What a lovely chapter, the part about Jerric trying to see through the Ring of Khajhiiti's enchantment was really well done, and you've made me love Lildereth more than ever can't wait for the next part!

YAY!!!... ...

*Strokes comp screen*...Oh how I have missed thee... ...

...What?...

Aaamywho...

Absolutely loved the trip through the woods...Beautiful stuff...Both the description and the dialogue...Amazing stuff...



That was just amazing, the idea that it simply confuses the mind (I'm worried already ) and that concentrating in order to throw the spell off just throws the inner ear and all that...Brilliant stuff...

Much looking forward to seeing what is going on with the girl...Either she's Miss Thor (Thorina? ), or she's blind...Or not...We shall see... ...

Loving it all...Brilliantness...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds most heartily*...

I like how you've shown the Ring of Khajiiti's powers. Now I'm eager to know who this kid is and what happened to those people.

Where we were: Jerric and Lildereth are looking for Welkynd stones and souls to capture. They have reached Hrotanda Vale, where Lildereth found nine fairly fresh bodies inside. They are going to question the girl by the door.

mALX: I wanted to show how Chameleon works in degrees compared to how Invisibility is limited but absolute while it’s working. You’re so right that Lil and J have not reached an agreement on her magical manipulations, they’re just coming to terms with what will continue to be their differences. Your comment about balance made me smile, as that was just what I was aiming for. Thank you, mALX!

SubRosa: Oh, now I want to make that girl be a She-Spider-Nord-Hulk-Girl! You’re right, Lildereth knew just what to say to Jerric, and I’m sure she’ll have to remind him again. I’m glad you liked Rudy the Squint. Jerric’s hometown buddies were quite the crew. Thank you, SubRosa!

Acadian: You’re so right, the differences between these two inform much of what they do. Jerric is free to follow his gut and deal with the consequences, while Lildereth anticipates the consequence and acts to turn events to her favor. Also while Jerric breaks a cold sweat remembering how he attacked Darnand under a Command spell, I’m sure Lildereth’s nightmares include a mountain of metal resisting her spells. I remember early on when I was reading Buffy’s adventures thinking how she and my Nord were opposites in so many ways (though the bond of blondness runs deep ). Much of Lildereth’s thinking I owe to The Bowgirl's School of Mystic Archery. Thank you so much, Acadian!

ghastley: Exactly, Lildereth’s tactics in hostile hands have taken him down spectacularly in the past. That incident in Anvil was just what I was hoping folks would remember, and I'm delighted that you mentioned it. He also harbors a resentment of poisoned arrows from the dark. Sugar is wise in many ways! Thank you, ghastley!

King Coin: I remember you were suspicious about those gems. That really made me smile, knowing what was also on Jerric’s mind. Yep, he couldn’t manipulate Lil into spilling her guts, but his own trust in her (reacting to the environment he hoped would get her to spill it!) did the trick. Thank you, KC!

hazmick: Thank you, hazmick! We’ll have Lildereth around for a while, so I’m glad you’re enjoying her.

McBadgere: Not quite such a long wait this time. I’m glad you liked Jerric’s fight against the enchantment. Lildereth walks around under a little Chameleon effect out of habit, which combined with her light feet is how she pops up out of nowhere. Jerric sees something, but trickery tells him it’s not an elf. Now he’s going to be giving himself migraines glaring at leaves. Thank you, McB!

TheBrume: Finding out about the kid is happening next. Thank you, Brume!




Chapter 15: Chorrol, Part Sixteen


Lildereth walked up the hill with Jerric at her side. They had circled around to approach Hrotanda Vale along its cart track from the road so as not to surprise the girl. Lildereth had her Charm and Calm spells at the ready in case she tried to run at the sight of them, or rather at the sight of Jerric. It was likely that a young Nord alone at a known smugglers’ den was accustomed to hard-looking men, but the circumstances here were strange and they were strangers. Best to be prepared.

Jerric’s stride lengthened again. She doubted that he intended it. Between his small pack, leather armor, enchanted boots, and reduced arsenal, the lightly burdened Nord fairly flew up the trail. Lildereth cast the spell to fortify her speed and ease her fatigue as soon as she dropped behind. If he noticed, he chose not to tease her.

The ruin’s single arch gleamed white in a wide swath of brown grass. Trees and brush had been cleared away from the trail and entry. Lildereth could see metal braziers on either side of the doorway and the can where they dropped their torches. The Nord girl scrambled to her feet as they stepped into the sunlight.

“Hail the camp,” Jerric called, holding his right hand open and out to the side. The girl shifted her feet but didn’t run.

They halted ten elf-paces away. Now Lildereth could see that the girl was taller than she had thought, as tall as a grown woman. She wore soft camp boots and knit leggings under an oversized tunic. Leaves were caught in her greasy red hair. She clutched a tree branch in her hands like a club.

“If you’re here for the bounty, you’re too late.” She spoke in Cyrodilic, but her accent was pure Skyrim.

Jerric’s voice was a calm rumble. “We’re not here for a bounty. Nor for trade.”

They stood and looked at each other for a moment. Lildereth and Jerric had agreed to let Jerric do the talking, a concession that Lildereth already regretted.

The girl abruptly sat down on an angled block. Her branch hit the stone with a wet crack.

“You alone?” asked Jerric.

The girl wrapped both arms around her raised knees. She rubbed her nose along one sleeve. “No,” she lied.

“Hungry?” Jerric took two steps toward her, slow and light on his feet. He put a hand into his shoulder bag.

“What do you want?” asked the girl, mistrust in her voice under the weariness. She shifted her weight forward, ready to rabbit. “Stay away from me, mister!”

Lildereth walked briskly up to her, dipping a hand into Jerric’s bag as she passed. “He’s not the one you should fear,” she said, filling her tone with crisp authority. “Can you run faster than an arrow? Then don’t worry about trying. Relax. We mean you no harm.” She tossed Jerric’s snack at her feet. “What’s your name, girl?”

“Valdi.” Her eyes flicked from the napkin-wrapped sandwich over to Jerric, then back to Lildereth. Blackheads and pimples warred with freckles across her nose, and red lids made the circles under her eyes even darker. She’s been sleeping rough, Lildereth decided. Afraid to go back inside and face what she’s lost.

Lildereth softened her tone. “What happened here, Valdi?”

Her eyes began leaking tears, but she didn’t seem to notice. “They came in the night. Agda had the first watch. Ma said run, so I did.” She glanced over at the door. “I don’t know who else got away. I’m just waiting to see…” Valdi lifted her chin and looked Lildereth straight in the eye from her seated position. “Someone will come back for me.”

Jerric had moved up to the side. “How many live here? There’s you, and..?”

“My Ma and her man Hegen. My little brother Fylkr. Gerd the…” Valdi’s face crumpled. She fought the sobs that shook her. “Ten,” she managed. “Ten of us.”

Jerric shot Lildereth a look. She gave her head a small tilt to the side, telling him no. They would break the news after they finished working the ruin.

“Do you know what’s behind the wards?” she asked Valdi.

The Nord girl shook her head. Hiccups kept her from speech.

“We’re going inside,” Jerric told Valdi. “What do you want us to look for?”

Valdi tucked her sleeves over both hands and scrubbed her face with them. When she looked back at up Jerric, her glare called him an idiot in every way her broken voice could not.

Lildereth walked to the door, slipping Jerric’s life detection ring onto her thumb. He lit a torch as the doors snicked shut behind them.

“Fetch it,” he said.

“I know. It’s ugly, Jerric.”

His eyes caught the torchlight just like in the songs. “Ready.”

They walked through the narrow passage to a three-way junction. “One of the sealed doors is there,” she said pointing straight ahead. “That’s the gate I told you about. Let’s go below first. Mind the traps.”

She led him through arched corridors, down stairs, and out through a vast, high-ceilinged chamber. Luminescent mold grew in patches where the white veneer had fallen away, and glowstones still shed their blue light from ancient Ayleid fixtures. Boards and scaffolding surrounded two spiked pit traps, evidence of the most recent occupants’ efforts to use the space. Lildereth leaped across the corners to avoid the triggers. Jerric followed suit. They worked their way around the room.

“I guess these traps must still be good for defense,” he ventured. “Or at least they keep the rats down.”

“We’ll see plenty of rats, but right now I expect they won’t bother with the living.” A dry scuttling noise punctuated her remark. Lildereth nodded into the dark where several glows crept along the ceiling. “Drum-belly spiders. Ambush predators, that’s why you don’t see webs. They eat the rats. You’re a little much for them to handle.” Lildereth readied a spell and suppressed a shiver. Spiders were unpredictable, and she was a manageable size.

“The shade was over there,” Lildereth continued, pointing. “There’s a body in that small chamber. One of the nine. It’s a storage and office area.” She searched the shadows, but no ghostly figure presented itself.

Jerric marked the location in his mind, thoughts written across his face like headlines on The Black Horse Courier. Lildereth sighed. He was going to lay them all to rest. “Later,” she said, and he nodded.

Ornate metalwork and soaring arches announced their entry into a new section of the ruin. Here brackets stood atop stone pillars, marching in double rows down the long space. Their magical stones were missing. Smoke hung along the ceiling, but the air still smelled of mold.

Handcarts, broken crates, and litter cluttered the corners. Shelving units held packing materials and long tables stood empty. “Looks like a staging area,” said Jerric. Lildereth hid her surprise. He worked for a transport company, she reminded herself.

“I think they were smuggling Winterhold Whiskey,” she said, indicating some broken glass.

“Akkvit,” Jerric breathed. “Did you find any?”

Lildereth snorted. “I’ll tell you later.”

A few more minutes of walking brought them to the smugglers’ living quarters. The stench greeted them in the passageway. So did the noise of quarreling rats. Lildereth scattered them with a spell, then she waited while Jerric took in the scene. The story was written for her in twisted bodies and smeared blood, but the Nord might need some explanations.

“They’re all here,” he finally said. “None of these were raiders.” Lildereth moved to his side. Stating the obvious was just his way of saying what couldn’t be said.

“Most of them died near their beds,” Lildereth told him. “The rats have dragged them around a bit.” They walked down to the far alcove. Here a headless woman lay in a sticky pool, the body of a young boy at her side.

“I guess that’s the Ma,” Jerric said after a moment.

“They must have taken her head for the bounty. Unless Valdi’s little brother is over six feet tall, this boy is Fylkr.” Lildereth nodded toward the other remains. “Someone put a blade through his belly back there. He dragged himself all this way to his dead mother. See the blood? Poor kid. No telling how long it took him to die.”

Lildereth watched her partner carefully. Reckless fury would not help this situation. What she saw was a hard, helpless anger that matched her own.

“I wonder how Valdi got away.”

Lildereth shrugged. “Maybe born under the Shadow.”

“She doesn’t need to know this part,” said Jerric. “I’ll gather up some gear for her on the way out. After. We’ll see if they left any weapons.”

Lildereth gave him a nod, waiting.

When he looked back at her, she saw that some door had closed behind his eyes. “Let’s go bust open some wards,” he said.




.

The mystery of the girl is now clear, and it's just as I had feared.

For all the pretty that we see of life in Cyrodiil, there's a darker side just crying to be plumbed. I think you did a great job hinting at that dark undercurrent that we see so little of in the game (the vanilla version anyway).

Hrotanda Vale is a good choice for exploring this aspect of life - it's remote, but close enough to Chorrol to make a good bandit hideaway, or even an outstanding smuggler's station. Well off the beaten path and easily defended (sort of).

I look forward to seeing how Jerric and Lildereth bust those wards, then later break the news to young Valdi.

They halted ten elf-paces away
This was a thoughtful observation, along with Lil's earlier difficulties keeping up with the longer-striding Nord.

Spiders, eww. That's one thing I do not miss about vanilla Oblivion.

“I think they were smuggling Winterhold Whiskey,”
W00T! Nordic Whiskey. Save some for Pappy!

I see the mystery of the Vale is not quite as prosaic as I had speculated. You gave us a sad and ugly scene of the aftermath of the smuggler's den. Plus a very interesting look into the makeup of a smuggler band. Not just a bunch of ruthless killers, but entire families living together. I am only wondering if it was the law or bounty hunters that did them in, or other outlaws?

I was excited to get a "Lildereth" insight in this chapter. After reading I know why it was done that way. How this scene is affecting Jerric and striking afresh his own painful memories of Kvatch is clearly seen through Lildereth's eyes and thoughts. She knows exactly what Jerric is going through without a word from him.

Knowing Jerric, Valdi won't be left behind when they leave this dungeon.

This episode hit powerfully on the undercurrent of every player's emotions from beginning to end. The scene with Valdi could be so easily visualized that it felt like being there and seeing it play out. Absolutely totally AWESOME Write !!!!! Huge Write!!!!

I simply love how naturally you remind us of Lildereth’s small size throughout this episode and how it affects so much of what she does:
’Lildereth cast the spell to fortify her speed and ease her fatigue as soon as she dropped behind. If he noticed, he chose not to tease her.’
‘They halted ten elf-paces away.’
’Lildereth walked to the door, slipping Jerric’s life detection ring onto her thumb.’
‘Lildereth readied a spell and suppressed a shiver. Spiders were unpredictable, and she was a manageable size.’

Great depiction of Valdi. In fact, as SubRosa said, nice to see this little band of smugglers depicted as a family that, no doubt, loved their own. Poignant touch at the end to show that Valdi losing family struck close to Jerric’s heart as his mind doubtless traveled to Kvatch.

What a treat, seeing things from a slightly smaller perspective.

Lildereth cast the spell to fortify her speed and ease her fatigue as soon as she dropped behind. If he noticed, he chose not to tease her.
Knowing Jerric, his mind is elsewhere. If he did notice however, I don’t think even he would feel this is the right time for a joke. It was very thoughtful of them to circle around to approach from the road. I like Lildereth’s caution and having spells ready.

I always thought of Jerric as the ‘people person’ of the group, though Lildereth’s better in situations like this.

Spiders were unpredictable, and she was a manageable size.
Whoa. I hate spiders. And these are big enough to take an elf? Aravi isn’t much bigger than a Bosmer either.

Grim. I thought the girl’s comment about a bounty meant that the little band that she traveled with was going in after one. Now we learn that they were the residents and her mother had a bounty. The girl knows what happened to her family. She can't accept it and doesn't know what to do.

I'm glad you actually have spiders in your version of the world. It's always struck me as silly that the ruins and dungeons and basements are full of cobwebs, but there aren't any spiders to make them.

The "did they come in and leave again, or are they still here?" question remains. Wards on the main doors means little in an Ayleid ruin with secret doors and sliding walls hidden all around.

I'm assuming Valdi ran out of there when it all happened, and returned to find no-one alive, but I'm unclear if she went in to check or doesn't want to know the worst, and is waiting hopefully outside. Or if I should read anything into her feeling safer out there.

Great chapter, showing the less glamorous side of adventuring really brings your characters to life. Lildereth's ability to seemingly read people like books is a great way to tell the story! Keep up the good work

Last part: Hrotanda Vale. Jerric and Lildereth met Valdi, the young survivor of a raid on her family’s smuggling operation. They found only bodies in the lived-in sections of the ruin. Now they are ready to open one of the warded doors.

haute ecole rider: You’re right, the only thing Hrotanda Vale lacks is a back door. The game makes it easy to tell good guys from bad guys, because the bad guys attack you. It was satisfying to show that it’s more complicated than that. Thank you, haute!

SubRosa: I love that you mentioned it could have been the law, other outlaws, or someone in between who did the killing. That was just the ambiguity I was going for. Being a criminal doesn’t keep a person from loving their kids, and the killer who put a blade through Fylkr’s belly could be getting a big smile from Countess Valga or Captain Bittneld right now. Thank you, SubRosa!

mALX: You nailed exactly why Lildereth got to be the voice in that section. I didn’t want to drag everyone through Jerric’s emotions again, and she knows what’s on his mind just by looking at him. You’re so right, Jerric has a habit of collecting strays and I’m sure Valdi will not be an exception. Thank you, mALX!

Acadian: It’s funny when I write Lildereth sections (I think this is the first one to make it all the way to posting ) because her size is such a part of her awareness while Jerric’s is rarely a part of his. I'm glad you enjoyed that. “Seeing” the Nord from her POV is always a shock at first! Thank you for mentioning his moment of coping at the end. That is exactly where his mind went.

King Coin: You’re right, Jerric relates more easily to people, but he tends to forget his appearance. For all of his good intentions, to Valdi he looks like some big scary guy who might grab her. You got Valdi’s situation completely. Thank you, KC!

ghastley: Ah, I see what I missed. I meant to show that Valdi was reluctant to go back in because she didn’t want to see her family dead and lose the hope that someone was going to rescue her. Not a rational plan, but a piece of cold, hungry, shocked, and grieving kid thinking. I went back and added a phrase to read, “Afraid to go back inside and face what she’s lost.” The ward explanation comes in this section. They’re another Grits embellishment, like the ones in Kvatch to keep ghosts from wandering into houses. Sorry about the confusion, and thank you very much for bringing that up!

hazmick: Thank you, hazmick! Lildereth seems like she has superpowers to Jerric, so it was fun to show the little things she does that give her an edge.

Regarding this part: A note about differences from the game: Some of Lildereth’s mind control type Illusion spells do not work on daedra or some undead. Invisibility works by interfering with their perception, or so Darnand has speculated. Detect Life can see into other cells, since there are no cells in the story. I think the characters will cover the rest, but if I overlooked something please let me know!! Also this part got long, so I split it into smaller parts. There will be a fight soon, I promise!




Chapter 15: Chorrol, Part Seventeen


Jerric followed Lildereth down the short, narrow corridor, stepping over piles of the smugglers’ refuse. The door at the end glowed with light: blue from the magical stones set into in the surface, and white from the ward laid over it. The Ayleid design depicted a tree. The ward’s characters and symbols were unfamiliar to Jerric.

“It’s a tight space here if something explodes,” Lildereth observed. “Can you read it? Wait! Don’t touch.”

“Well, I can’t read anything from just looking at it. I mean I can’t read the enchantment.”

“It could be trapped. You know, warded against something physical and not just undead or some other kind of energy.”

“The wards in Kvatch aren’t trapped,” Jerric said. “People go through those doors all day. And what’s to keep ghosts from passing through the walls anyway?”

“For some of them, nothing. Only habit. You remember, you told me that many of your Kvatch folk didn’t even know that they were dead. Why would they try to walk through a wall? Anyway, we don’t have to worry about the ones who are that ethereal. Nor shades, if we see any. They can’t hurt you. Any ghost that has manifested enough to grab you with its cold hand is solid enough to need a door, and those that are bound to this plane are confined by the binding.”

That made some sense to Jerric. He had seen ghosts reach for a handle, then fail to notice that their hand went right through it. “Then why won’t regular weapons harm them?” he asked.

Lildereth blinked. “That’s a good question.”

Jerric jumped on the opportunity. “You brought silver-tipped arrows. Isn’t your bow enchanted?”

“Yes.”

Jerric waited as long as he could stand it. “Come on, sprig. Out with it.”

“Have you ever heard me shoot?”

He thought for a moment. “No.”

“Now you know why. But the enchantment does not put a charm on my arrows.” Lildereth’s eyebrows approached their dangerous angle.

Jerric decided to get back to the matter at hand. “So it will be bound spirits or bone constructs on the other side. Zombies and the like.”

“I should think skeletons after all of this time,” said Lildereth. “Darnand says that zombies require maintenance.” She gave him a look. “And we might possibly find wraiths or a lich. They can throw a curse on you from a fair distance. Some of them are solid enough to swing a weapon, and who knows what magicks those old sorcerers can still use.”

Jerric grinned at her. “Better stay behind me, then.”

Lildereth looked up at him, the edge of her lip caught between her teeth.

“What?”

“I’d like to scout first,” she said. “I want to use the gems on the strongest thing we find back there, and I won’t know which ones were the best until it’s over. I mean, what if we soul trap a clannfear and then come across a daedroth? We can’t afford to waste a gem.”

Jerric got that uneasy feeling. “Daedroth?”

Now she was chewing the other side of her lip. “I’m just guessing that these wards are meant to contain undead. There could be bound daedra guarding something instead. I can’t be sure what we’ll find, Jerric. I don’t know much about warding, and most of my illusion spells won’t work on undead or daedra. This is just the kind of situation I avoid. If I could use my spells, then I wouldn’t need Master training. Damn Martina and her damned Welkynd stones!”

“All right then,” said Jerric. He decided not to mention that this was exactly the kind of situation that called for a damned sandwich, and Valdi was probably still eating his. “Anyway I know how to keep using a gem until it’s filled. But you should scout ahead just the same. Take your time. I mean it, elf. Wake me up when you’re ready for me to kill something.” He gave her a smile to show that he was teasing. “Do you want me to use the scroll of dispelling, or you?”

“I’ll do it.” Lildereth dug in her pack. “You might absorb it, and then I’d have to…” She stood with a scroll in her hand looking uncertain. “One of these isn’t as strong as the others. Darnand ran out of time. I don’t want to waste any. If I start with the weaker one…”

Jerric spoke up before her lip started to bleed. “Use a strong one first. That way if it works you’ll have one left over, and if it doesn’t you know the weaker one wouldn’t have worked anyway.”

“What if none of them works?”

“Then I’ll just,” he made a gesture, “break the door down. I know, traps. I’ll cover my eyes or something. Look, we’ll handle whatever you find, or we’ll leave if you’d rather.” Jerric took her shoulder in his hand and squeezed it gently. “If you think something’s detected you, run like an Argonian crossing the beach at midday. I’ll be right here, or wherever you put me.”

Lildereth gave him a crooked smile. “I don’t see anything moving on the other side, but you should be ready just in case.”

Jerric felt the shield magic settle over his exposed skin as he buckled on the Blades helm. The enchantment made his leather stronger than steel, and he could call on his Woad for even more protection. Fire and fangs danced across his mind, and a great claw slashed down to split him open like a sack of grain.

He shook himself. That was not going to happen today.

Lildereth unfurled the scroll and held it out where he could see it. The runes and inscriptions glowed faintly. Darnand’s meticulous attention was there in every brush and quill stroke. Scrolls could be used by anyone, and there were different ways to activate them. He was curious how Lildereth would do it.

She breathed a word, and the scroll shimmered away into a ball of pinkish light as it became the spell. Lildereth held it between her palms for a moment. Then she cast it gently at the door.

The spell broke against the surface like water on a rock. The ward’s runes melted, white mingling with pink as their light trickled down and misted away.

Lildereth turned to him with a wink. Then the door opened, and she was gone.

Lol, I liked that Lildereth had to yell at Jerric to not touch. Look but no touch. Seems to be her rule most of the time anyways. Her bow sounds awesome! Muffled.

I was surprised to learn in Oblivion that illusion spells actually worked on the undead. I figured a mind was required for them to take hold. Your modifications for the story make perfect sense.

Jerric’s teasing to ease the tension. Lildereth seems much more skittish than the controlled confidence she had when they first met her. I can’t tell if this is new or if this is just the way she is inside of dungeons.

Between your descriptions and those provided by Jerric and Lildereth, I was right there with you on how magic works in his world. Some very nice touches like how Jerric could keep stuffing soul juice into a gem till it’s full and how differing people might use scrolls differently.

“If you think something’s detected you, run like an Argonian crossing the beach at midday. I’ll be right here, or wherever you put me.”
That got a smile from Lildereth I see. Me too.

Loved your rich description of how that scroll dispelled the warding at the end.

The discussion on ghosts floored me - not knowing they were dead, reaching for handles and not realizing their hands went through the door - AWESOME !!!! This was spectacular !!!!

Jerric's flashback to the Oblivion realm was chilling, but he caught himself well and didn't let it take him over.

I was shocked Jerric only thought of food once this whole chapter, but Lildereth does seem to bring out the rock in Jerric a lot more than anyone else does. He kind of lets himself be babied by most women, but with Lildereth he is completely different - really love seeing the two of them without any other personality influences around - and listening in on their conversations!

I loved the description of how the scroll dissipated the seal on the door! I could visualize it happening! Also love your world building throughout your story - this chapter is a great example.

Awesome Write !!! Loved this chapter !!!

So Jerric can fill a soul gem with multiple souls? I know there's a mod for that, and it does make sense.

The contrast between little Lildereth, who needs to know everything about the situation before she's confident she can handle it, and Jerric, who's big enough to take on most of what he encounters (unless it's sneaky with the spells) comes over very well in this one.

And the part where she uses the scroll was just perfect. That's casting the quiet, inconspicuous way.

A wonderful observation from Lil about why some ghosts do not walk through walls. It was also brilliantly connected into Jerric's own experience with the ghosts of Kvatch. Likewise what she said about a ghost that is solid enough to claw at you, must be solid enough to be impeded by matter.

So Lil's bow is enchanted to be silent. That is a neat idea. Teresa's makes a huge racket, as bows go, since composite bows are louder than self-bows.

run like an Argonian crossing the beach at midday
I loved this phrase.

I liked your description of using a scroll, the way the parchment itself turned into the spell.

I love the preparation that your characters put into their dungeon experience, it really adds some realism to it. I can't wait to see what we'll find deeper in the ruins!

Last part: We left Jerric and Lildereth inside Hrotanda Vale seeking Welkynd stones and filling soul gems. After a case of nerves Lildereth dispelled the ward on one of the sealed doors and entered the unexplored part of the ruin.

King Coin: You’re right, Jerric has not seen Lildereth this way before. She has always had the plan together in the past, and now she is making it up as they go. Plus even her silver arrows won’t do much against ghosts, since she relies on poison rather than enchantments for damage. I’m glad you picked up on that! Thank you, KC!

Acadian: Thank you, Acadian! I had much more to think about in the last section than I realized. The destruction runes in Skyrim gave me the idea for how wards might look, but those runes are just simple exploding traps. Which of course Jerric would discover by stepping on one, or possibly by touching it to see if he could read the enchantment. D’oh! It would be neat if we could dispel those runes in Skyrim rather than blowing them up. That’s what got me thinking about how it might look.

mALX: You are so right about Jerric eating up all of the coddling he can get. Give him an inch, and he’ll take it all. Lildereth is the rare woman who doesn’t put up with his nonsense but didn’t walk away in disgust the first time she met him. She isn’t one of his many moms or hump-buddies, and he is finally realizing that there is a third option with women. Also it helps that thanks to Abiene he is not trying to get into her pants. I’m so glad you brought this up! Thank you, mALX!

ghastley: Yep, mods often provide sensible ways to deal with things like soul gems and recharging, so they can be great inspiration. This situation really brought out the differences between Big and Little, so I’m glad they came through. Of course Darnand would still be sitting there copying all of the ward’s symbols so he could study them later. Thank you, ghastley!

SubRosa: I thought about Lil’s bow for a long time. The muffle enchantment duplicates a spell she can already cast, so I would have chosen elemental damage or weakness to poison for her. But she works up close in secret (after sometimes waiting far longer than her spell would last), so the silent shot is the most important thing for her. The very thought of Teresa’s awesome combat archery sends her running for the trees! Thank you, SubRosa!

hazmick: Thank you, hazmick! Here we go deeper into the ruins.

Regarding this part: We're back with Lildereth for this one. Also, the game's undead's spells are determined by what type of undead they are. In the story they get the curses and frost attacks they would have from being undead plus the spells they knew when they were living. Also I have taken the Silence spell away from Illusion. I think it should be a Mysticism spell, like Dispel.




Chapter 15: Chorrol, Part Eighteen (In Hrotanda Vale)


Lildereth stood in the ruined passageway watching dust swirl around her feet. A fine powder lay over the tumbled blocks and floor, enough to hold the marks of her passing. The air tasted cleaner here behind the long-sealed door. That relieved one concern, at least for now. She believed that the Ehlnofey still breathed in the deep places, and magicka ran through the earth like blood through a body. The Ayleids must have known how to twist the ancestors to their purpose just as they used the living.

The dust settled quickly. It should not present a difficulty, even when kicked up by the boots of a Nord.

She cast her spell to extend the range of Jerric’s life detection ring. No energy signs came into view, so she drifted down a set of stairs and into a narrow, high gallery.

The brackets were empty here, too, but a pale light shone in the next chamber, turned blue along with everything else by her nighteye spell. Two pinkish glows took shape as she moved closer. She swallowed a mouthful of Jerric’s Juice in preparation for her next casting.

The powerful surge of magicka made her breath catch. He could make the most exquisite poisons, if only… The solution presented itself with quiet clarity. First he should make a strong potion against poisons. Then he wouldn’t kill himself with carelessness while he brewed them. She spent a moment settling her mind again. Companionship brought distractions that she could not allow.

The two life forms moved slowly on the other side of distant walls. Ghosts, she decided, and moving in her direction. They did not seem to detect her presence as she cleared the gallery and entered the adjoining chamber.

Loose crystals glowed in huge fixtures hanging from the high ceiling. This space housed an arrangement of cylindrical baskets suspended in a ring over fretted vents in the floor. Lildereth cringed away from the blackened metal as she passed. These are only relics of sick amusements long past, she told herself. The real ghosts were in the next chamber.

Here she found evidence of more recent habitation. Stone blocks had been arranged in what looked like a work space. Free-standing braziers in a Colovian style stood empty, and wooden planks lay in rot and disarray. Some violence had occurred here, but there were no mortal remains.

Lildereth cast her invisibility spell. An unnatural chill touched her face as two hooded figures drifted into the chamber. They seemed to be made of a thick fog that gave off an eldritch light. Altmer, she thought, if that matters any more. Their hollow-chested posture told of a life spent mostly inside the mind.

The ghosts paced over to what might have been a table, moving as mortals though their robes faded into nothing just above the floor. Lildereth stayed motionless until they became involved with their unseen work. I will assume that they are bound here, she decided. Conscious of their present, but for now lost in some memory. She moved on, avoiding their notice.

One chamber led directly into the next with no intervening passageways. Lildereth avoided three more ethereal forms. Jerric could not possibly get lost here. These spaces were free of traps, and the clutter generated by living beings had rotted away into insignificance. He could choose how he wanted to fight, and she could easily avoid him.

Another long gallery held the treasure she sought. Four Welkynd stones stood upright in brackets at the tops of carved columns.

One life sign glowed ahead past a low archway at the end of the chamber. Its intensity made her take extra care.

Lildereth stood beside the doorway concentrating until the life glow dissipated, so that she might observe every detail. A musty smell reached her, strong but not overpowering. This chamber had once been a living space. The furnishings stood largely intact. Books were arranged in tall cases, no doubt still tended by this lurching creature.

The figure in the room turned its hollow gaze toward her, then past and away. The eye sockets held what looked like chips of light. The shreds of a rotted garment hung from its frame. Flesh had shrunk tight to the bones. She could hear a dry sound as fingertips scraped over leathery cheek.

A lich. She would be powerless against it. Her scouting trip was over.

Sweat tickled between her breasts as she noted a mages staff leaning against the bedstead. A door stood closed in an alcove against the left wall. Probably the other warded one. The thing might have been trapped in its dwelling, or perhaps it nested here where it could listen to its captors through the ward. Lildereth retreated on silent feet, letting her breath trickle out in a soft cloud. She hoped the ghosts wouldn’t notice her wood elfin footprints.

Jerric stood right where she had left him, a fortress of warmth and weaponry. When she scraped a heel against the floor, his body snapped to readiness. An instant later she saw that smile.

“Five ghosts,” she told him. “Two look like mages, and three were wearing armor. The ghosts of their armor, not the real thing.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean.” He waited.

“Four Welkynd stones. And a staff.” Lildereth took a sip of water, then spent a moment replacing Jerric’s canteen and potion flask. Her buckles were made of horn and bone, each one wrapped with woolen thread against noise. Jerric’s were metal, and his leather was reinforced for protection rather than softened for noise reduction. He clicked and creaked no matter how lightly he walked.

She stood for a moment with her hands at his belt, considering. A Muffle spell would also keep him from talking, unless he stripped down and let her cast it on his armor. But he would certainly use fire spells, and that would make a lot of noise. One fight would swiftly lead to another, whether his buckles jingled or not.

“I thought it was after the fight that you’d try to get down my trousers,” said Jerric. He grinned like they were seated in a tavern.

Lildereth took a step back so she could look up at him. “And a lich.”

“All right, then.”

“It’s all the way at the far end.” She explained the layout and conditions.

Jerric listened until she was finished. “I’ll get close enough to slash with my dagger, that should set the soul trap. Then I’ll step back and cast some fire. I guess the ghosts will come at me together, so I’ll hang onto the blade to use on the next one. I’ve never tried Searing Grasp with something in my hand. I’ll use that Tongue of Fire that Vigge showed me.” He gestured with his shield arm. “I expect that’ll make them mad, and then they’ll give me back some magicka. They’ll slop down into puddles when they’re done, and we’ll move on.”

Lildereth chewed her lip. “What about the lich?”

Jerric grinned again. “Well, I’ll go in there and kill it.”

Lildereth dispelled her nighteye. There was enough light for their purpose, and elemental spells would generate even more. She had time to wish for soul trap scrolls while they made their final preparations. Darnand’s company would be even better. She felt inadequate as backup and unnecessary as loot collector. Then she put foolishness away and simply followed the Nord.

Jerric strode through the chambers as if he owned them. The two robed ghosts looked up at his approach. One spoke in Aldmeris, its voice a hollow echo in her head. The other raised an arm and moved as if to walk around the table that was no longer there. Jerric stepped through the stone blocks, whipping his dagger through the specter’s midsection. Something shuddered almost beneath her senses.

Lightning cracked from the second mage for an instant as Jerric turned his hips, a shield bash flowing into the slash with his dagger hand. The first ghost reached out with both hands, gripping Jerric’s right arm. Lildereth nocked an arrow as he stepped back, wrenching away. The downed figure floated up, spreading its arms out and drawing one back as if to cast. Jerric simply pushed his shield arm forward. Both ghosts were engulfed in a wide ribbon of flame.

Lildereth took a breath.

The Nord looked uninjured, but sounded shaken. “That energy trap is going to take some getting used to.”

A challenge sounded from further in at the same time it whispered through her mind. Lildereth shook off the dreadful feeling. A ghost could steal one’s resolve as readily as it sucked the heat from one’s body. It was her partner’s fire that presented the real danger.

Jerric jogged through the next chamber to take a position at the narrow doorway. Lildereth watched the impact flashes from his shield enchantments over the tip of an arrow. Fire roared and something clattered to the floor, followed by the hollow boom of a frost spell. Jerric danced in place with his unseen partners. She realized that at least one of the ghosts was solid enough to pick up a real weapon.

Quiet fell, and for a moment the Nord stood still looking into the ruin. “It’s coming,” he said.

Lildereth swore to herself. They had hoped to bottle the lich up in its lair. Now it would have room to summon something.

Ice crystals glittered and ectoplasm glowed on Jerric’s arms as he took a swig of Jerric’s Juice. Then he bowed his head, utterly still.

He’s conjuring something, thought Lildereth. She heard the distinctive sound of a daedric summoning in the chamber beyond. Ice crackled and bluish light glimmered from something outside her view. Then she heard another daedric summoning.

“Back,” Jerric said, acting on his own command. “It has a flame atronach.”

Lildereth retreated to the room of hanging cages. Jerric stayed out in the chamber. He would want space to move with the lich, now that their summonings were engaged elsewhere. Lildereth knelt where she could see but still present the smallest possible target. Her bow’s lower limb rested on one thigh. She could shoot from this position as easily as if she was standing.

The lich made a sound like tearing parchment as it stalked into the chamber. Its voice, Lildereth realized, fighting the urge to flee. With a slight flex of knees the lich lifted into the air and hovered a Nord’s hand span from the floor. Jerric circled to meet it. The lich carried a staff in its left hand. Jerric held the dagger. Lildereth’s stomach contracted. How he must long for his sword.

Jerric opened with a tongue of flame that burned the lich’s floating garments to ash. He lunged forward, shield up and dagger to the side. The lich met him with a blast of lightning from its staff. Jerric charged through it, bashing the staff aside and slashing with his dagger.

That same feeling passed over her, like a water current that tugged the feet without disturbing the surface. Then a dry shriek sounded, and its shrill echo seemed to pierce her head.

The lich was standing on the floor now, and Jerric was recovering his balance. The lich drew its free arm back, clawed hand filling with grey mist.

Lildereth put an arrow through its left shoulder with one swift motion. The impact spun it to the floor, entangled with its staff. Jerric covered it with fire. She gathered herself, visible now and ready to lunge to full cover.

Something exploded in the far chamber. The flame atronach, Lildereth guessed. Smoke gusted in through the door. Then the space was filled with a figure made of glistening ice.

Jerric turned his head.

The lich pushed up from the floor, sending a ripple of something at the Nord. Jerric snapped back to attention, shield up. “My magicka's cursed,” he said. He dropped the dagger and drew his katana.

Lildereth fumbled for Darnand’s Scrolls of Dispelling. The air filled with shock energy and a Nord’s curses. “Stand still!” Lildereth called out. She sent the spell drifting toward him in a lazy swirl. Gods, don’t let him absorb it, she thought.

Jerric’s crow of triumph sounded with the crack of his atronach exploding. His fire roared over the retreating lich as its lighting sizzled around him. Then he charged into the smoke and flames.

Lildereth ran forward, coughing. Over an arrow tip she saw the Nord squirming on the floor in the lich’s smoldering remains, attempting to pat out his own embers. “You fetcher!” Lildereth recognized her voice before she realized that she had said that.

Jerric held up his shield arm. The hand was bare and black with ash. Healing light glittered between them. “Help me find my ring, will you?” he asked. “I had to drop it in this mess. Thought you’d be mad if I absorbed one of your scrolls.”

Lildereth stood numb while he found his feet.

“I got the soul energy,” Jerric told her. “I guess the trap works on the target, not the caster.” He gave her a look. “Because you didn’t dispel it when you banished my atronach.”

Lildereth stared. She spluttered. Then she snorted.

Jerric patted her with a filthy, stinking palm. “There she is. Come on, let’s get what we came for. Then I have some dead smugglers to shift. There’s a lot to do between us and a meal.” He looked at her hopefully. “Unless you brought another sandwich?”




.

“I’m Silenced,” he said.

Er... If he was silenced, how? I presume she lip-read his silent mouthing of the words, but it reads weirdly.

Lildereth took a step back so she could look up at him. “And a lich.”

“All right, then.”

This confused me for a while, until I remembered that they wanted to fill a soul gem. A full Lich would be Grand.

And I missed where Jerric summoned Itchy (or whatever his name is) - I guess that was when the Flame Atronach was summoned, to balance the sides.

And that was just the ending. OK, done, when do we eat?

This entire chapter was breathtaking! Stunning! I SO wish they had that "I'm not worthy" emoticon at this site, I would fill this comment with it! Not sure how many quotes are allowed, but be prepared for me to spam your thread - I have to. I could quote the whole chapter, but would still have to pull these out:



The whole description of the dustiness in the sanctum was perfect for what one would imagine to find in a place that had been sealed so long, and leaving footprints in it - LOVED that touch! I always wished there had been kickable dust inside some of those ruins, not just the mold.

This next paragraph had to be broken down into sections, because each sentence was quoted for a different reason:



This was huge for visual and sensory imagery - what an enormous detail that could so easily have been missed! Everyone (me included) discusses the taste - you nailed this! I am in awe of how succinctly you brought us into Lildereth's experience here!



This really needed to be divided too, but not sure how many quotes one can use in a comment. Lildereth's thinking immediately jumps to what she could use on the tips of those arrows of hers - then realizes who she is talking about and the problems that would come up, ROFL !!




These chapters from Lildereth's POV - HUGE insight into the workings of her mind! She isn't one to speak about these thoughts to anyone - all those enigmatic looks she gives to Jerric, I always wondered what she was thinking - now I know. I am LOVING getting to know her inner self, always knew she would be tremendously deep - a whole lot like Jerric. I am LOVING this chapter!




All that fear of what she knew was ahead, "that smile." Not "a" smile, "that" one. This was HUGE wording here - proving exactly what I said last chapter. Jerric is a rock for Lildereth. She seems so sure of herself outwardly, but as we get her POV we see the vulnerability within her - and Jerric is the rock she can lean on when that vulnerability hits. HUGE WRITE !!!!!



What a dear Lildereth is here - inadequate to protect Jerric, that says a lot about how much Jerric means to her as a friend. They really have grown closer since they have been traveling just the two of them.



What a line for visual imagery!

These next quotes are all stunningly and chillingly immersive, your world-building and descriptions here have me gobbling like a turkey! :



HUGE, HUGE WRITE !!!!!! HUGE !!!! I am in awe and humbled, you have totally ROCK'd my world with this chapter! Gobble gobble...gobble gobble!

The entire fight scene with the lich was spectacular, amazing write !!!!!

And this was the icing on the cake:



Much needed humor after the tense battles, and once again you have turned around one of your battles with so much realistic "human error" - I will never forget that battle where you shocked the living heck out of me by having Jerric hit with frenzy and turning on Darnand and Lildereth!

You never cease to amaze, Grits !!! I am in awe of your creative mind and ability to draw us into it!!!! * (fills page with "I'm not worthy" emoticons) *

AWESOME WRITE !!!!!!!

I loved Lil's musing upon Nirn ley-lines at the very beginning.

Wonderful descriptions of the ghosts - Altmer no less - went about their ethereal business. The musty smell in the last room made me instantly think lich. Along with the really powerful life force. I see I guessed right!

Jerric grinned again. “Well, I’ll go in there and kill it.”
Now that's a Nord talking!

I see Jerric is taking care of business with the ghosts. It was a good touch for them to use the same spells they did in life. It gives them character

Now the lich, with an astronaut too. That was a good fight! And ending with the thought of a sandwich! That is our Jerric alright.

Lildereth’s concern and affection for the big Nord just shine throughout this wonderful episode! I love the contrast between Jerric and Lildereth. These three passages showcase the pure power and beauty of mystic archery that flows so naturally from Lildereth:
‘She cast her spell to extend the range of Jerric’s life detection ring.’
’Lildereth watched the impact flashes from his shield enchantments over the tip of an arrow.’
‘Lildereth put an arrow through its left shoulder with one swift motion. The impact spun it to the floor,’

Then here, she brings a smile with her magnificent description of who Jerric is:
‘a fortress of warmth and weaponry.’

The finale with the lich was superb. Jerric having his magic cursed, then Lildereth uncursing it with a scroll with the unexpected side effect of dispelling Jerric’s Frostie as well. Just epic! And as SubRosa mentioned, ending with Jerric asking for a sandwich was simply perfect.

Nit?
‘Two pinkish glows faded into view as she moved closer.’
To me, ‘faded’ just didn’t work here as the glows were coming into view instead of, well, fading out of view. You might consider tinkering with words like shimmered, materialized, glimmered?

Like others before me, I liked the line about the dust and the Nord boots. I figured the dust would bother Lildereth because it would make it clear that someone moved through there recently.

The description of the ghosts of Altmer entered the chamber was most excellent. The chill touching her face was a great line.

One life sign glowed ahead past a low archway at the end of the chamber. Its intensity made her take extra care... A lich. She would be powerless against it. Her scouting trip was over.
A lich! I can feel this line. ‘That’s it. Time to get out of here; this is too dangerous.’

The lich trapped or nested? Those warded doors weren’t there just for fun. Trapped I think.

I almost wondered if she was going to mention the lich. Her thoughts on getting Jerric as quiet as possible, even examining his armor was a treat. Jerric thought so too.

Lildereth chewed her lip. “What about the lich?”

Jerric grinned again. “Well, I’ll go in there and kill it.”
Simple!

The fights from Lildereth’s perspective are neat. He just strides in and starts blowing stuff up. When Jerric saw the lich coming, I felt the dread of the moment. The fight against the lich was going well, and then it cursed Jerric’s magic. That was absolutely brilliant when Lildereth sent a spell at him to restore it!

A sandwich!?

Just read through the last three parts...Ye Gods, has it been that long?... ...

Aaaamywho, such an amazing story...Loving the fact that it's from Lildreth's pov...Fantastically done...

I had a long list of things to quote, but it really is too long... ...

Absolute brilliance *Applauds*...

My only (mock ) complaint - The fight between the Atronachs being off screen, but hey ho...Maybe next time... ...

Absolutely loved the whole thing...

Nice one!!....

*Applauds most heartily*...

Dude. This story is amazing!! Jerric is such an interesting character and you've been developing him quite well. And I love that about stories. You took your time to flesh him out. I am definetly still catching up though, and a proper review shall be in place!

Previously: Lildereth and Jerric are in Hrotanda Vale collecting Welkynd stones and filling soul gems. They found that the resident smugglers had been recently killed in a raid, leaving one survivor (the teenaged Nord girl Valdi). Inside the ruin Lildereth watched as Jerric tackled five ghosts and a lich. She did manage to use a scroll and an arrow, making both count.


ghastley: Oops, I went back and changed the wording around “Silenced.” I especially didn’t want to use that term about a curse against someone’s magicka since I was also using a spell that would muffle or silence the noise that something makes, and then I wrote it that way anyway! Thank you for pointing it out! You’re right, they nabbed a grand soul from the lich. Darnand will be delighted. And yes, Itchy and the flamey were duking it out in the other room. Lildereth didn’t get a very good view of that part.

mALX: Thank you so much, mALX! These Lildereth parts have been tricky for me to work out how much to include. So much goes on in her mind, and most of it doesn’t show. Plus she sometimes thinks one thing and does something that seems at odds with it for underlying reasons that she wouldn’t have been thinking about at the time, so I have to be careful that she doesn’t seem like a lunatic. You nailed exactly what I was hoping for with “that” smile. Thank you!!

SubRosa: I’m so glad you were thinking lich right away! In the game Jerric is a ghost and lich killing machine. He just soaks up the attacks and sends the magicka back as fire. That would have been so boring to read. I was hoping that Lildereth’s more nervous perspective might help. I’m sure Skyrim’s influence was there with the ghosts. I love how they’re still people, not just glowing blobs. Thank you, SubRosa!

Acadian: Thank you for pointing out “faded,” I went back and reworded that part. Your kind words about Lildereth mean so much, since it was Buffy who made me reconsider archery with an arcane twist a couple of years ago. I so enjoyed showing the affection that has grown beneath Lil’s sometimes brusque manner. Thank you so much, Acadian!

King Coin: I’m glad you picked out that moment when Lildereth decided to end her scouting trip. That was one of the big differences between her and Jerric. He rarely thinks something was a bad idea until it’s over! Thank you, KC! I always enjoy your insights into Lildereth.

McBadgere: I thought about you when I made the atronach fight happen in the other room. Sorry! I knew you wouldn't let that go unremarked upon! We will eventually see Ishckrihk in his (its?) full glory. Thank you very much, McB!

Lycanthropic-Legend: Welcome to the story, LL! I’m glad you’re reading. I’m sometimes afraid that I spend too much time with the characters and not enough on the plot, but that’s something I’m (slowly of course) working on. Also, just in case, the Darnandex link in my sig has a list of characters. Thank you, LL!


Coming up next: This update brings us to two years and about a quarter million words. I am so grateful for each person who has decided to come along on this journey. Your support means so much to me. Thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Oh, and this part wraps up our Chorrol adventure.

Chapter 15: Chorrol, Part Nineteen


Jerric didn’t want to let her leave. He lay back against a tree trunk watching the life sign through his closed eyelids. The moons were up, and Valdi was fidgeting in her bedroll. It was only a matter of time.

It had taken the rest of yesterday and the better part of today to put the smugglers to rest. Valdi had helped. She had walked away behind some boulders when he broke the news, returning with swollen eyes and a lip bloodied where she had bitten through it. It was then that he knew she wouldn’t stay with them. And there was nothing they could do for her if she wouldn’t trust.

Valdi’s life glow moved. She was pushing herself to her feet, quietly finding her boots and packs. Jerric willed himself to relax and breathe as if he had fallen asleep on his watch. She hesitated over his shoulder bag. He had packed it with his own potions and trail rations made from the smugglers’ food stores. Not knowing how to broach the subject, he simply left it out for Valdi to take. There was no way to tell if she was struggling over the theft or if she had darker matters on her mind. If she made a move toward Lildereth’s bow or his weapons, he would have to stop her. He cracked an eyelid open to peek.

She picked up his bag, slung her bedroll across the opposite shoulder, and walked away into the moonlight.

Jerric stood the rest of his watch and part of Lildereth’s. He wasn’t sure how the elf would react to Valdi’s departure. She might have tried to stop her. Guilt crept in for taking the decision out of her hands. He let it come. He deserved it.

Finally he decided that Valdi had a good enough head start. He gave Lildereth’s foot a gentle squeeze through the furs, watching her carefully. There was often something soft or even capricious in her face when she first woke, just for a moment before responsibilities took over. He still didn’t know what purpose drove her, but she wore it like a yoke. Perhaps someday she might be free of it. For now he just enjoyed the look when she opened her eyes and recognized him, so swift and natural that it had to be true.

The fire had died down low the way she preferred it. Jerric passed her his life detection ring.

“She left at moonrise,” he said.

Lildereth brushed the hair away from her eyes. “I thought she might. And I know you’re not surprised. You didn’t fool me with all of your re-packing and arranging.”

“Why didn’t you say something?”

She gave him a crooked smile. “Why didn’t you?”

Jerric got out of his clothes while Lildereth slipped into hers. Their routine made him miss the dog and the Breton. It took some time to get the rocks and roots arranged under him. He kicked a foot free to keep himself cool. Which way had Valdi gone, he wondered.

Lildereth returned from her trip to the bushes. She stood watching him for a moment.

“Do you want me to help?” she finally asked.

“No, but thanks. I should have rubbed one out before I woke you. Then I’d be asleep already.” He flipped over onto his back. “Unless you want to go check the ruin again? Might have missed a bottle. Or did you mean something other than a calming spell?” He wiggled his brows at her.

The elf performed an eyeroll and turned away. Jerric grinned to himself. This time with Lildereth kept him above his grief but away from his burdens, in those uncounted hours where he could just be. Perhaps that was also what Lildereth sought in his company. With that thought his mind found the ease of sleep.



Dry ground and poor hunting made for a swift return to Chorrol. Jerric hoped for another surprise wardrobe change from Lildereth, but the elf kept her travel-stained cloak wrapped around her all the way to the North Gate.

Jerric stopped to speak to the guards. “Have you seen a young Nord woman come through here? She would be wearing a brown cloak and carrying packs, with an iron-tipped bow and an old axe on her hip.”

The guards exchanged a glance.

“A redhead,” Jerric added.

“A redheaded Nord woman in a brown cloak,” mused one guard, gazing into the trees and rubbing his chin. “That’s a rare sight.”

The other guard looked straight up at Jerric. “Sir, are you jesting? If you have a report to make, go to the castle. They’ll direct you at the outer gate.”

Lildereth swept past them all like a tiny forest queen. Jerric took another look at the first guard so he would remember him. This was no time to assault an officer of the law, but if the opportunity arose he might be tempted to resist arrest.

He slowed his steps as they passed through the Fighters Guild archway and approached the Great Oak. Lildereth walked with her shoulder against his arm despite their extra burdens. Her silence said what neither of them would voice.

Then she halted in surprise. “Look, Darnand! And Abiene!”

The two Bretons strolled arm in arm up the street. Neither of them wore cloaks despite the cold, marking them as mages or wealthy. Darnand held his head down at an angle, listening intently to Abiene. She gestured with her free hand in a familiar way that brought Jerric’s heart to his throat. The sick dread he had pushed away overtook him. Abiene was a talisman against his darkness. Now she stood ready to join the shadows. He might hold her again, but their time was over.

“They look well together,” Lildereth remarked. “A handsome couple.”

Jerric didn’t mean to snap, but he did. “Jealous?”

“Are you?” She gave him a sharp look.

Jerric shuffled the packs, trying to swallow his bitterness before they had to speak.

“Jerric!” Abiene still held Darnand’s arm, but her face shone with such delight surely the whole world must see it. “And Lildereth! I’m so pleased to see you!”

“We’re back,” said Lildereth, unnecessarily.

Jerric took a grateful breath.

Darnand’s raised brows promised a torrent of questions.

“We found a staff,” said Jerric. He shoved it into his friend’s chest.

Darnand seemed to leave their company without moving his feet as he began to examine the staff.

“I want a warm bath, some mulled wine, and a meal that wasn’t cooked by a Nord,” Lildereth announced. “Abiene, are you working tonight? We need to discuss our plans, but I believe we will depart in the morning. Perhaps we all might dine together?”

Abiene’s smile didn’t falter, but her eyes filled. “Oh, this wind!” She lifted a sleeve to her face. “I am free until tomorrow, by happenstance. I intended to join Darnand for dinner at the guild hall. Does that suit you? If not, we might… But of course the guild hall will be perfect. After the meal we shall sit by the fire as we did in Anvil. Remember the night before Saturalia?”

“Yeah,” said Jerric.

Darnand looked over at Abiene.

Lildereth’s voice was light as a breeze. “I remember.” She glanced up at Jerric. After a moment she gave him the eyebrow.

“Oh,” he said. “Yeah. I need a bath too. And, uh, I can walk you back to the chapel tonight, Abiene. On my way to the Mare. I’ve been sleeping there. Uh, in case you didn’t know.”

Darnand lifted the staff with an unspoken question.

“Keep it,” Jerric told him. “And I have some salvage for you to trade. My gear doesn’t need repair this time. Everything that hit me was squishy.”

“Keep me company?” Lildereth asked Abiene. The two women linked arms and started toward the guild hall. Lildereth called back over her shoulder. “Nord, don’t forget!”

“Right,” said Jerric. He tore his eyes away and focused on his friend. “Step quickly at the shops and find me at the bathhouse. You have work to do.” Darnand’s expression made him grin. “I brought you some magicka gems.”

YAY!!!... ...

A very excellent update!!...(+ a late xmas prezzie )...

Aaaamywho, loved the bit in the forest...The banter between the three of them was what I loved from when I first started reading Jerric...Brilliant stuff...

And then you get the somewhat heartrending scene where everyone is looking at everyone else with jealousy and all sorts of horrible grown-up emotional bleurgh stuff...(Very mature me!!)...

Love it!!...

Wonderful writing...Amazing stuff...



Personally, I'd say his...But then, that's me isn't it?... ...

Absolutely amazing writing...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

Two years and 2.5K words! What a fun journey it's been! Your characters are such a joy to read as they fully live and breathe in Jerric’s world! May your magic quill grace us with many more years and words.

‘Lildereth returned from her trip to the bushes. She stood watching him for a moment.’
How delicately you understate that personal needs and bodily functions do exist in Tamriel.

Oh my. What a scene when J&L encountered A&D! You have managed to make me feel so much of the turmoil that Jerric must be experiencing. I must confess that, given my love of small mer-maids, I am quite taken by Lildereth. . . and that part of me agrees with her – Darnand and Abiene make a lovely couple. The reciprocal sentiment can't help but tug loudly at my heart – Jerric and Lildereth make a lovely couple as well. What magic you have woven that we can become so attached to your fabulous foursome and their complex interactions.

"My gear doesn’t need repair this time. Everything that hit me was squishy.”

Jerric Returns!

Valdi's departure was wonderfully bittersweet, and Jerric's willingness to let her go quietly show how he has matured.

I enjoyed Jerric's momentary reflection upon Lildreth and her driven nature. I wonder if I am reading too much ominousness (ominousity?) from the use of the word yoke? I hope so. I also home that some day we will learn just what it is that drives Lil.

“A redheaded Nord woman in a brown cloak,” mused one guard, gazing into the trees and rubbing his chin. “That’s a rare sight.”
I was thinking that too!

Neither of them wore cloaks despite the cold, marking them as mages or wealthy.
I liked this subtle implication of resist frost enchantments and how it builds the world. But does that mean that the RL people I see walking around in shorts the dead of winter are magicians?

And a reunion of the Fab Four. No that will always be the Four Blades of Sancre Tor. A reunion of the Fantastic Four! So much more unsaid and implied than spoken in their meeting! That was an excellent piece of writing. Congrats!

Letting Valdi go on her own terms was a very Jerric thing. And Lil's knowledge of Jerric's plan was a very Lil thing as well.

Jerric watching her wake was an adorable scene. It shows how much they really care for each other.

I never considered that detect life would work with closed eyes, but why not? It’s a clever way to keep an eye on things while feigning sleep.

This time with Lildereth kept him above his grief but away from his burdens, in those uncounted hours where he could just be. Perhaps that was also what Lildereth sought in his company. With that thought his mind found the ease of sleep.
I am so glad that they give each other such peace. This and a few other lines later on show how close they are. They seem much alike despite their obvious differences.

Meeting Darnand and Abiene was interesting. Jerric and Lil looking on and seeing what neither of them feel like they can have. Lil was ever the diplomat and moved things right along before they got awkward.

So glad you are writing again Grits!

Jerric is back?! (Squeaks like a dachshund puppy). Now THIS is a Saturalia gift!

Will come back to read as soon as I can get on a PC where I can read. Urk!

Well worth waiting for!

I particularly liked This was no time to assault an officer of the law, but if the opportunity arose he might be tempted to resist arrest. That was the old Jerric coming back (if he'd ever been away).

Jerric is a caretaker, it isn’t easy for him to relinquish his responsibility for…everyone he meets. He read Valdi well, and supplied her needs in such a way that she could leave on her own terms - he is pretty awesome for all the base front he appears to be to those who don’t know him!



What a line! I am in awe of your ability to phrase the same words we all know into such deep meaning in such a succinct way! Absolutely LOVE your writing!

Like Jerric, Lildereth reads people well and acts in the background to ensure no unwanted interference in their decisions. LOVE how she knew why Jerric was shuffling things around and didn’t say a word !!!!

Abiene is the water cracking the rock of the close friendships between the other three (Jerric, Darnand, and Lildereth), and does it entirely without realization or malice (or so it seems). I can never tell if she actually doesn’t see Darnand’s feelings or is trying to make them go away by ignoring them.

I could be wrong, but I think Lildereth has a quiet heart that will accept whatever outcome with no fight or outward sign of the pain it may cause. I think she cares deeply for Jerric, but knows about his feelings for Abiene and awaits the outcome of that relationship before letting herself free to feel anything that she is capable of pushing away.

As always, tremendously HUGE Write!

I'm on page 17 of this story, and I'm hooked! I can't waaaaiiiiit to get caught up!

I have to go now. My husband is playing "Drop it Like it's Hot" and knows I can't control my laughter during this song.

Oh no! I'm caught up! NOOOO!

Now what will I do with my time?! -looks at hands helplessly-

Previously: Jerric, Darnand, Lildereth, and Ulfe finished their business in Chorrol.


McBadgere: Thank you very much, McB! It’s funny how they went all unhappy right when they could have just been pleased to be together. Like you said, bleurgh!

Acadian: Thank you for your kind words, Acadian! Your reaction to the foursome’s street meeting really made me smile. The journey from imagination to an actual post is sometimes a very long one, and your support and encouragement helps a great deal along the way. Thank you.

SubRosa: I’m afraid you’re right about the ominous..ness..ity of the word “yoke.” Lil is set on a path that brings her no joy. We will hear more about it, and soon. Unsaid and implied was exactly what I was hoping for in that meeting, whew! Thank you so much!

King Coin: Thank you KC! I am thrilled that you pointed out how Jerric and Lil are in some ways alike, especially since their differences are so great and many. Adorable is just what he was thinking while she was waking up. That quote you picked out is the heart of what draws Jerric to Lildereth. Thank you so much for drawing attention to it!

treydog: Here’s some more, just in time for Heart’s Day! Might we hope for some more from Athlain and Athynae? (Ulfe says please?)

mALX: Thank you so much, mALX! You are exactly right about both Abiene and Lildereth. We’ll get a look inside Abiene’s brain in this next part, and answer the question of how much cracking is on purpose and what might just be collateral damage. And you’re right that Lil would never let it show, she would just slip away and not look back until she had melted into the trees.

ghastley: Lol, you’re right, that’s the guy who’s on a first name basis with every prison guard in western Cyrodiil. Thank you, ghastley!

Elisabeth Hollow: Welcome to the story! Wow, you caught up!! I’m glad you’re reading.


Next: Of course Abiene wouldn’t let the story move on without having her say. Here is an interlude with Abiene, just this one post.

Abiene woke to the click of claws tapping on the outside of the window. “Good morning!” she called in reply. It was impossible to tell which Argonian had delivered the wake-up message. Seed-Neeus had her own early business to pursue, but Dar-Ma would be in and bouncing on the bed with little encouragement. “Thank you, I’m up! I’ll see you in the shop!”

The fire had died out, but Jerric’s ring kept the chill from her nose. Abiene rolled over and buried her face in his pillow, sliding a hand down her belly. It was no use. After a week his scent was finally gone. It was time to go back to sleeping in her cell at the chapel.

She rose and moved quickly through her morning routine, then packed her small bag and stripped the linens from the bed. There was no point in trying to keep secrets from the laundress, but her hosts didn’t need to wonder whom she had been entertaining in their guest house. She opened the windows a bit to let the cottage air. It wasn’t until she had a hand on the latch that the emptiness hit her.

He was gone. He was gone. She leaned against the door, shaken and furious with her sudden grief.

Their last night had started well with a companionable meal at the guild hall. The four of them had lingered over brandy and wine in the library, Lildereth and Abiene tucked together into one big chair while Jerric lolled on the floor with the dog. Darnand had stared into the fire, his books and scrolls already packed for their next journey.

Lildereth had been the first to say good night, wandering off to bed half-asleep and leaning on the hound. Then Darnand had stood and reached for Abiene’s hands. He looked like he had prepared a statement.

“I will say farewell, my friend,” Abiene said quickly. She reached up and kissed his cheek. “We will speak soon, as we planned.”

Darnand’s grip began to hurt. He started to speak.

“Let’s go,” said Jerric, stomping into his boots. “I’ll walk you to the chapel, Abiene. Do you have a cloak?” He clapped Darnand on the shoulder. “See you in the morning, Breton. I’ll be back before breakfast is served at the Mare. Maybe you can get up early and save me some of that bacon.”

Once they had passed out of Great Oak Place Jerric had insisted on an elaborate plan that brought them to the guest cottage separately. She had waited there impatiently while the chapel bells marked the hour, begrudging every minute that slipped away from them. His step on the stair was her signal.

Abiene lifted some logs from the wood pile, leaving the door open behind her. When she moved back inside she found Jerric now visible. His face was lined with sorrow, just as he had looked three months ago when he first returned to Anvil.

Abiene dropped the logs. “What has happened?”

“Nothing. What do you mean?” He picked up the wood and began to tend the fire.

Fear stiffened her back at the same time wanting him made her knees wobble. He looked so remote. And resigned. She moved to the bed, fumbling with her laces.

Then he came to her, and she forgot her uncertainty. But this time there was no joy in his touch, only hunger.

Later she had hidden her face against his chest until her eyes stopped burning. Of course there would be loss when they parted, but she had not been prepared for its bitterness to taint the time they had together.

Eventually she had swallowed her disappointment enough to speak.

“Will you stay the night, my love?” Abiene adjusted herself at Jerric’s side so that she could look at him.

“No. I should sleep at the Mare. Let folk see me leave from there. At least anyone who’s up that early.”

She decided not to argue until she knew which battle to fight. “Lildereth said she’s going with you to Bruma.”

“Yeah.” Jerric tucked an arm behind his head so he could watch her.

Abiene sighed. Now that he knew she was working up to something, she might as well spill it. “Will you come back this way again? Perhaps when you have finished in Leyawiin? I could even meet you in the Imperial City when you report to the University. I don’t know how, but I’ll have time to think of a way.” She squirmed around until her knees were under her. “Jerric, I know you can’t guess what will happen. But something will, and it might bring our paths back together. I always know what steps I’ll take next, because I’m the one who builds them. Let me do that for us.”

Jerric had pushed himself up to sit next to her. Then he took her hands just like Darnand and made one of the longest speeches she had heard from him.

“You know about my dreams, and the fire. But that’s not all. Sometimes when I sleep my da comes to me. He’s young, but I know him. I’ve seen others with him, standing at his side. Once there was a man who could be his brother, or maybe my grandfa. But the way they look at me they can only be my kin. They’re real, Abiene, it’s not just a dream. Do you understand? They’re alive in Sovngarde, and I can’t take you there. You and I will be apart, no matter what happens. There’s no hope for us.”

“Are you talking about after we’re dead? That can’t be what this is about.” Abiene’s eyes began to burn again. She wanted to punch his chest, but he was holding her hands so tight. “Why must the next life haunt us in this one? It’s no different from when we parted in Anvil. I know you won’t make a promise, but can’t we just be together now and grieve later?”

Jerric had touched her face so softly it made the tears fall. “We were together. We took more than we were given. But now there’s no more.”

Even remembering made Abiene set her jaw in defiance. He may have let hope slip away, but she had not. And she was certainly not going to surrender her judgment. Jerric was simply wrong and worse, he was being stubborn about it. Somehow she would make him see.

She paused with her hand on the door as Darnand drifted into her mind. He was close to Jerric, closer than she had guessed. And though he had thankfully still not declared himself, his feelings for her had become hard to ignore. A pang of guilt shot through her middle before she even finished the thought.

No. She would leave Darnand out of it.

Bells jingled above the door as Abiene let herself into Northern Goods and Trade. “It’s me!” she called. “May I come up?”

Seed-Neeus’ raspy voice came from the ground level. “Throw the latch, I’m in the back.”

Abiene made her way to the stock room where the Argonian bent over an open crate. A cotton apron and sleeves protected her velvet gown.

“Here’s the key,” said Abiene. “I’m not sure when I’ll use the cottage again. Will you go ahead and deduct the bill from my balance?”

Seed-Neeus straightened and gave Abiene one of her thin smiles. “Of course. You leave the place as neat as a pin, my friend. You should charge me when you stay with us.”

Abiene was not fooled. She had invested most of her stipend in Northern Goods and Trade because Seed-Neeus was a shrewd business woman. A discount now would surely cost her later.

“The laundry does not work for free, nor does the woodcutter.” Abiene changed the subject. “Do you know when Dar-Ma plans to leave for Hackdirt? I’ve gotten approval for my trip to the wayshrine, so I would be grateful for the ride.”

“Middas. Does that suit your schedule?”

Abiene smiled her satisfaction. “I am commanded to take the earliest transport in that direction, and of course your cart is the first I could find.”

Seed-Neeus raised an eyelid the way a human might lift a brow. “Dar-Ma is beside herself with excitement over her first delivery, and I am grateful that she will have company for at least part of the way. But with the hours you keep, how have you managed to arrange this trip?”

“It’s healer’s business, of course. The priestess in charge of the wayshrine is a dear friend, and she petitioned our chapel for my aid. Of course that’s just between you and me. As far as my superiors know they’re sending me on a mission of mercy to a fellow servant of the Divines. I mean, I really am going to treat one of their knights. But I’m sure it’s not as urgent as her request made it seem.”

“Why does she not simply cure the knight herself at the wayshrine?”

“Well…” Abiene hesitated. “Perhaps the shrines are not… entirely what some might suggest. They are of course a great comfort to the devout. But no substitute for a healer’s touch, I’m afraid.”

The Argonian’s lips curved upward at the corners. “And your priestess friend wishes for your company.”

“Yes! And I wish for hers, and the knight’s. I know her from Anvil as well. You and Dar-Ma have been so generous and kind, but I do long to see my old friends.”

The Argonian tilted her head ever so slightly. “The knight is a she?”

“Certainly. The Order of the Swan is devoted to women. Even the knights who protect the wayshrine are female.”

Seed-Neeus gave Abiene a speculative look.

Abiene laughed. “I’ve not been invited to an orgy. We’re Dibellans, not Sanguinites.”

“Oh,” said Seed-Neeus. “Of course there is a difference.”

Dibellans drink better wine and make love on finer sheets, thought Abiene. But she decided not to tease Seed-Neeus.

The morning’s list of patients and treatments ran through her mind as she made the bracing walk to the Great Chapel of Stendarr. Kahve and a roll bought from a street vendor made her think of Jerric’s outrageous flirting. Her stomach was still upset from too many magicka potions. Even as she choked on her breakfast the memory made her smile.

Chapel bells rang the quarter hour as she slipped into the healing hall. There would be time to put her things away later. For now she quickly changed into robes. With luck she might have a few moments to herself before the meeting that began her shift.

An Imperial in a novice’s robe bustled over before Abiene could finish collecting her notes. “Master Selvilo is asking for you. He’s taking his ease out in the yard.”

Abiene sighed. “Thank you.”

She found the Master Healer leaning against the well in a cloud of fragrant smoke. Tobacco laced with hackle-lo, she guessed. The Dunmer’s choice of morning stimulant would not interfere with a case of healer’s stomach.

“One of your strays, Abiene,” he said, nodding toward a slim figure standing back by the fir trees. “Nord. They say she asked for you by name.”

“Stendarr’s mercy does extend beyond these walls, Master Selvilo.” She didn’t need to be told how this woman came to be waiting outdoors instead of inside the hall. Many who needed a healer had no chapel recommendation and no funds to buy one. A single act of kindness could quickly become a crusade.

“Indeed.” Gureryne gestured with his pipe. “Carry it forth as you will, my dear. In time you will come to understand why we let the burden of travel rest on those who seek.”

The woman pushed back her hood and freed her hands from the cloak as Abiene crossed the grass. The gesture put Abiene on alert. An axe leaned against the woman’s pack, near her feet. Not quite within easy reach, but a quick lunge would take her there.

Abiene shivered. Jerric’s paranoia has gotten to me, she decided. Then she saw the bruises. The girl looked so young.

“I’m Abiene. You asked for me?”

“Yes, miss.” She shuffled her feet and glanced away past the chapel. “I don’t have enough coin. To go inside.”

Abiene looked her over. This girl couldn’t be more than fifteen, though she was tall even for a Nord. She smelled of dirty hair and infection. Abiene’s reservations slipped away. “Come with me. We can talk over here in the garden.”

The girl moved as if her leggings were filled with broken glass. Abiene didn’t need to ask what had happened. They settled themselves on a garden bench.

“Have you spoken to the Chorrol Guard?” Abiene kept her voice even.

The girl lifted her chin. “There’s nothing to report. I didn’t get a good look at them. And anyway they threw down some coins when they was finished.” She braced her palms against the bench and shifted herself. “Will you help, or do you just want to talk? Because I don’t need no more talk.”

“Of course you don’t.” Outrage tightened her throat. Crime was on the rise with more folk seeking shelter inside the city. Refugees made easy targets. Abiene gave herself a mental shake. “I can already tell I’ll need to see you more than once. My work in the hall doesn’t let me do much on my own, but I’ll heal you all I can. There are some herbs you should take in case… just in case this sort of thing happens again, so you won’t be left with a child. You’ll have to trust me, and I’ll have to trust you.”

The girl nodded. “They said you was all right, miss. Nermus and them others.”

Abiene boiled with questions, but this girl would need the gentlest touch or she might not return. “I’ll cast a spell now to evaluate your injuries, and I’ll take away at least some of your pain. It will just appear as if I’m holding your hand. We’ll meet somewhere else when I have enough magicka to properly heal and cure you. They don’t approve of unsanctioned treatments right here on chapel grounds.”

The girl nodded. She slipped her palm along the bench. “By the big statue. I think that’s safe. You know, the one with the soldier and the healer. Is that a good place?”

“That’s a very good place. From there we might walk in the park for some privacy.” Abiene took the girl’s filthy hand in her own. Torn nails, calluses, and surprisingly warm. “You know my name is Abiene. What shall I call you?”

“Valdis, miss.” The girl looked at their hands and then into Abiene’s eyes, wounded but unflinching. “Or my friends call me Valdi.”

*

Oh no, I suspected it was Valdi. Bless her heart!

Jerric's reasons for ending it with Abiene would also preclude Lildereth, and I don't believe he was just making excuses to Abiene. that is doubly upsetting:

Have to quote this for the laugh factor:


Now what is going to happen to poor Valdi? And where is Jerric? GAAAAAH!

Awesome Write, but leaves a lot of questions hanging in the air - which means you can't wait so long to update next !!!!!!!

This story is so missed !!!!!! I was so glad to see you update it!


EDIT: I meant to say something about poor Darma going to Hackdirt too: "GAAAAAAH! NOOOOOOO!" I hate that quest! Urk! Still, I would absolutely LOVE to see what you do with it!


*

Dar-Ma would be in and bouncing on the bed with little encouragement.
This had me laughing out loud. It is exactly what I would expect from Dar Ma!

Sounds like Darnand wants to spill some beans. Unrequited love, ain't it a umbrella seller... (I did not write umbrella seller! )

But this time there was no joy in his touch, only hunger.
This was a particularly powerful passage (alliteration FTW!), that resounds with desperation.

Jerric was simply wrong and worse, he was being stubborn about it
This made me smile. It is so utterly female!

Do you know when Dar-Ma plans to leave for Hackdirt?
No, No, No!!!!!

I like the world-building you are putting into the wayshrines. Them actually having a staff for one is nice. It makes them feel more like real places of worship, rather than a bunch of forgotten old magic gizmos crumbling away in the wilderness. Likewise with the implication that they do not actually heal people. That is something that I have always sort of grappled with in Oblivion. If the altars and wayshrines always heal people and cure all diseases, why bother with having people who can do it? Everyone could just walk up and touch the shrine and poof! All better.

“Oh,” said Seed-Neeus. “Of course there is a difference.”
Yes, Dibella's orgy will not be about over-indulgence to the point of it being harmful.

Dibellans drink better wine and make love on finer sheets, thought Abiene.
That too!

Many who needed a healer had no chapel recommendation and no funds to buy one.
This is another good piece of world-building. Just as in the real world, medical care is not free, or for the destitute.

Poor Valdi. She survived the horror of the ruin, only to be raped back where it is safe and sound in Chorrol. I will not say this is a 'nice' touch of world building, but it is certainly a realistic one.

Aw hell... ...That's just...Wow...

A brilliant interlude there...Amazing writing...Her sadness and bitterness at the loss of Jerric came across very clearly... ...

That bit about Jerric and Sovngarde was brilliant...So sad though...brilliant...



As a very wise man once said...Hel-lo what have we here?... ...

Looking forward to meeting her...

Hackdirt!!!...Nooooooo!!... ... ...Knighty swipes ahoy!!! (he says hopefully )...

And then that bit with Valdi... ...Brilliantly done, but - obviously - sad...

So, for the whole, lest people think me odd...

...What d'ya mean, too late?...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds most heartily*...

Poor Valdi :[

‘Abiene woke to the click of claws tapping on the outside of the window.’
The first culprit that came to mind here was Ulfe!

Wonderfully done, as you so gently moved us around in time during Abiene’s morning ruminations. It all flowed with crystal clarity. My goodness, the bond between you and Abiene is close indeed for you are able to bring every nuance of her feelings to bittersweet life. I was quite spellbound.

A delightful use of Seed Neeus, that feels so comfortably familiar.

‘The girl moved as if her leggings were filled with broken glass.’
This sentence is stunningly well crafted for the heartbreaking image it instantly conjures. Poor Valdi.

What a delightful intro! Threats of energetic Argonians getting Abiene out of bed!

Oh man, I think Darnand had something he wanted to say there and both Abiene and Jerric quickly headed that off. Poor guy’s going to be frustrated.

Jerric was simply wrong and worse, he was being stubborn about it. Somehow she would make him see.
Both of them are so stubborn! Didn’t they both start this off with the knowledge it couldn’t last? Not that it would make it any easier.

What an interesting trip she has planned at the wayshrine.

Oh, that poor girl! Abiene seems to know how to deal with this however. I suppose healers would see everything.

I had to go all the way back to chapter 11 to find my place in this story. One of the hallmarks of great writing is that you can pick something back up and instantly rekindle your enjoyment of it. I was going to wait until I was caught up to comment, but I just had to tell you how much I enjoyed the battle in Fort Strand. From the opening moments with Jerric's indecision over whether to kill the sleeping Altmer to your remarkable use of the command spell (which, I must say. left me just as disoriented as it must have felt to Jerric... talk about immersion!)

I could have spent all day reading the banter between the three of them on the (too short) walk back to Anvil. I must confess to being slightly infatuated by Lildereth, but I can imagine that if Jerric had produced that warhammer from his nethers her bravado would have burst like a soap bubble!

Saturalia was a treat, but give me Jerric's more subdued (albeit drunkenly painful) celebration over the goings on at Castle Anvil. All of those planned dances and dance cards to fill out sounds suspiciously like work to me! I find myself back enjoying everything that I've missed about Jerric... now it's on to Kvatch (and hopefully I won't keep barging in to tell you how much I enjoyed something you wrote last year!).

Previously: After Jerric had been gone from Chorrol for a week Abiene packed up to move back into her room at the chapel. Jerric seemed to think he was allowed to end their relationship. Abiene determined to show him that he was wrong. But first she plans to pay a call at the local wayshrine to Dibella. Luckily her friend Dar-Ma will be passing near there on the way to her first delivery at Hackdirt, so Abiene has a ride. When Abiene got to work she found a new project in the form of the battered and homeless Valdi.


mALX: You’re right, Jerric doesn’t see a future for himself and anyone. The next few updates should hit more regularly. I’m not sure where I’ll put Dar-Ma’s Hackdirt adventure, but I’ll get it in somewhere! Thank you so much for your encouragement, mALX!

SubRosa: Yep, neither of them wanted to hear what Darnand had to say. I’m glad you liked the wayshrine. I want the game world to be familiar, but I want it to be a world rather than a game. Valdi is having a tough time. All of those bones in the ruins made me wonder about the people they used to be. Now Valdi wants a bigger piece of the story. I should have thought twice before making her a redhead! Thank you, SubRosa!

McBadgere: I thought the Order of the Beaver Swan might be a hit. I’m glad you mentioned the Sovngarde bit. It’s never far from his mind. Thank you, McB!

Elisabeth Hollow: That’s exactly what I was thinking when I wrote about her. She could have used Kayla's help with some mouth-punching!

Acadian: Abiene is so loud and clear in my mind that she’s constantly threatening to take over the story. Plus she’s bossy. I have to keep her busy. It means a lot to hear that the flashbacks worked out. I’ve tried to do that before and quit, so it’s been a learning process! Thank you, Acadian!

King Coin: I just adore Dar-Ma, so I had to mention her even if she couldn’t appear in person. You’re right, Darnand would have said something they couldn’t ignore, and right then neither of them wanted to deal with him. The same quality that lets Abiene connect with Valdi is what her masters warn will burn her out. Thank you, KC!

Destri: Yay, it’s so wonderful to hear from you! Your comments are most welcome, no matter how many years after the story’s writing. I remember I wrote the Saturalia part during the summer. It was a particularly happy time. I’m glad you like Lildereth. She sticks around. (And you're right, she was totally bluffing!) Thank you, Destri!


Next: Jerric, Darnand, and Lildereth have departed for Bruma. Jerric and Darnand are seeking recommendations for the Arcane University while they search Cyrodiil's book stores for volumes three and four of the Mythic Dawn Commentaries. Lildereth is collecting Welkynd stones to trade for master Illusion training. Way back before the attack on Kvatch, Jerric traveled up the Black Road with a group of Bretons who were moving to a kahve farming community off the Orange Road. Lildereth and Darnand have agreed to visit their settlement with him, a promise Jerric made as he would put it, “before.”

Chapter 16: Valley of Hopes, Part One

Lildereth was tired of the rain. For two days they had ridden along the Orange Road enshrouded in mist. Two more days of climbing through fog had brought them to the high valleys where the Colovian Highlands met the Jeralls. They had not gotten lost despite the downpour robbing them of mountain views. Jerric seemed to sense which way he was facing regardless of the weather. Darnand’s confidence came from his enchanted map. Lildereth simply knew where the trail led. Practice and preparation kept them moving forward in health and relative comfort, but no charm, potion, or spell could ward away the chill that seeped into their spirits.

The road was wide enough to accommodate passing wagons, but the three of them rode in single file. No one seemed to want conversation. Today Lildereth took up the rear, riding the new mare. Rose, Darnand called her. Lildereth had to admit that he had chosen well. Rose was tolerant of Banner’s assertive ways and not inclined to harass gentle Kip. Her appearance was completely unremarkable, bay with the requisite black points and no white markings. Lildereth had no idea why Darnand decided to call her after the empress of garden flowers, but somehow it suited her.

Lildereth ran an affectionate hand under Rose’s mane. She looked up at Darnand and Banner in front of them. As usual Darnand rode blindly with his face buried in some parchment, trusting Banner not to walk them over a cliff. His map, she suspected. Today they should reach the trail to the settlement newly named Hope Valley. A Legion rider had marked Darnand’s map for them, a crime that the Breton was unlikely to forgive. A greasy thumb print did not fall within his accepted cartographic techniques.

Jerric rode Kip at the head of their procession. A switchback brought them into Lildereth’s view. The Nord wore his guard expression, distant and calm. His eyes passed over them without any acknowledgement. She knew his attention must be occupied with scanning for life signs. Only a deep line between his brows betrayed the new grief he carried. Lildereth didn’t need clairvoyance to put a name to it. Abiene had abundant smiles and blushes for Darnand, but her eyes always returned to Jerric. Lildereth’s chest hurt with emotions she didn’t want to claim. She felt drawn to these humans as if they were a circle of firelight. But now that she had a place with them the urge was even stronger to slip away.

When Banner took the steep turn Darnand shifted his weight to compensate without appearing to notice the effort. Lildereth marveled at the strangeness of his mind. At times he became nearly catatonic, retreating into himself while allowing ridiculous pranks upon his person. Jerric had once quietly disrobed him while Darnand cooperated like a child, only realizing his situation when Jerric’s big arm obstructed his reading. But then he was capable of repeating entire conversations that had occurred while those around him assumed he hadn’t been listening. She wondered if permitting jests was just part of his own long-term prank. Lildereth snorted. Probably not, but she would like to be there if the Nord ever got what was coming to him.

Lildereth continued to let her mind wander, secure under Jerric’s watch. They rode out of the open woodland and into high meadows. She marked the time by Ulfe’s occasional reappearances and Darnand’s spells. No doubt he was cold and tired, but by Julianos he would keep that map dry. The thought made her smile.

Eventually the rain tapered off revealing a low overcast sky. Jerric called a halt beside a cairn, six flat rocks piled onto a stack of four larger ones. A rag tied onto a nearby shrub confirmed it. The trail to Hope Valley.

“Piss break,” Jerric announced. He enacted his own suggestion. “We’ll get there in daylight, I’d wager. No idea if they’ll remember me so we should plan on camping. You might get an invitation, Breton. You still look almost civilized.”

Lildereth could hear the smile in Jerric’s voice. Her own heart lightened.

The trail was narrower than the road but well-maintained. Brush had been cleared away on both sides, and ditches had been dug for drainage. Lildereth knew that the valley taken over by Jerric’s kahve farmer friends had hosted communities before, though she had never seen it occupied. She wondered how the current residents might have changed it.

Low clouds still obscured the mountains, but visibility was good on the ground. The smell of woodsmoke told Lildereth that they were almost there. As soon as they rode over the ridge they were spotted. A youngster’s shout alerted the village that visitors were approaching.

Jerric dismounted, handing his reins to Lildereth. He walked slowly away down the trail toward the buildings as they had discussed. Lildereth decided to stay mounted for the moment to take advantage of the view.

They stood at the crest of a low ridge facing north. The long, narrow valley lay between them and the foothills of the Jerall Mountains. A series of ponds stretched away east into the mist. Thatched buildings clustered around yards on the near end of the valley, arranged in groups rather than lined up along streets. At least three dozen folk were visible moving about the settlement. A small party approached up the trail to intercept Jerric. Most of the villagers stopped to watch, but their arrival seemed more a curiosity than a cause for alarm.

Jerric raised his voice to cover the distance. “Hail the village! Is this Hope Valley? It’s Jerric Kjellingsson. I’ve come taste the finest kahve Bretons can grow!”

“Jerric of Kvatch?” came the faint reply. “Arkay’s balls, man! We thought you lost with the rest of them!”

A great deal of talk ensued, punctuated with back-thumping, hugs, and broad gestures of greeting. Names were exchanged, most of which slipped out of Lildereth’s mind as soon as she heard them. Jerric went with the Bretons to tour their holdings. Darnand and Lildereth settled the horses near a sheepfold and set up their camp. She was surprised that Darnand held himself apart from the Bretons but grateful for his company.

Ulfe trotted into town as darkness fell. The local dogs approached. She began the stand and sniff ritual with her usual air of mild condescension.

Jerric returned with their hosts while the villagers were gathering in their central pavilion. Lildereth and Darnand exchanged a look. He nodded at their leggy hound and then toward Jerric. “Neither of them would miss a meal.”

The shelter housed enough long tables and benches to hold the entire village. Lildereth was seated with Darnand and Jerric at the head table. Young women moved between the outside support posts, casting wards against the chill. Other folk passed platters of bread and bowls of stew ladled from a cauldron over the central fire. Children found their seats, dogs wiggled under the tables, and by some unseen signal the meal began.

Jerric sat to Lildereth’s right. He and a grizzled man picked up what must have been an ongoing conversation. Igren was his name, she remembered. He seemed to be one of the community’s leaders.

“So it grows on vines,” said Jerric. “In the ponds? And you flood the ponds at harvest.”

Lildereth mentally rolled her eyes. For a time she had assumed that Jerric’s wildly varied conversations were calculated to get into people’s pants. Now she knew he was just broadly interested.

Igren nodded. “Bogs, they are. We comb the vines and the ripe berries float to the surface. Nothing eats them. The fruit’s poisonous you see. But the seeds! The seeds are the kahve beans. It’s the seeds that we’re after.”

Jerric looked like he was pondering the mysteries of Aetherius. “How do you get the seeds out? You have a lot of bogs and that must mean a lot of berries. But you don’t have many folk.”

Igren’s pride was obvious. “There’s different ways. Trade secrets. I’ll tell you ours, though, because what’s the harm? We use a spell. Ha!”

Darnand came to attention at Lildereth’s left. “A spell from the school of Destruction?”

“Your Guild of Mages doesn’t teach our magic. But I suppose you’d say it was alteration.” Igren made an elaborate wink. “Trade secret.”

“Kahve isn’t cheap,” Jerric remarked. “You folk don’t even have a wall. I’m not planning a raid or anything, but what do you do for security?”

Now the old man had his cheeks full of bread and stew, so a younger woman answered. “Hired guards come at harvest time and leave with the caravan. We load up the wagons and they take it to our buyers. We don’t sell at the markets, just directly to the roasters. The rest of the year there’s nothing here to steal. Stone houses keep the bears out, and even the children know spells to scare away whatever old wolf might come sniffing after our sheep. Kahve grows itself. Most of the year we tend our food crops and all the other tasks that come when there are no shops to run to.”

Grumbling began at the far end of the table and swept through the pavilion. Igren slapped his palm against the table. “None of that! We have guests.”

Darnand put down his spoon and glanced at Lildereth.

A young man stood up near the fire. “That one’s a mage, and Jerric’s a warrior!” he called out. He addressed Darnand. “Forgive me magister, but will you hear our plight?”

Lildereth felt Darnand’s unease as if it was her own. Her whole left side prickled with it.

Jerric glanced apologetically at the two of them. He spoke to Igren, but his tone included the group. “You offered me friendship on the road those months ago, and you’ve welcomed us to your table. Will you tell us your troubles? Maybe there’s some way we can help.”

Lildereth pressed Darnand’s arm with her hand. It was that or reach over and slap Jerric. The Nord was quick to risk his own safety in service to his friends. In return there was no way that she and Darnand would let him run off on some kahve bean rescue by himself. It was just their misfortune that Jerric found so many more friends than she and Darnand did.

She took a calming breath. Perhaps these farmers only needed some rocks shifted.

Igren leaned in. Jerric tilted his body back so that they could all see around him.

“We’ve had… disappearances,” Igren told them. “First a hunting party that hasn’t returned. Then our terramancer wandered off somewhere. We’ll have nine hells trying to drain the pools for planting without him.”

Jerric’s face contorted. Lildereth knew he was counting daedric princes in speculation. She could practically hear him doing the math.

The old man continued. “We’ve sent young Davin to the Arcane University to try and recruit a replacement, but he hasn’t returned.”

“He could be home any day now,” a woman interrupted. Her face told of an argument many times repeated.

Igren waved a hand at her. “He will return, that’s not the issue. But even with a night watch our troubles continue. Last week we lost one of our young couples. Now sit down, Louis, no one’s accusing your girl of impropriety. But the youngsters will try to get some privacy at night. Sneaked off, probably. However it happened, two of them are gone.”

Lildereth felt the familiar hope and dread sweep over her. These hills were riddled with caves, and new activity in an old settlement tended to awaken things that should be left sleeping. “Have you seen any tracks?” she asked. “Any blood trails or drag marks? Has anyone seen a creature that they can’t explain? Even if you just thought you saw something and didn’t mention it, we should know.”

Jerric and Darnand stayed silent. They had heard this line of questioning before.

A few moments passed while folk muttered to one another. Lildereth realized that Darnand’s sleeve was clenched in her fingers.

Heads began to shake across the pavilion. Igren summed it up for all of them. “No.”

Lildereth glanced first at Jerric to gain his assent, then they both looked at Darnand. He nodded.

“I’m a tracker,” she told the Bretons. “And you’re right about my friends. We can’t drain the ponds for you, and it’s too late to start tonight. But in the morning we’ll see what we can do about finding your people.”

I remember this mission. -cringes-