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 32 was the third episode of 'Dancing with Darkness'. Buffy's emotions went for a wild ride as she wrestled with whether to kill Rufio or not and complete her entry into the Dark Brotherhood. Ultimately, she left him alive, albeit he was a little worse for wear before she was done.

Rider- Thank you for understanding Buffy's desire for family and the need to belong. I think you are very right that she needs but open her eyes to see the family she already has.

Remko- I was hoping the reader would ponder for a moment whether Buffy might carve out some justice from Rufio's nether regions or, in some other way, directly relate her actions to the nature of his crime. Thank you for mentioning that we caused that thought to cross your mind.

SubRosa- Your're right that killing Rufio could perhaps be justified, and Buffy came close. I'm just pleased that she saw what might lie beyond, had she chosen that path. Thank you also for the very kind words on some of the passages you cited. 'Dancing with Darkness' was indeed the forge from which her doctrine will emerge - in the very next episode.

hazmick- Thank you. Yes, for a girl that won't touch a melee weapon, you can bet she won't be pleased about the Blade of Woe! Watch for it in the final episode below.

treydog- Thank you. It seems Buffy has trended towards the lighter side of the blade's edge and, like you, I am glad for it. I fully expect the side of her that tortured a highwayman for swinging an axe at Superian, murdered Earana, tortured Rufio and hunts bandits for sport is alive and well. At least her dark side is not for hire.

Like you, I also am proud of Buffy. Much to her chagrin, I tried to set the stage in such a way that did not make her choices simple or easy.

mALX- Once Buffy decided not to kill Rufio, the way she crafted her 'justice' did indeed remind me of the brilliantly sadistic thinking of your Eyja! As fun as an encounter between Buffy the Slayer and Vincente the Vampire might be, I don't believe it is in the cards.

As far as showing her goodies to Manheim, she was not happy to see that his eyes shot to that pile of gold before he even bothered to peek down her blouse. That he totally ignored her fluttering eyelids didn't help the poor elf's self image either.

Destri- Thank you. Yes, as you so astutely say, this episode was all about emerging from an internal struggle. Buffy grew a great deal here.

All- We are proud to present the conclusion of 'Dancing with Darkness'. Buffy processes what she has learned, and gets the opportunity to display Her True Colors.

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33 Dancing with Darkness, Part 4- Her True Colors

Standing just outside the open doorway of my house, I cradled a warm cup of tea between both hands and gazed out across Bravil. The morning guard patrol was systematically extinguishing the flickering streetlamps, preparing for the dawn of a new day.

Daenlin was returning from a night hunt with a small deer over his shoulder. We exchanged waves as he entered the Archer's Paradox next door. Dressed for a local hunt myself, I planned on heading out as soon as I finished my tea. I toyed with the idea of cancelling my outing and just inviting myself to dinner with my archery master. No, I decided - Daenlin's kill could feed us, but this wood elf needed the outdoors. I would track and stalk, but not try to take a deer today.

I saw Carandial heading towards the gate, no doubt for more research at the Ayleid Ruin, Anutwyll.

Pondering my exposure to the guild of assassins had occupied much of the last few days. Lucien had said that if I did not kill Rufio, I could proceed unmolested by the Dark Brotherhood.

I had spent hours of reflection in the peaceful comfort provided by the Great Chapel of Mara. Uravasa Othrelas had reviewed the Ten Commands of the Nine Divines with me. As a priestess of Mara, of course she emphasized the Third Command:

'Mara says: Live soberly and peacefully. Honor your parents, and preserve the peace and security of home and family.'

I needed something a little simpler and more specific, when it came to guiding the growing lethality of my skills.

Stepping to the edge of the raised dock that I called my front porch, I set the pewter teacup on one of the posts supporting the heavy rope that served as a hand rail. I reached into my pack. Just as I had a map to assist my travels, I now had a page of my journal devoted to guiding my actions. It had been refined and reduced to its simple essence by my experiences and reflection:

'The Buffy Doctrine - If you are kind to me, I will love you dearly; if you are mean to me or my friends, I will likely kill you.'

I didn't discuss my 'doctrine' with anyone except Acadian and Superian. Most would disapprove; I didn't care. I understood perfectly what it meant, and knew I would live out my life guided by it. Putting the journal away, I reached for my tea.

I welcomed the warmth on the right side of my face as the sun peeked over the walls of Castle Bravil. My other cheek remained in shadow. I was indeed a Child of Dawn - embracing the light, yet requiring the cloaking of darkness and stealth to survive.

Shimmering reflections of the sun now brightly danced across the surface of the river flowing in front of my home. In the blackness beneath the water, rested the dagger presented to me by Lucien Lachance. It had contained some form of magic that bound the weapon to me against my will. In the end, it was Acadian that had somehow removed the curse, allowing me to cast it away.

If there was a positive aspect to my involvement with the Dark Brotherhood, it was the realization of just how far my paladin would travel with me. When I had stood poised at the edge of an abyss staring into the dark void below, he had offered his counsel. Yet I knew, had my choice been to step off the cliff instead of backing away from it, he would not have abandoned me.

I saw Kud-Ei standing on the rear porch of our guild, also enjoying the sunrise. Shielding her eyes to see me against the early sun, she returned my wave across the river before stepping inside the guild. The wise Argonian was very perceptive, and always looking out for her mages. After I had returned from the Inn of Ill Omen, she sensed a change in me.

I vividly recalled what Kud-Ei had said: "Buffy, something is different about you. I see sadness in your eyes. . . and something else. I do not know what happened to you this last time you were out of town, and I am sure I probably do not want to know. They say wisdom comes from experience - and experience comes from bad judgment. Somehow, it looks like you have discovered that for yourself. Your eyes show a quiet wisdom, and the scars of one who has paid for it. The wisdom is quite attractive on you, but I hope the scars will fade." Kud-Ei had then smiled and gently placed her hand on my cheek. "I believe you have grown up, my Apprentice."

My city was waking to a beautiful day. Lifting the tea cup to my lips, I questioned why I had ever looked for family within a guild of assassins. My parents were gone and I had no real brothers or sisters; however, I had finally learned that I had all the family one could wish for. The people of this city, my guild mates, Superian and Acadian were my family. And they loved me. Kud-Ei was right. I had grown up.

A small disturbance by the Chapel of Mara caught my eye. It was City Swimmer, with a guard in pursuit. I chuckled. For all her 'sly sliding unseen' bravado, my wonderful friend was, quite frankly, rather poor at sneaking. She had likely stolen an apple or perhaps pinched a septim while inside the church.

I had seen this scenario unfold numerous times. If she had a few coins for the bounty, she would be home in an hour. Otherwise, she would be carried off to jail, only to emerge none the worse for wear a couple days later. In fact, she probably ate better while incarcerated than she did at home. Sometimes I would intercede and pay off her small bounty. Shaking my head with a smile, I mused that she should either learn to sneak better or give it up.

"Drop that dagger!" The guard's command cracked like a whip across the quiet morning air, as his hand sought the grip of a long sword. My heart jumped to my throat. City Swimmer was attempting to resist arrest! What was she thinking?

She lunged clumsily.

With experienced precision, the guard deflected the dagger with a left sweep of his shield. Steel sang from scabbard as he stepped back to negate City Swimmer's short range, and optimize the reach of his long sword. The guard then stepped two paces to his left, placing the sun directly in City Swimmer's eyes and thundered, "Drop it! I won't tell you again."

My tea cup rolling on the porch, I was half way across the bridge that spanned the river between us by the time she lunged at the guard again.

Another left sweep of his shield deftly brushed the dagger aside as the guard stepped back. He raised his blade, which brought City Swimmer's dagger and free hand up to block her face and neck. His feint having worked, the professional soldier instantly dropped his weapon to waist level and, at precisely the correct range for his long sword, slashed horizontally.

The tip of his blade arced unopposed below City Swimmer's raised hands and ripped through the scales of her abdomen. It was over as suddenly as it had begun.

The dagger fell from City Swimmer's hand as she clutched her midsection and collapsed.

I slid to a stop on my knees next to her and screamed at the guard. "What did you do!?!"

"City Swimmer, can you hear me?" I pleaded. Blood was pumping from her gaping wound. I ripped off my blouse and pressed it against her in an effort to stop the bleeding. "You'll be ok, my friend," I lied.

City Swimmer looked at me dazed, her breathing labored. Frantically, I grabbed a healing potion from my pack and tried to make her drink. It was no use - she was retching blood now and couldn't drink the potion. With each spasm, I could feel her Argonian organs attempting to emerge from the wound as they pulsed against my makeshift bandage.

I lowered my face to hers as she tried to speak. "Waterfront. . . midnight. . . Garden, Daraloth. Gray Ffff. . . " As the words trailed off, I rose to my feet so I could cast a spell. Leaning over my friend, the white glow that filled my hands also engulfed her. While bound to City Swimmer by healing magic, her pain rippled through my own body until I could barely breathe. I could feel life her fading away. The damage was just too much as I collapsed back to my knees. She went limp in my arms, and her beautiful orange eyes slowly closed for the last time.

I jumped to my feet, bow in hand. Stepping back from the mail-clad guard while nocking an arrow, I spat the words, "Why did you have to kill her?" I could recognize the Imperial now. His name was Gladius Maro. Although not much older than I, he was a seasoned Legion soldier who had only recently been assigned here. It was just within the fortnight that I had introduced myself and welcomed him to Bravil. He had commented that he was looking forward to a break from the unrest, blood and snow of Skyrim.

The tip of Gladius' sword still dripped crimson. He did not raise it against me now, nor did he position his shield to block my arrow. I could see no fear on his face - only what looked like grief for City Swimmer and compassion for me. Our eyes searched each other for answers that were not there. "Buffy, I had no choice. She refused to stand down her attack."

Gladius spoke the truth. There was no target here, and Slayer could not heal my pain. I eased the bowstring forward. The weapon and arrow fell away from my hands. "I-I'm sorry Gladius. I should not have threatened you. I cannot imagine what possessed City Swimmer. Y-you did what you had to do."

Kneeling again by the lifeless Argonian, I held her to me. I winced at the cold finality of the sound behind me, as Gladius' sword slid into its scabbard. A moment later I heard the rustle of cloth, and felt his surcoat being draped over my bare shoulders. Only then did I realize my blood-soaked blouse was still pressed against City Swimmer's wound.

"I'm sorry, Buffy." Gladius' steel-clad hand now fell gently upon my shoulder. "I wish there had been another way."

I stroked City Swimmer's face as my tears flowed freely. After several moments, my small bloody fingers trembled upwards to grasp the gauntleted hand that had killed my friend. "I know."

City Swimmer had spent her last moments of life trying to give me something. Knowing the contents of her humble home, I had no doubt it was indeed her most valued prize.

She had promised to one day tell me about the Gray Fox, in return for saving her life during a trip we had made to the Imperial City. I had killed a man to defend her, and gone to prison for it. "I couldn't save you this time, my friend," I whispered against the lifeless Argonian's cheek. "Not from yourself. No one could."

I never had the heart to tell her that a beggar had long ago imparted the secret of the Gray Fox to me. Perhaps someday, I would visit this Garden of Dareloth that City Swimmer deemed worthy of her dying breaths.

This post has been edited by Acadian: May 2 2011, 10:41 PM