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]

During Episode 59, Buffy cleared Tidewater Cave and returned the Eye of Nocturnal to its owner. She wondered if the Argonian thieves - Weebam-Na and Bejeen would learn not to steal from Daedra Lords. As she returned to Lewawiin, she noted a large campsite called Fisherman's Rock, but did not stop to investigate.

MyCat- Thank you! Buffy getting up before Superian could wander over dribbling a mouthful of water was inspired by a morning habit of my late great dane. Oh yes, for lockpick users, that skellie key is wonderful!

Zalphon- Thank you for those kind words regarding Buffy the illusionist and her charms!

SubRosa- Oh my, if it was possible to top your previous shot of Freya threatening the printer, you surely did with this most recent one. She's adorable!

Buffy can be lethally elegant when she's in control of a fight, but when surprised, she gets flustered and can be easily humbled - - even by a sneaky rat! Or, as Boderi told her in episode 43:

"You are at your best when you control the situation. Your strengths are your cunning and planning - you are an archer first, a mage second and a skirmisher not at all." . . . "Very few of us can come up with an ideal solution in the span of a few heartbeats," she paused to chuckle softly, "and you, my butterfly dragon, are not one of those few."

For those familiar with the Leyawiin quests or BF 1.0, thanks for bearing with our glaring trail of bread crumbs loaves. For those as mystified as Buffy about why Acadian diverted them to Nocturnal's Shrine, thanks for being patient with us. It will be become clear to Buffy within the next couple episodes.

hazmick- I'm so glad Haa-Rei is enjoying Buffy's Leyawiin Expedition. How wonderful that he discovered Cobra's Dance! Thanks for your kind words. Yup, our Arcane University-trained mystic archer almost got bested by a rat! You can bet she won't be sharing that story with Daenlin or Boderi.

Grizzly- I agree that Nocturnal is a fun quest. Although forest predators will attack Buffy, she does not go out of her way to provoke them, as she feels somewhat of a kinship with them. Thank you!

mALX- Thank you for feeling Buffy's pain, panic, then embarrassment regarding the rat. I also thank you for kindly pointing out the potential for confusion regarding why the bear and Buffy did not attack each other. Thanks to you, I was able to easily edit in the required clarification and improve our story!

Thomas Kaira- Heh, the rat surprise was not one of Buffy's proudest moments. She really perked up as she read your comment though - you're right! She didn't pee herself and therefore has something to be proud of. Thanks for the nod to Joss Whedon (creator of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series).

Wolf- So glad you popped in! Buffy thinks of her dear Wolf as one of her several god fathers. Yes, I hear that drain health 100x1sec is deadly at lower/mid levels, and when prepped up first by stacked weakness to magic can be lethal at any level. Buffy will probably always think like a mystic archer: Magic exists to help her stay alive and kill better with her bow. Indeed, she will never compete with Delphine Jend when it comes to straight up death blasting spells. In fact, the strongest fire spell she knows is 'flare' - good for killing rats, lighting torches, heating bathwater and cooking.

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60 The Leyawiin Expedition, Part 4- Sir Mazoga

Standing in the lavish great hall of Castle Leyawiin feeling very small, I couldn't miss the orc that Tsavi had told me about. As she scowled up and down the hall in massive dark armor, she looked quite capable of snapping wood elves like twigs. I could see why the guards were intimidated. I hoped this investigation wouldn't involve a confrontation with her. My few encounters fighting orcs had shown them to be frighteningly quick and almost unstoppable - rather like being charged by a fast moving building.

Second thoughts crept into my head. Perhaps I should have had one of my Black Horse Courier sisters carry a note to Savlian requesting a letter of introduction to the Court of Leyawiin. Might that not have been a good way to get accepted in the castle and perhaps be invited to one of the Countess' dinner parties? After all, Savlian was a captain in the Imperial Legion and I was working for him - well, sort of.

I frowned as I imagined such a letter: 'This skinny elf is named Buffy. She doesn't follow directions very well, and abandons her post with some regularity.' Shaking my head, I thought, no. Perhaps I should stick to my orc plan.

Outside the brown cape I wore, Slayer and a full quiver adorned my back. My cuirass was the color of dark tree bark and its scales had been fashioned from hardened leather. Greaves and boots - both made of buckskin - completed the outfit. I looked as much like an adventurous scout as I could.

I tried to remember what I had read in Tar-Meena's books at the Mystic Archives about castles and courtly things. It was time to put that fancy education and extensive reading to good use. Besides, I had a secret weapon. Paladins knew about courtly things, didn't they? I closed my eyes for a moment. Then I smiled and whispered, "You're right, Acadian. We can do this." Taking a deep breath, I approached the throne area.

An ornate carpet of green and gold led toward a pair of elaborate wooden thrones that were flanked by flaming fire bowls. The massive seats of power themselves were trimmed with silk brocade in colors that matched the royal carpet. Before I could study the occupants of the two thrones, I was stopped by a guard who asked my business.

I introduced myself to the young soldier and requested an audience to offer my service regarding the mysterious orc. I was ushered forward and simply presented as an adventurer.

The balding Imperial in black and gold finery spoke from his throne, "Marius Caro. By the grace of the Nine, Count Leyawiin." His eyes met mine with none of the condescension I had experienced when I bought my small home from Count Bravil. "You are a stranger to me, but well met."

I bowed, then reminded myself to stand up straight. "Buffy from Bravil, Milord. I am an archer, trained in the ways of magic." I stopped there. The books said let nobles control the conversation.

The Count looked at me carefully with piercing blue eyes, as if reconciling my appearance and words, but his face held a smile. "Perhaps you would like to do a service for County Leyawiin?" The kindly voice reflected wisdom and confidence. His presence seemed to exude royalty to the extent he felt no need to impress.

"It would be my humble honor to serve Leyawiin if I am so able, Sire." I thought I said the line naturally enough to belie the fact that it came from Acadian.

The Count briefly looked at the woman seated to his left and touched her hand. The Imperial in green silks was obviously the Countess. She returned his look with a barely perceptible nod.

"Buffy," Lord Leyawiin interrupted my staring at his Countess, "this is Alessia Caro." When he looked at her this time, he smiled warmly. "For reasons beyond my ability to fathom, she graces me as Lady Leyawiin."

The Countess smiled slightly and gave me one of those tiny nods. I bowed again. "Milady." She seemed pleasant enough, but I could see what Sanguine meant about her being 'an especially somber soul'. Unlike the Count, she seemed to wear her position quite consciously. Recalling the spell Sanguine had given me, I imagined the Countess naked, and suppressed a smile.

"I need your help, Buffy," the Count continued. "An orc named Mazoga within this very castle claims to be a knight, but will not reveal her business. Find out why she is here, report to me and you will earn a reward suitable for those who serve Leyawiin."

"Yes, Milord." I backed up a few paces, dipped my head to the Count, turned and headed toward the entrance area of the great hall.

"Good luck." While staring at the ominous orc, I had almost forgotten that I was standing near one of the guards. Upon hearing his words, I turned to meet the eyes of the smiling Imperial.

"Thanks." I smiled back. "Does my nervousness show? Any tips?"

The guard allowed a small chuckle and looked down at my boots. "Well. . ." he slowly raised his eyes, evaluating me from foot to head, "she looks two, maybe three times your size. Clearly the tough approach hasn't been working for us, and I don't imagine it's gonna work for you - no offense. You know what I think? Oh, my name's Lucilious by the way. Sergeant Lucilious Marcus. Work with what you got. No one's tried being nice to her."

"Well met. I'm Buffy, and no offense taken." Standing next to Lucilious, I folded my arms across my chest. I then raised one hand to rub my chin as I stared at the orc. "That sounds like wise advice. Well, here goes."

"Are you the Count?" The orc's words, upon my approach, caused me to question her vision - or at least her ability to discern a Count from a Bosmeri bowgirl. Her tone was an odd mixture of hopefulness and irritation. Much more relevant at the moment however, was that she towered above me and was curling her upper lip to emphasize a pair of large yellow tusks.

"N-no. But he sent me?" I winced at my stammering performance. Nice, Buffy. Way to exude confidence.

"The Count sent you? I guess that'll have to do. I'm Sir Mazoga." She then took a deep breath and sighed. "Yes, I'm an orc. I was born under a rock and I have no parents, so I don't need a family name." Her rote recital made it clear this was not the first time she had explained her heritage.

"Well met, Mazoga. I'm Buffy." At least I didn't stammer. In fact, I managed a tentative smile as I added, "I'm an orphan without a family name too."

"I guess you don't know how to talk to a knight, so I'll teach you. Say: Yes, Sir Mazoga."

My smile evaporated. Her response to my attempt at kindness infuriated me. Bristling, I stared up at the orc. The fingers of my right hand twitched slightly as I thought about the Cobra's Dance power that could drop her to the floor and allow me time to back up and open fire with Slayer. My mouth opened to speak, then it closed again. Mind your temper, Buffy.

I looked at the long blade hanging from Mazoga's sword belt. The grip was well worn. Both the pommel and cross guard were of a translucent green material that likely infused the blade hidden within its scabbard. The orcish armor and elven shield were liberally decorated by dents and nicks - undoubtedly the result of many encounters with tooth, arrow and blade. I realized that if I started a fight, the guards would join this orc to quickly cut me down. If I antagonized Mazoga to attack first, I would not survive her opening strike. No, Buffy; don't let your dragon spirit draw your butterfly butt into a fight you can't win. Besides, you have a task here.

Swallowing my anger, I eased my clenched jaw enough to free the words, "Yes, Sir Mazoga."

"All right then, just don't forget." She seemed satisfied for the moment. "I'm a free knight. I don't have a lord. You got a problem with that?" Her lip was starting to curl again.

Despite the visions of armor-piercing arrows dripping with poison that danced in my head, I resigned myself to being a compliant little elf - at least for the moment. "No, Sir Mazoga,"

"I didn't think so," the orc replied. "There's an Argonian in town named Weebam-Na." She then snapped the command: "Get him for me."

If this orc's manner continued, she was well on her way to a date with the back half of the Buffy Doctrine. "Yes, Sir Mazoga." At least I knew where to find Weebam-Na.

* From Buffy's scrapbook: Screenshot

This post has been edited by Acadian: Dec 27 2010, 04:14 AM

[Thomas Kaira]

I looked at the long blade hanging from Mazoga's sword belt. The grip was well worn. Both the pommel and cross guard were of a translucent green material that likely infused the blade hidden within its scabbard. The orcish armor and elven shield were liberally decorated by dents and nicks - undoubtedly the result of many encounters with tooth, arrow and blade. I realized that if I started a fight, the guards would join this orc to quickly cut me down. If I antagonized Mazoga to attack first, I would not survive her opening strike. No, Buffy; don't let your dragon spirit draw your butterfly butt into a fight you can't win. Besides, you have a task here.

Swallowing my anger, I eased my clenched jaw enough to free the words, "Yes, Sir Mazoga."

I see that gray matter within your head continues to serve you well, Buffy. Don't listen to those naysayers and their "dumb blonde" jokes, they're just jealous. Especially after seeing you in your adventurers leathers, I'd wager.

*Ready for more*

PS: Don't let Foxy read this comment.

EDIT: I must come out of the closet on this, I am a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer... I've seen every episode.

It is very pleasing to me you were able to preserve that delightful innocence of SMG's Buffy (well, for the first five seasons, at least) in this one.

This post has been edited by Thomas Kaira: Dec 27 2010, 11:43 PM