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

[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!

[Captain Hammer]

And so Jerric and Darnand come to Chorrol, where Jerric's mouth gets him into trouble, before his natural charm gets him out of it again. With 10% extra charm now that his body is as bald as a babe's likely to disarm even the most apprehensive of females.

I'd also like to point out that by explaining Jerric's 'complaint,' Abiene probably ensured that ALL of Chorrol won't be eager to touch the new Jerric. Which is good for her, since that means more attention to get to know the bald bal...I'm not going to go there.

Darnand continues to show some growth, but at some point the man has got to gut up and talk to Abiene directly. Better for him to know which zone he's in, if only to free him from any guilt he might have for seeking romance elsewhere. 'Course, as somebody whose seen those sad puppies in real life, I know how tough it'll be for him. But better that he learn to be a hunting dog then a dysfunctional pooch.

The world building exercises continue to impress me. And stay with me. And make me upset that I won't seem original when I flagrantly steal carefully research all of these great ideas. Going to have to try to limit myself, however.

[mALX]

With 10% extra charm now that his body is as bald as a babe's likely to disarm even the most apprehensive of females.

The world building exercises continue to impress me...And make me upset that I won't seem original when I flagrantly steal carefully research all of these great ideas.

SPEW !!! These two lines in your comment had me rolling!

[hazmick]

phew! I'm all caught up! Loving the story so far, you're a very talented writer Grits The way you've brought your characters to life never fails to impress me, I'm especially fond of Lildereth, she's great!

[Heather V]

Oh my, so much to catch up on and I'm only at the beginning! Just thought i'd send you a lil' message to let you know I am reading, but is there a summary somewhere that I could read to keep up to date?

[treydog]

This is a story that I savor, that I wish to sip slowly.... But I have been too slow in telling you how much I enjoy it. The only good thing about being away for so long is how much there is to delight in. Some overlap from previous comments, because the Quot-a-Matic missed a few bits.

Chapter 11, 9

“Do you think you could have cast a spell?” Darnand asked. Jerric still couldn’t see him, his gaze seemed stuck to the ceiling.

“I know spells?” I’m alive, Jerric thought. That was the stupidest idea ever.

That mirrors my own experience- both from within the game… and occasionally in real life.

Chapter 11, 10

The golden bear and tree rat fables were simply wonderful- in themselves- and for what they tell us about the three friends.

“Shouldn’t you be wearing your helm?”

Jerric unhooked his helmet and put it on. He drank his first shield potion before she could remind him. “Anything else?”

“Your fly is open,” Lildereth said without looking.

And yes- we simple LOVE Lildereth.

Chapter 11, 11

I ALWAYS hate killing the guard dogs in bandit lairs. It might be worth investing in a spell… There are many careful touches in the scouting and exploration of Fort Strand that demonstrate your storytelling skill.

Redeemer whispered into Jerric’s hand. He thought about the centuries to come that this mer should see after he had gone to dust. I’m taking all of that away, he thought, all of the evil she might do as well as any reparation. Tension coiled in his legs. He wanted to kick her sword within her reach.

Why am I hesitating, Jerric wondered. I won’t trade this mer’s life for my friends.’

It’s not just her life that I’m ending, he finally realized. It’s the hope that I might become what Martin already thinks of me. This strike makes me a murderer. I told Jauffre I don’t have any honor, and now I’m going to make it true.

A long quote, but one that is essential to an understanding of Jerric.

Chapter 11, 12

"You went after Bjalfi like a veteran brawler. Not bad for a man who can barely cut his own meat. What kind of mage jumps a Nord in steel plate armed with an enchanted mace?”

Darnand did not look amused. “One who has reached his limit.”

The mixed feelings of the three companions over the “history” of their next meal are similar to my own…. And they would still not stop me from eating it. A wonderful touch- again.

Chapter 11, 13

Darnand cleared his throat. “How goes the poison training?” he asked.

Lildereth slipped into the room behind Jerric. “I’d sooner teach a boar to sew,” she spat.

Jerric didn’t look at her. “Nothing but rules, this one,” he told the table. “‘Don’t cut yourself! Don’t pull the cork with your teeth! Don’t spill the poison! Don’t touch your face! Quit wiping your fingers on your shirt!’” He realized that the crunching sound was coming from his knuckles.

That was one of those- “glad I set my beverage aside before reading” moments.

Jerric had discovered that while the hound seemed tireless outdoors, under a roof she became almost immobile

Wise dog- sleep whenever you can.

She drew him into the entry hall, holding him at her arms’ length to look at him. Her face told him how he must have changed. “Still forgetting your cloak and hood, I see.” Her chin trembled despite her gentle teasing.

“I can run between the raindrops if it starts again.” How old was I when I first told her that, Jerric wondered, glad he had remembered to brush the sand from his boots. He handed her the wine.

Some of that rain seems to have gotten into my eyes. Pardon me for just a moment.

Chapter 11, 14

She has the strength I admire and the curves I envy, thought Abiene. Is she reminding me that she’s prettier? Yet Lildereth’s face showed only friendship. I’m looking for barbs where they don’t exist, Abiene decided. Not every woman stings like my sister.

You make that look so easy- and yet I know better. Anyone who wants to see how to build realistic characters and relationships should read this story.

Chapter 11, 15

You should have seen me a few hours ago, thought Abiene. Her cheeks warmed at the memory.

Marc leaned close to her ear. “Ah, the lady blushes,” he murmured.

The lady vomits, Abiene thought. His hand on her skin began to turn her stomach.

Perfect. Simply perfect.

And so, too, is the entire description of the ball.

She pressed her lips to his brow and found it somehow both cold and sweaty. Sweet Mother Mara, what a smell, she thought. Even now she wanted nothing more than to lie down beside him.

Beautiful and heartbreaking and true.

Chapter 11, 16

The “hangover cure” was brilliance exemplified. It seems to have come from the school of thought that the medicine will cause one to forget all about the ailment being treated.

Darnand drew closer to the tub. “What did she put in the tea?” he asked suspiciously. “I did not know that Hjordhild was an alchemist.”

Jerric tasted the thick brew. “She put tea in it, you madman.” He took a crunchy bite of the sandwich and washed it down with a scalding sip. Abiene’s hand helped him steady the mug. “Sugared bacon,” he moaned, closing his eyes. “I might need another towel.”

And that was another moment that caused me to laugh loudly enough to startle the kitties.

Carahil’s careful questioning- leading at last to the revelation that it was because of a bet with Felen. Priceless.

Jerric tried to sound happy to see them. “Well met, lads. I’m no one’s master this morning. I’m a cautionary tale. Stay…away…from the whiskey.”

“Mead before liquor, never sicker,” advised the Imperial.

“If it is brown, this one puts it down,” the Khajiit replied solemnly.

“The wisdom of youth,” said Jerric. “I thank you for sharing it.”

And again, you manage to catch me off-guard and outdo yourself at the same time.

Lildereth appeared in the doorway, barefoot and tousled in a knee-length nightdress. She had her arms wrapped around herself and her eyes half-open.

“You look a little rough, mini-mer,” Jerric told her.

Fools and Nords. Or is there a difference?

The chamber was suddenly empty of Bretons. Jerric sat down in the cool water and reached for his sandwich. “Gods save me from the attention of mages,” he muttered.

Yes.

[Heather V]

Oh wow, this is incredible Grits!

Just from the first page I can see that you've almost created a new world with all the characters and history of them! I love that. I can't wait to start reading!

As with the others im starting from the beginning I wont clog your thread with out of date comments, unless I have to comment on something I couldn't NOT comment on! haha

BTW Jerrics a cutie

[Grits]

Where we were: County Chorrol. Lildereth returned with Jerric’s enchanted Blades helm (Fire Shield). She and Jerric decided to leave for Hrotanda Vale in the morning. They are hunting for big souls to fuel Darnand’s clandestine enchanting (which will include Jerric’s new mercenary disguise armor), and Lildereth still needs Welkynd stones. Darnand will stay in Chorrol to work on the Fingers of the Mountain notes. He got sidetracked by his enthusiasm for alchemy, resulting in a list of recipes for Jerric to try.

King Coin: Aravi’s potato potion sounds very useful. I’m only just starting to make multi-effect potions in games. You’re right that Darnand would not succumb to a wood elf hookup while right down the street from Abiene. I think it’s safe to say he’s not planning a repeat of his adrenaline-fueled quickie with Lildereth. No matter how much he thinks about it! I read in one of the Greg Keyes books how one character was always peevish after contact with their daedric summoning. That made me think about all of those hostile conjurers with their summonings in the game. Maybe they were all perfectly nice people until they fell under the influence of their own daedra. Well, probably not. Thank you, KC!

mALX: I was rolling over the wick-dipping comment. You’re so right, and Jerric still doesn’t know what hit him. If he won’t let Abiene publicly claim him, she has her ways of dealing with competition! I was happy to show Darnand and Lil passing a message with a look, since it’s usually Darnand and Jerric who do that. I hoped to show that the post-hump tension between them (Darnand and Lildereth) was over. Thank you, mALX! I’m still smiling about Clifford the Big Red Dog!

SubRosa: Thank you, I’m glad you liked the summoning reflections. I’ve been thinking lately about the negative aspects of magic use, and why a mage would choose not to use some spells even if they were able to cast them. You’re right, Abiene is accountable for her potentially risky behavior, and she has given Jerric enough warning not to treat her as if she’s helpless. Of course if she could see what he has seen in the Deadlands, she might give him a break about the overprotectiveness. So far they’re better at forgiving (or distracting) each other than agreeing.

ghastley: I’ve been feeling like I need to move the plot along a little faster, and I left out some in-between scenes in the hope that things like the Hrotanda Vale planning could be inferred. I think that might be a mistake, since it’s coming out patchy and rushed. I’m sorry about that, and thank you very much for mentioning it. I was delighted by your mention of Darnand’s moment. With the Nord’s antics, I sometimes worry that the Breton gets a little lost.

McBadgere: I can see that with Nathan Fillion. Jerric and Castle often sound pleased with themselves! I’m glad you enjoyed the three together, I thought it was time for a little reunion. I am with you on the thought communication! It’s already hard enough making sure what comes out of my mouth is the edited version. Thank you, McB!

Acadian: It’s true, Jerric is guilty of some truly bad ideas. I’m glad you enjoyed Abiene’s scene. I’m dragging my feet again at the prospect of leaving her in Chorrol. But that’s how it goes. I had such fun conspiring with the Nord (and Darnand) over Buffy’s Bosmer in the Buff potion! Thank you, Acadian!

Captain Hammer: I’m sure that the 10% bareness bonus is mitigated by his still-fuzzy shoulders and hair socks. Darn spell didn’t finish the job. Jerric would give Darnand the same advice if he was sniffing after any woman other than Abiene. Welcome back, and I look forward to reading more of Awtwyr’s adventures! Thank you, Hammer!

hazmik: It’s great to have you back, hazmick! And thank you, very much! Lildereth has surprised me many times in this story. I’m glad you like her.

Heather V: Welcome, and I’m glad you’re reading! I’m afraid there’s no summary, but here’s where we are in the game’s questlines. In the Main Quest we paused in the middle of The Path of Dawn. Jerric is looking all over Cyrodiil for the Commentaries Vol. 3 and 4. Jerric and Darnand are pursuing their Mages Guild recommendations. They are presently in Chorrol. Jerric was my first attempt at making a male character in the game, and he turned out way prettier than I expected. Here’s a picture of Jerric in Skyrim, more the way I picture him during the story: bearded (usually), scarred, and older. Thank you, Heather!

treydog: Thank you so much for your wonderful comments! I am especially appreciative of your notice of those small moments in the story that are so important to the character, like Jerric’s “murder” of the sleeping Altmer. As you said, those few paragraphs are (and will continue to be) fundamental to understanding him. It means a lot that you highlighted them. Writing “The Hangover Cure” was a pure joy. Apologies to the kitties.

Regarding this part: I have taken some liberties with Hrotanda Vale. The basic ruin is the same, but the occupants are different. Lildereth would have a much easier time finding Welkynd stones in the game!





Chapter 15: Chorrol, Part Fifteen


Jerric walked through the open woodland with peace in his heart. Yesterday’s hike had brought them high up into the hollows north of Chorrol. Morning mist lay over the ground in a white blanket, swirling around Lildereth’s waist in some places. The sun rose behind his right shoulder, sending thick beams of light through the bare branches. His boots made little noise on the carpet of wet leaves, and the elf’s passage was silent. No brush grew here to impede their progress. Everywhere was the sound of rushing creeks and rivulets trickling through unseen passages. The snowpack had begun to melt.

Lildereth spoke, her voice almost a part of the water. “A Bosmeri tribe lives in these hills. Dedicated to Kynareth. They’ll only eat what they can gather.”

Jerric nodded without turning to look at her. He had hoped that she might reveal her intentions while they were out here on their own. Campfire talk often led to confidences. But last night Lildereth had heated some rocks with wood elf magic, pulled the furs over her shoulder, and nestled against his back without a word. This walk through the mist had recaptured that comfortable feeling. He didn’t want to spoil it by letting his eyes wander.

“A year has five seasons by their reckoning,” Lildereth continued. “These weeks of early spring are Duwoh el E, the time of empty bellies.”

Now Jerric risked a glance. His stomach wasn’t even growling yet. Was she teasing?

“We’ll cross at the top of the next hollow,” she said, showing him with a lift of her chin. “Hrotanda Vale is in the far valley. There’s not much left above ground, but there’s a lot to see underneath.”

“Uh huh,” said Jerric, to let her know he was listening.

“So you should have your snack before we get there,” she finished, the corner of her lip twisting up.

“Snack?” he snorted. “Aren’t we on a hunt? I thought whatever parts didn’t fit into the magicka gem we’d roast on a spit. Then we can scrabble around for your Welkynd stones.” Jerric had a disturbing thought. “Wait, what is it that we’re hunting? What kind of gems did Darnand give you?”

Lildereth flipped the end of her braid over her eyes and scowled like a Breton. “I am not a necromancer,” she intoned.

Jerric laughed. He supposed that Lildereth would let him know if a target presented itself. She wore his life detection ring augmented by her spell.

“You made me think of Luco, from Kvatch,” Jerric said. He found himself surprised, but the words kept coming. “He could mimic anyone. Got me into a lot of trouble over the years laughing out loud at the wrong time. I haven’t thought about him since Saturalia. He and his wife just had a baby girl, she would have been… I never went over to see her. They only lived a few streets away. I guess I just didn’t get around to it. I always thought... you know?”

Lildereth nodded. “You haven’t spoken about your friends.”

“Yeah.” They walked in silence while he considered. This was no time to lose himself in darkness, but the memories were there above the sorrow. “I had my cousins, or nieces and nephews really. You know I always lived with family, or with Rhano’s family. And I had some good friends at work. The kind that don’t need much from you. I was luckier than I deserved, with a seat saved at a lot of folks’ tables. But me and Luco and Rudy the Squint, we were pals since before our mamas put us in breeches. And then Therius came along when we were your size, and I was still in school.” He grinned over at Lildereth, and she returned a wistful smile. “I guess that’s why I went to patch things up with Rhano. You don’t get any more friends who knew you back when.”

Jerric knew this was thin ice for both of them, but some need in Lildereth’s face made him reckless. “How old were you when they… when you lost them?” he asked.

Lildereth looked straight ahead, and her expression didn’t change. “About your age, which is barely grown by our way of counting. I could have gone on by myself, but I was in a bad way so I fled to Arenthia. The Imperial couple I told you about. I was no child, but for a while I still needed parents.” Now she turned her eyes on him, and the truth they held took his breath away. Her pain ran as deep as his own, and it was just as lightly covered. “I’ve been alone since then, even when I was with someone. Would you be here with me now, if I had met you… before? That’s how it is with most people. The ones who don’t already have plans aren’t the sort you’d take a long walk with.”

Jerric looked back up through the trees. He knew why the three of them had stuck to one another, but there was more to it than Lildereth was saying. He couldn’t account for the guilt in her expression. Maybe it was over the past, but she wouldn’t be the first who had something he wouldn’t like in mind.

“What’s going to happen when we reach the top of the vale?” he asked, changing the subject.

“We’ll move down quietly. I’ll take a look while you watch the door. Then we’ll make a plan.”

“You think the ruin will be in use?”

Lildereth nodded. “I think it’s likely. It’s a perfect spot for smugglers. That’s who was living there the last time I came through.”

Jerric gave her a look. “Friends of yours?”

“Associates.” She shot one back that told him not to bother. “I didn’t get to see the whole place, but I saw the wards on the inner doors. Against undead. There were empty brackets in some of the chambers, but no Welkynd stones. Some mage has his stash back there guarded by something, I just know it.”

Jerric failed at not sounding skeptical. “Do you think the wards are still there?”

“Twenty years is nothing to an Altmer,” said Lildereth.

“Yeah. It’s even less for a lich.” Comprehension dawned. “You want me to soul trap a lich while you go Welkynd stone picking?”

Lildereth’s eyes grew wide. “A lich? I hope not. I thought ghosts, or perhaps some zombies.”

“This doesn’t sound like one of your plans, elf,” he teased. “Where’s the detailed map? How are we going to deal with the wards? Wait, what about the smugglers?”

That earned him an eyeroll. “Well it is, it’s in my pack, the Breton made scrolls, you may stab the ones who resist my Charm. Any more questions, or can you save it until after I scout?”

“What if they have some contraband? Do you plan to steal their goods, too?”

“No,” Lildereth sighed. “You wouldn’t agree to that.”

They had reached the head of the hollow where their path rose steeply over the ridge. Jerric saved his breath for climbing.

“You know when you Charm someone,” he said at the top.

“Mm hmm.”

“You take away their judgment.” He caught her arm so she would look at him. “You take away who they are.”

Lildereth stopped. She didn’t object to the handling. “I make sure there’s not a fight. If there’s a fight, then we have to take their lives.”

They stood under the trees for a long moment, miles apart.

“All right then,” said Jerric.

They approached the ruin from the north. Lildereth signaled him down in a spot where he could see the trail dropping away over the hillside. Little remained of the Ayleids’ structures. A single arch of white stone rose intact above the trees. Several toppled columns had been partially swallowed by brown grass and soil. One low section of blocks looked like the top of a door lintel. Jerric guessed that the entrance must lie below it.

Lildereth’s gestures indicated the presence of a single life sign. She passed the brass and pearl ring to Jerric so he could take a look.

The enchantment showed him a glow down among the rocks near the entrance. Now that he knew it was there he could see the small figure sitting with its legs stretched out in the sun. He handed the ring back to Lildereth. Their annoyingly slow approach suddenly seemed sensible. He wouldn’t hear a low voice or a damp twig snapping at this distance, but a wood elf might.

Lildereth took only seconds adjusting her gear. She gave him a wink before setting off down the hill. Jerric tried to track her movements, but she was soon lost even among the widely-spaced trees. The Ring of Khajiiti she wore showed her as a wisp of fog, then as a handful of wind-blown leaves.

There’s no wind, Jerric told himself, and the fog burned off an hour ago. He focused his attention, blindly fighting the enchantment. Lildereth’s hooded form appeared crossing the stone frame above the entrance. Jerric’s stomach churned, and a sharp ache began between his eyes. He blinked until she disappeared again.

Jerric dug a strip of deer jerky out of his daypack and settled in for the wait. Looking down through the bare forest he could pick out the pale pink mist of mothwoods beginning to flower in the understory, and higher up the white blossoms of sawnut trees. Sunlight caught patches of bright green moss on the ground. By now the West Weald woodlots would be swimming in pools of bluebells, but here their distinctive round leaves were just beginning to sprout. Jerric saw no signs of animal life. ‘The time of empty bellies’ seemed an apt description for these weeks of early bud and bloom. He wondered if the local Bosmeri supplemented their gathering with the flesh of their own dead. It had seemed a rude thing to ask, especially as a first question.

Lildereth returned, kneeling silently at his side. She took a swig from his waterskin and swished it through her mouth, spitting as she handed the container back. Then she sipped from another skin, filtering the liquid carefully through her teeth. Jerric’s Juice, he realized. She must be low on magicka. He stowed his belongings while she spoke.

“There’s been an event,” she said in her quiet way. “Nine dead inside the ruin, a couple of days ago I’d guess. That’s a Nord kid down there sniffling into her sleeve. Teenager. She didn’t see me. Unarmed, unless you count her stick.”

Jerric gave Lildereth a startled look. Then he realized she meant an actual piece of wood.

“What about the wards?” he asked.

“Still in place, and another back where I didn’t get before. Just the one door in and out of the ruin.” She unrolled her parchment. “Watch, I’ll fill in the map. Don’t bother getting confused, though. I plan for you to keep me alive so I can guide you out. And you might need your whole brain for the parts I haven’t seen yet.”

Lildereth sketched for a few moments.

“Here’s a pit trap, and here’s another,” she told him, indicating the marks. “This gate opens with a push block on the other side, here. I already opened it, but now you know. The whole place has that eerie fungus glow and blue light from glowstones, but I have no problem with you using a torch until we get to this door. There’s a lot on the floor that you won’t want to step in. They must have just thrown their slop in this direction when the weather was bad, and that’s right where we want to go.”

Jerric watched, listened, and picked his teeth.

“Rats have been at the dead, and you should expect the usual mudcrabs, snakes, and spiders,” she continued. “The ceilings are high in these sections, so there’s some mist but you won’t want for air. I saw a ghost in this small chamber, but it didn’t notice me. It may have just been a shade. There was a fresh body in there.”

“All right,” said Jerric when he guessed that she was through. He stood up and stretched. “I’m going to take a piss. Then let’s go talk to that kid.”

[mALX]

*

“You take away their judgment.” He caught her arm so she would look at him. “You take away who they are.”

Lildereth stopped. She didn’t object to the handling. “I make sure there’s not a fight. If there’s a fight, then we have to take their lives.”

They stood under the trees for a long moment, miles apart.

“All right then,” said Jerric.

Powerful disagreement in outlooks ending in an agreement that doesn't change either - what a nice balance of personalities you reached here!

The Ring of Khajiiti she wore showed her as a wisp of fog, then as a handful of wind-blown leaves.

LOVED your version of how the ring works! So much closer to the word chameleon than simple invisbility would be! Love how your mind works!

Unarmed, unless you count her stick.”

Jerric gave Lildereth a startled look. Then he realized she meant an actual piece of wood.

SPEW !!! Jerric's mind runs continuously on two things (food and sex), it always takes him a second to get past these before his thought process kicks in and starts working, ROFL !!!

Oh, I don't like the sound of this place at all! URK! AWESOME WRITE !!!!!!!!! I feel like I'm hanging on a cliff till they get out of there safely!

*

[SubRosa]

You started us with a wonderful description of the mountain forest in early spring. Followed by a fascinating bit of Bosmer culture.

Rudy the Squint? Sounds like exactly the kind of person Jerric would roll with. It makes me think of Sid the Squid, from the old animated Batman series.

“I make sure there’s not a fight. If there’s a fight, then we have to take their lives.”
This was exactly the right argument to make in response to Jerric's quite correct observation about Charming people.

Hmm, now what might the Mystery of Hrotunda Vale be? It looks like someone, or something, new decided to move in? Or did that teenage Nord accidentally kill everyone after being bitten by a magical <insert creature name here> and losing control of her new superpowers?

[Acadian]

From the opening magic of your description of the forest with Jerric and the silent elf who traveled with him at sunrise, to the hints of Bosmeri culture and Lildereth’s background, this episode was pure delight.

I loved the ‘charming’ discussion they had. It so perfectly serves to highlight the differences between these two. Jerric, with his ample muscle and steel, views illusion as unethical; Lildereth, with her frail physique and diminutive stature, sees it as necessary for her own survival. I imagine the mountain of a man and tiny mystic archer could have a similar debate regarding the merits of standing to boldly declare yourself to a likely foe versus preemptively striking from the shadows while hoping you are making the right choice.

So much goodness in this episode!

[ghastley]

If I recall correctly, Jerric's view of Illusion spells is colored by his being on the receiving end of one, so I'm not surprised he doesn't like it.

I think Sugar would offer her opponent the Illusion spell or the Axe to be hit with, and let them decide.

mALX already caught the best part, with the description of how chameleon looks when Lil does it.

[King Coin]

I love this opening. The mountains around Chorrol were always my favorite.

Jerric had the same thought I did last chapter! What kind of gems did Darnand give you?

So much for getting Lildereth to spill much, he’s doing the spilling. Give a little, take a little maybe? Yes, that worked a little.

The ones who don’t already have plans aren’t the sort you’d take a long walk with.
I really like that line.

Jerric’s issues with illusion magic are fascinating. Especially after the incident at the Gold Coast. That was amazing!

Yikes, sounds like an adventuring party gone wrong in there. Jerric waiting for Lildereth, observing the trees and plants, and thinking of other places was nicely done.