Renee- The voice set that Buffy used in Ob/Sky was ‘Innocent’. Daenlin made Buffy sell her house. We should conclude that, like everything else in her life except Superian, Buffy was neglecting it and that both Daenlin and Kud-Ei felt she needed to live in the guild hall for her own safety. I suspect Daenln also realized historically just how little time Buffy spent at the house, given her almost constant traveling and was tired of being the property's 'caretaker'. Thank you!
SubRosa- I’m glad you enjoyed the evolution of Buffy’s bow – I was afraid it might have been too into the minutia. Thank you for mentioning that you weren’t sure from the context when Daenlin and Kud-Ei’s intervention took place. I added a sentence to clarify that it was indeed after Buffy’s return from Valenwood. It seems being back in Cyrodiil and its memories reopened her still fresh wounds. Thank you!
ghastley- Heh, I blame all those changes on Buffy progressing from game to game.
![embarrased.gif](style_emoticons/sinders/embarrased.gif)
The trappings she used in Book 1 were pure Oblivion. Those trappings evolved quite a bit in Book 2 to reflect our play time in Skyrim at the time. Even though our setting remains 3rd Era Cyrodiil, Buffy’s trappings for the story have evolved to reflect a combination of Oblivion and ESO. Thank you!
Rider- I added a sentence to confirm that Daenlin and Kud-Ei’s intervention took place after Buffy’s return to Cyrodiil. Thanks for mentioning it so I could clarify the timing. Please blame the quirky details of Buffy’s bow evolution on our moving among games. Basically, Book 2 presented a bow that was compatible with Skyrim gameplay and Book 3 largely undoes that, evolving her bow into one that is more consistent with Oblivion and ESO. I appreciate your support for bringing Agronak (like Mazoga) into a much larger role than shown in game. Thank you!
Lopov- Boderi knows more of Buffy’s secrets than anyone (except Acadian) so she is an excellent character to help draw out some of Buffy’s lingering challenges in dealing with the loss of Savlian. Buffy’s grief won’t dominate the story but it will indeed surface now and again. Thank you!
Grits- I’m pleased how it rang true that when Buffy started taking care of herself the shine returned to her hair; the endorsement of another blonde is welcome indeed!
![tongue.gif](style_emoticons/sinders/tongue.gif)
With Buffy’s bow, I was hoping to convey quite a bit of information but within a casual 'shop talk' conversational tone between two mages. Like Buffy, I’m glad to know you enjoy your tea! Thank you!
*
Previously- Boderi Farano confirmed that Buffy had been summoned to the University to meet with Sirs Mazoga and Agronak to discuss her guild’s role in the Oblivion Crisis. While the ladies waited, they discussed ways in which Buffy’s bow had evolved over time, and how Buffy was managing her grief over the loss of Savlian Matius. The episode ended with a knock at the door of Boderi's office/apartment.
* * *
Episode 6
The door opened and there she was.
“Mazoga!” I sprinted halfway across Boderi’s parlor and closed the remaining distance with a leap. The mighty orc didn’t budge as I flew into the unyielding steel of her breast plate. Despite knocking the wind out of myself, in an instant my legs were tightly around her waist, both arms circled her massive neck and my face was buried in the green skin above her stiff leather collar. “I missed you so much,” I began babbling through happy tears as the orc folded her arms around me. “I’m so sorry I was too injured to go with you when you left Kvatch. And w-when I got better no one could tell me where you were!”
“I missed you too, Buff,” calmed Mazoga as her gauntleted hand stroked my hair. “I’m real glad to see your injuries all healed up good.”
I looked up to see her beautiful brown eyes glistening. I had not felt so safe since being held in the arms of Savlian Matius himself.
Boderi cleared her throat. “Please do come in.”
Neither Mazoga nor I made any effort to disengage as she carried me fully back into the room. It was only then that I noticed the even larger knight now filling the doorway. His helm was under one arm and he held Mazoga's in his hand. “Thank you for bringing her safely to me, Agronak,” I breathed.
“The joy I see between you makes the journey well worth it,” he replied as he stepped inside.
The Bosmeri Imperial Battlemage, who was dwarfed by the pair of knights he had been escorting, nodded to Boderi. “I’ll be right outside, Magister, waiting to take your guests back to the lobby when their business is concluded.”
“Not necessary, Fithragaer,” said Boderi. “When we are done, Buffy will show them out.” After the door closed, she looked at Agronak. “Welcome, knights.” Turning to Mazoga, she added with a dry smile, “If you can peel my small mage-knight from your breastplate, you’re most welcome to have a seat. Tea?”
I reluctantly unwrapped myself from Mazoga, then supplied cups all around as the orcs created a pile of helms, gauntlets and weaponry on the floor. The armor-plated duo then carefully seated themselves on a pair of parlor chairs, which groaned ominously under the weight.
Boderi filled our cups then joined us.
“We need your help, Buff,” stated Mazoga.
“I’m ready,” I answered without a clue as to the task. “When do we leave?”
Mazoga smiled sadly, shook her head and looked to her mate.
Agronak replied, “Mazoga and I are enemies of the Mythic Dawn and will not risk your safety by having you travel with us.”
“You were there for me at Kvatch when Savlian and I needed you,” I protested. "It was the two of you who slayed countless Daedra, then carried the broken bodies of Savlian and I from the final battle. And, Mazoga, it was you who never budged from my bedside at the chapel as I hovered between life and death for several days. I owe you both no less than that same measure of devotion.”
“And we’ll ask it of you, Buff,” Mazoga said gently, “but our quests require separate paths for now.”
Boderi finally spoke. “Buffy, let these knights explain their larger task and how our proposed role for you fits in.”
Agronak then carefully detailed Martin’s plan to retrieve the Amulet of Kings and claim his throne. “. . . were able to locate and destroy the Mythic Dawn’s shrine and underground lair.” He continued, “Their leader managed to escape with the Amulet of Kings before we could put him to the sword. Martin believes our quarry magically retreated to his own realm called Paradise. Our Emperor-to-be thinks he can open a portal to that realm, but requires four powerful items to do so. Mazoga and I have already recovered one of them from Sancre Tor and will gather another from Miscarcand as we travel west.” He glanced at his mate, then back to me. “We’re hoping you can provide the third of these items – a Daedric artifact.”
Boderi interjected, “Buffy, I informed Sirs Agronak and Mazoga that you have gathered and subsequently loaned several such relics to the Mystic Archives.”
Mazoga held up a massive open hand to delay my response. “Martin warns that it’ll be destroyed when he works his magic to open the portal.”
“Of course I can help,” I replied. “I’ll contribute Sheogorath’s staff to the cause and be quite pleased to know it will be destroyed in the process. I’ll also give each of you a ring. One is Meridia’s Ring of Khajiiti and the other is one I crafted long ago with a similar chameleon effect.” Looking at Agronak’s battered shield on the floor, I added, “And you will leave here with Peryite’s Spell Breaker as well.”
“That is most generous,” he replied. “When this crisis is over, we’ll return any surviving artifacts to your Mystic Archives.”
“I’m not done,” I said. Among the items the orcs had piled on the floor was a weapon I recognized. “I’m glad to see you still carry that soul trap dagger I gave you.” One hand slipped into the satchel at my waist and emerged holding Azura’s Star. “I want you to carry this also. It’s a reusable grand soul gem that has served me well.”
Boderi lifted an eyebrow. “Buffy, are you sure? That was gifted to you by Azura when you . . . well, you know.”
As I recalled that I had sent my journal to Boderi for her reading and safekeeping, I silently thanked the Dunmer for her discretion in not announcing that Azura had proclaimed me her Slayer. My friend and University mentor literally knew all my secrets up until I left Kvatch after the death of Savlian. Which reminded me - I wanted to give her the next volume, detailing my travels in Valenwood. I handed the Star to Mazoga as I addressed Boderi, “This was a reward from Lady Azura for freeing some of her followers from vampirism. Its value to me is great, but purely sentimental as my mystic bow does not require recharging. Until this crisis is over, it will better serve these knights than I.”
“Thanks, Buff. You’re a pal!” said Mazoga as she reverently held the Star. “We’ll be proud to borrow it, and it’ll get plenty of work. My claymore and magically returning chakram are both enchanted with shock damage. So’s Agronak’s arming sword. And, both our daggers strike with magic as well.”
“May the Star of Azura overflow with the dying magic of every Daedra you encounter,” I replied grimly. “Now, what is the fourth item Martin requires?”
Both orcs took a deep breath before Mazoga replied, “Buff, we need a sigil stone from a Great Oblivion Gate – the kind that eats cities.” My eyes opened wide. “Martin’s plan is to openly move from the Blades’ headquarters to the city of Bruma, believing his known presence there will trigger such a gate to open in an effort to destroy him. Several smaller gates apparently appear first, then the big one opens and spits out a giant siege engine to breach the city. As you can see, Bruma’s gonna need lots of reinforcing to defend itself until Agronak and I can grab that great sigil stone.”