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 35 saw Buffy successfully clear the necromancers from Howling Cave on behalf of Raminus Polus and Meridia. The cult of black robes had killed a young member of the Mages Guild as well as a follower of Meridia.

mALX- Yup. Seeing those necrodudes field dressing out a man or mer peed her off. And we all know she tends to follow and act on her anger. . . Lol. Thank you!

SubRosa- I'm so pleased that the opening description captured the contrasts of the scene. Thank you for your wonderful insights. We earned another 'cuddly as a rattlesnake'! Oooh - where is that *twirl* emoticon?

Rider- Buffy is lucky that Kud-Ei is an illusionist and inspired her, and that Boderi helped her specialize in that direction. I was tickled that you compared Buffy to a battlemage. Boderi and I define a battlemage as one who masters the awesome synergy of blending conventional weaponry with magic. It is not surprising to me that Boderi therefore joins you in considering a mystic archer as a form of battlemage. Thank you!

Linara- Thank you so much for gracing us with your reading! By now, Buffy has been well-trained by necromancers to loathe them. She ponders why Azura could not have 'touched her fate' so that she was a Necromancer or Daedra Slayer instead of a Vampire Slayer. Lol.

treydog- I am so humbled by such kind comments from the writer I want to grow up to emulate.

Zalphon- Thank you. Buffy appreciates the compliment!

Foxy- With a name like 'Buffy' we do strive for some tongue in cheek when it seems to flow naturally from the circumstances. Oooh! I think she would heartily endorse the Foxy Doctrine!

Destri- You are a master of creative description; to earn such kind words on our opening scene-setter humbles me greatly. I have learned much from you, my friend. The fights inside Howling Cave did go well for Buffy. I think you are right that Boderi would have been proud of her glass cannon. Sometimes the cannon dominates, sometimes the glass. She did well in this case, and kept her greaves dry.

Remko- Thank you. In Buffy's gray world, she has learned some absolutes: Bandits, marauders, highwaymen and necromancers are evil and attack without provocation.

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36 By the Detritus of the Profane, Part 3

"The pair of ye look none the worse fer yer journey, Lass," said Thernd as he took the mare's reins.

I slid to the ground and joined the Bosmer in removing Superian's tack. "It was not pleasant, Thernd. I had to avenge the guild, as well as Meridia, against some rogue necromancers."

"Well good riddance to 'em." Thernd spat on the ground. "Animatin' someone's parts after they be dead just ain't right if yer askin' me. Did ye say Meridia?"

"Why yes, do you know of her?"

He wrinkled his brow and scratched a pointed ear. "Only that she be a Deadra Lord. Thaurron and I found a shrine to one of 'em years ago."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? Do you remember anything about it?" I led Superian into the barn for some fresh hay and a well-deserved rest.

By the time I stepped back outside, Thernd had touched a glowing fingertip to his pipe and loosed a ring of smoke into the air. "Got yer map?" After marking a spot north of Anvil, he continued. "Malacath be his name, and orcs be his followers. They told us to be gone unless we had some troll fat to offer their boss. Them orcs didn't look none too fond o' wood elves, so Thaurron and I took the part of their advice about bein' gone."

I rolled up the map. "Thanks, Thernd. Well, I'd better go tell Raminus Polus about the necromancers."

*

After listening to my brief report, the Imperial leaned back in his chair and ran a hand through his gray-streaked brown hair. "I'm glad I chose you for this mission, Buffy. You have acquitted both yourself and the guild well." Raminus studied the collection of potions, scrolls and other items from Howling Cave that I had placed on his desk. Holding up the black robe, he frowned. "Yes, this is the symbol of a necromantic cult. You say the banner you saw in Howling Cave displayed the same markings?"

"Yes, Master Wizard. It was in the deepest chamber of the cave, along with the leader of the necromancers. He was cutting into a corpse that was hanging by its feet. The body was not that of our mage or Meridia's follower, but it was still horrible."

Raminus' brief flash of what looked like quiet rage was cut short as his gaze settled on the black soul gem on his desk. He lifted it to his ear. "This one's full - likely from the poor owner of that corpse you describe. No doubt the necromancers intended to animate the body into a worm thrall with it." Setting the gem down, he pointed at a large ring within the pile of my spoils and raised an eyebrow.

"Meridia gave it to me," I said. "The Daedra Lord was pleased with the price I exacted from the necromancers for their deeds. She considers them an affront to all life."

"After what you report, I fear I must agree with her assessment." He skimmed through several of the scrolls, then furrowed his brow. "Buffy, you found no notes or letters detailing their plans?"

"No, Master Wizard," I then added, "and Meridia offered no insight into their motivation."

"Well, we shall remain vigilant, but hope that this attack on one of our mages was the work of a rogue cell, now destroyed thanks to you." Raminus gestured at the collection of items on his desk. "You took the risks, Buffy, so these things are yours. I suggest however, you give that black soul gem to Tar-Meena at the Mystic Archives, so it doesn't fall into the wrong hands."

*

I paused to lean over the heavy marble hand rail and admire the view of the University gardens below. Apprentices, in their green bags, were gathering by the benches of the outdoor classroom. No doubt one of the blue robe scholars would soon arrive and deliver a lecture on doom stones or such. It brought back memories. "You know, Acadian, I'm going to keep that black soul gem."

What use do you have for it?

I looked around to ensure no one could overhear a wood elf talking to the silent air around her about black soul gems. "It can make powerful enchantments."

You already created Slayer.

"I could use it to fully recharge my bow."

Is that not why you risked our life to obtain the Star of Azura?

I countered, "Maybe I'll sell the black soul gem to Ungarion."

"What would he do with it?" I repeated Acadian's unspoken question. "Oh. Well I guess I didn't think about that. You don't suppose he would sell it to someone to make - what did Raminus call them - oh yes, worm thralls? No, don't answer that." I frowned. "Ungarion is charming but he would give it to whoever paid him, with no questions asked - the same way he sells stuff to me. Perhaps I should've thought of that before I gave him those other two black soul gems. At least they were empty."

I started towards the steps. "Ok, I'll do as you say, my paladin."

Closing the heavy door of the Mystic Archives behind me, I closed my eyes and deeply inhaled the rich, comforting smell of old books and leather bindings.

"What brings you to me today, Apprentice?" The beautifully soothing voice of Tar-Meena welcomed me.

"I guess you know about necromancers attacking one of our mages out by Skingrad?" I asked.

The Argonian's orange eyes blinked, then she nodded sadly. "Yes. I understand Raminus took the recommendation that Boderi and I provided him, and asked you to investigate." Tar-Meena waved me to a table and seated herself.

I joined her, and fished into my pack. "Their local cult is destroyed. Raminus thought the Archives might have use for some of these things." I placed the necromancer robes on the table. My hand hesitated, then I added the black soul gem and Meridia's ring.

"Well, these robes will be a welcome addition to the materials we have for studying their cults. We have several black soul gems, but I will put this one in our display case for safe keeping." Tar-Meena cocked her head. "What is this ring? Did you find it on the necromancers? I do not recognize it."

"Oh no," I said. "Meridia gave it to me for clearing the black robes from Howling Cave."

The Argonian smiled. "Another Daedric artifact. It seems you are getting quite popular with Daedra Lords. You carry Azura's Star, and now this." She examined the ring, then stood. After returning from her shelves with a book, she leafed through it comparing the ring to sketches on the yellowed pages. "Hmm, let's see, Malacath, Malog Bal, ah here it is - Meridia. This is the Ring of Khajiiti. Do you know what it does?"

I held a finger in front of my face and slid on the ring. Looking at Tar-Meena through my translucent hands, I said, "Yes, see? It has a partial chameleon effect and increases my speed slightly." I shrugged as I slipped off the ring. "I don't really think I need it; between my ability to hide in the shadows and cast illusions, I can already remain hidden when I want to. I will never part with Azura's Star, but would you like this ring for the Archives?"

Tar-Meena absently tugged on one of her horns. After a moment, she shook her head. "I will make some sketches and take some notes, but you should carry it with you. It is very valuable, yet weighs much less than the gold it is worth. You earned it."

I nodded, and pushed the ring towards her. "I'll pick it up before I leave."

"What are your plans now, Buffy?"

"Well," I grinned sheepishly, "I must admit I quite fancy these Daedra Lord trinkets. I know there must be more of them out there. Thernd, at the stables just marked Malacath's Shrine on my map. My archery master, Daenlin, and I found the Shrine to Sheogorath years ago. His followers were quite insane, but perhaps I'll have to look into that. Do you know of any others?"

Tar-Meena flashed a toothy grin. "You always were the type to devour these old texts, then want to go see for yourself. I am glad Boderi trained you to survive the hazards of field research."

"And I'm glad you taught me to love books, my friend." I placed my hand over Tar-Meena's.

"It seems like you have the exploration bug." She again rose and, after retrieving two volumes from a nearby shelf, returned.

Turning my head sideways, I could read one of the titles. "Oh I remember 'Modern Heretics'. It was very helpful when I sought Azura's favor."

"Well," the Argonian said as she blew off the dust and opened the other book, "this one is by the retired mage, Ontus Vanin. In it he details the location of Vaermina's Shrine. Here." She turned the book so I could read the passage and see the sketch.

"Oh, I see. It's between here and Cheydinhal, on the shore of Lake Poppad." I marked the location on my map. "Thank you, Tar-Meena! I'll head upstairs now to do some reading on Malacath, Sheogorath and Vaermina.

Alone on the top floor of the Archives, I had several texts open and was studying my map to figure out the best routing. Acadian was curious.

"What am I doing chasing after Daedric Princes?" I wrinkled my face. "Acadian, I adore having Azura's Star. Like I told Tar-Meena, can you imagine the possibilities if any of them reward as well as Azura did?" I sighed. "Treasures I can't even imagine."

What trinkets do you need?

"Well, I guess I don't really need anything. I mean I have Slayer, my detect life rings and Azura's Star." I thought for a moment, then giggled. "Maybe I'm addicted. You know how when you walk by a shop? You just have to go inside to see what they - no, I guess you wouldn't understand that."

I set my jaw. "Look, I listened to you when you told me to give that black soul gem to Tar-Meena. Now you can just listen to me. We'll buy some troll fat for Malacath, then we're going shrine hunting!"

I expect you'll be disappointed.

"Well, we're leaving in the morning, so I guess I'll just have to see for myself, won't I?" I stuck out my tongue.

Acadian let slip part of a thought before he quickly cut it off from me.

"Oh, really?" I bristled in response. "You think I always claim the last word when we argue? Well you're wrong! Go ahead, you can have the last say."

You're right of course, Buffy. Let's go.

"Fine."

This post has been edited by Acadian: Oct 9 2010, 08:52 PM