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 132 found Buffy spending the night at a campsite just east of Kvatch. She announced her hope to hunt a deer and deliver it to the encampment the following morning. Her sleep was interrupted by a dream involving an ancient memory – not one of hers, but of Acadian’s.

KC- Thank you. I was hoping to show some blurring of perspectives in the dream between Buffy and Acadian and display the growing influence they have on each other. I normally try to be very careful about staying in Buffy’s point of view (pov), so it was both fun and a challenge to break some pov rules and swirl things up in Buffy’s telling of the dream. I think we are also seeing that, at this stage, Acadian doesn’t have all the answers and even relies on Buffy in some ways.

SubRosa- Yes, Buffy’s solitary campsites are crowded places! The ‘Good night, John Boy’ scene was absolutely inspired by that Walton’s clip that you provided. Thank you for noting how ice dragons and F-4’s share similar flight characteristics. Without ever asking, I knew that you were an Enya fan! I have imagined that Buffy sings like her for a very long time and it was nice to have the opportunity to display it. Buffy has plenty of flaws of course, but when her friends tell the little elf she has a nice singing voice, they're not kidding.

Grits- Thank you for your beautiful words! I’m so glad that you noted the unique and mystical bond between Buffy and Acadian and how the dream was an opportunity to help showcase it. Kvatch is fairly close to Valenwood, and I guess wood elves are just sort of drawn to it. I hope she gets there too – and before the end of Book 1.

Rider- I see we really do share a keen interest in Valenwood! I’m so glad the dream with Phantom worked. Thank you so much for saying that you think our choice for Buffy’s singing voice suits her!

mALX- Thank you for sharing your feelings about that dream. What you described is so very much what I was hoping you would feel! Thank you.

TK- What a lovely song you linked to! Thanks. Oddly enough, I do have some plans for a distant storyline that is quite anime inspired. Indeed, the first seed was planted when Buffy recently met the small elf with violet hair called Malin. Glad you enjoyed the glimpses into Acadian’s world. I’m both delighted and excited that you are continuing Derelas’ adventure!

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133 Return to Kvatch

As thin plumes of smoke lazily trailed upward, I could see Kvatch's encampment had grown. Rather than making our way through the center of camp to the stable area, Superian and I skirted along the tent city’s southern edge.

The metallic song of a repair hammer reached my ears. Outside one of the nearest tents, an orcish smith stood over a heavy table laboring on a steel shield. I could also see arming swords and several sets of mail that looked to be in various states of repair. The orc stayed her hammer for a moment and pointed to a multicolored pile of surcoats on the ground. “Tiberius, get those dirty things over to Tavia.”

“Yes, Batul. Right away.” As the young Imperial picked up the dozen or so garments, I could see that more than one had been marked by blood or kissed by flame. The boy wore a stag-emblazoned surcoat of white instead of a shirt or tunic. That it was too big for him was only partially remedied by the length of rope cinched around his waist.

I drew Superian to a stop, concerned. The familiar colors Tiberius wore could have only come from one man. As the boy with his arms full crossed our path, I called out, “Where did you get a Bravil surcoat?”

He didn’t stop, but cheerfully replied over one shoulder, “A soldier named Gladius Maro gave it to me. He said he never wanted to see it again, so we issued him a Kvatch wolf.”

I smiled, silently thanking Mara that Gladius was alive and well.

Leaning on the pommel of my mare’s saddle, I watched as Tiberius delivered his burden to a Redguard woman who seemed to be in charge of several teenagers washing clothes in a small stream. I could hear the spring that gurgled forth its treasure from between several nearby rocks to flow south. The youngsters teased and splashed each other as they worked, lending a refreshingly pleasing tone to this bleak place.

Lines strung between several pairs of trees bore the fruit of this laundry operation. In addition to normal clothing, there were numerous surcoats trying to catch a drying breeze. Several bore the black wolf head of Kvatch but I could see other cities represented as well. There was a pair of red surcoats bearing the quarter moons of Skingrad and a yellow one displaying Bruma’s black bird of prey. Still another depicted Chorrol’s Great Oak on its blue fabric.

Superian resumed her slow trek.

Further ahead and to my right, a Khajiit and several humans labored with baskets, shovels and rakes in a pair of small fields. The rows of foliage they tended suggested carrots and potatoes beneath the dirt.

Looking to my left side as the mare slowly continued, the maze of tents oddly resembled the tourney grounds that had briefly sprung up outside of Bravil. There was no music or happy banter of merchants here however. I could see that at least a couple of the tents were indeed reminiscent of the tournament. They were larger than the others and bore broad stripes that, although dingy, seemed quite out of place. Rather than the smells of ale, cinnamon and exotic treats, it was wood smoke that hung heavy in the morning air.

Shortly, the stable area came into view ahead. That too had grown and I could see several horses.

"Welcome back, hunter." I remembered the Redguard who was now eyeing the buck lashed behind my saddle.

"Hail, Bolden. Might you have room in your stable for my mare?"

"Aye. No overhead protection from the weather, but all the fine spring-fed grazing she could ask for." After pausing to let Superian briefly inspect him, Bolden extended his hands and helped me to the ground. "Is that fine buck for Weedum-Ja's kitchen?"

"It is. I didn't want to return empty handed."

We untethered the carcass. I had to admit that the summoned elven dagger had done a better job field dressing the buck than my hunting knife ever could. Bolden grunted as he transferred the weight to his shoulders.

"Here, this will help," I said as I touched the deer with an alteration spell. "It's how I got him up there."

"That's much lighter indeed,” he replied. “Start settling your mare in. I’ll be back as soon as I deliver this fellow to Weedum-Ja.” He then turned and trudged into the camp.

I led Superian toward the other horses. Two white geldings appeared to perhaps be Anvil guard horses. I smiled as I recognized Raxle, the old bay warhorse that had carried Sergeant Lucilius Marcus here. There was a small but sturdy chestnut mare with a blond forelock that almost covered her eyes. I suspected she was well-acquainted with the now empty nearby flatbed wagon. Another bay gelding bore the same Imperial Legion brand as Raxle. None of them took exception to Superian or I as we approached. By the time I removed and hung the mare’s bridle on a makeshift rack fashioned from heavy branches, Bolden had returned and was loosening Superian’s girth.

“Weedum-Ja promises venison tonight,” said Bolden. He ran one hand over the distinctive Equestria stable mark on Superian’s saddle, then lifted it from her back. “I had almost forgotten you were a mage, Buffy, until you cast that spell to lighten the deer. I take it you’ll be staying with the mages?”

“Yes, I’ve been transferred here,” I said.

“Well, you’ll find Sigrid’s guild has grown since your last visit. It’s now the big blue and white tent just north of the camp’s center. So how’s Thernd doing? Still coddling those trained imps that guard his precious Valley of the Horses?”

“He sure is.” My smile faded as I gazed up toward the edge of the plateau that hid the flaming Oblivion Gate from view. “Bolden, Thernd said I should tell you of my wishes. You know, in case something. . . happens to me.”

The Redguard matched my somber expression, then nodded knowingly. “Don’t you worry. I know how to get your mare home to Equestria if it comes to that.”

"Dame Buffy?" The voice came from behind me.

I turned to see a familiar face. "Lucilius!" I stopped myself from charging the Imperial and embarrassing him with a hug. Instead, I extended my hand.

The grizzled Legion sergeant lifted my fingers briefly to his lips then said, "Milady, it is indeed is a spot of brightness during dark times to see your face. Captain Matius told me not to doubt that you would soon be here."

"I'm so thankful to see you safe, Lucilius. How is Savlian?"

"I expect your arrival will brighten his day even more than mine. He was up on the line most of the night while I got some sleep. I expect he's in his tent resting now. Thanks in no small part to your efforts, our ranks have grown to afford some routine time off the perimeter for each of us."

"You’ve quite a few new arrivals then?" I asked, noticing that Lucilius now wore a white surcoat emblazoned with the black wolf head of Kvatch.

"Yes, from every city, save Cheydinhal. In fact we've put up an additional cluster of tents to house our soldiers. It's half way up the trail between the encampment and our flaming mistress at the top of the hill. Some of the soldiers are now calling her Oblivia. I'm on my way up to the barracks area now to brief some new arrivals on how to deal with what comes out of Oblivia."

"I won't hold you up then, Lucilius. We'll have time to catch up later - I'm not leaving."

A grin creased the Imperial's weathered face and his eyes sparkled. "I know, Milady."

As Lucilius headed off to attend his duties, I turned to see Superian fully cooperating as Bolden inspected her feet with a hoof pick in one hand. “She likes you, Bolden, and you’re good with her.”

We chatted for a time until Superian was groomed and settled in. She was in good hands. I knew I needed to check in with my new guildmagister but there would be time for that. Right now, my feet would accept no other path than the one that led directly to the tent of Savlian Matius.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Oct 12 2011, 08:15 PM