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]

Episode 126 found Boderi Farano and Buffy catching up on the bowgirl’s mystical progress as they practiced with, talked about and created spells. Buffy also learned a little more about some of the guild mates she could expect to encounter at Sigrid’s growing chapter in Kvatch.

Rider- Thank you so much for remembering Buffy’s pack contents spread all over the floor of Delmar’s Chironasium when she was trying to find that mages staff! I’m so glad that you like Sigrid. I like her a lot; she can’t help it that her physical presence overpowers Buffy. I figure she has surely earned her guildmagistership.

mALX- Thank you! Words like ‘very Buffy, sad, sweet, funny’ are music to those big ears! We enjoyed trying to add a little more depth to her relationship with magic here.

Grits- Thank you for noting how hard Buffy has to practice to blend bow and magic - and the limitations it imposes. It seems so darn easy for those in-game battlemages to master it all, but Buffy and Jerric really have to work digently to blend magic with their weapon of choice! Thank you for your wonderful encouragement!

ghastley- Hee! Buffy is fairly good at shopping. Of course, being a clothes horse and an illusionist helps. Clannfears have played a big role in Buffy’s fears, but even when she gains the conjuration skill, she won’t be ready to embrace them for quite some time. Since you follow her chattering on the Oblivion side of the other forum however, you know that someday she will.

KC- Thank you! I think the Ritual Stone is perfect for Aravi – just the thing with all the scrapes she gets herself into! Yes, it seems Buffy just transitioned away from things like torches, hunting knives and rings of water walking in favor of spells for more utility purposes. Boderi has just given her a little nudge toward the ‘mystic’ side of mystic archery.

SubRosa- Thanks for noting some of Buffy’s limitations that range from strength and endurance permanently stuck at 30 to her struggles with the elemental damage side of destruction magic. I really like the concept of being able to summon some ‘mundane’ items like a handkerchief for example. I thought long and hard about whether to transition Buffy from her hunting knife to the in-game bound dagger or do a little pretending and use an elven dagger; Buffy’s vote carried the day. Oh, here it is, as Buffy prepares to cut an arrow from her victim: Screenshot

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127 Divine Encounters

Dame Buffie,

I hope this letter finds my knighty little pal doing good.

Agronak turned out to be a real good fighter. When we got down to it with the wooden sparring blades, it was quite the clash. Buff, for the first time in my life, I've found a fellow who is more than a match for me. By the time he won, we were so hot for each other that we left a trail of armor and barely made it up the steps into the lodge! I guess you probably have to be an orc to understand. He's real good with his sword all right!

Anyways, a couple days later when we made it back out into daylight, I had him tag along with me to Rockmilk Cave. There, he collected some of them black bandit bows which I talked him into presenting to Count Leyawiin. I then asked the Count to make Agronak a knight like you and me and guess what? He did! It's a shame the shy Countess wasn't there for the doubling ceremony. I'm sure she would have enjoyed it, but I hear she's visiting her mother in Koral.

You should hear the Count brag on you that one of his knights is gonna save Kavotch and make Layowin real famous.

Since we got the Fighters Guild involved with our bounty gig for black bows, things are slowing down as far as bandits go. In fact, the Count even gave me and Sir Agronak some time off! My big green knight is gonna to take me to The Empireal City to show me where he used to work. He told me to tell you not to worry though. He's not gonna fight there no more, now that he's a knight like us.

Your pal,

Sir Mazoga

I smiled all the way through dear Mazoga's letter, deeply relieved that my meddling regarding Agronak gro-Malog had, so far, not proven disastrous. Glad now that I had told Antoine at the Bravil stable that I was headed to the Arcane University, I credited him with helping my sister of the black horse get Mazoga's letter to me.

I figured I would be gone from The Imperial City before the pair of orcish knights arrived. That hadn't stopped me from taking quill to parchment and crafting a response to my friend's letter, which was now tucked inside my blouse.

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"Change your mind?" asked Owyn the Blademaster, clearly surprised to see me. "That recent article in the Courier says you're a knight and tournament ranked archer now. Want to reconsider fighting here?"

"No, Owyn," I said, "although I'm honored that you would still have me after I not only quit but talked your Grand Champion into leaving as well.”

"Hey, there's plenty more young bucks ready to jump on each others' swords for a moment of glory," the Redguard said. "We're generating quite a bit of excitement, hype and, yeah, a fair amount of blood over the search for a new Grand Champion."

"Well, I wish you and your bucks well," I replied with a slight wince. "Owyn, I've received word that Agronak will be visiting the Arena soon. He'll have a beautiful Orismer woman named Sir Mazoga with him." I presented my letter. "Would you be so kind as to give this to them?"

The Blademaster frowned. "Do I look like your errand runner now?"

I put on a pout and looked up at the Redguard. Then I did my best impression of Luciana Galena batting her eyelashes while I continued to hold out the letter.

Owyn rolled his eyes then snatched the letter. "Oh for Akatosh's sake! All right, if I see Agronak and his girl, I'll give it to them. Now get out of here if you ain't gonna fight."

I smiled sweetly and turned to slink out of the Bloodworks.

"Did I overhear you talking about the Gray Prince? Do you know where he is? By Azura, I've been so worried about him."

I found myself staring into the pleading hazel eyes of a Bosmer who could not have seen more than fifteen summers. He was taller than I only by the bright yellow hair swept up into a point above his head. "What's your name, young elf?" I said.

"I'm called Fanador. The Gray Prince is my hero and I'm his biggest fan – well, not literally the biggest - but certainly his most ardent and supportive. I've seen every one of his fights! I can't imagine why he just took off without me. Who's going to make his lunch or light his way with a torch at night or repair his sword and armor? Please, do you know where he is?"

"My name's Buffy and yes, I do."

"Oh, I could just burst! Tell me where he went, please."

I was quite unsure as to what Agronak would want me to say to this fan who seemed to adore him. "Um, I'll tell you what. The Gray Prince is expected to visit the Arena soon. I recommend you stay here until he arrives, and you can ask him yourself. How's that sound?"

With saucer-like eyes, he spouted, "By Azura, by Azura, by Azura! I can hardly believe it! Soon the Gray Prince will be standing right in front of me!" He pointed to the ground between his moccasins. "Should I wait right here?" His hand then swept toward the other end of the Bloodworks. "Or perhaps over there near Porkchop? Maybe I should wait closer to the entrance? No, I'm sure you know best. Right here it is then until my hero returns. Thank you, Buffy! I'll never forget your help!"

Once outside, I allowed a chuckle. After only a minute or so with Fanador, I could imagine that perhaps Agronak had left him behind to travel in peace and quiet; or perhaps he did not want to endanger the boy. I had no idea whether the mighty Mazoga would simply dismiss Fanador as an irritant, or tuck the cute little elf into her pack as she had threatened to do with me on occasion. While pondering these things, I found that my feet had carried me to the Arboretum District, with its wonderful statues of the Nine Divines.

Feeling quite insignificant, I looked up at the Dragon God of Time towering above me. "I know I am a child of Mara, but I ask your continuing protection of those who seek to free your city at Kvatch."

Not really feeling any response I hoped Akatosh had at least heard my plea. My heart then guided me across the plaza, past the central statue of Talos, until my hand fervently rested upon the feet of another Divine. "Mara, I am frightened and my heart is unsure." I felt her invitation and climbed up to sit where the hem of her gown met the pedestal upon which she stood. "You know me well, my Goddess of Love, and you understand my heart. Help me to make the right choices during what will surely be challenging times ahead." As I leaned against her lower leg, a feeling of peace wrapped itself gently around me. "Acadian, are any of the Nine special to you?"

I felt, rather than heard his reply. I lightly hopped to the ground and opened my mind to the paladin. He guided me back across the plaza. As we approached Akatosh however, I felt myself veering right. Before I knew it, I was standing in front of another of the Nine. "Kynareth?"

"I know her as Kyne," replied Acadian. "And yes, she is precious to Phantom and I."

“Then I shall call her Kyne as well," I said, recalling the texts relating to my Aedra studies at the University. Kynareth, also known as Kyne to the ancient Nords, ruled the sky. Oddly enough, she was also the protector of forest creatures. Given the disparate nature of those domains, it was no surprise that her worshippers eschewed conventional chapels, in favor of outdoor shrines. “Who better to watch over a dragon, her rider and a forest elf that fate has bound together?"

Although I did not doubt the power of Akatosh, I had felt nothing from him - probably because I was unworthy. Mara, on the other hand, had always accepted me and freely bathed me in the comfort of her love. How could I not love her in return? Tentatively, I reached up to touch the stone foot of Kyne. After a moment, I smiled. I could feel her presence caressing the spirit of my paladin - and therefore, me. "Can I love two Divines at the same time?"

After a moment, Acadian responded, "Do your feelings for Superian diminish those you carry for Daenlin? You are a small elf, but your heart is as vast as the skies and forests in which Kyne dwells."

"Thank you, my paladin. Tomorrow at dawn, we ride for Kvatch."

* From Buffy's scrapbook: Screenshot