Can I just say how brilliant your portrayal of Mazoga is. You really bring her to life, and I loved her 'erroniant' misspelings of 'Argonian' in that letter!

In Episode 95, Buffy encountered a Black Horse Courier rider who gave the bowgirl a package. Wrapped inside a letter from Sir Mazoga, Buffy found a Leyawiin Court ring. Mazoga said she was being treated well and that her efforts against the Black Bow Bandits were now augmented by the local Fighters Guild. She also confirmed that Agronak had reported to her - seeking knighthood. Buffy and Superian then continued south to deliver a campwarming gift of fresh vegetables to Alawen at Bawnwatch Camp. The ranger welcomed Buffy and tendered an invitation to share morning tea.

mALX- Thanks for noticing some of the new details and gossip in Mazoga's letter. I'm really pleased that you are looking forward to more of Alawen, as we'll see quite a bit of her during the tourney.

King Coin- I'm glad that Mazoga's style jumped so quickly and identifiably to you! Buffy has a pretty strong nurturing streak that prompted her visit to the lonely camp of the ranger.

Rider- I took the opportunity to review all the Alawen episodes from 1.0 and the comments/responses over at the Bethesda forum. I was delighted to see many wonderful things, including your enthusiastic endorsement of the Forlorn Watchman quest when Buffy first directed Alawen to Bawnwatch Camp. At the time I did not intend to pursue the quest, but because of your enthusiastic comment way back then, we added it to Buffy's dance card. It remains in 2.0 and I thank you for it. Thank you also for the kind words about Mazoga's letter. I so hope Agronak proves to be a worthy champion. Buffy the busybody matchmaker will be following them closely.

SubRosa- Hee! Thanks for providing such wonderful subtitles for Superian in case there was any doubt regarding her feelings toward the stallion. Had she in the mood for romance, I'm sure she would have batted her eyelids, smiled coyly and licked the big fellow on the nose. Yay for Mazoga indeed! Simultaneously helping the FG while bolstering her own black bow efforts. And Agronak! After Mazoga checks out his sword skills, she just might have an appropriate nightly knightly consort! Who could ever say orcs are dumb? Those bowstring calluses do indeed imply that Alawen is one serious archer. Some Bosmer bowgirl talk and mischief coming up during the next few episodes.

Lady Syl- Thank you for those kind words about one of our early episodes! That ugly but mighty grummite bow will serve Buffy for all of Book 1. We have no plans right now for her to return to the SI for more than possibly a shopping trip to Passwall. That is why it is so fascinating to see the SI from Syl's point of view! Daenlin early recognized Buffy's passion for bows and how she eschewed any attempt at using a dagger or other melee weapon as a backup. He wisely encouraged her to seek the illusion skills of Kud-Ei to survive. I'm so glad you agree with Buffy that some of the wonderful residents of Bravil are like family to the orphan.

Ceidwad- I'm so glad you're enjoying our Mazoga! She'll continue to be a major character in Buffy's world. It was certainly great fun to toss out the editing book briefly and help Mazoga write that letter to her pal.



"I found Anvil to be quite beautiful when I visited there for one of my University recommendations." I offered the conversation starter as I sat by the softly crackling fire at Bawnwatch Camp. "How do you like living there?"

"It is where I belong," Alawen replied as she used a damaged arrow to transfer her kettle from the fire. "Golden grasses that dance in the salt-laden breezes, the sun slipping nightly into the Abecean Sea. . . ." An almost dreamy look on the Bosmer's face emphasized her love for the coastal city. "I have lived there all my life. In fact, I was born in the Anvil Chapel. We stayed there under the protection of Dibella until I was five. Mother then found work as the Countess' ranger for the Gold Coast, and we moved to Troll Candle Camp which remains my home." Alawen passed me a simple wooden cup filled with steaming tea. "What of you and Bravil, Buffy?"

"Born and raised there," I declared. "I-I know it doesn't match the beauty of Anvil or The Gold Coast, but I love the river. It runs right through the middle of my city. I also find myself very at home in these surrounding forests. I was orphaned by the age of twelve and the city raised me, so I know lots of people there who feel like family."

"I am sorry to hear of your loss, and at such a young age." Alawen's look was soft and caring. The elf was quite pretty when she smiled. "I have not traveled enough to be familiar with your city. I have heard of it though."

I was mildly embarrassed. My love for Bravil was genuine, but I knew what people from other places thought about it. Imagining the things Alawen had heard, I changed the subject. "Who taught you to shoot?" I jerked a thumb over my shoulder toward the ranger's targets.

"Mother. She was the finest archer that you could imagine. I was only eight when she started teaching me with a small bow she made. Since then, I have shot every day of my life. It is who I am." She blinked her hazel eyes a couple times, then watched the moist vapors rise from the cup cradled between her hands. "For the last several years, I have occasionally offered training to marksmen who seek me out. I like sharing what Mother taught me." Looking up from her tea, she continued, "The extra gold, along with a small salary the Countess pays me, helps keep my quiver filled. It also goes toward the meager supplies I need from the dockside general store." She looked directly at me. "And you? For one so young, you have the eyes of a trained marksman."

I chuckled. "I started shooting when I was eight with a small bow just like you. My archery master, Daenlin, made it for me. I understand when you say it's who you are."

"I see in your eyes and face that you do," said Alawen. "This Daenlin must be a fine master."

"Oh yes," I gushed, "he's like the father I never knew. Well, maybe more like a grandfather, but yes he's a great archer." I added proudly, "He's the champion of the last seven tournaments." I lowered my voice, even as I realized neither the trees nor Superian would tell my secrets. "As much as I love my bow, I just can't get very excited about shooting it for some contest. I'm only really competing to support my master."

"I know exactly what you mean." Alawen returned my smile and nodded knowingly. "I have never competed before and am only here now because I was so asked by Lady Anvil. She has always been kind to me, so I am happy to oblige. Countess Millona - that is what she likes me to call her - asked that I shoot my best, and I shall."

Alawen's confident manner then faded, and she seemed hesitant. "I am sorry, but my lack of worldliness is why the name of your master, Daenlin, is unfamiliar to me." Looking into her cup, she continued self-consciously, "In fact, living the way I do, I am unfamiliar with many things. I don't talk with people very often and. . . am quite afraid to be around groups of them." She stirred some life into the diminishing campfire with an arrow. "I am more comfortable with animals."

I could sense the ranger wanted to talk, yet she was tentative about doing so. "You sound very close to your mother, but speak as if she is gone?" I prompted gently.

"Mother was my best friend. She was killed about six years ago. Marauders." Alawen averted her eyes from my gaze and reached behind her for another piece of firewood, as if to terminate that part of the conversation. "I had another friend, a Breton girl about your age named Sarrah. She and her sister used to visit. I showed them my ability to calm animals; they both somehow learned to use magic to do the same. We all had great fun riding bears and tickling wolves. Sarrah died a few years ago." The ranger looked at me with moist eyes and managed a smile. "Her younger sister, Angel, still visits me."

"I'm very sorry Alawen." It was my turn to stare awkwardly at the freshly stoked flames that held no answers. I regretted my question, which now seemed like insensitive prying. My heart ached that I obviously had opened deep wounds. I reached into my pack, searching to brighten the mood. "I know there is plenty of fish, crab and game out here, but I thought you might enjoy some fresh vegetables."

"I am grateful for your thoughtfulness," said Alawen as she rose and placed my potatoes, carrots and onions into a food bag that she lowered from among the overhead branches. After hoisting the provisions up into the tree, she then rejoined me by the fire, and picked up her cup. "Buffy, do you think that. . . um, never mind." The ranger rolled her upper lip between her teeth and looked out across the Niben. The river now sparkled brilliantly as it reflected the morning sun.

I was struck by the dichotomy of ranger and child that I saw in Alawen.

Looking around her camp, I could see that she had set things up in a manner that reflected her mastery of life outdoors. The wood elf exuded wisdom and confidence in matters of bows, animals and life in the wilderness. She was the ranger for a whole county and probably twice my age. The fact that she had safely traveled here all the way from Anvil was testimony to her ability to deal with beasts, bandits and worse.

On the other hand, her manner could quickly melt into the awkwardness of a child - especially regarding matters of civilization. Even her formal manner of speaking reflected her limited dealings with men and mer. Yet, like Superian, I found myself readily liking and accepting her. As she continued to gaze across the river, I said, "Alawen, I can see something is troubling you." After a moment I gently added, "I'm a good listener if you want to tell me what it is."

She returned her eyes to mine, still childlike. "Buffy, some people think I am crazy because I live in the wilds and talk to lions, wolves and bears. When I go into town for supplies or to report to Countess Millona, humans and even some elves point at me. Sometimes I hear their whispered comments of 'touched' or 'odd'." Alawen frowned, perhaps searching for words. She then exhaled loudly, as if making a decision, and looked anxiously at me. "Would you think me crazy if I told you I saw a ghostly spirit last night? The translucent image of a man staring across the river?"

Her words jolted me like me the stray bolts of shock experienced if standing near Delphine Jend when she unleashed a storm of lightning. How could I have been so stupid as to not warn Alawen about the Forlorn Watchman? Was it not enough that I had clumsily asked about her dead mother? Now the elf thought that seeing a spirit meant she was crazy. I was the cause for this and it was my turn to feel like a child. The last thing on Nirn I wanted was for Alawen to believe I intentionally didn't tell her. Concern gripped me as I imagined the ranger thinking my failure to warn her had been an attempt to scare a competitor away from the tournament. Choose your words carefully, Buffy, so you don't muck things up even worse.

Deciding that the truth was best and simplest, I took a deep breath and let it out. "Alawen, you're not crazy, and your self-doubts over this are my fault."

"Go on," she replied, cocking her head and looking bewildered.

"I knew about the spirit, or at least the rumor of one. I've hunted this area many times, but never used Bawnwatch for more than a day camp. I've never been here at night to see him." I could feel the warmth rising above the top of my blouse, no doubt reddening my face as I quickly continued, "I-I didn't believe the rumors but, still, I should have thought to warn you. My reckless oversight has caused you unnecessary concern." I paused for a breath and looked hopefully at her. "Can you forgive me?"

"Calm yourself, Buffy, no forgiveness is required." The child in Alawen had yielded both face and manner back to the wise ranger. She also appeared relieved, perhaps over my endorsement of her sanity. "I see a young elf who offered assistance and directions to a stranger yesterday. The same elf who so thoughtfully brought provisions today and graces my campfire with her warm company."

"Thanks for not being angry, Alawen. I'm still sorry I didn't think to tell you. Some of the townsfolk call him the Forlorn Watchman." I smiled. "Now tell me about what happened, and perhaps we can 'unrumor' this spirit."

This post has been edited by Acadian: Apr 12 2011, 03:26 PM

From 94, I especially enjoyed the discussion about the orcish archers, since they are so different from the Bosmeri that we usually see. The whole discussion between Buffy and Daenlin was informative as well as entertaining. I loved seeing Teresa through Buffy’s eyes!

From 95, it made me smile when Sir Mazoga mentioned tagging along while she gets her some black bows.

And from 96, Alawen’s discomfort in crowds sounds like it could be a real problem for her in the tournament. I loved to see Alawen and Buffy get past the awkward moment, those little shared experiences can build a friendship. I’m looking forward to them ‘unrumoring’ the spirit, in part because of moonlight on the Niben.

Oh, what a delightful chapter to read on this lovely, cool, sunny, breezy spring day! (Remember, I'm in Northern Illinois, and right now it's 43 degrees and still warming up). The RL buds forming here are the perfect complement to this chapter.

I loved how you juxtapose the woman and the child in Alawen. She is a lovely woman in her heart and soul, and you've done well capturing that part of her personality.

And how nice to hear about Sarrah and Angel. I have never read Sarrah's story, but I remember Angel's fondly.

Just a couple of nits - they jumped out at me on the first read-through but were very difficult to find on the second go around!
I think your finger didn't quite make it up to the 't' key here!

And I had to re-read the latter part of the post several times before I found the second nit: Didn't you mean her gaze?

Thank you for reminding me that spring is here! County Bravil always reminds me of the Upper Midwest in late spring/early summer. And I am soooo looking forward to the two women playing ghost whisperers!

I have shot every day of my life.
And that is the discipline it takes to be a competent archer, and why the Welsh Longbowmen eventually vanished from English service. Early firearms were slower and much less accurate than a longbow. But you could teach a peasant to use one in just a few weeks. Archers take a lifetime to create.

I see Teresa is not alone in her ambivalent feelings toward shooting in the tourney. Not only Buffy, but also Alawen would rather be doing other things. I love how all three are in the tourney for the sake a mentor figure.

Hearing more about Alawen was bittersweet. She has certainly had many ups and downs in her life. As haute said, she is so adorably sweet. The person who captures her heart, if any ever do, will be lucky indeed.

Likewise the references to Angel and Sarrah were both welcome, and sad.

After hoisting the provisions up into the tree
I liked this little touch of realism. As the people who left their food in the car at Clingman's Dome found, you have to be careful about where you put in when you are in the wilderness. My brother once went camping with some friends, and after they burned a hamburger in their fire, just tossed the charred patty back in the bushes. Later that night a pack of wolves paid a visit...

I could feel the warmth rising above the top of my blouse, no doubt reddening my face as I quickly continued
This was an excellent example of not only showing rather than telling, but also firmly staying in the pov of the charcter. Naturally Buffy would not see if her face was red. She could only feel it, and imagine.

If there's something strange
in your neighborhood
Who ya gonna call?
Buffy and Alawen!

If there's something weird
and it don't look good
Who ya gonna call?
Buffy and Alawen!

Good chapter! Buffy is so thoughtful to Alawen. I'm anticipating the resolution of the Forlorn Watchman quest.

This post has been edited by King Coin: Apr 13 2011, 06:21 AM

A most enjoyable cuppa with Ayla Alawen. Those two are natural together, just like peas and carrots. I am loving every second they spend together.

"Buffy, some people think I am crazy because I live in the wilds and talk to lions, wolves and bears."

Hark now, do I hear Ursus, Wolf and Baby nearby? Better keep your Beast Tongue handy, Buffy (though if she is all she says she is, you might not need it).

I see Buffy is planning to help a ghost find some rest, too. I wish her luck, and hope Alawen will be there to keep her company. I do so want to see more of those two together.

I absoloutly LOVE this chapter. I enjoyed the conversation between Buffy and Alawen, and seeing as Alawen doesn't say a whole lot in the game, it's incredible the amount of personality you give such a solitary NPC.

Amazing.

Humans and even some elves point at me and say, "touched" or "odd."

I like that line

Alawen's sweet nature and Buffy's inner thoughts/reactions make this chapter !!! I'm pretty sure I told you this the first time I read this chapter - that food in the tree is used here in BFE ET all the time to keep the Black Bears out of your stuff. If you lock the food in your car they will literally break into it and get it out (see vid I posted on SubRosa's thread, lol). You tie it in a tree well away from your campsite but within sight range so you will see if a bear is drawn to it and can get the H out of Dodge while the bear is in the tree chowing down, lol.

Great Write !!!

In addition to fulfilling your intent, I think you have unwittingly added some real depth to Daenlin. I urge you to explore this aspect of Daenlin's character. Perhaps reading was not high on his list of skills to acquire in his past life as woodsman and adventurer. You could use that as a completion of the circle between the two when Daenlin seeks Buffy's aid (or maybe she insists) in teaching him to read. An elf with Daenlin's pride would naturally solicit aid in this regard from one he trusts the most.

Sorry. I just think that it holds a wealth of possibility.

Chapter 94:

Mazoga's letter was just fantastic! You perfectly captured the awkwardness that occurs whenever she engages in the affairs of a 'courtly' knight. Her thoughtfulness in having the ring sized for Buffy gives real weight to her salutation in the letter. I think that when Mazoga calls someone a pal, she really means it!

Chapter 95:


So now we know that Buffy is at least an expert with her bow. Nicely done!


I wonder if there's any way to convince Angel to visit the rest of us here at Chorrol.

Alawen's reticence is as understandable as it is endearing. Is it any wonder that she is one of my favorite NPCs?

You bring Alawen to life, she has a character! In my games I only met her once and by the time I'd dug up an elven bow she had tackled one too many Daedra at that gate down by the water. (In my other games she apparently had tackled the Daedra long before I met her. I should maybe play a game from west to east instead of taking so long to get to Anvil.)

Edit: tackled not tacked.

This post has been edited by MyCat: Apr 14 2011, 04:36 AM

UOP makes Alawen essential until you meet her and start the training quest. It's usually the bandits that get her, rather than Daedra. Their equipment scales as you progress, but she's stuck with the leather and Silver bow all through the game, so they out-gun her quite early on. I make a point of clearing the area when I start that training quest, and as long as I return every three days they'll stay dead.

I'm looking forward to finding out how the Buffy/Alawen story works out.

This post has been edited by ghastley: Apr 14 2011, 03:44 PM

Buffy and Alawen enjoyed morning tea at Bawnwatch Camp during Episode 96. Our bowgirl was struck by the dichotomy of ranger and child she saw in the other elven archer. Their conversation eventually turned to the Forlorn Watchman and a decision to investigate.

Grits- I'm so glad you're enjoyed the commentary of Daenlin and Buffy regarding the other competitors and, of course, getting to watch dear Teresa shoot was such a treat for us! I also loved reminding us of Buffy's friendship and matchmaking attempts regarding Mazoga. Thank you for honing right in on the competition implications of Alawen's fear of crowds.

Rider- Thank you so much for the endorsement of Alawen's paradox of woman and child. I'm glad that you northern folks are finally getting to enjoy some lovely spring weather! Long ago, bobg graced me with unfettered license regarding his inspirational characters; they do not play a major role, but I do intend to keep Angel and the precious memory of Sarrah alive via BF. Thanks for the nits so I could fix/clarify them.

SubRosa- Thank you for the endorsement of how long it takes to train an archer. I like your observation that Teresa, Alawen and Buffy are all competing on behalf of someone they care about; it speaks well to the nature of all three of them. I appreciate your kind words about Sarrah and Angel, as well as Alawen and her woodsy wisdom. You humble me with your words about Buffy staying strictly in her limited first person point of view (pov), for I consider you quite the master when it comes to pov. Buffy's limited pov restricts expansive mystery because we only learn what she sees; yet, paradoxically, that same limitation enhances a desirable touch of fog for exactly the same reason. Oh, your poem reminds me that Buffy recently encountered a wandering minstrel at the tourney grounds strumming his lute:

There was a lass with flaming red hair,
who in her travels healed a grizzly bear.
With a smile ever so faint,
she saved Mara's living saint,
and even Button the mare.

King Coin- Thank you! I hope you enjoy Alawen and Buffy as they attempt to resolve the Forlorn Watchman.

TK- Alawen + Buffy = peas + carrots. What a delightful compliment! Since they both seem to have unpredictable strains of wisdom and childishness, here's hoping they both don't go 'little girl' at the same time!

Rihanae- Thank you. Alawen started as a logical choice to compete in the tournament. Once Buffy met her though, the ranger's personality really blossomed. I'm so glad that, through Buffy's eyes, we get to see it!

Zalphon- Thanks! Yes, Alawen is a true creature of the wilds and would surely be oddly received by city folk.

mALX- I'm so glad Buffy's inner thoughts and self-doubts rang effective for you. She is beginning to see in Alawen, what Superian instantly knew upon meeting the ranger. Thanks also for your endorsement of Alawen's food bag in a tree!

Destri- Much food for thought about Daenlin - thank you. Realizing that you are acquainted with Sir Rugrat, your endorsement of the orcish letter Buffy received from Mazoga is a powerful compliment indeed! I was delighted to learn during BF 1.0 that Alawen is one of your favorite NPCs. I so hope you will enjoy the major role she plays in the tournament.

MyCat- Thank you for the kind words regarding Alawen's personality. We just make her essential via the command console if the crown over her head ever changes.

ghastley- I agree with and thank you for the concise description of Alawen's somewhat complex and changing in-game mortality. Yep, UOP is a good thing for PC users! I'm delighted that you're anticipating more Buffy/Alawen.



Alawen signaled a stop along the west bank of the Niben, well south of Bawnwatch Camp. "I followed the spirit here last night," she said over her shoulder to me.

As Superian pulled alongside the ranger's white mare, I scanned for life signs around nearby Fort Irony. The distinctive glow of a solitary mud crab almost two hundred feet farther south along the river's bank was no threat. I removed my rings to better read the ranger's face without the distracting pink aura that surrounded all of us.

Alawen continued, "This is where he stopped and talked to me. He said his name was Grantham Blakely and mentioned something about being stuck in the mouth of a panther? He bore no wounds from tooth or claw, and I found no scat or track of a big cat in the area." She frowned. "Do you see now why I questioned my sanity?"

With one hand on my thigh, I leaned against the pommel of Superian's saddle with the other and looked at Alawen. "Can you think of anything else? What did he do after he talked to you?"

"He turned and pointed across the river. The pose he struck was like that of a lookout I might see stationed at the bow of a ship coming into Anvil Harbor. Buffy, does any of this make sense?"

My eyes were drawn toward the far shore and I mused, "Maybe he wasn't referring to a big cat at all. Directly across from us, the Panther River flows into the Niben - the mouth of the panther?" Scratching my head, I continued, "There's nothing over there except a bunch of old-" my eyes flew open wide at the flash of realization- "shipwrecks!"

"A sailor and his ship!" we both exclaimed together.

"Yes!" Alawen continued excitedly, "he was a sailor and his spirit must be trapped on a ship over there and I am not crazy!"

I smiled, at the brief reappearance of her girlish manner. "So now what, ranger?"

"Buffy, I know this is not my jurisdiction, but that sailor asked for my assistance and he shall have it. I am indebted to you for helping to make sense of this. May a gentle breeze and the kiss of sunshine accompany you and Superian as you journey back to Bravil."

I did indeed have things to do in town. Potions needed to be converted into gold so I could pay Nilawen for my supplies. I hoped to watch a few more archers shoot on this second day of tournament qualification. The drain marksman scroll that Ungarion sold to some mysterious buyer still weighed heavily on my mind.

I looked at the wide Niben, knowing there were no nearby fords or bridges. The sun, still on the east side of the river, told me it was barely mid morning. I figured there was nothing I could learn about the scroll until after dark and, well, the other stuff would just have to wait.

"Alawen, I'm no ranger, but I'm a pretty good scout and I know this area well. Since I feel responsible for getting you into this, will you accept my assistance?"

"I would welcome your help," she held up one hand as if to cut off any premature reply and added firmly, "as long as you understand that I am in charge."

Her words triggered the memory of getting an 'I'm in charge here' lecture from Savlian Matius. I nodded and replied, "I understand."

"I welcome your skills and local knowledge then," she said. "Do you know a way across the river? I fear by the time our horses could swim it, we might be quite some ways downstream."

"Are you familiar with magic that lets you travel across the surface of water?" I asked.

"The properties of nature's bounty are well-familiar to me, Buffy. I carry potions, made from tiger lily and grapes, that allow water walking. Do you suggest leaving the horses here then?"

"No," I replied, "I can cast spells that will allow them to come with us."

"I remember my disorientation when I first stepped upon the water just a few years ago." Alawen's eyes seemed to travel to a faraway place and her skeptical expression suddenly blossomed into a youthful smile. "Before long though, Sarrah, Angel and I were standing atop the waves of the Abecean, riding them into shore, screeching and laughing. . . ." The child and her smile both gradually faded before the ranger continued, "Nevertheless, I hesitate to ask a horse to deal with that sensation."

"Superian has learned to accept and even welcome traveling atop the water. I've seen your way with animals, Alawen, and I'm sure your horse trusts you." I dropped to the ground and Superian followed me to the river's edge. "Let me help you teach her."

Alawen dismounted and led her horse to me.

"What's your mare's name?" I asked.

"Charger," replied Alawen.

I moved close enough that the mare could inspect me, as water gently lapped at everyone's boots and hooves. My spell would require laying both hands upon her. Charger nosed me and I gently rubbed her neck. I noted numerous scars on the white mare, similar to those found on many of the Imperial Legion Bays. "She's an old warhorse I see."

"She belonged to my friend. Although originally a mage, Sarrah later pursued the path of steel, accompanied by this fine animal." Alawen's eyes moistened as she continued, "After Sarrah. . . died, her sister Angel brought Charger to me, asking that I care for her." The ranger blinked several times and sighed, "Now, the old mare helps me patrol the Gold Coast."

Once Charger seemed comfortable with me, I let her watch as I bathed Superian in alteration magic. The white horse then patiently endured the same spell. Always afraid of being surprised, I fished into my jewelry pouch and returned both detect life rings to my fingers. As I added a third ring that was enchanted with water walking, Alawen upended a potion to provide the same effect. We then began our training. Encouraged by Superian's example and Alawen's gentle urging, Charger was soon willing to follow her ranger out upon the surface of the river. Satisfied, I coaxed everyone back ashore.

I beamed at Alawen. "I knew she could do it, especially with your touch. I'll need a few moments before I can cast again. When I do though, let's quickly mount and start across the river." I drank a potion to speed the restoration of magical energy and help fuel another double casting of the massive alteration spell.

Before the morning sun was noticeably higher we were galloping toward it, across the smooth expanse of water.

Where the Panther joined the Niben, we found only one wreck still intact enough to resemble a ship. We came ashore, dismounted and inspected the damaged vessel. The stern plate said 'Emma May', and a gaping hole in the starboard side of her hull helped explain how she came to be nestled in the rocks along the shore.

"Have you spent much time aboard ships?" asked Alawen.

"No." I stabbed dubiously at the rotting wood with the toe of my boot. "You?"

"Yes, my duties have required the occasional search or clearing of ships in the Port of Anvil. She will be dark inside, but hopefully there are enough holes in her old hull to be able to see. She looks abandoned and there should be no reason to fight, but we need to be ready just in case. As soon as we slip inside, we will stop to assess what we are dealing with." Alawen unshouldered her bow. The staff was of sturdy yew wood, trimmed with silver at the handgrip and ears. "Ready?"

I nodded. A soft red glow briefly adorned Slayer as the fully charged bow sought my hand.

We both crawled through an opening in the hull and lowered ourselves to the interior main deck. Before our eyes could fully adjust from bright sunshine to dim shadows, I heard a sound that could not come from man, mer nor beast.

My blood ran cold as I spun to face the wailing screech. Less than three paces away was a wraith, its ethereal arms raised in challenge.

If alone, this would have been a really good time to magically disappear and devise a plan. With Mazoga, I would have jumped behind the armor-clad orc, then supported her from a position of safety with bow and spell. Alawen wasn't Mazoga though. I could neither hide behind her nor abandon her. I desperately wanted the wraith away from us. Thoroughly flustered, I cast a demoralize spell. I realized the stupidity of my panicked response, even as the magicka left my fingertips.

The undead apparition, of course, ignored the effect. I could see a globe of energy growing between its ghostly fingers, as my own hand began to form a glow that could turn the undead. The wraith was faster though. My spell fizzled as an icy blast of magic slammed into me, forcing the air from my lungs.

A reassuring twang from behind me announced an arrow that interrupted the spirit's next attack.

After failing another frantic attempt to cast my spell, I realized the wraith had cursed my magic. I reached desperately in one of my pack's outer compartments searching for a dispel potion. The spirit was upon me now and raised a glowing hand. Once again, the snap of Alawen's bowstring heralded an arrow that caused a momentary pause. I gave up fumbling for a potion and raised my bow to block, even though I could not cast a spell to reinforce it. Slayer was nearly knocked from my hand as the spirit swept it to one side. The wraith's other hand struck my shoulder with a frigid blow of such jarring force, I was knocked from my feet.

On my back now, I brought up my knees and bow defensively as I prayed for Alawen to shoot faster. Another arrow only slightly delayed the icy hand that raked freezing tracks across the front of me and completely dislodged the bow from my chilled fingers. Alawen's next two arrows allowed only one more such numbingly cold strike. Finally, the wraith looming over me issued a mournful wail and transformed into a rain of green slime.

The ranger was instantly kneeling beside me. "Buffy, can you hear me? Talk to me!"

I was still on my back, with knees and arms drawn up in front of me and shivering uncontrollably. "C-c-cold."

Alawen pressed a pink vial against my lips and helped me drink the soothing liquid. Much of it ran down my chin to join the ectoplasm that covered me, but the shivering eased a bit.

Terrified of another attack, I was able to raise my head enough to look around us for life forces. "A-a-another," I whispered through still chattering teeth as I managed to gesture at a distant glow toward the bow of the ship. Alawen picked up Slayer from the deck and pulled me along as I crawled a short distance into the stern compartment where we would be safe for the moment.

After covering me with the pelt of a wolf, the ranger's deft fingers quickly struck steel to flint and lit a torch. She planted it between two loose bulkhead planks and swirled another potion over the flame. Within a few moments, she was helping me drink the warm liquid. I did much better with this second potion and the warmth flowed through me. Soon, the shivering stopped completely, leaving my muscles exhausted and aching.

"Welcome back," Alawen said as she gently brushed the stray hair and green goo from my face.

I managed a weak smile. "She looks abandoned and there should be no reason to fight," I said, mimicking the words Alawen had spoken before we entered the Emma May.

"I take that to mean that you feel somewhat better, young elf." She pushed two more pink vials my way. "Here, you are not done drinking yet; one for healing, another to combat fatigue."

I sipped the potions as we repaired our equipment. "They hit hard, use frost and can temporarily disable spellcasting," I said. "I think we're gonna need a plan."

"I agree," Alawen said with a nod. "Having you distract the wraiths by curling up on the deck and letting them knock the urine out of you while I shoot is not optimal."

"Oh," I said sheepishly as I glanced down, "you noticed, huh?"

"It is hard to miss if you wear deerskin greaves, Buffy. At least we know what we are dealing with now. Yes, let us discuss a plan before proceeding."

* From Buffy's scrapbook: Screenshot

This post has been edited by Acadian: Apr 18 2011, 12:17 PM

Ouch! Buffy got owned by that Wraith! Good for her that Alawen was there to save the day.

We continue to see much of Buffy's personality: the way she volunteers to help Alawen, bows to her command, and of course the respect she shows Charger.

I very much enjoyed this exchange:

I sipped the potions as we repaired our equipment. "They hit hard, use frost and can temporarily disable spellcasting," I said. "I think we're gonna need a plan."

"I agree," Alawen said with a nod. "Having you distract the wraiths by curling up on the deck and letting them knock the urine out of you while I shoot is not optimal."

"Oh," I said sheepishly as I glanced down, "you noticed, huh?"

Ah, friend Acadian has decided to take over the poet's mantle from my shoulders!

I shall be away for a couple of weeks. This chapter, though, will be in my memory till then!

"Yes!" Alawen continued excitedly, "he was a sailor and his spirit must be trapped on a ship over there and I am not crazy!"
I had to double check to make sure that wasn’t Buffy talking! How charming these two are together!

What a gripping battle with the wraith! Buffy did well to even think of the dispel potion under the circumstances. She gave us such a vivid picture of what it feels like to be attacked by frost, unable to defend against it. Her courage in staying for the fight let Alawen attack the wraith unhindered while it was busy battering Buffy. And then Buffy got slimed!! Too bad ectoplasm does not come already infused with a pleasing citrus scent.

I managed a weak smile. "She looks abandoned and there should be no reason to fight," I said, mimicking the words Alawen had spoken before we entered the Emma May.
I love that Buffy’s first act upon reaching relative safety is to sass the one who’s “in charge.” There’s the dragon spirit!!

"I agree," Alawen said with a nod. "Having you distract the wraiths by curling up on the deck and letting them knock the urine out of you while I shoot is not optimal."
Oops! But it was effective. I can’t wait to see Buffy’s plan!

Loved the tidbit of Buffy training Charger to walk on water. Of course, the old mare just needed to see that it was fine before charging ahead. Likely she's seen an awful lot during her time with Sarrah and Alawen.

Mares tend to be less easily fazed by new things than the boys (stallions or geldings) anyway. Good job on capturing her personality. I'm sure Blanco would love meeting her!


This reminder of our favorite hero brought more than a faint smile to my lips!

Amazing chapter! I knew the tight confines of the ship would be hard on Buffy. That fight was great! Buffy was incapacitated almost immediately and Alawen kept cool and defeated the wraith! Aravi could have really used Alawen when she went there. She ended up running away from the wraiths.

Absolutely one of my fave chapters !!! The easy friendship between them promises to last, and I hope it does. Their interaction brings out the personalities of both, and they could be sisters by the similarities in them !!! Buffy is at her Buffyest in this chapter, and those times are always my favorites !!


This scene was so natural I just had to quote it, it was so easily visualized:




Your description of the effects of the frost spell were wonderfully done, what a great detail to enhance the story in describing everything Buffy felt from the spell, then have her summarize it for Alawen !! AWESOME WRITE !!!!!

And to top it all off, Buffy's endearing weakness, and Alawen's mention of it !!! It is so great to know that, no matter how grown up Buffy gets ... she will always be Buffy at heart !!! LOVED THIS CHAPTER !!!!