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

[mALX]

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...and only one belt knife. And of course the daggers concealed at his back and in his boot, and one more in his daypack...He thought he would be best received ...if he presented himself unarmed.

ROFL !!! Yeah, Jerric is def from ETN !!! ROFL !!!

Talos loomed at Jerric’s back...Here in the city’s calmest district, tension coiled in Jerric’s gut.

Really effective lines! Also loved your description of Equestria !!

And don’t talk to Vanildil while she’s wearing her Cone of Silence.” Gwylen rolled her eyes.

SPEW !!!

I absolutely LOVE what you did with the Arcane, that so reminded me of Harry Potter's first impression of Hogwarts ... er ... is Raminus ... Hagrid? Urk !!

AWESOME Write !!!

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This post has been edited by mALX: Feb 8 2012, 12:36 AM

[King Coin]

Jerric ate well while on the move. Lol.

Holy crap Jerric’s packin’ !

I like Jerric’s discomfort in the Arboretum. He’s out of his element there. He knows what to expect and what is expected of him in a bar, or at the docks. This is just weird with all these proper people everywhere.

Oh, I like the description of the hostel. No cozy quarters for the lowly associates.

Raminus has quite the personality.

I liked the ending. “I found a book.” No, REALLY? that’s Jerric!

[mALX]

Jerric ate well while on the move. Lol.

When does he not? They'll have to pack his grave with sandwiches when he dies, lol.

[Tábrasa]

Amazing!

I love this chapter, and I love your witty sense of humour; it makes this such a delight to read!

“I’m Apprentice Gwylen,” twinkled the Bosmer, as if she was sharing some delicious secret

This was brilliantly worded and strangely enticing!

I also love your characterization of dear Raminus. I don't thik Tara ever remember's him beeing that awesome and surprisingly hand shakey

Looking forward to more

[SubRosa]

When I saw you use the abbreviation of AU in your notes above, the first thing I thought was: gold. Wow, that was a blast from high school chemistry!

I love Jerric's idea of 'unarmed', as in four hidden daggers. It reminds me of the Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, when Max was taking out all his weapons at the entrance of the city.

Eventually he decided that the statues were not going to speak. In light of his recent congress with daedric princes, perhaps that was for the best.
This was a delightful passage.

Still Kyne’s child, he thought. How foolish to look for her in a statue.
This was even better though. There is no better place to find divinity then in the world itself.

Wonderful description of the Arcane University. Especially the Cone of Silence! Where are Max and Agent 99? The stone tablet intercom system was a brilliant invention!

I am guessing that elegantly glaring Altmer was Caranya? So nice to see that Raminus was a much friendlier person. Teresa certainly liked him.

“I found a book,” he said.
And you are hoping someone will read it for you? I am sorry, I can just so easily imagine that reply. Especially if it was from Druja!

[Acadian]

What a glorious breakfast! Yum, and just what I needed. Thank you!

’The White Gold Tower cast a cold shadow. He looked at its angle to determine which gate led to the Arboretum.’
A great way to navigate (and beautifully phrased) in the confusing wagon wheel of the IC. Then I loved Jerric's statuesque ponderings among the Nine in the Arboretum. Thank you for your beautiful rendering of the Valley of the Horses. It made me feel right at home!

What fun, the way you presented the University. The descriptions were just right and you gave a great feel for the bustle inside the lobby. And a wonderful communication system! Of course the University would have a hostel for visitors and I liked how you pointed that out. I enjoyed your interpretation of the good natured Raminus and elegant Tar-Meena as well. I quite like both NPCs and see them similarly.

Jerric is doing pretty good with this spy stuff! I hope Tar-Meena can help him with the book he carries.

[TrisRed]

“I’m Apprentice Gwylen,” twinkled the Bosmer, as if she was sharing some delicious secret

This was brilliantly worded and strangely enticing!

I also love your characterization of dear Raminus. I don't thik Tara ever remember's him beeing that awesome and surprisingly hand shakey

I pretty much agree with everything here!

You write your story with such beautifully crafted sentences that it makes the whole thing a joy to read!

Well done!

[Grits]

McBadgere: I had to think of some way to work in a spy reference and a pointy hat. Thank you so much, McB!

ghastley: Jerric’s version of skipping breakfast is similar to the way carrying four blades is unarmed. He wanted more, of course. I drew the line at a mobile stack of pancakes.

TheBrume: Thanks. I always admire other peoples’ snappy endings, and it’s usually the last thing that comes to me before I post.

mALX: It’s so neat that you mentioned Harry’s arrival at Hogwarts. I had that same sense of wonder in mind. Thank you, mALX!

King Coin: You’re right, in the whole city full of people Jerric has the least interest in the leisure class, and that’s who was hanging around in the Arboretum. We might get a closer look at the hostel, if Darnand cooperates. Thank you, KC!

Tábrasa: Thank you! I see Raminus as the personable face of the Council. He sounds so happy in the game when he welcomes you, and he seems to have nothing to do but stand around the lobby and chat.

SubRosa: Yep, you spotted Get Smart and Caranya. I’m afraid if I tried to use a silly spy reference in the same episode as Baurus, I might get a katana through the screen. Jerric is such a physical creature, so it was nice to touch on spiritual matters for a change, even if only lightly. Thank you, SubRosa!

Acadian: I was so hungry when I wrote that breakfast! Thank you for your kind words about the University. Some of my favorite Buffy episodes have taken place there, and her experience has definitely shaped my vision of how it could be. The statues were a happy surprise, I had never tried to identify them in the game before. They fit Jerric’s situation perfectly.

Rihanae: Thank you, Rihanae! I’m glad you’re back.


Where we are: The lobby of the Arch-Mage’s Tower at the Arcane University. Tar-Meena has joined Jerric. He has informed her that he found a book. In other news (not to give away the ending of this story, but I’m pretty sure he’s going to live ) I have just outlined Book 2.




Chapter 14: The Imperial City, Part Five


“You found a book, you say,” said Tar-Meena.

Jerric handed it over.

“Ah, yesss,” she hissed, delight briefly overwhelming her precise diction. “Commentaries on the Mysterium Xarxes, wonderful. You have a scholarly interest in daedric cults, then?”

“In Dagon’s cult, yeah. I’d say it’s more of a practical interest.”

“The Mythic Dawn,” said Tar-Meena. “What do you know of them?”

“Let’s assume nothing.”

Tar-Meena gestured for them to seat themselves. Her voice took on a lecturing tone. “The Mythic Dawn is one of the most secretive of all of the daedric cults. Not much is known about them. They worship Mehrunes Dagon according to the teachings of their leader, Mankar Camoran. No one knows how widespread the cult is, or where their shrine to Mehrunes Dagon is located. Mankar Camoran is a shadowy figure in his own right. He is the author of this book you found. The Commentaries are contemporary with Tiber Septim, over four hundred years old. So he is unlikely to still be alive, although you never know. I’ve studied Mankar Camoran’s writings a bit myself, at least those that I could find. It is clear from the text that his Commentaries come in four volumes, but I have only ever seen the first two books.”

“All right,” said Jerric. He needed to get to the point, but he didn’t want Tar-Meena to leave anything out. “I need to find the Mythic Dawn’s stronghold,” he blurted, already wincing at his clumsiness.

The Argonian’s nostrils flared with interest. As she leaned forward her voice took on a conspiratorial tone. “Find them, eh? I won’t poke my nose any further. Official business and all that. I’m used to working with the Blades. Don’t worry, say no more.”

Jerric hoped that Tar-Meena would take her own advice. She was practically winking over the shared secret. He decided that if someone as paranoid as Baurus could trust her, then so could he.

“In any case, finding them won’t be easy,” Tar-Meena continued. “I believe that Camoran’s writings contain hidden clues to the location of the Mythic Dawn’s secret shrine. Those who unlock the hidden path have proven themselves worthy to join the ranks of the Mythic Dawn cult. Finding the shrine is the first test. If you want to find them, you’ll need all four volumes of the Commentaries.”

Excitement surged through Jerric. Finally, something he could do. “Where can I find the other three books?”

Tar-Meena leaned back, resting a thoughtful finger along her jaw. “The library has a copy of Book Two, as do several of my colleagues. As I said, I’ve never even seen the third and fourth volumes. You should try First Edition, over in the Market District. Phintias, the proprietor, caters to specialist collectors. He may have an idea of where to locate those books.”

Jerric did not intend to leave the Arcane University without their copy of Book Two, but he needed more time to think of a plan. “What’s the Mysterium Xarxes?” he asked.

“The holy book of the Mythic Dawn,” said Tar-Meena. Jerric recognized the glint in her eye. He supposed that an Argonian scholar was much like a Breton scholar, despite the spines, scales, and tail. “It was supposedly written by Mehrunes Dagon himself. If it exists, it would be an artifact of great – and evil – power.”

Jerric dried his hands on his trousers. “Tar-Meena. I need your copy of the second book.”

Tar-Meena held her palm up in objection. “Perhaps I could give you temporary access to the Archives, but—”

“Wait,” Jerric interrupted. “Hear me out. You know Baurus, right? I mean, he must have been the one who sent you the message about me.”

“Yesss,” the Argonian said warily.

“Does he seem like a fellow who gives up or one who gets things done? You have to believe that he’ll find the other books or die trying. You know what this is about, right?”

Tar-Meena slowly nodded.

“You can have the books when we’re done with them. All four volumes.” Jerric held his breath.

The Argonian’s eyes narrowed to slits. Jerric glanced away to give her a moment of private thought. He saw one of the doors open, and the light from outside silhouetted a slight figure accompanied by a giant dog. His eyes adjusted when the door closed behind them. Lildereth and Ulfe!

“You may have the library’s copy of Book Two,” said Tar-Meena, regaining his attention. Jerric’s heart leaped again. “Treat it gently, if you please. I will retrieve it now, if you will wait.”

Jerric jumped to his feet. “Thank you,” he gasped, seizing her clawed hands to squeeze them. “Thank you. I will. Treat it gently. And I’ll wait.” He realized that he was looming over the archivist so he stepped back, nearly tripping over a bench. “You won’t be sorry.” He grinned across at Lildereth. “I see the friend I was looking for. Maybe she’ll wait with me.”

Tar-Meena followed his glance. The corners of her narrow lips curled up in a smile. “Lildereth,” she called. “A timely meeting. I suppose even a wolf familiar needs the occasional walk outside.”

Ulfe leaped over the bench and offered Jerric a joyful greeting. He grabbed her head to prevent the “conjured familiar” from rooting enthusiastically in his crotch.

Tar-Meena took her leave. Lildereth stood in her place, looking completely at ease among the mages. She wore the green dress that hugged her top. Jerric recalled that under the full skirt, her bottom was also nicely round. Her hair was smoothly contained in some feminine arrangement. Jerric tugged at his trousers. He should probably have indulged himself at the brothel instead of just waiting for Rilian.

“A wolf?” he said. “You have got to be jesting.”

Lildereth gave him a crooked smile. “You should see the atronachs and dremora wandering around in there. Tar-Meena is just relieved that Ulfe can’t set fire to her books.”

Jerric bent down to scratch Ulfe’s chest and give her a kiss. She slapped him with far too much tongue for his liking. “Ugh! Ulfe! Honestly, how do you get away with these things, Lildereth? There’s no such thing as a yellow wolf.”

“Look around you,” said Lildereth. “Who else would know?”

Jerric straightened and looked her over again. “It’s good to see you, elf.”

“I got your message,” Lildereth told him. “And of course I was listening to what Tar-Meena said. I’ll wait with you. Let’s go into the public side of the garden.” She took his arm. “See, I’m making you look civilized. Now the mages won’t think that you’re an ogre thrall.”

“Wait, what if…” Jerric glanced worriedly back toward the door.

Lildereth gave him one of her angled brow looks. “You’re a Nord with a tan, and I’m a wood elf. I think the Master-Wizard will deduce that we stepped outside.”

There were several empty stone benches in the garden. Lildereth ignored them in favor of a patch of angled sun under a tree. She tucked her skirt neatly while Jerric and Ulfe lolled and sprawled.

“So you’ve been in the archives?” Jerric asked her. “I guess that’s a different kind of hunting.”

“It is,” said Lildereth. “It’s the same thing you’ve heard me asking folk. Strange creatures, unusual monsters, where and when they’ve been encountered.” She must have seen Jerric’s questions bubbling up. She changed the subject. “What are you here hunting for?”

Nice try, thought Jerric. I can do that, too. “You know I’m no hunter,” he said, looking up at the sky. “But I used to work with an archer who took me hunting sometimes. Mostly to carry the kills and warm the bedroll. Also to make the kahve, I suspect. Hers was dreadful.” Jerric glanced back over at Lildereth. She seemed thoughtful, and wary.

“Bosmer?” Lildereth asked.

“Dunmer. I’ve never, uh, gone hunting with a wood elf before.”

Lildereth laughed. “Well I’ve never ridden a snow bear, and I don’t plan to. If I ever take you hunting, bring your own bedroll. Mine is plenty warm for me.”

“Yeah,” Jerric grinned. “Wait ’til we get to Bruma. If you decide you want to go that far.”

“We’ll see. I’ll still let you make the kahve, though.” Lildereth smoothed her skirt. “I’m also here seeking training from a Master Illusionist. Martina Floria. She’s asked me to supply her with ten Welkynd stones before she will consider me as a student.” She frowned down at her hands.

“What’s the problem, sprig? You could turn my trousers inside out while I’m wearing them, and I wouldn’t even notice. I’d think you could sneak in somewhere and pick up ten Welkynd stones.”

“Probably. I know several accessible Ayleid ruins where folk will have left stones up in the brackets recharging. But it’s usually conjurers or necromancers who need that kind of power, and they leave their undead and daedra thralls hanging around to guard their stash. Most of my spells don’t work on them. That’s why I need master training. In the last few years a lot of those fetchers have taken their work underground, and moved into the ruins. They use life detection enchantments to keep track of their slaves while they’re home.” She gave her head a quick shake, as if dislodging a bug. “Of course I can do it. I just don’t like the risk.”

“I could watch your back. Stay low unless you called for me. Like in Howling Cave.”

Lildereth burst out laughing. “That was staying low? You blew up the alchemy lab!”

“Well,” said Jerric, “that was my scamp.”

Tar-Meena approached with a book in her hands. Jerric and Lildereth stood up to meet her. Ulfe stayed politely down, her tail thumping the grass.

“Here you go,” Tar-Meena said, handing the volume to Jerric. “It was so nice chatting with you. Be sure to let me know how your hunt for the Mythic Dawn turns out.” She exchanged nods with Lildereth before she turned away.

Jerric stared at Tar-Meena as she walked back toward the tower, her tail swaying with each graceful step. If that was her idea of discretion, Baurus was right to worry. At least he could be more honest with Lildereth now.

Lildereth’s face had turned to ivory. Her eyes gave her the look of a startled deer. “Jerric,” she said. “What the fetch?”

Sixteen hells, thought Jerric. She might not like this. “Uh, yeah. I’m going to, uh, go kill the Mythic Dawn. As soon as I can find them.”

Lildereth seized his arm. Her mouth opened and closed before sounds came out. “What?”

Don’t mention Martin, Jerric told himself. Or the Amulet of Kings. Or Baurus or the Blades. “Well, you’ve heard me talking to Darnand. I’m not just going to wait for them to open more Gates. I’m going to find their shrine, kill them all, and burn it to the ground.” Jerric realized that the last had emerged as a growl. He loosened his death grip on Book Two and tucked it into his daypack. “Want to go get some lunch?”





.

This post has been edited by Grits: Feb 17 2012, 02:01 AM

[mALX]

The Argonian’s nostrils flared with interest. As she leaned forward her voice took on a conspiratorial tone. “Find them, eh? I won’t poke my nose any further. Official business and all that. I’m used to working with the Blades. Don’t worry, say no more.”

Jerric hoped that Tar-Meena would take her own advice. She was practically winking over the shared secret.

...“Here you go,” Tar-Meena said, handing the volume to Jerric. “It was so nice chatting with you. Be sure to let me know how your hunt for the Mythic Dawn turns out.”

Your rendition of Tar-Meena had me in hysterics throughout the chapter !!!

And the laughter stopped here:

Don’t mention Martin, Jerric told himself. Or the Amulet of Kings. Or Baurus or the Blades. “Well, you’ve heard me talking to Darnand. I’m not just going to wait for them to open more Gates. I’m going to find their shrine, kill them all, and burn it to the ground.” Jerric realized that the last had emerged as a growl. He loosened his death grip on Book Two and tucked it into his daypack. “Want to go get some lunch?”

Very powerful ending to that chapter. Ominous. Jerric's attempts to make light of it by suggesting food was very Jerric. This whole paragraph spoke volumes about who Jerric is, of what he is capable of, and of the power that resides within him. Totally Awesome Write !!!

This post has been edited by mALX: Feb 16 2012, 05:49 PM

[ghastley]

Don’t mention Martin, Jerric told himself. Or the Amulet of Kings. Or Baurus or the Blades. “Well, you’ve heard me talking to Darnand. I’m not just going to wait for them to open more Gates. I’m going to find their shrine, kill them all, and burn it to the ground.” Jerric realized that the last had emerged as a growl. He loosened his death grip on Book Two and tucked it into his daypack. “Want to go get some lunch?”

Very powerful ending to that chapter. Ominous. Jerric's attempts to make light of it by suggesting food was very Jerric. This whole paragraph spoke volumes about who Jerric is, of what he is capable of, and of the power that resides within him. Totally Awesome Write !!!

The fact that Lildereth just accepts that Jerric could do that speaks even more! Especially as she knows he's not going to sneak in and pick them off one at a time.

[mALX]

Don’t mention Martin, Jerric told himself. Or the Amulet of Kings. Or Baurus or the Blades. “Well, you’ve heard me talking to Darnand. I’m not just going to wait for them to open more Gates. I’m going to find their shrine, kill them all, and burn it to the ground.” Jerric realized that the last had emerged as a growl. He loosened his death grip on Book Two and tucked it into his daypack. “Want to go get some lunch?”

Very powerful ending to that chapter. Ominous. Jerric's attempts to make light of it by suggesting food was very Jerric. This whole paragraph spoke volumes about who Jerric is, of what he is capable of, and of the power that resides within him. Totally Awesome Write !!!

The fact that Lildereth just accepts that Jerric could do that speaks even more! Especially as she knows he's not going to sneak in and pick them off one at a time.

I never even thought of that aspect of it, but you are right. Now THAT makes me wonder if she'll think she'd better go with him and help. Urk!

[King Coin]

Tar-Meena is such a delightful character!

Jerric isn’t a total idiot! He just secured the second volume of the commentaries!

“You’re a Nord with a tan, and I’m a wood elf. I think the Master-Wizard will deduce that we stepped outside.”


Remembering Jerric’s scamp in howling cave brought a smile to my face. I guess even someone as accomplished as Lildereth isn’t considered above running errands. Lazy mages.

“Want to go get some lunch?”

[SubRosa]

He supposed that an Argonian scholar was much like a Breton scholar, despite the spines, scales, and tail.
This was a delightful reference to Darnand.

Lildereth and Ulfe!
Thank goodness it was not Clavicus Vile and Barbas!

Jerric deflected Lildreth's question about what he was hunting for quite nicely.

and they leave their undead and daedra thralls hanging around to guard their stash.
Do I detect a bit of Skyrim world-building? Seriously though, one thing I like about the new game is that you can summon critters permanently.

“That was staying low? You blew up the alchemy lab!”
Why can I hear Han Solo saying: "It's not my fault!" Or Lando Calrissian?

“Want to go get some lunch?”
Oh yeah, sure. Now that was the perfect ending!

So Jerric got his book, and hooked up with Lil once more. Now it is off to see Phintias, the rudest Redguard in Cyrodiil.

So is Book 2 when Darnand finally throws off his disguise of a mild-mannered magician, and reveals himself to be Mannimarco himself? Naturally a reign of terror would ensue. Or perhaps it is Abiene who turns out to be the Dread Lady of the Dead - Womannimarco - herself?



nits:
I’ve studied Mankar Cameron’s
Is he a relative of James Cameron? or Cameron Diaz? I am sure you meant Camoran.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Feb 17 2012, 02:35 AM

[Acadian]

Firstly, I’m so pleased to hear that there is a book 2 in the works!

You did a wonderful job with Tar-Meena here! She really came alive in a short time. It was so nice to see Lildereth join them and I loved how naturally she fit into the Arcane University. I can surely identify with her less-traveled path as a mystic archer.

“What’s the problem, sprig? You could turn my trousers inside out while I’m wearing them, and I wouldn’t even notice. I’d think you could sneak in somewhere and pick up ten Welkynd stones.”
This was fabulous for a ton of reasons. Every word!

So in Jerric's world, Welkynd stones can be recharged in their stands. Neat, and very useful for our Nordic atronach, I'm sure.

A powerful ending, perfectly balanced and spiced with the promise of chow!


Nits:
“Ah, yesss,” she hissed, delight briefly overwhelming her precise diction. Commentaries on the Mysterium Xarxes, wonderful. You have a scholarly interest in daedric cults, then?”
Here, you're missing the quotation mark to open Tar-Meena’s second passage of dialogue.

‘Mankar Camoran is shadowy figure in his own right.’
I suspect you want to insert an ‘a’ before shadowy?

[McBadgere]

YAY!!... ...

Love it...I love Tar-Meena, I loved the idea that she thought the dog was conjured.

I love the dog...Awww bless her... ...

The whole thing is so excellently done it's amazing...

Biggest laugh you ask?

"I’m going to find their shrine, kill them all, and burn it to the ground.” Jerric realized that the last had emerged as a growl. He loosened his death grip on Book Two and tucked it into his daypack. “Want to go get some lunch?”

Talk about saving the best till last... ...

Oh-ho-ho yes!!... ...

Nice one!...

*Applauds heartily*...

[treydog]

Still terribly behind with the story- but also still loving it all. Had thought to do all of Chapter 11, but found a place to pause instead.

Chapter 10, 18

Realized I missed some of the best parts previously. So want to get to those first.

[quote]“If you think of something, I know you’ll do it.” I wonder when the message will come from Martin, he thought. Each time I hold her could be the last.

Abiene lifted her head to look at him again. “What do you see in your dreams?”

“Fire. Teeth and claws. A daedroth kills me, I think. It’s always the same.” Fresh tears slipped down her cheeks. He felt relieved that they had stopped pretending it would somehow be all right. Better to face this now together than later when she’s alone, he decided. “Don’t worry, I’ll go out fighting.”[/quote]

A long quote but necessary to get the full flavor of how incredible the writing is.

And then, with perfect timing you have Abiene break the somber mood with an unfortunate knee. Simply brilliant- and painful.

[quote]Jerric sighed and looked up at the hut’s exposed rafters. “I know this is only temporary. But we could stand a bigger bed.”[/quote]

Exhibit 153 on how to end a chapter perfectly.

Chapter 11, 1

[quote]“Darnand, are you telling me you spent that whole time looking at her hair?”[/quote]

That so perfectly captures Darnand- and Jerric.

[quote]"She likes me, at least. I guess that makes her pretty enough.” Jerric realized he had just summed up his general approach with women.[/quote]

And I am not sure that is such a poor basis for a relationship....

[quote]“No, it’s County Anvil’s problem. The Legion won’t do anything without the right parchment from the castle, and no one who knows what’s going on up at the fort is alive to fill out the reports. Anvil Militia is busy patrolling for daedra and tending their winter crops, they’re not going to go looking for trouble in a ruin. And it’s way too far for the City Guard. It’s actually a pretty good spot to hole up, if you’re outside the law.” Dammit, Jerric thought. That was probably a little too much truth.[/quote]

There is a LOT going on in that short space- practical workings of the Empire- and Jerric's sudden realization that he seems to know quite a bit about how to operate as a marauder.

The discussion of how animated skeletons work was fascinating.

[quote]“I am afraid this discussion requires far more time than the afternoon allows. I suggest we postpone it. For now, I have business with my horse.”

Jerric blinked, surprised by Darnand’s candor. Then he realized they were standing outside Horse Whisperer Stables. “You have a horse?”

Darnand raised an eyebrow. “Indeed.”

“Why didn’t we ride to Whitmond?”

Astonishment flooded Darnand’s face. “You invited me to walk to Whitmond with you.”[/quote]

That whole part- from Jerric’s misapprehension of a euphemism, to Darnand’s literalness, was a treat.

11, 2

[quote]He thought that if he reached out and tweaked her adorable little nose the way he would like to, he would probably draw back a stump.[/quote]

It would appear likely- yes.

[quote]“Lildereth.” Her voice made him think of clear water.[/quote]

And of course, Lildereth is an absolute treasure.

[quote]Jerric’s mind went to the lava tunnels he had passed through in the Deadlands. “I’m not so great underground,” he admitted. He hoped he didn’t look as uncomfortable as he felt. “I get lost sometimes. I can find my way back once I come across something I’ve killed, though. I just need landmarks.”[/quote]

That seems familiar to most of my characters as well- “Let’s see, left branching tunnel, dead draugr, ramp going up, dead cave bear….”

[quote]“She?” Darnand and Jerric both asked. They shared a skeptical glance.

“Yes, she. Why not? Must you humans assume that all dangerous creatures are male? Besides, I can tell from her pelvis that she was once a woman.”

“Oh,” said Darnand. His expression said the rest.

“Ugh,” Jerric agreed. He decided he didn’t want to know any more about that subject.[/quote]

Funny how someone who deals in death can be squeamish about some things. But- that is so perfectly who Jerric is.

[quote]This isn’t your Running Wolf team, he reminded himself. Working together doesn’t make you friends. After the job, you may never see this elf again. Forget about what might make her look sad.[/quote]

He can try. But I do not think "forgetting" is one of Jerric's skills.

11,3

[quote]Lildereth turned inland before he even wanted a snack.[/quote]

Got to love Jerric’s “stomach clock.”

[quote]“How did I sound back there?” he asked Lildereth.

“Like a pack of blind snow bears.” Her tone relayed her disgust.

“I’m not wearing real armor,” Jerric objected. He thought he had sounded rather stealthy.

“Your shield is metal,” she told him. “So are your hilts and buckles. When one meets another, it makes a noise. When you slide your feet, you make the sound of a deer carcass being dragged over dry leaves.[/quote]

Oh yes- she is definitely a treasure.

[quote]He decided that Lildereth appeared calm and alert. Darnand seemed excited and a little nervous. Jerric tested his own emotional state. He felt slightly worried. He hoped the zombie smell wouldn’t make him vomit in front of Lildereth.

He noticed she was giving him a sharp look. “I know it was your idea to follow me, Nord,” she said crisply. “Don’t do it again.”[/quote]

A treasure complete with pitfalls and tripwires.

[quote]That big blade of yours looks expensive, Jerric. Let’s try not to leave it here on the floor for the next fetchers.”

That’s the first time she’s called me by my name, Jerric realized. He grinned at her. “I’m not worried. I know you won’t leave my sword lying here in the dark.”[/quote]

That made me smile- and probably Lildereth, too.

11,4

“[quote]You don’t need to be fast unless you’re noisy. Then we’ll all have to be fast.”

“Right,” Jerric said. He grinned at her and slapped himself on the stomach. “Maybe you could show me where I should stay tight one more time."[/quote]

He is so adorably incorrigible.

[quote]Industrious and revolting sounds began to drift from Darnand’s direction. “All things considered, I prefer to harvest energy from zombies,” Darnand remarked.[/quote]

Urk.

[quote]His ring showed him the glows of three living things in the chamber ahead. Not for long, he thought grimly. He slipped the ring back into his pocket. His fingers twitched, waiting for him to fill them with frost.[/quote]

One day, I want to be able to write like THAT!

11,5

[quote]“But I’ll still speak the plain truth, the way I see it. I find it saves a lot of time and misunderstanding.”

She continued through the doorway. “I expect it also saves her from numerous social obligations and encumbering friendships,” Darnand remarked softly.

“I guess when you’re that size, you better scare them stickless right away," said Jerric. "She can always be nice later.”[/quote]

The fights are wonderfully described, especially given all that is going on around Jerric.

[quote]Jerric remembered Lildereth’s face when she had drawn one of the skeletons away from him. She had acted decisively despite her fear. He wished he had the words to tell her. “Yeah,” he said.[/quote]

Simply beautiful.

[quote]"That’s funny. The white-gold tower of death and destruction, talking about fluffy biscuits.”[/quote]

Got to love that she gives the banter right back to him.

Lildereth just adds so many dimension to the story- and to the other characters. Wonderful.

[Grits]

mALX: Thank you, mALX! I had fun mixing and matching Tar-Meena’s lines from the game. She makes me smile. What you said about that last paragraph means a great deal to me. Thank you for that!!

ghastley: I’m glad you pointed that out, ghastley. She also noticed that he didn’t include his own safe return as part of the plan.

King Coin: Yep, as soon as Jerric related Tar-Meena to Darnand, he knew what to say. Volume 2, check! Now let’s see how he does with Phintias. Thank you, KC!

SubRosa: Thank you, SubRosa! There will definitely be more flavors of Skyrim. I was also pleased to find out that Illusion spells have limitations on daedra and undead in Skyrim, the way I thought they did in Oblivion. Though we’ll keep Oblivion’s spell crafting, or Darnand would go on strike. Now I have an image of Darnand surging out of the phone booth with a big death’s-head on his chest instead of an S. Thanks for finding the nit, that name drives me crazy.

Acadian: Thank you, Acadian! I can never bring myself to use Welkynd stones in the game, knowing that they will be destroyed forever. It was fun to write Lildereth at the University, I wasn’t quite sure how it was going to work out until I started writing. I knew better than to suggest a mage’s robe, though! That line of Jerric’s that you picked out was my favorite in this episode. I’m so glad you drew attention to it. Thank you for finding those nits, I fixed them.

McBadgere: Thank you, McB! It’s so fun to have a huge, shaggy dog ambling around. And also Ulfe.

treydog: Oh my gosh, thank you treydog. Your comments are tremendously inspiring and so very appreciated. I am still quite insecure about my own attempts at plot, and you have picked up the threads of what I’m trying to do with my part of the story. That means so much.



Where we are: We left Jerric, Lildereth, and Ulfe in the garden at the Arcane University. Jerric has gotten the second book from Tar-Meena, who remarked on his plan to find the Mythic Dawn in front of Lildereth. The elf seemed concerned. Jerric suggested lunch. A quick reminder: Running Wolf Postal and Freight is Jerric’s family’s caravan and courier business. Ongve is one of the partners. He operates out of Anvil.



Chapter 14: The Imperial City, Part Six


Lildereth declined Jerric’s lunch offer, making rather much of the fact that Magnus had not yet reached its mid-morning height. She countered with an invitation to join her and Darnand for dinner. Jerric was happy to accept. As he crossed the bridge from the university to the city proper, he cast his eyes regretfully over the valley. Today’s work was inside the walls, not out under the sun.

By the time he reached the Market District’s open gates, mid-day traffic filled the streets. Food, drink, and household consumables were sold at stands clustered in the centers of the squares, while the surrounding shops offered more durable goods. The jostling crowd was a vivid patchwork of mortals. Every language of Tamriel filled the air. Jerric could pick out spices, sweat, perfumes, roast meat, and hair oil from the confusion of scents. He put one hand on his coin purse and the other on his belt knife before he shouldered into the press.

The First Edition stood near the gate. Its dimly lit interior welcomed Jerric with candlelight and quiet. Tall cases filled with books stood along every wall, some secured by glass doors. The long sales counter held fine writing implements and beautifully bound editions, all reflected in the gleaming countertop. The smell brought Jerric back to Twice Sold Tales in Kvatch. All that was missing was kahve and the smiling, bookish girls who served it. He stood on the thick carpeting for a moment while his eyes adjusted.

The Redguard behind the counter looked as elegant as his shop. However, his expression was not so agreeable.

“Phintias?” Jerric asked, stepping over to him.

“Owner and proprietor of The First Edition,” the man sniffed. His accent was educated Nibenean. “Look around. If I don’t have it, maybe I can get it.”

“I’m Jerric. Pleased to meet you. Uh, I’m looking for the Mysterium Xarxes.”

“You must be referring to Mankar Camoran’s Commentaries on the Mysterium Xarxes,” Phintias sneered. “A common mistake. It comes in four volumes. The first two volumes are rare, but you may run across them from time to time. The third and fourth are impossible to find.”

Jerric had no argument with being called common. It was the tone that set him on edge. “I need volumes three and four.”

“Oooh, I’m so sorry,” said Phintias, in a clear imitation of Jerric’s Gold Coast drawl. “I don’t have them. What a shame.”

That sleeping Altmer in Fort Strand might just have been my first murder, thought Jerric. I wouldn’t mind seeing this man’s blood. “What are the chances of finding them?”

“The chances are good that I could find one copy. However I happen to have a special order for Volume Three already. I’m afraid it is already paid for by another customer. Sorry. Gwinas would be terribly disappointed if I sold you the first copy I found. So sorry I can’t help you.”

Jerric ground his teeth. “Gwinas?”

“I don’t know him personally. But he was very eager to get his hands on Volume Three of Camoran’s Commentaries. He plans to come all the way from Valenwood to pick it up! A dedicated scholar, I am sure.”

Valenwood, thought Jerric, ignoring Phintias’ withering look. I’ll have a chance to get back here first. “Let me talk to this Gwinas before you sell him the book.”

“I have already sold him the book,” said Phintias. “It’s a special order. That’s how it works.”

“Special order it for me too, then. Send us both a message when you find it, I’ll give you the address. Hold on to the book and let me and Gwinas work it out when we get here. You keep the money. That way you can sell the same book twice.”

Phintias gave him a look of equal parts avarice and disdain. Then he quoted a figure that made Jerric’s knees weak.

“Throw in some erotica and we have a deal,” said Jerric, counting out the coins. “Indecent but not too disgusting.”

“No refunds,” Phintias said in parting. “Have a nice day, now.”

Jerric left the shop with a nearly empty coin purse and an illustrated book of Dunmeri love sonnets tucked into his bag. He hoped that Darnand wouldn’t spend too much on his enchanting, or they would have to stay in the Imperial City to work.

Rohssan at A Fighting Chance was far too busy with customers to spend time training. Jerric made an appointment to return with his gear in the morning. He headed for the Elven Gardens District.

Chapel bells told Jerric that the lunch hour had passed, but Luther Broad’s was still doing a brisk business when he entered. Jerric took a seat at the bar.

Luther swiped the already clean counter and flipped the towel back over his shoulder. His eyebrows asked the question.

“Ale,” said Jerric, regretting his reduced budget. He watched the other patrons while Luther moved around behind the bar. There were folk eating lunch and talking in murmurs at most of the tables, but the main event was at the end of the counter, presided over by an Argonian woman of indeterminable age. There a line of folk stood waiting to trade empty baskets and coins for filled ones. Jerric guessed that each basket lunch must include at least one bottle from the way folk were carrying them.

Luther placed a pitcher of ale in front of Jerric before he could speculate further. He balanced a parcel wrapped in a large napkin over the top, then he slapped a key onto the bar and slid it over. “You’ll find mugs in your room. Last door on the left, if you’ve forgotten.” His steady gaze did not invite questions.

Jerric paid the man and climbed to his feet, trying to keep confusion off his face. By the time he reached the second level, he decided that Baurus must have left instructions for Luther. A moment’s balancing let him unlock the door. It opened with a leathery thwap.

A length of rigid strap had been fixed across the door frame on the inside to make a noise when it opened. Jerric shook his head. Definitely Baurus’ room. He looked around uneasily, in case there was a trap that might explode.

The room was more spacious than his chamber at the King and Queen Tavern, but less homey. A linen press and arming rack filled one wall, and a large bed stood under the windows. The far corner held a round table and two chairs. A small desk also served as a night stand. Jerric’s eyes were drawn to an odd contraption attached to the window.

A selection of cutlery dangled near the floor, held together by very fine wire. No doubt it would jingle if the window was drawn outward. Jerric thought of the nights to come, camping out with his friends in open country. He decided that such precautions could not be considered excessive once you learned that someone wanted you dead.

Jerric made himself comfortable at the table. First he filled one of the mugs with ale. Then he unwrapped the fragrant parcel.

A wide, flat loaf of bread had been sliced in half lengthwise and filled with slices of ham, cheese, and spicy sausage. Vinegar and oil moistened the bread. Fresh herbs, chopped olives, and roasted red peppers made a colorful layer. Brown mustard and onion chutney rounded out the flavors.

Jerric bit into the sandwich, asking a blessing on Luther from every Divine that came to mind. Then he added one from Sanguine when he took a gulp of the ale. So far waiting for Baurus was not much of a chore.

Halfway through the pitcher and sandwich, Jerric wiped his fingers and opened his daypack. It seemed rude to fully appreciate provocative drawings in another man’s bed chamber, so he got out the two volumes of the Commentaries.

Jerric woke up to find Baurus seated across from him at the table, eating the rest of his sandwich. “I should have put it on your tab,” Jerric said. He poured Baurus a mug of warm ale.

Baurus nodded at the books, chewing.

Jerric wiped sleep drool off his cheek and told the day’s tale while Baurus paged through them.

“You’ve done well,” Baurus said when he had finished. He had the grace not to sound surprised. “You hang onto the first two volumes. Get your Breton friend to look over them, if you like. This reads like nonsense to me.” He closed the book. “I’ll stay here and keep running down leads on the Mythic Dawn. You follow your plan with the Mages Guild. Search for the third and fourth volumes in every city you pass through. I’ll cover Skingrad and Anvil. I know Phintias by reputation. He may be an arrogant son of a dog, but he’s no crook. I believe he’ll send the message if he finds the third or fourth volumes.”

Jerric tucked the books away. “I’m going to use Simeon at Running Wolf as a contact. He’ll send on any messages.”

“How well do you know this man?”

“I got arrested before I could meet him. He’s one of the partners, though, so he goes back with Ongve and my Da all the way to Skyrim. That’s about all I know. They shed blood for each other, so I’m sure he’ll forward a letter for his dead friend’s only living son.” Jerric was more than willing to beat the hell out of Baurus if he questioned his judgment one more time. His knuckles cracked when he flexed his hands.

Baurus folded the napkin around the crumbs. His face was somber and intent. “Keep your faith, Jerric. This struggle has only begun. We will restore the Dragon to his throne. It is the sworn duty of all Blades.”

Jerric took that as a dismissal. He rose and clasped his Knight Brother’s arm. “Talos guide you.”

Out on the street the fading light told him that the dinner hour had arrived. His stomach confirmed it. It was too late to walk all the way to the Running Wolf office at the waterfront and still meet Lildereth and Darnand. Jerric turned his steps toward the Arena District.




.

This post has been edited by Grits: Jun 22 2012, 09:53 PM

[ghastley]

so he got out the two volumes of the Commentaries.

Jerric woke up to find Baurus seated across from him at the table,

It's good to know that everyone finds them such exciting reading! But in the game, they're skill books, which would get some attention from the reader, even if the content is dull. Does your reality leave that concept out?

I really liked the way you develop the characters of Baurus and Phintias here. Those details say a lot about them.

This post has been edited by ghastley: Feb 28 2012, 05:11 PM

[mALX]

*

That sleeping Altmer might just have been my first murder, thought Jerric. I wouldn’t mind seeing this man’s blood. “What are the chances of finding them?”

I didn’t get this line, trying to see if I missed something and couldn’t find an Altmer. Where am I going wrong?

Love the Skooma dealing Argonian woman in Luther’s, lol.

It seemed rude to fully appreciate provocative drawings in another man’s bed chamber, so he got out the two volumes of the Commentaries.

Jerric woke up to find Baurus seated across from him at the table, eating the rest of his sandwich.

ROFL !!! Jerric’s mind: Food çè Sex

As always, and AWESOME Write !!!!!!

*

[King Coin]

I think everyone hates Phintias. He’s an ***.

Throw in some erotica and we have a deal


I liked Baurus’ room. Only a Blade would be that paranoid. That’s probably how he’s stayed alive though, digging into the cultists background. There you go, it’s not paranoia, it’s precaution.

…so he got out the two volumes of the Commentaries.

Jerric woke up…
I really liked this! It’s only natural to get out a book when you plan on taking a nap.
I kind of wonder what Darnand will think of them. I’m sure he’ll at least stay awake. Can’t say much more than that though!