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

[King Coin]

Loved the different ways the crew kept their sense of direction. Jerric just seems to be one of those people that through either stubbornness or just dumb luck doesn’t have problems with some things. Darnand of course has his magic. Lildereth has what she does through practice and experience.

Like everyone else, I loved the offense committed by the legion rider. Darnand is hilarious in his oblivious focus. Does that even make sense?

The Nord wore his guard expression, distant and calm.
Nice little reminder of the family business and Jerric’s life before the Gate. Lil doesn’t seem to want to be bound to anyone or group.

The village description was nice. I thought it was interesting that they eat as a community rather than as individual families. The Breton’s magical influence is on show.

Lil was very reluctant, and then suddenly was enthusiastic. What got her attention with these disappearances?

[McBadgere]

That was brilliant!...

Loved it...

The whole welcoming vibe was brilliant, as was the ride to and into the valley...Brilliant stuff...

I'm with Acadian, the terramancer was an excellent idea... ...

Always a joy to read, looking forward to much more...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

[Grits]

Previously: Jerric, Lildereth, Darnand, Ulfe, and the horses reached the settlement of Hope Valley. They learned that some of the locals had gone missing. Jerric volunteered to look for them. Lildereth and Darnand agreed.



Elisabeth Hollow: Hmm, this may not be the mission you’re remembering. Hope Valley, Igren’s settlers, and kahve bogs are not in the game. But they will eventually find an enemy that is familiar. Thanks Elisabeth!

Acadian: Thank you, Acadian! This did turn out to be a very Darnand episode, didn’t it? I tried to make the dinner a little more nourishing to the imagination, but Lildereth does not share Jerric’s devotion to food! I thought fondly of Buffy and Superian when Lil was enjoying that lofty view.

ghastley: You’re so right, I added a line to indicate that Ulfe is also along on this trip. It was fun to give Darnand that moment at the dinner table. Thank you for pointing it out!

SubRosa: The whole community became quite magical in the writing. It just suddenly made sense that Bretons would have more casual magic than say Imperials. I’m glad you mentioned that it was Lildereth who spoke up. The fellows definitely respond to her leadership. Thank you, SubRosa!

mALX: I’m glad you’re feeling better, mALX! Mysteries will soon be resolved. Thank you for your kind words about Darnand and Lildereth! The next three updates are from Lildereth’s POV. This quest is new, but there will be something that is familiar!

Eva: Welcome to the story! I’m glad you’re reading. Darnand’s map reminds me of people driving while looking at their GPS instead of the road. Thank you, Eva!

King Coin: I know just what you mean about Darnand’s oblivious focus. You’re right, Lil is reluctant to be bound to anyone. She wants to be but is very torn. We will soon hear more on that subject. The guys have heard Lil asking around about people disappearing just like has happened in this village, but they don’t know what she’s up to either. Soon! Thank you, KC!

McBadgere: Thank you, McB! Those Bretons were a jolly bunch of folks on the Black Road. I’ve been waiting for a long time to get them back in the story.



Next: Lildereth, Darnand, and Jerric look for clues.

[Grits]

.

Chapter 16: Valley of Hopes, Part Two

After dinner they decided to trust the village watch and get as much sleep as possible. The night passed without incident. Lildereth curled at the back of the tent just out of kicking range. Jerric slept between Darnand and Ulfe. The Nord got the most rest with a limb flung over something that was breathing. All of them slept better when he was peaceful.

At first light Lildereth began to search the settlement’s perimeter. The loss of the young couple had occurred at night. It made her suspect that something had been stalking the village awaiting its opportunity. The rain would have obscured any tracks from a pacing animal, but there could be signs if something had lain in ambush.

She found the hiding spot behind one of the low outcrops on the mountain side of the valley. Dead grass had been pressed deeply into the soil over a time when the ground had been soft with moisture. The temperature had dropped below freezing overnight. Now frost glittered under a clear mountain sunrise. But not in the hollow behind these boulders.

Lildereth could see footprints and a faint trail through the frosty grass. She followed it with her eyes up to a fold in the terrain. There something could move in either direction along the valley without being seen. Her heart fell. Their quarry walked on two booted feet, and she was looking for magical creatures. Jerric and Darnand had made their preparations and were now waiting down out of her way in the village. She signaled for them to join her.

Jerric wore his steel cuirass and leather trousers. Her pack dangled from one hand and the other held a steaming pitcher. His shield was slung across his back. There were more blades strapped to his person than anyone should require. She glanced away from him before he could start another argument about his greaves. The enchantment on his cuirass would do nothing to muffle the noise he made with the plates over his legs.

Darnand strode up behind Jerric looking like a hedge wizard from a picture book. His cloak billowed and his robe swept open as he walked. Lildereth noted that he had worn his thickest leggings and tallest boots as she suggested. The Breton preferred to completely secure his robes in the formal manner, but today there would be rocks and brambles to trip over. His hood slipped down over his forehead, causing the back to rise up like a pointy hat. He nearly bashed himself with the lich’s staff that he carried as he tried to adjust it.

Jerric passed her the pitcher of hot kahve. Black, the way he liked it. She took a sip anyway.

“Someone comes down at night and lies here to watch the village,” she said, pointing. “They went in that direction some time after the sky cleared last night. See that path where the grass bends? I can guess where we’ll find tracks heading up into those rocky hills. I know there are caves up there. That might even be what happened to the terramancer. Went exploring and saw something that he shouldn’t have. Anyway, that’s where we’ll search first.”

The men exchanged a look. Lildereth realized that the obvious trail was not visible to them.

“Someone, huh? So it’s not a creature that we’re after,” said Jerric. “That means they’ll likely have a weapon. Since you already know where to start, then you could wait while I—”

“No,” said Lildereth. “I’m not waiting while you go get the rest of your armor. You’ll have to do without it. Besides, your atronachs could slaughter a whole village, and it’s likely just some withered up old hermit. Nothing in those caves should even touch you.” Disappointment made her peevish, but she wasn’t sure how to get over it.

Darnand cleared his throat.

“Breton...” warned Jerric.

“He is carrying it in his pack,” Darnand confessed.

“Traitor.”

Lildereth stared at Jerric. “All of it?”

“His greaves and gauntlets. His boot plates are in my pack,” said Darnand. He shifted his feet, peering owlishly out from under his hood.

She took her pack from Jerric and shrugged into it without comment. With the Nord’s potions and Darnand’s spells they could carry half of an armory between them, so it shouldn’t bother her. And they probably would just to prove the point.

“Where’s the tent?” she finally asked. Her own pack felt as if it had not been tampered with.

“Ulfe needs it at the settlement,” Darnand declared. His face was as bland as butter.

Jerric laughed. “You have your bedroll, elf. It’s not going to rain. We’re camping Bosmer style on this outing.”

They walked along the valley as the sun climbed up behind the Jeralls. Migrating snow geese sent their ghostly calls drifting down as they flew north and east in formation. The light caught their wings, marking them as points of white against the sky. The meadows offered little cover for wildlife, but the kahve ponds teemed with water birds. As soon as one flock took off another coasted down to take its place. Their overlapping wings cast great shadows as they passed overhead.

The frost melted as the sun broke over the mountains. Lildereth’s annoyance faded with it. As they walked she watched for bent grass and faint scuffs in the dirt. To her surprise the trail cut left toward some low hills rather than straight up into the rocks.

“That way,” Lildereth said. The three stood for a moment while she watched for distant motion. Whoever had spied upon the village all night was likely now sleeping, but she was not going to blunder up to it like some… Nord.

Jerric offered her his waterskin and a roll stuffed with cheese. He must have finished the kahve. Lildereth marveled at his internal capacity. She took a sip of water.

“There is a marking on my map,” Darnand announced. “Unlabeled, but the symbol is for a fort.”

“Up here?” said Jerric. “It’ll be ancient and abandoned.”

Darnand pointed. “Do you see the shadows on that hilltop? I expect we will find that is our destination.”

“Well it seems as if someone still lives there,” said Lildereth, thinking out loud. “We’re too far east for the Colovian warlords. Besides, that place is a ruin. I wonder…” The men gave her another look. “Those communities still exist, you know. Never mind what you read in the Black Horse Courier.”

“Right,” said Jerric. “The great twig and pebble barons of old Colovia. And I’m the Grey Fox.”

Lildereth ignored him. “Things that dwell in ruined forts often keep dangerous company. It could be necromancers. You were right to drag along all of that metal, Jerric.” She pointed to a patch of high brush somewhat sheltered by a rocky outcrop a short walk from the distant hill. “We’ll go over there. You two can wait while I look around. Try not to make too much fuss getting the Nord into his party clothes. When I come back we’ll make the plan.”

Lildereth found the ruins where Darnand had predicted. The fort appeared to be uninhabited above ground. Shattered and tumbled walls left the structure open to the sky. Lildereth followed what had now become a path beaten into the dirt around to a short flight of stairs set into the ground. An entrance opened darkly at its base, its door long ago rotted away.

A suspicion had grown in her mind as she canvassed the ruin. Now she acted on it.

She soon found a second entrance mostly hidden by vines and tumbled stone. A sip of Jerric’s Juice ensured a steady flow of magicka. She cast her spells of nighteye and life detection, then slipped silently underground.

One set of fresh footprints in the dust led into the ruin. No life glows were visible. Lildereth crouched down to examine the signs and listen.

The tracks had been made by small feet, bare-heeled and clawed. Brush marks between the footprints told of a furred tail. A Khajiit, she realized. The old anger welled inside her. Lildereth pushed it down and sharpened her focus. This Khajiit was moving cautiously. Stalking the ruin.

Lildereth made herself invisible and moved further in. She did not wish to harm a fellow intruder, but abandoning the hunt was not an option. The villagers deserved answers. Jerric was determined to provide them.

The passageway was narrow with solid-looking stone block walls and ceiling. Soft dirt was all that remained of any debris that had drifted in over the years. Her feet made no sound. Soon she saw the glow of a living creature through untold walls ahead.

Lildereth crept forward until she could see the Khajiit. It took several turns of the passageway to reach her. The tiniest noise would give her away, and she knew that the Khajiit’s natural vision was superior to her spell in the dark. Lildereth crouched down and watched.

The Khajiit moved slowly down the passageway, intent on what was before her. She wore fine armor of Elven make. Lildereth recognized the feather patterns over the back and pauldrons, and the small noises were characteristic of the golden metal now washed blue like everything else by Lildereth’s spell. The Khajiit wore a sword on each hip. Her unusual footwraps left toes and heels bare, Lildereth guessed for traction. The Khajiit paused at a turn and tilted her head, listening. Her helm was made in a bird design with metal feathers curving down to protect her cheeks and neck while leaving her ears free. They pricked forward now. Lildereth took note of the quiver across her back and the short recurve bow in her hand.

The Khajiit did not have an arrow nocked, but she might still get a shot off before Lildereth could turn and run. She called a calming spell into one hand and invisibility into the other in case she needed to recast it and retreat.

Lildereth whispered in Ta’agra, soft as a breath. “Da’aqin, shanjiri.” Her voice broke the spell, making her visible.

The Khajiit’s head snapped around. In a fluid instant she was facing Lildereth, one hand on the hilt of a sword.

“Peace, friend,” Lildereth whispered again. This time she spoke in Cyrodilic.

The Khajiit did not relax. “You play a dangerous game, Bosmer.”

“Perhaps we hunt the same quarry.” Lildereth began to move backward toward the exit. “Will you come outside and speak with me? My friends are waiting nearby. A mage and a warrior. I’m just in here scouting.”

The Khajiit took a few steps forward. “Then you have had a near miss. Vampires can sense your heat and smell your blood. It’s only a scouting trip until the first one discovers you.”

Lildereth cursed silently. She cared even less for vampires. “I’m told they also have sharp hearing. Let’s go out where we can talk.”

She turned and walked to the exit, the skin on the back of her neck crawling with unease. Showing trust might help her gain trust, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that it could be the end of her.

Outside Lildereth dispelled her detection magicks. She and the Khajiit looked each other over.

The cat-woman had pale fur with auburn hair and dark leopard spots. An old scar marked the right side of her face. Her armor was golden metal as Lildereth had suspected, beautifully designed and crafted. It bore the marks of many, many repairs. Leather wrapped her feet and forearms. She wore gold rings in her ears and one on her finger. Her eyes were a clear, lovely green. The same as mine, Lildereth realized. And she’s not much taller than me. Short for a Suthay-raht, and slim. They headed toward the brush thicket.

“You’re a vampire hunter?” asked the Khajiit. Her voice was soft but still tense.

“No, we’re just looking for some folk who were lost from a nearby village. Hope Valley, do you know it?” Lildereth nodded in that direction.

“I saw their smoke from my camp.” The Khajiit moved with easy grace, but her ears and tail were far from relaxed. “Let’s go to your friends.”

Lildereth called to Jerric and Darnand while they were still a distance away from the thicket. She did not want the Khajiit to think she was being led to an ambush. “Come on out, fetchers! I may have found a partner.”

Jerric looked gigantic in his armor, Darnand slight as a lad beside him. The four stood and exchanged looks for a moment.

The Nord spoke first. “I’m Jerric.” He extended his arm.

The Khajiit stepped forward and gripped it in a warrior’s clasp. “My name is Aravi.”

“Pleased to meet you. This is Darnand Penoit of Chorrol. You’ve met Lildereth.”

Aravi exchanged nods with Darnand. Lildereth managed a nervous smile. She hoped this Aravi would join them. Anyone who entered a vampire lair alone and on purpose must be formidable.

“You are with the Mages Guild?” Aravi asked Darnand.

“Yes. All of us are members.”

Aravi looked Jerric over again, reassessing.

The Nord grinned. “Now, what’s the situation?”

“Vampires,” said Lildereth.

“Oh fetch it,” said Jerric.

“Indeed,” said Darnand. “This will complicate your information gathering, Lildereth.”

“I know.” Lildereth tried not to sound as worried as she felt. “I found two exits, but I didn’t get any kind of look inside. I’m not sure how we’re going to make a plan.”

Aravi’s lips curved up at the corners, and her ears swiveled forward. She reached into a pouch. “I brought a map.”




***
Of Special Note: Many heartfelt thanks to King Coin for lending his wonderful character Aravi to Jerric’s Story! She will also appear in the next four updates. We started planning this over a year ago! It has been tremendous fun to collaborate with you, KC. And thank you very much for the screen shots of Aravi! (Yes folks, there will be more!! )

Aravi’s Oblivion story can be found in the thread King Coin's videos, and her ongoing adventures are in the thread Aravi in Skyrim, her video story.

.

This post has been edited by Grits: Mar 10 2013, 11:58 PM

[mALX]

*

At first I thought the "something familiar' was only going to be Jerric's appetite, but the second you said "barefoot Khajiit with footwraps" I yelped "IT'S ARAVI !!!!! WOOOOOT !!!!"

Awesome surprise!

All of them slept better when he was peaceful.

I know that is right, his kicking and nightmares. Lildereth is so unobtrusive herself (the opposite of Jerric in that sense) - but there is nothing she doesn't see/notice about people/places.

The beginning of this chapter was awesome for showing Lildereth's scouting ability - Loved that Jerric and Darnand would look at the same spot she did and not see the footprints she was seeing!

Well, the skulkers wore boots, that eliminates Aravi as being suspect (since they just met her and don't know anything about her other than she was where they were looking for missing people).

I was confused by this:

Disappointment made her peevish, but she wasn’t sure how to get over it.

?

Other than Aravi's entrance, what I loved best about this chapter was seeing Lildereth in her element, doing what she does (and doing it extraordinarily well!) - she has so many facets, she is fascinating! Awesome character you've made with her!

LOVED seeing you post in 4 days again !!!!!! WOO HOO !!!!!! Awesome Write !!!!

[Elisabeth Hollow]

AAAAUUUUGGGGHHHHH! Aravi!!!!!

I totally thought this was the Will 'o the Wisp mission.

[King Coin]

Over a year Grits and I’ve been eagerly awaiting this moment the whole time! Thank you very much Grits!

***

For Darnand’s comfort, I hope Jerric’s limb was on Ulfe.

Darnand strode up behind Jerric looking like a hedge wizard from a picture book…
Love the description of Darnand in his robes. Seems oddly appropriate for him to possess the lich’s staff. On a lighter note, he knows who’s really in charge! (referring to his confession about Jerric’s armor)

Lildereth’s tracking skills are invaluable here. Neither the Nord nor the Breton have anything like it.

“Where’s the tent?”
“Ulfe needs it at the settlement,”
Sure she does.

I liked seeing Lil’s scouting technique, and of course finding my Aravi! Lil took a big risk revealing herself, I know she’s more the type to just turn around and disappear. She made sure she was prepared though!

Loved your description of Aravi, I didn’t realize Lil had green eyes until I read this.

[Grits]

I was confused by this:

Disappointment made her peevish, but she wasn’t sure how to get over it.

?

Thank you for pointing this out! I wanted to go ahead and answer now rather than waiting for the next update.

Lildereth has been asking people if they’ve heard rumors of any strange beasts or magical creatures, and the news of villagers disappearing made her think that she might find what she’s looking for here stalking Hope Valley. That’s why she suddenly got behind Jerric’s idea that they help find the missing people, she wants to see what got them. The boot prints told her that the village was being watched by something in boots, not a monster like she was hunting. So she was very disappointed and snapped at the first person she saw, Jerric with his earlier (implied) argument about his noisy armor. She knew she was being a bitch, but wasn’t sure how to reel herself back in without making it worse. (For example saying she’s sorry and then bursting into tears, causing the guys to be mortified first thing in the morning, lol.)

Does that make some sense? We'll get some more about this in a few more updates, so I want to make sure it's not still confusing. Thanks for mentioning this, mALX!

[Acadian]

What an image of Lildereth sleeping as a little elf ball pressed into the corner, with the others a mass of sprawled limbs inside the tent.

The elf’s woodscraft really shines as she discovers the signs of her quarry.

‘They walked along the valley as the sun climbed up behind the Jeralls. Migrating snow geese sent their ghostly calls drifting down as they flew north and east in formation. The light caught their wings, marking them as points of white against the sky. The meadows offered little cover for wildlife, but the kahve ponds teemed with water birds. As soon as one flock took off another coasted down to take its place. Their overlapping wings cast great shadows as they passed overhead. ’
Another magnificent example of how beautifully you can paint with words! Passages like this make me sigh with admiration at how you can bring us right into the magical world you create for us.

What a treat to see Aravi! It was wonderfully clever of Lildereth to coax the formidable small cat out of the dark vampire lair into the bright of day. You know. . . just to make sure.

With a map of the dungeon’s layout, Aravi’s already proving invaluable. I’m sure Lil will use it to make a plan, while Jerric could care less about a map and Darnand will likely ask to inspect it for smudges.

So. . . it seems perhaps there’s a clan of vampires with a taste for the blood of coffeebean-fed Bretons.

[SubRosa]

All of them slept better when he was peaceful.
I'll bet they do!

Very clever thinking on your part about not only the depression made in the grass from someone sitting in place for a long time, but also the lack of frost on said spot.

A Khajiit, she realized. The old anger welled inside her.
I am guessing Lildreth was a veteran of the border war between Valenwood and Elsewyr. Or perhaps her parents were.

Like everyone else, Yay for Aravi! And over a year wait! That reminds me of how long Acadian and I had to wait for the Torment Tournament of Archers. To finally see posting. Congrats on finally being able to see your collaboration bear fruit. And plenty more episodes of Aravi and the Terrible Trio together. Woot!

[Elisabeth Hollow]

So. . . it seems perhaps there’s a clan of vampires with a taste for the blood of coffeebean-fed Bretons.

Gives 'em energy! XD

[ghastley]

So. . . it seems perhaps there’s a clan of vampires with a taste for the blood of coffeebean-fed Bretons.

Gives 'em energy! XD

Now I'm expecting commercials for "5 Hour Energy drink - Pomegranate, Orange, or new Breton-blood flavor with extra caffeine"

[mALX]

I was confused by this:

Disappointment made her peevish, but she wasn’t sure how to get over it.

?

Thank you for pointing this out! I wanted to go ahead and answer now rather than waiting for the next update.

Lildereth has been asking people if they’ve heard rumors of any strange beasts or magical creatures, and the news of villagers disappearing made her think that she might find what she’s looking for here stalking Hope Valley. That’s why she suddenly got behind Jerric’s idea that they help find the missing people, she wants to see what got them. The boot prints told her that the village was being watched by something in boots, not a monster like she was hunting. So she was very disappointed and snapped at the first person she saw, Jerric with his earlier (implied) argument about his noisy armor. She knew she was being a bitch, but wasn’t sure how to reel herself back in without making it worse. (For example saying she’s sorry and then bursting into tears, causing the guys to be mortified first thing in the morning, lol.)

Does that make some sense? We'll get some more about this in a few more updates, so I want to make sure it's not still confusing. Thanks for mentioning this, mALX!

At first I thought that was what it was, but the end of that ("she wasn’t sure how to get over it") - made me think I must be wrong - like the disappointment seemed much greater than the trigger for it - then (like an idiot connected it with what you had said in your Comment Thanks and wondered if there was a bigger underlying disappointment that was the real catalyst behind her peevishness). Sorry about that Grits, that was me reading too much into that moment. Urk.

So. . . it seems perhaps there’s a clan of vampires with a taste for the blood of coffeebean-fed Bretons.

Gives 'em energy! XD

Vampire: "You seem cranky and slow this morning, have a Breton. That should perk you up some..."


*

[Elisabeth Hollow]

So. . . it seems perhaps there’s a clan of vampires with a taste for the blood of coffeebean-fed Bretons.

Gives 'em energy! XD

Vampire: "You seem cranky and slow this morning, have a Breton. That should perk you up some..."


*

HAAAAAA.

[Grits]

Previously: Jerric, Lildereth, and Darnand agreed to look for the missing villagers of Hope Valley. Lildereth tracked footprints to a ruined fort. Inside she met a barefoot Khajiit who was also stalking the ruin. Aravi!! She told Lildereth that the fort was occupied by vampires. They went outside to meet the guys. Lildereth hopes that Aravi will join them in their investigation of the ruin. Aravi brought a map.

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome for Aravi! Thank you KC for your teamwork and awesome screen shots!


mALX: Yay, I knew those footwraps would give her away! Thank you so much for your kind words about Lildereth. Her emotions often look like something they’re not to other people, so in these parts from her POV it’s a relief to be able to give the whole picture. Thank you, mALX!

Elisabeth Hollow: The Azura one? Well, this one also has vampires!

King Coin: Thank you, KC! I have had the best time writing these sections with you. I’m glad you picked out Darnand’s lines. He is definitely unwilling to cross Lildereth, but he still wanted to defend Jerric! That little elf makes their heads spin, lol.

Acadian: Lildereth and Jerric are such outdoor creatures that a sunny day is always a pleasure to write with them. A trip along the Orange Road would be wasted with the Breton. “Darnand read Ayleid Inscriptions volumes one through fourteen while the others exclaimed over the scenery.” I am still chuckling over coffee-flavored Bretons. Thank you, Acadian!

SubRosa: I learned a little about frost point in that episode. Your guess is correct about the source of Lildereth’s anger. The rest of that story is coming soon. Thank you, SubRosa!

ghastley: Caffeinated Bretons, not just for breakfast!


Next: Lildereth, Darnand, Jerric, and Aravi make the plan. This is part two of five featuring King Coin’s Aravi.

[Grits]

.

Chapter 16 Valley of Hopes, Part Three

Darnand seemed to leap forward within his own skin. “You have a map? When was it made? What is your source?”

“Easy there,” laughed Jerric. “Let her tell it.”

Aravi held the parchment in her hands. “The order I work with has contacts at the Arcane University. This ruin is a known vampire lair, but it’s been decades since the last raid. Whether someone has been holed up here for years or newly arrived is not known. Vampires can go underground for long periods, feeding on mortal cattle, animals, or even starving themselves into madness. It’s likely that the new activity at Hope Valley caught its attention, and it saw someone it wanted. When I looked in the main entrance I was able to confirm that we are dealing with a vampire here. Maybe several.” She glanced around at them. “What do you know about vampires?”

“Not much,” said Lildereth. She preferred to learn what Aravi knew first.

Darnand crossed his arms over his chest, probably to keep himself from grabbing at Aravi’s map. “My reading on the subject has been inconclusive.”

Aravi gave him a nod to go ahead.

“I understand that they are vulnerable to fire, enchanted weapons, and mundane weapons made with silver.”

“Yes,” said Aravi. “Frost attacks and poisons will do little damage. Many vampires are masters of illusion, so mind control spells often fail.”

Jerric patted his blades. “Enchanted, and I have a mace made of Nordic silver.” He gave Aravi an enquiring look.

She touched her own weapons. “This sword bears a fire enchantment, and this one is made of silvered steel.” Now it was Jerric who looked like he might pounce on her for a closer look at the blades.

Lildereth cleared her throat. “Is it true that wooden stakes will kill them?”

Aravi tipped her head back, indicating her quiver. “If they’re attached to silver arrowheads. A bow that enchants arrows is also effective.”

Lildereth hooked a thumb at her own back. “Silver tipped. I’m covered.”

Jerric shuffled his feet in the grass. It sounded like a stampede. “I’ve heard you can get infected from just the smallest cut. If their blood gets in.”

“This is true,” said Aravi. “Vampires carry Porphyric Hemophilia, and an untreated infection will lead to vampirism. Close combat is to be avoided if possible, and you must all take a curative potion once we leave this place. Just to be certain. Do not take one until it’s over, as you may be reinfected.” She paused. “And repeat infections are not so easy to cure.”

Jerric looked at Darnand. “If that happens to me, you have to kill me. Promise.”

Darnand snorted. “With my spell and your potions it would seem that your murder need not be a part of our advance plan. Besides, we would have days to cure you.”

“No, I mean the repeated thing. I don’t want to be a vampire.”

The three of them stared at Jerric.

“I’m serious, Breton. Don’t let me turn into one. Give me your word.”

Lildereth realized that he really was that worried.

Darnand sounded impatient. “I shall kill you one hundred times to death, are you satisfied? After an appropriate period of study, of course.”

Jerric still looked troubled. “You’re jesting, right?”

“You are indulging in theatrics. We shall revisit this discussion if you sprout fangs. Agreed?”

Jerric tugged on a fistful of his hair. “Agreed.”

Aravi gave Jerric another calculating look.

“He’s steady in a fight,” Lildereth offered.

Darnand spoke up. “I have read one treatise that suggests vampires may move freely in sunlight, but their skin will sparkle, betraying their condition.”

“Sparkle?” Jerric sounded as dubious as Lildereth felt.

Lildereth laughed. “Breton, what have you been reading?”

Now Darnand sounded defensive. “That is a recent theory. I cannot account for its popularity.”

“They don’t sparkle,” said Aravi, “and they can’t last long in direct sunlight. I advise that we attack in daylight. They’re less likely to attempt escape into the outdoors, and we want to kill them all.”

“Yeah,” said Jerric. “About that. We’re searching for some villagers who may have been taken. Well I guess that’s likely what happened to them. Anyway there were no bodies, so do you think they could still be alive? We need to be careful and watch out for them.”

Aravi’s soft tone made her words all the more chilling. “If they still live they will have been enthralled, made into cattle, or turned. Thralls will regain their conscious will once their master has been killed. However their purpose is to protect the master with their lives, so I doubt it will be possible to spare them. I don’t think entranced cattle can ever be awakened. Fledglings are vampires. I don’t know a cure.”

They stood in silence for a moment.

Jerric spoke. “I got you two into this. I’m going to see it through, but—”

“That’s a hell of a thing to say to us,” snapped Lildereth.

“We are with you,” said Darnand.

Aravi unrolled the map. “Let’s plan our attack.”

The ground was damp with melting frost, so they remained standing. Darnand took two corners of the map, and Lildereth held the third. Jerric turned his body to shade them from the sun’s glare.

The map depicted the fort in its current state. By the notations it seemed that it had been drawn on site rather than copied from an architectural plan.

“Here is the entrance they’ve been using,” Aravi said, pointing with a claw. “The corridor leads to a balcony around this large chamber. There are no functional stairs, and it’s a twelve foot drop. That’s where I saw the humans.”

“How many?” asked Jerric. “Were they Bretons? Thralls or were they vampires? Armed? What were they doing?”

Aravi blinked at him.

“Let her tell it,” Darnand reminded Jerric, mimicking the Nord’s earlier tone. Lildereth bit the corner of her lip. This was no time for the two of them to start bickering.

Aravi looked down at the map for a moment. “I’m not used to working with a team. Why don’t I tell you what I planned to do on my own? Then you can ask your questions. I don’t know if I’ll have the answers. I have little to go on other than my experience and what you already know.”

“Right,” said Jerric. “Uh, yeah. Sorry.”

Aravi tapped the map with her claw again. “Healthy vampires would have no problem getting in and out this way, but enthralled or imprisoned mortals would be contained. I think the vampires dwell back here.” She indicated a cluster of chambers. “This unused entrance where we met, Lildereth, is closer. An approach through the front door would alert the vampires that they were under attack. I can sneak up and shoot them one by one, but I can’t sneak past them. So I planned to use these corridors to find and fight the vampires singly without having to kill all of their thralls first. If they have any. It always comes to blades with the patriarchs, and this way I might save my strength.”

Aravi’s plan sounded like a suicide attempt to Lildereth. “What about here and here?” She pointed at the map. “You can’t be sure you cleared an area before you move to the next, and any number of foes could get behind you. What will they do when they learn they’re under attack? Use invisibility and search the corridors for you?” Lildereth broke into a sweat despite the chill. She fought the urge to shrink against Jerric. Even the sky seemed hostile.

“No, I can’t be sure,” Aravi replied. Her voice was quiet and even. “I can only do the best that I can manage.”

Lildereth composed her thoughts. They should watch the entrance for a few nights at the minimum, but she doubted anyone would agree to that.

Darnand spoke to Aravi before Lildereth could organize her questions. “May I ask if you plan to use magic?”

“I know a healing spell, and I cast a shield when I have the chance.”

Jerric cleared his throat. “I’ve been on some raids. Not many, but they were memorable. I think I have an idea.”

Lildereth kept the surprise off her face, which was more than Darnand could manage.

Aravi gave Jerric a small nod.

“This big chamber here. It would make a good kill box. Lildereth, you and Aravi go up on the balcony with your bows. Aravi can sort out the thralls from the vampires and call targets. Lildereth can use life detection magic to warn you when something is coming down either of these corridors. The vampires cast invisibility, right? So you’ll need that to see them. And Lildereth, once they know we’re here you can try your mind tricks on the thralls. Get them to run away or something if you can. Anything to keep them out of the fight until we kill their master.”

He paused, but no one else spoke.

“I’ll go in through here with Darnand and our summonings,” he continued. “We’ll all four split up and work through these areas at the same time. I don’t trust your fire wench, Breton, but that dremora you summon just wants to kill. If you send him in here and he comes out here we’ll know there’s nothing alive behind him. I’ll send Ishckrihk this way. You and I will both be casting fire, so it’s best that he stay far away from it. I don’t know if he gets nervous, and today is a bad time to find out.”

Aravi pointed at the map. “If you do not time your advance correctly, this chamber could become a trap. We don’t know how many vampires we’ll find. Your atronachs will prevent any kind of stealth, and the vampires will have time to react.”

“Yeah.” Jerric grinned at Darnand. The Breton gave him a smug twist of lip in return. “We can talk in each other’s thoughts,” Jerric told Aravi. His thick finger made a noise tapping against his temple.

The Khajiit seemed to believe him. At least she didn’t roll up her map and stalk away.

“I’ll wear my life detection ring,” Jerric continued. “Darnand, you wear the Ring of… Not Being Seen Very Easily.”

Lildereth stifled a laugh. She was glad he was prudent enough not to name the daedric artifact in their possession, but his dissembling could use a lot of work.

The tip of Aravi’s tail twitched as she thought. “Your fire may drive the more powerful vampires to us.” She touched the large chamber that Jerric had described as a kill zone.

“Yeah,” said Jerric. “I’m not so good with plans. You two can escape out the front door if that happens.”

Aravi gave him a small smile. “When that happens, we will kill them.”

.

This post has been edited by Grits: Mar 14 2013, 10:23 PM

[Elisabeth Hollow]

I lost it at the Twilight reference XD

[ghastley]

Add to the caffeinated Bretons a glass of sparkling Vampire! Not!! “That is a recent theory. I cannot account for its popularity.” I like you way you phrased that.

Jerric's reaction to the thought of becoming a vampire is interesting. Looks like a bit of background will be expanded soon.

And I love a good plan! They're so much fun when they fall apart on facing reality. Even more so, if someone can patch it back together.

[King Coin]

Settle down there Breton, this map isn’t as cool as yours is!

“And repeat infections are not so easy to cure.”
You included some of Aravi’s hard won wisdom.

Jerric’s panic attack along with Darnand’s reply was immensely entertaining. I don’t think Darnand’s joking though. Aravi’s reaction was perfect!

Sparkly vampires!

Those missing villagers sound like they have very bleak chances.

“Let her tell it,” Darnand reminded Jerric…


Jerric comes through with a good plan. He’s smarter than he looks!

At least she didn’t roll up her map and stalk away.


Jerric’s mention of the Ring of Khajiiti was funny, considering their company.

Aravi has no intention of running.

[Acadian]

What fun it is to normally hear the terrific trio do their ‘planning’ sessions. To introduce a feline fourth into the mix was a riot, even before adding atronachs of fire and ice! I’ll bet Aravi’s scratching her head and wondering what she’s gotten into.

I’m sure the plan will proceed with perfect smoothness.