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]

Chapter 30 was the first of four episodes comprising Buffy's miniseries, 'Dancing with Darkness'. The rogue mage Earana had threatened Buffy during several visits to Chorrol, dating back to her University recommendation. Buffy became convinced of Earana's lethal intent. She carefully planned and executed a preemptive assassination of Earana.

Remko- Thank you for understanding Buffy's perspective. What do you do if Earana has threatened your life and you believe she can and will kill you. . . but has not launched an attack or broken any law? Buffy does not make threats unless she plans to follow through on them; she assumed Earana operated the same way, and responded accordingly. Was Earana all bluff? Or did she simply threaten the wrong wood elf? We'll never really know perhaps. Buffy will never lay claim goodness, merely loyalty to her friends and a strong survival instinct.

Foxy- Vile vs vial. I remember well. In fact it was even in my mind during this chapter. Too much editing. Pouring the vile liquid from the vial. Then just using a vial. Then just drizzling the thick vile liquid. Then, argh! Ok. Those vile little vials will get a chance to kick our butt again in two more chapters. We'll try to do better!

mALX- Thank you so much mALX. You understand Buffy well. She has tried very hard to teach me the foreign concept of how it feels to be small, weak and vulnerable. That perspective strongly shapes her response to threats.

Rider- Thank you for sharing in Buffy's feelings as she wrestled with her controversial choice. She has no idea if she did the right thing, and I don't think she is completely done processing it yet.

SubRosa- Once again, you highlight everything I am trying to do here. Cold and very detailed premeditated preparations. Inadvertently triggering a likely nocturnal visit from you know who. Trying to wrestle and rationalize her way through a very grey area.

Although I have come to understand Buffy well, presenting her complex nature properly can be a challenge for my humble skills. When you, so long ago, coined her as 'cuddly, like a rattlesnake' you let me know I was close to the mark in accurately displaying her character. As you say, like so many of us, she is not good, nor is she evil. She is simply a young and imperfect elf trying to survive in a dangerous land. Thank you.

hazmick- Thanks for endorsing Buffy's preparations. In the next episode, Buffy will loiter in Chorrol dealing with unfinished business - some of it quite surprising.

treydog- Thank you for sticking with our bowgirl as she wrestles with her darker side and tries to learn how it fits into her swirling, still unformed 'code of conduct'. 'Dancing with Darkness' will be very formative for her I expect.

Her closing line ('I was sure I would sleep rather soundly - well, you know, for a murderess.') is more tongue in cheek and foreshadowing than perhaps it sounds. In Oblivion, one's invitation to join the Dark Brotherhood opens with the dialogue: 'You sleep rather soundly, for a murderer."

Destri- Buffy is quite conflicted and will become more so. To see that her choices and actions had the same effect on you is very gratifying. It seems that over the course of time, our flawed and confused bowgirl may have wormed her way into your heart. If so, you may be assured that I know the feeling well. On one hand. . . but on the other hand. . . but, oh my . . . she doesn't have enough hands to sort it all out - yet. Dancing with Darkness, indeed.

Zalphon- Lol! How could she kill someone? Well, first she puts poison on her arrow. Then she nocks it, then. . . . Buffy simply assumed that Earana meant her threats, and responded accordingly. Thank you Zalphon!

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31 Dancing with Darkness, Part 2- Unfinished Business

"Hail, Buffy. Isn't it a beautiful morning?" Nardhil looked up from grooming the chestnut gelding. As I craned my head to see around the horse's powerful hindquarters, the pretty Dunmer quickly added, "Don't worry, Superian's fine. She missed you though. Here she comes."

My mare wandered out the open corral gate and approached, nodding her head. I buried my face in her neck before remembering my manners. "I'm sorry Nardhil. I just missed her, with the city sealed up for the past few days. I'm grateful for you looking after her."

The Dunmer swept an errant lock of black hair from her face and paused to rest both hands on her hips. "Isn't that murder business just awful? The guards were out here asking me all about who belonged to the half dozen or so visiting horses. This morning when they unsealed the gates, I had just as many angry travelers and merchants out here to collect their mounts and depart - as if it was my fault their travels had been delayed here in Chorrol." She placed a hand on my shoulder and smiled. "I'm glad for at least one friendly face this morning, and relieved that Superian's elf was not harmed."

"Oh, it was awful inside the city," I said, widening my eyes. "We couldn't leave of course. The guards wanted to know everything about everyone. I'm surprised they didn't ask my dress size. I mean, it delayed my business for the guild too," I shrugged, "but what can you do?"

"Well, I think they're wasting their time." Nardhil led the chestnut into the corral. She then returned, patted Superian on the shoulder, and began raking up recent horse droppings. "But do those guards care what I think? Nooo. They just ask me a bunch of stupid questions about harmless merchants and innocent wood elves. From what I hear, whoever killed that high elf was a real pro. Sounds like the Dark Brotherhood to me. The assassin probably just slipped right over the city walls within seconds of doing his job. Mark my words, he's laughing in another county by now."

"You really think the Dark Brotherhood did this?" I probed, stifling a wince as I recalled my recent visit from Lucien Lachance.

"Sure they did. That high elf, Earana?" Nardhil switched from her rake to a shovel, "Quite the snoot, that one. She treated me like I was. . . this." A large shovelfull of manure plopped into the waiting wheelbarrow.

The Dunmer paused, leaning on her shovel. "And what a temper! Why, one time she was walking by the stables with her Altmeri nose so high that she slipped on some horse manure and fell. She jumped to her feet, and started screaming about her ruined silks and how incompetent I was." Nardhil's red eyes flashed with what looked like both fear and anger. "I had to dive for the ground to miss the fireball she threw. Thankfully, before she could cast another spell, the guard on duty at the gate ran over and pressed his blade to her throat."

Nardhil gazed into the barn, as if remembering the incident. "Oh, Earana had plenty of enemies, all right. Perhaps she finally threatened someone who had a temper that matched hers."

I squirmed inside at her words, but I was pretty sure the discomfort didn't show on my face. Just to be safe, I reached down and began inspecting Superian's hooves as I replied, "Well, that was the word inside the walls too. It seems half the city had reason to kill Earana. Aside from the arrow they recovered from her body, and too many suspects with motive, I guess the guards don't have much to go on."

"I'm just glad they're done playing their games, locking down the city and questioning everyone. They'll never catch who did this. Just like the murder of that monk down the road."

"Monk?" Superian's feet were fine. I stood up straight and met Nardhil's red eyes. "What happened?"

"Oh, some fellow named Jeffrey or Joe Frye or some such got himself killed. Silly monks. It's bad enough being outside the gates, but at least the stables have the nearby guard to keep an eye on us. Those monks live in a priory away from the city where no one can protect them." The dark elf smirked. "Lots of good their precious Talos did them. Anyway, I figure it was bandits because the guards that went to investigate said the dead monk's locked chest had been broken into and was empty. Apparently the other monks had no idea what was in the chest, so they couldn't even provide a list of what was stolen."

"Bandits?"

"Sure. You travel a lot Buffy. You know how ruthless they are. Simple robbery. That monk probably woke up and surprised them. I mean, I guess they don't know for sure. It happened at night and the other members of the priory didn't see anything, but what else could it have been?"

"Nardhil, do you remember when this happened?"

"It was quite some time ago." She rubbed her chin for a moment. "Let's see, you've been here on several occasions. . . oh, I remember now. It happened about the time you first introduced me to that beautiful mare of yours."

"That was my first visit here. In fact, I recall stopping at Weynon Priory to deliver a package when I was trying to earn a recommendation for the University. The monk called Jauffre was rude, and we even had words at the time. He was healthy enough when I left though."

"Oh my," said Nardhil. "He must have gotten himself killed shortly after you met him. We all just kind of forgot about it. I don't even think the Black Horse Courier carried the story." The Dunmer shrugged. "It was only the murder of Earana that made me think of it. Say, how did all those recommendations you were after go anyway? Did you get into the University?"

"Yes." I blushed with a smile. "I just graduated recently."

Nardhil's hands went back to her hips and she beamed. "Well congratulations, Buffy. I can see from your pack though, that you must be ready to travel. Here, let me help you."

After we gathered my saddlebags, bow, quiver and tack from the barn, the Dunmer helped me saddle Superian.

Nardhil dragged a hand across her brow to wipe the moisture that was beginning to glisten in the morning sun. "Next time you're up this way, we'll have to share a bottle."

"Thank you," I said, nodding my agreement. I pressed several more gold coins into her hand than Superian's care required. "Yes, when I pass through again, I'd be honored to buy you dinner at The Oak and Crosier."

"Deal. Safe travels, sister. Where are you and that fine mare headed, anyway?"

With a foot in the stirrup, I bounced up and swung into the saddle. "Well, I have to courier some documents back to the Arcane University." Turning Superian out onto the Black Road, I added over my shoulder, "Then I'm supposed to meet someone at one of the inns south of the Imperial City on my way home to Bravil."

As Weynon Priory came into view, I thought about Jauffre. It seemed the monk had been killed right after I met him. I gathered that the Amulet of Kings had been stolen as well. I wondered if Jauffre had told his Blades about an heir?

Should I talk with the monks? Superian drew to a stop. I placed both hands on the pommel and stared at the stone buildings.

Remembering how I stormed out of the Priory, they might figure I was the one who killed Jauffre. I didn't need that, especially after just putting an arrow through Earana's black heart. I had delivered the Amulet of Kings only because the Emperor and Baurus had been kind to me. It wasn't my fault that the monks apparently lost it. I owed them nothing.

Besides, no one except the Emperor could wear the amulet anyway. I wasn't sure I believed what Jauffre had told me about an illegitimate heir. If it had been true, why would he ask a little wood elf to go fetch the next Emperor instead of sending all his Blades? No, I figured he just wanted to get me out of his balding hair. Well, fine. He succeeded on that count.

What did Jauffre say the heir's name was? Oh yes, I remembered the details. It didn't matter though. There was no priest named Martin in the Kvatch encampment. Savlian had described how deadly the fighting in the streets had been, as screaming people tried to flee. Those who didn't make it to freedom, before the Oblivion Gate outside the walls sealed Kvatch, had been trapped. How could anyone caught inside that burning city with bloodthirsty Daedra possibly still be alive after all this time? I shuddered.

Sensing my decision, Superian slowly continued south towards the Imperial City.

I slipped on my pair of powerful detect life rings, and scanned the forest that flanked both sides of the road ahead of us. It was a beautiful morning with birds chirping high in the branches above us. My new rings had proven themselves during our recent travels. They gave me the ability to see life signs from the saddle before threats became aware of Superian and I. We were confidently able to bypass hostile glows, or stop and preemptively deal with them.

Leaning forward to pet the mare, I said, "We'll get you a brief visit with Thernd and Bandit while I drop off these documents at the University. Then we'll continue to the Inn of Ill Omen."

I took a pull from my water bag. "Oh, quit worrying, Acadian. Lucien was very kind to me. He said there was a whole family of caring brothers and sisters waiting to welcome and love me - just as soon as I completed an initiation task for him. I'm sure whatever this Rufio fellow did must have been really bad. Otherwise Lucien wouldn't want him killed, would he?"

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From Buffy's scrapbook: Screenshot