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 129, Buffy arrived at Skingrad to spend the night en route to Kvatch. She refused to allow the disconcerting fact that she sensed vampires as she neared the castle to delay her journey. Nor was she dissuaded from her path by the curious proposition of a nervous Bosmer named Glarthir. She had been irritable all day, but it was not until she was snapping at a guild mate in response to a harmless remark that a sharp cramp announced the reason for her crankiness. As we left Buffy, she was headed for an alchemical shop.

SubRosa- It was such fun to have Buffy pass near Castle Skingrad again – now that she fully understands what the uncomfortable feeling means. I’m so glad you enjoyed Superian in the scene with Glarthir. I’m both surprised and pleased how the mare has evolved into such an important part of Buffy’s life.

ghastley- Poor wolf indeed. Here, I’m hoping to show that Buffy feels some kinship with wolves and tries to avoid killing them by using her detect life gear to skirt past instead of hunt them; but that goes out the window if they endanger her horse!

The Lost King- Thank you! Buffy will need today’s episode and two more on the road to reach Kvatch.

KC- I’m so glad our joke of warning the castle about Buffy’s mood struck a chord. Yes, Buffy will spend part of this next episode talking about dead things and elven girl stuff with Falanu. Thank you!

Grits- Given your own skill with beautifully creative scene setting, I’m humbled that you enjoyed how we opened last episode. I grinned at your observation of what a good friend Superian is. Thanks for noting the Vigge reference! I think you’ll like Buffy’s reaction to Falanu.

Rider- Thank you so much for letting me know that you suspected the cause of Buffy's unusual behavior before we clearly revealed it. I was very much hoping that would be the case. Buffy’ll get to discuss elven fertility a little more with Falanu coming up. I so look forward to a spark-filled meeting between Buffy and Count Skingrad someday, but that will be in another book. I suspect even Glarthir is wise enough to avoid a run in with Julian!

Foxy- I have heard that women who spend enough time together may find their cycles synchronizing. I can’t vouch for its validity and I never did pose the question to any of our woman drill instructors to gain their insight. I’ll certainly let you know if Buffy and Superian start routinely coming into heat at the same time.

mALX- I’m so pleased at the words you used to describe how the episode evolved! Thank you!

Destri- Writing Buffy as cranky instead of nurturing was somewhat of a challenge and I’m pleased it seemed to work. I expect between Buffy’s mood and Falanu’s famous question, they will not start off on a happy note. I do want to address some points about how elven fertility works in BF though, and hopefully it will seem more natural for Buffy to discuss it with an elf of her own sex.

All- In our next episode, I expect you may be as surprised as I to learn that the elven chatterbox, who wears her emotions on her sleeve, somehow managed to keep a significant piece of her history from all of us. Buffy reminded me that it is her feminine birthright to retain at least a few secrets until she is ready to share them – and by Mara, she certainly shares one in this episode.

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130 Dead Things Are Best Left Undisturbed

The ornately carved sales counter appeared to be made of mahogany, but it was difficult to tell in the soft light of the small alchemy shop. Behind it stood a Dunmer who was quite overdressed for a merchant. The copper color of her hair no doubt came from one of her potion bottles and - oh, Buffy, stop it! I hated myself when I was like this.

"Me? I'm Falanu. House Hlaalu. As if that matters here." Although not unpleasant, she sounded less than enthusiastic.

"Well met, Falanu. I'm Buffy. I take it you're from Morrowind?"

"Yes, but I can't go back there." In response to the encouragement of my lifted eyebrow, she continued, "By the way, do you happen to know what the fine is here in Cyrodiil for Necrophilia? Just asking."

"Necro-what? The term is unfamiliar to me." I narrowed my eyes. "Is it related to necromancy? I’ve lost several guild mates to the foul black robes and been attacked by them myself." I felt magicka beginning to build in my right hand. "I warn you, I offer them neither warning nor quarter. As far as I'm concerned, the only good necromancer is a dead one." Although she wasn't wearing black robes, it was not lost on me that her brocade gown, although trimmed in gold, was black in color.

Her red eyes opened wide and she held up both hands disarmingly. "Oh, it's nothing like that, and I assure you that I prefer dead ones too. Are you with the guild of mages then? If so, I offer a significant discount."

"Yes I am," I replied as the glow in my hand dissipated. I had just threatened this respected merchant in anger, yet now - only a moment later - I was blinking back tears of shame because of my overreaction.

"What can I help you with this afternoon, Buffy?"

"I'm hoping very much that you have some ingredients I need." I rummaged through my pack until I found a small note adorned by the quill strokes of Boderi Farano. She had written it upon finding me curled up in pain and unwilling to get out of bed one morning at the University. I read the words to Falanu, "Ginger, chamomile, primrose and cinnamon."

She nodded with a sympathetic smile. "That's an excellent recipe to soothe menstrual cramps." While searching the myriad containers behind her, she continued, "At least we elves don't have to deal with that every single month. No wonder humans can breed like rabbits. Even given our much longer life spans, we still can't keep up with them. Are you pretty regular?"

"Yes," I replied, "twice a year since I was eighteen. I can't believe humans come of age so much earlier than elves. My friend Delphine Jend told me she started when she was but fourteen!"

"And they don't seem to have as much trouble getting pregnant as we do either," Falanu said. "You can't swing a dead Khajiit by the tail in Cyrodiil without hitting a round ear. No wonder they run the Empire now. Oh, I do have all those ingredients. I'd be happy to mix them up for you into enough potions to last a few days. Only a small extra charge for that."

"Thank you, Falanu, that would be most kind of you. It. . . it seems I've done nothing but apologize all day; I hope you'll forgive my strong comments earlier."

"I understand, Buffy. I used to get pretty unpleasant twice a year myself, but I've gotten better over the last few decades."

I busied myself looking around at the oddities adorning the shelves and walls of her small shop while Falanu went to work with her alchemy equipment.

After a few minutes, she announced, "Here's the first potion. Drink it now."

I gratefully quaffed the spicy liquid down. "I'm sure this will help with the cramps. Once my flow actually starts, I'll regain a bit more control of my emotions."

The Dunmer continued to grind up ingredients and craft more of the potions. “Do you need any pads or sponges?” she asked. “I carry those too.”

I shook my head. "Nilawen - she runs the general store in Bravil - showed me how to use Abecean sea sponges a year or so ago and I have some with me. I’m sure I'll need one before tomorrow. I'm headed from here to a warm bath at the guild."

“Yes, that should help.” Falanu added a final potion to the small collection on her counter. “This should be more than enough. Take one in the morning and one at night."

After paying and thanking the alchemist, I stepped out of her shop onto the street, now lit by lanterns.

As I headed toward the guild, I looked forward to that warm bath. Nilawen had told me I was lucky that I could use the sponges. Apparently, some unmated young girls had trouble with them. She surmised that spending so much time riding Superian likely made things easier for me. Although I had to admit that straddling the fastest horse in Cyrodiil was not the gentlest thing on a girl's lower bits, the truth was buried in a memory that I had never shared.

Not with anyone.

I had only recently celebrated my sixteenth birthday. Stalking game, hunting and archery practice with Daenlin filled my carefree days back then. My evenings were often spent sneaking through the dark alleys of Bravil under the instruction of City Swimmer.

I hadn’t thought about boys much until Varon Vamori started taking a fancy to me. I was quite flustered by the fact that the handsome dark elf wanted to spend time with a skinny big-eared orphan like me. No one had ever written poetry for me before. His flowery words, the gentle way he touched my cheek and his protestations of affection quite swept me off my feet.

One evening after I said good night to City Swimmer, I was delighted to find Varon waiting for me outside as I returned home to Nilawen’s shop where I lived at the time. We went for a walk outside the city and soon found ourselves holding hands on the shore of Niben Bay. He kissed me and began unlacing the bodice of my dress. He said that if we mated it would seal our feelings for each other. When I confessed to him that I was not quite of breeding age yet, he didn’t belittle me or call me a child as I thought he might; rather, he told me he still wanted me. My answer was to nervously raise my arms as he lifted my dress over my head and dropped it on the ground.

He then lowered me to the soft grass under the stars and continued kissing me. As one of his hands roamed from my neck to my knees, the other fumbled with his own clothing until there was nothing but warmth between our skin. As his kisses and touching grew more insistent, it made me feel wanted and even proud that I was the cause. I tried to welcome his growing passion. When it hurt, I bit my lip but didn’t cry out – not even a whimper. Soon, it was over.

As we dressed I carefully watched his face in the moonlight, anxious for reassurance that he was pleased with me. He then walked me home. On the way, I clung to his arm and chattered excitedly about our future and such things as whether he liked the sound of Buffy Vamori. I told him that when I was older, I hoped I could give him a baby wood elf. Varon was strangely quiet though. I just figured perhaps it had been as big a step for him as for me.

When I sought him out the next day however, he was cool to me. I didn’t understand. As I tried to put my arms around his neck, he told me to stop acting like a child and that we were through. He left me with tears streaming down my face.

Before long, Varon Vamori was reciting the same poetry to Ardaline. I never spoke of it to her, nor City Swimmer, Nilawen, Daenlin or anyone else. I was concerned that Daenlin might harm Varon if he found out the dark elf had manipulated my affections. Even more though, I just wanted the memory of how naïve I had been to go away.

It was two years later, and at Kud-Ei’s request to recover Ardaline’s staff, that I next spoke to Varon Vamori. By then Acadian was traveling with me, but I never told him about what had happened between Varon and I. This time however, I was an associate mage with a charm spell and it was I who did the manipulating.

If there was a bright side, I supposed it was that when Fathis Aren tried the same Dunmeri charm on me after the University, I didn’t fall for it. I knew that most elves viewed mating differently than humans did. After all, given how hard it was for us to conceive, frequent coupling was almost expected of young she-elves to perpetuate mer on Nirn. But I was a half-breed. My body was Bosmer all right, but my mind and heart were half human. I wanted a man or mer that I could adore and share my life with. Was asking to have such feelings returned too much to hope for?

As the painful memory faded, I realized my feet had stopped in the middle of the narrow street in Skingrad. My gaze was on the flower garden that hosted the stone statue of King Rislav and his stallion, Corsair. Why were my emotions such a mess right before my period?

I heaved a sigh and continued toward the guild.

The approaching clip of steel boots on cobblestones from behind gave but scant warning. "Hold, citizen!" The voice was commanding but not threatening.

I spun around to find myself face-to-chest with a soldier. He wore the red and black surcoat of Skingrad over his mail. I looked up to see that the dark-eyed Imperial was nearly bald and had the olive skin of a Nibenean. Most notably, he bore the insignia of a Legion captain. Fortunately, I was intimidated enough to keep my big mouth - which had caused me so much trouble all day - closed.

"Forgive me if I frightened you, young lady. I'm Captain Dion. I understand your name is Buffy and that you've been asking around about Glarthir?"

I nodded. "Yes, I'm Buffy. Glarthir did proposition me for some mysterious task. I refused to hear his offer though, as I will be leaving for Kvatch in the morning."

"He's the town eccentric," the captain explained, "and mistakenly believes other citizens are out to cause him harm. So far, he has given us no reason to detain him, but he does bear watching. I appreciate your cooperation and urge you not to accept any offers from him." He studied my face for a moment, then added, "You mentioned Kvatch. I presume you're aware of the danger?"

I recalled Gladius Maro's response to the same question from me: There's a damn Oblivion Gate there!. Acutely aware of my verbal missteps all day, I settled for a more sedate answer. "Yes, I've been there. Do you have any word of how fares Captain Matius and his brave force of defenders?"

"No recent news from Kvatch itself," he said "but at the urging of Captain Draconis of Leyawiin, and with the support of Count Skingrad, I recently dispatched what guards we can spare to assist the effort up there. It seems several other cities have done the same. Why, just a few days ago, a soldier from Bravil passed through here with orders to Kvatch. Had a young woman with him. If I may ask, what draws you to that besieged city?"

What indeed? Doubts and tears threatened from just beneath the surface. Fears of a broken heart, flashing clannfear teeth and flames swirled through this emotionally charged elf. From the bubbling cauldron of my hopes, angst and dreams, there slowly rose an image. It coalesced into the man with the heart of a lion waiting for. . . me. “It’s where I belong.”