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 127, Buffy received a letter from Sir Mazoga indicating that both she and Sir Agronak would be visiting The Imperial City. Knowing she would be leaving for Kvatch before the knightly orcs arrived, Buffy left a reply to Mazoga’s letter with Owyn at the Arena. There, she briefly met Agronak’s adoring fan who was pining away for the Grand Champion. Finally, she finished the episode in the Arboretum District by chatting with three of the Nine Divines and her paladin.

KC- Thank you for those kind words. I’m betting we’ll see little Fanador again.

Rider- Considering how dramatically different Mazoga is from Buffy, I’m delighted every time we try to write for the orc that she seems to cooperate and come across well. Thank you!

Destri- Thank you for pointing out the limitations of potions vs invisibility. Drinking a potion does indeed dispel invisibility so I deleted that portion of Boderi’s remarks. It goes to show that Buffy doesn't try to combine disappearing and drinking enough to know any better – but Boderi certainly should have. Poisoning her bow while invisible however, does not dispel the invisibility so we kept that reference. Buffy's also learned that she can even change clothes while standing invisibly in the middle of the street! Handy for a little clothes horse.

I’m so glad that ‘Zoga’s letter met Sir Rugrat’s approval. I can’t help but channel Klingons when thinking of orcs in all their noble savagery - even down to their. . . vigorous mating rites.

Grits- Thank you for highlighting (as did Destri and SubRosa) that Buffy is getting a little better at working her feminine wiles. It was enlightening to me to visit garden of the Nine in the Arboretum with Buffy and a great chance to draw out some of her spirituality. Before heading off for the challenge of her life seemed the right time to do so.

SubRosa- Yes! Agronak did fare better in BF than TF. Naked tusk locking with the most beautiful orc in Cyrodiil certainly trumps getting killed in the Arena! I’m so glad Buffy talked him out of that place. Of course, there still is that concern about Fanador. . . .

When we walked the Arboretum long before writing the episode Kyne just demanded to take a roll – for exactly the reasons you mentioned. Thank you.

ghastley- After traveling a long dark tunnel called death, you see brightness at the end backlighting an awaiting figure. As you draw closer you can hear a repeating chant consisting of two words: “By Azura!”. A white aura surrounds the grinning blonde Bosmeri boy. You hear your own words now, “Oh dear Mazoga. I don’t think we’re in Cyrodiil anymore.”

mALX- Thank you! I can’t even think of Owyn without the wonderfully gruff character you have portrayed in Maxical’s story coming to mind.

Zalphon- I like the letters from Sir Mazoga too. They provide us a delightful little break from thngs like spelling and grammar for a time. Thank you!

The Lost King- Thank you so much for joining us and your kind words! We are currently posting an episode each Friday and hope you will stay with us! Regarding our mods, beyond a short list of utilities, they include a BAB compilation, Cosmetic Compilation Revised, Slofs Oblivion Horses, Slofs Summonable Epona (dramatically tweaked by me in the CS), Love Your Horse, Babarized Brash Leather Armor & Bows, BAB Fancy Shirt 07, Luchaires Neck Seam Consealer, Voice Set (Innocent), Spells Be Effective, Denock Arrows, Chase Camera Mod, Actors In Charge, OSR 1-3 (poses), See You Sleep, Portable Campsite, Bag of Holding, Short Grass, DarN’s dark interface. She also uses a couple of mods made by friends that provide a black version of her buckskin greaves and waterbags.

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128 Let Sleeping Mares Lie

I opened one of the tall double doors just enough to slip into the main stable building of Equestria, then quietly pulled it almost closed behind me. Taking a moment, I let my eyes adjust from predawn darkness to the soft bluish glow inside. Like the stable at Bravil, Equestria eschewed the hazards posed by flame and used Ayleid glow stones for illumination.

I stepped closer to the Dwemer heater and rubbed my hands together. The cylindrical device that took the chill out of the cool morning air rose to the level of my waist and measured about half the length of an arrow across. Intricate designs were etched into the mysterious dark gold metal of its surfaces. Like the Orrery or other Dwemer contraptions, I had no idea what magic powered it. Nevertheless, with the manipulation of a single lever, it could provide flame-free gentle heat.

Feeling a subtle pressure on the buckskin of my boot, I knelt and whispered, "Good morning, Welkynd. How's my favorite mouser?" The cat, whose coat displayed perhaps every shade of brown and yellow known to mer, stretched, then circled against my leg as I stood.

I inhaled the intoxicating smells of leather and horses while reveling in what a wonderful facility Equestria was. The loft above was neatly stacked with feed bags, bales of hay and other supplies. There were paintings of majestic steeds and arcane riders adorning the walls above the long line of wooden pegs and racks that held beautifully cared for tack.

My eyes fell upon Thernd, who paused his grooming of a chestnut mare that was heavy in foal. The stable master placed a finger over his lips, then pointed to one of the large box stalls.

I silently mouthed a ‘good morning' to him then moved to where I could see through the open door of the stall he indicated. Superian was lying on her side in the straw that covered the floor, eyes closed and breathing gently. It wasn't often that I saw the mare off her feet.

The Bosmer smiled and stepped over to join me. He then quietly said, "She's happy here sure enough, and feels safe. Horses be herd and prey animals, so they normally sleep standin' for a quick escape from danger. As ye know, they're well equipped ta do so. Here though, between Bandit, the imp guardians and the other horses, she be feelin' protectively surrounded by a herd. Does ye need her up early this mornin’?"

I quite loved watching Superian sleeping so peacefully. After a moment I whispered, "We'll leave for Kvatch soon, but let her sleep some more." I then winced a bit as I added, "I-I don't know when she'll get the chance to feel this safe again."

Thernd continued to kept his voice as low as mine. "Inta harm's way, is it, for the speedy mare and her elven mistress?"

Before I could reply, I heard scratching at the stable doors. A black nose worked its way in, then coaxed one of the doors open a bit more. The silver gray furry body of Bandit followed. He ran straight to me, briefly buried his muzzle in my crotch, then just as quickly charged into Superian's stall to investigate the sleeping mare.

In response to the tail-wagging dog's loud sniffs, Superian's eyes opened. In a brief flurry of thrashing hooves that Bandit was wise enough to jump clear of, the mare rose to her feet. As the straw-covered horse eyed her audience, an indignant snort could not disguise what I clearly sensed as sheepishness on her part as if to say, ‘You caught me’.

"Your hair’s a mess this morning, precious girl," I teased while retrieving grooming supplies from our saddlebags that hung on a nearby rack. "Let's get you all silky, shiny and free of straw." I then began to inspect each of her hooves.

Thernd chuckled. "I see Bandit's back from his mornin’ check of the valley and happily nosin' the ladies." After fishing into a pocket, he slipped the stem of his unlit pipe into one corner of his mouth. "'Tis fear I saw on yer face when ye mentioned Kvatch." His words did not carry a question, but one bushy raised eyebrow did.

I nodded as I traded Superian’s hoof pick for her curry.

"What be troublin’ ye, lass? Is Kvatch so different from the dangers ye've faced afore?"

I looked at Thernd for a moment, then blurted, "I'm afraid of three things at Kvatch: Getting my heart broken, dying, and leaving Superian as an orphan."

No surprise registered on Thernd's face. "Well, I can't help ye in the broken heart arena; had me own broke a few decades ago and still ain't exactly figured out what I woulda done different. Far as gettin' killed, ye be but a small target and, ta hear Boderi Farano tell it, well trained. I can indeed be helpin' ye with that last concern though."

I finished with the curry and handed Thernd a stiff brush. "You mean what would happen to Superian if I am killed?" I began to untangle the mare’s long mane with my fingertips, removing straw as I worked.

"Aye.” He expertly started flicking the brush over Superian’s coat. “Do ye know Galerion?"

I thought of the large paint stallion that normally stayed on the eastern end of the valley, and nodded my reply.

"Then ye know he be the horse of Morandor - the Kvatch guild magister who was killed when Daedra invaded the city. Since ye be a Bravilian, I figure ye know Carandial and his bay gelding, Aetherius?"

"Of course," I replied. My fingers were now working on the straw and tangles in Superian’s tail.

"Anything happens ta Carandial, old Aetherius'll retire here as well. Ye see, Buffy, Equestria is like a lifetime guild for the horses of mages. If ye say the word, yer mare will always have a home.” Thernd finished with the stiff brush and switched to a soft one. As he began smoothing Superian’s coat, an approving nicker confirmed how the mare felt about this part of her grooming. “Now, nothin'll happen ta Superian's elf in Kvatch of course, but if ye mention yer intent ta Sigrid or Bolden up there, ye can forget about worryin’ over this fine mare and concentrate on what ye need ta be doin’ up there."

The doors opened wider and one of Thernd's stable hands poked his head in. "Mornin' boss, the barge is early and that wagon full of manure still ain't dry. You know them Waterfront types; if it ain't dry enough, we won't get as much gold for it."

"I'll be right out ta dry it, Gaenor", replied Thernd. "Go ahead and hitch Belle up ta the wagon while I help Buffy saddle her mare."

"You sell horse manure?" I asked as I positioned Superian's saddle pad.

"Well, it only takes a wee nibble out of our feed costs but it gets the stuff out of the valley. Between the crumbly texture and smell, the Waterfront folks are about the only ones ta use it as fuel." Thernd deftly placed Superian's saddle, checked under it for smooth positioning of her pad then began tightening the girth. "They sell the rest - not for much mind ye - ta some of the outlyin' farms as fertilizer."

"How do you dry it? Doesn't it take days in the sun?" I asked, adjusting the mare's bridle.

"Yer the mage.” He winked slyly. “Ye tell me."

As Thernd placed our saddlebags behind the cantle and strapped them in place, Superian’s ears perked. She now knew that these preparations did not foreshadow a normal local ride for exercise. Pawing the floor with a hoof, she clearly expressed her eagerness to be on the road again.

I tied on my bedroll and securely attached the last of our traveling gear to the saddle while pondering Thernd’s challenge. "Well," I said tentatively, "I understand there was a rather gifted young mage a few years ago who was trying to develop magic that would purge or dissipate water. The trouble, it seems, was limiting the effect to just undesired moisture. I understand the closest he got was turning a live wet rat into a dried little . . . brick. It seems the schools of mysticism and alteration never could agree on-"

"Buffy, we're not tryin' ta dry yer dainty little self off after a bath," interrupted Thernd as he rolled his eyes. "Who cares if ye kill horse manure?"

"I don't understand." I said, turning to face Thernd. "That mage discontinued his research some time ago I believe, without perfecting the purge water effect." In response to a gentle nudge at my back, I reached up behind me with one hand to rub the mare’s long nose and said over my shoulder, “We’re almost ready, girl.”

"Bah. Don't they teach ye anything useful up in that parchment palace these days?” The Bosmer opened the stable doors wide for Superian and I. “Ye simply freeze the stuff. Then, since the ice be magical, ye dispel it and yer left with dry manure.”

By now, Superian was fairly prancing as I led her out of the building into the brightening promise of a beautiful day. "That's brilliant, Thernd!" I grinned at the implications of applying the idea to wet clothes and buckskins.

The Bosmer shook his head. "University graduates - ye know everything but common sense." His eyes sparkled. "Safe trip, lass."