Oh crap, Daedroth. Now the Nord won’t be able to sleep all week.

A trapped ceiling and four are suddenly two. I can’t imagine shooting through a wall of fire. I’m guessing that the mage has a powerful staff in addition to his spells. Savlian is right; they can’t wait for the mage’s magicka to run out.

I also wonder if Buffy can Command the Daedroth. I know her arrows can pass through a person, so if she can just get a shot…

What a tight spot! This is tensely exciting in a whole new way from the previous battles. I know Buffy will get through, unless she is writing from the Dreamsleeve, but worrying for Savlian is also worrying for Buffy at this point. Not only are your readers admitting to being perched on the seat edges, but you have also engaged other characters! Is there even a word for that?!

Daedroth!



Again, you fail to fail when writing some heart-shattering scenarios! And Buffy and Savlian are quite in the predicament with the lack of potions! The suspense begins with the life and death situation multiplied in an even greater degree! And this is only seven or so chapters before the new book begins, am I right? Oh my! Somebody might die! . The final fight for Kvatch shall indeed reach the conclusion jn such a grand scenario of bravery! I still think someone might bite the dust. But only time will tell.

Couldn't agree more. You have such an amazing way of writing such beauty in relationships that could warm the heart of any ice queen. Haha.

DAEDROTH!! AHHH! They scare me, and Lissa even more.

And such a tense ending which leaves me itching to find out what happenes next. Will Savvy Savlian and Buffy manage to overcome the beast?

EEEEEEEP!!

This post has been edited by Rihanae: Jun 9 2012, 01:06 PM

I love your comment on the Mage's Destruction skill. It really adds coherency to the world to see you mentioning famous figures

...Any time matey...Thanks for that...

To business!!...

Aw hell...Someone dropped some Anvil[lian]s... ...That was a bit sad, espescially as they heard them groan and then the lifesigns faded... ...

Sounds like they're in for a fight and a half...

Nicely done removing the crutch of the potions, adds to the danger by some thousands of times... ...

A brilliant chapter that ramps up the danger to 11... ...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

I leave this evening for just a few days. Another pilgrimage to visit Acadian Senior. I’ll return in plenty of time to both catch up on reading and post next Friday’s episode.

During Episode 168, the small assault team clearing Castle Kvatch’s royal wing encountered a falling roof trap as they neared the Count and Countess’ quarters area. The two soldiers trailing behind Savlian and Buffy were killed, and our duo’s retreat blocked by fallen debris. Savlian’s prudent decision to clear enough rubble to retreat and return with reinforcements was preempted when he and Buffy were attacked by Daedra from within the royal quarters.

Rider- Thanks! I agree. If you can get steel into those pesky mages, they fall quickly.

ghastley- Heh, yes Murphy seems to be fighting for the other side here. Even when Savlian made the smart choice, he then had that option stripped away.

mALX- Gosh, thanks so much for saying you could feel and see what Buffy was experiencing! That is certainly music to long elven ears.

KC- Thanks for noting how much detect life is a part of how Buffy survives. She has gotten very good at reading glows and ignoring (for the most part) the accompanying distractions. Only two foes ahead it seems; how hard can it be?

SubRosa- Cut off from help and crushed potions! I was proud of Savlian’s choice to clear some rubble, withdraw and seek reinforcement; damn Daedra didn’t get the brief though. Don’t you hate it when foes don’t do what your plans call for? So now our couple is left, as you say, rolling the hard six.

Grits- Darnand and Jerric sure know the dangers posed by a Daedroth, not to mention a high powered mage. Thanks for noting the variety we’ve tried to work into the battle to free Kvatch. Clearing the city went smooth as an iron phalanx. Getting through the gatehouse and bailey was a white knuckled chaos of fire and blood. Here, S&B are back in their ‘zone’ as the warrior and his mystic archer. . . but circumstances seem to be stripping away so many of the lethal advantages their pairing brings.

Darkness Eternal- Thank you for those kind words! Things do seem a tad grim here. One way or another, however, this upcoming episode will culminate with a free Kvatch. And yes, there will be seven more episodes after this one to wind down our book.

Rihanae- I so appreciate you focusing on the beauty of what Buffy and Savlian have and what they mean to each other. Above all, I consider Book 1 to be a love story.

Zalphon- Thanks! I do try to tie (when possible) descriptions to familiar Oblivion game images. Here, a fireball of Delphine Jendish magnitude.

McBadgere- Thank you! Yes, the situation does appear to be one of the darker ones Buffy has faced. I think the elf and her man of steel are charging into quite the fight.



“The mage’s glow has moved to our left,” I warned as I closely trailed Savlian into the large royal sitting chamber. “That other Daedra – the big one - appears to be in the adjoining room to our right.”

The Dremora’s black robe blinked into view only long enough to toss a violet disc of magicka into the air. The resultant clannfear charged Savlian.

A lavender burst of magic instinctively streaked from my hand into the mage’s pink glow. Even as his renewed shroud of invisibility and summoned helper were both dispelled, I already regretted focusing my magic on his trappings instead of stripping away his underlying spellcasting ability.

My leap to the side was too slow to avoid his answering spell. As it struck, I felt the link to my own magic sever. This mage had not made the same mistake I had. The nightmare grew worse as I recalled that my potions to dispel the curse had been shattered - by the same falling roof trap that had blocked both retreat and reinforcement.

As least our foe was now fully visible. Another massive fireball billowed our way. “Dodge right!” roared Savlian. I did so, then watched in horror as my hero ignored his own command and charged our attacker!

Unable to protect Savlian with another spell to resist fire, one hand shot into my quiver. Although what remained of his surcoat was set ablaze, his great speed carried him through the flame before I could nock my arrow. As I maneuvered to bring Slayer to bear, the next fire spell forming in Dremoran hands extinguished in a spray of blood.

Legion steel dripped crimson as Savlian freed it. Smoke rose from blackened mail and he swayed unsteadily on his feet. I could almost feel his pain across the distance separating us, but I had neither magic nor potion to heal him.

The sound of Savlian’s labored breathing was suddenly eclipsed by an explosion of cracking wood. As a shower of splinters settled over us, the now doorless entrance to what I imagined to be the royal bed chamber was filled by a massive Daedra that must have been five times my weight. A snout, longer than my arm, was full of teeth and balanced by a thick tail extending well behind what could only be a Daedroth. Lifting a shovel-sized paw, the creature bathed itself in a golden glow that I recognized as a shield spell. It then loosed a fireball at me and charged Savlian.

By the time I dodged its flame, the lumbering Daedra had closed the distance to my Imperial. Savlian’s still smoldering shield took the mighty blow, but the impact knocked him hard against the chamber’s wall. Although his glow remained strong, he did not move after slumping to the floor.

While the Daedroth was raising its massive arms to strike again, I desperately loosed an arrow into its back.

My relief lasted but a second when the wounded creature turned from Savlian, for it then roared and charged at me.

A second arrow caused the Daedroth only momentary pause. With my magic still cursed and no time for another shot, I lifted my unshielded bow to block and backed up until stopped by a wall.

As the creature’s massive right fist completed its wide horizontal arc, I heard the breaking of bow staff and bones and felt my feet leave the ground.

After coming down hard, I looked up from my dazed and broken heap on the floor. The monster was raising both fists as it approached. I opened my mouth to scream.

Any noise I may have loosed was drowned out by the Daedroth’s howl of pain as it suddenly jerked both arms upward and the tip of a blade burst from the front of its chest. I felt the wet heat of the creature’s dark blood splatter across my face.

The blade just as quickly retracted and the injured monster managed to turn toward its attacker. Savlian Matius and the massive Daedra locked eyes in deadly challenge. Like two exhausted and badly wounded gladiators, they slowly circled each other until my hero stood fully between the Daedroth and I.

Savlian’s bloodied sword was poised at the ready. His surcoat had been burned away and one pauldron torn from his left shoulder. The battered and fire-blackened Kvatch shield was raised. His breathing was ragged and, although he staggered slightly, this magnificent man was somehow still on his feet. And still protecting me.

I tried to get to my own feet, but one ankle refused to move and I couldn’t feel my left arm. Not that I could have helped much; my magic was still cursed and all that remained of the mighty bow was its handgrip. I watched helplessly as even that slipped from the fingers of my useless left hand.

Filling the chamber with a mighty roar, the Daedroth charged again – impaling itself on Savlian’s sword. Momentum however, carried both man and beast over my head into the wall at my back with a terrifying crash. As the crushing tangle of arms, legs and tail fell upon me, blackness descended as well.

I awoke after who knows how long, struggling for air. My left arm and right ankle screamed as I managed to wiggle free of enough weight above me to breathe more easily. Savlian was not moving and his glow was weak. Thankfully, the Daedroth was dead. The Dremora mage’s powerful spell had finally worn off and, once again, magic flowed within me.

Whimpering in agony, I slowly struggled up to one knee. Then the other. I was vaguely aware that I had wet my greaves but that was the least of my concerns. I could feel and hear bones scraping against the inside of the mail covering my left upper arm, but couldn’t move that hand. Lifting my right fist, I managed to spill healing magic over myself and clear my head somewhat.

Savlian’s breathing was shallow as I knelt beside him. A glowing right hand traveled slowly over my fallen hero to assess the damage.

In addition to severe burns covering most of his body, numerous broken ribs now protruded into bleeding organs within his chest. Several bones along his neck and back were fractured and the rear portion of his skull had been cracked.

A wailing scream tore from my throat as I recognized what I had felt from City Swimmer and Ilend Vonius – his wounds were beyond healing.

As with Ilend however, I refused to accept it. I channeled white magic into the man who loved me. After a time, his breathing did ease and beautiful brown eyes opened. He took my hand and lifted it away from his chest, breaking the healing bond. “No, Buffy. We both know this was my last fight.”

Tears were streaming down my face. “S-Savlian, you are my mate and I love you! I will pour my magic and own life into you until we enter the Dreamsleave together.”

“Nay,” he said through clenched teeth that betrayed a stoic effort to hide his pain. “My life is gladly forfeit in the protection of yours. Allow me to succeed in this task by knowing you will live your long span of elven years. Do this not for Kvatch, but do it for me, my love.”

“Y-your city is free now,” I babbled in disbelief. “We will b-build our home together here and, in time, bear and eagle will return to your mountain.”

Savlian mustered a weak smile. “You once asked that I consider my priorities after Kvatch. I will never get the chance to show you, but I meant what I said about our future together. I know now that no empire, legion or city can fill my heart as you have. I die the luckiest man on Nirn.” He coughed blood, then managed to continue, “For a precious moment in time - while the Gods were sleeping - this unworthy soldier held a butterfly.”

As he coughed again, I cast one more spell, knowing it would merely comfort the inevitable. I then cradled his head to my breasts. Somehow managing to keep my voice from cracking, I lifted it in mournful song for the man I loved:

”We will go home. . .”

Even before I finished singing, I could feel that Savlian had left his pain behind. I slipped off the charred headband and lowered my lips to his forehead. As my eyes closed, we were standing together on the southern bank of the Strid River, our skin bathed in glorious sunshine. Savlian was holding my hands and gentle waves lapped at our bare feet. His smiling face was free of pain, his body unmarred by scars. I could sense the burdens of command and guilt over difficult choices had been lifted from his heart.

Somewhere in the distance, the sounds of faint voices and rubble being moved tugged at my ears. I ignored them.

Strong hands were now on my shoulders. Opening my eyes dispelled the sunshine. I looked up at the blood on Mazoga’s face and said, “You are injured. I must heal you.”

“It can wait, Buff,” the orc replied tenderly.

Then I noticed that it was Lucilius kneeling beside the knight instead of her mate. Concern gripped me. “Where’s Agronak?”

“He’s in the chapel with a broken leg,” said Mazoga, “but Sigrid says he’ll be fine."

“So will Savlian,” I heard my own voice say. “He was badly wounded and needs to rest.”

Mazoga’s dark eyes grew troubled for some reason as she looked at Lucilius. I heard the soldier say quietly to her, “She’s in shock, and I can see she’s lost a lot of blood from that arm.”

“Did we win, Lucilius?” My words sounded so far away.

“We did indeed, Milady. The city and castle are free. We have recovered the Count’s ring and will present it to the Countess.” He then gently peeled me from Savlian and lifted me into his arms like a child.

I tried to reach out my left hand for Savlian, but I still couldn’t make it move. “Savlian. . . .”

Mazoga effortlessly lifted my Imperial and carried him alongside Lucilius and I. “I’ve got him, Buff.”

“Be careful, ‘Zoga. I wasn’t able to fully heal him yet. As soon as Savlian’s better, he and I will begin building our home together.”

“She’s ice cold and her breathing is getting shallower,” I heard Lucilius say. “Let’s get her to Akatosh’s altar. The priests will know what to do.”

I must have drifted off a bit while Lucilius carried me, for when I opened my eyes again we were nearing the chapel. Mazoga, with Savlian still in her mighty arms, turned toward the open city gates. I could see Belle, still hitched to her wagon. Of course, I thought, Savlian would want to pay his respects and thank the farmers as they buried our brave fallen. “Don’t be long, my love,” I heard myself say as Lucilius carried me up the steps of the chapel. I was tired, and figured I would rest my eyes again. Just until Savlian completed his rounds and joined me.

Okay... wow. That is all I can say.

This chapter from beggining to end was a total masterpiece Acadian! From the fight to the beggining, to the end. it caught my attention and, I'm not afraid to admit, made me cry. it broke my heart when Savlian died.

When Buffy commented on Savlian needing rest and Mazoga had that look on her face and the soldier commented on her being in shock i assumed that Savlian had passed but Buffy hadn't accepted it.

I thought this was incredibly touching and very real. This quote brought a tear to my eye :



This was incredible, truly.

Well done.

EDIT: After confirmation through a re-read, Savlian is dead. I guess i just felt a reluctance to accept his fate, much like Buffy did later on when she encountered Mazoga.

This post has been edited by Rihanae: Jun 15 2012, 05:45 PM

This very quickly becomes grim. As Buffy points out, she’s reacting to the mage instead of dealing with him. He effectively deals with her casting ability, but that’s fortunately not where all of her skills lie.

Sav risked too much with his charge of the mage, did he forget the daedroth?

Broken bow, no magic, and in melee range with a daedroth?

Sav managed to land a killing blow, but I’m afraid in his weak state it did as well.

A wailing scream tore from my throat as I recognized what I had felt from City Swimmer and Ilend Vonius – his wounds were beyond healing.
Buffy!

“For a precious moment in time - while the Gods were sleeping - this unworthy soldier held a butterfly.”
Beautiful last words. Goodbye Savlian.

Amazing chapter. Savlian’s passing brought tears to my eyes. He can at least pass with the knowledge that his city and his love are safe and have many years in their future thanks to his sacrifice.

"We will go home."-Reminds me of the song a tavern woman sang in the movie "King Arthur".

Beautiful chapter. Skilfully written and had me devouring the words letter by letter. It was filled with despair with Buffy's injuries and the deaths of Voniou and City. The gruesome injuries of Savlian was well-written and gritty! You did not back down when writing the violent nature of battle. Admirable.

I knew someone would bite the dust, sadly.. I had a feeling it was Savlian. You did a wonderful job of making us connect with Savlian and Buffy, only to seal his fate in the final moments. It was a big battle, that much was certain and lives were lost, but ultimately Savlian was among the heroes. I wish more people read this story, it is one of the quality tales in this forum. And to think this was one part of a large saga is truly mindblowing. I wish I had an ounce of creativity as you when writing long lasting legacies.

Edit:Totally did not click on the bold link. I knew it! King Arthur! Beautiful song and I could hear Buffy singing it. Rihanae, I am sure Savlian had met his fate .

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: Jun 15 2012, 03:16 PM

I loved Buffy trading spells with the Dremora. Oh noes, she came out short though. Savlian OTOH, shows was determination and legion steel can accomplish. An even closer-call against that Daedroth. Buffy is in bad shape now, and Savlian little better methinks.

Oh noes, it is even worse than that! That was wonderfully done. I must admit I am not surprised at Savlian's end. But I did not expect it so soon. You wrote us a deeply moving scene between Buffy and her man, as he slowly slipped away into that good night. Especially good was her own refusal to admit that he was dying, as she fell deeper and deeper into shock herself.

Buffy’s worst nightmare, trapped and Silenced! The rest of the scene unfolded as if it had been occurring since the day they met. Savlian’s sacrifice charge. Buffy’s own sacrifice as she desperately drew the Daedroth’s attention. Then Savlian’s last stand.

I had to pause at that point because I was crying too hard to even make my cup of Fortify Emotions.

I still can’t find where you put the clues in previous episodes, but I’ve had a dreadful feeling since they revived the countess. Savlian’s death was a surprise, but it also felt like a natural culmination of events rather than a jarring shock. Gosh, I hope that makes sense. Masterfully told!

Savlian’s last words were heartbreakingly beautiful. Buffy’s vision of the river bank was a balm to the reader as well as a soothing transition while her mind went to a place where she wouldn’t have to cope for a little while.

Mazoga effortlessly lifted my Imperial and carried him alongside Lucilius and I. “I’ve got him, Buff.”

Possibly the tenderest moment in Book 1 for me. Mazoga is a big green hero.

I’m glad they’re taking Buffy to the chapel. Eventually she will wake to crushing loss. Between the Divines, the Lady of Dawn, Acadian in her head, the many friends who love her, and of course Superian, I know she’ll find her way through it.

Safe journey on your pilgrimage, my friend. My best wishes go with you.

I recognized what I had felt from City Swimmer and Ilend Vonius – his wounds were beyond healing.

and

Even before I finished singing, I could feel that Savlian had left his pain behind.

So Buffy knows she couldn't do anything for Savlian, and that he's gone. I hope when the delerium of pain goes away she can remember that.

So you've taken away Savlian, who's usually essential, but you've given us the Countess, who's usually non-existent. I'm sure Buffy won't think it's a fair trade, but your readers are intrigued for what comes next. Especially as Mazoga and Agronak have unfinished business.

*

This chapter was amazingly heartbreakingly real and stunningly written, your best writing ever. Poor Buffy, but lucky shock has taken her over till she is healed. Awesome, AWESOME Write, Acadian. Just Awesome !!! Perfectly written for the reader to feel they were there with Buffy, seeing it all and suffering with her what she did, what she will. Awesome Powerful Write !!!


*

Well. It is difficult for me to come up with the words that haven't already been said.

Like Sage Rose, I had a feeling Savlian wasn't long for this world. Just based on your comparison of his and Lucillius's fighting styles, I just knew that the other had a better chance at surviving to a ripe old age like Julian. You had already diverged so much from the TES mainstream storyline that I wasn't really surprised so much as saddened by Savlian's death. But he died the way he lived - protecting those he loved (okay, really the one he loved) and defending what he believed in.

Buffy's withdrawal from reality is not surprising, and quite believable, too. She'll wake up and realize the full impact of her loss, but while she is so shocky, it is actually natural that she believes he still lives. It is that belief that is keeping her alive - if she accepted his death in that instant, I don't doubt she'll follow him all the way to that riverbank. When her body is stronger, that's when she'll face the pain. And while it will be very hard for her, I think we will see the iron dragon within the butterfly butt that we have all come to love so much.

I have called Book 1 ‘Do You Know the Way to Kvatch?’ and Episode 169 saw it crescendo with freedom for that beleaguered city. Savlian completed his mission but, tragically, did not survive. He died the way we saw him live – aggressively protecting his elf with the strength and heart of a lion.

I so appreciate the supportive words from Buffy’s friends regarding her loss. We have even received several ‘sympathy cards’ via PM and your kind thoughtfulness means the world to us. It was very traumatic for Buffy and I to lose Savlian, but I always realized that our bowgirl is a butterfly. Savlian’s powerful and charismatic nature would have gradually come to overshadow our nurturing elf. At the end of the day this is the Buffy show, not the Savlian and Buffy show, so his death was inevitable. Timing was driven by the fact that there was no more powerful moment for our hero to make his departure. His impact on Buffy’s life will be profound and lasting as she tries to rebuild herself.

There is a case to be made for ending the book at this point. After all, how does one top Savlian’s blaze of glory? I refuse, however, to leave our broken bowgirl in the semiconscious state of shock and denial in which Mazoga and Lucilius found her. Therefore, we will wind things down with a seven episode epilogue. You’ll see Buffy begin to heal from her grievous injuries and start coming to terms with the much greater trauma inflicted to her heart. We’ll also share glimpses of what might lay ahead for Buffy, Kvatch and even the Empire.

Rihanae- The fact that the episode made you cry is music to my ears, for it made me cry during each and every one of its many edits. I’m also pleased that you experienced a touch of the same confusion that engulfed Buffy as she failed to deal with the reality of Savlian’s death. Thank you, and I hope you enjoy seeing more of of Lissa's mother, Oleta, in the next couple episodes.

KC- Like Rihanae, I’m so glad you were affected by both the scene as well as Savlian’s last words. He did understand the needs of his elf.

Darkness Eternal- Thank you for saying you could hear Buffy singing her song and for appreciating our selection. We started leaving bread crumbs about the bear and eagle over a dozen episodes ago so the song would have some real meaning for Buffy and Savlian. This was the second of three songs that Buffy will sing during this book. Her first was an Enya selection to Acadian after the two shared a dream of dragon flight on the way to Kvatch. Her third song will culminate our final episode.

SubRosa- Yes, sometimes good old steel trumps all the fancy magic. Thank you for understanding our choices and appreciating Savlian’s farewell. The disorientation that Buffy's injuries, shock and loss caused her to descend into was a much needed godsend for the fragile elf.

Grits- Thank you for joining me in tears at Savlian’s loss. I smiled to hear you were moved by the magnificent Mazoga. Buffy could not ask for a truer friend. Mazoga doesn’t have very many friends (can’t imagine why) so she has really learned to treasure the few she has. I hope to show more of Mazoga's profound and simple beauty in this next episode.

ghastley- As I mentioned to SubRosa, Buffy’s disorientation and semi-conscious shock were probably gifts at this point. She will begin to deal with her injuries and loss now.

mALX- Thank you for those beautiful words! I’m glad Buffy was able to share some of what she felt before she drifted into shock.

Rider- Thank you for drawing out the recent comparison between the fighting styles of Lucilius and Savlian. Savlian was a lion and a hero but, given his aggressive methods, it was no surprise that his body was a roadmap of scars. Your assessment of Buffy’s mental state at this point is also spot on. By the time she fully grasps what has happened, she will hopefully remember Savlian asking her to live her long elven life. Despite the current darkness, you are also perceptive here to realize that Buffy is an optimist by nature and that our fragile butterfly does indeed carry the spirit of a dragon.



“How is she, Priestess?”

I tried to open my eyes. Or mouth. Or even move anything - all to no avail.

“Good morning, Your Ladyship. This patient lost a lot of blood and I still have a good deal of her pain magically dampened. It seems the injury to her right ankle was only a severe sprain and bruising. The bone running from left shoulder to elbow, however, was completely shattered with numerous fragments protruding through flesh. Only the sleeve of her mail was holding that arm together. Akatosh’s altar was used to set all the pieces in place, but a Bosmer’s bones are quite light and fragile – adapted for life in the treetops I suppose. Unlike Sir Agronak’s broken leg, which took only a couple days to fully mend, it will be at least a month before that arm is healed enough to shoot a bow again.”

“I have spoken with my new court mage, who I understand is also this elf’s guildmagister. Sigrid believes our young knight will fully recover. Do you concur with that prognosis?

“Yes, Milady. Sigrid and I have worked extensively on these injuries over the past several days and are both encouraged.”

“I understand she was mated to our brave Captain Matius. Can either you or this knight at her bedside sense how her spirit fares?”

“Dame Buffy’s lots tougher than she looks.” The gruff words were unmistakably those of Mazoga. Why was she here instead of escorting Martin to safety?

“I believe Sir Mazoga is right.” The soothing Redguard accent that I now associated with High Priestess Oleta continued, “When I lay hands on this broken elf, I can feel the inner strength of spirit that I would expect from a knight, but she is warring with denial, guilt and her own will to survive.”

“Having lost Ormellius, I can understand that completely.” It was clear that the older-sounding Colovian voice belonged to Countess Odalys Goldwine. “You have done a magnificent job with all our valiant patients, Oleta. Do you need anything?”

“Yes, Milady. Despite my assurances, Sir Mazoga has not left Dame Buffy’s side for days now except to relieve herself. Squire Fanador has been delivering food and drink to sustain her. Even Sir Agronak has been unable to dissuade her from the vigil. Perhaps you can convince her, as a fellow noble, that even mighty knights need rest.”

A disapproving orcish snort reached my ears.

“Leave us, Priestess,” ordered the Countess.

“As you wish, Milady.”

After a few moments I heard Lady Goldwine’s hushed voice. “Sir Mazoga, I have spoken frankly with Martin about his. . . destiny. He has requested and received my leave to proceed under the protection of Baurus, you and Sir Agronak. Those who would attempt to destroy an entire city to kill one man will stop at nothing. I fear for both Martin’s safety and that of my city. You heard the Priestess; in time, your friend will recover. Until then, she is in good hands.”

“Forgive me, Your Countessness. I’m a knight only because of Dame Buffy’s bravery, skills and belief in me. I won’t budge from her side until I hear it from her.”

I tried to speak, but my lips refused to move.

“Martin warned me of your stubborn loyalty, knight, but I must confess admiration for it. Despite her injuries and loss, Dame Buffy is fortunate to have such a friend. Think on what I have said about the danger to both Martin and Kvatch. I hope that our brave young knight will soon be able to grant your leave.”

“It’s time for this small patient’s daily visit to the altar.” Oleta’s voice signaled her return.

I was gently lifted and carried by mighty arms that could only belong to Mazoga. My right hand was placed on what felt like stone. I recognized the comforting magicka that washed over me as the healing power of Akatosh. I was able to briefly flutter my eyes open long enough to see the blurry image of Mazoga’s beautiful face. “Rest now, Buff,” she whispered. “I’ll put you back in bed now. You’ll feel better in the morning.”

I drifted off to sleep, in search of Savlian Matius.

*

When next my eyes opened, Mazoga was sitting next to me. “Morning, Buff. Welcome back. I sure been worried about you.”

I could feel my left arm was bound to that side. Someone had put me into my University green bag and my right hand was engulfed in Mazoga’s. I lifted my head. There were several beds on both sides of me but, save mine, all were empty. I looked around, my eyes searching.

“He’s not coming back,” said Mazoga gently.

I blinked as tears filled my eyes. “P-part of me knows that, ‘Zoga, but I can’t help expecting him to walk right into the door of this chapel.”

“I can tell you loved him very much.”

“He was my h-hero, battle-scarred but invincible. I-I can’t. . .” my words turned to mournful sobs and my body began shaking as Mazoga carefully pulled me into her arms, “. . . c-can’t believe he’s g-gone!” More waves of sobbing tears shook me after finally giving voice to what I had struggled to deny.

“I don’t know what I’d do if I lost Agronak.” Mazoga’s words tenderly wrapped around me. “When my friend Ra’vindra was killed, I was lost for a long time. I turned really mean and did some bad things. But a little elf somehow saw beyond the angry monster I had become. She believed in me, helped avenge Ra’vindra and made me a real knight. Then she sent me a champion – the orc of my dreams. Everything good in my life is because of you, Buff. Savlian Matius led a city to freedom and is the hero of Kvatch, but I’ll always be grateful to him because he saved your life from that big Daedra thing with the teeth and tail. He’d only want the best for you.”

I looked up as huge green thumbs tried to wipe my tears. “You’re right. H-he told me to live my long elven life.” That much was true; then I lied to my friend: “I will be fine.”

“I know you will, Buff. Like I told Countess Kvatch and that Priestess, you’re tougher than you look.” She then managed to curl her upper lip into a smile. “They haven’t seen you face down a hungry she-orc who thought your horse was breakfast.”

I felt the fleeting visit of a faint smile while recalling the rocky beginnings of my friendship with Mazoga. “I was terrified that you were going to crush me, but when it comes to Superian I don’t count the cost.”

“Savlian clearly thought the same way about you, Buff. It’ll take time for both that arm and your heart to heal – but they will.”

I couldn’t believe that the hollow pit of pain where my heart had been torn from me would ever heal, but that is not what my sister knight needed to hear. “You made a promise to Martin, contingent upon a free Kvatch. It’s time now to follow your destiny as a Knight of Akatosh.”

Mazoga raised one battle-singed eyebrow. “Are you sure you’re ready for me to leave your side and take up that quest?”

I commanded a smile to my face. “Yes. I expect Brother Baurus is quite anxious to get his charge to safety – with the help of you, Agronak and Fanador.”

“Brother Baurus?” Mazoga frowned. “More like Mother Baurus. He hasn’t let Martin out of his sight.” In response to my own lifted eyebrow, she added sheepishly, “Any more than I guess I’ve let you out of mine.”

I nodded.

“Okay, Buff. I know the others are ready. I’ll have Fanador load up Lunch Bucket - our donkey - and we’ll leave this afternoon.”

Suddenly I felt Acadian stir. During my time at the chapel, his emotions had been raw and confused like mine. I knew that he shared my mourning for what had been taken from us. What I felt from him now however, was quite specific. Although I could fathom no reason for his silent and cryptic request, I trusted my paladin. “Will you get my pack, ‘Zoga?”

“Sure, it’s right here under the bed.”

After she helped me find the sheets of parchment I sought, I pushed them into her giant hand. “The evening after we closed that Oblivion Gate, Savlian had me write down what we learned inside the Deadlands. I can’t explain why, but I think you and Agronak should have this.”

“Whatever you say, my wise little pal.” The notes went into her pack. “Go back to sleep now, Buff,” she whispered as her tusks and lips gently grazed my forehead. “Agronak and I will take care of Martin.”

This post has been edited by Acadian: Jun 22 2012, 01:44 PM

Now the main quest finally moves forward - without our little dragonfly.

And our dragonfly finally begins to accept her hero's loss. As broken as her heart is right now, it will mend, just like her arm. How appropriate that Mazoga reminded Buffy of her impact on our favorite Orsimer Knight.

And we see the depths of the friendship between 'Zoga and Buffy. If nothing else, this will help Buffy begin to heal, this and Superian's love.

I have to admit that I didn't cry reading the last episode when Savlian died. I suppose I felt the battle shock too much to be affected. But reading Buffy's natural reaction as she begins to grapple with his loss has made my eyes suspiciously wet. And I'm blowing my nose - always a good indicator of emotional involvement.

And I see our paladin was also affected by the tragic turn of events. I'm sure he is feeling every pain and ache in Buffy's body and spirit, but I'm glad he has retained enough sense of mind to get those notes to 'Zoga. I've a feeling our Orsimer Son's Champions will need them! I doubt that they will let Martin down, nor do I doubt that the Oblivion Crisis will drag on much longer with those two in charge!

Oh, I see. It is interesting the way you had done their relationship and these hints with the bears and eagles. Damn myself for not catching any of that. Poor Buffy, a month without using the bow. I suppose for her it is a relief she won't have to engage in any strenuous activities for awhile, not after what had happened. But every Bosmer loves their bow. Sad that she went to sleep to search for Savlian once more...it is tragic to know she can only see and meet him in memories and dreams. The part where she cries and sobs is also very heartbreaking. Just reading it makes me sad. It is amazing how characters in a story can impact us even in minor moments such as these, eh? And a new quest begins with Martin Septim. This is a great saga, Acadian!

Another powerful and emotionally captivating chapter, but in a much different way to the previous.

I enjoyed very much the conversation between Mazoga and Buffy. The deep love that Mazoga clearly has for our Dame shines through perfectly.



The above quote from Sir Mazoga brought my heart to a warm flutter. This act of reassurance and comfort was just what dear Buffy needed. It might not ease Buffy of her greif, but at least she is assured that she is not alone.

And not only that, of course, but the caring attitude shown by dear Oleta.



This line felt very powerful for me.

Another great chapter and the first part of what I'm sure will be a very fitting finale.

The countess checking up on Buffy, and it sounds like she isn’t the first to come. Mazoga! I am glad to hear that she’s stayed with Buffy, she needs a friend like that big orc when she wakes.

Awww… I knew this was going to be difficult when she woke. I’m tearing up again.

The paladin realized what was coming while Buffy was hurt. He was wise to have their knowledge of the gates given to the orcs. They will need that knowledge.

Another hugely touching chapter. Buffy pretending to pull herself together for the sake of Martin's safety was heroic, even if she never will wear the title of hero. You excelled yourself in these last chapters, totally AWESOME WRITE !!!!!!!! Poor Buffy

This post has been edited by mALX: Jun 22 2012, 10:45 PM