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.

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~ 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- Buffy met with Kynareth and, once darkness had fallen, was transported within a cocoon of lightning to the outskirts of Leyawiin in the Second Era. Upon arrival, Buffy immediately passed out, awakening in the infirmary of the city’s Ivory Brigade contingent. She was interrogated by a captain who concluded Buffy was struck by lightning shortly after most likely arriving by ship – losing her clothing and recent memory in the process. When Buffy said she did recall that her purpose in Leyawiin was to meet with her friend Dagail, the captain seemed satisfied and sent for Dagail.

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Rider- Buffy will be pretty busy sorting herself out and making friends in this new time, but Kyne will certainly be watching and occasionally visit. We’ll see the cute captain again but don’t have any definite long term plans for him. I hope you’ll like the young Dagail that we’ll introduce in today’s episode. She has been great fun to write.

Renee- Buffy became Kynareth's paladin near the end of her previous book – during the aftermath of the Oblivion Crisis. As unusual as surviving a lightning strike may make her, Buffy correctly figures it is better than the scrutiny that would accompany revealing she is from the future.

ghastley- Thankfully, the locals assumed Buffy survived a lightning strike and she is not about to dissuade them. We’ll learn much of Dagail in the next few episodes.

macole- Thank you for the song! Stepping through a portal in the forest or using a timestepping stone would have been ever so much lower key than arriving in a ball of lightning, but what fun would that be?

Grits- Thank you for realizing that Kynareth told Buffy a story to distract her nervous elf. Buffy’s significant skill with speechcraft is a necessity of course, given her lack of physically imposing presence. There are several encounters through this book where it will serve her well. I think you’ll find Dagail to be a master shopper!

SubRosa- Thanks for asking about the Ivory Brigade. They’re a military force based in Leyawiin to defend the province of Blackwood against any/all of the three alliances battling up north for the Imperial City. Think of them as a robust guard force similar to any city guard but ranging out over the whole province. The Leyawiin contingent has a small infirmary to patch up its own guards. The Ivory Brigade’s banner is a white horse on a green background – the same one that will later be adopted by the Knights of the White Stallion. // Though initially groggy, Buffy’s memory was not affected by her time travel. She intentionally played up being a confused victim and let the captain make his own assumptions based on what his guards reported. Fortunately for her, he assumed she had survived a lightning strike and the trauma had affected her recent memory. // Thank you for recognizing that the mechanics of her time travel were indeed influenced by Arnold’s arrival in the first Terminator movie!

Lopov- Thanks for noting Buffy’s word skill at steering the interrogation her way while (mostly) telling the truth. This book will be quite a mix of real and not when it comes to ESO. As you pointed out, Captain Liore is an actual NPC; Dagail, however, does not appear in ESO except in our fiction.

* * *

Episode 13

“Let’s keep that blanket wrapped around you,” Brielle said, “until your friend gets here with some clothes. I’d like you to try and sit up though. Then maybe stand for a few minutes.”

I passed both of the Ivory Brigade healer’s tests without getting dizzy, then lay back down, still wrapped in the blanket, and accepted a cup of water.

Soon enough, the Corporal who had been dispatched to the Mages Guild returned. The young mage at his side breezed into the room, gave me a quick wink and exclaimed, “Buffy! I heard you had a shocking trip getting here, my friend.”

Brielle, I and even the Corporal laughed, chuckled and smiled, respectively at the joke as Dagail continued up to my bed, leaned down and kissed both my cheeks.

“It’s good to see you again, Dagail,” I replied.

“Oh, I brought you this robe,” she continued. “It’s the smallest the guild has. There’s no way I could find shoes that your feet would not swim in though so you’ll have go barefoot until we can go shopping.” She shook out the robe and held it up for me to see.

“Thanks, Dagail.” I perked up at the thought of shoe shopping but was looking more at Dagail than the robe she held up. I realized the Dagail from my time was more than 750 years older but the age of the young Bosmer before me appeared to be no more than my own single score of years. Her skin was smooth and milky white. Her face was the same shape I recalled - quite attractive in its youthfulness - and framed by unrestrained chestnut hair with nary a hint of the gray I was used to seeing. Her familiar brown eyes were unmistakable but lacked any of the cloudiness evident in those of the older version. I looked at Brielle questioningly.

“Yes, Buffy, stand up again and get dressed. If you manage that without difficulty, I’ll release you to Dagail.“

The Corporal at the door said, “My job here is done. I’ll give you ladies some privacy.” He then disappeared from the doorway.

I stood and, after a moment, reported, “No dizziness.” I then dropped the blanket on the bed and slipped into the mage robe. The hem puddled on the floor around my feet and my hands were lost somewhere in the sleeves.

Dagail frowned. “I was afraid of that. She quickly produced a sash and commenced to hike up the middle of the robe and secure the resultant excess material around my waist with the sash. She then rolled up my sleeves until both hands were exposed. “That’ll have to do for now.” She then grinned. “Let’s add clothes to our shopping list. Oh this is going to be so much fun!”

Her effervescence was contagious and I found myself grinning back at her.

Dagail then straightened up stiffly, turned to Brielle and rendered a crooked salute. “Guild mage Dagail, now taking custody of the wood elf Buffy as ordered, your healership.”

Brielle chuckled and nodded.

Once outside and walking to the guild, I wondered if Dagail’s bubbly display had been an act for the benefit of the Ivory Brigade.

It was not.

“Cracked acorns, Buffy! You look just like you did in my vision. I’m so excited! Do you know how long it’s been since I was able to talk with another wood elf? Or talked to anyone really, that was actually shorter than I? How on Nirn did you ever get such a tiny waist? I’m an Alterationist, you know. Oh, and a conjuror too. Hmm, I wonder if I could use an alteration spell to remove my lowest pair of ribs? I bet that would give me a tiny waist too! What do you think?”

I used the brief opportunity to speak. “I think you’re absolutely adorable just as you are, Dagail.” That was certainly the truth and elicited both a quick smile and slight blush from her.

“Our guild here is pretty small, there’s only four of us. Me.” Dagail emphasized the word by stopping just long enough to spread her arms and twirl in place. “Adelle is our Guildmagister. She’s a Breton and quite well connected. She travels a lot but is really nice when she’s here. Nuzak is in charge when Adele’s gone. Whoever knew that orcs could do magic? And have you ever heard of a woman orc without a ‘gra’ in her name? She’s quite blunt but not in a bad way. Finally, there’s Orranvir. He doesn’t know many spells but he’s quite good at alchemy and there’s plenty of folk here in Leyawiin with coin who want potions for this or that. He’s a Redguard. I don’t know much about them. He’s a bit dour but not a bad sort otherwise.”

“Well, actually I have known a couple orcish women without a gr–“

“Ooh! There’s the first place we’ll go when we’re out shopping together. They have beautiful clothes. And even some children’s things so we should be able to get some shoes for you. Oops, sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt you, Buffy. Sometimes my mouth just sort of carries me away. Hey, there’s Leyawiin’s wayshrine. Are you attuned to it?”

“I’m not attuned to any wayshrines.”

“We’ll fix that.” She grabbed my hand and changed our direction. “Here, you just put your hand on it and wait for the blue flame in the middle to wiggle around some.”

I did so, and a vision appeared before me of the entirety of Tamriel. It showed the borders of every province and was liberally dotted with symbols that looked like little wayshrines. Every one of them was black in color except the one I had just touched. That one was white. “Amazing,” I whispered.

“See how easy that was, Buffy? Whenever you first touch a wayshrine,” she continued as we resumed our trek through the city, “you become attuned to it. You can also travel to any other wayshrine to which you’re attuned. Kind of like portalmancy without the portals! I know a spell I can teach you that’ll allow you to conjure a similar magical map in front of you so you can always see where you are without lugging around a bunch of parchment or having to hold onto a wayshrine.” She paused, but only for a breath. “Well kiss a troll and call me Pumpkin! Here we are at the guild.”

Dagail led me inside and introduced the other members of the Leyawiin guildhall. I had to admit that her descriptions seemed pretty insightful.

Unlike the Bravil guildhall, community dinners were not the norm here. Rather, mages foraged for themselves. That said, when Dagail showed me the guild’s pantry for an early dinner, it was impressively stocked. After our meal, we went upstairs and into a small room. She touched several lightstones which gave the chamber a warm glow. I could now see a bunkbed, armoire, dresser, night table, small desk and chair. A full-length looking glass and pair of paintings adorned the walls. Several plush scatter rugs softened the wooden floor.

“I have my own room, Buffy!” She twirled again. “Well, yours too now as long as you stay here.” She pointed at the top bunk. “That one’s yours. Is that okay?”

“It’s perfect, Dagail. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome to go through my clothes and wear anything you like. I’m the smallest mage here except for you so if anything in the building comes close to fitting you,” she tapped on the armoire, “it’ll be right here. Fried fire salts, but you’re the smallest elf I’ve ever seen! I mean one that was fully grown. Oh, actually I almost lied. When I visited the guildhall in Elden Root, I met some Cloud Dancer Bosmers who were just about your size. In fact, you rather look like them. . . are you a Cloud Dancer?”

I nodded. “Yes, the Cloud Dancers are a clan of small Bosmer. Each tribe within the clan makes its home in the upper branches of a graht oak.”

“I remember the first time I ever saw Elden Root! It’s as wide across as the entire city of Leyawiin. And I nearly fell over backwards trying to see its upper branches. I couldn’t though because they were higher than the clouds!” Her eyes flew open wide. “Oooh! I bet that’s why they call those little elves who live up there Cloud Dancers!”

“And you’d be right, my friend.”