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

[King Coin]

Glad you still are writing for these guys! Though I’m not doing much better… shutting up!

I barely remember Jerric’s run with Martin to Cloud Ruler Temple. That was a long time ago. I like the constant reminders of Kvatch. With someone like Jerric, it’s all too easy to forget that he lost everything when Kvatch burned. I love the light hearted teasing between the three.

So, Jerric is a gas fueled stove.

[Colonel Mustard]

An update! Well finally!

It's good to see the gang back in action again, and I'm loving the banter that's flying back and forth between them all; I'd quote my favourite lines, but seeing as that would be most of the chapter I'll spare you that.

And five months! Wow, time has flown! I can't help but find it a surprisingly leisurely pace to take when the end of the world via Daedric Cult is looming, but maybe there's a reason why they're getting away with it. Either that, or we're going to have a surprise ending of "Jerric, Darnand and Lildereth were too slow and Mehrunes Dagon appeared in the Imperial City with nothing that could stop him. The world was destroyed and everyone died. The end." Would certainly be a curveball to throw at us.

mALX: I'm going to take a guess that Jerric's taking a false name in order to disguise his presence in case of any more assassination attempts by the Mythic Dawn. Seems a pretty sensible precaution to take at this stage.

[Grits]

Previously: Jerric, Darnand, and Lildereth camped on the Silver Road. It was cold.


Elisabeth Hollow: Warm and cuddly, but there’s a price!

ghastley: Yep, Jerric is responsible for the meal and the results. The other two could manage it but they prefer Jerric’s cooking. Also that gives them something to complain about. Lildereth has not admitted how many Welkynd stones she has already turned in or still needs (or where she got them). She can’t help playing it close to the vest. The last four she got were from Hrotanda Vale, about two story weeks ago (posted last October).

haute ecole rider: Banter is how Jerric and Lildereth hide their hearts, so I’d bet on it continuing. I’m glad you pointed out Jerric’s thoughts of his father. That guilt is not going away soon either.

SubRosa: I suspect it seems like longer because the ride to CRT was posted in March… 2011. And when they teamed up in Anvil one of the first things Lil said was that she wouldn’t climb into the furs with him!

mALX: Thanks for asking about the secrecy. I added a “Story So Far” post after this one. The short version: Brother Venco sent his ‘real’ Blades agents out as bait to snare some Mythic Dawn agents for questioning. He doesn’t want Jerric getting assassinated in the meantime so he made the plan for him to travel as Darnand’s hired guard named Kjellingsson, hoping that’s a balance of truth and confusion that Jerric would not manage to screw up. He mentioned that if the MD still managed to find and assassinate Jerric that would also provide some valuable information. Venco is not a fan of the late Lord Uriel’s you’re-the-one-from-my-dreams recruitment process.

McBadgere: *blush* Thank you, McB! Some of the stuff they say makes me laugh, too. And never when I’m actually trying to write it.

Acadian: Between the beans and the dog, Lildereth got more than she bargained for.

Darkness Eternal: It was fun to get Ulfe back into a scene. I’m glad you liked her.

King Coin: Yeah, he keeps his mind off it but his losses are always right below the surface. Just about everything reminds him that he can’t go home.

Colonel Mustard: Lol, that would be a surprise ending! I should mention that in this story time the way our mortals view it moves about three times faster in Tamriel than in Dagon’s realm. So it’s barely begun from the daedric side of the portals. You’re right on Jerric’s false name.


Next: Not an update, but a refresher on the story so far.

[Grits]

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The Story So Far


Jerric the Nord battlemage lives happily with his large extended family in Kvatch. He works as a guard for his family’s caravan business.

After a drunken brawl on the waterfront Jerric spends his first night in the Imperial City locked up. This is not surprising. However rather than releasing him from the drunk tank along with the others, the guards put Jerric down in the prison. Jerric suspects that his brother had something to do with it.

The real surprise comes in the form of Uriel Septim and the remnants of his Dragonguard. They charge through Jerric’s cell uttering threats on the way to a secret escape route. Someone has murdered all of the Septims, and the Emperor is next. BUT WAIT! You are the one from my dreams…

After witnessing Uriel’s murder Jerric finds himself taking the Amulet of Kings to the Grandmaster of the Blades, Brother Jauffre. The highly trained last remaining personal bodyguard of the Emperor (Baurus) has a target on his back and doesn’t know who else to trust.

Jerric gets into some scrapes and makes some friends on the way. (Weye, Aleswell, the Odiils.) He hands over the Amulet and agrees to go warn the last remaining Septim (Brother Martin) as long as it doesn’t make him late for his Ma’s birthday party. The Grandmaster is in a bind since anyone except for Baurus and Jerric (and Martin who doesn’t know he’s a Septim) could be part of the assassination plan. No one would believe that this Nord would be dispatched along with a paint pack horse (Flash) to save the world. And Jauffre himself has taken on the huge responsibility of guarding the Amulet.

As it happens Jerric already knows Brother Martin. He taught Jerric his first healing spell at the Chapel of Akatosh in Kvatch.

Jerric arrives at Kvatch and finds it under siege by daedra. There’s a Gate to Oblivion keeping his family trapped inside the burning city. Savlian Matius has taken charge, being the highest ranking anyone left alive. He explains the issue. Jerric jumps through the Gate in an attempt to find a way to close it. Eventually he does.

Then he helps the Kvatch Guard take back the ruined city, earning various names in the process. Lionheart seems to stick. In the chapel Jerric has a quiet word with Akatosh. For once the Dragon God of Time seems to listen.

Martin survives. He knows Jerric as a hardworking citizen, a brawler, a womanizer, and a bit of an idiot, but not a liar. He becomes convinced that he is the cause of the sack of Kvatch. The Emperor’s words to Jerric echo his own thoughts when he first met Jerric as a lad. Martin follows Jerric (and Flash) to Weynon Priory. Jerric begins having dreams of fire and a great claw splitting him open. He believes he is seeing the moment of his death.

They arrive to find the Priory under attack. Their enemy has discovered the location of the Amulet of Kings and taken it while Jauffre was busy slaying the zealots. Once again everyone is a suspect, especially those who live(d) at the Priory. Jerric agrees to help Jauffre escort Martin to the Blades’ secret stronghold of Cloud Ruler Temple.

At Cloud Ruler Temple Jerric is inducted into the Blades as a Knight Brother. Jauffre bends the rules for him, since the dead Emperor’s dragon blood showed him Jerric standing at Martin’s side. (Or so they figure. The Emperor could have been a little more specific about exactly what he saw in those dreams.) Jerric will act as an agent directed by Jauffre or Baurus according to a code they arrange. A simple code, because… well, Nord. Jerric heads back to Anvil, realizing that the people who could help him beef up his magic skills are in the area. Plus he should probably tell them he’s alive.

On the way he sees a Gate to Oblivion. He enters and closes it. Then he spends the next two months wandering the wilds closing Gates when he finds them. His thirtieth birthday passes while he is in Dagon’s realm.

When he finally gets almost to Anvil he saves Darnand’s butt from a rogue mage. Darnand immediately returns the favor when a pair of Battlemages sees Jerric as a threat. Darnand eases Jerric’s transition back to civilization. The two had begun a friendship the summer before, and their bond strengthens in the course of a few adventures (Siren’s Deception, Lildereth’s zombie run, assault on Fort Strand). Darnand is a bit of a difficult person who has come to appreciate the effort Jerric made in befriending him. Lildereth is a newcomer having just returned to Cyrodiil from Valenwood. Jerric is Jerric. You know what he’s like.

Jerric and Darnand decide to go on a road trip to get their Mages Guild recommendations. Mostly Jerric needs to learn some new spells from Vigge, who has moved to Kvatch. Lildereth decides to come with them. She is not forthcoming about her reasons.

Also now they have a dog (Ulfe).

In the Imperial City Jerric checks in with Baurus. The two discover evidence that confirms the Mythic Dawn cult as the culprit in the assassinations. Baurus directs Jerric to keep searching for Books 3 and 4 of the Mythic Dawn Commentaries, or Commentaries on the Mysterium Xarxes if you are a rare book dealer with a stick up your behind (Phintias.) Baurus will stay in the IC following up on leads.

In Weynon Priory Jerric learns that Brother Piner has been tortured to death by the Mythic Dawn. Minutes later he meets with the new Blades contact at the Priory, Brother Venco. He also sees that Darnand has been taken into the secret (but known by the Mythic Dawn, hmm) room for questioning. Jerric is not happy about getting Darnand involved. Venco does not care about Jerric’s “feelings” on the matter. Darnand is an asset. Venco is kind of a scary badass.

Also Venco tells them that he suspects Lildereth of being a Mythic Dawn agent who hopes that Jerric will lead her to Martin. He doesn’t have proof, he’s just a suspicious person. That’s what happens when you hang around with spies.

Anyway Brother Venco confiscates Jerric’s Kvatch and Blades gear, telling him that he will henceforth travel under the name Kjellingsson as Darnand’s hired guard to avoid being grabbed up by the MD. He supplies armor suitable for a mercenary and an Akaviri-style shield (Tower of the Nine, awesome) to help with the deception. Venco has Blades agents out posing as Jerric to confuse the enemy. Also as bait to hopefully catch one for questioning. So far they have all killed themselves before the torture “questioning” could get serious.

Lildereth checks back in with the boys, delivering an expletive-laced diatribe against Martina Floria of the Arcane University. It seems Martina wants Welkynd stones in exchange for Master Illusion training. Lil decides to stay with the guys.

While in Chorrol Jerric sends Lildereth on an errand to Weynon Priory to steal his Blades helm back from Venco’s secret room. It’s his vote of confidence in Lil, plus he gets his enchanted helm back and lets her in on what’s going on without breaking his vow and telling her. In return he helps her assault Hrotanda Vale in search of Welkynd stones. They also find the teenaged survivor of a recent battle at the ruin (Valdi). She eats Jerric’s sandwich, steals the backpack he leaves out for her, and then disappears.

A word about Abiene. Abiene has moved to Chorrol to pursue her studies in surgery. She and Jerric had enjoyed a lusty summer in Anvil then said goodbye. When he returned to Anvil having survived Kvatch, Abiene convinced him to pick back up with her. (Pretty much by climbing into his lap. It was not a hard sell.) Then they said goodbye again, hoping they would reunite soon in Chorrol. In Chorrol Jerric told her they had to end it for her safety, even though there was really no “it” at least publically.

At first they had kept it secret in Anvil to hide Abiene’s complete lack of professionalism in using her student as a slam piece. After Kvatch but still in Anvil Abiene admitted she didn’t want the added heartbreak of being known as his ex after he had left her to probably go off and die. Also her family would not consider him to be boyfriend material, and she did not want to put on her big girl panties and deal with them. Of course they didn’t fool everyone while they were going at it like bunnies. Thaurron and Carahil certainly noticed. Darnand did not.

So in Chorrol Jerric tells her he really means it this time (while in bed right after nailing her, nice timing Nord). Abiene had just told him she wanted their relationship to be out in the open, so she is not happy.

Meanwhile the Mythic Dawn has been opening Gates to the Deadlands. Sometimes they’re next to a community and there are massive casualties. Sometimes they’re in the middle of nowhere for no apparent reason. Jerric’s theory is that they use Gates in Tamriel to take shortcuts through the Deadlands, since he has seen multiple Gates open within sight of each other there but only one is visible on the Tamriel side. For example traveling from Anvil to Blacklight with a quick stroll through Oblivion. Also it’s known that the sigil stones are made with mortal souls, and Jerric (and others) keep taking the sigil stones to shut the Gates. He thinks Dagon needs more souls.

Regarding Kvatch. Jerric has been calling Savlian Matius the Hero of Kvatch when he tells the story. He’s been recruiting the capable but disaffected people he encounters as potential new citizens wherever he goes. Savlian asked Jerric to stand with Rilian as Rilian delivered Count Kvatch’s signet ring and made his case to the Elder Council. The Elder Council gave the ring back to Rilian to give to Savlian as the new Acting Steward to hold for whoever the new count will be. Noble families from all over have been sending representatives to “help” since the Goldwine sons had recently been assassinated and there’s no heir. Savlian has a curfew in effect among other stringent measures to keep order on the plateau. Ghosts are a big problem. Thanks to the Kvatch City Guard, County Kvatch Militia, and the Imperial Legion, crime is not. After they got hammered in the Imperial City post-council meeting, Rilian asked Jerric if he could come along instead of going home to their burned-out city. Then he passed out. Jerric rather unusually wrote him a letter saying no and telling him what to do with his life. Get married, plant the new generation of Kvatchians in some nice girl with sturdy hips, rebuild the city. It’s what Jerric would do himself if he was free. Well, he’s not particular about the hips.

There’s a lot I skipped. A LOT. Like all of the Mages Guild Recommendation quests so far including Earana’s notes that Darnand stole and is still carrying, and the recent chapter in which they meet and work with King Coin’s wonderful Khajiit Aravi. Let me know if you have a question, and I’ll fill in some blanks.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who is reading this story. It’s taken nearly three years to get this far, and there’s quite a ways to go. I hope very much that you’ll enjoy the rest of the journey.

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This post has been edited by Grits: Sep 25 2013, 09:00 PM

[mALX]

Thank you so much for the catch up on Jerric! When there is long periods between postings, sometimes we forget some of the details of the plots, it really helps!

[ghastley]

While the "already done" part is useful, I could do with the equivalent of the game's own "quests pending" page, to remind me: how many recommendations they still need; how many volumes of Mysterium Xarxes they haven't found; how close Lildereth is to her ten Welkynds; etc. And a reminder of their overall plan, and what depends on what else. E.g. needing to complete the recommendation quests in order to ..., or Lil getting her Mastery in Illusion so she can ... (I think you explained that once, but I've forgotten).

But don't let it hold up the next episode!

[SubRosa]

The "Our Story So Far" is a good idea for a story that has been going on this long. A while ago I did something similar on the first post of the TF, to help people either get caught up or to act as a refresher.

[Acadian]

What a delightfully fun walk down Jerric Lane, complete with some tongue in cheek parenthetical comments that only the clever wit of Grits could provide.

It is wonderful to see this summary. It'll be handy for linking to new readers who may want to catch up and quickly jump aboard Jerric's story.

It has been pure joy to follow the adventures of our lovable Nord and his pals. Gosh, has it really been three and a half years already? May he have many more ahead to enthrall us with. When you say there is quite a ways to go, that’s beautiful music to the big ears of a little blond elf who, if you can keep a secret, is a bit smitten by the big fella who gifted her with an enchanted butterfly toe ring. (Don’t worry though, she’s not about to risk the ire of dear Abiene, Lildereth - or half the other women of Cyrodiil).

[haute ecole rider]

Thank you so much for the update/story so far - it really helps refresh my memory of the sequence of events.

Certain things stand out, others I've forgotten (like Jesan and Jerric heading off to the Elder Council for help).

As always, your asides and comments (Jerric is Jerric, after all, thanks for keeping that forefront for all of us) are enjoyable and delightful.

[Darkness Eternal]

A great summary and detailed work on Jerric's story. I can't thank you enough for posting this. A new reader like me might have felt lost a bit.

I can see that the rest of the story will be equally as good as the previous chapters themselves. Can't wait to read more and I truly mean it!

[King Coin]

Thanks for the summary. There was a lot I forgot about, and it was fun remembering them.

[Grits]

Previously: We had an update on the story so far. Before that the crew camped along the Silver Road headed to Bruma. It was cold.


Everyone: Thanks, folks! I think a game-style Quest Log would be a great addition to the Darnandex. I’ll link to the completed quests where they happened in the story. At the least it will help me do less searching when I want to check something I wrote years ago. That’s a project for December.


Next: Bruma. Jerric and Darnand are seeking their Mages Guild recommendations while searching for Books 3 and 4 of the Mythic Dawn Commentaries. Lildereth still needs some Welkynd Stones to trade for Master Illusion training, maybe. The group includes three horses and a dog.

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Chapter 17: Bruma, Part Two

Mid-day sun glared off the snow as they made the turn toward Bruma. Jerric yanked his hood down to shade his eyes. Then he pushed it back so he could see the mountains again.

“A lot of Nords in Bruma,” said Lildereth.

Jerric glanced over to where she rode beside him. Her eyes glinted back from the shadows between her cloak and hood.

“Won’t see many wood elves, I’d wager,” he said. “Maybe in the brothels. Might be one or two there.”

Lildereth didn’t reply.

“So that folk can have a choice,” Jerric explained. Lildereth had been silent since they started the final climb to the fields surrounding Bruma. He knew he had a better chance of carrying a snowball through the Deadlands than figuring out what was on her mind. Provoking her sometimes solved that problem.

Ulfe romped past, snorting snow. She earned little more than an ear flick from the horses, but her two-legged companions laughed.

“I wonder if she’s been here before,” said Jerric. He glanced back at the elf, wondering much the same thing. Lildereth didn’t offer any information.

Darnand called a halt from his position at the rear. He dismounted and walked over to face an impressive snowbank.

Jerric slid to the ground and unbuckled as he followed, observing the customary distance.

“We got snow in Kvatch, but never like this,” said Jerric. “I’m going to write my name.”

“Boys and their toys,” said Lildereth.

Jerric called back over his shoulder. “Come here and I’ll let you write yours. I can manage the first part at least.”

“Check your spelling,” said Darnand. He had accepted the unspoken challenge.

Jerric checked. “I’m not finished.” He managed the correction.

“His is longer,” Lildereth said to Jerric. He wondered if the elf had already accomplished her own comfort break. What mysteries she hid in the forest, the snow would tell.

“His name is longer,” Jerric said. Darnand finished his work with a flourish. “And look, he didn’t dot his ‘I’.”

“There is no ‘I,’” said Darnand. “I have rendered my name phonetically in Dwemeris.”

Jerric stared at him. “Are you jesting?”

The Breton did not look up from his robe-arranging. The three of them stood back to view the snow bank.

“It’s a good thing we’re not trying to maintain a low profile,” Lildereth said.

Jerric and Darnand exchanged a look. Their boots made quick work of obscuring the names.

“Anything else while we’ve stopped?” she asked. “Carve your initials in a tree? Or perhaps ‘draw’ a map?”

Jerric took the opportunity to attend to some itches. “Anyone else ready for lunch?”

That got Darnand and Lildereth back on their horses. Ulfe stayed behind, giving him a mournful look.

“Sorry, girl. That was a mean trick. Wasn’t meant for you.” Jerric packed a snowball for her to catch before he mounted up.

Lildereth took the lead on her mare Rose. Jerric nudged Kip up beside Darnand on Banner.

“I’ve never been inside the walls,” Jerric said.

Darnand’s breath steamed out of his hood when he spoke. “I am unknown in Bruma, as I have not returned since a single visit as a lad. Lildereth may be acquainted with some at the Mages Guild hall, we will know when we arrive. You need only remember your own name: Kjellingsson of Anvil.”

“Yeah, I know that. I remember.” Jerric’s shoulders eased at the reassurance. He searched the peaks for Cloud Ruler Temple, though he knew he wouldn’t see it. He imagined invisible eyes watching, not all of them friendly.

Wildeye Stables stood in the shelter of Bruma’s eastern wall, a cluster of low timber buildings arranged around a yard. A double row of fir trees protected the pasture from mountain winds. Two Skyrim huskies patrolled the fence line. Jerric glanced around to check on Ulfe. She did not seem interested in the other dogs. He dismounted and joined the business of settling the horses.

As usual Darnand conducted the transaction while Jerric and Lildereth shifted their gear. Jerric was the last to leave the barn. He found Darnand and Lildereth speaking with a yellow-haired Nord woman outside the stable house. She stood with her shoulders back and chest out, apparently unaffected by the wind.

Darnand stepped away as Jerric approached. “My packs,” Darnand said, nodding to where they sat on the ground.

Jerric blinked at him. “Uh…”

“Pick up his packs,” Lildereth hissed.

Darnand shot Jerric an irritated look.

“I’m Jerric,” Jerric said to the blonde woman.

“Petrine.” She crossed her arms under her bosom. Her eyes crinkled up when she smiled.

“Pleased to meet you.”

“You are to bring my packs, Kjellingsson,” Darnand said. He raised his brows in a way that must signify something.

Jerric got the message. Dammit! “Uh, as you say, your high… my lord… sir.”

Petrine looked back and forth between the two of them. Darnand appeared to be at an utter loss.

“They’re lovers,” Lildereth confided to the ostler. “Sometimes they forget how to act when we return to a city.”

Petrine and Lildereth shared a knowing glance.

“I shall go ahead,” Darnand snapped. “You accompany him, elf. Bring my belongings to the guild hall.”

“Uh,” Jerric said to Darnand’s back. “As you—”

Lildereth tugged on Jerric’s arm to get him moving.

“Subtle,” she remarked as soon as they reached the road.

“You lie as easily as breathing. It’s not like that for all of us.” Jerric paused to shift his burdens. “I guess I should have just kept my mouth shut. This close to Skyrim I’m just another Nord.”

Lildereth cast a spell and picked up some of the packs. “Until you start dancing with atronachs and throwing frost around.”

“These Mages Guild assignments haven’t called for much magic.”

Darnand waited near the gate with a storm in his face. “Perhaps we should review our strategy for maintaining an inconspicuous presence.”

Lildereth nodded at Jerric. “This one always causes talk. Now they already have a piece of gossip to chew on, so you can relax. Get over it, Breton. You’re not the first stuck-up semi-noble to get caught balling the help.”

Darnand’s reply emerged as an incoherent splutter.

“Balling?” Jerric laughed at Lildereth.

“You should lead, your high lordness,” Lildereth said to Darnand. Humor still danced in her eyes. “Try to look chastened,” she told Jerric.

Darnand’s glare passed from Lildereth to Jerric. “Please attempt to appear as my escort. Keep the pace a few steps behind me.”

The two complied, falling in behind the sweep of Darnand’s cloak. Ulfe trotted up and took a position behind the Breton. Jerric silently begged her to goose him with her nose, but she maintained her regal bearing.

“He seems out of sorts,” said Lildereth, lifting her chin at Darnand’s back. “I guess he won’t be getting laid in Bruma.”

Jerric gave her a puzzled glance. Getting his stick wet was not on Darnand’s list of priorities, as far as he knew. The elf’s behavior was making less sense than usual.

“You called him a stuck-up semi-noble,” Jerric said. “That’d be hard to hear. Especially from you.”

Lildereth looked contrite. Jerric reminded himself of her skill in illusion magic.

“That’s not how I see him at all,” she said. “It’s just that haughty tone and arrogant expression. A lot of people take him the wrong way.”

“With your tactful ways, I guess you know about that.”

Lildereth’s glance covered his entire person. “So do you.”

Jerric prepared his introduction speech as they approached the gates, but the guards waved them through. Darnand led them up a main thoroughfare past the towering chapel without hesitating. The city climbed in long terraces up to the castle. Cinders and finely crushed stone allowed easy footing on the packed snow. The broad sets of stairs between levels had been cleared down to the stone.

While the road outside had been nearly empty, Bruma’s city streets bustled with activity. Citizens gathered around braziers in the open area between the gate and the chapel. Jerric heard snippets of the Nordic tongue amongst the babble of Cyrodilic. Most folk wore at least a cape of some kind, but many were bare-headed. Darnand cast a spell as he walked. Jerric glanced over at Lildereth and grinned. Her expression was unreadable, masked behind her furs and woolen wraps.

They passed through neighborhoods and shopping districts along the way to the guild halls in the city’s center level. The buildings stood in rows all facing out over the city. Jerric guessed that the fronts were mostly business establishments with private life conducted to the rear. Jerric’s heart lifted at the view over walls to the snowy Jeralls beyond.

Music drifted out the open door of one establishment. The women lounging along the wide porch possessed the inviting smiles and predatory eyes of working girls. Jerric didn’t need to look for the sign. Brothel. We must be near the Fighters Guild.

He turned to Lildereth to make a comment, but she kept her face forward. Banners on the buildings ahead announced that they had reached the guild halls.

Darnand lifted the latch at the Mages Guild Hall and stepped aside for Jerric to shoulder the door open. Jerric did not miss the smug twist of lip. He mentally cracked his knuckles. The Breton was enjoying his role a little too much. Payback would be sweet.

The guild’s entry hall made Jerric feel instantly at home. Timber, stucco, and stone combined made the space both spacious and welcoming. Shelves lined the walls to the left and right around a facing pair of high, arched doorways. Landings with stairs leading up and down were visible through them. No one sat at the entry’s small receiving tables, but a richly dressed Altmer stood browsing through the bookshelves. A redheaded Breton woman was barely visible behind the far counter. Smaller doors stood open behind her, revealing the work spaces beyond.

“Ugh,” said Darnand. “It smells like a scamp in here.”

The Altmer arched an elegant brow in Jerric’s direction. His perfect nose twitched. “I should think that would be an improvement,” the mer declared.

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This post has been edited by Grits: Nov 2 2013, 04:15 PM

[Colonel Mustard]

I'd forgotten how much fun this story could be. Had some absolutely awesome one-liners in here. I can already sense that it's going to be hugely entertaining to see Jerric try and maintain this alter-ego of Darnand's servant while they're in Bruma.

“They’re lovers,” Lildereth confided to the ostler. “Sometimes they forget how to act when we return to a city.”

Lidereth, you troll!


Looking forward to more!

[SubRosa]

Look like Jerric is envying Boromir for his sunglasses

“I have rendered my name phonetically in Dwemeris.”
Only a magic geek would ever do this!

“I’m Jerric,” Jerric said to the blonde woman.
Just like Captain Jack, he cannot help but to flirt. Especially when he is supposed to be playing the part of the manservant instead!

“They’re lovers,” Lildereth confided to the ostler. “Sometimes they forget how to act when we return to a city.”
Good save on Lil's part. Assuming the stablewoman believed her. She must have, for otherwise she would have probably taken it for a joke and laughed.

“I guess he won’t be getting laid in Bruma.”
Ouch! Lil's got those legs locked together!

Brothel. We must be near the Fighters Guild.
Ouch again! Commander Vitellus resembles that remark!

“I should think that would be an improvement,”
And schwing! for the ending!

All in all a nice introduction to the city of Bruma, with all the typical banter we have come to expect from the Terrible Trio. With all the pictures I have been seeing of Abiene and the gang lately, it felt strange that she was not there as well. But perhaps the Chevalier D'Eon is keeping her busy back in Chorrol?

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Nov 3 2013, 05:08 PM

[Acadian]

You crafted a fantastic backdrop here, where we were forced to squint against the snow glare and pull our furs closer to stay the cutting wind. As ever, you then liberally seasoned the scene with the wonderful banter among the trio that we have come to love.

‘The Breton did not look up from his robe-arranging. The three of them stood back to view the snow bank.
“It’s a good thing we’re not trying to maintain a low profile,” Lildereth said.’
This was priceless! I think perhaps Lil is the only one of the three cut out for this spy stuff.

SubRosa has already quoted several of the delightful little gems you wove into this episode.

I really enjoyed the entrance into the Bruma MG because it felt so much like the game. Volanaro browsing books in his green silks, and even the leftover smell of Jeanne’s fifteen second scamp spell.

[Darkness Eternal]

Lildereth got a bit mum when Jerric mentioned brothels, but she did save them from Petrine

I had a laugh out of fancy Darnand telling Jerric to check out his spelling when writing his name in the snow. This chapter was full of laughs and giggles and I am anticipating to see what the trio will conjure up while in the guildhall. I can trust Lildereth, she's more laid back. Now Jerric and Darnand are synonymous for trouble

[ghastley]

“Ugh,” said Darnand. “It smells like a scamp in here.”

It's going to be a Rosentia cross-over story! The three will have to take a small Breton woman (who shall remain nameless) into a dark cave and leave her with the Daedra. In return Volonaro will teach them a spell to pick locks that Lildereth doesn't even notice being locked in the first place. They will return from the cave to find that the scamps have found Jerric stock of beans, and the resulting build-up of methane has blown up the Guild Hall. The fires may never go out!

Ulfe will remain the star, no matter where the story goes.

[Grits]

Previously: Jerric, Darnand, Lildereth, and Ulfe entered Bruma. At the stable Jerric flubbed his lines completely. Lildereth covered for his awkwardness by “confiding” that he and Darnand (his boss) are a couple. At the Mages Guild Volanaro welcomed them by implying that Jerric smells.


Colonel Mustard: Thank you, Mustard! Jerric is not at his best when juggling lies, and Lil just gave him another one to keep track of. These lighter updates have been fun to write.

SubRosa: I keep looking for Abiene, too. She’s worried that she’ll be forgotten! Lil was quite pleased with her save at the stable. Jerric’s appetite for the Bruma smorgasbord of big blondes and redheads has been on her mind. She’s not sure what she wants from him yet, but she’s sure she doesn’t want him to get anything while she’s deciding! Thank you, SubRosa!

Acadian: I’m glad you liked the familiarity of Bruma so far. I have to make it bigger than the game so that it makes sense in a story, but I very much want to keep the flavor of the Bruma we all know. It’s one of my favorite places in Cyrodiil. Thank you, Acadian!

Darkness Eternal: Thank you, DE! These next few updates will be talk-y and light, so I expect Jerric will put his boot in his mouth more than once again. You got it, Lil was not happy about the convenience of that brothel!

ghastley: Lol. So that’s why the guild halls don’t need fireplaces! Scamps and beans. That sounds like a menu. Thank you, ghastley!


Next: The Bruma Mages Guild.

[Grits]

.

Chapter 17: Bruma, Part Three

The Altmer had a pleasant expression on his face. Jerric decided the remark was only meant as an observation. He had to admit that it wasn’t inaccurate. The mer returned to his reading without offering an introduction.

The Breton at the counter raised a fist, gazing up at it in wide-eyed concentration. She grunted as she released her spell. An eddy formed in the air, eventually opening a rift into the Void. They all held their breath with the woman as they awaited what would come.

A stunted scamp dropped through. Its gleeful cackle was cut short as it toppled backward and out of existence the instant its feet touched the floor.

Darnand’s brows went up. Jerric glanced at the Altmer for a clue, but the mer’s eyes remained firmly in his book.

“Why, hello there!” the Breton called out. “You must be new. Oh, it’s so nice to see new faces in the guild!” She produced the scamp again. Now its squawk sounded like a plea.

Lildereth wrinkled her nose at Jerric. He got an idea why this enormous space was largely empty.

“I guess they’re suffering from the ban on Necromancy,” Lildereth murmured. “Perhaps she’s better at zombies.”

Jerric looked at the woman’s friendly eyes and freckled face. It was difficult to imagine her in a filthy robe stripping flesh from bones, but this chapter had once specialized in that school of magic. “Maybe she’s new,” he muttered back.

“Darnand Penoit, Kjellingsson of Anvil, and Lildereth,” Darnand said as they reached the counter. “The Nord and I request recommendations to the Arcane University. Lildereth and I require accommodations here at the guild hall.”

The redhead beamed around at them. “I am Jeanne Frasoric, Wizard of the Guild and head of our Bruma chapter,” she announced. “You seek recommendations, from me? Well, of course you do. Raminus would naturally want my opinion, wouldn’t he? This is a situation we can all benefit from, Associates. You do me a small favor, and I’ll happily send along a glowing recommendation.” She waved her hands at their bags and packs. “But first you will want to situate yourselves. Now, let me see…” She looked around at the now empty hall. “Well I shall do it myself. Follow me, Associates. And..?” She glanced back at Lildereth.

“Journeyman,” said Lildereth.

“Ah, Journeyman.” Jeanne brightened even more. She leaned in as if sharing a confidence, though Lildereth stood paces away. “If you ever need anything, just let me know. I have friends in all sorts of high places, you know, so I can get things done that others can’t. Someday maybe you could return the favor!” Jeanne strode through one of the arched openings and down the stairs.

Jerric smirked at Lildereth. “After you, Journeyman.”

Lildereth rolled her eyes. Darnand led them through to the lower level.

The living quarters were arranged in dormitory fashion with chambers on either side of the corridor. Jeanne continued in her bird-like voice when they reached her.

“You will find our accommodations most comfortable,” she informed them. “We house visiting members as guests of our residents. Each chamber is fully fitted to provide for four mages at work, rest, and leisure. The dining hall is on the upper level, adjacent to the main library. Summoning chambers, practice rooms, cold storage, and our… other facilities can be reached through passageways here and here.”

Darnand gave Jerric a significant look at the words ‘other facilities.’ Jerric simply hauled the bags and hoped he would explain later.

“Aaah, here we are,” Jeanne warbled. She swept into a chamber and made a little twirl, fluttering her hands at the space. “Lildereth, fellow Journeyman Selena Orania will be your host. Please make yourself comfortable on this side of the room. Selena will be your only roommate unless more traveling guild members arrive.”

Lildereth looked mildly pained at the mention of unknown cohabitants. Jeanne’s face bore a wellspring of hope.

“Are you expecting more visitors?” asked Darnand.

Jeanne puffed out a breath. “No.” Then her expression brightened again. “With me, Associates.”

Jerric looked around Lildereth’s room while Darnand followed Jeanne back into the corridor. The chamber held four double beds, each accompanied by a wardrobe, dresser, desk, bookshelf, and side table. Jerric estimated that a tribe of wood elves could camp there and still find elbow room. Lildereth dropped her packs near one desk and began unfastening her cloak.

“You could get lost in here, sprout,” Jerric said.

Lildereth sighed, but her lips made that half-smile. “You’ll wish you were here when you have to share the floor with some greasy orc over at the Fighters Guild. Or worse, a Nord.”

Jerric laughed. “Come find me when you get cold. Or cuddle up with this Selena, if she’s not a bag of bones.”

He turned to find an Imperial woman in a blue velvet gown standing at the doorway. Her short, dark hair bore streaks of silver. She did not look amused.

“Selena Orania,” said the Imperial. “Journeyman and Alchemist. If you have potions or supplies to trade, seek me out. You will find my shop on the main level.”

“I’m… Kjellingsson,” said Jerric. “Pleased to meet you.”

Selena stepped inside without further comment. Jerric felt her eyes on his neck as he walked out into the corridor.

“I’m Lildereth,” he heard the elf say. “Please ignore him. He has received many blows to the head.”

Selena’s voice sounded warmer when she replied. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lildereth. I hope you will enjoy your stay! The Nords here don’t like Heartlanders very much, and we don’t get many visitors with the roads so dangerous these days. Have you traveled far? Has Jeanne shown you the bathing facility? I’ll say this for the locals, they know how to build a steam hut. Though most could benefit from more frequent application of simple soap and water.”

Lildereth’s laugh sounded like a mountain stream in spring. Jerric joined Jeanne and Darnand in the chamber across the hall.

Darnand stood listening to the chapter head. His mouth hung slightly open, and his brow furrowed in disbelief.

“You will find the materials you need in the supply room, adjacent to Selena’s alchemy workshop,” Jeanne was saying. She spun on her heel in dismissal. “Ah, there you are,” she said to Jerric. “I shall now assign your task. If you can find J’skar, I’ll write your recommendation immediately.”

“Uh,” said Jerric. He was beginning to sweat under his armor and cloak, and all of his and Darnand’s bags were hung about his person. The situation seemed informal for official business even by his standards.

Jeanne trotted the few steps to stand in front of Jerric. Her expression held genuine concern. “He’s disappeared,” she said. “I mean he’s really disappeared. No one has seen him in days. Volanaro thinks maybe a spell backfired. If someone from the Council were to stop by and find him gone, it’d look bad for me. I can’t have that. See what you can find out. If you can make J’skar re-appear, you’ll have your recommendation.”

Darnand’s jaw remained slack in the wake of Jeanne’s departure. Jerric separated their gear while the Breton collected himself.

“Inventory,” Darnand growled before Jerric could ask. “She has me taking inventory.”

Jerric had to laugh. “I guess she doesn’t need anything stolen and translated, secretly researched, or illegally enchanted. Say, maybe you could write a spell that would catch her on fire.”

The Breton slowly shook his head.

“You should write the lists in Dwemeris,” Jerric suggested. “Who the hells is J’skar?”

Darnand pinched the bridge of his nose.

“I’ll come back after I check in at the Fighters Guild,” Jerric told him. “See if you can find where this J’skar is, will you? I get the idea these folk are sick of Nords.”

Jerric found the Altmer back at the shelves in the entry hall.

“I’m Kjellingsson of Anvil,” said Jerric, feeling pleased for not stumbling. He shifted the packs so he could fold his hands in the traditional greeting.

The Altmer returned the gesture with a smile. “Volanaro, at your service. Need a spell? Need an item recharged? Need a witty practical joke played on someone? I can handle it all.”

“Pleased to meet you. Yeah, I might need some of that stuff. I have to check my situation with regards to coin.”

“If you have it, I’ll take care of everything,” Volanaro said. “Bruma may look like a Skyrim town, but we’ve got all the comforts and services of the warm Nibenean south.”

Jerric raised his brows. “Really?”

“No, not really.” Volanaro made a face. “It’s a little too rugged up here for me. Add a few hairs to a Nord, and you’ve got a bear!” He laughed.

At least he seems honest. “Ha,” Jerric said. “Say, who’s J’skar? Know where he is?”

“Hmm? Oh. Jeanne has you looking for him, does she? I’m afraid you’re not going to find him easily. I think a, uh, spell backfired. That’s probably it.”

Jerric recalled Volanaro’s offer of a witty practical joke. He began to doubt the wit part.

“Well, I’ll take my leave.” Jerric turned at the door to test his theory. “What do you think of this nose?” he asked, pointing to his frequently altered appendage.

Volanaro replied immediately in the same cheerful tone. “I’ve never heard of a Staff of Ugly, but now I know one exists.”

Jeanne strode through the side door as if she had purpose. She cast the scamp spell when she reached the counter.

Volanaro flinched. Jerric headed out into the clean mountain air.

Ulfe greeted him with a nose in the crotch the moment he stepped through the door. “You were smart to stay out here,” he said, roughing up her ears. “You could smell that scamp from the front gate, I’d wager.”

The Fighters Guild Hall stood next door. Jerric paused beside the steps.

Folk on foot passed at speeds from saunter to trot. No one turned in at the Fighters Guild. Nor at the Mages Guild. Jerric supposed the Bruma population was made up of a hardy sort that settled their own disagreements and had little use for magic.

The chapel bells rang the hour.

Or they’re all thinking about lunch. Jerric’s stomach rumbled.

He had a foot on the lowest step when a Nord woman caught his attention. Blonde and well-dressed without cloak or hood. Her eyes were locked on him. Jerric put his foot back on the ground and enjoyed the view while she approached.

“You have the look of a hired sword,” she said, stopping in front of him.

You have the bosom of a wet nurse. “I’m Kjellingsson of Anvil.” He nodded at the guild banners. “If you need a guard, you’ve come to the right place.”

“I thought it was you when I saw your shield. Petrine was right. You sound like you’re half-asleep when you talk.”

Jerric looked back up at her face, but she wasn’t familiar. “Have we met?”

“I’m Alga. Bard and trainer in the Art of Speech.” She put out her hand.

Jerric tried to turn it in the Imperial way, but she gripped his palm and shook it like a man.

“Pleased to meet you,” he said. “I just got here. My first time in Bruma.”

Alga stood with her feet planted as if she might throw a punch. “Bruma’s a funny place. Half Cyrodiil and half Skyrim. I’m old Nord all the way. I keep the old songs and stories alive.”

“I know a few stories myself,” Jerric told her. “Is there some place we —”

“Honmund is my live-in partner,” Alga interrupted. “We live together in the old Nord way. Good enough for my Fa and Ma, and good enough for me.”

“Uh,” said Jerric. “Yeah…”

“We have a word for Nords like you. Colovians. No offense, but I don’t want to hear any ‘Mara Mother Mild’ and Chapel family business.”

Jerric blinked at her. Ulfe was a Colovian hound, but he failed to make any other connection. “Did you just insult my dog?”

Alga leaned in, her pretty eyes cold as a glacier. “We may not wear your fancy rings, but make no mistake. Honmund is my man.”

Jerric and Ulfe exchanged a look as Alga marched away. “What the hells? ‘Art of Speech’ my furry backside. That woman is touched by Sheogorath.” He shook his head. “Let’s go inside.”

.

This post has been edited by Grits: Nov 7 2013, 02:33 AM

[ghastley]

I'll admit I didn't catch "in Dwemeris" the first time through - subtle!

I liked the way you portrayed Jeanne. I can almost imagine her as being brighter than she appears, and summoning smelly scamps just to get back at Volanaro. I'm sure he'd do the same for her, if he'd thought of it first. She's always struck me as having her position because she's a good book-keeper, not as a mage, and she's embarrassed at not having the magical skills. Much like the player can rise up in the ranks without casting a spell, she's done the same, on the business side of the Mages Guild. It makes perfect sense that Darnand gets an inventory job.

Alga left me as confused as Jerric, and I loved the way he thought she'd just compared him to Ulfe, and that the dog should be insulted!