded as dubious as Lildereth felt.

Lildereth laughed. “Breton, what have you been reading?”

Now Darnand sounded defensive. “That is a recent theory. I cannot account for its popularity.”

“They don’t sparkle,” said Aravi, “and they can’t last long in direct sunlight. I advise that we attack in daylight. They’re less likely to attempt escape into the outdoors, and we want to kill them all.”

“Yeah,” said Jerric. “About that. We’re searching for some villagers who may have been taken. Well I guess that’s likely what happened to them. Anyway there were no bodies, so do you think they could still be alive? We need to be careful and watch out for them.”

Aravi’s soft tone made her words all the more chilling. “If they still live they will have been enthralled, made into cattle, or turned. Thralls will regain their conscious will once their master has been killed. However their purpose is to protect the master with their lives, so I doubt it will be possible to spare them. I don’t think entranced cattle can ever be awakened. Fledglings are vampires. I don’t know a cure.”

They stood in silence for a moment.

Jerric spoke. “I got you two into this. I’m going to see it through, but—”

“That’s a hell of a thing to say to us,” snapped Lildereth.

“We are with you,” said Darnand.

Aravi unrolled the map. “Let’s plan our attack.”

The ground was damp with melting frost, so they remained standing. Darnand took two corners of the map, and Lildereth held the third. Jerric turned his body to shade them from the sun’s glare.

The map depicted the fort in its current state. By the notations it seemed that it had been drawn on site rather than copied from an architectural plan.

“Here is the entrance they’ve been using,” Aravi said, pointing with a claw. “The corridor leads to a balcony around this large chamber. There are no functional stairs, and it’s a twelve foot drop. That’s where I saw the humans.”

“How many?” asked Jerric. “Were they Bretons? Thralls or were they vampires? Armed? What were they doing?”

Aravi blinked at him.

“Let her tell it,” Darnand reminded Jerric, mimicking the Nord’s earlier tone. Lildereth bit the corner of her lip. This was no time for the two of them to start bickering.

Aravi looked down at the map for a moment. “I’m not used to working with a team. Why don’t I tell you what I planned to do on my own? Then you can ask your questions. I don’t know if I’ll have the answers. I have little to go on other than my experience and what you already know.”

“Right,” said Jerric. “Uh, yeah. Sorry.”

Aravi tapped the map with her claw again. “Healthy vampires would have no problem getting in and out this way, but enthralled or imprisoned mortals would be contained. I think the vampires dwell back here.” She indicated a cluster of chambers. “This unused entrance where we met, Lildereth, is closer. An approach through the front door would alert the vampires that they were under attack. I can sneak up and shoot them one by one, but I can’t sneak past them. So I planned to use these corridors to find and fight the vampires singly without having to kill all of their thralls first. If they have any. It always comes to blades with the patriarchs, and this way I might save my strength.”

Aravi’s plan sounded like a suicide attempt to Lildereth. “What about here and here?” She pointed at the map. “You can’t be sure you cleared an area before you move to the next, and any number of foes could get behind you. What will they do when they learn they’re under attack? Use invisibility and search the corridors for you?” Lildereth broke into a sweat despite the chill. She fought the urge to shrink against Jerric. Even the sky seemed hostile.

“No, I can’t be sure,” Aravi replied. Her voice was quiet and even. “I can only do the best that I can manage.”

Lildereth composed her thoughts. They should watch the entrance for a few nights at the minimum, but she doubted anyone would agree to that.

Darnand spoke to Aravi before Lildereth could organize her questions. “May I ask if you plan to use magic?”

“I know a healing spell, and I cast a shield when I have the chance.”

Jerric cleared his throat. “I’ve been on some raids. Not many, but they were memorable. I think I have an idea.”

Lildereth kept the surprise off her face, which was more than Darnand could manage.

Aravi gave Jerric a small nod.

“This big chamber here. It would make a good kill box. Lildereth, you and Aravi go up on the balcony with your bows. Aravi can sort out the thralls from the vampires and call targets. Lildereth can use life detection magic to warn you when something is coming down either of these corridors. The vampires cast invisibility, right? So you’ll need that to see them. And Lildereth, once they know we’re here you can try your mind tricks on the thralls. Get them to run away or something if you can. Anything to keep them out of the fight until we kill their master.”

He paused, but no one else spoke.

“I’ll go in through here with Darnand and our summonings,” he continued. “We’ll all four split up and work through these areas at the same time. I don’t trust your fire wench, Breton, but that dremora you summon just wants to kill. If you send him in here and he comes out here we’ll know there’s nothing alive behind him. I’ll send Ishckrihk this way. You and I will both be casting fire, so it’s best that he stay far away from it. I don’t know if he gets nervous, and today is a bad time to find out.”

Aravi pointed at the map. “If you do not time your advance correctly, this chamber could become a trap. We don’t know how many vampires we’ll find. Your atronachs will prevent any kind of stealth, and the vampires will have time to react.”

“Yeah.” Jerric grinned at Darnand. The Breton gave him a smug twist of lip in return. “We can talk in each other’s thoughts,” Jerric told Aravi. His thick finger made a noise tapping against his temple.

The Khajiit seemed to believe him. At least she didn’t roll up her map and stalk away.

“I’ll wear my life detection ring,” Jerric continued. “Darnand, you wear the Ring of… Not Being Seen Very Easily.”

Lildereth stifled a laugh. She was glad he was prudent enough not to name the daedric artifact in their possession, but his dissembling could use a lot of work.

The tip of Aravi’s tail twitched as she thought. “Your fire may drive the more powerful vampires to us.” She touched the large chamber that Jerric had described as a kill zone.

“Yeah,” said Jerric. “I’m not so good with plans. You two can escape out the front door if that happens.”

Aravi gave him a small smile. “When that happens, we will kill them.”






This post has been edited by Grits: Mar 14 2013, 10:23 PM

I lost it at the Twilight reference XD

Add to the caffeinated Bretons a glass of sparkling Vampire! Not!! “That is a recent theory. I cannot account for its popularity.” I like you way you phrased that.

Jerric's reaction to the thought of becoming a vampire is interesting. Looks like a bit of background will be expanded soon.

And I love a good plan! They're so much fun when they fall apart on facing reality. Even more so, if someone can patch it back together.

Settle down there Breton, this map isn’t as cool as yours is!

“And repeat infections are not so easy to cure.”
You included some of Aravi’s hard won wisdom.

Jerric’s panic attack along with Darnand’s reply was immensely entertaining. I don’t think Darnand’s joking though. Aravi’s reaction was perfect!

Sparkly vampires!

Those missing villagers sound like they have very bleak chances.

“Let her tell it,” Darnand reminded Jerric…


Jerric comes through with a good plan. He’s smarter than he looks!

At least she didn’t roll up her map and stalk away.


Jerric’s mention of the Ring of Khajiiti was funny, considering their company.

Aravi has no intention of running.

What fun it is to normally hear the terrific trio do their ‘planning’ sessions. To introduce a feline fourth into the mix was a riot, even before adding atronachs of fire and ice! I’ll bet Aravi’s scratching her head and wondering what she’s gotten into.

I’m sure the plan will proceed with perfect smoothness.

...Another update?!!?!!?!!!????!...

*Cough*getittogetherMcB....

Um...

Yes, sorry...

Loved the tracking sesh...Lildreth is really really cool...

I loved the way that Darnand said that the fort was on the map but not labled...Pretty much as the compass does... ...

I laughed at Jerric's hiding of his armour in the packs... ...

Then Aravi!!...She's pretty epic isn't she?... ...

The planning in the next bit was excellent...I could just imagine Aravi's "What the?..." at the way the three of them work...

Atronach fight!!...Oh yeah!!...Hopefully we'll finally get to see Ishcky in a fight... ...

Will have to keep my eyes peeled much more in future... ...

Not a great shocker my saying I loved both sections, eh?... ...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds most heartily*...

You must really be loving The Valley of Horses Hopes, from the way you are cranking out the updates!

It seems like this Aravi person knows a thing or two about vampires, and is part of an organization that hunts them. The Order of Virtuous Blood I presume.

“If they’re attached to silver arrowheads.
I loved Aravi's way of answering the age old stake question.

Sparkly vampires! Is that the Twilight reference that Elisabeth mentioned? I never read the books or saw the movies. Ok, I googled it. Oi! Someone actually wrote vampires that sparkle in the sunlight? I did not think my contempt for that series could grow any more, but it has!

Fledglings are vampires
Nice use of the Skyrim term here. Likewise with the different types of mortal servants we see in Sky as well. One of the things that game did (besides making wolves silent), was put more meat on vampire's bones.

Aravi's plan shows that she definitely has the stones for this kind of work, or for the Fighters Guild for that matter...

but that dremora you summon just wants to kill. If you send him in here and he comes out here we’ll know there’s nothing alive behind him.
I am reminded of the mohawk boss from The Road Warrior: "We go in, we kill, We Kill, WE KILL!!!"

“When that happens, we will kill them.”
Now that is the Aravi we know!

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Mar 15 2013, 06:32 PM

Sparkly vampires!? No!! Aravi, help Jerric out, would ya? Enjoying the crossover here.


QTF!

I loved this chapter. I see you incorportated SKyrim lore into this. Awesome! I'm a sucker for lore, and I love the fact that you stayed true to it. Makes the story trully compelling!

*

Holy Cow, Aravi is talking!

Jerric is Lildereth's rock, that is for sure. I so love hearing her point of view, because these are feelings that never show outwardly on her in Jerric's POV chapters.

ROFL! Jerric's names for enchantments is hilarious! (I take it by Lildereth's thought this was the "Ring of Khajiit" and he was either not wanting to offend a Khajiit or not wanting to admit he had dabbled with Daedric Lords to a stranger, lol.

Awesome Write, as ever!


*

Previously: Aravi, Lildereth, Jerric, and Darnand made the plan to enter a ruined fort looking for vampires and villagers. The group will spilt up. Jerric and Darnand along with their summonings will go into the back entrance. Aravi and Lildereth will guard the chamber inside the front door, killing anything that tries to get away.

King Coin’s character Aravi and her screenshots are brought to you with the cooperation and generosity of King Coin himself. Thank you so much, KC!!


Elisabeth Hollow: He was reading it for Research!

ghastley: Jerric’s panic over becoming a vampire wasn’t from a past trauma, it’s just the ongoing concern that his skills and natural tendencies would wreak major havoc turned in the wrong direction. Like when he was hit by the Command spell in Fort Strand and nearly killed Darnand. That incident was the worry that being a good killer makes him a threat brought to life. He imagines that his healthy appetites would make him an overachieving vampire. Thanks, ghastley!

King Coin: It was fun to push Darnand’s map button. No wonder Jerric finds him irresistible to tease. Aravi was so composed with the surprise adventurers, even when the big one started acting a little shaky. It’s a good thing Jerric’s plan sounded good! Thank you so much, KC!

Acadian: Indeed, it’s a good thing Jerric didn’t suggest that Aravi follow two strange men into the depths of a vampire lair while their lady friend guarded the door. That might have produced a much shorter planning session! Thank you, Acadian!

McBadgere: Thank you, McB! You will see Ishcky in a real fight very soon, I promise. Aravi is pretty epic! Love her.

SubRosa: I’ve really enjoyed how Skyrim provides more meat for Cyrodiil’s bones. So far with Morrowind I’ve been too preoccupied with getting the game to work and then staying alive for two minutes, but I have high hopes that the northeastern province will do the same. I’m glad you highlighted Aravi’s last line. It’s my favorite Aravi moment in the update. Thank you SubRosa!

Darkness Eternal: This is the part I was asking my vampire questions about. Thank you so much for your help! Thankfully Aravi could set them straight on the sparkly question, lol.

mALX: You’re right on both counts as to why Jerric made up an awkward name for the Ring of Khajiit. He can think on his feet, just with mixed results! Thank you for your kind words about Lildereth. Her hidden inner life is exactly why I’m showing these parts from her POV. Thank you, mALX!


Next: Let’s go inside the ruin! This is part three of five featuring King Coin’s Aravi.