Buffy the Bowgirl, Book 1, Thread 5, Do You Know the Way to Kvatch? Options

[Acadian]

Welcome to Thread 5 - the fifth and final season of Buffy's Book 1!

This book began with Buffy being imprisoned in the Imperial City, 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.

Thread 4 began with a brief recap of thread three, then included Episodes 85-122.

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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 four consisted entirely of a massive storyline called The Tournament of Archers. Buffy spent nine days in Bravil as she awaited word from the Council of Mages as to whether they would approve assistance for Kvatch. She used the time to catch up with old friends, make new ones, solve a mystery, right a wrong and compete in the annual tournament to decide the champion archer of Cyrodiil.

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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 at the Arcane University to learn if her guild is willing to provide some aid for the besieged city of Kvatch. Buffy has vowed to help Savlian Matius free his burning city or die in the attempt. She will deliver on her promise in this thread.

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123 Little Elves in the Big City

"Good afternoon. Can I help you?" The question came from a young-looking wood elf seated behind a desk in the administrative office of the University.

I found myself staring at the lavender hair spilling over green fabric that draped her shoulders. The striking locks framed a face dominated by large eyes that were deep violet in color. She had a small nose and her mouth (like my own) was too wide. "My name's Buffy and I'm hoping you have a bed available for couple nights?"

"I'm called Malin." The elf rose to her feet to reveal she was no taller than I and that her robe had been tailored to fit more like a dress than a bag. She offered a hand across the desk as we appraised each other and said, "It's not often I meet someone as short as I. Oh, I'm a student here working part time in the offices to help pay my way."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Malin." Smiling, I released her hand. "Yes, it's quite refreshing to speak with someone eye-to-eye for a change."

Her fingers sought a nearby drawer and deftly traveled over the files within. "Hmm, Baeralorn, Boderi Farano, Bothiel, Borrissean . . . here it is - Buffy." She placed what I presumed to be my folder on the desk and opened it. "I see you're a graduate holding the rank of Apprentice. I'm sorry, but I can only put Journeymen or higher into staff apartments. If you don't mind staying in the student boarding area though, we certainly have a bed for you to use." Turning to a cupboard behind her, she produced a blanket. "It's been getting cool at night so you'll probably want this."

Accepting the blanket, I said, "Thank you, any bed will be fine. I have business with Raminus Polus after the next Council of Mages meeting. Can you tell me when it's scheduled?"

"That meeting was this morning." Still on her feet, Malin leaned over an open journal on her desk and flipped through several pages. "The Headmaster has a very full schedule for the rest of today." Her quill hovered over a page as she studied it, "Can I put you down to see him tomorrow morning?"

"That would be most helpful," I said, repressing a sigh at the delay.

"Consider it done." The elf dipped her quill into a pewter inkpot. After making an entry in the journal, she turned her attention back to my file. "Buffy, I see your annual guild fee is due next month. You can pay that at any branch or course, but while you're here, would you like to take care of it now?"

"Oh, that's a good idea," I replied, reaching for my coin purse. As I fished out the required gold, I realized how optimistic I was being. Considering that I was determined to go to Kvatch soon, would I even be alive in a month - much less a year?

She accepted my gold and applied her quill briefly to my file. "All set until Evening Star after next."

"You've been most kind, Malin," I remarked. "Tell me, how do like the University?"

"I love it," she replied. "I'm so glad to be free from living in trees."

"Really? You don't care for the forests?" I asked.

"Ugh, no! They're full of . . . nature. I was born in a treetop village north of Arenthia. All the women of my tribe are as small as you or I. Well, as soon as I was old enough, my shaman suggested I travel to the capital city of Elden Root and join the guild of mages there. It's not a big city like here, but at least most of the buildings are firmly on the ground. As soon I completed my recommendations from the various Valenwood guild branches, I headed straight for Woodhearth and swam out to the first ship headed from Anvil to The Imperial City. No more trees for this little city elf."

"What type of mage do you hope to become?" I asked.

"I'm a singer and a dancer," she declared. No doubt in response to my curious look, she continued, "Birds taught me to sing when I was young and, of course, learning how not to fall from high branches makes one pretty nimble. I'm studying illusion and destruction so I can create fancy light shows for dance productions. I want to be a famous entertainer one day."

"How wonderful!" I replied. "I love to sing, and my guild mates in Bravil tell me I have a pleasing voice for it." Remembering Acadian's advice about Savlian, I added, "Oh, and I hope to learn to dance someday."

Malin grinned, raised one arm gracefully and performed an elegant twirl. "Well then, we shall have to sing and perhaps dance together sometime. Oh, before you go, let me check to see if you have any messages." She looked through several boxes on the shelves behind her. "Here's a letter for you."

As I accepted the folded and sealed parchment, I said, "Thank you, Malin. It was wonderful meeting you. I'd best go settle in now and let you get back to work. I've had a long journey and am looking forward to spending some time this afternoon soaking in the University bath house."

I then made my way to the apartment of Boderi Farano, that I might pay a courtesy call on the Dunmer. There was no answer at her door. Asking around, I learned that she had been in meetings with the Council much of the morning and in the Headmaster's office all afternoon.

After finding my temporary quarters, I tugged off my boots and plopped onto the bed. I then examined the letter Malin had given me. The wax bore an imprint of what looked like a pair of crossed swords beneath a crown. I broke the seal.

Buffy,

You are a hard elf to track down. It was finally the recent Courier article about the Tournament of Archers that confirmed you are still alive and a member of the Guild of Mages. I made my way to the Arcane University as quickly as I could, where they confirmed your membership. I managed to speak to the headmaster there, who assured me that you were soon expected.

My name is Baurus and I hope you remember me. I was one of the Blades assigned to the Emperor when he was assassinated. It is urgent that I speak with you regarding his last words.

You have my assurance that nothing you may tell me will result in your arrest or confinement by either the Legion or the Blades.

While here in The Imperial City, I shall be staying in the Elven Gardens District. You may find me each evening in the tavern at Luther Broad's Boarding House. In case you do not clearly recall my appearance or recognize me without armor, I am a Redguard and will have the katana of a Blade within reach.

I beseech you in the name of Talos to grant my request. Again, I promise you safe passage after we meet regardless of what you may tell me.

In continuing service to the Emperor,

Baurus

I remembered the Blade named Baurus well, and his letter made me quite nervous that he might think I had something to do with the death of Jauffre. Yet, he had saved my life after the Emperor's assassin turned on me so long ago. He had also removed any record of my imprisonment and trusted me to complete the Emperor's task. What I mostly recalled about Baurus though was that the brave Redguard had been kind to me when he could have easily tossed me right back into a prison cell.

After much debate, some of it directed at Acadian during a long bath that afternoon, I decided to trust Baurus' word that he would not arrest me. In fact, I hoped he would believe my story and that I might be able to tell him something that could be of help to him.

I fretted over my clothes until finally stepping into a skirt of burgundy velvet. Its hem was trimmed in purple, just a shade darker than the blouse I dropped over my head. After strapping on some black sandals, I slipped into a black silk vest and laced it up. I pulled a brush through my hair several times, then tied a portion of it back with a ribbon. Figuring some credibility wouldn't hurt, I slid on my Leyawiin Court ring.

Once outside the University, I paused on the bridge leading to the city while I admired the breathtaking view down into the Valley of the Horses. Several animals grazed on the lush bounty below. A pair of imps hovered halfway up the canyon walls, diligently scanning their domain for wolves, lions and errant young horses. I couldn't see Superian and imagined she might be down by the western shoreline. Or, on second thought, perhaps she was under the bridge itself near the barn and pestering Thernd for some warm oat mash with molasses.

By the time my little legs carried me across much of The Imperial City, the sun had settled below the tall stone walls. Despite the delightful name, I had spent little time in the Elven Gardens section of the city. After asking a Legion soldier for directions, I found Luther Broad's Boarding House near the center of the district.

The tavern that comprised the ground floor of the inn seemed tasteful enough but not fancy - and it didn't smell of stale mead. I noted there was no welcoming fireplace which I pretty much required if I was going to enjoy a tavern. Behind the bar was a large balding Imperial wearing an attractive blue-green shirt. I presumed him to be Luther Broad. Oddly enough, a warhammer was slung over his shoulder which I figured was not a good sign. Nevertheless, the place seemed quite sedate.

Screenshot

As my eyes fully adjusted to the dim light, I noticed a Redguard eating dinner in one corner. A katana in its scabbard leaned against the wall by his knee. Realizing that I had never seen Baurus without his armor or helmet, I was grateful for the hints he had given me to aid in recognition.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Oct 28 2011, 10:20 PM

[Acadian]

During Episode 123, Buffy arrived at the Arcane University, learned that the Council of Mages had met that very morning and was placed on Raminus Polus' schedule to to meet with him the following morning. She also received a letter from the Blade, Baurus. After settling in at the University and debating her options, she made her way across the city to meet with Baurus that evening at Luther Broad's Boarding House.

Rider- Thank you! Baurus' hints to help Buffy recognize him were inspired by memories of Julian's encounter with Baurus at the very same tavern. So, Buffy has you to thank for Baurus' consideration! I'm so glad I had room in this episode for a brief glimpse down into the Valley of Horses again. I hope Buffy will be able to have a chat with Thernd before she leaves in a few episodes.

Grits- Yes, this thread will only complete Book 1. Books 2 and 3 are planned to be quite a bit shorter, more like the Tournament of Archers storyline. We have extensive plans beyond that (if we live long enough, lol) for what I have come to accept as a neverending story that could eventually range numerous provinces in Tamriel. Thanks for enjoying a glimpse into some administrative aspects of the University; I wanted some bureaucracy, but tempered by a human elven face with a name. I thank you so much for your kind insights and compliments!

SubRosa- I knew our reference back to 'green bags' would catch your eye. I'm so delighted that you found Malin interesting, since you are a master of creating fascinating and mysterious minor characters. Malin is a distant minor plant for operations envisioned during Book 2, where her skills will come into play. I thank you for highlighting Buffy's concern that she might be a suspect in the murder of Jauffre. Thanks for the nits so I could fix 'em!

KC- Thanks for the kind words about Malin. We'll see her again in Book 2. I'm delighted that Baurus' letter surprised you as much as it did Buffy. You have good instincts, my friend - I too believe the Blade will prove worthy of Buffy's trust.

mALX- I'm delighted that, like Grits, you wonder if there is some common lineage between Buffy and Malin given their equal height and singing abilities. You are both correct; someday in the distant future, Buffy will be drawn to investigate her ancestral ties to the Strid River Vally portion of northern Valenwood. Argh - so many storylines bursting to be free and so little time! Darn Oblivion Crisis! I so hope you enjoy what Buffy learns when she meets with Baurus.

Wolf- Such a soothing delight to hear your gentle and encouraging words regarding the Tournament! It was such a joy to have Aradroth be a part of it. I hope you realize that he is now a permanent resident in Buffy Fiction!

Zalphon- Aww, thanks for joining us in this thread where Buffy finally makes her way back to Kvatch. She won't run away this time.

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124 The Order of the Blades

"Baurus?"

The Redguard lowered his fork and looked up, searching my face. He then rose to his feet. "Buffy. Or rather, Dame Buffy I believe it is now." The sadness I recalled in his eyes after the Emperor's death was still there, augmented now by what appeared to be weariness. "I thank you for trusting me enough to come." I could see the beginnings of age lines around his eyes, but the flax shirt he wore could not conceal the broad and powerful shoulders of a warrior as he indicated a chair across the small table. "Please sit." After we both did so, he waved the publican over.

"What'll it be, young lady?" asked the Imperial that I gathered was Luther Broad.

"The mutton's pretty good," suggested Baurus with a shrug.

"A slice of bread, wedge of cheese and goblet of Tamika's please," I said.

After Luther nodded and withdrew, Baurus said, "I guess what they say about elves is true. You haven't aged a day, although you now display a calm confidence that the young prisoner I met did not."

"Why, thank you, Baurus." I cursed the warm blush I felt rising from below my neckline as it traveled to the tips of my ears.

"Congratulations on placing in the Tournament of Archers. Is that article in the Courier true? Are you really a knight now?"

"Yes, I'm a Knight Errant, Order of the White Stallion." I displayed one hand.

After examining my Leyawiin Court ring, he said, "Congratulations on that as well, Milady."

"Are you not a knight also?" I asked. "Sworn to the Emperor?"

"Aye," said Baurus, "the Order of the Blades is more secretive though and we find such titles impede our work."

"Well, I promise not to call you Sir Baurus, if you don't call me Dame Buffy. Fair enough?"

Before the Blade could answer, Luther returned with my light fare. As I reached for my coin purse, Baurus held up his hand. "Please allow me to buy your small meal, Buffy."

Remembering Luciana Galena's lessons about men in taverns, I said politely but firmly, "No. I appreciate your kind offer, but I will pay my own way." I handed several coins to Luther, who thanked me. As the innkeeper left us alone again, I continued, "Baurus, I'm here because both you and the Emperor were kind to me. That's the same reason I delivered the Amulet of Kings to Jauffre within a month of being asked to do so."

The Redguard studied my face for a moment. "Thank you. Your presence here and your words confirm that the Emperor's trust was well-placed. Can you tell me anything else?"

"I learned sometime later that Jauffre had been killed," I said, "apparently very shortly after I met with him. I was afraid the other monks might think I had something to do with that. I assure you, Baurus, that when last I saw Jauffre he had the Amulet in his hands and was very much alive."

Baurus evaluated my steady gaze, then nodded slowly. "Brother Piner told me that a wood elf meeting your description spoke with Jauffre the very day he was killed."

"I confess I found him both rude and unkind," I said, "but I certainly wished him no harm and you have my condolences for his loss."

"They struck in the early evening, while Brother Piner was buying supplies in town and Brother Maborel was in the priory's chapel," said Baurus. "Jauffre's person and office had been ransacked. The Amulet of Kings was nowhere to be found. The only clue to his killers was a torn piece of maroon fabric clenched in the Grandmaster's hand; the same color as that worn by the assassin who killed the Emperor then tried to kill you. I never believed you had anything to do with the Grandmaster's death, Buffy. You held the Amulet of Kings in your hands; if you harbored nefarious purpose for it, you never would have reported to Jauffre."

"Thank you, Baurus. But if you believe me innocent and that those red robe assassins now have the Amulet, then why have you sought me out?"

"We have some clues, and our efforts to track down the Amulet of Kings continue. Recovering it however would be for naught unless there is someone to wear it." The Redguard paused as Luther returned to refill my goblet and the Blade's tankard. After the Imperial left us, Baurus continued, "You told me the Emperor mentioned an heir to you right before he died. Did Jauffre say anything about that when you gave him the amulet?"

I nodded while I chewed. After swallowing the bit of bread in my mouth, I said, "Did he not tell the other monks?"

"No," said Baurus. "After you left, he instructed the priory stable to have his horse ready for the next morning. I suspect he planned to travel directly to our headquarters with the Amulet the next day. I'm sure, had he arrived, he would have briefed Captain Steffan and issued his orders. That's why it was so important for me to find you. If Jauffre told you anything about the heir, you are the only hope to find him - or her." Baurus' eyes were intense, almost desperate. "Buffy, I failed Emperor Uriel. My only hope to redeem my honor is to see his heir take the throne. Please tell me whatever Grandmaster Jauffre shared with you."

I remembered my heart breaking at this brave man's sense of failure when his Emperor died. I could see him reliving the same pain now. Despite Luciana's warnings about men in taverns, I couldn't resist taking his large hand and squeezing it with both of mine. "You didn't fail the Emperor, Baurus. You fought off multiple attempts on his life. You also saved mine. I will gladly relay what Jauffre told me." I returned my hands to my goblet and, after a sip of wine, took a deep breath. "Jauffre said the Emperor fathered an illegitimate son named Martin, last seen serving as a Priest of Akatosh."

"Can it be that simple?" The Redguard's face lit up. "Where?"

I winced and, gently as I could, dropped the word, "Kvatch."

Baurus shook his head slowly. "I heard very few escaped when the Daedra invaded and can only pray to Talos that he is among them."

"I-I've been to Kvatch. There is no priest named Martin in the makeshift encampment outside the city."

"Then all hope is lost for the Septim line," he stated stoically.

"Baurus," I said, "I have reason to believe there could be survivors inside the city. The Sisters at Gottlesfont Priory told me that Akatosh will not suffer Daedra to enter his house. With their permission, I even summoned one into the priory's chapel of Akatosh, only to see it immediately destroyed. Anyone who made it to the chapel the night of the attack on Kvatch might have had a chance. Would it not make sense for a priest to seek refuge in his chapel?"

Baurus looked doubtful. "Alive after all this time?"

"Those in the Kvatch encampment told me the chapel was built on a natural spring and that its undercroft was well-stocked with food," I said. "The Sisters of Gottlesfont suggested that the Dragon God of Time would not allow those who sought protection in his house to perish. After all, every chapel's central altar is known for its ability to sustain or restore one's health and vitality through prayer. I'm not optimistic, but I suppose there's a chance." I lowered my eyes to stare into the goblet of Tamika's. From the crimson depths slowly rose an audacious thought. "Baurus, my quest is to help free Kvatch. I don't do it for the city or the Empire. Yet, if there is the slightest chance that your Emperor is alive inside the city, can you see that our goals intertwine?"

He stared at me for a moment. One dark eye twitched and the corresponding side of his mouth crept up slightly. "I believe I see what you're getting at."

Could this small elf actually recruit assistance from the Blades? "Baurus, my life for quite some time has revolved around closing that Oblivion Gate. When I leave The Imperial City I intend to do just that. Captain Savlian Matius is in charge of the effort up there. He will need strong sword arms - like yours - to retake the city once the flaming portal to Oblivion no longer blocks access."

The Redguard met my gaze with an intensity that suggested he was trying to sort through and evaluate everything I had said. Finally, he exhaled loudly. "I will ride at dawn for my order's headquarters. I know the request will be received skeptically. The Blades have been spread thinly, tracking down multiple false claims to the throne. It would help if you came with me since it is your ears alone that heard the words of the Emperor and Grandmaster."

"I cannot, Baurus," I replied with a wince. "I understand that your loyalty is to the Empire, but mine is not. Tomorrow I learn if the Council of Mages will assist my efforts. Regardless of the outcome, I will leave for Kvatch within a day or two. I have traveled and performed various tasks that only indirectly support my quest for far too long. The man I do this for is counting on me to arrive as soon as I can. I'm sorry, but I will accept no further delays. I have told you what I know and can only hope your Blades will believe the words coming from you."

Baurus looked disappointed, but said, "I understand. My hope is that Captain Steffan will assign me and perhaps at least another Blade to investigate Kvatch."

"Best of luck to both of us," I said as I stood. "I leave you now, that you may rest well and travel quickly. I hope to see you at Kvatch."

Baurus also stood, then nodded. "Kvatch."

This post has been edited by Acadian: Aug 5 2011, 05:14 PM