Buffy the Bowgirl, Book 1, Thread 2, Do You Know the Way to Kvatch? Options

[Acadian]

Welcome to Thread 2, or the second season of Buffy's Book 1!

This book began with Buffy being briefly incarcerated in the Imperial Prison and will end as she attempts to bring freedom to the city of Kvatch. It is a sprawling story that will require more than 150 episodes, spread over five threads. Appropriately, I have nicknamed Book 1, 'Do You Know the Way to Kvatch?'

Thread 1 included episodes 1-26.

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Please allow me to offer a small summary of Thread 1 that I hope might prove useful as a review, or for those who are joining us in progress:

Buffy witnessed the death of Uriel Septim VII in the Imperial Prison. She eventually delivered the Amulet of Kings to Jauffre, who treated her rudely. Buffy's response to this, of course, was to drop the amulet on his desk and storm out.

At one point in her travels, Buffy encountered an Oblivion gate at Kvatch. Terrified, she quickly heeded the orders of Savlian Matius to leave the area. In their brief encounter however, Buffy seemed drawn to the brave Captain Matius - quite struck by his noble and selfless bravery. She was confident the Empire would resolve the situation that she considered well beyond her meager ability to influence.

Our orphan from Bravil then began to refine her confidence and skills toward adventure, even recently graduating from the Arcane University as a mystic archer.

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Now, for those newer readers who would like to catch up to us in one short sitting, you might find this helpful: Buffy – The Executive Summary Thread.

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When we last left Buffy, she had just earned the Star of Azura. It seemed her immediate plans were to dispatch some minor chores in the Imperial City, then head home. We now join Buffy, in the City of Mara.

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27 Graduation Party

"Hmph, she doesn't look like much of a mage to me," snorted Fathis Aren. "More like a half-dressed wood nymph running around with a bow most of the time. Thankfully, somebody at least coaxed the little forest creature into a proper dress tonight."

The Bravil guild was assembled at the dining table enjoying a meal in celebration of my graduation from the Arcane University. It had been delayed for several weeks because our guild head, Kud-Ei, had been visiting relatives in the Black Marsh. I was seated across the table from Fathis Aren. His words silenced the room.

I set my fork down and said icily, "I wasn't aware that your approval of my appearance was required." Fathis had been abusive towards me for some time. I guessed it was because I had, on more than one occasion, deflected his amorous advances. It seemed he liked 'wood nymphs'. I might have thought that humorous but, at the moment, there was nothing suggesting humor in the dark elf's dangerous manner. There was also no doubt that his magic skills vastly exceeded my own. To make matters worse, my bow was at home. It had never occurred to me that I might need to defend myself within the sanctuary of my own guild. Despite the blue gown that Delphine had kindly 'coaxed me into', I felt quite naked.

The Dunmer sorcerer coldly returned my gaze, seemingly unimpressed. "I'll caution you, young Apprentice, to mind your tone when addressing the Staff Wizard to the Court of Bravil." His hand was glowing menacingly and just a hint of sparks danced from his fingers as they drummed the surface of the table.

I felt my anger simmering as I slowly stood up. I knew I couldn't cast a spell to defend myself if I was seated. I was unsure if the powerful wizard across the table was similarly constrained, or whether his sparks were just for show.

Fathis' eyes remained locked on mine as he leaned slightly forward. With one elbow on the table, he slowly raised that ominously glowing hand towards his ear. The slight sparking between his fingers intensified slightly.

Kud-Ei, from her seat at the head of the table, stood as I did. "You just hold it right there Fathis!" The glaring Argonian crossed her arms defiantly over her chest. "I'll do anything for my girls. You may be someone important over in that castle, but this is my guild house. What has gotten in to you? Did the Count yank your chain today? If you think you can come in here and try to intimidate one of my mages, you have another thing coming. You just stop this nonsense right now and mind your manners, or get out of my guild! Is that clear?"

By now, Delphine Jend was also on her feet, with deadly resolve in her eyes. I realized Kud-Ei could instantly paralyze the sorcerer or take control of his mind if she chose. Delphine on the other hand, could freeze Fathis solid, then shatter him like a block of ice. Fathis might have been a match for one, but he could not hope to survive the pair of formidable guild mates now standing on my behalf. Mystical energy and tension pulsed through the room, causing the hair to rise slightly from the back of my neck. The power of these giants of magic dwarfed the pathetic flare spell, or even dancing cobra that I could cast.

If there was any emotion in Fathis' red eyes, it didn't show. He continued looking directly at me while addressing the head of the Bravil guild. "Why Mother Kud-Ei, I meant no offense to your young charge." The glow slowly faded from his hand as he reached for the goblet in front of him. "In fact, let me propose a toast to your newly returned graduate." He raised his goblet.

Fathis caused us no further trouble that evening. I had always admired and looked up to Kud-Ei. I now loved her dearly, and was so very proud to be one of 'her girls'.

After dinner, Ita Rienus pulled me aside. "Don't worry too much about Fathis. He fancies himself quite the ladies' man, and I know he's been pestering you. You're an attractive young elf with a beautiful heart and spirit, Buffy. To Fathis however, I suspect you simply represent another potential notch for his bedpost. That his advances have turned to insults is, oddly enough, encouraging. It means he realizes he's lost this conquest. I'm sure he'll move on to another soon.

Still shaken by the encounter, I asked, "Did you see how cold his eyes were, Ita? Do you think he will try to hurt me?"

"Oh my, he did scare you, child." The older Imperial's eyebrows furrowed with concern. "I truly don't believe you're in danger. Even though he's not in our chapter, Fathis is still subject to the rules of the Mages Guild Charter just like the rest of us. He won't cross the Council of Mages by hurting a member of the guild. It would risk his cushy position at the castle."

"I'm sure you're right. As much as he angers and frightens me, I hope someday he finds that special woman who can capture his heart," I smiled sweetly and added, "so she can break it and leave behind a crushed shell."

Ita's eyes widened, then she returned my smile. "Well I guess it's true enough that Oblivion hath no fury like a woman scorned. . . but enough of this kind of talk." Changing the subject, she said, "You look as pretty as the Dangerous Delphine tonight."

"Thank you." I blushed. "I'm afraid I didn't give her much to work with, but you know our irrepressible Delphine; she couldn't resist the challenge." I held up my arms, clad in blue velvet, and playfully spun around once. "Here I am, in one of her dresses. She even provided some of her jewelry for the night, and taught me another way I can arrange my hair."

Ita stabbed a finger at the air over my shoulder. "Look, here comes the Diva of Destruction hersel-"

"Oh there's our graduate!" Delphine breezed into the conversation. The bubbly Breton smiled and fussed busily with the neckline of my dress as she continued, "Now, isn't this much nicer than wearing those. . ." she wrinkled her nose, "animal skins you and Daenlin seem to favor?"

I couldn't help but smile. "Thank you for the fashion assistance, Delphine - and for standing on my behalf at dinner."

She frowned and lowered her voice - both were unusual actions for Delphine. "Listen, if that green bag of wind who does parlor tricks for the count bothers you again, you just let me know. I'll turn him into a chicken!" Without pausing for breath, her face brightened and she was off to another subject. "Don't worry about those destruction grades you got at the University, Buffy. We'll have you blowing things up before you know it. Why, we'll start with crates and barrels," Delphine's hands started dancing descriptively, "then work our way up to small buildings, then -" her eyes darted across the room. "Oh is that Carandial I see? You ladies simply must excuse me." As quickly as she had whirled into the discussion, Delphine was off again.

Ita shook her head, but smiled fondly as Delphine flittered away. "I get tired just watching her." The Imperial's eyes suddenly sparkled as she plunged a hand into the folds of her burgundy skirt and produced Azura's Star. Placing it in my hand, she said, "Thanks for letting me study this for the past couple days. It is indeed everything we had hoped for, and I know it'll serve you well."

"I'm very fortunate to have earned Azura's favor, Ita. I think she liked me. Thank you for sharing the legend with me and putting up with my badgering questions."

Another guest that evening was Ungarion. The Altmer owned 'A Warlock's Luck', the magic shop in Bravil. He was not a member of the guild, but visited us routinely. As the evening was winding down, he approached, smiling. "Let me add my congratulations and welcome home to you!"

"Why thank you Ungarion. I'm pleased that you joined us tonight." I looked up into his eyes and could see that he had more to say. Tilting my head pleasantly, I invited him to continue.

Ungarion dropped his voice and lowered his head towards me. "Buffy, some of your recent. . . ah, how shall we say this. . . adventures have come to my attention. In fact, there is a matter I would very much like to discuss with you," a single eyebrow climbed his forehead as he added, "privately. Would you do me the honor of sharing a meal in my store tomorrow after hours?"

I was intrigued. The high elf was a respected merchant and had always been kind to me. After a moment I replied, "Ungarion, I'd be pleased to. See you tomorrow then."

After the party was over and I was home in bed, I thought about the events of the evening. Buffy, what were you thinking, standing to confront Fathis Aren? Were it not for the intervention of Kud-Ei and Delphine, you could easily be dead now.

When I was insulted, I did or said dangerously stupid things. I was sure Fathis had hoped I would cast a silly flare spell or some such at him. Yes, that would have given him a handy self-defense justification to turn my bones into ash - which I had no doubt he could do. I thought about Boderi's characterization of me. Someday, my dragon spirit would really get my butterfly butt into trouble.

The episode with Fathis reminded me of my confrontation with Earana in Chorrol, after giving the 'Fingers of the Mountain' book to Teekeeus. My angry words overrode prudence there also. Were it not for the watchful Chorrol city guard, that incident could have meant my death. Unlike Fathis however, Earana was not a member of the guild. She was not restricted by the rules - but neither was I.

I had been back to Chorrol on several occasions since my first encounter with the rogue mage. Each time she had become more threatening. I was convinced that her death or mine was inevitable. Further, I firmly believed whoever chose the conditions and struck first would survive, while the other would not.

As I drifted off to sleep, my thoughts turned to Ungarion. What sort of mysterious business did the merchant of magic trinketry have in mind? Oh well, I would find out the next evening.

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From Buffy's scrapbook: Screenshot

This post has been edited by Acadian: Oct 28 2011, 10:24 PM

[Acadian]

In Chapter 28, Buffy discovered that Ungarion was quietly running a high end black market operation. As he showed her a sigil stone, and explained some details about them, the possibilities got the bowgirl's attention. She is quite interested, but equally curious about what the merchant may want in return.

Destri- Thank you. A dilemma: 'The Black Market' story would carry its impact better if presented all at once, but I find much of the detail gets lost if a post is too long. For better or for worse, I opted to split this story. I hope the second half will increase the stakes and tie some things together. Thank you so much also for catching that nit so I could fix it.

hazmick- Thank you! I hope you enjoy the second half of her 'dinner' with Ungarion.

mALX- Thank you! The screenie once again shows the contrast between a 1.1 height Altmer and Buffy, who at 0.9, is the same height as Daenlin. I fear Buffy may be outclassed here by the professional merchant.

Rider- Thank you for favorably comparing the rewrite to the original. It is some of the richer detail we included that pushed this chapter into two episodes. I hope you enjoy the second half. Argh! It just occurred that if Buffy wants sigil stones, she should simply seek out Julian - I hear she has loads of them!

treydog- Thank you for noting that the sigil stone physically affected Buffy right up to the tips of her pointed ears. You are correct that Ungarion will want more than gold in payment. And you wisely point out he is not likely to be seeking that kind of payment.

SubRosa- Thank you! Buffy will display the beginnings of some fine verbal dueling skills in part 2, but alas, there is no doubt she is outmatched by the polished, yet likable merchant. Thank you so much for catching that nit.

Grizzly- Thank you for the kind words! I hope part 2 answers the questions.

All- Now, the conclusion of 'The Black Market' -

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29 The Black Market, Part 2

Ungarion considered my questions for a moment.

"Infusing sigil stone enchantments to rings? Certainly. As far as what I would require in payment, that brings us to the other side of negotiating now doesn't it?" The experienced merchant smiled. "More wine, dear?"

I waved a hand over the top of my goblet. "No thank you. Please continue."

"I was talking to Daenlin recently. Really, Buffy, he is so very proud of you. Why you should have seen his old eyes sparkle as he told me about the bow you created." The Altmer's chatty manner suddenly became quite serious, and he looked directly into my eyes. "In fact, he mentioned exactly what the bow does and how many charges it has."

Ungarion paused to allow the effect of his words to sink in, before continuing. "Daenlin loves you like a granddaughter, however he lacks sufficient knowledge of magic to realize the betrayal hidden within his words. I, on the other hand, am quite familiar with the specifics of enchanting. Now, where in the world did a young elf like you get a grand soul?"

I felt a warm flush as the blood rose to my face and neck. I was sure the white blouse barely covering my shoulders did nothing to conceal my embarrassment. My bow, Slayer, had indeed been enchanted with a black soul gem containing the captured grand life force of a bandit. "I think you know the answer to that. Just like you also know the answer could expel me from the guild."

Dismay at having this dark secret discovered was quickly replaced by concern and anger regarding whatever leverage Ungarion thought he might try to exert over me. I chose my words carefully, opting for simple truth. "Ungarion, you need to realize that my loyalty is not to the guild of mages; rather it is to individuals who are kind to me - like Kud-Ei and Daenlin. Has my trust in the kindness you and I have displayed towards each other in the past been misplaced? It would sadden me greatly to leave the guild, but if you think I will allow you to manipulate me over my use of a black soul gem, you have another thing coming. There is nothing illegal about what I did. Can you say the same about your activities?" It was my turn to raise a single eyebrow. Your move Ungarion.

The Altmer's face, which had remained inscrutable during my little speech, softened. His smile reappeared and he held up one hand disarmingly. "Buffy, speaking as one with less than a. . . stellar past myself, please trust that I have no intention of revealing our little secrets. My intent was simply to highlight that we share a mutual appreciation for discretion. The guild doesn't need to know of your necromantic predilections. Similarly, neither the Legion nor the city guard need to know the details of my little. . . enterprise. Now, that said, I have customers who would pay dearly for black soul gems."

"I'm interested then - now that we understand each other. These two sigil stones you mentioned, what exactly is your price?" I felt a bit more in control, as I touched the goblet of Tamika's to my lips and pretended to drink.

"Ah yes! Down to business." The Altmer grinned and rubbed his hands together. "Each stone will cost you a black soul gem, plus a rather substantial amount of gold." He then quoted a figure that made me grateful I didn't have a mouthful of wine.

"Ungarion! That's more than Count Terentius demanded when I bought my small house." Why did I feel like an insect inside the lair of a rather brilliant, but oily spider? "Is there no way to lower the price?" As soon as the words left my mouth, I realized my pleading tone revealed too much eagerness.

"I'm afraid not," said Ungarion. He seemed to now be enjoying himself. "Any necromancer could supply me with black soul gems. I would prefer, of course, to deal with a more. . . trustworthy source such as yourself. On the other hand, you cannot imagine the risks involved in obtaining these sigil stones. I'll tell you what. If we make a deal right now, I'll throw in a couple rings for no extra charge and we'll send you out of here tonight with a pair of enchanted detect life rings. Need I remind you that between the two stones, that is a range of nearly four hundred feet?"

The merchant was experienced enough to have seen right through my feigned efforts at 'mild interest at the right price'. I blew an imagined strand of hair from my face in resignation. "Deal." Ok, Buffy, there goes most of the gold that just a couple weeks ago you were bragging to Daenlin about. "I'll need to retrieve the required payment from my home." Rising to my feet, I added, "I can be back in a few minutes."

After a quick run home, I was soon seated again across from Ungarion, a large bag of gold on the table between us. "You may trust that I have the gems. Now, make the rings."

Ungarion stood, and without inspecting its contents, moved the heavy bag to the floor behind his sales counter. He then reached into a display case and produced two unremarkable silver rings. "Wait here." He disappeared up the stairs.

I opened my pack, removed two black soul gems and hid them within the silken folds of my green skirt.

Several minutes later, Ungarion padded down the stairs and placed two softly glowing rings on the table. "Try them."

"I'll trust you," I picked up the rings and looked Ungarion directly in the eyes, "after all, I know where you live, and I apparently don't have to tell you how dangerous my bow is."

Ungarion's eyes widened slightly, but his face remained pleasant. The spider apparently had not quite expected that response from the insect seated across from him. "Point taken, my friend. I promise you they will perform as I have said. Now, the gems?"

"Oh yes." I placed two black soul gems on the table.

Ungarion inspected the pair of dark stones, holding them up to his ear to ensure they were empty. He smiled. "More wine, my dear?"

"I think not. In fact I shall call it a night, Ungarion," I lied. "Thank you for dinner."

"Certainly." Ungarion unlocked the door to his shop and lit my torch for me. "Should you require more. . . shall we say, hard to find items, let me know, hmm?"

I walked home quickly. The smooth and experienced merchant had clearly flustered and outmaneuvered me. I didn't care.

Just a few minutes later I emerged from my house. The silk skirt and peasant blouse had been replaced by a hunter's vest, along with buckskin greaves and boots. My quiver and bow were on my back. I ran all the way through the dark town and out the city gate of Bravil before I stopped.

Pink glows erupted everywhere as I slid the two rings on. There was the guard on post at the end of the bridge. Behind the stables building were Superian and Carandial's bay, Aetherious. Gazing towards the Niben, I could see several crawling pink glows - mudcrabs - all the way down by the shore!

Superian didn't understand my excitement, but nevertheless became infected with it as I saddled her. She was prancing sideways, snorting and bobbing her head as I led her from the stables. I then mounted my precious mare, turned her north along the Green Road and let her choose the pace.

As we rode under the stars, I reveled in the feeling of confidence and safety. Finally, I could detect threats before they approached Superian and I. My new rings solved the problem of not being able to cast a detect life spell while riding. In fact, they would free me of having to recast my spell while on foot as well. I thought back to the countless times I had wished for this.

Reluctantly, I turned Superian back towards Bravil. Ok, so I was almost broke (again). And well, yes, I was dealing in black market goods. But I figured at the end of the day, a girl's gotta have what a girl's gotta have.

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From Buffy's scrapbook: Screenshot

This post has been edited by Acadian: Oct 13 2011, 07:41 PM