A nice little segment at an oft-overlooked location. Not only does Buffy get some quality time in with the priestesses, but we also see some plot building. If Martin and others did make it to the chapel, then here we see that they could indeed survive. For however long it might take the siege to be broken. Very neat - and palm to the head obvious when it is after the fact! - rationale for why too!

I loved Superian's nudge toward the well. Little things like this help make animals transcend being mere conveyances and instead make them characters.

"why, I expect perhaps even Akatosh himself may have been young at one time."
Well, seeing that Akatosh invented time...

It does the heart good to see that, in a place where most encounters end on the point of a sword, there are still places in Tamriel where visitors are welcomed and provided with shelter and hospitality simply because it’s the right thing to do.

When you are capable of setting a spread like this, you certainly don’t need us to feed you! I’ll have a second helping, please.

The bit inside the chapel was interesting. Akatosh's power manifested in such a direct and quantifiable way must give great comfort to those who believe in the Nine, but I couldn’t help feeling that Buffy and Phebe were making Him sing for his supper. Such things mark the self-absorbed quality of youth, I suppose. I kept waiting for Agrond to tell them that Akatosh has more trying concerns than confirming their belief in him. Perhaps she understood that such reassurance was needed, and perhaps she was tempted toward curiosity herself.

This post has been edited by Destri Melarg: Nov 17 2010, 10:04 PM

Friend Acadian - that was a neat bit of storycraft, explaining away some of the (il)logical nits that Beth left in its storyline!!! Kudos and a salute to you!!!

The descriptive passages and the greetings between Buffy and the Sisters were wonderful, lyrical pieces of writing. And I loved Superian reminding her elf of what is really important.

The logic of Akatosh being able to prevent Daedra from manifesting is an outstanding bit of world-building- another of those “why didn’t I think of that?” moments. Then of course Akatosh is the ”Dragon of Time.” And the interactions of Phebe and Agrond are equally delightful.

To be honest I have no idea what this chapter is about. But anyway.
I've never done Sanguine's shrine either come to think of it. And now that I read about it on uesp we should be in for another fun ride if she pulls through with it (will she ever learn?). I'd have to check the other Daedric shrine quests to see if there are actually a few among them that Buffy would not regret doing.

This post has been edited by Casper1984: Nov 19 2010, 10:58 AM

Chapter 48 joined Buffy en route from the Imperial City to Sanguine's Shrine. She stopped for the night at Gottlesfont Priory. In addition to enjoying the hospitality provided by two Sisters of Akatosh, Buffy's heart was lifted as she learned of the Dragon God's ability to protect those who sought refuge in his chapels - not only from Daedra, but possibly the ravages of thirst and hunger.

Rider- Thank you! I was hoping for a nice interlude while supporting Buffy's important discovery about Akatosh. Lucky for us, the marauders of that nearby fort have such a tiny territorial range it seems. Thanks for the nits - fixed!

mALX- I'm so glad Buffy's observations of the Sisters came through, and that you drew out the importance of what she learned inside that chapel. Thank you!

Linara- Yes! There really is a Gottlesfont Priory with Sisters Agrond and Phebe, and a nearby small settlement of Brindle Home. The biggest liberty we took was to declare that the priory was devoted to Akatosh - the game does not suggest the chapel's affiliation. The area is halfway between Skingrad and Chorrol, just east of a line connecting the two cities. I'm sure Linara would love visiting there! Thank you for the nit.

SubRosa- Thank you for the kind and insightful words. The trouble with BF 2.0 is that Buffy is asking so darn many tough questions of me:

-Why wouldn't Jauffre just send his Blades to Kvatch right away? Because he was killed before he could so act.
-Why wouldn't the Legion send an army to close that gate? Because with no Emperor, they are struggling just to keep the Empire from breaking apart.
-Why wouldn't anyone inside a sealed city overrun by Daedra be dead after all this time? Buffy just learned a possible answer in the above episode.
-Why would Mehrunes Dagon be content to just open one gate? Ouch. Here we encounter the 800 pound ogre in the plot. Although I can think of some possibilities, we must simply rely upon the words, "Who can fathom the ways of a Daedra Lord?" Based on what she sees, I think it is reasonable for Buffy to wonder if Dagon even has the mojo to open more than one gate at a time. Unfortunately, I fear that if the gate at Kvatch is ever closed, it will be akin to striking a very large hornet's nest with a big stick. . . .

I now fear Buffy's use of the word Why even more than her use of the word Fine.

Destri- Thank you! It was the culinary skills of the wonderful writers here that helped me describe the yummy dinner that Buffy enjoyed. Your observation on making Akatosh sing for his supper is valid. The youth of Buffy and Phebe factored in, here as you suggested. I tried to portray some humble uncertainty within Agrond regarding her own faith and confidence. Finally, I felt that a demonstration would convey more impact, and add some action to an otherwise very gentle and passive episode.

Foxy- Thank you for those kind words!

treydog- Such generous words from a master of 'lyrical pieces of writing'. Thank you! Regarding Superian coaxing Buffy to the well, I'm so glad that you and SubRosa remarked on that; I confess that my old great dane had me quite trained to turn on the faucet of a sink so he could exercise his preference for drinking fresh running water. Thank you also for endorsing the logic of Akatosh's protection as it relates to Kvatch's chapel.

Casper- I'm quite glad you expressed that you were unsure what this episode was about so I can attempt to explain! Buffy is currently en route to Sanguine's Shrine - this episode was simply a stop for the night where she learned something that applies to Kvatch. Our purpose was to demonstrate that, despite the fact that Kvatch has been sealed, burned and overrun by Daedra for quite a long time, it may be possible that there are survivors inside the chapel, due to the protections afforded by Akatosh himself. As you recall from your game, Daedra are unable to enter the Chapel of Akatosh inside Kvatch.

If it is helpful, let me offer a tiny summary of the path Buffy seems to be on: She is drawn to Savlian Matius, either because of her heart, his bravery or both. Since Savlian's plight is caused by a Daedra Lord, Buffy is 'consulting' Daedra Lords in hopes of learning how to help Savlian. Her path is littered with detours, some of them extensive. She will complete two more Daedric Shrine quests before Acadian leads them to a final such quest, where she will learn what she seeks. I hope that helps!



I launched a mass of energy into the ground near the middle of the fray and shouted, "Get back!" The wolf, now under my command, became docile as the three followers of Sanguine jumped to safety. A single arrow jerked the animal from his feet, killing him before he hit the ground.

"Are you here for the hedonism? Perhaps debauchery?" inquired one of the followers - a bald Bosmer with a brown robe and raised eyebrow. He seemed oblivious to the dead wolf.

"Um, you're welcome." After shouldering Slayer, I unsheathed my knife and knelt by the carcass to cut my arrow free. "Who's in charge here?"

"Charge? Oh yes. Don't you get the biggest charge out of Daedra? The Nine Divines are boring. Daedra? They're never boring!"

The glare I fired over my shoulder must have registered, because his tone changed as he nervously added, "Oh, yes. I'm Engorm."

After inspecting and wiping down the arrow, I returned it to my quiver. I then stood and faced the Bosmer, who was refreshingly as short as I. "Well, Engorm, my name's Buffy, and I want to speak to Sanguine."

"Buffet?" Engorm looked at me dubiously. "Despite such a delicious name, you don't seem like a party girl. Oh well, a gift for our host would be nice. Cyrodilic brandy perhaps?"

"Thanks. That's all I need to know." I sat on a nearby bench and opened my pack. Glancing at the dead wolf, I was pleased with my new spell. It commanded creatures within its burst radius, but did not affect men or mer.

I then looked up at the shrine to Sanguine. Yes, pretty much what I expected: a chubby horned elf with a tankard in his hand. I shook my head, not expecting to learn much from this Daedra Lord. At least I had a pretty good idea what his price of admission might be. I had done my research and prepared accordingly for 'the Daedric Prince whose sphere is hedonistic revelry, debauchery, and passionate indulgences of darker natures'.

I dug through my pack. Black and gold shoes, Surilie 399, green velvet shoes, ale, beer, mead, blue velvet shoes, Tamika 415. . . oh, here it is - Cyrodilic brandy.

"Ahh. . . another mortal come to beg Sanguine to add a bit of spice to an otherwise drab existence." The Daedra Lord's tone was irritatingly smug. "I would have you perform a service for me."

Of course you would, I thought to myself.

The stone figure of Sanguine continued, "The Castle Leyawiin is a dull, dreary place. The mistress is an especially somber soul, and tomorrow she will hold another excruciating dinner party. I want you to liven it up. Use this spell on the Countess and her guests. I think it will make the party much more interesting. You should probably try to be inconspicuous. Or they might kill you. Oh, and the party is by invitation only. You'll have to find a way in. Have fun!"

I winced as I felt a new magic being forced upon me by Sanguine. What kind of spell was 'Stark Reality'? I was still stuck with the spell Namira had inflicted into my repertoire. Both were mysteries to me, and I needed to get back to the University to find out what they did. Casting something I didn't understand seemed like a really dumb idea - especially a spell that came from a Daedra Lord.

Sanguine would just have to keep his loincloth on. I knew perfectly well from my University recommendation visit, that the Countess of Leyawiin held these private parties every week. I'd get there sometime.

The sun was high and the day warm. I slipped behind the shrine and changed into my own loincloth of doeskin, along with a cropped hunter vest and some sandals that laced almost to my knees. Hopefully, the pleasant day and change to lighter clothes would improve my cranky mood. Superian and then I made our way south, away from Sanguine's Shrine.

I had begun to grow weary of chasing around on behalf of these Daedra Lords, learning little of what I wanted to know. Mehrunes Dagon's plane of Oblivion remained as elusively frightening as ever.

Engorm's words lingered. "Acadian, am I not a party girl? Do you remember that time Ardaline and I were giggling, dizzy with wine up in Kud-Ei's room at the Bravil guildhouse?"

I sensed a light humor from the paladin as I recalled the episode fondly. Kud-Ei was out of town on guild business. Ardaline and I were giving each other a fashion show, trying on every outfit in the guild, then prancing around in front of each other to see how we looked. I teased her about Varon Vamori. She blushed and said Varon was better than being goofy for a black mare. Ardaline seemed surprised when I told her how much I envied her statuesque height, grace and beautifully curved Altmer ears. I was astonished to learn she felt herself to be gawky, and envied what she called my 'elven petiteness'. Then we started hitting each other with pillows. We both awoke in Kud-Ei's bed the next morning with our heads throbbing from the wine, and wearing horribly mismatched outfits that would have made Delphine cringe.

Giggling at the memory, I noted how good the sun felt good on my skin as I enjoyed the sights, sounds and smells of the Imperial Reserve. Finally, we emerged from the brush and stood at the edge of the Gold Road.

My rings detected a life sign. It was a large pink streak that I recognized well. I smiled as I heard thundering hooves and waited the few seconds it would take them to close the distance.

The black horse and its rider abruptly drew to a stop in front of us. "Well met, Buffy." The dusty young Breton was working hard to settle her prancing, snorting stallion.

"Hail, Miliele," I replied. As Superian became fidgety, flattened her ears and whinnied disapprovingly, I became alarmed. If she reared on this uneven rocky ground next to the road, I could be thrown, she could injure a rear leg, or in the worst case, we could both go over backwards.

I leaned forward. If Superian began to rear up, I would throw my arms around her neck, pivot myself to the ground, jump clear and cast a calm spell. Fortunately, she chose to take a few steps back instead. She nevertheless, continued tossing her head and expressing her opinion with short loud breaths.

I breathed a sigh of relief and was able to turn some of my attention back to Miliele. There were five women in Cyrodiil that rode these majestic animals - all four Black Horse Courier riders and myself. We all knew each other. I asked, "What news do you carry, sister of the black horse?" The couriers were entrusted to carry not only the Cyrodiil news, but messages to and from officials of the Empire.

"Kvatch is still hostage to that Daedra gate." Miliele had been able to open the distance between the two horses by a few more paces, clearly exasperated by the unruly stallion. "I'm carrying a message from Captain Savlian Matius demanding more help from the Legion. His men are weary, and fresh meat is scarce. The citizens in the encampment are doing everything they can to supply their soldiers at the barricade, but they are poor hunters."

The stallion was now pawing the ground and blowing hard. "Sorry, Buffy," Miliele continued. "Perhaps someday we can have tea and a coherent conversation, without the jostling and bouncing. Tiber can run like the wind, but he's a real stinker around the ladies. We've got to get to the Imperial City anyway. With no visible prompting from Miliele, the stallion was off, his hoof beats soon fading toward Skingrad and the Imperial City beyond.

I looked east along the road after them. Dust from the courier still clung to the air. My plans were to stop at the University to sort out that new spell from Sanguine, then go home to Bravil and pack what I might need for Castle Leyawiin.

Heaving a sigh, my eyes were drawn west toward Kvatch. Miliele's words about the shortage of fresh meat still echoed. My head and heart were swirling as I went through the motions of pulling out my map in a futile effort to delay my decision.

I was no hero. I felt no obligation to the citizens of Kvatch. Nor was I ready to enter a flaming gate to Oblivion.

I recalled the shield I had enchanted that was still nestled in my magic bag. Then I thought about the man with the heart of a lion who gave it to me. I knew he had told me to stay away until the gate was closed, but. . . .

I turned Superian, and we set off into the late afternoon sun.

Maybe I couldn't help with that gate, but I sure could do something about the lack of good hunters.

Some really funny moments here:







And Matias, never far from her mind...

Great Addition to Buffy's story !!!!!

I couldn't help noticing Superian's behavior around the Black Courier stallion. Makes me wonder if she's about to enter into heat? If so, the Buffster had better watch out! Being on the mare's back during mating is not the place to be.

This made me laugh, knowing too well what happens upon completion of his quest!

And Buffy decides to help Kvatch in a very fundamental way. I adore this about her - the fact that the help she gives others is soooo practical in nature! Fresh meat indeed! While Savlian may be thinking of one kind of fresh meat, and the Fox is thinking of another kind of fresh meat, our Buffy is thinking of the kind of fresh meat that fills the belly and warms the spirit. Atta girl!

That was very much a "Buffy moment."



Interesting figure of speech there, given what the feature holds…

The concerns about her appearance and the memory of Ardaline were wonderfully drawn, reminding us all why we love her.

And even as Buffy tries to follow her plan, news of Kvatch intrudes. Fortunately, it is the prerogative of every female- elven or otherwise- to change her mind.

Do not forget all those other important questions. Like why is the sky blue? Or how come the Detroit Lions can never win a game? Or why is LeBron James a greedy traitor? Or is God so powerful that he can make a rock so big that even he can't lift it?

Daedra? They're never boring!
One cannot argue with that!

So how come when I think of Sanguine, I am picturing John Belushi from Animal House?

Casting something I didn't understand seemed like a really dumb idea - especially a spell that came from a Daedra Lord
How come I never think of that when I am playing the game? Seriously, I love Buffy's understandably cautious and disenchanted attitude to Daedric Princes foisting spells off on her.

I'd get there sometime.
Yep, now that is the female attitude! Or as a certain fella in a grey pointy hat once said: "A wizard is never late, or early. He always arrives exactly when he means to!"

Teresa wants to know if there are any pics of Buffy in her doeskin loincloth?

I also loved Buffy's reminiscing about her 'wild party' with Ardaline. Now Teresa is jealous! She never got to have a pillow fight with Methredhel! Funny thing is, there is some historical basis to such parties. Women did much the same in ancient Sparta. There was a shrine to Helen outside the city (the face that launched a thousand ships Helen), and young women would go there to spend the night singing, dancing, drinking wine, and doubtlessly having sex...

I loved the extra details you lavished upon us with Superian's reaction to the stallion. You made it plain what she thought of him! Likewise with Buffy's own riding skills, as she considers both the danger, and her options to mitigate it.

And Buffy is off to feed the true heroes of Kvatch!



@Linara: Gottlesfont Priory - The UESP wiki is your friend

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Nov 21 2010, 05:52 AM

I am so sorry for being gone for so long Acadian. My computer has REALLY been acting up. Had to send it back in and told them to keep it for a while as to make sure EVERYTHING was fixed. Now I'm back and better than ever, and ready for more Buffy!

Thanks for the explanation Acadian.
I recall this episode from the Bethesda forums (only read few bits on there). A pity that Buffy is having the spell examined. I bet if she can find out what it does we won't get to see it in action.
Mental note: do more Daedric shrine quests.

I cannot help but become concerned for our little Buffy. First it is the cheap wine for Namira and now brandy for Sanguine, oh dear, what is happening to Buffy!?! I do have full confidence that she knows what she is doing, but with all the skooma temptation that Bravil brings, I hope that Buffy does not end up like Julian, lol


Sounds a little like Spring Break down in Florida!!

There is also (if I may quote a particularly annoying physics professor I once had) the ‘relative nature of temporal perception.’ For Lord Dagon and his ilk the space of a year as we perceive it is less than the blink of an eye. Perhaps he has not acted simply because there’s no real need to act. They aren’t making new dragon bloods any time soon. It will take the Mythic Dawn time to sort through the wreckage of Kvatch, only then will Dagon know if his efforts to silence the last of the Septims met with success. I can find no flaw with the logic of moving this particular story along at a ‘glacial pace’.

And now for this chapter:

From the first paragraph we see Buffy applying her new knowledge. I am glad she got the chance to exercise her command spell against something slightly less menacing than a mountain lion (poor wolf).

What a perfectly ironic sentence!

Including the detail that the Courier riders also carry messages between officials is a wonderful bit of worldbuilding that I can see you drawing from again and again in Buffy’s story.

First some venison, then Savlian KVATCH!

In Chapter 49, Buffy spoke with the Daedra Lord, Sanguine. She then set her path for the University, Bravil, and ultimately Leyawiin to attempt Sanguine's quest. Before even reaching Skingrad however, she encountered a Black Horse Courier rider who provided some news of Kvatch, including word that fresh meat was in short supply. Buffy the deer hunter suddenly changed her plans and turned for Kvatch.

mALX- Given your impressive talent for humor, I'm delighted that you found a couple examples here, such as twisting Buffy's name to Buffet. My hope was in the first part of the episode to contrast her cranky mood with some touches of situational humor by playing her off the crazy followers as the 'straight man elf'.

Rider- Thank you for drawing some 'under the surface' observations about loincloths and keeping them on; as well as the Foxical implications of Buffet Buffy delivering fresh meat to Savlian Matius.

treydog- Thanks. Yes, the poor girl really needs to organize her pack better!

Loincloths coming on and going off, plans to go east that turn westerly. It seems Stark Reality will just have to wait for our easily distracted elf.

SubRosa- Given how much I savored your truly gracious and insightful comments, how could I possibly refuse Teresa's request for pictures of loincloths? Of course, Milady! Here is a loincloth, modeled by the chubby Daedra Lord with a tankard. Oh, don't mind the skinny wood elf reporting for duty in the foreground: Screenshot .

Grizzly- I am so glad you got your computer fixed. It is wonderful to have you back and reading!

Casper- Whew! I'm relieved that our explanation helped keep you with us. If you hope to see Countess Leyawiin stripped of her green silks, take heart. In fact Buffy will expand Sanguine's quest into a massive production, as only she can. First however, her penchant for easily being distracted must be indulged. After delivering fresh meat to Savlian (venison of course, silly), I expect she will dance and flit her way in a generally Leyawiinish direction.

Wolf- So wonderful of you to drop in for some Tamika's. Oh noes! I hope it was clear that Buffy only carried cheap wine for the misguided 'medicinal purposes' of keeping warm near Bruma. Here, she was loaded up with every drink known to mer because she had anticipated the nature of what Sanguine might want as an offering. Normally, the shoes and clothes in her pack simply hide a bottle or two of Tamika's. Now that said, you are astute to notice Buffy's taste for the grape; if tragedy were ever to befall our bowgirl, I would be disappointed, but not shocked to see her take comfort there.

Destri- Thank you for your endorsement of our efforts to try and blend aspects of the game (delaying the Main Quest in this case) with Buffy's need for time to learn and grow. Even though it cost the life of a Legion rider, I expect the spell inspired by his sacrifice will go on to save more lives. Buffy's friendship with the Courier riders will really pay off when she learns that they will also carry personal messages for fellow sisters of the black horse.



The sun was high, and a welcome breeze caused the golden grasses flanking our path to sway gently. Superian and I trudged side by side along the trail leading to the Kvatch encampment. We were both heavily laden; she with the carcasses of three deer, and I with trepidation.

The magnitude of the fact that I was actually returning to Kvatch - even if only briefly to deliver fresh meat - was weighing more heavily upon me with every step. My stomach was churning. "Acadian, I should have talked with you about this decision before I made it. Part of me wants to turn around and run away." I glanced at Superian's load. "I can't though; these deer have surrendered their spirits to help. Please tell me if I'm doing the right thing?"

Delivering fresh game to the brave defenders here is a noble act of kindness, Buffy.

I frowned as his silent words floated through my head. "I'm neither noble nor kind. You know perfectly well why we're here. The bounty that Superian carries is just an excuse. I'm terrified to see Savlian Matius again, yet I can't stay away. He probably doesn't even remember me, but even after all this time, I can't purge the man from my mind. Are the feelings that I may have for him real, or just the imaginings of a silly elf?"

You won't find out by avoiding Kvatch, my bowgirl. Follow your heart.

I nodded. "You're right. I sure hope I know what we're doing." I could see the encampment now, but barely recognized what little I remembered of it. What had been simply a large bonfire surrounded by several dozen glum refugees, had grown into a small city of tents. Smoke rose from numerous cooking fires. Two men tended a small field of crops near the camp's edge. As we drew closer, a Redguard appeared between two of the tents, noticed me, and approached.

"Hail, hunter," he said with his eyes pinned to Superian's load. "If you're here to sell your kills, we'd love to have them, but we can't offer you much gold. Our city and livelihoods are besieged by that damned Oblivion Gate. I'm Bolden. I run the stables - or at least I used to."

"Well met. I am called Buffy. My price for this meat is only that it be shared with the soldiers who defend your city."

Bolden's brown eyes opened wider. "Your offer is most kind, and graciously accepted. We work hard to keep our soldiers fed." His pleasant face was lined with perhaps four decades of age, and closely cropped black hair showed flecks of gray. With the calm assuredness that confirmed his profession, he stopped a pace short of Superian and allowed the mare to inspect him as he asked her, "What's your name?" She seemed to accept him and did not object as he gently touched her nose with the back of his hand.

"Superian," I replied.

He then turned to face me and jerked a thumb over his shoulder toward the camp. "Let's get Superian unloaded and tended to. You both look weary."

The mare and I followed Bolden through the confusing maze of tents and smoking campfires. Dejected faces eyed Superian's cargo hungrily. Some of the unfortunates looked vaguely familiar, but my first visit had been too brief and overwhelming to remember any of them. I saw no sparks of recognition from any of their eyes either. Despite being tired and heavily loaded, Superian was wide-eyed and fidgety to be in close confines among so many strangers. A handful of survivors looked up from several crude benches surrounding a large fire as we arrived at the center of the encampment. Bolden announced, "This is Buffy."

Several people approached, no doubt to help unload Superian. Before I could protest, Bolden held up his hand and said firmly. "No, friends. This mare doesn't need to be pawed by a bunch strangers, and if I read her correctly, she won't tolerate it. Buffy and I will unload her. Please get Weedum-Ja though. She'll know what to do with these deer."

I caught Bolden's eyes and silently mouthed, "Thank you," as the two of us untied and lifted the carcasses from Superian's back.

An Argonian approached, and Bolden said to her, "Weedum-Ja, this is Buffy. She's brought fresh meat for us to share with our soldiers."

"It is good to meet you, Buffy. Your kindness will be put to good use." Before I could reply, the Argonian started issuing orders to the handful of survivors that had gathered. "Roast two hindquarters right now and get them up to the barricade. The rest of the first deer goes into the stew pot. I want the other two cut, stripped and hung right away. Be careful not to damage the skins, and deliver them to Batul gra-Sharob; she'll be able to fashion something from them. Get our smoking tent fired up." Orange eyes flashed, as she clapped her scaly hands twice. "Did I stutter, people? Get moving!"

The area erupted with activity.

Bolden chuckled and motioned with his head for me to follow him. Superian and I did so. We threaded our way among more tents until we emerged on the other side of the encampment near the base of the trail that led up to the barricade.

The small clearing was nestled against a line of shade trees. A single white mare, in very good condition, raised her head curiously from the nearby ample grazing. Next to a water trough that I didn't recall from my first visit, was a makeshift rack fashioned from tree branches. It held what appeared to be the white mare's tack. "This is my stables," said Bolden with a shrug. "Such as it is."

The two of us then set about stripping off Superian's tack and cleaning the deer blood from her mane and coat.

As I hung Superian's bridle on the rack, I noticed stable markings on the other horse's saddle. Pointing toward the white mare, I remarked, "She's an Anvil horse?"

Bolden nodded. "Aye. Her name's Marilou, and her rider will take her back to Anvil in a few days. Every fortnight, Countess Millona Umbranox has one of her city guards ride up here. They bring supplies from Castle Anvil - repair hammers, arrows, bowstrings, potion bottles, even flatbread and hardtack. The rider then pulls a couple weeks of duty for Captain Matius up on the barricade before his replacement shows up. If we ever get our city back, we'll never forget the help provided by Anvil."

"What a wonderful idea," I said. "This Countess Umbranox sounds both gracious and wise." If Anvil could provide assistance, could there perhaps be other sources of help beyond the Legion?

As Bolden placed Superian's saddle on the rack, it was his turn to notice the stable markings. "Equestria? That's a stables for mages only. How'd you get this saddle?"

"I belong to the guild of mages."

"I thought you were a hunter," he said, looking over my shoulder at Slayer. Then it came: "You don't look like a mage."

My defensive feelings over the remark that I had endured many times, seemed petty amidst the despair that hung heavily over this encampment. Besides, Bolden's manner seemed more curious than insulting, and Superian liked him. It actually wasn't hard to stifle my indignation as I replied, "I get that a lot." I then grinned and held up my right fist, glowing with the harmless magic of a charm spell. "Would you like me to prove my credentials by turning you into a chicken?"

Bolden flashed a beautiful white-toothed grin as he held up his hands in mock surrender. "On closer look, I believe you. Nobody but a mage would carry a bow without a blade to back it up. As soon as we finish cleaning up your mare, I'll introduce you to Sigrid. She's a mage too."

GAAAAAH!!! What is that big long thing dangling from the Daedric statue...sans loincloth? URGH !!!!



Er...I love this re-write much better than the original, especially the beginning and at breakfast time !!!!! Great Write !!!!!

AND ... Buffy finally got over that miff when being told she doesn't look like a mage !!!! Yeah, she is growing up !!!! She handled that well, I'm proud of her !!!

This post has been edited by mALX: Nov 23 2010, 02:09 PM

We were both heavily laden; she with the carcasses of three deer, and I with trepidation.

Once in a while, friend Acadian, you write something that is so smooth yet powerful that I can only state: "This is the voice of a true writer, only he doesn't know it himself...yet".

Develop that voice, friend. One day I hope to see your name on a book in a bookstore!

Even if it's a virtual one, one the net...

WHY must you comment about that my Red Riter!!! AFTER ALL THE EFFORT I PUT INTO NOT WRITING ABOUT THAT YOU...YOU...YOU JUST HAD TO....

Er...it was there?

Er... is this the rack you hung Superian's bridle on?


http://www.uesp.net/wiki/File:OB-npc-Sigrid.jpg




*

This post has been edited by mALX: Nov 23 2010, 02:23 PM