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Posted by: Acadian Sep 12 2010, 03:37 PM

This book began with Buffy being briefly incarcerated in the Imperial Prison and will end as she attempts to bring freedom to the city of Kvatch. It is a sprawling story that will require more than 150 episodes, spread over five threads. Appropriately, I have nicknamed Book 1, 'Do You Know the Way to Kvatch?'

http://chorrol.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=4474 included episodes 1-26.

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Please allow me to offer a small summary of Thread 1 that I hope might prove useful as a review, or for those who are joining us in progress:

Buffy witnessed the death of Uriel Septim VII in the Imperial Prison. She eventually delivered the Amulet of Kings to Jauffre, who treated her rudely. Buffy's response to this, of course, was to drop the amulet on his desk and storm out.

At one point in her travels, Buffy encountered an Oblivion gate at Kvatch. Terrified, she quickly heeded the orders of Savlian Matius to leave the area. In their brief encounter however, Buffy seemed drawn to the brave Captain Matius - quite struck by his noble and selfless bravery. She was confident the Empire would resolve the situation that she considered well beyond her meager ability to influence.

Our orphan from Bravil then began to refine her confidence and skills toward adventure, even recently graduating from the Arcane University as a mystic archer.

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Now, for those newer readers who would like to catch up to us in one short sitting, you might find this helpful: http://chorrol.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=4874

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When we last left Buffy, she had just earned the Star of Azura. It seemed her immediate plans were to dispatch some minor chores in the Imperial City, then head home. We now join Buffy, in the City of Mara.




"Hmph, she doesn't look like much of a mage to me," snorted Fathis Aren. "More like a half-dressed wood nymph running around with a bow most of the time. Thankfully, somebody at least coaxed the little forest creature into a proper dress tonight."

The Bravil guild was assembled at the dining table enjoying a meal in celebration of my graduation from the Arcane University. It had been delayed for several weeks because our guild head, Kud-Ei, had been visiting relatives in the Black Marsh. I was seated across the table from Fathis Aren. His words silenced the room.

I set my fork down and said icily, "I wasn't aware that your approval of my appearance was required." Fathis had been abusive towards me for some time. I guessed it was because I had, on more than one occasion, deflected his amorous advances. It seemed he liked 'wood nymphs'. I might have thought that humorous but, at the moment, there was nothing suggesting humor in the dark elf's dangerous manner. There was also no doubt that his magic skills vastly exceeded my own. To make matters worse, my bow was at home. It had never occurred to me that I might need to defend myself within the sanctuary of my own guild. Despite the blue gown that Delphine had kindly 'coaxed me into', I felt quite naked.

The Dunmer sorcerer coldly returned my gaze, seemingly unimpressed. "I'll caution you, young Apprentice, to mind your tone when addressing the Staff Wizard to the Court of Bravil." His hand was glowing menacingly and just a hint of sparks danced from his fingers as they drummed the surface of the table.

I felt my anger simmering as I slowly stood up. I knew I couldn't cast a spell to defend myself if I was seated. I was unsure if the powerful wizard across the table was similarly constrained, or whether his sparks were just for show.

Fathis' eyes remained locked on mine as he leaned slightly forward. With one elbow on the table, he slowly raised that ominously glowing hand towards his ear. The slight sparking between his fingers intensified slightly.

Kud-Ei, from her seat at the head of the table, stood as I did. "You just hold it right there Fathis!" The glaring Argonian crossed her arms defiantly over her chest. "I'll do anything for my girls. You may be someone important over in that castle, but this is my guild house. What has gotten in to you? Did the Count yank your chain today? If you think you can come in here and try to intimidate one of my mages, you have another thing coming. You just stop this nonsense right now and mind your manners, or get out of my guild! Is that clear?"

By now, Delphine Jend was also on her feet, with deadly resolve in her eyes. I realized Kud-Ei could instantly paralyze the sorcerer or take control of his mind if she chose. Delphine on the other hand, could freeze Fathis solid, then shatter him like a block of ice. Fathis might have been a match for one, but he could not hope to survive the pair of formidable guild mates now standing on my behalf. Mystical energy and tension pulsed through the room, causing the hair to rise slightly from the back of my neck. The power of these giants of magic dwarfed the pathetic flare spell, or even dancing cobra that I could cast.

If there was any emotion in Fathis' red eyes, it didn't show. He continued looking directly at me while addressing the head of the Bravil guild. "Why Mother Kud-Ei, I meant no offense to your young charge." The glow slowly faded from his hand as he reached for the goblet in front of him. "In fact, let me propose a toast to your newly returned graduate." He raised his goblet.

Fathis caused us no further trouble that evening. I had always admired and looked up to Kud-Ei. I now loved her dearly, and was so very proud to be one of 'her girls'.

After dinner, Ita Rienus pulled me aside. "Don't worry too much about Fathis. He fancies himself quite the ladies' man, and I know he's been pestering you. You're an attractive young elf with a beautiful heart and spirit, Buffy. To Fathis however, I suspect you simply represent another potential notch for his bedpost. That his advances have turned to insults is, oddly enough, encouraging. It means he realizes he's lost this conquest. I'm sure he'll move on to another soon.

Still shaken by the encounter, I asked, "Did you see how cold his eyes were, Ita? Do you think he will try to hurt me?"

"Oh my, he did scare you, child." The older Imperial's eyebrows furrowed with concern. "I truly don't believe you're in danger. Even though he's not in our chapter, Fathis is still subject to the rules of the Mages Guild Charter just like the rest of us. He won't cross the Council of Mages by hurting a member of the guild. It would risk his cushy position at the castle."

"I'm sure you're right. As much as he angers and frightens me, I hope someday he finds that special woman who can capture his heart," I smiled sweetly and added, "so she can break it and leave behind a crushed shell."

Ita's eyes widened, then she returned my smile. "Well I guess it's true enough that Oblivion hath no fury like a woman scorned. . . but enough of this kind of talk." Changing the subject, she said, "You look as pretty as the Dangerous Delphine tonight."

"Thank you." I blushed. "I'm afraid I didn't give her much to work with, but you know our irrepressible Delphine; she couldn't resist the challenge." I held up my arms, clad in blue velvet, and playfully spun around once. "Here I am, in one of her dresses. She even provided some of her jewelry for the night, and taught me another way I can arrange my hair."

Ita stabbed a finger at the air over my shoulder. "Look, here comes the Diva of Destruction hersel-"

"Oh there's our graduate!" Delphine breezed into the conversation. The bubbly Breton smiled and fussed busily with the neckline of my dress as she continued, "Now, isn't this much nicer than wearing those. . ." she wrinkled her nose, "animal skins you and Daenlin seem to favor?"

I couldn't help but smile. "Thank you for the fashion assistance, Delphine - and for standing on my behalf at dinner."

She frowned and lowered her voice - both were unusual actions for Delphine. "Listen, if that green bag of wind who does parlor tricks for the count bothers you again, you just let me know. I'll turn him into a chicken!" Without pausing for breath, her face brightened and she was off to another subject. "Don't worry about those destruction grades you got at the University, Buffy. We'll have you blowing things up before you know it. Why, we'll start with crates and barrels," Delphine's hands started dancing descriptively, "then work our way up to small buildings, then -" her eyes darted across the room. "Oh is that Carandial I see? You ladies simply must excuse me." As quickly as she had whirled into the discussion, Delphine was off again.

Ita shook her head, but smiled fondly as Delphine flittered away. "I get tired just watching her." The Imperial's eyes suddenly sparkled as she plunged a hand into the folds of her burgundy skirt and produced Azura's Star. Placing it in my hand, she said, "Thanks for letting me study this for the past couple days. It is indeed everything we had hoped for, and I know it'll serve you well."

"I'm very fortunate to have earned Azura's favor, Ita. I think she liked me. Thank you for sharing the legend with me and putting up with my badgering questions."

Another guest that evening was Ungarion. The Altmer owned 'A Warlock's Luck', the magic shop in Bravil. He was not a member of the guild, but visited us routinely. As the evening was winding down, he approached, smiling. "Let me add my congratulations and welcome home to you!"

"Why thank you Ungarion. I'm pleased that you joined us tonight." I looked up into his eyes and could see that he had more to say. Tilting my head pleasantly, I invited him to continue.

Ungarion dropped his voice and lowered his head towards me. "Buffy, some of your recent. . . ah, how shall we say this. . . adventures have come to my attention. In fact, there is a matter I would very much like to discuss with you," a single eyebrow climbed his forehead as he added, "privately. Would you do me the honor of sharing a meal in my store tomorrow after hours?"

I was intrigued. The high elf was a respected merchant and had always been kind to me. After a moment I replied, "Ungarion, I'd be pleased to. See you tomorrow then."

After the party was over and I was home in bed, I thought about the events of the evening. Buffy, what were you thinking, standing to confront Fathis Aren? Were it not for the intervention of Kud-Ei and Delphine, you could easily be dead now.

When I was insulted, I did or said dangerously stupid things. I was sure Fathis had hoped I would cast a silly flare spell or some such at him. Yes, that would have given him a handy self-defense justification to turn my bones into ash - which I had no doubt he could do. I thought about Boderi's characterization of me. Someday, my dragon spirit would really get my butterfly butt into trouble.

The episode with Fathis reminded me of my confrontation with Earana in Chorrol, after giving the 'Fingers of the Mountain' book to Teekeeus. My angry words overrode prudence there also. Were it not for the watchful Chorrol city guard, that incident could have meant my death. Unlike Fathis however, Earana was not a member of the guild. She was not restricted by the rules - but neither was I.

I had been back to Chorrol on several occasions since my first encounter with the rogue mage. Each time she had become more threatening. I was convinced that her death or mine was inevitable. Further, I firmly believed whoever chose the conditions and struck first would survive, while the other would not.

As I drifted off to sleep, my thoughts turned to Ungarion. What sort of mysterious business did the merchant of magic trinketry have in mind? Oh well, I would find out the next evening.

From Buffy's scrapbook: http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/Cho%20Bk%201/ScreenShot637.jpg

Posted by: hazmick Sep 12 2010, 03:57 PM

Kud-Ei! hoorah! I loved your description of the mages' stand-off and the description of the magic at Fathis' fingertips. Do I detect a future confrontation with Earana? I'll be eagerly awaiting the next chapter!

P.S: Buffy looks good in that dress, nice screenie!

Posted by: haute ecole rider Sep 12 2010, 04:38 PM

Oooh, that Fathis!

I found out on UESP Wiki that he is merely an Associate in the Mages Guild. After performing a few of Raminus's quests, my PC of the moment usually likes to pull rank on that Dunmer! Also, Julian will find out on her next visit that due to all the summonsing she has done in closing OG's, that she now has more skill in Conjuration than that egoistical Castle Wizard! Of course, both he and Count Terentius are welcome to each other.

There was a lot to like here. I really enjoyed the ongoing development of Ita Renius and Delphine the Diva of Destruction.

And Buffy needs to learn to count to ten!

Posted by: Zalphon Sep 12 2010, 04:39 PM

I love how you captured the attitude of Fathis Aren.

Posted by: SubRosa Sep 12 2010, 04:57 PM

Yay for Kud-Ei, and I see Delphine this time around as well! The scene with Fathis reminds me of a somewhat similar one in Sharpes Rifles, where an officer is acting like a complete boat at dinner, with Sharpe and his lady just a few tables away. Finally Sharpe turns and loudly declares "There are ladies present, one would hope there would be gentlemen as well!" Naturally, a duel nearly followed.

Well I guess it's true enough that Oblivion hath no fury like a woman scorned
Indeed it does not, especially when put in such a setting-friendly manner.

Someday, my dragon spirit would really get my butterfly butt into trouble.
Yep, that is our Buffy. Hopefully experience will temper her, well, temper.

And such an adorable picture. Buffy certainly does clean up very well! The necklace/neck seam remover mod you are using goes perfect with that dress.

Posted by: treydog Sep 13 2010, 12:08 AM

It is always good to have friends- having a winning personality and earning that friendship certainly helps.

Good on you, Buffy!

And now Ungarion is up to something- mysterious- which may also find our blonde bow-bearing Bosmer beauty's butterfly butt in trouble.

Posted by: Grizzly20 Sep 13 2010, 03:53 AM

Excellent writing Acadian! Looks like our little Bowgirl has a date. Buffy looked really nice in that Blue Velvet outfit by the way.

Posted by: D.Foxy Sep 13 2010, 06:55 AM

And now Ungarion is up to something- mysterious- which may also find our blonde bow-bearing Bosmer beauty's butterfly butt in trouble.








Naughty Trey!!! You also have caught the Foxy disease!!!

Posted by: Destri Melarg Sep 13 2010, 10:09 AM

Congratulations on thread number two (or should I say three?)!

Like everyone else already said, the stand-off and the way that Buffy’s guildmates came to her defense was just great. I am also curious to know what Buffy plans to do about Earana and what Ungarion wants to speak to her about.

But my favorite thing about this chapter is the way that you characterized Delphine:

To paraphrase Ita; I got tired just reading that!

Posted by: mALX Sep 13 2010, 03:25 PM

First off, congrats on the new thread!!!


Treydog already picked out my fave line - ARGH !!!! Lol. I recognized most of this, but you have touched it up, and this one is my fave of the two !!!

Posted by: Remko Sep 14 2010, 05:08 PM

Diva of Destruction....

Posted by: Acadian Sep 15 2010, 03:54 PM

Chapter 27 resolved a potentially dangerous encounter with Fathis Aren during Buffy's graduation party at her guild hall. She later accepted an invitation from Ungarion to discuss some 'private business' the following evening.

hazmick- Thank you! Yes, Kud-Ei was the hero of this mages' standoff. I do believe Buffy is foreshadowing here about Earana - within a few episodes in fact.

Rider- Ah, good to know about Fathis - I guess anybody can be castle wizard in Bravil! The solid Ita and bubbly Delphine were great fun to write! Yes, Buffy and her temper. . . .

Zalphon- Thank you. Fathis is an interesting character. I know you like Dunmer.

SubRosa- Thank you! As ever, you picked up and mentioned much of what we were trying to do here. I remember, and thank you for suggesting we turn Buffy's spirit from an 'adventurer' to a 'dragon' - it is turning out to be durable and fun - particularly when combined with her frail and flittery butterfly side. I'm glad you liked the screenie.

treydog- Thank you for the kind words. Buffy the Bravilian Bowgirl loved your alliteration! Being the only mystic archer we have ever encountered, Buffy sometimes feels a little out of place in the mages guild; she was therefore overwhelmed at the display of support from her fellow mages.

Grizzly- Thank you! Buffy felt a little awkward without her buckskins or Arena raiment, but I agree with you that she looked pretty good in one of Delphine's dresses. As Rider has pointed out with Julian however, women never seem to believe it when told they look nice.

Foxy- Yes, a mysterious date with Ungarion. Hey - it's business - no ifs ands or butterflies.

Destri- Thank you! Buffy spends the next two episodes with Ungarion. Thank you so much for quoting the passage featuring the whirling dervish of energy.
Delphine:
Ita:
Buffy:

mALX- Thanks for mentioning the same line trey quoted. I liked that it highlighted the contrast and contradictions in Buffy's young, powerful emotions.

Remko- I'm so glad you enjoyed one of Delphine's appropriate nicknames! Thanks!

Bravil's streets were now dimly lit by flickering lanterns as I stepped from my home. Lighting a torch to brighten my path, I crossed the wooden bridge. Once the river that split the town was behind me, I turned right and soon found myself standing beneath the sign for 'A Warlock's Luck'.

In response to my knock, I heard several tumblers fall into place before the door swung open. "Ah, welcome. Please come in." Ungarion graciously ushered me inside and relocked the door behind me. "You look positively enchanting tonight."

"Why thank you Ungarion." I extinguished my torch and leaned it against the heavy wooden door. Seating myself in the chair offered by my host, I nervously smoothed my skirt. The mild smell of incense was overpowered by delicious smells coming from the simmering pot over a crackling fire. "Whatever you're cooking smells wonderful." My eyes were drawn to all manner of mystical curiosities that adorned the tables and counters. Parchments, bearing runes I did not recognize, filled the scant available wall space between tapestries.

"Something to drink perhaps?" the Altmer smoothly asked. "Wine, brandy?"

"Some Tamika's would be nice." I said pleasantly, trying to mask my wariness.

Ungarion poured some wine for me and Cyrodiilic brandy for himself. He then sat across the small table from me and raised his silver goblet, along with one eyebrow. "The boar stew will be ready soon. Shall we get down to business?"

After a token sip of wine, I responded, "Ungarion, what's this all about? Why the mystery?"

"Well, my dear, the mystery is necessary. What we are going to discuss is not something one talks about in public." Ungarion swirled the brandy, took a sip and lowered his goblet to the table. "Buffy, I presume you are aware that if you scratch the surface of Bravil, you will find quite the underbelly of a black market."

"You invited me here to reveal there's a skooma trade in Bravil?" I relaxed a bit. "Do you forget I've lived here all my life, silly?"

"No my dear." Ungarion shook his head with an indulgent Altmeri smile. "I have no interest in peddling refined moon sugar slop for the addicts across the street to swill. Nordinor can more than provide for their self-destructive habit. Now, as you know, I am an enchanter, merchant and retired adventurer. That positions me perfectly to quietly attain and move some rather. . . ah, unique merchandise items. The same darker aspects of my past that prevented me from ever being accepted into the guild of mages have provided a network of connections that quietly serves me well."

"So," I said, beginning to understand, "you run a side business trading in exotic and perhaps illegal items. What exactly are you getting at?"

"I think we can help each other, Buffy. But dinner is ready." The Altmer rose and brought stew, bread and cheese to the table, while I refilled our goblets.

"This is a wonderful meal Ungarion," I said truthfully between mouthfuls. "What is it you think we can buy or sell from each other?" I had started just touching the goblet to my lips instead of drinking from it. I figured I was outmatched enough here without any help from Tamika.

Ungarion raised a small bag from the floor and rolled the item it contained into view upon the table. Orange sparkles danced across its black surface and swirled above the sphere that was slightly larger than an apple. A disconcerting humming sound made my ears tingle as the object exuded magic into the air. "This, Buffy, is a sigil stone."

I couldn't tear my eyes from the tiny lights. They were like fireflies, hypnotically hovering around the stone. "Where did it come from? What does it do?" I put my hands over my ears.

Ungarion returned the distracting stone to its bag. The dancing lights followed it inside and the noise was silenced. "They often, but not always, come from the planes of Oblivion. Sigil stones can be used to open and maintain portals, or gates to the domains of Daedra. Of more interest to us however, is the fact that they can also be used to create enchanted items. Different stones have different strengths and abilities. Most of the effects are similar to what you can create at your enchanting altars, but often much stronger."

"But where do you get them Ungarion? Surely you don't travel to the planes of Oblvion!" I asked as I remembered the flaming gate I had seen at Kvatch.

"That is indeed one place they may be found," the Almer explained. "A sigil stone however, is simply a purified morpholith that has been inscribed by a Daedric Prince. . . or Deadra Lord if you prefer. No one can fathom the ways of such beings, or why they might traffic in these stones. Regarding the planes of Oblivion, the dragonfires normally prevent portals from forming. With Emperor Uriel dead and no successor crowned, the Temple of the One is now dark for the first time in recent memory. Centuries ago however, there were several periods when the dragonfi. . . . Ah, forgive me. I see I am losing you."

"Please Ungarion, get to your point." My feigned irritation was an attempt to conceal the intellectual inadequacy I felt. Morpholiths? Dragonfires? Ungarion was talking well beyond the level of my studies at the University.

"Let me phrase things a bit more simply for you, my dear." The Altmer continued. "Do not be so arrogant as to think you and I are the only adventurers to have walked Tamriel over the centuries. Further, do not presume to understand the ways of Daedra Lords. The exact nature of my sources are not important to this negotiation. What should be of concern to you, is deciding if you might be interested in acquiring one or more of these stones from me."

I was unprepared for this. Ungarion had just turned much of what I knew about enchanting upside down. My mind was swirling with confusion and possibilities. I tilted my head and narrowed my eyes. "What type of effects, and in what strengths can you provide?"

"Ah, I see you are interested." Ungarion's eyes brightened. "There are many effects, and the stones come in different strengths. Further, I can only supply what my sources are able to provide. Let's approach this from a different direction. What types of effects do you want that your precious University enchanting altars cannot provide?"

Could it be? My pulse quickened. I thought of the times Superian and I had been startled by foes. It was difficult and dangerous to travel with her, being unable to see approaching life signs - I couldn't cast my spell astride the mare. I knew exactly what I wanted. I tried not to show my eagerness. "Tell me Ungarion, can these stones enchant the mystical effect of detect life? And I don't mean the short ranges I can enchant at the University's altars."

Ungarion smiled. "I just so happen to have two such stones. They can each detect life signs up to a range of almost two hundred feet."

After picking up my goblet, I lowered my eyes and pretended to drink. I needed a moment to compose myself. I set the goblet down and said as calmly as I could, "Tell me, Ungarion, could these stones be used to enchant rings? If so, I might be interested - at the right price."

From Buffy's scrapbook: http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/Cho%20Bk%201/ScreenShot626.jpg


Ungarion's ability to sell the occasional sigil stone or other limited exotic merchandise at exorbitant prices does not exist in the normal game, of course. Feeling strongly that it should however, I have incorporated the ability into Buffy's game - albeit with significant restrictions.

Posted by: Destri Melarg Sep 15 2010, 04:21 PM

So Ungarion brought Buffy to his house and plied her with food and drink (which was excellent BTW) all so that he could make a sale? No wonder The Warlock’s Luck is always empty, people are waiting for dinner! I half-expected him to ask Buffy to be one of his sources, given her adventurous nature. At first I thought Buffy had dropped her goblet when he told her that he did indeed have two stones of detect life. I laughed at the thought that whatever shrewd haggling Buffy might wish to engage in was blown by some spilled Tamika’s. I hope Ungarion doesn’t try to gouge her here. It would be nice for Buffy to have a source for the, shall we say, exotic item.

A nit?

It appears that Buffy was so eager to hear Ungarion’s proposition that she took an extra ‘of’ from the house.

Posted by: hazmick Sep 15 2010, 04:27 PM

That Ungarion, he's a sly one. I wish someone would sell sigil stones in-game...and give me food...and wine...
I, like Destri, was also expecting Buffy to be cast into Oblivion to find these stones, I am thankful that She's only buying one.

Posted by: mALX Sep 15 2010, 04:32 PM

ARGH! Buffy looks so small next to Ungarion!!! Oh, I loved this scene in the original too, Buffy is quite the negotiator !!!

Posted by: haute ecole rider Sep 15 2010, 04:41 PM

Sometimes I wish I didn't have to go inside the darned Gates to get a sigil stone! Ugh! The Deadlands are some of my least favorite places in TES - even SI's Dementia is preferable!

I loved what you did with Ungarion here. Making him an illicit dealer in sigil stones just adds a certain depth to the web that is Bravil. I keep thinking of Shanghai a hundred years ago, when all kinds of nasty stuff was going on then (and still is, to a certain extent I imagine). The fact that Buffy is going to get involved in this just adds another depth to her character.

This rewrite is better than what I remember of the previous one. I really liked your description of the sigil stone.

Posted by: treydog Sep 15 2010, 08:46 PM

Those words juxtaposed with the screen-shot… “Next you’ll tell me water is wet.”



That University education was not wasted on our elf!

The description of the stone and of Buffy's reaction were the sort of first-rate storytelling I have come to expect from you.

An excellent meal, a pedantic Altmer, and a startling revelation. My mind and my belly are both well-satisfied with this chapter. I have a feeling that Ungarion will want something other than gold in payment- no, not that, either! He has been around Bravil too long to make the mistake of trying to extort that sort of “favor” from Buffy!

Posted by: SubRosa Sep 15 2010, 09:14 PM

One of my favorite Altmer - Ungarion. I always loved his sense of humor in the game. He takes on a much darker feel in the BF, which is not a bad thing at all. You have made him into a something of a scoundrel, which is always good for man, as it gives him a bit of mystery and excitement. Here we see him with quite the tempting offer. Yet one has to wonder what the price might be for such rare and powerful treasures he has to offer...

I figured I was outmatched enough here without any help from Tamika.
One of those lessons a certain stringy Bosmer is still working on...


nits:
'A Warlock's Luck
Did you mean for there to be a closing single quote here?

Posted by: Grizzly20 Sep 16 2010, 01:26 AM

Another excellent read from Acadian! I foresee many adventures in Buffy's near future, perhaps quests to obtain gold to purchase the Sigil Stones that he offers? Perhaps, perhaps Buffy will take no part in the illegal underground Black Market, although she did capture a human's life essence for her powerful bow. Can't wait for more!

Posted by: Acadian Sep 18 2010, 01:18 PM

In Chapter 28, Buffy discovered that Ungarion was quietly running a high end black market operation. As he showed her a sigil stone, and explained some details about them, the possibilities got the bowgirl's attention. She is quite interested, but equally curious about what the merchant may want in return.

Destri- Thank you. A dilemma: 'The Black Market' story would carry its impact better if presented all at once, but I find much of the detail gets lost if a post is too long. For better or for worse, I opted to split this story. I hope the second half will increase the stakes and tie some things together. Thank you so much also for catching that nit so I could fix it.

hazmick- Thank you! I hope you enjoy the second half of her 'dinner' with Ungarion.

mALX- Thank you! The screenie once again shows the contrast between a 1.1 height Altmer and Buffy, who at 0.9, is the same height as Daenlin. I fear Buffy may be outclassed here by the professional merchant.

Rider- Thank you for favorably comparing the rewrite to the original. It is some of the richer detail we included that pushed this chapter into two episodes. I hope you enjoy the second half. Argh! It just occurred that if Buffy wants sigil stones, she should simply seek out Julian - I hear she has loads of them!

treydog- Thank you for noting that the sigil stone physically affected Buffy right up to the tips of her pointed ears. You are correct that Ungarion will want more than gold in payment. And you wisely point out he is not likely to be seeking that kind of payment.

SubRosa- Thank you! Buffy will display the beginnings of some fine verbal dueling skills in part 2, but alas, there is no doubt she is outmatched by the polished, yet likable merchant. Thank you so much for catching that nit.

Grizzly- Thank you for the kind words! I hope part 2 answers the questions.

All- Now, the conclusion of 'The Black Market' -

Ungarion considered my questions for a moment.

"Infusing sigil stone enchantments to rings? Certainly. As far as what I would require in payment, that brings us to the other side of negotiating now doesn't it?" The experienced merchant smiled. "More wine, dear?"

I waved a hand over the top of my goblet. "No thank you. Please continue."

"I was talking to Daenlin recently. Really, Buffy, he is so very proud of you. Why you should have seen his old eyes sparkle as he told me about the bow you created." The Altmer's chatty manner suddenly became quite serious, and he looked directly into my eyes. "In fact, he mentioned exactly what the bow does and how many charges it has."

Ungarion paused to allow the effect of his words to sink in, before continuing. "Daenlin loves you like a granddaughter, however he lacks sufficient knowledge of magic to realize the betrayal hidden within his words. I, on the other hand, am quite familiar with the specifics of enchanting. Now, where in the world did a young elf like you get a grand soul?"

I felt a warm flush as the blood rose to my face and neck. I was sure the white blouse barely covering my shoulders did nothing to conceal my embarrassment. My bow, Slayer, had indeed been enchanted with a black soul gem containing the captured grand life force of a bandit. "I think you know the answer to that. Just like you also know the answer could expel me from the guild."

Dismay at having this dark secret discovered was quickly replaced by concern and anger regarding whatever leverage Ungarion thought he might try to exert over me. I chose my words carefully, opting for simple truth. "Ungarion, you need to realize that my loyalty is not to the guild of mages; rather it is to individuals who are kind to me - like Kud-Ei and Daenlin. Has my trust in the kindness you and I have displayed towards each other in the past been misplaced? It would sadden me greatly to leave the guild, but if you think I will allow you to manipulate me over my use of a black soul gem, you have another thing coming. There is nothing illegal about what I did. Can you say the same about your activities?" It was my turn to raise a single eyebrow. Your move Ungarion.

The Altmer's face, which had remained inscrutable during my little speech, softened. His smile reappeared and he held up one hand disarmingly. "Buffy, speaking as one with less than a. . . stellar past myself, please trust that I have no intention of revealing our little secrets. My intent was simply to highlight that we share a mutual appreciation for discretion. The guild doesn't need to know of your necromantic predilections. Similarly, neither the Legion nor the city guard need to know the details of my little. . . enterprise. Now, that said, I have customers who would pay dearly for black soul gems."

"I'm interested then - now that we understand each other. These two sigil stones you mentioned, what exactly is your price?" I felt a bit more in control, as I touched the goblet of Tamika's to my lips and pretended to drink.

"Ah yes! Down to business." The Altmer grinned and rubbed his hands together. "Each stone will cost you a black soul gem, plus a rather substantial amount of gold." He then quoted a figure that made me grateful I didn't have a mouthful of wine.

"Ungarion! That's more than Count Terentius demanded when I bought my small house." Why did I feel like an insect inside the lair of a rather brilliant, but oily spider? "Is there no way to lower the price?" As soon as the words left my mouth, I realized my pleading tone revealed too much eagerness.

"I'm afraid not," said Ungarion. He seemed to now be enjoying himself. "Any necromancer could supply me with black soul gems. I would prefer, of course, to deal with a more. . . trustworthy source such as yourself. On the other hand, you cannot imagine the risks involved in obtaining these sigil stones. I'll tell you what. If we make a deal right now, I'll throw in a couple rings for no extra charge and we'll send you out of here tonight with a pair of enchanted detect life rings. Need I remind you that between the two stones, that is a range of nearly four hundred feet?"

The merchant was experienced enough to have seen right through my feigned efforts at 'mild interest at the right price'. I blew an imagined strand of hair from my face in resignation. "Deal." Ok, Buffy, there goes most of the gold that just a couple weeks ago you were bragging to Daenlin about. "I'll need to retrieve the required payment from my home." Rising to my feet, I added, "I can be back in a few minutes."

After a quick run home, I was soon seated again across from Ungarion, a large bag of gold on the table between us. "You may trust that I have the gems. Now, make the rings."

Ungarion stood, and without inspecting its contents, moved the heavy bag to the floor behind his sales counter. He then reached into a display case and produced two unremarkable silver rings. "Wait here." He disappeared up the stairs.

I opened my pack, removed two black soul gems and hid them within the silken folds of my green skirt.

Several minutes later, Ungarion padded down the stairs and placed two softly glowing rings on the table. "Try them."

"I'll trust you," I picked up the rings and looked Ungarion directly in the eyes, "after all, I know where you live, and I apparently don't have to tell you how dangerous my bow is."

Ungarion's eyes widened slightly, but his face remained pleasant. The spider apparently had not quite expected that response from the insect seated across from him. "Point taken, my friend. I promise you they will perform as I have said. Now, the gems?"

"Oh yes." I placed two black soul gems on the table.

Ungarion inspected the pair of dark stones, holding them up to his ear to ensure they were empty. He smiled. "More wine, my dear?"

"I think not. In fact I shall call it a night, Ungarion," I lied. "Thank you for dinner."

"Certainly." Ungarion unlocked the door to his shop and lit my torch for me. "Should you require more. . . shall we say, hard to find items, let me know, hmm?"

I walked home quickly. The smooth and experienced merchant had clearly flustered and outmaneuvered me. I didn't care.

Just a few minutes later I emerged from my house. The silk skirt and peasant blouse had been replaced by a hunter's vest, along with buckskin greaves and boots. My quiver and bow were on my back. I ran all the way through the dark town and out the city gate of Bravil before I stopped.

Pink glows erupted everywhere as I slid the two rings on. There was the guard on post at the end of the bridge. Behind the stables building were Superian and Carandial's bay, Aetherious. Gazing towards the Niben, I could see several crawling pink glows - mudcrabs - all the way down by the shore!

Superian didn't understand my excitement, but nevertheless became infected with it as I saddled her. She was prancing sideways, snorting and bobbing her head as I led her from the stables. I then mounted my precious mare, turned her north along the Green Road and let her choose the pace.

As we rode under the stars, I reveled in the feeling of confidence and safety. Finally, I could detect threats before they approached Superian and I. My new rings solved the problem of not being able to cast a detect life spell while riding. In fact, they would free me of having to recast my spell while on foot as well. I thought back to the countless times I had wished for this.

Reluctantly, I turned Superian back towards Bravil. Ok, so I was almost broke (again). And well, yes, I was dealing in black market goods. But I figured at the end of the day, a girl's gotta have what a girl's gotta have.

From Buffy's scrapbook: http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/Cho%20Bk%201/ScreenShot641.jpg

Posted by: treydog Sep 18 2010, 03:00 PM

The negotiation was first-rate! You infused Ungarion with a delicious sense of amorality. And Buffy’s understanding of her limits- both as a negotiator and in terms of her refusal to be pushed beyond a certain point- was excellent.

But I think my favorite "moment of truth" was:

Posted by: mALX Sep 18 2010, 04:06 PM

I have to agree with Treydog on all counts here. This has always been one of my fave chapters, although now broken into two chapters - Buffy's ability to negotiate, Ungarion's ability to ride the lines of amorality and still be likable, Buffy realizing her own limitations - and her ability to rationalize her actions when they suit - This is Buffy at her most Buffiness !!!!! I love this chapter (these chapters) !!!!

Posted by: hazmick Sep 18 2010, 04:48 PM

I would disagree with Buffy's use of black soul gems if it were not for my Argonain friend's collection of...artifacts. Nevertheless, the negotiations were intense and the final outcome was very nice. I love the feeling of finding/purchasing an item that you have searched for. More soon please.

Posted by: SubRosa Sep 18 2010, 09:12 PM

What a girl wants, a girl needs. Once again, I simply love how you portray Ungarion as a rather amoral scoundrel. Not to mention a brilliant negotiator. He sort of reminds me of Rhett Butler, only not quite as debonair.

He then quoted a figure that made me grateful I didn't have a mouthful of wine.
This is a wonderful turn of phrase.

Posted by: Destri Melarg Sep 18 2010, 11:14 PM

Ungarion's attempt to ply Buffy with ‘more wine’ before beginning negotiations is a classic maneuver. I am so glad that she didn’t fall for it.

Then he begins to flatter our Buffy while subtly hinting at knowledge that he could use to blackmail her. Villain!! Thankfully Buffy did not rise to the bait. The way she turned the tables on him reminded me curiously of Michael Corleone talking to Moe Greene . . . ‘take a few days, think of an offer.’

Unfortunately she blows it by giving in to him in the end. But a girl's gotta have what a girl's gotta have!

Posted by: Zalphon Sep 18 2010, 11:55 PM

Once again, you've stolen the will from your readers and enthralled us with your tale.

Posted by: haute ecole rider Sep 19 2010, 02:23 AM

Julian's nodding her head at this! Her advice to Buffy: STAY OUT!

Loved the rest of this wonderful rewrite. And yes, it's funny how they grow on the rewrites. It's much harder to prune a rose bramble than it is to get it to grow! But the beauty at the center of this chapter is well worthwhile!

Posted by: D.Foxy Sep 19 2010, 02:33 AM

I find myself singing Christina Aguilera's "What a girl wants, what a girl needs..."...



Now this is definitely a well crafted chapter! And, strange to say, I'm actually beginning to like that sneaky and suave Ungarion...


... do, DO write another suave role for him later in the story!!!

Posted by: Acadian Sep 21 2010, 01:18 PM

Chapter 29 found Buffy outmatched by the black market merchant, Ungarion. Nevertheless, she emerged with a pair of powerful detect life rings that she considers well-worth the considerable price.

treydog- I'm so pleased that you mentioned everything I was trying to do here. Buffy is all about loyalties to individuals, not organizations. If she does something for her guild, it is because of loyalty to the individual friend who asks, not loyalty to 'the guild'. Therefore, threat of being 'kicked out of her guild' did not carry the leverage perhaps Ungarion thought it might.

This will be important as it relates to that gate at Kvatch. Whatever she does will be driven by deep emotional ties to a very real individual, not 'the Empire' or some 'illegitimate heir' she has never met, or even the 'city of Kvatch'. She sees her world as individuals, not groups or organizations.

mALX- 'Buffy at her most Buffiness.' Oh my, we can think of no higher compliment! Thank you so much.

hazmick- Thank you. Buffy used one of the three black soul gems she created to enchant Slayer. She just surrendered the other two to Ungarion. I believe by the time she may actually need another grand soul, minotaur lords (whose grand souls conveniently fit inside Azura's Star) will walk Nirn. So, I don't think we need worry about her going all necro on us.

SubRosa- Thank you. I'm so glad Ungarion came across as I hoped he would!

Destri- Thank you. I so appreciate your observations. Yes, Buffy was clearly outmatched here; yet, I am proud of the few bright sparks she displayed. She will get better at verbal dueling.

Zalphon- Aww. Thanks Z!

Rider- Thank you for the beautiful support! Buffy will listen to Julian. That Oblivion Gate she saw scares her badly. Why won't the darn Legion close it? Surely no one could expect a skinny elf to try? Yet. . . she can't quite forget about the effect being up there had on her. . . and she did promise to go back - someday.

Foxy- Wow! That you are singing 'What a girl wants, what a girl needs', combined with liking Ungarion, means I have succeeded on all counts! I quite like him as well. Another appearance? Absolutely! The likeable old scoundrel will cause some trouble for the distant archery tournament.

All- As Buffy's new detect life rings join Slayer and Azura's Star in her inventory, it marks a milestone. She now carries all the trinkets a self-respecting mystic archer needs to survive. Of course, it will take our material girl another eight or so episodes (and several Daedra Lords) to realize it is courage, brains and skill - not more trinkets - that she needs.

In the meantime, we will jump to another storyline as Buffy negotiates a dark fork in her path. She has often seemed quick to creatively rationalize or justify her actions. How far she is willing to flirt with the lethal aspects of her nature is the subject of our next miniseries, consisting of four episodes. We call it 'Dancing with Darkness'.

The sun was well below the walls of Chorrol now, as I patiently waited for full darkness. I was behind The Gray Mare tavern preparing my equipment. This was going to be a one shot, instant kill. I could ill-afford for my arrow to leave enough breath in Earana's body for her to cry out. All my equipment had been chosen for this very purpose.

The black tunic blouse and darkened buckskins I wore would attract the shadows of concealment.

My primary bow, Slayer, was safely stored at the stables, along with my quiver, Superian's saddlebags and tack. From the hidden depths of my magic bag, I now slid out the full length of another grummite bow staff and strung it with a silk bowstring. The weapon had been especially enchanted for this purpose. It would drain Earana's life and add several types of damage - all in massive amounts, but only for a brief moment. The bow's single powerful charge had been easy to enchant with merely the life force of a mudcrab - I only intended to shoot it once.

I had to sell several enchanted items, and craft many potions to afford the single arrow I carried. Ungarion didn't reveal his source, and I didn't ask. It was one of two I had purchased. Its mate had been sacrificed to the Bravil archery target. I had wanted to ensure I was able to account for the extra weight of the arrow and precise twist to the fletching that allowed it to rotate in flight for increased long range accuracy. The black and reddish-gold magic arrow was perfectly straight and immensely powerful.

The thick liquid I now drizzled over the tip of my arrow came from a vial I had found in the knapsack of a bandit. It would ultimately do less damage than the poisons I could make, but had been chosen because it would release its full toxic effect instantly instead of over many seconds.

Finally, there was the spell I had recently created at the University for this occasion. Casting it would temporarily enhance my skills and abilities with a bow.

Everything was ready as the darkness of night slowly settled over Chorrol.

The decision to kill Earana was. . . complicated.

Given the confrontation between us that had marked my Chorrol guild recommendation, I fully believed she would kill me if given the chance. Each time I had subsequently visited Chorrol, the rogue mage's insults had made her lethal intentions clear - restrained only by the presence of the city guard. I feared Earana would prevail in a fair fight. I was merely influencing the inevitable towards my favor. Or so I tried to tell myself.

The truth however was perhaps simpler and darker. I hated Earana for threatening me, and I hated myself for being intimidated by her. I wasn't sure if what I was about to do was driven by cowardice, vengeance or preemptive self-defense. Likely, all of these things.

Stepping out from behind The Gray Mare, I could see the flickering lamps that lined the street up to the Great Oak. It was now dark enough to remain unseen.

Chorrol erupted with several pink glows as I slipped on the pair of rings that could detect life signs. I lifted my fist and released a spell that would extend my range across the entire city.

My attention was focused on the solitary glow near the Great Oak. From studying her movements over several days, I knew this was Earana. She would be alone for a few minutes while the guard made his predictable rounds.

I moved several paces to the spot I had chosen for its unobstructed view of my target area. After casting the spell to boost my abilities, I nocked the deadly, poisoned arrow and brought it to bear.

This was long range all right. I enhanced my focus, and pulled the Altmer into view. The wind was calm. No high obstacles would prevent the considerable aiming offset above her head that I would need. I was still unseen and wrapped in shadowy darkness. There were no nearby glows to see the arrow or hear the twang that my bowstring would release into the quiet night.

"Goodbye, Earana," I whispered.

At a well-practiced point in my breathing cycle, I paused. The fluid sequence that followed was the result of muscle memories developed through years of bow hunting. The bowstring came back to my ear, the arrow's tip found its final aim point well above Earana's head, and the fingers of my right hand that restrained the arrow uncurled.

The missile disappeared into the darkness of a high arc that would carry it across the city. After what seemed a breathless eternity, Earana was knocked from her feet. The pink glow quickly faded.

I very briefly had an ominous feeling - as if my actions had been observed by forces unknown. No time to think about that now Buffy. I quietly moved along the east wall to quickly offset myself from the line of flight my arrow had traveled.

A few minutes later, I emerged from behind a large boulder. Wearing a blue and green dress now, I carried no bow. It had taken several spells to completely disintegrate Earana's murder weapon.

I walked over to join a growing number of onlookers by the Great Oak.

My arrow was buried almost to its fletching in Earana's chest, and an expanding area of blood was darkening her green silk blouse. A guard, who had just arrived, was kneeling over the body. "There's been a murder! Did anyone see anything?" Those of us in the small group that had gathered, silently shook our heads in response. A pair of additional guards arrived and received orders from the one examining Earana. "Given the body's position, we have no idea where that arrow came from. Tell the gate posts to seal the entire city. I'll wait for Captain Bittneld to show up - I know he'll want this arrow as evidence." The two guards ran for the gates.

I seated myself on a bench under the Great Oak and smoothed my skirt. It had worked. All of it, just as planned. Sealing the city was fine by me; I had no intention of escaping. There was neither bow, quiver nor arrows in my possession. By volunteering to deliver some routine guild paperwork to the Chorrol chapter, I had the perfect cover. Within a couple days, Teekeeus would complete the roster of conjuration spells offered for sale by the Chorrol guild, and give me the forms for return to the University.

By now, the captain of the guard had arrived and more of his men were combing the city for an assassin. Several mages had gathered on the steps of the nearby guild, where I would spend the night. Tomorrow, I would walk the beautiful streets of Chorrol without fear of Earana.

Despite the considerable range, my arrow had not only found the Altmer, it had struck very nearly the center of her chest. I was proud of my skills. In fact I found using them for such a challenge downright exhilarating. I wasn't exactly happy about killing Earana though. Oh, I fully believed my survival had required this act of preemption. . . so why didn't I feel better about it?

I was still wrestling with this when I crawled into bed that night in the Chorrol guild. "Acadian, what's wrong with me? I'm so confused." He had been strangely quiet, as if trying to sort out my actions himself. A paladin would surely know about the things that were troubling me. "Can you help me?" I closed my eyes and opened my mind to him.

Humility. Righteousness. Protect the weak. Honor.

"What does all that have to do with me?" I scoffed. "There are no people who live by those things!"

The rebuke from Acadian came without hesitation, as he forced an image into my mind.

I remembered the incident - a wolf had surprised me long ago. Before I could draw my bow, the beast had closed the distance between us and leapt. The dark gray sanctuary of a heavy shield suddenly intercepted the wolf in midair. With one decisive thrust from a long sword, the animal was dead. The Legion soldier simply stated, "We're here to serve, citizen." Just as quickly he was gone.

Before I had time to fully reflect on this, another image formed. The scene was a memory that had been forever branded into my consciousness. Captain Savlian Matius was charging a Deadra as it emerged from the Oblivion Gate at Kvatch. He was selflessly risking his life to protect the survivors of his city, his men, and . . . even me.

I squirmed, feeling very small. I knew I could never be a paladin or soldier, but maybe I wasn't completely hopeless. "Acadian, you're right about humility. My skills are largely thanks to Daenlin and Boderi. I will try to be more humble. Honor and righteousness? I'm not sure I fully understand. I know I'm loyal to my friends and will fiercely defend them. I would lay down my life for Kud-Ei, City Swimmer, Daenlin, Superian or any of my friends. You know that. Doesn't that count for something?" I waited.

It did indeed.

"Protect the weak?" I continued. "But I am the weak! I need to kill to protect me. Look, I'm pretty fragile, as you well know. I'm also quite poor at defending myself when surprised or confronted at close range." I recalled several instances of barely surviving such encounters, and shuddered. "If I do the 'honorable' thing and wait for someone like Earana to attack first, I'll be dead. Then what would happen to you and Superian?"

By now, I was sitting up in bed. "In order to survive, I need to sometimes preemptively kill a known threat. Can you understand that? Would you let Earana live, and force me to timidly avoid the city of Chorrol? Or walk in fear, never knowing when I might fall to a fireball or lightning bolt? Don't you remember in Anvil, how that rogue mage, Caminalda, almost killed me with a single ice spell? Would you never seek out and destroy an enemy while they are plotting against you in their lair?" I closed my eyes again.

I sensed uncertainty, as the paladin pondered my basket of questions. Then acceptance.

"Thank you Acadian, for understanding." I sighed with relief. "I know my confused thinking is foreign to someone who is strong, brave and familiar with the ways of blades and steel. It's different when you're small and weak though. I may attack without warning from the shadows like a coward, but I'm alive. I really can't think of anyone else I can talk to about such things." I smiled grimly. "I can just see my friend Ardaline dropping her potions right on the floor of the Bravil guild if I asked her opinion about killing Earana."

I felt much better, and hopped out of bed before my thoughts could leave my head. Digging through my pack, I produced my journal supplies. Dipping quill into inkpot, I wrote:

'Sometimes it's necessary to kill someone if I'm convinced they're likely to harm me or my friends. I'm just not built for toe-to-toe fighting; if striking first, even from the shadows is what it takes to survive, so be it.'

Putting my journal away, I returned to bed. As I rolled over seeking sleep, I remembered that feeling I had earlier in the day. 'Observed by forces unknown?' What's that about, Buffy? I had no idea, but the heavy mantle of exhaustion was more pressing at the moment. I was sure I would sleep rather soundly - well, you know, for a murderess.


From Buffy's scrapbook: http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/Cho%20Bk%201/ScreenShot643.jpg



One additional combat multiplier Buffy used in her game for this assassination was switching from a bow to a dagger while her arrow was in flight. The damage multiplier for a sneak attack is based upon the type of weapon equipped when the arrow hits, not when it is launched. This allowed Buffy to enjoy a 6x melee damage multiplier instead of the normal 3x bow multiplier. Although she detailed this in BF 1.0, its logic defies even Buffy's impressive ability to rationalize, so we dropped it from BF 2.0. In keeping with the 'how to' minor aspect of her stories however, we opted to retain mention of it as a footnote. Here is the http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Oblivion:Sneak#Sneak_Attacks link that details this cumbersome quirk that can occasionally be useful for very long, planned shots.

Posted by: Remko Sep 21 2010, 01:51 PM

I can relate to her "needing to kil before she is killed." Besides, good riddance of Eerana Save, kill Eerana, rinse, repeat FTW

Posted by: D.Foxy Sep 21 2010, 02:05 PM

The thick liquid I now drizzled over the tip of my arrow came from a vile

...vile...

...vile...


GOTCHA AGAIN Ole friend!!!

A Long, long time ago I caught you out in the 'vile' instead of 'vial" and now...


Hmmm.....

must resist, must resist....


AHH I can not stand it any more....



O.L.D. H.A.B.I.T.S. D.I.E. H.A.R.D!!!!!!

Posted by: mALX Sep 21 2010, 03:02 PM

BWAAAHAA !!!! I got a sneak preview of the screenie in my email since I set myself as a follower of your photobucket !!!!!! BWAAAHAA !!!!

I got the feeling there were changes from the original in this one - making Buff more vulnerable? I have to go back and re-read the original to be sure, but either way - I like the vulnerability !!! Very feminine !!!

Posted by: haute ecole rider Sep 21 2010, 05:00 PM

This brings to mind something a character in a drama I watched recently said:
"Killing is easy. Killing is so easy. What is hard is stepping all over the other person, and never letting anyone step all over you again."

Still, killing is something not to be taken lightly. I'm glad to see Buffy wrestling with the ethical considerations of her actions. Yes, it's good to see that *itch of an Altmer dead (she's just as rude to my PC in-game), and it's good that Buffy lived to enjoy Chorrol without her. But it does something to her spirit. Whether that's good or bad, it will take time to see.

I really liked this version so much better - it had smoother flow and just sang to me.

Posted by: SubRosa Sep 21 2010, 05:11 PM

You really show Buffy leaving no stone unturned in her preparations to murder Earana. Using the best arrow she can buy (the rifling on the fletching was a good touch, a bow enchanted for just one shot, along with an instant damage poison. Finally, even a Fortify Markswoman spell. She is certainly not taking any chances! Not only do these things show how serious she is in the story, but they are also points to take note upon for people playing the game.

I very briefly had an ominous feeling - as if my actions had been observed by forces unknown.
Dum da dum dum!

Buffy does rationalize her actions quite thoroughly! Granted, she might have been right too... The greyness to the whole thing lends a strong aspect of believability to her character. Real people are rarely shining pictures of virtue. Everyone has their dark side. This is certainly Buffy's!

Posted by: hazmick Sep 21 2010, 06:43 PM

No Buffy, don't go to sleep! argh! sorry about that, i'm just excited about the next chapter is all.
This chapter was awesome, you really showed the tactics, preperation and wrestling with concience that Buffy had to go through before the deed could be done. Hoorah for Buffy and a brief pause for Earana, evil though she was.

Posted by: treydog Sep 21 2010, 08:19 PM

While I might question Buffy about using a "preemptive strike" in other circumstances, not in these! It reminds me of an unwritten law in Texas (and I imagine other western states)- not that I generally hold Texas up as a moral compass...

Anyway, the situation was this a man was on trial for killing another man in a bar. The dead man had come in and "made his brag" (I'm Joe Badd-Boat and I can whip any man in the bar). The defendant shot him. His defense? "He needed killing." The defendant was acquitted.

If anyone "needed killing," it was Earana. Preferably frequent and painful killing.

Athlain certainly understands this sort of rationalizing....

And that is the point that makes me very certain of Buffy's heart. She can take pride in her skill, while recognizing the consequences of the act. She is not a heartless executioner who then goes off to have a hearty meal.



Buffy's halo may be a bit tarnished and a tad crooked, but she has one just the same.

Posted by: Destri Melarg Sep 22 2010, 01:44 AM

This chapter really bothers me. On the one hand I can sympathize with Buffy’s rationalization for killing Earana. On the other hand, Earana wasn’t some ‘vile creature’ plotting Buffy’s doom in her lair. She was a living, breathing individual whose only crime that I could see was ticking Buffy off. Who gave Buffy the right to pass judgment on her? It doesn’t matter if Earana's threats intimidated Buffy. It doesn’t matter if Buffy felt that Earana would kill her if given the chance. The only thing that matters is the act, and the act is premeditated murder.

But none of that constitutes what bothers me. What bothers me is that I was rooting for Buffy to succeed! During your wonderful and detailed description of Buffy’s preparations I kept thinking ‘I hope this works.’ When she strung her bow and sighted for that impossibly long shot, I sighted right along with her. When she described the control of breath born of practice and muscle memory, I held my breath too. And when that fateful missile hit home and Earana’s spark faded, I breathed a sigh of relief. Her exhilaration after the fact was echoed in me, and I could see why Acadian would choose to confine his comments to the pointing out of the more positive aspects of chivalry.

I can’t bring myself to condone what Buffy has done, but I can’t find it in my heart to condemn her either.

That is what bothers me, and I am grateful to you for it.

Posted by: Zalphon Sep 24 2010, 02:40 AM

Buffy, how could you kill another living being? You make me so dissapointed.

Acadian give me a hug, it's wonderful.

Posted by: Acadian Sep 24 2010, 03:46 PM

Chapter 30 was the first of four episodes comprising Buffy's miniseries, 'Dancing with Darkness'. The rogue mage Earana had threatened Buffy during several visits to Chorrol, dating back to her University recommendation. Buffy became convinced of Earana's lethal intent. She carefully planned and executed a preemptive assassination of Earana.

Remko- Thank you for understanding Buffy's perspective. What do you do if Earana has threatened your life and you believe she can and will kill you. . . but has not launched an attack or broken any law? Buffy does not make threats unless she plans to follow through on them; she assumed Earana operated the same way, and responded accordingly. Was Earana all bluff? Or did she simply threaten the wrong wood elf? We'll never really know perhaps. Buffy will never lay claim goodness, merely loyalty to her friends and a strong survival instinct.

Foxy- Vile vs vial. I remember well. In fact it was even in my mind during this chapter. Too much editing. Pouring the vile liquid from the vial. Then just using a vial. Then just drizzling the thick vile liquid. Then, argh! Ok. Those vile little vials will get a chance to kick our butt again in two more chapters. We'll try to do better!

mALX- Thank you so much mALX. You understand Buffy well. She has tried very hard to teach me the foreign concept of how it feels to be small, weak and vulnerable. That perspective strongly shapes her response to threats.

Rider- Thank you for sharing in Buffy's feelings as she wrestled with her controversial choice. She has no idea if she did the right thing, and I don't think she is completely done processing it yet.

SubRosa- Once again, you highlight everything I am trying to do here. Cold and very detailed premeditated preparations. Inadvertently triggering a likely nocturnal visit from you know who. Trying to wrestle and rationalize her way through a very grey area.

Although I have come to understand Buffy well, presenting her complex nature properly can be a challenge for my humble skills. When you, so long ago, coined her as 'cuddly, like a rattlesnake' you let me know I was close to the mark in accurately displaying her character. As you say, like so many of us, she is not good, nor is she evil. She is simply a young and imperfect elf trying to survive in a dangerous land. Thank you.

hazmick- Thanks for endorsing Buffy's preparations. In the next episode, Buffy will loiter in Chorrol dealing with unfinished business - some of it quite surprising.

treydog- Thank you for sticking with our bowgirl as she wrestles with her darker side and tries to learn how it fits into her swirling, still unformed 'code of conduct'. 'Dancing with Darkness' will be very formative for her I expect.

Her closing line ('I was sure I would sleep rather soundly - well, you know, for a murderess.') is more tongue in cheek and foreshadowing than perhaps it sounds. In Oblivion, one's invitation to join the Dark Brotherhood opens with the dialogue: 'You sleep rather soundly, for a murderer."

Destri- Buffy is quite conflicted and will become more so. To see that her choices and actions had the same effect on you is very gratifying. It seems that over the course of time, our flawed and confused bowgirl may have wormed her way into your heart. If so, you may be assured that I know the feeling well. On one hand. . . but on the other hand. . . but, oh my . . . she doesn't have enough hands to sort it all out - yet. Dancing with Darkness, indeed.

Zalphon- Lol! How could she kill someone? Well, first she puts poison on her arrow. Then she nocks it, then. . . . Buffy simply assumed that Earana meant her threats, and responded accordingly. Thank you Zalphon!

"Hail, Buffy. Isn't it a beautiful morning?" Nardhil looked up from grooming the chestnut gelding. As I craned my head to see around the horse's powerful hindquarters, the pretty Dunmer quickly added, "Don't worry, Superian's fine. She missed you though. Here she comes."

My mare wandered out the open corral gate and approached, nodding her head. I buried my face in her neck before remembering my manners. "I'm sorry Nardhil. I just missed her, with the city sealed up for the past few days. I'm grateful for you looking after her."

The Dunmer swept an errant lock of black hair from her face and paused to rest both hands on her hips. "Isn't that murder business just awful? The guards were out here asking me all about who belonged to the half dozen or so visiting horses. This morning when they unsealed the gates, I had just as many angry travelers and merchants out here to collect their mounts and depart - as if it was my fault their travels had been delayed here in Chorrol." She placed a hand on my shoulder and smiled. "I'm glad for at least one friendly face this morning, and relieved that Superian's elf was not harmed."

"Oh, it was awful inside the city," I said, widening my eyes. "We couldn't leave of course. The guards wanted to know everything about everyone. I'm surprised they didn't ask my dress size. I mean, it delayed my business for the guild too," I shrugged, "but what can you do?"

"Well, I think they're wasting their time." Nardhil led the chestnut into the corral. She then returned, patted Superian on the shoulder, and began raking up recent horse droppings. "But do those guards care what I think? Nooo. They just ask me a bunch of stupid questions about harmless merchants and innocent wood elves. From what I hear, whoever killed that high elf was a real pro. Sounds like the Dark Brotherhood to me. The assassin probably just slipped right over the city walls within seconds of doing his job. Mark my words, he's laughing in another county by now."

"You really think the Dark Brotherhood did this?" I probed, stifling a wince as I recalled my recent visit from Lucien Lachance.

"Sure they did. That high elf, Earana?" Nardhil switched from her rake to a shovel, "Quite the snoot, that one. She treated me like I was. . . this." A large shovelfull of manure plopped into the waiting wheelbarrow.

The Dunmer paused, leaning on her shovel. "And what a temper! Why, one time she was walking by the stables with her Altmeri nose so high that she slipped on some horse manure and fell. She jumped to her feet, and started screaming about her ruined silks and how incompetent I was." Nardhil's red eyes flashed with what looked like both fear and anger. "I had to dive for the ground to miss the fireball she threw. Thankfully, before she could cast another spell, the guard on duty at the gate ran over and pressed his blade to her throat."

Nardhil gazed into the barn, as if remembering the incident. "Oh, Earana had plenty of enemies, all right. Perhaps she finally threatened someone who had a temper that matched hers."

I squirmed inside at her words, but I was pretty sure the discomfort didn't show on my face. Just to be safe, I reached down and began inspecting Superian's hooves as I replied, "Well, that was the word inside the walls too. It seems half the city had reason to kill Earana. Aside from the arrow they recovered from her body, and too many suspects with motive, I guess the guards don't have much to go on."

"I'm just glad they're done playing their games, locking down the city and questioning everyone. They'll never catch who did this. Just like the murder of that monk down the road."

"Monk?" Superian's feet were fine. I stood up straight and met Nardhil's red eyes. "What happened?"

"Oh, some fellow named Jeffrey or Joe Frye or some such got himself killed. Silly monks. It's bad enough being outside the gates, but at least the stables have the nearby guard to keep an eye on us. Those monks live in a priory away from the city where no one can protect them." The dark elf smirked. "Lots of good their precious Talos did them. Anyway, I figure it was bandits because the guards that went to investigate said the dead monk's locked chest had been broken into and was empty. Apparently the other monks had no idea what was in the chest, so they couldn't even provide a list of what was stolen."

"Bandits?"

"Sure. You travel a lot Buffy. You know how ruthless they are. Simple robbery. That monk probably woke up and surprised them. I mean, I guess they don't know for sure. It happened at night and the other members of the priory didn't see anything, but what else could it have been?"

"Nardhil, do you remember when this happened?"

"It was quite some time ago." She rubbed her chin for a moment. "Let's see, you've been here on several occasions. . . oh, I remember now. It happened about the time you first introduced me to that beautiful mare of yours."

"That was my first visit here. In fact, I recall stopping at Weynon Priory to deliver a package when I was trying to earn a recommendation for the University. The monk called Jauffre was rude, and we even had words at the time. He was healthy enough when I left though."

"Oh my," said Nardhil. "He must have gotten himself killed shortly after you met him. We all just kind of forgot about it. I don't even think the Black Horse Courier carried the story." The Dunmer shrugged. "It was only the murder of Earana that made me think of it. Say, how did all those recommendations you were after go anyway? Did you get into the University?"

"Yes." I blushed with a smile. "I just graduated recently."

Nardhil's hands went back to her hips and she beamed. "Well congratulations, Buffy. I can see from your pack though, that you must be ready to travel. Here, let me help you."

After we gathered my saddlebags, bow, quiver and tack from the barn, the Dunmer helped me saddle Superian.

Nardhil dragged a hand across her brow to wipe the moisture that was beginning to glisten in the morning sun. "Next time you're up this way, we'll have to share a bottle."

"Thank you," I said, nodding my agreement. I pressed several more gold coins into her hand than Superian's care required. "Yes, when I pass through again, I'd be honored to buy you dinner at The Oak and Crosier."

"Deal. Safe travels, sister. Where are you and that fine mare headed, anyway?"

With a foot in the stirrup, I bounced up and swung into the saddle. "Well, I have to courier some documents back to the Arcane University." Turning Superian out onto the Black Road, I added over my shoulder, "Then I'm supposed to meet someone at one of the inns south of the Imperial City on my way home to Bravil."

As Weynon Priory came into view, I thought about Jauffre. It seemed the monk had been killed right after I met him. I gathered that the Amulet of Kings had been stolen as well. I wondered if Jauffre had told his Blades about an heir?

Should I talk with the monks? Superian drew to a stop. I placed both hands on the pommel and stared at the stone buildings.

Remembering how I stormed out of the Priory, they might figure I was the one who killed Jauffre. I didn't need that, especially after just putting an arrow through Earana's black heart. I had delivered the Amulet of Kings only because the Emperor and Baurus had been kind to me. It wasn't my fault that the monks apparently lost it. I owed them nothing.

Besides, no one except the Emperor could wear the amulet anyway. I wasn't sure I believed what Jauffre had told me about an illegitimate heir. If it had been true, why would he ask a little wood elf to go fetch the next Emperor instead of sending all his Blades? No, I figured he just wanted to get me out of his balding hair. Well, fine. He succeeded on that count.

What did Jauffre say the heir's name was? Oh yes, I remembered the details. It didn't matter though. There was no priest named Martin in the Kvatch encampment. Savlian had described how deadly the fighting in the streets had been, as screaming people tried to flee. Those who didn't make it to freedom, before the Oblivion Gate outside the walls sealed Kvatch, had been trapped. How could anyone caught inside that burning city with bloodthirsty Daedra possibly still be alive after all this time? I shuddered.

Sensing my decision, Superian slowly continued south towards the Imperial City.

I slipped on my pair of powerful detect life rings, and scanned the forest that flanked both sides of the road ahead of us. It was a beautiful morning with birds chirping high in the branches above us. My new rings had proven themselves during our recent travels. They gave me the ability to see life signs from the saddle before threats became aware of Superian and I. We were confidently able to bypass hostile glows, or stop and preemptively deal with them.

Leaning forward to pet the mare, I said, "We'll get you a brief visit with Thernd and Bandit while I drop off these documents at the University. Then we'll continue to the Inn of Ill Omen."

I took a pull from my water bag. "Oh, quit worrying, Acadian. Lucien was very kind to me. He said there was a whole family of caring brothers and sisters waiting to welcome and love me - just as soon as I completed an initiation task for him. I'm sure whatever this Rufio fellow did must have been really bad. Otherwise Lucien wouldn't want him killed, would he?"

From Buffy's scrapbook: http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/Cho%20Bk%201/ScreenShot646.jpg

Posted by: haute ecole rider Sep 24 2010, 04:04 PM

I loved this new chapter, but was surprised to hear the rumor of Jauffre's passing. Of course, it would be an effective way for him to disappear with the illegitimate heir, especially after the Amulet was stolen. Intriguing plot twist there!

The guilt Buffy is feeling over Earana's death - well, not the death itself, but more her involvement in it - rang true. Knowing that her actions are defined as a capital crime can be scary, but it shows courage on her part that she went ahead with it. Yes, she took Earana's threats seriously, and acted accordingly. Now she has to live with the consequences. That too, takes courage. I have no doubt that our little blond wood elf has plenty of it. Her character (or cojones, as I prefer to think of it) is larger than her body, as it should be.

So she fell for the line of the family of brothers and sisters waiting for her. Geez, how many suckers did Lucien Lachance reel in with that? It's got to be the worst pick up line in the history of Cyrodiil!

Posted by: mALX Sep 24 2010, 04:29 PM

You've got so much foreshadowing in this chapter it makes my head spin!!!!! This is HUGE!!! I see Kvatch = Matias, Cheydinhal = DB - just to begin with !!!! And Jauffre dead? OOOOOOOOHH!!!!! This is a HUGE chapter Acadian !!!!

Here is a line that had me laughing out loud:

ROFL !!!! Poor Buffy! Just when she almost had it rationalized that Earana was despicable and needed killing! ROFL!!!

Posted by: hazmick Sep 24 2010, 04:37 PM

Jauffre dead!? never saw that coming, you handled it well. Buffy doesn't seem to be struggling with Earana's murder, I suppose she was a mean person.

I disagree with Haute slightly, the DB is a loving family! Ocheeva and Teinava are nice Argonian's--even Vincente is a kind person. Super Duper!!

Posted by: Remko Sep 24 2010, 05:10 PM

Thinking along this lines might mean Edmu- er.. Edward's asssessment that they are in fact prostitutes being the correct one.... hmm...... He wasn't recruiting assassins but something different altogether....

Loved the dialogue between the Dunmer and Buffy.

As a sidenote; why do I get the distinct feeling the words "powerful hinduarters" were a substitute for something less flattering?

Posted by: SubRosa Sep 24 2010, 05:50 PM

Nardhil's tale about Earana made me laugh, until the part about the fireballs! Yikes! That really does a good job of reinforcing the danger that Earana did present to Buffy. A bit of reassurance that it was not all in her mind.

It looks like you have pushed up some events in the Oblivion Crisis. Jauffre dead, his chest broken into (and I presume the Amulet of Kings stolen). I kind of wonder if it was the Mythic Dawn, or Lucien Lachance who did it!

I enjoyed Buffy's discussion with Nardhil. It brings us up to speed on everything that has happened, and does it in a way that naturally flows from dialogue. At the same time it adds more depth to a supporting character, and also shows us one of the many relationships that Buffy has with the stablehands across Cyrodiil.

Posted by: treydog Sep 24 2010, 08:45 PM

At first, I was a little disoriented when Buffy did not detail the meeting with Lucien. But the more I thought about it, the more sense it made. As Athlain will discover, it is not wise to record everything that happens in your journal. You may intend it to be private, but that does not mean someone else won't read it... I also think she feels ambivalent about the meeting- and is trying to ignore her misgivings. Finally, from purely the writer's POV, it is a scene that is familiar to anyone who has ever been "contacted" by the DB.

Having information come out through conversation was a wonderful touch- it allowed for much more "showing, not telling."

Earana's short fuse being revealed should give Buffy some solace- especially as it turns out the unlamented Altmer attacked one of Buffy's friends.

The apparent death of Jauffre and Buffy's reaction to it go a long way towards showing her personality. She did as Baurus and the Emperor asked- and she gave Blades Grandmaster exactly as much courtesy and respect as he gave her. It also shows that events are continuing with the Crisis, even as Buffy seems to feel unconnected from them...

I think Buffy will discover soon enought that Lucien's smooth words mask a darkness she will NOT embrace. Her morality may be "flexible," but there are lines she will not cross.

Posted by: Destri Melarg Sep 24 2010, 09:14 PM

Given that rationale, I hope she never meets http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Oblivion:Alval_Uvani!

Are you kidding? She had me at . . .


Now, as for this chapter:
For the first time, I think you may have put a foot wrong here, my friend. The thing that made Buffy’s assassination of Earana so arresting was the fact that none of us (Buffy included) really knew if Earana deserved her fate. Having Nardhil paint Earana as a fireball-throwing harpy who just needed to die blunts the shock of Buffy’s actions and lifts her out of the darkness that you wanted her to ‘dance’ with. It is indeed a difficult thing to explore the darker aspects of a character we have grown to love and admire. Even when we have darkness flooding through our story our tendency is to build a platform upon which our hero can stand without getting his/her feet wet.

Now for the rest . . . news of Jauffre’s passing is surprising. I think Buffy is not seeing the forest if she does not detect a correlation between Jauffre’s death, his desire to have her find Martin in Kvatch, and the fate that has befallen Kvatch. Events are swirling all around her, yet she is too locked into the idea of a ‘family’ to notice. That speaks so eloquently to the complexity of her character that it renders me (almost) speechless!

Posted by: Winter Wolf Sep 25 2010, 02:22 PM

The shot that was heard around the world. Well, across the Pacific pond, at least.


Yeah, it is a very tough thing how to portray a character that is honest to both them and the writer (and not to mention the readers) lol. I, for one, have never seen Buffy as a knight. She has always given me the impression of one who marches to her own drummer. In D&D she is what we would call a 'classic' Chaotic Good alignment.

Buffy is a strong individualist marked by a streak of kindness and benevolence, she believes in all the virtues of goodness and right, but has little use for the laws and regulations that support it. Her actions are guided by her own moral compass, and are rarely in agreement with the rest of society.

Her connection to the DB (and acceptance of Aradroth) in BF 1.0 was an indication of that.

Acadian, never feel that you need to justify our little Buffy, those things mean very little in the grand plans that she sees for herself.

Posted by: Acadian Sep 27 2010, 01:55 PM

Chapter 31 was 'Dancing with Darkness', episode two of four. The city of Chorrol was opened from 'lockdown' after the murder of Earana, and Buffy made preparations to leave. She learned that Jauffre, from nearby Weynon Priory had been murdered almost immediately after receiving the Amulet of Kings from Buffy. It seems that perhaps the Amulet was stolen as well. Buffy dismissed the information and implications, assuming that if there had been an heir living in Kvatch(which she questioned) he would not have survived the Daedra attack. It seems she is now headed to the Inn of Ill Omen to see a man named Rufio.

Rider- Buffy asked me, that since she refused to go fetch Martin, why would not Jauffre dispatch his Blades to do it? It seems she just found out why. Admittedly, Jauffre's death is one of several steps we will take to enhance (as best we can) the believability of delaying Kvatch so long. Thanks for your wonderful words about Buffy's cojones (heehee). Buffy is a young orpahan, and you are right that her naivete is on display regarding the allure of a family of loving brothers and sisters; Lucien certainly knew which button to push.

mALX- Thank you so much! I am so pleased that, while your head is spinning, you trust me to deliver some clarity before this miniseries concludes. My intent at this point is to have readers wondering.

hazmick- Buffy will grow to accept the killing of Earana as necessary, and something she would do again if required. She will explain some more about her desire for a 'loving family' in the final two episodes.

Remko- Thanks for the kind words about Buffy's scene with the Dunmer stablehand, Nardhil. I was hoping to show that Buffy is merely a small part of her complex world.

SubRosa- Thank you. My intent was to open this miniseries with the shocking coldness of Buffy's assassination in part one. In part two, I was hoping to reveal, after the fact, that Buffy's instincts about Earana were correct. While Buffy recognizes it as premeditated murder, she will also embrace the resolve to repeat such an act if preemption and vengeance so require. In Buffy's world it represents the lighter side of gray that she deems essential to keep her butterfly butt alive. Her true dance with the darker end of the spectrum occurs in this very next chapter. My intent is to portray what Buffy encounters at the Inn of Ill Omen in challenging shades of gray as well. Alas, no easy or black and white decisions for this girl.

treydog- Thank you! Yes, we made some significant choices in this episode and I am so glad to have earned the endorsement of your wise old doggie eyes.

Lucien: What to present on or off camera is the stuff of hard choices indeed. Admittedly, I am trying to manage the length of Buffy's saga to some degree by not presenting a Lucien Lachance scene. My hope is that references to him in both of the final two episodes will flush out what is needed. I truly hope you will enjoy the emotional roller coaster that is this next episode.

Jauffre: As a simple elf from Bravil, Buffy is quite ignorant regarding 'affairs of state'. As surely as her eyes glazed over when Uriel Septim was discussing 'Emperor stuff' way back in the Imperial Prison, she figures that sorting out who is in charge of the empire and how to run it, are matters for nobles who understand such things. I will not be surprised to see Buffy begin to grow beyond that simple understanding as she travels and gains experience. Any involvement she may have in the Main Quest however, will be triggered by individuals she holds precious, not by vague concepts like 'the empire'.

Destri- To say that Buffy captured your heart in Chapter one of her original story brought tears to our eyes. Thank you, my friend.

Regarding Buffy's Dance with Darkness, I hope that I am working from the unfair advantage of seeing all four episodes laid before me and knowing what is coming. To dance with darkness requires both light and dark. In Buffy's world of hiding in the shadows, we mean light gray vs dark gray of course. Earana's death, believe it or not, represents the light (well, lighter gray anyway). It is a decision she will grow to embrace without apology, and be quite ready to repeat if/when necessary. It will become a part of her true nature. What Lucien is asking her to do represents the dark (well, a darker gray anyway). I hope to present the choice Buffy will face in this next episode as darker than Earana, but still very gray. I assure you that the choice Buffy makes when faced with Rufio will be . . . gray.

Wolf- I am so pleased you dropped in, for no dance with the DB would be complete without your oversight. Thank you for the soothing words. Buffy's moral compass exists in the shadows, just as she fights. She would sacrifice herself for her horse, yet cruelly torture the highwayman who would swing an axe at that same precious mare. She will grow a great deal in the next two episodes.

By the light of several flickering candles, I studied how the tail of the arrow in front of my right cheek fit to the partially drawn silk bowstring of Slayer. My eyes slowly trailed along the shaft of the arrow as it passed the junction of my left hand and bow staff. Moving ever so slightly up and down with my breathing, was the broadhead tip of that arrow - centered on the sleeping Rufio.

The stirrings of concern I felt from Acadian, rippled from my head to my heart and were not making things any easier. He didn't understand.

I started to draw full tension on the bowstring, but just as with my two previous attempts, I stopped. Gently easing all tension off the bow, I returned the arrow to my quiver. Standing in the basement of the Inn of Ill Omen, I now stared at the sleeping Breton. Lucien Lachance had told me that killing Rufio would complete my initiation into the arms of loving brothers and sisters who were waiting for me.

A Family.

I don't know if you can truly appreciate a family unless you don't have one. I never knew my father before he disappeared. My mother died when I was twelve, and I was an only child. Many were the nights I cried myself to sleep wishing I had brothers and sisters who loved, or even picked on me - just someone I could belong to and who would accept me. Lucien said this new family would welcome me into their loving embrace. I longed so much for that. He had even presented the gift of a beautiful dagger to demonstrate the love of my new family.

That's why I was trying so hard to kill Rufio. Unlike others I had killed though, Rufio was no threat to me. He was a complete stranger. What did he do that would make Lucien want him dead?

On the nightstand next the sleeping Breton were some of his belongings: a broken quill, two septims, a half-eaten apple, a piece of parchment and an amulet. I moved closer to examine them.

The parchment was actually an article cut from the Black Horse Courier. It told of the unsolved rape and murder of a young woman named Idonis Arcadia. The crime had taken place recently in the Imperial City.

The amulet glowed softly with some form of enchantment as I picked it up by the delicate gold chain. Turning it in my hand, I saw the back was engraved:

'For my sweet Idonis on her sixteenth birthday. Your loving father.'

Narrowing my eyes, I moved closer and nudged Rufio with the toe of my boot. I then stepped back, ready to paralyze him if necessary.

The Breton jumped from his bed in surprise. "Who are you? What do you want? I ain't done nothin'!"

I quickly agreed with Lucien's description of Rufio as weak. Perhaps some threatening would get him to enlighten me. "Oh, but I think you have, Rufio." I nodded my head towards the items on the nightstand.

Rufio's beady eyes darted to the incriminating evidence, then shot a glance over my shoulder towards the door behind me.

Reading his intent, I added, "Don't try. I've locked it."

His eyes then jumped to Slayer, before finally stopping their travels to stare at the ominous green glow gently pulsing in my right hand. "N-no! Please! I didn't mean to do it, you understand me? She struggled! I-I told her to just stay still, but she wouldn't listen! I had no choice!"

"Blaming the victim, are you?" Perhaps he would tell me more if I emphasized just how much danger he was in. I allowed the magic in my hand to fade, then slid an arrow from my quiver and took one step back. "Would you like to try attacking me?" Yes, self-defense would be a lovely excuse to kill this wormy man.

"Oh, please, no! I can pay you! Name your price! Anything! Anything! Please, just let me live!"

My response was to fit the arrow's nock to my bowstring.

Separated from me by the bed, Rufio cowered into the corner.

The pathetic Breton wasn't going to make my decision any easier by defending himself.

He must have killed this Idonis Arcadia. The victim's father probably asked for Lucien's help to set things right. I fought to dispel images of Rufio leering over a young girl. My skin crawled and stomach churned into a knot as I imagined the fear, helplessness and violation she must have felt. Then rage welled up within me.

As the bowstring came back to my ear, my fingers should have instinctively uncurled. They did not. I just stood, staring at the quaking man over the tip of my arrow.

Buffy, is this the path you choose?

The paladin was right. He knew why I had paused. As my arm began to quiver from holding full tension on the bow, I reluctantly eased the tail of my arrow forward.

Now what, Buffy? As I stared at the cowering Breton whose fate was in my hands, a plan formed.

I slid the arrow over my shoulder to rejoin its companions, then filled my hand with magic. As the spell hit Rufio, he became rigid, falling to the floor. I spoke, surprised at the coolness in my voice. "I know you can hear me; you just can't move. When you recover, you will climb onto the bed, lie perfectly still on your back and do exactly as I say. If you do not, I will paralyze you again, then pierce your heart with an arrow."

After a few seconds, Rufio was able to move. He clambered from the floor to the bed and dutifully lay upon his back, eyes wide.

I rubbed my glowing fingers together and continued. "Did I make myself clear?"

Rufio looked up at me from the bed. "Y-yes, milady. Whatever you say. Please just don't hurt me."

"I am not your lady, Rufio. And yes, you will indeed do exactly as I say."

I shouldered Slayer and reached into my pack. Passing over the dagger Lucien had given me, I pulled out a pair of a green vials. I then unsheathed my hunting knife and coated the blade. "Just lie still. If you struggle, I will have to kill you. Since those are the same instructions you gave young Idonis Arcadia, they should be easy for you to follow."

Rufio's eyes were like saucers overflowing with fear, but he didn't move.

I dragged the blade of my knife down one of his forearms, drawing blood and allowing the poison to enter his body. I then reached for the second green vial and repeated the process.

As I waited for the emerald tinge of Rufio's skin to return to its pale Bretonic color, I calmly said, "Neither your wounds nor these poisons will kill you. The toxins coursing inside you however will damage your speed to the point you cannot move. You will remain so until someone - I expect a healer from the Imperial Prison - fixes you."

Cleaning my knife on Rufio's shirt, I continued, "Cheer up. Things could be worse; my blade could have strayed into your pants." I slid the weapon home into its sheath. Turning towards the nightstand, I carefully arranged the incriminating Courier article and amulet so they would easily be found.

"Since you can't move and have plenty of time, you might reflect on just how it feels to be helpless and vulnerable. Oh, and you might also hope that the Legion finds you before a hungry rat does. I understand the smell of blood can sometimes attract them, and with you being unable to move and all. . . ."

I turned to leave, casting a spell to free the lock's tumblers. "Farewell, Rufio." I closed the door behind me.

As I reached the ladder beneath the basement's trapdoor, I paused. "Acadian, Rufio's an evil man. I don't suppose the Dark Brotherhood is a family that exacts justice against those who have eluded it?"

You were born in the morning, Child of Dawn - but not this morning.

I sighed. "You're right. It would be too naïve - even for me - to expect my assignments would involve exacting justifiable vengeance. Rufio almost fit that, you know. I wanted to believe. . . ." I stirred the dust on the floor with the toe of my boot. "I allowed my desire for the loving family that Lucien promised to push my judgment aside, didn't I? Even though I might have been able to rationalize that Rufio deserved to die by my hand, I know I would be asked in the future to kill innocent people without even knowing the reason. I can't do that. I guess I wouldn't make a very good assassin."

I reached for the ladder, but then stopped again and added, "Acadian, you know I will kill to protect myself and those I love - I have readily done so before and make no apology for it. I'm not proud of murdering Earana, but I have no regrets and would do it again if necessary. I know she would have tried to kill me - and succeeded had I not preempted her. Rufio was different though. He was no threat to me. Whatever he did is best handled by the Legion. My killing is not for hire, and the Dark Brotherhood is not the family I seek."

I'm proud of you, my bowgirl.

I smiled faintly as I grasped the ladder to climb upstairs. "Thank you, my paladin. I need you right now. I feel kind of empty, like I just abandoned a family I never had."

Closing the trap door to the basement behind me, I looked around the main floor of the inn. The Redguard, Minerva was slouched in a chair at one of the tables, deep in her cups. A small fire crackled, providing much of the dim light that flickered across the walls.

Manheim Maulhand was behind the bar. The publican had always been nice to Daenlin and I whenever we stopped here during hunting trips. City Swimmer had told me he could be trusted, and that she sometimes sold stolen goods to him. He had directed me to Rufio, and I was confident the innkeeper's silence could be bought if necessary. "Hail, milady." The Nordic voice boomed effortlessly across the small inn. "What can old Manheim do for you?"

I climbed onto a barstool and looked up at him. "Perhaps some Tamika's wine, please?"

"Sure, milady. I take it your, uh, meeting with Rufio didn't cause any problems?" He filled a stone cup and placed it before me. Before continuing, he lowered his voice even though I suspected Minerva was oblivious to our conversation. "Buffy, you know your secrets are always safe with me."

I smiled at his cheerful discretion. "And I appreciate that, Maneheim. Rufio cannot help me find what I seek. He does need to talk to the Legion though. Do you know when Riveus, that handsome Imperial Forrester assigned to County Bravil, will stop by on his rounds?"

The Nord swept the low ceiling with his eyes and rubbed his chin for a moment. "Well, it's been several days, so I'd expect to see him on the morrow or perhaps the day after. He usually fills up on S'jirra's potato bread up the road, then stops here for some target practice and an ale."

I placed a large pile of gold coins on the bar and leaned closer to Manheim, allowing the front of my brown blouse to fall open a bit. "Can you do a couple favors for me?" I smiled sweetly and batted my eyelids like City Swimmer taught me.

Manheim's eyes went to the stack of gold first, then traveled down the front of my blouse, seemingly ignoring my fluttering eyelids. "Of course, milady. Whatever you need."

"Rufio is not hurt, but he is indisposed. I want you to make sure no one goes into the basement until Riveus arrives. When the Forrester does get here, I need you to make sure he goes downstairs and talks with Rufio right away. Will you do those things for me, please?"

Manheim's gaze traced a path from inside my blouse up to finally meet my eyes. "Of course, Buffy. And shall I tell Riveus you had a role in this?"

Smiling, I lifted the cup of Tamika's. "I'll leave tonight, as soon as I finish this. I was never here."

From Buffy's scrapbook: http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/Cho%20Bk%201/ScreenShot656.jpg

Posted by: haute ecole rider Sep 27 2010, 02:49 PM

Murder to protect yourself or a loved one is a lighter shade of grey than murder for hire. I'm glad Buffy made the choice she did, and I think she'll find it easier to live with herself now that she can't turn back.

And justice will come for Rufio.

I love how Buffy is learning to pick and choose her family - she already has one in the Bravil chapter of the Mages Guild, and doubtlessly she will find more members elsewhere.

You can't help the family you're born with, but you can choose the family you make.

Posted by: Remko Sep 27 2010, 04:36 PM

HAH- Death was too easy for that no good piece of horse manure anyway. For a moment I was thinking she was gonna get eeuhmm.. -surgical on parts he WOULD miss when she paralyzed him.

Well handled Buffy!

Posted by: SubRosa Sep 27 2010, 04:57 PM

This is quite an interesting change from the BF 1.0. I must say, I never had trouble killing Rufio (morally that is). I think Bethesda went out of their way to make sure that first time was an easy choice to make. Buffy's decision however, suited her perfectly. Here we see another important piece in the Buffy Doctrine™, she does not kill people who are not a direct threat to her. I am wondering, when will she formally put her doctrine down to parchment? Soon I think, with this, I think she pretty well has the code she lives by ironed out.

Since those are the same instructions you gave young Idonis Arcadia, they should be easy for you to follow.
This was particularly delicious!

You were born in the morning, Child of Dawn - but not this morning.
Or as Kid Rock said: "I was born at night, but not last night!" I love it!

I see Buffy is also practicing her fluttering eyelashes again. It seems she ought be fluttering something else however, considering what Mannheim was looking at! As much as I loved how she set things up for the forester to arrest Rufio, I must admit that all I could think was "Buffy, don't eat Mannheim's soup!" It is not an accident that the forester goes to the Faregyl to eat!

Posted by: hazmick Sep 27 2010, 05:40 PM

Wowza! It's great that Buffy didn't kill Rufio and all but...now she has to carry that dagger everywhere for the rest of eternity!!

But seriously this was a great chapter which Buffy handled well. I have a feeling that the dark brotherhood will be back...

Posted by: treydog Sep 27 2010, 10:14 PM

I am proud of Buffy, as well. Not only did she make the morally correct decision, she understood the factors that allowed Lucien to manipulate her.

And she also used her brain and her alchemy skills to ensure that Rufio will face justice.

I never had any fear for Buffy's soul- she would not travel with a paladin if it was too darkly tarnished.

Posted by: mALX Sep 28 2010, 05:40 AM

Wow, this is a totally diff chapter than the original BF !!!! I like them both, and would hate to pick a fave.
Sounds like Damien Reynard has been training her in this version...or Eyja !!!!!!


Er...Letting Manheim peep at her goodies for such a small favor...what will she do for a large favor then? UH OH !!!!! (no whistling emoticons zone) Tell Miss Buff to start out small, and only go higher if the bribe doesn't work!


So wait...unless Rufio has a heart attack from fear, does this mean she won't be meeting her new fam? Vicente, etc. ???? Does this render your chapter where Telaendril is in Bravil to kill the Draconis family - null for this version? ARGH !!!!!!! I loved that chapter !!!!

A GREAT WRITE !!!!!!

Posted by: Destri Melarg Sep 28 2010, 10:05 AM

Your description of Buffy’s struggle to kill or not kill Rufio lifted this chapter to a higher plane than the last version. To give up the thing that you yearn for most to preserve your own principles is the stuff of heroes! Her solution to the problem was both inventive and expedient.

I am so glad that Buffy has chosen to retain her essential self through this trial. To loose that arrow into Rufio is to discard all that she is or could be.

As are we all. Brilliant stuff, Acadian.

Posted by: Acadian Sep 30 2010, 03:10 PM

Chapter 32 was the third episode of 'Dancing with Darkness'. Buffy's emotions went for a wild ride as she wrestled with whether to kill Rufio or not and complete her entry into the Dark Brotherhood. Ultimately, she left him alive, albeit he was a little worse for wear before she was done.

Rider- Thank you for understanding Buffy's desire for family and the need to belong. I think you are very right that she needs but open her eyes to see the family she already has.

Remko- I was hoping the reader would ponder for a moment whether Buffy might carve out some justice from Rufio's nether regions or, in some other way, directly relate her actions to the nature of his crime. Thank you for mentioning that we caused that thought to cross your mind.

SubRosa- Your're right that killing Rufio could perhaps be justified, and Buffy came close. I'm just pleased that she saw what might lie beyond, had she chosen that path. Thank you also for the very kind words on some of the passages you cited. 'Dancing with Darkness' was indeed the forge from which her doctrine will emerge - in the very next episode.

hazmick- Thank you. Yes, for a girl that won't touch a melee weapon, you can bet she won't be pleased about the Blade of Woe! Watch for it in the final episode below.

treydog- Thank you. It seems Buffy has trended towards the lighter side of the blade's edge and, like you, I am glad for it. I fully expect the side of her that tortured a highwayman for swinging an axe at Superian, murdered Earana, tortured Rufio and hunts bandits for sport is alive and well. At least her dark side is not for hire.

Like you, I also am proud of Buffy. Much to her chagrin, I tried to set the stage in such a way that did not make her choices simple or easy.

mALX- Once Buffy decided not to kill Rufio, the way she crafted her 'justice' did indeed remind me of the brilliantly sadistic thinking of your Eyja! As fun as an encounter between Buffy the Slayer and Vincente the Vampire might be, I don't believe it is in the cards.

As far as showing her goodies to Manheim, she was not happy to see that his eyes shot to that pile of gold before he even bothered to peek down her blouse. That he totally ignored her fluttering eyelids didn't help the poor elf's self image either.

Destri- Thank you. Yes, as you so astutely say, this episode was all about emerging from an internal struggle. Buffy grew a great deal here.

All- We are proud to present the conclusion of 'Dancing with Darkness'. Buffy processes what she has learned, and gets the opportunity to display Her True Colors.

Standing just outside the open doorway of my house, I cradled a warm cup of tea between both hands and gazed out across Bravil. The morning guard patrol was systematically extinguishing the flickering streetlamps, preparing for the dawn of a new day.

Daenlin was returning from a night hunt with a small deer over his shoulder. We exchanged waves as he entered the Archer's Paradox next door. Dressed for a local hunt myself, I planned on heading out as soon as I finished my tea. I toyed with the idea of cancelling my outing and just inviting myself to dinner with my archery master. No, I decided - Daenlin's kill could feed us, but this wood elf needed the outdoors. I would track and stalk, but not try to take a deer today.

I saw Carandial heading towards the gate, no doubt for more research at the Ayleid Ruin, Anutwyll.

Pondering my exposure to the guild of assassins had occupied much of the last few days. Lucien had said that if I did not kill Rufio, I could proceed unmolested by the Dark Brotherhood.

I had spent hours of reflection in the peaceful comfort provided by the Great Chapel of Mara. Uravasa Othrelas had reviewed the Ten Commands of the Nine Divines with me. As a priestess of Mara, of course she emphasized the Third Command:

'Mara says: Live soberly and peacefully. Honor your parents, and preserve the peace and security of home and family.'

I needed something a little simpler and more specific, when it came to guiding the growing lethality of my skills.

Stepping to the edge of the raised dock that I called my front porch, I set the pewter teacup on one of the posts supporting the heavy rope that served as a hand rail. I reached into my pack. Just as I had a map to assist my travels, I now had a page of my journal devoted to guiding my actions. It had been refined and reduced to its simple essence by my experiences and reflection:

'The Buffy Doctrine - If you are kind to me, I will love you dearly; if you are mean to me or my friends, I will likely kill you.'

I didn't discuss my 'doctrine' with anyone except Acadian and Superian. Most would disapprove; I didn't care. I understood perfectly what it meant, and knew I would live out my life guided by it. Putting the journal away, I reached for my tea.

I welcomed the warmth on the right side of my face as the sun peeked over the walls of Castle Bravil. My other cheek remained in shadow. I was indeed a Child of Dawn - embracing the light, yet requiring the cloaking of darkness and stealth to survive.

Shimmering reflections of the sun now brightly danced across the surface of the river flowing in front of my home. In the blackness beneath the water, rested the dagger presented to me by Lucien Lachance. It had contained some form of magic that bound the weapon to me against my will. In the end, it was Acadian that had somehow removed the curse, allowing me to cast it away.

If there was a positive aspect to my involvement with the Dark Brotherhood, it was the realization of just how far my paladin would travel with me. When I had stood poised at the edge of an abyss staring into the dark void below, he had offered his counsel. Yet I knew, had my choice been to step off the cliff instead of backing away from it, he would not have abandoned me.

I saw Kud-Ei standing on the rear porch of our guild, also enjoying the sunrise. Shielding her eyes to see me against the early sun, she returned my wave across the river before stepping inside the guild. The wise Argonian was very perceptive, and always looking out for her mages. After I had returned from the Inn of Ill Omen, she sensed a change in me.

I vividly recalled what Kud-Ei had said: "Buffy, something is different about you. I see sadness in your eyes. . . and something else. I do not know what happened to you this last time you were out of town, and I am sure I probably do not want to know. They say wisdom comes from experience - and experience comes from bad judgment. Somehow, it looks like you have discovered that for yourself. Your eyes show a quiet wisdom, and the scars of one who has paid for it. The wisdom is quite attractive on you, but I hope the scars will fade." Kud-Ei had then smiled and gently placed her hand on my cheek. "I believe you have grown up, my Apprentice."

My city was waking to a beautiful day. Lifting the tea cup to my lips, I questioned why I had ever looked for family within a guild of assassins. My parents were gone and I had no real brothers or sisters; however, I had finally learned that I had all the family one could wish for. The people of this city, my guild mates, Superian and Acadian were my family. And they loved me. Kud-Ei was right. I had grown up.

A small disturbance by the Chapel of Mara caught my eye. It was City Swimmer, with a guard in pursuit. I chuckled. For all her 'sly sliding unseen' bravado, my wonderful friend was, quite frankly, rather poor at sneaking. She had likely stolen an apple or perhaps pinched a septim while inside the church.

I had seen this scenario unfold numerous times. If she had a few coins for the bounty, she would be home in an hour. Otherwise, she would be carried off to jail, only to emerge none the worse for wear a couple days later. In fact, she probably ate better while incarcerated than she did at home. Sometimes I would intercede and pay off her small bounty. Shaking my head with a smile, I mused that she should either learn to sneak better or give it up.

"Drop that dagger!" The guard's command cracked like a whip across the quiet morning air, as his hand sought the grip of a long sword. My heart jumped to my throat. City Swimmer was attempting to resist arrest! What was she thinking?

She lunged clumsily.

With experienced precision, the guard deflected the dagger with a left sweep of his shield. Steel sang from scabbard as he stepped back to negate City Swimmer's short range, and optimize the reach of his long sword. The guard then stepped two paces to his left, placing the sun directly in City Swimmer's eyes and thundered, "Drop it! I won't tell you again."

My tea cup rolling on the porch, I was half way across the bridge that spanned the river between us by the time she lunged at the guard again.

Another left sweep of his shield deftly brushed the dagger aside as the guard stepped back. He raised his blade, which brought City Swimmer's dagger and free hand up to block her face and neck. His feint having worked, the professional soldier instantly dropped his weapon to waist level and, at precisely the correct range for his long sword, slashed horizontally.

The tip of his blade arced unopposed below City Swimmer's raised hands and ripped through the scales of her abdomen. It was over as suddenly as it had begun.

The dagger fell from City Swimmer's hand as she clutched her midsection and collapsed.

I slid to a stop on my knees next to her and screamed at the guard. "What did you do!?!"

"City Swimmer, can you hear me?" I pleaded. Blood was pumping from her gaping wound. I ripped off my blouse and pressed it against her in an effort to stop the bleeding. "You'll be ok, my friend," I lied.

City Swimmer looked at me dazed, her breathing labored. Frantically, I grabbed a healing potion from my pack and tried to make her drink. It was no use - she was retching blood now and couldn't drink the potion. With each spasm, I could feel her Argonian organs attempting to emerge from the wound as they pulsed against my makeshift bandage.

I lowered my face to hers as she tried to speak. "Waterfront. . . midnight. . . Garden, Daraloth. Gray Ffff. . . " As the words trailed off, I rose to my feet so I could cast a spell. Leaning over my friend, the white glow that filled my hands also engulfed her. While bound to City Swimmer by healing magic, her pain rippled through my own body until I could barely breathe. I could feel life her fading away. The damage was just too much as I collapsed back to my knees. She went limp in my arms, and her beautiful orange eyes slowly closed for the last time.

I jumped to my feet, bow in hand. Stepping back from the mail-clad guard while nocking an arrow, I spat the words, "Why did you have to kill her?" I could recognize the Imperial now. His name was Gladius Maro. Although not much older than I, he was a seasoned Legion soldier who had only recently been assigned here. It was just within the fortnight that I had introduced myself and welcomed him to Bravil. He had commented that he was looking forward to a break from the unrest, blood and snow of Skyrim.

The tip of Gladius' sword still dripped crimson. He did not raise it against me now, nor did he position his shield to block my arrow. I could see no fear on his face - only what looked like grief for City Swimmer and compassion for me. Our eyes searched each other for answers that were not there. "Buffy, I had no choice. She refused to stand down her attack."

Gladius spoke the truth. There was no target here, and Slayer could not heal my pain. I eased the bowstring forward. The weapon and arrow fell away from my hands. "I-I'm sorry Gladius. I should not have threatened you. I cannot imagine what possessed City Swimmer. Y-you did what you had to do."

Kneeling again by the lifeless Argonian, I held her to me. I winced at the cold finality of the sound behind me, as Gladius' sword slid into its scabbard. A moment later I heard the rustle of cloth, and felt his surcoat being draped over my bare shoulders. Only then did I realize my blood-soaked blouse was still pressed against City Swimmer's wound.

"I'm sorry, Buffy." Gladius' steel-clad hand now fell gently upon my shoulder. "I wish there had been another way."

I stroked City Swimmer's face as my tears flowed freely. After several moments, my small bloody fingers trembled upwards to grasp the gauntleted hand that had killed my friend. "I know."

City Swimmer had spent her last moments of life trying to give me something. Knowing the contents of her humble home, I had no doubt it was indeed her most valued prize.

She had promised to one day tell me about the Gray Fox, in return for saving her life during a trip we had made to the Imperial City. I had killed a man to defend her, and gone to prison for it. "I couldn't save you this time, my friend," I whispered against the lifeless Argonian's cheek. "Not from yourself. No one could."

I never had the heart to tell her that a beggar had long ago imparted the secret of the Gray Fox to me. Perhaps someday, I would visit this Garden of Dareloth that City Swimmer deemed worthy of her dying breaths.

Posted by: Remko Sep 30 2010, 03:25 PM

I remembered this part from BSGF and knew exactly what was gonna happen but it was still a sad part.
Which is a total credit to you, the author.

Painful but beautiful nonetheless.

Poor, poor City-Swimmer

Posted by: treydog Sep 30 2010, 03:57 PM

Not surprising that Buffy does her best thinking when she is in her element.



That is a perfect moment of clarity and of character definition.

Buffy’s understanding of herself and of the family that she has chosen to create were wonderful. That is especially so with what comes toward the end of this chapter. Kud-Ei is once more a wise and reassuring presence, one of the anchors that keeps Buffy from drifting…

The episode with City Swimmer was perfectly, tragically drawn. We are carried along as Buffy’s initial amusement gives way to shock, grief, anger, and acceptance. Buffy’s new-found maturity is shown as she realizes that Gladius really had no choice. How different that is from the incident that caused Buffy’s imprisonment.



Another perfectly-crafted moment. This entire chapter is a shining example of what we all aspire to when we write. And it also shows why Buffy has such a special place in so many hearts. We have spoken before of passages that "sing" to us; here we have an entire chapter, a prose symphony, which is pitch-perfect.

One missing letter, I think:



I believe you wanted "away" there.

Posted by: haute ecole rider Sep 30 2010, 04:04 PM

Treydog already picked out my favorite passages, especially the Child of Dawn in the sunrise.

The scene with City-Swimmer and Gladius rings true the second time around, and for some reason it is more emotionally effective. Whether it is your writing has improved, or my writing of Julian's experiences in Bravil, or both, I really don't know, and I don't care. That scene is a powerful ending to a song of a chapter.

Posted by: SubRosa Sep 30 2010, 06:03 PM

This was not only a pleasant return home, but one that highlights the relationships that make Bravil home for Buffy. Daenlin, Carandial, Kud-Ei, etc... This was the prefect backdrop to weave in Buffy's realization of her doctrine and the end of her inner journey over the last few segments. Because this shows us the foundation to her life, which in turn explains all of her actions, including her doctrine. As she muses herself, this was her family. Given a different past, without the strong relationships she possess, she might easily have taken up Lucien on his offer...

I welcomed the warmth on the right side of my face as the sun peeked over the walls of Castle Bravil. My other cheek remained in shadow.
Now this was a simply delightful way to symbolize the dual nature of Buffy's character!

Likewise, a nice explanation for how Buffy was able to remove the quest flag from the DB dagger!

They say wisdom comes from experience - and experience comes from bad judgment.
Quoted for truth here. I have always put it as: wisdom comes after making so many mistakes in life, that you simply have none left to make.

And finally, City Swimmer meets her inevitable end. In a way, it is almost fitting that it happen at just this moment, as Buffy realizes she is no longer a girl, but is now a woman. City Swimmer was part of her past, and emphasized the indiscretions of youth. As Buffy herself thought watching City Swimmer run for it, why could the Argonian not learn, as she had? Buffy has matured from that wide-eyed and impetuous girl who wound up in the Imperial Prison. City Swimmer never did.

nits:
As a Priest of Mara,
I think you were looking for priestess?

Posted by: Destri Melarg Sep 30 2010, 08:05 PM

I’m gonna quote this again because, in this simple line, we now understand why the ‘Child of Dawn’ and ‘Dancing with Darkness’ storylines were set back to back. They were all about Buffy discovering the dual sides of her nature. The doctrine that emerges from all of this is clear, simple, and in perfect harmony with both of her ‘selves’. I love the symbolism of Buffy’s realization being set against the backdrop of the rising sun heralding morning in Bravil.

Like Remko said, even those of us who knew City-Swimmer’s fate could not help being affected by it again. And SageRosa’s assessment of the dynamic between Buffy and City-Swimmer is perfectly expressed.

Since Buffy has decided to close the door on the Dark Brotherhood, I personally would love to see her open it to the Thieves Guild. But I am also content to follow her wherever she may lead.

Posted by: mALX Oct 1 2010, 04:17 AM

This has always been one of my fave chapters in the original, and you have expanded on it and improved on what was Awesome on the first version. - Just beautiful Acadian !!!

Posted by: hazmick Oct 1 2010, 02:41 PM

*Sniffle* That was beautiful.

*Clears throat* A brilliant chapter, Buffy reflecting on the Brotherhood and the Blade of Woe was great. The incident with City-Swimmer was handled perfectly, so sad...

Posted by: Grizzly20 Oct 3 2010, 03:22 AM

I apologize for being absent for so long, as my computer crashed. :/ Anyway, excellent writing Acadian. I am happy that Buffy did not go the "dark" path, but instead brought Rufio to justice in her own way. It's a tragedy what happened to her friend City-Swimmer, a true tragedy. I'm happy Buffy understands why it happened it though, it shows her Wisdom. Many-a-folk would've have raised their blade to the guard, and fell in the same way. Can't wait for more!

Posted by: Acadian Oct 3 2010, 12:22 PM

Chapter 33 concluded 'Dancing with Darkness' and found the bowgirl in Bravil. She seemed to have a deeper understanding of herself, and revealed the Buffy Doctrine. The peaceful morning was then marred by the tragic and senseless death of her friend, City Swimmer.

Remko- Thank you for the kind words. Bravil is a lonelier place now, but even in death, City Swimmer had a lesson for Buffy.

treydog- Thank you for endorsing how many things I tried to tie together here. Your comments show exactly why I named the episode 'Her True Colors'. Thanks for the nit - fixed.

Rider- It was an emotional episode to write, and I'm so glad you were able to share some of that emotion with me. Thank you.

SubRosa- As ever, your insights are so very welcome, and they let me know, in this case, we were close to target. Thank you. I took your recommendation, priestess - thanks!

Destri- Thank you for recognizing the connection between Child of Dawn and Dancing with Darkness. Buffy will probably always have one foot in darkness (or at least shadows), but I believe dawn is indeed more reflective of her path than dusk would be.

I can imagine a time when Buffy would become a friend to Countess Milona Umbranox. If she were ever to learn of the connection between Milona and the Gray Fox, I have no doubt, Buffy would move half of Cyrodiil to help bring Corvus home to his lonely countess. Then, I fully expect Buffy would turn the cowl and mantle of Thieves Guildmaster over to the lovely and talented Methredhel. . . . Alas, I fear Buffy's dance card is way too full for the guild of thieves in the reasonable future. It is on the list for a potential Book 3.

mALX- Thank you so much! I remember that we both liked this episode in the original version as well.

hazmick- I thank you for allowing this episode to tug at your heart strings. There was so much wrapped into it that the writing of it was very emotional as well.

Grizzly- I'm delighted to see you rejoin us! Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad you agree with Buffy on Rufio. She will still exhibit a streak of vengeance and even cruelty, but it seems she has limits, grounded in the more noble aspects of her character.

"Thank you for getting to the University so quickly, Buffy." Raminus Polus filled a silver cup with tea and carefully presented it to me. "I hope your trip from Bravil was uneventful." He then stepped around the desk and settled into his high-backed chair.

"Kud-Ei got the dispatch yesterday, Master Wizard," I said, lowering the tea cup to my lap. "Superian and I left before dawn this morning."

From behind steepled fingers, the slightly graying Breton continued, "I'll come right to the point. A mage has been killed and I would like you to look into the matter."

"Me?" Both my eyes opened wide.

"Hear me out, please." Raminus leaned forward slightly.

I nodded obediently, then lifted the tea to my lips.

"The victim's name was Phane Thierry, and he was seeking a recommendation to enter the University from the magister of the Skingrad chapter. According to Adrienne Berene, Thierry was a fine young Breton of humble means who hoped to one day serve the Legion as an Imperial Battlemage. She assigned him the task of clearing bears from nearby-" Raminus glanced down at a report, "Shardrock farm, for some beleaguered sheep herder. An appropriate task I suppose. No doubt, Adrienne considered it good for the guild's community relations as well."

"Bears can be dangerous." I shook my head sadly. "So you want me to go finish the job?" Surely Raminus didn't summon me here to go bear hunting. Yet if the mage had been killed by these powerful animals, what was there to investigate?

He frowned. "No. The young Associate did a fine job with the bears. He was attacked while returning to Skingrad."

"Killed by bandits?"

"No. It seems shortly after he left Shardrock, he was ambushed by necromancers - no less than three of them. He managed to run and fight his way to the nearby shrine of Meridia, where her followers came to his defense." Raminus shook his head as his eyes flashed in quiet rage. "The fight that ensued, left our Associate and a follower of Meridia dead. All three of the necromancers escaped."

"Master Wizard, why would necromancers attack one of our guild?"

He rubbed his chin, anger still in his eyes. "I don't know Buffy. While it's true that we prohibit the practice of necromancy by our members, we've never taken steps to persecute those outside our guild who choose to follow alternate teachings. We simply don't want our mages resurrecting corpses into worm thralls and desecrating the dead. We've never taken arms against necromancers to stop them from forming their own guild." The Breton's fingers slowly curled into a clenched fist. "Never before have they openly attacked us."

"I'm honored that you think me worthy of investigating this tragic matter, but I'm merely a-"

Raminus silenced me with a raised hand. "Merely a fine mystic archer who comes highly-recommended for the task by both Tar-Meena and Boderi Farano. I understand you were attacked by a necromancer?"

"Well, yes. One of the black robes tried to kill me in the bowels of Vilverin before I was admitted to the University. I admit that I was in his lair, but I declared myself and my peaceful intentions. As soon as he heard who I was, he attacked."

Raminus raised an eyebrow. "When you say you declared yourself, did you indicate you were a mage?"

"I did." A thought hit me. "Do you think that's why he attacked me? Because I was in the guild?"

"Well," his fingers returned to the steepled pose that made him look so 'head masterish', "that's what I'm beginning to wonder. What happened?"

"I managed to immobilize him with a spell, then shot him dead." I shuddered as I recalled the incident, then narrowed my eyes. "After I memorized the skull and bones symbol on his robes, I told his corpse I would offer neither warning nor quarter should I encounter his kind in the future."

"So Boderi tells me." Raminus nodded grimly. "That's one reason I think you're the right mage for this matter."

"There's more?" I asked.

"Both Tar-Meena and Boderi mentioned that you've had some dealings with a Daedra Lord?"

"Yes," I replied. "Azura chose me to perform a task for her. I have earned her favor."

"As I mentioned," Raminus continued, "the killing took place near the shrine of Meridia. As you may recall from your studies, she has little tolerance for the undead and perhaps may prove helpful in this matter. After all, one of her followers was killed in the attack as well. I'm hoping that your experience from fighting a necromancer and dealing with a Daedra Lord will help here." He then placed both palms upon his desk, leaned forward and locked his eyes onto mine. "May I count on your help in this matter, Buffy?"

* * *

The dog turned his head at my approach. His tail began to slowly thump against the leg of the Bosmer standing next to him. Alerted to my presence, Thernd briefly acknowledged me. He then returned his gaze to the east. "Look a' that, Lass."

Within a few moments, the first rays of the sun flooded the entire Valley of Horses in a spectacular display. Dew sparkled across the grass-covered meadow. Long flickering shadows were cast by leathery wings of the imps on patrol. I heard the thunder of approaching hooves. Three horses, including Superian, were racing our way. They swept a broad arc in front of us across the floor of the valley, coats glistening in the new sun, then sped away to the west towards Lake Rumare.

"Do ye see now why I have the best job there be?"

"You surely do," I said breathlessly. Rubbing my hand along the silver-gray fur of Bandit's back, he swung his head firmly into my stomach, demanding to have his ears scratched.

"Well, I see from yon bow on yer wee back that ye must be ready for travel." He glanced at Bandit. "Shall I have 'im fetch our black beauty?" He grinned and added, "If he can catch 'er o' course. Can't see 'er, but I'm sure she be down by the western water's edge by now."

"No, Thernd. Thank you." I closed my eyes. My mind quickly traveled to Superian and our spirits touched. I could feel the cool refreshing drink she was enjoying from the lake and held my request for a moment so she could finish. "She'll be here in a minute."

"Where be ye off to this fine morning, Lass?"

"Skingrad. If the roads be - oh listen to me!" I giggled. "I'm starting to talk like you. I mean, if the roads are quiet, I think we can make it by nightfall."

"Aye. Well I see yon mare now, headed straight for 'er elven mistress. Let's get 'er tack together and get the pair of ye on yer way."

* * *

I raised my torch against the dark night, revealing the awe-inspiring form of Meridia. The fine features of her visage were tilted upwards, as if addressing - or perhaps commanding - the sky. Graceful hands were clasped in front of her face, and stone fabric sleeves draped from her elbows. Her gown was tied loosely at the waist and from it, long bare legs descended to the top of a large, round pedestal.

"Our Lady is lovely, isn't she?"

Turning, I found myself looking into the kind eyes of an elderly Breton. He wore the simple brown robes of a monk, and his head was ringed by a tonsure style hair of the same color. "Breathtaking," I whispered. Raising my voice, I added, "Oh, sorry, I'm Buffy. I was sent by the Mages Guild to investigate the death of one of our Associates here."

"You are welcome in this place, young elf. My name is Basil Ernarde, healer and follower of Meridia. Your mage died bravely. I regret that his wounds were too severe for me to heal."

"Well met, Basil. I understand Meridia lost a follower as well. Please accept the condolences of my guild."

"Yes. We will help any way we can to avenge our shared losses."

"Can you fill me in on what happened?" I asked.

Basil quickly relayed what he knew, which was little more than what Raminus had told me. He suggested I attempt to summon Meridia herself. Perhaps she would know the whereabouts of the necromancers. "To summon our Lady, you'll need some evidence of your disdain for the undead."

"I have some ectoplasm," I said hopefully. "Will that do?"

Basil nodded, but seemed a little taken aback. "Do you normally carry such things with you?"

"Well, sure," I said a little sheepishly. "For my hair. I combine it with rosemary oil and aloe vera for conditioning, glow dust for shine and some finely ground bergamot for a nice citrus scent."

The Breton ran a hand over the bald head that capped his tonsure. "I wouldn't know anything about that." His eyes then clouded, and he frowned. "Do you expect to summon a Daedra Lord by pouring some sort of hair glop at her feet?"

"Oh, no. I have some fresh samples I haven't mixed up yet." I planted the torch into the soft ground. Rummaging through my pack, I produced a portion of ectoplasm. After placing the offering on Meridia's pedestal, I stepped back. The peculiar accent of her echoing voice broke the dark silence.

"By the detritus of the profane, I am brought forth. And by your offering, you have made the profane your interest, mortal. The undead are foul, unnatural things. Some of my rivals take pleasure in these abominations. Not Meridia. I wish these creatures destroyed. Hidden behind a door, deep in Howling Cave, are the necromancers you seek. They slay the living, and rob graves of the dead for the materials to raise their undead armies. Find these necromancers. Destroy them and their abominations. Do this, and earn the gratitude of Meridia."

I knelt close to the torch and spread my map on the ground. Howling Cave was back to the east, on the other side of Skingrad. Superian and I would return to the city tonight, and set out for the cave in the morning.

Posted by: hazmick Oct 3 2010, 02:57 PM

Another Daedra lord! Buffy facing off against Necromancers? wowzer! I enjoy the visits to Thern and Bandit, such a funny Bosmer Nice hair-care tips for Meridia's followers--who knows, perhaps Meridia herself will try it.

Posted by: treydog Oct 3 2010, 03:07 PM

Wonderful descriptions and characterizations throughout this chapter. It is always good to see Thernd. I think my favorite bit was the following:

Especially followed by Basil's skepticism about how well a Daedra lord will respond to "hair glop."

A deeper current though, is Raminus' trust in Buffy's ability to handle this task- bolstered by her mentors in the Guild.

Posted by: mALX Oct 3 2010, 03:11 PM

Woo Hoo !!! You've added your own Buffy flavor to several quests in one chapter !!!! Did I tell you I love this new version?

Posted by: haute ecole rider Oct 3 2010, 05:45 PM

What a wonderful chapter! I see you are getting better at capturing the transient moments that make this world (irl or Nirn) so worth living in. I loved your description of dawn at the Valley of Horses.

Then this made me laugh:

That was after I smiled at Buffy's words just before it.

One nit:
It just feels backwards to me. I think it might read better like this: Clasped together before her face were graceful hands that rose from draped stone sleeves covering her elbows.

Overall, a great chapter and it leaves me wanting more!

Posted by: SubRosa Oct 3 2010, 06:38 PM

Now this was a brilliant way of bringing Buffy into the Meridia quest, by tying it to the Necromancer storyline. On top of that by having Raminus send Buffy, the upcoming arc has more depth than just "adventurer wanders in and thinks 'oh I'll just summon a daedra lord and see if she has something for me to do'" as it works in the game.

his fingers returned to the steepled pose that made him look so 'head masterish'
And this observation is so Buffyish!

If the roads be
This is just delightful, how Buffy starts picking up the Scots brogue.

"For my hair. I combine it with rosemary oil and aloe vera for conditioning, glow dust for shine and some finely ground bergamot for a nice citrus scent."
Now that is definitely our Buffy!

Posted by: Grizzly20 Oct 3 2010, 10:24 PM

Brilliant! Another Daedra lord, can't wait to see what events unfold in the cave lair of the Necromancers. I also love how Buffy thinks of such concoctions, such as the shampoo/conditioner that she made out of Alchemical ingredients. Thank Monk seemed a bit jealous of Buffy's hair as well. He he......can't wait for more!

Posted by: Destri Melarg Oct 4 2010, 08:30 AM

Wow! Just wow! What a way to introduce Meridia’s quest! The set-up for this chapter felt like the beginning of a particularly good supernatural mystery. I felt as if Buffy was Clarice Starling summoned into Jack Crawford’s office and asked: “Do you spook easily, Starling?”

I agree with SageRosa’s comment about Raminus sending Buffy on this quest. This is a great way to get Buffy’s feet wet with the main thrust of the Mages Guild questline without making her get an annoying staff! I can't wait to see how she deals with the necromancers.

Posted by: D.Foxy Oct 5 2010, 02:19 AM

A glass of...er...water
A loaf of bread
And Buffy

...what more can a man want?

Posted by: Acadian Oct 6 2010, 06:22 PM

In Chapter 34, Buffy accepted a request from the University to look into the death of a mage killed by necromancers near the shrine to Meridia. She proceeded to the shrine and learned that the murderous black robes were holed up in nearby Howling Cave.

Tiny announcement: I went back and changed the episode that revealed Slayer's enchantments (Chapter 20). I changed the fire damage component to shock damage. I didn't want to deal with the bow burning off the clothes of its victims. Some arcing and sparking seemed more appropriate.

hazmick- Thank you! How Buffy's interest in Daedra Lords evolves over time will be an undercurrent for quite some time.

treydog- Realizing that Merida wanted an undead offering, I couldn't resist dredging up Buffy's hair conditioner recipe. It is the same one she shared with Alawen in BF 1.0. Thank you for picking up on the trust placed in her by several within her guild. It is not lost on her, and she willingly returns their loyalty. Despite the fact that she doesn't 'look' like a mage, the guild is indeed much like a family to her. Thank you.

mALX- Thank you! Buffy does indeed seem to somehow sidestep her way into quests sometimes.

Rider- Thank you for your inspiration that helped me spark the Valley of Horses to life. Aye, 'tis a magical place. Thanks for the nit; I agree and smoothed it out.

SubRosa- Thank you. Buffy makes me work very hard on the 'why' she would do something (like take on a quest). Hair glop - It was actually you and Teresa that caused me, long ago, to think in terms of creative uses for the alchemy ingredients in game. Imp chips and ectogoo - they're not just for potions and poisons anymore!

Grizzly- Thanks for the kind words. As Buffy deals with the necrodudes in the next episode, I hope you will see her 'cuddly like a rattlesnake' dichotomy on display.

Destri- Thank you. As I alluded above, I hope you will enjoy how Buffy's involvement with Daedra Lords evolves through several stages.

Foxy- One of the most precious compliments you have ever given me was likening Buffy to 'comfort food' a long time ago. I am quite honored to receive another such comment. Thank you!

An iron bowl hosted a flickering blue flame just outside the entrance to Howling Cave. Bright midday sun filtered through overhead branches, casting dappled light upon the otherwise shaded floor of the small grassy meadow. The same breeze that animated the gently swaying treetops, carried the smell of death. Birds cheerfully sang above the tranquil setting that was decorated with gravestones, open coffins and the remains of men or mer in various states of decay. A statue depicting an ominous robed figure seemed to be guarding the heavy wooden door.

Slipping to the ground, I patted the shoulder of my nervous mare as her nostrils fluttered at the smells. My hand reached for the comfort of Slayer, and I quietly entered the cave.

The odor was stronger in the musty darkness. I could detect several well-dispersed life signs in what seemed to be more abandoned mine than cave. Stalking with methodical care, I killed several rats, a couple zombies and one skeleton. No necromancers - only a door that appeared to lead deeper into this foul-smelling place.

As soon as I entered the next section of this cave, I pressed my back against the door and involuntarily sucked in my breath. There was a forest of large pink glows nearby. With a panicky flick of my wrist I disappeared. I now had a moment for my pounding heart to slow and sort this out.

I was at the end of a short tunnel. The candlelit chamber ahead was full of life signs. I could see a mixture of zombies and necromancers moving about, still unaware of my presence - perhaps half a dozen figures, and all quite close.

Now what, Buffy? Maybe I could convince them to reduce their own numbers. I would need some help though.

One of the necromancers stopped, giving me a clear shot. Forming an emerald globe of energy in my right hand, I sent it swirling towards the black-clad figure.

The black robe I had tricked into becoming my ally, quickly summoned a zombie and attacked his comrades.

I immediately released a lavender glow in front of me, from which a ghost materialized. He floated towards the chamber and began casting magic waves of cold into the fray. Perhaps we could cut this crowd down to something more manageable.

Between the taunts, screams, groans and summoning auras, it was difficult to judge what was happening in the swirling sea of pink ahead. Eventually however, the combat stopped. The survivors began searching for my ghost, but he had expired during the fight. I disappeared again as a mist of magicka settled over me.

It seemed the black robes were smart enough to suspect the source of their problem was near the entrance door. There were now two of them within arm's length, glaring at the space occupied by my invisible form. Turning sideways, I threaded a path between them. Continuing past the hanging spiked ball trap that someone or something had triggered, I entered the chamber ahead.

The cavern contained two dead necromancers and one zombie that was alive - or undead, or whatever zombies were. I cast a spell to command him (it?), then another to resummon my ghost. I backed deeper into the shadows as both my allies attacked the two black robes still posted by the entrance door.

Oh for Meridia's sake! I rolled my eyes in frustrated irritation as each of the necromancers summoned their own zombie. This was getting ridiculous. Undead fists and steel daggers passed harmlessly through my ghost as he struck our foes with icy fingers. Finally the fighting ceased, leaving once again, two necromancers blocking the exit.

I snuck into a corner to rest a moment and sip a potion to help recover magical energy faster.

Fortunately, these two necromancers made no attempt to detect my life sign in the dark. Rather, they seemed intent on waiting for intruders to emerge through the door they continued to guard. Were they apprentices, who simply didn't know how to search for pink glows? Or, since they hadn't actually seen me yet, perhaps they believed my ghost was the only threat they faced. Either way, I felt more comfortable with the odds now. I could feel my grip on Slayer changing from that of the prey to that of the hunter.

With my appetite for magicka sated, I crept back to where I could see the door. I cast a command spell at one of the necromancers. Each summoned a zombie (of course), and a balanced fight began. I selected and applied a poison that would both kill and prevent spell casting.

Finally, I nocked the first arrow of this fight. Over its tip, I watched the Buffy team battling the black team. Presently one of the necromancers was killed, his zombie evaporating. The other summon quickly expired.

A moment later, the lone survivor was jerked violently by the impact of my arrow. He staggered against the door and collapsed. One of Slayer's enchantments caused arcing sparks to dance around and through his body for a moment. He managed to struggle to his feet. Dazed and unsteady, he leaned his back against the door behind him. I could now see an emerald tinge, that I found quite beautiful under the circumstances, had blossomed into his face and hands.

I nocked a second arrow that could impale the necromancer to the heavy wooden door, then paused to watch him. He raised a fist. I smiled to see that no orange aura formed. No zombie materialized to his aid. He was unable to cast spells, and his life was slowly yielding to my poison. I chose to let his torment linger, staying the arrow that could have delivered instant death.

He stared into the shadows that hid me. In pain and confusion he tried over and over to cast a spell until he succumbed. I returned the arrow to my quiver and relaxed a bit. Amazingly, I was unscathed.

Shouldering my bow, I slipped on a ring of light to see better, and reached for my hunting knife. I checked the necromancer's corpse and completed the bloody task of recovering my arrow.

A search of his robe, and those of his companions revealed some gold coins, potions, spell scrolls and a black soul gem. Recalling that part of my task here was to gather evidence, I collected up the items. I then removed one of the robes that was undamaged by arrow or dagger, rolled it up and placed it in my pack.

After removing the ring of light, I slid Slayer from my back. There remained one distant life sign within the considerable range of the two rings I wore. I cast a spell to temporarily boost that distance even further. Still, just the one glow. By its shape and movement, I assessed this to be a fifth, and final necromancer.

I explored the cave in vain, for clues that could explain the brazen daylight assault that had killed one of our mages and a follower of Meridia. Finally, only the last necromancer's cavern remained. It was dimly lit by candles.

Silently blending into shadow, I approached until I could see that this black robe was wearing a hood; I guessed that meant he was probably the leader. On one of the walls, hung a filthy red and black banner bearing the skull and bones symbol of my enemies.

A corpse was hanging by its feet in the cavern. I knew it wasn't Phane Thierry, who had been killed near Meridia's shrine. The young mage's body had been recovered by the Skingrad chapter, and was buried next to the Great Chapel of Julianos. The cemetery there was well-patrolled by guards, especially after Phane's death.

No, the body suspended from the ceiling of this foul cave was that of some other poor nameless victim. Entrails protruded from an incision running from his breast bone to his crotch. As a hunter, I knew this man or mer was being field dressed like a deer or boar.

Because of the chamber's layout, this would be a fairly short range fight. After applying another combination poison, I fit the tail of my broadhead arrow to Slayer's silk bowstring. Tracking the target with the tip of my arrow as he moved about the cavern, I waited patiently.

He stopped in front of the corpse. Working with a knife and tongs, he started removing organs.

I was glad for my anger, as it prevented nausea.

The impact of my arrow from this range propelled the necromancer into a nearby wall, and forced the air from his lungs. Thanks to the bow's enchantments and some quiet sidestepping, my exact location remained uncompromised. The black robe was unable to cast spells and too badly injured to stand. His life was quickly draining from his body as he stared with confusion at the poisoned arrow imbedded deeply in his chest.

I stepped from the shadows, with another arrow nocked just in case. "You'll be dead in a moment," I purred to the necromancer. "Perhaps I should reanimate you and we could do this a few more times? Would you. . . enjoy that?" I dropped the seductive tone before continuing, "As I told one of your dead comrades in Vilverin: No warning, no quarter."

His eyes registered my words, then rolled back in his head and closed. As the pink glow faded from his body, I added, "Oh, I forgot. I don't know how to reanimate things anyway. Sorry."

I knew clearing this cave had been a necessary task, but I made no pretense of being noble or righteous about my motivation. I had enjoyed killing these necromancers. If I felt hatred for them, I couldn't help that it bubbled forth in the tactics I used. I made no apology for my cruelty when it came to two-legged varmints who would harm those I held dear.

I quickly searched the chamber, anxious to leave the dark stench of Howling Cave.

On my way out of the cave, I thought about Phane Thierry. He would never attend the University, nor fulfill his dream to become an Imperial Battlemage. These black robes had snuffed out his young life. "Rest in peace, guild mate," I whispered. "You are avenged."

Posted by: mALX Oct 6 2010, 06:41 PM

Whew! What a battle! Here is my fave line, "I was glad for my anger, as it prevented nausea." - EW, the description of the body before that merited that statement !!!! Awesome Write !!!!

Posted by: SubRosa Oct 6 2010, 09:57 PM

Bright midday sun filtered through overhead branches, casting dappled light upon the otherwise shaded floor of the small grassy meadow. The same breeze that animated the gently swaying treetops, carried the smell of death.
An excellent description. Contrasting the natural beauty of the scene with the very unnatural horror of the necromancer's leavings.

and one zombie that was alive - or undead, or whatever zombies were.
Indeed, whatever they are!

Amazingly, I was unscathed.
Amazing indeed! That was one tour de force of illusion magic. Buffy really struts her stuff in that battle, showing all of her chops as both an archer, and especially a mage.

Cuddly as a rattlesnake, and well she should be given the circumstances. Suddenly Buffy is looking a lot like Samuel Jackson in Pulp Fiction:
"And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers! And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you!"

Posted by: haute ecole rider Oct 6 2010, 10:23 PM

Buffy makes a heck of a battlemage herself - great use of Illusion, as SubRosa pointed out.

This is my favorite line:

What a way to capture the growing confidence in her own skillz!

Loved this chapter, Acadian!

Posted by: Linara Oct 6 2010, 11:38 PM

Ooo! Buffy the Necromancer Slayer returns I liked her speech, it was the sort my mage would make, short and to the point. I look forward to the next Chapter!
Nell

Posted by: treydog Oct 7 2010, 01:48 AM

The first paragraph grabs you by the throat (or nose) with its brilliant description of the contrasts between the natural and unnatural worlds outside the cave.

This entire installment is am absolute gem- so much so that I would basically have to quote the whole thing to indicate the "good parts." Marvelous writing, my friend.

Posted by: Zalphon Oct 7 2010, 02:29 AM

As usual, well written, Buffy.

Posted by: D.Foxy Oct 7 2010, 03:39 AM

I watched the Buffy team battling the black team

Unintentionally, old friend, you are now writing comedy!

"As I told one of your dead comrades in Vilverin: No warning, no quarter."

And now we see our Buffy growing into one of the wisecracking heroes of action movies...yay!

On my way out of the cave, I thought about Phane Thierry. He would never attend the University, nor fulfill his dream to become an Imperial Battlemage. These black robes had snuffed out his young life. "Rest in peace, guild mate," I whispered. "You are avenged."

To love, honour, and...avenge your comrades, is the Foxy Doctrine as well.

Posted by: Destri Melarg Oct 7 2010, 09:55 AM

I will not re-quote that first paragraph, but know that I have copied it and filed it away as a magnificent example of setting a scene. By the time Buffy slips off Superian, the atmosphere of the entire chapter has already been established.

Inside Howling Cave Buffy shows what an Arcane University education is worth. I imagine that if Boderi could see her, she would be beaming with pride. From the timid young wood elf who peed herself at the sight of her first zombie, Buffy has grown into a formidable slayer capable of dispatching a sizable force of necromancers and undead without suffering a scratch.

And the truly amazing thing about it is that never once did your description move into the realm of ‘uberness’.

Posted by: Remko Oct 7 2010, 10:56 AM

I always enjoyed one-shotting filthy necromancers. This chapter amused a greatly
poisons + bow + dead necromancer = sheer joy

Posted by: Acadian Oct 9 2010, 01:36 PM

Chapter 35 saw Buffy successfully clear the necromancers from Howling Cave on behalf of Raminus Polus and Meridia. The cult of black robes had killed a young member of the Mages Guild as well as a follower of Meridia.

mALX- Yup. Seeing those necrodudes field dressing out a man or mer peed her off. And we all know she tends to follow and act on her anger. . . Lol. Thank you!

SubRosa- I'm so pleased that the opening description captured the contrasts of the scene. Thank you for your wonderful insights. We earned another 'cuddly as a rattlesnake'! Oooh - where is that *twirl* emoticon?

Rider- Buffy is lucky that Kud-Ei is an illusionist and inspired her, and that Boderi helped her specialize in that direction. I was tickled that you compared Buffy to a battlemage. Boderi and I define a battlemage as one who masters the awesome synergy of blending conventional weaponry with magic. It is not surprising to me that Boderi therefore joins you in considering a mystic archer as a form of battlemage. Thank you!

Linara- Thank you so much for gracing us with your reading! By now, Buffy has been well-trained by necromancers to loathe them. She ponders why Azura could not have 'touched her fate' so that she was a Necromancer or Daedra Slayer instead of a Vampire Slayer. Lol.

treydog- I am so humbled by such kind comments from the writer I want to grow up to emulate.

Zalphon- Thank you. Buffy appreciates the compliment!

Foxy- With a name like 'Buffy' we do strive for some tongue in cheek when it seems to flow naturally from the circumstances. Oooh! I think she would heartily endorse the Foxy Doctrine!

Destri- You are a master of creative description; to earn such kind words on our opening scene-setter humbles me greatly. I have learned much from you, my friend. The fights inside Howling Cave did go well for Buffy. I think you are right that Boderi would have been proud of her glass cannon. Sometimes the cannon dominates, sometimes the glass. She did well in this case, and kept her greaves dry.

Remko- Thank you. In Buffy's gray world, she has learned some absolutes: Bandits, marauders, highwaymen and necromancers are evil and attack without provocation.

"The pair of ye look none the worse fer yer journey, Lass," said Thernd as he took the mare's reins.

I slid to the ground and joined the Bosmer in removing Superian's tack. "It was not pleasant, Thernd. I had to avenge the guild, as well as Meridia, against some rogue necromancers."

"Well good riddance to 'em." Thernd spat on the ground. "Animatin' someone's parts after they be dead just ain't right if yer askin' me. Did ye say Meridia?"

"Why yes, do you know of her?"

He wrinkled his brow and scratched a pointed ear. "Only that she be a Deadra Lord. Thaurron and I found a shrine to one of 'em years ago."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? Do you remember anything about it?" I led Superian into the barn for some fresh hay and a well-deserved rest.

By the time I stepped back outside, Thernd had touched a glowing fingertip to his pipe and loosed a ring of smoke into the air. "Got yer map?" After marking a spot north of Anvil, he continued. "Malacath be his name, and orcs be his followers. They told us to be gone unless we had some troll fat to offer their boss. Them orcs didn't look none too fond o' wood elves, so Thaurron and I took the part of their advice about bein' gone."

I rolled up the map. "Thanks, Thernd. Well, I'd better go tell Raminus Polus about the necromancers."

*

After listening to my brief report, the Imperial leaned back in his chair and ran a hand through his gray-streaked brown hair. "I'm glad I chose you for this mission, Buffy. You have acquitted both yourself and the guild well." Raminus studied the collection of potions, scrolls and other items from Howling Cave that I had placed on his desk. Holding up the black robe, he frowned. "Yes, this is the symbol of a necromantic cult. You say the banner you saw in Howling Cave displayed the same markings?"

"Yes, Master Wizard. It was in the deepest chamber of the cave, along with the leader of the necromancers. He was cutting into a corpse that was hanging by its feet. The body was not that of our mage or Meridia's follower, but it was still horrible."

Raminus' brief flash of what looked like quiet rage was cut short as his gaze settled on the black soul gem on his desk. He lifted it to his ear. "This one's full - likely from the poor owner of that corpse you describe. No doubt the necromancers intended to animate the body into a worm thrall with it." Setting the gem down, he pointed at a large ring within the pile of my spoils and raised an eyebrow.

"Meridia gave it to me," I said. "The Daedra Lord was pleased with the price I exacted from the necromancers for their deeds. She considers them an affront to all life."

"After what you report, I fear I must agree with her assessment." He skimmed through several of the scrolls, then furrowed his brow. "Buffy, you found no notes or letters detailing their plans?"

"No, Master Wizard," I then added, "and Meridia offered no insight into their motivation."

"Well, we shall remain vigilant, but hope that this attack on one of our mages was the work of a rogue cell, now destroyed thanks to you." Raminus gestured at the collection of items on his desk. "You took the risks, Buffy, so these things are yours. I suggest however, you give that black soul gem to Tar-Meena at the Mystic Archives, so it doesn't fall into the wrong hands."

*

I paused to lean over the heavy marble hand rail and admire the view of the University gardens below. Apprentices, in their green bags, were gathering by the benches of the outdoor classroom. No doubt one of the blue robe scholars would soon arrive and deliver a lecture on doom stones or such. It brought back memories. "You know, Acadian, I'm going to keep that black soul gem."

What use do you have for it?

I looked around to ensure no one could overhear a wood elf talking to the silent air around her about black soul gems. "It can make powerful enchantments."

You already created Slayer.

"I could use it to fully recharge my bow."

Is that not why you risked our life to obtain the Star of Azura?

I countered, "Maybe I'll sell the black soul gem to Ungarion."

"What would he do with it?" I repeated Acadian's unspoken question. "Oh. Well I guess I didn't think about that. You don't suppose he would sell it to someone to make - what did Raminus call them - oh yes, worm thralls? No, don't answer that." I frowned. "Ungarion is charming but he would give it to whoever paid him, with no questions asked - the same way he sells stuff to me. Perhaps I should've thought of that before I gave him those other two black soul gems. At least they were empty."

I started towards the steps. "Ok, I'll do as you say, my paladin."

Closing the heavy door of the Mystic Archives behind me, I closed my eyes and deeply inhaled the rich, comforting smell of old books and leather bindings.

"What brings you to me today, Apprentice?" The beautifully soothing voice of Tar-Meena welcomed me.

"I guess you know about necromancers attacking one of our mages out by Skingrad?" I asked.

The Argonian's orange eyes blinked, then she nodded sadly. "Yes. I understand Raminus took the recommendation that Boderi and I provided him, and asked you to investigate." Tar-Meena waved me to a table and seated herself.

I joined her, and fished into my pack. "Their local cult is destroyed. Raminus thought the Archives might have use for some of these things." I placed the necromancer robes on the table. My hand hesitated, then I added the black soul gem and Meridia's ring.

"Well, these robes will be a welcome addition to the materials we have for studying their cults. We have several black soul gems, but I will put this one in our display case for safe keeping." Tar-Meena cocked her head. "What is this ring? Did you find it on the necromancers? I do not recognize it."

"Oh no," I said. "Meridia gave it to me for clearing the black robes from Howling Cave."

The Argonian smiled. "Another Daedric artifact. It seems you are getting quite popular with Daedra Lords. You carry Azura's Star, and now this." She examined the ring, then stood. After returning from her shelves with a book, she leafed through it comparing the ring to sketches on the yellowed pages. "Hmm, let's see, Malacath, Malog Bal, ah here it is - Meridia. This is the Ring of Khajiiti. Do you know what it does?"

I held a finger in front of my face and slid on the ring. Looking at Tar-Meena through my translucent hands, I said, "Yes, see? It has a partial chameleon effect and increases my speed slightly." I shrugged as I slipped off the ring. "I don't really think I need it; between my ability to hide in the shadows and cast illusions, I can already remain hidden when I want to. I will never part with Azura's Star, but would you like this ring for the Archives?"

Tar-Meena absently tugged on one of her horns. After a moment, she shook her head. "I will make some sketches and take some notes, but you should carry it with you. It is very valuable, yet weighs much less than the gold it is worth. You earned it."

I nodded, and pushed the ring towards her. "I'll pick it up before I leave."

"What are your plans now, Buffy?"

"Well," I grinned sheepishly, "I must admit I quite fancy these Daedra Lord trinkets. I know there must be more of them out there. Thernd, at the stables just marked Malacath's Shrine on my map. My archery master, Daenlin, and I found the Shrine to Sheogorath years ago. His followers were quite insane, but perhaps I'll have to look into that. Do you know of any others?"

Tar-Meena flashed a toothy grin. "You always were the type to devour these old texts, then want to go see for yourself. I am glad Boderi trained you to survive the hazards of field research."

"And I'm glad you taught me to love books, my friend." I placed my hand over Tar-Meena's.

"It seems like you have the exploration bug." She again rose and, after retrieving two volumes from a nearby shelf, returned.

Turning my head sideways, I could read one of the titles. "Oh I remember 'Modern Heretics'. It was very helpful when I sought Azura's favor."

"Well," the Argonian said as she blew off the dust and opened the other book, "this one is by the retired mage, Ontus Vanin. In it he details the location of Vaermina's Shrine. Here." She turned the book so I could read the passage and see the sketch.

"Oh, I see. It's between here and Cheydinhal, on the shore of Lake Poppad." I marked the location on my map. "Thank you, Tar-Meena! I'll head upstairs now to do some reading on Malacath, Sheogorath and Vaermina.

Alone on the top floor of the Archives, I had several texts open and was studying my map to figure out the best routing. Acadian was curious.

"What am I doing chasing after Daedric Princes?" I wrinkled my face. "Acadian, I adore having Azura's Star. Like I told Tar-Meena, can you imagine the possibilities if any of them reward as well as Azura did?" I sighed. "Treasures I can't even imagine."

What trinkets do you need?

"Well, I guess I don't really need anything. I mean I have Slayer, my detect life rings and Azura's Star." I thought for a moment, then giggled. "Maybe I'm addicted. You know how when you walk by a shop? You just have to go inside to see what they - no, I guess you wouldn't understand that."

I set my jaw. "Look, I listened to you when you told me to give that black soul gem to Tar-Meena. Now you can just listen to me. We'll buy some troll fat for Malacath, then we're going shrine hunting!"

I expect you'll be disappointed.

"Well, we're leaving in the morning, so I guess I'll just have to see for myself, won't I?" I stuck out my tongue.

Acadian let slip part of a thought before he quickly cut it off from me.

"Oh, really?" I bristled in response. "You think I always claim the last word when we argue? Well you're wrong! Go ahead, you can have the last say."

You're right of course, Buffy. Let's go.

"Fine."

Posted by: D.Foxy Oct 9 2010, 03:00 PM

Oh Ho!!!

Buffy using the "F" word!!! The one even DEADLIER than the other "F" word!!!

WATCH OUT ACADIAN!!!

Posted by: haute ecole rider Oct 9 2010, 03:34 PM

I like the explanation Buffy provides for her Daedric shrine hunting.

And I'm with Fox (another F word??) regarding the use of the word Fine! Makes me think of a certain episode in a certain dog's story!

Posted by: mALX Oct 9 2010, 03:37 PM

My absolute favorite line in this chapter, I LOVE THIS !!!!!! :


"Oh, really?" I bristled in response. "You think I always claim the last word when we argue? Well you're wrong! Go ahead, you can have the last say."

Great Write !!!!!

Posted by: SubRosa Oct 9 2010, 08:38 PM

Them orcs didn't look none too fond o' wood elves
I am not so sure about that. They probably love elves over a slow fire with some barbecue sauce!

Apprentices, in their green bags
This observation is so Buffy!

You know how when you walk by a shop? You just have to go inside to see what they - no, I guess you wouldn't understand that.
Likewise so is this! It seems that just as a certain stringy Bosmer is drawn to exploring Ayleid ruins, Buffy feels the pull of Daedra Lords. Perhaps only for the excitement and treasure, for now. I suspect that when she comes across some of them, such as Molag Bal, she will feel less enthusiastic though.

And of course the last word of the episode was just priceless! You really do write young girls well.


nits:
Raminus Polus is a Breton? I mention it because in the game he is an http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Oblivion:Raminus_Polus. No arguments if you want to change his race on purpose. The Bretons are known to be prolific magicians after all.

Posted by: treydog Oct 10 2010, 12:05 AM

Thernd is always a treat, with his down-to-earth wisdom. I hope his idle mention of Malacth’s shrine does not lead our skinny elf astray… Ah, too late.

One of the beauties of your story is that neither main character "controls" the other. The, um- discussions- about the black soul gem and Buffy's penchant for shrine-hunting are ample evidence.

As to the end of the argument, Athlain was cringing, but his elven princess was applauding. May Akatosh save us if Buffy and Athynae ever get together.

Wonderful descriptive passages as noted by others... simply a wonderful addition to Buffy's story.

Posted by: Destri Melarg Oct 10 2010, 11:08 AM

I think they would be more likely to roast Superian (perish the thought)!

I am glad that Buffy decided to give the black soul gem to Tar-Meena. That is just the sort of thing that Raminus would ask the librarian about in passing. But, I have to say, I almost yelled at the screen when I learned that Buffy was so willing to part with the Ring of Khajiit. I know that she can already handle the enchantments that the ring provides through her spells, but I agree with Tar-Meena, Buffy earned that ring! It is not something that should gather dust in the Mystic Archives. Or, worse, it should not be decorating the finger of a lowly apprentice who did nothing to earn it. Buffy’s admitted addiction to daedric trinkets is a clear indicator to me that the ring should stay in her possession. On to Anvil now, methinks . . . with perhaps time for a brief detour?

Posted by: Linara Oct 10 2010, 09:53 PM

Definitely my favorite line. She just sounds so Buffy! I have to admit, I was surprised when she offered the ring, Buffy usually likes her shiny stuff doesn't she? Very enjoyable.

Posted by: Acadian Oct 12 2010, 01:08 PM

In Chapter 36, Buffy debriefed Raminus Polus on her encounter with the necromancers of Howling Cave. Having earned Meridia's favor in the process, it seems Buffy is now quite enamored by the idea of Daedric trinkets. In fact, she has set her sights on hunting for more Daedric Shrines. Although stopping short of calling her a material girl, it is clear that Acadian is not optimistic about what Buffy will find.

Foxy- The F word. I never should have let Buffy sit on my shoulder as we read one of treydog's episodes featuring Athynae!

Rider- Thank you! I fear Buffy will become disillusioned seeking trinkets from Daedra Lords. The young have to learn these things for themselves though I guess.

mALX- I'm so glad the line you quoted resonated. If Acadian wants the last word, that's . . . Fine! Lol. Thank you!

SubRosa- Thank you for the kind words. I hope you enjoy the undercurrents as Buffy's focus on Daedric Shrines evolves. You are most right to point out that Raminus is an Imperial - thanks, I fixed it.

treydog- Thank you for your observations on Buffy and Acadian. They are completely different life forms, or species as it were. Given the obligate symbiotic nature of their relationship and its inherent closeness, the occasional spark of disagreement is unavoidable. Fortunately, they listen to, respect and learn from each other. Given what Buffy has already picked up from Athynae, I must agree that getting the two ladies together could be dangerous for all around them.

Destri- I believe Raminus is a good student of the wood elf free spirit nature. By asking instead of demanding, he ensured both Buffy's help with the necromancers and, after a nudge from Acadian, that the black soul gem made its way to Tar-Meena. Like a certain sweetroll, that black soul gem will resurface in a few chapters.

On to the Gold Coast indeed. A detour? How very insightful of you! Her next chapter takes place at the shrine to Malacath. How and why she avoided a detour into Kvatch on the way out there will be addressed in the chapter after that. She will face that decision on her return trip.

Linara- I'm so glad you enjoyed the bowgirl asserting herself in a very 'Buffy' manner. Thank you! In offering the ring to Tar-Meena, it seems Buffy's giving nature (to those who are kind to her) overrode her attraction to shiny trinkets. The same girl that would slowly torture necromancers, would offer the ring off her finger to a friend. I confess as well, that part of my intent was to demonstrate that the way Buffy is built as a mystic archer, she really doesn't need that ring - or any other magic trinkets beyond those she already has. She doesn't yet realize that though - so off she embarks on a 'material girl' expedition. Wait till you see what she does with the next artifact she gets.

"Good job! No one owns ogres but ME! And I fixed that maggot! The ogres own Drad! Make Drad eat dirt!" The massive stone figure of Malacath paused to boom forth a mighty laugh that shook the nearby pines and forced my hands to my ears. "Now you get a present. Keep up the good work. And be nice to my little brothers!"

The handle of a warhammer materialized in my hands. Its massive weight immediately sought the ground, decisively taking me with it. I heard orcish laughter behind me.

"Ho! Look at that, Ghorub. Volendrung's bigger than she is."

"Yeah, look at the tiny tree elf. Got more than ya can handle there, twig?"

I blew a strand of hair from my face, glanced up at the towering shrine to Malacath and whispered, "Your little brothers are making it quite hard to be nice to them." Releasing the grounded warhammer, I rose to my feet and slowly turned to face the pair of orcs. Lifting my chin, I planted both hands on my hips. "I didn't exactly see your big green butts down at Drad's estate fighting his henchmen to free those poor enslaved ogres."

Oops.

Silence descended. The axe that was slung on one orc's hip found its way to his hand, while his comrade slid a heavy sword free of its scabbard.

Buffy, when are you going to learn when to keep your mouth shut? I glanced at Superian some thirty or so paces away. Perhaps I could cast a spell to disappear, and make it to the speedy mare's back for a getaway.

"Stop!" The powerful command came from a third orc. I had briefly met the brown-robed leader of these followers when I accepted Malacath's task. His name was Shobob gro-Rugdush, and his voice carried authority. "Mug, Ghorub, stay your weapons. She may be small, but this elf possesses something you do not - the favor of our Lord."

Dark eyes glared and upper lips curled, but the axe and blade were lowered, as Mug and Ghorub stepped back.

Shobob approached me calmly. His hands were the size of dinner plates, but they were open and empty. I gulped, but did not reach for my bow. He spoke. "Now that you've completed Malacath's task, you are welcome here - despite the protests of my youthful companions. I must confess, I did not expect to see you return, Bosmer."

"Thank you for your timely intervention," I said looking up at the orc towering above me. This is a 'little' brother of Malacath?

Shobob curled his lip slightly, but judging from his kind brown eyes I assessed the expression to be a smile. "You have earned Volendrung," he continued. "May I help you lift it into your pack?"

"I'm afraid that would merely render the pack too heavy to carry." I thought about my magic bag. Buffy, what are you going to do with a hammer you can't even lift? I stared at the massive weapon for a moment, then lifted my face to meet the orc's eyes and smiled. "Shobob, I'm touched by your chivalry and kindness. I would be deeply honored if you would carry my mighty warhammer as your own, and wield it on my behalf."

His dark eyes opened wide as he stared at me questioningly.

I nodded.

Shobob slowly removed the two handed axe from behind his shoulders. After lowering it to the ground, he effortlessly hoisted Volendrung across his broad back. When he met my gaze again, I believed his eyes were shining with moisture - although it may have just been the angle of the westering sun as it sought the Abecean Sea.

"Shobob, you are truly an orc worthy of this weapon." I shot a smug glance at his dumbstruck companions.

"I don't believe you told me your name, Bosmer."

"I am called Buffy."

"Well, Buffy, I will proudly wield Volendrung, and remember your kindness with every skull it crushes."

I forced a crooked smile.

"Sit with me." Shobob lead me to a bench under the shrine's shadow. "Every hopeful follower of Malacath strives to gain the favor of our Lord. I earned his blessing many years ago. My task was to help a young orc escape nearby Fort Crowhaven. She was a simple servant, and heavy with child at the time. Malacath did not take kindly to her being seduced by the Imperial noble that she worked for. Only some sort of foul magic could make a fine orcish woman lower herself to consort with a human."

He jerked a large thumb towards Mug and Ghorub. "These two lugs remain unblessed. They failed on more than one attempt to even locate where Drad kept the ogres. Tell me, Buffy, how did you do it?"

"Well," I began, "Lord Drad was pretty evasive, but the lady of the manor seemed quite anxious to sit and enjoy some girl talk over tea, strawberries and sweetrolls. Lady Drad told me of the hidden mine and even revealed where she and Lord Drad kept a key. Frankly, I don't think she liked the idea of enslaving ogres at all." I grinned slyly. "After dark, I slipped back into their estate and pinched the key."

Shobob glanced at the sulking Mug and Ghorub, and chuckled. "Well I guess that explains why those two didn't get very far. Perhaps Malacath realized this job called for a woman's touch." He then looked down at me appraisingly. "You're one third our size. Did you not encounter any of Drad's guards?"

"Not until I actually entered the mine," I replied. "Then, oh my yes! I know some illusion magic though, so I was able to convince them that they were the intruders, not me. See, one nice thing about being small is that I could cast my spell, then hide in a crevice between some rocks. I had to repeat that a couple times until only one wounded guard remained."

Shobob let both raised eyebrows ask his next question.

I glanced over my shoulder at Slayer in response.

The orc nodded his understanding, then a sparkle animated his eyes as he broke the brief silence. "Tell me about the ogres, Buffy."

"I used one of the guard's keys to open the holding cells and free them. Those were the first ogres I ever saw, Shobob, but I will never forget them. They're beautiful. Ogres are majestic, gray, gentle giants. I agree with Malacath - they should be free. Why, when I left, they were teaching the Drads how to farm."

Posted by: D.Foxy Oct 12 2010, 01:28 PM

Oops...

She did it again
She wounded their pride
and all because
She couldn't hold her tongue

Young Lady, Miss Crazy
HOW OFTEN must we tell you
NOT to just let out
Everything your mind spouts?

You deserve a spanking-
but since trouble's flanking
We'll tan your butt another day
And try our best to save it today!!!

Posted by: haute ecole rider Oct 12 2010, 03:55 PM

I loved Buffy's solution to the problem of Volendrung! How fitting that she should give it to someone for whom it's but a toy (albeit a Daedric toy)?

In Shobob's tale, I thought I heard a hint of foreshadowing! Will you pursue this further at some point?

As usual, Buffy showed class in getting out of her own grave!

Posted by: SubRosa Oct 12 2010, 04:56 PM

Its massive weight immediately sought the ground, decisively taking me with it.
This was a wonderfully tongue-in-cheek way of putting it.

And just like Buffy to speak her mind and get herself in trouble. You are right, it does appear to be a wood elf thing!

Buffy resolves her quandary over what to do with Volendrang in typical Buffy fashion, by being generous. So lets see, out of three Daedric quests now she has kept one reward, and given the other two away? That says a bit about our bowgirl right there!

although it may have just been the angle of the westering sun as it sought the Abecean Sea
I am sure that is what it must have been. Manly men do not cry after all, let alone manly orcs!

and remember your kindness with every skull it crushes.
Now that is a manly orc alright! Sounds like Shobob would like Cutter!

Now that was a brilliant little thread you wove into Shobob's background, with him rescuing Agronak's mother from Lord Locutus Leviticus Lovidicus. It makes me wonder if a certain vampire slayer might be making Agronak's acquaintance sometime...

Posted by: mALX Oct 12 2010, 05:34 PM

"Teaching the Drads how to farm" - ROFL !!!! - but ARGH!!! You don't take advantage of Buffy having a stalker in that quest? (or six if she is lucky) ???? That is one of my fave quests because it gives me stalkers worthy of the title !!!!

Posted by: mALX Oct 12 2010, 05:35 PM

I love this poem Foxy !!!!!!!

Posted by: Zalphon Oct 13 2010, 02:30 AM

Buffy and Malacath sitting in a tree...
K-I-S-S-I-N-G...
First comes love...
Then comes hate...
Then comes an orc in a baby carriage...

Buffy, I have to admit, you and Malacath?

Posted by: Linara Oct 13 2010, 02:44 AM

Well I can't say I agree with that but I still loved the chapter. You were very right, I was surprised when she gave Volendrung away. But really, what would she have done with a giant axe like that? It fit very nicely. Linara would have loaded up on potions of feather and sold it in the city, I think. And of course there was one of my favorite lines:
They most definitely were! Another artifact collected, another shrine visited. What's next?

Posted by: treydog Oct 13 2010, 08:52 PM

If Buffy ever learns to think before she speaks, she won’t be Buffy anymore. Just saying…

Gifting the hammer to Shobob was inspired- and again illustrates the Buffy Doctrine in action.

Hmmm, Shobob’s mission to gain Malacath’s favor sounds like the beginning of a story I have read somewhere else…

And the ogres as seen through Buffy’s eyes- I don’t quite know what to say about that.

Posted by: Destri Melarg Oct 14 2010, 09:41 AM

Two sentences:

And

‘Hands the size of dinner plates' is a wonderfully visual image, and why do I have the feeling that Buffy’s kindness will be ‘remembered’ often?

I wonder what Shobob would say if he found out what happened to the child he saved from Lord Lovidicus. And is there anything more in keeping with her character than Buffy thinking that the ogres are ‘majestic’ simply because they didn’t try to rip her face off?

Posted by: Acadian Oct 15 2010, 01:27 PM

In Chapter 37, Buffy earned the favor of the Daedric Prince, Malacath. She was rewarded with the massive warhammer, Volendrung - a weapon she lacked the strength to lift. Rejecting the notion of trying to carry it in her magic bag, Buffy bestowed the hammer upon one of Malacath's followers, due to the chivalry and kindness he showed her.

Foxy- Only through Buffy's eyes, do I now begin to grasp the impact it tends to have on women when men write poetry for them. Even if it does rightfully tease her about her temper. Thank you.

Rider- Buffy was quite taken by her 'rescue' and offer of help from Shobob. Of course, if she was as wise as wonderful Julian, her mouth would not have generated the rescue requirement in the first place. The Gray Prince will play a small role in this book. We plan a much larger role for him in book two. At some point in book 3, we do expect Buffy the Slayer to visit Crowhaven. So many stories, so little time.

SubRosa- I hope you don't take it wrong, but Buffy was actually a little relieved to realize that she wasn't the only young wood elf with a temper problem. Here's hoping that both Teresa and Buffy learn to manage it better with time - at least Buffy doesn't have that red hair working against her! See the Agronak comments I made to our lovely Rider. Thank you for the thoughtful compliments on some of our phrasing.

mALX- Oh noes! Our pritty kitty Maxical has more than enough stalkers for any girl! (mALX of course is talking about how sometimes Drad's guards can stalk your character.) Thank you!

Zalphon- As the followers of Malacath like to say, "People think we're evil. Do I look evil?" Buffy thought freeing those ogres was a good thing. Thanks!

Linara- Thank you! Buffy loves pretty things she can wear or use. She is not real interested in lugging loot around to sell for cash. Again, she was very touched by the 'rescue' afforded her by Shobob.

treydog- Think before she speaks? As I alluded to wise SubRosa, I'm just glad she does not have Athynae's red hair to aggravate things. Seeing the ogres through Buffy's eyes was magical for me. She loved their power and majesty - like that of her black mare. I suspect it is a fascination with things she does not possess herself. Envy? In an odd way, somewhat like admiring the statuesque beauty of her friend Ardaline. She has no clue that most ogres are hostile; she will mention this in the future, at a dinner party with Countess Leyawiin.

Destri- 'Hands like dinner plates' - thank you. That was inspired by friend treydog's describing the hands of his Nordic smith as like shovels. The ogres were kind to Buffy; that's all she asks for of anyone. I know that if they didn’t try to rip her face off, she would find your Tsaesci majestic. I know I do.

Well-rested and provisioned, Superian and I left Gottshaw Inn before dawn and headed east.

As we approached a fork in the Gold Road, Superian sensed my indecisive turmoil and drew to a stop. To our right, the road continued toward Skingrad. To our left, the trail narrowed and wound its way up towards Kvatch.

On our trip west to Malacath's Shrine, we had taken a northern route via Chorrol, then west along the Hammerfell border. Once reaching its headwaters, we had followed the Brenna River almost to the Abecean Sea. The route was interestingly different, and enabled me to plot several new discoveries on my map. My creative navigation had also conveniently bypassed the decision I now faced.

Before departing the Gold Coast however, I had needed to stop in Anvil for provisions. It therefore made sense to plan a more southerly route for our return trip east. We had traveled easily from Anvil to Gottshaw Inn on the first day. I figured about four more days to Bravil, then we could restock our supplies and continue south to Sheogorath's Shrine. Of course, all of that assumed I could ride past Kvatch.

An Imperial Legion rider now slowly approached from the Kvatch encampment. As his bay came closer, he glanced over his shoulder at the first promise of daylight on the eastern horizon and extinguished his torch. "Hail, citizen."

"Good morning, brave soldier. My name's Buffy."

The Imperial drew his horse to a stop next to us and gently tapped a closed gauntlet to his chest. "Falcedon Laenius. How may I be of service, Buffy?"

"Well met, Falcedon." I lifted my arm towards Kvatch. "I take it from your grim expression that the Oblivion Gate up there is still open?"

"Yes," the hazel eyes studied me, "and I take it from the concern on your face that your question is not one of idle gossip. Fear not, citiz- I mean, Buffy; you are safe from Daedra along the Gold Road. The guard force of Kvatch may be thinly manned, but they still hold their ground."

I winced. "They must be exhausted."

"Aye." Falcedon's bay gelding stood quietly. Aside from a snort or two, the old war horse ignored the curious nudges of my young mare. "Their numbers are less than a dozen, but they are well-led. The flow of Daedra from that infernal gate has slowed. The defenders are able to man the barricade in shifts now."

I frowned. "Why does the Legion not send an army to close that gate? I truly don't think the cursed thing is going to burn out all on its own."

The Imperial averted his gaze to study the pommel of his saddle. "I'm merely a soldier who rides my assigned patrol." His eyes then returned to mine, reflecting deep concern. "Emperors have been assassinated before, but this time it's different. Can't you feel it? We are a Legion without a leader. Unrest grows throughout Tamriel. The bulk of our forces are now assigned to the outlying provinces. There is talk that some of them are plotting to break away. Why even now, several of Skyrim's Nordic clans have defiantly announced their independence."

One corner of the soldier's mouth lifted into a brief smile that failed to completely dislodge the concern from his eyes. "Take hope, Buffy. Once the provinces feel the steel of our resolve to hold the Empire together, I expect the Legion will be able to send forces to Kvatch's aid."

I frowned, but accepted his explanation; I too had heard the rumors of unrest.

"I was up there," I said, "at that flaming portal I mean, quite some time ago. Captain Matius told me to stay away until the gate was closed. Can you tell me if he is well?" My eyes pleaded with Falcedon's as I held my breath.

"If you mean does he live, yes."

I closed my eyes briefly. Thank you, Mara.

The soldier continued, "In fact, I expect Captain Matius is the strength that holds the remnants of the city together. His advice is wise, young elf, and I urge you to heed it. Kvatch does not need more mouths to feed or citizens to protect. Stay on the Gold Road." He clicked twice, and the hooves of his bay slowly resumed their westward march.

I turned in the saddle and said to the back of his iron cuirass, "Thank you, Falcedon, for the news."

A gauntleted hand raised to acknowledge my words.

My eyes turned again to the fork in the road before me. I had promised Savlian Matius I would return. He had even asked me to - but he also clearly said after all this was over. The Legion rider was right that Kvatch didn't need visitors to deal with.

If I did turn left up that hill, what would I do? What would I find? I was probably being silly to think Savlian would even remember my visit, much less have any feelings for me. He certainly had much more important things to deal with than a silly wood elf.

And what of my own feelings? I didn't understand them myself. I knew almost nothing of Savlian except his bravery and passion for Kvatch. Was I simply drawn to the idea of a hero? Perhaps I was imagining what I wished to see. Could there be any room in that heart of a lion for a small, skittish elf? What if he just sent me away again? Or. . . what if I discovered that I wanted to stay?

I stared down at my fingers, as they absently twirled a strand of Superian's mane. I was hoping she would pick my path for me, just as she had made the decision to stop here. The mare stood quietly. "You're not going to help me at all, are you," I stated. She flicked her ears, but made no move to continue.

"Acadian, what should I -" I closed my mouth then, after a moment, opened it again. "No, don't answer that. Superian is right. I know you will both come with me, be it left or right. This is a decision I have to make though."

The sun was fully in my eyes, and Superian was impatiently pawing the ground and tossing her head before I reluctantly coaxed her to the right. We resumed our journey east along the Gold Road. "Someday, Savlian Matius," I whispered, "someday, I will return like I promised."


As most of you know, Buffy asked me for, and received, a cosmetic makeover quite some time ago. It included her delicately proportioned (ok, skrawny) body by BAB, new outfits, richer eye color, improved facial textures and a wide variety of hairstyles she can now choose from. All of this was provided of course by the wonderful cosmetic artistry boutiques found on the west coast in LA (Lower Anvil). Not surprisingly, Buffy has been pestering me about a makeover for her precious black mare. I thought the above story would be the ideal opportunity to introduce Superian's new look:

From Buffy's scrapbook:

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/Cho%20Bk%201/ScreenShot676.jpg

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/Cho%20Bk%201/ScreenShot677.jpg

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/Cho%20Bk%201/ScreenShot679.jpg

Posted by: mALX Oct 15 2010, 02:02 PM

Woo Hoo on Superian's makeover - and the chapter! Matias is never far from her mind, poor Buffy!

Posted by: haute ecole rider Oct 15 2010, 04:56 PM

I can see Buffy moving from being a spectator to being a woman of considered action here. Part of her longs to see Matius again (and Buffy, I completely understand the attraction to the man - I can't help stop in at Kvatch every time I go by just to say hello to him in the ruined Castle). But part of her recognizes that he has enough on his plate to worry about without her presence adding to his stress levels! The fact that the wise part of her triumphs over the clueless blond part of her shows that Buffy is an incredible woman of significant courage and strength.

And you've turned Superian into a Brunk-bred Morgan! The Brunks of Springfield, Illinois bred some of the best Morgans in the country in the early part of the last century, and Morgans of their bloodlines still carry the gene for silver/bronze manes and tails. My friend in Minnesota has several descendants, most of which have either silver or bronze strands in their locks. Lovely horses, all of them.

http://i862.photobucket.com/albums/ab186/hauteecole/Avatar%20Photos/Casey100504-Version2.jpg
http://i862.photobucket.com/albums/ab186/hauteecole/Avatar%20Photos/CoraBarr.jpg
http://i862.photobucket.com/albums/ab186/hauteecole/Avatar%20Photos/Jazz100502.jpg
http://i862.photobucket.com/albums/ab186/hauteecole/Avatar%20Photos/Jazzman100516.jpg

Posted by: treydog Oct 15 2010, 08:39 PM

Buffy’s indecisiveness over whether to go to Kvatch or not shows her wonderfully appealing vulnerability.
And your explanation for why the Legion has not sent any aid also makes sense.

That is just such a perfect paragraph.

And horses ( and dogs) are great listeners- but they don’t seem willing to provide any advice.

Loved the ending, as well.

Nit:



I have a feeling one of your edits caught you here. Should that be “his gaze?”

Posted by: Destri Melarg Oct 16 2010, 10:27 AM

Should she or should she not go to Kvatch?
I think that Buffy has sufficiently analyzed the Oblivion out of that question! I think that the correct answer would be ‘yes’, to whichever path she had chosen.

The conversation with Falcedon shed some much needed light on why no one seems to be rushing to Kvatch’s aid. I have a feeling that Ocato and the rest of the Elder Council are, like Savlian Matius, undermanned and holding a makeshift barricade against the vast numbers arrayed against them. Maybe Buffy should take some food, water, and blankets to White Gold Tower!

Love the screenshots! Especially the third one. That poison is positioned perfectly on the saddle.

Posted by: SubRosa Oct 16 2010, 09:19 PM

Now that was a lovely piece of internal dialogue by Buffy, as she went over everything in her mind. Her natural doubts and insecurities really make her come to life as a real, breathing person.

Also some nice explaining of why the Legion is not closing the gate. Not to mention that Matius and company are holding the gate. Giving our Buffster the time to sort some other things out before it is indeed time for her to fulfill her vow to return.

And the new look to Superian is quite lovely!

Posted by: Linara Oct 17 2010, 04:40 AM

That. But also, poor Savlian Matius. I've always been rather fond of him myself, the unlucky bloke, and you write him so well that its a shame not to see him this time around. Well, one day Buffy will feel ready, I hope. Savlian needs it.
Nell

Posted by: Zalphon Oct 17 2010, 05:18 AM

Doubts, insecurities, confidence...Buffy I really like your autobiography. But who is this Acadian people speak about?

Posted by: Acadian Oct 18 2010, 01:08 PM

Chapter 38 found Buffy torn between continuing her eastbound journey from the Gold Coast, or turning up into the Kvatch encampment. A Legion rider gave her some news on the continuing siege of Kvatch. Ultimately, Buffy decided her presence would likely hinder more than help at this point. Reluctantly, she bypassed Kvatch and continued east, vowing someday to return.

All- Thank you for the warm acceptance and encouragement on Superian's makeover. The mare really has become such a big part of Buffy's life.

mALX- Yes, that darn gate and her hero with a headband do seem to pop into Buffy's mind a lot. If this first book of Buffy's had a title, it would be 'Do You Know the Way to Kvatch?' Thank you!

Rider- Where is that darn *twirl* emoticon? Such kind words about Buffy's rumination and growth! Thank you! What beautiful photos you graced us with of those beautiful horses! Although not necessarily my intent, I am delighted that Superian resembles them somewhat!

treydog- As is so often the case, your words are like a soothing potion; especially on episodes where Buffy wrestles with big decisions. I must admit that it is Buffy's vulnerability much more than her skills that keeps me firmly entwined about that tiny little finger of hers. Thank you also for the nit, so I could repair it.

Destri- Yes, few can analyze, justify, rationalize, ruminate and confuse themselves like Buffy - and then do what she feels like anyway! She claims a young lady's prerogative to do so of course. Admittedly, having that gate (and only that gate) just sit there until Buffy gets ready to deal with it is not exactly realistic, but we are trying to work with it, since it is so central to her story. It would make sense to me that the Legion could be very busy as the outlying provinces exploit what they might perceive as an opportunity to be free of Imperial rule.

SubRosa- Thank you for the kind words on Buffy's internal dialogue, and my efforts to give her the time she needs to hone her skills up to where she could actually assist with something as terrifying as an Oblivion Gate.

Linara- Thank you! I'm so glad that you like Savlian Matius. I have always felt that when it comes to a noble selfless hero, he is the gritty real deal. I was so pleased to see that Buffy seems to feel the same way, with the added bonus that perhaps he makes her toes curl, lol. To Buffy, the word patient is two four letter words strung together. . . so, I suspect she may not heed the counsel to avoid turning up toward Kvatch the next time she passes near.

Zalphon- That Buffy lives, breathes and dwarfs the role of Acadian for you is music to our ears. Thanks!

Dogs, engulfed in fire, illuminated the night sky as they plummeted from the stars. "NOOO!" I screamed. Their howls of tortured pain only ceased as they thudded to their deaths on the hard dirt and cobblestones in the heart of Borderwatch.

I ran past several Khajiit that scurried through the town, as they yowled in fear. From over my shoulder came the words, "The K'Sharra has come true! We are doomed!"

Oh, Dear Mara, what have I done? I raced from the center of town into the eastern tree line.

With the light of burning dogs behind me and my eyes streaming tears, I couldn't see as I crashed and scrambled through the forest. Thorns jumped from the underbrush and punished me as they tore through cloth and buckskin into elfskin. My frantic rush continued, until I tripped in the darkness and tumbled downhill.

My short journey ended suddenly as I slammed into something that did not yield like the tree branches that had whipped me along the way. I found myself in a pile on the ground, with stars and lights flickering inside my head. I could no longer hear the yowling and howling. The sky was again dark, save for a few stars that managed to pierce the cloudy night.

I staggered to my feet, leaning against whatever had stopped me.

My heart was pounding, I was panting and my lungs felt as if they were on fire from my race through the forest; I was quick and agile, but had little endurance. Raising a fist above my head, I released a white glow into the night that soothed my injuries as it settled over me. The brief illumination revealed that the last portion of my head-over-boots journey had been abruptly ended by the wall of a house or building of some sort. After another healing spell, I lit a torch and looked around.

I breathed a sigh of relief to see Superian inside the barn at Water's Edge, where I had left her. Her tack, along with my bow and quiver were still safely staged on racks in the corner. She tossed her head as I limped over and dropped my torch on the ground. I clung to the mare and sobbed into her mane, "what am I going to do, girl? I've destroyed a peaceful village."

The approaching light of another torch and a soft Bretonic voice announced that we were not alone. "Buffy, is that you?"

I released Superian and turned. The gentle face was full of concern and framed by honey blond hair. "Yes, Biene. I'm sorry if I frightened you." I picked up my torch.

Biene Amelion lifted her own torch higher and peered at me. "I heard a small thump against the back of my house and came out to see if Superian was all right." She was in nightclothes, but wielded a short sword. "Look at you! You're all cut up." She gestured towards the house with the tip of her blade. "Inside, now. Let's get you cleaned up and you can tell me what happened."

I rubbed Superian's long nose, then limped behind the Breton as she led me into her home.

Biene helped tug off my boots, then my torn and bloody clothes. She heated water, and gently dabbed the blood from my many cuts and scrapes.

I now wore a clean oversize tunic that she had helped pull over my head. My trembling had stopped and my hands were wrapped around a warm cup of tea as I sat across a small table from my hostess. I had relayed some of my tale to her.

"When you asked us to watch your horse for you, I wish you had told me you were running off to carry out the whims of Sheogorath." Biene added some healing potion to my tea. "I was up at his shrine once. Even his followers are half-dressed lunatics. What good did you possibly think could come from it?"

"I guess I didn't really think it through," I said. "I mean, I've done tasks for Daedra Lords before. They were good things - righting wrongs."

"I'm not buying it, Buffy. We're just simple sheep herders here, but we know animals. Even I can recognize the stable markings on your beautiful saddle as being from Equestria. That place is up in the Imperial City and only accepts the horses of mages. So, I figure you're a mage. Probably a graduate of the Arcane University as well, and too smart to fall for Sheogorath's craziness.

I nodded and squirmed as I lowered my eyes from her sharp gaze and raised eyebrow. "Well, I must admit that I've grown to quite fancy the mystery and excitement of earning the artifacts they give with their favor."

"Well it seems that my poor Khajiit neighbors in Borderwatch have paid for your greed."

I glanced up to see that her gaze had not softened. "You're right, Biene. I should have known Sheogorath was no good, as soon as he threatened to make me fall in love with a cloud or eat my own fingers. It seemed like a harmless practical joke at first."

Biene rose, poured us some more tea and returned to her seat. "Drink," she said. "Look, I only just met you a couple days ago, but like I said, we know animals here. I can see from her condition, the loving care you lavish on that mare of yours. I don't think you're a selfish elf by nature, and I believe you're justifiably ashamed of your actions. I'm a good listener if you want to talk about it."

"Stealing the cheese hadn't seemed so bad," I began. "I mean it was just rats that got hurt. I should have stopped there, after I saw how concerned those Khajiit became when one of their prophecies was fulfilled." I swallowed hard and continued, "I managed to talk myself into causing the second prophecy of the K'Sharra too. I figured they could eat the dead sheep and buy more livestock. If only I had known what Sheogorath had planned. . . . I can still hear the tortured yelps and howls of those dogs. The poor Khajiit are convinced their town is doomed now."

"Biene," I continued as I met her gaze, "I've killed Khajiit before, either bandits or highwaymen who would accost my mare and I - and I don't regret it one bit. This is different though; Borderwatch welcomed and trusted me, and I betrayed them. I'm ashamed of myself and I don't know how to fix it." I felt a tear sliding down my cheek. Lowering my eyes, I watched as it gently plopped into my tea cup, causing tiny circles to ripple.

The Breton covered my hand with hers. "We all do things we regret. The best we can hope for is to learn from our mistakes."

I nodded sadly. "Well, I sure learned from this one. I will never again just stupidly just do what some Daedra Lord says. Thank you, Biene. I do feel a little better. I surely will give that Sheogorath a piece of my mind when I go back to see him. Do you think there is anything we can do to help those poor Khajiit?"

"Well, it's too late for that tonight," replied Biene. "You'll sleep here. I have a spare bed, and your company is welcome. Father is up in the Imperial City, no doubt gambling our savings away. Tomorrow morning, we'll see if we can't undo some of your damage."

Posted by: Zalphon Oct 18 2010, 01:43 PM

Excellent work I would like to hear Buffy's adventures in Arena, Daggerfall, Morrowind, and TES V

Posted by: mALX Oct 18 2010, 02:55 PM

Poor Miss Buff. She may have just realized that if you have to rationalize your actions - you probably shouldn't be doing them...Poor Buffy !!!!

I love the way you portrayed Biene in this, that is exactly how I picture her being. I hate the quest that takes her from the game.

Posted by: SubRosa Oct 18 2010, 05:01 PM

as they tore through cloth and buckskin into elfskin
An excellent phrase!

Poor Buffy. Sheogorath really burst her bubble about the fun and excitement of Daedric quests. To think that as they go, his is one of the less evil ones too! Now she has to live with the guilt of what she has done. Not an easy thing. I am wondering what she might do next? Go back to Borderwatch and try to patch things up with the Khajiit? It probably would not go well for her if she explained to them that it was all just a practical joke.

Also, a very nice touch by including Biene Amelion in the episode. Once again you have taken that extra step of taking characters we know from the game and putting them in places we are not used to seeing them. I also liked your characterization of her, and the emphasis you placed on her natural knowledge of animals.

Posted by: Linara Oct 18 2010, 05:17 PM

To be honest the Sheogorath quest is one I haven't done, mostly because I don't ever go near Borderwatch, but I have read about it, and I like Buffy's take on it. Most people don't really think about how truly frightened the Khajiit are afterwards, and what will happen. Now what will Buffy do with her new staff?

Posted by: treydog Oct 19 2010, 08:53 PM

That was a hard lesson, but one Buffy had to learn. Good on Biene for being honest in her criticism- and her caring. The worst things we do are the hurts we bring to others, the ones we instantly regret but can never take back. It would be easy to be angry with our blonde Bosmer… but to let anger dictate our feelings would be to fall into the same trap she did. Instead, the lesson I take away is to remember that she is still very young and can still be misled. She did a terrible thing- but she is not a terrible person. She is still our Buffy.

Posted by: Destri Melarg Oct 19 2010, 11:06 PM

Poor Buffy?! How about a little love for the poor rats and sheep that had to die so that Buffy could get the Wabbajack?! I know her own sympathy is reserved for the dogs, but those rats and sheep deserved better! Having said all that, I always do this quest with every character I have ever made . . . even the cleric. So, yes, I am not one to judge.

The idea of Buffy relating her story to the sympathetic ear of the lovely Biene Amelion (who remains the single biggest reason why I refuse to finish the Fighter’s Guild) is spot on. Biene's reaction to and honesty with Buffy was more than welcome. Here at last we see an image of Buffy in which her rationalizations sound hollow even to her own ears. I hope we see more chapters like this in the future.

Posted by: Doommeister Oct 20 2010, 08:38 AM

Acadian, what can I say? I've read all the story, and couldn't stop reading it to post anything.

For more praise, see what I wrote to sub'Rosa, every bit of that applies to you and buffy.

Posted by: Acadian Oct 21 2010, 12:11 PM

In Chapter 39, Buffy dealt with her shame and regret caused by helping Sheogorath play a cruel trick on the Khajiit of Borderwatch. She seems interested in attempting to make amends for the damage she has caused.

Zalphon- Thank you. Buffy has so much to accomplish in Cyrodiil, but we do have adventures in Skyrim and Valenwood planned for the distant future. She is intrigued of course by Morrowind. After others have scouted TES V, I imagine she might be traveling there at some point as well. My goodness; we have to get the poor girl ready to deal with Kvatch first - given how much she has to learn and her short attention span, that will take all of Book 1. So many stories, so little time.

mALX- You nailed it! Buffy has done things that others might question or condemn, but this is the first big thing she has done that she is ashamed of. Knowing the proximity of Waters Edge from Borderwatch, I couldn't resist introducing Biene for a minor role.

SubRosa- Thank you. After Azura, Meridia and Malacath, Buffy had lulled herself into sort of trusting these Daedra Lords. Sheo burst her bubble. She will try to patch things up, but alas, the damage is done. The harsh lesson will not be wasted on her though. Nevertheless, it will take one more of these shrines after Sheo before Buffy drops the 'material girl' motivation for them and begins to realize the deeper reason she is drawn to them.

Linara- What would Buffy would like to do with that staff, indeed! She'd like to find Sheo and stick it up his crazy . . . oh, well that is probably very unwise - even for Buffy.

treydog- You are so right, my friend. She is young and can be misled. Isn't it ironic that sometimes it takes unfortunate events like this one to learn how not to be misled? I expect Buffy will remember what she learns here. As Kud-Ei told her: "The wisdom is quite attractive on you, but I hope the scars will fade." *sigh* I hope so too, Buffy.

Destri- Yes! Buffy ran into something that she was able to rationalize her way into, but even she can't rationalize her way out of. I am grateful for the straight talk from gentle Biene. I'm pleased that you, like mALX, enjoy Biene in the game. She is a wonderful NPC among so many in Cyrodiil.

Doommeister- What a pleasure to have you join us from the other forum where Buffy chatters so much about mystic archers! I am humbled by your praise. I did as you asked, checking the kind words you left for both Teresa and Buffy on SubRosa's wonderful thread.

All- It will be a week before I post our next story, as I will be out of town. As several of you know, I routinely embark on a pilgrimage to visit my fellow old war horse, Acadian the Senior. I know such opportunities are limited by the relentless march of advancing years. It is a bittersweet time to talk of old loves called Phantom, Corsair and Skyhawk. I also enjoy hearing him speak of the real Superian - the mare of his father - for he knew her far better than I.

I shook Borderwatch's shaman by the shoulders. The robed Khajiit remained listless as I looked up at his eyes. "Listen, this was not the K'Sharra," I said. "It was a stupid wood elf that stole S'trassa's olroy cheese to summon those rats. I then used your own poison to kill the town's sheep. Ri'Bassa, do you hear what I'm saying? It was me, not prophecy."

There was no acknowledgement in the Khajiit's blank gaze. His words floated flatly into the air above my head, "the end of all things has come." He then turned from me.

I scampered in front of him to block his path. "I know not how to replace the olroy cheese, but if I ever find some, I promise to deliver it here. Look," I pointed toward the six sheep grazing inside the town's enclosure, "I bought sheep from Marie Alouette, the herder at Water's Edge. She and Biene Amelion helped me herd them up here. We cleaned the poison residue from their trough. And see?" I swept my arm around the town, "We carried the poor dogs and dead sheep away from town and burned what remained of them." My eyes pleaded with him.

"The K'Sharra has come true. It's hopeless. Leave while you can." He turned and walked away.

Biene grabbed my arm to stop me from following the shaman.

I watched R'Bassa as he wandered aimlessly about the town like a lost kitten with a broken spirit.

The Breton's grip on my arm eased from one of restraint to one of comfort, but there was no softening the truth in her words. "We've done what we can, Buffy. I hope you will learn from this."

"I will, Biene," I said, blinking back tears. "The head of my guild branch in Bravil told me that wisdom comes from experience - and experience comes from bad judgment. Never again will I allow myself to be blindly seduced by the whims of a Daedra Lord."

*

"Good times!" Sheogorath's voice was a perverted mixture of good cheer, laced with cruelty. It now echoed in the small clearing. "I hope you had as much fun as I did. Here, take this. It's a fun little toy. Now, go away - before I kill you."

I was too angry to be intimidated. Dropping the staff that had materialized in my grasp, I planted both hands on my hips and glared up at the stone figure. "Now you just listen to me. I trusted you, and look wha-"

"Today must not be Turdas." I wheeled to see one of the Daedra Lord's followers speaking to a tree and gently caressing its smooth bark. The Altmer's golden skin was on full display, save for the fur helmet and iron boots she wore. "You see," she continued as if her logic was obvious to all, "Lord Sheogorath only listens to trees on Turdas - when it's not raining of course. You're only a small tree, but you still must come back on Turdas. Perhaps you can bring imp chips and tea?"

She was right. Sheogorath was gone. I picked up the staff that he had given me. "What kind of foul trickery does this unleash?" I wondered aloud. Perhaps Delmar at the Chironasium could figure it out. Thankful for my magic bag, I slid the staff inside it.

I stared at the shrine, but all I could see in my mind were images of flaming dogs and despondent Khajiit. Rage bubbled up within me. "Oww!" I hobbled a few paces to a bench and sat. Painfully tugging off one boot, I rubbed my foot. That was really smart, Buffy. Did you think kicking a stone statue was going to hurt a Daedric Prince? I guess you really showed him.

Two of Sheogorath's half-dressed crazies bowed to each other, then began to dance. A Nord wearing only a shirt approached, knelt in front of me and tried to lick my sore foot.

"Get away from me!" The venom in my hiss apparently penetrated his insanity, for he scurried away.

A moment later, he stood politely in front of Superian. "Do you have any lettuce? I like lettuce."

The mare flattened her ears, opened her mouth and snaked her neck at the Nord as he quickly jumped back to avoid her bite. He then turned to tap one of the dancers on the shoulder. "The Madgod rejoices! May I cut in?"

Trying to ignore the antics and naked bits of these followers, I quickly drank a potion to ease my self-inflicted foot pain, and pulled on my boot.

"Stop laughing about my foot," I snapped at Acadian. "It hurts! Ok, so this didn't work out so well. Vaermina can't possibly be worse than Sheogorath. Let's go."

Posted by: mALX Oct 21 2010, 12:28 PM

Naked...bits? Wait, I need to clean my monitor and keyboard...

I always use Sheogorath's staff as a Daedric artifact to give to Martin.

Posted by: SubRosa Oct 21 2010, 02:01 PM

Buffy returns and tries to set things right as best she can. That is indeed the good heart of our Buffster at work. Only she has learned the hard lesson that some mistakes you can just never put right. You can only learn to live with them, and hopefully not make them again.

Perhaps you can bring imp chips and tea?
Ha! The imp chips raise their ugly head, well, clumps...

Did you think kicking a stone statue was going to hurt a Daedric Prince? I guess you really showed him.
Looks like Buffy and Teresa do have a lot in common!

Vaermina can't possibly be worse than Sheogorath.
Now this is priceless!

I hope you have a good time with the Senior Paladin. You might talk to him about Pappy Vitellus while you are at it!

Posted by: treydog Oct 22 2010, 02:20 AM

Buffy has learned that some things cannot be fixed- at least not as easily as they are broken...

Her attempt to make amends is admirable, although she should perhaps have thought before she acted in the first place. And her reaction to Sheo is especially in character for her.

But the lesson has yet to take, as she appears to be heading off to seek out Vaermina. I will not go into one of my long-winded stories here, but suffice to say that a particular blonde male Breton/Nord of my acquaintance had to learn a lesson twice (including a broken nose) before deciding something was a Bad Idea ™.

ETA- Safe journey and safe return. Give our best to Acadian, Sr.

Posted by: Casper1984 Oct 22 2010, 09:16 AM

Hi Acadian!
I just registered so I could post here. Nothing but praise for your writing about Buffy. It inspired me to try my own mystic archer which I just started. I know you have a whole story on the bethesda forums already but I'll stick with your re-write on these forums. Looking forward to Buffy's experience with Vaermina's quest, should be good.

Posted by: Destri Melarg Oct 25 2010, 09:31 PM

The ending of this chapter was pure, classic Buffy. Lamenting a hard lesson learned while charging full out to repeat the circumstance that caused it, all with Acadian's gentle laughter playing about her ears. How can we not love Buffy!?

Best regards to the elder Acadian. Enjoy the time away, my friend. We eagerly await your return.

Posted by: Ginner Oct 27 2010, 12:41 AM

I like the different details of other characters included in this, E.G. Kud-Ei.

Posted by: Linara Oct 27 2010, 02:32 AM

"It was me, not the prophecy"

Oh the poor Khajiit.

How can she say that! Well, this is Buffy after all, but still...

Posted by: Acadian Oct 27 2010, 02:24 PM

Chapter 40 found our bowgirl, aided by Biene Amelion, attempting to undo some of the damage Buffy had caused to Borderwatch. Alas, she learned a harsh lesson that some things can't be fixed. I expect she has also learned not to simply blindly listen to Daedra Lords. Even plans to unleash her ire on Sheogorath were frustrated by the elusive insanity of the Madgod and his followers.

All- Thanks for the well wishes. It was a good trip and wonderful to see Acadian Sr as the old warrior approaches his 90th winter. He shed some new light on the real Superian (his father's horse). Superian's grandfather was none other than the 1930 Triple Crown winner, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallant_Fox. Although from racing heritage, Superian was a career hunter/jumper and lived from approximately 1940-1965. She was a bay with white accents, and a very spoiled one-man horse - my granddad's precious mare. Apparently, a rather typical thoroughbred; I vividly remember her 'fairly prancing sideways' when being led from her corral.

mALX- Yes, all those naked bits were distracting her. I agree that Sheo's staff can make a good gift to Martin for low level characters - it is of debatable utility and can be had at level 2. Heh, we still get plenty of newer players on the other forum asking: "I gave Azura's Star to Martin! How do I get it back?" When answered, the response is often, "Oh, I'm supposed to keep some old saves in case I need to reload?"

SubRosa- I appreciate the loan of your trademarked imp chips! I haven't quite figured out if they are yummy little snacks crafted by imp chefs to be enjoyed with guar pie dip, or whether they are simply the droppings of the little beasts. I sort of fear the latter; fortunately, around Sheo's followers, such things don't matter I suppose. Buffy was furious when Sheo taunted her then just left, denying her the last word. I can't say I blame her for trying to kick him - although thinking it through a little more might have been more prudent and less painful.

treydog- Thank you. Buffy can be a slow learner, but I bet she won't repeat the mistake of simply blindly listening to Daedra Lords. I believe she has learned not to check her moral compass at the shrine when considering their tasks. Her interest in Daedra Lords goes beyond trinket hunting however (it will be a few chapters before she figures that out though).

Casper 1984- Welcome to Buffy's World! Thank you for the kind words. I am so humbled that she has inspired you to create your own mystic archer. That is one reason we insist on keeping a solid element of 'how to play a mystic archer' in her stories - at least during her formative stages. I agree with you that you are better off to read here than our story on the other forum; this one is quite a bit richer, and benefits from what we have learned from the gentle and supportive guidance of our readers.

Destri- Thank you! Oh my yes. I hope she is learning! I mean. . . I think she is learning. Um, ok, well, maybe she is learning (a little)? Thank you for loving the imperfect, but (usually) well-intentioned bowgirl.

Ginner- Thank you for joining us! Yes, Kud-Ei is a very important source of wisdom for Buffy. Goodness, she needs the help! I have observed that Buffy is often at her best when being used as a vessel to bring out the best in other characters in the game.

Linara- Buffy is beginning to question her 'material girl' motivation for Daedric Shrines. Sheo was a horrible experience for her, with a useless (to Buffy) reward. Surely, Vaermina can't be any worse, can she? Watch the slow development of Buffy's approach/motivation regarding Daedric Shrines - it has been evolving with each one she does. After Vaermina, she will return to the University and indeed ponder what she is doing and what the underlying cause of her fascination with Daedric Shrines is.

I led Superian up the short steep climb from Lake Poppad to Vaermina's Shrine. The cool bath had been a welcome luxury after several days on the road, and my mare had drunk her fill.

"So you return, Bosmer." Aymar Douar seemed to be in charge of Vaermina's followers. The Dunmer wore the brown robes of a monk, and his skin was almost the same color, save for a greenish tinge to his lips and hands. "Did you bring the required offering to Vaermina?"

I nodded as I lowered my pack to the ground and hunted through it. Tar-Meena had been surprised when I asked her to return the black soul gem I had given her from Howling Cave. To her credit however, she understood and accepted my purpose. "Here it is," I said to Aymar.

The Dunmer gestured toward the shrine. Vaermina was depicted as a slender woman in flowing robes. She stood with one hand grasping a staff that rose from the base of her pedestal. I placed my offering at her feet.

"We meet again, mortal, for we have met before, whether you know it or not." Her voice was a musically sinister whisper that filled my head from everywhere and nowhere. "When you mutter in your sleep, you speak to me. When you waken wet with sweat, you've just left my house. I dwell in your dreams; I savor your nightmares. Now, you will serve me. The wizard Arkved has the orb of Vaermina. . . snatched from the dreams of my followers and dragged into the waking world. Travel to his tower and retrieve my orb. Take care though, mortal. In my orb, Arkved has found more than he bargained for."

Although Vaermina was intimidating, I had learned from Sheogorath not to blindly follow the whims of these Daedra Lords and their tasks. I supposed however, that I could look into retrieving a stolen item for Vaermina. Also, it sounded like this wizard-turned-thief might be in trouble. I opened my map. "Aymar, do you know where this tower of Arkved is?"

The Dunmer knelt beside me and indicated a spot just a short distance to the south. I rolled up the map, rose to my feet and glanced towards the sun. "I'll leave now." I turned for Superian.

"Some advice, Bosmer?" Aymer asked.

I stopped, then turned to face him. "I would welcome it."

"Vaermina's sphere is the realm of nightmares and dreams. Be ready to face your fears, for she knows them well."

I nodded, and replied with more confidence than I felt, "Thanks for the warning."

As Superian threaded a path between rocks and trees, we made our way south. Face my fears? I wondered if having to ask Tar-Meena for that black soul gem back had been the first test?

Arkved's Tower resembled an old fort on the surface, and the area was clear of life signs. We passed through an archway in the exterior walls and located the entrance to the tower itself. I slid to the ground. With a farewell pat on Superian's shoulder, I grabbed my bow and tugged opened the heavy wooden door.

I found myself in a hallway, lit by wall sconces. Two pink glows appeared in the distance. I crept through the corridors, punctuated by a pair of chambers, until I neared the life signs. Peeking my head into the doorway ahead, I gasped.

Before me was a room containing two Daedra. One was a small scamp - I had seen them outside the Oblivion Gate at Kvatch. I knew they could cast fireballs, but Savlian's men had demonstrated that scamps weren't all that dangerous.

When I looked at the other creature, Aymar's words about facing my nightmares came back to me. The creature moved about with a birdlike manner on two powerful legs, while sharp talons at the end of small forearms clawed the air. A long snout narrowed to a vicious beak. Quite unlike that of a bird of prey however, the beak sported a full complement of dagger-like teeth. The beast's body was covered in the scales of a reptile. A serpentine tail waved behind it, seeming to balance the massive bony shield that crested and ringed the animal's head. I recognized the Daedra as a clannfear, from sketches I had seen in various texts. I figured this must have been a young one however, because it was not much bigger than I.

From what I had read, clannfears were fast, mean and would eat you. My skin crawled and my feet wanted to retreat.

Don't panic, Buffy; you can do this. You are a well-trained mystic archer. Use the tools and knowledge you have. At least I hadn't been seen yet, so I had time to form a plan.

Emerald magicka swirled from my fingertips across the chamber to command the clannfear. By the time he shook his armored head, screeched and charged the scamp, I had draped myself with a shroud of invisibility and was poisoning an arrow.

The clannfear leaped through a fireball cast by the backpedaling scamp, then drove his foe into a wall. The reptile raised his massive head from the extinguished glow of the other Daedra to screech in victory. He then lowered his beak and began tearing pieces from the scamp - and eating them.

I nocked my arrow, hoping desperately that clannfears were not immune to poison. As soon I released the bowstring, I was reaching for a second arrow. The Daedra was stunned as my bow briefly drained his speed. I then saw him blossom into a shade of green as poison flooded his body. Sparks from another of the bow's enchantments arced around the bony shield on his head. He quickly recovered, wheeled and charged - into a second arrow. Blessedly, he fell at my feet. I glanced toward my left hand. "Thank you, Slayer." And this clannfear was a small one?

Considering the speed and ferocity of these nightmarish creatures, I decided I would try to sneak past any more I encountered.

The next level of this tower contained another nightmare: narrow bridges without hand rails suspended over inky blackness. I tried not to look into the disorienting void below as I threaded my way. At least there were no Daedra here to eat me.

As I entered the next door, I found myself in a long corridor. I gulped as I saw several pink glows in the distance, but crept forward. The next chamber had trees growing right out of the stone floors. How could that be? More importantly, it contained a trio of clannfears. Casting a spell, I disappeared and crept past them as I made my way through this level of the tower.

Eventually I came to a room containing giant furniture and a single scamp. I used a poisoned arrow to kill the scamp, then jumped onto a chair and up to a massive dining table. What manner of madness was this? Walking among knives and forks as long as arrows, I could almost bathe in the soup bowls. The wine bottles were taller than I. Knowing how sensitive I was about my height - or rather lack of it - was this another of Vaermina's nightmarish ideas? To make me feel smaller than I already was?

I hopped down from the table, walked past a bed that was big enough to sleep both Superian and I, then entered one of the two doors out of this room.

My heart almost stopped as I found myself standing on a tiny platform staring down at pools of lava far below. As I looked up to see lightning streak across rapidly- moving red clouds, the nightmare Vaermina intended here was clear; the sky was the same as that above the Oblivion Gate at Kvatch. I quickly retreated and tried another door.

Ok, more pink glows. As I approached a chamber with three life signs, I cast my spell and invisibly entered the open doorway. Suspended in the middle of the room was a glowing gem, about the size of a welkynd stone, only black in color. Suddenly it began to glow.

I jumped back and rolled to one side. As the blue bolt of magic flew past, narrowly missing me, I was numbed by a chilling wave of cold. I scrambled further away, then sat up to drink a healing potion.

I shuddered as I recalled being almost killed by the ice spell of that rogue mage, Caminalda during my Anvil guild recommendation. This magic stone had seen and attacked me, even though I was invisible. That Dunmer, Aymar hadn't been kidding about Vaermina knowing my fears. Now what?

I crept back toward the doorway. As soon as the stone began to glow, I jumped aside. Its freezing mist of magic bypassed me. I stepped out into the doorway again. Ahah! There was a lengthy delay before it could shoot again. After dodging the next blast, I recast my invisibility spell. I quietly but quickly slipped through the room, between the oblivious Daedra, before the stone could attack me again.

I had to negotiate another such magic stone room before diving through the door into the next level. I had sort of lost track of how many chambers and doors I had made my way through. Just how big was this tower?

Posted by: D.Foxy Oct 27 2010, 02:33 PM

Aha! Now I know why we became friends so swiftly - you have a historical bond with Gallant Foxes!!!

Posted by: haute ecole rider Oct 27 2010, 03:26 PM

Hey, interesting history on your RL Superian! When I was much younger, I followed Thoroughbred racing much more closely than I do now, and had heard of him. Thanks to the Internet, I was able to find this to share with Buffy and Superian's fans:
http://www.spiletta.com/UTHOF/gallantfox.html

So Buffy chose Vaermina as her next Daedric challenge? I did that one twice, and it still gives me the creeps. Ugh. Nice interpretation of those things in Arkved's Tower - the room of oversized furniture related to her feelings about her height, etc. It really makes this Buffy's nightmare!

Julian would disagree with Buffy on one point:

Her rule in those dungeons: Leave no enemies alive behind you. It's a rule that has served me very well, thanks to Julian's experience. That said, I can understand Buffy not wanting to take on those clannfears - they are tough to kill!

Posted by: SubRosa Oct 27 2010, 06:36 PM

Yay for the real Superian!

Hmm, facing Buffy's fears. My guess would be that first up will be a close encounter with a monster... Next might be made fun of because of her ears?

And I see I guessed right on at least one account! You use of the room with the big furniture tying to Buffy' small size was brilliant, as was dark welkynd stone shooting her with cold, and seeing her even when invisible.

Still Buffy not only controls her fears, but also does not lose her head. Here we see Buffy the professional mystic archer. Moving slowly and stealthily, making use of every bit of guile and deadly power in her arsenal. After many hard lessons, she has indeed matured into a extremely proficient adventurer.

Posted by: mALX Oct 27 2010, 07:43 PM

This chapter can officially be added to my list of favorite Buffy episodes !!!! Your description of the clannfear was amazing !!!! Awesome Write !!!!

Posted by: Destri Melarg Oct 27 2010, 08:15 PM

I was always of the mind that you entered Arkved’s nightmare once you passed the threshold of the tower. Tying the nightmare into Buffy’s fears is particularly refreshing, and it makes the entire ordeal far more personal. I especially enjoyed the weight that you gave to the clannfear. I have always considered them the scariest of the daedra, it is good to know that Buffy shares that feeling.

On the subject of Triple Crown winners, it is funny that you should bring up the name Gallant Fox. When I was young my grandfather made certain that we could all recite the names of the twentieth century Triple Crown winners from memory. The first horse race I ever saw was sitting in my grandfather’s lap watching the ’73 Belmont on a TV with a wire hanger antennae (those of you who follow horse racing know the significance of that race). Family legend has it that in 1935 his father (my great-grandfather) boarded a train bound for Churchill Downs to bet his life savings on a relatively unknown horse named Omaha to win the Kentucky Derby. He won $1800 that day, which formed the down payment on the house where his son, grandson, and great-grandson (me) were born. Omaha went on to win the Triple Crown that year.

Omaha's sire was Gallant Fox.

Posted by: mALX Oct 27 2010, 08:24 PM

Now Acadian, when you are logging all this to tell your grandchildren - you have to add this part in !!!!!!!


Here Destri, this buds for you:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoFquax2F-k



*

Posted by: treydog Oct 27 2010, 09:02 PM

It is interesting- and no coincidence- that the first of Buffy’s “nightmares” in the tower is a pair of Daedra. And her own immediate thoughts of Kvatch confirm the source of that fear.

So what’s not to love?

Excellent description of Buffy’s tactics with the first two opponents. And Buffy’s reaction to the room of outsize furniture is interesting. We get quite a number of insights into our bowgirl as she works her way through the traps and other dangers. Mostly, we get to see her bravery- which she does not recognize yet.

Posted by: Casper1984 Oct 29 2010, 07:53 PM

Surprisingly easy to relate these 'nightmares' to Buffy's character. Wonder what she'll think about Arkved himself when she finds him. Would she understand his situation and mercifully kill him?

Posted by: Acadian Oct 30 2010, 02:28 PM

Chapter 41 was the first of two episodes involving Vaermina's Shrine. Buffy made her way deeply into Arkved's Tower in search of a stolen orb. As the Daedra Lord's followers warned, Buffy is indeed feeling as if many of her fears and insecurities have been laid bare by Vaermina.

Foxy- Why you old Gallant Fox! Buffy will have to dig out her papers from the Cheydinhal stables and see if you are somewhere in her precious mare's lineage.

Rider- Thank you for the fascinating link! Buffy found that Arkved's Tower spoke directly to her own nightmares - as Vaermina's follower warned. Buffy is terrified of clannfears and being eaten by them. Once again, she so admires Julian's bravery - that's why Julian is the hero she is. Someday perhaps Buffy will be able to face and even hunt clannfears. . . just not yet. We are brushing very close to the underlying reason she seeks Daedra Lords - although Buffy doesn't yet realize it.

SubRosa- Thank you! I got more than a faint smile from your accurate comments regarding Buffy's fears and ears. We still have some fears and insecurities yet remaining in this tower.

mALX- One of your faves - woohoo! I'm so glad Buffy's description of the clannfear carried weight; they are a big deal to her. Thank you also for the stirring vid of Secretariat!

Destri- I'm sure you are right in that the game's intent is for you to enter Arkved's nightmare. Buffy of course doesn't know that, so she naturally assumed it was 'all about her'. I'm so glad you like her perspective. It is gratifying to know we are not alone in fearing clannfears.

Thank you so much for sharing your stories about Omaha and also the '73 Belmont Stakes! Hey, we're almost related via Gallant Fox!

treydog- I'm so pleased you noted how tightly woven Kvatch is into Buffy's fears and thinking. Instead of Book1, I could have easily named this first massive tome 'Do you know the way to Kvatch?' As ever, I am basking in the kindness of your words. Thank you.

Casper- Thanks for the insightful comment! It seems when Vaermina says, "I savor your nightmares," she is certainly getting her septims' worth running Buffy through this tower! I hope this next episode does justice to your insight on how Buffy will react to Arkved. I don't believe there is necessarily a 'correct' disposition for Arkved, but I think Buffy's solution will make sense for her. In any case, I fully expect little Miss Rumination will share her reasoning with us.

. . . four, five, six pink glows ahead! I could also hear a soft, tinkling musical sound that seemed to emanate from Arkved's Tower itself. The wall sconces provided too much light, and the corridors were too narrow to successfully sneak with certainty here. I again draped a shroud of invisibility over myself. After slipping past five of the Daedra, I continued through a long corridor with several sharp turns. Finally I reached the end.

And a dilemma.

I could see a ladder leading to the next level, but it was guarded by a very hungry-looking clannfear. Fortunately, he was not much bigger than I. If I climbed the ladder and opened the trap door, my invisibility would be forfeit. I knew the beast was fast enough that he would likely tear my legs off before I could get up to the next level.

I would have to fight this clannfear to proceed - another nightmare. I swallowed hard and backed up in the corridor until my quiver bumped the wall at the first turn behind me. Not a lot of range, but it would have to work.

After poisoning two arrows, I slipped the tip of one into a sheath strapped to the outboard side of my right boot where I could quickly grab it. The sheath was actually a short, slender quiver. It was waterproofed and ran from my ankle to the top of my boot. It could temporarily and safely stage up to three poisoned arrows, and had been Daenlin's idea - to help keep me alive. I nocked the other arrow.

As I pulled silk to cheek I could see my bow and left arm reappear in front of me. Slayer briefly evaporated the beast's speed and inflicted shock damage, while my arrow injected its poison. As the tiny bolts arcing around the clannfear's crested shield subsided, he recovered and resumed his race toward me. The impact of the next poisoned arrow staggered him again within a shower of sparks. Before he could continue his charge, the swirling green magic of my dancing cobra flew from my fingertips. The clannfear's body went rigid and fell to the floor. Before I could nock a third arrow, his glow extinguished. I would not be food for this clannfear today.

After cutting my arrows free, I climbed the ladder. Raising the trap door, I clambered up to the next level.

That soft, musical tinkling sound persisted. It wasn't unpleasant, but somewhat unnerving as if this tower of nightmares was alive and taunting me. I began to imagine young voices within the music singing, "look at the little elf with her big pointed ears." Was it the tower, or were the teasing voices familiar?

"Shoo, you little brats!" The other children scattered into the alleys of Bravil as Daenlin approached and lowered himself to my eight year old height. "Your ears are beautiful, Buffy. You will grow to be a hunter someday. Like your wolf brothers and sisters of the forest, you have the proper ears for that." He then wiped my tears and gently tapped me on the nose. "Don't listen to the round ears. You can hear things they never will."

"Yes, Master," I whispered with a calm smile as I surveyed this new level of Arkved's Tower. The voices had stopped.

There was one pink life sign. It appeared to be man or mer, and lying down in the next room. Arkved? I didn't expect he would willingly surrender Vaermina's stolen orb. Was facing a powerful wizard to be the next nightmare in this tower of horrors? My dancing cobra could only strike once each day; perhaps I had been unwise not to save it for this. I selected a poison that could both kill and prevent spellcasting. After applying it to a broadhead arrow, I partially drew my bowstring and crept forward.

Keeping the tip of my arrow squarely centered on the glow, I sidestepped fully into the wizard's chamber until I had a clear shot. The pink figure appeared to be sleeping. Perhaps I could recover Vaermina's orb and slip away without killing Arkved.

I slid the poisoned arrow into my boot sheath, shouldered my bow and studied the room.

It was as confused at the rest of this tower - part bedroom, part cave. Large rocks and crimson-capped stone teeth protruded from the floor, walls and even the ceiling. Furniture stood where none should be - atop boulders at impossible angles.

Arkved's bed was surrounded by those curved monstrous teeth. The wizard himself was an Altmer, robed in white.

I stepped deeper into the room. Soft red light glowed from the very walls. The only other source of illumination was a pair of candles on a small writing table. A softly glowing orb that had to be Vaermina's was also on that table.

Unsure of how the orb worked, I didn’t want to touch it directly, or even stare at it too long. Moving closer, I withdrew a blouse from my pack and draped it over the orb. I then placed the wrapped package into my pack. Glancing over my shoulder to ensure Arkved was still asleep, I took a moment to read some scattered parchment notes on the table.

Things began to make more sense now. Apparently, Arkved had used the orb to enter some sort of dream world. It was unclear from his writings whether he was horrified or entranced by the possibilities.

If Arkved was trapped here, I couldn't just leave him. Could I? If I woke him, perhaps he would realize the error of stealing from a Daedra Lord and be grateful for an opportunity to be free of the dream realm he was in. Of course, on the other hand, he might try to kill me for taking the orb - and I suspected he was probably a pretty powerful wizard.

I added some more of that poison would both kill and prevent spellcasting to the tip of my arrow. Slipping Slayer from my back, I set the arrow to the nock, moved closer to the bed and nudged Arkved with the toe of my boot. He didn't move.

I kicked the wizard firmly. Still no reaction.

Unnocking the poisoned arrow, I yet again slid the tip safely into my boot sheath. I placed my hand on Arkved's leg and channeled the most powerful dispel effect I knew into his body. There was no response. My magic was no match for that of Vaermina, who had bound him to the realm of dreams.

Placing a hand against Arkved's face now, I cast a healing spell. Through the bond of white magic, I could sense no pain. In fact it seemed as if his spirit was not even in his body, despite the pink glow my rings revealed. He was lost to his dream - permanently I imagined.

Was this my last nightmare then? To choose between leaving Arkved trapped in a dream, or freeing him with the mercy of death? Did I even know what Arkved would want? Or if his dream world was a place of delight or terror?

I set my jaw. I didn't know what decision Vaermina expected of me here, and frankly I didn't care. The Buffy Doctrine would guide my hand. Arkved was no threat to me or those I held dear. I wiped the poison from my arrow, quivered it, then shouldered Slayer.

Thankfully, I did not have to fight or sneak my way back out of the tower. Within Arkved's chamber was a trapdoor that led to a previously hidden exit outside, near my precious mare.

*

Vaermina's whisper filled my head and echoed all around me. "My orb is returned, and Arkved will live out the rest of his days in nightmare. It is fitting. You have proved yourself, mortal. It is fitting, as well, that you should bear my token."

An object materialized in my hands. "Another staff?" I protested. "Do I look like a mage?" My words fell upon a cold, stone statue.

Dropping to one knee and cursing under my breath, I fished into my pack for the magic bag. Vaermina's staff unceremoniously joined Sheogorath's. A bowgirl lugging around a pair of magic staves. I hadn't paid much attention to staves during my University time, and wasn't even quite sure how they worked. I'm sure I was probably daydreaming about illusion spells or Superian during the classes where I was supposed to learn how to use them.

I rose to my feet and shielded both eyes with a hand as I looked to the west. The sun was now descending into the trees on the horizon. Its low angle provided a blindingly brilliant farewell display of light dancing across the surface of Lake Poppad. I had been inside Arkved's Tower for an entire day. Exhausted, I led Superian to the lake for a drink, then back up near the shrine where I begin setting up camp for the night.

Before long, I was seated in front of a cheerful fire under the night's first stars. I had learned that I could kill scamps. Although I had survived, clannfears were another matter. I glanced nervously at my bedroll. I knew I would have nightmares about those sharp beaks tearing into my flesh.

Too tired to hunt, dinner was stale bread and a long pull on my waterbag.

"Acadian, I'm a little perturbed at you for convincing me to give that black soul gem we found in Howling Cave to Tar-Meena. That decision cost us a trip all the way back to the University to fetch it as an offering for Vaermina."

After tossing another piece of wood on the fire and watching the sparks fly up towards the stars, I continued reluctantly, "of course, you did warn me that chasing Daedra Lords for their trinkets would likely lead to disappointment. A warhammer so heavy that I had to leave it behind, and a pair of silly staves." I sighed. "I'll make you a deal. If you don't tell me 'I told you so' about the Daedric trinkets, I won't tell you 'I told you so' about that black soul gem."

There was a light humor in his response. Agreed.

"Well, hopefully I won't get eaten in my dreams tonight by a clannfear." I then raised my voice so Superian could hear me as well. "Tomorrow, we'll start back for the University. Those staves are worthless to me, but they are Daedric artifacts. I'm sure Tar-Meena will be happy to find out what they do, and display them in her Archives."

Posted by: treydog Oct 30 2010, 03:13 PM

This is a wonderfully described journey into a not-so-wonderful place. Your talent for seeing through Buffy’s eyes is at its finest here.

And I applaud her decision about Arkved. It may not have been merciful- but why should Buffy have the wizard’s blood on her hands when he has never harmed her. Beyond that, she was not the one so foolish as to still from a Daedra prince- he “earned” his consequences. I do hope our bowgirl will take that lesson to heart.

Shades of Maxical! I could just see Buffy drawing pictures of horses on her parchment instead of taking notes.

Buffy’s willing generosity in regard to the “useless” artifacts she has collected makes up for her compulsion to collect them in the first place. Granted, she is not giving away things she could use herself, but she tries to gift them where they WILL be valued- rather than simply selling them.

Posted by: mALX Oct 30 2010, 03:14 PM

He is! He's Gallant Foxy!

I love this quest, and Arkved's tower - I lure Audens Avidius there when he is stalking me and let Arkved's nightmares become Audens'.

Buffy was her Buffiest in this chapter, Awesome Write !!!!!!





ARGH !!!!!

And Miss Buff should keep that staff, it is more fun than a barrel of monkeys and better than watching a play when you use it in an overly crowded dungeon. Imagine two unibrows fighting themselves in Ft. Blueblood !!!!

Posted by: D.Foxy Oct 30 2010, 03:16 PM

"still from a Daedra prince"


That Still should produce quite a wine, methinks...

Posted by: haute ecole rider Oct 30 2010, 04:41 PM

You mean, like I did?

I loved Buffy's decision to leave Arkved alone. I always left him alone, too. There was no point in killing the guy.

Julian doesn't much like clannfears, either. She prefers to snipe them from a safe place if she has to - otherwise she likes to avoid them (as well as will o'wisps).

Posted by: SubRosa Oct 30 2010, 09:04 PM

Very clever to have the mini-quiver on Buffy's right ankle. I have seen those before, and always thought they look cool.

As I pulled silk to cheek
I really enjoyed this description!

And Buffy's ears! Poor girl. Now we go back to the source of her insecurities about her big wood elf ears. Not to mention of Daenlin stepping up to the plate as a protective 'uncle'.

Finally, the Buffy Doctrine guides our young heroine. How utterly appropriate that she would openly acknowledge it, as well as use it to guide her steps. Yes, our Buffy has certainly grown before our very eyes. As I am sure uncle Daenlin would agree, it is amazing just how much she has changed!

Posted by: Destri Melarg Nov 1 2010, 10:50 AM

I guess I’m the only one who chooses to give Arkved a merciful release rather than leave him to be a personal ball of yarn for a Daedric Prince. I am always left to wonder . . . these Daedric Lords seem to be completely unconcerned about their little trinkets, at least until a mortal has the temerity to steal one.

Buffy’s encounter with yet another clannfear left no doubt as to how formidable she has become as a mystic archer. I honestly can’t remember the last time anything got close enough to lay a hand on her. That is not to say that she is invincible, far from it. She has simply become incredibly adept at reading the battlefield and using distance, terrain, and even the aggression of her foes to her advantage.

Posted by: Linara Nov 1 2010, 05:27 PM

My favorite line, I think. I've had several characters with the same frustrated response. Well, now that Buffy understands it usually isn't worth it to chase after those artifacts, perhaps she will head to Kvatch? Nah, probably not.

Posted by: ureniashtram Nov 1 2010, 06:24 PM

Nope, you're not the only one. Although, my 'merciful release' involves punches being thrown and healing spells being cast... so, yes. You're not the only one, Des.

Well, I more-or-less caught up, and this part was the one who hooked me in the most! Buffy is definately transforming into an accomplished mystic-archer, so much so that I'm tempted to create one!

Just reading the tweaks you made in Vaernima's quest makes me want to say 'Argh! Why didn't I thought of that!'

Well done, Acadian!

Posted by: mALX Nov 1 2010, 06:35 PM

SPEW !!!! ROFL !!!!

Posted by: Acadian Nov 2 2010, 01:21 PM

In Chapter 42, Buffy continued to feel the vulnerability of having her fears laid bare by Vaermina; yet she pressed on to Arkved's inner chamber. No doubt influenced by her unhappy exposure to the Dark Brotherhood and Sheogorath, she chose to let Arkved live, albeit stuck in his dream world. As with her previous two Daedric Shrine quests, she was quite disappointed in the inappropriateness of Vaermina's token for a bowgirl. She mentioned that from Varemina's Shrine, she would head for the University.

treydog- Thank you. Somehow, I really do see things through her eyes when we travel Tamriel. I particularly like the Arkved encounter, because there is certainly a case to be made for either decision. In fact, I can imagine Athlain wrestling with that decision.

Daydreaming and doodling horse pictures at University? Indeed, I expect Buffy is not alone there!

On her compulsion to collect Daedric trinkets: The first step is for her to admit she has a problem. By acknowledging that Acadian may have been right, I hope she is taking that step.

mALX- Heh. That staff, as you say, can be more fun than a barrel of monkeys all right! Didn't we just read Maxical's account of how much fun monkeys can be? Thank you for saying Buffy was at her 'Buffiest' here! When we talk of daydreaming at the Arcane and not paying attention to her studies, why does everyone immediately think of our poor little kit?

Foxy- Thanks for reading!

Rider- Yes, somehow I suspected Buffy was not alone at drawing horse pictures during her school days! The Arkved decision is one I thought might be close to your heart: 'Above all do no harm' vs 'mercy killing'. I guess what nudged Buffy is that when she established that healing bond, she felt no pain or suffering from Arkved.

SubRosa- Your sharp insight nailed the three things of Buffy's that were very important to us in this episode: Her new boot quiver, her ears, and her doctrine. Thank you so much!

Destri- Be at ease, my friend. You are not the only one who would grant Arkved the mercy of death. Acadian might have done the same. That characters with good hearts could make different choices here, reflects upon the quality and depth of this quest. Thank you so much for the kind words. Buffy has indeed become more lethal, when she controls the encounter. The little glass cannon (or butterfly dragon) still has much to learn though. I am pleased at this point that she seems to be getting her head around the discipline, restraint and responsibility that comes with proficiency in the use of deadly force. I fear her first encounter with clannfears however, served to terrify her more than render her a Daedra Slayer.

Linara- Heh. Acadian has gently tried to tell Buffy she has all the trinkets she really needs (awesome bow, Azura's Star and a pair of massive detect life rings). Oh well, I think she is starting to figure it out. The two of them will fully evaluate and analyze her motivation to seek out Daedra Shrines in a couple chapters. Kvatch? Savlian told her to stay away; and of course Buffy always does as she is told. Well, sometimes but maybe, well he wouldn't mind a brief visit, would he?

ureniashtram- Hey, no fair using Arkved as a punching bag! Although. . . Buffy just might confess to damaging a troll's speed to zero via poison, then getting a touch of archery practice herself. Those trolls are handy 'cuz they regenerate hitpoints. I'm honored that Buffy might inspire you to try a mystic archer! Thanks for the kind words.

Swaths of tall grass were trampled down and streaked with blood. We pressed deeper into the meadow. What manner of atrocity was this!?! Just south of Imperial Isle was a beautiful grassy field where wild horses often frolicked. I had brought Superian here as a treat on our way back to the University, so she could run and play with them.

They were all dead.

I stood in my stirrups, and surveyed the carnage. The horses' wounds revealed they had clearly been killed by tooth or claw. Nausea, anger and fear welled within me. An Imperial Legion rider slowly approached, but I saw no sign of the beast responsible for this slaughter.

Superian's raised head and pricked ears gave but a moment's notice before I heard the unmistakable throaty warning of a big cat. I could see a slight movement of tawny fur in the tall grass. My mare needed no encouragement to wheel and be off in a burst of speed. Judging from the roar behind, I was sure the lion was after us.

The Legion rider took note, and spurred his steed toward us at a dead run. Our two horses thundered past each other, barely an arm's length apart. Superian and I were fleeing danger, as the Legion soldier and his bay charged into it.

Hooves casting a spray of dirt, grass and dust, we rapidly whirled to follow after the soldier on his bay. He had vaulted from his mount, drawn his sword and was now engaged with the mountain lion. Drawing Superian to an abrupt stop, I was on the ground with my bow drawn. The deadly dance between cat and sword was too quick for me to shoot without risk of hitting the soldier.

I silently screamed in frustration as I frantically danced and sidestepped, trying to get a shot. Watching the fight over the tip of my arrow, I was helpless to assist my rescuer. I felt as though a part of my heart was ripped from me as the brave man fell. My first arrow harmlessly hit the dirt as the lion sprang at the Imperial Legion horse. The second shot thudded into the side of the blade-wounded cat, killing it.

Sprinting to the soldier, my worst fear was confirmed. He was dead. I walked calmly to his horse so as not to frighten her further. She was on her feet, but bleeding and trembling. Channeling healing magic through my fingertips, I gently ran them over her wounds, sharing some of her pain. I continued caressing her neck and reassuring the bay until her heart returned to a normal pace.

I somberly returned to the fallen soldier.

Kneeling beside him, I removed the Imperial's helmet and gently placed my hand upon his face. I closed his blue eyes, while my own welled with tears that spilled onto his armor. "T-thank you, brave man," I stammered through quivering lips.

I searched for identification. His name, Gaius Rulician, was engraved on the back of his shield. I placed it into my pack.

He was too heavy for me to move, but this man didn't deserve to be picked at by bandits or scavengers. Gathering dry brush and branches, I built a pyre around him and torched it. I watched the fire for a long time. Eventually, the soldier's noble spirit rose with the smoke, leaving behind the iron and steel he no longer needed.

After casting a spell upon the Legion horse, I mounted Superian and we continued our journey. The bay, enchanted by my spell, followed behind. I sadly rubbed the neck of my own mare. "Sorry girl, no horseplay today."

I would deliver Gaius' shield and horse to the Legion stables just outside the Imperial City.

Superian and I would then continue on to the University. I was still carrying the staves of Sheogorath and Vaermina that I wanted to be available for display and research at the Mystic Archives.

I was angry and ashamed. The soldier had lost his life defending me, yet I had been powerless to assist him. I was used to fighting alone. How many more lives would my inability to fight near allies cost? Another brave soldier? Perhaps my precious mare?

* * *

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

My eyes shot open as I snapped my head toward the voice and jumped to my feet.

"Forgive me Buffy, I didn't mean to surprise you." It was Boderi Farano. As she saw my face, her ruby eyes opened wide. "What's the matter? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Boderi, I-" pushing aside the face of the brave Legion soldier who had died protecting me just the day prior, I stammered, "-b-beautiful?"

"Yes, the alchemy garden this time of day. I often come to this very spot in the mornings to think." She opened her arms and we hugged. After a moment, she placed her hands on my shoulders and held me at arms' length. "Let me look at you, my Apprentice. Tell me of your travels - and what is causing the storm clouds behind those pretty blue eyes."

I looked at the garden. Boderi was right. The sun had climbed above the University walls and now caused dewdrops on the vibrant flowers to sparkle. It was lovely. "Sit with me, Boderi."

The Dunmer battlemage gracefully joined me on a stone bench in front of the garden. She had been my advisor while I was training at the University, and was also a wonderful friend and mentor. She was one of the few who understood both my passion for the bow and refusal to use melee weapons.

We spent the next two hours with my journal open, as I recounted some of my recent adventures.

Boderi listened intently, occasionally asking questions until I closed the journal. Her ability to capture nuances and remember details had always impressed me.

"You have the physical skills and magic you need to be a potent mystic archer." Boderi then continued cryptically as she gently wagged a finger at me, "it is your mind that you must focus." There was always more to Boderi's meaning than her words conveyed.

"Explain, my mentor," I prompted her. "How can I better survive? You know my strengths and weaknesses."

"All right Buffy. Pay attention," she began. "There is a reason you are uncomfortable with blades. Your forte is not the split second action and reaction required by strike and parry combat. You are at your best when you control the situation. Your strengths are your cunning and planning - you are an archer first, a mage second and a skirmisher not at all. Work with your strengths. When you entered Howling Cave and were confronted with numerous necromancers in close proximity, what did you do?"

"I disappeared, so I could have a moment to come up with a plan," I replied tentatively.

"And you prevailed because you had a plan. The same can be said of your other successes, whether slaying vampires for Azura, outsmarting the guards of Lord Drad, or managing to survive a clannfear." She continued, "now, why did you not fare as well during your recent episode with that mountain lion and the Legion soldier in the meadow just south of here?"

I cringed as I relived that lion killing the soldier over the tip of my arrow. "Because they were moving too fast for me to get a shot without risking the soldier?"

"No, Buffy." She shook her head slowly. "Think. Imagine they are still fighting, frozen in time. Come up with a plan. Think it through."

I pretended there was no rush, and thought. Suddenly it was so simple. "A command creature spell!" I chirped proudly. "Even if I missed on the first cast, it wouldn't hurt the soldier. I could have immobilized that lion!"

"Perfect, young illusionist!" Boderi beamed. "Now, why didn't you do that?"

Learning from Boderi was always a circuitous adventure itself. "Because I didn't have time to come up with a plan." I shrugged my shoulders. "I can't freeze time!"

"You can't?" The battlemage raised one eyebrow sharply. "Let me ask you something, Buffy. If you encounter the same situation tomorrow, will you stand there again like a helpless child with your bow?"

"No, of course not," I countered. "I would know to use a command creature spell instead." Then it hit me, and I added excitedly, "because I froze time today!"

Boderi dropped her chin toward her chest for emphasis as she enunciated, "precisely." She then looked into my eyes and continued, "you need to anticipate challenges and determine solutions to them before they ever present themselves. Very few of us can come up with an ideal solution in the span of a few heartbeats," she paused to chuckle softly, "and you, my butterfly dragon, are not one of those few. When you are fighting to protect someone, or you have your horse nearby, you cannot disappear and think. That thinking must be done in advance. If you can imagine a fight, you can control its outcome before it ever occurs."

Boderi was brilliant as ever. "Thank you my wise advisor. As always, I owe you so much. I shall heed your words and craft a new command creature spell - one with an ample area of effect so it will be easier to hit fast moving targets."

She nodded. "That's a fine solution to this particular challenge, Buffy, but it’s the analytical thinking I want you to take from this. Imagine your worst fears, and craft strategies to deal with them in advance."

"Can you teach me some more about this, Boderi?" I asked, tilting my head.

Boderi placed two delicate fingers aside her pretty blue-green cheek. Her eyes then swept across the green patina-covered spires of the University for several moments. "Very well. Magic can solve many problems that your bow cannot. What will you do when faced by several foes, and one of them inflicts you with an effect that disables your spellcasting?"

"I never thought of that before. I wouldn't be able to control their minds or disappear. Give me a minute to think." I scratched my head.

"Yes. Think it through." The Dunmer smiled patiently.

"Oh, I know!" I said. "I'd be in big trouble if that happened now, but after thinking about it, I know I need to carry some powerful dispel potions with me."

"Well done, Buffy. I suspect you will now review how to make such potions, carry them with you and develop the tactics to use them in combat."

She then stood and lifted her eyes toward the sun. "Goodness, I have a class to teach." She held open her arms again.

I put my journal away, stood and we hugged. "I feel better, Boderi. I always do after talking with you."

After a few paces, she turned around briefly and smiled. "Buffy, I'm very proud of you."

I headed to the Lustratorium to craft some dispel potions. Creating my new command creature spell could wait until the next day, as well as presenting those silly Daedric staves to Tar-Meena at the Mystic Archives.

From Buffy's scrapbook: http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/Cho%20Bk%201/ScreenShot46.jpg

Posted by: mALX Nov 2 2010, 02:05 PM

The screenshot is new, isn't it? I remember what prompted the original of this episode, and then how it just occurred spur of the moment in game and made one of your best chapters!!! I see how you edited in the comment suggestions, that was a great addition !!! Awesome Write !!!!

Posted by: D.Foxy Nov 2 2010, 02:53 PM

This is one of the chapters of the original Buffy story that I fell in love with, and reading it again I have fallen in love with it a second time.

A great American Ace of WWII who survived that conflict without being shot down once, or even wounded, later stated that "while the other guys were out celebrating in the pubs, I would like on my bed in the Nissen hut and run through my mind all possible scenarios of air to air dogfighting, and think out what was the best possible solution in each circumstance. In this way I was never surprised in combat - in my mind I had already gone through that situation before."

Different war, different weapons, yet underneath, all great warriors are the same.

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 2 2010, 04:51 PM

That evil lion has returned in Buffy 2.0 I see, and just as in 1.0, felled the brave legionary who came to Buffy's defense. In spite of all the skill we have seen the Buffster develop lately, here you have given us her one glaring weakness. The archer's inability to get a clean shot off into melee.

I think it was a wise choice leaving out the goblins of Fatback Cave this time. By concentrating on Buffy's own feelings of inadequacy and guilt over the soldier's death, you give the entire event more weight in our minds. That shifts the chapter to being entirely a character-driven piece.

caused dewdrops on the vibrant flowers to sparkle.
This is a particularly evocative description!

my butterfly dragon
I still love this term as well!

I headed to the Lustatorium
She is going to Nerussa's bedroom?

Posted by: haute ecole rider Nov 2 2010, 07:46 PM

I remember the lion encounter from BF 1.0 very well, and it was poignant then. It is even more so now.

I always hated coming on dead Legion riders +/- horses during my travels. That's when I developed the doctrine: leave no live enemy behind yourself.

Posted by: treydog Nov 2 2010, 09:13 PM

It is a measure of Buffy’s heart that she feels the pain of Gaius’ death so deeply. And it is entirely in keeping with her nature.

Train to the point where it is reflex, not thought. You rarely have time to think in the midst of a fight.

Boderi is the mentor we all wish we had. This is an outstanding guide to how to win the battle in your head before the first arrow flies. Beyond that, this chapter is reason number 562 why we love Buffy.

Posted by: Destri Melarg Nov 2 2010, 11:49 PM

This chapter is a perfect illustration of the old quote:

Leave it to Boderi to turn a potentially devastating encounter into a lesson learned and taken to heart. Who knows how many lives will be saved in Buffy’s future as a direct result of Gaius Rulician’s noble efforts. How many Legion riders will live to quaff a tankard of mead at a roadside tavern because Rulician’s sacrifice gave Buffy the tools to aid them? Even though he only appeared in her consciousness for the space of a few moments, his effect on her life is both profound and far-reaching. I can think of no greater honor for the man than that.

Just a small nit:

You forgot to open the quote before Boderi’s question.

Posted by: Doommeister Nov 3 2010, 06:49 PM

More of the excellent writing I have come to expect from you mate.

As a mystic archer myself, (thanks for the inspiration) on Target command spells have saved my life more than once. Many is the time I've used it to thin out the enemy, even sometimes not having to fire a shot.(scamps seem to like attacking each other at exactly the same time, and therefore killing each other)

Posted by: Linara Nov 4 2010, 03:49 AM

I always feel awful when an Imperial Legion soldier ends up dying because I've got a few wolves and a bandit behind me, and really guilty. I guess I'm not the only one. You portrayed Buffy's sadness very well. Another beautifully written chapter.

Posted by: Casper1984 Nov 4 2010, 02:08 PM

My level of imagination concerning my character's feelings is way below the level of you guys, so when this happens I secretly hope he dies so I can sell his armor.
All I do is decide what quests to do and which to leave as well as how to earn money, but that's usually related to what class he/she is.

I've read this ep. on the bethsoft forums so I knew it already. Didn't read them in order so I'm clueless as to what happens next.

Btw, anyone know why I can't send pm's?



My mystic archer is only level 4 so I'm not there yet. Plus I'm using OOO so the world is a little different in some aspects and it requires even more caution and training than Buffy was forced to do. Even the planned skill progression is different because Sigil Stones are maxed at lvl 27 and higher. And not the full OOO either which in my case means that leveling is as usual but training is 3 times as expensive. So using alchemy to earn money is a bit awkward now as it doesn't earn me much money to spend on training my majors. Needless to say, dungeon looting is harder and 'my Buffy' isn't ready for that yet.

Posted by: Acadian Nov 5 2010, 01:55 PM

Chapter 43 revealed a glaring weakness in Buffy's tactics. Her inability to safely shoot her bow in support of an ally engaged in melee combat cost the life of a Legion soldier. Consolation, as well as answers, came in the form of an impromptu lesson from Buffy's brilliant battlemage mentor, Boderi Farano. 'Tis a lesson forged in blood that our easily-flustered bowgirl will not forget.

mALX- Thank you! The screenshot is an ancient original - Number 46 - she is up to about number 700 now. You're right, the lion attack happened just about the way Buffy describes it - with just as powerful an impact on us. We could not resist portraying the random encounter in her story.

Foxy- I'm so pleased that Boderi's lesson spoke to your warrior spirit the same way it did last time around. Thank you!

SubRosa- I'm glad you support leaving the goblin sparring out this time around. Yes, I know Teresa has experienced the same heartbreaking frustration of trying to help an ally engaged in melee. I'm so glad Boderi was able to lead Buffy toward a possible tactic to help. Butterfly dragon - full credit for the dragon part goes to one of your earlier suggestions to us. It was Boderi that spotted the contradiction in Buffy, but you who helped us name it. We have plans for her dragon - if we can keep her butterfly alive. Oooh! Lustatorium -positively enchanting!

Rider- Thank for the word poignant regarding the lion encounter. That is so very much what we were striving to share. Regarding leaving no live enemy behind, I hope that Buffy will gain the skill and courage to do that; she certainly has the predator spirit. In the next chapter, it grows clearer to her why she may need more skill and courage than she currently possesses.

treydog- Aww. Thank you so much, trey. I am proud of Buffy that she felt responsible for Gaius' death, then vowed to try and correct the cause. She is fortunate indeed for the wisdom and talent of Boderi.

Destri- As you recall, Buffy's introduction to the Legion came via a shield bash in chapter one. Since then, she has learned great respect for the soldiers of the Legion. In fact, she seems to feel quite the admiration for those who choose the path of steel and charge into the enemy - perhaps because she cannot. Up to this point, those iron behemoths seemed invincible to Buffy, as they swatted wolves away from her during her travels. It was a shock to learn their survivability had limits. Thank you for the nit so I could repair it.

Doommeister- Thank you. Buffy is humbled that some of the same survival tactics she uses have helped your mystic archer!

Linara- That Buffy's sadness touched you is a wonderful compliment. Thank you!

Casper- Thanks for reading. I hope you'll stay with us. Try sending pm's after posting a few more times; I believe there is a delay in implementing some of the forum's features. How neat that you are playing a mystic archer! We do not use OOO (or any big/overhaul mods), but I have heard that it certainly ups the challenge.

The twang of Slayer's bowstring filled my ears as the first clannfear fell at my feet. That only cleared a path for the second one right behind him. A trio of scamps lurked at range, and were forming fireballs in their bony hands - meant for me. How did I let this happen? The clannfear sprang at me. There was no time for arrow or spell. All I could see were hungry eyes and a vicious beak, intent on tearing into my flesh. I tried to raise my bow and channel magicka into it to help block the attack, but something held my left shoulder down. I opened my mouth to scream.

"Buffy! Buffy, wake up!" The gentle shaking on my shoulder and insistent voice of an Argonian woman dispelled the horror. "You were having a nightmare!"

Raising my head with a start, I gasped, "Daedra!" Becoming aware of my surroundings, I grabbed Tar-Meena's hand, still on my left shoulder. "I didn't mean to disturb you. I-I'm sorry."

"I am not surprised! While I am pleased to have the Daedric artifacts that you have generously provided the University for study and display, I am getting quite concerned about you. Look at these books you have been pouring over all night. You do realize it is morning, young lady?" Tar-Meena poked among the dozen or so volumes spread around me. "I think you have every text in the Mystic Archives on Daedra and Daedric Princes here." One hand wagged a scaly finger at me, while the other found its way to her hip. "What in the name of Akatosh are you doing?" Her tone made it clear the question was not rhetorical. Orange eyes blinked, waiting for an answer.

"I-I've just been fascinated by Daedra and Daedra Lords for some time now. I guess I need a break though? Here, let me put these away." I started to gather up the books so I could return them to the stacks.

"I will take care of these. Go get some fresh air," she admonished. "Shoo!"

"Yes, Tar-Meena."

A few minutes later I was seated on a stone bench near the University's alchemical garden enjoying the fresh coolness. The spot was a favorite of both Boderi and I. Why was I fascinated by things Daedric? The early sun cast a brilliant blue sky overhead, but had not yet scaled the tall University walls to shine upon the garden - too early for Boderi. Why couldn't I just be satisfied collecting wine for a hobby? Seventeen Daedra Lords, and it seemed like each had their own realm or plane. I felt like a walking volume from the Archives myself. I had learned that all of them, save Jyggalag and Mehrunes Dagon were known to have shrines within Cyrodiil; in fact, I had been able to deduce most of their locations and transcribe them onto my map.

"Acadian, at first I just sought the legendary Azura's Star to recharge my bow. Then Raminus asked me to talk to Meridia when I investigated those necromancers. I guess I then got a little carried away traipsing us all over Cyrodiil because I thought I wanted the artifacts of Daedra Lords." I sighed heavily. "You were right though; I am disappointed. I know now, after Vaermina, I don't really care about their trinkets. So why do they still fascinate me?"

How do you feel about clannfears?

I squirmed. "You know they terrify me. How many times have I awoken us, sweating and crying about being eaten alive? Why do you ask?"

Ignoring my questions, Acadian silently continued, what did you promise Savlian Matius?

"What does that have to do with anything? He asked me to return after that fiery portal was closed, and I promised I wou-" The word froze in my mouth as things began to make sense. I continued slowly, "Uriel Septim told me the Prince of Destruction was responsible for the jaws of Oblivion. I'm not the brightest star in the night sky, but I realize from my studies that Mehrunes Dagon is the one responsible for that Oblivion Gate at Kvatch. Ungarion said portals like that are held open by sigil stones - that means they can be closed."

And how does that concern you?

"Acadian, you can be as confusing to talk with sometimes as Boderi." I scratched my head. "That Legion rider, Falcedon - the one I met near Kvatch - said the armies are busy trying to hold the provinces of the Empire together now." I paused for a few moments before I could force out the next words: "No help will come for Savlian will it?"

I wasn't surprised, but my heart still broke when he agreed. I continued, "no one is going to close that gate if we don't help, are they." It wasn't a question, for we both knew the answer. "Why, Acadian - was that a wince I felt from my paladin?" I closed my eyes as he requested.

A vision formed. It was a place like none I had seen. The land was dead, as was the sparse vegetation. Thunder rolled through the canyons, and lightning streaked across the dark red sky. Fire danced across lakes of bubbling lava that split the rocky wasteland. Stone bridges had been broken and pushed up into useless angles by violent movements of the land. Twisted towers marked the horizon. Daedra roamed - stalking for mortals.

I was speechless for a long time, as a shudder ran from the back of my neck down to my toes. Finally I whispered, "by Mara, if you were trying to frighten me, you sure did a good job. At least I now know what the terrifying plane of Oblivion controlled by Mehrunes Dagon looks like. Deadlands."

"Acadian, you realize you've revealed your fear of the Deadlands as well?" Rather than waiting for an answer, I quickly continued, "don't worry, we're not going to run off to Kvatch and jump into an Oblivion Gate - not after that nightmare I had this morning and the vision you just showed me. Perhaps in our travels, we can recruit some assistance for those brave soldiers standing between that gate and Cyrodiil."

And do you now understand your fascination with Daedra Lords?

"Yes," I admitted. "Since Mehrunes Dagon is responsible for that gate, perhaps one of his colleagues can teach me to fight Daedra on their own turf and survive in that environment. I mean, it was a result of completing Vaermina's task that I learned to kill scamps, and that I'm not really ready to fight clannfears - yet. I don't know if I can ever close that gate, but. . . perhaps I can learn enough to at least go in and scout it out for Savlian." I added hesitantly, "does that sound like an okay plan, and will you come with me?"

Our spirits joined long ago, and it is not a commitment I take lightly. We live or die as one, my bowgirl.

"Thank you, my paladin. My choices on which shrines to pick haven't exactly worked out for the best perhaps. I mean, maybe I could use some help there. When I awaken tomorrow, it would please me to find a blue mark on my map."

Posted by: Doommeister Nov 5 2010, 02:09 PM

Excellent work as always acadian. I can't think of anything else to say, except for a S.G.M

Oh, and first!

Posted by: mALX Nov 5 2010, 02:56 PM

WOOOOOOOOOOT !!!!! Acadian finally shows up - and what an Awesome scene between the two of them!!! That is my favorite part of the chapter, that and the promise of future chapters in the foreshadowing info so neatly embedded in here !!! I love this chapter, and this is all new material, right? Awesome Write Acadian !!!!

Posted by: haute ecole rider Nov 5 2010, 03:00 PM

Julian is all too familiar with those nightmares!

Loved the Paladin's guidance with Buffy's thought processes toward her decision to learn more about the Deadlands so she can help Savlian Matius (oooh!) at Kvatch.

One nit, more a matter of personal taste:

Ok, O.K., okay, which to use? I personally avoid ok in writing (mainly because it's a name in East Asian countries such as Korea). I don't like the abbreviation either, because I already use too many acronyms in my profession (ACL, BVD, CBC, etc). Generally I avoid okay unless I'm writing "20th century American slang" since it feels foreign in other languages (and in earlier times, too), but this is the form I like to use (especially in dialogue) because it reads more naturally to me.

Off my soapbox (one of many ) now.

Back to Buffy: I really loved this:

Posted by: Casper1984 Nov 5 2010, 05:35 PM

Buffy almost losing herself here, hehe, nice. Err... I mean, bad girl.



I'm sure she's not the only one bothered by this fact. I know I am.
That, and quests being shoved in your face as soon as you talk to someone (Reynald Jemane anyone?).

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 5 2010, 06:52 PM

I loved how you started out in media res, then revealed it to be a nightmare! Perfect, especially given Buffy's recent encounters with Vaermina and the lion.

When I awaken tomorrow, it would please me to find a blue mark on my map.
This had me laughing.

So Buffy has accepted the reason she is so drawn to the Deadric Lords. Having read BF 1.0 I knew as much, but it was still a wonderful revelation to watch dawn over Buffy. She really has changed so much from that girl we knew visiting the Imperial City for the first time with City Swimmer!

Posted by: treydog Nov 5 2010, 08:42 PM

This was one with much to appreciate- starting with the symbolic nightmare and Tar-Meena's acerbic response.

I also loved the revelation that it is not the Daedra Lords or their trinkets that hold fascination for Buffy- but knowledge- knowledge that will allow her to fulfill a promise.

And the other moment of deep satisfaction comes from seeing bowgirl and paladin reaching a still better understanding and accord.

Quite a wonderful moment of growth and development.

Posted by: Zalphon Nov 6 2010, 05:02 AM

I'm liking it, Acadian

Posted by: Acadian Nov 8 2010, 02:18 PM

In Chapter 44, Buffy was confronted with the fact that she had been pursuing Daedric Shrine quests like an unguided missile. In a discussion with Acadian, she sorted out her motivation and came to the sobering realization that there will be no army from the Legion to close the Oblivion Gate at Kvatch. She figures the gate is held open by the sigil stone of Mehrunes Dagon, and that perhaps one of the other Daedra Lord may help her learn more about closing it, as well as how to fight the Deadra that it spawns. She realizes she has much to learn before she can be of any help to Savlian Matius, and hopes that perhaps she can recruit some assistance along the way. Buffy now understands her path is a very long one - and that it leads to Kvatch.

Doommeister - Thank you! I'm so pleased you are still with us.

mALX- I'm so glad you liked the interaction between Buffy and Acadian. He is more active in 2.0. What is new also in 2.0 is specifically laying out how Buffy's interest in Daedra Lords has evolved. Thank you so much!

Rider- Thanks! I'm very glad that the Buffy/Acadian scene worked. I was trying to tread a line between a logical flow and Buffy's circuitous, sometimes flighty thinking.

Okay it is - I agree with you on the best way to spell it, and thank you. Yes, Buffy's speech and thinking does often reflect what some might consider more modern words. With a name like Buffy, she long ago learned to embrace words not oft heard in Tamriel. No worries though. She will never go so far as to say something like: "Gods' ghoulies! You're a pal!" And certainly I would never expect to hear the word 'necrodudes' from her in describing those foul practitioners of death magic.

Casper- Thank you. We will take liberties with Oblivion's main quest. I expect there will come a time when Buffy can help at Kvatch, but I think the title 'Champion of Cyrodiil' is not one that will be bestowed upon her.

We are trying to weave in some features to help the believability of Buffy's extended timeline. The death of Jauffre and theft of the Amulet of Kings that occurred almost as soon as Buffy delivered it, for example, helps to explain why the Blades have not descended upon Kvatch - they don't know about the heir. Unrest in the outlying provinces due to the lack of an emperor is an attempt to address why the Legion has not sent an army into Kvatch. Buffy assumes no one could survive inside the flaming city of Akatosh - she will learn that the Dragon God may not agree with her on that.

SubRosa- Thank you! I thought the nightmare was a great way to segue into the subject. I hoped for exactly what you described: 'a wonderful revelation to watch dawn over Buffy'. Acadian walks a fine line. If he pops the 'correct' blue mark on Buffy's map at this point, she will get her little butterfly kicked. He realizes there are things she must learn before she is ready to fight Daedra on their own turf. This will no doubt cause Buffy some frustration. I hope she trusts her paladin.

treydog- Thank you for the kind words. This was a very important episode, and I am so grateful that our several intentions came through. I thank everyone for their patience, as Buffy stumbled and bounced through numerous Daedric Shrine quests for what seemed like questionable purposes. It took her awhile to figure things out.

Zalphon- Thanks for the kind words!

Standing beside Superian, I stroked her shoulder as I contemplated what I was about to ask of her. We were at the water's edge on the northern end of Imperial Isle. In fact, we were quite close to where I had emerged from the Imperial Prison so long ago. I looked at the far shore of Lake Rumare. "Superian, you well know it's not always been easy being a mage's horse. Despite the strange sensations you don't always understand, you've always trusted me."

Forming a powerful mass of energy, I placed one hand on Superian's shoulder, the other on her haunch and let the magic flow into her body. Quickly mounting, I leaned forward and whispered, "let's go, girl." She stepped tentatively onto the surface of the water. I sensed her unsteady confusion and disorientation as I patiently encouraged her forward. She pawed the surface of the water with a hoof and bounced her head. After a few steps, she adjusted to the odd sensation and calmed down. My knees gently asked her for speed and we began to fly across the surface of the lake.

The quiet spray from her hooves changed to a dusty thunder as she continued at a brisk gallop beyond the opposite shore. We stopped only upon reaching the Roxey Inn up on the Red Ring Road. I slipped to the ground and pressed my face against her neck. "Thank you, my precious friend." I sipped a potion to speed recovery of my nearly depleted magicka. With such potions and my ring of waterwalking, I figured I could dismount on the surface and recast my spell as necessary. I was excited that we could now travel over vast expanses of water.

Acadian had placed a blue mark on my map. Looking at the low angle of the westering sun, I said, "tomorrow will be an easy day's ride up the Silver Road to Namira's Shrine, but we'll stay here tonight." I rubbed Superian's nose, then led her to the inn's full water trough. "Let's get this saddle off you." I giggled at the thought of talking to my horse and a paladin that lived in my head. I looked over my left shoulder at Slayer, the enchanted bow. "Should I tell you of our plans as well?"

As I reached for the door to the inn, I glanced northward at the snow covered peaks, I recalled the chill of the Bruma area and dreaded the idea of wearing my horrible fur cuirass the next day to stay warm. I hated looking ugly.

* * *

"Why are you here? You are too pleasing to speak with Namira. Begone." The sarcastically snarled words came from one of Namira's followers, Hjolfrodi the Harrier. She was a Nord that, well, I believed her appearance could have stopped a charging zombie.

"Too pleasing?" I hadn't come all this way to be told 'begone'. Slightly irritated, I pressed, "I've traveled a good distance to see Namira."

"You are too pretty to speak with our Lady of Squalor," she sneered. "Come back when you are. . . less pleasing."

Every girl likes to be told that she's pretty, but somehow, Hjolfrodi's words hardly seemed complimentary. I had never considered myself attractive; in fact, my jaw was too square, my mouth too wide, and my lips too fat. The rest of me was too skinny. Oh, and who could overlook my small size and big ears? Once you got past all that stuff though, apparently I wasn't that hard to look at.

I thought my hair was a nice color. Oh, and my eyes too - but then I frowned as I remembered that batting them at men had never gotten me anywhere.

I did consider myself quite fashion conscious, and was acutely aware of what I wore. Of course, Delphine Jend said that being conscious of fashion and dressing well were two entirely different things. She routinely fussed over my choice of clothes.

Was Hjolfrodi right? Was I pretty? I remembered my time in Anvil. One day, several dockworkers were licking their lips and eyeing me like a venison cutlet - part of me kind of liked that, and found it exciting. But then the next day, I heard a man say he would rather sleep with his horse than a Bosmer. I shrugged. Men were too confusing to understand.

Could this scrawny big-eared elf compete with Hjolfrodi's stunning vision of ugliness?

I flopped down on one of the benches under the shadow of Namira's shrine and rummaged through my pack for ideas. Good thing I carried a lot of clothes (Did I mention that I was fashion conscious?). I pulled everything off. Then I put on a horribly scratchy sack cloth shirt and pants. Freeing my ponytail, I bent over, shook my hair and mussed it all up with my fingers. Then I rubbed a bit of dirt on my face and returned to Hjolfrodi.

"You are still much too pleasing. Begone!" The wrinkled Nord's thin lips smirked underneath her hawkishly hooked nose. Her disapproving scowl was repeated this time on the equally unattractive faces of her companions.

Bristling, I stifled the urge to use my bow to 'displease' Hjolfrodi, and returned to the bench. Think Buffy. You're the scholar now on Daedra Lords. Namira. . . her sphere was that of ancient darkness. Ruler of 'repulsive creatures which inspire mortals with an instinctive revulsion'.

Maybe it wasn't just my appearance. The followers here were not only unattractive, but downright rude. They had the personalities of mudcrabs - worse in fact, for at least mudcrabs didn't talk.

Personality?

Sure enough, a couple bottles of cheap wine were in my pack. It was known to make people get pretty unfriendly. I carried the stuff when I traveled near Bruma to help keep warm. I didn't think it actually helped, but it did seem to make me care less about being cold. By the time I managed to drink two whole bottles of wine, the sun was low.

"Ah, much better." Hjolfrodi's severely lined face cracked into an ugly smile. "Now, you repulse me; at least to a degree. Approach the shrine."

I was too drunk to manage a clever retort. Wobbling over to the shrine, I leaned against it to make the trees stop slowly spinning around me. I tried to focus on what Namira might tell me.

"You dare approach my shrine, Child of Dawn? In Anga, my Forgotten. . .basking in misery. . . priests. . . intruded upon their squalor. . . help kill. . . of the light. . . cast. . . reward you. . ."

My head swirling from the wine, I grabbed my journal and tried to scribble down what little I remembered before passing out.

*

I awoke shivering in the morning sun. My head was pounding and my stomach hurt. My upper legs were particularly cold. Gradually I realized that was because they were wet. Oh, that's just great, Buffy; what did you expect after guzzling two bottles of wine and passing out? At least I had managed not to throw up - yet. I sure fit in with this repulsive crowd now. Quickly, I built a fire to try and warm myself and dry out those horrible sack cloth pants. I then ate some bread to quell the nausea as I sipped a potion for my head.

The sun was straight overhead before I felt elven enough to review the scrawlings in my journal from the evening prior. Finally, I tugged on my buckskin greaves and boots, then fastened up that ugly, but warm fur curirass. My head still hurt a little as I saddled Superian and made ready for travel.

*

I looked up at the ancient pillars and ruins of Anga, not completely sure what Namira wanted here. My drunken notes weren't very clear, but what little I could make from them wasn't encouraging. Something about helping Namira's followers kill some priests, best I could tell. I guessed if the details were important, Namira should have thought about that and told me what she wanted before watching me drink two bottles of wine.

Slipping from Superian's back, I reached for Slayer and entered the Ayleid Ruin.

No candles, no Ayleid blue lights, no wall torches. Total blackness. Plenty of life signs though, thanks to my two rings.

I slid on a third ring, and every dark corner jumped clearly into view through a blue tinge.

I had no interest in killing priests, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to investigate. I crept toward the closest group of life signs. These had to be followers of Namira, dressed in rags and skulking around in the darkness. I backed away. Infiltration, Buffy. That's the plan.

I changed into my hunter halter top, those disgusting sack cloth pants and bare feet. Re-approaching the followers, I wrinkled my nose at the smell. Creeping closer, I tried to blend in.

"Leave us to our squalor, creature of light."

I didn't know if they could see in the dark, or perhaps I just didn't smell quite as badly as they did. Regardless, I took the sneering reception as a rejection of my disguise.

I also realized that these followers of Namira were clearly no threat.

Suddenly they began to scurry about like startled sewer rats. A light was approaching.

I slipped off my rings to eliminate the blue and pink distractions, as the torch bearer drew closer. Namira's followers scrambled to avoid the light as the aqua silk robe walked past, chanting prayers to Arkay. He continued, ignoring the protests against his bright torch. This was clearly one of the priests Namira wanted killed.

I now had a clear picture of what was happening here. I didn't care much for the idea that priests of Arkay were trying to 'save' these souls, who clearly preferred Namira.

On the other hand, it was the Daedra Lord's followers who were mean to me and flirting with the deadly end of the Buffy Doctrine. Of course. . . I had to admit that I was the one intruding in their squalor.

On the third hand (if I had one), according to my studies at the University, Arkay had been a mortal who dedicated himself to the study of life and death. On his own deathbed, he had prayed to my beloved Mara as a last resort, begging for more time to complete his studies. Mara allowed him to become a god, charged with balancing life and death. Arkay was one of the Nine Divines. At this time and place however, I was the one charged with balancing life and death.

My decision was easy. There were no targets for Slayer in this Ayleid Ruin.

I would report back to Namira that she would have to find someone more repulsive than I to do her bidding. Turning toward the exit to Anga, I said, "my paladin, did you doubt what my choice would be?"

Not for a moment, was the silent response.

Sighing, I began the trek back toward the surface of Nirn and shared my disappointment over this venture with Acadian. "There is nothing Namira can teach me about fighting Daedra or surviving the planes of Oblivion." I wondered to myself why Acadian had brought me here. Surely he knew I would leave Anga with a full quiver. Oh well; he realized what I wanted, and I figured he knew what we were doing.

After closing Anga's heavy door behind me, I blinked against the bright sunshine and gratefully breathed deeply of the fresh air. I smooched at Superian, then began to shiver from the cold. As I changed back into my buckskins and furs, I admonished Acadian, "oh, and kind of like the last time it happened, no one but us needs to know I peed myself."

*
From Buffy's scrapbook: http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/Cho%20Bk%201/ScreenShot696.jpg

Posted by: ureniashtram Nov 8 2010, 02:54 PM

Ha! What, did Buffy felt like one of those shemlen cheap-bags who thought of nothing other than drinking? Ha- oops. Wrong dimension.

This chapter just shows Buffy's morals! More please

Posted by: Zalphon Nov 8 2010, 03:03 PM

I loved how you said, "That appearance could've stopped a charging zombie!"

Posted by: haute ecole rider Nov 8 2010, 03:05 PM

I never cared for this quest - killing priests (or helping kill them) never sat well with me. I only did it once, to see what I would get for it. After that, I decided Namira's reward just wasn't worth it. I'm glad to see Buffy made that decision before it was too late.

I did catch one thing:

Anga has a big butt? I think the door was so heavy it dropped through the ground before it closed!

Posted by: mALX Nov 8 2010, 03:53 PM

This was before and is now one of my fave Buffy's - Buffy's getting drunk is hilarious!!!

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 8 2010, 05:29 PM

Ah, Buffy and Superian's first time traveling on water I see. Once again, so nicely done. It is one of those palm-to-forehead moments that makes you wonder how come I never thought of that? Add in some quality time between a girl and her horse and that little portion of today's story is just marvelous.

I also see the ugly fur armor gets a mention! I especially loved how you ended with Buffy dreading wearing it because of how ugly it is, and then started with Namira's shrine in the next portion!

my jaw was too square, my mouth too wide, and my lips too fat. The rest of me was too skinny. Oh, and who could overlook my small size and big ears? Once you got past all that stuff though, apparently I wasn't that hard to look at.
That is our Buffy alright! Still not happy with what Mara gave her I see!

Men were too confusing to understand.
Indeed. Teresa says leave that icky sausage alone and stick to warm, succulent fish.

There is so much to love in your descriptions here. Hjolfrodi being able to stop a zombie with her looks, all the clothes Buffy carries and her reflection on being fashion conscious, the personalities of mudcrabs, etc... Too many to list them all.

it was the Daedra Lord's followers who were mean to me and flirting with the deadly end of the Buffy Doctrine.
A particularly good turn of phrase!


nits:
The quite spray from her hooves
I think you meant quiet?

Posted by: Casper1984 Nov 8 2010, 07:22 PM

My thoughts spoken out already.

Posted by: Destri Melarg Nov 9 2010, 10:16 AM

Whoops! You snuck a chapter by me when I wasn’t looking.

44 What in the Name of Akatosh are you doing?

I can see a very real friendship developing between Buffy and Tar-Meena. The Argonian’s concern for Buffy’s well-being went beyond what can reasonably be expected of a faculty member toward a former student. Perhaps, without even knowing it, Buffy is searching for someone to replace City-Swimmer in her circle of friends. Or maybe I'm just reading too much into things!

It is nice to see Acadian give purpose to Buffy’s wondering and wandering. I imagine that, now that she knows why she is fascinated with the Daedric Princes, finding what she wants should happen in the due course of time. I am left wondering where Acadian’s blue marker will lead her next. . .

45 Our Lady of Squalor

. . .To the Shrine of Namira, of course! Buffy sitting down to work out the issues of her appearance was priceless. I imagine that Acadian could have given her a heads-up on the next day ramifications of being the worse for cheap wine. Like Buffy I am left to wonder what purpose her paladin had in directing her to such a place.

It is also nice to see Buffy mindful of the hard lessons learned at Border Watch and Arkved’s Tower. Whereas before I am sure that want of Namira’s reward would have made her find a way to justify helping the Daedra, now she sees the damage that results from such action.

Perhaps that is what Acadian wanted?

Posted by: treydog Nov 9 2010, 10:20 PM

The moment Buffy bespells Superian with water-walking remains one of my favorites. And Buffy’s inventory of her appearance certainly sounds familiar to anyone who has spent time around she-elves (or any brand of human she).

She can learn restraint! It’s a miracle!



No feeble jokes here- this is Buffy growing into the humanity that fits her very well.

Posted by: Remko Nov 10 2010, 02:53 PM

A little thing on horsebackriding: You do not use your knees to urge a horse to speed up. I guess usually because the thick leather of the saddle is in the way. You apply pressure with your calves and to an extent; use the reins.

Okay, pedantics aside; loved it. Especially when she contemplated on telling Slayer on her plans

Oh and the part with the wine was hilarious

Posted by: D.Foxy Nov 10 2010, 03:59 PM

The plural of calf is calves, unless you are talking about young cows.

Posted by: Remko Nov 10 2010, 05:11 PM

Y'know, I actually considered the difference between calves and calfs. Wasn't sure which was the plural of young cows. Thought I picked the right one. Guess not

Posted by: haute ecole rider Nov 10 2010, 05:50 PM

Even the plural of young cows is calves.

Take it from someone who really knows.

You have been correct Remko.

As for the usage of knees, it depends on the saddle and on the seat. Horses are surprisingly sensitive to subtle cues transmitted through the leather of the saddle. I had a horse perform a flawless side-pass when I dropped my right hip into the seat without moving my knee or calf. It was one of those eureka! moments - it's very difficult to understand unless you've done it (and knew you did it). So it is possible for the horse to feel the pressure of the knee through the saddle flap.

Posted by: Winter Wolf Nov 11 2010, 06:12 AM

So many priceless moments for your Aussie brother-

Every time I visit Roxey Inn there is always an Imperial Legion guy sitting on the seat outside. Lucky that he did not catch Buffy talking to herself. It might have been off to the slammer for our little Buffy!


Ha, ha!! A work of art that is sooo Buffy. I loved it.


A drunk little elf staggers back to her horse. I wonder if our noble mare cast Buffy with a disapproving eye as she remounted. I sense that our flying Black flash has more integrity than the rest of Nirn added together. If only Superian could talk, now that would be even more priceless!!

Posted by: Acadian Nov 11 2010, 02:05 PM

In Chapter 45, Buffy introduced Superian to water walking. She then proceeded to Namira's shrine and managed to make herself repulsive enough to gain audience. Although she entered the Ayleid Ruin of Anga to investigate, she ultimately balked at, and abandoned, Namira's task to help kill Priests of Arkay.

ureniashtram- Thank you. I agree that Buffy's moral compass is maturing and beginning to settle down.

Zalphon- Charging zombie - thanks for the kind words!

Rider- Like you, I was pleased that Buffy balked at Namira's task. She seems to be outgrowing her material girl trinket fascination, and even overcoming the intimidation projected by Daedra Lords. Thanks for the nit - darn those last minute edits!

mALX- Woohoo! Another story that made your list of faves! Thank you! A little Tamika's is a good thing. A lot of cheap wine. . . not so much.

SubRosa- As ever, you laser in on everything we are trying to do here. I'm so pleased you connected the foreshadowing of Buffy's dislike for her 'ugly' fur armor with the coming quest. I suppose her physical self-assessment shouldn't surprise me; most women, even beautiful ones, seem quite able to recite a list of their perceived (at least to them) flaws. I'm also glad you picked up on Buffy's mention of her doctrine. Thank you! Oh, thanks also for the nit so I could fix it.

Casper- Thank you. Buffy and Superian have gotten pretty good at water walking. Her custom spell is on-touch for 120 seconds, with a tiny feather on-self effect (also for 120 seconds) only to give Buffy a little icon that shows how long the spell has remaining to avoid sinking surprises. She puts on her water walking ring, so she can hop off onto the water and recast the spell on Superian as necessary. Between water walking, command horse (creature) and her long range detect life rings, Buffy has learned how to travel with Superian safely and effectively. The mare is a constant companion in Buffy's game. Superian has two sets of saddlbags, she is literally the fastest horse in Cyrodiil, and can even come into towns with Buffy when necessary.

Destri- Thank you! Buffy is voracious at reading/studying, then venturing forward to see for herself. Tar-Meena and her Mystic Archives represent the fount of arcane knowledge for Buffy. We found it very natural that the two of them would develop a friendship with an aspect of mentor-pupil. Buffy adores Tar-Meena's prodigious knowledge and resources, while Tar-Meena can't help but admire the youthful, even somewhat reckless, spirit of adventure in Buffy that she, as an academic, lacks.

Acadian walks a tight rope. If he pops a blue mark onto the correct shrine, Buffy will get her butterfly kicked at this point. His hope is to allow her to perceive some progress toward her goal while, more importantly, developing her skills. He is delaying and slowing things so she will be ready. Yes, the choice of Namira's Shrine at this point helped fine tune Buffy's moral compass, but it also kept her from being eaten by clannfears. I expect that after a couple more shrines, and probably some impatient whining from Buffy, Acadian will find her ready to meet a Deadra Lord who can show her what she seeks.

treydog- Thank you, my friend. The trust, built over time, between Buffy and Superian is something she really relied upon to coax her mare onto the surface of the water. I can only imagine how frightening that must have been for Superian. Buffy is certainly horse crazy, but I am delighted to see her - even in game - fully embrace the responsibility that comes with it.

Remko- Thank you! Most of Buffy's communication with Superian in the magical land of TES is actually telepathic/verbal. As you can see, she even talks to her bow. I don't think Buffy will take her wine to that extreme again for a very long time!

Foxy- Calf / calves. Well, there you have it from a true connoisseur regarding the lower legs of fillies and young ladies.

Wolf- It is delightful to have you back with us! Thank you much for the kind words!

"Well, you're up early this morning, young lady," the Imperial remarked. "Going hunting again?"

"Good morning Gladius." I smiled at the Bravil City guard who had not so long ago killed my friend, City Swimmer. "No, actually I'm off to the Imperial City. How did you get the front bridge watch out here by the stables again?"

"Oh, I just go where I'm told," Gladius replied.

"I miss seeing you inside the city," I remarked. "It seems ever since you arrested the Count's spoiled son, you more often get assigned out here, or sometimes over on that mysterious island in the bay."

"I caught the little fetcher high on skooma, kicking Aia, the beggar." Gladius paused to spit on the ground. "He was out of jail in less than an hour. Buffy, I can't look the other way when the law is broken. I don't care if the perpetrator is the Count himself, or the victim is a pauper." He shrugged. "That's just the way I'm built. Besides, this post by the bridge isn't bad; it's been deadly quiet out here lately. I think over the last few days, you've killed every bandit and dangerous beast within a day of Bravil."

Puffing myself up and putting my hands on my hips, I attempted my best impression of a Legion soldier. "We're here to serve, citizen." We both burst into laughter. I was pleased my joke had cheered the man, for Gladius Maro seemed less than fully happy here since his assignment from Skyrim to Bravil.

We had commiserated about City Swimmer over ale and Tamika's at the Silverhome on the Water Tavern. I realized her death was not Gladius' fault, and he knew I did not hold it against him. I suspected there was something more bothering him though. He was certainly zealous about enforcing the law. Perhaps that was the problem; as much as I loved my little town, it was not exactly a place known for its high standards of law and ord-

". . . sound of your laughter has attracted some company." Gladius' words dispelled my musing. He jerked a thumb towards the stables as my mare approached.

Superian nuzzled up next to me. As I fished a carrot from my pack, Gladius reached out and patted her on the shoulder. Experience had taught me to pay attention to the sensitive mare when it came to reading people. I noted she did not flinch at the Imperial's touch - a strong endorsement of the man's underlying nature.

I led her back to the stables, where I retrieved our tack and exchanged pleasantries with my friend Antoine, the stable hand. Adjusting the saddle, I called out to Gladius, "well, I guess we'd better get started for the big city." I winked at Antoine as I pressed some gold coins into the modestly-paid Breton's hand, and then said to both men, "I want to get there before the shops close." With one foot in the stirrup, I bounced up and swung a leg over Superian's back. Antoine fondly patted my mare's haunch, sending us on our way.

"Ha! Shops. Women," teased Gladius as he waved. "Have a safe trip, Buffy."

"Thank you, Gladius. Keep our town safe." We started north along the Green Road. I leaned forward and whispered to Superian. "You didn't believe a word of that, did you?"

I was still quite frustrated after my recent experience at Namira's Shrine. Humiliating myself had netted little return. How to fight and survive within the Deadlands controlled by Mehrunes Dagon seemed as elusive and terrifying as ever. I was hoping to learn some of what I needed from his fellow Daedra Lords. I had asked for Acadian's help in picking which shrines to visit, and I knew he wanted me to learn more things than Daedra slaying. I trusted the paladin's judgment, even if I didn't understand it. All that notwithstanding, Namira and her followers had so angered me that frankly, I just wanted to kill something.

Gladius was right about the area being safe. Over the last several days, I had hunted down numerous bandits and hostile creatures near Bravil. "Superian, you understand. You're the fastest horse in Cyrodiil and you need to run. I'm an archer, and I need to hunt and stalk prey. We both get cranky when we don't get to do what we're built for."

"Acadian, you can chime right in here if you like. Why do sometimes I wake up and feel more skillful? That happened again yesterday. I now seem a little smarter, more nimble and even better able to control my will. You know that's why we're on the road." The sun was now warming our right side as we slowly moved north. "Every time I wake up with that feeling, I'm drawn to the Arena for another match. When I checked my raiment this morning, I counted the notches. This will be fight number twelve."

I looked around. My enchanted rings indicated no life signs in the sun-dappled undergrowth. A quiet breeze carried the wonderful outdoor smells of the moist forest and caused the leaves to gently dance. I glanced up through the trees at several puffy white clouds that decorated the bright sky, then felt something from Acadian. I almost forgot that I had indeed asked him something.

"Acadian, why do you answer with a question? Sometimes you're as confusing as Boderi. You know my worst fears. If I'm going to survive, I need to learn how to deal with them. Getting charged by those melee brutes in the close confines of the Arena with no place to hide is pretty near the top of my fear list - right up there with clannfears. That's why everything Boderi taught me is so helpful. I hope I can survive enough matches to conquer that fear. Maybe then, I won't feel drawn to the sands of death in the Arena anymore."

Superian bounced her head a couple times and snorted. I could feel the energy as her muscles rippled and twitched. "You've been very patient, just peacefully plodding along for me." I crouched forward, my face in her mane as I savored her scent. "As soon as you're ready, girl." Instantly, she exploded forward. With thunder from her hooves filling my ears, and trees racing by, we flew down the road toward Imperial City. By Mara, she was fast!

Posted by: D.Foxy Nov 11 2010, 02:33 PM

Hmmm...do horses really know human nature? Hautee, could you answer that one?

What a smooth, silky writing style - reading it feels like coming home from a cold and wet rain, throwing off your raincoat, and then slipping into your favourite sweater and old slippers in front of a nice warm fire...

Posted by: haute ecole rider Nov 11 2010, 02:50 PM

@Acadian: loved this little bit of Buffy, Gladius and Superian. Not much to point out, just an enjoyable moment or two with some very memorable characters. It's been said before, but these quiet moments are gems to be treasured and held close to our hearts.

@Foxy: Yes, horses can learn to read their humans. Some horses are so attuned to their humans that they can pick up on the slightest change in mood. No, they don't know what their people are thinking, but that doesn't matter to a horse (or dogs and cats for that matter). What matters to the horse is the person's emotion.

Buffy and Superian have been together long enough that Superian knows Buffy's moods very well. I will tell you that after a few years, my own mare knew my moods well enough to behave accordingly. If I was in a good mood, she would pretend to be a spooky, high-strung Arabian (she was actually a mellow Morgan). If I was preoccupied with something, she would give me a little nudge to focus on her. If I was upset about something, she would be very, very still.

Animals in general don't communicate verbally the way humans do, instead the majority of their communication is through body language. Subtle changes in breathing, in posture, in movements may escape our notice, but telegraph everything to a horse, et. al. Horses, dogs, and yes, cats who have lived with humans are very sensitive to our facial expressions as well, and do not hesitate to make eye contact with us or look at our faces (wild animals do not, because it is not part of their native repertoire).

Well, you did ask, Foxy!

Posted by: mALX Nov 11 2010, 04:32 PM

A glimpse into a private moment between Buffy and Superian - I loved that rapport!!! And a very Buffy moment !!!! Always good to read !!! This chapter may have been quiet, but it was exactly like Foxy said...coming home to relax and be comfortable, the smell of good home cooking in your nose as you sit by the fireplace - Awesome !!!

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 11 2010, 05:44 PM

"I caught the little fetcher high on skooma, kicking Aia, the begger."
Way to go Gladius! It is a good thing Teresa did not see that, or the Count would be looking for a new son (and she would probably be hiding out in Black Marsh or Valenwood)!

"We're here to serve, citizen."
This had me laughing out loud as well!

Why do sometimes I wake up and feel more skillful?
Because you just went up a level? Does this mean a trip to the Arena is immanent? Yes I think it does.

A nice, pleasant episode as Buffy ruminates on her plans and motivations, and spends some quality time with Gladius and Superian.


nits:
kicking Aia, the begger."
A typo in beggar.

Posted by: Destri Melarg Nov 12 2010, 09:50 AM

I don’t have much to add to what has already been said. This one was over far too quickly! I’ll have some MORE, please.

Posted by: Remko Nov 12 2010, 12:00 PM

I can relate to that. A horse indeed senses your mood. If you are distracted while riding and you have a properly trained horse he/she will immediately try to take the piss out of you. Forget to support the horse with your legs a couple strides, same result.

Funny story H.E.R. I always felt knees don't really do that much because of the leather. But it's fair to estimate you are a far superior rider compared to my (rather rusty) riding skill. If I ever decide to pick it up some day, I am gonna try it. I doubt the instructor will appreciate it though hahaha.

Posted by: Casper1984 Nov 12 2010, 01:51 PM

My 1st nit: "Ha! Shops. Women.",




Lol, nice. That's called leveling up, Buffy!



Wait, what? Next thing you know Buffy is the Grand Champion. By Azura!

Posted by: treydog Nov 12 2010, 05:19 PM

The interaction between Buffy and Gladius was wonderfully written, giving us a glimpse of the guard’s personality and honor.

Ah, Buffy is learning to turn stereotypes to her advantage. As any hunter knows, there are a number of ways to ambush the prey.

These episodes of internal dialogue and introspection are among my favorites, because we get to follow along as Buffy learns more about herself.

Posted by: Winter Wolf Nov 12 2010, 09:57 PM

As others have said, it is the quiet chapters that give us time to think about the real girl beneath the pointy ears. Her care and concern for guard and horse says a lot about our little Bosmer.

So different to the way Aradroth treats Gladius, lol.

More, more!!

Posted by: Linara Nov 13 2010, 01:31 AM

Looks like another decent soldier has been found. I must admit, when I read the first sentence I expected Buffy to be kicking Gladius's boat back to Skyrim! It's good she's made peace about it. The last few chapters have been very good indeed. Sounds like Buffy is done with the Daedric Lords for now...

Posted by: Acadian Nov 14 2010, 02:06 PM

Chapter 46 was the first of a two-part story that found Buffy departing Bravil for the Imperial City. It seems she is determined to risk another Arena match.

Foxy- Thank you. I can think of no higher compliment for what we are trying to do than when you say reading Buffy is like curling up by a warm fire. For you to call my writing smooth and silky makes my heart sing. Readers, to fully appreciate the humble gratitude I feel as a result of Foxy's compliment, one has to understand that it comes from someone who can write this:

"Here Morkwin paused, and his eyes rested on a butterfly. Shimmering and opalescent, its wings made a visual poem of a tender beauty in the air as it danced on the soft breeze. Strange how I had never noticed before, how much like a woman’s eyelashes the dark border on the edge of its wings looked….it landed on a tiger orchid, even as Morkwin continued –"

Rider- Buffy has come to quite trust Superian's judgment when it comes to assessing people. Thanks for your warm encouragement when we pause to display the quieter times in Buffy's life.

mALX- Thank you so very much for likening Buffy to what I would call 'comfort food'. As I mentioned to friend Foxy, I can think of no higher compliment for what Buffy and I are trying to accomplish. Thanks to the guidance of yourself and dear Rider, Buffy has grown so very close to Superian - both in her game and story.

SubRosa- You're exactly right; the Count's son no doubt fared better under the rough, but just hand of Gladius than he would have at the pointy end of Red's bow! Our reference here, for other readers of course, is to the fact that Wretched Aia will become a friend to Teresa in her future. When Buffy puffed herself up to impersonate the statement of a Legion soldier, I had to practice that in front of a mirror to check that it worked - I suspect that really would have had you laughing. Thank you for the kind words, and catching my typo.

Destri- Thank you! The next episode will complete this two-parter, and I know you will pick up on some distant foreshadowing.

Remko- Thanks! I appreciate your horsemanship and insight! Buffy relies heavily on the mystical aspects of being an elf, and having a spiritual connection to 'her little pony'.

Casper- Thank you so much for your keen eye. I do sometimes struggle with dialogue punctuation, so I carefully reviewed my references, sought the opinion of a master, and came to the conclusion that it was correct in this case. I really appreciate that you gave me the opportunity to research and review it to make sure.

Yes, reading between the lines, we see Buffy has just advanced to level twelve, while increasing her intelligence, agility and willpower. It is a small reminder in our story that although Buffy is very real, she does indeed live in the wonderfully magical game world of TES.

Buffy, the Grand Champion? In the last episode, she alluded that she hoped to learn the courage she sought before the Arena could kill her. In this next episode, she makes it clear how she feels about challenging the Grand Champion.

treydog- Thank you, for touching on two 'foreshadow' type things. First, Gladius' hard-nosed but just and equitable view of law enforcement does not seem to fit in very well in Bravil. I don't think he will be happy there. Secondly, Buffy is beginning to hone her verbal dueling/deception skills.

Wolf- Thank you! It is clear to me, that Buffy has a deep admiration for - even drawn to - noble hearts wrapped and armed with steel. Perhaps that's because they represent something she can never aspire to herself. Although she doesn't fully understand it, she will display it again in this very next episode.

Linara- Thank you. I was also pleased that Buffy has made peace with Gladius. She will not be rushing through the quests of Daedra Lords so quickly now. In fact, she will deal with only two more of them before Acadian finally leads her to the one she seeks.

The Grand Champion of the Arena was awe-inspiring to watch. The orc with grayish-green skin was relentlessly destroying another wooden target. His majestic grace and power reminded me of Superian.

Agronak gro-Malog paused his training and reached for a jug of water. "Buffy, I see you're on the schedule this afternoon. Good luck."

"Thank you Agronak, but I know you say the same to my opponent." Seated on a bench in the Bloodworks, I carefully sighted down the arrows I had selected to make sure they were perfectly straight.

"You're right." The orc smiled. "I shall congratulate the victor and mourn the vanquished. That's the nature of life and death in the Arena."

Satisfied with the arrows, I returned them to my quiver. "Why do you do this, Agronak?"

"Buffy, I'm a half breed with no real family. Before she died, Mother told me that Father was a human - some kind of noble. But no one believes an orc can be a noble. In the Arena though, I'm a hero - the Gray Prince. I figure that's as close as I'll ever get."

"I believe orcs can be noble," I said quietly. "Why don't you become a knight or maybe even a paladin? That way you could apply your skills toward chivalrous things and help people who are weaker than you." I didn't add that weaker than this orc probably included everyone in Cyrodiil. "Surely it must be a lonely existence to stay cooped up in here, smashing targets and waiting for a challenger to someday kill you."

"Heh, you have a point there, but who would make an orc a knight?" His face then got quite serious. "And you're right. It does get lonely."

"I'll bet the right woman could coax you away from this life, Agronak."

He raised an eyebrow and looked down at me appraisingly. "Is that an offer?"

All the skin not covered by my skimpy raiment suddenly blossomed with a pink warmth. "Oh no!" I sputtered. "I-I meant simply that-"

Agronak flashed a toothy grin, his upper lip catching on one of his fangs. "I'm joking, Buffy. No offense, but I need a sturdy woman who can hold her own with a blade. A powerful sparring partner. An Orsimer woman."

Not quite sure whether I was relieved or insulted, I quickly nodded my head. "That's what I meant, of course."

He took a long drink, then dragged the back of a giant fist across his mouth. "Why do you compete? You're kind of small for this business aren't you?"

The question caught me by surprise, then I smiled. "Well, I'm a half breed with no real family just like you. I don't feel like a hero though. In fact I'm scared to death every time I walk up that ramp. By the time I get to the gate, I'm almost ready to pee in my raiment and run away. That's why I'm here though; to conquer that fear."

The Gray Prince planted his water jug on a nearby table and looked down at me. "I see." He was several times my weight and his rippling upper arms were bigger than my waist. "When we stop being afraid, it's time to quit. Remember this, Buffy: Courage is not the absence of fear; rather, it is action in the presence of fear."

I had unstrung Slayer's staff and was now bending it to accept a new silk bowstring. "I know an old paladin who tells me the same thing." Thankful for his encouragement, I looked up and added, "and you're a hero to me Agronak, whether you're in the Arena or not."

The orc smiled and picked up his blade. I heard the crash before it fully registered that in the blink of an eye, he had crouched, spun and shattered the wooden training dummy with a vicious slash. He winked at me as he bellowed, "Owyn, I'm gonna need another target out here."

I knew in that moment, that I would never challenge Agronak gro-Malog, Grand Champion of the Arena.

Digging through my pack, I continued preparing for the match. In my mortar and pestle I added some water, then ground in several herbs: milk thistle, dryad saddle polypore cap, harrada and green stain cup. The special poison that resulted would inflict four effects upon my opponent.

*

I paused at the bottom of the steps and looked up at the afternoon brightness of the Arena. The sun would be on my left side for this match. After poisoning three arrows, I carefully slid two of them into the sheath strapped to my right calf. I mentally rehearsed my intended actions one more time. Just because I had a plan didn't mean the yellow team combatant had to cooperate; I cleared my mind and hoped for the mental agility to be able to adjust if needed.

I knew a couple things for certain: This fight would be measured in seconds instead of minutes, and I could afford precisely zero mistakes.

With Slayer filling one hand, a poisoned arrow in the other, and my stomach churning, I started up the stone steps.

"Good people of the Imperial City." The booming voice silenced the crowd. The announcer then changed his tone to a thundering guttural growl that ignited the sea of spectators to cheering. "Welcome, to the Arena!"

For the twelfth time in my life those words brought my heart to my throat. Buffy, execute your plan. Nocking my first poisoned arrow, I aimed through the gate.

Concentrating on my target, I pulled him more clearly into view. I was expecting to see the orc, but it was still a sobering sight as the sun glinted off the blade of his axe. I swallowed hard, knowing I could not allow this first arrow to miss. That my opponent was such a massive target was scant comfort. Action in the presence of fear. As the gate came down, I drew silk to cheek, adjusted my final aim point and loosed the arrow.

The orc was fast. He was halfway across the Arena before the impact of my arrow and Slayer's enchantments caused him to pause, and sparks to dance around his body. My poison flooded into him, darkening his green skin. He collapsed, paralyzed, taking frost damage, losing health and having his speed slowly but permanently reduced. Within seconds however, he struggled to his feet and resumed his charge, slightly slowed now.

Calling forth the energy of Cobra's Dance, magic flew from my fingertips. The emerald snake was still swirling through the air as I reached toward my right thigh for the tail of a second arrow. My serpent struck the orc in his chest, paralyzing him again and adding more damage over time. He collapsed, but momentum carried him within two paces of me, showering my feet with sand. His axe was still firmly in his grasp.

I waited with my bowstring partially drawn. I didn't want to risk angle-skipping this arrow off the heavy raiment of the prone orc. He stirred. I knew within the next few seconds one of us would be dead. Struggling to his elbows, he looked up and our eyes met. I loosed my arrow into the exposed flesh at the junction of his throat and chest. The impact at this range jerked his hulking mass back to the sand.

It was over.

I stared down at my dead opponent, the announcer booming meaningless words and the crowd roaring. Shaking now, I had controlled my fear for only as long as had been necessary.

I looked up at the sea of timid souls cheering in the stands. None of them were worthy to even carry the axe of the almost unstoppable combatant at my feet.

"Rest in peace, Gladiator."

I turned and headed down the tunnel to the Bloodworks, blinking back a tear. Whatever stupid lust I had for battle was gone now. In fact I felt sick. Quickening my pace, I got to the renewal basin at the end of the tunnel as I started to retch.

Posted by: MyCat Nov 14 2010, 04:53 PM

I think you want "Orsimer" here?

Also, if she fights an Arena match every time she levels up, and she has won twelve matches before this one (twelve notches,) this is her thirteenth level up making her level fourteen. You start out at level one, not zero. Or did I miss something?

Posted by: Acadian Nov 14 2010, 05:52 PM

Let me pop in briefly to hopefully deflect any confusion, distraction or counting of fingers/toes regarding Buffy's correct level.

Buffy had just achieved level twelve at this point, there are two factors here:

1. Quoting from the previous chapter, "When I checked my raiment this morning, I counted the notches. This will be fight number twelve." Buffy is saying there were eleven notches on her raiment, and her next fight would be twelve.

2. The second factor is how/when she started, and therein lies some potential for confusion. She did her first fight, before ever leveling up (at level one) to help earn passage home to Bravil. Upon achieving level two, she fought her second fight. Although it is now 'triggered' by her leveling up, her first fight occurred at level one; this helped us keep her level and number of fights matched up.

So sorry for any confusion, and I so hope it won't distract from this episode.

I also think Buffy is hinting strongly that she may have finally cured herself of her 'Arena addiction' with this fight. I hope so, since I hate taking my shoes off to count her levels.

Posted by: haute ecole rider Nov 14 2010, 06:08 PM

Bravo, Buffy!

Yes, Agronak is right about fear and courage. If you stop being scared in dangerous situations, it's time to get out or you're going to die.

And kudos to Buffy for deciding not to pursue the Grand Championship.

The thing I always hated about the Arena is that someone has to die. Where's the sport in that? While I'm no fan of the fighting sports (boxing, wrestling, martial arts, etc), I'm cool with fighting until one is beaten, but not until one is maimed or killed. You don't need to go that far to prove who's your daddy.

This is a wonderful chapter because we see Buffy developing a growing empathy for the people in her life, not just her friends but also her opponents. They, too, are flesh and blood, though sometimes it's easy to forget when they're trying to kill you!

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 14 2010, 07:35 PM

"Heh, you have a point there, but who would make an orc a knight?"
Hmmm, now who might do that...

It is good to see Agronak making a larger appearance, and I suspect as large an impression upon Buffy. Once more we see one more brick being placed into Buffy's emotional foundation as a warrior. She has had the skills for some time, the only thing she really lacks is the experience and that mindset. Things which her recent adventures have been slowly but steadily giving her.

On that note, you give us an excellent portrayal of Buffy's pre-battle jitters, and tie them in firmly with the advice of the Grand Champion.

We also see the in-game tips and tricks that gave Buffy her birth so long ago. Quite the deadly mix that our Miss Buff has in her cocktail!

An excellent bit of reality at the very end, where Buffy holds her last shot because the angle would have caused it to deflect her arrow. Instead she waits until she can get the shot at an exposed area.

And finally, an affirmation of Buffy's own elfmanity at the end, with her sympathy for her opponent. I suspect this will be her last arena match.

Posted by: mALX Nov 15 2010, 01:33 AM

I felt shades of Sarrah's encounter with the Ogre in this chapter - the one that sent her over the edge for a while. Awesome Write! My fave part was your perfect description of (Wes Johnson) "The Voice of the Arena" - you nailed it !!!

Posted by: Destri Melarg Nov 15 2010, 10:25 AM

God’s goolies! Is our Buffy playing matchmaker? Black Bow Bandits beware! And if Agronak doesn’t think an Orsimer can be a noble, I know a Lord who lives north of Cheydinhal who might disrobe him of his reprehensions. Of course, he would have to be careful not to impregnable or otherwise malleanate the Lady Rogbut. I’m sure if Mazoga were with him it wouldn’t be a problem. By the Nine, wouldn’t that be a dinner conversation well worth the eavesdropping?!

I am glad to see Buffy reach the end of her taste for the Arena. It just doesn’t fit the person she is becoming, or the task that she has inadvertently set for herself. I suppose she will just have to find another way to test herself on those mornings when she wakes up feeling smarter.

Posted by: Linara Nov 15 2010, 06:31 PM

And there you have it why I can never finish the Arena storyline. Or the side quest for that matter.

I'll second that. Anyone who feels guilty over a Legion soldier doesn't really belong in the Arena... Linara always celebrates those mornings with several bottles of mead, so I can't say much for her intelligence, but it's nice to have some sort of ritual, not just the mundane 'pick three to level up and cue triumphant music' bit. A nice chapter.

Posted by: treydog Nov 15 2010, 11:50 PM

The scene with Agronak was quite good- Buffy shows her people (Orc?) skills in that exchange. And she reveals a bit of her own dreams even as she tells the Grand Champion that he needs to find a “good woman.”

That’s why he is called “the enemy.”

The unadorned description of the combat and Buffy’s reaction to it make me believe this is the last of her Arena matches. And the fact that she had a relatively personal conversation with Agronak just moments before facing another Orsimer is significant, as well. Our bow-girl appears to have learned another hard lesson in the only way that matters. Rather in the same way that the bump in the bridge of my nose is a reminder to not do stupid things…

Posted by: Acadian Nov 17 2010, 03:50 PM

In Chapter 47, Buffy shared some history with the Grand Champion of the Arena, learning they have some things in common. She then managed to survive her twelfth Arena match. Perhaps she has learned enough about the nature of fear and courage to discontinue her Arena career.

MyCat - Thank you for catching my typo on Orsimer. I already addressed Buffy's level and, again, apologize for any confusion.

Rider- Thanks. As a petrified youngster faced with my first parachute jump from a C-130 in 1974, an old salt told me, "No one cares if you're scared. What counts is doing what you're trained to do when the time comes." I'm so glad Buffy now understands that. I know Julian does.

SubRosa- Thank you for the kind words. I see of course that you, along with Destri, picked right up on my attempt to foreshadow some of Agronak's future. This was certainly an emotional episode for Buffy. I so hope the Arena has served its purpose for her.

mALX- Anytime a parallel is drawn between Buffy and Sarrah, it makes my heart sing. Thank you. For those not familiar, Sarrah (RIP) was Angel's older sister - both characters created and written about by bobg. Wes does indeed bring our hearts to our throats with his Arena announcements! I'm so humbled that my words conveyed some of that impact.

Destri- Yes, Buffy will be on the lookout for a strong Orsimer woman who needs a mighty orc to lock fangs with. I agree entirely in suspecting that Buffy has outgrown the Arena. She has more important, and just as dangerous tasks to attend to. Thank you.

Linara- Oooh! Thank you! Waking up feeling more skillful, and celebrating the fact with some mead Tamika's sounds wonderful! Buffy, don't you think that might be so much better than peeing your raiment, throwing up or getting killed in the Arena?

treydog- I actually suspect there was a subconscious part of Buffy that may have been experimenting with her flirting abilities during the scene with Agronak - I'm not sure. Any such possible intent on her part evaporated the moment it briefly appeared that he might be expressing interest in her. Who can fathom the mind of a young she-elf? Thank you for your kind comments. I take Buffy at her word that she will never challenge the Grand Champion.

As the pine forest surrendered glimpses of a stone chapel, I drew Superian to a stop next to a large moss-covered rock. As she stood quietly in the lush grassy undergrowth, I unrolled my map across the mare's neck.

I figured we were about half way along our trek from the Imperial City to the blue mark Acadian had placed on my map. Our destination was Sanguine's Shrine, northwest of Skingrad. Another day of travel, perhaps two.

The filtered streaks of sunlight that managed to slip through the forest came from ahead of us - low in the west. This might be just the place to stop for the night.

I slid to the ground and led Superian closer. The chapel, of cut stone, looked to be in fine condition, and its spire rose almost to the tops of the pines. On the forest floor, steel blue entoloma grew plentifully. Similarly, an abundant supply of lady's mantle nestled among the boulders and low-growing bushes.

A solitary farmhouse of natural stone and mortar, capped by a thatched roof, shared the small clearing with the chapel. Inside a small fenced plot that adjoined the house, carefully tilled soil sprouted vegetables and herbs. Wielding a rake, as she toiled in the garden, was a Bosmer wearing a simple blue and green dress.

"Hail," I declared. "I am a traveler and would welcome a friendly face."

She quickly turned her head my direction and stared briefly before replying, "forgive my surprise, young elf. Visitors are infrequent, but always welcome at Gottlesfont Priory." She leaned her rake against the fence and added, "I am Sister Agrond." Stepping to the door of the farmhouse, she pushed it open and called, "Phebe, we have a visitor."

Momentarily, a smallish women - in an oversized robe that was the color of the forest - appeared in the doorway. A matching hood largely obscured her face. "Good day, and welcome traveler." The gently lilting words marked her unmistakably as a Breton. I could not help but smile at her manner of dress, as images of green bags from the University flitted into my head.

Agrond continued, "this is Phebe Jeanard. We are Sisters of Akatosh and tend this priory. Have you journeyed far?"

"Well met, Sisters. I'm Buffy, from Bravil, and I've traveled from the Imperial City. It is late in the day. Might my weary horse and I prevail upon your hospitality for the night?"

"Of course," Agrond quickly replied. "You may stay as long as you like; we maintain a spare bed for travelers, and you're in time for supper. Turning to the Breton, she continued, "Phebe, would you please add another plate to our table?"

"Of course, Sister." With that, the hooded robe disappeared back into the house.

Agrond pointed to Superian. "We have a well that you're welcome to use. As you can see, there is also ample grazing." Her face was well-lined with age, but framed by honey-blond hair, and I felt welcome here as her brown eyes smiled warmly. "Why don't you tend to your horse's needs, then join Phebe and I."

"Thank you, Sister. That sounds perfect."

After the Bosmer went inside, I felt an insistent nudge against my back that pushed me toward the well. "Yes, Milady Superian. Your elf will fetch you a drink right away."

*

I cut another bite of boar cutlet and swirled it in the wonderful leek and mushroom sauce that also decorated several bites of roast potato and pumpkin on my plate. "This is a wonderful meal, Sisters. I'm grateful."

"Thank you," Phebe replied softly. The Breton had lowered her hood for dinner, revealing a pale face with plain features. Her thin brown hair that was cut rather short. I could see now that she was young - even more so than I. "We are blessed indeed," she continued. "Our small flock of settlers at neighboring Brindle Home provides fresh meat from hunting and even brings us a fine selection of wines from the nearby vineyards of Skingrad."

"And," added Agrond, "we grow much of our own food, and harvest the local alchemical ingredients. We even craft potions to barter for our other modest needs. The lady's mantle and steel blue entoloma that you no doubt noticed in the area, grows wild and is quite helpful for restoring health and magical energies."

I reached for the open bottle of Tamika's to refill our three pewter goblets. "How wonderful to live in such a bountiful part of the forest."

"Buffy," said Agrond as she dabbed a napkin to her mouth, "you said you were from Bravil. Are you a child of Mara?"

I nodded my head as I hurried to swallow a mouthful of potato. Wiping my lips, I replied, "yes. I studied each of the Nine Divines at the Arcane University, but it has always been Mara who speaks to my heart."

Agrond smiled broadly. "Good for you, child. Phebe and I will give our nightly prayers to Akatosh in the chapel after supper. Would you join us?"

"I'd like that," I said. "Can you pass the bread, please?"

*

As Agrond closed the heavy wooden door behind us, Phebe reverently lowered her hood again and said, "Welcome to our sanctuary."

The chapel itself was beautifully maintained, its floors fairly sparkling. The light from several sconces that lined the walls, combined with that of the abundant candles flanking the altar to provide a welcoming glow.

"Are there many such chapels to Akatosh?" I asked.

Phebe replied hesitantly, "I-I was born and raised in Brindle Home, and have never traveled. Agrond is still teaching me how to be a Sister. I heard there is a beautiful temple in the Imperial City?"

"Oh, I know the one," I said, immediately regretting my words. Perhaps I had made Phebe feel embarrassed about not being well-traveled.

"Yes, you are quite right, Phebe," rescued Agrond with a gentle smile. "There are three in Cyrodiil. Gottlesfont Priory right here, Temple of the One in the Imperial City, and," she paused as her eyes clouded, "the Chapel of Akatosh in Kvatch."

I breathed in sharply and pushed images of the flaming city walls from my mind. Not before Agrond noticed.

The Bosmer took my hand. "You have been to Kvatch since. . ?" Her words trailed off as she tilted her head.

I nodded slowly. "And you?"

"No," replied Agrond, "I've never traveled beyond Chorrol, Skingrad and the Imperial City. I was trained at Temple of the One. Sadly, I did not know any of the priests assigned to Kvatch. We can only hope that some of the townsfolk who didn't escape the city made it to the chapel."

Phebe beat me to my question. "What good would that do, Sister? I heard Daedra overran the city. How could anyone that didn't make it out survive?"

"I don't know for sure that they could," Agrond shrugged, "but I suspect that Akatosh would not suffer Daedra in his house."

My heart lifted. "Do you really think that's possible?"

"I do, Buffy. I believe Akatosh would protect members of his flock that sought the sanctuary of his chapel."

Phebe piped in, "Buffy, you said you went to the Arcane University. Can you summon a Daedra? I mean, we're standing in a house of Akatosh right now. Could we see if it's true?" Although speaking to me, Phebe's eyes sought those of Agrond.

I looked questioningly to the older Sister of Akatosh as well.

The Bosmer's brief look of uncertainly was replaced by a smile as she replied, "I don't see why not. Buffy, if you can cast such a spell, give it a try."

I hated scamps, but they were the only Daedra I knew how to call forth. I hadn't summoned one of the ugly creatures since the University, and it took a moment to recall the magic. I then allowed a glow to form in my hand. Once my fist contained enough energy, I released it into the air in front of me. As the orange cloud of magic settled, a form begin to materialize. As soon as the summon within became recognizable as a scamp, it fizzled and disappeared.

The three of us stood wordlessly, staring at each other. It was Phebe that broke the silence as she suddenly clapped her hands together and squealed, "oh, how exciting! It worked!" Her face quickly reddened as her hand flew to her mouth and she dropped to her knees. "I-I mean, of course it would work. Praise be to the glory and might of Akatosh, the First God, the Dragon God."

Agrond took Phebe by the arm, gently encouraging the Breton to her feet. "Don't be embarrassed by your youthful exuberance, Sister." With a sparkle in her eyes, she added, "Why, I expect perhaps even Akatosh himself may have been young at one time."

I smiled at the interaction between these two, as I identified with the self-conscious and wide-eyed Phebe. I could almost hear the loving guidance of Daenlin, Boderi or Kud-Ei, as Agrond wisely mentored her young charge.

My excitement at our wonderful discovery quickly faded as a troubling thought occurred. "Agrond, although it seems Akatosh could keep the Daedra from entering his chapel at Kvatch, how could anyone besieged inside survive?"

The Sister pointed up to a large stained-glass window. It featured a depiction of Akatosh, with the head of a dragon on one shoulder and an hourglass in his hands. "Behold the Dragon God of Time who can banish Daedra from his house and wields the hourglass of time itself. Do you not think he could arrange to feed and care for his flock for as long as necessary?" Despite the power of her words, Agrond's face was a gentle study in honest humility as she went on to admit, "I don't know the answer, Buffy, but I suspect Akatosh would not forsake those inside the protection of his sanctuary." She held out both hands - one each for Phebe and I to grasp. "Let us pray."

Posted by: haute ecole rider Nov 17 2010, 04:36 PM

What a lovely chapter! I always felt there was more to Gottlesfont Priory than you see in-game. For some reason I always think of Shrewsbury Abbey from the Brother Cadfael mysteries (I'm a fan of Brother Cadfael myself just because he's an old soldier ).

A couple of nits:

I guess there was so much excitement that the c and the i leapfrogged each other.

The phrasing feels awkward to me. Perhaps - how could anyone inside survive being besieged? or maybe -how could anyone besieged within survive?

I loved the dinner at the Priory, and the explanation of how the sisters could eat so well living in such an out of the way place. Just one question, though - they're practically cheek-by-jowl with Fort Wooden Hand, a Marauder Fort! I suppose it's another example of Akatosh's benevolent protection, but then how does one explain the destruction of Akatosh's city? Ahh, the inconsistencies of Bethesda!

Posted by: mALX Nov 17 2010, 04:45 PM

How cool, having Akatosh keeping Daedra away! And Buffy's likening the mentoring of the sisters to her own worthy mentors, that was very Buffy!! - and explaining how Kvatch will wait for her to arrive !!! Awesome Write !!!!

Posted by: Linara Nov 17 2010, 08:43 PM

A capital W perhaps? That was a very nice chapter, although I'm curious, is there really a Brindle Home and the chapel. Sounds like the kind of place Linara likes to visit. Once again you incorporate your skill to make touching characters such as Phebe and Agrond.

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 17 2010, 08:43 PM

A nice little segment at an oft-overlooked location. Not only does Buffy get some quality time in with the priestesses, but we also see some plot building. If Martin and others did make it to the chapel, then here we see that they could indeed survive. For however long it might take the siege to be broken. Very neat - and palm to the head obvious when it is after the fact! - rationale for why too!

I loved Superian's nudge toward the well. Little things like this help make animals transcend being mere conveyances and instead make them characters.

"why, I expect perhaps even Akatosh himself may have been young at one time."
Well, seeing that Akatosh invented time...

Posted by: Destri Melarg Nov 17 2010, 10:04 PM

It does the heart good to see that, in a place where most encounters end on the point of a sword, there are still places in Tamriel where visitors are welcomed and provided with shelter and hospitality simply because it’s the right thing to do.

When you are capable of setting a spread like this, you certainly don’t need us to feed you! I’ll have a second helping, please.

The bit inside the chapel was interesting. Akatosh's power manifested in such a direct and quantifiable way must give great comfort to those who believe in the Nine, but I couldn’t help feeling that Buffy and Phebe were making Him sing for his supper. Such things mark the self-absorbed quality of youth, I suppose. I kept waiting for Agrond to tell them that Akatosh has more trying concerns than confirming their belief in him. Perhaps she understood that such reassurance was needed, and perhaps she was tempted toward curiosity herself.

Posted by: D.Foxy Nov 18 2010, 03:13 PM

Friend Acadian - that was a neat bit of storycraft, explaining away some of the (il)logical nits that Beth left in its storyline!!! Kudos and a salute to you!!!

Posted by: treydog Nov 18 2010, 10:50 PM

The descriptive passages and the greetings between Buffy and the Sisters were wonderful, lyrical pieces of writing. And I loved Superian reminding her elf of what is really important.

The logic of Akatosh being able to prevent Daedra from manifesting is an outstanding bit of world-building- another of those “why didn’t I think of that?” moments. Then of course Akatosh is the ”Dragon of Time.” And the interactions of Phebe and Agrond are equally delightful.

Posted by: Casper1984 Nov 19 2010, 10:58 AM

To be honest I have no idea what this chapter is about. But anyway.
I've never done Sanguine's shrine either come to think of it. And now that I read about it on uesp we should be in for another fun ride if she pulls through with it (will she ever learn?). I'd have to check the other Daedric shrine quests to see if there are actually a few among them that Buffy would not regret doing.

Posted by: Acadian Nov 20 2010, 02:50 PM

Chapter 48 joined Buffy en route from the Imperial City to Sanguine's Shrine. She stopped for the night at Gottlesfont Priory. In addition to enjoying the hospitality provided by two Sisters of Akatosh, Buffy's heart was lifted as she learned of the Dragon God's ability to protect those who sought refuge in his chapels - not only from Daedra, but possibly the ravages of thirst and hunger.

Rider- Thank you! I was hoping for a nice interlude while supporting Buffy's important discovery about Akatosh. Lucky for us, the marauders of that nearby fort have such a tiny territorial range it seems. Thanks for the nits - fixed!

mALX- I'm so glad Buffy's observations of the Sisters came through, and that you drew out the importance of what she learned inside that chapel. Thank you!

Linara- Yes! There really is a Gottlesfont Priory with Sisters Agrond and Phebe, and a nearby small settlement of Brindle Home. The biggest liberty we took was to declare that the priory was devoted to Akatosh - the game does not suggest the chapel's affiliation. The area is halfway between Skingrad and Chorrol, just east of a line connecting the two cities. I'm sure Linara would love visiting there! Thank you for the nit.

SubRosa- Thank you for the kind and insightful words. The trouble with BF 2.0 is that Buffy is asking so darn many tough questions of me:

-Why wouldn't Jauffre just send his Blades to Kvatch right away? Because he was killed before he could so act.
-Why wouldn't the Legion send an army to close that gate? Because with no Emperor, they are struggling just to keep the Empire from breaking apart.
-Why wouldn't anyone inside a sealed city overrun by Daedra be dead after all this time? Buffy just learned a possible answer in the above episode.
-Why would Mehrunes Dagon be content to just open one gate? Ouch. Here we encounter the 800 pound ogre in the plot. Although I can think of some possibilities, we must simply rely upon the words, "Who can fathom the ways of a Daedra Lord?" Based on what she sees, I think it is reasonable for Buffy to wonder if Dagon even has the mojo to open more than one gate at a time. Unfortunately, I fear that if the gate at Kvatch is ever closed, it will be akin to striking a very large hornet's nest with a big stick. . . .

I now fear Buffy's use of the word Why even more than her use of the word Fine.

Destri- Thank you! It was the culinary skills of the wonderful writers here that helped me describe the yummy dinner that Buffy enjoyed. Your observation on making Akatosh sing for his supper is valid. The youth of Buffy and Phebe factored in, here as you suggested. I tried to portray some humble uncertainty within Agrond regarding her own faith and confidence. Finally, I felt that a demonstration would convey more impact, and add some action to an otherwise very gentle and passive episode.

Foxy- Thank you for those kind words!

treydog- Such generous words from a master of 'lyrical pieces of writing'. Thank you! Regarding Superian coaxing Buffy to the well, I'm so glad that you and SubRosa remarked on that; I confess that my old great dane had me quite trained to turn on the faucet of a sink so he could exercise his preference for drinking fresh running water. Thank you also for endorsing the logic of Akatosh's protection as it relates to Kvatch's chapel.

Casper- I'm quite glad you expressed that you were unsure what this episode was about so I can attempt to explain! Buffy is currently en route to Sanguine's Shrine - this episode was simply a stop for the night where she learned something that applies to Kvatch. Our purpose was to demonstrate that, despite the fact that Kvatch has been sealed, burned and overrun by Daedra for quite a long time, it may be possible that there are survivors inside the chapel, due to the protections afforded by Akatosh himself. As you recall from your game, Daedra are unable to enter the Chapel of Akatosh inside Kvatch.

If it is helpful, let me offer a tiny summary of the path Buffy seems to be on: She is drawn to Savlian Matius, either because of her heart, his bravery or both. Since Savlian's plight is caused by a Daedra Lord, Buffy is 'consulting' Daedra Lords in hopes of learning how to help Savlian. Her path is littered with detours, some of them extensive. She will complete two more Daedric Shrine quests before Acadian leads them to a final such quest, where she will learn what she seeks. I hope that helps!

I launched a mass of energy into the ground near the middle of the fray and shouted, "Get back!" The wolf, now under my command, became docile as the three followers of Sanguine jumped to safety. A single arrow jerked the animal from his feet, killing him before he hit the ground.

"Are you here for the hedonism? Perhaps debauchery?" inquired one of the followers - a bald Bosmer with a brown robe and raised eyebrow. He seemed oblivious to the dead wolf.

"Um, you're welcome." After shouldering Slayer, I unsheathed my knife and knelt by the carcass to cut my arrow free. "Who's in charge here?"

"Charge? Oh yes. Don't you get the biggest charge out of Daedra? The Nine Divines are boring. Daedra? They're never boring!"

The glare I fired over my shoulder must have registered, because his tone changed as he nervously added, "Oh, yes. I'm Engorm."

After inspecting and wiping down the arrow, I returned it to my quiver. I then stood and faced the Bosmer, who was refreshingly as short as I. "Well, Engorm, my name's Buffy, and I want to speak to Sanguine."

"Buffet?" Engorm looked at me dubiously. "Despite such a delicious name, you don't seem like a party girl. Oh well, a gift for our host would be nice. Cyrodilic brandy perhaps?"

"Thanks. That's all I need to know." I sat on a nearby bench and opened my pack. Glancing at the dead wolf, I was pleased with my new spell. It commanded creatures within its burst radius, but did not affect men or mer.

I then looked up at the shrine to Sanguine. Yes, pretty much what I expected: a chubby horned elf with a tankard in his hand. I shook my head, not expecting to learn much from this Daedra Lord. At least I had a pretty good idea what his price of admission might be. I had done my research and prepared accordingly for 'the Daedric Prince whose sphere is hedonistic revelry, debauchery, and passionate indulgences of darker natures'.

I dug through my pack. Black and gold shoes, Surilie 399, green velvet shoes, ale, beer, mead, blue velvet shoes, Tamika 415. . . oh, here it is - Cyrodilic brandy.

"Ahh. . . another mortal come to beg Sanguine to add a bit of spice to an otherwise drab existence." The Daedra Lord's tone was irritatingly smug. "I would have you perform a service for me."

Of course you would, I thought to myself.

The stone figure of Sanguine continued, "The Castle Leyawiin is a dull, dreary place. The mistress is an especially somber soul, and tomorrow she will hold another excruciating dinner party. I want you to liven it up. Use this spell on the Countess and her guests. I think it will make the party much more interesting. You should probably try to be inconspicuous. Or they might kill you. Oh, and the party is by invitation only. You'll have to find a way in. Have fun!"

I winced as I felt a new magic being forced upon me by Sanguine. What kind of spell was 'Stark Reality'? I was still stuck with the spell Namira had inflicted into my repertoire. Both were mysteries to me, and I needed to get back to the University to find out what they did. Casting something I didn't understand seemed like a really dumb idea - especially a spell that came from a Daedra Lord.

Sanguine would just have to keep his loincloth on. I knew perfectly well from my University recommendation visit, that the Countess of Leyawiin held these private parties every week. I'd get there sometime.

The sun was high and the day warm. I slipped behind the shrine and changed into my own loincloth of doeskin, along with a cropped hunter vest and some sandals that laced almost to my knees. Hopefully, the pleasant day and change to lighter clothes would improve my cranky mood. Superian and then I made our way south, away from Sanguine's Shrine.

I had begun to grow weary of chasing around on behalf of these Daedra Lords, learning little of what I wanted to know. Mehrunes Dagon's plane of Oblivion remained as elusively frightening as ever.

Engorm's words lingered. "Acadian, am I not a party girl? Do you remember that time Ardaline and I were giggling, dizzy with wine up in Kud-Ei's room at the Bravil guildhouse?"

I sensed a light humor from the paladin as I recalled the episode fondly. Kud-Ei was out of town on guild business. Ardaline and I were giving each other a fashion show, trying on every outfit in the guild, then prancing around in front of each other to see how we looked. I teased her about Varon Vamori. She blushed and said Varon was better than being goofy for a black mare. Ardaline seemed surprised when I told her how much I envied her statuesque height, grace and beautifully curved Altmer ears. I was astonished to learn she felt herself to be gawky, and envied what she called my 'elven petiteness'. Then we started hitting each other with pillows. We both awoke in Kud-Ei's bed the next morning with our heads throbbing from the wine, and wearing horribly mismatched outfits that would have made Delphine cringe.

Giggling at the memory, I noted how good the sun felt good on my skin as I enjoyed the sights, sounds and smells of the Imperial Reserve. Finally, we emerged from the brush and stood at the edge of the Gold Road.

My rings detected a life sign. It was a large pink streak that I recognized well. I smiled as I heard thundering hooves and waited the few seconds it would take them to close the distance.

The black horse and its rider abruptly drew to a stop in front of us. "Well met, Buffy." The dusty young Breton was working hard to settle her prancing, snorting stallion.

"Hail, Miliele," I replied. As Superian became fidgety, flattened her ears and whinnied disapprovingly, I became alarmed. If she reared on this uneven rocky ground next to the road, I could be thrown, she could injure a rear leg, or in the worst case, we could both go over backwards.

I leaned forward. If Superian began to rear up, I would throw my arms around her neck, pivot myself to the ground, jump clear and cast a calm spell. Fortunately, she chose to take a few steps back instead. She nevertheless, continued tossing her head and expressing her opinion with short loud breaths.

I breathed a sigh of relief and was able to turn some of my attention back to Miliele. There were five women in Cyrodiil that rode these majestic animals - all four Black Horse Courier riders and myself. We all knew each other. I asked, "What news do you carry, sister of the black horse?" The couriers were entrusted to carry not only the Cyrodiil news, but messages to and from officials of the Empire.

"Kvatch is still hostage to that Daedra gate." Miliele had been able to open the distance between the two horses by a few more paces, clearly exasperated by the unruly stallion. "I'm carrying a message from Captain Savlian Matius demanding more help from the Legion. His men are weary, and fresh meat is scarce. The citizens in the encampment are doing everything they can to supply their soldiers at the barricade, but they are poor hunters."

The stallion was now pawing the ground and blowing hard. "Sorry, Buffy," Miliele continued. "Perhaps someday we can have tea and a coherent conversation, without the jostling and bouncing. Tiber can run like the wind, but he's a real stinker around the ladies. We've got to get to the Imperial City anyway. With no visible prompting from Miliele, the stallion was off, his hoof beats soon fading toward Skingrad and the Imperial City beyond.

I looked east along the road after them. Dust from the courier still clung to the air. My plans were to stop at the University to sort out that new spell from Sanguine, then go home to Bravil and pack what I might need for Castle Leyawiin.

Heaving a sigh, my eyes were drawn west toward Kvatch. Miliele's words about the shortage of fresh meat still echoed. My head and heart were swirling as I went through the motions of pulling out my map in a futile effort to delay my decision.

I was no hero. I felt no obligation to the citizens of Kvatch. Nor was I ready to enter a flaming gate to Oblivion.

I recalled the shield I had enchanted that was still nestled in my magic bag. Then I thought about the man with the heart of a lion who gave it to me. I knew he had told me to stay away until the gate was closed, but. . . .

I turned Superian, and we set off into the late afternoon sun.

Maybe I couldn't help with that gate, but I sure could do something about the lack of good hunters.

Posted by: mALX Nov 20 2010, 03:45 PM

Some really funny moments here:

And Matias, never far from her mind...

Great Addition to Buffy's story !!!!!

Posted by: haute ecole rider Nov 20 2010, 04:20 PM

I couldn't help noticing Superian's behavior around the Black Courier stallion. Makes me wonder if she's about to enter into heat? If so, the Buffster had better watch out! Being on the mare's back during mating is not the place to be.

This made me laugh, knowing too well what happens upon completion of his quest!

And Buffy decides to help Kvatch in a very fundamental way. I adore this about her - the fact that the help she gives others is soooo practical in nature! Fresh meat indeed! While Savlian may be thinking of one kind of fresh meat, and the Fox is thinking of another kind of fresh meat, our Buffy is thinking of the kind of fresh meat that fills the belly and warms the spirit. Atta girl!

Posted by: treydog Nov 21 2010, 02:34 AM

That was very much a "Buffy moment."



Interesting figure of speech there, given what the feature holds…

The concerns about her appearance and the memory of Ardaline were wonderfully drawn, reminding us all why we love her.

And even as Buffy tries to follow her plan, news of Kvatch intrudes. Fortunately, it is the prerogative of every female- elven or otherwise- to change her mind.

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 21 2010, 03:03 AM

Do not forget all those other important questions. Like why is the sky blue? Or how come the Detroit Lions can never win a game? Or why is LeBron James a greedy traitor? Or is God so powerful that he can make a rock so big that even he can't lift it?

Daedra? They're never boring!
One cannot argue with that!

So how come when I think of Sanguine, I am picturing John Belushi from Animal House?

Casting something I didn't understand seemed like a really dumb idea - especially a spell that came from a Daedra Lord
How come I never think of that when I am playing the game? Seriously, I love Buffy's understandably cautious and disenchanted attitude to Daedric Princes foisting spells off on her.

I'd get there sometime.
Yep, now that is the female attitude! Or as a certain fella in a grey pointy hat once said: "A wizard is never late, or early. He always arrives exactly when he means to!"

Teresa wants to know if there are any pics of Buffy in her doeskin loincloth?

I also loved Buffy's reminiscing about her 'wild party' with Ardaline. Now Teresa is jealous! She never got to have a pillow fight with Methredhel! Funny thing is, there is some historical basis to such parties. Women did much the same in ancient Sparta. There was a shrine to Helen outside the city (the face that launched a thousand ships Helen), and young women would go there to spend the night singing, dancing, drinking wine, and doubtlessly having sex...

I loved the extra details you lavished upon us with Superian's reaction to the stallion. You made it plain what she thought of him! Likewise with Buffy's own riding skills, as she considers both the danger, and her options to mitigate it.

And Buffy is off to feed the true heroes of Kvatch!



@Linara: http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Oblivion:Gottlesfont_Priory

Posted by: Grizzly20 Nov 21 2010, 04:25 AM

I am so sorry for being gone for so long Acadian. My computer has REALLY been acting up. Had to send it back in and told them to keep it for a while as to make sure EVERYTHING was fixed. Now I'm back and better than ever, and ready for more Buffy!

Posted by: Casper1984 Nov 21 2010, 06:54 PM

Thanks for the explanation Acadian.
I recall this episode from the Bethesda forums (only read few bits on there). A pity that Buffy is having the spell examined. I bet if she can find out what it does we won't get to see it in action.
Mental note: do more Daedric shrine quests.

Posted by: Winter Wolf Nov 22 2010, 02:41 AM

I cannot help but become concerned for our little Buffy. First it is the cheap wine for Namira and now brandy for Sanguine, oh dear, what is happening to Buffy!?! I do have full confidence that she knows what she is doing, but with all the skooma temptation that Bravil brings, I hope that Buffy does not end up like Julian, lol

Sounds a little like Spring Break down in Florida!!

Posted by: Destri Melarg Nov 22 2010, 05:55 PM

There is also (if I may quote a particularly annoying physics professor I once had) the ‘relative nature of temporal perception.’ For Lord Dagon and his ilk the space of a year as we perceive it is less than the blink of an eye. Perhaps he has not acted simply because there’s no real need to act. They aren’t making new dragon bloods any time soon. It will take the Mythic Dawn time to sort through the wreckage of Kvatch, only then will Dagon know if his efforts to silence the last of the Septims met with success. I can find no flaw with the logic of moving this particular story along at a ‘glacial pace’.

And now for this chapter:

From the first paragraph we see Buffy applying her new knowledge. I am glad she got the chance to exercise her command spell against something slightly less menacing than a mountain lion (poor wolf).

What a perfectly ironic sentence!

Including the detail that the Courier riders also carry messages between officials is a wonderful bit of worldbuilding that I can see you drawing from again and again in Buffy’s story.

First some venison, then Savlian KVATCH!

Posted by: Acadian Nov 23 2010, 01:47 PM

In Chapter 49, Buffy spoke with the Daedra Lord, Sanguine. She then set her path for the University, Bravil, and ultimately Leyawiin to attempt Sanguine's quest. Before even reaching Skingrad however, she encountered a Black Horse Courier rider who provided some news of Kvatch, including word that fresh meat was in short supply. Buffy the deer hunter suddenly changed her plans and turned for Kvatch.

mALX- Given your impressive talent for humor, I'm delighted that you found a couple examples here, such as twisting Buffy's name to Buffet. My hope was in the first part of the episode to contrast her cranky mood with some touches of situational humor by playing her off the crazy followers as the 'straight man elf'.

Rider- Thank you for drawing some 'under the surface' observations about loincloths and keeping them on; as well as the Foxical implications of Buffet Buffy delivering fresh meat to Savlian Matius.

treydog- Thanks. Yes, the poor girl really needs to organize her pack better!

Loincloths coming on and going off, plans to go east that turn westerly. It seems Stark Reality will just have to wait for our easily distracted elf.

SubRosa- Given how much I savored your truly gracious and insightful comments, how could I possibly refuse Teresa's request for pictures of loincloths? Of course, Milady! Here is a loincloth, modeled by the chubby Daedra Lord with a tankard. Oh, don't mind the skinny wood elf reporting for duty in the foreground: http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/Cho%20Bk%201/ScreenShot709.jpg .

Grizzly- I am so glad you got your computer fixed. It is wonderful to have you back and reading!

Casper- Whew! I'm relieved that our explanation helped keep you with us. If you hope to see Countess Leyawiin stripped of her green silks, take heart. In fact Buffy will expand Sanguine's quest into a massive production, as only she can. First however, her penchant for easily being distracted must be indulged. After delivering fresh meat to Savlian (venison of course, silly), I expect she will dance and flit her way in a generally Leyawiinish direction.

Wolf- So wonderful of you to drop in for some Tamika's. Oh noes! I hope it was clear that Buffy only carried cheap wine for the misguided 'medicinal purposes' of keeping warm near Bruma. Here, she was loaded up with every drink known to mer because she had anticipated the nature of what Sanguine might want as an offering. Normally, the shoes and clothes in her pack simply hide a bottle or two of Tamika's. Now that said, you are astute to notice Buffy's taste for the grape; if tragedy were ever to befall our bowgirl, I would be disappointed, but not shocked to see her take comfort there.

Destri- Thank you for your endorsement of our efforts to try and blend aspects of the game (delaying the Main Quest in this case) with Buffy's need for time to learn and grow. Even though it cost the life of a Legion rider, I expect the spell inspired by his sacrifice will go on to save more lives. Buffy's friendship with the Courier riders will really pay off when she learns that they will also carry personal messages for fellow sisters of the black horse.

The sun was high, and a welcome breeze caused the golden grasses flanking our path to sway gently. Superian and I trudged side by side along the trail leading to the Kvatch encampment. We were both heavily laden; she with the carcasses of three deer, and I with trepidation.

The magnitude of the fact that I was actually returning to Kvatch - even if only briefly to deliver fresh meat - was weighing more heavily upon me with every step. My stomach was churning. "Acadian, I should have talked with you about this decision before I made it. Part of me wants to turn around and run away." I glanced at Superian's load. "I can't though; these deer have surrendered their spirits to help. Please tell me if I'm doing the right thing?"

Delivering fresh game to the brave defenders here is a noble act of kindness, Buffy.

I frowned as his silent words floated through my head. "I'm neither noble nor kind. You know perfectly well why we're here. The bounty that Superian carries is just an excuse. I'm terrified to see Savlian Matius again, yet I can't stay away. He probably doesn't even remember me, but even after all this time, I can't purge the man from my mind. Are the feelings that I may have for him real, or just the imaginings of a silly elf?"

You won't find out by avoiding Kvatch, my bowgirl. Follow your heart.

I nodded. "You're right. I sure hope I know what we're doing." I could see the encampment now, but barely recognized what little I remembered of it. What had been simply a large bonfire surrounded by several dozen glum refugees, had grown into a small city of tents. Smoke rose from numerous cooking fires. Two men tended a small field of crops near the camp's edge. As we drew closer, a Redguard appeared between two of the tents, noticed me, and approached.

"Hail, hunter," he said with his eyes pinned to Superian's load. "If you're here to sell your kills, we'd love to have them, but we can't offer you much gold. Our city and livelihoods are besieged by that damned Oblivion Gate. I'm Bolden. I run the stables - or at least I used to."

"Well met. I am called Buffy. My price for this meat is only that it be shared with the soldiers who defend your city."

Bolden's brown eyes opened wider. "Your offer is most kind, and graciously accepted. We work hard to keep our soldiers fed." His pleasant face was lined with perhaps four decades of age, and closely cropped black hair showed flecks of gray. With the calm assuredness that confirmed his profession, he stopped a pace short of Superian and allowed the mare to inspect him as he asked her, "What's your name?" She seemed to accept him and did not object as he gently touched her nose with the back of his hand.

"Superian," I replied.

He then turned to face me and jerked a thumb over his shoulder toward the camp. "Let's get Superian unloaded and tended to. You both look weary."

The mare and I followed Bolden through the confusing maze of tents and smoking campfires. Dejected faces eyed Superian's cargo hungrily. Some of the unfortunates looked vaguely familiar, but my first visit had been too brief and overwhelming to remember any of them. I saw no sparks of recognition from any of their eyes either. Despite being tired and heavily loaded, Superian was wide-eyed and fidgety to be in close confines among so many strangers. A handful of survivors looked up from several crude benches surrounding a large fire as we arrived at the center of the encampment. Bolden announced, "This is Buffy."

Several people approached, no doubt to help unload Superian. Before I could protest, Bolden held up his hand and said firmly. "No, friends. This mare doesn't need to be pawed by a bunch strangers, and if I read her correctly, she won't tolerate it. Buffy and I will unload her. Please get Weedum-Ja though. She'll know what to do with these deer."

I caught Bolden's eyes and silently mouthed, "Thank you," as the two of us untied and lifted the carcasses from Superian's back.

An Argonian approached, and Bolden said to her, "Weedum-Ja, this is Buffy. She's brought fresh meat for us to share with our soldiers."

"It is good to meet you, Buffy. Your kindness will be put to good use." Before I could reply, the Argonian started issuing orders to the handful of survivors that had gathered. "Roast two hindquarters right now and get them up to the barricade. The rest of the first deer goes into the stew pot. I want the other two cut, stripped and hung right away. Be careful not to damage the skins, and deliver them to Batul gra-Sharob; she'll be able to fashion something from them. Get our smoking tent fired up." Orange eyes flashed, as she clapped her scaly hands twice. "Did I stutter, people? Get moving!"

The area erupted with activity.

Bolden chuckled and motioned with his head for me to follow him. Superian and I did so. We threaded our way among more tents until we emerged on the other side of the encampment near the base of the trail that led up to the barricade.

The small clearing was nestled against a line of shade trees. A single white mare, in very good condition, raised her head curiously from the nearby ample grazing. Next to a water trough that I didn't recall from my first visit, was a makeshift rack fashioned from tree branches. It held what appeared to be the white mare's tack. "This is my stables," said Bolden with a shrug. "Such as it is."

The two of us then set about stripping off Superian's tack and cleaning the deer blood from her mane and coat.

As I hung Superian's bridle on the rack, I noticed stable markings on the other horse's saddle. Pointing toward the white mare, I remarked, "She's an Anvil horse?"

Bolden nodded. "Aye. Her name's Marilou, and her rider will take her back to Anvil in a few days. Every fortnight, Countess Millona Umbranox has one of her city guards ride up here. They bring supplies from Castle Anvil - repair hammers, arrows, bowstrings, potion bottles, even flatbread and hardtack. The rider then pulls a couple weeks of duty for Captain Matius up on the barricade before his replacement shows up. If we ever get our city back, we'll never forget the help provided by Anvil."

"What a wonderful idea," I said. "This Countess Umbranox sounds both gracious and wise." If Anvil could provide assistance, could there perhaps be other sources of help beyond the Legion?

As Bolden placed Superian's saddle on the rack, it was his turn to notice the stable markings. "Equestria? That's a stables for mages only. How'd you get this saddle?"

"I belong to the guild of mages."

"I thought you were a hunter," he said, looking over my shoulder at Slayer. Then it came: "You don't look like a mage."

My defensive feelings over the remark that I had endured many times, seemed petty amidst the despair that hung heavily over this encampment. Besides, Bolden's manner seemed more curious than insulting, and Superian liked him. It actually wasn't hard to stifle my indignation as I replied, "I get that a lot." I then grinned and held up my right fist, glowing with the harmless magic of a charm spell. "Would you like me to prove my credentials by turning you into a chicken?"

Bolden flashed a beautiful white-toothed grin as he held up his hands in mock surrender. "On closer look, I believe you. Nobody but a mage would carry a bow without a blade to back it up. As soon as we finish cleaning up your mare, I'll introduce you to Sigrid. She's a mage too."

Posted by: mALX Nov 23 2010, 02:00 PM

GAAAAAH!!! What is that big long thing dangling from the Daedric statue...sans loincloth? URGH !!!!



Er...I love this re-write much better than the original, especially the beginning and at breakfast time !!!!! Great Write !!!!!

AND ... Buffy finally got over that miff when being told she doesn't look like a mage !!!! Yeah, she is growing up !!!! She handled that well, I'm proud of her !!!

Posted by: D.Foxy Nov 23 2010, 02:03 PM

We were both heavily laden; she with the carcasses of three deer, and I with trepidation.

Once in a while, friend Acadian, you write something that is so smooth yet powerful that I can only state: "This is the voice of a true writer, only he doesn't know it himself...yet".

Develop that voice, friend. One day I hope to see your name on a book in a bookstore!

Even if it's a virtual one, one the net...

Posted by: D.Foxy Nov 23 2010, 02:06 PM

WHY must you comment about that my Red Riter!!! AFTER ALL THE EFFORT I PUT INTO NOT WRITING ABOUT THAT YOU...YOU...YOU JUST HAD TO....

Posted by: mALX Nov 23 2010, 02:11 PM

Er...it was there?

Posted by: mALX Nov 23 2010, 02:22 PM

Er... is this the rack you hung Superian's bridle on?


http://www.uesp.net/wiki/File:OB-npc-Sigrid.jpg




*

Posted by: haute ecole rider Nov 23 2010, 03:19 PM

@mALX: I'm not sure about the Buffster, but I'm sure Teresa would love to hang a bridle (among other things) from that rack!

Acadian, again a lovely chapter about Buffy's return to Kvatch. That sentence Foxy already pointed out jumped out at me for its beauty and simplicity. Very evocative.

I also loved the bit about the Countess of Anvil sending up supplies to Matius to help out.

And Boldon is as charming and helpful as ever. I really enjoyed the interaction between him and Superian.

As for Buffy's nerves about seeing Matius again, I can absolutely relate to that!

Posted by: D.Foxy Nov 23 2010, 03:22 PM

It seems Foxy disease has infected many of the females here.

Posted by: mALX Nov 23 2010, 03:40 PM

Acadian started it by showing us dirty pictures first thing in the morning !!!

Posted by: Grizzly20 Nov 23 2010, 11:34 PM

Truly amazing writing Acadian. May I ask where your talent came from? Is it natural, years of experience, etc?

Ahh, now I remember Buffy. I enjoyed that piece a lot, keep it up!

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 23 2010, 11:35 PM

How did I miss this earlier?

My, the Buffster does look quite... buff in her hunting garb!

We were both heavily laden; she with the carcasses of three deer, and I with trepidation.
I particularly enjoyed this use of words.

these deer have surrendered their spirits to help.
In many hunter-gatherer societies the belief is that animals are spirits that have come to our world and taken flesh. Killing them and eating their meat is seen as holy rite, which frees their spirit to return to the Otherworld. So the basic feeling is that while the meat which made up the animal died, its spirit lives on just fine, and will in fact return to the Earth innumerable times in the future.

Now having grown up in a city (albeit a small one), hunter-gatherer values were probably not instilled in Buffy. However, If Uncle Daenlin is from Valenwood, he might have passed some of this belief along while teaching the young Buff to hunt. Just something to consider when portraying Buffy's view of the animals she hunts.

You won't find out by avoiding Kvatch, my bowgirl. Follow your heart.
Excellent advice. Even it turns out badly, you still learn a valuable lesson.

"You're right. I sure hope I know what we're doing."
Why does Buffy remind me of another wood elf looking at the Wawnet Inn with a pair of wine bottles in hand?

"Did I stutter, people? Get moving!"
This had me laughing. I think we know who is the leader of this encampment!

And finally the Countess of Anvil is helping out. It is nice to know someone else in the Empire can be bothered to help the Kvatchians with the gate!

Posted by: Linara Nov 24 2010, 05:49 AM

I'll admit, its sad. The chapter I keep waiting for shows up and I don't comment...Anyway, finally she heads to Kvatch!! Sanguine's followers are very...unique I suppose. Linara keeps meaning to check out those Daedric shrines everyone is talking about, but she never gets to it. Maybe one day.

A nice way to tie the BHC into the story, especially with that reason. Good writing, and I can't wait for the next part! I'm a sucker for romances, I guess.

Posted by: Casper1984 Nov 24 2010, 11:56 AM

Bolden may not be a mage, but even he should know that there's no such thing as a spell that turns people into chickens. In fact, chickens don't seem to exist in Tamriel at all.
Nice to see that Buffy decided to take another peek at:

Posted by: Destri Melarg Nov 24 2010, 08:17 PM

Using the growth of the camp to show the passage of time is an excellent touch. It shows that that the people of Kvatch, though burdened with heavy hearts and many troubles, have certainly not been idle in Buffy’s absence. Bolden in particular stands out. This version of him is far more accommodating than the version that mutters terse warnings in the game. And of course, like haute, you have the voice of authority emanating from behind small, sharp teeth and green scales.

I find it interesting that you chose Anvil as the city that provides help for Kvatch. We seem to share the opinion that Countess Umbranox is the one truly generous soul amongst the various fiefdoms of Cyrodiil. Given their long history of alliance, Skingrad’s silence to Kvatch’s plight is deafening.

Posted by: Acadian Nov 26 2010, 02:36 PM

In Chapter 50, Buffy began a four episode visit to Kvatch, by delivering three freshly killed deer to help augment food supplies for the besieged defenders. As she was welcomed and escorted through the camp to the stables area, Buffy was struck by how much the encampment had changed and adapted to survive.

mALX- Thank you! In this portion of 2.0, we chose to emphasize the Kvatch encampment more than Buffy's actual hunting. You're right; given the despair at Kvatch, whether she 'looked like a mage' seemed to fade into insignificance - even to her. Sorry that Sanguine's loincloth developed an unintentional life of its own in that screenshot - I keep forgetting about your vision, my dear. Sigrid's rack will be referenced a couple times during Buffy's visit.

Foxy- Thank you for the kind and supportive words, my friend.

Rider- I've always liked Countess Anvil, and wanted her generosity to plant ideas in Buffy's head. It was of course OHDH that inspired my selection of Bolden as stablesmaster - thanks for your gracious support when I asked you if I could use him in the same role you assigned him. Thank you also for the kind and supportive comments!

Grizzly- Oh my goodness, such a nice compliment to our writing! I have always been fairly good at organizing written communication for structure, and all the grammar type stuff, but Buffy is my first attempt at writing for entertainment. If I have any talent toward fan fiction it attributes from two things: First, the assistance/support and example provided by the wonderful writers whose names appear in this post (plus names like treydog and Wolf). Secondly, the truckload of passion that my elf inspires within me. As I am old and retired, Buffy is my full-time obsession - the granddaughter I never had. Her spirit is animated by the first Mrs Acadian, who passed away in 1999.

SubRosa- As ever, thank you so much for highlighting and reinforcing so much of what we try to do. I agree on Buffy being a spiritual hunter, and shall have to gently elaborate a bit on that each time she has the occasion to thank a deer for its meat and skin. The way to a camp's heart is through its stomach, and Iron Chef Weedum-Ja seems to know her business when it comes to chow. Unfortunately, Buffy's ability to deal with matters of the heart will lag behind her growing skills and confidence as a mystic archer. I suspect the skittish elf may require more than one gentle 'follow your heart' nudge from Acadian.

Linara- Linara should definitely check out the Daedric Shrine quests - just make sure she listens to her heart; those Daedric Lords can be quite insidious. Don't be afraid to 'just say no', even if the quest is already in progress. The BH couriers, with their equestrian bond to Buffy will come in handy to help keep her in touch with a growing list of friends.

Casper- Threatening to magically turn someone into a chicken is a deeply subconscious recollection that Buffy retains from her days as an elven archer in Baldur's Gate II. And one we can't resist.

Destri- Thank you for endorsing our use of time and detail at the encampment. Looking far out into BF, I see Kvatch as a very enduring city, and characters such as Sigrid, Bolden and Weedum-Ja are just the ones to help rebuild it someday. I chose Anvil to plant the seed in Buffy's mind that there may be other sources of assistance for Kvatch beyond the Legion. Anvil is close by and seemed to make sense, as the Countess is indeed a gracious soul. Anvil's isolated location perhaps allows them to better empathize with feeling alone and somewhat forgotten. My intent was more to uplift Anvil than slight Skingrad.

"Ahthrelor!" The buxom Nord tapped her forehead with two fingers and admonished, "How many times do I have to tell you my eyes are up here!"

The Bosmer coughed, then raised his face to meet the woman's pretty blue eyes as he sheepishly said, "Sorry, Sigrid."

With a look of exasperation, the Nord continued, "You should have come to me as soon as you were bitten by that rat." She then held out a potion. "Drink this to cure the blood lung, and try to get some rest. Come back if the coughing doesn't stop."

The Bosmer - Athrelor, I gathered his name was - accepted the potion, coughed again, and wandered off into the maze of tents.

"Sigrid, I want you to meet someone," announced Bolden. The Redguard standing beside me had helped tend to Superian upon my arrival at the Kvatch encampment. After learning I was a mage, he had escorted me here to meet Sigrid. He continued the introduction, "Buffy's a member of your guild, and the one who brought those deer. I'll leave you two ladies, now."

I smiled my thanks to Bolden before he turned and disappeared into the tent city, leaving me alone with the Nordic mage.

As we eyed each other, I felt Sigrid looked out of place. Her stylish blond hair and blue velvet gown belonged in an elegant guild hall, not this smoky, dirty camp. "Buffy, as the only surviving Kvatch mage, I welcome you to our humble chapter." Standing next to a small campfire flanked by two stools, she indicated the tent behind her. There was a hand-drawn symbol of our guild over the entrance flap.

"You are the only survivor from your chapter," I said, echoing her statement. I knew it was true but now faced with the reality, I felt overwhelmed. "I can't imagine how I would feel if my guild and the mages I loved in Bravil were taken from me." I blinked to hold back a tear. "I-I'm sorry, Sigrid."

"Thank you, sister. Your name is familiar to me, and not one easily forgotten. I've heard Savlian Matius mention that you briefly passed through here right after the city was destroyed."

My heart quickened. Savlian remembered me! "How is Savlian, and his band of defenders?"

"They are holding things together," the Nord replied. "The flow of Daedra from that gate has slowed, but not stopped. The Legion has sent a handful of reinforcements, and Countess Anvil provides a soldier to assist, along with some ongoing resupply."

"Are they able to get any rest?" I asked.

"Yes." Sigrid nodded. "At least they can man the barricade in shifts now. We can't thank you enough for bringing some fresh meat. Weedum-Ja ran The Wolf's Head Tavern and she tries to keep us fed. Everyone is getting tired of potato and onion soup though." Sigrid managed a smile. "Why, she has already roasted and sent some of your venison up to the barricade, and should have a large pot of stew for the rest of us tonight."

Looking at the stylish mage, and hoping to see Savlian the following morning, I was acutely aware of the deer blood decorating my blouse and that I had been living in the woods for several days. I noted several blue gowns hanging to dry on a line behind the mage tent. "How do you manage to stay so clean here?"

Sigrid smiled, with a hint of exasperation. "It isn't easy. Walk with me. I'll give you a tour that will end at our bathing tent."

As she led me among the tents, Sigrid explained how the camp had grown. "You probably saw our farm plot when you arrived. It's enough to keep us from starving." As we passed through the center of camp where I had unloaded my offering of three deer, she chuckled and pointed to a large bubbling cauldron. "This is Weedum-Ja's kitchen. Thanks to you, there's some meat in our stew pot." Pointing to a tent billowing smoke, she added, "Much of your venison is being dried in thin strips so it will keep."

Continuing, we came to a fire surrounded by an anvil and the other obvious tools of a smith. "Fortunately," said Sigrid, "Batul gra-Sharob survived the invasion. Thanks to the engineers of Castle Anvil, she has the tools she needs to keep the weapons and armor of our soldiers in good condition."

I remarked, "Sigrid, I'm amazed at what Kvatch has been able to make of this camp."

"Just wait till you see what else we've done," she said. "I haven't forgotten your question about cleaning up." A short distance from the central cooking fire, we came to a well. "This part of Cyrodiil has always been blessed by underground springs. The fountain in the center of Kvatch, and the Chapel of Akatosh itself were built upon natural springs when the city was founded." She pointed at the well. "Right below the surface here is another."

Her eyes sparkled as she motioned me to follow. A short distance from the well, we stopped again. "Now here's what I wanted to show you - our bathing tent. Let me leave you to get cleaned up. When you're done, come back to my fire. By then I'll have a couple bowls of Weedum-Ja's stew for us."

After thanking Sigrid, I lifted the flap and poked my head inside. It was simple but effective. I grabbed several of the empty buckets, and after a couple trips to the well, entered the tent.

The floor was of raised wooden slats to prevent standing in mud. I removed my clothes and placed them on the only piece of furniture - a table. Using several weak fire spells, I was able to warm the buckets of water. After digging vials of soap and shampoo from my pack, I poured some water over my head and happily soaped up my body and hair. Two buckets later, I was clean and rinsed.

The remaining water I had carried from the well enabled me to wash and rinse the filthy things I had been wearing. After donning a fresh russet felt dress - with matching shoes of course - I left the tent feeling like a clean elf.

Returning to the mage tent, I hung my wet things up on Sigrid's line, reminding myself that the buckskin greaves and boots would need to be treated and conditioned after they dried. I then joined the Nord seated by the fire and gratefully accepted a warm bowl of stew.

After dinner, I worked a small amount conditioner into my wet hair and started combing the tangles free. Despite the tragedy here, the crackling fire felt cheerful and I enjoyed Sigrid's company. She seemed to welcome the opportunity to talk with another mage as she shared memories of lost guild mates. I learned that she was an Evoker, and therefore outranked me in the guild.

I couldn't help being distracted by the realization of how near Savlian was. An exciting thought occurred. "Sigrid, tell me, are you skilled in illusion?"

"Somewhat. I'm an alchemist, but I've been able to learn a few illusion spells." She cocked her head. "Why do you ask?"

"I've just been trying to think of ways to help up at the barricade," I replied.

"I try to keep the guards well-supplied with healing potions," said Sigrid. "Although less frequent, the Daedra are more dangerous now. Both the scamps and clannfears are bigger than the ones that we used to see. Lately, creatures that look like women made of flame have started coming from the gate as well."

"Flame atronachs," I said, looking at the campfire. "I read about them in the texts of the Mystic Archives."

"Well," continued Sigrid, "they throw bigger fireballs than scamps, and the poisons I provide the soldiers are useless against them."

I made a mental note that atronachs were immune to poison. "I'd like to go up to that barricade in the morning and pay my respects," I said, "and see if any ideas occur."

"Will you be staying with us long, then?" Her gaze shifted down to the hands that were smoothing her blue velvet skirt. "I would welcome a sister mage."

"Sigrid, I've put much study and effort into the plight of Kvatch. Closing that gate is the key of course. I know a little bit about what keeps it open, but there is much I must learn before I can help Savlian close it. That knowledge does not reside here." I shook my head. "No, I'll be leaving in a day or two."

Sigrid nodded, as she lifted her eyes to the fire.

Hoping to lighten the mood, I recalled that my pack still contained unused potential offerings for Sanguine. I pulled out the bottles, ranging from Nordic Whiskey to Tamika's wine. "I'd like to donate all this to your chapter's alchemy chest - you know, for medicinal purposes. Would you like to open something now?"

"What kind of question is that, Buffy? I'm a Nord!" Sigrid met my eyes and flashed a wonderfully warm smile. "I know I can find a couple dirty cups around here somewhere. Oh, and in case I get too drunk to remember later, I expect you to pitch your bedroll in the mages guild tent of course."

We both laughed. The welcome sound was one I had not heard in this camp.

Posted by: mALX Nov 26 2010, 02:57 PM

Uh oh...Buffy is plying Sigrid with alcohol... !!!!! Now why is the next image that pops into my mind of the two of them rolling around on the floor of that tent ... giggling ... sans clothing? (Athrelor peeping in the crack of the tent door)... GAAAAH !!! (Er...I blame Foxy for planting dirty thoughts in my head, and Acadian for showing pictures of them)

I love this chapter. Of course, the original introduction to Sigrid over on the BGSF is what led me to look up her screenie and discover her... assets ... (see image of *cough...cough* rack below)

"My, Sigrid! That is a racking cough you have! ...Er..."


http://www.uesp.net/wiki/File:OB-npc-Sigrid.jpg



Awesome chapter !!!!



*

Posted by: D.Foxy Nov 26 2010, 03:27 PM

MY DEAR RED RITER!!!



EYE DO NOT PLANT DIRTY THOUGHTS INTO HEADS!!!



Why I do the OPPOSITE...




I plant CLEAN heads into .... er ... er...



dang...




lemme try again...


I plant my head, CLEANED, into dirty... er... dirty -



(slap!)



no, no, THIRTY... oh ships...



Bah! SEEE HWUT YOU MADE ME DO!!! Everyone, please understand...I am a CLEAN boy...and a virgin, too...it's MALX and curvy, bottom-y, NAUGHTY HAUTEE that have made me like this..

(Yeah! They made me! I LIKE THIS!!!)


BEGONE FOWL THOUGHTS!!!


I better stop now!


Friend Acadian, my abject apologies. THEY made me do it!!!

(yeah, like three times a night -)

*FOXY was carried out of this thread by force*

Posted by: mALX Nov 26 2010, 03:39 PM

SPEW !!!! [choke, gasp] ROFL !!!! [SPEW! Choke...choke...gasp] GAAAAAH! * mALX died laughing in front of PC *

Posted by: haute ecole rider Nov 26 2010, 04:50 PM

Ah, my dear Foxy!
Man up and assume responsibility for your own thoughts! EYE have never blamed U for mine!
Ah, no, mine are mine own.

And mALX, stop blaming men for planting dirty thoughts into your already-dirty head! After all, aren't you a modern woman living in a modern world? Oh, wait, no, that's not true of Tennessee, or am I wrong?

Acadian, this rewrite of Buffy's return to Kvatch is sooo much richer than the original. Sigrid is much more three-dimensional (meant in all ways), and I enjoyed her conversation with Buffy. Of course, I laughed at her comment to Athrelor. Of course with the disparity with their heights, his eyes will naturally find their own level, which just so happens to be *ahm* the same level as *ahm* Sigrid's *ahm* 'rack.' Your deft handling of this typical situation is wonderful and quite precious!

Posted by: mALX Nov 26 2010, 05:02 PM

:halo:


Er...my hair was washed just this morning! And my blood runs VOL orange... (in other words: )

Insult my husband, that's okay by me
But don't ever insult Tennessee!

Lol, just kidding !!! That poem is actually supposed to say "wife" not husband. It is the code of the hills, and the Tennessee they speak of is the Tennessee Vols Football Team, lol.


*

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 26 2010, 06:46 PM

Poor Athrelor! He is a male Bosmer, and Sigrid is a Nord, so he is eye level with her, attributes.

The Wolf's Head Tavern! What an excellent name for a drinking house in Kvatch!

Buffy warming her bath water with Flares is a good touch.

All in all a nice, quiet episode of the Buffy show, illustrating how the surviving Kvatchians have adapted to their new situation and are making the best of it.

Posted by: Grizzly20 Nov 27 2010, 03:40 AM

Sigrid is a very lively character! I love how Buffy is so generous to those in need, most citizens of the empire would turn heir heads, or ask for compensations. Excellent work Acadian! I can't wait for more!

Posted by: Winter Wolf Nov 27 2010, 11:56 PM

Very tasty and delicious, oh paladin!!

The camp has wonderfully come alive within your talented hands, it is your rich description of everyday life that resonates long after it is read. There is nothing like a bath and food to make a person almost feel normal again. Bravo!!

Ah, tis the point that butterflies collide within Buffy's stomach. Now I understand why she cleaned herself up!

Posted by: Linara Nov 29 2010, 05:55 AM

Good. Very good.

Posted by: Acadian Nov 29 2010, 02:57 PM

Chapter 51 was the second of four episodes that Buffy will spend in Kvatch. Her guild mate, Sigrid, showed off more of the encampment and its abilities. After a bath (of sorts), Buffy shared a meal, some insights and even a laugh with her fellow mage.

mALX- Buffy plying Sigrid with alcohol? Lol. Well, Buffy has been known to have a tiny problem with the grape sometimes. . . Oh, I hope she has a clear head after the slumber party in the mage tent - she'll need it. Thanks for the link reminding us of Sigrid's Nordic attributes.

Foxy- Um, thanks?

Rider- Oh, thank you so much for enjoying Buffy's time with Sigrid as she learned more about the encampment!

SubRosa- Thank you. I get the impression that Sigrid is exasperatingly used to such attention from the fellows; despite being vertically challenged, and ill with blood lung, Athrelor still got both barrels from Sigrid - er, I mean he got scolded by her. Wolf's Head Tavern just seemed the natural name for an inn at Kvatch. Buffy is so glad she's a mage (even if she doesn't look like one) - a girl's got to have her warm bath water, after all. Thanks for endorsing our bit of loitering in the encampment.

Grizzly- Sigrid is great fun, and I can't help but like her straightforward Nordish approach to things, as well as her good heart. I'm glad you enjoy Buffy's generosity; to those who are kind to her, she gives of herself freely.

Wolf- I'm so glad that some venison stew, and opening the liquor cabinet brought our wonderful winter wolf around! Buffy considers her motivation in Kvatch to be selfish - the venison delivery was just an excuse to see Savlian. She is indeed excited to learn he even remembers her! I hope she doesn't do something stupid when she sees him.

Linara- Thank you!

By the dim morning light that filtered into the tent, I stowed my bedroll under the alchemy table, then pulled on my blue Arena raiment. I figured it looked kind of attractive while giving the impression I could fight too. I was glad for a clear head this morning - a result of limiting myself to one small cup of Tamika's the evening prior.

Smiling, I glanced at my guild mate as she snored softly. After several cups of Nordic Whiskey, Sigrid had required some help finding her bedroll. I suspected she would need a potion or two for her head when she awoke. I tied back my hair, grabbed Slayer and my quiver, then quietly slipped out of the Kvatch mages guild tent.

After slicing up and sharing a couple apples with Superian, I climbed the hill toward the barricade, leaving the mixture of smoke and morning fog that hung over the encampment below.

I remembered the foreboding sights and sounds as I drew closer. The sky darkened - punctuated by red streaks of lightning - as continuous thunder rolled ominously. Blackened trees marred the landscape. Frightened butterflies inside my stomach tried to convince my feet to turn back. The massive gate of fire illuminated the barricade and the soldiers that manned it.

"Stop right there civili- Buffy? Buffy from Bravil?" The Imperial with brown eyes and dark headband was Captain of the Kvatch guard.

"Yes, Savlian Matius," I breathed. Ok, Buffy, don't do or say anything stupid. "I brought you something."

"It's good to see you again, Buffy! I know you brought us something, a horse-load of fresh meat. We're deeply indebted to you."

"No. I mean something just for you." I opened my pack and, without taking my eyes off Savlian, produced the shield he had given me so long ago.

"My old shield?" Savlian smiled. Despite several new scars, his face was beautiful - well, except for the dirt and blood and who-knows-what from numerous Daedra. "Buffy, you didn't have to-"

"It's enchanted," I interrupted. "It will help protect you from fire." I turned to stare at the giant portal. Flames licked the structure, as if beckoning victims to enter. "Have you learned any more of this gateway to Oblivion?"

"Two days ago," he said slowly, "I sent a small force of volunteers through the gate to see if they could close it, or at least learn what we're up against."

Turning my back to the Oblivion Gate, I faced Savlian again. His face was grim. I was afraid to ask, but had to: "And?"

"They haven't returned." I could see the gauntleted fingers curl into a fist, as the muscles tightened in his neck and jaw. He slowly drew in a breath. "It kills me that I have five men, perhaps trapped or worse, inside that gate. I can't spare the soldiers to send another group in after them. I need every weapon remaining out here to stand shifts on this barricade and protect the encampment."

He was right. The soldiers defending the barricade looked exhausted. Pain showed on Savlian's face, no doubt caused by the decisions his position required. Reflected in his brown eyes, I could see the flaming gate, directly behind me. I took one pace back. "Savlian, you need a rescue force, or . . . at least an expendable scout."

"Yes. I've sent another dispatch to the Legion for more assistance up here. I want so damn badly to go in that gate after my men."

I shook my head. "No. You must hold this small band together." I took another pace back. "If you enter that gate and don't return, the entire effort here at the barricade will fall apart, and nothing will stand between those Daedra and Cyrodiil." As I took yet a third step back, Savlian's eyes flashed in response.

He cocked his head suspiciously. "Buffy, what are you-"

I spun around and sprinted for the gate.

"Stop right there!" roared Savlian.

The sound of a sword singing free of its scabbard behind me was the last thing I heard before I leaped through the giant gate of fire.

Upon emerging, I was gripped by terror. It looked just like the image Acadian had shown me - Mehrunes Dagon's Deadlands. I was immediately approached by a Kvatch soldier. Before he could speak however, a scamp appeared from between two rocks next to us and began forming a fireball. Energy instinctively flew from my fingertips. The soldier quickly gored the now docile Daedra. I could see two young clannfears in the distance charging our way.

I reached up over my shoulder for Slayer. From behind me, a gauntleted hand wielding a shield suddenly swept around my left side and slammed into my chest. I was lifted from my feet and pinned between the shield and cuirass of its owner. "Follow me!" The booming voice was that of Savlian Matius, and his words were directed at the soldier in front of me. Savlian then jumped back through the gate carrying me with him as if I were a child's toy.

As soon as the three of us were clear of the gate, Savlian dropped me to the ground unceremoniously. I winced as a small section of my hair that had apparently been caught between his cuirass and left pauldron was torn from my scalp. I scrambled to my feet, rubbing the back of my head.

Ignoring me, Savlian turned to the soldier. "Llend, are you all right?"

"Just bruises and a few mild burns, sir," replied the young Imperial.

"Give me your report," said Savlian. Why wouldn't he look at me?

"We could see a tower in the distance," Llend began, "and moved toward it in a tactical formation. I was in the rear. Suddenly two giant sets of gates closed, trapping the front four of our group. It was a killing zone, Captian. Clannfears tore into them, while scamps and women made of flame rained fire from the rocks above. My comrades never had a chance. Three were killed; Menien was captured and carried off toward the tower."

"Llend, why did you not return through the gate?" Savlian asked, placing a hand on the shoulder of the young soldier.

"Sir, you asked us to try and close that gate or find out what holds it open. I wasn't about to let you down as long as I breathed. I was trying to scout a way closer to the tower." Llend glanced at me and added, "Captain, who is this young elf that helped me kill that scamp?"

"Her name is Buffy," Savlian said without looking at me. "Llend, get down to the encampment. Ask Sigrid for a healing potion and have Batal gra-Sharob repair your gear. Get yourself cleaned up and see Weedum-Ja for chow. After some sleep, report back here by sunrise tomorrow."

"Yes sir." Llend scurried down the trail toward the camp.

Savlian finally turned to me. "Buffy, walk with me, please." He then led us away from the barricade until we were out of earshot of his soldiers. His face and manner were hard. "What in the name of Akatosh kind of stunt was that? I don't know whether I'm more angry at you for disobeying my command to stop, or at myself for jumping into that gate after you. I jeopardized my mission chasing after a woman because she makes me feel. . . nevermind! As it is, I don't know whether to hug you for saving Llend or arrest you for disregarding my authority!"

"Stunt?" I snapped back defiantly. "We both know what your answer would have been had I asked your permission to enter that gate!"

"Look, Buffy. I'm responsible for the defense of Kvatch. I need the authority to make the hard decisions necessary to accomplish that task. I'm the one who determines who enters that gate, and I alone am responsible for the consequences. Can you understand that?"

Looking down, the toe of my Arena sandal stirred the dirt while I thought about his words. I realized how little I knew about working with or fighting alongside others. It seemed once again, my dragon spirit was getting my butterfly butt into trouble - and endangering others. So much for trying not to do something stupid, Buffy. My eyes were fighting to hold back tears as I lifted them to meet Savlian's. "Yes. I understand that. But I also understand how much having those men trapped inside that gate hurt you. How could I do nothing?"

"I want your help Buffy, but I need you to work with me, not against me."

"You're not going to arrest me?"

Savlian finally smiled. "No, not this time."

I rubbed my bruised ribs. "And if that maneuver inside the gate was your idea of a hug, I can do without that too." I then met his gaze squarely, resisting the urge to reach out and touch his face. "Savlian, I promise I will work with you. I understand you're in charge here."

"Thank you, Buffy. Now let's talk tactics. What kind of magic did you use to help Llend defeat that scamp?"

"An illusion spell I made at the University," I replied. "It will command any creature within a radius of several paces, but is harmless to men or mer. Savlian, you could use some magic up here to help. I bet I could teach that spell to Sigrid. I-I mean if you'd like me to, that is."

"Sigrid has been a great help healing us with her potions and spells." Savlian rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "If you think she could learn such a spell, I would be grateful for it, and put her in the rear line with a guard to protect her."

"I will try." As I wheeled and headed down the hill toward the encampment, Savlian's words echoed: 'chasing after a woman because she makes me feel. . . .' What did I make him feel? What did he make me feel? Why was everything about such matters so confusing?

* From Buffy's scrapbook: http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/Buffy%20I/ScreenShot84.jpg

Posted by: haute ecole rider Nov 29 2010, 04:43 PM

Oooh, this is my favorite of all of Buffy's interactions with Savlian Matius! The part where he goes in after her and grabs her still makes my toes curl! And his outburst afterwards just feels so natural, so realistic, I found myself cringing along with Buffy.

Yet like Buffy I grabbed onto the one thing that makes it all worthwhile -

For an old paladin, you have quite the touch for romantic scenes! Of course, it doesn't hurt that this is between such an endearing elf and one of my all-time favorite NPC's in Oblivion.

Posted by: Linara Nov 29 2010, 05:19 PM

Can I enthusiastically second that? Well it's seconded. That was great. There were lots of things I'd like to quote, but the best part is that it was so realistic. Buffy remembering one thing Savlian said, his outburst, her stubbornness. Really wonderful.

Posted by: SubRosa Nov 29 2010, 05:50 PM

It is three days since the last episode, so that means only one thing, More Buffy!

to those who are kind to her, she gives of herself freely.
After seeing that pic of the Buffster in her hunting garb, Teresa promises to be nice, and would like to know how freely Buffy gives...

Frightened butterflies inside my stomach tried to convince my feet to turn back.
An excellent way of portraying Buffy's jitters.

Ok, Buffy, don't do or say anything stupid.
This had me laughing out loud! So perfect!

I jeopardized my mission chasing after a woman because she makes me feel. . .
Makes you feel what Salvian?

An exciting episode of the Buffy show! The young Buffster gets her first real view of the Deadlands, and realizes just how far in over her head she still is. Not only concerning Oblivion, but also when it comes to being a member of a team and taking orders (why is "you are not the boss of me!" ringing in my memory? ). Even more so she sees how far in over her head she is concerning a certain guard captain...

Posted by: mALX Nov 29 2010, 07:42 PM

This was always one of my fave chapters!!!!! The edits have made it smoother - AWESOME !!!!!

Posted by: Grizzly20 Nov 29 2010, 10:22 PM

Things are starting to get really exciting! Definitely an interesting reaction between Buffy and Savlian Matius. I believe he really does care for her, and deep down is, perhaps, in love, ha ha. Nice work! Can't wait for more!

Posted by: Destri Melarg Nov 29 2010, 10:30 PM

I've got some catching up to do.

51 Who’s in Charge Here? Part 2

I will refrain from any further comment about Sigrid’s attributes. I will comment on the clever use of the type of daedra emerging from the gate as an effective device to note the passage of time. Now that Buffy no longer marks new levels by engaging in Arena bloodletting, the type of creature she encounters in her travels should prove a more than adequate substitute.

Like ‘Rosa, I loved the name the Wolf’s Head Tavern. It is an absolutely perfect fit for the city of Kvatch.

52 Who’s in Charge Here? Part 3

As far as showing without telling is concerned, this chapter stands alone. We don’t need to be told how Buffy feels toward Savlian. Her willingness to throw herself into an Oblivion Gate in order to ease his troubled mind speaks volumes. Conversely, we don’t need to be told how Savlian feels about her. His willingness to forsake duty itself in order to venture into Oblivion after her says far more than words could. Even his need to scold her afterward comes more from worry than from anger. It is easy to see why these two souls would be drawn to each other.

You have awakened the romantic in all of us with this chapter, Acadian. Thank you.

Posted by: Casper1984 Nov 30 2010, 10:38 AM

Someone fortify this chick's intelligence. Ah what do I know about love anyway. Nvm.



I totally envisioned ninja run animation there.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrqOIUXFgcw



Mod?

Nice chapter. I'm getting more and more curious about how Buffy will handle (the rest of) the main quest and how far along it's possible to go with Jauffre dead (that already happened in this re-write didn't it?).

Posted by: treydog Nov 30 2010, 10:41 PM

It has been highlighted before, but I don’t care- this is such a perfect bit of writing it deserves to be praised:

Buffy’s honesty about her confusion is also refreshing- she has learned that it is one thing to try to rationalize- but quite another to lie to herself about it.



Another sign of Buffy becoming more confident- to recognize that no insult was intended and to turn it aside with a joke.

The interaction with Sigrid was a joy to read.

And so was everything with Savlian- especially this perfect summation of relationships:

Posted by: Zalphon Dec 2 2010, 12:35 AM

Buffy, you're autobiography is quite interesting...But I have one question... I heard someone say you were Acadian the Paladin. Silly people, eh?

Posted by: Acadian Dec 2 2010, 02:07 PM

Chapter 52 was Buffy's third of four episodes spanning her current Kvatch visit. She once again came face to face with Savlian Matius under the Oblivion Gate's shadow. After some misunderstanding and sparks, the two of them seemed to achieve a cooperative understanding. Buffy agreed she would attempt to teach her fellow mage Sigrid an illusion spell that may help Savlian bolster his defenses.

Rider- This past episode (and the next) are very precious to us. My biggest fear when it comes to matters of Buffy's heart, is that I will lack the skill to present the power of her emotions properly. Your kind words are so very reassuring.

Linara- Thank you for those supportive words regarding Buffy + Savlian. On one hand, I don't want to move things too quickly; on the other hand, it will be some time before Buffy sees Savlian again after this next episode, so this visit has to carry some lasting weight.

SubRosa- Thank you as ever for your wonderful and detailed observations! I found it quite ironic that Buffy followed her self-admonishment not to do anything stupid by jumping into an Oblivion Gate. She would claim she's not the brightest star in the night sky; I would simply admit that she leads with her emotions.

mALX- Thank you so much for the kind words! Buffy does indeed speak more clearly to me in 2.0.

Grizzly- Thank you. Although likely smitten by Savlian, Buffy will have difficulty understanding how the courageous and selfless hero would be drawn to what she considers to be a skittish, fearful and scrawny wood elf. She will require more than her share of reassurance to accept and understand what may become obvious to us.

Destri- Such wonderful words from a writer I respect so much. That you can see why 'these two souls would be drawn to each other' is perhaps the highest compliment you could share with me. Only surpassed by saying I 'have awakened the romantic in all of us'. Thank you for such kind reassurance.

Casper- As I mentioned to Grizzly, I expect Buffy will require quite the reassurance to accept that Savlian could care for her romantically. Thanks for the clever ninja vid! Buffy used the term 'pauldron' generically referring to the armor's shoulder covering. The little lock of hair caught in Savlian's armor that was torn from Buffy's scalp? We'll learn more about it in a few dozen chapters.

The rest of the Main Quest? Book 1 will only see the Oblivion Crisis progress to Kvatch, and Buffy will indeed attempt to help to free that city. The rest of the Oblivion Crisis is planned for Book 2 and in many ways will not resemble the game. As the Emperor told her so long ago: "You are not the one who will save the Empire, but it cannot be saved without you." It seems the timing of Jauffre's murder prevented him from sharing the heir's identity with anyone besides Buffy. Although she will never be called Champion of Cyrodiil, her exclusive knowledge of the heir seems consistent with the Emperor's words. The simple elf from Bravil, of course, does not concern herself with such impersonal concepts such as 'The Empire'. Rather, she is motivated by strong personal loyalties and relationships to individuals that she holds dear.

treydog- Thank you for your beautiful and soothing words that are so helpful, especially relating to episodes where Buffy so openly lays bare her heart.

Zalphon- It's about time someone recognized that I'm my own elf! Seriously now, even though Acadian doesn't have physical substance, he's every bit as real as I am.

The following morning found us trudging our way up to the barricade. I thought about the mage walking beside me. Sigrid seemed awfully attractive wearing her velvet dress, so inconsistent with this Akotosh-forsaken place. Was teaching my guild mate a helpful spell and delivering her to Savlian Matius wise? I looked up and over at her small human ears, pretty face and the buxom profile of how she filled her gown. I then looked down at the, um. . . more petite front of my Arena raiment and felt more than a little intimidated. Stop being a stupid, self-centered elf, Buffy. Sigrid's a talented mage and Savlian needs her help.

"I see the Mages Guild is arriving," was our warm welcome.

"Good morning, Savlian," Sigrid and I said in unison.

That his eyes were more focused on me than the beautiful Nord at my side spoke volumes to my self-consciousness and uncertain heart. Savlian continued, "Ladies, please take a position next to our Legion archer right behind the barricade." He then tapped two fingers to his headband and, with a small nod, proceeded to move comfortably among the other defenders on duty.

As I watched him confidently checking the welfare of each soldier and offering encouragement, it was abundantly clear to me that he was indeed the force that held this effort together.

I tore my eyes from the hero with a headband and turned to Sigrid, "You're comfortable with that spell? Remember, you don't have to be very accurate with it."

The Nord replied with grim determination, "If I can help kill some of those beasts that slaughtered my guild, I will do so."

"Just make sure you stay behind Savlian's men," I said. "They'll protect you." Yes. She was ready - a force to be reckoned with even.

We didn't wait long before a flame atronach burst through the gate. With both hands, Sigrid released a green swirl of illusion energy. The magic impacted harmlessly against one of the swordsmen engaged with the atronach, but the spell's burst radius rendered the beast docile. The fiery creature was quickly and safely killed.

Sigrid was beaming. "It worked! Such a clever spell, Buffy. What made you think to create it?"

I winced, as I recalled what the spell had cost. "It was inspired by a brave Imperial Legion rider - and a lion." I then smiled and added, "You were wonderful, Sigrid."

"Congratulations, ladies!" exclaimed Savlian as he returned from the fray, sheathing his sword. "Sigrid, that was perfect. Buffy, thank you for the idea, and for teaching Sigrid your spell. This can make our task here easier."

I was proud of my guild mate. This was a fearful place and she had not hesitated. I caught Savlian's eye, and motioned behind me with my head. As I moved away from the barricade, he came with me.

"Savlian, I must leave Kvatch - for now."

Surprise registered in his beautiful brown eyes before he quickly turned his gaze toward the cursed, flaming portal. After a moment, he slowly nodded. "My small force is better provisioned, and their numbers have grown thanks to you." He then turned to face me and looked into my eyes. "I know I asked you to stay away until this gate was closed, but I can see now that you're a talented mage and huntress. Buffy, I know this is a filthy, miserable existence up here, but. . . I was hoping you might stay."

I blinked in surprise. My mouth opened to speak, then closed again. Part of me wanted to squeal 'YES!' to his invitation. Oh Dear Mara, give me the strength to say what I know I must. "Savlian, we both know this nightmare cannot end as long as that gate remains open. I have spent much effort learning about Oblivion gates and the Deadlands. I've read countless books and visited numerous Daedra Lords."

Pausing for a moment, I searched for the right words. "I want to do more for you than hunt deer and assist in killing stray Daedra. I know what holds that portal open, but I lack the skills and knowledge to help you close it. I must remedy that. Also, you've seen the power that magic can bring to your mission. I have some ideas to provide more magic here, and I want to try and recruit additional defenders for you as well." I was blinking back tears now and I could feel my chin starting to quiver. "I-I cannot do those things from here though."

Savlian met my gaze and said slowly, "Buffy, I had no idea you were doing on these things for Kvatch."

The words stung. I lowered my eyes as I bit my tongue. I wanted to scream, 'Are you blind? Can't you see I'm not doing it for Kvatch, you beautiful, dumb man?' After a moment, I managed to meet his gaze again and quietly say, "You protect the city. I will learn how to close that gate for us."

"You're right of course," replied Savlian. "This gate must be closed, and while I can't leave here to seek the means to do it, you can. Anything you're able to do or learn in your travels to help will be most welcome."

I searched his brown eyes, trying to identify the emotion within. Regret, at losing a mystic archer from his defensive perimeter? Hope, at gaining a scout willing to go forth on his behalf? Is that all I was to him?

As if to answer my questions, he removed a gauntlet and reached out toward my cheek.

My eyes closed upon his touch. I felt my face melt into his open hand as if it belonged there.

"Buffy from Bravil, please be careful. There will be an empty place here until you return."

Reluctantly opening my eyes, I replied, "You be careful, Savlian Matius. I'm not the one standing before the jaws of Oblivion every day."

I forced my feet to turn and hurry down the hill, before I could change my mind.

Posted by: haute ecole rider Dec 2 2010, 03:53 PM

As one who just recently completed a romance novel (and am still in the aftermath of it), all I can say about this chapter is

Awww!

I was living Buffy's role in this. When she was comparing herself to Sigrid's abundance, I knew the sense of inadequacy she was feeling. When she realized that Savlian was looking more at HER than at Sigrid's assets, I was elated. When Savlian said he was hoping Buffy would stay, I wanted to squeal YES! right along with Buffy. And when he touched her face, I just went all gooey inside. Oooh! *twirling here*

Well done, Acadian. You have a skill for writing romantic scenes that make me more than a little green!

Posted by: mALX Dec 2 2010, 04:09 PM

Tissues! GAAAAH! These last two Matias chapters are great examples of a man getting into a woman's head to write! Awesome Acadian !!!

Posted by: Grits Dec 2 2010, 05:23 PM

I read about that day on another forum, and I followed your link to catch up with Buffy here. It still gives me a tear.

A delicate scene in front of an Oblivion gate with fresh blood on the ground. You made my day.

When Buffy starts to doubt herself, hopefully she will remember that the Captain of the Guard cupping her face in his hand has nothing to do with new spells or venison!

Posted by: Casper1984 Dec 2 2010, 07:20 PM

Thanks again for explaining Acadian. The pauldron was just a joke, and I played Morrowind which did include pauldrons.

Pity Buffy is leaving Kvatch again. Not sure what she's going to do but I guess we'll see at some point. First to Leyawiin I say, let's not forget that.

Posted by: SubRosa Dec 2 2010, 10:41 PM

Was teaching my guild mate a helpful spell and delivering her to Savlian Matius wise?
I love Buffy's natural jealousy! She would be a fool not to feel at least a twinge of doubt, under the circumstances.

Can't you see I'm not doing it for Kvatch, you beautiful, dumb man?
I am sure he cannot!

Very sweet! A wonderful portrayal of Buffy's warring emotions: On one hand her desire to stay near the man she loves, and on the other her need to leave so that she can finish her work, and thusly return to end the siege for once and all.

Now I am also wondering what is going to happen to that lock of Buffy's hair that Salvian will find/has found stuck in his armor?

Posted by: Grizzly20 Dec 3 2010, 12:28 AM

You have an in-act skill for romanticism Acadian. Excellent work! I think we've all been there, be if we're a man or women, wanting to be closer to the one you secretly love, wondering if they truly love you back, and want to be closer to you. Excellent reading, I love Buffy's story. Keep up the amazing work!

Posted by: Destri Melarg Dec 3 2010, 11:09 PM

Gaius Rulician’s influence is felt even at the gates of Kvatch. There is a nice and proper symmetry to the idea that the selfless act of a legionary will help save the lives of those manning the barricade in Kvatch.

Buffy may have stopped herself from screaming at Savlian, but she could not hold back the Freudian slip:

Posted by: Zalphon Dec 4 2010, 02:33 AM

Buffy, why do you always have issues with authority? *looks at Uriel* Your Higness, she'll bite your head off...

Posted by: Acadian Dec 5 2010, 02:02 PM

In Chapter 53, Buffy concluded her visit to Kvatch with the understanding that she would continue to seek and refine assistance for Savlian Matius. Despite Buffy's skittishness, and Savlian's single-minded focus on Kvatch, the two spirits do indeed seem drawn to each other.

Rider- I'm humbled and honored that you were able to feel what Buffy felt. That I was able to share her emotions with you makes my heart sing. Thank you for your beautiful words.

mALX- I'm simultaneously sorry and overjoyed that you needed tissues for these last two chapters - if that makes sense. I find Buffy's emotions quite complex and somewhat difficult to understand. Fortunately, she is not at all shy about sharing them with me. Indeed, seeing Tamriel through her eyes and heart has been quite the eye-opener. Thank you.

Grits- Thank you so much for joining us, and a hearty welcome to this wonderful forum! You are very insightful! Buffy will of course have doubts about her feelings, and the memory of Savlian's hand upon her face will indeed help bring her back.

Casper- Spot on you are, my friend! She does indeed have that Sanguine quest to prosecute. Buffy does few things in a straightforward manner, but she is definitely working her way to Leyawiin - after a couple more brief side trips (of course).

SubRosa- Thank you for your kind words and for endorsing Buffy's confusing emotions. I had no doubt that lock of hair would trigger your interest. Let's file the memory away for several dozen episodes, then celebrate with some Tamika's when we see it again.

Grizzly- I'm so glad you enjoyed the romance in Buffy's scenes with Savlian. Those memories are very precious to her, and we are ecstatic to have your endorsement!

Destri- I'm glad that the influence of Gaius Rulician's brave fall at the claws of a lion was able to be remembered in a way that carries import.

"I will learn how to close that gate for us." Yes, such a tiny word, yet I'm so glad you drew attention to its importance. Indeed, her words there said more than her heart understands.

Zalphon- Thank you. For a high maintenance, independent, skittish elf, Buffy actually takes to authority fairly well. . . sometimes. I think she's learned from Savlian to appreciate the fact that those burdened with a mantle of responsibility require a degree of authority.

I felt as though part of me belonged in Kvatch now, and didn't trust myself not to turn around and go back. That's why Superian and I had quickly put the burning city well behind us. During our trip east, I kept thoughts of Savlian Matius at bay by focusing on what I had learned at Kvatch, and thinking about Sanguine's task.

After several days of travel, we now approached Lake Rumare. "Acadian, I fail to see how disrupting some noble's party in Leyawiin is going to help Savlian."

Who is it that asked for my help marking her map, and does she perhaps have a better idea?

"You would throw my own words back at me?"

Are you now ready to take us into the Deadlands?

"Well, no. Not yet."

I agree. Patience, my bowgirl.

"Patience?" I groused. "That's two four letter words stuck together! I hate being patient!"

You would prefer us to embrace a single four letter word, such as dead? I did not mismark your map.

Acadian's silent words echoed in my mind. I knew the paladin would go wherever I took us and accept my choices. I also knew that during those times when he had led us, it had never been astray. I sighed. "I'm sure you're right. I trust your help. I just-"

Superian's ears perked and she quickened her pace. The Valley of Horses now opened its welcoming meadows and canyons to us. I leaned forward to pat the mare's neck. "You smell the barn. I'll bet Thernd will make up some oats and apples with a touch of molasses if you give him a kiss. I've got some work to do at the University for a day or so, but I know you're looking forward to plenty of cool water and fresh hay. What I want is a long, hot bath and a real bed. Oh, and some sweet rolls. And strawberries."

* *

I studied the slender stream of flame connecting the tip of my finger to the silver teapot. Soon, steam began to rise. From one of the cabinets flanking the nearby spellmaking altar, I collected two cups and filled one for myself. Sipping my tea, I waited.

I was more than a little perturbed at Daedra Lords as I thought about the two spells thrust upon me by Namira and Sanguine. In fact, I felt somewhat violated and was determined to at least figure out what the spells did.

There were two mages at the University considered to be the finest spellcrafters in all of Cyrodiil. Borissean was overly cautious and had no sense of adventure. Gaspar Stegine, on the other hand, had been up for the challenge of helping me unravel the Daedric magic.

We had quickly discovered that Namira's Shroud was an alteration spell that extinguished flame. Although simple, it would have been lethal for the Priests of Arkay if used on their torches in the ruins of Anga - as Namira had wished.

Sanguine's Stark Reality spell was more complex. The night prior, Gaspar and I had acknowledged the lateness of the hour and agreed to meet again early this morning to continue our research.

The door opened and Gaspar breezed into the Praxographical Center. I turned for the teapot. He wasted no time in getting right to business. "You know that element hidden within Sanguine's spell we couldn't figure out? It hit me in the middle of the night." Accepting the proffered cup of tea, he added, "Oh, good morning."

"And what is your verdict, Gaspar?" I said to the master spellcrafter.

Setting his cup on a nearby table without drinking, he continued, "Insidiously hidden within its alteration magic is a destruction component of some sort."

"Sanguine expects me to use destruction magic on nobles?" I mused warily. "How do you suggest we proceed?"

"I'm afraid we've analyzed it as much as we can," he then added slowly, "unless you're willing to test it."

"Is that wise?" I felt an eyebrow rise to match one of the Breton's.

"Probably not." Gaspar chuckled as he pushed his blue hood back, revealing a mane of gray hair that now rested on the collar of his robe. "If you asked my colleague, Borissean, he'd advise against it of course."

"He advises against everything," I replied.

"I see from that impish grin, that you don't put much stock in his cautionary counsel." Gaspar winked. "Neither do I."

"I do appreciate your help," I said. "I'm willing to test the spell, but I don't want to endanger you."

"Nonsense, Buffy. I'm as curious as you are. In my three score of years, I've never before had an opportunity to pick apart the spell of a Deadra Lord." He furrowed his brow while rubbing his chin for a moment. "Well first, we don't need to expose any bystanders." Without really looking at the door, he waved his hand in its general direction and released a small burst of magic. I heard the bolt slide home. He then effortlessly tossed an orange ball of energy up in the air before us. As a skeleton emerged, the wizard commanded, "Cast Stark Reality."

"Here goes," I said nervously. Forming Sanguine's mysterious magic in my hand, I released it into the summoned victim.

The skeleton merely flinched - as did I, feeling a tiny sliver of my health being drained. I quickly looked at Gaspar to see if he had been similarly affected.

It was quite a surprise to see the old Breton completely naked, and staring at me. Looking down, I realized my russet felt dress and slippers had also disappeared, rendering me equally bare. Not being known for my nimble thinking, it didn't occur that this might have been a really good time to cast an invisibility spell. Besides, I found the situation rather humorous.

After a moment, Gaspar gentlemanly averted his gaze and turned away, as a pink flush claimed his skin. He quickly retrieved a pair of apprentice robes from a nearby cupboard, and tossed one over his shoulder to me. The skeleton, who had appeared only mildly amused by the incident, chose that moment to grin as he evaporated.

As soon as we both donned the green bags, I said, "You can turn around now. I'd say that was quite the spell. Sanguine did promise Stark Reality would liven things up."

"I'm sorry, Buffy." Gaspar's face was quite reddened. "I certainly didn't expect that. At least no real harm was done. I guess I needed a new robe and hood anyway."

"Why Gaspar, your face is still red." Trying to make light of the situation, I placed my hands behind my back, leaned forward and coyly said, "Perhaps you should unlock the door before we become an item for rumors."

"You're right," he replied. My attempt at humor had fallen flat though. Gaspar did not return my smile; he simply tossed another spell at the door to unlock it. "For a young lady that has just had her clothes removed, you don't seem to share my embarrassment."

"Perhaps it's because I'm a wood elf." I shrugged. "Mother told me that from a very young age, she and Father had trouble keeping clothes on me. She teased that even my name came from the fact I was always running around 'in the buff'. This was especially true around water. Why, I was almost twelve before the red-faced protests of my archery master finally convinced me not to drop my clothes beside every stream to play in the water. I'm more discreet now I suppose, but I still find that waterfalls tend to make my clothes fall off."

Both Gaspar's eyebrows rose. "Well, I was raised differently than you young folks, I guess." His face had still not returned completely to its normal color, and it seemed I was not helping. Clearly, he had been quite a bit more affected by our intimate exposure than I.

"Gaspar, you've nothing to be embarrassed about," I said. "You didn't know this would happen." I then met his eyes with a meaningful look and added, "Besides, you're a fine looking man, with or without your clothes."

How much truth my words carried was unimportant. What mattered was that they did seem to make the old Breton feel more confident, as his normal aura of wisdom and authority seemed to reemerge. The corners of his eyes crinkled as he said, "And as a young adventuress, I suppose you've seen many men without their clothes?"

Smiling at the return of his teasing manner, I replied, "Actually, yes I have. Well, dead ones anyway. Boderi Farano used to send me out hunting two-legged varmints to practice the fighting skills she taught me when I was a student here. I was no stranger to pulling the armor off dead bandits so I could hone my repair skills."

I was pleased that my words, despite their somewhat morbid nature, elicited a chuckle from Gaspar. He then remarked, "Leave it to Boderi to enhance your lessons with more than what appears on the surface. Well, you just be careful with that spell, Buffy. The destruction component within it could be considered an assault."

"Yes," I replied, "that fact has not been lost on me." It seemed Sanguine's intent was to land his messenger in jail after embarrassing the Countess. I was hoping for different results. "Thank you so much for your help." I closed the distance to the Breton and kissed him on the cheek. "You're wonderful."

Gaspar puffed up slightly, as I had hoped. "Ahem, well, thank you, Apprentice. I hope you'll excuse me. I've got a class to teach." With that, he left and I was once again alone in the Praxographical Center.

Turning to my other purpose here, I looked at a nearby altar of spellmaking and contemplated the complexity of the new spell I hoped to create. Based on what Sigrid told me, I had added flame atronachs to my list of foes that were immune to poison. Some quick research at the Mystic Archives had verified my suspicion that atronachs of other types were similarly immune, just as I knew the undead were.

I relied heavily on poison to multiply my effectiveness, and wanted a way to safely counter immunity to it. I remembered the words of Boderi Farano from the time of my graduation:

"Your talent for destruction magic does not lie with the elements. Keep practicing until you can master weakness to poison and efficiently cast your new drain speed ability. Only then, will the beauty of destruction magic fully merge with your path."

I had heeded Boderi's words, and adopted the habit of practicing spellcasting most evenings before bed. My destruction practice had not focused on fire, ice and lightning; rather, I had strived to improve the very effects commended by Boderi.

With a smile, I activated the altar.

Posted by: mALX Dec 5 2010, 03:21 PM

SPEW !!!! What was he doing till then? GAAAAH !!!! ROFL !!!


Ode To Gaspar

Now that I am old and gray, and time is running out
What used to be my sex appeal, is now my water spout...



*

Posted by: Casper1984 Dec 5 2010, 03:31 PM

Posted by: hazmick Dec 5 2010, 04:27 PM

Hello again, I spend a couple of months away and return to find nudity in the Praxographical center!?

I've spent the later part of my morning and the early part of my afternoon reading through the chapters I've missed during my time away and, as expected, my day has been full of delight as I share Buffy's thoughts and feelings of her adventures. Buffy's story is still amazing, full of the ups and downs and side-to-sides of daily Bowgirl life.

Her interactions with Daedric Lords had my heart in my mouth and her brief forray into the deadlands was very exciting! The Bosmer has learned a lot in these past months but still manages to survive without a blade! This 'Blade problem' is serious-even if Buffy carried a dagger...or a small knife...even a sharp pencil would help! While I'm on the subject of blades, one sentence stood out to me in all the chapters I have read today--"Nobody but a mage would carry a bow without a blade to back it up."--which is true! You mage-types are crazy!

I'm gonna catch up on the other stories that I've missed but I'll be keeping a close eye on you and your Bosmer Bowgirl.

Posted by: Grizzly20 Dec 5 2010, 05:44 PM

Wonderous writing, with a bit of humor too! I was waiting for the moment of nudity to happen, as I just completed the quest recently as well. It's too bad that you lose the spell after the quest, what a great bit of fun if you could keep it! Excellent work Acadian, excellent work.

Posted by: mALX Dec 5 2010, 06:05 PM

If you play on the PC, the "Basic Instincts" mod does the same thing - and no one arrests you because there is no destruction spell wrapped in. It is a blast...just don't use it on females indoors or you may find out it has an unexpected side effect...like I did, the hard way...GAAAAAH !!!!

Posted by: haute ecole rider Dec 5 2010, 07:00 PM

This was quite the delightful episode of finding out Sanguine's spell.

I had to laugh at this:

Just how does a skeleton, pray tell, grin?

Buffy didn't mind being caught in the buff, but Gaspar did? And here I thought Bretons had the Gallic flair for flaunting it!

Posted by: SubRosa Dec 5 2010, 08:31 PM

"That's two four letter words stuck together!
Or as the old joke goes: "I'm not a doctor, so I don't have any patience!"
Seriously, I loved this little interplay between Buffy and her fairy godfather. It shows so much about the character of both.

I loved Gaspar's adventurous nature, and the scene where he and Buffy experimented with Stark Reality. Buffy's sudden realization that first Gaspar, and then herself, were naked was priceless!

And finally Buffy is going to create a combination Weakness to Poison & Drain Speed spell to prep her targets before introducing them to her little friend nightshade.

Posted by: Petra Arkanian Dec 6 2010, 09:34 PM

You guys dont happen to know how to start a fanfic, do you ? Well of course u do! Duh. Please tell.

Posted by: treydog Dec 6 2010, 11:21 PM

Good on you, Savlian- to have eyes only for Buffy- as opposed to being distracted by Sigrid’s more “outstanding features.” And good too, that our elf recognizes the spirit and strength that holds the defense of Kvatch together- the ability that all good officers have.
Recalling the reason behind Buffy’s “tame” spell is a wonderful reminder of her history and her motivations. It is touches like that which make this more than “just a story.”
And her conflicting emotions as Savlian takes the next slow step in this dance were expressed beautifully.

There. Right there. That passage is transcendent. Anyone who wants to know how to right real people struggling with real emotions needs look no further.

The conversation with Acadian reminds us of the fact that guidance is not always easy to follow- or to give.

And Buffy’s reaction to the spells that she did not ask for makes perfect sense, especially as their effects are unknown.

The whole scene with Gaspar was written with humor and heart. Buffy’s gentle teasing of the old mage adds even more depth to her winning personality.

And at the last, we see another aspect of this young elf- her determination to make the most of her abilities and to shore up her weaknesses. Well- except the ones for sweetrolls and strawberries- and certain Kvatch captains.

Posted by: Destri Melarg Dec 6 2010, 11:40 PM

I loved this! Acadian accepts Buffy’s assassination of Earana, her dangerous flirtations with necromancy, and her willingness to go through with the sometimes twisted errands put forth by Daedric Princes . . . but questioning of his sense of direction elicits a fit of pique! It seems that the old paladin’s faith in his bowgirl comes with the expectation that she return the favor. I am so glad that Buffy has the sense to do just that.

Maybe it’s the fact that he wears a hood indoors, but Gaspar Stegine does seem like the coolest person in the Arcane University. Using him as the foil for Buffy to test ‘Stark Reality’ was just perfect.

Finally, I can’t end this comment without some mention of how Buffy got her name. Someone be sure to tell Savlian that the picnic he has planned for them when this whole mess is over should take place near a waterfall!

Posted by: MyCat Dec 8 2010, 02:39 PM

Savlian is quick to touch Buffy! A very "touching" scene.

One nit" in "I'm more discrete now I suppose, but I still find that waterfalls tend to make my clothes fall off." you probably want "discreet" instead.

Posted by: Acadian Dec 8 2010, 02:39 PM

Chapter 54 found Buffy arriving at the Arcane University. With the help of a master spellcrafter, she unraveled and stripped away the mystery of the two spells that had been forced upon her by the Daedra Lords Namira and Sanguine. She then set about creating a spell of her own to help combat foes who possessed immunity to poison.

mALX- Thank you. It appears old Gaspar was quite startled.

Casper- Thanks! I'm guessing that removing one's clothes is the alteration effect within Stark Reality. The spell also has tiny drain health component - that is the destruction piece and what renders the spell an assault. By complimenting Gaspar and kissing him on the cheek, Buffy was trying to ease his embarrassment and puff up his ego (without resorting to oral inflation tubes of course).

hazmick- Welcome back, my friend and thanks for the kind words. We have missed you and Haa-Rei. Buffy has her hands full trying to keep her bow and magic skills up; she lacks the strength, skill and nimble thinking to ever be a good blade fighter. She does however, carry a hunting knife - but only for dressing game, skinning pelts and cutting her arrows free. She refers to it sometimes in her stories. Here is Buffy modeling her black cat suit and sporting that hunting knife strapped to her thigh: http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/Cho%20Bk%201/ScreenShot718.jpg

Grizzly- Thank you! I will give Buffy her due for dedication to research. She knows she is not an agile thinker, so she tries to compensate with planning and study. I expect she will use that Stark Reality spell in Leyawiin, but probably not without some rather elaborate planning.

Rider- Thank you. It was great fun drawing the contrast between the magically innovative, but stodgy old Breton and the free spirited wood nymph. We enjoyed bringing out some of Buffy's background, as well as displaying her compassion for the embarrassed old wizard.

SubRosa- I'm pleased you liked the interaction between Buffy and Acadian; I suppose some bickering is inevitable when two spirits have to share the same little body and can't exactly go their separate ways. I thoroughly enjoyed the preview of Stark Reality. And yes! You see the nature of the spell Buffy is creating. She will get to test it in this next episode.

Petra- Welcome to our wonderful forums! I'm delighted that you figured out how to open a thread to share the story of Alex the Nord with us!

treydog- Your kind words regarding Buffy's delicate dance with Savlian are like a soothing potion - Particularly from the author who brings us the magnificently beautiful ballet known as Athlain and Athynae. Those scenes with Savlian are precious to us, and I am so pleased they stirred your wonderfully kind old doggie heart. Thank you so much. To summarize Buffy's scene with Gaspar as 'humor and heart' is equally soothing, for that surely was our intent.

Destri- Thank you. Buffy and Acadian do indeed depend upon and trust each other for their very survival; not without a few bumps and disagreements of course, as the two spirits must coexist within one frail shell. We really like Gaspar as well and had great fun putting his mastery of spellcraft to use! Little wood nymph dancing in the moonlight, tossing a carefree trail of clothes behind as she is drawn by the sound of falling water.

MyCat- Thank you for the 'touching' comments! Thank you also for reminding me that discreet is indeed better than discrete in that context - fixed!

Four pink glows erupted as I slid on one of my rings. The round floating shapes were ethereal undead of some sort. I selected a custom spell. The mages called the effect 'telekinesis', but I called it 'target identification'. I did not have to cast the spell. Merely by having it selected, I could identify targets up to one hundred feet away. Crouched at a safe distance, I could divine that one of the pink glows was an ancient sanctified dead.

I didn't know where these creatures came from, or why they periodically infested the undercroft of my Great Chapel of Mara. All I needed to know was that they would attack anyone on sight. Several years ago, they almost killed Cosmus the Cheat, simply for trying to find a place to sleep out of the rain one night.

The Clergy of Mara, after unsuccessfully attempting to placate the spirits, had turned to their protective potions and powerful magic staves. They had become quite adept at purging the ghosts when required. Nevertheless, Marz on numerous occasions had to heal the priestesses of ice burns.

Uravasa Othrelas had gratefully accepted my offer to clear out the undercroft this time, and save her some trouble. I was a hunter, here to practice and refine my craft.

My eyes had now adjusted to the darkness under the chapel. Nocking an arrow to my silk bowstring, I watched as one of the glows slowly moved among the columns. I drew some tension on the bow, aimed at a point where I expected a target to emerge, and patiently waited.

My arrow's impact elicited an eerie shriek. Slayer's enchantments protected my hidden location while bathing the ghostly creature in a brief storm of sparks. As my second arrow struck, Azura's Star captured the spirit's energy. Its physical form collapsed into a pale green puddle.

I selected another arrow and crept forward until I could see into one of the adjoining chambers. Two arrows similarly killed the single prey within.

A mass of freezing energy flew past my head!

Diving for the floor, I winced at the collision of left shoulder and stone tile. I rolled behind a column, and scrambled back to my feet. Aiming at the glow beyond, I slid out a pace to reveal foe number three. I loosed my arrow even as I began moving back behind the stone pillar of safety. Another icy blast harmlessly chilled the column as I heard a wail - no doubt caused by my arrow finding its mark. The glow remained however.

I aimed through the pillar again and took one pace out to the other side this time. My arrow was faster than the spirit, and the glow was gone before it could charge up another spell. I looked at the ethereal undead that had been reduced to a puddle on the cold stone floor, and whispered, "I know how that feels; better you than me."

One ancient sanctified dead remained. A change in tactics - rather an experiment - was in order.

I poisoned an arrow, slipped it into my boot sheath and made ready a new, untested spell. After a quick mental rehearsal, I snuck toward a firing position that would afford a clear shot. The ghostly creature had its back to me. Calling forth the complex powers of destruction, a glow formed in my right hand. The moment the spell left my fingertips, I quickly nocked and released my poisoned arrow. Boderi, my University advisor, called it 'chasing my spell' and had relentlessly made me practice the tactic. The spirit - normally immune to poison - turned green as the vile liquid from my arrow made its presence known.

Undetected and fascinated, I crept closer. After a few more moments, the spirit collapsed, claimed by my poison.

It worked!

My spell had two components. First, it temporarily but dramatically weakened my enemies to poison - in this case even countering the immunity of these undead. The second aspect of the spell was that it totally but briefly drained a victim's speed; this rendered the target unable to remember being hit by a spell and allowed me to remain undetected while 'chasing my spell' with an arrow. In fact, the drain speed effect was similar to one of Slayer's enchantments - and just as effective at preserving my stealth after striking.

The spell was quite demanding to cast, but I was confident that as my magical skills increased, and with practice, I would better be able to manage it. In fact, I hoped to eventually add a long soul trap effect to the next version of the spell.

Visions of green ghosts, zombies and atronachs danced in my head!

Careful not to slip on the ghost puddles, I collected the useful remains from my prey.

*

At the Bravil Mages Guild, I sought out my friend, Ardaline. After exchanging hugs and quickly catching up on each others' news, I showed her my spoils.

"Buffy, this ectoplasm is so fresh it's still wet!" The Altmer immediately began processing the green slime through her alchemy equipment. "What can I get you in return?"

After placing Slayer on my guild mate's counter, I produced Azura's Star and a repair hammer from my pack. "Really," I said, "I just needed the practice and wanted to test a new spell. . . but if you have some hair conditioner already made up, that would be wonderful." I went about returning my bow to perfect condition.

Ardaline smiled and produced two pink vials which she placed on the counter. "Here. I made these up just yesterday, using that recipe we both like."

"Oh, thank you," I said as I swept my tools and the conditioner into my pack. "There's nothing worse than traveling without proper soap, shampoo and conditioner. Say, have you seen Delphine?"

"I think she's in the dining room, probably having tea with Kud-Ei." Ardaline had added some columbine root pulp to the ectoplasm - no doubt to make a fortify magicka potion. She was now pouring the concoction from one vial to another. "Oh, make sure you congratulate Delphine on that award the University gave her for the 'Enemies Explode' spell she created."

"I will." Smiling fondly up at my friend, I looked at the simple blue and green dress she wore. Yes, Delphine was who I needed to talk to. Heading for the dining area, I trailed words over my shoulder, "Thanks, Ardaline."

I had heard about Delphine's award and was very happy for her. As far as 'Enemies Explode' went, I didn't quite understand an award for standing in front of the altar and turning the fire damage controls all the way up to 'By Azura!' Despite the fact that my own spell to immobilize enemies while weakening them to poison was more creative, I would never submit it for an award. I smiled to myself as I realized it wasn't really about the award; it was the joy receiving it gave to Delphine.

I did indeed find the Diva of Destruction having tea with Kud-Ei, the leader of our chapter. "Congratulations, Delphine - on your spell I mean."

"Ooooh! Thank you, Buffy." The Breton bubbled with enthusiasm, almost squirming like a puppy in her chair. "Would you like me to teach it to you?"

"Delphine," I said, "like Kud-Ei here, I'm an illusionist." I chuckled as I took a seat beside my two guild mates and poured a cup of tea. "I couldn't begin to figure out how to cast such a powerful fire spell."

Kud-Ei looked at me and calmly said, "We don't need such things when we can control minds do we, Apprentice?" I adored the sound of her wonderfully melodic voice, so typical of Argonian women.

"Um, ladies," I said, "I'm expecting to attend a formal dinner affair at Castle Leyawiin. Do either of you have any suggestions as to what I might wear?" I got just the response I hoped for from the two women who were so very different from each other:

Kud-Ei blinked and took a sip of tea.

Delphine shot to her feet. "Oh my, yes! How exciting! I know you've got lots of clothes, Buffy. We're about the same size, too. Let me run upstairs and grab some of mine." The effervescent Breton breezed out of the room.

Peeking around the corner, I could see Delphine's blue gown bouncing up the steps.

Kud-Ei lowered her cup and shrugged. "Sorry Buffy, I have ten outfits and they are all the same as the green one I am wearing now. Something tells me, you will get all the fashion advice you need from Delphine though. Perhaps more than you want." She lifted the tea to her lips again, but there was a sparkle in her orange eyes.

"Thank you, Kud-Ei." Then I added, "You help me in more ways than you know."

Delphine, her arms full of clothes, poked her head around the corner. "Let's go, Buffy. Off to your place. C'mon!"

* From Buffy's scrapbook: http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/Buffy%20I/ScreenShot94.jpg

Posted by: D.Foxy Dec 8 2010, 02:49 PM

Gals and clothes go together like bagels and lox...and once they start they aint gonna stop.

Hmmm....that's quite a complex and powerful spell you got there, Friend Acadian. How much magika will it deplete? I guess you are gonna need puh-len-tee of restore magika for that one.

Posted by: MyCat Dec 8 2010, 04:00 PM

"I think she's in the dining room, probably having tea with Kud-EI." has a shift error on her name, I do it all the time.

And in that screen shot it looks more like an ancient sanctified almost dead

Posted by: hazmick Dec 8 2010, 05:41 PM

It's good to be back with everyone, Haa-Rei was starting to get lonely. A hunting knife is better than nothing I suppose, and that cat suit!

Buffy's mission to clear the chapel was brilliant! Those ghosties never stood a chance!

As always, I love your descriptions of the Bravil mages, especially Kud-Ei and here brilliantly described eyes.

I'm interested to see how Sanguine's quest will turn out, and what outfit Delphine chooses for our Bosmer!

Posted by: Destri Melarg Dec 8 2010, 06:23 PM

Here is an example of a perfect action sequence:

Buffy's tactical brilliance shines as much as your ability to describe it. When you can make it look this easy, it gives inspiration to us all.

Posted by: SubRosa Dec 8 2010, 08:34 PM

So Buffy joins the Ghostbusters! She ain't afraid of no ghost!

The mages called the effect 'telekinesis', but I called it 'target identification'. I did not have to cast the spell. Merely by having it selected, I could identify targets up to one hundred feet away.
Here we see an excellent example of a very useful tactic in the game.

I looked at the ethereal undead that had been reduced to a puddle on the cold stone floor, and whispered, "I know how that feels
Priceless!

My spell had two components. First, it temporarily but dramatically weakened my enemies to poison - in this case even countering the immunity of these undead. The second aspect of the spell was that it totally but briefly drained a victim's speed
And another example of a potent tactic in the game.

And finally we finish up with some important girl stuff. Hair and clothes! Seriously, Buffy's visit to the Bravil MG was a very nice little piece. It showed us Buffy in her home, surrounded by her friends, and highlighted the different ways in which she interacts with each.


nits:
I didn't quite understand an award for standing in front of the alter
I think Sir Rugrat has reprehended your altar for an alter!

Posted by: Grizzly20 Dec 9 2010, 12:29 AM

Ha ha, ladies and their clothes, although men, like me, can be picky about what they wear as well. Hmm, I never knew that the sanctified spirits in the Chapel Under crofts attacked, at least they never attack me. I particularly like Buffy's kindness towards the Chapel, not many people in Cyrodiil would bother clearing out spirits from a church. Can't wait to see what happens next, will Buffy still be in Bravil, or perhaps on her way to Leyawin? (forgot how to spell it. :/ ) Perhaps already there. Keep up the good work Acadian! Also, I've been wondering this for a while, does your user name have anything to do with your nationality? I know that Acadia was a French area in colonial times, and that Acadian has to do with the French settlers of that area. Great work!

Posted by: mALX Dec 9 2010, 12:35 AM

This was a real tactics teaching chapter! Sage Rosa already quoted my fave line, Buffy and her puddles, ROFL !!! This chapter sounds familiar to the BGSF, if I am not mistaken, lol. Great Write !!!!!

Posted by: Grits Dec 9 2010, 02:54 AM

Visions of green ghosts, zombies and atronachs danced in my head!

In mine as well, I have learned a lot from Buffy in this chapter.

How I enjoyed the cup of tea with Kud-Ei. I'm looking forward to Delphine playing dress-up with Buffy! Girlfriends rock.

Posted by: Winter Wolf Dec 11 2010, 10:29 AM

When ever I need inspiration to play Oblivion I always go straight to your writing.
Catsuits, sneak, bows, chasing spells with poison, ghost killing, collecting alchemy ingredients, it certainly does have it all

This chapter was always one of my favs from Buffy 1.0
It is another example of our humble Bravil coming alive.......or is that dead?!!

Posted by: Acadian Dec 11 2010, 03:07 PM

In Episode 55, Buffy successfully tested a new spell she had crafted to help her employ poison more effectively -even against normally immune foes - while preserving her stealth. She then caught up with friends at the Bravil Mages Guild and requested some advice on what to wear for Countess Leyawiin's dinner party. Ever the fashionista, Delphine quickly offered to help.

Foxy- Thanks! You're right that when Buffy first started using such spells, they severely drained her magic. We consider the synergy of such spells chased by poisoned arrows to be the pinnacle of mystic archery, so please allow me a touch of 'watchbuilding' here. Readers not so interested in the specifics should feel free to skip over the next two paragraphs:

The spell Buffy used in this previous episode was her first and simplest version: Weakness to poison on target 100x4 seconds + Drain speed on target 100x1 second. It cost her a boatload of magicka to cast back then. As you know, casting cost goes down with skill in the relevant school of magic. That's a destruction spell, and Buffy's destruction skill is now 90; therefore it would now cost her a miniscule 18 magicka to cast.

She has dramatically upgraded the spell as her skills have grown and has several variants now. Her fave is this: Weakness to poison on target 100x8 seconds + Drain speed on target 100x1 second + Soul trap on target x35 seconds + feather on self 3x8 seconds + fortify fatigue on self 3x35 seconds. The longer weakness duration gives her more time to get off her poisoned shot. The last two effects only add 1 magicka each to the cost of the spell and simply serve to give her little 'timer' icons (as they are active effects on self) to let her know how much time remains on her weakness to poison and soul trap effects. Because soul trap is the single most powerful effect in this version, the spell overall is assigned to the mysticism school. With 100 skill in mysticism, the spell now costs Buffy a manageable 58 magicka. Chasing such a spell with a poison that includes several damage effects is devastating.

MyCat- Thanks for the help fixing Kud-Ei's name! Yes, the poor ghostie only lasted a few seconds after that screenshot.

hazmick- We miss Haa-Rei as well! Thank you. Buffy does indeed love her Bravil guild mates - each in their own way. She is getting ready for an expedition to Leyawiin to do Sanguine's quest. Please bear with us though because, oh my goodness - what a huge production we will make of it!

Destri- Wow! Such high praise from the master of spellbinding action sequences. Thank you!

SubRosa- Yes, long range target ID of pink glows is a challenge for Buffy, but she's found that the 'zoom in' marksman perk, arming a max range telekinesis spell or sometimes briefly deactivating detect life can help.
-Well, you know Buffy and puddles. . . .
-I'm afraid the next episode is quite a bit more hair and clothes, lol.
-Thanks for the nit. You'd think the spellmaking altar would surely prevent me from altering the spelling of altar.

Grizzly- Mara has never 'pushed' Buffy; I think that may be one reason Buffy loves her. The name Acadian - My family did indeed migrate from France to the eastern US/Canada border, so I suppose the name Acadian may be somewhat appropriate. Honestly though, in my case it was inspired by the role of Mathayus (played by The Rock) as the last true Akkadian mercenary in the movie 'The Scorpion King'. Big guy, big bow, big sword. Live free, die well.

mALX- Thank you! Yes, the episode is similar to BF 1.0. The main differences:
1. We 'bridged' Buffy from Kvatch to Bravil with the previous chapter, so popping up in the undercroft in Bravil to test her new spell should not have been a surprise (as it surprised treydog in 1.0).
2. We added some explanation regarding ghosts in undercrofts as a result of Buffy constantly asking me 'why?' in 2.0.
3. We enhanced Buffy's interaction with Ardaline just a little, to hopefully better 'show' that they really are very comfortable as peers and best friends.

Grits- I'm so glad you enjoyed Buffy's dance with the ghosties as we tried to display a bit of mystic archery! There will be a touch of girl talk amidst plenty of dress up in this next episode. Thank you for the kind words, and I'm so delighted you are sharing Jerric's wonderful story with us!

Wolf- G'day and thank you for the wonderfully kind words! We miss you and our Bravilian neighbor, Aradroth. I'm so glad you dropped in!

I had no sooner removed my blouse to try on the first dress, when Delphine's eyes fell upon my bare left shoulder and she exclaimed, "Buffy! What happened to you?" Her eyes flashed anger. "I swear if someone's been hurting you, I'll make them explode!"

"No no, Delphine. I was hunting ghosts in the undercroft this morning and had to do some diving and rolling."

"Really!" Delphine shook her head and clucked disapprovingly. "Someday you're going to get hurt skulking around in dark places like that. If you can't manage 'Enemies Explode', you should at least let me try and teach you Adrienne Berene's 'Fire Storm' spell."

My fingertips applied white magic to the shoulder injury. As my bruises began to fade, I giggled. "I don't think Mara would appreciate one of us fire storming her chapel."

My home soon had clothes everywhere and I was getting dizzy from trying on so many outfits. The bottle of Tamika's that Delphine and I shared probably didn't help. Finally, I blew several stray wisps of hair from my face and complained, "We need a break."

"Here," said Delphine as she laid three gowns on the bed, "it will be one of these. Yes, let's sit down for a moment." The Breton took a seat at my small table, smoothed her skirt and channeled excess energy into plucking imagined lint from her blue velvet sleeve. "Tell me, Buffy, how are you getting to Leyawiin?"

I drained the last of the Tamika's into our goblets, then gratefully plopped myself onto a chair across the table from Delphine. "Well, I can't swim there like Kud-Ei does, silly."

"The roads are dangerous," sniffed Delphine. "I had to go to Leyawiin once for my University recommendation, and traveled by ship. Why don't you try that?"

"I'll ride my mare, of course," I said. In response to her disapproving expression, I added, "Between my detect life rings and the bursts of speed that Superian's capable of, we've learned to travel pretty safely together."

Delphine glanced toward the ceiling as a delicate finger came to rest upon one cheek. Knowing my guild mate, I was pretty sure her busy mind had already migrated beyond my travel arrangements. "Say, don't I recall seeing lots of Khajiit in Leyawiin?"

"Yes," I replied, "and Argonians too. It's quite sad actually, to see the way they insult and tease each other there." I drained my goblet, got to my feet and started sorting through more outfits. "Why do you ask?"

"Buffy, I have a dear friend who was a classmate at the University. She and I are as close as you and Ardaline. I haven't heard from her in ages, and that's quite unusual. I worry that perhaps something's happened."

I was tugging a green silk skirt up over my hips as I paused. It was unusual to see Delphine not bubbling with cheerful confidence. As she drummed her fingers on the table though, it was clear she was troubled. "Is this friend of yours a Khajiit, and would you like me to keep an eye out for her in my travels?"

Delphine nodded. "Would you please? Her name is Maxical. You can't miss her. She's a pretty little thing with white fur and a mane of strikingly red hair. Like you, she insists on carrying a weapon - a sword instead of a bow though. A wise choice for her I suppose; poor dear can't aim a spell or arrow properly to save her life.

"I'll keep an eye open, Delphine. She sounds easy to spot."

The Breton's look of concern faded somewhat, as she got to her feet. "I'm glad to see you selecting more clothes for your trip than just ball gowns and animal skins." She freed my hair from the neckline of the white peasant blouse I had just pulled over my head. "Oh, this childish ponytail will simply not do for a formal dinner."

"Delphine, do you remember how you helped put me together for my graduation party? Could you teach me how to do some different ponytail styles?"

Delphine puffed up some and smiled. "Turn around and face the looking glass. You can have such a hairstyle and still impart a softer line to your face. The secret, whether your ponytail is high, low or just accents a loose flow, is to not gather all your hair together. Now watch how I do this, then we'll have you try."

After paying close attention and a few failed attempts, I was able to arrange my hair in several styles while still retaining a ponytail. "How's this?"

"That's much more attractive," said Delphine approvingly, "but it's not what you want for a castle dinner. When you get to Leyawiin, see Agata. Yes, yes, I know she's a Nord, and many of them rely on their breasts instead of fashion. Agata is different though; although you wouldn't know it to look at her, she really does know clothes and hair. Have her help you put it up into a stick twist. It'll show off that pretty neck and make you look elegant."

"Stick twist?" I grimaced. "Do you think it's wise to lift my hair up away from my big ears?"

"Don't be ridiculous," Delphine admonished. "If you had little ears you wouldn't be a wood elf." As if her logic should have evaporated my concern, she gestured toward the dresses on my bed and continued, "Now, for your dinner party, take all three of these with you and decide there. It would be helpful if you could somehow figure out what the other ladies will be wearing. You're usually pretty good about wearing matching footwear, so just make sure you don't forget to pack shoes for each gown."

"Delph-"

Before I could get a word in, she went on, "Oh, now don't forget to take a nice amulet with you. That copper thing you wear most of the time may be enchanted, but it certainly doesn't go with a formal gown. I'm surprised it doesn't stain your neck the color of a Dunmer."

My head was spinning. "Thank you so much, Delphine. I'll take all that stuff with me, look up Agata, and let you know if I see a white Khajiit."

*

"Buffy, you look positively frazzled."

"What a day, Nilawen," I said with an exaggerated sigh after closing the door of The Fair Deal behind me. "I spent a good part it getting fashion advice and learning new hairstyles from Delphine. Then I rushed out to reload my quiver and say good bye to Daenlin before I travel to Leyawiin. I'm glad I made it here before you closed."

The dark haired merchant rolled her eyes. "Delphine's a dear, and I understand she's quite the prodigy with destruction magic, but just watching her flit about makes me tired. Your hair looks nice though, with some of it not being gathered into your ponytail. When are you leaving?"

"Thank you," I said, twirling a blond lock. "I still have to finish packing this evening. I'll leave tomorrow before sunrise."

Nilawen wiped both hands on her apron. "Well then, what can I get for you this evening?"

"I was hoping the new journal I ordered might have come in? My current one is getting quite full."

"Well, you're in luck," came the reply as the Bosmer reached under her counter and produced a small book. "It arrived today with my newest shipment of supplies, which you'll be happy to know included a case of Tamika's and some fresh strawberries." Her eyes sparkled as she bent down and lifted a bag up to the counter. "I set some aside for you."

I giggled, then replied, "You know me well." After gathering up my goods, I pressed some gold coins into Nilawen's hand.

Her fingers lingered on mine as she said, "I know Daenlin will miss you. I once asked him if he regrets teaching you the very skills that now allow you to roam so far and freely from Bravil."

"What did my master say?" I asked.

"He simply told me that if you hold onto a butterfly, it cannot survive." Nilawen smiled as she released my hand. "Safe travels to Leyawiin, Buffy."

*

Well, after what Nilawen told me, I couldn't help but stop at The Archer's Paradox for a second, tearful goodbye to Daenlin. Finally however, I returned to my little house.

After picking up all the clothes still strewn about, I settled in for an evening of packing. I sang softly to myself and Acadian as I carefully inspected everything from bowstrings to poisons to blue velvet shoes.

As I began carefully placing items into my pack, I tried to remember everything that had been pushed into my head during the day. Don't forget to ask Agata for help, I reminded myself. What did Delphine mean about Nords not knowing much about fashion? Sigrid of Kvatch was a Nord, and she was both elegant and beautiful. I frowned with a pang of jealousy, wishing I hadn't remembered that.

I quit singing, in favor of chattering to Acadian. "How are we going to get into Countess Leyawiin's dinner party? I've only ever been inside a castle long enough to buy this house, and that didn't go so well. Count Bravil told me it was against his better judgment to allow forest creatures to even buy houses, and that I should feel lucky he was even willing to take my gold. I was in tears before I left."

Finally, I was packed. Before starting my bedtime spell practice, I said to Acadian, "Here's a question that I really would like an answer to: Say we do get into this castle, and even somehow manage an invitation to dinner. I don't know anything about royalty. How do I act? What do I say? I'm just a simple elf. Nobles scare me."

I couldn't imagine what he might be able to tell or show me, but I had learned not to underestimate the old paladin. I was hopeful as I closed my eyes and tried to clear my mind.

Sure enough, an image began to form. The face looked familiar - it was an older man, gray hair, white collar, purple. . . Uriel Septim! The image spoke: 'But in your face, I behold the sun’s companion.' The Emperor then faded away.

"Acadian!" I squealed. "I could kiss you! Well, ok actually I can't, but you know what I mean. You're right, the Emperor of all Tamriel was kind to me. He as much as told me I was a Child of Dawn even before Azura did. I felt like more than just a simple elf when he talked to me." A touch of pride and confidence entered my voice as I added, "If I'm good enough to walk and talk with Uriel Septim, I'm good enough to consort with the Countess of Leyawiin. Besides," I shrugged, "she might even be nice, like the Emperor was."

Posted by: D.Foxy Dec 11 2010, 04:37 PM

Besides," I shrugged, "she might even be nice, like the Emperor was."



Famous last words!!!

Posted by: mALX Dec 11 2010, 07:00 PM

I'm sure you know which is my fave part!!! And whenever Miss Buffy buys a new journal, I know a new thread will be starting soon !!!! WOOOOOOOOT !!!!

Awesome Write !!!! Buffy's interations with others is always my fave parts of your story !!!! And I will keep my eyes on the FanFic page for Buffy II !!!!

Er...is she talking about using ... a ... (cough, cough) ... THONG ???? ROFL !!!!!!

Posted by: SubRosa Dec 11 2010, 07:13 PM

she's a Nord, and many of them rely on their breasts instead of fashion
This gave me a good laugh! Especially after meeting Sigrid so recently.

Delphine is the whirlwind of energy and fashion that we all have come to expect, with some very perceptive pointers on hair styles no less.

A lovely little interlude between Buffy and Nilawen. I see it is almost time for a new journal! The real gem here is Daenlin's remark to Nilawen though.

Finally a nice wrap-up at Casa de Buff, where we see Buffy's natural insecurity about not knowing how to act around nobles. Such an excellent response by her fairy godfather, in calling up the image of the Emperor. I am glad to see that Teresa is not the only wood elf who has found him to be a guiding star!

Posted by: Zalphon Dec 11 2010, 07:32 PM

"I was hunting ghosts in the Undercrofts" That is definitely Buffy I loved that line.

Posted by: Grizzly20 Dec 11 2010, 08:47 PM

A lot of laughs came for me in this chapter! I particularly liked the Nord comment by Delphine. I can't wait to see how the dinner party turns out, or how finding Delphine's Khajiit friend turns out! Amazing work once again Acadian, you manage to immerse me in your writing so that it feels as if I'm really there, sometimes I even hear the characters talking in my head it's so well written. =)

Posted by: hazmick Dec 12 2010, 12:33 AM

First of all, Haa-Rei is shaking his head and would like me to tell you to tell Buffy NOT to go to castle Leyawiin. If Buffy does go through with it, Haa-rei hopes she will put the countess in her place.

Anyway, this chapter was brilliant! Delphine seems to have limitless energy (as all good destruction users should have) and she clearly knows what she's talking about.

More soon I hope!

Posted by: Grits Dec 12 2010, 04:36 AM

"I don't think Mara would appreciate one of us fire storming her chapel." Hilariously put and absolutely true. Buffy would be so thoughtful as to consider collateral damage.

"I sang softly to myself and Acadian as I carefully inspected everything from bowstrings to poisons to blue velvet shoes." Mayhem and footwear, tra-la-la. I love it.

Your Delphine is so vivid, she frightens me a little!

Posted by: MyCat Dec 12 2010, 06:22 PM

"He simply told me that if you hold onto a butterfly, it cannot survive." Well put.

Every time she thinks of Sigrid she thinks of Savlian too. Her eyes must be turning green

Looking forward for the screen shots from the next couple of chapters.

Posted by: Destri Melarg Dec 13 2010, 09:02 PM

My favorite Delphinism:

It isn’t so much the line as the attitude that accompanies it. Confident is definitely the right word to describe her. She should be preceded with a warning . . . like a hurricane! It is like she is saying:

‘Silly girl! Don’t you know that thought-space is limited? Why would you choose to entertain an idea that takes away from thoughts of fashion and making enemies explode?’

I continue to marvel at your ability to render Bravil as an effective base for Buffy. Affection and familiarity gives a sense of the history that she shares with these people. Even the account of her one trip to the Palace gives us an idea of the occasional rain that dampens Buffy’s idyllic home.

Posted by: Winter Wolf Dec 14 2010, 10:18 AM

I always get a thrill from seeing such simple description that works so well. I can almost see the feathers on the wooden floor.

Great to add the part about Delphine and Maxical being friends from way back. If there was every one reason to hide under the bed covers, it is this!!
If Maxical ever arrives in the Bravil Mages Guild, I am packing up camp and heading for the Valus Mountains.

Posted by: Acadian Dec 14 2010, 03:55 PM

Episode 56 found Buffy in Bravil, getting plenty of fashion tips from Delphine to help prepare for Countess Leyawiin's dinner party. Later that evening, Buffy discussed some of her concerns with Acadian, as she packed and made final preparations for what she expects may be a lengthy visit to Leyawiin.

Foxy- Buffy does tend to be an optimist. Thanks!

mALX- I thank you so very much for permitting and supporting the mention of a certain little red-headed feline here. I knew you would right away recognize the imminent opening of a new thread to continue our story! Thank you for your kind words regarding Buffy's interactions with others. She does indeed play well with those who are kind to her.

SubRosa- Thank you for highlighting what I agree were important parts of this episode: Nordic breasts, the whirling Diva of Destruction (and fashion), a new journal, Daenlin's insightful butterfly remark, Buffy's insecurity, and Acadian's vote of confidence in his bowgirl.

Zalphon- Thank you! To Delphine's chagrin, Buffy is indeed a hunter.

Grizzly- Oh my goodness, such beautiful words! For us to bring you some laughs, and for you to feel immersed in Buffy's story and be able to hear the characters talking makes our hearts sing! Thank you!

hazmick- Thank you. Buffy will indeed go to Castle Leyawiin, but Haa-Rei's warnings, along with her own trepidation will hopefully ensure she takes a cautious approach.

Grits- Yes, Delphine can be frightening; she keeps wanting to teach Buffy to blow things up! And her energy - she just never stops! She would be like Tigger the Tiger if she were not so potentially dangerous when angry!

I'm glad also that you enjoyed Buffy's singing; she actually has a rather nice voice (at least that's what her paladin tells her). Thank you!

MyCat- I'm glad Daenlin's butterfly remark caught your eye.

Buffy admires Sigrid greatly; however, it would not upset her if the darn Nord was perhaps just a bit less attractive. . . . Thank you!

Destri- Thank you for picking up on how easily and naturally Delphine dismisses Buffys ear concerns. Buffy figures that's easy for Delphine to say - you know, with those cute little round human ears. *Sigh*

Somehow, Buffy's good nature and discretion allow her to dance comfortably among the guards, shady characters and most citizens of Bravil. She has however, learned to avoid the castle and those who inhabit it.

Wolf- I'm so glad you enjoyed Delphine! She is fun to write because her mannerisms and actions so clearly display her thoughts. Yes, she is a little bit like a Maxical who knows how to aim!

All- My heart swells with gratitude toward Buffy's many friends who have supported our humble tale and offered encouragement. As the bowgirl departs for Leyawiin, look for her next episode as we begin thread number three. Thread three and Buffy's other threads may be found on http://chorrol.com/forums/index.php?showforum=62

Posted by: mALX Dec 14 2010, 04:42 PM

Congrats on the completion of thread two - AWESOME Buffy tales !!!! You ROCK !!!

Posted by: treydog Dec 14 2010, 07:22 PM

Wonderful tactics throughout; it is always interesting to read the “why and how” of Buffy’s combat techniques.

That gentle, honest humor we have come to love.



Now THAT is a "Buffy moment!"

The entire episode in the Bravil Guild just sings with its wonderfully-drawn characters who are familiar to us all, especially Kud-Ei and Delphine.

The Maxical cameo is a treat in itself- but there is also the added depth it gives to Delphine- who then turns back into her usual whirlwind with advice on hair, shoes, and jewelry.

And you manage again to make Bravil a real community with Nilawen.

And finally, Acadian’s gentle reminder to Buffy that she is “someone special.” We all know that already, of course, but it is good to recall that the Emperor thought so, too.

It is so good to have Buffy and her paladin here at Chorrol, and it is a joy to see the conclusion of one journal in the certain knowledge that there is another ready and waiting.

Posted by: Grizzly20 Dec 15 2010, 01:18 AM

Congratulations on the completion of thread two! Buffy's story is romantic, full of suspense and thrills, comedic, and a very nice portion of action; I love it! I can't wait for the third thread, keep up the great work Acadian.

Posted by: Acadian Dec 17 2010, 02:21 PM

mALX- Thank you! I look forward to you and I continuing our journey together in the wonderful world of fanfic.

treydog- Your gentle encouragement and kind words mean the world to us.

Grizzly- Romance, suspense, thrills, comedy, action - such a wonderful compliment! Thank you so much for reading.