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:

Screenshot 1

Screenshot 2

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

[Acadian]

In Episode 92, Buffy learned that the gro-Baroth brothers from Chorrol would be part of the Fighters Guild contingent trying to qualify for the tournament the following day. She then discovered that Nordinor would be running a bookmaking operation for the tournament using Aradroth as his 'subject matter expert' on archery.

Rider- Aww, thank you! It was great fun to write Lum's observations as a visitor to the Bravil FG, and a good way for Buffy to get an indirect glimpse at a couple of the larger than life characters there. I'll bet Julian has indeed given that hard-nosed lesson plenty of times to whiney young'uns! Thanks for enjoying how we closed the episode with Aradroth. Buffy the blond Bosmeri Bravilain bowgirl use alliteration? Hee!

Saqin- Thanks for those kind words on that line of Nordinor's. It is great fun trying to portray what Buffy sees in so many of the NPCs.

TK- Lum didn't stand a chance when Buffy backed up Teresa's thinking about staying focused during training. Buffy surely is a chatterbox, but she does sort of manage to keep her counsel when it comes to the secrets of others - a little more on that in this next episode. We'll get to see some more of the bookmaking operation later in the tourney. Thanks!

ghastley- I'm so glad you enjoyed Buffy's 'big orc = redundant' tongue-in-cheek comment. Thank you.

SubRosa- Ooh! A red-headed archeress at the Bravil FG! You can bet Buffy will be curious about that! Thanks for the kind words on the flashback. You nailed our intent. Even though Pappy and Teresa's actions came to Buffy probably third hand, she understood them perfectly. Heh - the underlying politics of what makes the Court of Bravil tick are way beyond her though. As you know, she tries to avoid that castle so she will only be able to share a few small snippets from her limited perspective.

King Coin- Thank you! Nilawen is wonderful and kind all right. She even helped Buffy's mother deliver our little bowgirl one Rains Hand dawn about a score of years ago!

Ceidwad- Thank you! We touch upon five other fanfictions during the Tournament. The two largest cameo roles (Teresa and Aradroth) have already been introduced. Buffy's only real dealing with Count Bravil was being humiliated by him when she bought her house. If she can avoid dealing with him, that's fine by her!

mALX- Welcome back! Yes, we do miss our Winter Wolf. Thank you for your encouragement of our temporary excursion into some subplotting for the Tourney. There will be several themes, a couple dead ends, guest appearances, a touch of mystery and even some archery!

Zalphon- Thanks. Buffy's getting better at knowing when to hold 'em, when to fold 'em and when to shoot 'em.

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93 The Tournament of Archers, Part 9- The Game is Afoot!

"I want you to tell me what you know about closing an Oblivion Gate," I said bluntly to Ungarion after the last customer left his shop for the evening.

The Altmer blinked and stared down at me. He stepped to the door of A Warlock's Luck and locked it before replying, "Funny you should ask. I was quite hoping you would stop in." He gestured toward a chair. "Please sit. Wine? Tamika's if I recall?"

"Tamika's would be lovely, thanks." I removed Slayer and my quiver, then slid into the chair.

In between the rich tapestries lining the walls of the magic shop were numerous yellowed sheets of parchment on display with a variety of languages represented. I could recognize some of the scrolls as written in Daedric, others in Ayleid. Some, however, bore unfamiliar script. From beneath a cabinet covered in arcane oddities, the Altmer retrieved a bottle bearing the distinctive shape used by Tamika's winery.

After pouring for each of us, Ungarion eased his long frame into a wooden chair across the small table from me. "First, Buffy, a toast in honor of your return to our fair city." After the soft ring of silver goblets faded, he continued with a practiced smile, "I think we may be able to do business."

"I'm broke, Ungarion, but I was hoping for your help. I'm going to try and close that gate at Kvatch. There are brave soldiers risking their lives trying to stem the flow of Daedra from the Deadlands."

"I care not for Kvatch but you, my dear, are another story." The oily merchant smoothed a hand over his auburn hair. "Somehow you manage to move comfortably and discretely in many incompatible circles. You traffic in dark soul gems and black market goods, yet you are a respected member of the Mages Guild. You are well aware of the pathetic enterprises of Nordinor, but you do not surrender him to your friends in the city guard. I understand that Count Leyawiin has knighted you, yet you associate with Aradroth, whom I expect is of the murder-for-hire persuasion. Yes, you are a valuable ally indeed."

"I've never claimed to be of virtuous character, but I actually do know how to keep my own counsel when the secrets of others are involved." Ungarion knew enough about my history with black soul gems to get me kicked out of the guild. I, on the other hand, could have him imprisoned based on my knowledge of his high-end black market operations. Yet, I had known the Altmer all my life and did not believe him to be as unfeeling as he professed. "Can you help me, please?"

He studied me for a moment behind long steepled fingers before replying, "I believe so, Buffy. I will tell you what I know of Oblivion Gates."

"Thank you, Ungarion." I expected that he had a reason for helping me, but I needed his assistance. "I know the gate is held open by a sigil stone similar to the ones you used to make my rings of detect life. Where within the plane would I expect to find this stone?"

After taking a sip of wine, Ungarion set his goblet down. "I should believe near the center, perhaps in a tower of some sort and probably well guarded."

Now we were getting somewhere. I recalled Ilend Vonius describing a large tower after Savlian rescued him from the Deadlands. "How do I turn the sigil stone off and what happens to me since I'll be inside the gate when it closes?"

"I don't think you turn it off, Buffy." Ungarion smiled, as if indulging a child. "I expect rather, that you remove the sigil stone from whatever it may be powering. As far as what happens to you, I don't know. I do believe however, that some of the ancient sigil stones I occasionally manage to get my hands on must have come from inside such portals. That would lead me to think that you could live through the process of closing one."

His last words echoed as I stared into my goblet searching for the moments I needed to compose myself. Could it be possible to survive? I had assumed that my life would be forfeit upon closing the gate. My head spun with excitement over the chance of a future after Kvatch - perhaps with Savlian. I forced aside the swirling possibilities with the promise to think on them later. Doing my best to manage a calm response, I replied, "That's wonderful news, and certainly more knowledge than I had. I thank you, Ungarion. Is there anything else you can think of that might help me?"

"Needless to say, I would be most interested in purchasing the stone from you for a very hefty sum should you succeed. I presume you are prepared for the Daedra that surely defend the approach to the sigil stone?"

I nodded grimly.

"Yes, I would imagine so. It seems you have tuned your fine arcane education and bow skills to the life of an adventuress." The Altmer refilled our goblets. "I'm retired from that business of course, and content now to deal in exotic trinketry and secrets." Ungarion smiled and placed his folded hands on the table. "Now, I have in good faith provided what knowledge I have about your gate to Oblivion. My hope is that you might entertain a similar request from me. Should you oblige, I have some information about your tournament that I'm sure will be of interest to you."

I cautiously replied, "How can I help you, Ungarion?"

The smooth talking Altmer rubbed his hands together. "I am interested in the profit potential inside that mysterious door in the middle of our bay. They say that anyone who enters either never returns or comes out completely insane. Over an ale or three however, one of your guard friends, Gaius Prentus, let slip that you seem to be an exception." Ungarion looked at me expectantly.

"What you hear is true. Beyond that door is a very different world. From what I can gather, it's the Oblivion plane of the Daedra Lord Sheogorath, called Shivering Isles."

"A portal to Sheogorath's realm? Amazing." The Altmer rose, then returned to his chair after, placing bread, fruit and cheese on the table. "Please, eat and tell me more. Why do you think that you are able to enter and return with your sanity intact?"

"Gaius teases that it's because I'm a blonde and have nothing to lose," I said between grateful mouthfuls. I hadn't eaten since Daenlin and I shared an early lunch right after shooting for qualification. "In truth however, I suspect that it is simply because I was invited. When I approached the mysterious door, an oddly accented voice asked me inside with words about becoming his champion. I didn’t think much of it at the time and entered only out of curiosity."

"Buffy, this is fascinating. What did you find inside?" Ungarion lifted the bottle of Tamika's. "More wine, dear?"

Shaking my head, I continued, "A large outdoor area called the Fringe surrounded by high walls. I found a couple ruins of some sort and a small village named Passwall. Both the vegetation and creatures are unique. I haven't explored deeper into the realm."

"An elf with your curiosity?" The Altmer cocked his head. "Pray tell, why not?"

"Ungarion, you don't understand. The mayor of Passwall took me up to the passages that lead deeper into the Isles. The gates are guarded by a giant manlike beast that is perhaps three times my height and outweighs me tenfold. His right arm ends in a massive sword instead of a hand. I watched as he easily slew a group of steel-clad adventurers." I shivered as I recalled the slaughter wreaked by the gatekeeper.

I also remembered my guilt and anger after later seeking out Sheogorath's shrine. It was well south of Bravil along the Elsweyr border. What began as a harmless prank on the Khajiit of Borderwatch had turned out to be quite the cruel joke. Finally, I continued to Ungarion, "I know of no way to defeat the gatekeeper, and I surely don't care enough for the crazy little Daedric Prince of Madness to die trying. Besides, I have more pressing business in Kvatch." I reached for an apple and took a bite.

"Hmm," Ungarion rubbed his chin thoughtfully for a moment while his eyes traced across the ceiling, "have you come across any trinkets that might fetch a profit? Items that can only be found inside the Shivering Isles?"

"Well," I set down the apple, "the manner of dress over there is different, but I don't think you could make much gold from that." I decided not to share the lethal alchemical possibilities I had discovered. "There are gray-skinned creatures in the Fringe called grummites that remind me of goblins. They seem to have a tribal structure and are clever enough to make their own weapons and shields. Except for their bows, the items they make are heavy and crude." As I swirled my goblet, I remembered something else. "Oh, the general store in Passwell sells several varieties of wine that I've never seen in Cyrodiil."

"Wine?" The Altmer lifted an eyebrow. "I'll tell you what, Buffy. When your travels take you back there, I should love to see some samples of this grummite equipment. I also know a collector in Skingrad and another in Weye who would be quite interested in those wines you mentioned. I expect I could make it worth your while and quite appreciate you enlightening me some about the mystery." He raised his goblet.

"You're welcome, Ungarion." I smiled and once more we touched goblets. "Now, your turn again. You mentioned some information regarding the tournament?"

"Ah, yes." Ungarion frowned slightly. I thought I detected a slight squirm as the Altmer continued, "I recently sold a piece of merchandise - at a hefty profit I might add - that I believe might be of interest to you. Not that you would want the item of course, but rather that you will no doubt be concerned at the possible mischief it could cause."

"You have my attention, Ungarion," I set the goblet down, "go on."

"Well, truth be known, Buffy, I am not without affection for some of my friends here in Bravil such as yourself and Daenlin. I also know that this archery tournament is important to both of you." Ungarion shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "The item in question is a very powerful magic scroll that will temporarily drain the marksman skill from its target."

I glared at the Altmer and almost came out of my chair. "Ungarion, how could you?!? You know as well as I how difficult the use of such a scroll is to detect! In the wrong hands, it could sabotage the results of this tournament. I don't really care about the event, but it's important to Daenlin." I narrowed my eyes and hissed, "Now, who did you sell it to?"

"I sold the scroll over a week ago," the Altmer replied sheepishly, his eyes grazing the floor. "It was only when the town began to transform for the tournament that the scroll's potential occurred to me. I must confess a quite unfamiliar twinge of guilt now. In my business however, revealing the name of a customer has lethal consequences."

"You, of all people, should know better and I'm furious with you! I-" Shutting my mouth, I continued to glare at the black marketeer. Calm down, Buffy. At least you know about the scroll. I took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. "All right, Ungarion, I don't want Daenlin's tournament getting sabotaged. I also don't want you or anyone else getting killed over it."

"Look, Buffy, I can't share the name of my customer. It could mean my life." His eyes met mine and I assessed his fear as genuine.

Ungarion was an accomplished mage. He was not without the ability to defend himself, yet he clearly feared this 'customer'. Whoever he had sold the scroll to was both ruthless and formidable. That was the only lead I had. "Very well, Ungarion," I finally replied, "the information you gave me about sigil stones will be helpful, and I do appreciate that. I'll ask around discretely and see if I can come up with anything about sabotaging the tournament - without revealing your involvement."

* From Buffy's scrapbook: Screenshot

This post has been edited by Acadian: Apr 3 2011, 08:11 PM