Buffy the Bowgirl, Book 1, Thread 3, Do You Know the Way to Kvatch? Options

[Acadian]

Welcome to Thread 3, or the third 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.

Thread 2 began with a brief recap of thread one, then included episodes 27-56.

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Please allow me to offer a small summary of Thread 2 that I hope might prove useful as a review, or for those who are joining us in progress:

Buffy discovered, from a black marketeer in Bravil, that sigil stones are what hold Oblivion Gates open.

In Chorrol, Buffy learned, after the fact, that the monk Jauffre had been murdered and the Amulet of Kings apparently stolen - almost immediately after Buffy had delivered it to him.

Her business in Chorrol also saw Buffy plot and carry out a deserved, but nonetheless calculated assassination of a rogue mage named Earana. Although tempted by the subsequent Dark Brotherhood's seductive lure of love and family, Buffy ultimately balked at her initiation contract and concluded that her killing and taste for vengeance were not for hire. Her 'dance with darkness' led to the forging and adopting of 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.

She began to display a fascination with the quests of Daedra Lords that, at first, made sense. Azura had given Buffy a wonderful artifact, and Meridia helped her avenge a murdered guild mate. Succumbing to the lure of Daedric trinkets, Buffy then undertook several more of these quests, netting disappointment and even shame over some of her choices.

Her fascination with Daedra Lords nevertheless remained and she eventually, with the help of Acadian, realized the cause: The Oblivion Gate at Kvatch was the work of a Daedra Lord, Mehrunes Dagon. Buffy had learned that without an Emperor, the Legion was too busy holding rebellious provinces together to send forces to close a gate that seemed under control. She realized that if she didn't help, no one would. Her curious logic yielded that perhaps one of Mehrunes Dagon's colleagues could help her learn more about fighting the Daedra within the gate, and ultimately closing it.

A second brief visit to Kvatch refined that her motivation did not necessarily stem from a desire to assist the Empire or Kvatch. It became clear that the focus of her efforts was Savlian Matius himself, even as she wrestled with trying to understand her growing feelings for him.

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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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We now join Buffy as she embarks on a large storyline we call 'The Leyawiin Expedition,' that will sprawl over approximately sixteen episodes. Although the Daedra Lord Sanguine's quest is Buffy's excuse to visit to Leyawiin, I hope you will sit back and enjoy her rather multifaceted, expansive and sometimes circuitous approach to things.

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57 The Leyawiin Expedition, Part 1- Wet Reflections

The journey to Leyawiin was miserable. It never stopped raining. Despite wearing a hood, cape and robes, my skin was soaked and my boots full of water. The storm seemed to deter bandits and beasts though, and had allowed us to slosh along the puddle-laden road in relative peace. I had plenty of time to discuss my plans and concerns at length with Acadian and Superian.

My heart still ached from my decision to leave Kvatch. The excuses I had given Savlian Matius about trying to get more help for him and experience for me were true enough, although incomplete. I had nightmares of fireballs, burning rivers, and those terrifying clannfears. Amidst the brave defenders on top of that mountain, I was too ashamed to proclaim that much of my reason for leaving was fear.

That fear extended to my feelings for Savlian as well. Was a skittish wood elf really what that courageous man needed? Was a soldier, who subordinated his own needs and feelings to the defense of his city, what I needed? Was he even capable of caring about a woman more than his beloved Kvatch?

Yet. . . he had charged into that gate after me, jeopardizing his ability to command the effort at the barricade. Did that mean. . . oh, I didn't know what any of it meant. I thought about the beautiful Nord that now graced his defensive perimeter. I couldn't blame Savlian if he preferred her to me. After all, Sigrid was neither skittish nor would she run away. I knew I would return. . . just not yet. Not with those nightmares. What would I find when I did go back to Kvatch? We slowly plodded along in the downpour. A tear slid down my cheek, only to be lost in the rain.

The depressing weather also helped doubts to seep into my commitment to the current path that Acadian and I had agreed upon. Would any of these Daedra Lords help me learn more about how to survive the denizens of Mehrunes Dagon's realm so I could close that gate?

We carefully skirted the rising Lower Niben, where relentless rain had claimed parts of the Green Road near Water's Edge. Recalling the tragedy I had inflicted upon the poor Khajiit of nearby Borderwatch, it was easy to become discouraged with Daedra Lords. As I contemplated my shameful actions in support of Sheogorath, it was not lost on me that Sanguine seemed to be requesting another such 'harmless' practical joke. I vowed quietly into the rain, "I will not cast Sanguine's spell if I come to believe it will shatter hopes or lives. I did enough of that at Borderwatch."

It was thoughts of Vaermina and her tower of nightmares that provided a glimmer of hope into my soggy despair; at least she had acknowledged my fears, and provided Daedra to help improve my skill and confidence.

Ultimately though, as Acadian had pointed out, I realized that I wasn't yet ready to take on an Oblivion Gate.

Resigned then to our current path, I mused and pondered aloud about what might await us in Leyawiin. Acadian and Superian listened patiently in the rain as I tried to come up with ideas of how I might infiltrate my way into Castle Leyawiin and the Countess' dinner party.

Despite my trepidation regarding Sanguine's task, I confessed some excitement at the prospects for intrigue and learning a bit of what happens inside a castle. And of course, what girl would turn down the chance to dress up in a formal gown?

By the time the walls of Leyawiin began to emerge from the darkness, I had almost convinced myself that continuing to research Daedra Lords was a perfectly valid reason to delay getting myself killed at Kvatch.

*

During the brief moment that the heavy wooden door to the Leyawiin guild was open, rain swept across the elegant marble floor, and a crack of thunder caused the mage inside the lobby to flinch. I removed my soaked hood. "Good evening, Evoker," I said to the Nord as my cape and green robe dripped on the floor.

"Greetings, Apprentice. I see the weather outside is still fit only for Argonians." Agata was pleasant, but businesslike, with her hair severely pulled back and wearing standard guild-issue blue robes. "It's been quite some time since you helped us by recovering Dagail's amulet. I was pleased that our recommendation helped you enter the University. During my recent visit there, Boderi Farano told me you did quite well for yourself. What brings you to Leyawiin?"

"Mostly research, Agata." I had found the term 'research' to be well-accepted among mages, and covered a multitude of things I didn't want to share. "Do you think I could stow my things and use Kalthar's old bed in the basement while I'm here?" I extended both arms to emphasize my baggy dripping sleeves, and shrugged.

The Nord smiled. "Forgive me, Buffy. Of course. Use Kalthar's quarters. Head down there right now and get yourself into some dry things. My dear friend Kud-Ei would never forgive me if we let one of her girls catch cold. We'd be delighted to have you stay as long as you like. Let me know if there's anything I can help you with."

"Thank you for the welcome, Agata." I headed downstairs.

As I looked at the bed in the basement, I remembered Kalthar. Killing a whining traitor to help the kind and wise leader of this guild had been a fair trade. The Council of Mages had determined my actions to be self defense and absolved me for the death of my guild mate.

After tugging off and draining my boots, I removed the cape and robe. Squeezing out the excess water, I found a place to hang them, along with the hood. While unpacking, I allowed the air to dry my rain-soaked skin. My fingers and toes were quite pale and wrinkled.

I hoped Delphine knew what she was talking about, commending Agata to me. If the Nordic assistant guild leader knew much about fashion and hair, it surely didn't show. Of course, I was hardly one to talk at the moment. My ponytail was more like a wet rattail. Removing the soaked ribbon I shook my loose hair, spraying the walls.

Laying out my gowns to relax the travel wrinkles, I was grateful that Delmar at the Chironasium had helped me enchant my pack to protect the contents from water. By the time I finished unpacking, my skin was dry and I pulled on a blue and green dress - with matching slippers of course. I then combed out my wet hair and headed back upstairs.

As I climbed to the second floor of the guild, I suppressed a squeal at my good fortune and chirped, "Hail, Tsavi." A green hood, atop a matching robe, turned around to reveal the the Khajiit. She was a member of the guild, but more importantly was the Staff Mage for Castle Leyawiin.

"Good evening, Buffy. Nice to see you. The trip from Bravil was uneventful?" Tsavi looked perpetually sad, but she was nevertheless pleasant enough.

"Yes, but for that interminable storm." Careful now, Buffy; nice and subtle. "I had to wear my rain gear all the way. Tsavi, I notice your green robes from the University. I hate wearing mine. How do you get them to fit so well?"

She seemed pleased at the compliment as she looked down and smoothed the robes with her hands. Her tail flicked around from behind and swept down the front of her lower legs. "These have been altered - to fit better and allow for a tail. Otherwise this one would swim around tripping over the hem."

I laughed. "Oh, good idea. I called them 'green bags' at the University." Good. Tsavi was opening up just a bit. "I only wear mine against the rain. Fortunately, they've been soaked and dried enough that they've shrunk to fit somewhat."

Tsavi smiled. "Well the whole idea of wearing robes as the Court Mage is important. It helps remind those in the castle - well really, just the Countess - of the position's importance. Otherwise, she would likely throw Tsavi out."

"Throw you out?" I opened my eyes wide for her benefit. Yes! She was talking about the castle now. "Why on Nirn would the Countess do that?" Add just a pinch of flattery. "You're a skilled mage and healer."

"Countess Caro hates Khajiit." Tsavi shook her head slowly and her ears drooped. "The sad part is, she could perhaps be a fine Lady Leyawiin otherwise. At least she dislikes Khajiit and Argonians equally. The way many of our two races torment each other in this town, the last thing we need is for her to take sides. This one believes the Countess just dislikes anyone whose appearance varies from her own Imperialness. You should see how she lifts her nose when she passes that orc who's been hanging around the Great Hall."

"Orc?" I pounced on the opportunity and tried my best to gush encouragement. "Now, that sounds mysterious!"

"Oh, it is." Tsavi perked up. "That orc claims she's a knight, but just snarls that she won't talk to anyone but the Count. Of course, the guards won't let a snarling orc anywhere near Lord Leyawiin. She's done nothing that quite warrants arrest, so things are at a standstill. Since his guards can get nowhere with her, the Count has offered a reward to anyone who can determine the orc's business."

"Fascinating, Tsavi," I said. Ok Buffy, turn off the gush. Time to gently back out. "How's Dagail? I mean, now that she has her amulet back to channel her voices and visions."

"Dagail? As wise as she ever was," replied the Khajiit. "She still talks in questions and circles, but if you pay attention you can learn much from her. Agata continues to handle much of the daily business for the guild. That reminds Tsavi that her purpose this evening is to see Agata. Please excuse this one, Apprentice. Wonderful to see you again."

"You too, Tsavi. 'Bye." I gave myself a passing grade for this first step of my infiltration. My business remained my own. The less people involved in Sanguine's perversion, the better. I hoped to minimize Agata's role to that of providing assistance with clothing and hair, should the time come. The conversation with Tsavi had provided a reason to visit the castle - albeit, an apparently snarling one.

* From Buffy's scrapbook: Screenshot1 * Screenshot2

This post has been edited by Acadian: Oct 28 2011, 10:25 PM

[Acadian]

At the mysterious prompting of Acadian, Episode 58 found Buffy diverted from her business at Castle Leyawiin to the nearby Shrine of Nocturnal. The Daedra Lord requested our Child of Dawn recover an item stolen by a pair of Leyawiin thieves. Buffy discovered that the Argonian thieves - named Weebam-Na and Bejeen - had indeed stolen from Nocturnal and hidden the item within a cave along the coast of Topal Bay. Buffy and Superian made their way to Tidewater Cave.

mALX- Portable Campsite is the mod's name. The tough part of that screenie was using the construction set on Slof's horse mod to temporarily remove all of Superian's tack!

I've consistently left orc uncapitalized in BF 2.0. We capitalize the proper name of a race but we choose not to capitalize a race's nickname: Caucasian/white man; Dunmer/dark elf; Bosmer/wood elf; Orsimer/orc; etc. I believe it is a reasonable (albeit debatable) decision for dealing with a gray area; more importantly, it is a useful style sheet decision that helps us to be consistent.

Thank you so much for the kind words regarding Buffy's internal dialogue!

SubRosa- Yes, 'fine' is a simple but amazingly powerful word from the mouth of the right woman. I see you are way ahead of Acadian as to why he asked Buffy to visit Nocturnal. It will take a couple more chapters for Buffy to fully realize why. I too, got a big grin from reading Methie's take on lockpicks in your recent story, knowing Buffy's take was imminent! She has a little more to say about them in this next episode as well. Thank you for liking our screenie!

Oh, and so sorry to upset Miss Freya with our tardiness in updating - although I must admit her picture brought more than a faint smile to my face. Losing a couple days for a new computer is just not something a kitty should have to deal with or be expected to understand, after all.

Destri- Buffy and Acadian don't always agree, but it seems they really do trust, respect and depend on each other. Thank you so much for noting my change of Nocturnal's dialogue when she referred to Buffy as Child of Dawn. Heh, she really quite resents those spells being jammed into her spellbook. I so appreciate you pointing out that nit so I could fix it!

Grits- Giving Nocturnal a voice like a shroud of silk just seemed so fitting. Thank you for mentioning it, and for your wonderfully kind words!

Thomas Kaira- Thanks for complimenting the atmosphere we tried to provide here. I agree that Buffy is pretty smart and clever; she does have a challenge thinking quickly or under pressure though. Thanks for your advice on the comma; I pulled it.

hazmick- I was thinking of you and Haa-Rei as we wrote the description of Superian moving through the soft ground between ferns and weeping tree branches. Acadian so appreciates your vote of confidence for diverting Buffy; despite still smarting from Buffy's use of the 'Fine' word, he is convinced that completing Nocturnal's task will pay dividends relating to that orc at the castle.

Wolf- Thank you also for the endorsement of Acadian's occasional blue marker. We figured that dear Aradroth might approve of Buffy's urban subterfuge, particularly in her black cat suit.

Grizzly- Thank you so much for your enthusiastic encouragement! It'll take a couple more episodes for the benefits of doing Nocturnal's quest to become clear to Buffy. That is great news that you're getting an Oblvion PC!

treydog- As is so often the case, your words soothe like a welcome potion. I admire your style so very much, and Buffy and I are grateful for your kind and supportive comments.

Foxy- Yes! Wasn't SubRosa's picture of Freya wonderful?

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59 The Leyawiin Expedition, Part 3- Tidewater Cave

The first streaks of morning sun reflected on the calm surface of Topal Bay as I raised my head from the bedroll. I smiled to see Superian enjoying a drink, but quickly arose before she could walk over to share it with me. After donning greaves and boots of buckskin, along with a gray blouse, I had a cold breakfast of bread and cheese outside Tidewater Cave.

I filled a pair of goatskin water bags, then sliced up and shared a couple apples with my mare. I hadn't noticed the nearby Saint John's wort plants the night prior, and gathered some nectar - useful to help make basic poisons.

With Slayer in hand, I smooched at Superian and entered the cave.

Letting my senses adjust to the cold, damp air, I wrinkled my nose at the smell of. . . troll dung. The darkness was moderated by naturally glowing rock outcroppings. Surveying the pink life signs, I could discern a variety of animals and the unmistakably hulking shoulders and long arms of several trolls.

Taking the first right turn, I snuck down a corridor.

Rasping breaths came from behind me. The trolls were moving quickly and I wasn't prepared for two of them. Flustered, I clung to the shadows and tried to melt into the gray rock wall. If they saw me this close, even disappearing might not protect me from a lucky swing. Perhaps I could survive one hit from a troll, but not two. The huge beasts lumbered past and continued deeper into the cave. Finally, I allowed my captive breath to quietly escape.

Creeping forward, I could make out both trolls in the cavern ahead.

The farther of the two jerked from the impact of my poisoned arrow. Still undetected, I counted the seconds for my poison to run its course. This troll required a second arrow to make Azura's Star sing. Again, distance, shadow and Slayer's enchantments prevented my detection.

Before attacking the second troll, I poisoned an arrow and slipped it into my boot sheath. After casting my spell that briefly immobilized foes and weakened them to poison, I chased it with the arrow. Due to the spell, this troll died from only a single poisoned arrow.

Quietly moving toward the dead trolls I sensed a warning from Acadian.

Behind you again.

Before I could react, I felt something hit the back of my right hamstring and tear into my flesh. With a cry of pain, I staggered forward and turned around. The rat's next lunge was for my throat. Slayer came up defensively as magic flashed into the bow to protect it. I was barely fast enough to deflect the rat. Instinctively, flames leaped from my fingertips. Again and again. Several more spells continued to bounce the dead rat down the corridor before I realized I could stop. My heart pounding, leg screaming and hands shaking, I leaned against the tunnel's stone wall.

The throbbing in my leg radiated up into my hip and I felt my head spinning. Tears welled and I was having trouble concentrating as I drank a healing potion. Fumbling in my pack I found a piece of mandrake root and ate it. The dizziness subsided, allowing the concentration necessary to bring forth healing energy and channel it into my wound. I limped into the cavern containing the dead trolls.

After casting another spell to further heal my wound, I pulled off my boots and greaves then sat on a large flat rock. As I repaired the tear in the leg of my buckskins, I shuddered to think if the rat had been a troll. What had happened? I had only been in this cave a short time and almost gotten myself killed twice. "Thank you Acadian, for watching our back. How could I have been so careless as to neglect sweeping the area behind us for enemies?" Shaking my head, I recharged Slayer, got dressed and tested my leg. I bathed myself in white magic once more - as much for nerves as my wound - then backtracked from this dead end cavern.

The next passage descended, explaining the cave's Tidewater name. I could see the distinctive glows of two slaughterfish ahead. After removing my boots and greaves (again), I waded up to my waist and started slapping the water. Sure enough, one of the fish charged. I quickly back peddled and reached for an arrow. By the time I retreated to ankle deep water, the slaughterfish was splashing and snapping harmlessly in front of me. One arrow killed the fish. Unfortunately, his companion remained in the murky depths.

I loved swimming, but not in the same water with these appropriately named life support systems for teeth. Oh well.

I didn't unstring Slayer, as I had no idea what might await beyond my swim; besides, silk bowstrings tolerated exposure to water quite well. I did remove my blouse however, and placed it along with my greaves and boots into the waterproof safety of my enchanted pack. In addition to the pair of detect life rings I wore, I slipped on two more that would allow me to breathe and see better under water. A blue glow pierced the shadows.

I waded forward up to my chest, drank a shield potion, then submerged and swam deeper. The remaining slaughterfish whirled and charged as I raised and spell-shielded my bow. Teeth slammed into Slayer. The painful jolt jarred me and almost buckled my arm. True to their hit and run style, the fish released the bow staff and began to turn away. Instantly, I grabbed its tail with a paralyzing touch. Without letting go, I channeled white energy that absorbed every bit of the slaughterfish's life.

This underwater corridor turned out to be another dead end.

After backtracking out of the water, I removed a couple rings and donned my greaves, blouse and boots. I then restrung Slayer with a dry bowstring, and proceeded into the next passage. The large glow ahead rivaled a troll in size, but was on all fours. My target identification spell divined that it was a black bear.

I had no qualm with bears or other natural forest predators as long as they didn't threaten Superian or I. By giving them a wide berth or remaining hidden, I was often able to avoid their attacks. Still undetected, I slipped on my ring that could cut through shadows with a blue clarity. I then entered the creature's cavern only with my eyes. After determining that it was yet a third dead end, I quietly withdrew.

A single troll was evident in what appeared to be the only remaining tunnel. I had to be getting close now to - what was the Daedra Lord missing? Oh yes, the Eye of Nocturnal. I crept closer to the troll. The glow was very large now, just beyond the approaching sharp turn.

Stop Buffy. I thought about some of the things that could go wrong with the upcoming close quarters fight. I was still a bit shaken from being nearly bested by a rat. I didn't want to end up in a puddle of blood, tears and pee on the floor of this cave screaming how much I hated Acadian for dragging me here. And I really didn't want to get myself killed.

Drinking two shield potions, I hoped they would allow me to survive a couple troll hits if it came to that. I reviewed the spells I might need. Finally, I poisoned and nocked an arrow.

With Slayer partially drawn, I eased myself sideways until I had a clear shot. Fully drawing the bowstring, I released my arrow. At this range, the massive troll was staggered away from me by the impact. I wasn't taking any chances though, and immediately chased my arrow with a green swirling illusion of fear. The poisoned creature retreated in terror as I nocked another arrow. After a few seconds, my spell wore off and the troll charged. Between the close range and Slayer's enchantments, my second arrow stopped the beast in its tracks amidst a swirl of sparks. Azura's Star sang its comforting note before the troll hit the ground.

I slowly turned, scanning all the way around me for pink glows. Seeing only the bear - who seemed content to remain in his cavern - I lit a torch and quickly found Nocturnal's Eye.

* *

Astride Superian, I drew up close and placed my hand upon Nocturnal.

"My Eye is returned, and I once again see into the darkness that is your world. We mock the thieves, for bitter is their loss. You, Child of Dawn, may take this. It shall open the secrets of dark places for you."

"That's it? Milady Nocturnal, I was hoping for some information about the plains of Oblivion, or at least some tips for fighting Daedra?" Touching the shrine again, I got no response.

I stared at the item that had appeared in my hand. What good was a skeleton key? I could open any lock in Cyrodiil with a spell. Well, almost. It seemed no one could explain why on Nirn I couldn't create an on-touch unlock spell; therefore, I forced Acadian to help me open things that were underwater where my ranged spells wouldn't work. At least Nocturnal's trinket was smaller and lighter than the war hammer or staves I had received from other Daedra Lords.

As Superian and I joined the Yellow Road, I could see smoke rising from the banks of the Lower Niben. We moved closer until a bonfire and several tents appeared. Locating the spot on my map, I saw it was called Fisherman's Rock.

We gave the camp a fair berth as we skirted our way down to the water's edge, where I slid to the ground. Spreading my arms, I placed one hand on Superian's withers and the other on her haunch. Using most of my magicka I infused her with a massive alteration spell. After I remounted, we trotted across the surface of the river. Upon reaching the east side, we turned south along the Green Road toward Leyawiin.

"Acadian, we still need to investigate that orc at Castle Leyawiin. I think that's the best bet to get ourselves into the Countess' dinner party."

The bonfire across the river at Fisherman's Rock was still visible. I wondered if the Argonian thief named Weebam-Na, and his accomplice Bejeen, would learn not to steal from Daedra Lords.

I was mystified but content. "I have no idea why you led us to Nocturnal's Shrine, my paladin." After a moment I added, "But we're still alive and I still trust you."

* From Buffy's scrapbook: Screenshot

This post has been edited by Acadian: Dec 23 2010, 03:45 PM