@mALX: I'm not sure about the Buffster, but I'm sure Teresa would love to hang a bridle (among other things) from that rack!

Acadian, again a lovely chapter about Buffy's return to Kvatch. That sentence Foxy already pointed out jumped out at me for its beauty and simplicity. Very evocative.

I also loved the bit about the Countess of Anvil sending up supplies to Matius to help out.

And Boldon is as charming and helpful as ever. I really enjoyed the interaction between him and Superian.

As for Buffy's nerves about seeing Matius again, I can absolutely relate to that!

It seems Foxy disease has infected many of the females here.

Acadian started it by showing us dirty pictures first thing in the morning !!!

Truly amazing writing Acadian. May I ask where your talent came from? Is it natural, years of experience, etc?

Ahh, now I remember Buffy. I enjoyed that piece a lot, keep it up!

This post has been edited by Grizzly20: Nov 23 2010, 11:35 PM

How did I miss this earlier?

My, the Buffster does look quite... buff in her hunting garb!

We were both heavily laden; she with the carcasses of three deer, and I with trepidation.
I particularly enjoyed this use of words.

these deer have surrendered their spirits to help.
In many hunter-gatherer societies the belief is that animals are spirits that have come to our world and taken flesh. Killing them and eating their meat is seen as holy rite, which frees their spirit to return to the Otherworld. So the basic feeling is that while the meat which made up the animal died, its spirit lives on just fine, and will in fact return to the Earth innumerable times in the future.

Now having grown up in a city (albeit a small one), hunter-gatherer values were probably not instilled in Buffy. However, If Uncle Daenlin is from Valenwood, he might have passed some of this belief along while teaching the young Buff to hunt. Just something to consider when portraying Buffy's view of the animals she hunts.

You won't find out by avoiding Kvatch, my bowgirl. Follow your heart.
Excellent advice. Even it turns out badly, you still learn a valuable lesson.

"You're right. I sure hope I know what we're doing."
Why does Buffy remind me of another wood elf looking at the Wawnet Inn with a pair of wine bottles in hand?

"Did I stutter, people? Get moving!"
This had me laughing. I think we know who is the leader of this encampment!

And finally the Countess of Anvil is helping out. It is nice to know someone else in the Empire can be bothered to help the Kvatchians with the gate!

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Nov 24 2010, 09:00 PM

I'll admit, its sad. The chapter I keep waiting for shows up and I don't comment...Anyway, finally she heads to Kvatch!! Sanguine's followers are very...unique I suppose. Linara keeps meaning to check out those Daedric shrines everyone is talking about, but she never gets to it. Maybe one day.

A nice way to tie the BHC into the story, especially with that reason. Good writing, and I can't wait for the next part! I'm a sucker for romances, I guess.

This post has been edited by Linara: Nov 24 2010, 05:51 AM

Bolden may not be a mage, but even he should know that there's no such thing as a spell that turns people into chickens. In fact, chickens don't seem to exist in Tamriel at all.
Nice to see that Buffy decided to take another peek at:

Using the growth of the camp to show the passage of time is an excellent touch. It shows that that the people of Kvatch, though burdened with heavy hearts and many troubles, have certainly not been idle in Buffy’s absence. Bolden in particular stands out. This version of him is far more accommodating than the version that mutters terse warnings in the game. And of course, like haute, you have the voice of authority emanating from behind small, sharp teeth and green scales.

I find it interesting that you chose Anvil as the city that provides help for Kvatch. We seem to share the opinion that Countess Umbranox is the one truly generous soul amongst the various fiefdoms of Cyrodiil. Given their long history of alliance, Skingrad’s silence to Kvatch’s plight is deafening.

In Chapter 50, Buffy began a four episode visit to Kvatch, by delivering three freshly killed deer to help augment food supplies for the besieged defenders. As she was welcomed and escorted through the camp to the stables area, Buffy was struck by how much the encampment had changed and adapted to survive.

mALX- Thank you! In this portion of 2.0, we chose to emphasize the Kvatch encampment more than Buffy's actual hunting. You're right; given the despair at Kvatch, whether she 'looked like a mage' seemed to fade into insignificance - even to her. Sorry that Sanguine's loincloth developed an unintentional life of its own in that screenshot - I keep forgetting about your vision, my dear. Sigrid's rack will be referenced a couple times during Buffy's visit.

Foxy- Thank you for the kind and supportive words, my friend.

Rider- I've always liked Countess Anvil, and wanted her generosity to plant ideas in Buffy's head. It was of course OHDH that inspired my selection of Bolden as stablesmaster - thanks for your gracious support when I asked you if I could use him in the same role you assigned him. Thank you also for the kind and supportive comments!

Grizzly- Oh my goodness, such a nice compliment to our writing! I have always been fairly good at organizing written communication for structure, and all the grammar type stuff, but Buffy is my first attempt at writing for entertainment. If I have any talent toward fan fiction it attributes from two things: First, the assistance/support and example provided by the wonderful writers whose names appear in this post (plus names like treydog and Wolf). Secondly, the truckload of passion that my elf inspires within me. As I am old and retired, Buffy is my full-time obsession - the granddaughter I never had. Her spirit is animated by the first Mrs Acadian, who passed away in 1999.

SubRosa- As ever, thank you so much for highlighting and reinforcing so much of what we try to do. I agree on Buffy being a spiritual hunter, and shall have to gently elaborate a bit on that each time she has the occasion to thank a deer for its meat and skin. The way to a camp's heart is through its stomach, and Iron Chef Weedum-Ja seems to know her business when it comes to chow. Unfortunately, Buffy's ability to deal with matters of the heart will lag behind her growing skills and confidence as a mystic archer. I suspect the skittish elf may require more than one gentle 'follow your heart' nudge from Acadian.

Linara- Linara should definitely check out the Daedric Shrine quests - just make sure she listens to her heart; those Daedric Lords can be quite insidious. Don't be afraid to 'just say no', even if the quest is already in progress. The BH couriers, with their equestrian bond to Buffy will come in handy to help keep her in touch with a growing list of friends.

Casper- Threatening to magically turn someone into a chicken is a deeply subconscious recollection that Buffy retains from her days as an elven archer in Baldur's Gate II. And one we can't resist.

Destri- Thank you for endorsing our use of time and detail at the encampment. Looking far out into BF, I see Kvatch as a very enduring city, and characters such as Sigrid, Bolden and Weedum-Ja are just the ones to help rebuild it someday. I chose Anvil to plant the seed in Buffy's mind that there may be other sources of assistance for Kvatch beyond the Legion. Anvil is close by and seemed to make sense, as the Countess is indeed a gracious soul. Anvil's isolated location perhaps allows them to better empathize with feeling alone and somewhat forgotten. My intent was more to uplift Anvil than slight Skingrad.



"Ahthrelor!" The buxom Nord tapped her forehead with two fingers and admonished, "How many times do I have to tell you my eyes are up here!"

The Bosmer coughed, then raised his face to meet the woman's pretty blue eyes as he sheepishly said, "Sorry, Sigrid."

With a look of exasperation, the Nord continued, "You should have come to me as soon as you were bitten by that rat." She then held out a potion. "Drink this to cure the blood lung, and try to get some rest. Come back if the coughing doesn't stop."

The Bosmer - Athrelor, I gathered his name was - accepted the potion, coughed again, and wandered off into the maze of tents.

"Sigrid, I want you to meet someone," announced Bolden. The Redguard standing beside me had helped tend to Superian upon my arrival at the Kvatch encampment. After learning I was a mage, he had escorted me here to meet Sigrid. He continued the introduction, "Buffy's a member of your guild, and the one who brought those deer. I'll leave you two ladies, now."

I smiled my thanks to Bolden before he turned and disappeared into the tent city, leaving me alone with the Nordic mage.

As we eyed each other, I felt Sigrid looked out of place. Her stylish blond hair and blue velvet gown belonged in an elegant guild hall, not this smoky, dirty camp. "Buffy, as the only surviving Kvatch mage, I welcome you to our humble chapter." Standing next to a small campfire flanked by two stools, she indicated the tent behind her. There was a hand-drawn symbol of our guild over the entrance flap.

"You are the only survivor from your chapter," I said, echoing her statement. I knew it was true but now faced with the reality, I felt overwhelmed. "I can't imagine how I would feel if my guild and the mages I loved in Bravil were taken from me." I blinked to hold back a tear. "I-I'm sorry, Sigrid."

"Thank you, sister. Your name is familiar to me, and not one easily forgotten. I've heard Savlian Matius mention that you briefly passed through here right after the city was destroyed."

My heart quickened. Savlian remembered me! "How is Savlian, and his band of defenders?"

"They are holding things together," the Nord replied. "The flow of Daedra from that gate has slowed, but not stopped. The Legion has sent a handful of reinforcements, and Countess Anvil provides a soldier to assist, along with some ongoing resupply."

"Are they able to get any rest?" I asked.

"Yes." Sigrid nodded. "At least they can man the barricade in shifts now. We can't thank you enough for bringing some fresh meat. Weedum-Ja ran The Wolf's Head Tavern and she tries to keep us fed. Everyone is getting tired of potato and onion soup though." Sigrid managed a smile. "Why, she has already roasted and sent some of your venison up to the barricade, and should have a large pot of stew for the rest of us tonight."

Looking at the stylish mage, and hoping to see Savlian the following morning, I was acutely aware of the deer blood decorating my blouse and that I had been living in the woods for several days. I noted several blue gowns hanging to dry on a line behind the mage tent. "How do you manage to stay so clean here?"

Sigrid smiled, with a hint of exasperation. "It isn't easy. Walk with me. I'll give you a tour that will end at our bathing tent."

As she led me among the tents, Sigrid explained how the camp had grown. "You probably saw our farm plot when you arrived. It's enough to keep us from starving." As we passed through the center of camp where I had unloaded my offering of three deer, she chuckled and pointed to a large bubbling cauldron. "This is Weedum-Ja's kitchen. Thanks to you, there's some meat in our stew pot." Pointing to a tent billowing smoke, she added, "Much of your venison is being dried in thin strips so it will keep."

Continuing, we came to a fire surrounded by an anvil and the other obvious tools of a smith. "Fortunately," said Sigrid, "Batul gra-Sharob survived the invasion. Thanks to the engineers of Castle Anvil, she has the tools she needs to keep the weapons and armor of our soldiers in good condition."

I remarked, "Sigrid, I'm amazed at what Kvatch has been able to make of this camp."

"Just wait till you see what else we've done," she said. "I haven't forgotten your question about cleaning up." A short distance from the central cooking fire, we came to a well. "This part of Cyrodiil has always been blessed by underground springs. The fountain in the center of Kvatch, and the Chapel of Akatosh itself were built upon natural springs when the city was founded." She pointed at the well. "Right below the surface here is another."

Her eyes sparkled as she motioned me to follow. A short distance from the well, we stopped again. "Now here's what I wanted to show you - our bathing tent. Let me leave you to get cleaned up. When you're done, come back to my fire. By then I'll have a couple bowls of Weedum-Ja's stew for us."

After thanking Sigrid, I lifted the flap and poked my head inside. It was simple but effective. I grabbed several of the empty buckets, and after a couple trips to the well, entered the tent.

The floor was of raised wooden slats to prevent standing in mud. I removed my clothes and placed them on the only piece of furniture - a table. Using several weak fire spells, I was able to warm the buckets of water. After digging vials of soap and shampoo from my pack, I poured some water over my head and happily soaped up my body and hair. Two buckets later, I was clean and rinsed.

The remaining water I had carried from the well enabled me to wash and rinse the filthy things I had been wearing. After donning a fresh russet felt dress - with matching shoes of course - I left the tent feeling like a clean elf.

Returning to the mage tent, I hung my wet things up on Sigrid's line, reminding myself that the buckskin greaves and boots would need to be treated and conditioned after they dried. I then joined the Nord seated by the fire and gratefully accepted a warm bowl of stew.

After dinner, I worked a small amount conditioner into my wet hair and started combing the tangles free. Despite the tragedy here, the crackling fire felt cheerful and I enjoyed Sigrid's company. She seemed to welcome the opportunity to talk with another mage as she shared memories of lost guild mates. I learned that she was an Evoker, and therefore outranked me in the guild.

I couldn't help being distracted by the realization of how near Savlian was. An exciting thought occurred. "Sigrid, tell me, are you skilled in illusion?"

"Somewhat. I'm an alchemist, but I've been able to learn a few illusion spells." She cocked her head. "Why do you ask?"

"I've just been trying to think of ways to help up at the barricade," I replied.

"I try to keep the guards well-supplied with healing potions," said Sigrid. "Although less frequent, the Daedra are more dangerous now. Both the scamps and clannfears are bigger than the ones that we used to see. Lately, creatures that look like women made of flame have started coming from the gate as well."

"Flame atronachs," I said, looking at the campfire. "I read about them in the texts of the Mystic Archives."

"Well," continued Sigrid, "they throw bigger fireballs than scamps, and the poisons I provide the soldiers are useless against them."

I made a mental note that atronachs were immune to poison. "I'd like to go up to that barricade in the morning and pay my respects," I said, "and see if any ideas occur."

"Will you be staying with us long, then?" Her gaze shifted down to the hands that were smoothing her blue velvet skirt. "I would welcome a sister mage."

"Sigrid, I've put much study and effort into the plight of Kvatch. Closing that gate is the key of course. I know a little bit about what keeps it open, but there is much I must learn before I can help Savlian close it. That knowledge does not reside here." I shook my head. "No, I'll be leaving in a day or two."

Sigrid nodded, as she lifted her eyes to the fire.

Hoping to lighten the mood, I recalled that my pack still contained unused potential offerings for Sanguine. I pulled out the bottles, ranging from Nordic Whiskey to Tamika's wine. "I'd like to donate all this to your chapter's alchemy chest - you know, for medicinal purposes. Would you like to open something now?"

"What kind of question is that, Buffy? I'm a Nord!" Sigrid met my eyes and flashed a wonderfully warm smile. "I know I can find a couple dirty cups around here somewhere. Oh, and in case I get too drunk to remember later, I expect you to pitch your bedroll in the mages guild tent of course."

We both laughed. The welcome sound was one I had not heard in this camp.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Nov 27 2010, 04:25 PM

Uh oh...Buffy is plying Sigrid with alcohol... !!!!! Now why is the next image that pops into my mind of the two of them rolling around on the floor of that tent ... giggling ... sans clothing? (Athrelor peeping in the crack of the tent door)... GAAAAH !!! (Er...I blame Foxy for planting dirty thoughts in my head, and Acadian for showing pictures of them)

I love this chapter. Of course, the original introduction to Sigrid over on the BGSF is what led me to look up her screenie and discover her... assets ... (see image of *cough...cough* rack below)

"My, Sigrid! That is a racking cough you have! ...Er..."


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



Awesome chapter !!!!



*

This post has been edited by mALX: Nov 26 2010, 03:04 PM

MY DEAR RED RITER!!!



EYE DO NOT PLANT DIRTY THOUGHTS INTO HEADS!!!



Why I do the OPPOSITE...




I plant CLEAN heads into .... er ... er...



dang...




lemme try again...


I plant my head, CLEANED, into dirty... er... dirty -



(slap!)



no, no, THIRTY... oh ships...



Bah! SEEE HWUT YOU MADE ME DO!!! Everyone, please understand...I am a CLEAN boy...and a virgin, too...it's MALX and curvy, bottom-y, NAUGHTY HAUTEE that have made me like this..

(Yeah! They made me! I LIKE THIS!!!)


BEGONE FOWL THOUGHTS!!!


I better stop now!


Friend Acadian, my abject apologies. THEY made me do it!!!

(yeah, like three times a night -)

*FOXY was carried out of this thread by force*

SPEW !!!! [choke, gasp] ROFL !!!! [SPEW! Choke...choke...gasp] GAAAAAH! * mALX died laughing in front of PC *

Ah, my dear Foxy!
Man up and assume responsibility for your own thoughts! EYE have never blamed U for mine!
Ah, no, mine are mine own.

And mALX, stop blaming men for planting dirty thoughts into your already-dirty head! After all, aren't you a modern woman living in a modern world? Oh, wait, no, that's not true of Tennessee, or am I wrong?

Acadian, this rewrite of Buffy's return to Kvatch is sooo much richer than the original. Sigrid is much more three-dimensional (meant in all ways), and I enjoyed her conversation with Buffy. Of course, I laughed at her comment to Athrelor. Of course with the disparity with their heights, his eyes will naturally find their own level, which just so happens to be *ahm* the same level as *ahm* Sigrid's *ahm* 'rack.' Your deft handling of this typical situation is wonderful and quite precious!

:halo:


Er...my hair was washed just this morning! And my blood runs VOL orange... (in other words: )

Insult my husband, that's okay by me
But don't ever insult Tennessee!

Lol, just kidding !!! That poem is actually supposed to say "wife" not husband. It is the code of the hills, and the Tennessee they speak of is the Tennessee Vols Football Team, lol.


*

This post has been edited by mALX: Nov 27 2010, 02:36 AM

Poor Athrelor! He is a male Bosmer, and Sigrid is a Nord, so he is eye level with her, attributes.

The Wolf's Head Tavern! What an excellent name for a drinking house in Kvatch!

Buffy warming her bath water with Flares is a good touch.

All in all a nice, quiet episode of the Buffy show, illustrating how the surviving Kvatchians have adapted to their new situation and are making the best of it.

Sigrid is a very lively character! I love how Buffy is so generous to those in need, most citizens of the empire would turn heir heads, or ask for compensations. Excellent work Acadian! I can't wait for more!

Very tasty and delicious, oh paladin!!

The camp has wonderfully come alive within your talented hands, it is your rich description of everyday life that resonates long after it is read. There is nothing like a bath and food to make a person almost feel normal again. Bravo!!


Ah, tis the point that butterflies collide within Buffy's stomach. Now I understand why she cleaned herself up!

Good. Very good.

Chapter 51 was the second of four episodes that Buffy will spend in Kvatch. Her guild mate, Sigrid, showed off more of the encampment and its abilities. After a bath (of sorts), Buffy shared a meal, some insights and even a laugh with her fellow mage.

mALX- Buffy plying Sigrid with alcohol? Lol. Well, Buffy has been known to have a tiny problem with the grape sometimes. . . Oh, I hope she has a clear head after the slumber party in the mage tent - she'll need it. Thanks for the link reminding us of Sigrid's Nordic attributes.

Foxy- Um, thanks?

Rider- Oh, thank you so much for enjoying Buffy's time with Sigrid as she learned more about the encampment!

SubRosa- Thank you. I get the impression that Sigrid is exasperatingly used to such attention from the fellows; despite being vertically challenged, and ill with blood lung, Athrelor still got both barrels from Sigrid - er, I mean he got scolded by her. Wolf's Head Tavern just seemed the natural name for an inn at Kvatch. Buffy is so glad she's a mage (even if she doesn't look like one) - a girl's got to have her warm bath water, after all. Thanks for endorsing our bit of loitering in the encampment.

Grizzly- Sigrid is great fun, and I can't help but like her straightforward Nordish approach to things, as well as her good heart. I'm glad you enjoy Buffy's generosity; to those who are kind to her, she gives of herself freely.

Wolf- I'm so glad that some venison stew, and opening the liquor cabinet brought our wonderful winter wolf around! Buffy considers her motivation in Kvatch to be selfish - the venison delivery was just an excuse to see Savlian. She is indeed excited to learn he even remembers her! I hope she doesn't do something stupid when she sees him.

Linara- Thank you!



By the dim morning light that filtered into the tent, I stowed my bedroll under the alchemy table, then pulled on my blue Arena raiment. I figured it looked kind of attractive while giving the impression I could fight too. I was glad for a clear head this morning - a result of limiting myself to one small cup of Tamika's the evening prior.

Smiling, I glanced at my guild mate as she snored softly. After several cups of Nordic Whiskey, Sigrid had required some help finding her bedroll. I suspected she would need a potion or two for her head when she awoke. I tied back my hair, grabbed Slayer and my quiver, then quietly slipped out of the Kvatch mages guild tent.

After slicing up and sharing a couple apples with Superian, I climbed the hill toward the barricade, leaving the mixture of smoke and morning fog that hung over the encampment below.

I remembered the foreboding sights and sounds as I drew closer. The sky darkened - punctuated by red streaks of lightning - as continuous thunder rolled ominously. Blackened trees marred the landscape. Frightened butterflies inside my stomach tried to convince my feet to turn back. The massive gate of fire illuminated the barricade and the soldiers that manned it.

"Stop right there civili- Buffy? Buffy from Bravil?" The Imperial with brown eyes and dark headband was Captain of the Kvatch guard.

"Yes, Savlian Matius," I breathed. Ok, Buffy, don't do or say anything stupid. "I brought you something."

"It's good to see you again, Buffy! I know you brought us something, a horse-load of fresh meat. We're deeply indebted to you."

"No. I mean something just for you." I opened my pack and, without taking my eyes off Savlian, produced the shield he had given me so long ago.

"My old shield?" Savlian smiled. Despite several new scars, his face was beautiful - well, except for the dirt and blood and who-knows-what from numerous Daedra. "Buffy, you didn't have to-"

"It's enchanted," I interrupted. "It will help protect you from fire." I turned to stare at the giant portal. Flames licked the structure, as if beckoning victims to enter. "Have you learned any more of this gateway to Oblivion?"

"Two days ago," he said slowly, "I sent a small force of volunteers through the gate to see if they could close it, or at least learn what we're up against."

Turning my back to the Oblivion Gate, I faced Savlian again. His face was grim. I was afraid to ask, but had to: "And?"

"They haven't returned." I could see the gauntleted fingers curl into a fist, as the muscles tightened in his neck and jaw. He slowly drew in a breath. "It kills me that I have five men, perhaps trapped or worse, inside that gate. I can't spare the soldiers to send another group in after them. I need every weapon remaining out here to stand shifts on this barricade and protect the encampment."

He was right. The soldiers defending the barricade looked exhausted. Pain showed on Savlian's face, no doubt caused by the decisions his position required. Reflected in his brown eyes, I could see the flaming gate, directly behind me. I took one pace back. "Savlian, you need a rescue force, or . . . at least an expendable scout."

"Yes. I've sent another dispatch to the Legion for more assistance up here. I want so damn badly to go in that gate after my men."

I shook my head. "No. You must hold this small band together." I took another pace back. "If you enter that gate and don't return, the entire effort here at the barricade will fall apart, and nothing will stand between those Daedra and Cyrodiil." As I took yet a third step back, Savlian's eyes flashed in response.

He cocked his head suspiciously. "Buffy, what are you-"

I spun around and sprinted for the gate.

"Stop right there!" roared Savlian.

The sound of a sword singing free of its scabbard behind me was the last thing I heard before I leaped through the giant gate of fire.

Upon emerging, I was gripped by terror. It looked just like the image Acadian had shown me - Mehrunes Dagon's Deadlands. I was immediately approached by a Kvatch soldier. Before he could speak however, a scamp appeared from between two rocks next to us and began forming a fireball. Energy instinctively flew from my fingertips. The soldier quickly gored the now docile Daedra. I could see two young clannfears in the distance charging our way.

I reached up over my shoulder for Slayer. From behind me, a gauntleted hand wielding a shield suddenly swept around my left side and slammed into my chest. I was lifted from my feet and pinned between the shield and cuirass of its owner. "Follow me!" The booming voice was that of Savlian Matius, and his words were directed at the soldier in front of me. Savlian then jumped back through the gate carrying me with him as if I were a child's toy.

As soon as the three of us were clear of the gate, Savlian dropped me to the ground unceremoniously. I winced as a small section of my hair that had apparently been caught between his cuirass and left pauldron was torn from my scalp. I scrambled to my feet, rubbing the back of my head.

Ignoring me, Savlian turned to the soldier. "Llend, are you all right?"

"Just bruises and a few mild burns, sir," replied the young Imperial.

"Give me your report," said Savlian. Why wouldn't he look at me?

"We could see a tower in the distance," Llend began, "and moved toward it in a tactical formation. I was in the rear. Suddenly two giant sets of gates closed, trapping the front four of our group. It was a killing zone, Captian. Clannfears tore into them, while scamps and women made of flame rained fire from the rocks above. My comrades never had a chance. Three were killed; Menien was captured and carried off toward the tower."

"Llend, why did you not return through the gate?" Savlian asked, placing a hand on the shoulder of the young soldier.

"Sir, you asked us to try and close that gate or find out what holds it open. I wasn't about to let you down as long as I breathed. I was trying to scout a way closer to the tower." Llend glanced at me and added, "Captain, who is this young elf that helped me kill that scamp?"

"Her name is Buffy," Savlian said without looking at me. "Llend, get down to the encampment. Ask Sigrid for a healing potion and have Batal gra-Sharob repair your gear. Get yourself cleaned up and see Weedum-Ja for chow. After some sleep, report back here by sunrise tomorrow."

"Yes sir." Llend scurried down the trail toward the camp.

Savlian finally turned to me. "Buffy, walk with me, please." He then led us away from the barricade until we were out of earshot of his soldiers. His face and manner were hard. "What in the name of Akatosh kind of stunt was that? I don't know whether I'm more angry at you for disobeying my command to stop, or at myself for jumping into that gate after you. I jeopardized my mission chasing after a woman because she makes me feel. . . nevermind! As it is, I don't know whether to hug you for saving Llend or arrest you for disregarding my authority!"

"Stunt?" I snapped back defiantly. "We both know what your answer would have been had I asked your permission to enter that gate!"

"Look, Buffy. I'm responsible for the defense of Kvatch. I need the authority to make the hard decisions necessary to accomplish that task. I'm the one who determines who enters that gate, and I alone am responsible for the consequences. Can you understand that?"

Looking down, the toe of my Arena sandal stirred the dirt while I thought about his words. I realized how little I knew about working with or fighting alongside others. It seemed once again, my dragon spirit was getting my butterfly butt into trouble - and endangering others. So much for trying not to do something stupid, Buffy. My eyes were fighting to hold back tears as I lifted them to meet Savlian's. "Yes. I understand that. But I also understand how much having those men trapped inside that gate hurt you. How could I do nothing?"

"I want your help Buffy, but I need you to work with me, not against me."

"You're not going to arrest me?"

Savlian finally smiled. "No, not this time."

I rubbed my bruised ribs. "And if that maneuver inside the gate was your idea of a hug, I can do without that too." I then met his gaze squarely, resisting the urge to reach out and touch his face. "Savlian, I promise I will work with you. I understand you're in charge here."

"Thank you, Buffy. Now let's talk tactics. What kind of magic did you use to help Llend defeat that scamp?"

"An illusion spell I made at the University," I replied. "It will command any creature within a radius of several paces, but is harmless to men or mer. Savlian, you could use some magic up here to help. I bet I could teach that spell to Sigrid. I-I mean if you'd like me to, that is."

"Sigrid has been a great help healing us with her potions and spells." Savlian rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "If you think she could learn such a spell, I would be grateful for it, and put her in the rear line with a guard to protect her."

"I will try." As I wheeled and headed down the hill toward the encampment, Savlian's words echoed: 'chasing after a woman because she makes me feel. . . .' What did I make him feel? What did he make me feel? Why was everything about such matters so confusing?

* From Buffy's scrapbook: Screenshot

Oooh, this is my favorite of all of Buffy's interactions with Savlian Matius! The part where he goes in after her and grabs her still makes my toes curl! And his outburst afterwards just feels so natural, so realistic, I found myself cringing along with Buffy.

Yet like Buffy I grabbed onto the one thing that makes it all worthwhile -

For an old paladin, you have quite the touch for romantic scenes! Of course, it doesn't hurt that this is between such an endearing elf and one of my all-time favorite NPC's in Oblivion.