I love the friendship that has grown between Buffy and Sir Mazoga. Her approval of Lucilious speaks volumes, I get the feeling that it is not lightly given.

Gathering the score of crumpled drafts strewn about the floor into a large stone bowl, I set them ablaze with the tip of my finger.
Sigh. Why does it have to be so difficult??

"B. . . butt. . . ."
I am so thrilled that Buffy and her paladin can speak out loud! Though it might give Buffy a Dagail-type reputation if she’s not careful. Buffy the batty blonde Bravilian bowgirl?

Buffy, at level 20 (when you hit it in Morrowind you get this message)...

You'll never be better than you are today. If you are lucky, by superhuman effort, you can avoid slipping backwards for a while. But sooner or later, you're going to lose a step, or drop a beat, or miss a detail -- and you'll be gone forever.

I think you just hit level 20 writer.

In Episode 71, Buffy sparred with Mazoga, wrote a letter to Savlian Matius summarizing some of her progress, and helped Acadian learn to speak to her with a real voice. The bowgirl and her paladin lamented the lack of progress at learning to fight Daedra and pondered the way ahead. Together, they decided their next destination after Leyawiin would be Azura's Shrine to ask for advice.

Rick- Thank you for the comment! I'm delighted you are bringing Talendor to our forum and look forward to his adventures! I hope Buffy and I continue to earn your readership.

Rider- Thank you (and SubRosa and TK) for the kind words on Buffy's letter. You're right. Buffy relies so much on reading facial reactions to her words that it was indeed hard and kind of scary for her to write it. I'm so glad Acadian doesn't sound like Alvin of the Chipmunks!

SubRosa- I love using your term 'imp chips'. Yes, letters are hard! That is why I was so envious at the magnificent job you did when Teresa wrote her letter to Simplicia. Thanks for picking up on Mazoga's full understanding of friendship as she wisely took steps to put Buffy at ease over the decision to leave her in Leyawiin. Just as Buffy tried to put Acadian at ease when he questioned his own ability to help her.

Buffy is now rather well-educated and traveled; as such, we will be transitioning Acadian's role from a deus ex machina guide to a more three dimensional character. That will involve a past and, as you can already see, speech, faults and weaknesses on his part. The fact that the two of them together worked out their next destination instead of Acadian just plopping a blue mark on her map is a step in that direction.

Thomas Kaira- Thanks for your kind words about Buffy's letter. I'm glad her nervousness and effort came through.

King Coin- I'm so glad you enjoyed Acadian's first foray into speech. His intentions were good; it just took him a couple tries and a little misunderstanding on Buffy's part.

ureniashtram- Thanks for the comment about Acadian's voice! Hmm, I must say that Till Lindeman (lead singer for the German band, Rammstein) is not exactly what I had in mind.

mALX- Thanks for understanding about Telaendril. Without Buffy in the DB, it would have run the scene a little off track I fear. I'm glad you caught Buffy's hint (and hope) that Savlian would write back. Yup, leave it to our self-conscious elf to react that way to Acadian's first word - do these greaves make me look fat?

MyCat- Yes, with previous characters, I have sometimes found poor Telaendril dead along the road somewhere. Buffy joins you in being very relieved that Mazoga seems to understand and accept remaining in Leyawiin. We are expanding Acadian's role in 2.0 to the point where his inability to actually speak would have become cumbersome. Dagail was the perfect vessel to help here. I hope that Acadian's expanded role will introduce even more mystery.

Grits- Thank you! I'm glad we took the time to rather carefully develop both Mazoga and Lucilious. They both have lasting roles in Buffy's story. Hee! Batty Buffy does indeed need to be careful who is around when she speaks to Acadian! Hopefully the paladin will exercise the same discretion.

Zalphon- Thank you for your kind confidence in our humble abilities!

All- We now present the final episode of 'The Leyawiin Expedition'.



A heavy mist hung over the Lower Niben, spreading its gray tendrils far inland beyond the banks of the river. Although unseen, the sun was up and I hoped it would soon burn through the morning fog. I was almost done loading Superian for our departure from the 'Black Mare' Lodge, and took a short break to slice up and share a couple apples with her.

Mazoga and I had agreed that a short goodbye was best. I had made no attempt to hide my tears as we hugged earlier that morning. The mighty knight was then off to the castle to collect the bounty for her most recently captured black bows.

After the mare and I finished our snack, I wiped the apple juice from my hunting knife. As I slid it into the sheath strapped to the thigh of my buckskin greaves, I said, "Acadian, can you speak to Superian?"

His response was telepathic rather than verbal. Don't you think you should warn her first, and perhaps give the mare some room? Do you remember the first time you summoned a ghost in front of her?

The paladin was right. Although he was a part of me, and the three of us had traveled together a long time, Superian might not exactly understand. She and I had built up a lot of trust when it came to magic though. I pressed my forehead against her long nose and quietly focused until our spirits touched. Like I did before introducing her to a new spell effect, I alerted her that something was coming. I then backed several paces away. "Acadian, say hello to the fastest horse in Cyrodiil."

"Good morning, Superian." At the sound of the disembodied deep voice, Superian's ears pinned back against her head. She reared, hooves flashing the thick gray air.

"It's okay, girl," I said. As her front legs returned to ground, I continued to speak calmly to the mare while keeping a prudent distance. Once the whites of her eyes were no longer displayed, I said to the paladin, "Try it again, please."

"Your mistress is just full of things that test your trust, is she not?" said Acadian.

Superian snorted and bounced her head as she looked around for the source of the voice.

After a few more such exchanges, she was merely flicking her ears at the words of my paladin. Finally, I stepped closer and hugged her.

After cinching closed Superian's saddlebags, I strapped my bedroll behind the cantle of her saddle and adjusted the mare's girth. "Acadian, I'm so used to your presence that it didn't really occur that your voice would scare Superian. You're very insightful and have always understood my love for her. Did you ride horses when you were. . . well, not traveling inside a wood elf?"

"Something much larger, but the bond between rider and mount was similar."

Before I could ponder Acadian's response, the sound of plodding hooves traveled through the quiet dawn air and drew my attention to the south. Peering into the gray dimness, I could see the light of a torch slowly approaching along the road from Leyawiin. The unmistakable form of an Imperial Legion rider emerged from the mist.

I heard a familiar voice as the soldier reined his bay to a stop next to Superian. "Hail, Milady, are you ready to go?"

"Lucilious! I- I didn't recognize you. I should have known you would not travel as a Leyawiin guard." Superian swung her head toward the gelding, which seemed to tolerate the young mare's nosiness.

Lucilious smiled at my mare as he leaned forward and patted the neck of his calm bay. "All guards are Legion soldiers on loan to the local county lords. As soon as Captain Draconis gave me those orders to Kvatch, I dug up my old Legion armor and requisitioned a horse. This old veteran's name is Raxle."

"Well met, Raxle," I said to the gelding. "This is Superian. She's neither old nor a veteran, and I thank you for patiently enduring her curiosity." I turned one of Superian's stirrups and inserted the toe of my left boot. With a good bounce, I cleared the bedroll and cantle with my right leg and settled into the saddle. We all then set off together, north along the Green Road.

I shared some bread and cheese with Lucilious, and we passed a water bag back and forth as we rode. It felt very safe traveling beside the heavily armored soldier.

After a short stop at Water's Edge where we bought some strawberries, he said, "Dame Buffy, I figure we should make Bravil by nightfall."

"I'm afraid we'll part ways before then," I replied. "I'll be crossing the Niben and heading northeast soon." I didn't add that my destination was Azura's Shrine.

The Imperial looked at me with a question in his eyes. "But, I thought I was to accompany you to Kvatch?"

"Indeed, you'll see me there, but not yet. I have much to do before I can join you." I smiled gently. "Your orders from Captain Draconis, if I'm not mistaken, are to report to Kvatch - not escort a wood elf." I produced a letter from inside my blouse and held it out to Lucilious. "Since you will arrive well before I, would you deliver this to Captain Savlian Matius, please?"

"Aye, Milady. I'll put it with my orders." Lucilious took the wax-sealed piece of folded parchment and carefully placed it into a leather pouch attached to his sword belt.

We continued north for a time, without further words. The hidden sun began to win its battle against the fog, as the latter became thinner and retreated toward the river. Before long, the mist was completely burned away, leaving a beautiful bright morning in its stead.

Shading my eyes against the sun, I looked eastward and could see the Niben starting to widen. "I must leave you now."

Lucilious gazed across the river. "Can Milady's mare swim well?"

We both reined our horses to a stop as I replied, "I know a powerful spell that will allow her to safely cross the river atop its surface."

My words brought the crease of a smile to the Imperial's rugged face. "Well, you said you were a mage - even though you don't look like one. I should have known."

For some reason, the 'you don't look like a mage' comment didn't bother me as it normally would. "Will you remove your helmet for a moment?" He did as I asked. I sidled Superian closer and stood in her stirrups. Pulling the soldier to me, I kissed him on the cheek. "Safe journey to you and Raxle."

"And to you and Superian." Lucilious pulled his helmet on and added, "You wear your title well, Milady." He then clicked twice to the old warhorse and slowly continued north toward Bravil.

I watched until he was out of sight before turning Superian toward the river.

When and how had I gained such power? I began to realize how Savlian must feel being in a position of deciding who lives and dies. It was a responsibility I didn't want. I knew if I had asked Mazoga, she would have ignored the Count and come with me. I asked her to stay in Leyawiin though, and she would probably live. I knew the dangers, yet here I was sending Lucilious to Kvatch, and very possibly his death. What made it worse was that I wasn't even brave enough to go back there myself. . . yet.

So, now Superian has been formally introduced to Acadian. That was a very pleasant exchange.



Because my mind is just full of cliches right now, I'm thinking dragon.



Most likely because female is the dominant gender in the Genus Equus. Geldings in particular are much more complacent than mares, and my own Beauty is constantly pushed around by Princess. Especially when I go for my Sunday trail ride, Princess does not like it at all when Beauty is in front, it messes with her dominance, see?

Beauty always takes it in stride, but not Princess. She is a lot moodier than him, and when she isn't having her way on a ride, she has a tendency to try to buck. Mares are not sunshine and bunnies, and many people make the mistake of underestimating them 'because they're girls'. It's because they're girls you need to be extra watchful of them. The Legion rides geldings for a very good reason.

Hope you find what you're looking for from Azura, B.

This post has been edited by Thomas Kaira: Jan 30 2011, 06:39 PM

Loved Acadian speaking to Superian for the first time! It's like it is for me at times - what am I hearing? Where is it coming from? Being deaf, echolocation just isn't my strong suit!

But the most powerful part for me is this:
Buffy's realization that her choices has effects and consequences even she can not foresee - that's mighty sobering.

I still love the Black Mare Lodge!

I will admit that with Skyrim's announcement, dragon was the mount that first popped into my head too. Rather than one of these.

When and how had I gained such power?
A good question for our bowgirl to ask herself. She has come a long way from that insecure teen batting her eyes at an Imperial City shopkeeper while City-Swimmer robbed him.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Feb 3 2011, 01:33 AM

An almost totally new chapter! I am inclined to agree with Thomas Kaira - I thought "Dragon" instantly when I read that line. A wonderful gem in the Buffy Fic - Awesome Write !!

Good chapter! Buffy realizes she has some power now!

I think if Acadian had Till's voice he'd have scared Buffy too, not just Superian!

Something 19.2 meters long and almost 19 tonnes?

Buffy seems to have grown up so much in the last few chapters. She's become a leader.

Two more wonderful chapters. And now the Leyawiin expedition is over. At least Buffy has a few more friends.


That's a bit better than "B..Butt.."


Indeed she is. The fact that she didn't bolt is a good show of Superian's trust in Buffy.


I'm curious as to what Acadian named his "mount", what his..erm.."mounted regiment" was called and what Acadian was called while "mounted".


I don't think that's going to go too far, Superian.


Nicely put.


It's been my experience that those who feel that way are often the best suited for it.

A heavy mist hung over the Lower Niben, spreading its gray tendrils far inland beyond the banks of the river. Although unseen, the sun was up and I hoped it would soon burn through the morning fog.
I love how you describe this part of Cyrodiil. I usually find it quite menacing, but through Buffy’s eyes it’s captivating.

Parting from her new friends to take another step closer to Savlian made a bittersweet end to a most satisfying Leyawiin expedition. I found the last paragraph quite affective. That kind of understanding makes the rainbows and waterfalls even more appreciated.

Episode 72 was the conclusion of Buffy's miniseries, 'The Leyawiin Expedition'. The bowgirl departed Blackwood in the company of Sergeant Lucilious Marcus. Well prior to Bravil however, the two parted ways. Lucilious continued on toward Kvatch, while Buffy made ready to cross the Niben and continue north to Azura's Shrine.

Thomas Kaira- Thank you. I guess we've gotten to know Superian well enough that her reaction to hearing a voice with no apparent source could not be ignored. Buffy has learned that despite the love between her and the mare, Superian's sheer mass and power can at times be dangerous - hence the prudent distance while she introduced Acadian. Superian is high spirited, but still young enough that she often finds herself near the bottom of the pecking order with other horses. And stallions can befuddle her as much as men can sometimes befuddle Buffy. Lol. What you say about the Legion riding geldings makes sense, and Buffy has noticed the same thing. They always seem to tolerate her prancy inquisitive mare. I saw the pictures of Beauty and Princess - they are perfectly named!

Rider- Thank you for validating our choice to actually 'show' Superian's reaction to Acadian's disembodied voice instead of just glossing over it. And thank you also for noting the serious question pondered by Buffy regarding the influence she is learning to wield. She is quite stunned by the facts that Mazoga would follow her into Oblivion, and that a sergeant of the Legion calls her 'Milady' and willingly takes direction from her. She is only now beginning to realize the implications of responsibility that accompany authority.

SubRosa- Yay for the Black Mare Lodge! We're so glad that Mazoga endorses the name based on Buffy's dear equine friend, not a menu item. More on Acadian's past coming soon. Thanks for noting how far young Buffy has come since she began her journey!

mALX- Thank you! I'm so terrible with secrets that I must force myself to keep quiet at this point regarding Acadian's past. The next couple episodes will reveal quite a bit though.

King Coin- Yes, Buffy seems to wield some power or influence now. It quite scares her. Thanks!

MyCat- Thank you for noting Buffy's growth. The next few episodes will build to a dramatic 'growth spurt' as Buffy finds what she has been seeking. Please bear with our vagueness on Acadian's past for a little bit.

The Vyper- Thank you so much for your kind words and insight on all those quotes! I didn't think about the implications of Superian not bolting, but you are very right that it surely indicates a high level of trust. If leadership means serving those who follow you, then Buffy is beginning to appreciate the responsibility of those who wear that mantle. She has certainly seen some fine examples including Carahil, Kud-Ei, Savlian Matius, Boderi Farano, and in his own gentle way, Daenlin.

Grits- Thank you for enjoying Blackwood. Buffy finds she is quite comfortable there - even captivated by the lush ferns, soft ground, weeping trees and dark waters of the marshy land. Not to mention Topal Bay under the shimmering light of twin moons. The words bittersweet and satisfying that you used to describe this episode are most appreciated!



After carefully noting where my prey had fallen, I shouldered Slayer. Grasping the small pouch containing a lock of my mare's mane, I stared at Superian's pink glow located behind a group of large boulders. "I need you." It took her only a few moments to make her way to my side. Once I was in the saddle, we threaded our way between snow-covered pines until drawing to a stop next to the deer.

"Buffy," instructed Daenlin, "always honor a deer's spirit. For without their sacrifice, we would perish. Wish them a safe journey that they may return to nourish us again." As was often his habit, he then tapped a gentle finger to the tip of my nose. "Do you understand?"

"Yes, Master," I said looking up into the eyes of the elf who taught me to hunt. "Even though it was you who killed this doe, can I still thank her?"

Daenlin lowered his hand to my small shoulder and said gently, "Of course, my Apprentice."

As the memory of Daenlin's words faded, I slipped to the ground and knelt by the warm carcass. "Thank you, young buck. I will wisely use the bounty of your flesh and magic. May your spirit have a safe journey."

I could see my breath in the cold air as I cut the arrow free and wiped it down. Satisfied that it was undamaged, I returned it to my quiver. I then transferred the animal's magic energy from Azura's Star to Slayer. After field dressing the deer, I raised one fist above my head and released a burst of white magic which quickly settled over me. Assisted by the brief enhancement to my strength, I was able to lift the buck up behind Superian's saddle and lash it down. After checking my map, I remounted the mare. We continued north to the sound of hooves crunching snow.

Superian and I had lived off the land since bidding farewell to Lucilious Marcus south of Bravil, some three days ago. The massive range of my detect life rings continued to help keep us safe, or at least let me pick and choose most of our fights. We had outrun a bear, and given wide berth to several wolves. I tried to avoid confrontations with fellow predators of the forest, but the fresh lion pelt in my pack was testimony that we couldn't always do that.

The several bandits I had detected during our journey were a different matter entirely. Having encountered the gruesome results of their profession in my travels too many times, I had no hesitation about dismounting, then stalking and killing two legged varmints. Besides, they often carried arrows to help stock my quiver.

The dead bandits I had left behind were in stark contrast to the fact that Countess Alessia Caro still lived. After all, she too had violated my doctrine. I had thought long and hard on the subject, and decided that just being mean to me or my friends was not enough to bring Slayer to bear. No, I would kill only those who posed an actual threat like that rogue mage Earana did. Or bandits. Or necromancers. While sitting by my campfire the previous night, I had revised my doctrine. It now read:

'The Buffy Doctrine: If you are kind to me, I will love you dearly; if you are a threat to me or my friends, I will likely kill you.'

After sating our thirst and filling my water bags at Lake Arrius shortly after sunrise, we had begun the climb into the cold Jeralls.

Watching Superian's swirling breath as it rose into the air, I was glad for the advice of Thernd, the guild's stable master at Equestria. I had taken the mare's saddle pad into the University and enchanted it with resist frost magic. I figured it helped her as much as the similarly enchanted ring I was wearing eased the cold for me.

As I glanced eastward at the brilliant sun, it seemed somehow false - there was certainly not much warmth from it. "We should reach Azura in another hour or so," I said to my mare and paladin. "I really hope she will help us sort out where to go next."

Sure enough, it wasn't long before the graceful stone form of Azura, with her uplifted star and moon, emerged from among the snow-covered rocks and trees. Atop the giant boulder behind her I could see the forever-burning candles of Ghola gro-Muzgol and his four comrades. They had slain the ancient vampire Dratik inside Gutted Mine. I knew their spirits were now at ease in the bosom of Azura.

Followers of the Daedra Lord noted my approach. "The Star Bearer returns." The Dunmer's words served as both greeting and announcement.

"Hail, Mels. It's good to see you again," I replied. Smiling at his companions, I added, "You too, Bur-Meema and Ralsa." I dismounted and began unlashing the buck behind Superian's saddle. "I figure you three could use some fresh venison?"

Soon, most of the deer was packed with snow to help it keep for several meals. One hindquarter however, was spitted and roasting above a crackling fire. Bur-Meema produced some flatbread, and several bottles of ale. I managed to convince her that what I really needed was a hot cup of tea to wrap my hands around.

Mels said, "Sit, and warm yourself. Tell us the news from the lowlands. Is it true that the Uriel Septim's death threatens the very unity of the Empire?"

I spent the next hour or so eating, chatting and relaying what rumors I had heard regarding the affairs of state. Such matters as the future of the Empire were well above my head. All I really knew for sure was that there was a brave man at Kvatch standing against an Oblivion Gate.

With a full belly and camp pleasantries behind me, I left the warmth of the fire and approached the towering shrine. Azura's hand of fate had touched me before - I was a Vampire Slayer. Could she now help me gain the skills and courage to become a Daedra Slayer? I looked up hopefully, and placed my hand upon the base of her pedestal.

"You are welcome here, Child of Dawn."

"Milady Azura, I come before you to beseech-"

"I know both your heart and purpose, Slayer," Azura interrupted. "You carry two spirits within you." Suddenly a butterfly fluttered over my shoulder and gently alighted on my forearm, seemingly oblivious to the cold. After a moment, it retook to the air and flew southward. Azura continued, "Follow this small winged spirit. Seek my brother who takes the form of your other spirit. He waits with uplifted wings, and can provide that which you seek. Go now, Child of Dawn."

I wandered away from the shrine, grateful that she had spoken to me, but mystified by her words. Glancing upward, the sun had completed barely half its journey across the sky. After saying farewell to Azura's followers, I mounted Superian and turned her toward the path taken by the butterfly.

"Acadian, do you have any idea what Azura meant?"

"Indeed I do," he replied with a calm confidence. "Continue south, my bowgirl."

Uplifted wings? Like this?

I loved that the folks at the Azura shrine welcomed Buffy as friend. That was the one thing I hated about a lot of the NPC's in the game - that most of them greeted you as as stranger no matter how many times you've already spoken to them. Here we see the consequences of Buffy's previous actions at the shrine.

And it's good that Buffy is flexible enough to revise the Buffy Doctrine to reflect her growing knowledge and experience with the ways of the world.

Another wonderful chapter about the blond Bosmer bowgirl from Bravil.

Character building as only Acadian knows how.


I like it. Your wisdom of the world has sure grown since we first met you in that dingy hole in the wall in the Imperial City Prison, Buffy.

So it seems giving Acadian a voice was not enough, now we need to give him form, so allow me to begin the speculation...

Schwarzenegger?

This post has been edited by Thomas Kaira: Feb 2 2011, 05:24 PM

Time for a few stand-alone episodes before the beginning of Buffy's next mini-series? I was half-expecting a side-trip east to a certain shrine with a certain dragon statue. Perhaps that is still coming?

And I see you have incorporated a little thanksgiving by Buffy for her kill. Joseph Campbell could not have written it better!

And I see the Monroe Buffy Doctrine continues to evolve. A very mature decision on the part of our blond, bosmer, bowgirl, from bravil.

All I really knew for sure was that there was a brave man at Kvatch standing against an Oblivion Gate.
This single sentence speaks so much (alliteration anyone?) of Buffy's feelings for Savlian. An excellent example of how saying less can have a much more powerful effect than the opposite.

The butterfly was a nice touch. How brilliant of you to combine it with the other half of Buffy's nature (in more ways that one!). Now I see that she is indeed headed where I expected.

Before I lose my internet connection again I wanted to post this - I love Buffy's new "Screenie of the month!" So fitting for this season !!! Anyone living in Chicago may not want to look at it right now, lol. Awesome shot, Acadian!

PS - I will be back to comment on the chapter. Hopefully my connection will stabilize eventually, I think it is the wind causing the problems.


** Acadian: "Butt ... butt ..."


http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Ac...reenShot715.jpg


"No, not that! I meant butterfly!!!"

WOO HOO!!! Acadian was prophetic !!!! Here is the butterfly leading her south to ... (another Daedric Shrine?) Great Chapter, Acadian !!!

This post has been edited by mALX: Feb 2 2011, 09:12 PM

Aww, that's nuttink! What I've got outside my window is so much more dramatic. My front stairs (half a story high) is half-buried in snow!

Bless your heart, Haute. I def feel for your situation, been watching your neck of the woods on the Weather Channel all morning !!! Hope you stay inside, warm and safe (and hope the electricity stays on) !!

Probably more like this. Specifically, the uplifted wingtips.

Yet another fun read. I especially liked the ritual of thanks to the deer. Nicely done.


That's what I love about bandits: They're so accommodating to archers.


And again we see that Buffy continues to mature. Nice change to her Doctrine.


And here we once again see the thoughtfulness that those lucky enough to be called 'Friend' by Buffy can expect from her.


Elberond tends to pick up a rock and heat it with a low level fire (on touch) spell to keep his hands warm (if he doesn't have gloves). Buffy might want to try that out some time if there isn't a warm cup of tea handy.


And not the most pressing of interests anyway.

This post has been edited by The Vyper: Feb 2 2011, 11:57 PM

Wow. The last part of the 'Leyawiin Expedition' was excellent. Buff and Zoga, hunting Black Bandits. Sounds like a good deal. It's too bad Buffy has a mission...And Acadian now has an audible voice! This will get interesting.