I loved Orranvir's reaction to seeing Dagail in his alchemy lab. Clearly there is some past history here, concerning drapes and carpet.

Ahh, woman problems. January wishes there was a potion for her woman problems. But she has different woman problems than Buffy and Dagail. In more than one way.

Buffy's selflessness concerning her Cramps Begone potion is laudable. However, Dagail does have a point. Buffy needs some cold, hard cash. I hope that robe of Dagail's that Buffy is wearing is not one of those ugly green bags that the Mages Guild loves to put their members in during the 3rd Era!

Now we can do some serious shopping!

Oh my! Sounds like Dagail accidentally discovered the potion “Alchemy Explodes.” How fun to watch Orranvir go from dismayed to impressed with an assist from Dagail’s cramps. Less fun for Dagail, but at least she’s feeling better! Good to see that Buffy’s alchemy skills work just as well in the 2nd Era, and can be a good source of income for her.

Ooo, there’s the future Guild Magister Dagail handling a transaction to everyone’s benefit. Shopping and lunch, yay!

After solving women's problems, it's time to do and enjoy some proper shopping!

Buffy's altruism is to be admired.

This is based mostly on Kynareth’s recommendation to avoid letting others know of her time travel.

Cool, I get it now.

.... Cramps relieved immediately! See, it'd be nice to have magic here on Earth just for that reason. Magic from alchemy that is. Ingredients alone don't always help.

Whoa, she hasn't even got shoes, so she/you are starting with literally nothing. She got that robe from Dagail or one of the guild member's I'm guessing.





Jandaga's hippies and Buffy have something in common.

Previously- Early morning found Buffy and Dagail crafting potions. The guild’s alchemist interrupted them, alarmed over what seemed to be a history of alchemical mishaps involving Dagail. Buffy calmed him down and they got into a discussion of the anti-cramping potions Buffy was crafting. The discussion ended with Buffy sharing her recipe and an impressed alchemist compensating Buffy 200 gold in anticipation of how profitable the potions could be for the guild. The ladies then made plans to go shopping with Buffy’s newly acquired gold.

*

ghastley- Well, you have to admit the shopping situation is dire. For an elf who claims it is not possible for a woman to have too many shoes, she has exactly zero pairs!

SubRosa- Thanks for pointing out Dagail’s alchemical efforts in the past may not have always turned out so well. In ESO Buffy met an Altmer woman born in the body of a man who was able to address the problem as elegantly as casting a gender changing spell. In the second Era, guild mages generally wear blue robes that actually don’t look bad – if they fit properly of course.

Grits- Thank you for noting our efforts to gradually reveal that the effervescent, sometimes ditzy Dagail really does harbor the judgment, wisdom and even leadership that foreshadow her centuries as a guild magister for the Leyawiin chapter. She’ll continue to display more hints of this going forward.

Lopov- Buffy is indeed quite altruistic when it comes to those she cares about. Ironically, it is when protecting her friends that she struggles as a paladin with the line between righteous justice and vengeful retribution. Trying to embrace the concept of mercy in such circumstances seems to help her.

Renee- Yes, she arrived naked and afraid. She’ll soon verify that several of her non-illusion spells and the spells Kynareth taught her will work though. Dagail gave her that robe in Episode 13, but it is way too big.



As we entered the clothing shoppe, a middle-aged Imperial looked up from her ledger, frowned at the baggy robe I wore and said, “Dagail, what on Nirn have you brought me?”

“Augustina,” replied Dagail, “this is my guildsister, Buffy. She’s so dressed because all her belongings were destroyed by a freakish bolt of lightning. Though on a budget, we do have some gold to spend. I’ll ask that you mind your manners if you wish our business.”

Augustina’s look of disapproval continued but her tone softened some as she addressed me. “Ah yes, you’re the little wood elf we’ve all heard about who survived a lightning strike. The Goddess of Storm and Sky, Kynareth herself, must have been watching over you.”

If only you knew how right you are, I thought. “Pleased to meet you Augustina. As you can readily see,” I lifted my robes a bit to show my bare feet, “I’m in need of clothes and shoes. And Dagail is right; I am on a budget at the moment.”

The clothier rubbed her chin pensively. “Just what kind of budget are we talking here, Buffy?”

“I have 200 gold and should hope to leave here with an outfit that fits better than my current one.”

She sucked in her breath. “As we must hold back some gold if we also expect to send you out of here with something on your feet, your budget will simply not allow the purchase of a new dress. Not one that I would want any customer of mine to be seen in at any rate.”

“Is there nothing that can be done for her?” asked a clearly unhappy Dagail.

“I did not say that,” the Imperial replied, “for I am nothing if not a sucker for a challenge.” She pointed at my robe. “May I?”

“Certainly.” I held both arms out to my sides as she stepped closer and removed the sash Dagail had wrapped around my waist to restrain all the excess fabric. The hem of the robe fell in a puddle around my feet as the middle of the robe lost any semblance of following my shape.

She tugged here, pulled there, pinched in the excess fabric around my waist, then rubbed her chin again. Finally she spoke. “What you’re wearing is actually a perfectly serviceable mage robe. It is simply much too large for you. And even at their best, such robes do not flatter one’s figure. . . unless properly tailored.”

“Would that be possible,” I asked, “and, if so, what would be involved?”

“Possible? Why yes, and I believe even within your budget. It would involve taking detailed measurements today. I shall then need a full day for my assistant and I to prepare the robe for your first fitting. To adjust the garment for a subsequent final fitting may take an hour; or it may take another day. It depends on how far off we are after the first fitting.”

“But I have nothing to wear in the interim,” I protested.

She nodded understandingly. “Buffy, as I expect to completely drain your limited funds, the least I can do is loan you something to wear until we have completed your alterations. The garment I have in mind is beyond your budget and has been tried on by a number of other ladies. Though a lovely little dress that is suitable for a day about town, it has always been found wanting for being too small to fit any of my customers. I think it would fit you, however. Not perfectly, but certainly much better than what you have on. It goes without saying that I shall expect you to return it in undamaged condition.”

Dagail smiled encouragingly at me. “The blue bits on the mage robe do match your eyes, Buffy.”

“I accept the offer, Augustina," I stated, "and appreciate your flexibility.”

“Shall we begin then?” Without waiting for an answer, she turned and added, “Follow me to the fitting room.” As we wove our way toward the back of the shoppe and into an area partitioned off by folding screens she said in a raised voice, “Miranda!” then added quietly to Dagail and I, “That’s my assistant.”

“Yes, milady,” I heard in reply.

“Watch the front of the store. I’m in the fitting room with a customer.”

“As you wish,” was the response.

“Now, Buffy,” she said a bit awkwardly, “this robe has entirely too much extra fabric to try pinning in the excess while you’re wearing it. I’ll need to take careful and precise measurements of your figure without the garment.”

“You mean, drop the robe,” I said.

“Yes, if you don’t mind.”

I chuckled. “Having been found naked and unconscious by a guard and carried through town to the infirmary wrapped in nought but his surcoat, feigning modesty now seems rather pointless.” I dropped the robe.

Using the tape measure that had been draped around her neck, Augustina determined the distance from my shoulders to my ankles, then the length of each of my limbs, carefully recording her findings in a logbook. She then wrapped the tape measure around my neck, shoulders, bust, waist and hips. At last, she announced, “All finished.” She then looked me over appraisingly from head to toe with the professional eye of a clothier. “Buffy, you have a fine little figure and I look forward to seeing it showcased in a properly fitted robe.”

“Thank you, Augustina.” I could see and feel myself blushing.

“Now let me get that dress we’re going to loan you while your robe is being altered.” She then stepped out of the fitting room.

Dagail looked at me and frowned. “I’m still jealous of your waist, my friend.”

“Oh, stop it, Dagail,” I chided.

Augustina returned with a rather vibrant pink dress in her arms and helped me into it. Though not perfect, the fit was close enough. It was sleeveless and, while the dress itself was fine linen, it was tastefully trimmed with black silk.

I turned this way and that in front of the fitting room’s full-length mirror. “It’s a lovely dress, Augustina and seems to fit,” I looked down, “but its knee length certainly emphasizes my need for shoes.”

“Yes, follow me.” We wound through the shop into another good size area of shelves – filled with shoes. As I began to drift closer for a look, I felt Augustina’s hands on my shoulders as she gently changed my direction. “I’m afraid the only footwear I have that will fit you is on these two shelves here, where we keep children’s shoes.”

I frowned in response to Dagail’s snicker then focused on the shelves in question. After a few moments, I pointed and proclaimed, “I want these.”

One eyebrow lifted sharply as Augustina said, “Buffy, that’s the boy’s shelf and those buckskin moccasins would hardly look suitable with the lovely dress you are wearing. What about those girls’ black silk slippers on the next shelf over? They’ll pick up the trim on the dress perfectly and look fine with your robe as well.”

“I’ll only be wearing this dress for a couple days. I expect to get much more use from the shoes and my robe which will largely cover them anyway. There is much travel by horse in my future. Hunting, camping and even combat. In fact, before long, I expect to take a deer, process its hide and have a full set of buckskins made. If my robe ends up fitting as nicely as I suspect it will, I’ll certainly treasure wearing it when in town or at one the mages guild’s halls.”

“I’ve heard her called ‘the buckskin mage’ more than once,” offered Dagail.

Augustina looked at Dagail, then returned her gaze to me. “Well, Buffy, you’re the customer. You certainly sound like you know what you want. . . and I believe I can manage to work those moccasins into our arrangement. When added to the robe’s alteration, your budget will be completely exhausted though. Try them on to make sure they fit.”

I slipped the moccasins on. They did indeed look funny with the pink dress but were comfortable and fit perfectly. “Done,” I said and stuck out my hand.

Augustina wrapped hers around mine and replied. “I’m pleased we were able to come to an arrangement that we’re both satisfied with, Buffy. I’ll make sure your robe is ready for the first fitting by midday tomorrow. Regarding the matter of payment. . . .”

“Oh yes,” I replied. “What arrangements would you like?”

“You have my dress on loan and a new pair of shoes on your feet, but I have your robe. I propose half now and the other half once you are fully satisfied with how your robe turns out?”

“Dagail, would you give Augustina half my gold please?”

And we dive into the economics of shopping and clothing alteration! Interesting that short robes that show off the leg is common in 2E Tamriel, yet seem to be missing from 3E Tamriel. Wonder if there's a relationship between that and the Oblivion Crisis?

Some time in the intervening years, it was discovered that you don't get an arrow in the knee if your enemies don't know where they are. Accidents may still happen, mostly friendly fire from Stormtroopers.

So Auggie is going to fix Buffy up with a new fit. It sounds like she might be cut from a similar cloth as the two Altmer who run the clothing shop in Solitude. But not quite as obnoxious.

She was quite right about the goddess of storm and sky however!

So they just need to shrink her existing clothing? No problem, bring Buffy over to my place and I will put in the dryer for a few cycles. It will be a size 1 in no time at all...

Thankfully Augustina is like a auto repair shop, and gives out a loaner to her customers while she works under the hood.

Where is Mr. Blackwood and his remotes that take a person's measurements with lidar?

Of course Buffy wants the Buckskins! That is our bowgirl.

As we entered the clothing shoppe, a middle-aged Imperial looked up from her ledger, frowned at the baggy robe I wore and said, “Dagail, what on Nirn have you brought me?”

If you hadn't mentioned that it's Imperial in charge of the store, I would have thought that it's Taarie from Solitude, standing on the other side of the counter.

Nice remark about Kynareth.

“I’ve heard her called ‘the buckskin mage’ more than once,” offered Dagail.

Augustina looked at Dagail, then returned her gaze to me.

I just love Dagail and her remarks.

"The Goddess of Storm and Sky, Kynareth herself, must have been watching over you.”

How very right she is! Wow, her intuition is spot on.

Like tooth powder, you really go into details about sashes and hems and tailoring and measurments such. As though the author, himself, was once a tailor after his military career. Anyway, Buffy's funds may about to be drained, but she'll make it all back pretty soon once the adventures begin!

Whoa... pink 'tastefully trimmed' with black... Shoosh. I know you're not in the habit of posting pics...

Oh no, go for the moccasins. There. Now she's got the hipster look (in my mind). Just need some cat eye glasses and yeah.

Anyway, that's a fun episode.

Oh Augustina, if you only knew that Buffy has a magical trunk to fill! And she’s on a budget at the moment.

What a fun episode! I like Augustina’s manner. She has high standards and creative solutions.

And so Buffy gets her first pair of 2nd era shoes! That's a milestone worth celebrating!

Previously- Buffy and Dagail found their way to a clothier to upgrade Buffy’s apparel. Her budget required Buffy to accept an offer to have her robe tailored instead of purchasing a new outfit. She was able to buy a new pair of shoes however. They left the shoppe with Buffy in a pink loaner dress while her robe was being altered.

*

Rider- Long robes do seem problematic for dungeon delving, don't they?

ghastley- You may have something there! It wasn’t until mages wore short robes that ‘arrow to the knee’ became a thing. . . .

SubRosa- We’ll see Augustina’s not a bad sort, just initially taken aback at the overlarge robe Dagail had Buffy wrapped up in. Buffy will need help from the Mages Guild a couple times and, as a stranger in a strange land, she’ll find wearing a guild robe will help establish her creds. But you’re right; she’s gonna need buckskins for ‘venturing.

Lopov- Ironic indeed how Augustina credited Kynareth with Buffy surviving that ‘lightning strike’.

Renee- Oh my. In writing Buffy’s stories my research has oft taken me to where no man has gone before.

Grits- As a skilled clothier, I suppose it's natural that Augustina was taken aback by Buffy’s initial appearance. Buffy overcoming a less than ideal first impression is a trend we’ll see more of.



The midday was pleasant as Dagail and I shared a table on the sidewalk in front of a bustling tavern. “These mudcrab cakes are excellent,” I remarked between bites.

“So’s the wine, Buffy. I think we did well shopping. For what you’re getting done, the price was reasonable.”

“Good to hear, Dagail. As you can imagine, I’m not exactly current on the cost of living in Leyawiin.”

“Buffy, you mentioned traveling soon. I don’t want to see you go, but I’ll help prepare you for. . . whatever your quest might call for as best I can. As long as you promise to visit me.”

“Consider it promised, my friend. You’ve eased my. . . arrival more than you know.” I looked around at the numerous passersby. “This is not the venue, but I would very much like to discuss some of the details of my quest and ask your help in preparing for it.”

“After lunch,” she replied, “let’s head down to the guild’s training room where it’s quiet. I can also teach you that map spell and you might want to test your spells. You know, to make sure everything works after your trip.”

“Good Idea, Dagail.”

Once back in the guild hall, I started down the stairs when I heard Dagail’s voice behind me. “Go ahead on down and get started, Buffy. I think my flow has stopped and I want to go check.”

“Take your time,” I replied over my shoulder. The training room was downstairs, next to the room that contained the guild’s bath. The floor and walls were stone and the wooden ceiling was high. It was sparsely furnished and an ideal location to safely and discretely practice spells. I was anxious to ensure that the aspects of my magicks that I hoped would work here in the Second Era did indeed.

I summoned my storage trunk and opened it. The spell worked perfectly but as expected, the trunk itself was empty.

I then thought of Carsomyr and, by the time I closed the fingers of my right hand I was grasping the staff. I fired a bolt of magic into one of the targets on the far wall. Satisfied, I rippled out Kynareth’s Holy Light spells of healing, support and combat. They all worked perfectly.

My next efforts were simple conjuration spells to summon mundane everyday useful items such as a handkerchief, hunting knife, towel, hatchet and lute. I was pleased to see those spells had traveled with me.

“Good news, Buffy.” I turned to see Dagail dancing down the stairs. “I’m done, and I expect my cramps will be gone as well before that potion from this morning wears off.”

“That’s wonderful news,” I replied with a smile.

“How well did your spells make the trip?” she asked.

“As expected so far. I want to cast my find familiar spell next.” Before I could complete the spell, the magicka fizzled in my fingers. I knew that Kitsune would not be able to join me in the Second Era. “Farewell, dear little familiar. I shall miss you but I know you will return to the forest of your time. May sweet waters, cool shade and green grasses line your path.”

“You might visit one of the Cloud Dancer tribes, Buffy,” said Dagail softly. “They may be able to help.”

“Perhaps, though I now believe that perhaps my little fennec fox was meant to stay in her time.” I sniffed and tried to smile.

“What’s left, Buffy?”

“Only one more. I carry her spirit within me and already know she will answer the call. Superian, I need you.” The mare did indeed quickly materialize from the frosty haze that appeared in front of me. My arms flew around her neck as I inhaled deeply of her comforting scent.

“How beautiful, Buffy! It’s a blonde like you!” Dagail bent down a bit to glance at Superian’s underbits. “She’s a girl, right?”

I grinned, “She is indeed.”

“Oh, one thing you’ll find here,” she continued, “is that summoning and unsummoning mounts is quite common. In fact, I understand most stablemasters can teach the spell.”

“That’s welcome news and good to know, Dagail. The less attention she and I attract, the better.” I buried my face in Superian’s flowing white mane. “I shall not be able to ride you for a couple days, my precious mare. Not until I get my robe back. I’m afraid of what trying to mount and ride would do to this dress that I must return.” Acadian sensed my wishes and recalled the dragon mare to join him within me. I turned to face Dagail. “Even with the robe, I shall have to hike it up nearly to my you know what to ride properly. Another reason I favor buckskins. You mentioned a map spell?”

“Yes, I think you’ll find it helpful. Here, let me teach it to you. Conjure the symbolic flame of the mages guild, Buffy.”

The flame she referred to was infused into each mage as they joined the guild. Conjuring the symbol caused one’s hand to emit a soft blue flame that represented the eternal bond uniting mages of the guild. Perhaps more importantly, it allowed guild mages to readily identify themselves as members of the guild to guildmates and laymen alike should the need occur. As I summoned the symbol, Dagail did as well.

“Now, keeping our symbols summoned, let us clasp hands, then close our eyes.”

We did so and a small portion of Dagail’s magic passed from her to me.

“Open your eyes. You can dispel the symbol,” she said. “That’s it. Now try your new spell.”

I cast the new and unfamiliar magic and a large map materialized in front of me. It showed all of Tamriel, the borders of each province and a plethora of black wayshrine symbols. There was one white wayshrine symbol that I could see within the province of Black Marsh near a small blue mark.

“This spell is inspired by the magic of wayshrines, like the one you attuned yourself to yesterday,” she explained. “Unlike a wayshrine, you can’t use it to actually travel of course, but it can be really helpful for navigation. As you look over the map you should see a blue mark somewhere; that’s you!”

“I see it, Dagail. It’s in Black Marsh.”

“I see it too, Buffy. That’s another nice thing about this spell. When you have your map up, others can see it. Now reach out and touch any province that interests you.”

I touched Black Marsh. All the other provinces faded away and Black Marsh expanded to fill the map – in much greater detail. I could see settlements, ruins, numerous wayshrines and, much more clearly now, that I was in Leyawiin along with the one white wayshrine I was attuned to.

“Once you’re done looking at the province you’ve enlarged, simply touch that province again and the map will return to its original overview depiction of Tamriel. When you’re done with the map entirely, dispel it as you would any conjured item.”

I completed these last two instructions. “Given my anticipated need to travel, this spell is marvelous, Dagail. Thank you!”

She beamed. “You’re my friend, Buffy and it makes me feel good to help you. Oh, does that sound sappy? I don’t want to sound sappy.”

“You sound wonderful to me, Dagail.”

Apparently the mudcrab that Buffy and Dagail saw was not a horrible creature at all...

Time to head the the Danger Room! Things seem to be working as expected. But it is good to make sure of that before actually needing those spells and items.

Summoning and unsummoning mounts is a wonderful idea. I created a summon ghost horse spell in Skyrim for that. Now my characters can call up a horse when they want to travel fast, and let it vanish into aetherius when they no longer need it. If I could only that with my car IRL...

The map may not be the territory, but at least Buffy does at least have the map now. I am sure the territory will follow soon.

I am surprised about Kitsune. I thought that was an ESO creature used in Skyrim under artistic license.

No mention of the lack of clouds on the map?

So sorry to hear Kitsune didn't make the transition. However I've no doubt Buffy will encounter a similar creature to travel with her in 2E Tamriel. Perhaps one of the white Skyrim foxes?

Good to know our beloved palomino mare was able to make the transition along with Acadian and Phantom to 2E Tamriel. Even better to know that summoning and unsummoning horses and other mounts in this era is unremarkable, and no one will blink at Superian's abrupt comings and goings.

And a nice introduction to the map spell. Wonder if Buffy will also learn to dig for antiquities?

Summon Lute! That made me smile!

Aw, farewell, Kitsune. Trust Dagail to lighten the moment by checking out Superian’s undercarriage! How cool that summoning mounts is routine in the 2nd era.

That’s an excellent and sensible map spell. Jerric carries an enchanted map, but it has so many smudges and folds that it’s hard to tell which marks were made by him and which by his spilled beverages. Neat that anyone can see when Buffy has her map out. I can picture the two elven mages looking over all those wayshrines that can be turned from black to white!

Me too. I often find myself researching topics I'd never considered. Laprima and her architecture knowledge, for instance.

Nothing in the Trunk of Holding, yikes! But that is also good to know all the spells from her previous life (well...) are still intact in the Second Era.

Aw, no summoned fox. 🦊 But oh my gosh, Superian can be called. That's good to know. I wonder why one can be called but not the other. Maybe the horse has a stronger bond?

The magical map sounds awesome. I barely remember that feature of ESO.

At least mucrabs are good for something. Hopefully there weren't any pieces of their pincers in that cake.

Nice to see Superian, even if just for a little while.

That's a very handy map spell. Sort of GPS of the 2nd Era.

Previously- After enjoying a sidewalk tavern lunch, Buffy and Dagail retreated to the guild hall’s training room where Buffy confirmed that all of the spells she expected to travel with her to the Second Era did so – except her find familiar spell. Dagail then taught Buffy how to conjure a very helpful map.

*

SubRosa- In ESO, you whistle, your horse appears and you mount. As soon as you dismount, the horse disappears. This is a blessing/curse of multiplayer so you don’t have idle mounts all over. Convenient for keeping your mount out of combat but requires imagination when Buffy wants to camp with Superian for example. I was struck reading Stormcrow’s story how closely Jan and Blood Raven’s wayshrine/mapping system resembled what Buffy uses in ESO.

ghastley- Kitsune was tweaked in Skyrim from the game’s foxes. ESO has a wonderful fennec fox that Buffy used for a time in her game. For some time now though, she has used a different familiar that we’ll meet later in this book.

Rider- You’re right that Buffy will soon meet another familiar. I was delighted that ESO perfectly replicated Superian as a heavy palomino.

Grits- Buffy’s not a combat summoner but she’s pretty good with mundane items like that lute. It was fun to hint that Dagail is not exactly an equestrienne like Buffy.

Renee- You’re very right on the research to write Buffy, ranging from easing cramps to the history of bras to the care and feeding of horses and so many other topics. I think you’re right about Kitsune and Superian. Kitsune was simply a result of casting a find familiar spell in the 3rd Era. Buffy’s link to Superian goes way beyond that and was greatly strengthened when the spirits of Buffy’s mare and Acadian’s dragon were joined during Book 2.

Lopov- The navigation system in ESO almost does seem ‘high tech’ as you activate a wayshrine and ‘scroll’ through the imposing number of provinces.



“If we’re done spellcasting for now,” Dagail said, “I’d fancy a long hot bath. How ‘bout you?”

“Great idea.” I winked and added, "I haven't had one in centuries!"

The guild’s bath was next door to the training room and we wasted no time doffing our clothes – though I took extra care with the pink dress as I could ill afford to damage it. Underground hot springs supplied a constantly recirculating supply of water that filled the large sunken stone-walled tub. The stones had been placed to provide sitting ledges at a variety of heights. Though the tub was as deep as I was tall, I found a spot that was just the right height for me to sit and relax with my head above water.

Dagail, who sat on the other side of the tub facing me remarked, “Buffy. . . this feels familiar. Like we’ve both been right here, together like this. In this very tub. I hope my visions aren’t already beginning to claim my sanity.”

“Be at ease, Dagail, for we have indeed shared this very tub. . . or rather, will again depending on how you view time.” I closed my eyes, recalling when a much older Dagail and I sat across from each other in this tub, me seeking advice on whether I should try to become a paladin.

“Well, that’s a relief,” she said.

“Since we’re alone here, Dagail, I’d like to share some of what my quest for Kynareth involves and seek your advice on how best to proceed.”

Her face grew serious. “I’ve been waiting for you to do so.”

“Remember how I told you that Acadian died as a paladin of Kynareth during the Great Dragon war?”

She nodded. “Go on.”

“Well, to help increase the chances of defeating the mighty dragon Alduin and his hordes of dragons, Kynareth – she called herself Kyne at the time – created her own mighty ice dragon to carry her paladin, Acadian, and bring the battle to the dragons in the sky. Alas, both paladin and ice dragon fell to the overwhelming number of foes.”

“A fascinating piece of history, Buffy. . . but what kind of quest could be tied to something that happened back in the Merethic Era?”

“As I’m sure you can imagine, dragons are beings of immense power – both physical and magical. Especially so for one created by Kyne herself. Even after more than three thousand years, her frozen corpse retains significant magic. Presently, a powerful mage with ill intent has located the dragon’s corpse and is even now siphoning its power. Failure to stop this mage could have grave consequences. As I said, this dragon was created by Kyne and ridden by Acadian. Both of them feel a responsibility to the people of this time to put a stop to this evil mage.”

“You carry the spirit of Acadian,” said Dagail, picking up on where this was heading, “and you are a paladin of Kynareth so you feel this same obligation no doubt.”

“You’re not wrong, Dagail. Both Acadian and Kynareth are dear friends and stopping this mage is important to them. Therefore, it’s important to me.”

Dagail smiled, “And you, Buffy, have quickly become a dear friend of mine. Therefore, your quest is now important to me as well. How can I help?”

“I cannot thank you enough, Dagail, for your aid, discretion, friendship and willingness to help. This mage is known as Drodda the Icewitch. That is all I know of her.”

“The name is known to most guild mages, Buffy, as well as her tragic story. Promising young Nord with a gift for ice magic who joins the Mages Guild. Falls for the seduction of power and in the single-minded pursuit of it, casts off her humanity and abandons the guild. As far as her location, I don’t know anyone who’s aware of it. Might she be collocated with the corpse of your dragon?”

“Almost certainly," I replied, "for I can’t imagine the powerful magic Drodda is using could have much range. I carry the spirit of both Acadian and his dragon within me and we can feel the drain on her spirit even now. But alas, they died so long ago. It’s very likely that her corpse is in what is now Skyrim, but glaciers and blizzards have changed the land so much that even Kynareth is unable to discern a precise location.”

“As I recall,” said Dagail, “before Drodda left the guild entirely, she belonged to the Windhelm chapter. Someone there might be able to offer a clue as to where she may have gone.”

“Perhaps my first destination should be the Windhelm guildhall then.”

Dagail shook her head. “I think were an unknown Bosmer mage to show up in Windhelm asking questions it would not go well. That said, Drodda is considered dangerous enough, even without your dragon’s power, to have the interest of the Arch Mage himself. If he believes you might have the ability to defeat her, he’d likely offer his support to your quest. I bet that would net much better cooperation when you show up in Windhelm.”

I nodded. “I knew it was smart to ask your advice. How would I gain an audience with the Arch Mage?”

“I should think if you let it be known to someone who has his ear that you’re a member of the guild and paladin of Kynareth on a Divine quest to stop Drodda, that would get his attention. He travels a lot, but I just so happened to overhear our own Guildmagister, Adelle – she keeps herself quite attuned to guild politics – saying that Arch Mage Galerion will be visiting Elden Root soon. Something about the Aldmeri Dominion queen. . . or maybe it was the Bosmer who calls himself the king of Valenwood? I’m afraid I don’t really follow such matters. Thing is though, it looks like he’ll be there before a tenday has passed.”

“Then that would make a better first destination for me?” I asked.

“I think so,” she replied with a nod.

“Can I get there in time?”

“On your horse? Probably, but you’d have to leave straightaway – in your pink dress. You can get there instantly via wayshrine though. That way I can keep you here for a few more days.”

I frowned. “But I’m not attuned to any wayshrines except the one here in Leyawiin.”

“One way to get to a wayshrine you that you haven’t visited is to hold the hand of someone who is attuned to it and travel there with them.”

“Do you know someone who would do this for me?” I asked.

“Of course, silly. I’m familiar with several wayshrines in Valenwood and could do it in a pinch. But I have someone better in mind, and I think they’re in town. Someone who – unlike me – can hold up their end in a fight. You see, something tells me you’re going to need that kind of help to stop Drodda. I’ll introduce you tomorrow before your fitting with Augustina. Now, promise not to laugh when I climb out of this tub. I surely look like a wrinkled prune by now.”

“Why would I laugh when I’m sure I look the same?”

We both climbed out of the tub, looked at each other and laughed.

I lifted a fist and spilled magic that conjured a towel. Dagail did the same. Once dry, we combed out each other’s hair. Dagail then helped me back into Augustina's pink dress.

Assassin's Creed Odyssey had the same mechanic for your horse. You whistle and it shows up, and then when you dismount it sort of wanders off or vanishes. I never really noticed exactly what. But it definitely does not follow you around, or sit and wait where you left it. I found it very convenient. It is what led me to create the spell to summon a ghost horse in Skyrim, that disappears once the spell expires (but not so long as you are mounted).

I am definitely ready for a hot bath, especially after a long day of working in the spell mines.

I appreciated both Buffy and Dagail's observations concerning Deja Vu in the place where they have shared memories, or will share them. It brings home the inherently weird nature of time travel.

The backstory of how Acadian and Phantom served Kyne during the 1st war against Alduin was most appreciated. It fits seamlessly into the lore that Skyrim provided about how Kyne taught people to shout in order to oppose the dragons.

A funny thing is that I have been doing a Godzilla fest lately, going through every movie in order. I am on Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla and Tokyo SOS, which share the same continuity (a lot of them don't, and just ignore all or most of the other films). In them humans used the bones the Godzilla killed in the first movie as the skeleton of Mechagodzilla, which they built around them. So it is part machine, part corpse of Godzilla. They don't say it right out, but several characters equate it to essentially an act of unholy necromancy, and insist that they return the bones back to final resting place of the first Godzilla in the sea.

That reminds me quite a bit of what Drodda is doing here, trying to steal the power of a dead dragon for her own ends.

After hearing Drodda's story, I think I found a short video of her here...

Archmage Galerion? The Galerion? Wow! I am looking forward to meeting one of the most prestigious characters in TES history.

Ok, then it is to be wayshrine travel to Valenwood. Plus an introduction to a new character, who can hold their end up in a fight. My knowledge of 2nd Era people is limited. But I find myself hoping for the Titanborn woman - Lyris.