Hello again, I spend a couple of months away and return to find nudity in the Praxographical center!?

I've spent the later part of my morning and the early part of my afternoon reading through the chapters I've missed during my time away and, as expected, my day has been full of delight as I share Buffy's thoughts and feelings of her adventures. Buffy's story is still amazing, full of the ups and downs and side-to-sides of daily Bowgirl life.

Her interactions with Daedric Lords had my heart in my mouth and her brief forray into the deadlands was very exciting! The Bosmer has learned a lot in these past months but still manages to survive without a blade! This 'Blade problem' is serious-even if Buffy carried a dagger...or a small knife...even a sharp pencil would help! While I'm on the subject of blades, one sentence stood out to me in all the chapters I have read today--"Nobody but a mage would carry a bow without a blade to back it up."--which is true! You mage-types are crazy!

I'm gonna catch up on the other stories that I've missed but I'll be keeping a close eye on you and your Bosmer Bowgirl.

This post has been edited by hazmick: Dec 5 2010, 11:12 PM

Wonderous writing, with a bit of humor too! I was waiting for the moment of nudity to happen, as I just completed the quest recently as well. It's too bad that you lose the spell after the quest, what a great bit of fun if you could keep it! Excellent work Acadian, excellent work.

If you play on the PC, the "Basic Instincts" mod does the same thing - and no one arrests you because there is no destruction spell wrapped in. It is a blast...just don't use it on females indoors or you may find out it has an unexpected side effect...like I did, the hard way...GAAAAAH !!!!

This was quite the delightful episode of finding out Sanguine's spell.

I had to laugh at this: Just how does a skeleton, pray tell, grin?

Buffy didn't mind being caught in the buff, but Gaspar did? And here I thought Bretons had the Gallic flair for flaunting it!

"That's two four letter words stuck together!
Or as the old joke goes: "I'm not a doctor, so I don't have any patience!"
Seriously, I loved this little interplay between Buffy and her fairy godfather. It shows so much about the character of both.

I loved Gaspar's adventurous nature, and the scene where he and Buffy experimented with Stark Reality. Buffy's sudden realization that first Gaspar, and then herself, were naked was priceless!

And finally Buffy is going to create a combination Weakness to Poison & Drain Speed spell to prep her targets before introducing them to her little friend nightshade.

You guys dont happen to know how to start a fanfic, do you ? Well of course u do! Duh. Please tell.

Good on you, Savlian- to have eyes only for Buffy- as opposed to being distracted by Sigrid’s more “outstanding features.” And good too, that our elf recognizes the spirit and strength that holds the defense of Kvatch together- the ability that all good officers have.
Recalling the reason behind Buffy’s “tame” spell is a wonderful reminder of her history and her motivations. It is touches like that which make this more than “just a story.”
And her conflicting emotions as Savlian takes the next slow step in this dance were expressed beautifully.



There. Right there. That passage is transcendent. Anyone who wants to know how to right real people struggling with real emotions needs look no further.

The conversation with Acadian reminds us of the fact that guidance is not always easy to follow- or to give.

And Buffy’s reaction to the spells that she did not ask for makes perfect sense, especially as their effects are unknown.

The whole scene with Gaspar was written with humor and heart. Buffy’s gentle teasing of the old mage adds even more depth to her winning personality.

And at the last, we see another aspect of this young elf- her determination to make the most of her abilities and to shore up her weaknesses. Well- except the ones for sweetrolls and strawberries- and certain Kvatch captains.

QUOTE

You would prefer us to embrace a single four letter word, such as dead? I did not mismark your map.

I loved this! Acadian accepts Buffy’s assassination of Earana, her dangerous flirtations with necromancy, and her willingness to go through with the sometimes twisted errands put forth by Daedric Princes . . . but questioning of his sense of direction elicits a fit of pique! It seems that the old paladin’s faith in his bowgirl comes with the expectation that she return the favor. I am so glad that Buffy has the sense to do just that.

Maybe it’s the fact that he wears a hood indoors, but Gaspar Stegine does seem like the coolest person in the Arcane University. Using him as the foil for Buffy to test ‘Stark Reality’ was just perfect.

Finally, I can’t end this comment without some mention of how Buffy got her name. Someone be sure to tell Savlian that the picnic he has planned for them when this whole mess is over should take place near a waterfall!

Savlian is quick to touch Buffy! A very "touching" scene.

One nit" in "I'm more discrete now I suppose, but I still find that waterfalls tend to make my clothes fall off." you probably want "discreet" instead.

Chapter 54 found Buffy arriving at the Arcane University. With the help of a master spellcrafter, she unraveled and stripped away the mystery of the two spells that had been forced upon her by the Daedra Lords Namira and Sanguine. She then set about creating a spell of her own to help combat foes who possessed immunity to poison.

mALX- Thank you. It appears old Gaspar was quite startled.

Casper- Thanks! I'm guessing that removing one's clothes is the alteration effect within Stark Reality. The spell also has tiny drain health component - that is the destruction piece and what renders the spell an assault. By complimenting Gaspar and kissing him on the cheek, Buffy was trying to ease his embarrassment and puff up his ego (without resorting to oral inflation tubes of course).

hazmick- Welcome back, my friend and thanks for the kind words. We have missed you and Haa-Rei. Buffy has her hands full trying to keep her bow and magic skills up; she lacks the strength, skill and nimble thinking to ever be a good blade fighter. She does however, carry a hunting knife - but only for dressing game, skinning pelts and cutting her arrows free. She refers to it sometimes in her stories. Here is Buffy modeling her black cat suit and sporting that hunting knife strapped to her thigh: Screenshot

Grizzly- Thank you! I will give Buffy her due for dedication to research. She knows she is not an agile thinker, so she tries to compensate with planning and study. I expect she will use that Stark Reality spell in Leyawiin, but probably not without some rather elaborate planning.

Rider- Thank you. It was great fun drawing the contrast between the magically innovative, but stodgy old Breton and the free spirited wood nymph. We enjoyed bringing out some of Buffy's background, as well as displaying her compassion for the embarrassed old wizard.

SubRosa- I'm pleased you liked the interaction between Buffy and Acadian; I suppose some bickering is inevitable when two spirits have to share the same little body and can't exactly go their separate ways. I thoroughly enjoyed the preview of Stark Reality. And yes! You see the nature of the spell Buffy is creating. She will get to test it in this next episode.

Petra- Welcome to our wonderful forums! I'm delighted that you figured out how to open a thread to share the story of Alex the Nord with us!

treydog- Your kind words regarding Buffy's delicate dance with Savlian are like a soothing potion - Particularly from the author who brings us the magnificently beautiful ballet known as Athlain and Athynae. Those scenes with Savlian are precious to us, and I am so pleased they stirred your wonderfully kind old doggie heart. Thank you so much. To summarize Buffy's scene with Gaspar as 'humor and heart' is equally soothing, for that surely was our intent.

Destri- Thank you. Buffy and Acadian do indeed depend upon and trust each other for their very survival; not without a few bumps and disagreements of course, as the two spirits must coexist within one frail shell. We really like Gaspar as well and had great fun putting his mastery of spellcraft to use! Little wood nymph dancing in the moonlight, tossing a carefree trail of clothes behind as she is drawn by the sound of falling water.

MyCat- Thank you for the 'touching' comments! Thank you also for reminding me that discreet is indeed better than discrete in that context - fixed!



Four pink glows erupted as I slid on one of my rings. The round floating shapes were ethereal undead of some sort. I selected a custom spell. The mages called the effect 'telekinesis', but I called it 'target identification'. I did not have to cast the spell. Merely by having it selected, I could identify targets up to one hundred feet away. Crouched at a safe distance, I could divine that one of the pink glows was an ancient sanctified dead.

I didn't know where these creatures came from, or why they periodically infested the undercroft of my Great Chapel of Mara. All I needed to know was that they would attack anyone on sight. Several years ago, they almost killed Cosmus the Cheat, simply for trying to find a place to sleep out of the rain one night.

The Clergy of Mara, after unsuccessfully attempting to placate the spirits, had turned to their protective potions and powerful magic staves. They had become quite adept at purging the ghosts when required. Nevertheless, Marz on numerous occasions had to heal the priestesses of ice burns.

Uravasa Othrelas had gratefully accepted my offer to clear out the undercroft this time, and save her some trouble. I was a hunter, here to practice and refine my craft.

My eyes had now adjusted to the darkness under the chapel. Nocking an arrow to my silk bowstring, I watched as one of the glows slowly moved among the columns. I drew some tension on the bow, aimed at a point where I expected a target to emerge, and patiently waited.

My arrow's impact elicited an eerie shriek. Slayer's enchantments protected my hidden location while bathing the ghostly creature in a brief storm of sparks. As my second arrow struck, Azura's Star captured the spirit's energy. Its physical form collapsed into a pale green puddle.

I selected another arrow and crept forward until I could see into one of the adjoining chambers. Two arrows similarly killed the single prey within.

A mass of freezing energy flew past my head!

Diving for the floor, I winced at the collision of left shoulder and stone tile. I rolled behind a column, and scrambled back to my feet. Aiming at the glow beyond, I slid out a pace to reveal foe number three. I loosed my arrow even as I began moving back behind the stone pillar of safety. Another icy blast harmlessly chilled the column as I heard a wail - no doubt caused by my arrow finding its mark. The glow remained however.

I aimed through the pillar again and took one pace out to the other side this time. My arrow was faster than the spirit, and the glow was gone before it could charge up another spell. I looked at the ethereal undead that had been reduced to a puddle on the cold stone floor, and whispered, "I know how that feels; better you than me."

One ancient sanctified dead remained. A change in tactics - rather an experiment - was in order.

I poisoned an arrow, slipped it into my boot sheath and made ready a new, untested spell. After a quick mental rehearsal, I snuck toward a firing position that would afford a clear shot. The ghostly creature had its back to me. Calling forth the complex powers of destruction, a glow formed in my right hand. The moment the spell left my fingertips, I quickly nocked and released my poisoned arrow. Boderi, my University advisor, called it 'chasing my spell' and had relentlessly made me practice the tactic. The spirit - normally immune to poison - turned green as the vile liquid from my arrow made its presence known.

Undetected and fascinated, I crept closer. After a few more moments, the spirit collapsed, claimed by my poison.

It worked!

My spell had two components. First, it temporarily but dramatically weakened my enemies to poison - in this case even countering the immunity of these undead. The second aspect of the spell was that it totally but briefly drained a victim's speed; this rendered the target unable to remember being hit by a spell and allowed me to remain undetected while 'chasing my spell' with an arrow. In fact, the drain speed effect was similar to one of Slayer's enchantments - and just as effective at preserving my stealth after striking.

The spell was quite demanding to cast, but I was confident that as my magical skills increased, and with practice, I would better be able to manage it. In fact, I hoped to eventually add a long soul trap effect to the next version of the spell.

Visions of green ghosts, zombies and atronachs danced in my head!

Careful not to slip on the ghost puddles, I collected the useful remains from my prey.

*

At the Bravil Mages Guild, I sought out my friend, Ardaline. After exchanging hugs and quickly catching up on each others' news, I showed her my spoils.

"Buffy, this ectoplasm is so fresh it's still wet!" The Altmer immediately began processing the green slime through her alchemy equipment. "What can I get you in return?"

After placing Slayer on my guild mate's counter, I produced Azura's Star and a repair hammer from my pack. "Really," I said, "I just needed the practice and wanted to test a new spell. . . but if you have some hair conditioner already made up, that would be wonderful." I went about returning my bow to perfect condition.

Ardaline smiled and produced two pink vials which she placed on the counter. "Here. I made these up just yesterday, using that recipe we both like."

"Oh, thank you," I said as I swept my tools and the conditioner into my pack. "There's nothing worse than traveling without proper soap, shampoo and conditioner. Say, have you seen Delphine?"

"I think she's in the dining room, probably having tea with Kud-Ei." Ardaline had added some columbine root pulp to the ectoplasm - no doubt to make a fortify magicka potion. She was now pouring the concoction from one vial to another. "Oh, make sure you congratulate Delphine on that award the University gave her for the 'Enemies Explode' spell she created."

"I will." Smiling fondly up at my friend, I looked at the simple blue and green dress she wore. Yes, Delphine was who I needed to talk to. Heading for the dining area, I trailed words over my shoulder, "Thanks, Ardaline."

I had heard about Delphine's award and was very happy for her. As far as 'Enemies Explode' went, I didn't quite understand an award for standing in front of the altar and turning the fire damage controls all the way up to 'By Azura!' Despite the fact that my own spell to immobilize enemies while weakening them to poison was more creative, I would never submit it for an award. I smiled to myself as I realized it wasn't really about the award; it was the joy receiving it gave to Delphine.

I did indeed find the Diva of Destruction having tea with Kud-Ei, the leader of our chapter. "Congratulations, Delphine - on your spell I mean."

"Ooooh! Thank you, Buffy." The Breton bubbled with enthusiasm, almost squirming like a puppy in her chair. "Would you like me to teach it to you?"

"Delphine," I said, "like Kud-Ei here, I'm an illusionist." I chuckled as I took a seat beside my two guild mates and poured a cup of tea. "I couldn't begin to figure out how to cast such a powerful fire spell."

Kud-Ei looked at me and calmly said, "We don't need such things when we can control minds do we, Apprentice?" I adored the sound of her wonderfully melodic voice, so typical of Argonian women.

"Um, ladies," I said, "I'm expecting to attend a formal dinner affair at Castle Leyawiin. Do either of you have any suggestions as to what I might wear?" I got just the response I hoped for from the two women who were so very different from each other:

Kud-Ei blinked and took a sip of tea.

Delphine shot to her feet. "Oh my, yes! How exciting! I know you've got lots of clothes, Buffy. We're about the same size, too. Let me run upstairs and grab some of mine." The effervescent Breton breezed out of the room.

Peeking around the corner, I could see Delphine's blue gown bouncing up the steps.

Kud-Ei lowered her cup and shrugged. "Sorry Buffy, I have ten outfits and they are all the same as the green one I am wearing now. Something tells me, you will get all the fashion advice you need from Delphine though. Perhaps more than you want." She lifted the tea to her lips again, but there was a sparkle in her orange eyes.

"Thank you, Kud-Ei." Then I added, "You help me in more ways than you know."

Delphine, her arms full of clothes, poked her head around the corner. "Let's go, Buffy. Off to your place. C'mon!"

* From Buffy's scrapbook: Screenshot

This post has been edited by Acadian: Dec 8 2010, 09:06 PM

Gals and clothes go together like bagels and lox...and once they start they aint gonna stop.

Hmmm....that's quite a complex and powerful spell you got there, Friend Acadian. How much magika will it deplete? I guess you are gonna need puh-len-tee of restore magika for that one.

"I think she's in the dining room, probably having tea with Kud-EI." has a shift error on her name, I do it all the time.

And in that screen shot it looks more like an ancient sanctified almost dead

It's good to be back with everyone, Haa-Rei was starting to get lonely. A hunting knife is better than nothing I suppose, and that cat suit!

Buffy's mission to clear the chapel was brilliant! Those ghosties never stood a chance!

As always, I love your descriptions of the Bravil mages, especially Kud-Ei and here brilliantly described eyes.

I'm interested to see how Sanguine's quest will turn out, and what outfit Delphine chooses for our Bosmer!

Here is an example of a perfect action sequence:



Buffy's tactical brilliance shines as much as your ability to describe it. When you can make it look this easy, it gives inspiration to us all.

So Buffy joins the Ghostbusters! She ain't afraid of no ghost!

The mages called the effect 'telekinesis', but I called it 'target identification'. I did not have to cast the spell. Merely by having it selected, I could identify targets up to one hundred feet away.
Here we see an excellent example of a very useful tactic in the game.

I looked at the ethereal undead that had been reduced to a puddle on the cold stone floor, and whispered, "I know how that feels
Priceless!

My spell had two components. First, it temporarily but dramatically weakened my enemies to poison - in this case even countering the immunity of these undead. The second aspect of the spell was that it totally but briefly drained a victim's speed
And another example of a potent tactic in the game.

And finally we finish up with some important girl stuff. Hair and clothes! Seriously, Buffy's visit to the Bravil MG was a very nice little piece. It showed us Buffy in her home, surrounded by her friends, and highlighted the different ways in which she interacts with each.


nits:
I didn't quite understand an award for standing in front of the alter
I think Sir Rugrat has reprehended your altar for an alter!

Ha ha, ladies and their clothes, although men, like me, can be picky about what they wear as well. Hmm, I never knew that the sanctified spirits in the Chapel Under crofts attacked, at least they never attack me. I particularly like Buffy's kindness towards the Chapel, not many people in Cyrodiil would bother clearing out spirits from a church. Can't wait to see what happens next, will Buffy still be in Bravil, or perhaps on her way to Leyawin? (forgot how to spell it. :/ ) Perhaps already there. Keep up the good work Acadian! Also, I've been wondering this for a while, does your user name have anything to do with your nationality? I know that Acadia was a French area in colonial times, and that Acadian has to do with the French settlers of that area. Great work!

This was a real tactics teaching chapter! Sage Rosa already quoted my fave line, Buffy and her puddles, ROFL !!! This chapter sounds familiar to the BGSF, if I am not mistaken, lol. Great Write !!!!!

Visions of green ghosts, zombies and atronachs danced in my head!

In mine as well, I have learned a lot from Buffy in this chapter.

How I enjoyed the cup of tea with Kud-Ei. I'm looking forward to Delphine playing dress-up with Buffy! Girlfriends rock.

When ever I need inspiration to play Oblivion I always go straight to your writing.
Catsuits, sneak, bows, chasing spells with poison, ghost killing, collecting alchemy ingredients, it certainly does have it all

This chapter was always one of my favs from Buffy 1.0
It is another example of our humble Bravil coming alive.......or is that dead?!!

This post has been edited by Winter Wolf: Dec 11 2010, 10:54 AM

In Episode 55, Buffy successfully tested a new spell she had crafted to help her employ poison more effectively -even against normally immune foes - while preserving her stealth. She then caught up with friends at the Bravil Mages Guild and requested some advice on what to wear for Countess Leyawiin's dinner party. Ever the fashionista, Delphine quickly offered to help.

Foxy- Thanks! You're right that when Buffy first started using such spells, they severely drained her magic. We consider the synergy of such spells chased by poisoned arrows to be the pinnacle of mystic archery, so please allow me a touch of 'watchbuilding' here. Readers not so interested in the specifics should feel free to skip over the next two paragraphs:

The spell Buffy used in this previous episode was her first and simplest version: Weakness to poison on target 100x4 seconds + Drain speed on target 100x1 second. It cost her a boatload of magicka to cast back then. As you know, casting cost goes down with skill in the relevant school of magic. That's a destruction spell, and Buffy's destruction skill is now 90; therefore it would now cost her a miniscule 18 magicka to cast.

She has dramatically upgraded the spell as her skills have grown and has several variants now. Her fave is this: Weakness to poison on target 100x8 seconds + Drain speed on target 100x1 second + Soul trap on target x35 seconds + feather on self 3x8 seconds + fortify fatigue on self 3x35 seconds. The longer weakness duration gives her more time to get off her poisoned shot. The last two effects only add 1 magicka each to the cost of the spell and simply serve to give her little 'timer' icons (as they are active effects on self) to let her know how much time remains on her weakness to poison and soul trap effects. Because soul trap is the single most powerful effect in this version, the spell overall is assigned to the mysticism school. With 100 skill in mysticism, the spell now costs Buffy a manageable 58 magicka. Chasing such a spell with a poison that includes several damage effects is devastating.

MyCat- Thanks for the help fixing Kud-Ei's name! Yes, the poor ghostie only lasted a few seconds after that screenshot.

hazmick- We miss Haa-Rei as well! Thank you. Buffy does indeed love her Bravil guild mates - each in their own way. She is getting ready for an expedition to Leyawiin to do Sanguine's quest. Please bear with us though because, oh my goodness - what a huge production we will make of it!

Destri- Wow! Such high praise from the master of spellbinding action sequences. Thank you!

SubRosa- Yes, long range target ID of pink glows is a challenge for Buffy, but she's found that the 'zoom in' marksman perk, arming a max range telekinesis spell or sometimes briefly deactivating detect life can help.
-Well, you know Buffy and puddles. . . .
-I'm afraid the next episode is quite a bit more hair and clothes, lol.
-Thanks for the nit. You'd think the spellmaking altar would surely prevent me from altering the spelling of altar.

Grizzly- Mara has never 'pushed' Buffy; I think that may be one reason Buffy loves her. The name Acadian - My family did indeed migrate from France to the eastern US/Canada border, so I suppose the name Acadian may be somewhat appropriate. Honestly though, in my case it was inspired by the role of Mathayus (played by The Rock) as the last true Akkadian mercenary in the movie 'The Scorpion King'. Big guy, big bow, big sword. Live free, die well.

mALX- Thank you! Yes, the episode is similar to BF 1.0. The main differences:
1. We 'bridged' Buffy from Kvatch to Bravil with the previous chapter, so popping up in the undercroft in Bravil to test her new spell should not have been a surprise (as it surprised treydog in 1.0).
2. We added some explanation regarding ghosts in undercrofts as a result of Buffy constantly asking me 'why?' in 2.0.
3. We enhanced Buffy's interaction with Ardaline just a little, to hopefully better 'show' that they really are very comfortable as peers and best friends.

Grits- I'm so glad you enjoyed Buffy's dance with the ghosties as we tried to display a bit of mystic archery! There will be a touch of girl talk amidst plenty of dress up in this next episode. Thank you for the kind words, and I'm so delighted you are sharing Jerric's wonderful story with us!

Wolf- G'day and thank you for the wonderfully kind words! We miss you and our Bravilian neighbor, Aradroth. I'm so glad you dropped in!



I had no sooner removed my blouse to try on the first dress, when Delphine's eyes fell upon my bare left shoulder and she exclaimed, "Buffy! What happened to you?" Her eyes flashed anger. "I swear if someone's been hurting you, I'll make them explode!"

"No no, Delphine. I was hunting ghosts in the undercroft this morning and had to do some diving and rolling."

"Really!" Delphine shook her head and clucked disapprovingly. "Someday you're going to get hurt skulking around in dark places like that. If you can't manage 'Enemies Explode', you should at least let me try and teach you Adrienne Berene's 'Fire Storm' spell."

My fingertips applied white magic to the shoulder injury. As my bruises began to fade, I giggled. "I don't think Mara would appreciate one of us fire storming her chapel."

My home soon had clothes everywhere and I was getting dizzy from trying on so many outfits. The bottle of Tamika's that Delphine and I shared probably didn't help. Finally, I blew several stray wisps of hair from my face and complained, "We need a break."

"Here," said Delphine as she laid three gowns on the bed, "it will be one of these. Yes, let's sit down for a moment." The Breton took a seat at my small table, smoothed her skirt and channeled excess energy into plucking imagined lint from her blue velvet sleeve. "Tell me, Buffy, how are you getting to Leyawiin?"

I drained the last of the Tamika's into our goblets, then gratefully plopped myself onto a chair across the table from Delphine. "Well, I can't swim there like Kud-Ei does, silly."

"The roads are dangerous," sniffed Delphine. "I had to go to Leyawiin once for my University recommendation, and traveled by ship. Why don't you try that?"

"I'll ride my mare, of course," I said. In response to her disapproving expression, I added, "Between my detect life rings and the bursts of speed that Superian's capable of, we've learned to travel pretty safely together."

Delphine glanced toward the ceiling as a delicate finger came to rest upon one cheek. Knowing my guild mate, I was pretty sure her busy mind had already migrated beyond my travel arrangements. "Say, don't I recall seeing lots of Khajiit in Leyawiin?"

"Yes," I replied, "and Argonians too. It's quite sad actually, to see the way they insult and tease each other there." I drained my goblet, got to my feet and started sorting through more outfits. "Why do you ask?"

"Buffy, I have a dear friend who was a classmate at the University. She and I are as close as you and Ardaline. I haven't heard from her in ages, and that's quite unusual. I worry that perhaps something's happened."

I was tugging a green silk skirt up over my hips as I paused. It was unusual to see Delphine not bubbling with cheerful confidence. As she drummed her fingers on the table though, it was clear she was troubled. "Is this friend of yours a Khajiit, and would you like me to keep an eye out for her in my travels?"

Delphine nodded. "Would you please? Her name is Maxical. You can't miss her. She's a pretty little thing with white fur and a mane of strikingly red hair. Like you, she insists on carrying a weapon - a sword instead of a bow though. A wise choice for her I suppose; poor dear can't aim a spell or arrow properly to save her life.

"I'll keep an eye open, Delphine. She sounds easy to spot."

The Breton's look of concern faded somewhat, as she got to her feet. "I'm glad to see you selecting more clothes for your trip than just ball gowns and animal skins." She freed my hair from the neckline of the white peasant blouse I had just pulled over my head. "Oh, this childish ponytail will simply not do for a formal dinner."

"Delphine, do you remember how you helped put me together for my graduation party? Could you teach me how to do some different ponytail styles?"

Delphine puffed up some and smiled. "Turn around and face the looking glass. You can have such a hairstyle and still impart a softer line to your face. The secret, whether your ponytail is high, low or just accents a loose flow, is to not gather all your hair together. Now watch how I do this, then we'll have you try."

After paying close attention and a few failed attempts, I was able to arrange my hair in several styles while still retaining a ponytail. "How's this?"

"That's much more attractive," said Delphine approvingly, "but it's not what you want for a castle dinner. When you get to Leyawiin, see Agata. Yes, yes, I know she's a Nord, and many of them rely on their breasts instead of fashion. Agata is different though; although you wouldn't know it to look at her, she really does know clothes and hair. Have her help you put it up into a stick twist. It'll show off that pretty neck and make you look elegant."

"Stick twist?" I grimaced. "Do you think it's wise to lift my hair up away from my big ears?"

"Don't be ridiculous," Delphine admonished. "If you had little ears you wouldn't be a wood elf." As if her logic should have evaporated my concern, she gestured toward the dresses on my bed and continued, "Now, for your dinner party, take all three of these with you and decide there. It would be helpful if you could somehow figure out what the other ladies will be wearing. You're usually pretty good about wearing matching footwear, so just make sure you don't forget to pack shoes for each gown."

"Delph-"

Before I could get a word in, she went on, "Oh, now don't forget to take a nice amulet with you. That copper thing you wear most of the time may be enchanted, but it certainly doesn't go with a formal gown. I'm surprised it doesn't stain your neck the color of a Dunmer."

My head was spinning. "Thank you so much, Delphine. I'll take all that stuff with me, look up Agata, and let you know if I see a white Khajiit."

*

"Buffy, you look positively frazzled."

"What a day, Nilawen," I said with an exaggerated sigh after closing the door of The Fair Deal behind me. "I spent a good part it getting fashion advice and learning new hairstyles from Delphine. Then I rushed out to reload my quiver and say good bye to Daenlin before I travel to Leyawiin. I'm glad I made it here before you closed."

The dark haired merchant rolled her eyes. "Delphine's a dear, and I understand she's quite the prodigy with destruction magic, but just watching her flit about makes me tired. Your hair looks nice though, with some of it not being gathered into your ponytail. When are you leaving?"

"Thank you," I said, twirling a blond lock. "I still have to finish packing this evening. I'll leave tomorrow before sunrise."

Nilawen wiped both hands on her apron. "Well then, what can I get for you this evening?"

"I was hoping the new journal I ordered might have come in? My current one is getting quite full."

"Well, you're in luck," came the reply as the Bosmer reached under her counter and produced a small book. "It arrived today with my newest shipment of supplies, which you'll be happy to know included a case of Tamika's and some fresh strawberries." Her eyes sparkled as she bent down and lifted a bag up to the counter. "I set some aside for you."

I giggled, then replied, "You know me well." After gathering up my goods, I pressed some gold coins into Nilawen's hand.

Her fingers lingered on mine as she said, "I know Daenlin will miss you. I once asked him if he regrets teaching you the very skills that now allow you to roam so far and freely from Bravil."

"What did my master say?" I asked.

"He simply told me that if you hold onto a butterfly, it cannot survive." Nilawen smiled as she released my hand. "Safe travels to Leyawiin, Buffy."

*

Well, after what Nilawen told me, I couldn't help but stop at The Archer's Paradox for a second, tearful goodbye to Daenlin. Finally however, I returned to my little house.

After picking up all the clothes still strewn about, I settled in for an evening of packing. I sang softly to myself and Acadian as I carefully inspected everything from bowstrings to poisons to blue velvet shoes.

As I began carefully placing items into my pack, I tried to remember everything that had been pushed into my head during the day. Don't forget to ask Agata for help, I reminded myself. What did Delphine mean about Nords not knowing much about fashion? Sigrid of Kvatch was a Nord, and she was both elegant and beautiful. I frowned with a pang of jealousy, wishing I hadn't remembered that.

I quit singing, in favor of chattering to Acadian. "How are we going to get into Countess Leyawiin's dinner party? I've only ever been inside a castle long enough to buy this house, and that didn't go so well. Count Bravil told me it was against his better judgment to allow forest creatures to even buy houses, and that I should feel lucky he was even willing to take my gold. I was in tears before I left."

Finally, I was packed. Before starting my bedtime spell practice, I said to Acadian, "Here's a question that I really would like an answer to: Say we do get into this castle, and even somehow manage an invitation to dinner. I don't know anything about royalty. How do I act? What do I say? I'm just a simple elf. Nobles scare me."

I couldn't imagine what he might be able to tell or show me, but I had learned not to underestimate the old paladin. I was hopeful as I closed my eyes and tried to clear my mind.

Sure enough, an image began to form. The face looked familiar - it was an older man, gray hair, white collar, purple. . . Uriel Septim! The image spoke: 'But in your face, I behold the sun’s companion.' The Emperor then faded away.

"Acadian!" I squealed. "I could kiss you! Well, ok actually I can't, but you know what I mean. You're right, the Emperor of all Tamriel was kind to me. He as much as told me I was a Child of Dawn even before Azura did. I felt like more than just a simple elf when he talked to me." A touch of pride and confidence entered my voice as I added, "If I'm good enough to walk and talk with Uriel Septim, I'm good enough to consort with the Countess of Leyawiin. Besides," I shrugged, "she might even be nice, like the Emperor was."