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

[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.





.

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?

[haute ecole rider]

I'm with ghastley there - what's in the big box?

Loved this scene, as I have loved every little scene between the two of them. Somehow you keep their relationship interesting and bring us gently along its evolution from a beachside fling to something more profound.

But I have to admit to a niggling concern about Darnand. For some reason I keep thinking about Loki. Hmm.

[Grits]

Where we are: Chorrol. Lildereth has been busy stealing Jerric’s helm from Weynon Priory. Darnand has been busy studying the notes he stole from Teekeeus. Jerric and Abiene had a fight and a rodeo. Abiene offered some tender words. Jerric bit his tongue, but he couldn’t help thinking them.

McBadgere: Thank you so much, McB! It means a lot to know that the evolutions are coming across. We’ll have some more talking next, but then things will happen.

mALX: Poor Jerric does not know what to do about jealousy! I wouldn’t be surprised if he peed a perimeter around the cottage to mark his territory. Thank you so much, mALX! Full circle is what I was going for in several ways.

King Coin: Abiene’s belly chain was a tribute to Aravi’s hottest accessory, but I didn’t want to spoil the surprise by mentioning it before! Darnand got Abiene a bracelet, but he enchanted the ring for Jerric to give to her. That’s exactly what was on Abiene’s mind in the moment you pointed out. Thank you, KC!

SubRosa: I’m glad you liked the lily charm. I have a very short Abiene piece in the works that ties together birth control, freedom of religion, social classes, and women’s rights, but I’m not sure if it will ever make it past the rough draft. It’s, hmm, perhaps a little ambitious for a short story. My hope with shedding some light on Abiene’s birthsign and background was to show that while she’s far from ordinary, there are others like her. Also to explain how a gently reared young woman could make one of Sanguine’s favorites blush. Thank you, SubRosa!

Acadian: I thought you might enjoy Jerric’s internal clock. It never fails! That thought of Jerric’s that you pointed out was exactly meant to echo the line of Abiene’s. Thank you so much for quoting them together!

ghastley: Abiene would definitely like to hear him say the words. I’m sure that doubt and insecurity will creep in as soon as he’s gone, since she can’t completely trust the memory of a feeling. The big box was full of those Healer’s Boon potions that Jerric was talking about: restore magicka plus fortify willpower. He wanted them to also fortify magicka, but Darnand didn’t get any void salts. I’m trying to pare down the length of my posts a little, and I think I trimmed too much that time! Sorry about the confusion. Thank you, ghastley!

haute ecole rider: You are right to be concerned about Darnand. He admitted that his father’s rules seemed reasonable to him growing up, so he never bothered to question them. Then after some bad behavior he adopted Teekeeus’ code out of respect and gratitude. Now he has tossed that away in favor of Jerric’s conscience, because Jerric has become more important to him. What happens when someone who surpasses Jerric comes along? Darnand may be steering by a good compass, but it’s still not his own. Thank you, haute!

Regarding this update: In this episode’s little game of would-you-rather, Jerric’s remark was sparked by a comment that Glargg made on the official forum, and Darnand’s reply is a tribute to ghastley’s lady orcs’ antics. Of course all resulting crudeness is completely my fault. Thank you both for the inspiration!! Also, reminders: The adventurers need to fill soul gems in order to enchant Jerric’s new armor, and Lildereth still needs more Welkynd stones.




Chapter 15: Chorrol, Part Fourteen


Jerric sat watching Emfrid knock a tap into the end of a cask. His book lay open and neglected on the bar. The smell of roasting pork teased his empty belly. Another hour before it would be ready, she had said. How long ago had that been? He glanced into his tankard. Damn. It had only been a few minutes. He picked up the pitcher to top off his beer.

Darnand’s presence brushed against his mind. Nord. Are you within?

Am I within what? Jerric sent back warily. He wondered if the Breton could tell what he had been thinking about. It wasn’t his fault that Emfrid spent so much time bending over.

Gods, Darnand replied, disgust coloring his mental voice. Jerric laughed as the man himself strode through the door.

“Could you tell what I was thinking?” Jerric asked. He made an inquiring gesture with the pitcher.

Darnand declined with a head shake. He sat on the bar stool at an angle to Jerric, his back toward the door. “Thankfully, no. It still does not work that way. However, your tone conveyed more than I needed to know.” He returned Emfrid’s nod of greeting. “Good evening, Emfrid. Nothing for me, thank you. I will not stay long.”

The publican picked up her bar towel and walked over to wipe down a table.

“How does Ishckrihk speak to you?” Darnand asked, bringing Jerric’s eyes back to his friend. “I meant to ask you this morning, but I did not wish to interrupt Athragar.”

“Yeah. That little fetcher has some tales. I had no idea a person could do half the things he mentioned. I’m glad we caught on to this mind-summoning so quick. Otherwise I guess we’d’ve used up the whole morning in work.” Darnand had one of his patient looks. “Oh, right. Ishckrihk. He doesn’t speak in words the way we do. I get a thought in my head like it’s something I already know, but it’s from him. I’ll have to watch myself while he’s with me. Some of his ideas are pretty bad, so there’s no way they’re mine. But I guess he could learn to trick me.” Darnand looked thoughtful. “Is that what your fire wench does?”

“No,” said Darnand. “She does not attempt to reach me at all. When I first defeated her, I had the sense of infinite rage. Now she simply obeys my commands, and returns to the Void as soon as my spell weakens.”

“I think the ice man would like to stick around. He seems to like it here.” Jerric watched Darnand think for another moment. “Anything on your mind this evening? I’m taking a break from the potion brewing, but I can head back over in a couple of hours if you want to work tonight.” He had missed their campfire talks, and Darnand might be ready to tell some of his own stories while they were in Chorrol.

“I have more recipes for you. One was inspired by your mention of Sinderion’s Elixir of Exploration. It combines nighteye with life detection. I call it Prowler’s Potion.”

“Sounds like it was inspired by a much shorter elf. With a tight little…” Jerric made a gesture.

Darnand ignored it. “Another will benefit you in combat,” he continued. “It will enhance your armor with a shield effect and reflect a degree of physical damage back onto your attacker at the same time it restores your magicka and bodily stamina.”

“Battlemage’s Brew,” Jerric suggested.

“If you will.”

“Go on, I can tell there are more.”

Darnand produced a roll of parchment. He placed it sheepishly on the bar.

“You have got to be jesting,” groaned Jerric, reading the list. “You need to reach your mastery in alchemy as soon as possible. Can we buy you some training? This will take me days!”

“The ingredients will keep on the road,” Darnand pointed out, “and we can afford them.”

“Yeah.” Jerric became more impressed as he looked over the recipes. “I doubt I would ever have come up with these.”

“You have never really tried. You mix your simple magicka potions and rely on a handful of spells for your needs. As soon as you decided to make potions for Abiene, you began demanding rare ingredients. Put your mind to work. You will surprise yourself.”

“I can’t fiddle with vials in the middle of a fight. Though I guess these are for before the fun starts. Anyway, I’d rather put your mind to work.” He gestured with the parchment. “Why don’t they teach these at the guild? They could save folk a ton of coin if more alchemists knew how to… Oh.”

“Indeed. I would ask that you not share these with anyone, apart from Lildereth. She will read any scrap of paper you have, of course, so you might as well show her.”

Jerric closed his book over the parchment. “I guess you’ve had your nose in old books since we parted. Any luck with those,” he glanced around the tavern, “Ayleid translations?”

Darnand hissed a warning.

“Earana isn’t here,” Jerric told him.

“I know. I passed her in Great Oak Place.”

“Did she threaten you?”

“No.” Darnand frowned at the bar. “I confess I almost wish she had done something actionable. Her presence has sown dissent within the guild. The Chorrol chapter is known for flawless operation. It grieves me to see an outsider cause such disruption.”

“It’s also known for the occasional rampaging daedra,” Jerric remarked.

“Admittedly, yes.”

“All I know about leadership comes of following,” said Jerric. “Teekeeus is losing respect, and he won’t be able to earn it back. If he just does nothing, Earana wins. Before long they’ll be calling him ‘Sits-When-He-Pees.’ If they’re not already.”

“Perhaps someone should approach him with a suggestion.” Darnand’s tone was uneasy.

“I’d rather milk a minotaur,” said Jerric. He shot a challenging glance at his friend.

“I should rather kiss an orc,” Darnand declared. He raised his chin in triumph. “On the mouth.”

Jerric laughed. He guessed that Dunmer book had seen some recent use.

“I shall approach Angalmo on the subject,” Darnand continued. “He is our most senior member, and the least likely to ruffle Teekeeus’ spines. I cannot presume to advise a chapter head.”

“Good. Teekeeus needs to grow a pair and deal with this.” Jerric pretended to consider for a moment. “Although, an Argonian’s—”

“Arragh!” Darnand actually covered his ears.

Jerric laughed again, lifting his tankard in victory.

The outside door opened and closed. Ulfe lurched to her feet, ears alert. By the time Jerric wondered who had entered, Lildereth was seated on the stool next to Darnand. She cradled the hound’s great head against her chest, smiling. A bundle landed on the bar with a hollow thunk. It had to be his helm. “I’m not staying,” she called to Emfrid.

“Lildereth,” Darnand and Jerric chorused.

“Do you want me to put that with the rest of your gear?” asked the elf, nodding at the bundle. She crooned to Ulfe.

Jerric took a moment to examine her, at least the few parts that showed around the dog and the bar. She wore her fur-lined cloak over a green tunic. Wind had mussed her hair and reddened that adorable nose. Lildereth gazed back with an angled brow and half smile. She’s not mad any more, Jerric decided. He realized he was grinning. “Thanks.”

“Will you be ready to go tomorrow?” she asked. “I want to leave before dawn or wait until Middas.”

“I can be ready. Darnand already traded for our tarps and trail rations. I guess we’ll travel light without the horses. You’re going to miss that tent, elf.”

Lildereth snorted. “I’m sure you know a Bosmer’s needs better than I, with your years of camping out of a wagon.”

“You’ll be in my furs before we get back,” Jerric laughed. “You’ll see.”

“Furs?” she scoffed. “I heard that you’re as bald as a skinned rabbit.”

Jerric pointed his tankard at Darnand. “Traitor.”

“You use the public bathhouse, Nord,” said the Breton. “This rumor did not originate with me. I prefer not to discuss the incident, either.”

“So, tomorrow, then,” Jerric said to Lildereth. “I guess I’ll head over to the guild hall after dinner so we can pack up. That will give you plenty of time to complain about all the noise my cook pots will make.”

Lildereth’s eyes popped wide open, and her accusing finger jabbed in his direction. She seemed to be choked by a torrent of objections.

“Ha!” crowed Jerric.

Lildereth laughed, too, when she saw that he was teasing. He decided he would hide the kahve pot deep in his pack, just in case.

“I have acquired another magicka gem for you to fill,” Darnand announced.

“You sure you can’t come with us?” Jerric asked. The Breton’s map and scrolls would accompany them, but the whole mage would be more handy.

“An opportunity to explore an Ayleid ruin is not easily dismissed,” said Darnand. “However, I wish to complete my… studies before we leave Chorrol. It will take a day in good weather just to reach Hrotanda Vale. I do not have the time to spare.”

Lildereth placed a hand on Darnand’s forearm. As a look passed between them, the tension eased from Darnand’s shoulders. Jerric felt his eyebrows lift. He hadn’t realized that the Breton was worried.

Jerric cleared his throat. “Yeah, we’ll be all right. I guess she’ll want me to stay on my feet at least long enough to haul her salvage to the shops. I promise not to pass wind on her head, or belch in her ear, or piss on her leg when she’s not looking. Then she might not have to shoot me.”

Darnand’s face showed the pain of memories. Lildereth stared at Jerric.

“Hey, at least now you’re not thinking about my balded stones,” Jerric pointed out. He gave himself a scratch.

The Breton stood. “I expect we will see you soon enough,” he said to Jerric, turning toward the door. “I shall make a plate for you, though I hope we will not be at work long enough for your second dinner.”

Lildereth slid to her feet and followed. “I’ll come with you.” She shot an amused glance back at Jerric.

Ulfe paced along at the elf’s side. Jerric watched until the dog’s feathered tail whisked out the door.

Emfrid walked back into the public room from the small kitchen. Jerric gave her a hopeful look as she passed. She shook her head. The roast was not ready. He sighed, filling his tankard from the pitcher.

The front door opened again, admitting a slim woman. Jerric’s heart nearly jumped out of his chest. What was she doing here? He quickly scanned the tavern as she walked over, but no one seemed to be paying attention. Her smile sent heat rushing through him. She took the seat recently vacated by Darnand.

“This isn’t your kind of place, Abiene.”

“You’re here,” she said, taking a sip of his beer.

He couldn’t help grinning when she made a face. “I’m not jesting. Remember what we talked about? This isn’t being careful.” He glanced around the room again. Then he realized that looking uneasy was a good way to attract unwelcome attention.

“I’ve been here before, Jerric. Emfrid is my friend. She works all of the time, so I have to come here to visit her. Isn’t she lovely?” Abiene’s face looked suspiciously innocent.

“You work all the time,” said Jerric. “I’m glad to see you, but what’s going on?”

Now she sounded a little impatient. “You have no idea what I had to go through to get away for just a little while. By the time I could have gotten a message to you, I would have been with another patient. I wasn’t even sure that you would be here!”

“You’re taking a risk.” Jerric’s body cried out for her, but he stilled his hands. Frustration made him want to shout.

“You’re the one who told me to take care of myself. I want you more than I need my dinner. I’m ready for you. Right now, if you like. Come on, let’s go upstairs.”

Abiene’s pink cheeks could be blamed on the cold, but not while she wore her Weatherward ring. She wasn’t jesting. Jerric gave the room another nervous glance, shifting on his seat. He leaned in so he could whisper. “You know what that kind of talk does to me. But you’re not going to like it here. The bed is nearly on the floor, and it creaks loud enough to wake the countess.”

Abiene leaned in, too. “Easy. We just won’t use the bed.”

Emfrid walked behind the bar, folding her cloth. The women smiled and clasped each other’s hands in greeting.

“Abiene told me that she knows you from Anvil,” Emfrid said. “Are you two passing secrets?”

Jerric’s mind was as empty as a church on Waking Day.

“He needs a treatment,” Abiene confided. “He was just telling me about it. I can take care of it right now, if you’ll allow healers’ business at your inn.”

“You don’t even need to ask, my friend. Go right ahead.”

“I’d rather work in private, if you don’t mind,” Abiene said.

“Of course, it’s his room as long as he’s paying.” Emfrid shot a curious look at Jerric. “Why didn’t you just go get healed at the chapel?”

“Uh,” said Jerric. He stared at his love in bewilderment. Was she talking about fixing his nose?

“He could if he was in good standing,” Abiene said sweetly. “He’s a friend in need, so I don’t mind coming down here. It’s for the best, anyway. If I don’t treat his rash today, half of Chorrol’s working girls will be scratching tomorrow.”

Emfrid looked like she had just been pinched. Jerric found that his jaw was hanging open. Abiene’s smile was honey-dipped wicked.

She slipped from the stool and took his hand. “Shall we?”

By the time he got the door latched behind them, she had wiggled out of her sleeves and hiked up her skirt.

“Gods, woman,” Jerric muttered, lifting her against the wall. “Why didn’t you just take it off?”

“Splinters,” she gasped, or it might have been, “Winter.” By then he wasn’t really listening.





.

This post has been edited by Grits: Aug 25 2012, 04:49 AM

[King Coin]

I like the communication spell they've been working on. Will be very handy. Jerric's instant worry revealed his thoughts!

The way Jerric's atronach 'speaks' to him is natural in my opinion. The possibility that it might be able to manipulate Jerric adds a very interesting dynamic. Darnand's relationship with his is much more straight forward. Get the job done and leave as soon as possible.

With the big discussion of potions, I thought of one of Aravi's favorites. It was a potion that combined standard shield with frost shield, and had a minor negative effect that I can't remember. The frost shield ran out a little faster than the standard shield, but while they were both active, it boosted Aravi's armor rating to the cap. I wish I could remember the recipe, all I know is that it involved a potato.

Lildereth reads Jerric's stuff... So she likely knows about his letters from Abiene... and Darnand's letters too... Wow. I think it's safe to say she's clued into this little triangle.

As soon as Darnand said something about a soul gem, I wondered if he acquired a black one somehow. I wouldn't put it past him now.

When Lildereth went with Darnand, I wondered if they were going to shack up somewhere. Darnand would likely be conflicted, being in the same town with Abiene.

[mALX]

*

Jerric had me screaming laughing in this episode! Anyone else may have returned later when told it would be an hour before the stew was ready - not Jerric! He sits at the bar and gives starving looks each time Emfrid passes, making every minute he waits feel like hours as he smells the broth!

The closeness growing between Darnand and Lildereth is finally noticed by a stunned Jerric, his usual picking up on every nuance seems to be clouded in Chorrol (by thoughts of Abiene and the smell of Emfrid's stew cooking, probably).

I caught the reference to Ghastley's Orc immediately, ROFL !!! Loved that hint of a crossover!

Over all the wonderful content, I have to quote this line as my absolute favorite - Jerric is out of his league when dealing with a determined woman:

“He could if he was in good standing,” Abiene said sweetly. “He’s a friend in need, so I don’t mind coming down here. It’s for the best, anyway. If I don’t treat his rash today, half of Chorrol’s working girls will be scratching tomorrow.”

Emfrid looked like she had just been pinched. Jerric found that his jaw was hanging open. Abiene’s smile was honey-dipped wicked.

In one line she ensured Emfrid will never allow Jerric to dip his wick, eliminating probably the only competition she may have had in Chorrol !!! ROFL !!!

I also caught that line about Lildereth reading everything - oh yeah, now we know why Lildereth avoided Jerric and allowed Darnand his day.

In this chapter Jerric reminded me of "Clifford" (the big red dog) - galloomphing around with no other thought than the smell of meat at one end and humping legs on the other - he was hysterical !!!!

Absolutely LOVED this update !!! Awesome Write !!!!


*

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 20 2012, 06:53 PM

[SubRosa]

Some neat observations on not only the mildly telepathic links between summoner and Daedra, but also on the personalities of the creatures themselves.

“I’d rather milk a minotaur,”
I hear if you milk that minotaur once, you've got a friend for life...

So Lil left with Darnand? Hmm....

And just in time for the Abster to arrive. That's not being very low profile. But she is a big girl, and she can choose to deal with the consequences. If there are any (just because you are paranoid, does not mean everyone really is out to get you after all). Her statement about Jerric's 'rash' and the poor working girls brought a grin. That was not only funny, but quick thinking!

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Aug 20 2012, 10:29 PM

[ghastley]

I'm sending Sugar over to visit Darnand and call his bluff!

Did I miss where Jerric agreed to go Welkynd hunting with Lildereth this time? The conversation made it appear pre-arranged, but I don't recall that happening.

"Go on, I can tell there are more.”

Darnand produced a roll of parchment. He placed it sheepishly on the bar.

Another very Darnand moment. And I like the way you contrasted their styles of doing Alchemy. Darnand would make a different potion each time, for the research aspect, and not make as many as Jerric, who wants to actually use them. Hence Jerric's the Master first.

[McBadgere]

I know we'd just watched Castle, but when did Jerric become Nathan Fillion?.. ...I could so hear him saying all the Jerric lines... ...

Fantastic stuff...

"Nord, are you within?"

"Am I within what?"

...Loved this, seriously though, I hope thought communication doesn't become reality...Thinking one whole sentence at a time is so difficult!!... ...

I loved the discussion about Ishckrihk...Looking forward to seeing him in a fight...

“I think the ice man would like to stick around. He seems to like it here.”

Yes please!!... ...

It was really fun to see the three of them (Jerric, Darnand and Lildreth) jesting together...Made me laugh muchly...

And then Abiene...Blimey... ... ...

Absolutely loved this chapter...

Amazing stuff...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Aug 21 2012, 04:51 AM

[Acadian]

‘Some of his ideas are pretty bad, so there’s no way they’re mine.’
Um, Jerric. . . I got news for you. . . .

“Sounds like it was inspired by a much shorter elf. With a tight little…” Jerric made a gesture.’
I just know this remark about Prowler’s Potion was inspired by the Lovely Lildereth, not the Bite-sized Butterfly. Wasn’t it?

‘Jerric took a moment to examine her, at least the few parts that showed around the dog and the bar. She wore her fur-lined cloak over a green tunic. Wind had mussed her hair and reddened that adorable nose. Lildereth gazed back with an angled brow and half smile. She’s not mad any more, Jerric decided. He realized he was grinning.'
I’m with you Jerric! I’m quite sure if I looked up the word ‘adorable’ in the dictionary, there would sit a picture of Lildereth!

What a delightful surprise to see Abiene at the Gray Mare. From the moment she walked in until her splintery gasp at the end, the scene was pure magic!