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 65, Buffy and Mazoga were made Knights of the White Stallion, despite the biased misgivings of Countess Leyawiin regarding Mazoga. Buffy also found a sympathetic voice to the plight of Kvatch in Sergeant Lucilious Marcus.

mALX- The caped bowgirl! Thanks. The cape and cuirass both come from a mod by Brash . We use a version that has been modified to fit Buffy's 'body by BAB' that I can provide a link to if requested.

hazmick- Thank you for those kind words. Tell Haa-Rei to be careful in Castle Leyawiin!

SubRosa- Thanks for your endorsement of where we started this episode and what we include and do not. Like you, I confess to not only including 'drive the plot' stuff, but also indulging quite a bit of character-building. You have taught me to linger when it helps say something about either the character, her world or simply something that is important to her.

In BF, it is true that we are portraying the Count not as darkly as the game does (if you dig around deep in the castle). Buffy can only report what she sees, and the Count will actually be quite supportive of both her and Mazoga. He just needs to grow a pair and take that Countess over his knee!

Thank you also for your kindness regarding the phrases you mentioned and our pieces of plotting.

Foxy- Thanks! Caped Avenger.

Linara- Welcome back! It is wonderful to hear from you, and to see that you are continuing with Maya's story. Thanks for the kind words about our characters. Seeing them through Buffy's eyes really seems to help them come alive for us. Yes, 'research' - NPCs in the game freely throw that term around to justify asking you for all kinds of help.

Thomas Kaira-I got Buffy some clothes/armor mods for her to choose from. Silly me. The answer of course was, "I want all of them, you silly paladin."

Thanks also for your endorsement of how Mazoga is developing. As I've said, she will remain an important and valuable friend to Buffy.

Not getting caught casting that spell at the party will be critical. Buffy is a minor noble and member of the Court of Leyawiin. The sergeant of the guard is her friend, and Buffy's nature would not allow her to endanger the man by resisting his lawful arrest of her for 'assaulting' the Countess. Such an act from within his own court could reasonably be seen as treason by the Count. The stakes are very high indeed. Yet, given the time to work out a detailed plan, our bowgirl can be quite cunning.

The Vyper- Thank you! Despite Buffy's disappointment that Mazoga was not dubbed in the throne room by the Count, she was certainly thrilled to knight Mazoga!

I'm so glad that you enjoyed Lucilious; he will be a permanent character in BF and play an important role.

As I was telling Thomas, Buffy is an insatiable clothes horse. I never know what she's going to wear and I'm afraid I've spoiled her with entirely too many choices. I think she will find that even lightweight plate/mail armor will not replace her preference for buckskin, cloth and leather; that is, her elven cuirass and mail greaves will probably be more for ceremonial purposes.

Grits- Thank you! I'm glad to see you won't mind if Buffy tries to strip the Countess of some of her pretensions. Thanks for mentioning Lucilious' left, well, you know; I'm glad that didn't slip by you. And you think Buffy's armor looks good with her hair! She is delighted at such support from a fellow blonde - we have to stick together, else we get overrun by the redheads here!

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66 The Leyawiin Expedition, Part 10- The Black Mare Lodge

"Mazoga, it's beautiful!" The small leather-bound book had the word 'Buffy' emblazoned on the outside of its front cover. Inside, the pages were blank. "How'd you know?"

"I noticed you like to write in that little book of yours," the orc replied. "I figured someday you might need a new one, so I asked Bugag gro-Bol at Southern Books if he had any without words. It only took him an hour to put your name on the front."

I threw my arms around the orc. My journal was barely approaching half full, but I knew it would fill up someday and I would then be proud to use Mazoga's. I breathed up toward her ear, "It's perfect." Breaking away, I then ran outside the White Stallion Lodge. After a quick dip into Superian's saddlebags, I burst back through the wooden door with a grin. Offering the hilt of an elven dagger to Mazoga, I chirped, "For you."

As Mazoga took the small blade, a soft red glow rippled from pommel to tip. "It's magic!" she exclaimed.

"Yes. Mogens Wind-Shifter doesn't need it anymore, thanks to you." I continued explaining, "It does quite a bit of shock damage, and is very light to carry as a backup weapon. More importantly, it will hurt creatures immune to regular weapons, like wills-o-the-wisp. Remember how your sword couldn't hurt them? Oh, and look at the blade; I had Tun-Zeeus at The Dividing Line engrave it."

Mazoga studied the weapon and read aloud, "Sir Mazoga." She then looked at me. I thought, for a moment, she might cry. By Mara, I thought I might cry too. Finally, she said, "I used to have a silver dagger for that, but I broke it. This is beautiful, and just what I need. It's little, full of magic and dangerous - just like you."

After giggling at her observation, I continued explaining, "It's fully charged now, and I spoke with Agata at the Mages Guild. When the blade runs low on magical power, you can just take it to her and she'll fix it right up." I handed Mazoga several small gray stones. "Do you know how to use soul gems?"

"Nope," replied the orc. "I've seen 'em before though. Some kinda magic I guess?"

I nodded. "These are filled - you can tell from the slight glow. Carry some of them with you and you can buy more at the guild when you need them. Sometimes you can even find them in dungeons. They can be used to help recharge your dagger's magic in the field. Just place a filled soul gem against the blade if it needs charging, and magic will flow into the weapon, destroying the stone in the process."

As Mazoga placed the gems and dagger next to her sword belt on a nearby chest, she said, "Gods' ghoulies, every time I kill something with this, I'll think of you."

"Um, thanks." Suddenly, I felt hungry as I remembered the meat roasting on a spit above our outdoor cooking fire. "Let's go check our dinner."

Shortly, our table was adorned with a feast of roasted venison, potatoes, corn, leeks and carrots. Steam rose from a bowl of herb gravy laced with bits of mushroom and onion. Fresh sprigs of lavender filled the stone vase that served as our centerpiece, while a loaf of bread, wheel of cheese and bottle of Tamika's completed our table.

Mazoga and I had spent much of the day cleaning and arranging things. It felt nice to finally sit down. I loved the woodsy feel, and felt very much at home in this wonderful lodge that had obviously been made for hunters.

I quickly learned that when one's dining companion was equipped with tusks, sharing a meal was not a dainty affair. "What's our next quest, Buffy?" Mazoga asked between noisy mouthfuls.

"I'm afraid we must soon diverge paths," I said, refilling our cups with wine. "I have several tasks ahead, but they all lead me to Kvatch."

Mazoga stopped chewing, which quieted the room quite a bit. "Kvatch? The town cursed by an Oblvion Gate? The one they say is on fire and overrun by Daedra? That Kvatch?"

I nodded. "There's a small force of soldiers valiantly trying to defend against that Daedra portal." I pushed the fiery images from my mind and looked into the eyes of my fellow knight. "Oh Mazoga, if you could see the brave man in charge trying to hold it all together up there. I. . . I guess you could say I've taken an oath to help him; it seems no one else will."

"Buffy, we're pals. When you helped me avenge Ra'vindra, I told you I wouldn't forget. If your quest takes you to Kvatch, I'll come with you."

Based on her own words, Mazoga understood the dangers. I could only marvel at her willingness to accept those risks and literally follow me into the jaws of Oblivion. How did she do it and why was it so hard for me to overcome my fear of returning to Kvatch? I knew that my combat skills had improved. With more experience, I might be able to fight Daedra in their own terrifying environment and survive. I was beginning to realize it was not just having my body broken that I feared - it was also my heart. And I knew of no way to train for that. "Thank you, my friend. We'll see. I may ask the Count about it."

"Well you just say the word." Mazoga stabbed a large piece of venison with her fork, but paused before lifting it to her mouth. "Buffy, this 'brave man in charge' up there? Sounds to this orc like you're sweet on him." She wiggled her black bushy eyebrows suggestively. "Hmmm?"

"Mazoga, I just don't know." I lowered my fork. "I mean, of course I am, I think. But maybe he's. . . I can't tell. I'm not sure if anyone can penetrate his sense of duty, or what would happen if I could." Shrugging my shoulders, I sighed and added, "I don't really know what he would see in me anyway."

Mazoga shook her head and curled her lip into what I had come to recognize as a smile. "Girlfriend, you got it bad. And you think too much. Just tell me his name and I'll deliver him to your bed at the point of my sword."

"Mazoga!" How could her handful of words make the blood rush to my face so quickly? Even the tips of my ears burned. "Don't you dare! I'll certainly not tell you his name now." Indignantly, I took a drink of Tamika's as if to dismiss the subject.

"Okay, okay." Mazoga then grinned and disarmingly held up a dinner plate-sized hand. "I won't threaten your fellow." She then dragged an ear of corn across her tusks, nearly stripping it in a single motion as she noisily sucked down the kernels.

I adored Mazoga's humor and simple lust for life, but I couldn't help recalling the loneliness I sensed in her when I had opened the intimate bond of restoration to heal her wounds at Fisherman's Rock. "And what of you, Mazoga? Is there a man who tugs at that big green heart of yours?"

She quickly swallowed the half a potato that was in her mouth and replied, "Oh, I'm happy share my bed with men who are sturdy enough that I won't hurt them. But," she shook her head, "I could give my heart only to a knight who is stronger than I. One who can defeat me in combat with a blade. A powerful and noble Orsimer."

I smiled. "Finding a man who is stronger and more skilled with a blade than I would be easy if that were my criteria." My appetite waned, as I recalled all too clearly the gruesome efficiency of Mazoga's power and skill with a blade. "I can only imagine the challenge a woman of your ability faces in finding such a champion." I was struck by the similarity of Mazoga's words to those of the Grand Champion of the Arena, Agronak gro-Malog. He had spoken of nobility, strong Orsimer women and wanting to become a knight. . . .

"Perhaps someday," I heard Mazoga say.

Her words caused the wheels of matchmaking that were turning inside my head to stop - for the moment. "Yes, perhaps someday," I replied.

Mazoga not only did justice to her meal, she ate the rest of the food on the table. I raked what I had not eaten from my plate onto hers, and she finished that too. Finally, a loud belch echoed forth from the orc and she proclaimed, "That was delicious, and it filled me up plenty." She then grinned and added with a wink, "I won't have to eat your horse now."

My mouthful of wine sputtered across the room as I burst out laughing. I recalled the near deadly confrontation between Mazoga and I over Superian, that now seemed so humorous. Finally, my laughter subsided to a giggle. "Maybe we should ask the Count about changing the name from White Stallion to Black Mare. . . ."

. . . and so it continued. The deer head trophies mounted on the walls of the rustic 'Black Mare' Lodge witnessed a wonderful evening of wine and intimate conversation that lasted until the flickering candles burned low. Only then, did we begrudgingly yield to the need for sleep.