Jerric's Story, A Nord's Adventures in Cyrodiil Options

[Grits]

Previously: Cyrodiil’s Azura Shrine in County Cheydinhal. Jerric, Kjestrid, Shamir-do, Nereli, Ma’sani, and Renlys successfully emerged from Moonshadow. Ma’sani and Renlys went about their order’s business. Nereli and Shamir-do were recognized as Disciples and drawn into conversation with a priest. Jerric contacted Darnand through their summoning spell. Lildereth was with him at Cloud Ruler Temple. Jerric was able to see Lildereth and hear her speak through Darnand.

Rider: Jerric’s inner alchemist also wonders about those mushrooms! Ulfe may start earning her keep by defending the horses, but there would be hell to pay if anyone tried to train her as a battle dog. Good thing her “owners” are all in agreement about that. Thank you, Rider!

Acadian: I remember that charge and then Buffy under a mountain of heavily armored orc vampire! There was even a screenshot. That was a scary episode. Jerric and Darnand have gotten better at their cellphone summoning spell. It still makes Darnand uncomfortable, though. Thank you, Acadian!

SubRosa: Thank you, SubRosa, that’s exactly what I was shooting for with Jerric’s memory of Sanguine and Azura. Even how Jerric perceived Moonshadow is filtered through his mortal’s limited ability to understand what he’s seeing. Poor Dozara was probably ready to strangle him with all of his questions!

Kane: In Jerric’s game this quest was one of the hardest fights. He would indeed love to head straight to Cloud Ruler Temple, with a Jerric-style “shortcut” to visit Abiene first! Thank you, Kane!

.

Chapter 19: Moonshadow, Part Eleven

"Let's catch our breath before we go in," said Kjestrid. "Jerric, here's your chance to astound us with magery."

It had been a steep climb over rocks and ice to reach the entrance of Gutted Mine. Whatever road the miners used had long ago slid off the mountain.

Shamir-do stood with his back to the group, keeping his eye on a bear in the distance. He took a swig from his waterskin.

Nereli and Kjestrid knelt, arranging their gear.

Jerric rummaged through his pack. "Unless there's a back door that Azura doesn't know about, they'll be blood-starved. That makes them stronger, faster, and harder to kill with a mundane weapon. They'll be able to see us in the dark and might turn invisible." He retrieved the sack of potion bottles and began unrolling the quilted padding he had packed them in. "Thankfully Dozara took me to Valparai's most thoroughly stocked alchemy shop. These are Prowler's Potions. They'll grant us Nighteye and Detect Life for about an hour and a half. Shamir-do, yours is Detect Life and Reflect Damage. Should last a little over an hour. Sorry to say the Detect Life effect will go for at least three hours, and I don't know how to dispel it." He clapped the Khajiit's armored shoulder. "Good luck with that."

Nereli and Kjestrid had their arrows arrayed on the ground. Both watched him expectantly.

"Prepare to be amazed!" Jerric declared. "This poison will slow them down, make them feel heavier, and set them on fire. Uh, and also poison them." He very carefully handed over the vials. "They cost a fortune to make. And also I had to take a bunch of Cure Poison potions."

"Thank the Rose Mother for Dozara," said Nereli. She began coating her arrowheads.

Kjestrid followed suit. Shamir-do smeared some onto his dagger and sword, then onto Jerric's Blade of the Medic.

"We're assuming they've run out of torches," Kjestrid said. "Wait for the potions until we know it's actually dark in there. Ready?" She made eye contact with each of them. "As we planned. Let's go."

Nereli entered first with Shamir-do at her back. Jerric rolled a stone to prop the door open, letting sunlight into the rough passageway. They may need to make a rapid retreat.

"It's dark down here," Nereli confirmed. "Watch out for this— Oh, skitt!" Her bowstring twanged followed by the thunk of an arrow meeting its target.

Something made an inhuman shriek. Shamir-do stepped past Nereli in the narrow space, firelight springing up in front of him. A spiked ball swished between them, nearly grazing Nereli as she leaned to the side. It swung back, hanging from a rusted chain.

Kjestrid dropped to a knee, arrow at the ready. Jerric waited behind her as they had planned, grinding his teeth. Nereli moved ahead to support Shamir-do, out of their sight where the corridor flattened. Steel rang against steel.

"Forward," said Kjestrid. They moved to where they could see.

Shamir-do faced a human in leather armor who swung at him with a longsword. She held her shield low, an arrow sticking out of the shoulder above it. Arcane fire crept over her torso. The Khajiit dodged her strikes, awaiting an opening. When she lunged he dove past her, slashing. "Nereli!" he called, staying low.

The vampire turned to follow Shamir-do, more fire racing up from the new wound on her leg. Nereli put an arrow in the middle of her back. As Shamir-do stood, the vampire fell forward onto her knees. "Thank you," she sighed. Shamir-do opened her throat.

Jerric turned the body with his foot. "She was a Nord, once."

"That's one," said Kjestrid. "Nicely done."

A few steps ahead the corridor branched to the left. The only light came from the still-burning vampire. "Our turn," said Jerric. He took his Prowler's Potion. Kjestrid did the same. She walked ahead of him into the left-hand passageway.

"Watch out for traps," Nereli said. "That swinging mace had a tripwire. Shamir-do."

"Apologies," said Shamir-do. The two knelt at the junction. They would guard the passageway until Jerric and Kjestrid cleared their section or determined that the group should move on together.

The rough-cut stone walls showed thin streaks of silver. They kicked through jumbled bones, likely long-lost victims of the original vampire clan. Coffins lay in several of the mine's alcoves, all in ruins.

"I wonder if this crew broke the coffins before they turned, or after."

"Stay focused," said Kjestrid.

The passage made several turns but didn't branch. They reached a dead end. As they turned back, a commotion arose from behind them.

"Dammit!" said Jerric.

"Stay behind me!" Kjestrid led the charge back through the passageway, then left toward the fight.

Nereli sat at the opening of a low-ceilinged chamber, holding her arm. A vampire lay face-down near her, its fur armor on fire. Shamir-do and a female orc circled each other. The chamber was crowded with wooden braces and partitions. Two corridors led out of the room.

"Watch for the rest of them," Kjestrid said to Jerric, "and stay out of my shot."

Jerric moved around to the side, blade at the ready. Arcane fire flickered over the orc vampire's heavy armor. Shamir-do skipped and dodged, always out of her greatsword's longer reach. Jerric watched for approaching life signs as he kept track of the fight.

"Down!" Kjestrid called.

Shamir-do hit the floor flat on his belly. As the orc raised her greatsword, Kjestrid's arrow pierced her unprotected groin. The vampire howled. Her blade clanged against the stone floor Shamir-do had just occupied. She staggered, slowed by the poisons.

Shamir-do had rolled to his feet. He spun back to the vampire, kicking her sword away. Jerric couldn't see his blades, but when the Khajiit stepped away they were dripping black in the Nighteye's effect. The orc fell one way, her head the other.

Nereli spoke into the silence. "That Imperial punched my arm. She punch-broke my arm!"

When Kjestrid met Jerric's eyes, he gave her a head shake. Still no one coming. "Hey Shamir-do," he said. "There's a pressure plate." He pointed.

"Take a look at Nereli's arm," Kjestrid said to Jerric. She signaled Shamir-do to help her check the corridors.

Jerric placed his hands gently on Nereli. "I'm no healer," he said, "I might not be able to— Oh yeah, that's a bad one. I can pull it straight and do my best, but—"

"Do it," Nereli gritted.

"On three," said Jerric. "One."

"Gaaah!"

"There you go." He reached for his Jerric's Juice potion, healing light still swirling around Nereli.

Kjestrid and Shamir-do stood at the wall opposite the doorway they had come through. "Those are just alcoves," Kjestrid said. She gestured to a rope dangling from the ceiling a few steps away. "They must have walled the other two up at some point. Here's where we'll go through."

"I hope that rope still works," said Jerric. "Otherwise we'll be looking for a pickax."

"They are coming," said Shamir-do.

Seconds later the other three saw them. Two life forms traveling swiftly from behind the left cavern wall. They turned some unseen corner and moved toward them.

A muffled voice howled, "I can smell your blood!"

Shamir-do poisoned his blades and stepped to the side of the rock door. Jerric moved to the other side, his sword still coated. Nereli and Kjestrid took their positions, bows at the ready.

"Tight in here," said Shamir-do.

"I'll try to draw one back into the corridor," said Jerric.

"The first through belongs to this one."

"Draw," said Kjestrid. "Go!"

Shamir-do pulled the rope.

The rock slab fell back into the corridor, dislodging a shower of stone and kicking up a cloud of dust. A ghostly figure appeared in the opening, difficult to see with Nighteye. An arrow passed through it and clattered to the ground near Nereli. She loosed her arrow, hitting the tall figure that followed the ghost. It was an Altmer. Her robe caught fire.

Kjestrid's arrow flew past the Altmer and hit something with a metallic clang. She drew her silver dagger to deal with the ghost. Shamir-do knocked the bow out of the Altmer's hands. Jerric shifted his feet, fire ready in his clenched hand.

An Orsimer in heavy armor stepped into the doorway, given extra height by the fallen slab. He carried a shield and a short-handled axe. Fire danced up his leg from Kjestrid's arrow. He turned to Jerric. "I'm going to bleed you slow."

Jerric flicked his sword out, then followed it with a fire spell. His blade skated off the orc's armor, but it was enough to anoint him with poison. Jerric stepped back at an angle, shield up.

The orc's axe hit the middle of Jerric's shield, driving him to a knee. When he raised it again, Jerric scuttled back. Deflecting the blow pushed his shield down and away. He rolled with it, getting behind the orc. A hasty fireball covered his scramble over the fallen door slab. Belatedly he hoped that Shamir-do was not too close.

The corridor turned after only a few steps. Jerric took a position that gave him room on his sword side but would keep the vampire in the narrow section. When the orc stepped through the fireball's smoke. Jerric hit him with another one. Ishckrihk is not going to like this. He called his icy friend from the void.

"I've killed far worse than you," the orc growled, dropping his axe and shield. In a blink Jerric's head wrenched back. The shriek died in his throat when the orc closed his tusks over it.

Blade of the Medic was upright between their bodies. Funny, Jerric thought, the fire looks blue. He pushed his sword up, hoping to catch the orc's chin and not his own. As they sank toward the floor, Jerric angled a knee into the orc's groin.

Shamir-do appeared behind the orc, raised blades pointing downward. The Khajiit drove them into both sides of his neck. When the vampire let go of Jerric, Shamir-do pulled him backward to the ground.

Jerric struggled to his feet, coughing. The orc lay silent, three hilts sticking out of him. Kjestrid and Nereli stood on either side of Shamir-do, weapons ready.

"Let go of my sword again," Jerric rasped. Hand to his aching throat, he cast a healing spell. Then he gingerly tested his shield arm. "Looks like your tattoo singing worked, Kjestrid."

"We'll need to check this passageway," Kjestrid said. "When you're ready."

Jerric looked behind him for Ishckrihk. No atronach. The vampire must have interrupted his spell.

"They were still fast," Nereli pointed out.

"Not fast enough," said Shamir-do. He bent to the orc's body. "This one has found a note."

Kjestrid read it aloud.

"My name is Ghola gro-Muzgol. My companion's names are Aranalda, Nille Elf-Daughter, Avita Cassiana, and Umar gra-Khar.

The vampire Dratik died by our hands, but the price was dear. Those into whose hands we have fallen, we thank you, and pray your favor.

We served Lady Azura. Bring these, our last words, to Her Shrine. We praise Her with the full fountain of our devotion.

Our destinies were written in the stars, that our souls and reason be slain, and our world lost forever.

None can escape Her Fate. But let us be remembered at Her shrine, and in the hearts of Her servants.

It is only by fate

that any life ends,

and only by chance

that it is mine...

not yours."

The four spent a long moment with heads bowed, not speaking.

Kjestrid handed the note back to Shamir-do.

"Let's get this done," said Jerric, easing his blade out of gro-Muzgol. "I want to take my Cure Disease potion."

[ghastley]

"I want to take my Cure Disease potion"

That seems like a good idea. Did he get tusked?

[haute ecole rider]

What a rousing romp through Gutted Mine! It has been so long since I did this one (only once, in all my Oblivion playthroughs, after that one I decided to stick with Sheo and his poor flaming dogs). I do remember that big orc, he was a tough one to kill!

Of course, this little bit caught my (and Julian's) eye:

Jerric placed his hands gently on Nereli. "I'm no healer," he said, "I might not be able to— Oh yeah, that's a bad one. I can pull it straight and do my best, but—"

"Do it," Nereli gritted.

"On three," said Jerric. "One."

"Gaaah!"

"There you go." He reached for his Jerric's Juice potion, healing light still swirling around Nereli.

"Oh frick whatever happened to two?"

[Acadian]

Wonderfully prudent alchemical preparations, courtesy of Jerric!

Great teamwork in the mine. Kjestrid seemed to be in charge and everyone knew their role, to include functioning as two teams of two when needed. Great how you showed how much these four trust each other during combat. When Shamir-do ran from the first vamp, he knew Nereli’s arrow would find his foe’s back. Same when Kjestrid told Shamir-do to hit the floor so she could shoot.

Nice touch that the first vampire thanked them for freeing her spirit. Another nice touch was showing that this accursed place was once a working silver mine.

This has to be one of my fave TES quests ever. A challenging high stakes fight and a compelling back story that gives significance to how those vampires ended up in the mine and the price they willingly paid.

[SubRosa]

Well Jerric certainly did his homework for this fight. He's brought enough potions to float a battleship on!

On Three. I love Jerric's counting as he does not wait to set the broken arm!

Well that was a quite a near thing, with the vampire at Jerric's throat. Good thing his friends were there to back him up.

As Acadian noted, I really appreciated how well Team Jerric worked as a team throughout it all. OTOH the vampires all acted singly, which is what led to their demise. It was not that Team Jerric was better individually, but rather that they all supported one another when they each needed it.

[Kane]

That was intense! I understand totally how that would have been Jerric's most dangerous fight yet. Hope they all take a few cure disease potions.



Fun fact; my first ever Oblivion character got stuck with vampirism. I somehow missed the notification and couldn't cure it.

[Grits]

Previously: At Azura’s request Jerric, Kjestrid, Shamir-do, and Nereli killed Azura’s five followers trapped in Gutted Mine, releasing them from their curse of vampirism. They did this in exchange for their passage through Moonshadow. Also, I have updated the Darnandex Appendix Five: A Timeline for Jerric’s World Stories. Finally.

ghastley: He did get tusked. He’ll talk about it in this episode. Thank you, ghastley!

Rider: Those who have been healed by Jerric go to great lengths not to repeat the experience! Way back in Chapter 10 Darnand described the feeling as like an assault and as having the force of a hurricane. Still, it beats a broken arm! Thank you, Rider!

Acadian: You have pointed out what I hoped would come through with the group’s teamwork. Dealing with Jerric for the last month or so made Kjestrid grow in leadership, and Jerric actually stuck to her plan throughout the mine adventure despite his persistent urge to rush in. I’m with you on this quest. After more than a decade I still remember each time a character read that Worn, Faded Note. Thank you, Acadian!

SubRosa: I have a lot of respect for Azura’s unwilling vampires. They were powerful enough for Azura to send them after the vampire Dratik, and then with stage 4 vampirism they just got stronger. As you pointed out, individually none of the mortals should have been able to kill them, and together they only managed it because the vampires had split up. Jerric cannot wait to regale Lil and Darnand with the tales of his Moonshadow alchemy. Thank you, SubRosa!

Kane: Yikes, Azura created another accidental vampire! I learned a lot with my first character on this quest, including how fast a Will-o-the-Wisp can kill you. Jerric is a natural mage killer due to his Atronach birthsign. The Altmer with a bow really made him scratch his head. He wants to be hit with spells, not arrows! Thank you, Kane!

.

Chapter 19: Moonshadow, Part Twelve

Azura's statue seemed to glow in the sun's evening light. Shamir-do led them past the gathered devotees and placed his hands on the shimmering base. He gestured for the others to do the same.

Jerric found himself floating in that fragrant lavender cloud. This time he knew what was happening.

Azura slowly materialized out of the mist. "Thank you, Child of Kyne and Blood of the Dragon. Their spirits are free. Henceforth, above my shrine, five bright candles shall burn forever in memory of their sacrifice. Your debt to me is paid."

"That was quite a journey, my Lady. I hope you let me remember it."

The light from Azura's hands dimmed enough to show Jerric her smile. "We shall see, Jerric of Kvatch."

Jerric returned to his body, eyes burning. He glanced over to see Kjestrid shaking her head as if water had entered her ear. Nereli and Shamir-do still stood gazing up into space.

"They might be a while," said Jerric. He brushed glow dust from his palms.

"Look," said Kjestrid, "the candles."

As Azura had promised, five candles hovered in the air above her statue, their light overpowered by the sunset.

"Nille Elf-Daughter," said Jerric. "Avita Cassiana. Umar gra-Khar. Aranalda. Ghola gro-Muzgol. They gave themselves up to suffering rather than escape and do anyone harm. I hope these folk remember their names."

The two stood for a moment, looking up at the candles. When they started back toward their pile of gear, Kjestrid companionably took Jerric's arm.

"I thought I'd get to see you swing your greatsword today," Jerric said, "until you pulled a dagger on that ghost."

"There wasn't enough room to move in there. I was afraid I'd lop off Nereli's ears if I drew my sword. Anyway I barely got my dagger sticky before she summoned her ancestor's spirit. I let them fight it out while we killed the Altmer."

"A high elf in a tattered robe with a bow and a summoned specter. I didn't have that on my dance card."

Kjestrid chuckled. "Nor did I guess that some Imperial would punch through Nereli's arm."

"Do you think Cassiana broke her own weapon? You know, so that she wouldn't kill whoever came in to end them?"

"I think she was some kind of monk," said Kjestrid, throwing an air punch with her free hand. "Splitting the group with that rock wall must have been the limit of what they could do before the sickness took them completely. Even if they didn't want to fight us, their vampire selves made them."

"Thank Zenithar they knew how to do it."

"You don't know how to build a slab door with a one-way pull?" Kjestrid asked, teasing.

"Not even how to start. I'd have to burn us to death if Azura decided to lock us in."

Kjestrid gave him a look. "Did you think she might? When gro-Muzgol had you by the throat?"

"I didn't have time to think. Nereli was right, even with the poison they were still fast." He rubbed his neck. "Good thing he was an orc. He got me with his tusks, but I don't think he fanged me."

"You don't sound convinced," said Kjestrid.

"I cast my healing spell without properly assessing the wounds, I have to admit. So I don't really know if he got a vampire bite in, or just an orc bite."

"A really sharp orc bite?"

Jerric laughed, shaking his head. "That's the story I'm sticking with. So I can get to sleep tonight."

Shamir-do and Nereli joined them while the Nords were still sorting their food supply. Shamir-do held an eight-pointed crystal star in his hands, a look of wonder on his face. "This one's name is entered into the Book of Fate," he said.

"What does that mean?" asked Kjestrid.

"Khajiit is not certain. Perhaps it will ease this one's passage through Azura's Crossing." He lifted the object reverently. "Shamir is named Star-Bearer."

"I wonder who has the moon," Jerric said. He cut his eyes at Nereli.

A hiss from Shamir-do made him stop.

"Yeah, all right," said Jerric. "Star-Bearer." He extended his arm to Shamir-do. The big Khajiit gripped it.

Kjestrid waited for them to wrap up the chest bump and shoulder slaps. "Shamir-do, are you coming back to Bruma?"

"This one is Azura's Star-Bearer, but as long as he holds life in this body, he will be Shamir, friend and companion to Kjestrid. Khajiit will return to Bruma and continue under the banner of our Guild. Brother Mels has invited this one to worship at the dawn ceremony. If friend Kjestrid does not mind, Khajiit would like to pass the night here at the shrine."

"I don't mind," said Kjestrid. "You've earned whatever this Star-Bearer business is. You're the one who finished gro-Muzgol."

"I agree," said Nereli. "No hard feelings, Shamir-do. Our Lady named me a Daughter of the Rose, but she didn't tell me I had to do anything about it. And I'm not invited to their worship party."

Jerric spoke up. "Nereli, you don't put yourself forward, but you have been there every time we've needed you."

"You just described low status in my culture." Nereli rummaged in her pack. "There's a little light left, and I still have two Prowler's Potions. I'm going to start toward Cheydinhal. I hear there are a lot of Dunmer there. Maybe I can make a fresh start, now that I'm with the Fighters Guild. Here, I won't need these supplies. Take what you need."

"I'll take your fishing line and every fishhook you have left," said Kjestrid. "Then we won't need to buy provisions. Unless you need some, Jerric?"

"Ha! I don't lose them as fast as you do."

Kjestrid returned his grin. "I haven't gotten you where you were going."

"My orders have changed, so you can cut me loose with a clean conscience. I'm going to find a chapel. I trust Sister Ma'sani's Cure Disease potions, but I won't feel right until I've seen a priest of the Nine."

"This one suspects that friend Jerric has never uttered those words before."

"You suspect right," said Jerric.

"Can you wait until tomorrow to leave?" Kjestrid asked Jerric. "Camp with us at the edge of the woods and I'll finish your tattoo. Your Woad is fully sung into it, but I can improve how it looks. Besides, Ma'sani said she wants to see us again. Maybe she has one more flask of that star dew."

"Yeah," said Jerric. "And maybe she can get me back over to their Gate. I want to pick some of those Moonshadow mushrooms." He turned to Nereli. "Stay with us tonight and we can travel together in the morning. This is a strange land to you."

"It's strange to you, too, and you're not worried." Nereli produced a rudimentary map. "See? It's down hill all the way to the road, then left. I can find my way, easy. And I want some time alone. I need to think."

"It's farewell then," said Jerric. "We won't burn any more of your twilight." He pulled them into a circle, arms around shoulders and foreheads touching the way Gjaever had done when they first landed in Morrowind. "We walked through two daedric realms together and all survived to tell our tales. It has been an honor, friends."

[haute ecole rider]

I had forgotten about the five candles! It was a fitting homage to the five who sacrificed themselves in Azura's name to contain the curse within the mine. Great assessment of how things were situated in that mine and a solid explanation for how the party of five was separated into more manageable chunks. Imagine fighting all five ancient vampires at once!

So our Khajiit partner is now Azura's Star-Bearer! To be honest, I can't think of anyone in that little party more deserving of that honor. And Nereli is a Daughter of the Rose? Wonder what that will mean for her future? Cheydinhal is a good place for her to check out - considering the number of Dunmeri there (my Skyrim Dragonborn Alise Sudmeri is from Cheydinhal herself). It may be possible she may become involved in the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the Count's wife?

In a way I'm sad to see this parting of the ways. Shamir-do will stay and commune a bit longer with his patron Azura. Kjestrid will return to Bruma and the Fighters Guild there - back to the mundane duties of rats in basements. Nereli will forge ahead to Cheydinhal on her own - and use the solitude for some personal reflection. And Jerric has made the prudent decision to visit a Chapel and see a priest of the Nine before continuing on to Bruma. It was something I always did after fighting vampires . . .

Looking forward to seeing his reunion with Darnit Darnand and Lil!

[SubRosa]

Another meeting with the Mistress of Twilight. I must say, I prefer her to the other Daedra.

And a somber reflection on the sacrifice made by those who became what they had fought against, but still refused to allow their monstrous natures to cause them to commit horrors on the rest of the world.

A new Star-Bearer. Wow.

A nice breaking of the fellowship, as this particular quest is over and everyone begins to go their separate ways. Getting some religion does sound like a good thing right about now, so I think I will tag along with Jerric to the temple.

[Acadian]

And so winds down the beautiful Moonshadow tale. You really did justice to Azura’s poignant quest. Four friends, bonded under fire but now going their separate ways.

I liked that Azura bestowed her Star upon Shamir-do along with the title ‘Star Bearer’ and that Jerric simply remains ‘Jerric of Kvatch.’

I’m looking forward to Jerric linking up again with Darnand and Lildereth. But first, Jerric is right – time to see a priest about that bite. Don’t want to get turned into an orc. Or vampire. Or both.

[Kane]

Aw, I enjoyed Nereli's part in the tale but I'm also glad to see her making a way for herself. Hopefully Cheydinhal has the answers she is looking for!

[Grits]

Previously: Azura’s Shrine in County Cheydinhal. Azura thanked Jerric and told him that his debt to her was paid. She named Shamir-do Star-Bearer and gave him Azura’s Star. Nereli, named a Daughter of the Rose for her efforts, decided to leave immediately for Cheydinhal. Kjestrid suggested that Jerric stay the night and give her one more session on his tattoo. It was not difficult to convince him.

Haute Ecole Rider: My Dunmer character from ages ago also settled in Cheydinhal. All of the strange behavior was comfortable for her. She used to go find Aldos Othran and sing the cliffracer song with him. It was a bittersweet parting to write. I’m not sure how much Nereli will get into the Count’s business, but she has a different view and different expectations of herself since the day she met the Bruma Fighters Guild crew inside that Gate. Thank you, Rider!

SubRosa: Azura is my favorite Daedric Prince. I hope we get to go to Moonshadow in a game someday. There is a really cool Prince who only appears in ESO, but I haven’t done her questline yet. For all I know she may turn out to be a jerk. I was a little sad to break up the group, but after all they have their own stuff to do. Thank you, SubRosa!

Acadian: Jerric with tusks! If he grew them, he’d use them to open beer bottles. Thank you for your kind words regarding Azura’s quest. It’s one of those places in the game that I wanted to get right, but I knew that Jerric wouldn’t become Azura’s champion. Even though that Star is so darn handy! Thank you, Acadian!

Kane: Nereli definitely needed to step out on her own in order to grow. Her journey has been mostly quiet and internal, so I’m glad you enjoyed her part. I could relate to her saying that she needed time alone to think. Jerric’s personality can be loud. Thank you, Kane!

.

Chapter 20: The Well, Part One

The walk to the Blue Road was a descent into spring. Jerric marked the time by the layers he shed until he wore his lightest shirt under the arming doublet. He didn't meet any Blades agents as he passed Lake Arrius, visible only as the distant sparkle of light on water. Lildereth had said there was nothing there for him. As much as he wanted to see for himself, he honored her word and kept moving.

Flowering shrubs lined both sides of the road in great thickets. If any bandits or marauders lay in wait for travelers, they did not make themselves known to Jerric. He credited the sweaty woolen undergarments he had hung about his person, drying in the breeze. When the roadside cottages became numerous enough to hint that he approached the city, he paused long enough to stuff them into his pack.

Oddly, he remained the lone traveler on the road. The birds had fallen quiet. Even the usual farmyard sounds were absent. Glancing around at the nearby houses, he didn't see anyone to question.

As he topped a rise, the city of Cheydinhal came into view. Flowering trees and half-timbered buildings rose above the city walls. A large, turreted manor stood to the west. The stable with its paddocks and picket lines sprawled north of the road, with a line of carriages parked along the opposite side. And visible through the trees, glints of lurid orange light. He had found a Gate to Oblivion.

Jerric mentally reviewed his gear as he walked up through the trees toward the Gate. He would get food and water from that manor. His armor was in decent repair thanks to Kjestrid, apart from Tower of the Nine. The shield was damaged but still usable. Blade of the Medic carried a full charge, but he was low on Jerric's Juice. And he still did not have a helm.

"Hold, citizen! Keep your distance!" A man in a Cheydinhal Guard uniform moved to intercept Jerric's path.

Two more guards stood near the Gate. A knight in steel plate armor propped up a banner to the side. Another armored man turned as the guard passed him. He looked like a Nord.

"What's the situation?" Jerric asked the guard. He glanced around to see where he could leave his largest packs.

"Do you know about these accursed portals?" The guard stuck a thumb at the Gate.

"Yeah. I'm going to close it."

"Now just hold on! About two days ago, Count Indarys's son, Farwil, entered with six other men. We haven't heard from them since."

"Two days?" said Jerric. "They could be close to closing it."

"Well the Count fears the worst. He's posted us here so we can watch and see if anyone comes back out. So far, nothing. At this point, Count Indarys is offering a reward for the recovery of his son from inside the Gate... or confirmed news of his demise."

Jerric took a moment to collect himself. Shouting at city guards had never produced a positive result for him. There was no reason to think that today would be different.

"I'm Jerric," he said.

"Sergeant Gregori, Cheydinhal Guard."

"Sergeant, if anyone goes in now and your Count's son closes this Gate, they will be trapped. We need to give them another —"

"Someone else already did go in."

"Dammit!"

Gregori gestured at the other Nord. "Stand with him if you want to be of use. Don't use a bow or you could shoot my guards." When they reached the Nord, Gregori looked back and forth between them. "Hey, you two could be twins!"

As Gregori continued on toward his guards, Jerric and the other Nord looked each other over. Both wore mis-matched armor and carried a sword and shield. Neither had a helmet. The other man's hair was tied neatly at his neck, unlike Jerric's unruly mop. They were nearly an inch apart in height by Jerric's estimation. Even their beards were different.

The other Nord pointed at Jerric. "His scars mostly go up and down," he said to Gregori's back, a twinkle in his eyes.

"All bears must look alike to a woodchuck," said Jerric. He put out an arm. "I'm Jerric. Uh, of Anvil."

"Vidkun." The Nord gave Jerric's arm a warrior's clasp.

Jerric lost a moment to wild speculation.

Vidkun slapped his arm with the other hand. "You can let go now."

"Heh." Jerric scratched his beard. "Where're you from, Vidkun?" He turned to face the Gate.

"Leyawiin, but I've just come from Bravil. I'm on a pilgrimage of sorts." He brought a snowball out of thin air and tossed it in his hand.

"Mages Guild? You must be jesting."

"I know," said Vidkun, "I don't look like a mage."

"I've heard the same. If you're collecting recommendations for the Arcane University, then you and I are about the same business." Jerric silently congratulated himself for remembering his cover story.

"I am. Got Leyawiin and Bravil. After this I'll head to Bruma. You?"

"I started in Anvil, but I'm heading to Bruma next, too."

"We should travel together. Do you have a horse?"

"I'm on foot. I'll have to hear the tales of your triumph when I get there."

"You in the Fighters Guild? Then you could hustle a contract and rent a mount," said Vidkun.

"I could do that."

"Maybe they'll give us an assignment together," said Vidkun. "At the Mages Guild. Like go fetch some herbs from naked nymphs and test them out for a few days by a hot springs." He laughed.

"I'll let you ask, if that's the kind of work they have you doing."

"Nah, it's always go dig up something rotten and bring back the contents of its bowels, or some foul thing."

"At least it's not rats," said Jerric.

"Ha! Not since I was an Associate in the Fighters Guild. But that didn't work out for me. Thought it was time for a change."

"Were you caught up with the Blackwood Company?" Jerric asked. "I didn't hear much other than it was dirty business."

"Right in the middle of it. No matter what you heard, it was worse."

"Sorry to hear that." He glanced over at Vidkun. The man had a confident stance and an easy laugh. He watched the Gate as if it might produce some dancing girls or a platter of roast chicken. It was hard not to like him.

Vidkun gave him a speculative look. "Say, if you're with the Anvil chapter, you must know Abiene Metonne."

I know how it sounds when she cries out your name. Jerric cracked his knuckles. "Yeah, I know her. She's a fine healer and dear to many. I've disappointed her in the classroom, but I'm proud to call her friend. How do you know Abiene?"

"We went to school together. Kept in touch after she went to the Arcane University. It was her idea that I should join the Mages Guild. I should have listened to her back then. Would have saved me a lot of trouble."

The Gate's whine increased in pitch, and in a flare of light two clannfears emerged. One ran at the knight who was holding the banner. The guards took aim with their bows. The other clannfear lowered its head and charged Jerric and Vidkun.

"I hope you know a shock spell." Jerric lifted his shield, bending at the knees and checking his footing.

"I know one." Vidkun's spell arced into the clannfear with a sharp crack. Lightning still danced over its frill when it reached Jerric. He stepped to the side, avoiding its horns.

The creature skidded into a turn, kicking up leaf litter.

"It'll hurt if you stab it," Vidkun called, circling. He hit it with another shock spell as it charged Jerric.

Jerric had to roll out of the way this time. He cast his own lightning while it turned. Eventually they brought it down without injuring themselves.

"Would have been easier to shoot it," Vidkun said, giving Jerric a hand up.

"Spoken like a true mage." Jerric kicked off a shower of leaves. "That wasn't your first clannfear, I take it."

"I've been working with a Journeyman at the Leyawiin guild. He used to be a necromancer. Now he's summoning daedra. He'd worked his way up to clannfears when I left for Bravil. He improves his Conjuration, I improve my Destruction. And it's free! All it costs is magicka. His name is Kalthar. Say hello for me when you get to Leyawiin."

"Will do," said Jerric. "Let's move this out of the way. We can get its claws while we wait for the next round."

"They made a pile over there."

"Excellent! We can get some skin off those scamps while we're at it."

The clannfear weighed more than they could easily drag. "Don't suppose you know a Feather spell," Vidkun said between grunts.

"I've made dozens of potions for Kvatch. Should have kept a few."

The guards had made little progress with their dead clannfear other than retrieving their arrows. The two Nords dragged it off and harvested the alchemy ingredients.

Jerric exchanged nods with the nervous-looking banner knight as he and Vidkun returned to their position. "What's the story with that fellow?"

"That's one of the Knights of the Thorn. It's a local order. The Count's son is their Knight Commander." Vidkun lifted his chin at the nearby manor. "That's the headquarters."

"He's the one who went into the Gate," said Jerric.

"So they say," said Vidkun. "I've wondered if I have the stones to do that."

"If it's still open tomorrow, you'll get to find out."

The moons had been up for several hours when the Gate gave a mighty boom and collapsed.

"Huzzah!" someone shouted into the sudden quiet.

Three figures stood in the Gate's remains. Two wore Knights of the Thorn armor. The third had an arm around one of the knights and the other clutched to her chest. When she extended the free arm, Jerric saw that she held the sigil stone. Blue light misted away as it dissolved, illuminating her face.

"Nereli?" said Jerric.

"We made it!" shouted the uninjured knight. "Err, I mean … victory is ours once again! Huzzah!"

"Knight Commander Farwil, I presume," Vidkun said to Jerric.

"Bremman needs a healer," said Nereli.

"You've done well," Farwil said to Nereli. "I wouldn't have expected such bravery from someone who isn't a Knight of the Thorn. Huzzah!"

When Nereli saw Jerric, she didn't look surprised. "We could have used your help in there."

"Then you should have waited for me. Looks like you got it done." He nodded at Bremman. "Want a hand?"

The banner knight stepped up. "I've got him," he said quietly. "Let's go, Brem. I'll get you a healer."

"Don't give him any potions for a while," Nereli said as they shifted the badly burned knight. "He's already had too many."

Young Indarys was still talking to Nereli, but he projected his voice as if a crowd had gathered. "Now that this battle between good and evil has been won and the day is ours, you should be rewarded. Since you have led us to victory, I am hereby giving you the title of Knight of the Thorn! Huzzah! Your name shall be revered and your deeds placed into song to be performed by the greatest bards for generations to come. Congratulations!"

Nereli looked from Farwil to Jerric in disbelief.

"Huzzah," said Jerric.

"No more will the Gate threaten the good people of Cheydinhal!" Farwil crowed. "The Knights of the Thorn have triumphed once more! Come," he said to Nereli, "To the lodge! We celebrate our victory!" He jogged after his surviving knights.

"And mourn their dead, one hopes," said Sergeant Gregori. He shook his head.

"Are you all right?" Jerric asked Nereli.

"I'm fine. It was a good day to have a native resistance to fire." She grimaced. "I guess I'll see what this Thorn lodge is like. Where are you staying?"

He had planned to check the Mages Guild first, but Nereli wasn't a member. "Fighters Guild. If they don't have a bed I'll leave a message for you."

"Thanks," said Nereli.

Vidkun fell into step beside Jerric as they walked toward the city. He tipped his head in the direction Nereli had taken. "There's a story there, and I want to hear it."

"It's a pitcher of mead kind of story, if that's what you drink in Leyawiin. But I'll need to sleep or chew some fennel seeds if I'm going to stay awake to tell it."

"Sleep first," said Vidkun. "The first pitcher's on me tomorrow, after the day's work. I like to have something to look forward to."

Jerric clapped him on the shoulder as they walked. "It's a deal, then. Tomorrow. I'll come find you at the Mages Guild."

[ghastley]

Now I'm impressed by Nereli. It is almost impossible to keep that idiot Farwil alive, let alone both of them.

But I never made a long-lasting paralysis spell. I'm told that leaving them in a heap well away from the lava is the way to go.

[Kane]

I'm with ghastley. I remember that quest/gate from when I played a couple years ago and Nereili is a badass for getting them out alive.

Interesting that Vikund is in the mix now. That could open up all sorts of fun or dramatic avenues!

This post has been edited by Kane: Jul 16 2025, 12:39 PM

[Acadian]

Jerric well-describes the high stakes and risk of trying to rescue a gate-closing party. Turns out he made a good call not to rush into that gate!

Vidkun, Farwil, mention of Kalthar and Abiene – loads of fun and familiar references here as long as it has been since I played Oblvion. I wonder if Vidkun will get sent after that cursed ring in the well?

Nereli saved the day, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she finds herself trying to slip out of this ‘Knight of the Thorn’ gig. Farwil’s a . . . piece of work.

[SubRosa]

Descending into Spring sounds nice. Given how hot it has been lately, I would love to do that myself, even though it means moving in the opposite direction.

For once the bandits of Cyrodiil are smart.

Uh oh, no woodland sounds, like that of birds. I wonder what might be frightening them into silence.

Well an Oblivion Gate will certainly do that!

Shouting at city guards had never produced a positive result for him.
Well, he might try a brick to the face next time...

Wait, Vidkun? That Vidkun? Oh boy.

"At least it's not rats," said Jerric.
Why is it always rats with the Fighter's Guild? *sigh*

Lots of name checking here. Abiene, Kalthar, who else does this guy know, the Emperor?

Well, it was a good thing that Jerric did not go in there after all.

Well Huzzah! Nereli is now a knight.

[Grits]

Everyone: I forgot to mention that I have to skip posting next Tuesday due to being away from my computer. Sorry about that! But since we’re here…

ghastley: I’ve never lost Farwil, but Bremman has only made it out once. I think it was a combination of Heal Other, reloading, and running faster than those two idiots. Paralysis would have been much less frustrating! Thank you, ghastley!

Kane: It was interesting to write Jerric and Vidkun meeting. I was pretty sure how Jerric would react, but not 100% sure. Vidkun is a lot like Jerric and Jerric would be good friends with himself, so it turned out ok so far. But hopefully the two of them won’t be asked to solve a lot of math problems. Thank you, Kane!

Acadian: I’m sure Jerric ground his teeth nearly flat keeping himself from rushing in. That has been a hard lesson for him! Thankfully Vidkun was there to distract him. It was fun to get back onto familiar Oblivion ground after Moonshadow. Nereli will have her work cut out for her if she stays with the Thorns. Reading through the UESP I found a bunch of “If You Murder Farwil” information. It made me laugh. Thank you, Acadian!

SubRosa: I would even put up with round 2 of pollen to get a little spring back. It has been super humid here. It’s funny, there were no roadside bandits or highwaymen on the way into town in Jerric’s new game either. I suspect that a Legion rider cleared them, but it did make me scratch my head. Yep, that Vidkun. I realize now that he only appeared in person in Abiene’s little side story, which I posted in 2010! Thank you, Rosa!



Oh! And I suspect that most will not have experienced the bug of Keld of the Isles’s naked sleeping. It was patched so long ago that I couldn’t find a reference to it. But that’s how he was dressed in Jerric’s original game on the PlayStation.

This post has been edited by Grits: Yesterday, 03:30 AM