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.

*

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.

*

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.

* * *

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]

In Episode 60, Buffy met the Count and Countess of Leyawiin and accepted the task to investigate a mysterious orc claiming to be a knight. Although bristling at Sir Mazoga's rude manner, Buffy allowed herself to be intimidated into agreeing to the orc's demands.

And so, Buffy Fiction 2.0 passes the 100,000 word mark. I estimate we are very close to half way complete with her Book 1. I am so very thankful for our many friends and the encouragement you give us.

mALX- Thank you so much for highlighting exactly what we are trying to portray! More head banging, tests of wills and sparks ahead. I would say Buffy clearly lost 'round one'. Let's hope she can do a little better in the coming episodes.

SubRosa- Yup, between Azura's quest and the Arena, Buffy's been scared by orcs aplenty! Thanks for the kind words on how we're portraying Marius and Alessia Caro. And Mazoga - what a delight to write. Our intent is to show the development of the relationship between Buffy and Mazoga by optimizing show vs tell.

Thank you for the observation regarding our description of Mazoga's sword. You and I exchanged a couple PMs that helped me to see that the term 'volcanic glass' can refer to either glass or ebony. Thanks to your help, I was able to easily edit in some clarification to better portray that it was a glass sword carried by Mazoga.

hazmick- Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed what Buffy imagined a letter of introduction from Savlian might look like. I'm relieved that our intent regarding the Count and Countess seems to be coming across. He is indeed quite kind to Buffy (and later to Mazoga as well). Unfortunately, he is also in love with a deeply flawed woman. I'm glad you are looking forward to Buffy + Mazoga, because we will indeed spend some time on that. Mazoga will become a significant and enduring figure in BF.

treydog- Thank you so much for the kind words! Your own amazing skill and generous support of Buffy is a wonderful encouragement to both of us.

Grits- Thank you for the very kind observations! Lucilious Marcos is a pure invention that is not in the game of course, but he is a good man and will be an enduring character in Buffy's story.

Thomas Kaira- Thank you. I too was pleased to see Buffy exercising some discretion. Although we have great respect for Buffy Summers, our bowgirl's name was chosen largely for alliteration: Buffy the blond Bosmeri Bravilian bowgirl. Oh, and it was better than Bambi or Barbie.

The Vyper- Welcome to Buffy's Journal! I know that you are well-familiar with her due to her constant chatter about mystic archers on the other forum. I'm glad you enjoyed the sparks between Buffy and Mazoga. Quite a bit more of that in this next episode as they begin to sort each other out.

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61 The Leyawiin Expedition, Part 5- Don’t Touch My Horse

"I have no interest in talking to that orc at the castle." Weebam-Na shook his head emphatically. "From what I've heard, this Mazoga sounds like nothing but trouble. Right Bejeen?"

His fellow Argonian thief and mate nodded as she stood quietly in the corner of their small home.

Tilting my head and raising one eyebrow, I shifted to my backup plan. "Have you seen the Eye of Nocturnal, Weebam-Na?"

I caught a glimpse of alarm as it fleetingly traced across the reptilian features of Bejeen's face. Her mate's countenance however, remained impassive and his eyes narrowed as he replied, "What? I think perhaps you should leave. I told you the last time you were here I've never heard of such a thing."

"Well I've seen it," I purred. "In fact," I stepped closer to Weebam-Na, "Nocturnal was quite grateful to have it back - from Tidewater Cave."

The Argonian's orange eyes shot open wide, clearly reflecting the full impact of my words. "She sent you? No!" He reached for his dagger.

I had planned for this reaction and was ready for it. My hand streaked out to touch Weebam-Na. His body went limp and collapsed. By the time he recovered, I was three paces away and looking at him over the tip of an arrow. Bejeen had not made a move, except to raise both hands to her mouth. I shifted my aim to her chest. "Weebam-Na, we're going to talk. Do I need to impale Bejeen to the wall first?"

The Argonian's previously inscrutable face now plainly showed his resignation. He turned and looked into the orange eyes of his mate. "You were right, Bejeen. I should have listened to you. I'm sorry." He then turned to me. "I know Nocturnal sent you to kill us. It was my decision to steal the Eye. Could you spare Bejeen at least?"

With great effort, I ignored Weebam-Na's gallant plea for the life of his lady. "Nocturnal did send me to kill you both," I lied icily. "It seems we find ourselves in a position to help each other, do we not? You accompany me to speak with Mazoga, and I ignore Nocturnal's request?"

"Y-you would do this for us?" Weebam-Na's relief was obvious. He then added quickly, "Yes, let's go speak to this Mazoga of yours."

I lowered my bow, relieved that my bluff had not been called. "Thank you, Weebam-Na. Rest assured I have no love for Nocturnal. Neither you nor Bejeen need fear her now." Having returned the Eye of Nocturnal to the Daedra Lord, I figured she owed me the small deceit I had just used.

*

"You are Weebam-Na?" Without waiting for an answer, Mazoga continued, "Do you know where Fisherman's Rock is?"

The Argonian nodded, apparently to both questions and inquired, "Why?"

"Take me there." Mazoga ignored the question. "Now!"

Having met the letter of my requirement and with no further need to suffer Mazoga, Weebam-Na quickly refused the demand. The orc stormed off to the other end of the great hall.

Weebam-Na turned to me and shrugged. "Good luck with Mazoga. She has terrible manners, but my sniffer tells me she might be worth it."

Mazoga's eyes angrily followed the Argonian as he wasted no time leaving the castle. I decided to let the orc stew a bit. Noticing that Sergeant Lucilious Marcus was on duty again in the great hall, I calmly strolled over to him and smiled. "Hail, Lucilious."

"Afternoon, Buffy." The Imperial nodded pleasantly. "Seems you're still alive. Any progress with our large green friend?"

"Actually, I think yes." Turning to look at the pacing orc, I added, "We'll know more in a few moments." I walked over to Mazoga.

"You there!" Mazoga's manner had not been improved by Weebam-Na's refusal. "Do you know where Fisherman's Rock is?"

"As I told you before, Sir Mazoga, the name is Buffy. Yes, I know the location of Fisherman's Rock."

"Take me there!" After a moment of what appeared to be reflection, she added, "Buffy."

"I will be happy to. Just as soon as you tell me why we're going," I replied trying to sound more confident than I felt.

Mazoga cocked her head and started to curl her lip as she looked down to meet my eyes. We remained locked in a test of wills. After a moment her lip relaxed slightly and she spoke, "We're going to see Mogens Wind-Shifter and his gang. They're holed up at Fisherman's Rock. Talk, do you hear me? No fighting. At least not until I talk to him."

I nodded my understanding. "It's late now, Sir Mazoga. Meet me outside the East Gate at dawn."

Once outside the castle I could see that long shadows, cast by a sun which had dipped below the city walls, had claimed the quiet streets of Leyawiin. Tired feet carried me toward my temporary base at the Mages Guild.

Nocturnal's Shrine had been Acadian's idea. The fact that performing her task had provided both the leverage to coerce Weebam-Na, and the location of Fisherman's Rock was not lost on me. "Thank you, my paladin."

* *

"Did you bring breakfast?" The orc hungrily eyed the mare beneath me. She wasn't joking.

I slid to the ground, and with equal seriousness stepped between Superian and Mazoga. My heart overruled my head as I narrowed my eyes and hissed, "Her name is Superian. If you make a move to harm her, I will kill you."

We were close enough that I could feel the warm fog of the orc's breath as it swirled into the cool morning air around my face. She glared down at me and no doubt saw the glow in my right hand and anger in my eyes. I'm sure I didn’t intimidate her one bit, but neither would I budge when it came to defending my precious mare. Another test of wills.

Mazoga's face softened just slightly and she broke the deadly silence. "Is she your friend?"

My expression also eased some, I'm sure. "Yes, Sir Mazoga. One of my best friends. And I meant what I said if you hurt her." Was that a bit of respect I saw in the orc's eyes?

"I know about friends, Buffy. I won't hurt your horse." As if to make up for her concession, she barked, "Now let's stop wasting time!"

I mounted Superian and evaluated the morning sun reflecting off the nearby stream outside Leyawiin's East Gate. "We should reach Fisherman's Rock by midday." If not for the surly orc, it would have been a beautiful cool morning. We started north along the Yellow Road.

With Mazoga walking closely behind, I felt safe. Complacently so. The nearby roar of a challenge changed that. As the tawny beast emerged from the woods on our right side, fear for Superian once again caused me to act without thinking. I jumped from the mare to position myself between her and the mountain lion. I didn't have time to hit the ground and call forth an illusion spell before the beast leaped.

The unstoppable charge of a lion was met by the unstoppable charge of an orc. The big cat, stunned by Mazoga's shield bash, barely hit the ground before the orc thrust once with her sword. It was over with a decisive quickness.

Mazoga and I stared at each other for a long time. Finally, she cocked her head and asked, "You love your horse that much?"

"I do. When it comes to protecting her, sometimes I. . . well, I just act before I think." Embarrassed, I looked down and stirred the dirt with the toe of my boot. "Had it been just Superian and I, we would have outrun the lion. I guess we're just not accustomed to traveling with someone else." I shrugged and looked up at the orc. "Thanks for your help."

"Lucky horse." Mazoga shook her head. "Let's go."

We continued along the Yellow Road without further words or incident until the sun was directly overhead.

Drawing Superian to a stop, I held up my hand. The hovering yellow ball of sparkles ahead had not seen us. I quietly slipped to the ground and pulled Slayer from my back. "Wait here, Sir Mazoga." I crept forward. As I slid an arrow from my quiver, I heard a sword being drawn and the sound of heavy armor clanking. Mazoga charged past me, blocking my shot.

Armed with Slayer at a distance, wills-o-the-wisp were no threat to me. I had, however, seen them cut down even Legion soldiers at close range. Mazoga could not hope to win with her unenchanted weapon. I ran behind her.

As I feared, the vicious slashes of Mazoga's emerald blade had no effect on the sparkling ball. Just as predictably, the wisp emitted a slender orange beam that was sucking the very life from the orc. Aiming through her upper back, I shouted, "Mazoga, duck!" I thanked Mara to see her instantly kneel, exposing my target. The enchantment that Slayer imparted to my arrow stunned the wisp. "Stay down!" I yelled as I loosed a second arrow. The sparkles collapsed into tiny puddles on the ground, and Azura's Star claimed the creature's energy.

Then it dawned how instinctively I had relied on my bow. I cursed myself for not thinking to use the command creature spell I had crafted for just such occasions. When the situation quickly changed, I had failed to nimbly shift to a better tactic.

I was equally angry at Mazoga for not following my instructions. She stood as I approached. Once again, we stared at each other for a long time. It was my turn to break the silence. "I guess you don't know how to follow instructions from a scout, so I'll teach you: Wait, when I tell you to wait." I lifted an eyebrow sharply. "You got a problem with that?"

Mazoga's flash of indignation faded after only a moment, as she undoubtedly recognized the similarity between my words and her 'Sir Mazoga' lesson of the previous day. She then said awkwardly, "I'm just not used to having someone who will help me, Buffy."

I was struck by the loneliness in her brown eyes. Even though I didn't have any real family, I had plenty of friends who cared about me. And I had Acadian. Who did Mazoga have? "You're welcome, Sir Mazoga, and we're even now." I glanced back along the Yellow Road at Superian, who stood patiently where I had dismounted. Sensing my thoughts, the mare bounced her head, then pranced our direction. Turning back to the orc, I said, "Here, let me heal your wounds. We're getting close to Fisherman's Rock."

This post has been edited by Acadian: Dec 29 2010, 02:20 AM