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

[mALX]

What's cave beef? I know what mountain oysters are... But...lol

Cave beef is when Jerric is inside the cave, lol.

[Elisabeth Hollow]

What's cave beef? I know what mountain oysters are... But...lol

Cave beef is when Jerric is inside the cave, lol.

I don't get iiiiiiiit XD

[ghastley]

“That is whom you are hunting,” Darnand said to Lildereth.

The correctness of this sentence is just so Darnand.

And I note he's baiting Aravi as much as Jerric does. He needs to be careful, he might just get paid back in Skyrim.

[McBadgere]

I think that this was my fave Jerric episode ever... ...

On pretty much every level it was perfect...

Lildreth's story was hauntingly sad, yet the imagery beautifully rendered; the Jerric/Darnarnd banter at the start was funny as hell; the Jerric/Lildreth moment was just amazing, neither actually spelling it out loud...But still made me grin hugely in delight...

And then the joking at the end about the stew... ...

Your writing is just...*Sigh*... ...

So much I could quote, but this...

“Many escaped the valley. I saw from where I hid up high in the rocks. The army was upon them when the horde burst free of the temple. The things that my tribe had become devoured the Khajiit and then turned on each other. It’s said that they were trapped by an avalanche, but that’s not true. I saw the shapes in the moonlight, moving away through the trees. I heard the cries. And I remember.”

Just shiver inducing... ...

Let's hope there's some more very soon... ...

Pretty much perfect I say!!...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds most heartily*...

[Darkness Eternal]

No problem Grits, happy to help. I like that they have different types, too!

Yes Jerric, I wish I had a tail too!

The witty banther between Jerric and Darnard had me laughing. "How is what? My face?"



Lildereth's history was pretty cool to read. I echo the others. Xylo river, eh? A pretty exotic place. Then again, Valenwood is everything exotic compared to Cyrodiil and Skyrim or even High Rock. I enjoyed reading about her story about the Five Year War between the Bosmer and the Khajiit, and of course the Wild Hunt! One of the two Wild Hunt's in the ES.

I have to say what you're good at is writing dialogue. You have great skill in the pacing and the words that I sometimes struggle with! Good job on that

[haute ecole rider]

A little late to the updates, but I have finally caught up on your story.

It is as wonderful and immersive as always. Maybe better because of my prolonged absence.

Lildereth is just growing on me. She is turning into the star of this story for me, even though I still love Jerric and Darnand (and their interactions).

I really have enjoyed meeting Aravi. Especially enjoyed her arachnophobia. Though my own cats just watch the creepy-crawlies with bored fascination and little else of use.

[King Coin]

So sorry it’s taken me this long to comment, though you know I’ve read it long before now.

The imagery in the beginning is so beautiful. Cool air, a misty bath, shining stars, and frogs trilling.

Ah, all the reminders of Darnand’s troubles with fire. Their scrapping is so funny. Those two are so different.

Glad Aravi is spider-gunk free now. I’m sure she was the first to bathe.

Not yet. We have some time.
AKA “Keep talking!” Surprised that worked with Lil.

Now we finally learn what Lildereth is about. That was intense, and I see why she was nervous about trusting Aravi. And we see what she’s been looking for now.

Lildereth stood up. “The stew is ready.”
Aaand that’s it! No more from Lil now.

The stew jokes lightened it up nicely after Lil’s heavy revelations. Wonderful chapter and I very much enjoyed our collaboration together.

[McBadgere]

Damn...I wondered for a minute if a new part had been presented... ...

*Looks over glasses*... ...

...

[ThatSkyrimGuy]

Started reading this one and enjoying it. It'll take quite some time to catch up, so I will post in the "Commentasaurus" thread untill I do. Great stuff!

[Kazaera]

OMG I caught up I caught up I caught up!

And I am now going to quote something relatively minor from *ages* ago:

“I have worked out the spell already,” Darnand scowled, rubbing his forehead. “It is the same enchantment that I will use for Abiene’s rain bracelet. The spell that allows one to walk upon water, weakened and spread over one’s person instead of only the body’s plantar surfaces. It should shed water in that application, or contain it when applied to a vessel’s interior. Nord, must you fling projectiles at me?”

because, well - Adryn's world has an umbrella spell too, and I decided it was a very weak Shield effect - and then I read this and went "agh! water-walking spell around the whole body! Why didn't I think of that that's perfect!" and have been simultaneously kicking myself and in awe of your brilliance ever since.

In general, I really, really like the way you delve into magic and how it *works*. Even though that delving simultaneously leaves me terrified for Darnand. Nooooo Darnand please don't become a necromancer! Just say no to zombie-raising! But he's just *curious*, and that's a motive I can understand very well... but I'm so worried where it'll lead him.

As always, your writing is an absolute delight and leaves me in awe. There are perfect moments everywhere, and your characters are so well-drawn. I appreciate seeing terrifyingly efficient super-competent Blades! (Especially because my main exposure to them has been via Morrowind and, well.) My heart bleeds for everyone involved in the Darnand+Jerric+Abiene triangle, and oh, Jerric's explanation for why they couldn't be together... *sniffs*. I love Jerric's deceptive depths. Lildereth's backstory was definitely, definitely worth the wait - it was amazing, and heartwrenching, and explains so very much about her. And it's good to know she's not a Mythic Dawn sleeper agent!

(Probably.)

In short: this story is amazing and I await further updates with bated breath.

[Grits]

Previously: Jerric, Darnand, Lildereth, and Aravi camped by warm springs overlooking Hope Valley. Lildereth told the story of her tribe becoming the Wild Hunt during the Five Year War with the Khajiit. She admitted that the monsters she is hunting are the remnants of her tribe. Aravi and her screenshots appeared with the generosity and cooperation of her creator King Coin. Thank you so much, KC!!

A reminder: As Brother Venco instructed Jerric is traveling incognito while Blades with actual training try to flush out Mythic Dawn agents for questioning. That scene can be found here. Venco took Jerric’s Blades helm and Kvatch gear and said he should ditch Lil. Jerric had Lil steal the helm back instead. He couldn’t tell her what was going on so he put her where she could figure it out.



Elisabeth Hollow: Yep, it's definitely a load off Lildereth's mind. Lol on the cave beef.

mALX: You're so right, now Jerric understands what Lildereth already knew about what draws them together, and now they've both recognized it's also what pulls them apart. Thank you, mALX!

Acadian: I'm delighted that you drew attention to those two lines between the boyz. That moment represents so many others that don't get written. Aravi was indeed the catalyst for Lildereth's unburdening. The crew is lucky she stayed through all of their teasing! Thank you, Acadian!

SubRosa: That line was definitely a Riddick tribute, and I was grinning when you mentioned it. I’m glad you enjoyed Lil’s telling of her past. I considered several ways of presenting that scene including flashbacks, but in the end I thought her own words would serve best. Thank you, SubRosa!

ghastley: I’m glad you picked out Darnand’s line. He is at his most formal when he gets emotional, and that’s hard for me to convey. Lol, Darnand should step carefully around Aravi in Skyrim. Thank you, ghastley!

McBadgere: It’s funny how the biggest moments can be the pause where the thing is not said. Thank you so much, McB! And I hope there won’t be any more long delays. (But you know how it is. )

Darkness Eternal: Thanks, DE! I love the more exotic locations in Tamriel. I can’t wait for an excuse to write about Elsweyr and Black Marsh. About dialog, I always cut a lot since the characters keep running their mouths whether it’s relevant to the story or not, lol. It can be nerve-wracking to try to get it all down. Thanks, DE!

haute ecole rider: Thank you, haute! It’s taken a long time to show why Lil can be difficult. I’m glad she’s finally coming into her own in the story. It was a delight to have Aravi’s company for a while. I’m glad you enjoyed her!

King Coin: It was a pure joy to collaborate with you on these sections. I’m sure Aravi needed to get away from the maniacs as much as she wanted that bath! I love that you pointed out the way the friends handled each other at the campfire. Thank you so much, KC!

ThatSkyrimGuy: SkyGuy, welcome! I’ll see you in the Commentasaurus. I’m delighted that you’re reading.

Kazaera: I love your Shield spell umbrella! It makes me think of the visual effect of Skyrim’s Ward spells projected over the head and following along for the duration. Sleeper in the Cave is always inspiring, particularly in the way you present magic. Your concerns for Darnand are so appreciated. They demonstrate your real understanding of his character. Thank you, Kaz!



Next: Jerric and Darnand are pursuing their Mages Guild recommendations while they search for Books 3 and 4 of the Mythic Dawn Commentaries. Lildereth is collecting Welkynd stones to trade for Master Illusion training while she searches for clues that might lead her to her lost tribe mates (so she can kill them). Onward to Bruma!

.

This post has been edited by Grits: Sep 13 2013, 12:55 AM

[Grits]

.

Chapter 17: Bruma, Part One

Jerric lay with his head sticking out of the tent, looking up at the stars. Four days’ travel on dry roads had brought them nearly to Bruma. Darnand and Lildereth were easy company. The elf had stayed with them rather than disappearing into the woods as was often her habit. Jerric suspected that the steep terrain had much to do with her decision.

Clear skies had given them magnificent views across the Heartlands to the Imperial City. It wasn’t until they turned up the Silver Road that Jerric felt the mountains closing in.

Five months ago he had followed this path with Martin and Brother Jauffre as they made for the safety of Cloud Ruler Temple. Lord Martin and Grandmaster Jauffre, he reminded himself. Prior Maborel’s blood had been wet on the ground and Kvatch had still burned behind Jerric’s and Martin’s eyes. Now in early spring there was more snow on the ground. The cold was just as piercing.

Jerric could hear Darnand outside the tent rummaging in his pack, trading books for his journal and a charcoal pencil for his quills and ink. Tonight around the campfire Jerric had shared the tale of his older brother Petr and the wolf while Darnand recorded his memories. Jerric hadn’t yet been born when the events had occurred, so he had simply repeated the story as it had been told to him and as he in turn had passed it on to younger family members. As he spoke he had almost heard the echo of his Pa’s and Petr’s voices. Now his throat ached at their silence.

Lildereth’s shadow fell over him as she passed the low fire, finishing her pre-sleep rituals.

“We’ll be there by mid-day,” she said. “The weather is going to hold.”

Jerric smiled to himself. Lildereth did not bother with unnecessary remarks. This chatter was for his benefit.

“Remember you are to use your surname only,” Darnand said from beyond Jerric’s view.

“Kjellingsson. Right,” said Jerric. “Bruma must be used to Nord ways. No one will expect me to use two names.”

The urge to tease about Imperial and Breton ancestral vanity faded as quickly as it came. Folk said the dead could hear when their names were spoken. Jerric felt a vague unease. He had no regard for his own reputation, but his Pa had passed beyond offering forgiveness. He guessed he might learn how it felt to hold on to shame.

“I propose that you call yourself Kjelling,” said Darnand. “You will provoke fewer questions if you use a simple name.”

“No way,” said Jerric. “There was only one Kjelling, and it’s not me.”

“Kjellingsson of Anvil,” Lildereth suggested. “With that West Weald accent and a Gold Coast drawl it’s no secret you’re not from around here.” She glanced down at him as she walked past. “And you won’t have to keep track of a lie.”

“Yeah. The less I talk the fewer times I’ll screw it up. I give myself ten minutes. Less if there’s an attractive woman at the gate. You two should take wagers.”

“I claim the livery,” said Darnand. “Though I hope you make it as far as the gate. Lildereth?”

The elf didn’t reply as she slipped into the tent. Jerric turned his head to watch her drop her cloak before burrowing into the bedroll. To his surprise she spread her furs over him instead.

“Don’t get ideas,” she muttered. “It’s fetching cold.”

“Colder than a minotaur with brass balls,” Jerric agreed. He lifted his arm so she could crawl under.

“Colder than a horker’s twat,” Lildereth said, a smile in her voice. Jerric’s brow went up as she wrapped around him like a sea star. Her chilled nose made him twitch.

Jerric tucked the furs then worked his arm back under. “I guess your elf magic isn’t much use on the ice.”

Lildereth’s reply was muffled but her tone was unmistakable.

“Is any part of you still touching the ground?” Jerric asked. “You know, it’s warmest down the front of my drawers.”

“Guess that’s why your hands are never cold. Sweet Mother Mara, you stink! I thought I was used to it.”

Jerric laughed, his breath puffing out in a cloud. “That’s the beans. You can’t complain about the stink while you’re enjoying the warmth.” He clenched his belly to see if he could squeak out another one.

Lildereth made the expected sound of dismay.

Darnand spoke from the darkness. “I shall awaken you for your watch whether or not you have slept.”

“Come on over,” Jerric suggested. “We can make an elf sandwich. For heat.”

Lildereth started to laugh.

“Did you think I said ‘meat’?” Jerric teased. “You know, you’d be warmer bare. And if you might give in to any urges I could stay awake for it. Whoa! That’s not a good place for your knee.”

Lildereth wiggled around some more.

Ulfe emerged from the trees and ambled over. She planted her great, snowy paws on Jerric’s chest and leaned down, huffing her breath in his face.

“Argh, Ulfe! Have you been eating mort flesh?” He couldn’t get an arm free to shove the dog. “Breton, get over here! She’s got me pinned! You’re supposed to be protecting the camp!”

“The dog is friendly,” Darnand said in an absent tone. “And if you refer to the elf, then count yourself lucky.”

Jerric heard a page turn over the sound of Ulfe’s panting. The hound let out a whimpering groan as she flopped down on top of them. Lildereth made a frantic yelp under the furs.

“Don’t blame me, it’s the dog.” Jerric heaved her off with a grunt, still grinning over Darnand’s jest. “Here, girl.” He patted the ground cloth.

Ulfe got the hint and stretched out with her back against him. Lildereth finished squirming and lay curled into his other side. Jerric closed his eyes.

After a moment he opened them again.

“Breton.”

“…Yes?”

“Uh, never mind.”

A soft snort came from Darnand’s direction. He might as well have spoken the words, ‘You are welcome.’

.

This post has been edited by Grits: Sep 12 2013, 01:08 PM

[Elisabeth Hollow]

I feel your pain, Lildreth. My husband can stink up under the covers, too XD
And he's sooooooooo warm!

[ghastley]

Whoa! That’s not a good place for your knee.

And Lil should not forget that it's those chemical reactions that are fueling the warmth. But she can blame Jerric for cooking beans, assuming he's still the camp cook.

Nice cameo from Ulfe. I suspect she'll be getting into more situations once they get to town.

P.s. remind us how many Welkynds Lildereth has found when you get the chance. It seems like forever since she last got one.

This post has been edited by ghastley: Sep 12 2013, 04:51 PM

[haute ecole rider]

So the banter between the three remains light-hearted and fun, in spite of all the heavy memories that have been previously shared.

it's a nice way to slide back into the story. I especially liked your reference to the five months since Jerric last passed this way with Brother Lord Martina and Grandmaster Jauffre. It gives us a clear idea of the time line, especially given how long the telling of this story has stretched over the past couple of years!

I respect Jerric's insistence on keeping the -sson with his father's name. It reveals how much his relationship with his father and the man's death still affects our Nord stink-bug.

Beans! Love eatin' 'em, hate the side effects! Oh, and I don't doubt it's more than the beans keeping Jerric warm.

Good to see an update here again!

[SubRosa]

So its been five months since Kvatch and Martin. It seems like longer, but that is just because of all the adventures/quests/missions/things that Jerric and crew have gotten themselves into since then.

As the others said, this episode gives us a lot of fun banter between the trio (fouro counting Ulfe). Just as looking back at how long it has been since Kvatch, the depth of their current relationship is an example of how much time has passed since they first teamed up back in Anvil.

[mALX]

Petr and the wolf, BWAAHAA! I remember watching the Disney version with my children, ROFL !!! If we'd only known it was Jerric's story, ROFL!

Loved the Nord name world-building there, but after all this time I've forgotten some things - wondering why they have to sneak into Bruma and be careful of names there.

How nice it was to see a Jerric chapter on the boards! Awesome write, but too short !!!!!

[McBadgere]

....

*Sighs contentedly*...I do loves me Jerric... ...

Proper brilliant!!...

Subtle stuff abounding!!...

Subtle reminder of the MQ stuff, Jerric's loss at Kvatch, where he's from originally, the unspoken "Stuff" between Jerric and Lildreth...And I don't mean...Um... ... ...Nevermind...

So yeah, excellently brilliant stuff hidden in such a simple section...*Applauds*...

Dear Santa...For Christmas I would like to be able to write as good as Grits...I promise to be good!...Yes, yes I do!!... ...

...Oh dang... ...

Oh, the "Colder than..." debate made me laugh loudly...Which at 3.30am is possible not the best...I shall be told off!!... ...But still...So funny...*Smiles broadly again*...

...And I hope there won’t be any more long delays. (But you know how it is. )

Yeah, yeah I do...*Looks at own pile 'o' not finished*...The main thing is that we don't give up, eh?... ...

Aaaamywho...

Absolute brilliance...

Love it!!...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds most heartily*...

[Acadian]

“Yeah. The less I talk the fewer times I’ll screw it up. I give myself ten minutes. Less if there’s an attractive woman at the gate. You two should take wagers.” - - Even completely out of context at any time or place, this could only be Jerric speaking!

What a delightful evening as the big Nord draws elves and dogs to him in search of warmth. I see Lildereth has done her ‘gotta get warm’ vs ‘crushed by giant Nords and dogs’ calculations. It seems she underestimated the odor factor though.

Beans. Why did this episode conjure eye-stinging images from Blazing Saddles?

Bruma, eh? I guess Jerric is not taking them ‘someplace warm’, as Kharjo would say.

[Darkness Eternal]

Hmm. Peaceful and lovely scenery, even despite the bloody memories. A relief from the darkness of the caves and the creepy subterranean levels of the many forts, I say.

Jerric laughed, his breath puffing out in a cloud. “That’s the beans. You can’t complain about the stink while you’re enjoying the warmth.” He clenched his belly to see if he could squeak out another one.

At least it wasn’t cave beef or mountain oysters, or gods forbid, sewer rat meat all mixed in together. I like Ulfe!

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: Sep 13 2013, 07:39 PM