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

[SubRosa]

“Stop! You violated the law!”
Those guys get so dramatic, don't they? So Jerric is making yet another trip to jail. Although this might be a new one for him. Maybe he could write a guidebook to all of Cyrodiil's lock ups? Still, hard to blame him though. It looks like Earana was going to Charm him.

Looks like Jerric and Darnand are not the only ones out of sorts. Add Lildreth to the list. She seems to be acting awfully overprotective of Jerric all of a sudden. It kind of makes me wonder if she is an undercover agent of the Blades rather than the Mythic Dawn, assigned to watch over Jerric without him knowing? That does not make sense though.

“Where is Lildereth?”
And where is her head at? That was a quite an intriguing argument she had with Jerric, and confusing. Who or what is she hunting?

“Perhaps you could consider the spell as a grooming aid.”

[ghastley]

“You did not have anything important in your pockets, did you?” Ah! the benefits of the gold standard for currency! Septims are fireproof!

Let me echo mALX's request for more insight on Lildereth soon.

“What are you hunting? What is this about, Lildereth?”

She closed her eyes and shook her head. “I’m not ready. I can’t let you know me this way. I’m sorry, Jerric.”

This makes me think she's got a disease that she needs to cure, and a visit to the chapel is a bit late.

[King Coin]

Abiene is a busy woman, up early to the chapel, and then not planning on even leaving.

Jerric’s conflicted. He wants to protect her, but how do you say no to someone like her? Out of sorts indeed.

Earana’s dangerous! Dumbass guards. Definitely worth smacking Earana around though. Loved Jerric's little introduction to the lady guard.


Lildereth! Where the heck has she been? And what the heck is wrong with her? I mean, I’m happy that she has decided to keep traveling with Jerric and Darnand, but she’s acting really weird. Why is she suddenly worried about losing Jerric to some guards?

Well, Darnand’s dealing with his feelings by working his Breton butt off. Productive in some ways, very unproductive in others.

Lildereth, are we ever going to learn what she’s about?

And here’s the best part of the chapter! The spell and the chase! Reasonable with a hint of terror! Where’s my axe! I love these lines!

At least go put on some trousers. The thought of you beating me in your present state is beyond disturbing.”
My favorite by far!

Poor Teekeeus!! We’re nearly finished

[Acadian]

Regarding your tenses during Jerric’s recollections, you did very well. Inserting the strategic word ‘had’ at key junctures magically let us know when we were in the past. You then clearly let us know we rejoined the present by slipping in the word ‘now’. This little snippet of yours illustrates perfectly:
‘She had stepped out into the misty morning, turning to give him a last look before she shut the door. Later his life detection ring had allowed him to exit the cottage unobserved. Now Jerric pressed the key into his palm, remembering the fire’s warm light…’

“You’re a bold little thing,” she said as he approached.
Funny, ‘little’ and Jerric are not things one normally associates with each other. That said, I loved how closely you stuck to in-game lines in this scene. What a delightful choice that was, right down to the guard’s ‘Stop! You violated the law!’ Jerric’s response to Earana didn’t surprise – after all, we know how he feels about that green illusion magic.

How cleverly Lildereth ‘rescued’ him with her coin purse.

’It was a moment before she got the words out. “It happened too fast!” she finally managed. “I wasn’t expecting it!”
This left me stunned and excited - for my own elf could have uttered those very words! Perhaps Buffy is not the only wood elven lass who can be short circuited by something rapid and unexpected.

“Listen, elf.”
Lildereth gave him an eyebrow. “Yes, human?”
Oh, I simply loved this!

Aiiieeeyiiyii! As soon as Jerric offered Lildereth money, I ducked in anticipation of her response. I was relieved she took pity on his . . . Nordness and, indeed, did not paralyze him into a puddle of piss.

’Darnand’s tone sounded reasonable, with a hint of terror. “Perhaps you could consider the spell as a grooming aid.”

What a wonderful blend of romance, mystery and humor you wove for us in this episode!

[McBadgere]

...That last section had me in stitches...But for some reason this

Teekeeus walked into the common room, took one look, and turned on his heel.

Oh, it's just too funny... ...

But yeah, what mALX said about the slapping, he's just spent the night with Abiene and now he's moping over Lildreth again?...

Ah, the desire to slap Earana... ...*Applauds*...

The mystery with Lildreth is brilliant...Looking forward to seeing more of that...

Absolutely amazing stuff...Love it!!...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

[Grits]

mALX: You’re so right, they were just like siblings pushing to see how far they could go! Jerric and Lildereth are especially still testing each other. Lildereth will spill it soon, I promise. And don’t worry, those letters were burned to ash. Thank you, mALX!

SubRosa: Lildereth definitely had an unsettling arrival in Chorrol. You’re right, she’s no Blades agent. Just a friend who got a bad scare when she imagined Jerric shot down while taking on the Chorrol guard under a hostile spell. Of course you’re right, it was only a Charm spell, but Lil had plenty of time to imagine the worst while she followed Jerric’s little party to the prison. Thank you, SubRosa!

ghastley: A disease, now I wish I had thought of that! She would be out of luck if she lived on the PS3, though. She will soon tell all (well, most), and I’m sure the guys will not think it’s as bad as she’s expecting. Thank you, ghastley!

King Coin: Sorry, I should have specified that Abiene will just be on call overnight at the chapel. She’ll probably get more rest at work than with Jerric! Lildereth has often used a Frenzy spell to get people to fight to the death, so that was what she feared Earana was doing. By the time she could get into position to Calm him, he would probably be lying on a pile of the guards he killed with a bunch of arrows sticking out of his shirt. As Darnand would say, her imagination carried her away for the moment. Thank you, KC!

Acadian: I thought of you and Buffy when Lildereth said those lines! Indeed, Lildereth doesn’t, er, blow her nose without a tactical plan, so a surprise can cause big problems. The trade-off for Jerric’s friendship is exposure, which is Lildereth’s worst nightmare. I also thought of you when Jerric made the horrendous gaffe of offering her payment! As you immediately knew, it would be hard to think of a way to make her more hurt and angry. The Nord was not having his best day. Thank you so much, Acadian!

McBadgere: Oh, Jerric’s feelings for Lildereth are worlds away from his Abiene disaster. Lildereth is a suddenly close friend in a hot little package, a bit like Darnand only less so and far more interesting naked. In some ways he is closer to Darnand and Lildereth than he is to Abiene, since she lacks the context for what happens between people who fight for their lives together. But, things keep changing. Many thanks, McB!


Where we are: Chorrol. Jerric punched Earana and got arrested. Lildereth bailed him out, stealthily of course. Jerric pissed off Lildereth when he asked her to steal his helm for money. Darnand pissed off Jerric by setting him on fire. Abiene’s letters to Jerric were lost in the accident.

The creature in this update would have been very vanilla, but McBadgere’s Androforms inspired me to make it a little bit cooler. Um, even though it doesn’t do much in this update.




Chapter 15: Chorrol, Part Twelve (Naked Again)


Darnand waited in the mages guild reception hall, a pottery mug in his hands. The kahve had long gone cold. Contumeliorus and Alberic’s wife stood close enough to let him appear occupied, yet far enough that he could safely ignore their conversation. Yesterday after Jerric had calmed down and released him from Teekeeus’ bedchamber, they had not found opportunity to converse. Today promised to be similar. There was a matter that needed discussion, if the Nord ever stirred from his rented bed. Perhaps another misadventure had claimed him between the Grey Mare and the guild hall. Darnand considered walking outside to check.

Teekeeus paced back across the chamber, staring at the outer wall as if he could see through it. Earana, Darnand decided. Teekeeus was surely using a spell to watch Great Oak Place. That Altmer had the chapter head still trapped in his hall. Recent events had agitated him further, and his nervousness was spreading through the guild like a contagion.

The Argonian whipped around and darted back into the dining chamber, jerking the draperies closed across his retreating tail. The front door opened. Jerric strolled through, carrying a wave of damp chill with him. His half-laced tunic and wrinkled trousers gave him the look of some cheerful vagabond. Darnand assessed his morning hair in amusement. One might purchase a comb for a Nord, he thought, but one cannot make him use it.

“Good morning,” Jerric called, though three steps brought him across the room. “How does the day greet you?” He plucked the mug from Darnand’s hand, downing half of the contents before Darnand could warn him.

“It is cold,” Darnand said as Jerric choked on the kahve. “Have you eaten anything?”

“Nope.” Jerric handed back the empty mug. “I’m ready.”

“Athragar is occupied in the library. Might we speak for a moment?”

Jerric propped an elbow on the long counter, shifting the pack across his shoulder. “Sure. You have another scroll for me to try? Let me guess, this time you’re going to, what, freeze my balls off? Shock my toenails? Set my head on fire and finish the job?”

Darnand placed the kahve mug on the counter. “I was unable to translate any part of the book while you had me cornered in Teekeeus’ chamber, but I did manage to open it. Some Imperials have appended notes in the margins of one section, presumably at the time the pillar fragment was relocated to Cloud Top. Anyone who performs a simple ritual should receive knowledge of a lightning spell from the pillar. The Imperials termed it “Fingers of the Mountain.” Any mortal would receive the spell, even one who has no training in destruction magic. However, I should think that there is more to the ritual than the notations describe. Otherwise the charred mage would have known to take precautions.”

“What about the papers? Did you figure out what to do?”

Darnand shook his head. “I have heard that the translations were already stolen from Teekeeus. The book remains in his keeping.”

Jerric looked thoughtful for a moment. “So you think the dead fellow wasn’t murdered, he accidentally shocked himself to death with the pillar?”

“That is my conclusion. The Welkynd stone you found on the corpse would suggest one necessary component.” He held up his hand before Jerric could speak. “I have no intention of attempting to gain this spell. It might be an advantage if the spell channeled atmospheric energy rather than a body’s magicka, but such a thing is unlikely. Additionally, any Welkynd stone that we might procure should go to Lildereth. Furthermore—”

Darnand found himself hauled to the basement by the front of his robe. Jerric kicked the door closed and placed him gently on the landing. “Out with it, Breton.”

“I took the notes,” Darnand said quietly, “after Teekeeus checked them last night.”

Jerric let go. “You just lied to me?”

“Teekeeus was eavesdropping from behind the draperies. He would assume that I tried to read the book yesterday, but he does not know who later stole the notes. I cracked the window latch to suggest forced entry. I intended to explain all of this at the earliest opportunity.” Darnand began to feel more annoyed than apologetic. “You did not trust me?”

Now Jerric looked sorry. “Well, you were spouting a bunch of dreck. ‘I shall not seek out that mysterious arcane power.’ Yeah, and I’m an Argonian concubine.”

“There is more to learn from the translations before we might attempt to use the pillar. Someone has already done the work, and it was not Teekeeus. I will admit that I am not comfortable with my actions.” Darnand straightened his robe.

“That other mage thought he knew what to do up at Cloud Top, and he’s a dark stain under a thin layer of rocks right now,” Jerric warned.

“We must be cautious,” Darnand agreed.

Jerric gave him a look. “I mean whoever did the translating could have made mistakes. You’ll need to check their work. It’s wrong, but we might need that book.”

The basement door opened. Athragar poked his head through. “Are you there, lads? Excellent!” He hopped down a few steps and stood polishing his hands together. “Shall we summon something dreadful?”

Yesterday’s efforts had seen their preparations complete. The three of them moved deeper into the basement and set about their final tasks. Athragar disappeared into the summoning chamber. Jerric stripped down and stood still while Darnand swabbed his back with the solution of frost salts. Everything inside the chamber must be purified, including the summoner. Frost salts were specific to this particular ritual.

Darnand’s participation was not essential, but Athragar had welcomed the extra set of hands. Jerric seemed eased by his presence. In this undertaking, an unsettled mind could be as detrimental as an ill-prepared one.

“You should thank me for your deforested state,” Darnand remarked. “Otherwise you might have accidentally summoned a wooly mammoth.” He stepped back to view his work. “Here, I expect you can reach the rest.”

Jerric made quick use of the solution. His nerves became evident while they waited for Athragar to finish.

“You are capable and well prepared,” Darnand assured him.

“I was thinking I would try a storm atronach,” Jerric replied. “Athragar said no. Now I wonder if I can…” He stared at his toes, shaking his head.

Darnand shared his concerns, but there was nothing to be gained by admitting it. “When you have succeeded, we should discuss the possibility of a spell that will allow us to communicate over distances. Skilled summoners can manage it without the aid of enchanted devices. Athragar thinks we should try.”

Jerric looked over in surprise.

“At the College of Winterhold, they teach a ritual that summons atronachs as thralls, persistent in this realm,” Darnand added. He prepared his next statement, in case Jerric was not yet sufficiently distracted.

A slow smile warmed his friend’s face. “Thanks, Darnand. You’re right, I can do this.” His palm thumped on Darnand’s shoulder. “I wish someday we could go to Skyrim.”

Darnand sighed and picked up the frost salt solution.

“Dammit!” said Jerric. He purified his hand again. “I wonder what kind of juice we’ll have to make when we try to summon each other.”

Darnand snorted, and Jerric laughed. The Nord didn’t need to finish his jests any more.

Athragar soon beckoned Jerric into the summoning chamber. Darnand waited outside. Opening a bridge into the Void was a dangerous prospect, and his presence would only invite accidents. He remembered his first contact with the flame atronach he had lured into his circle. Her rage at the confinement left him shaky for days. His daedroth’s bestial mind had been easy to dominate compared to the otherwise weaker flame atronach. Jerric had demonstrated exquisite control over his scamp, but Darnand had no idea how his friend would react to an atronach’s savage intelligence. He silently willed Jerric to succeed.

Athragar backed out into the corridor, mopping the floor with the mixture of dissolved void salts as he went. As he secured the door, Darnand heard Jerric begin his invocation. The Bosmer smiled up at Darnand. “You are right to fear for your friend, but I have not lost a student to a frost atronach in over half a century. I do not think I will lose one today.”

Darnand picked up the buckets. The vapor made his eyes water. “You were with me when I summoned my atronach,” he objected. “You were inside the chamber the entire time.”

Athragar took his arm absently and drew them down the corridor. “You have grown so much in these few years, my lad. You were not ready. I knew you would have tried on your own, had I denied you, and then I would have had a dead student and a rampaging daedra on my hands. I thought that failure would teach you caution, and I wanted to ensure that you survived the lesson. To my surprise, you succeeded. Good for you!” He gave Darnand a merry grin.

Darnand freed his arm. Only a wood elf’s capricious mind could find amusement at a time like this. He wondered what Lildereth was doing.

The two of them stood in the silent corridor, listening to the low rhythm of Jerric’s chanting. There was nothing he could do now for his friend. Darnand turned his mind toward other troubles. The pillar, the Altmer, and the Argonian.

Jerric had secured his recommendation by handing the recovered materials over to Teekeeus. Knocking Earana to the ground and getting arrested for it had merely put his personal stamp on the assignment. Darnand was certain Jerric would never have thought about that pillar again, if not for Darnand’s influence. While his friend seemed to support Darnand’s theft now, his conscience would soon bother him.

Though his principles would make him resist securing it, the Nord was right about possibly needing the book. If the notes did not warn against the kind of danger that could incinerate a person, then someone had made a mistake. It had not been Teekeeus. Darnand had seen enough to know that none of the work was in his hand. He considered the possibility of approaching Earana.

And there lay the problem. Even if he determined that the translations were rightfully hers, he would further betray Teekeeus by seeking her help. The charred remains at Cloud Top justified Teekeeus’ caution, though Darnand exempted himself from any related restrictions. Of course once Jerric’s mind had cleared of its present worries, he would insist that they return the notes to their proper owner. Once a fight was over, Jerric did not hold a grudge. If the work was Earana’s, Darnand would have to choose between deceiving Jerric and disloyalty to Teekeeus.

Your gut knows the answer, Jerric would say. Darnand almost smiled. His concerns lifted immediately.

A commotion arose in the summoning chamber. Darnand leaped for the door, Dispel in one hand and fire in the other. Athragar was a half-step ahead, his own hands glowing pink.

“Wait,” hissed Athragar. “Now he must control it. Be still.”

After an age, the clamor ceased. Darnand nervously began to cast a Detect Life spell.

A knock sounded in their predetermined signal. Athragar dispelled the wards, and Darnand removed the braces.

The door swung open. Jerric stood in a shroud of steam, one forearm braced against the frame. Moisture rolled down from his soaking hair. The cold hit Darnand along with the smell of sweat. His friend stepped to the side.

A crystalline mountain knelt beside the broken circle. Mist rose from the planes of its surface, illuminated by its pale inner light. As he watched, the creature lifted its hands from its thighs with the groan and pop of shifting ice. It brought them together in the traditional Elven gesture of greeting. Darnand’s mind emptied of everything but awe.

“What are you going to call this one?” Athragar murmured. “Twinkle? Snowflake?”

Darnand looked over in time to catch Jerric’s cold smile.

“It says its name is Ishckrihk,” he said.

[King Coin]

Huh, did Teekeeus just run away from Jerric? Did Jerric really take the mug and drink it before Darnand could warn him, or did Darnand just choose to be slow? Wow, Darnand is becoming tricky. He just lied for the benefit of someone that a preoccupied mage shouldn’t have even been aware of!

“I wish someday we could go to Skyrim.”
I do too! There’s still much to be done here however.

I like how you portray the atronachs. The flame atronach must have really scared Darnand! I really like Athragar! So cheerful despite talking of dead students, failure, and rampaging daedra!

I’m not entirely sure what Darnand is going to do regarding Earana and the pillar.

Jerric’s Atronach has a name of its own! That’s really cool!

[ghastley]

Love what you've done with the "learning to summon" experience. It's so much better than the game's method of just buying it and you instantly know everything. In particular the concept that summoning a Flame Atronach should be harder to learn than summoning a Daedroth. It's too easy to conflate the cost of learning with the cost of casting.

Are we to understand that the Frost Atronach telling Jerric what it's name is, rather than the other way round, indicates that the subduing was a closer thing than he'd like?

So Darnand wants the FotM spell, does he? He'll have even less reason not to, if he learns that the Welkynd stone isn't lost in the process.

[mALX]

I didn't want to mention it, but there was a touch of the College of Winterhold in that scroll Darnand used on Jerric last chapter - now he is mentioning the College, using the ward...wishing they could go to Skyrim popping up suddenly...

Are we seeing the beginnings of Jerric and Darnand moving to Skyrim? [insert sad puppy eyes looking back toward Cyrodiil]


Darnand could be thrown out of the Mages Guild for stealing, the thought instantly popped into my head that the Necrodude he met with in the Imperial City has changed some things about Darnand. So far he has tumbled Lildereth and now stealing, risking his career with the Mages Guild...I feel like we are seeing things we should be noticing but they are so subtle we are letting them slip by unnoticed. Or I'm reading too much into them, ROFL !!!!

Jerric's face and the naming of the Atronach caused me to spray my keyboard and monitor. Why do I envision a bossy female Atronach? ROFL !!!

Awesome Chapter !!!!!! Always Always Awesome Write !!!

[McBadgere]

Aw hell yeah!!...Jerric...On ma birthday!!!...Oh yeah!!!... ...

“What are you going to call this one?” Athragar murmured. “Twinkle? Snowflake?”

Darnand looked over in time to catch Jerric’s cold smile.

“It says its name is Ishckrihk,” he said.

*Wails with pure joy*...

As he watched, the creature lifted its hands from its thighs with the groan and pop of shifting ice. It brought them together in the traditional Elven gesture of greeting.

Darnand’s mind emptied of everything but awe.

As, m'dear, did mine...Although, I will grant that it didn't take long to clear the space, if you know what I mean?... ...

That was an amazing chapter...Loved all the stuff leading up to Jerric's arrival...The revelation that Darnand was stealing stuff and then the whole thing in the basement...Absolutely brilliant...

The idea that the Darnand I thought I knew has been changed by the stuff in Imp City, as mALX said...Weird to see what seemed to be a pretty staid stick-in-the-mud is now stealing and considering betraying friends and the guild...Amazing stuff!!...

The Skyrim references are interesting...You thinking of re-ordering time here? ...I thought that was my schtick!... ...

I absolutely loved this chapter...Thank you for a wonderful birthday present... ...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

[SubRosa]

It sounds like Jerric spent the night with someone cuddly and Bretonish, although not Darnand!

I should think that there is more to the ritual than the notations describe. Otherwise the charred mage would have known to take precautions.
Like drinking a resist shock potion for starters... I see Darnand is still interested in the spell. If he knew it cost more to cast than a spell of the same effects that you could make yourself I doubt he would be so interested.

“Shall we summon something dreadful?”
Now that is a way to start a conversation!

So Jerric is stripped down and exfoliating with frost salts? Who is he summoning, Jenna Jameson? Seriously though, it is kind of nice to see all of this effort going into the first time one summons a critter. Presumably it will be the same being every time after that as well. Otherwise all that work would just be too much (and impossible to do in the heat of the moment). It reminds me of Skyrim, and all those encounters we have in the wilderness with a Daedra fighting it out with a mage (who likely summoned it).

The reference to the College of Winterhold was a nice nod to the most recent game in the series, as was the mention of thrallage.

“It says its name is Ishckrihk,”
Sounds like its a Dwemer Daedra to me.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Aug 7 2012, 09:14 PM

[Acadian]

’…they had not found opportunity to converse.’
In your opening paragraph, this choice of wording simply screams out that we are seeing things from Darnand’s perspective here; only he would frame his thoughts with words like that. Testimony to how well you know and portray your characters!

’Jerric propped an elbow on the long counter, shifting the pack across his shoulder.’
I continue to be so impressed by the care and attention you take when crafting/editing your sentences. It would have been so easy and natural to use the word ‘his’ three times in this sentence, but you gracefully avoided such repetition by substituting ‘an’ and ‘the’ when you could. It’s a small thing, but many of us can learn much from the care you take.

’Darnand freed his arm. Only a wood elf’s capricious mind could find amusement at a time like this. He wondered what Lildereth was doing.’

I love Athragar’s summoning party and your amazing description of the frostie! Well done! I think a frostie would be a perfect familiar for our Nord – small, subtle and gentle, just like he is. Just think, a frostie could recharge Jerric’s magic with its spells and those that didn’t get absorbed wouldn’t even hurt (much).

[haute ecole rider]

Chorrol will never be the same again after the Three Musketeers (and their Milady deWinter!) get done with it!

I had to laugh at Darnand's new spell for Jerric. Ouch! At least it wasn't a full body wax job! Yikes!

And the Frost Atronach was awesome, right down to the unpronounceable Croatian name!

[Grits]

Where we are: Chorrol. Darnand decided to let Jerric’s conscience be their guide, at least in the matter of the stolen notes. Jerric learned how to summon a frost atronach.

King Coin: If Darnand ever gets serious about pranking Jerric, the Nord will have no chance against him! You're right, Darnand probably wouldn't have noticed Teekeeus listening if he wasn't already paying attention to him. Teekeeus hid not knowing if the approaching life sign was the dreaded Earana or just another tall person (Jerric). I’ve allowed Detect Life to see into other cells in the story, unlike in the game. Thank you, KC! The guys won’t be done with the pillar for some time yet.

ghastley: Exactly, it was a close call between Jerric and the frost atronach. His usual flippant attitude might take some time to resurface. Though it was very tempting to give him an atronach named Twinkle. I’m so glad you like the tweaks to summoning. I went out on a limb a little there with the journeyman/expert business. Thank you, ghastley!

mALX: Don't worry, there is no way these two are going on a Skyrim vacation until AFTER they save the world!! I definitely want to bring hints of the other provinces in, though, since I love it in other stories when Cyrodiil feels like part of an empire rather than a culturally isolated place. You have spotted evidence of Darnand’s shifting loyalties. Not long ago he would have been strictly by the book just like Teekeeus (with exceptions to the rule for himself, of course), but now he has ideas that don’t fit the way the Mages Guild works. Thank you, mALX!

McBadgere: No time reorder here, dragons won’t return to Skyrim for 200 some more years. And if I ever do get around to a Skyrim Jerric story, Winterhold won’t have fallen into the sea yet. (That’s going to be fun! ) Darnand has let himself off the leash, and he’s not sure where the boundaries are. It’s been interesting to see where he goes. Thank you, McB!

SubRosa: I’m glad I didn’t have to try to pronounce “Ishckrihk”! Good thing Jerric has that nimble tongue. You’re right, after this he will summon the same frost atronach the way he summons his scamp. I got some general ideas for the initial ritual from the game book Liminal Bridges. Since the daedric summonings might be somewhat adversarial relationships, I decided the summoner would use a trick and trap approach. That made me think about what could go wrong while fishing in the Void, such as trying for a scamp and accidentally attracting a daedroth. An alchemist would have to be especially careful to check what he had in his pockets. Thus the bare butt beauty treatment. Thank you, SubRosa!

Acadian: Thank you so much, Acadian! Your wise counsel led to my habit of leaving an update alone for a day between re-writes, plus another day before the final look. My last-minute edits always make a hash of what was done before. Though sometimes I blame it on background noise. You’re right, the Nord and the ice pile make a good pair, apart from the time they spend wedged together in doorways.

haute ecole rider: I’m sure that most would opt for Aela and Teresa’s gentle spell of depilation rather than Darnand’s! Though the fire probably resurfaced his skin, sort of a TES laser spa treatment. Chorrol has been fun to write. I’ll miss it when they leave! Thank you, haute!

Chapter 15: Chorrol, Part Thirteen

Jerric stood on the guest cottage porch, grinning. Jone’s Shadow had concealed his approach, and his life detection ring assured him that no other shrouded figure had followed. The cottage key was ready in his hand, but unneeded. A lithe pink glow within the cottage had leaped up at the sound of his step. By all the Nine, tonight will be for laughing, thought Jerric. Let the sorrow wait.

Abiene’s life sign bloomed into brilliance as he moved through the door, removing the ring while juggling key, pack, woman, and a large box of Healer’s Boon potions. He closed his eyes as the glow faded, breathing in the green scent from her bath. She smelled like spring on the Gold Coast, standing in new grass at dawn.

“Dew,” said Jerric.

Abiene laughed into his neck. “Do what? Ask anything.”

“Now there’s an invitation to make a man forget all toil and strife.”

“I heard you spent all day toiling in the alchemy lab. After you summoned a frost atronach! I suppose that was the strife. Well done!”

“Yeah, I just did it to impress the girls. How did you find out so soon?”

“I know a little bird who keeps me well informed,” Abiene told him.

“A skinny Breton, you mean. When did Darnand get over to see you? Was it when he went to beg void salts off Athragar? Sly dog. My potions would have been better if he really got some instead of going visiting, just so you know.”

Abiene tilted her head to the side. “It was Dar-Ma. What do you need void salts for? I thought you only had to perform your summoning ritual once.”

“For my potions. I made a batch that restore magicka while they also make your… I mean a person’s magicka return faster. With void salts I could have added an arcane well to increase, uh, the mage’s magicka reserve.” So much for the surprise, he scolded himself. He shifted the box, digging in his pocket. “It was Darnand’s idea. Anyway, before I forget again, this was supposed to be for your birthday. Sorry I didn’t get here in time.” He handed her a small velvet pouch.

“I worked the whole day, you didn’t miss a thing.” Abiene untied the ribbon with an excited little bounce. “A ring! Now I know why you look nervous. Don’t worry, I remember what you said the other night.” She slipped it on her finger and held it out for them to admire. “I feel the same. What’s the enchantment?”

“Weatherward. It will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Darnand’s idea, I was only thinking how cold you’d be up here in the highlands. He’s the one who said someday you’d move back to Anvil. Or I guess it will work just as well in Leyawiin.”

“Darnand said that? Did he enchant this, too?” Abiene’s smile faltered for a moment, but it was back when she looked up at him. “It’s lovely. The gems match the earrings you gave me! How did you know to choose gold? I rarely wear jewelry.”

Jerric felt quite pleased with himself. “Last summer you wore that little chain around your belly with the dangly thing on it. I remember you’d put it on right before we, you know. I meant to ask you about it, but I kept falling asleep after and then you’d kick me out. Why don’t you wear it anymore? I liked it.”

“Oh, that was my lily charm. It was given to me by a priest of Dibella. Last summer I wasn’t expecting to be with a man, so I hadn’t made my moons potion. After that I was prepared.”

“Well, that’s good to— Wait, what? Who were you expecting to… uh…”

“What’s in the big box?” Abiene asked, all innocence.

Jerric held it behind his back. “No way.”

Abiene laughed. “All right. You know I participate in some of Dibella’s sacraments.”

“Yeah, but…”

“No, I’m not going to tell you about it. Those rites are observed in seclusion for a reason! It’s a temple, not a brothel.”

“Abiene, you’ve got to tell me more than that.” He put down the box.

She reached for him. “I’ll explain this much. Dibella is present in all of the sensual arts. A sculptor or a chef does not need to be beautiful to create pleasing work. It’s the same when I celebrate at the chapel. It’s for the adoration of Dibella, not just our enjoyment. I know that’s hard for you Sanguine types to understand.”

“So you’re saying you’re the artist in this situation.” Jerric gave her a little grind to demonstrate his interest. “See, I’m listening.” He buried his face in her hair.

Abiene’s tone had grown more serious. “For a layperson to join in a sacrament is a tremendous honor as well as an achievement, Jerric. I was trained at the House of Dibella in Leyawiin, years ago. They didn’t choose me for my looks.”

This was too much to think about all at once, especially while he was holding her. “How did they pick you?”

“Simple, even then it was clear I was a healer. I can do more with the body’s energies than knit tissue and cure disease.” She reminded him with a tickle of magicka.

“So one day a priestess just walked up and made a suggestion? I should have spent more time in the temples!”

“Goodness, no. Oh, you’re jesting!” Abiene made him hold his breath for a moment. “It was a colleague of my Papa’s who took an interest in my education. I soon learned he was planning for his own pleasure, but that became a different lesson. He knew I had Mara’s Gift, and what that could mean.”

“You mean a friend of your da’s and you… How old were you? What does Mara’s Gift have to do with Dibella?” Jerric had to stop her hands so that he could pay attention. “What are you talking about, Abiene?”

Worry clouded her expression. “Look, I wouldn’t have… Mara’s Gift is how I heal the way I do. I don’t know why they call it that, I’m no theologian. Everyone born under the Ritual has a chance of developing the way I did, but most don’t have the luxury of study. Mara’s Gift can become the key to a mortal’s energies. The body is just one of the locks. Stendarr’s path lies that way, but so does Dibella’s.” She brushed a curl away from her eyes. “Of course my Papa thinks I spent all that time learning Restoration. It would crush him to know his friend betrayed his trust. That man followed Stendarr, Julianos, and Azura, as well as some others. I’ll never understand Dunmeri religions.” Abiene stood looking up at him. “You’re hurting me, Jerric.”

He let go of her arm. “Are you saying that some dark elf used you right under your da’s nose? This was before you went to the Arcane University, right?”

Abiene frowned. “Just stop. He may have taken liberties, but I was willing. And no, I’m not going to tell you his name. You’d ride straight to Leyawiin and put your fist in his face. Believe me, that’s unnecessary. And anyway, I’m too old for him now.”

“So he still lives in Leyawiin, then? Is he still taking advantage of little girls? What about your sister?”

“Little girls?” Abiene shoved away from him, furious. “Dibella’s Consecrated do not teach erotic arts to children! What has gotten into you? I was sleeping with Vidkun the whole time, too, and you weren’t angry when I told you about him! And my mother found out somehow, and she’d have his stones in a jar if he went near my sister! Anyway, Sidette was born under the Warrior! Why would he take an interest in her?” She punched him on the stomach, he guessed for good measure.

“Whoa, whoa, I guess I got a wrong idea. Gods, Abiene! Let’s go back to the part where we were just happy.”

Abiene’s eyes flooded. Her fingers twisted into a white-knuckled knot.

“Oh, hells,” Jerric groaned. There was no way to turn this tide. Best to just ride it out. “All this comes of too much talk. We should have quit when you said ‘lily.’” He scratched a hand over his head. “Still, I guess we have a lot of ground to cover in just a short time. The loving and the fighting.”

Somehow he had said the right thing. Abiene lifted her chin, blinking the tears away. “You’re right, we’re in Lady Mara’s hands now. No matter what we try to say about it.” She reached out, digging her fingers into his sides. He saw that light back in her face, defying all reason. “Or what you try not to say. I love you, Nord. That’s not something you can protect me from.”

“Abiene…”

She stopped him with a kiss and a sharp tug on his belt. “Anyway, you’re right. I’m finished talking.”

Jerric remembered his newly bald condition at the same time Abiene discovered it. She stepped back with both hands clapped over her mouth, looking every bit as surprised as he expected. “What happened?” she gasped between her fingers.

“Uh,” said Jerric. “That fetcher Darnand… That is, his spell…”

It was hard to see anything but shock in her eyes. He began to get worried.

“It was an accident,” Jerric explained. He dropped his trousers to get it over with. “Look, you might as well—” But then he found himself holding on to the furniture.

Jerric woke some time later in an empty bed. His stomach told him it was nowhere near morning.

Abiene sat before the fire, crowned by golden light. She was occupied with something in her lap. Mending his shirt, he realized. Her blanket had slipped down, baring one shoulder.

I’m leaving soon, Jerric thought. This could be our last night together. Rather than calling her back to bed, he just watched.

It was easy to imagine an infant in her arms. Where would we live, he wondered. He decided it didn’t matter. Contentment brought a vague surprise that he could feel it. It’s not a lie, he told himself. Just a dream.

Abiene bit off the thread and placed his shirt on the low table. She looked over at him and smiled.

Jerric held out his hand.





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This post has been edited by Grits: Aug 13 2012, 12:29 AM

[McBadgere]

Wow ...That was intense...

Looks like he really does have all the success with women that most real men have... ...

Sooo...Bit of Dunmer style how's yer father in Abiene's past...*Raises eyebrow*...And she seemed such a sweet girl... ...Love the way these characters are still evolving in such a short space of time...

Brilliant chapter...

Looking forward to seeing what comes next...I never know what to expect!... ...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

Oh yeah...

He dropped his trousers to get it over with. “Look, you might as well—” But then he found himself holding on to the furniture.

... ...

[mALX]

*

WHEW !!! I am so glad to hear that they will be finishing out the storyline you've started in Cyrodiil !!! I agree, I love the feel of Cyrodiil being a part of the rest of Tamriel too, the bringing up of things in the other provinces.

Jerric should have learned his lesson about talking with Abiene BEFOREHAND - never a good idea. This time the misunderstandings were all his own fault, lol. Jerric jealous is a funny sight, reading sex into every word she utters, ROFL !!

Still, the scene between them was very Jerric and Abiene, but now Jerric is finally letting his heart lead before his other parts.

You have brought the two of them around full circle, what started off with intense heat is warming into love - really Awesome Write !!! (As Always).

I am still fretting Darnand's discovery of it, but maybe if it is love he will accept his defeat. Still, I don't count him out of the equation. He may yet get his day.

Awesome Chapter !!!!


*

[King Coin]

Back to Abiene! Jerric’s being more careful this time. Paranoia might just keep him and her alive now that the Mythic Dawn is a threat.

Another birthday present? Didn’t Darnand get her a ring? I must go back and look. If it was, then no wonder she suddenly feels strange.

Abiene wore a belly chain? Some background on her, she wasn’t idle.

The reaction when she finds him hairless!

Aww, what a bitter sweet ending.

[SubRosa]

She smelled like spring on the Gold Coast, standing in new grass at dawn.
Now that is a wonderfully evocative description.

The explanation of the Lily charm was a good touch. It is nice to see someone thinking of birth control in fiction for a change. Usually we always see people rushing into the sack without a moment's consideration, and somehow conveniently never getting pregnant because of it.

I also enjoyed seeing the depth you put into Abiene's background as a Dibellan, and the situation with her father's friend. It ties in very well with her empathic healing, and her birthsign.

[Acadian]

What a perfect ending to a perfectly delightful episode! Jerric and Abiene did indeed cover a lot of ground – lots to make up for, the lovin’ and the fightin’. Their quickly paced natural dialogue was simply fabulous.

Oh, I really agree with SubRosa about the evocative scents Abiene inspires - beautiful! Wonderful touches of her past and glimpses into what makes her tick.

I loved how Jerric woke up and relied on his stomach to assess the time.

”I love you, Nord.”
’It was easy to imagine an infant in her arms.’
Yup, mALX is right. Lust has blossomed into something much deeper.

[ghastley]

I should learn to get here before everyone else has said it all.

I'm now wondering how much Abiene understands how Jerric feels about her. And what was in the big box. Did I miss that bit?