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 33 concluded 'Dancing with Darkness' and found the bowgirl in Bravil. She seemed to have a deeper understanding of herself, and revealed the Buffy Doctrine. The peaceful morning was then marred by the tragic and senseless death of her friend, City Swimmer.

Remko- Thank you for the kind words. Bravil is a lonelier place now, but even in death, City Swimmer had a lesson for Buffy.

treydog- Thank you for endorsing how many things I tried to tie together here. Your comments show exactly why I named the episode 'Her True Colors'. Thanks for the nit - fixed.

Rider- It was an emotional episode to write, and I'm so glad you were able to share some of that emotion with me. Thank you.

SubRosa- As ever, your insights are so very welcome, and they let me know, in this case, we were close to target. Thank you. I took your recommendation, priestess - thanks!

Destri- Thank you for recognizing the connection between Child of Dawn and Dancing with Darkness. Buffy will probably always have one foot in darkness (or at least shadows), but I believe dawn is indeed more reflective of her path than dusk would be.

I can imagine a time when Buffy would become a friend to Countess Milona Umbranox. If she were ever to learn of the connection between Milona and the Gray Fox, I have no doubt, Buffy would move half of Cyrodiil to help bring Corvus home to his lonely countess. Then, I fully expect Buffy would turn the cowl and mantle of Thieves Guildmaster over to the lovely and talented Methredhel. . . . Alas, I fear Buffy's dance card is way too full for the guild of thieves in the reasonable future. It is on the list for a potential Book 3.

mALX- Thank you so much! I remember that we both liked this episode in the original version as well.

hazmick- I thank you for allowing this episode to tug at your heart strings. There was so much wrapped into it that the writing of it was very emotional as well.

Grizzly- I'm delighted to see you rejoin us! Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad you agree with Buffy on Rufio. She will still exhibit a streak of vengeance and even cruelty, but it seems she has limits, grounded in the more noble aspects of her character.

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34 By the Detritus of the Profane, Part 1

"Thank you for getting to the University so quickly, Buffy." Raminus Polus filled a silver cup with tea and carefully presented it to me. "I hope your trip from Bravil was uneventful." He then stepped around the desk and settled into his high-backed chair.

"Kud-Ei got the dispatch yesterday, Master Wizard," I said, lowering the tea cup to my lap. "Superian and I left before dawn this morning."

From behind steepled fingers, the slightly graying Breton continued, "I'll come right to the point. A mage has been killed and I would like you to look into the matter."

"Me?" Both my eyes opened wide.

"Hear me out, please." Raminus leaned forward slightly.

I nodded obediently, then lifted the tea to my lips.

"The victim's name was Phane Thierry, and he was seeking a recommendation to enter the University from the magister of the Skingrad chapter. According to Adrienne Berene, Thierry was a fine young Breton of humble means who hoped to one day serve the Legion as an Imperial Battlemage. She assigned him the task of clearing bears from nearby-" Raminus glanced down at a report, "Shardrock farm, for some beleaguered sheep herder. An appropriate task I suppose. No doubt, Adrienne considered it good for the guild's community relations as well."

"Bears can be dangerous." I shook my head sadly. "So you want me to go finish the job?" Surely Raminus didn't summon me here to go bear hunting. Yet if the mage had been killed by these powerful animals, what was there to investigate?

He frowned. "No. The young Associate did a fine job with the bears. He was attacked while returning to Skingrad."

"Killed by bandits?"

"No. It seems shortly after he left Shardrock, he was ambushed by necromancers - no less than three of them. He managed to run and fight his way to the nearby shrine of Meridia, where her followers came to his defense." Raminus shook his head as his eyes flashed in quiet rage. "The fight that ensued, left our Associate and a follower of Meridia dead. All three of the necromancers escaped."

"Master Wizard, why would necromancers attack one of our guild?"

He rubbed his chin, anger still in his eyes. "I don't know Buffy. While it's true that we prohibit the practice of necromancy by our members, we've never taken steps to persecute those outside our guild who choose to follow alternate teachings. We simply don't want our mages resurrecting corpses into worm thralls and desecrating the dead. We've never taken arms against necromancers to stop them from forming their own guild." The Breton's fingers slowly curled into a clenched fist. "Never before have they openly attacked us."

"I'm honored that you think me worthy of investigating this tragic matter, but I'm merely a-"

Raminus silenced me with a raised hand. "Merely a fine mystic archer who comes highly-recommended for the task by both Tar-Meena and Boderi Farano. I understand you were attacked by a necromancer?"

"Well, yes. One of the black robes tried to kill me in the bowels of Vilverin before I was admitted to the University. I admit that I was in his lair, but I declared myself and my peaceful intentions. As soon as he heard who I was, he attacked."

Raminus raised an eyebrow. "When you say you declared yourself, did you indicate you were a mage?"

"I did." A thought hit me. "Do you think that's why he attacked me? Because I was in the guild?"

"Well," his fingers returned to the steepled pose that made him look so 'head masterish', "that's what I'm beginning to wonder. What happened?"

"I managed to immobilize him with a spell, then shot him dead." I shuddered as I recalled the incident, then narrowed my eyes. "After I memorized the skull and bones symbol on his robes, I told his corpse I would offer neither warning nor quarter should I encounter his kind in the future."

"So Boderi tells me." Raminus nodded grimly. "That's one reason I think you're the right mage for this matter."

"There's more?" I asked.

"Both Tar-Meena and Boderi mentioned that you've had some dealings with a Daedra Lord?"

"Yes," I replied. "Azura chose me to perform a task for her. I have earned her favor."

"As I mentioned," Raminus continued, "the killing took place near the shrine of Meridia. As you may recall from your studies, she has little tolerance for the undead and perhaps may prove helpful in this matter. After all, one of her followers was killed in the attack as well. I'm hoping that your experience from fighting a necromancer and dealing with a Daedra Lord will help here." He then placed both palms upon his desk, leaned forward and locked his eyes onto mine. "May I count on your help in this matter, Buffy?"

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The dog turned his head at my approach. His tail began to slowly thump against the leg of the Bosmer standing next to him. Alerted to my presence, Thernd briefly acknowledged me. He then returned his gaze to the east. "Look a' that, Lass."

Within a few moments, the first rays of the sun flooded the entire Valley of Horses in a spectacular display. Dew sparkled across the grass-covered meadow. Long flickering shadows were cast by leathery wings of the imps on patrol. I heard the thunder of approaching hooves. Three horses, including Superian, were racing our way. They swept a broad arc in front of us across the floor of the valley, coats glistening in the new sun, then sped away to the west towards Lake Rumare.

"Do ye see now why I have the best job there be?"

"You surely do," I said breathlessly. Rubbing my hand along the silver-gray fur of Bandit's back, he swung his head firmly into my stomach, demanding to have his ears scratched.

"Well, I see from yon bow on yer wee back that ye must be ready for travel." He glanced at Bandit. "Shall I have 'im fetch our black beauty?" He grinned and added, "If he can catch 'er o' course. Can't see 'er, but I'm sure she be down by the western water's edge by now."

"No, Thernd. Thank you." I closed my eyes. My mind quickly traveled to Superian and our spirits touched. I could feel the cool refreshing drink she was enjoying from the lake and held my request for a moment so she could finish. "She'll be here in a minute."

"Where be ye off to this fine morning, Lass?"

"Skingrad. If the roads be - oh listen to me!" I giggled. "I'm starting to talk like you. I mean, if the roads are quiet, I think we can make it by nightfall."

"Aye. Well I see yon mare now, headed straight for 'er elven mistress. Let's get 'er tack together and get the pair of ye on yer way."

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I raised my torch against the dark night, revealing the awe-inspiring form of Meridia. The fine features of her visage were tilted upwards, as if addressing - or perhaps commanding - the sky. Graceful hands were clasped in front of her face, and stone fabric sleeves draped from her elbows. Her gown was tied loosely at the waist and from it, long bare legs descended to the top of a large, round pedestal.

"Our Lady is lovely, isn't she?"

Turning, I found myself looking into the kind eyes of an elderly Breton. He wore the simple brown robes of a monk, and his head was ringed by a tonsure style hair of the same color. "Breathtaking," I whispered. Raising my voice, I added, "Oh, sorry, I'm Buffy. I was sent by the Mages Guild to investigate the death of one of our Associates here."

"You are welcome in this place, young elf. My name is Basil Ernarde, healer and follower of Meridia. Your mage died bravely. I regret that his wounds were too severe for me to heal."

"Well met, Basil. I understand Meridia lost a follower as well. Please accept the condolences of my guild."

"Yes. We will help any way we can to avenge our shared losses."

"Can you fill me in on what happened?" I asked.

Basil quickly relayed what he knew, which was little more than what Raminus had told me. He suggested I attempt to summon Meridia herself. Perhaps she would know the whereabouts of the necromancers. "To summon our Lady, you'll need some evidence of your disdain for the undead."

"I have some ectoplasm," I said hopefully. "Will that do?"

Basil nodded, but seemed a little taken aback. "Do you normally carry such things with you?"

"Well, sure," I said a little sheepishly. "For my hair. I combine it with rosemary oil and aloe vera for conditioning, glow dust for shine and some finely ground bergamot for a nice citrus scent."

The Breton ran a hand over the bald head that capped his tonsure. "I wouldn't know anything about that." His eyes then clouded, and he frowned. "Do you expect to summon a Daedra Lord by pouring some sort of hair glop at her feet?"

"Oh, no. I have some fresh samples I haven't mixed up yet." I planted the torch into the soft ground. Rummaging through my pack, I produced a portion of ectoplasm. After placing the offering on Meridia's pedestal, I stepped back. The peculiar accent of her echoing voice broke the dark silence.

"By the detritus of the profane, I am brought forth. And by your offering, you have made the profane your interest, mortal. The undead are foul, unnatural things. Some of my rivals take pleasure in these abominations. Not Meridia. I wish these creatures destroyed. Hidden behind a door, deep in Howling Cave, are the necromancers you seek. They slay the living, and rob graves of the dead for the materials to raise their undead armies. Find these necromancers. Destroy them and their abominations. Do this, and earn the gratitude of Meridia."

I knelt close to the torch and spread my map on the ground. Howling Cave was back to the east, on the other side of Skingrad. Superian and I would return to the city tonight, and set out for the cave in the morning.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Oct 3 2010, 10:39 PM