And did Jerric leave his Snakebite Potion back in that cupboard in Bruma too?

What else IS in that cupboard, by the way?

This is making me shiver, and yet anticipate what comes next!

PS Yes, my Figment was a lot cuddlier than these!

Previously: Moonshadow. Jerric, Kjestrid, and Shamir-do found Dozara and the figment nest. Jerric picked a fight with the Figment Queen.

Renee: The Arcane Well you found on the UESP is from the Champion Point system in ESO. In his story Jerric is using the Oblivion Atronach Stone’s Arcane Well greater power that he got by activating a Doomstone. This Arcane Well grants Spell Absorption 30 pts and Fortify Intelligence 10 pts for 120 seconds game time, which is an hour in real/story time. Combined with his Atronach birthsign and his enchanted ring Hump You Fetching Mages it lets him absorb most spells. Also it temporarily increases his max magicka through the Intelligence bump. I miss Attributes in the more recent games! Bat-snakes are a good way to imagine figments. Just the thing you want to crawl over you in a dark tunnel. Thank you, Renee!

Acadian: This crew has been through enough together that their dialog has become fun to write. Cool, I hoped that the Figment Queen’s entrance would make an impact. She sure creeped me out! Thank you, Acadian!

SubRosa: Yes! I was thinking of Indy and of Gollum’s “Wraiths on wings!” when I wrote that. Jerric wishes that his flamethrower named Darnand was with him. Thank you, Rosa!

Rider: Jerric left most of his things in the cupboard thinking that he was just taking a walk up the hill to Cloud Ruler temple. But right now there’s nothing in the cupboard, since Darnand and Lildereth moved his gear with his horses (and “his” dog) to Cloud Ruler Temple after their Dagon Shrine adventure. Thank you, Rider!

Chapter 19: Moonshadow, Part Eight

"Wait!" said Kjestrid. "He's not—"

The Figment Queen made a high-pitched warble. Magicka surged into Jerric while Kjestrid and Shamir-do cowered.

That's a Fear spell. Jerric ducked down, pretending to be affected.

The Queen pushed off with her legs and tail, swooping across the chasm at Jerric. At the last second he rolled aside, letting out a squawk that he hoped sounded frightened. As the Figment Queen angled for the turn, Jerric readied a ball of fire.

"On your belly!" howled the Figment Queen, diving at him again. His flare missed, sailing past her to the wall. She reached out with her clawed feet, catching Jerric's shield. He spun and lifted off the ground, wrenched by the shoulder. His wild swing with Blade of the Medic met air, and he hit the floor.

The Figment Queen let out a hideous cackle. Chaos had erupted on the wall at his flare's impact site. A glance showed Shamir-do and Kjestrid still on the ground. He summoned Precious and directed him toward them, hoping the scamp's fire attacks would create enough havoc to keep the figments from biting his friends while they were down.

Jerric turned back toward the Figment Queen. "Is that all you got?" He banged his sword hilt against Tower of the Nine. "You can barely fly, you big slug!"

She scrabbled up the far wall, dislodging the rest of the winged snakes that still hung there. More pink light filtered in through cracks. This time Jerric side-stepped the attack, dragging Medic down her side. After an initial jolt, his sword passed through with no resistance.

Hump a troll, she's some kind of shadow creature. Turning solid as she attacks.

Jerric tried again on the next pass, getting a cut in on her leg as she knocked him over. He felt the moment she became insubstantial through the blade. Scrambling up, he threw a ball of fire when she turned. This time it hit. So fire still works, like a ghost, but not an enchanted weapon.

Kjestrid was on her hands and knees. Shamir-do was still down. Precious danced in a circle throwing flares, figments attached to every surface of his body.

The Figment Queen landed on top of Precious, dangerously close to the mortals. As Precious let out his death gargle, the Queen's underside lit up with fire.

"You smell like a singed chicken!" Jerric yelled. "You overgrown—"

The Figment Queen coiled her tail and launched herself. Her wings providing extra lift, she bounded toward him.

Jerric dropped his shield to gain mobility. He could only hope to land a blow while she attacked. More thoughts than he was used to having flashed through his mind. "Why haven't you asked me to train you?" Abiene in Anvil, before the holidays. The spells she had taught him seemed impractical, and he hadn't been using them. How foolish he had been.

He cast the spell that improved his skill in Restoration as the Figment Queen leaped. Before he could bring the next spell to bear, she knocked him onto his back, claws hooked around him.

A frightful roar came from across the cavern. Shamir-do. More light entered the cave as the lesser figments scattered in terror.

With a lurch Jerric lifted off the ground, dragged into the air by the laboring Figment Queen. They enjoy our fear. She will stay solid until she gets high enough. Then I will fall whether I am holding on or not. He gripped her scaled leg-shank and cast the second spell, absorbing her life-force into his. Red light clouded his vision. The Figment Queen's shriek sounded over his exhilarated howl. When she faltered, Jerric pulled himself up the leg and plunged Blade of the Medic into the blistered underside of her snake-body. As he twisted the blade, they fell.

Jerric hit the chasm's edge and tumbled in flailing. Something caught him hard across the back. Kjestrid's battle cry rang out over the sound of his wheezing. When his vision cleared he saw black feathers floating down through beams of rose-colored light. Somehow he had become wedged in a crack.

"Nord?" Shamir-do's furry face poked over the chasm's edge.

"Still living," said Jerric. "What about the other Nord?"

Kjestrid appeared next to Shamir-do, eyes wide. "Fikken kak!"

Jerric made a cautious wiggle. "Feels like I'm jammed in here pretty good."

"This one will climb down."

"Get the rope," said Kjestrid. "Good job, you held on to your sword this time."

"Yeah," said Jerric. "Have you seen my shield?"

By the time Jerric heaved himself onto the cavern floor, Kjestrid had Dozara on her feet. She had many wounds leaking that dark ichor.

Kjestrid held a up potion bottle, looking at Jerric.

"Don't need one," Jerric said. "Give it to Dozara." The shoulder strain was already healed. He made a mental note to spend extra time stretching it. Between his spells and Blade of the Medic's enchantment, his only injuries were from the final drop. After careful assessment, he eased the pain away with a spell.

"You didn't crack your head in that fall?" Kjestrid asked. "You've taken a hell of a chance coming all this way without a helmet."

"Must have tucked my chin. I get a lot of practice hitting the ground. Besides, I have a helm waiting for me..." He grinned.

"Back in Bruma," Kjestrid finished. "I swear by the gods I'm going to burn that cupboard."

"This one will gather the tinder," said Shamir-do.

Dozara moved gingerly to the wall, testing her wings. "There is a wide enough space for us to pass through to the outside."

"You could have saved us a lot of trouble if you brought us in that way," said Kjestrid.

Dozara turned. "If we knew this cavern was here, two of my sisters would still be with us. Instead they swim the waters of Oblivion."

"I'm sorry for your loss," said Jerric. "I guess your scamp scouting party swims there, too."

"I do not see their remains," said Dozara. "When they did not return…" She bowed her head. "In time we will see them again."

Here was information Darnand would appreciate, if Jerric could remember it. "Do you work together? I mean, you have the same scamp, uh, helpers? Over a long period of time?"

"Yes," said Dozara. "They are small and not terribly clever, and of course wingless. But they are useful and loyal companions. I will miss my little Tuul."

Jerric found his shield near the crevasse. As he checked it for damage, Kjestrid threw up.

"Ugh," she said, coughing. "The bigger ones did manage to bite me."

"This one does not feel well either," said Shamir-do.

"It's their venom," said Jerric. "Dammit! I can't cure poison."

Dozara stretched her wings. "I am well enough to fly, but I cannot carry you. Come here to the edge and watch. I will send someone to fly you out. One of us once served in your realm and thus knows how to heal your kind. I will convince her to help you purge the venom." She bowed her head slightly, wings out. "I am in your debt, mortals."

The winged twilight was true to her word. Within the hour they had joined Nereli and the guars at a camp near the river. Rosilla and Murrai brought a pile of branches for their fire, a freshly killed antelope, and enough star dew to probably kill them.

As the reunited group toasted their survival with star dew, a dark purple winged twilight coasted down and landed.

"I am Drazilda," she said, bobbing her head twice. "With your permission, I will cleanse the venom from your mortal bodies and heal the damage that it caused."

"You have our permission," said Kjestrid.

Drazilda jumped into the air and hovered, her wings pushing their campfire's smoke away from them. "Approach me in pairs."

Kjestrid and Shamir-do went first. Drazilda's spell pulsed in halos of lavender light around her body and those of her two mortal patients. After a dozen healing bursts, she dropped lightly to the ground.

"Next," she said.

"I don't need healing," said Nereli.

"My friend," said Shamir-do, "you will want to experience this."

Jerric gave Nereli's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. As matching globes of Drazilda's light pulsed from them, he had only one thought. Shamir-do was right.

"You need not thank me," said Drazilda. "It is Dozara who is in my debt."

"Say, Drazilda," said Jerric, "I hear you served a mortal once. Have you considered—"

"Absolutely not," said Drazilda. She took a few running steps and winged away.

"This one feels entirely better," said Shamir-do.

"Better enough to help me with this deer?" said Jerric.

"I'll butcher it," said Kjestrid. "You get ready to cook."

"This one will help you," Shamir-do said to Kjestrid.

"I know what to do," said Nereli. She began arranging their camp supplies.

"It's a shame we can't use most of this," Kjestrid said as they dragged the carcass toward the river.

"This one wants the backstraps and tenderloins," said Shamir-do. "Their scamps can have the rest."

"I hope we still have some salt."

Dinner was venison steaks with venison kebabs and a side of thinly shaved venison. They had cleaned up and made it halfway through the star dew when Murrai landed. She placed a filled sack on the ground.

"We will watch over you as you rest," she said. "When we see that you have awakened, Dozara will join you. She will guide you to Valparai."

"I've heard that before," said Jerric. He opened the sack. "Pears!"

"Murrai," said Shamir-do, "We have finished with the antelope. Thank you."

Murrai made the slight bow with outstretched wings that had become familiar. "I will have it removed. You have our gratitude for resolving the figment infestation."

Jerric spoke up. "Your Matriarch called them interlopers. Where are they from?"

"The cursed shadow pit you mortals call Evergloam. Is there anything else that you require?"

Kjestrid looked around at them before answering. "No."

"You sure?" Jerric asked her. "This could be our last chance. They have some very nice potted plants up in the aerie."

It wasn't dark or cold, but they kept the fire going anyway. As Shamir-do and Nereli settled in their bedrolls, Kjestrid beckoned to Jerric.

"I'm glad you didn't use your Woad today. If you can stay awake a while longer I'd like to get started on your tattoo."

"Uh, all right. What do I need to do?"

"Take your clothes off and lie down."

"I thought you'd never ask," Jerric said, grinning.

"Ha! On your stomach."

Jerric did as directed. Kjestrid rummaged in the packs, assembling her materials. Insects sang in the silver grass as they had all the hours of their journey. Twinkling pink and purple torchbugs echoed the colors of the twilight sky. Of all the wondrous sights in Moonshadow, none could compare to the warm light of their own campfire.

"Kjestrid," said Jerric.

"Yeah?"

"You said there is no such thing as lucky in a daedric realm."

"Yeah."

"You're right. I think we're being tested."

"Nereli and Shamir-do are being tested." Kjestrid lit a packet of herbs, then blew on it to make it smolder. "Unless you've made a deal that I don't know about."

"No," said Jerric. "Is that the stuff we smoked in Droathra?"

"Yep. Call forth your Woad and we'll get started."

Jerric is doing his Eveready battery imitation as he soaks up the power from that Fear spell. That Figment Queen is going to be really surprised where this goes!

"On your belly!"
I see she takes her speech lessons from Dremora. Emily Post might serve her better...

So the Figments are partly ghostly, even to the point of being immune to magical weapons when insubstantial. They are well named.

But mighty thews and mightier magic prevails, and the Figments are banished to status of mere figments.

"Take your clothes off and lie down."
We are all waiting for a woman to say these simple words...

Jerric turned back toward the Figment Queen. "Is that all you got?" He banged his sword hilt against Tower of the Nine. "You can barely fly, you big slug!"
- - I can’t imagine a grander taunt to a Twilight than criticizing her aeronautical prowess – well done, Jerric!

The Figment Queen was a worthy opponent for sure. Happily, Jerric was immune to her fear spell. . . but still the battle got off to a rough start for our Nord. Having to learn the nature of a foe under fire is tough but Jerric eventually figured out that fire worked and his blade – if her could get his strike in while she was in solid form to attack. Whew, eventually Queen Figgy falls and Jerric doesn’t even check out the bottom of that ravine.

"You didn't crack your head in that fall?" Kjestrid asked. "You've taken a hell of a chance coming all this way without a helmet."
- - Little does she know that Jerric’s head is hard enough to put a helmet to shame!

Woot! Can’t wait to learn what tattoo Kjestrid will choose for Jerric – and where she’ll put it. With all his clothes off, he's a big blank canvas!

That fear spell being absorbed sure was fortunate! The battle would have gone a lot differently if it hadn't!

Previously: Moonshadow. Jerric, Kjestrid, and Shamir-do cleared out the figment nest by killing their queen. The three plus Nereli and the guars Freckles and Neelo camped by the river. Kjestrid started her Woad-singing project with Jerric.

SubRosa: I was giggling when Kjestrid said that line. So was Kjestrid! Thank you, SubRosa!

Acadian: With Jerric’s few moments of tanking before he had to ditch the shield, he had to get a few Mirri-like verbal taunts in! Jerric will have to wait a while before he learns what the tattoo is, but he already figured out he didn’t need to take all of his clothes off. Thank you, Acadian!

Kane: Yeah they would have ended up under a pile of bitey snake bats just like Dozara. In Jerric’s game he quickly got to 100% Spell Absorption. I had to tone down his enchantment because it was just ridiculous.

Chapter 19: Moonshadow, Part Nine

"That's all of it," Nereli said, stepping back.

Neelo's gaze shifted from the Dunmer to Jerric. Three flowers flopped up and down in the corner of her mouth as she chewed.

"Aren't you going to check?" asked Nereli.

"No," said Jerric. "You did it right. I watched you." He gave Neelo a firm pat on the shoulder, then slid his hand down for a stealthy tug on her harness.

"I saw that!" Nereli pointed. "You checked!"

Jerric tousled her hair, laughing. "Nereli Llandam of the Fighters Guild, late of House Redoran, you are a certified guar packer now. I declare it!"

Nereli made a courtly bow, first to Jerric and then to Neelo.

Kjestrid walked over, bouncing her pack into place. "If you two are done fooling around, we can go." She tilted her head back at their campsite, looking at Jerric. "After you help Shamir-do drown the coals."

Dozara stood a short distance away. She spoke when they reached her. "If the mortals are ready, I will lead you to Valparai. You will decide if we stop to rest or wait until we reach the city." She bowed her head to Kjestrid.

"I'm the one who fought the Figment Queen," Jerric reminded her.

"Every leader has her champion," said Dozara. "It is good to know one's place."

"Kjestrid finished her," Nereli put in.

"You weren't even there," said Jerric.

"All right," said Kjestrid. "Lead on."

Dozara remained within Shamir-do's sight when she took to the air. They walked out of the Smoketree Desert under pink skies threaded with lavender clouds. Masser loomed large at the horizon, while Secunda showed only a sliver. Their path met the road in an area of grassy hills broken by outcrops of white stone.

Dozara glided in for a landing. "We will soon reach clean water. This road will take us to Valparai." She indicated the direction.

"Seen any cloudskimmers?" Jerric asked her.

"You jest, but I do not anticipate further trouble on your journey."

The clean water was a broad stream lined with sweet-smelling shrubbery. A half-circle bridge spanned it. On the far side was a free-standing colonnade made of the same white stone. Benches were placed at inviting angles, and wide steps led down to the water.

"This one sees berry bushes," said Shamir-do.

"They are mulberries," said Dozara. "Please take as many as you wish."

Jerric addressed Freckles and Neelo. "We're going to relax a bit and get you some water. I don't care if an avatar of Peryite flies down from the sky. Don't even think about running."

His stomach was still gurgling from an excess of mulberries when they first saw the city. Silver towers rose from a pink haze. The road passed through fields of grain and orchards so fragrant the breeze smelled like perfume. Well kept farm houses lined both sides, most set back from the road. The country lanes were marked by stacked stones in shades from pink to purple. Occasionally they saw ruins on the hilltops, surrounded by cultivated fields.

It was difficult to say when they reached the city proper, as no walls protected it. The buildings just got taller and closer together until they were walking on streets with town houses and decorative gardens instead cottages and crops. The cluster of silver towers was always visible above the buildings and flowering treetops.

"What's up there?" Jerric asked, lifting his chin at the towers.

"That is our Prince Azura's Silver Palace."

"Is she there?"

"I do not know. Our Lady has a castle in each of her cities, and dwellings in other places that please her. None can know when she will grace us with her presence."

"Where are we headed now?" asked Jerric.

"I am taking you to Evenfall Priory, home of the Order of the Evening Sun. There Sister Ma'sani awaits you."

"What happened to Renlys?"

Dozara shrugged her wings. "Presumably Renlys still serves her."

Evenfall Priory was a group of buildings made from blocks of almost translucent pink stone. They entered through an arched doorway into a courtyard filled with potted trees and singing fountains. Little bugs glittered in the hanging gardens, and again they heard that sound of tiny bells ringing.

"Jerric!" The mundane shout came from a grinning Renlys. He approached at an indecorous run, bright blue robe flapping around his knees.

"Been practicing your bird-killer spell?" said Jerric. He clapped the lad on the shoulder.

"Sister Ma'sani told everyone about that," said Renlys. He leaned in. "I wasn't supposed to fight, but she was proud of me."

"As am I," said Jerric. "You showed real bravery."

Renlys stood up straight. "I'm to take the guar and show you to your rooms."

"Then let's get to it."

The Priory's visitor quarters were on the second floor overlooking the stable. Jerric breathed in the homey scents of sweetgrass and manure.

"We can still smell the flowers from the atrium," said Kjestrid. She set her packs on one of the beds.

Shamir-do appeared in their doorway. "This one's room has a view of the Silver Palace."

"I'd like to get a view of dinner," said Jerric.

Renlys poked his head around Shamir-do. "When you're ready I'll take you to Sister Ma'sani."

Kjestrid hooked a thumb at Jerric. "Is this a formal occasion?" she asked Renlys.

"No. Sister Ma'sani has a table prepared for you in the garden. Then I will show you where you can wash before you rest."

Nereli peered around the big Khajiit's other side. "Should we rest here or when we get to the shrine in County Cheydinhal?"

Jerric said, "As I understand it, the shrine is up a ways in the Jeralls. This early in spring there'll be snow on the ground."

"Rest here," Shamir-do and Nereli chorused.

"And tomorrow I want to visit an alchemist," said Jerric. "We're not going in nearly empty-handed like we did with the figments."

"Shamir would like friend Kjestrid to help mend his gear."

"And we have some more work to do," Kjestrid said to Jerric. "Tonight, before we rest."

Ma'sani's table was covered in orange silk and laid with amethyst plates and golden cutlery. She poured their star dew into silver goblets from a crystal decanter. Jerric put the napkin on his lap as he had been taught and waited for the blessing, counting backward from ten to avoid diving into the gravy bowl.

After they had emptied their first plates, Jerric spoke up. "Sister Ma'sani, what do we need to know about Gutted Mine?" He put a small mountain of mashed pink tubers on his plate, then turned it into a volcano with the gravy.

"Five of our Afflicted Brethren dwell there, sealed within by our Lady's hand. She will open the way for you. This one advises you to take these Cure Disease potions and keep them safe until after your battle, as whoever survives will surely be infected. Our Rose Mother does not wish to trade one set of vampires for another."

"If they're vampires, how will they not end up enslaved by whatever Prince made the disease that infected them?" Jerric sliced another portion from the roast antelope haunch.

"You just free them from the unlife that they suffer. Our Twilight Queen will bring them home." Ma'sani passed the rolls before he had to ask.

Jerric woke to an itchy back and an empty room. He dressed and went looking for a familiar face, trying not to scratch at the new part of his tattoo.

Dozara found him making his second sandwich at Ma'sani's table, now laid with fresh food and drink.

"You're just who I hoped to see," Jerric told her. "I need your help finding an alchemist."

She regarded him for a long moment, her red-violet eyes unreadable. "There are several here who could assist with this task," she finally said.

"I need you to pay for whatever I take from their stock for my potions."

Dozara gave a slow nod. "I will do this."

"Also I want to know some things. Are those the real moons, or are they Moonshadow moons? What about the stars? They don't look like the stars where I come from. And who are those fox people?" Jerric wrapped the sandwich and tucked it into his pocket. He brought the mug of cloudy drink with him. "I'm ready to go. What would happen if we took Freckles and Neelo back to Tamriel? Could they live there?"

"You are a curious mortal," said Dozara. They walked out through the gardens and under the archway into the street.

"Well there's a lot to wonder about. Even your folk. Some look like I'm used to seeing, but Moonshadow has a lot of funny-looking people."

"Valparai has hosted a portal site for eras by your counting, so there have always been newcomers among us. However most have lived many lives in Moonshadow, and taken forms that suit their will." She head-bobbed to another winged twilight as they passed. "Some of your 'funny-looking people' may have been Chimer or even Dwemer in their mortal lives."

"Dwemer?" Jerric stopped to look around. "Tell me if we see one. I know a mage who would give his left nut to meet a Dwemer!"

"Why the left?" Dozara stopped, too. Her gaze drifted downward.

"It's an expression."

"Are they not symmetrical?"

"If you ask nicely…" Jerric wiggled his brows.

Dozara made a musical snort. "Let us continue to the alchemist."

Between Jerric's alchemy and Kjestrid's mending, another Moonshadow awake period passed. After a second dinner at Ma'sani's table in the garden, the group made their way to the sleeping chambers.

Jerric lit the lamp in his and Kjestrid's room. With shutters blocking out the endless rose-colored twilight, he could finally see clearly. The furniture's mother-of-pearl inlays reminded him of the handle on his Ma's belt knife. A memory came of his small hand in hers as she taught him how to cut his meat. He tossed his clothes onto the shell-shaped chair.

Kjestrid came in and shut the door. "I'm ready."

"You sure you're not tired of this? You're not getting much rest." He flopped onto his bed.

Kjestrid laid out her materials. "I want to finish before we fight the vampires. We should do a fourth session if we can manage it." She lit the herb bundle and whispered the flame out before setting it on a plate to smolder. "Call forth your Woad."

Jerric did. As the shield magic settled over him like a second skin, Kjestrid began a tuneless hum. The bed dipped when she settled beside him. He felt the cool swipe of the cloth, her warm hand stretching his skin, and then the prick of the thorn.

After breakfast Freckles and Neelo carried their gear one last time. Valparai's Gate to Mundus stood in an oval field surrounded by flowering trees. A frame of silver and pearl held the swirling plane of pink and purple mist. As with the portal in Morrowind, gold energy sparkles flitted from the Gate and glittered away.

Jerric stood between the two guar, rubbing their giant foreheads. "Ladies, it has been a pleasure to travel with you. I wish you peaceful days of fresh grass, and may every work period end with a good wallow."

Neelo leaned her head into him, knocking him back two steps. Freckles sneezed something green onto his leg.

Since Moonshadow's newest guar packer Nereli was instructing Renlys in the unloading, Jerric walked over to Dozara. "You look like you're about to leave us."

"Indeed," she said, giving him a head-bob. "I will await Sister Ma'sani's return in Valparai."

"Have you considered a visit to County Cheydinhal? I've heard there's an old mine that needs clearing."

"A tempting offer, mortal, but I must remain in your debt."

"It was Kjestrid who killed the Figment Queen, like Nereli said. I was just jesting the other day."

"I know. Though I was incapacitated, I saw what you did. I have thanked the others for their efforts on my Matriarch's behalf, but thanks are inadequate in our case."

"I don't know about inadequate. I ran up a pretty big bill at the alchemist."

Dozara gave him a smile that reached her strange eyes. "Know that you have a friend in Moonshadow, Jerric of Kvatch." She bowed with one foot forward, wings slightly outstretched.

Shamir-do walked past, buckling a chest strap. "Khajiit will secure our place in line."

Jerric didn't know how to grip a forearm that was attached to a wing, and it would be foolish to imitate Dozara's graceful gesture. He simply nodded with a hand on his heart and jogged over to pick up his gear.

The setting of Moonshadow makes me think that the Hermetic Order of the Silver Twilight of Call of Cthulhu fame would fit right in. Well, their name would. Not their ultimate goals of summoning the Outer Gods to destroy the world.

"I'd like to get a view of dinner," said Jerric.
Spoken like a True Nord. He reminds me of Kat from All Quiet on the Western Front.

I was wondering about the moons too. Are they the same Masser and Secunda that people see from Mundus?

Well, it looks like we are about wrapped up in the Moonshadow jaunt, and about to finally get back to Mundus. Then we can get down to some vampire hunting. With Jerric's new thaumaturgical tattoos.

"After you help Shamir-do drown the coals."
- - I chuckled, envisioning Shamir-do and Jerric peeing on the fire.

Jerric asked good questions of Dozara about Moonshadow. Too bad he ran the answers off track by dragging the Twilight into a discussion of testicles.

Ahah, I didn’t realize Jerric’s new tat would be a multi-session process.

As SubRosa said, looks about time to return to Nirniland. A touching goodbye with Dozara.

Like Acadian, I chuckled too at the mental image of the two boys drowning the fire. Better than tossing valuable water on the flames!

At first I wondered about Masser and Secunda too (Or Jone and Jode, as I now prefer to think of them). How wonderful that a few paragraphs later Jerric asked the same question dogging my mind! Too bad he didn't get a straight answer out of Drozara.

Goodbye to two of the most charming guars I've ever met! Well, short of the ones I've had to hunt down in Second Era Tamriel . . . Still, it was hard to think about leaving them behind.

The bit with Jerric's expression had me giggling. Dozara plays the straight man twilight perfectly! Hopefully with a return to Nirin, we get to catch up with Darnand and Lil. I've missed those rogues!

Previously: Moonshadow. Jerric, Kjestrid, Shamir-do, Nereli, Dozara, and the guars Freckles and Neelo reached the city Valparai where they met Sister Ma’sani and Renlys at their order’s priory. The preparations for assaulting five vampires in their lair took two sleeps and a “day,” as they decided to leave Moonshadow well rested. Kjestrid and Jerric managed two sessions of Woad-singing.

SubRosa: Jerric does manage to scavenge a meal from most places that he visits! My understanding is that Masser and Secunda are Nirn’s moons in the Mundus, so Moonshadow’s moons would be only an imitation of them in Oblivion. Of course that’s my Nirn-centric view. Dozara probably has a different understanding. Thank you, Rosa!

Acadian: Yep, once the conversation dropped below the waist, Darnand’s chance of a second-hand Dwemer conversation was over. Jerric’s tat will be revealed I’m estimating in August. Thank you, Acadian!

Rider: Jerric would stand next to a river and still pee on the coals! He didn’t want to leave the guars behind, either. Though I doubt he’d be willing to trade them for his horses. Thank you, Rider!

Kane: Darnand and Lil sort of appear next. Jerric has been missing them, too. And his dog! Thank you, Kane!

Chapter 19: Moonshadow, Part Ten

For a moment Jerric thought they had mis-timed their arrival, as the sky showed purple twilight. Once they stepped away from the Gate, it brightened to the pale blue of cold spring. In the same way that the Deadlands leaked into Tamriel around their Gates, so did Moonshadow. But the result was far more pleasant. Colorful mushrooms grew scattered in the tufts of silvergrass that had sprouted around the Gate's frame. Rather than burned and blasted earth, the ground had turned to quartz-like stone in waves of color. Even the noise was different.

Ma'sani led them away from the Gate. "This one will not yet say farewell," she said. "Please seek us out when you have returned from your adventure." She bustled away, trailed by her acolyte. The two were laden with a guar-load of packages.

Azura's shrine stood on a level field high above the surrounding hills, partially screened by a narrow band of trees. The encampment below looked almost permanent enough to be called a village, but not quite enough to be subject to county governance or Imperial regulation. Tax collectors had a way of sniffing out every barn, hut, and sty to slap a price on it. Here they would find an organized array of fortified and highly decorated tents.

A towering statue of a bare-breasted woman dominated the space. Her long hair was swept behind her shoulders, and her low-slung skirt fell to the round base, hiding her feet. She held a moon in one outstretched hand and a star in the other. The statue's base looked to be coated in glow dust. Several dozen folk sat on benches and moved about the shrine area. Many wore robes. The ones closest to the statue knelt on prayer rugs or just the frozen grass.

Jerric tried to compare this statue with the form that Azura had shown him in the vision when he first entered Moonshadow. He found he could not remember details, only a sense of silver and light. Trying to picture Sanguine produced a feeling that was both vaguely threatening and disturbingly erotic. He wondered if Darnand and Lildereth would be able to describe their meeting with Meridia.

"Greetings, Disciples." A priest-looking Dunmer with his hair in a crest had noticed Nereli's and Shamir-do's new medallions. He ignored the two Nords.

"I need a minute," Jerric said to Kjestrid. He dropped his packs.

Walking toward the snow-dusted trees, Jerric checked his magicka. Plenty to cast the summoning spell without using any Jerric's Juice potion. He leaned against a trunk and closed his eyes, feeling the bark cold under his palm. Lildereth had spoken of the sap underneath making its spring journey upward to wake the sleeping buds. He imagined himself floating through the bare branches until he rose above the treetops into Kyne's clear sky. Eventually his hand felt warm on the bark, and even in the shade his face could feel the kiss of sunlight.

I'm going back into darkness. It wasn't a prayer so much as a telling. He couldn't be sure if it was to Kyne or his own Ma that he spoke.

Now he pictured his friend, wearing that faded green robe. His narrow hands bore ink stains and smelled of pine tar soap.

'Darnand.'

In a blink he felt the tug of Darnand's mental response along with the Breton's sudden presence in his mind. He leaned into the tree against the lurch of vertigo.

'Jerric. You have survived.'

'Yeah. Is the elf with you?'

'She is. We have the Mysterium Xarxes. My friend, I must convey ill news.'

'Is she all right?' Jerric's fingers clawed some bark into his palm.

'Yes. Jerric, when Lildereth infiltrated the shrine, she encountered Mankar Camoran himself. He took the Amulet of Kings through a portal into his Paradise realm. She reports that he was wearing it.'

'Then we will find a way to follow or we will lure him out. I will take it back myself from his broken neck.'

'We will find a way,' Darnand agreed. 'It is likely that his children will be at his side in Paradise. Lildereth killed his daughter Ruma.'

'Rutting magnificent! Where are you now?'

'We are at Cloud Ruler Temple.'

'They let her in!'

'Indeed. A priest of the Nine accompanied us.'

'That's a story I want to hear the whole of. But what do you mean, Mankar Camoran was wearing the Amulet? I thought only those with dragon blood could do that. How can we know it's the real one?' He thought of the Amulet's ignominious evening with the Dunmeri women in Weye. Even if anyone could wear the Amulet of Kings, far better that it had been tied into his shirt than flopping about his neck.

'Lord Martin has given thought to the subject, as have we all. None of us can think of a reason that Camoran would claim to carry it to his realm, yet leave it hidden in this one.'

'Well, I sure can't think of one.'

'It is the prevailing opinion that we should proceed with the plan to assault Camoran in his Paradise realm. If the Grandmaster or any other wishes to continue searching Tamriel, that is their prerogative.'

Jerric stood for a moment with his eyes slightly unfocused, gazing at the strip of woods. A light snow began to fall in his vision, laid over what his eyes could see. A shadowy form resolved into Lildereth. He almost reached out a hand to her, though he knew she stood miles away in front of the Breton. They must be outside, perhaps near the stables.

'Tell the elf I'm glad to see her. Now where's my dog?'

'She is in exuberant health and at the stable. We just came from there. Lildereth has taught her to watch the horses. She stood down a wolf while we were in the shrine, according to the signs that Lildereth could read.'

It was Lildereth who had told him that Ulfe was not a fighting dog. He needn't remind her. 'I'm about to go invade a vampire lair. I'll tell you when I get out of the mine.' Jerric looked around his own woods again, then back to where Lildereth stood in Darnand's field of vision. 'You two were not far from here just days ago. I'm sorry I missed the killing at the Dagon shrine.'

"He regrets missing out on the shrine fight," Darnand said out loud to Lildereth.

The elf looked straight at him through Darnand's eyes. "They're all dead or run off," she said. "Don't risk going there yourself, Nord. We took what Darnand thought was useful and left them to rot. There's nothing for you there. Save your anger for the living."

'Tell her I got the message,' Jerric said.

"He heard you, but he does not sound compliant," Darnand said to Lildereth. 'Jerric. Grandmaster Jauffre sent agents to pose as cultists and secure any novitiate hopefuls that may yet arrive. Prowling around Lake Arrius may lead you to conflict with your own Knight Brothers and Knight Sisters.'

'He doesn't want me there,' said Jerric.

'That is the message I am ordered to convey.'

Jerric considered for a long moment. 'I might listen this time.'

'I shall inform Grandmaster Jauffre and Lord Martin that you have emerged from Moonshadow intact,' said Darnand.

'Tell them I have some work to do before I head west.'

'My friend,' said Darnand, 'you are missed.'

'I'm not going on another… I am coming back. I'll tell you when I'm on my way.'

'Good hunting,' said Darnand.

'And good reading to you. Be careful around that book. I won't turn into a vampire, and don't you turn into a cultist. And keep an eye on Lord Martin. He didn't always follow the Nine.'

Loved your description of the Moonshadow Gate and how it differs from Mehrunes Dagon's Oblivion Gates. A lot less intimidating! Colorful shrooms indeed! Wonder if they are the psychotropic kind? Never mind. Good to know he was able to reach out to Darnit Darnand and let him know Jerric is Back in Nirn! So Ulfe has a sense of duty, eh? Good to know she won't back down if push comes to shove.

Like Rider, I enjoyed your depiction of a Moonshadow Gate. Much more pleasant than a Deadlands Gate.

Jerric makes it to Azura’s shrine! I’m sure it was the bare breasts that did the trick.

Neat long-distance conversation with Darnand and Lildereth as the three catch up on things.

Good luck in Gutted Mine. Buffy the Vampire Slayer almost got crushed by a charging Orc vampire in there!

From purple twilight to purple twilight. That must have been confusing for poor Jerric and company. I must say, I do prefer Azura's leakage to Mehrunes Dagon's...

I thought it was a nice touch of yours that the appearance of the Daedric Gods is somewhat insubstantial in the minds of mortals. It brings home that they are from the Outside - literally Not-Ancestors - so one from Mundus cannot fully grasp the reality of what they are.

And we wrap up with a psychic conference that brings both parties up to date on events.

Yaas, the gang's (almost) all here! I bet Jerric wishes he could just rush to Cloud Ruler instead of dealing with the vamps. No doubt that will be an ugly fight!

Previously: Cyrodiil’s Azura Shrine in County Cheydinhal. Jerric, Kjestrid, Shamir-do, Nereli, Ma’sani, and Renlys successfully emerged from Moonshadow. Ma’sani and Renlys went about their order’s business. Nereli and Shamir-do were recognized as Disciples and drawn into conversation with a priest. Jerric contacted Darnand through their summoning spell. Lildereth was with him at Cloud Ruler Temple. Jerric was able to see Lildereth and hear her speak through Darnand.

Rider: Jerric’s inner alchemist also wonders about those mushrooms! Ulfe may start earning her keep by defending the horses, but there would be hell to pay if anyone tried to train her as a battle dog. Good thing her “owners” are all in agreement about that. Thank you, Rider!

Acadian: I remember that charge and then Buffy under a mountain of heavily armored orc vampire! There was even a screenshot. That was a scary episode. Jerric and Darnand have gotten better at their cellphone summoning spell. It still makes Darnand uncomfortable, though. Thank you, Acadian!

SubRosa: Thank you, SubRosa, that’s exactly what I was shooting for with Jerric’s memory of Sanguine and Azura. Even how Jerric perceived Moonshadow is filtered through his mortal’s limited ability to understand what he’s seeing. Poor Dozara was probably ready to strangle him with all of his questions!

Kane: In Jerric’s game this quest was one of the hardest fights. He would indeed love to head straight to Cloud Ruler Temple, with a Jerric-style “shortcut” to visit Abiene first! Thank you, Kane!

Chapter 19: Moonshadow, Part Eleven

"Let's catch our breath before we go in," said Kjestrid. "Jerric, here's your chance to astound us with magery."

It had been a steep climb over rocks and ice to reach the entrance of Gutted Mine. Whatever road the miners used had long ago slid off the mountain.

Shamir-do stood with his back to the group, keeping his eye on a bear in the distance. He took a swig from his waterskin.

Nereli and Kjestrid knelt, arranging their gear.

Jerric rummaged through his pack. "Unless there's a back door that Azura doesn't know about, they'll be blood-starved. That makes them stronger, faster, and harder to kill with a mundane weapon. They'll be able to see us in the dark and might turn invisible." He retrieved the sack of potion bottles and began unrolling the quilted padding he had packed them in. "Thankfully Dozara took me to Valparai's most thoroughly stocked alchemy shop. These are Prowler's Potions. They'll grant us Nighteye and Detect Life for about an hour and a half. Shamir-do, yours is Detect Life and Reflect Damage. Should last a little over an hour. Sorry to say the Detect Life effect will go for at least three hours, and I don't know how to dispel it." He clapped the Khajiit's armored shoulder. "Good luck with that."

Nereli and Kjestrid had their arrows arrayed on the ground. Both watched him expectantly.

"Prepare to be amazed!" Jerric declared. "This poison will slow them down, make them feel heavier, and set them on fire. Uh, and also poison them." He very carefully handed over the vials. "They cost a fortune to make. And also I had to take a bunch of Cure Poison potions."

"Thank the Rose Mother for Dozara," said Nereli. She began coating her arrowheads.

Kjestrid followed suit. Shamir-do smeared some onto his dagger and sword, then onto Jerric's Blade of the Medic.

"We're assuming they've run out of torches," Kjestrid said. "Wait for the potions until we know it's actually dark in there. Ready?" She made eye contact with each of them. "As we planned. Let's go."

Nereli entered first with Shamir-do at her back. Jerric rolled a stone to prop the door open, letting sunlight into the rough passageway. They may need to make a rapid retreat.

"It's dark down here," Nereli confirmed. "Watch out for this— Oh, skitt!" Her bowstring twanged followed by the thunk of an arrow meeting its target.

Something made an inhuman shriek. Shamir-do stepped past Nereli in the narrow space, firelight springing up in front of him. A spiked ball swished between them, nearly grazing Nereli as she leaned to the side. It swung back, hanging from a rusted chain.

Kjestrid dropped to a knee, arrow at the ready. Jerric waited behind her as they had planned, grinding his teeth. Nereli moved ahead to support Shamir-do, out of their sight where the corridor flattened. Steel rang against steel.

"Forward," said Kjestrid. They moved to where they could see.

Shamir-do faced a human in leather armor who swung at him with a longsword. She held her shield low, an arrow sticking out of the shoulder above it. Arcane fire crept over her torso. The Khajiit dodged her strikes, awaiting an opening. When she lunged he dove past her, slashing. "Nereli!" he called, staying low.

The vampire turned to follow Shamir-do, more fire racing up from the new wound on her leg. Nereli put an arrow in the middle of her back. As Shamir-do stood, the vampire fell forward onto her knees. "Thank you," she sighed. Shamir-do opened her throat.

Jerric turned the body with his foot. "She was a Nord, once."

"That's one," said Kjestrid. "Nicely done."

A few steps ahead the corridor branched to the left. The only light came from the still-burning vampire. "Our turn," said Jerric. He took his Prowler's Potion. Kjestrid did the same. She walked ahead of him into the left-hand passageway.

"Watch out for traps," Nereli said. "That swinging mace had a tripwire. Shamir-do."

"Apologies," said Shamir-do. The two knelt at the junction. They would guard the passageway until Jerric and Kjestrid cleared their section or determined that the group should move on together.

The rough-cut stone walls showed thin streaks of silver. They kicked through jumbled bones, likely long-lost victims of the original vampire clan. Coffins lay in several of the mine's alcoves, all in ruins.

"I wonder if this crew broke the coffins before they turned, or after."

"Stay focused," said Kjestrid.

The passage made several turns but didn't branch. They reached a dead end. As they turned back, a commotion arose from behind them.

"Dammit!" said Jerric.

"Stay behind me!" Kjestrid led the charge back through the passageway, then left toward the fight.

Nereli sat at the opening of a low-ceilinged chamber, holding her arm. A vampire lay face-down near her, its fur armor on fire. Shamir-do and a female orc circled each other. The chamber was crowded with wooden braces and partitions. Two corridors led out of the room.

"Watch for the rest of them," Kjestrid said to Jerric, "and stay out of my shot."

Jerric moved around to the side, blade at the ready. Arcane fire flickered over the orc vampire's heavy armor. Shamir-do skipped and dodged, always out of her greatsword's longer reach. Jerric watched for approaching life signs as he kept track of the fight.

"Down!" Kjestrid called.

Shamir-do hit the floor flat on his belly. As the orc raised her greatsword, Kjestrid's arrow pierced her unprotected groin. The vampire howled. Her blade clanged against the stone floor Shamir-do had just occupied. She staggered, slowed by the poisons.

Shamir-do had rolled to his feet. He spun back to the vampire, kicking her sword away. Jerric couldn't see his blades, but when the Khajiit stepped away they were dripping black in the Nighteye's effect. The orc fell one way, her head the other.

Nereli spoke into the silence. "That Imperial punched my arm. She punch-broke my arm!"

When Kjestrid met Jerric's eyes, he gave her a head shake. Still no one coming. "Hey Shamir-do," he said. "There's a pressure plate." He pointed.

"Take a look at Nereli's arm," Kjestrid said to Jerric. She signaled Shamir-do to help her check the corridors.

Jerric placed his hands gently on Nereli. "I'm no healer," he said, "I might not be able to— Oh yeah, that's a bad one. I can pull it straight and do my best, but—"

"Do it," Nereli gritted.

"On three," said Jerric. "One."

"Gaaah!"

"There you go." He reached for his Jerric's Juice potion, healing light still swirling around Nereli.

Kjestrid and Shamir-do stood at the wall opposite the doorway they had come through. "Those are just alcoves," Kjestrid said. She gestured to a rope dangling from the ceiling a few steps away. "They must have walled the other two up at some point. Here's where we'll go through."

"I hope that rope still works," said Jerric. "Otherwise we'll be looking for a pickax."

"They are coming," said Shamir-do.

Seconds later the other three saw them. Two life forms traveling swiftly from behind the left cavern wall. They turned some unseen corner and moved toward them.

A muffled voice howled, "I can smell your blood!"

Shamir-do poisoned his blades and stepped to the side of the rock door. Jerric moved to the other side, his sword still coated. Nereli and Kjestrid took their positions, bows at the ready.

"Tight in here," said Shamir-do.

"I'll try to draw one back into the corridor," said Jerric.

"The first through belongs to this one."

"Draw," said Kjestrid. "Go!"

Shamir-do pulled the rope.

The rock slab fell back into the corridor, dislodging a shower of stone and kicking up a cloud of dust. A ghostly figure appeared in the opening, difficult to see with Nighteye. An arrow passed through it and clattered to the ground near Nereli. She loosed her arrow, hitting the tall figure that followed the ghost. It was an Altmer. Her robe caught fire.

Kjestrid's arrow flew past the Altmer and hit something with a metallic clang. She drew her silver dagger to deal with the ghost. Shamir-do knocked the bow out of the Altmer's hands. Jerric shifted his feet, fire ready in his clenched hand.

An Orsimer in heavy armor stepped into the doorway, given extra height by the fallen slab. He carried a shield and a short-handled axe. Fire danced up his leg from Kjestrid's arrow. He turned to Jerric. "I'm going to bleed you slow."

Jerric flicked his sword out, then followed it with a fire spell. His blade skated off the orc's armor, but it was enough to anoint him with poison. Jerric stepped back at an angle, shield up.

The orc's axe hit the middle of Jerric's shield, driving him to a knee. When he raised it again, Jerric scuttled back. Deflecting the blow pushed his shield down and away. He rolled with it, getting behind the orc. A hasty fireball covered his scramble over the fallen door slab. Belatedly he hoped that Shamir-do was not too close.

The corridor turned after only a few steps. Jerric took a position that gave him room on his sword side but would keep the vampire in the narrow section. When the orc stepped through the fireball's smoke. Jerric hit him with another one. Ishckrihk is not going to like this. He called his icy friend from the void.

"I've killed far worse than you," the orc growled, dropping his axe and shield. In a blink Jerric's head wrenched back. The shriek died in his throat when the orc closed his tusks over it.

Blade of the Medic was upright between their bodies. Funny, Jerric thought, the fire looks blue. He pushed his sword up, hoping to catch the orc's chin and not his own. As they sank toward the floor, Jerric angled a knee into the orc's groin.

Shamir-do appeared behind the orc, raised blades pointing downward. The Khajiit drove them into both sides of his neck. When the vampire let go of Jerric, Shamir-do pulled him backward to the ground.

Jerric struggled to his feet, coughing. The orc lay silent, three hilts sticking out of him. Kjestrid and Nereli stood on either side of Shamir-do, weapons ready.

"Let go of my sword again," Jerric rasped. Hand to his aching throat, he cast a healing spell. Then he gingerly tested his shield arm. "Looks like your tattoo singing worked, Kjestrid."

"We'll need to check this passageway," Kjestrid said. "When you're ready."

Jerric looked behind him for Ishckrihk. No atronach. The vampire must have interrupted his spell.

"They were still fast," Nereli pointed out.

"Not fast enough," said Shamir-do. He bent to the orc's body. "This one has found a note."

Kjestrid read it aloud.

"My name is Ghola gro-Muzgol. My companion's names are Aranalda, Nille Elf-Daughter, Avita Cassiana, and Umar gra-Khar.

The vampire Dratik died by our hands, but the price was dear. Those into whose hands we have fallen, we thank you, and pray your favor.

We served Lady Azura. Bring these, our last words, to Her Shrine. We praise Her with the full fountain of our devotion.

Our destinies were written in the stars, that our souls and reason be slain, and our world lost forever.

None can escape Her Fate. But let us be remembered at Her shrine, and in the hearts of Her servants.

It is only by fate

that any life ends,

and only by chance

that it is mine...

not yours."

The four spent a long moment with heads bowed, not speaking.

Kjestrid handed the note back to Shamir-do.

"Let's get this done," said Jerric, easing his blade out of gro-Muzgol. "I want to take my Cure Disease potion."

That seems like a good idea. Did he get tusked?

What a rousing romp through Gutted Mine! It has been so long since I did this one (only once, in all my Oblivion playthroughs, after that one I decided to stick with Sheo and his poor flaming dogs). I do remember that big orc, he was a tough one to kill!

Of course, this little bit caught my (and Julian's) eye:


"Oh frick whatever happened to two?"

Wonderfully prudent alchemical preparations, courtesy of Jerric!

Great teamwork in the mine. Kjestrid seemed to be in charge and everyone knew their role, to include functioning as two teams of two when needed. Great how you showed how much these four trust each other during combat. When Shamir-do ran from the first vamp, he knew Nereli’s arrow would find his foe’s back. Same when Kjestrid told Shamir-do to hit the floor so she could shoot.

Nice touch that the first vampire thanked them for freeing her spirit. Another nice touch was showing that this accursed place was once a working silver mine.

This has to be one of my fave TES quests ever. A challenging high stakes fight and a compelling back story that gives significance to how those vampires ended up in the mine and the price they willingly paid.

Well Jerric certainly did his homework for this fight. He's brought enough potions to float a battleship on!

On Three. I love Jerric's counting as he does not wait to set the broken arm!

Well that was a quite a near thing, with the vampire at Jerric's throat. Good thing his friends were there to back him up.

As Acadian noted, I really appreciated how well Team Jerric worked as a team throughout it all. OTOH the vampires all acted singly, which is what led to their demise. It was not that Team Jerric was better individually, but rather that they all supported one another when they each needed it.

That was intense! I understand totally how that would have been Jerric's most dangerous fight yet. Hope they all take a few cure disease potions.



Fun fact; my first ever Oblivion character got stuck with vampirism. I somehow missed the notification and couldn't cure it.

Previously: At Azura’s request Jerric, Kjestrid, Shamir-do, and Nereli killed Azura’s five followers trapped in Gutted Mine, releasing them from their curse of vampirism. They did this in exchange for their passage through Moonshadow. Also, I have updated the Darnandex Appendix Five: A Timeline for Jerric’s World Stories. Finally.

ghastley: He did get tusked. He’ll talk about it in this episode. Thank you, ghastley!

Rider: Those who have been healed by Jerric go to great lengths not to repeat the experience! Way back in Chapter 10 Darnand described the feeling as like an assault and as having the force of a hurricane. Still, it beats a broken arm! Thank you, Rider!

Acadian: You have pointed out what I hoped would come through with the group’s teamwork. Dealing with Jerric for the last month or so made Kjestrid grow in leadership, and Jerric actually stuck to her plan throughout the mine adventure despite his persistent urge to rush in. I’m with you on this quest. After more than a decade I still remember each time a character read that Worn, Faded Note. Thank you, Acadian!

SubRosa: I have a lot of respect for Azura’s unwilling vampires. They were powerful enough for Azura to send them after the vampire Dratik, and then with stage 4 vampirism they just got stronger. As you pointed out, individually none of the mortals should have been able to kill them, and together they only managed it because the vampires had split up. Jerric cannot wait to regale Lil and Darnand with the tales of his Moonshadow alchemy. Thank you, SubRosa!

Kane: Yikes, Azura created another accidental vampire! I learned a lot with my first character on this quest, including how fast a Will-o-the-Wisp can kill you. Jerric is a natural mage killer due to his Atronach birthsign. The Altmer with a bow really made him scratch his head. He wants to be hit with spells, not arrows! Thank you, Kane!

Chapter 19: Moonshadow, Part Twelve

Azura's statue seemed to glow in the sun's evening light. Shamir-do led them past the gathered devotees and placed his hands on the shimmering base. He gestured for the others to do the same.

Jerric found himself floating in that fragrant lavender cloud. This time he knew what was happening.

Azura slowly materialized out of the mist. "Thank you, Child of Kyne and Blood of the Dragon. Their spirits are free. Henceforth, above my shrine, five bright candles shall burn forever in memory of their sacrifice. Your debt to me is paid."

"That was quite a journey, my Lady. I hope you let me remember it."

The light from Azura's hands dimmed enough to show Jerric her smile. "We shall see, Jerric of Kvatch."

Jerric returned to his body, eyes burning. He glanced over to see Kjestrid shaking her head as if water had entered her ear. Nereli and Shamir-do still stood gazing up into space.

"They might be a while," said Jerric. He brushed glow dust from his palms.

"Look," said Kjestrid, "the candles."

As Azura had promised, five candles hovered in the air above her statue, their light overpowered by the sunset.

"Nille Elf-Daughter," said Jerric. "Avita Cassiana. Umar gra-Khar. Aranalda. Ghola gro-Muzgol. They gave themselves up to suffering rather than escape and do anyone harm. I hope these folk remember their names."

The two stood for a moment, looking up at the candles. When they started back toward their pile of gear, Kjestrid companionably took Jerric's arm.

"I thought I'd get to see you swing your greatsword today," Jerric said, "until you pulled a dagger on that ghost."

"There wasn't enough room to move in there. I was afraid I'd lop off Nereli's ears if I drew my sword. Anyway I barely got my dagger sticky before she summoned her ancestor's spirit. I let them fight it out while we killed the Altmer."

"A high elf in a tattered robe with a bow and a summoned specter. I didn't have that on my dance card."

Kjestrid chuckled. "Nor did I guess that some Imperial would punch through Nereli's arm."

"Do you think Cassiana broke her own weapon? You know, so that she wouldn't kill whoever came in to end them?"

"I think she was some kind of monk," said Kjestrid, throwing an air punch with her free hand. "Splitting the group with that rock wall must have been the limit of what they could do before the sickness took them completely. Even if they didn't want to fight us, their vampire selves made them."

"Thank Zenithar they knew how to do it."

"You don't know how to build a slab door with a one-way pull?" Kjestrid asked, teasing.

"Not even how to start. I'd have to burn us to death if Azura decided to lock us in."

Kjestrid gave him a look. "Did you think she might? When gro-Muzgol had you by the throat?"

"I didn't have time to think. Nereli was right, even with the poison they were still fast." He rubbed his neck. "Good thing he was an orc. He got me with his tusks, but I don't think he fanged me."

"You don't sound convinced," said Kjestrid.

"I cast my healing spell without properly assessing the wounds, I have to admit. So I don't really know if he got a vampire bite in, or just an orc bite."

"A really sharp orc bite?"

Jerric laughed, shaking his head. "That's the story I'm sticking with. So I can get to sleep tonight."

Shamir-do and Nereli joined them while the Nords were still sorting their food supply. Shamir-do held an eight-pointed crystal star in his hands, a look of wonder on his face. "This one's name is entered into the Book of Fate," he said.

"What does that mean?" asked Kjestrid.

"Khajiit is not certain. Perhaps it will ease this one's passage through Azura's Crossing." He lifted the object reverently. "Shamir is named Star-Bearer."

"I wonder who has the moon," Jerric said. He cut his eyes at Nereli.

A hiss from Shamir-do made him stop.

"Yeah, all right," said Jerric. "Star-Bearer." He extended his arm to Shamir-do. The big Khajiit gripped it.

Kjestrid waited for them to wrap up the chest bump and shoulder slaps. "Shamir-do, are you coming back to Bruma?"

"This one is Azura's Star-Bearer, but as long as he holds life in this body, he will be Shamir, friend and companion to Kjestrid. Khajiit will return to Bruma and continue under the banner of our Guild. Brother Mels has invited this one to worship at the dawn ceremony. If friend Kjestrid does not mind, Khajiit would like to pass the night here at the shrine."

"I don't mind," said Kjestrid. "You've earned whatever this Star-Bearer business is. You're the one who finished gro-Muzgol."

"I agree," said Nereli. "No hard feelings, Shamir-do. Our Lady named me a Daughter of the Rose, but she didn't tell me I had to do anything about it. And I'm not invited to their worship party."

Jerric spoke up. "Nereli, you don't put yourself forward, but you have been there every time we've needed you."

"You just described low status in my culture." Nereli rummaged in her pack. "There's a little light left, and I still have two Prowler's Potions. I'm going to start toward Cheydinhal. I hear there are a lot of Dunmer there. Maybe I can make a fresh start, now that I'm with the Fighters Guild. Here, I won't need these supplies. Take what you need."

"I'll take your fishing line and every fishhook you have left," said Kjestrid. "Then we won't need to buy provisions. Unless you need some, Jerric?"

"Ha! I don't lose them as fast as you do."

Kjestrid returned his grin. "I haven't gotten you where you were going."

"My orders have changed, so you can cut me loose with a clean conscience. I'm going to find a chapel. I trust Sister Ma'sani's Cure Disease potions, but I won't feel right until I've seen a priest of the Nine."

"This one suspects that friend Jerric has never uttered those words before."

"You suspect right," said Jerric.

"Can you wait until tomorrow to leave?" Kjestrid asked Jerric. "Camp with us at the edge of the woods and I'll finish your tattoo. Your Woad is fully sung into it, but I can improve how it looks. Besides, Ma'sani said she wants to see us again. Maybe she has one more flask of that star dew."

"Yeah," said Jerric. "And maybe she can get me back over to their Gate. I want to pick some of those Moonshadow mushrooms." He turned to Nereli. "Stay with us tonight and we can travel together in the morning. This is a strange land to you."

"It's strange to you, too, and you're not worried." Nereli produced a rudimentary map. "See? It's down hill all the way to the road, then left. I can find my way, easy. And I want some time alone. I need to think."

"It's farewell then," said Jerric. "We won't burn any more of your twilight." He pulled them into a circle, arms around shoulders and foreheads touching the way Gjaever had done when they first landed in Morrowind. "We walked through two daedric realms together and all survived to tell our tales. It has been an honor, friends."