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.

*

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]

Episode 66 found Mazoga and Buffy at the White Stallion Black Mare Lodge, where they exchanged gifts, shared a meal and enjoyed an evening of girl talk.

mALX- Thanks! Yes, there is indeed some foreshadowing here that is new for BF 2.0.

SubRosa- Thank you for your wonderfully kind insights, as ever! We quite adore Mazoga.

The Vyper- I greatly admire orcs, and when thinking about them, I cannot help but be influenced by, of all things, Klingon culture from Star Trek. Particularly when Mazoga stated the qualifications for a champion to win her heart. Thank you for your kind words!

MyCat- Thank you! Little, full of magic and dangerous - . Regarding the Grand Champion, yes, his destiny will be different in Buffy's game. I suspect he will outgrow the Arena. Buffy in FO3/NV? Well, she was born in the lands of Diablo II as a bowgirl, and spent years in Baldurs Gate II as an elven archer, so I suppose stranger things could happen. She quite loves Tamriel though, and hopes to someday visit the other provinces.

Thomas Kaira- Although a light tongue in cheek humor and the simple alliteration of 'Buffy the Bowgirl' are the primary factors behind the elf's name, we quite respect the other Buffy. Buffy Summers is a strong young woman, also struggling with her emotions and destiny in a dangerous world. We certainly take your comparisons as compliments and thank you for them. The bowgirl quite assures me that she prefers the name Buffy to Barbie or Bambi. Part of my intent in naming her was to keep me from taking her too seriously - in that regard, I have failed miserably.

Grits- Thank you! Buffy does indeed seem to be throwing up obstacles in front of her heart. 'What would he see in me?' 'Could a woman ever compete with his precious city?' As she admits, she doesn't know how to train to protect her heart, so she is flailing about, quite unsure of herself. I so hope that seeing some of Mazoga's self-assuredness will help Buffy overcome her lack of confidence in that area.

Zalphon- Thanks for the kind words regarding Mazoga. I've always liked her and am so glad she and Buffy figured out how to get along. She's great fun to write as well. I mean, she's got tusks!

* * *

67 The Leyawiin Expedition, Part 11- The Invitation

It had been less than a tenday since the twin bloodbaths of Fisherman's Rock and Telepe. Yet here I was, with Slayer in hand and dressed in the garb of a huntress. Having carefully noted where my target had fallen, I moved toward it through the trees with the ease of a forest predator.

Soon enough, I found the small puddle that had begun its day as a sparkling ball of magical deadliness. Dropping to one knee, I carefully gathered the glow dust. When combined with rosemary oil, aloe vera and finely ground bergamot, it was a key ingredient for the recipe Ardaline and I used for our hair conditioner.

Scanning for life signs beyond the lush greenery and trees that embraced me, I saw only the distinctive pink glows of several horses. Shouldering Slayer, I made my way through the forest and down the steep hill toward Five Riders Stables.

Since being knighted, I had been playing court at Castle Leyawiin without so much as nocking a single arrow - until this morning. Between taking some of my meals at the castle, and the mudcrabs that followed Mazoga home to the lodge, I had not needed my bow to fill my belly. Admittedly, I could do without the carnage of fighting alongside the mighty orc, but I needed to hunt. My own way - a solitary archer releasing feathered death from the shadows.

Superian blew softly and swung her head toward me as I joined her in the barn. She was relaxed, as I had already ridden and groomed her this morning before my hunt. I dug into my pack, assisted by the mare's long nose. "Are you hungry?" As she crunched a carrot, I wolfed down a sweet roll then cut up a pair of apples for us. I savored the comforting smells of horse, hay and leather, but mostly I just wanted to be near her.

Sated in several ways for now, I gave Superian a hug and headed for the castle.

An invitation to one of the Countess' dinner parties seemed no closer than when I first arrived in Leyawiin. Perhaps it was a silly exercise that would bear no fruit. I owed nothing to Sanguine, the chubby Daedra Lord of debauchery. I had to admit with a smile though, that the thought of stripping the Countess of some of her pretensions and bigotry was quite appealing. Dressing to the Nines seemed an exciting prospect as well, until I remembered that Stark Reality would not spare its caster. Thankfully, Gaspar and I had revealed the spell's full nature during my last visit to the University so I could plan accordingly.

And plan I would - if I could ever get an invitation.

Wearing knightly armor while lingering about the throne room and great hall had gotten me nowhere. Today's plan was to see what I could learn from the staff.

After arriving at Castle Leyawiin, I proceeded to the armory and staged my bow, quiver and pack. I then changed into a blue and green dress. While there, I spent some time chatting with the castle smith. I then headed to the dining room for some lunch.

*

"Milady?" The Imperial woman that had kindly brought me wine, boar broth and warm bread stood politely at my elbow.

I lowered the silver spoon, looked up from my chair and smiled. "Yes, Janonia?" I had spoken with the pleasant chief maid on several occasions. Her family had served Castle Leyawiin for three generations. Januarius, the Count's footman, was her husband. They lived in the servant quarters behind the kitchen.

"Countess Alessia has instructed me to relay her hope that you might speak with her this day, Milady."

"Thank you, Janonia. I shall certainly report to our Ladyship straightaway." I quickly finished the light meal. As I stood, I started to pick up my bowl, then paused, set it down and glanced at Janonia.

The Imperial smiled and nodded as she said, "You're getting better, Dame Buffy." She then lowered her voice and added, "As I told you the first time you tried to help in the kitchen, you're a lady of the court. If the Countess discovered me allowing you to lift even a finger, my position at the castle would be forfeit."

I didn't exactly understand, but I wasn't about to risk the livelihood of this gentle Imperial. "I thank you, Janonia, for sharing the bounty of your kindness, patience and kitchen." I headed for the great hall.

Alessia Caro was seated at her throne. Noting the Count was absent, I smoothed my skirt and approached. "Good day, Milady." I flawlessly curtseyed. The practice sessions in front of Mazoga had been worth the orcish laughter. "How may this humble knight be of service?"

"Buffy, I seem to recall from your introduction to the Count, that you are not only an archer, but trained in the use of magic as well?" Her tone was pleasant enough.

"Yes, Milady. I was privileged to attend the Arcane University." I was quite unsure where this was going.

"And did you not perhaps study the magical art of healing?" she asked, lifting one eyebrow slightly.

Still mystified, I nodded and replied, "Although not my specialty, I have found need on many occasions for such magic."

The Imperial drew up the green silk of her left sleeve, revealing a festering and untreated cut on her forearm. "Can you heal me?"

"I believe I can, but I must say that I lack the skill of Tsavi, your own castle mage and healer, Milady." I sadly suspected that I knew what this was about now.

The Countess leaned closer to me and softly spat the words, "She's Khajiit!" The Imperial continued with a quiet venom in her voice, "They're as bad as Argonians. I can't get Marius to demand that the guild provide a more cultivated replacement. Nevertheless, I have no intention of being touched by one of those. . . furry beasts. For Stendarr's sake - she has a tail!" She straightened up and repeated, "Can you heal me?"

Although quite taken aback, I managed to stammer, "I-I shall do my best, Milady. It will take me a few moments to call forth the magical restorative energies necessary." That was a lie. What would take a few moments was for me to control myself. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, pretending to be mystical. I was thankful I had recently satisfied my need to use Slayer - it helped ease the urge to retrieve the bow and impale this human to her throne. My jaw was tight and my fists were clenched. The next temptation I overcame was the desire to use my restoration magic to absorb the very life from this woman.

As I thought of the nearby pair of guards, I realized my anger was all impetuous bluster. Were I to openly attack the Countess, these men would not hesitate to do their duty. Nor would I risk harm to them by resisting their legitimate efforts to arrest me.

In the midst of my silent turmoil, I sensed Acadian's calm feelings. Although he could not read my thoughts, he was able to sense my emotions and feel my physical reactions with clarity. He also relied on hearing my words and observing my actions, both past and present. The paladin and I both understood that the ability to heal carried with it responsibility. He knew my decision before I did. The calm feeling I sensed from him was his pride in me.

Finally, I opened my eyes. A soothing, pure mass of white energy filled my hands. I gently placed them over the Countess' wound and allowed the healing magic to flow through my fingertips between us. Sadly, I sensed a cold darkness from her spirit that was not encouraging. Nevertheless, I willingly surrendered myself to some of the pain that transferred from her injury to me. The festering cut soon closed and faded to a thin scar. After a few more moments, even that disappeared with no trace of the wound at all. Stepping back from the Countess, I was drained by the combination of pain, spellcasting and my battle for self-control.

Alessia Caro raised her forearm, inspecting carefully as she moved it about. "Buffy, this is perfect. Thank you, dear." She then evaluated me for a moment. "I had no idea the extent of your talents. Knight, archer, healer. . . you seem surprisingly articulate and rather well-educated. At any rate, I'm hosting a dinner party tomorrow night, and should think my guests would quite enjoy talking with you. They generally live rather sheltered lives, so perhaps you could regale them with some of your knightly adventures. At any rate, would you join us?"

"I would be honored to, Milady." I curtseyed again and withdrew from the throne room.

Once out of earshot, I whispered to Acadian, "Don't get carried away with the fact that I healed that harpy."

As if of its own accord, my mind instinctively began planning. I knew the Countess traveled periodically, visiting her mother in Chorrol. T'would be a simple matter during one of those trips, and no doubt attributed to bandits or assassins. An unseen feathered missile from deep within the forest would plant its broadhead deeply into the dark heart of my prey. She would bleed out into her green silk blouse - just like Earana did. Stop it, Buffy! I shook my head vigorously to assert control of my deadly thoughts. Alessia Caro was not a threat. Even in my anger, I had to admit that I felt more pity than hatred for her blindness, and longed for a spell that could open her eyes and soften her heart.

I would not kill Countess Leyawiin. Humiliating her however was an entirely different matter. I would attend this dinner party. If there was any doubt about my willingness to cast Sanguine's spell, it was gone.

* From Buffy's scrapbook: Screenshot