Buffy the Bowgirl, Book 1, Thread 4, Do You Know the Way to Kvatch? Options

[Acadian]

Welcome to Thread 4, or the fourth 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.

Thread 3 began with a brief recap of thread two, then included episodes 57-84.

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Please allow me to offer a small summary of our previous thread that I hope might prove useful as a review, or for those who are joining us in progress:

Thread three began with Buffy's sixteen-part miniseries called 'The Leyawiin Expedition'. In Leyawiin, Buffy completed Daedric Shrine quests for Nocturnal and Sanguine. She befriended the orc, Mazoga and the two ladies became Knights Errant of the White Stallion. Buffy learned much of courtly ways and convinced Count Leyawiin to send a soldier named Sergeant Lucilius Marcus to Kvatch to help Savlian Matius. Buffy also convinced Captain Caelia Draconis, of the Leyawiin guard, to send letters to her counterparts in each of the other cities requesting that they consider following Count Leyawiin's example of providing some assistance to Kvatch.

Dagail, of the mages guild, helped Acadian gain the power of speech to augment his telepathic ability.

As Buffy prepared to leave Leyawiin, she and Acadian pondered the wisdom of their course. Trying to learn how to defeat Mehrunes Dagon's Oblivion Gate at Kvatch by consulting other Daedra Lords had yielded no answers. They agreed to seek the advice of the only Daedra Lord who had helped Buffy at all - Azura.

After visiting and obtaining the advice of Azura, Buffy made her way to the Daedra Lord Peryite. There she discovered that her paladin was actually an ancient Nordic dragonrider who perished centuries ago along with his ice dragon, Phantom. Fellow dragon Peryite was intrigued enough to offer Buffy the opportunity to learn what she sought - how to survive Oblivion and fight Daedra. And fight she did, emerging from Peryite's plane as a Daedra Slayer.

Buffy than asked the Arcane University for assistance to Kvatch. After investigating a matter at Wellspring Grove for Raminus Polus, Buffy earned a promise that her request would be taken to the Council of Mages. Raminus told her it would likely be two weeks before the Council would convene and that he would send word to Buffy's guild chapter in Bravil when he had a decision for her.

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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 arrives in Bravil and begins a massive storyline called 'The Tournament of Archers'. Although it will span less than two weeks of the bowgirl's young life, it will require this entire thread and approximately thirty five episodes for her to tell the tale.

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85 The Tournament of Archers, Part 1- Home to Bravil

It was fall harvest time, and the air was cool enough that Superian's unlabored breathing created clouds of mist in the moonlight. As the warm moisture drifted back and encountered my cooler body, her breath turned to droplets. After a night of riding, I was wet and chilled.

Finally, streaks of morning sunshine began to slip between the trees and blaze cheerful beams across our path. The elusive kisses of warmth on my left side were welcome. Birds were beginning to flit and dance now, among the branches that formed a canopy above the Green Road.

We had not stopped, except for the occasional bandit or animal attack since leaving Harm's Folly. Helping Corrick had been the right thing to do, but I was aching to get home. I still had almost two weeks before I might expect word from the Council of Mages regarding help for Kvatch. I looked forward to spending the delay in Bravil.

Gradually, the leafy canopy fell behind us, yielding to thinner forest and an occasional glimpse of the Upper Niben as it began to widen. The sun had climbed, and now fully bathed us in its delicious warmth. As familiar walls surrounding the City of Mara came into view, my heart joined the birds overhead in song. I leaned forward to pat Superian's neck. "We're finally home, girl."

"Hail Bu- I mean Dame Buffy!" The booming voice came from a mail-clad soldier, wearing the surcoat of a Bravil guard. As I got closer, I recognized the smiling Imperial standing post at the bridge to the city's gate.

"And hail to you, Gladius." I reined Superian to a stop next to the man and slid to the ground. "That's the first and last time I expect to hear that 'Dame' stuff from you," I playfully chided. "Wherever did you hear such a thing anyway?"

"A Legion rider by the name of Lucilius Marcus passed through here some time ago on his way from Leyawiin to Kvatch, and spoke of you. He said they dubbed you a knight errant down there. Is it true that you talked Lord Leyawiin himself into sending help to Kvatch?"

"True enough I guess, Gladius. I really don't care for titles though. I just want to be a simple girl from Bravil." Extending both arms to emphasize my simple hunting attire I pleaded, "Seriously, do I look like a knight? Just Buffy. Please?"

"Fair enough, Buffy." The professional soldier's weathered face creased into a warm smile. "Welcome home."

"Thank you. . . my friend." Although the words were a little hard to say, they were justified.

I led Superian to the Bay Roan Stables and started uncinching her saddle.

Gladius Maro had killed my beautiful friend City Swimmer. The Argonian had stolen from the chapel then resisted arrest with her dagger. The guard had given City Swimmer every opportunity to yield, but she persisted in her attack. She was no match for the veteran swordsman who was forced to cut her down.

I remembered drawing my bow against Gladius in anger, then realizing City Swimmer's death was her own fault. I knew Slayer could not ease my grief, and yielded to the guard. Gladius had gently placed his hand upon my shoulder as I wept, the lifeless City Swimmer in my arms. He had also provided a strong and steady arm than helped keep me from breaking down at the Argonian's simple funeral.

"Well, how's my girl?"

Startled, my thoughts of Gladius evaporated and I turned my head toward the cheerful words. The stable hand, in rough clothes, produced an apple and offered it to Superian. He then joined me in removing the mare's tack and grooming her.

"I'm sure she's missed you, Antoine." I gave the ruddy-faced Breton a handful of coins. "She quite adores you and the way you spoil her."

Antoine looked at the gold, then pocketed it. "You always pay more for Superian's care than you need to, Buffy. I like your mare, and would treat her my best without your extra money."

"I know that, Antoine." I shrugged. "Much of my gold does indeed go for Superian's care. My needs are simple though, so I don't miss it"

*

As I opened the door to the Mage's Guild, I noticed a small figure with his back toward me speaking to Ardaline. A bow and quiver rode outside the black traveling cloak he wore, and his hood was drawn back upon his shoulders. He ran a hand through unkempt brown hair, displaying the distinctive ears of a wood elf.

Ardaline saw me as I approached and I heard her say to the Bosmer, "Just a moment please." She then grinned, and quickly moved from behind her alchemy counter to give me a fierce hug. Breaking away and stepping back, the Altmer wagged an elegant finger. "You've been gone entirely too long. The only news of you we get is an occasional 'Buffy sighting' from the odd Legion soldier or Black Horse Courier rider.

"I know, I know," I said sheepishly. Changing the subject, I added, "Who's your friend?"

"I'm sorry," said Ardaline as she looked at the elf. "This is Aradroth. He recently moved here to Bravil. Aradroth, this is Buffy." Ardaline looked down at me and continued sternly, "She lives in Bravil too, but you wouldn't know it sometimes. Buffy's a fine illusionist and about the best archer around - well, except for Daenlin of course."

"G'day Buffy, how ya going?" As the elf extended a hand, his unusual words revealed an exotic accent I couldn't place. The polite smile did not match his slate gray eyes. They were cold, bored or devoid of passion - I couldn't determine which. They were also somehow familiar.

I offered my hand also, but he reached past it to grip my forearm in a warrior clasp. His stature was short - less than mine even - but his hand was strong. Instinctively I grasped his forearm in return.

"Well met, Aradroth." Face to face now, I could see that under his cloak he wore a black leather raiment. A sheath was strapped upside down to his chest, restraining a dagger. There was an elven short blade attached to his sword belt.

As Ardaline and Aradroth concluded their business, I placed several portions of fresh ectoplasm into a bowl on the alchemy counter. The Altmer's pretty blue eyes lit up. "Thank you, Buffy. I was running low. I see you've just cleared the chapel's undercroft again." She produced some coins. "Is this enough for your efforts?"

I dropped the gold into my coin purse without really looking and smiled. "Sure it is, Ardaline. I only need enough to board Superian, buy a few arrows and the odd bottle of Tamika's."

The blond Altmer giggled. "Remember the last time we shared some Tamika's? The pillow fight and fashion show? I thought Kud-Ei was going to kill us!"

"Oh yes!" I grinned. "If Delphine had kept her mouth shut, we might have gotten the feathers cleaned up before-"

"Ahem." Aradroth cleared his throat, looking understandably bored. "Shock poisons?" The question, as he looked at the ectoplasm with a raised eyebrow, seemed more of a statement.

Without really thinking, I responded, "Well, that's one use, although the resulting poison can be a bit heavier than other options. Lighter weight poisons with more lethal and immobilizing effects can be created if-" Suddenly I noticed Ardaline staring at me, her mouth agape. I couldn't help but see a flicker of interest in Aradroth's eyes however. "-um, I mean, at least that's what they told me in alchemy class. Ardaline and I mostly use it in our hair conditioner recipe." I didn't add that the Bosmer's unruly brown mane could certainly benefit from some conditioning.

The smile from Aradroth did not extend to those gray eyes. He tipped two fingers to an eyebrow. "Ladies." Wheeling, he then pulled the cloak's hood over his head and made for the door. The lithe, effortlessly quiet exit revealed that he was no stranger to the ways of stealth.

*

Daenlin's face burst into a grin as I entered the Archer's Paradox. "Buffy! Welcome home." He grabbed both my hands and held them out to my sides as he inspected me. "You look wonderful, but a little underfed." He craned his head to peek into my quiver and frowned. "Getting a mite low back there don't you think?" Without giving me a chance to speak, he glanced at the wood elf in the corner of his shop inspecting arrows. "Have you met Aradroth?"

Finally, I pulled my hands free and gave the balding Bosmer a kiss on the cheek to shut him up. "Yes." I smiled. "I'm low on arrows, it's wonderful to be home and I've met Aradroth." I then added, "Daenlin, I need twenty broadhead elven arrows and five of those enchanted armor-piercing ones."

"That mix sounds like a beauty. I'll have the same," said Aradroth.

Daenlin scratched his head. "Not exactly deer hunting fare, you two. Let me check my stock on the second floor."

I watched Daenlin as he climbed the stairs, then turned to study Aradroth's unreadable face. I spoke first, "Given your arrow selection, it seems we've more in common than an appetite for poisons, yes?"

"So it seems," Aradroth replied with no emotion in his voice. He then cocked his head slightly. "Ardaline's a dear sheila but I believe I could learn more about the darker side of alchemy from you. Dinner? Perhaps Silverhome on the Water tonight at seven?"

I blinked, surprised at his matter-of-fact forwardness. Surely his interest in me couldn't be. . . no, I decided. Not with those cold, almost mean eyes. I expected his motive was curiosity. I was full of questions myself as I looked at his bow and curved elven short sword. I had no doubt he knew how to use them. Then, there was that intriguing black armor raiment and cloak. "I'm very flattered, Aradroth, but must decline. I'll be cooking dinner for Daenlin tonight like I always do upon returning to Bravil. I'm sure we can get together soon at my guildhall though."

Aradroth gave me a polite smile that did not reach his eyes. "I'll hold you to it. I hope that -"

"Well, you're both in luck in seems," interrupted Daenlin as he came down the stairs, his arms full of arrows. "Now, I've inspected each one of these." He began doling them out. "Have you heard? The archery tournament is to be held in Bravil this year, and within the week. I presume both of you will enter?"

I responded with a giggle and a curtsy. "Daenlin's Apprentice shoots where and when her master tells her to." I then gave him a meaningful look and added, "Oh, don't forget about dinner at my house tonight."

"We're not talking about living targets here, so what's the point, mate?" quipped Aradroth dryly.

Daenlin looked at the younger Bosmer and frowned. "Tsk tsk." Turning to me he winked. "Buffy, I see we'll have to work on our friend here. Oh, and how could I forget about our dinner date tonight?"

* From Buffy's scrapbook:

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This post has been edited by Acadian: Oct 28 2011, 10:26 PM

[Acadian]

In Episode 90, Buffy went shopping and surrendered most of her gold for a beautiful new black cuirass. She then found Daenlin engaged in an ominous discussion with an Imperial working for the Surilie Brothers Winery named Reman Broder. The conversation seemed to have something to do with an old love triangle and lingering rivalries.

Rider- Thank you for that warm endorsement of Buffy's new armor and how her bargaining skills were not totally outclassed by Olaf! Heh, as you do, I suspect he still made a profit.

mALX- Thank you so much for your continuing enthusiasm over the tourney. As well as you know BF, I'm so delighted that we were able to sneak Diana in here with a touch of surprise!

Ceidwad- I'm very humbled that you find the tournament innovative. It is a large departure from our normal style, in that Buffy and I will have to manage and interweave some subplots. I thank you for pointing out the potential for confusion in one of our sentences; I agree and applied some minor adjustments.

King Coin- I'm so glad that you and others enjoyed the Buffy-Acadian exchange in that episode about saving money! Mara help us - Buffy and I are going to try and weave some mystery into her normally very simple story! The foray into plot weaving will only last as long as the tourney though.

SubRosa- Thank you for noting Olaf. Our intent was to show that although Buffy did well, the old Nord was an experienced merchant and quite able to push several of Buffy's buttons. I thank both you and Rider for your kind words regarding our attempt to bring a Ren Faire feel to Bravil for the tourney. Yes, plenty of foreshadowing at the end of that last episode. I must thank you for the computer magic you worked to so generously to dye a set of Buffy's buckskin greaves black for her. She now has them in four colors! Given Teresa's superb eye for attractive women, Buffy is happily twirling across my desk to read such a delightful compliment of how she looks in her new black bling!

Destri- Yes! All's fair in love and retail! Thank you for noting the protective demeanor that Daenlin adopted when he perceived insult to his young charge. You are exactly right that your favorite in-game Bosmer now approaches Bravil.

Zalphon- Woohoo! You wrote a song for Buffy! Gosh, I hope her story ends on a happier note.

TK- Hee! As you know, Buffy can certainly be a bad girl and is a master craftsman at rationalization. I expect we should be glad she lacks the aptitude toward destruction magic to learn Delphine's spell, 'Merchants Explode'. Can you imagine shopping with the Diva of Destruction? Well, Buffy still tends to select her adventure wear based primarily on looks but, like you, I'm pleased to see it now include several light cuirasses to match her rainbow of dyed buckskin greaves/boots.

MyCat- Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the haggling for that cuirass and that you share Olaf's opinion that it looks pretty good on Buffy. Oh my - thank you so much for catching that I misspelled Daenlin's name.

* * *

91 The Tournament of Archers, Part 7- Master, Are You Proud of Me?

Daenlin and I slowly made our way west along the Green Road from the tourney grounds. The festive noise fell behind to be replaced by the gentle sound of water lapping the banks of the Larsius River. The air between us had remained wordless since the confrontation with Reman Broder. I tipped my face toward the midday sun, squeezed a long drink from my water bag, then offered the half full goatskin to Daenlin.

The Bosmer shook his head. "Buffy," he said as he finally broke the silence, "I'm sorry you had to see and hear that."

"I'm a good listener, you know. I mean, if you want to talk about it." I then added hesitantly, "I knew that you came to Bravil from Skingrad many years before I was born, but I never knew why."

"Well," he said, "you heard most of the story back there in the Surilie tent. I'm sure Diana left to preserve the friendship between Reman and I." After a moment, he looked away from me and added, "She loved us both, I expect."

As I thought about my own propensity to run away from Savlian Matius, I said, "Perhaps she was frightened and confused by the feelings in her heart. Did you ever find out what became of her?"

"I like to think that she found love and is happy somewhere with grandchildren at her knee. In truth though, I have no idea," the old elf shook his head sadly, "and it's probably just as well. Reman and I simply blamed each other for driving her away and became bitter. Finally, I left also and came to Bravil. I can only imagine how disappointed Diana would be to see us now. Reman retired his bow years ago and, as you saw, went to work for the Surile Brothers."

I looked at Daenlin. "That didn't sound like an idle threat he made." With the Buffy Doctrine in mind, I pressed, "Do you think he might try to hurt you?"

Daenlin returned my gaze. I suspected he saw the protective fire in my narrowed eyes because he quickly shook his head. "I wouldn't put it beyond him to try and discredit me perhaps, but attacking? No, Buffy, his bark is wors-"

We both stopped and crouched as the sparkling creature came into view ahead. The will-o-the-wisp was just hovering above the road as if waiting for a victim. Clearly, it didn't see us. Both our bows were still uncharged, as required by the tournament competition rules. I pulled Azura's Star, along with a small soul gem, from my pack and we partially charged the weapons.

"This one's mine," I quietly said. "Keep an eye out, for you know better than I that they often travel in pairs. Let me show you what your apprentice has learned."

I assessed the distance and checked the wind. Nocking an arrow, I applied some tension to the bowstring. After carefully aiming for windage, I elevated the tip of the arrow skyward, drew full tension and released it. I quickly aimed a second arrow directly at the wisp. When the silent count of my predetermined delay was complete, I loosed it.

The simultaneous impacts of the high and low trajectory arrows collapsed the creature into a puddle of glow dust.

Daenlin nocked an arrow and stepped forward, "Here comes his friend."

In typical wisp fashion, the second creature disappeared before our eyes, but was no doubt closing for an attack. Rather than fumble for my detect life rings, I nocked an arrow as well. We waited.

The wisp suddenly materialized in front of Daenlin's drawn bow and projected a thin red beam into the Bosmer's chest. Daenlin returned fire while stepping back to break the short range of the life-leeching spell.

Quickly sidestepping to ensure I wouldn't hit my master, I released my own arrow and killed the wisp.

We stared at each other while shouldering our bows. "You're hurt." I placed my hand on Daenlin's chest and willingly replenished what the wisp had stolen from him.

"Thanks," he said, "that feels better. Now, where on Mara's green Nirn did you learn to hit a target with two arrows at once?"

"I've been practicing. Master, are you proud of me?"

"I am indeed, Buffy." Daenlin continued, "Amazed, in fact. I've known Legion archers to use high angle fire to shoot over the ranks ahead of them, but I never would have thought to combine the tactic with direct fire. Creatively conceived and expertly executed. The student exceeds her humble teacher."

"I will never match your skill, Master. No one could."

Without further incident, Daenlin and I continued our short walk to the head of the Larsius River. Once there, we retrieved an old target that we kept hidden among some rocks near the entrance to Bloodmayne Cave. After half an hour or so of solid archery practice, Daenlin sat on one bank of the river soaking his feet.

I resisted the urge to drop my clothes and play in the water, as I knew it would make the old Bosmer's face turn red. Instead, I harvested some bergamot which grew in the area. It made for a wonderful tea that helped ward off disease, and the scent imparted a lovely citrus smell to my hair conditioner. It could also be crafted into alchemical elixirs that could dispel magic effects or even prevent spellcasting. I paused to study the elf who had taught me the way of the bow. This was a familiar spot for us, and steeped in memories of archery training.

The small bow I wielded was made for my ten year old frame by Daenlin, as was the arrow that he placed in my hand. I loosed the small wooden missile . It was accurate but had little effect on the mud crab lumbering toward us. "Again," said Daenlin gently while handing me another arrow. After I bounced several more arrows off the huge beast, it was getting dangerously close. I didn't turn and run though, for I knew the protection of my master was close.

Daenlin's bow spoke loudly once. An arrow blossomed from the mud crab, propelling its body away from us. The sight and sound was both thrilling and comforting.

"I kept shooting like you told me to, even though I was scared. Master, are you proud of me?"

"I am indeed, Buffy. Someday, you will shoot better than I." Daenlin beamed down at me and gently brushed some wayward blond strands from my face. "I've only once before seen an archer that possessed your level of natural ability. She too had locks of spun gold."

As the memory faded, Daenlin was still soaking his feet. He had plucked a long piece of grass and was leisurely chewing on one end of it. The mysterious blond archer he mentioned so long ago now had a name.

Finally, we returned to the city, parting ways at the stables. The early morning qualification shooting had delayed Superian's exercise.

As I led her north through the crowded tournament area, the mare cleared quite a swath. She fairly pranced sideways from pent up energy and nerves caused by the palette of people, sights, sounds and smells that now painted our city.

Once Superian and I cleared the bustle, I was able to calm her down somewhat with a gentle touch and soft words. I slid on my rings of detect life, then swung up into the saddle. After a whisper in her ear, we were both reveling in speed as we thundered north along the Green Road. Upon seeing a large pink glow appear ahead, we slowed to a walk and continued cautiously. When a white horse and rider came into view, I drew Superian to a stop and slipped off my rings. We waited, ready for a burst of unmatchable speed if threatened.

I could see now that the rider was a wood elf in leather armor, equipped with a bow and quiver. "Hail, friend, where are you bound?" I said pleasantly as she reined her mare to a stop beside us.

"Bravil." Her tone was cautious but not unfriendly. "Is it near?"

"It is indeed. I'm done riding and would be happy to accompany you. My name's Buffy," I then added with a smile, "from Bravil." With an unconscious pressure from my leg, Superian turned for home.

"Well met, Buffy. I am Alawen, Ranger for County Anvil." Side by side, we slowly headed south.

"Ranger?" I asked tilting my head. I could see now that she had large hazel eyes and her pretty face was framed in brown by hair the color of burnt sienna. I could not discern her age, which no doubt meant that she was in her long elven prime.

"It is like a forester, but I am not Legion at all. I serve Countess Millona Umbranox, as did my mother before me, and my charge is to protect the wilderness of County Anvil." After a moment, she added, "My Lady has asked me to represent her City of Dibella in the tournament of archers."

"May your arrows fly swift and true, Alawen," I said earnestly. "I'm competing as well. Where will you be staying while you're here? Even though it's only the first day of qualifications, I fear the inns may be getting quite full by now."

"Buffy, did you say you are from Bravil?" After I nodded, Alawen continued, "Frankly, I am more comfortable sleeping outdoors. In fact I live at Troll Candle Camp near Anvil. Is there perhaps an abandoned campsite nearby?"

"There surely is. When we get to Bravil, I'll mark Bawnwatch Camp on your map and send you a short distance south of the city. It's a beautiful campsite right along the river. I love sleeping under the stars too," I patted Superian's neck, "but I must admit a taste for real sheets and hot baths."

As we arrived at the stables, I marked Alawen's map and wished her well.

"Thank you for your kindness, young elf. Sweet water and green paths to you." Alawen flashed a smile, clicked twice to her mare, then continued along the Green Road.

* From Buffy's scrapbook:

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