Beautiful story! I dare to say that it's been my favorite so far.

I like it how Buffy immediately sensed "vampirism" in Aravi, but kept her thoughts to herself for a while. I expected the healing process would be futile in the end, but at least it was worth a try. Describing vivid scenes which she experienced during healing, was a nice touch.

There is much I don't know about Buffy but I found this statement most interesting. From one Hunter to a Slayer, Jandaga has for quite some time carried a portable Cleansing Shrine he found in one of the lost spires. He uses it daily in order to keep the disease in remission.

I loved this healer episode! Buffy’s description of her process was fascinating. My favorite part was when she touched on what I’m guessing is Aravi’s memory or nightmare in the vision of the inn patrons and the sunrise. Is speaks highly of Buffy that she is still willing to help people, knowing that through their contact she may see things she doesn’t want to see and learn things she doesn’t want to know.

Previously- Buffy was surprised to learn that her new friend, Aravi, was infected (but not turned) by an unusually pernicious form of vampirism. Buffy’s offer to attempt a healing was accepted but proved unsuccessful. Aravi would continue to need routine healings or potions until she could find a permanent cure. The Khajiit assisted Buffy in getting the dead Legion rider aboard his horse before the two ladies parted ways. Buffy then resumed her ride to Bravil with the Legion mare, carrying the corpse of her former rider, in tow.

*

SubRosa- Neat observation I hadn’t thought of as you compared Buffy’s reluctance to admit she’s a Slayer with a superhero’s challenges regarding maintaining a secret identity. As you recall, Buffy’s style of healing is quite intimate, empathic and personal. That allows a superb degree of accurate diagnosis but carries the limitations of requiring a physical bond (laying on of hands) and having to deal with some of what spills over to her, both physically and emotionally. In her world, restoration magic is more impersonal, safer for the healer and can be cast from range. Buffy’s healing is more like that of a priest. . . or paladin.

Renee- Buffy’s quick to blame herself whenever she fails to save or heal an ally. So it was with both that soldier and Aravi. I expect Aravi knows basic restoration healing/cure spells; Buffy’s healing is more specialized/focused but, alas, not up the task of fully curing Aravi.

Lopov- Why thank you! Buffy overcoming her reluctance to heal Aravi is another small step along her path of embracing the responsibilities inherent with her gifts and abilities.

macole- What Aravi told Buffy about the vampiric condition she deals with is pretty close to what King Coin described in his writings and showed in his Oblivion vids with Aravi. He did use a mod, and his depiction was quite close to the mod. I’m not familiar with the mod but it sounds like you may well be.

Grits- I’m so glad you enjoyed Buffy’s attempt to heal Aravi. As you can see the process is rather intimate, allowing her to glimpse into the medical history, mind and even spirit of her patient. If you recall, healing a small purposefully inflicted wound upon Martin Septim is what allowed Buffy to announce with certainly that his veins carry the blood of a dragon.

*

All- Once again, I want to thank King Coin for allowing this brief encounter between Buffy and Aravi. As far as Aravi’s condition, she ultimately traveled to Skyrim where the Companions were able to remove all hints of vampirism by infecting her with lycanthropy. Perhaps not an ideal solution but, at last report, Aravi seemed satisfied with the tradeoff.



Ayleid glow stones that had been provided by my guildmate Carandial’s research expeditions to nearby Anutwyll softly lit the interior of Bravil’s Bay Roan Stable. I had wiped down Superian’s tack and dispelled it before starting to groom her. Satisfied with her feet, I exchanged the hoof pick in my hand for a curry and began to scribe circles over her coat to loosen debris and stimulate the flow of oils. Antoine led in the Legion bay mare that no longer carried the corpse of her former rider. The ruddy-faced stablehand began loosening then removing her tack. “Well?” I asked.

“Me and the same guard who took your report delivered that soldier to the chapel,” replied the Breton. “They let us bring the horse right inside before unloading his body. A priestess then wrapped him in a cloak of frost so he’d . . . keep until Captain Lerus gets over there and decides what to do with him. I figure they’ll let me know what they want me to do with the soldier’s mount here.” Expert hands quickly finished stripping the bay of her tack.

I passed Antoine the hoof pick and began flicking loose hair and debris from my own mare with a brush. “I’m sure they’ll let the soldier’s family – if he has any – know what happened to him.”

“A shame,” the Breton replied soberly as he began grooming the Legion horse. “You and Superian home for a time now? I know Button and Aetherius appreciate her company.”

In response to hearing his name, Carandial’s bay raised his head above the wall of his stall. Antoine smooched toward the gelding, then began rubbing the curry over his current customer. I knew Button, the chapel’s draft shire, was still out in the corral enjoying the evening. “Only for a day, perhaps as many as three,” I finally replied. “Then it’s back up to the University.” I set aside the brush and reached for a burlap rub rag. “Have things been quiet here then?”

“Aye, ‘cept for a paint that only stayed one night. Belonged to some monk. Strange stable markings on his tack I never seen before. Crossed blades beneath a crown.”

I paused at the description of markings associated with the Emperor’s Blades. “Is there anything else you can tell me about this monk?” Superian bumped me with her head so I would resume my gentle strokes with the rub rag.

“He said the less I knew about him the better. And he paid up front. He kept the hood of his brown robe pulled up. About all I could tell was that he was a big Redguard. Oh, and he carried a katana – odd for a monk maybe, but I’ve heard the wilderness just isn’t safe anymore.” Antoine exchanged his curry for a brush. “Anyway, he got here the day after you left and, like I said, only stayed one night. Can’t say I blame him. That was the night old Hans Black-Nail was murdered.”

Before I could reply, Captain Viera Lerus swept into the stable building. “Ah, there you are. Thank you, Buffy. One of my guards relayed your report to me. Damn wills-o-the-wisp.” She spat on the floor. Antoine twitched in response and the muscles of his jaw rippled. The stable hand managed to look totally absorbed in grooming as his brush busily flicked loosened horse hair off the Legion mare and directly toward the officer. Lerus, apparently oblivious to the insult, continued, “Octavius was only recently assigned the route between The Imperial City and Leyawiin.”

“Do you know if he has any kin?” I asked.

“Yes,” the Imperial replied. “His people are up in the capital. I checked with the Imperial Trading Company’s office here and the Black Swan is due for a brief stop at dawn tomorrow before continuing north. I booked passage for Octavius’ body, his horse and an escort. One of my soldiers, Petronius, has some leave coming up in The Imperial City, so I’ll be sending him.” She turned to Antoine. “You there. Meet Petronius at the chapel early tomorrow with that mare. The plan is to use Ocatvius’ horse to carry his body down to the dock and load both onto the Black Swan at sunrise.”

Antoine met her gaze coolly. “I’ll do as you ask. This mare and her former rider deserve a smooth trip home.”

“Captain,” I said, “Antoine tells me Hans Black-Nail was recently murdered?”

“Nothing you citizens need concern yourselves with.” She began to turn, then paused and gave me a thin smile. “Once again, I appreciate your service to the Legion and will mention it in my report to Count Terentius.”

Mention of the name reminded me of my purpose in Bravil. I blurted, “Can you help me get an audience with the Count? It’s about the Oblivion Crisis.” When my words were met with an unreadable stare, I added hopefully, “I have a letter of introduction from Arch Mage Traven.”

“What does the Mages Guild have to do with the Oblivion Crisis?”

“It will take many disparate forces working together to defeat the foes that threaten Tamriel. My message is for Count Bravil however, not for the fine horses who populate our city’s stable. It does involve martial matters though, so I would ask that you attend as well.”

She slowly eyed me from ear tips to boots. “Very well. Report to the Count tomorrow morning at ten.” She then wheeled and left the stable.

After a few moments, Antoine grumbled, “Spittin’ on my floor and bossin’ me around like I was one o’ her guards. . . I hope horse hair makes her itch and sneeze.”

As soon as my fingers, deft from practice, had removed any tangles from Superian’s long mane and tail, I bid farewell to Antoine and made my way into the city.

Using Welkynd Stones to illuminate the stable sounds much safer than flame-burning lanterns. It always amazes me that stables did not all burn down in the old world.

I would much rather eat curry than a pick. But you aren't supposed to smear it all over a horse!

Great to hear from Button and Aetherius again!

I wonder who this mystery monk of the crossed Blades was? Baurus perhaps? Wait, Hans Black-Nail was murdered the same night he was in town? Me thinks Baurus thinned out the Mythic Dawn by one member.

The Black Swan would be a great name for a pirate ship. It would have to be captained by Natalie Portman of course.

The hospitality of the Bravil government seems somewhat lacking of late. What am I saying, of late? I doubt Buffy's mission in her home town will go as smoothly as it did in Leyawiin.

Once again I am struck by our opposite views of certain guard captains. I do quite like how you portrayed Viera Lerus here, very Imperial and snooty (almost Altmeri) in her attitude towards the stable folks.

Baurus did cross my mind when I read Antoine's description of the monk, however there are plenty of other Redguards that match - Achille and Belisarius come to mind. Anyway, I look forward to hopefully learning the identity of the mysterious monk.

And I also look forward to Buffy's encounter with Count Terentius of Bravil!

And through all of this, I keep thinking - poor mare, having to lug the dead body all over the Niben!

Another mystery, this time involving the hooded monk and the death of a sleeper. Like others, I'm curious to what will follow. And I'm also curious to how Buffy's meeting with Terentius will go - he's probably the most vulgar Count in Cyrodiil and might turn to be an unpleasant negotiator.

Great to hear that the Blades are getting things done in mysterious ways! Antoine made this scene sparkle. It was lovely to see Buffy caring for Superian. Ugh, Captain Lerus sure won’t be a friendly face at tomorrow’s meeting.

I get the impression that Hans Black-Nail might have raised suspicions before he was outed by the presence of the Blade, whoever that is. So Viera Lerus probably doesn't consider it a murder, as Antoine does.

Given the divergence of Buffy's story from the regular Champion one, almost any of the Blades will have to fulfill some of the roles from time to time. It could even be Jauffre. But Count Terentius won't have changed, or been replaced by a sleeper.

Previously- Once in Bravil, Buffy ensured the Legion mare and her deceased rider were taken care of, earning the favor of the city’s guard commander. Buffy took the opportunity to ask the officer for (and receive) an appointment with Count Terentius for the following morning.

*

SubRosa- I agree about stables and fire; it seem very natural in Buffy's magical world to use something other than flame to illuminate them at night. Thank you, as ever, for letting me use Button from Teresa fiction in Buffy fiction.

Rider- I hope to portray Viera as rather ‘gray’. She is indeed a bit snooty and has had to adapt/compromised somewhat to serve as guard captain for a lousy and demanding count. She will more or less stand up for Buffy from a Legion perspective when required though as we’ll see in a couple episodes. Though the mysterious Redguard Blade’s identity will remain a mystery, my hope was indeed that Baurus would come to mind. I chuckled when you said you were looking forward to Buffy’s encounter with Count Terentius – she is dreading it! Hee!

Lopov- We’ll definitely hear and see more about Mythic Dawn sleepers while in Bravil. Buffy will settle in and catch up with friends a bit in this next episode, then meet with Count Terentius in the episode following today’s. I hope the likely sparks will be worth the wait.

Grits- I’m so glad you enjoyed Antoine at the stable. As you know, Buffy loves her precious mare. Though Buffy and Viera Lerus will never be pals, the guard captain will actually speak up somewhat for Buffy when it counts (no pun intended).

ghastley- I’m intentionally creating some questions that, for Buffy (and readers), will remain unanswered. Was the Redguard Blade Baurus? Was Viera’s ‘nothing citizens need concern themselves about’ attitude regarding Hans’ death simply reflective of her somewhat snooty/dismissive nature or did the Blade perhaps advise the city’s guard commander of his action as a law enforcement courtesy?



“Buffy!” exclaimed the Bosmer as I breezed around the shop’s counter and into her arms. “I take it you’re done with whatever called you away to the University?”

I eased out of the embrace and took her hands. “I’m afraid not, Nilawen. My task just happily brings me home to Bravil for a brief time.”

“Does Daenlin know you’re in town?” she asked.

“He’s my next stop,” I replied. “Do you have any fresh flowers?”

Nilawen smiled. “Yes, take those.” She pointed to a lovely bouquet of tiger lilies and domica redwort filling a vase on her counter. “I just cut them from my back garden a couple hours ago. I’ll replace them in the morning.”

I fished out a couple silver pieces from my silk coin purse and pressed them into her hand. Plucking the flowers from their vase, I commented, “I noticed the Fighters Guildhall next door is dark as if no one’s there?”

“Yes,” she replied. “Tadrose stopped in a couple days ago to stock up on some supplies for the guild before they left. Apparently, her commander got word from Guildmistress Vilena Donton for the whole branch to report somewhere. She wouldn’t tell me where, or even when they might be back,” Nilawen lowered her voice even though we were alone in the shop, “but she bought several wolf pelts so my guess is somewhere cold.”

“Well, stuff me gently,” I mused aloud. “I leave for a few days and look what happens? The whole Fighters Guild ships out and Antoine tells me Hans Black-Nail was murdered!”

“Oh, that was just awful!”

“What exactly happened?” I asked.

“It’s very mysterious and the guards aren’t talking about it,” she replied. “Ask Daenlin. He was the first one there before any soldiers showed up.”

“Thanks for the flowers, Nilawen.”

My next stop was the Archers Paradox, which was as dark as the Fighters Guild. A spell unlocked the door and another illuminated the interior. Digging around in one of Daenlin’s cupboards, I found the vase I had given him several years ago, filled it with water and placed it on his sales counter. I then arranged the flowers – like arrows in a quiver - and slipped out of the shop. Yet another spell relocked the door. Knowing Daenlin to be a mer of habit, I had a good idea where to find him.

As the Lonely Suitor Lodge came into view, a smile grew across my face. Standing under the light of a street lantern just outside the tavern and rubbing his full belly was my archery master. I called out, “Can you walk a girl home?”

Daenlin braced himself and caught me as I flew into his arms. “Oomph! What a happy surprise! How long are you in town?”

“Not long.” I felt safe and contented within the embrace I had known since before I could walk. “No more than two or three days I expect.”

After a squeeze, the old Bosmer gently pushed me to arms length to inspect his apprentice. I recalled being no taller than his waist when he began my archery instruction. But now, I was fully grown and could see over his shoulders – the same shoulders I had ridden upon as a little elf. “Welcome home, Buffy, even if for too short a time. Are you headed to your guild then?”

I nodded and repeated my request. “Walk me home?”

“Of course.”

I took his offered arm in both of mine as we leisurely strolled across the bridge above the tributary that bisected the city on its way to the Niben, and began catching ourselves up on each other’s news. I was pleased that, when we reached the end of the bridge, Daenlin turned toward the Warlock’s Luck and castle instead of taking me directly to my guild. “Nilawen said you discovered the body of Hans Black-Nail. That must have been awful. What happened?”

“It was a little later than this time of night,” he began. “Hans left the Suitor while I lingered over an ale. Only a minute or two later, we all heard a brief ruckus outside. I was first through the door and there was Hans on the ground. His head lay several feet away from his body – cleanly severed. There was blood all over the ground of course.”

“Who killed him?” I queried.

“There was no sign of his killer so whoever it was must have been skilled enough to decisively dispatch Hans then quickly disappear - all in a matter of moments.”

“As healer,” I pondered aloud, “I’ve seen plenty of fatal neck injuries inflicted by swords but they’re usually quite messy. I should think it takes a superb blade in the hands of a highly proficient and strong warrior to cleanly decapitate a foe.” I remembered Antoine’s description of the mysterious katana-equipped Redguard who I suspected was a Blade, how his brief visit coincided with Hans’ death, and the warning Agronak had given me about Mythic Dawn cultists before I left the Arcane University. “Do you know if there was any sort of tome or scrolls in Hans’ belongings?”

The old mer stared at me for a moment. “Why yes. He had a book with him. Something about a mystic dawn or such. The guards took it as soon as they showed up. How did you know?”

“I fear it’s related to my current tasking by the guild.” I winced. “I-I’m afraid I can’t tell you much more.”

Daenlin stopped us. Placing a hand on each of my shoulders, he turned me to face him. “Buffy, what in Mara’s name have you gotten yourself into?”

“Someday I’ll tell you, as we enjoy a warm bowl of stew made with venison from a joint hunt. For now, just know that the Mythic Dawn is a cult of very dangerous people in league with Mehrunes Dagon. Hans’ death was the work of lawful agents of the Empire, not criminal assassins.” I pulled his arm comfortably around me against the evening’s chill and coaxed him toward my guild – and a lighter subject. “Has hunting been good the last few days, Master?”

Have you ridden horses, Acadian? You sure know a lot about them. In my roleplays, I always imagine the stablehands do a lot of those caring for horses. And then we "tip" (bribe) them.

Cool. Yes, she's got Nilawen and also the Bosmer who runs Archer's Paradox to chat with. Saga always chats with Daenlin for a couple hours, while I press the Wait button. Oh by the way, a perfect arrow flies forever.



Right. I'm thinking a huge battleaxe or something BIG. Buffy seems to think katana though. Well. Seems she's about to get sidetracked.

Button is fixture in Bravil, just like Olava the Fair or Antoine. It would not be Bravil without her. Like Michael Moorcock's Eternal Champion, she exists across all universes.

Uh oh, the Fighter's Guild is headed to Bruma. It will be a hard trip for them.

I liked Buffy's casual use of spells to lock and unlock doors, and navigate around.

Buffy can see over his shoulders? Is she standing on a crate?

Well that Mythic Dawn book puts the nail in Han's murder.

Whew! Julian is glad to be counted among those these days! Though it was the Nord she killed, not Hans, but still . . .

Which makes me wonder if it's worthwhile having Julian encounter these sleeper agents who did not run across her during her Grand Tour . . .

Loved visiting with Daenlin again. He's such a sweetheart - won my heart ever since he said "I'm so happy to see you I could burst!"

It's possible. Male Bosmer are generally shorter than female Bosmer.

More details behind Hans' death - it might have been for good, it seems.

I like the scene as Buffy makes her way in the shop, arranges flowers for Daenlin, then leaves. And domica redwort even - the pretties flower in Cyrodiil.

Previously- As Buffy made her way into Bravil to spend the night at her guild, she paused at the general store to catch up on news with Nilawen, then sought out her archery master, Daenlin. She discovered the Bravil Fighters Guild branch had recently shipped out to ‘somewhere cold’. She also learned more details about the death of Hans Black-Nail – enough to conclude that Hans was a Mythic Dawn cultist and the Blades were almost certainly responsible for his demise.

*

Renee- My experience with horses was fairly limited prior to Buffy. She came out of the chute as a horse crazy elf though so my work was cut out for me as I schooled myself on horses. Wiki, Acadian Sr, mALX and Rider contributed greatly to what has become a workable enough knowledge, I think, to support a mage’s magical horse. I think you are right about stablehands. Buffy and Superian are very often on the road without access to stables however, so it has become a necessary habit for Buffy to ensure the mare’s needs herself. That frequent time together is important to Buffy and Superian both.

SubRosa- We’ll see more of Button before leaving Bravil. Buffy was absolutely thinking about Pappy, Tadrose and Teresa when she learned that the FG had shipped out to ‘somewhere cold’. You and I both enjoy the creativity of incorporating magic into daily matter-of-fact life. Yup, I think we got old Hans’ number.

Rider- It was fun spending time with both Nilawen and Daenlin since they both figured so prominently into her childhood in Bravil. As you recall, Nilawen was midwife at Buffy’s birth upstairs in her shop while Daenlin sat nervously on the front steps of the shop with Buffy’s father as the rising sun announced Buffy’s birth.

macole- We adjusted Buffy’s height in Oblivion to 0.88 and her weight to 0.80. Our target for her is 4’10” and 85 lbs. I figure Daenlin is about 5’4” so Buffy should be able to peek over his shoulders. Incidentally, Buffy thinks in terms of standing 14.5 hands to the top of her head and weighing 6 stone.

Lopov- Thanks for noting the scene in Daenlin’s shop. I try to bring attention to the beautiful relationship between the old archery master and his devoted protégé whenever the opportunity allows. Even though Buffy will not agree, Daenlin realizes the skill of the student has eclipsed that of the master – and he views that as his greatest achievement.



After a short predawn ride, I had unsummoned Superian’s tack and already given her a light grooming by the time the sun spilled its first golden rays into the stable. Though the facility was modest, Antoine kept it well-mucked out and reliably ensured his guests had plenty of fresh hay and clean water available. “Dawn,” I complained with a giggle, “I’m trying to treat Superian to a couple handfuls of grain here and I can’t see what I’m doing with you fluttering around my face!” I sighed as the butterfly quite ignored my hint for her to move out of the way. By the time I finished and headed back to the guild for breakfast, Dawn had winged away.

I frowned as I contemplated my pending appointment at the castle later in the morning. While Count Leyawiin was an ally and could be relied upon to conduct business in a gracious and courtly manner, my limited dealings with Count Bravil had shown him to be a rather pompous boor and openly disdainful toward Bosmer.

*

Count Regulus Terentius slouched upon his throne in wrinkled blue velvet that had seen better days. I was not encouraged by the frown as he read my letter of introduction from the Arch Mage. When finished, he passed the parchment to Fathis Aren. “Tell me, Court Wizard, is this genuine? Am I to believe Traven trusts a bark biter dressed in animal skins to do his bidding?” He turned to me as Fathis began studying the letter. “Viera tells me you recovered the body of a Legion rider while frolicking in the forest or whatever you elves do. She believes your story and talked me out of having you arrested for attempting to steal a Legion horse. I assure you though, that if you’re expecting some sort of reward for scavenging the dead, you’ve another thing coming. And you have the gall to call yourself a knight!“

“Milord, I am only a knight errant.”

“Yes, yes, and dubbed by that fool in Leyawiin.”

“Milord, I -“

“Silence!” he growled. “Alessia and I were quite close. Several times while enjoying my hospitality as she traveled to or from visiting her mother in Chorrol, the poor dear expressed concerns about how highly her husband spoke of you.” He looked me up and down as if undressing me with his eyes. “I can imagine the currency you used to purchase your title. Why, I wouldn’t be surprised if you and Marius Caro framed Alessia for treason just so you could get her out of the -“

“Ahem.” The timely interruption came from Fathis Aren. “Milord, this missive from Arch Mage Traven is not only genuine, but the heir he refers to is consistent with what the Elder Council has told you.”

Count Terentius looked disappointed. “Damn mages are nothing but trouble; however, Traven has Ocato’s ear and ready access to the rest of the Council.” He sighed as if disgusted. “So, tree elf who would call herself both knight and mage, speak.”

I had expected a cool reception but was still taken aback by his uncourtly words and manner. I quickly convinced myself that the man’s petty insinuations paled in significance when measured against the task at hand. I would not allow him to goad me into an angry response. “Count Terentius, I briefly met Martin Septim some time ago and, more recently, have spoken with his champions. He needs your aide.” I then carefully detailed the grave situation. After describing Martin’s desperate plan to permanently seal shut the jaws of Oblivion, I added, “Tamriel’s next Emperor will remember those who assist Bruma during her time of need,” I paused briefly, “and those who do not.”

The Count’s face was unreadable as he turned to his guard commander. “Viera, does this elfling know what she’s talking about?”

The soldier’s voice was measured as she replied, “Dame Buffy’s name is known within the Legion. Those who served at Kvatch confirm that she entered Cyrodiil’s first Oblivion Gate with Captain Savlian Matius and helped him close it. She then fought at his side as the small force he commanded retook the city. Yes, Milord, she is well qualified to address the threat posed by Daedric hordes.”

“Matius!” spat the Count as he glared at me. “By kicking Dagon’s hornet nest at Kvatch, that fetcher escalated a minor inconvenience into an Empire-wide crisis! He was a damn fool and shows exactly what can happen when a low born ends up in charge of a city! Were you a true knight instead of a promiscuous camp follower, you would have convinced Matius that sacrificing one city to save the Empire is not unreasonable homage to a Daedra Lord.”

Both hands planted themselves on my hips and my chin jutted forward defiantly. “My reputation is of no import beyond carrying the words of Martin Septim, but I will not allow insults to the Hero of Kvatch to go unanswered!" So much for not being goaded, Buffy. "Savlian Matius did indeed reject the folly of attempting to appease the Daedric Lord of Destruction’s insatiable appetite. He fully understood that Mehrunes Dagon's objective was - and still is - to turn all of Tamriel into a dead land of fire where Daedra rule. The valiant man who led Kvatch back from the brink of destruction paid for his city’s freedom with his very life. Will history record you as not lifting a finger to help Martin Septim reestablish the barriers protecting Nirn?”

Pale blue sparks of warning charged the air around Fathis Aren’s fingers. My irreverent words had also drawn Viera’s hand to the grip of her arming sword. The Count’s face reddened as he leaned forward to speak.

Suddenly, a feeling of terror penetrated my spirit. Superian was in danger! An instant later, a soldier burst into the great hall. “Milord!” He was out of breath and I could hear thunder rolling outside now that the doors were open. “An Oblivion Gate has just opened within arrow shot of our northern walls! Right on the tourney grounds!”

I vaguely remember Viera barking orders, but I was already in a dead run to my mare. Once outside the castle, the familiar dark sky and jagged bolts of lightning above only spurred me to greater speed. The distance wasn’t great, but I still had to pause briefly as I exited the city to magically restore my flagging endurance.

So I guess in this case, Han did not shoot first...

Another lovely little interlude with Buffy's butterfly friend Dawn. I love how you are teasing these little things in the story, as we the reader know something about Dawn that Buffy does not.

It seems the hospitality of Count Terentius's court has not improved. Wow, Buffy is showing a lot of restraint. I don't think even January could have refrained from planting a knuckle sandwich in his jabber.

As I expected when Savlian Matius' name came up, Buffy's dander finally rose with it. She gave back with a great deal of poise and restraint.

Oh noes! I am used to bolts of lightning cracking from the sky heralding the arrival of one of Detroit's caped crusaders. But in this case, it surely means quite the opposite! Time for Buffy to do what she does best!

Episode 22

“Well, stuff me gently,” I mused aloud.

*spits tea* “Over his shoulder” also made me smile.

The dark Fighters Guild reminded me of their fate in Teresa’s story. I’m glad they have a bigger role than the game gives them, but still.

Episode 23

Yikes! Count Bravil was way worse than I was expecting. Dame Buffy was impressive with her controlled response. Whoa, but then he insulted Savlian! Yay, Buffy! Her reply to that was just as impressive.

Superian has found a Gate to Oblivion!

I expected the meeting with Terentius to go bad, but I didn't foresee him mentioning Matius!

Before reading today's episode I remembered your words that death of Alessia Caro will influence Buffy's meeting with Terentius.

In Croatia there's a town called Split where I used to vacate years ago. There's a century-old saying in that town, which translated goes sth like "You can talk against me all you want, but don't say a bad word against Split." In Buffy's case it's Matius - she managed to keep it cool, but when Terentius put her fallen hero on display, Buffy's cup was full.

Let's see if Buffy's aid to Bravil will make him change his mind, although he doesn't come across as someone that'd apologize.

Split? That is where Diocletion's palace is if I recall.