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]

In Episode 64, Mazoga and Buffy cleared Telepe of its pair of interior guards. When Black Brugo and two members of his gang later showed up, our heroines were ready. They ambushed, isolated, trapped and killed the leader of the Black Bow Bandits.

This past episode marked the midpoint of Buffy's current miniseries, 'The Leyawiin Expedition'. In fact, it is also quite close to the overall midpoint of her Book 1, 'Do You Know the Way to Kvatch?'

King Coin- I'm so glad you dropped in and I appreciate you leaving us a comment! It is gratifying that our humble effort has been able to influence and hopefully enhance your game play. Take care of that character of yours, don't let her get hurt!

Thomas Kaira- I got quite the chuckle from your Rugdumphian words and how you string 'em together so good! Despite the discomfort, I'm so glad you could 'feel' Buffy clutch her own midsection as Mazoga opened up her foe. Yes, visualizing and actually walking through the movements (don't laugh) seems to help us. Thanks!

SubRosa- Thank you! Fisherman's Rock was Mazoga on display, with Buffy just scrambling to survive. Clearing the outside of Telepe was pure 'Buffy', with Mazoga simply providing decoy service. It was inside Telepe that I wanted to show the two really working together and, as you so kindly pointed out, contrast the emotional differences in their styles. Mazoga has the stomach and skill to trade metal in the face, while the fragile Buffster excels at planning an ambush and keeping her distance. Although Buffy is no leader, survival dictated that she learn how to 'lead' Mazoga. Buffy is learning that her education and empathy can be quite helpful in tactfully coaxing what she wants from others - usually in a good way (although Weebam-Na and Bejeen might disagree).

Wolf- Thank you for the wonderfully supportive words. The destinies of Buffy and Mazoga will touch at several key points that span well beyond Book 1.

The Vyper- Thank you for those very thoughtful and kind comments! Yes, as SubRosa mentioned, Buffy voiced an admission: Mazoga has gone from flirting with the back half of the Buffy Doctrine to earning the title, friend - and hopefully knight!

mALX- Thank you! I chuckled over you calling our ladies the 'dynamic duo'. I'm so glad you liked Buffy's screenie!

Foxy- Thanks! As requested, here's our other picture of Buffy's cat suit. Oh, also let me point out that Buffy now posts a 'screenie of the month' in our siggy.

Now, Foxy, let's talk uniforms for a moment. The more I travel with Buffy, the more she reveals herself to be a clothes horse with a constantly rotating wardrobe. You and I would think that the prudent adventuress would simply select an effective outfit for dungeon diving and be done with it, right? Nooo. Why? Well, Buffy explains that the life of a hard working bowgirl is challenging - some of her mornings (especially if it’s a Morndas) can be downright manic. I mean she has to get up (usually from a nice dream) so early for work. And then it takes her so long just to figure out what she's gonna wear. . . . She tells me if I listen to this song perhaps I can better understand her.

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65 The Leyawiin Expedition, Part 9- Knights of the White Stallion

"Buffy, will you accept this knighthood?"

"I will, Milord," I replied.

The voice of Marius Caro echoed throughout the throne room, "Two days ago, Black Brugo was killed, and justice was served. Today, we designate our newest members to the Court of Leyawiin." Rising to his feet, he commanded, "Guards, bring my sword."

There was a soft jingle of mail and light plate as I knelt somewhat stiffly before the balding Imperial in his black and gold finery. I was still getting used to the armor. Despite Mazoga nearly decapitating its previous owner, the elven mail had cleaned up well. Tun-Zeeus, the smith at The Dividing Line, had done a wonderful job resizing the unusual forest green and dark brown cuirass. He had separated me from enough gold that a light set of simple mail greaves now embraced my hips and legs.

"As Lord of this County, and with full authority of the Elder Council, I hereby dub you Dame Buffy, Knight Errant of the White Stallion." The tip of his sword came briefly to rest on each of my shoulders. "Arise, and be welcome in my court. Here is your Leyawiin shield, and one for Mazoga."

Standing, I accepted the two green shields - each emblazoned with the image of a white stallion. "Thank you, Milord." I then added with an expectant smile, "And Mazoga's dubbing ceremony? She is waiting in the great hall. Shall I ask her to join us?"

Lord Leyawiin looked at Countess Alessia Caro, who wrinkled her nose almost imperceptibly. I was beginning to understand. The Count directed his words to me, "Ah. . . yes. I expect Mazoga might be. . . uncomfortable here in the throne room. Dame Buffy, would you do me the honor of dubbing your friend?"

Despite the Count's gracious attempt to mask the attitude of his Countess, awkwardness laced the air. The soft hiss and gentle crackle of fire from the pair of large metal bowls that flanked the thrones provided the only relief to a room now otherwise cloaked in silence.

So Bosmer were acceptable, but Orsimer were not. I felt betrayed as I struggled to keep tears and rage hidden within. It was Mazoga who killed Black Brugo, not I. She boldly faced her foes head on, and was more of a knight than I could ever hope to become. My anger wasn't fully directed at the Count. I didn't perceive that he really shared the attitude of his Countess, and I had trouble condemning him for likely loving Alessia Caro too much. What several local Khajiit and Argonians had told me about the Countess' dislike for certain races was true enough though. How could she not see the noble beauty of Mazoga? As I tried to compose my thoughts, I considered what Acadian might say.

I met the eyes of the Countess as I finally broke the near silence and responded to Lord Leyawiin, "The mighty and noble Mazoga is my friend." I shifted my gaze to the Count and continued, "I am honored that you would entrust the important task of dubbing her to this humble knight, Milord." I then withdrew from the throne room.

I was heartened to see Sergeant Lucilious Marcus at his post in the great hall. I forced myself to cheer up, with the promise that I would indulge my growing dislike for Alessia Caro later. "Hail, Lucilious."

"Buf- I mean Dame Buffy! Congratulations on your title, as well as solving the mystery of our large green friend. I hear she's also to be knighted." Lucilious lowered his voice and continued, "The Countess objected to Mazoga's knighthood when it was time to sign the papers this morning, but I'm glad the Count decided not to listen to her and sign them anyway. He's a good man. Did I overhear that you're to perform the ceremony?"

"Yes," I replied, "my first official act as a knight. Lucilious, I will need a sword for this. Would you assist me?"

"With pleasure, Milady."

As we approached Mazoga, Lucilious smiled at her. "Dame Buffy has been granted authority to knight you."

"Dame Buffy?" Mazoga looked at me. "Gods' ghoulies! And now you're gonna make me a real knight too?"

"Yes, my friend." As I carefully placed the pair of Leyawiin shields on one of several benches spaced along the walls of the great hall, I added, "What would you like your title to be?"

"Sir Mazoga," she shot back without hesitation.

Confident that few would argue gender considerations with her, I replied, "So be it." I mustered every bit of noble demeanor I could, and raised my voice. "Will you kneel and accept this appointment to the Court of Leyawiin?"

Mazoga obediently knelt before me, bringing her eyes to a level only slightly below my own.

Lucilious drew his long sword. With a fluid motion of his wrist, he caused the weapon to arc and pivot about the silver crossguard until the blade rested in the crook of his left arm. He then placed the hilt upon his open left hand and proffered it to me.

Dazzled by the display, I wrapped both hands around the grip and awkwardly lifted the weapon. Carefully, I touched the flat of the blade to each of Mazoga's broad shoulders as I declared, "With the authority granted by his Lordship, the Count of Leywiin, I designate you a Knight Errant in the Order of the White Stallion. Henceforth, you shall be known throughout Cyrodiil as Sir Mazoga." I returned the heavy sword to its owner, as the knight rose to her full height.

Lucilious stowed the weapon with elegant fanfare, again displaying the veteran's years of intimacy with blades. "Well, I better be getting back to work. Wouldn't do for the Sergeant of the Guard to be shirking his duty." Tipping two fingers to his right eyebrow, he smiled. "Miladies." He then turned and stepped off toward his post.

I had lost track, over the past few days, of how many times Mazoga and I found ourselves silently staring at each other - but here we were once again. Her previously intimidating big yellow tusks were quite endearing now as we both grinned. Without thinking, I hugged my friend. As her arms began to engulf me, I realized the danger and squeaked, "Don't crush me, Sir Mazoga." My fear was unfounded however, as she gently pulled me to her. I felt safe. And oh yes, very small.

After a time, we reluctantly broke our embrace. "Dame Buffy, we're pals, and both real knights now. You can call me Mazoga."

"Mazoga and Buffy it is!" I replied. "I shall still call you Sir Mazoga when others are around - you earned that title." I then issued her one of the Leyawiin shields and her key to the White Stallion Lodge. "There are some things you need to know about being a knight."

We discussed the Count's bounty on black bows and that the primary purpose of the Order was to keep the county free of bandits. I could think of no one better suited to the task than Mazoga.

"Buffy, I'm gonna settle in at our new digs. Maybe then go get me some black bows. Tag along if you like."

"I'll join you later, Mazoga. I have some things to take care of in town first."

After she left the castle, I strolled over to Lucilious at his post. "Thanks. I really wanted that ceremony to be special for Sir Mazoga, and you made it so."

The Imperial graciously nodded. "Something tells me that becoming knights was much more about her than you. Oh, and I think you'll be pleased to hear this. One of the guards told me that while we were dubbing Sir Mazoga, the Count was standing right here by the entrance to the throne room, watching with a smile on his face. No sign of the Countess though. What are you plans now, Milady?"

I wasn't used to the 'milady' or 'dame' stuff, but knew it would be futile to try and dissuade this professional soldier from his protocol. I fiddled with the unfamiliar buckles on my armor as I thought. Trying to clear naked images of Alessia Caro from my head, I wanted to choose my words to Lucilious carefully. His kindness would not prevent him from arresting me if he became aware of my plans. Conspiracy to 'assault' the Countess on behalf of Sanguine was a crime, but one that was becoming more appealing.

Eventually, I responded to Lucilious. "Well, I shall remain here in Leyawiin for a time, trying to understand courtly ways. I'm sure I will also help Sir Mazoga get settled at the Lodge. Eventually though, I must return to Kvatch. I-"

"Kvatch?" Lucilious' eyes ignited as he interrupted me. "That's my home! What news do you have of the Daedra invasion up there? Is Captain Matius holding things together?"

"Kvatch seems heavily damaged," I replied. "We can't really tell though because a fiery Oblivion Gate still blocks the entrance to the city. The survivors that made it out have set up a makeshift camp. We're trying to figure out how to close that gate and retake the city. Savlian is maintaining a barricade defense for now, but his small force grows weary."

I blinked several times and tried to keep my chin from quivering as I continued, "I-I'm trying to get more help, since the Empire seems reluctant to send additional soldiers. Savlian has made the request several times but, with no Emperor, I gather the Legion is overcommitted trying to hold the provinces together. At least that's what a Legion rider named Falcedon Laenius told me. He patrols between Skingrad and Anvil."

Lucilious nodded sadly. "Falcedon spoke the truth. There are skirmishes along the Skyrim border, and several of the provinces are openly threatening rebellion. The Legion is spread thinly all right."

"When I next return to the Arcane University," I said, "I intend to ask the Council of Mages for assistance. I'm also working hard to improve my own fighting skills so I may be of more help myself."

"Here, Milady." Lucilious handed me a small, soft cloth so I could dab the tears threatening to escape my eyes. He then continued passionately, "I came here from mounted patrol duty myself. Usually, assignment to a city guard force is a welcome break from the rigors of normal Legion life. Right now though, I'd give my left- well, I'd give anything for a set of orders to Kvatch." He sighed heavily. "I know I have to go where the Legion sends me. The Count of Leyawiin is a good boss and all, but still. . . I just wish I could help defend my home town."

"Thank you, Lucilious. I have some ideas I'm working on."

* From Buffy's scrapbook: Screenshot