Buffy - Book 4, Drodda the Icewitch Options

[Acadian]

Welcome to Buffy’s fourth book! As ever, her tale of continuing adventure remains one that is character-driven with more focus on her journey than the destination. Buffy is a magically inclined Bosmer. She travels intertwined with the spirit of an old ethereal paladin named Acadian who sometimes offers advice. Sometimes she listens.

Near the end of Book 1, Buffy helped the man she loved, Savlian Matius, free his city of Kvatch. They were successful, but the terrible cost included Savlian's very life. It was a physically and emotionally broken elf who retreated in grief and despair to her ancestral homeland. Book 2 picked up shortly thereafter and chronicled Buffy's journey of recovery and self-discovery through Valenwood. Book 3 took place in Cyrodiil and saw the Oblivion Crisis finally yield to the dawn of a new Era – even as Buffy accepted the challenges of walking an ancient path of her own and becoming a paladin of Kynareth.

Books 1 through 3, in their entirety, as well as an Executive Summary concise enough to comfortably be read in one sitting, can be found on our sub forum. That said, enjoying Book 4 does not really require more information than is contained right here in these few introductory paragraphs. I have taken care to have Buffy review significant aspects of her past as they become relevant. I welcome questions relating to her past though, that I may try and amplify or clarify things should our ‘review as we go’ approach prove wanting. More specifically, I want new readers to feel comfortable just jumping right into Book 4 without feeling obligated to read Buffy’s previous books first.

Book 4 joins Buffy in Cyrodiil shortly after the Oblivion Crisis. Soon, however, she finds herself confronted by a threat so vexing that the only path to resolving it will require the direct intervention of Kynareth, and for Buffy to forsake the life she knows.

I estimate that at one episode per week, Book 4 will require just under a year to post. My fervent hope is that you find our humbly offered efforts worthy of your time.

* * *

~ Part One – Cyrodiil ~

Episode 1

Reluctantly, I allowed my healing bond with Countess Odalys Goldwine to dissipate. She opened her eyes, saw the tears in mine and managed a weak smile. “Tell me the truth.”

I took her hand. “The wasting sickness that began in your foot has a Daedric taint. It strongly resists healing and has spread throughout your body. Were I to remove it now, it would destroy every organ it has infested. I’m sorry, Countess. Even with the assistance of Kynareth, I cannot save you.”

“Don’t blame yourself, Buffy," the Countess of Kvatch replied. "I will be at peace knowing that if anyone could have healed me it would have been you. Ironic,” a coughing spasm interrupted her words for several moments, “that Ormellius’ mage encased me in that magical ice to protect me from the Daedra. It almost worked.”

“I know they did their best,” I said. “Given the severe time constraint of Daedra breaking down the door, I’m not surprised that Count Goldwine’s court mage inadvertently left a small part of your left foot unprotected. That is how the wasting taint entered your body.”

“And I thought it was just an annoying limp I’d have to deal with.” Coughing wracked her body again as an attentive handmaiden quickly wiped away the blood it produced.

“In the months you’ve had since Kvatch was retaken from the Daedra,” I said, “you’ve largely restored this city to its former glory while inspiring your people. I’m sure the late Count would be proud. I know I will always be grateful for the mutual consolation we shared after both losing our mates. Let me ease your pain.”

“No,” she stayed my hands, “that will cloud my thinking and I have a request I must make of you while I still can.”

“I will do whatever I’m able Milady.”

“After I die, rule of Kvatch will be a ripe target. My city deserves better than the unproven offspring of some ambitious noble like the skooma-sucking son of Count Bravil.”

“I agree. How can I help?” I asked while trying to restrain a rising sense of panic. Please don’t ask me to try and become the Countess of Kvatch. As much as I love the city that Savlian Matius and I fought for and he died for, it harbors memories that are too. . . painful to make it my home. Not that the Elder Council would ever consider me – a Bosmeri orphan who can barely rule herself.

“I would like the Champions of Cyrodiil to succeed me,” she said. “Since moving to Kvatch and taking leadership of the Order of the Wolf, Sirs Agronak and Mazoga have proven their love for this city.” Her words were growing weaker and coming slowly now. “I have spoken with them and they are willing to accept the appointment if offered. I want you to be my advocate before the Elder Council. There will be resistance because they are orcs and neither is of noble birth. Will you do this for me?”

“I will advocate for you Milady, for I can think of no finer potential count and countess for Kvatch than Sirs Agronak and Mazoga.” Through her pain of trying to breathe, I could see a sense of relief in her eyes. “You must rest now.” As she almost imperceptibly nodded, I laid hands on her again.

I eased her pain then, mercifully, she slept. With her mistress asleep, the Countess’ handmaiden shifted her focus to me, bringing cool water, hot tea and fresh bread with soft cheese. We kept vigil through the night.

By dawn Countess Odalys was gone. “Join your Count in Aetherious now,” I said softly while her hands were still warm. As I left the Countess’ bedchamber, I was met by Sirs Mazoga and Agronak.

Their hopeful looks turned to despair as soon as they saw my face. Mazoga engulfed my shoulder with a massive hand. “Sorry, Buff.”

I tried to smile. “She died peacefully. I understand you're both aware of her request regarding a successor?”

Both orcs nodded. It was Agronak who spoke. “Countess Odalys was a fine ruler. We’d be honored if chosen to take up her mantle and finish what she started.”

I nodded. “I’m leaving almost straightaway to relay her wishes to the Imperial Council.”

After tearful goodbyes, followed by a quick visit to Savlian’s grave, Superian and I were on the road and riding into the morning sun.

**

My hands fidgeted as I sat on the hard chair. I’m sure I would have been tapping my feet had they been able to reach the floor. I looked up at the guard posted by the door. “How long do you think before the Imperial Council finishes deliberating and gives me their decision?”

The guard quietly replied, “No way to tell, Dame Buffy. You made a persuasive case. There are many in the Legion who well-remember what you, Captain Matius and the Champions of Cyrodiil did to free Kvatch. For what it’s worth, I think those knights could provide the strength and inspiration to make that city flourish once again.”

“Thank you,” I said. “I hope the Council agrees.”

The door opened and I was ushered back into the Council’s chamber. Those holding the future of Kvatch in their hands sat on the far side of a wide table as I stood before them. I could not read their faces.

“Dame Buffy,” began High Chancellor Ocato, “the Council has reached a decision regarding the late Countess of Kvatch's wishes regarding her successor. Odalys could not have chosen a better advocate. You certainly made a strong case that her success in rebuilding Kvatch should lend great strength to her recommendation. Further, you spoke eloquently to the character of Sirs Mazoga and Agronak, gained through your long history of friendship and fighting by their sides. You also made a strong argument for the superiority of earning one’s noble title via deed instead of birth.”

I realized I was holding my breath and forced myself to breathe. Their words were encouraging. So far.

“That acknowledged,” he continued as my hopes sank, “the Council feels Kvatch would be best served with the Champions of Cyrodiil remaining at the helm of the city’s valiant order of knights. Further, with so many changes affecting the Empire, we feel the people need. . . stability, a feeling of normalcy regarding how the Empire has always done business. Therefore, during a subsequent deliberation, we shall choose the next ruler of Kvatch from one of the well-known and respected noble families of Cyrodiil. Please accept our appreciation for bringing the late Countess’ recommendation to us for consideration. This proceeding is concluded.”

My hands were behind my back but I didn’t need to see them to know how white the knuckles of my clenched fists were. Nor did I need to see the hot flush of anger that rose above the neckline of my buckskins to know the color that traveled up to my face and out to the tips of my ears. I looked at each Councilor. Round-eared Imperials with soft hands, every one of them. Not one had ever seen a day of combat. Easy, Buffy, Countess Odalys was an Imperial as well. That is not the problem. That these ignorant fools are leading the Empire is the problem. I need to restrain my tongue. Nothing good for Kvatch can come from a display of anger toward them. I swallowed hard and finally spoke, “Countess Odalys was a skilled leader and friend. I appreciate the opportunity to have conveyed her considered recommendation.” I turned and left the chamber hastily so they would not see the tears I fought to hold back.

[Acadian]

Previously- The seer Dagail urged Buffy, after Kynareth sends her to where and when she must go, to contact the much younger Dagail at the Leyawiin guild hall. Kud-Ei decided to swim back to Bravil from the University and asked Buffy to transport her belongings and borrowed mare back to Bravil. Buffy learned that the Elder Council selected Countess Bruma’s son to be the next ruler of Kvatch. Buffy left the University and headed back to Bravil.

*

Rider- Thank you! I am indeed taking some liberties with lore regarding Bosmer lifespans. In Buffy Lore, Altmer, Dunmer and Bosmer all can live 800 - 1000 years. I think the only time we’ve gotten so specific before was way back in Book 1 when Buffy was describing her dental hygiene regimen – she emphasized such care was important because her teeth could last her perhaps as long as 1000 years. I’m glad you mentioned Buffy’s conversation with Acadian as reminiscent of the student becoming the master – I had hoped for that reaction.

Lopov- Young Dagail will one of those characters who is a joy to write. I think you will enjoy her. During Book 1, we portrayed Countess Carvain similarly to how she is in the game – as a basically competent ruler. Hopefully her son will work out but we don't have plans to pursue that. Thank you!

ghastley- Thanks! Buffy will be gone before the Council’s decree about the Mages Guild and University actually manifests so there is, I suppose, a bit of wiggle room as far as how it all works out.

macole- Thank you for the comments! I envision Dagail to be about 770 years old when Buffy leaves the early Fourth Era and about twenty when Buffy next sees her in the Second Era.

SubRosa- You are right that we’ll leave Kvatch’s future open. Bags and trunks of holding are wonderful! I’m so glad you enjoyed the scene with Buffy and the young Apprentice whose arcane training will be cut short. I wanted to really put a personal face on the impact of the Council’s decision. A bit more of that impact in today’s episode. Thank you!

Renee- Thanks for your comments and questions. In Book 3, Buffy looked back on her less than successful grieving for Savlian in Bravil, describing how she drank too much wine, her lonliness made her flirt (unsuccessfully) with promiscuity, and she neglected her house. Were it not for her drive to take care of Superian and the support of Acadian, she confessed to us that she likely would have just walked out in the Niben to drown herself. Fortunately, Daenlin and Kud-Ei intervened just in time and forced her to move into her guild where they could keep an eye on her. It worked and gave her the time to mostly recover without further self-risk.

Grits- Thank you! I think that discussion between Acadian and Buffy near the end is the first time Buffy has acknowledged that she considers her family to be herself, Acadian and their dragonmare. I suppose that does limit her enemys’ ability to target her family members. Of course though, we know those she calls friend are nearly as dear to her.

* * *

Episode 6

It was midafternoon and starting to rain by the time I delivered the mare that Kud-Ei had asked me to return to the Bravil stable. Superian traveled in spirit form within me as my feet carried me through the town’s muddy streets to the guildhall. Not surprisingly, the mages within were long faced. I did not stop to chat though as I made my way downstairs to the guild’s large bath with its constantly circulating hot water fed by an underground spring. After a long soak, I emerged back upstairs in the robe of a mage, with my hair fully combed out to dry and loose over my shoulders.

Our two cooks were just starting to serve dinner as I joined my fellow mages at our dining table. “You know,” Delphine Jend broke the morose silence, “I’ve a mind to march right up to the Imperial City and blow up the whole damn Elder Council. Idiots!”

“And I do not doubt your ability to do so, Delphine,” Kud-Ei replied calmly. “I also have no doubt that you have the wisdom to realize that, although we each feel as you do, such a destructive display would be counterproductive and simply reinforce fears about the guild. Can you pass that bowl of pasta this way please?”

A deflated Delphine uttered, “I guess you’re probably right, Kud-Ei.” Then she added, “Bastards!”

Ita Reinus said, “In the words of the great mage Shalidor, ‘Mages are envied their power, and reviled for using it'.”

“Never more true than now,” added Carandial, pointing the piece of bread in his hand at Ita for emphasis.

Ardaline, who had been quietly pushing food around her plate asked, “Guildmagister, have you decided what we will do yet?”

Kud-Ei lowered her fork. “I want all of us to have a hand in that decision, but I propose we replace our guild signs with ones that say simply ‘Magic Emporium’ and continue to do business just like any other shoppe that deals in the arcane.”

“Guildmagister,” I asked over the rim of my goblet, “would that not readily be seen as simply skirting around the Council’s ignorant decree?”

“I don’t think so, Buffy,” replied Kud-Ei. “What the Council fears is the centralized command and control the guild exerts over a large network of mages spread across many locations.”

I could feel my anger rising. “But that command and control is exactly what enabled our battlemages and healers to provide fire support and healing to the Legion at the right times and places they needed it most during the Oblivion Crisis. Had the Legion not had such support from our guild, I can attest firsthand that the Battle for Bruma would likely have been a defeat instead of a victory.”

“Buffy has a good point, Guildmagister,” said Ardaline.

“She does indeed,” replied Kud-Ei. “Which is exactly why I believe the Council’s unfounded paranoia will not find fertile soil with my proposal. We would be a local, independent shoppe like any other. As I said though, you all deserve a hand in whatever decision we make. Alternatively, I suppose we could sell the facility and divide the proceeds to start anew in whatever endeavors each of us chooses.”

“I’ve heard enough,” declared Delphine. “Kud-Ei is right. The Magic Emporium it should be. As long as we can still sell my Enemies Explode spell.”

There were nods all around the table.

“Well that settles it,” said Kud-Ei. “There will be much coordination and work required but the path before us is clear. Now, how about some of that gorapple pie before it gets cold?”

After dinner, I conjured my lute and entertained us with a song. Its words and melody were somber but also offered hope.

It was getting late as we each straggled off to our beds. In the middle of the night, from a sound sleep, I suddenly sat straight up with a start, inadvertently knocking Kitsune to the floor.

‘What is it, Buffy?’ asked Acadian telepathically.

I glanced at the bed next to me. Ardaline had not awakened. I then whispered my response, “Kynareth wants to see me at sunrise. Along the river again.”

*

Sunrises along the Niben were beautiful and this one was no exception.

“Good morning, my paladin.”

I turned to greet Kynareth. Rather than her imposing and glowing winged presence, the Sky Goddess appeared in her more mundane form. She appeared to simply be an attractive Nordic woman with long blond plaits in a simple dress and strappy sandals that one might wear shopping around town. “Good morning, My Lady.”

“I have consulted with Akatosh,” she began, “about the possibility of having you intervene in the Second Era to stop this Drodda from destroying the last part of Phantom that we have – her spirit. He is willing to provide me the power to get you there if you are willing to accept this quest.”

“Is not each of the Divines all powerful on their own?” I asked, more from curiosity than boldness.

“No,” she replied. “Despite what many believe, our powers are not without limits. We excel at creation but do indeed have limits at manipulating those creations. Our strongest approach to such challenges is to share our power with each other when needed. I have consulted the Dragon God of Time for our contemplated time travel, just as he would consult me as the Sky Goddess if he required a thunderstorm or to block Magnus from the sky. You should know the details of what is involved before you decide to accept this quest.”

“First,” I asked, “what is the risk to both Phantom and Superian if we do not intervene?”

“Within the next year or so, Phantom’s spirit will be drained, and the last trace of her that now resides within your mare will simply cease to exist. An emotional loss, particularly for both Acadian and myself. Regarding Superian, the loss of Phantom’s spirit – as intertwined as it has become with that of your mare – would be similar to you losing the spirit of Acadian.”

My heart froze. “M-My Lady, I would perish without Acadian’s spirit fully intertwined with mine.”

“Yes,” she replied gently, “just as Superian cannot survive without Phantom.”

“Then I accept this quest.”

“Buffy, you do not yet know the risks or details.”

“My Lady, when it comes to protecting those who are precious to me, I do not count the cost.”

Kynareth nodded. “I have known that since your first encounter with Mazoga when she threatened to eat Superian. At a quarter her size, you stood toe-to-toe with a snarling orc ready to lay down your life defending your mare. You earned Mazoga’s lifelong respect that day. And mine. I just wanted you to remind yourself, for you must fully embrace this quest for it to succeed.”

“Then embrace it I shall. But I would be foolish to not understand the details in advance.”

“Let me share them with you then, starting with what can travel in time and what cannot. Acadian will travel with you of course. Your dragon mare also, as long as she is in spirit form while you actually travel through time. Any physical objects that did not exist during the Second Era, however, will be lost.”

I cringed. “My clothes, jewelry, mage pouch of holding. . . .”

"I am afraid so," she said.

A thought occurred. “What of the summonable storage trunk gifted to me by Sanguine?”

“I’m quite certain Sanguine created that well before the Second Era, so yes, it should make the trip. None of its contents will though.”

“And my summonable bow?”

“Your bow did not exist, so no. In fact, even though bows were powerful weapons, during the Second Era, they lacked the extreme range you are accustomed to. Continue your questions.”

I frowned. “How about my spells?”

“That is more complicated Buffy, for magic was very different in the Second Era. Most notably, spells cast to harm enemies did not damage allies. That is, no friendly fire; that ability was lost early in the Third Era. There have been other significant changes as well. The schools of Alteration, Restoration and Conjuration have not changed very much though, so most the spells from those schools that you already know will be available to you. Destruction has evolved a great deal but your limited ability with simple spells of that school should be fine. The biggest impact on your magic is that the school of illusion simply did not exist during the Second Era – so none of your illusion spells will serve you.”

Though I wanted to scream, ‘But I’m a troll-be-damned master illusionist and sniper!’ I restrained myself to saying, “That does present a problem, My Lady, for without illusion spells and sniping from extreme range, I question my ability to survive in combat. Certainly not at the level required to destroy a powerful ice mage.”

“Be at ease, Buffy. I can provide a weapon, spells and even some advice that I believe will serve you well.”

“Trust our Divine, Buffy,” offered Acadian. “She will not disappoint you.”

I sighed. “I think I understand what can go and what cannot.”

Kynareth nodded. “It will take several days for me to train you. That period would be a good time to plan your goodbyes. Remember our discussion about the risks inherent with time travel. I’d urge that you not share that aspect of your journey unless absolutely essential to the success of your quest.”

I nodded.

“I’d like us to meet here each morning at sunrise that we may get you trained and equipped. And Buffy?”

“Yes, My Lady.”

“I am proud of you.”

I blushed, but before I could speak she was gone.

“I am proud of you as well, Buffy,” remarked Acadian.

“Thank you. “I’m sad, excited and terrified all at the same time.”

Superian nudged me affectionately – as if she knew help was on the way for her spirit mate.