hazmick- Thank you! One big game hunt, coming up!

mALX- Thanks! Buffy’s not judgmental about the pleasuring profession but hunting does seem to suit her talents better. Besides, I don't think she can separate her heart from her netherbits. She loves shopping of course and we have an episode devoted to the treetop shoppes coming up next week.

SubRosa- Great points! Heh, Mile High Club indeed! Yup, there is the avatar of Buffy’s godmother joining her for treetop twilight dancing. I’m glad you noted that all the food an elven lass can eat is indeed very little for Cloud Dancing mer-maids. And Dangor, the shrewd innkeeper, knows it.

DE- Thank you. The treetop scene really did help Buffy find what felt like a missing piece of herself. It was very helpful to her to know that she is supposed to be the way she is and that there are good reasons for it.

Grits- The ‘personal services’ took me all the way back to the first part of Book 1 when Buffy needed coin to get home to Bravil. Someone in the IC recommended either the Guild of Prostitutes or the Arena. Thank you!

Lopov- Heh, it does pique the imagination to ponder some of the perks of a skill line called Erotic Arts. Thanks!


Previously- Buffy and Cirwen climbed to the highest branches of Lichenostra to watch the sun rise. With Cirwen’s encouragement, Buffy learned to dance in the Cloud Dancers’ lofty magical realm between Sky Goddess and Nirn Mother. A subsequent chat with the innkeeper not only highlighted that Buffy's coinpurse was light, but provided an idea for filling it that involved hunting big game.



After a long ride down, I stepped from the pod I was sharing with several other mer and headed for the elves guarding the tree’s entrance. They agreed that even though I was not a member of Lichnostra’s Sun Chaser Tribe, I would be allowed to reenter the massive graht-oak upon my return.

Once clear of the tree, Kitsune joined me. While being on foot denied me the high perch, speed and maneuverability of my mare, it did allow me to melt into the surrounding forest and bring the full arsenal of my spellcasting to bear. As I crouched into stealth, both feet blossomed a gentle blue aura that greatly subdued any noise or magical light I emitted while sneaking from the eyes and ears of foes. I was pleased to note Kitsune silently stalking by my side as we began our hunt for big game. Every few paces I pulsed the air with divination magic.

Within an hour, I detected a promising glow in the distance. Circling to silently approach from downwind I got close enough to see the elegantly curved horns and tall body of a large antelope grazing on the lower leaves of a tree.

I summoned Slayer. The bow formed in my hand and I felt its quiver settle upon my back. Nocking an arrow, I relied on the bow’s magic to help me achieve its full draw. Comfortable with the range and slight breeze in my face, I aimed carefully for what I hoped would be a painless and deadly shot.

I loosed.

The antelope never saw the arrow that entered one side of his chest. It pierced his heart, tore through the far side of his ribs, then buried itself partially into a tree before dissipating. Thankfully, the animal was dead before he hit the ground.

Kitsune and I quickly closed the distance. I pulsed the air for threats and, divining none, knelt by my prey to thank him for his bounty and wish his spirit a swift return to the forest. My Call of Corsair incantation teleported Superian from within me to my side. Knowing the scent of a fresh kill would soon draw unwelcome predators, I worked quickly to cut then quickly loop a long sturdy vine around the antelope’s horns. With the loose end of the vine firmly between my teeth, I scrambled up a tree until I could slip it over a thick branch nearly three horse lengths above the forest floor. I then quickly descended and rendered the end of the vine into a makeshift harness around Superian’s chest, cushioned by her rolled up saddle pad.

I led the mare as she pulled until the antelope was suspended with its lower hoofs dangling approximately the height of an Altmer above the ground. We then made several passes around the tree’s trunk until the vine was wrapped enough to hold the carcass aloft. I then freed Superian of the vine and positioned her rear quarters below the hanging antelope.

Next came the tricky part. My hands would not be upon Superian to guide her, yet I would need her active assistance and maneuvering for something we had not tried before. With the envisioned sequence of events firmly in mind, I sang a brief song to the mare. Comfortable that she understood the images projected through my singing voice, I nervously began to unwind the vine just enough so it began to slowly slide over the hanging branch above. The result was a somewhat controlled lowering of the animal over Superian’s ample haunches as she maneuvered enough to help receive her intended load. I then joined the mare and, with some pushing and tugging, managed to adjust the carcass' position before lashing it down.

After gratefully hugging the mighty mare’s neck, I conjured Slayer, mounted and we began our trek back to Lichenostra.

Our travel did draw the attention of a tiger, but the animal – though much larger than I -appeared to be a youngster. I knew that these majestic predators could grow to over ten times my size – fully half as big as Superian. After shadowing us for a time, he chose not to try his luck against the unfamiliar hunters and their kill.

Without further incident, we made it back to Lichenostra by mid afternoon. Kitsune disappeared again as I dismounted to lead Superian through the tree’s arched entry.

Dangor’s advice turned out to be quite accurate. I was delighted that my kill netted a full thirty of the pale moonstone arrowheads from the tribe’s butcher.

I then groomed Superian before Acadian absorbed her within us for the trip aloft. By the time I completed the long ascent, luminous lichens and torchbugs were already glowing and twinkling among the branches of this charming arboreal city.

My first stop was the bungalow of Ghaeleg and Cirwen, where I recounted my hunting expedition and tried to repay the six arrowheads they had given me.

“No, Buffy. Those were our welcome gift to you.”

My eyes lowered to the toes of my moccasins as I felt a slight flush rise from below my neckline to the tips of my ears. “I didn’t realize the steel ones that were part of my payment to you were not worthy.”

“Nonsense,” said Ghaeleg as he gently lifted my chin. “Steel arrowheads are perfectly effective. Since they do not double as currency, they are in fact ideal for situations where recovering one’s arrows could be problematic.”

A nod from Cirwen reinforced the words of her mate.

I surrendered to their logic and simply thanked them again for their generosity.

My last destination for this long day was the Crow’s Nest tavern, where I placed two of my arrowheads on the bar. “This is for tonight.”

Dangor scooped up the tribal currency. “How did your hunt go?”

“Your advice was brilliant and I no longer need fear being unable to pay my tavern bill. Thank you, Dangor.”

“Splendid,” he replied cheerfully, “Magical warming stones are preserving both your bath water and dinner, Buffy. Which would you like first?”

After a delicious meal of roasted pheasant, goat cheese and bergamot tea, I dawdled in a luxuriously warm tub until my skin was wrinkled as a sun-dried Colovian grape. Finally, I crawled into the furs of my sleeping nook. I was delighted when Kitsune appeared and joined me. The combination of our growing familiarity and small size of her spirit had rendered her use of me as a sanctuary nearly second nature to both of us.

Great update! I liked all the details you put into preparing the antelope for a journey back to Lichenostra.

A great chapter. A quick and easy hunt, which has given Buffy enough funding to live comfortably for the time being, and a comfortable ending. Most enjoyable.

Excellent to see Buffy and Superian working together to get the antelope on board. I love that she is able to share images with her mare through her singing.

Dangor the cheerful is taking good care of Buffy. He makes a nook in his inn seem as cozy as a home.

The details of the mechanics involved in the hunt and getting the game onto Superian shows how much thought you put into this! At first I thought she was raising the deer up to drain the blood from it like they do in the mountains in ETN; so was genuinely surprised when instead she was loading down Superian with the whole beast! That was amazing !!!

When he offered Buffy the hot bath and meal at the same time, I was imagining how torn any woman would be with that kind of choice, lol. Wanting so badly to get the dirt of the hunt off you, but your stomach aching to be filled, lol.

And Buffy's shame that the bartering she gave of her best arrows was like nothing in this new land was a perfect Buffy touch!

Awesome Write !!!

Good lord, they only get to mate twice a year? Talk about pressure!

I like the part when the butterfly shows up. And then they dance in the trees. Wow. And Buffy has a job too, because of her mare.



Where are you getting this from? Words turning into images. Just curious.

This post has been edited by Renee: Dec 25 2016, 01:22 AM

bring the full arsenal of my spellcasting to bear
Given the forest setting, I smiled at the clever use of final word in this sentence.

I was half expecting Buffy to summon a block and tackle to hoist the antelope carcass aloft! Maybe I have just seen too many Horatio Hornblower movies... Still, I am sure Mr. Hornblower would approve of Buffy's efforts to lift a weight that would otherwise be far beyond her muscles.

Also a very clever use of Buffy's bardic/illusion magic to guide Supes into position to lower the carcass onto her back.

The comparison of the usefulness of steel vs. moonstone arrows was a great piece of Valenwood economics. Those elves are literally shooting their money away! It makes me wonder how much a single air-to-air missile costs...

Buffy is very smart when it comes to hunting. Her whole idea on how to get the carcass on Superian was pure genius.

And I don't know why, but I absolutely loved this line, " By the time I completed the long ascent, luminous lichens and torchbugs were already glowing and twinkling among the branches of this charming arboreal city."

It was just so simple yet it portrayed what you wanted so easy and perfectly, showing that the day had basically come to an end and the night critters were coming out. I don't know it I just loved that line. Great write Acadian.

Buffy's hunting talents shine here. That arrow she loosed upon the unsuspecting prey was a death blow the beast never saw coming. How insane that it went through it and struck a tree? Deadly indeed!

As Hircine would have said, guile is one of the major aspects of a hunter. Buffy is crafty here and intelligent in loading up the beast using the vine. Wow. She used her head when muscle might have failed her, and in the end this brought her a nice warm bath, a belly full, and debt paid.

Fantastic chapter Acadian!

I think I'd love to hunt with Buffy someday!

Lopov- Thank you! With Buffy’s lack of strength and Superian’s abundance of it, the mare was clearly the answer to moving such a large carcass. And we did not want to damage the pelt by simply dragging it. I debated between a travois and the ‘hoist’ arrangement she ultimately used. Obtaining a long vine for hoisting seemed simpler and faster than obtaining two long sturdy poles given that they were trying to move on before other predators approached.

hazmick- Yup, she’s got some local currency now. And she knows how to use it! Thanks!

Grits- Thank you! Dangor is an astute businessmer but he is also a very welcoming and ‘soothing’ presence for Buffy in this unfamiliar environment. Buffy’s unique singing talent seemed a perfect solution to seek help from Superian. Buffy’s challenge was to ensure the mare knew what was coming so she would not be spooked by the unfamiliar evolution.

mALX- I so enjoy how well you know Buffy. Day in the forest + warm meal + warm tub + warm bed = happy elf. Similarly, I agree that Buffy’s embarrassment about her steel arrowheads gift after learning the value of moonstone ones was totally predictable, given her nature.

Renee- I’m so glad you asked those questions! It gives me a chance to briefly review things deeply buried in Buffy’s voluminous lore.
- Bosmer can (and do) mate whenever they want; they ovulate only twice a year however. This aspect of Buffy lore helps explain why elves don’t out breed the shorter-lived races. TES lore (Barenziah books) talks without specifics about how difficult it is for elves to conceive and give birth.
- We’ve used Buffy’s unique ability to project images via her singing voice several times in her short stories. We put a finer point on it in Episode 3 of this book when she sang to Acadian and they discussed that the gift seemed to be a combination of Acadian’s telepathic ability blended with Buffy’s skill in illusion. I suppose inspiration came from Acadian’s longstanding ability to telepathically share images from Buffy’s past with her – often to remind her of important things that help her keep daily problems, self-pity and such in perspective. I wanted Buffy to have a similar ability and thought it would be neat to base it off her already established fine singing voice.

SubRosa- Heh, Buffy would have loved me for the ability to summon a block and tackle as it would have saved her a lot of head scratching and grunting. Though her ability to summon a variety of utility objects is impressive, I restrict her to rather mundane everyday type items. Thank you - I’m so glad I followed my urge to use Buffy’s voice/image projection ability to ensure Superian’s understanding before dropping an antelope onto the mare’s back! I too am enjoying the moonstone arrowhead economy of the Tall Trees – fun but we won’t be spending so much time here that it becomes distracting or tedious.

BretonBlood- I so appreciate your comments about the line you quoted to briefly remind us of the evening majesty of Lichenostra aloft as Buffy ascended. I worked hard on that line, hoping to achieve just what you noticed about it. Woot!

DE- That Buffy has learned to partially compensate for the strength she lacks really helped in this past episode. Her magic bow provided the strength for a powerful shot and, of course, Superian did the heavy lifting. Thank you so much for your kind words!


Previously- Running low on moonstone arrowheads that the Sun Chasers Tribe of Lichenostra use for currency, Buffy went out for what she hoped would be a profitable big game hunt. After taking down a large antelope, she put her ability to project images via her singing voice to practical use by communicating to Superian the help she would need to load and transport the carcass back to Lichenostra. Her bounty did indeed comfortably fill her purse.



I awoke with Kitsune curled up between my ear and shoulder, the long fur of her tail tickling my nose. Gently moving the vixen, I sat up to stretch. “Do you know what we’re going to do today, Acadian?”

The paladin chuckled. “Of course I do. You are in a tree full of merchants and artisans and your coin purse is heavily laden with the local currency.”

In as little time as it took me to dress and eat a breakfast of forest fruit, venison sausage and hot bergamot tea, I was investigating the various shoppes incorporated into the tree’s branches. I was pleased that Kitsune was my shadow as we wandered Lichenostra's bark-covered boulevards.

I followed the wonderful smells to the food vender first. Fortunately, a freshly-filled belly allowed me to keep my coin purse closed.

For but a single arrowhead to the apothecary, I purchased a vial each of shampoo and hair conditioner. Although tempted by some of the beautiful fragrances, I opted for products that would carry no scent to fellow predators.

As I perused an impressive assortment of elven short blades, the smith explained that the moonstone required for forging them came from the mine right under Lichenostra. I noticed short pegs that protruded from the shoppe's bark-covered walls to display weaponry were actually stubby branches - apparently grown by Lichenostra for that express purpose. I saw just one set of armor. It was impressively crafted from moonstone, quicksilver and adorned with scarlet silk. The smith informed me that there was so little call for metal armor in the high forest that he only crafted additional sets as customers ordered them.

It was in the clothier’s shoppe that I found soft armors and textiles. Given how unkind Valenwood was to fabric, I was reluctant to look at frocks, blouses or nice shoes. My concern about resisting the temptation to buy proved unnecessary; although the elven craftsmanship was exquisite, neither the styles nor materials could compete with the shopping paradise of the Imperial City’s Market District. Among the armors, fur and hide seemed popular. I did manage, however, to find some leggings, a tunic and pair of boots – all of buckskin – that fit me perfectly. This second purchase of the day lightened my coin purse by another eight arrowheads.

The bowyer and fletcher were a mated pair of elves and, not surprisingly, shared a shoppe. I quickly learned that it was Lichenostra that ‘grew’ the staves and arrow shafts used for their craft. Although many of the arrows did indeed boast moonstone arrowheads, as many more were tipped with steel, flint, bone or simply finished by sharpening the end of the shaft. The feathers of a variety of birds were evident in the fletching used. Some of the pricier arrows reflected a technique of fletching that Daenlin sometimes used causing the arrows to spin in flight, thereby enhancing their accuracy. The bows were equally as diverse in price, size and degree of recurve. The bowyer offered a variety of bowstrings crafted from linen, sinew, hemp and silk.

In response to their question about what type of weapon I used, I conjured Slayer. After I explained several of my bow’s features and allowing the artisans to examine it, one of them remarked, “This weapon harnesses the power of your magicka instead of your strength. In that regard, it seems as much wizard staff as bow. Why it even fires missiles of magic instead of conventional arrows."

The remark caught me off guard and I had to reflect a moment before replying, “I was trained in both bow and the arcane. Though I haven’t thought of it that way, there is much truth in your observation. I’ve learned that I can survive without my bow; I would soon perish without magic however.”

I reluctantly left the artisans with a sense of bittersweet nostalgia, for this pair of elven artisans had sharply illuminated a truth that I had not so directly admitted until now – I was more mage than archer.

Still distracted by the conversation, I wandered the arboreal walkways somewhat aimlessly for a time. The Bosmeri sap conveyed by my mother compelled me to the soothing smells and comfort of forests, even as the Bretonic heritage of my father drew me to the musty but magically charged air that permeated places of arcane study.

Yet. . . a part of me enjoyed that, along with Sir Mazoga, I was a knight of the White Stallion. Was part of the reason I so readily embraced knighthood my closeness to the paladin that traveled within me? I relied on him now more than ever, after the death of Savlian. . . but Acadian had been a robust Nord clad in steel, protected by shield and dispensing bloody justice with a mighty blade. Could a fragile Cloud Dancer ever hope to become a paladin? Weren’t Knights Arcana in the Order of the Lamp magical knights of the Mages Guild? I had never met or even seen one. I now knew where I came from, but. . . who I was meant to become and my path ahead seemed all so confusing. I blew a stray lock of blond hair from my face and concluded that shopping was much more fun than pondering such weighty matters.

I had barely slipped through the pelt-covered doorway of the shaman's emporium when an aged voice croaked, “So you’re the Cloud Dancer raised in Cyrodiil I’ve heard about.”

The Bosmer’s craggy face was markedly lined – at least the portion of it not covered by white beard that I could see. Long white hair grew well down the back of his robes. His eyes were pale blue, but the whites were yellowed and displayed networks of tiny red lines. He was quite simply the oldest-looking mer I’d ever seen.

“My name’s Buffy, but you seem to have me at a disadvantage.”

“I know your name, child. I am called Elberond. Shaman of the Sun Chasers. Is it true that you were conceived in the branches of Aldergleam before fire so tragically claimed it, along with most of your tribe?”

I nodded.

“Welcome then, Spirit Catcher, how can this old forest wizard assist you?”

“I was trained in magic at the Arcane University, but am curious about Valenwood’s forest magic.”

Elberond eyed my vixen. “It appears you already know some of it.”

“I recently met a cousin who survived the fire and was adopted by the Strid River Valley Tribe. She taught me her Find Familiar spell.”

“Ah yes,” he replied. “Almost second nature to the tribe known for carrying spirits within themselves, but less so for other Cloud Dancers.” One hand tugged on his beard for a moment. “I presume you also know the Barkskin spell?”

I scratched my head at the unfamiliar term. “Do you mean the shielding spell I’ve known how to cast since childhood?”

He smiled and nodded. “So you do indeed carry the sap of a Tall Tree within your veins – doubtless conveyed by your mother.”

I slowly nodded my growing comprehension. “That explains much. My instructors at the University could never figure out the origin of that spell or why it costs so little of my magicka to cast.”

“Yes, ‘tis a gift from your Tall Tree that every child conceived in the clouds knows. Would you like to peruse my catalogue of forest magic spells? As a Spirit Catcher and graduate of Tamriel’s premier academy of traditional magic, I expect most of them are well within your ability to learn.”

“I’d like that very much,” I gushed.

Buffy and shopping! Why did I see this coming when she was earning those arrows?

Oh, I was kind of floored at the revelation that Buffy's bow was more magic than archer! Oh, I most def see our Bowgirl is going to be learning a whole lot about herself here, and can't wait to hear more about those spells !!!!

Awesome Write !!!!


*




BWAAHAA!!! Puts a whole lot more meaning to "Not tonight, I've got a headache..."

As Acadian explained, he was referring to their ovulation, not activity, lol.

Regarding the lore on Elves, it is important to note that it is not actually twice per year as we humans look at years because Elves live on a different time scale than humans: one year in Elf life is actually many years in human lives. So twice per year can actually span decades; plus there is a very short window of time in their existance in which this occurs (meaning most elves can only muster One pregnancy if they are lucky; it is very rare for them to concieve twice. (Barenziah was one of these rare exceptions)

Since Elves live for such extended periods, it is what keeps them from overpopulating Nirn.


*

A lovely shopping trip, with some very deep questions. It's not always easy to see the path ahead.

An interesting idea - the bowgirl is more mage than archer. I wonder if this realisation will change the way Buffy thinks?

Shopping!

Did she really need more shoes?

One technical nit: The curved nature of feathers means that it's almost impossible to produce an arrow that doesn't spin, and it wasn't until flat plastic vanes that anyone considered that. And because a non-spinning arrow would be less accurate, not for long.




This post has been edited by ghastley: Dec 31 2016, 11:44 PM

Time to go save some money!

The suit of metal armor was a nice nod to the classic elven armor of Skyland and the other ES games.

The way that Lichenostra grows to accommodate the needs of the elves is a fantastic touch. It is much better than the Green Pact of official ES lore, that would forbid them from having anything made of wood. It also makes me think that there must be some group of elves guiding this process of specialized growth. Something like a priesthood that can directly connect with the tree and prompt its actions. Now that I think of it, someone like Teresa.

Buffy continues to grow and learn as a person. Now she realizes that she is more the arcane portion of the arcane archer equation. How perfect that her summoned bow is her Mage's Staff.

And its Gandalf!

Haha. Shopping time! Acadian knows a thing or two in spending coin, it seems.

A girl's favorite hobby! And my is there an assortment of wares that would come in handy. Like those elven blades and that beautiful armor. There was just a nagging feeling that Buffy would be content with something more her speed and size, perhaps. Buckskin shoes are just the thing.

That wizard already knew of her? Guess her reputation precedes her. Aside from searching for various items at the market, maybe some spells will be of great use to her. Of interest it already is. Buffy's expanding her abilities here. A great chapter, Acadian"

After 5 years of being away from Chorrol I am back and I see you have continued Buffy's story. Once again I have reread all 5 threads of book 1 to enjoy it all over again.

Onto book 2, I'm glad to see Buffy slowly healing from the grief of Savlian's loss. Your descriptions of Valenwood are spectacular and seeing Buffy learn and grow from the challenges she encounters are inspiring.

Once again I present you with a S.G.M

This post has been edited by Doommeister: Jan 2 2017, 12:39 AM

Well, what a lovely day for her. A well-balanced meal for breakfast, and then shopping, and then being offered a book-full of new spells by an sagely sort of man.



Oh very good. I see now.

There is supposed to be a race of peoples here on Earth (long deceased) called the Lemurians who supposedly could communicate images through sound, and sound through images, that's why I asked. Supposedly, if you looked at a picture one of their artists drew, you would not just be looking at a picture, you'd be experiencing it.



Ah, how sensible. She does a lot of sensible things, your elf does.

This post has been edited by Renee: Jan 2 2017, 11:16 PM

Buffy doing what women of all races, Men and Mer alike, enjoy the most - shopping.

And she doesn't allow her fun to be spoiled by thinking of what's yet to become of her - a trait of a good shopper.

With each story we learn something new about Lichenostra. Great story!

Shopping! "Tree full of merchants" made me grin. So did the mention of the Imperial City's Market District. That made me think of Buffy's history there, so it was already in my mind when Buffy told Elberond of her time in the Arcane University.

For me the moment that stands out is Buffy's realization that she has become more mage than archer. As SubRosa said, how perfect that her summoned bow serves as her mages staff. Buffy may not see the path before her, but knowing who she is gives her solid ground to start on. What a shining moment in Buffy's story.

Yay, forest magic!!

mALX- Well, you know what a shopper Buffy is! As ever, she is torn between buckskin and silk, forest and arcanery. I’m sure you see some seeds being planted for her (very) distant future. Thank you!

hazmick- Thanks! I think Buffy’s always known she’s more mage than archer but loyalty to her dear Bravilian archery master, Daenlin, has made her reluctant to admit how dependant she is on magic.

ghastley- Too many shoes? Not possible! Oh, thanks for the insight on fletching. Buffy has forced me to learn about so many foreign things – archery, horses, elven fertility.

SubRosa- I expect our views are similar when it comes to Bosmer and trees. The elves love and care for the trees; their love and care is returned as the trees do much to provide for the elves. Thank you; as long as Buffy’s been around, she never stops evolving, growing, changing – always with plans that are no more than a few centuries away.

DE- Thank you! This was a fun episode to write as we tried to combine the disparate activities of introspection and shopping.

Doommeister- Welcome back! It is wonderful to see you rejoining Buffy’s saga. I so appreciate your kind words.

Renee- How mystically neat that we’re not the first to consider communicating images through sound! Yup, as whimsical and scattered as Buffy can get, I think it is basic survival that keeps her on the practical side of the line. She’s fragile and I figure it comes with the territory.

Lopov- I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying Lichenostra. Buffy's time remaining there grows short.

Grits- As ever, thanks you’re your warm encouragement and kind words. In thinking about it, I do recall now that the first time her bow was referred to as her mage staff was by Raminus Polus when she was at that ‘get your staff’ quest for the MG. Given how we have fallen in love with the staves in ESO, perhaps an omen? And a bit more forest magic coming right up!


Previously- Buffy spent her day visiting the merchants of Lichenostra. Some comments by the bowyer about the magical nature of her bow caused Buffy to ponder – with some confusion – her uncertain future. As we ended the episode, Buffy was engrossed in an arcane discussion with the tribe’s ancient shaman inside his emporium.



Candles grew short in Elberond’s rustic emporium as, completely engrossed, I studied his catalog of unfamiliar forest magic spells and their descriptions. The price listed after each caused me to consider my limited choices carefully. The quantity of arrowheads in my coin purse had seemed impressive when making mundane purchases, but not so when it came to the arcane.

“Two of your spells intrigue me greatly,” I finally concluded.

“The first?” he asked.

“Contingency, I replied. “The ability to have a chosen spell automatically cast whenever certain conditions are met is quite profound. Can you tell me more about the conditions that can be selected?”

“An astute choice,” he replied. “The triggering condition you set is any relatively simple circumstance that you can clearly visualize. Many of us tree dwellers set the condition to the sensation of free falling and the spell to Featherfall. Some of the coastal Bosmer set the trigger to drowning and the spell to Waterbreathing. Low health to initiate Regeneration, combat to instigate a protective spell such as Barkskin. . . the possibilities are many, and you can change both the spell and trigger simply by recasting Contingency.”

“Brilliant,” I concluded.

“And the second spell that has caught your eye?” he asked.

“Featherfall,” I quickly replied.

Elberond’s eyes widened somewhat. “I’m surprised you’ve survived your time in this high forest without it! Yes, yes, necessary for a Cloud Dancer indeed.”

“I've limited my selection to these two spells based on the number of arrowheads in my purse. I’m afraid I still find myself somewhat challenged to afford them both. . . .”

“I see,” he said while steepling his gnarled fingers. “Perhaps some bartering may prove mutually beneficial? You see, while several centuries of study have allowed me to amass quite some mastery of forest magic, I cannot say the same of the more traditional disciplines that populate your Arcane University.”

I smiled. “I do know some useful spells that I did not see in your tome. Oh, and I also have several precious gems that I recovered from the treasure satchel of a minotaur well north of here.”

Elberond rubbed his hands together. “Then we have much to discuss. Tea?”

“Bergamot?” I quipped in reply.

Elberond and I spent several more hours and as many cups of hot tea comparing notes then teaching each other some carefully negotiated spells. Well, carefully negotiated by him, that is. While I considered myself awkward and inept with men when it came to romance, I normally did not lack for feminine skill when it came to bartering with them. I was clearly outclassed by this ancient wizard though. In a tree full of small elves, my vulnerable stature earned me no sympathy. Likewise, he seemed immune to pouting, eyelash batting or any of my other tricks that often resulted in lower prices.

It was dark by the time I stepped from the old shaman’s shoppe. He seemed pleased to have learned a pair of University spells from me - Telekinesis and Paralyze. In return for that, plus all my gems and about half my remaining arrowheads, he not only taught me Contingency and Featherfall, but had diligently coached me through their effective use.

Once back in my room at the tavern, I announced to Acadian, “Tomorrow we’ll make travel preparations and say farewell to the Sun Chasers. The dawn after, we’ll move on.”

After a moment, he replied, “It matters not where we are Buffy, as long as elf, paladin, mare and dragon are together. What prompts your somewhat sudden choice though?”

“You know that both Superian and I get anxious to travel if we stay very long in one place.”

“True enough, but your simple words do not match the turmoil I feel within you,” he pressed.

I heaved a sigh, then opened up to my paladin. “I cannot be happy under a roof for very long – even one of leaves - where I have to climb an hour to feel the sun on my skin. My mare would never again feel the sunshine if we stayed here, and this part of Valenwood is not conducive to her in other ways. Superian is a working horse and she cannot do her job very well in this high canopied forest. In the outlying dense jungles or up in the trees, she is further reduced to me carrying her instead of the other way around. While I appreciate the wonderful ability to hold her within me, I crave her physical warmth and presence, touch, sounds, even her soothing smell. Traveling so far down to the ground simply to hug her is not something we could tolerate for long.” I paused briefly to catch my breath. “For all these reasons, it is clear that a Cloud Dancer with a horse doesn’t belong here.”

“But she is safe within you, Buffy.”

Both hands found my hips and, with a terrible imitation of Acadian’s deep voice, I retorted, “A warship is safe in a harbor, but that’s not what she’s built for.”

“You would turn my own words against me?” The paladin laughed – a beautiful sound to my long ears. “Point taken, my bowgirl. Let us leave day after the morrow then.”

“Don’t get me wrong, my paladin. I never would have been able to see the Tall Trees without your help. I’ve danced in the clouds, chased the sun and caught spirits. What I’ve learned about who I am and where I come from will shape me for the rest of my days. I do believe this ancient forest was placed along my path for a purpose and I confess a strong kinship to it. I just don’t think this is our destination – at least not yet.”

*

“It is your wandering nature that brought you to us,” said Cirwen as we sat crosslegged facing each other upon the pelt-covered floor of the small bungalow shared by she and Ghaeleg, “so it does not surprise me to hear that same free spirit will soon carry you beyond this ancient forest of Tall Trees. How can we help you prepare for your journey?”

I unrolled my poorly annotated doeskin map of Valenwood. “Do I understand the dense jungle I had to cross completely encircles this high forest?”

“Aye,” replied Ghaeleg as he took a knee beside us to look over my map. “The narrowest stretch of jungle is directly east of here. Once clear, you can easily continue east to Dune in Elsweyr or north toward Arenthia near the Cyrodiil border.”

Cirwen asked, “How will you and your horse cross it? You were quite vague on that point when we asked how you got here.”

“I have the ability to. . . unsummon her, allowing me to take to the trees above.”

Ghaeleg snorted. “Ha! I knew it! Some of the guards said they saw your horse simply vanish into your hands from the goat pen area while many of the huntsmer insisted those guards must have been drinking fermented tonka bean juice!”

“Ghaeleg, stop it!” chastised Cirwen. “We’re trying to help a sister Cloud Dancer, not tease her.” She turned her attention to me as Ghaeleg stood, quietly grumbling. “Now, Buffy, I understand you navigated the treetops to get here and that the sap of this forest is strong within you, but you cannot rely completely on that. I trust you know the spells Featherfall and Contingency?”

“Yes,” I replied. “I learned them from Elberond yesterday. My Barkskin shielding spell is currently assigned to the requisite condition of combat though.”

“A fine choice when ground-bound, but you would be wise to set Featherfall as your spell with the sensation of falling as your trigger when traveling through the high branches.”

“Is that what allowed you to leap without harm to the ground when we first met?”

She nodded. “That is a helpful tactic but the primary benefit is to save your life in the event of a high fall.”

“I will take your advice.” We were all on our feet now. “I-I owe you both so much. I don’t know how to thank you.”

The three of us hugged. “Keep the sunrises in front of you until clear of the jungle,” advised Ghaeleg.

Cirwen added, “May the forest ease your path, Spirit Catcher.”

I replied, “Cool waters and green grass to you, Sun Chasers.”




Note: Part 5 consists of about three episodes that will bring Buffy back to the Cyrodiil border and our book to a conclusion.