Buffy the Bowgirl, Book 1, Thread 1, Do You Know the Way to Kvatch? Options

[treydog]

At first, I found myself somewhat ambivalent about Buffy's flirtation with the "dark side" of magic. But- upon closer examination, it fits quite well with who she is- especially given the nature of soul-trapping and soul gems in the BF world. Because she is not trapping souls, she is trapping energy. A semantic distinction perhaps, but an important one.

But if she starts hanging around with Falanu, I will have to register a strong protest!

I blasted the altar with fire, frost and shock, lifting the cover to inspect my soul gems after each spell. Then I tried draining, damaging, healing and frightening it. Nothing. In desperation, I summoned a skeleton, but he just stood there, smirking at my frustration. I pondered the situation as I sipped a potion to help restore my depleted magicka. Soul trap? Well, that was worth a try.

You painted that scene wonderfully.

So glad she did not choose to kill the dog- and I imagine he and Thernd will get on famously.

[SubRosa]

Once more a nice description of game mechanics (zooming in with archery) that fits smoothly into the narrative.

I rather enjoyed it.
Cuddly as a rattlesnake!

A very sweet deviation from the original concerning the dog. One thing I hate about the game is having to kill all those bandit dogs. Likewise, you offered an excellent solution to the problem of what to do with the dog now that its former master's are dead.

as clear to me as a sunrise over Niben Bay the morning after a storm.
A very vivid description that at the same time reinforces the setting!

I summoned a skeleton, but he just stood there, smirking at my frustration.
Lovely way of reinforcing Buffy's desperation, by her imagining a smirk on the skeleton's face!

And Buffy makes some black soul gems. She had better not let anyone at the Guild know about this! As treydog said, that Buffy is trapping energy rather than souls lessens the impact of her flirtation with the dark side. In fact, you might want to rethink whether or not the MG would still ban black soul gems based on how you have them working. I suppose they still might, because after all the only way to get the energy is to kill a person. Plus, the general public may not realize that they only take magicka, rather than souls. A righteous mob burning down the Arcane U would not be good for the guild's profit margin!

Here is hoping that Buffy starts hanging around with Falanu, but only after liberally coating herself in flour and learning to lay very, very still.

nits:
I was sure the mysterious light was called the Shade of the Revenant
I think your the was frightened away by those bandits!

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Aug 20 2010, 04:19 PM

[Olen]

Nice part, as Trey said her confusion at which spell to cast was great, and the description of her trying them was also well done.

Could I get kicked out the guild for this?

Well... yes. Certainly yu show the darkness in her again, she might be all for the guild and have liked Carahil but when she could get a better enchantment that goes out the window. Such flaws and hypocracies really make her come off the page as a living character. That she has no worries about going to find someone to kill to fill the gem is also somewhat alarming, she's certainly got an edge of madness that girl.

She also has a new companion, I wonder if she'll end up keeping him though. Her lack of desire to kill the dog was a good device, it is so her to happily kill two bandits but then save the dog. Great stuff.

One mild nit: I settled into my chosen firing position - although it would have made things longer it might have been worth showing her deciding where to shoot from rather than just having her do it. At least it made me want to know more.

[MyCat]

She is closer to my Bosmer assassin than I thought. My Bosmer Assassin's bow is named Earana

I like the way you make her, despite her dark moments or probably because, very human. Er, okay, elfish. It was supposed to be a compliment!

[Remko]

Loved how justified "Soul"gems. I kinda like your interpretation of the "soul"trap spell.
I might borrow that

[mALX]

Where is Acadian while Buffy is dabbling in the dark arts? I think you have stayed true to Buffy's character while expanding on it - I love this!

[Destri Melarg]

Ah, that's what I love about Buffy . . . she can talk herself into anything! Only she could justify repeating the actions that got Falcar booted (presumably) from the Guild. I think mALX hit the nail on the head, Acadian was strangely silent during this chapter. Can we infer acceptance or approval from his silence? The inclusion of the dog Bandit was a clever bit of slight-of-hand to beguile us from the fact that our little wood elf is dabbling in necromancy. Innocently perhaps, but given her revulsion toward the necromancer she found in Vilverin I think it is safe to say that Olen is right about her capacity for being a little hypocritical.

That's what makes her such a brilliant character!

[Acadian]

In Chapter 19, Buffy displayed several contradictory aspects of her character as she learned and did what was necessary to create a black soul gem. It became clear that she had put a great deal of research and effort towards the task of powerfully enchanting her primary bow.

hazmick- Thanks! Yep, bandits make the best bows for a low level character that has never seen a creature with a grand soul. The only other alternative at low levels is to grind conjuration up to 100 (some of the top level summons have grand souls). An alternative for her story would have been to pretend that the University sold full grand soul gems and avoid the black soul gem controversy. We chose the black soul gem route in order to stay with the 'how to' aspect of her story.

Foxy- Yes. Based on what Buffy learned at the University, she had no qualms making and using black soul gems; she simply did not want to get caught and kicked out of her guild. Tar-Meena explained what a necromancer was. Buffy is quite comfortable that, despite performing a necromantic ritual, she is not 'animating dead people'.

Rider- Thank you so much! Letting the dog live was new for 2.0. It was not that long ago we learned in our game that if you approach a dog (not wolf) unarmed, he will not be hostile. He will attack if you draw a weapon though and the silly game will not let you sleep near him because 'enemies are near'. I think he'll be happy in the Valley of Horses. Buffy does indeed care more for animals than bandits and other humanoid varmints.

treydog- Thank you. We start with certain key elements of the game that we really want to retain as part of the 'how to play a mystic archer' aspect. We then try to craft somewhat reasonable explanations for why things work the way they do (zooming in with a bow, unable to cast spells on horseback, blocking with a bow, how to enchant with a grand soul at low level, etc). Then we hope that 'hey, it's a game' will help cover any gaps. Buffy is much more comfortable with soul gem energy as 'residual magic that animates movement'. If she thought killing a deer enslaved its spirit, she would have to join Teresa as a vegetarian!

SubRosa- Thank you so much. You coined Buffy 'cuddly as a rattlesnake' so very long ago, and I'm delighted she still conveys that here. The dog, of course, was a nod towards the 'cuddly' part in what was otherwise a somewhat dark portrayal of Buffy. As always, I love your insights into her. Thanks for the nit, so I could fix it.

Olen- As Boderi said, Buffy has the indomitable spirit of a dragon with the frailty of a butterfly. That drives her to do what she feels she must to survive. Since the only weapon she will touch is a bow, she believes having a powerful one is critical and is quite willing to take the necessary steps to accomplish this. That said, choices have consequences. Buffy's decision to break a rule of the guild will have small ripples for her on at least a couple occasions in the future. In fact the first consequence will be a tiny bit of squirming in her very next episode as her mouth almost gets her in trouble.

Thank you for your comments. You really make me think through things as Buffy so naturally dances between the darkness and the light. She loves killing bandits; the fact that they can help her create a powerful bow is a bonus.

You are right, my friend, that adding detail on how she chose her firing position may have helped. Alas, you are also right that length was a significant concern. There are several areas that would have been fun to expand, but I really wanted that episode to fit comfortably into one post.

MyCat- Oooh! Naming your bow after Earana! Buffy is going to have to do something (from a cowardly dark shadow, of course ) about that nasty rogue mage that would hurt her - just as soon as she gets a little more comfortable with her ability to do so.

Remko- Thanks! Like you, we never understood how you could 'capture the soul' of a skeleton or mudcrab. In BF 1.0, we didn’t worry much about those things, but Buffy is asking a lot harder questions of me in 2.0.

mALX- I'm glad you are enjoying this! Do you think she would actually listen to Acadian? Lol.

Destri- Buffy is indeed extremely adept at rationalizing. It usually boils back down to her frailty and the need to survive. She has taught me a great deal about what it is like to live in a dangerous land when you are small and weak. Keeping herself and her mare/friends alive trumps a lot of other considerations in her mind.

Acadian? He trusts in the underlying character of the bowgirl, and certainly hopes she will do what is necessary to survive - and crafting a powerful bow is a pretty important part of that. He realizes the way of a paladin would condemn the fragile elf to a short life. Rest assured, that if Buffy gets found out and kicked out the guild, she will quickly rationalize a way to blame Acadian for the whole mess.

*

So, how does Buffy feel about creating a black soul gem and using the dying energy of a bandit to craft her bow? She briefly addresses that herself in the next episode, while hopefully retaining the air of mystery that is the birthright of any young woman.

Speaking of mysteries, I must share with you that we are extremely excited going forward. Buffy's new and powerfully enchanted bow launches the first episode of a seven part miniseries that we call 'Child of Dawn'. While I hope each piece is interesting in itself, the themes are interwoven and tie together at the end in what I hope is a satisfying story with a touch of mystery.

* * *

20 Child of Dawn Part 1- Will You Take Me Hunting?

Daenlin carefully examined my grummite bow with the experienced hands that had taught me to hunt. As he turned it, a soft red glow fleetingly whispered of the power within.

It felt so good to be in Bravil! My visit to the Imperial City had been a short one. Thernd had been happy to have Bandit the dog join the stables and the two of them hit it off wonderfully. After filling my black soul gem in the Market Sewers and quietly enchanting my bow, I returned Tar-Meena's copy of 'Necromancer's Moon'. Superian and I had then headed for home.

I had missed Daenlin. It was now after closing time as we stood behind the sales counter of the Archer's Paradox. I smiled at the Bosmer as I watched the flickering light from the fireplace dance across his balding head. Finally, I interrupted his study of my bow. "Well, what do you think?"

"Buffy, it's the same impressive weapon you found out on that mysterious island in Niben Bay, but obviously now enchanted. What does it do?"

"It will totally but briefly drain my target's speed, shock them and capture their dying energy," I said quietly.

Daenlin whistled softly as both eyebrows pushed wrinkles up his forehead. "By the grace of Hircine! How many arrows can it shoot before you have to recharge it?"

"Thirty two." The words were not fully out of my mouth before I regretted them. I focused intently on Daenlin's face, trying to read his reaction. I began to relax a bit as he simply kept examining the bow. Daenlin was a magnificent marksman, but he knew little of magic. That was a good thing. Any mage would have quickly added things up and surmised the bow had had not been created using the energy of a simple animal.

"Buffy, this is not a hunting bow," Daenlin continued, "at least not for deer. What do you call it?"

"The bow hasn't yet spoken its name to me. I'm sure it will, when the time is right."

"And what do you intend to use it for?" the Bosmer pressed.

"To keep me alive and you from worrying so much," I replied with a smile.

His head tilted to one side and he looked at me quizzically. "What do you mean?"

"Daenlin, I never knew our world was so big and beautiful until I started traveling. I discovered that I love exploring. I also learned how dangerous Cyrodiil is, and how frail I am; my University advisor said that's a dangerous combination. I came to realize it's not just about me. I have friends like you who love and worry about me, and I now travel with a beautiful mare that depends on me to keep us safe."

My smile faded. "That's when I decided I would do or learn whatever it took to create a powerful bow that could help keep me alive and defend those I love." A grim satisfaction swelled within me, crushing any concerns I had about black soul gems.

"I see you've learned much, Buffy. I expect I'd quite like this University advisor of yours; however, I don't think there exists an enchantment or magic that will prevent this old elf from worrying about you. Nevertheless, it seems this bow has plenty of power and even the ability to briefly immobilize your enemies. Are you pleased with it?"

"I'm not quite sure yet," I replied. "The bow knocked a mudcrab far out into the Niben. When I fished his body from the river, he was cooked and ready to be my lunch. A wolf that tried to take him from me fell to one arrow. The next time I encounter a more dangerous foe, I should be able to better evaluate the enchantments. The only problem I'm having so far is keeping it fully powered. The energy from a mudcrab recharges three shots. I'm not used to managing a pile of soul gems."

"I understand. That's why I don't regularly use the Bow of Infliction." The Bosmer carefully leaned my bow in a corner. "Buffy, it's so good to have you home! You've been gone such a long time, what with your schooling and all. And do I understand we're to be neighbors?"

"Yes!" I chirped. "You know I've had my eye on that little place next door for such a long time. Buying Superian took every septim I had, so I had to start saving all over again. Fortunately, selling the practice trinkets I crafted at the University really overflowed my coin purse while I was there. In fact, even after buying furniture from Nilawen for the new house, I still have lots of gold left over. Do you need some?"

Daenlin looked at me, his eyes smiling. "No, young lady." He raised a finger and playfully touched the tip of my nose. "I have everything I need, either in my shop or standing in front of me."

I giggled. "You've been tapping my nose like that for as long as I can remember."

"Since before you can remember, I expect. Well neighbor, join me for dinner and tell me all about your adventures." Daenlin grabbed two empty clay bowls and looked around absently. "Now, where'd I put that ladle?"

"It's about time you fed me." I reached into my pack for the two bottles of Tamika's I had bought from Nilawen. "The smell from your cooking pot has been taunting me for the last hour." I filled a pair of wooden cups with the wonderful wine that Sinderion had introduced me to. Grabbing a loaf of bread and some cheese from Daenlin's cupboard for us to share, I then sat down. He joined me at the table with two bowls of stew.

"Tell me of your adventures," Daenlin prompted.

"The University was amazing. I learned so much. I think I read every book in the Mystic Archives! And my travels. . . have you ever watched the sun set into the Abecean Sea? This stew is yummy. Did you know that snow tastes like water? Or that the Ayleids could light their underground cities with magical blue rocks? There were terrifying bits too, Daenlin. I saw the Oblivion Gate at Kvatch. It was-"

"You were at Kvatch?" The Bosmer's eyes flew open wide and his spoon clattered to the table. "Buffy, you could have been killed!"

"I was not in danger." I shook my head, then lowered my eyes to the red depths of the wooden cup in my lap. "By the time I arrived, access to the city had been cut off by the Oblivion Gate and most of the Daedra were sealed inside what was left of Kvatch. The damage was already done. What remained of the city guard defended a barricade around that flaming gate, intercepting the occasional Daedra that still emerged. They said it wasn't safe, and for me to leave."

"That sounds like wise advice, Buffy. I'm glad you weren't hurt."

I nodded and swallowed hard. I didn't want to ruin the evening, so I took a large drink of my wine, hoping it would help douse the fiery images in my mind.

Finally, Daenlin broke the silence. "Did you ever run into that Altmer in Chorrol I told you about? Goes by the name of Honditar?"

"Yes," I replied, grateful for my host's assistance in moving to a lighter subject, "you were right about him. He walked up to me and said he was a mountain man. Then he told me to poison my arrows to kill deer - it wouldn't hurt the meat. Well, I just couldn't help myself. I told him if he needed poison to kill a deer, he should give up hunting and try farming." The old Bosmer's ploy to cheer me up had worked. Music from our combined laughter filled the Archer's Paradox.

"I told you he was all talk!" Daenlin's laughter finally chuckled its way down to an infectious smile. "Well, it's nice to see the pout gone from that pretty face again. Do tell me more of your travels."

"Have you ever seen how beautiful the White Gold Tower looks from atop the Jeralls? I learned that goblins like beer, pee on trees and have tribal markings on their arms. Superian and I traveled with a dog for a few days before I gave him to the stables at the University. Oh Daenlin, I simply must tell you about King Rislav the Righteous and the Call of Corsair. . . ."

And so it went as we broke bread and shared venison stew until two bottles of wine were gone and the fire was low. Finally, the tales ran dry and a wonderfully comfortable silence between close friends gently joined us. I went to Daenlin's cupboard and, after cutting us a plate of fruit and cheese, rejoined him at the table.

"Daenlin, what's the matter? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I was just recalling the morning you were born." His eyes sparkled brightly with moisture. "Like the good godfather your parents asked me to be, I had spent most of the starry Rain's Hand night pacing the front porch of The Fair Deal with your father. Nilawen was inside helping Terry Ann give birth. It was at the very moment of sunrise that we heard your first cry. When Nilawen came out to tell us about it, Superior boasted that your birth is what had caused the sun to rise." Daenlin stared at the empty wooden cup in his hands. After a moment he raised his eyes to meet mine.

"Where did the years go, Buffy?" A single tear finally escaped and traced a path down the age lines of the Bosmer's rugged cheek. "Why just yesterday, you were eight years old when I took you on as an apprentice. I taught you the bow, and you sparked the long-forgotten joy of life into this old elf's tired spirit. Look at you now. You're all grown up, and a graduate of the Arcane University."

I reached across the small table. I could feel the rough bowstring calluses on Daenlin's fingers as I pressed his open hand against my cheek. "I will always be your little apprentice. Will you take me hunting tomorrow morning, Master?"

This post has been edited by Acadian: Apr 25 2011, 08:24 PM

[mALX]

Buffy's friendships with the people of Bravil are some of my favorite parts of her stories, this really brings that out so well!

[hazmick]

What a beautiful chapter, and the ending... A hunting trip with Daenlin sounds great, time to show off that new bow and perhaps find it a name? I have a bow called Marshfire, powered by the soul of the late great Arch-Mage Traven.

[haute ecole rider]

I absolutely adore Daenlin in the BF! As a matter of fact, I can't look at him in the game (or OHDH) without thinking of Buffy's foster father. Here is a male Bosmer that isn't annoying, and he actually makes Julian smile with his humorous comments!

What a wonderful chapter here. I see you expanded quite a bit on this, based on the new stuff you have introduced so far.

[SubRosa]

A charming interlude that does much to the show the relationship between Buffy and Daenlin. This was not only simply delightful to read as Buffy turned into quite the chatterbox as she related her travels, but it also does much to create a very solid foundation for the character of Buffy to rest upon. Here we see Buffy's center, her place of equilibrium. Given that I know you will be resting much more upon this relationship in the future of the BF, it is very good to see the foundation firmly laid here.

Like haute, whenever I see him in the game, I immediately think of Daenlin in terms of the BF, as Buffy's mentor and foster-father. It always make me want to go peeking around his shop for a blond bosmer bowgirl...

"That's when I decided I would do or learn whatever it took to create a powerful bow that could help keep me alive and defend those I love."
This immediately brought to mind the Buffy Doctrine™. I am not sure if you were thinking about that when you wrote this, but it certainly becomes one more piece in the puzzle to Buffy's burgeoning philosophy.

Buffy's observation that a mudcrab's magicka only gives her enough power for three shots of her new, yet to be named bow makes me wonder if her fairy-godfather (as opposed to her wood elf godfather) will be putting a mark on her map to a place up in the Jerrall mountains, and subtly remind her to bring glow dust with her...

"I have everything I need, either in my shop or standing in front of me."
This says quite a bit about the Bosmer bowmaster. He has his feet firmly planted in Nirn, knowing exactly what is important and what is not. Methinks this wisdom has only come through hard trials however...

Finally, we have the story of Buffy's birth, which was done with absolute sweetness. The fact that she was born at the moment of sunrise hints at a relationship with Azura? Likewise the title of this new arc of stories. Of course I might be completely off base in my fishing as well! I am also curious if this arc is any way based upon the astrology topic that Renee started in the other forum?

One nit. Not actually a nit, but more of an opportunity that may have slipped you by. When Daenlin is recounting the story of Buffy's birth, you might want to have him mention the month (perhaps even date), as that will also tell us her birthsign. You might even be able to use Buffy's birthday as a future story.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Aug 21 2010, 07:42 PM

[treydog]

These are the moments that bring Buffy and all the surrounding characters to life. When she is in the company of someone she loves, she is more fully herself than at any other time. Character-driven story, indeed. If anyone ever wants to know what we mean by that, they need look no further than this installment. And the beginning of some Buffy history, too! This will definitely be a treat.

I told him if he needed poison to kill a deer, he should give up hunting and try farming.

That confirms my feelings about Honditar.

One typo early on:

Market Sewars

A rat or goblin ran off with your "e" and left an "a" behind.

[MyCat]

Second time around you really add depth to her relationships! I shamefully admit that I have never visited the Archer's Paradox. (Unlike my current character Galadir, I don't understand why an arrow's flexibility needs to match the bow's power.)

[Olen]

A wonderful chapter, I particularly enjoyed her inadvertantly revealing what sort of soul she used. Daenlin might not have noticed, but with the comment about a mudcrab only giving three shots he might suspect something...

Fortunately, selling the practice trinkets I crafted at the University really overflowed my coin purse

The how to guide side of this continues. For some reason that had never occurred to me, I always grind alchemy right up at low levels so that more or less sorts money and I'd never thought of the enchant to sell market.

the wonderful wine that Sinderion had introduced me to

This is one area which needs expanding, Tamika and Surilie aren't enough varieties really. And given that for both 399 vintage is desirable that really limits the range of grapes they might use...

The title of this subsequence makes me think that a certain daedra lord may make an appearance to solve some refueling issues...

[Acadian]

Chapter 20 marked the first installment of a seven part miniseries. Buffy showed off her newly enchanted bow to Daenlin, then joined the old Bosmer for dinner, wine and telling tales.

mALX- Yes, it seems when Buffy is one-on-one with a friend, the story almost writes itself. *happy sigh* Thank you.

hazmick- Thank you for saying you enjoyed the ending. It was emotional to write, for I quite understand Daenlin's feelings for Buffy.

Rider- You, Julian, Buffy and I seem to see many of the NPCs in a similar way, and that makes me feel really good because I so respect the judgment of you and Julian. I am so honored that as you see Daenlin in your game, it reminds you of how precious he and Buffy are to each other. I'm so glad you enjoyed Buffy's interlude with her old bowmaster.

SubRosa- That Daenlin in your game reminds you of BF is priceless to me. Thank you so much for your kind words. I know I sound like a broken record, but you always seem to capture everything I am trying to convey. I so appreciate your rich feedback. Yes, there is much our little chatterbox tried to convey here.

Thank you for mentioning Buffy's birthday. It was detailed waaayy back in chapter two here:

I wasn't sure what he was getting at, but he was the Emperor, so I dutifully replied, "Rain's Hand, the nineteenth, Third Era in the year 415.

The Emperor smiled and nodded. "Younger than my sons. There will be troubled times ahead that jeopardize all of Tamriel, and the sign of the Mage shall guide your path."

That said however, you are correct that it was so long ago, and it is so easy to refresh here, that I would be remiss not to take advantage of the opportunity. I have, with only a few additional words modified Daenlin's dialogue to include that Buffy was born in Rain's Hand.

Child of Dawn plot. . . must. . . must struggle. . . to resist temptation to. . . spill the imp chips. Even to brilliant SageRosa. . . .

treydog- Buffy can often fill me with pride when she is alone with a friend. She almost seems to be a vessel that unknowingly draws out the best in other characters - well, at least those who are kind to her. She will open the next episode in a similar, but hopefully more upbeat venue. For such a magnificent author as yourself to say that BF is a good example of character-driven fiction is music to our ears (round and pointed both). Thanks for the nit so I could repair it.

MyCat- It seems odd that when Buffy visits Daenlin in her game he does not seem to fret over the recent scrape on her cheek or how low she is on arrows. He doesn't even rush over to hug her or pay much attention to the fresh wildflowers she places in the ceramic vase she once gave him. That's ok though. She can listen to him talk about mudcrabs and perfect arrows for hours. She happily fills in the gaps with her vivid imagination as she sets about restocking his pantry with fresh bread, cheese, apples, potatoes and onions.

Olen- Thank you! Buffy survived sticking her little foot in her mouth about the power source of her bow - for now. In about seven more episodes, that slight verbal slip on her part will manifest itself uncomfortably. I'm so pleased you don't mind the 'how to' aspects we try to weave in regarding tactics and survival tips. That is what anchors us fairly closely to the game's mechanics. When it comes to NPCs and quests however, Buffy can take some extraordinary liberties - as you will soon see. Since Buffy met Sinderion, she only knows one way to spell wine: T a m i k a.

* * *

21 Child of Dawn Part 2- Can You Teach Me That?

"Buffy, I missed you so much."

I was swept into a sea of green and blue fabric by the fierce hug. My own bow and quiver were being crushed into my back. Arrow tails, and the upper portion of the bow's staff, prevented me from lifting or even turning my head. My face was trapped between two breasts. "Mmphmh. . . ."

"Oops, sorry." Ardaline released me quickly. "I can't even hug you without smothering you. I wish I was petite, like you."

I looked up to see a flush of pink climb above the neckline of my friend's dress to join her natural golden skin tone. "It's my fault, Ardaline," I pouted. "I can barely touch the floor with my feet when sitting in most chairs. I wish I was statuesque, like you. In fact, I wish I had your gracefully curved ears instead of these big pointy horse things." I tugged unhappily on one of my ears.

"Well, I wish I didn't have to look down at every boy in town." The high elf held up her large graceful hands to display them, then grasped a handful of green fabric and slightly raised the hem of her skirt as she looked towards the floor. "And I'd give anything to have little delicate hands and feet like you." Suddenly, our eyes met and we both giggled.

Ardaline said, "I know Kud-Ei would shake her head and say there's a lesson here for both of us." The normally shy elf's face then burst into an impish grin. She opened her eyes very wide and pretended to hold a tea cup in her hand. With her best Argonian imitation of our guild head, she stated, "When are you girls going to learn to be satisfied with what Mara gave you?"

"Oh," I had to stop laughing before I could talk, "I know. She'd probably say we wouldn't be happy unless we both had tails."

Ardaline grinned and beamed down at me with her pretty blue eyes. "I can't believe you're back! And a graduate of the University. Oh, Buffy, we simply must have a party for you once Kud-Ei returns."

It was only now that I noticed how empty the guild seemed. "Where is everyone?"

"Well, my guess is that Henantier is probably doing some sort of secretive experiments at home again. I haven't seen Carandial today. I expect he's poking around in that nearby ruin doing Ayleid research again. The stables would know.

"Oh, that's right. I did notice Carandial's bay missing this morning when I checked on Superian. And where's our wise Argonian leader?"

"Kud-Ei's visiting family in the Black Marsh for a couple weeks."

"By herself?" My eyes widened. "Doesn't she know how dangerous the roads are? The soldiers all say they're just not safe anymore. I can't tell you how many bandits and highwaymen I've encountered when traveling."

"You forget, Buffy. Kud-Ei is a master of illusion. When she wishes it, all of Nirn is blind to her passing. Further," Ardaline playfully stabbed at my chest with a long finger, "she avoids trouble instead of hunting it down like someone I know."

"So it's just us five girls for awhile?" I remarked, looking around.

"Not quite. Delphine just left early this morning for the University. She's getting some kind of an award." Ardaline giggled. "Knowing her, it's probably for some new spell that can make enemies explode. There is certainly nothing subtle about her magic. Aryarie is upstairs, I expect, with her nose in a book. Poor thing's been trying to get through 'Brief History of the Empire'."

"All four volumes?" I asked.

"Yes," Ardaline smiled, "I don't know why they call it 'brief'." Oh, and I think Ita Rienus is in the basement recharging a couple fire staves for Uravasa Othrelas; it seems the priests are still having trouble with ghosts in the undercroft."

"Thanks, Ardaline." I took in a deep breath, then cautiously and briefly hugged my friend again. "I think I'll head downstairs. I have some questions for Ita."

The guild's recharging specialist was indeed in the basement, standing before a table upon which rested two magical staves. "I see nothing's changed, Ita," I said as I approached. "Those priests have been killing ghosts below the chapel every week or so for as long as I can remember."

The burgundy-clad woman turned towards me to reveal pleasant features, marred only slightly by a rather mannish square jaw. Her face was framed by dark hair flecked with gray, an errant strand of which she now swept into place behind one round ear. She smiled warmly. "Hail, Buffy. Welcome back and congratulations, graduate." She nodded her head towards the staves on the table. "Yes, the priests are pretty good with those things."

"I'm afraid I skipped the classes on staves. My advisor, Boderi Farano, focused my skill training on selected spell effects to enhance bow fighting." I chuckled. "Remember that time Delphine asked the priests if they wanted her help to clear the undercroft?"

"Oh yes." Ita had the deep brown eyes of a doe, and they now sparkled. "They were wise to decline her offer. Delphine could certainly solve the problem, but I don't expect the priests would appreciate having Mara's chapel reduced to a pile of arcing, smoldering rubble."

Ita grasped one of the staves with both hands. Closing her eyes, white magicka traveled down her arms, expanding until it enveloped the length of the staff. After a few moments, the glow diminished, to be replaced by a soft red glimmer that briefly emanated from within the weapon. I watched, mesmerized as she repeated the process with the other staff. "There, those are done." Ita then looked my way with a tired smile and pointed above my head at the upper tip of my bow staff. "I'll need a few minutes to recover before I can recharge your weapon."

"Oh, no thanks, Ita. Daenlin and I went hunting this morning and I used the energy from our kill to recharge my bow." I then added hopefully, "I'm going through soul gems pretty fast though. Surely there must be a better way. Can you teach me to do what you just did?"

"I don't think you want that, Buffy." The Imperial shook her head for emphasis. "Recharging weapons is not a skill, it's a profession. Specialized training at the University is required. I was a battlemage before I answered the call to learn what you just observed. It requires one to give up all other forms of spell casting. That's a cost understandably too high for most mages."

"Ita," I began, "I-I had no idea the price you paid for your ability. I'm afraid I must agree that it would not be a path for me. I envy what you can do though."

"One gets used to it," the Imperial sighed. "I can achieve many of the same effects that you can, only through enchanted items and the wonders of alchemy. I simply cannot cast normal spells." Her brow furrowed in thought for a moment. "Hmm, let's see what we can do for you. You already know how to fill and use soul gems. Have you ever seen a Varla stone? They can completely recharge any weapons you carry, but are destroyed in the process."

"I have," I replied as I recalled my trek through Vilverin, "but they are so very rare to find, and exorbitantly priced to buy. Oh, and as you say, you can't reuse them. Are there any other ways? Perhaps you could. . . ."

"You can just stop those little wheels and mechanisms I see whirring behind your eyes, young lady." A wry smile belied her stern words. "I'm much too old to go traipsing through the forests behind a young wood nymph to keep her bow charged. Now, let me think for a moment." Ita lifted a hand and pressed two fingers against her cheek. "In our training, we learned of a powerful artifact. According to legend, the Daedra Lord Azura plucked a star from the predawn sky and enchanted it herself. It could capture and expel the energy of life without being destroyed in the process."

"Like a reusable soul gem?" My eyes popped open wide. "How could I get such an artifact?"

"Yes, I suppose it might work like a permanent soul gem. The risks to obtain such an item would likely be great, but perhaps if one could somehow please or impress Azura. . . Buffy, we're not even sure if the legend is true."

Narrowing my eyes, I pressed, "How would I curry favor with Azura?"

Ita chuckled. "I see you're like a hungry dog with a bone, my young friend. Very well then. Speak with Tar-Meena at the University. If she doesn't know, I'll bet she can dig up something in her texts that will help."

"Thanks Ita. With Kud-Ei gone and it being so quiet here, I think Superian and I will head back up to the University in the morning and pay Tar-Meena a visit."

* * *

From my scrapbook:
Screenshot1

This post has been edited by Acadian: Aug 30 2010, 05:10 PM

[haute ecole rider]

mALX- Yes, it seems when Buffy is one-on-one with a friend, the story almost writes itself. *happy sigh*

Boy, do I know the feeling! I guess that's why writing conversations are so much easier for me than writing combat!

Loved this chapter - a great visit to the Bravil chapter and a wonderful way to bring the MG chapterhouse residents to life. Has anyone noticed that the chapterhouse is just like a women's dorm at a private college? None of the men stay inside after curfew! That Kud-Ei is one heck of a resident advisor ('80's term for dorm mother - don't know what they're called these days).

Ardaline said, "I know Kud-Ei would shake her head and say there's a lesson here for both of us." The normally shy elf's face then burst into an impish grin. She opened her eyes very wide and pretended to hold a tea cup in her hand. With her best Argonian imitation of our guild head, she stated, "When are you girls going to learn to be satisfied with what Mara gave you?"

What a wonderful way to bring Kud-Ei alive in her absence. Even though she is gone, her presence obviously permeates the chapter.

Aryarie is upstairs, I expect, with her nose in a book. Poor thing's been trying to get through 'Brief History of the Empire'."

"All four volumes?" I asked.

"Yes," Ardaline smiled, "I don't know why they call it 'brief'."

TBH, if they did a full-on version of a few thousand years of Imperial history, the number of volumes would make the Encyclopedia Britannica look feather-light!

And now we have something new for Buffy to pursue! While the Azura quest is a commendable one as Daedric quests go, how will Buffy deal with those vampires? The last two down in the bowels of the mine were hard to put down, with little room for real shooting, even with camouflage!

The BF just keeps getting better, like fine wine, balsamic vinegar, and cheddar cheese (better with age, though don't tell Buffy that!).

[hazmick]

Guild party! Elves doing impressions of Ku-Dei, the mysteries of recharging being revealed and the quest for Azura's star is underway. Female Bosmer have a strange ability to attract danger and find an adventure even in Bravil and this particular Bosmer beauty is also never to be without an Argonian, yay!

This post has been edited by hazmick: Aug 24 2010, 05:11 PM

[treydog]

This is another wonderful addition to the Buffy story. She is definitely at her best when she is with friends.

In fact, I wish I had your gracefully curved ears instead of these big pointy horse things." I tugged unhappily on one of my ears.

Despite the light nature of the overall exchange, I sense that this moment reveals a deeper feeling of doubt within our bow-girl. Her paladin should assure her that plenty of "round-ears" find her quite beautiful just as she is...

And the explanation for why only some mages can recharge items without soul-gems or similar is a clever continuation of the lessons on the physics of magic in the BF.

And how wise of Ita to short-stop any Bosmeri idea of dragging around a "mobile charging station" on her adventures.

This post has been edited by treydog: Aug 25 2010, 02:58 PM

[SubRosa]

My face was trapped between two breasts. "Mmphmh. . . ."
Some people would give anything to trade places with Buffy...

"When are you girls going to learn to be satisfied with what Mara gave you?"
Never.

A very sweet interlude with my favorite alchemist, Ardaline (yes, even over Falanu. Ardaline is just so sweet you cannot help but to love her). You used the conversation to good effect to bring us up to speed on the goings on of the guild members. Thanks to that, you make the guild seem like a place filled with real people who actually have lives and *shocked* do things. Unlike in the game where they all just stand around all day talking to each other.

Very interesting take on recharging magic items. You make me feel sorry for Ita though, that she cannot cast normal spells anymore. But I can see the reasoning behind that, otherwise every mage would be recharging their own items that way.

My goodness that picture of Ardaline and Buffy! She looks like Queen Kong! No wonder Ardaline is so self-conscious. One thing about the game I never liked was how insanely tall they make Altmer, especially the women. I modded my game to make them the same height as Nord women, because it drove me crazy when I played an Altmer.

It looks like my fishing may have borne a nibble. Azura it is I see... One of the things about the ES universe that always gives me troubles are the Nine and the Deadra Lords. They are presented so generic, and lack the same kind of myths that IRL deities have to bring them alive. For example Inanna's descent into the Underworld; Odin at Mimir's Well, or hanging from the World Tree- himself sacrificed to himself; Christ declaring "This is not my Father's house!", etc...

All they tell us of Azura is that she is the Lady of Dawn and Dusk, and that her realm seems to be a really pretty place. You got me thinking about it again at lunchtime, and what comes to mind is that dawn and dusk are liminal periods, when the world changes from one state to another. So I think Azura might be much like Hekate, who is a goddess of transitions, an edgewalker who steps fluidly from one world to the next. That ability is of course part and parcel to being a magician, so Azura might be a goddess of magic and initiatory rites. Likewise of death and rebirth, visions, and the crossroads (where one must choose which path to tread in life, deciding your own fate).


nits:
It she doesn't know, I'll bet she can dig up something in her texts that will help."
Looks like a wood nymph stole your if and replaced with an it.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Aug 24 2010, 08:59 PM