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- As Buffy and the young Dagail continued to get to know each other, Dagail lamented the costs of being a seer and cautioned Buffy to be judicious in revealing to others any knowledge of the future – much as Kynareth did. Their before bed chatter was interrupted by Dagail experiencing some menstrual cramping. Buffy relieved her fellow Bosmer’s pain and the pair agreed that crafting some appropriate potions in the morning would be wise.

*

Renee- Buffy’s memory was not affected by the time travel. When she said she does not remember exactly how she got to Leyawiin, she is being mostly truthful in that she does not understand the mechanics/magic that Kynareth used to get her there. She’s being misleading but, technically, truthful. This is based mostly on Kynareth’s recommendation to avoid letting others know of her time travel. Fortunately, those who found her, erroneously assumed she had been struck by lightning and that it affected her short term memory. You are right that Dagail’s gift/curse as a seer uniquely positions her to know of Buffy’s arrival. I think of Buffy’s adventures in the 2nd Era as being consistent in ‘feel’ with ESO but not closely following the game when it comes to many details.

ghastley- The scene Acadian described did indeed happen way back in Book One and Buffy’s been waiting years for its foreshadowed meaning to become clear. Buffy finds herself beginning to understand Kynareth’s warning that pondering the implications of time travel is not healthy.

Rider- Yes, a circular spiral of insanity to overthink time travel! Thanks for recognizing the depth to Dagail that is hiding behind her effervescence. We’ll see more of that going forward.

SubRosa- Thanks for your kind words about sprinkling smiles. Dagail’s situation as a seer is thought provoking all right. Buffy knows now that healing is her calling and she just can’t . . . not heal when it seems needed.

Lopov- Thanks for noting that there is a lot of internal strength of character in Dagail. As I mentioned to Rider, we’ll see more of that. Dagail will be a permanent ‘anchor’ for Buffy in the 2nd Era – someone who (like Acadian and Kynareth) knows Buffy’s secrets and can advise accordingly. Similarly, Dagail can also speak freely to Buffy about being a seer and her own unsettling future.

Grits- I’m so glad you focused right in on much of what I hoped would come across so far between Buffy and Dagail. I think the wayshrine system will be very helpful to Buffy – she just needs someone who knows where most of them are. . . . Well, after she goes shopping of course.

* * *

Episode 15

Early the following morning, we broke our fast, then went to work at Orranvir’s alchemy station. By the time I had crafted half a dozen potions, Orranvir entered the room looking dismayed. “Dagail, I thought I told you not to use this equipment! Remember the last time you tried brewing a potion?”

Dagail raised her hands disarmingly. “Orranvir, I haven’t touched your equipment. See? Nothing broken, no burns on the carpet or drapes. Buffy is making some potions to help me with a . . . woman problem.”

“Apologies for not asking first, Orranvir,” I said. “We began early and did not want to rouse you. I have some familiarity with this equipment. Though I’m sure I lack your skill, I know enough to make certain potions that I find quite helpful as a healer. We’ll carefully clean up here when done.”

He seemed satisfied with my answer and I suppose the flattery didn’t hurt. His gaze shifted to the potions we had already crafted as he spoke to me, “Tell me about what you’ve made here, if you please. I get plenty of customers asking for help with a variety of feminine maladies.”

Dagail was behind, Orranvir and I saw her mouth the words, ‘Thank you,’ presumably for rescuing her from the alchemist’s ire. Then I saw her wince.

“I’d be pleased to, Orranvir, in just a moment. Dagail, it looks like the relief my healing was able to give you last night is wearing off?”

She frowned and nodded. I handed her one of the potions. “Drink this. I’ve found one of these each morning and evening will keep the pains at bay until your period of fertility has run its course.”

Dagail blushed but emptied the vial.

“Do not be embarrassed Dagail,” offered Orrianvir. “I see plenty of young women seeking relief from such cramps.” He then turned to me and continued, “The best I’ve been able to recommend to them is warm compresses and drinking tea made from the leaves of chamomile.”

I replied, “Such tea is helpful and, indeed, chamomile is one of the ingredients I use. I’ve found these potions to be notably more effective.”
He appraised my words with a skeptical look.

“Buffy,” injected Dagail with impeccable timing, “by Julianos’ little teapot if that didn’t relieve my cramps already!”

“Are her results typical?” asked Orranvir, his tone of skepticism gone.

“They are,” I replied, “for I suffer from the same problem during those times I am fertile and have used these potions for several years.”

He nodded approvingly, a hint of respect now in his eyes. “Buffy, the problem you and Dagail share is one I hear often. Might I convince you to share your recipe?

“Certainly. I’ve written it down here with the ingredients, proportions and procedures to prepare these potions. You’re welcome to it. I’ll make another copy for Dagail to carry.” I turned to her. “Dagail if you find yourself out of and needing some of these potions while away from Leyawiin, you may present the recipe to any alchemist who, if properly stocked like Orranvir is, should be able to make some up for you.” I then turned back to Orranvir and handed him the recipe. “Remember, both or you: dosing is one vial morning and night as long as the symptoms persist.”

Orranvir took the scrap of parchment and studied it. “Hmm, yes, chamomile as we discussed, along with ginger, primrose, cinnamon and violet coprinus. All reasonably available ingredients.” The Redguard actually smiled at me. “Buffy this will be a boon indeed for many of my customers. . . as well as quite helpful to the guild’s coffers I should think. What do I owe you for sharing your recipe?”

His offer of compensation had not occurred to me. After a moment, I answered, “The same that I owe you for the gracious use of both your equipment and reagents.”

“Unacceptable,” he countered. “This guild hall stands to make a continuing tidy profit from these potions and charging a member of the Mages Guild to use guild equipment is hardly appropriate. Two hundred gold is certainly the lowest I will go in offering you compensation for this valuable recipe.”

“Buffy, listen to me,” injected Dagail with an uncharacteristic manner of authority. “All your belongings were instantly zapped away by a bolt of lightning that could have easily killed you. Just look at this baggy, ill-fitting robe you’re wearing! That is the only thing you own.” She closed the distance between us and lifted the robe’s hem to above my ankles. “See, not even shoes! You don’t have a coin purse and if you did it would be empty.” She paused to take a breath as both hands found their way to her hips. “I plan to take you clothes shopping soon and you’ll need gold for that. I expect you to accept Orranvir’s offer. He will recoup it many times over from the sales of your wonderful potion.”

After a few moments of stunned silence, both Orranvir and I chuckled and nodded to each other. The alchemist pocketed the recipe and counted out two hundred gold as Dagail placed the potions we had made into her mage pouch of holding. With no coin purse of my own, we had to put my newly acquired gold into hers.

While cleaning up the alchemy lab, Dagail and I made plans to go shopping, followed by lunch at a tavern.