Buffy - Book 2, The Cloud Dancers of Valenwood Options

[ghastley]

I assume you're having to tread between the ESO and VI versions of this area, as they differ quite a bit, but shouldn't Arenthia be in view, too?

Strid Crossing is clearly your own, and the natural bridge is a brilliant idea. It's not the sort of thing that lets a city develop, as it's as big as it is, and you can't do anything about that. So a village that's appropriate to the trade flow is what would happen. I envisage this bridge as large enough for a horse, but not a cart.

So the cliffhanger is: will she turn toward Kvatch, or away?

[Darkness Eternal]

How great it is to see us move away from one territory to another. From Valenwood to western Elseweyr. The changes here were evident, and reminded me of traveling through ESO.

“I’ve had plenty of help there but, yes, I do feel more like predator than prey once again.”

This is wonderful to hear because the character of Buffy, her size and her kind-hearted ways does not mean she isn't formidable in her own right. And this rings true in the Bosmer hunter-gatherer society and individual.

Oh man I know how Buffy must feel to be reminded of Cyrodiil. Personally I don't think there is any province more beautiful than the Imperial province and you captured some of the essence of Cyrodiil right here. The birdsongs, flowers and of course the deer did indeed remind us of the Heartland.

Despite her words, Buffy may face things that will bring back unfortunate memories. Seeing the ruins of Oblivion gates makes me think of this. But with Acadian ever at her side I'm not too worried of the outcome.

She's surrounded by great friends her(most of which are animals), but to a Bosmer that's all the friends one can need. They aren't fickle and truly trustworthy.

Great chapter Acadian!

[SubRosa]

Ahh, nothing like some roasted Mirelurk cooked over a fusion battery to fill a Wastelander's tummy... Oh wait, this is Tamriel, not Boston!

Northern Valenwood sounds like a garden paradise, especially after the wild and deadly hinterland of the deep woods.

[Renee]

Yeah, that vampire did not stand a chance, what was he thinking? Guess he didn't know who he was up against! I love all the background surrounding lore during that part, and it's a good idea you explained how it works, otherwise I'd-a been lost.

Nice to return to civilization again.

[Lopov]

Killed and cooked with one spell!

A neat story as Buffy is heading back to "civilization".

[Grits]

What a beautiful description of Valenwood’s Strid River and border lands. I love the way looking at the landscape so naturally led to the discussion about what’s possibly next and how far Buffy has come in her Valenwood voyage. I wonder what news there will be from Cyrodiil. Thinking of Buffy’s return gives me mixed emotions. Even though she is ready, it still won't be easy. It is a joy to follow along on this journey with her.

[mALX]

This is so exciting, seeing Buffy returning to Cyrodiil! And among her friends waiting there to see her again is one lonely Khajiit - don't forget your friend Maxical, Buffy!

Your descriptions here were wonderful, like Hazmick said - very reminiscent of Reapers March; and I'm picturing Buffy around Arenthia!

Awesome Write !!!

[Acadian]

hazmick- Thank you! My hope was to conjure recollections of Cyrodiil during this final leg of Buffy’s journey through Valenwood.

ghastley- You are exactly right that the episode took place pretty close to Arenthia – and I might have done well to mention that. I did choose for Buffy’s path to miss it though and opted for a tiny border village of our own creation. Turning toward or away from Kvatch? I expect the answer will be the same as ever for Buffy – like a moth toward flame. Thanks!

DE- Thank you. I believe your insight is solid in predicting that a return to more familiar surroundings will also conjure painful memories. Acadian, Superian and, now, Kitsune are likely to get leaned on heavily.

SubRosa- Hee! Get thee back to Tamriel, oh Wastelander! You’ve been. . . over there too long. Thank you; I do think the northeast corner of Valenwood is beautifully reminiscent of Cyrodiilic forests.

Renee- Thanks! I know that Buffy’s peculiar vampire lore is unique - even potentially confusing when shoehorned into TES - and felt that an explanation/review was in order for both newer and longer-term readers.

Lopov- Thank you! Killing and cooking the mud crab by fire spell was another convenient opportunity to try and show how seamlessly magic flows through Buffy’s daily life.

Grits- I was indeed trying to blend Buffy’s surroundings with her path ahead – thanks for noting that! Thinking of Buffy’s return to Cyrodiil gives me mixed emotions as well, my friend. She and I are both optimistic about her future though.

mALX- I know you and Maxical treasure some wonderful memories from Oblivion. I hope our final episode brings a nostalgic smile to you. Thank you!


Previously- Traveling via the treetops, Buffy passed over the protective jungle surrounding the ancient forest of the Cloud Dancers. When she took to the ground again, she was in eastern Valenwood. From there she proceeded north to a quaint village on the border of Cyrodiil where she decided to seek lodging for the night.

Now, on to our final episode and the conclusion of Buffy's journey of self-discovery through Valenwood.

* * *

Episode 31

“Welcome to Strid Crossing, traveler.” The innkeeper wore a clean but tattered apron over his tunic and trousers of sackcloth. The fur on his face, arms and tail bore the orange color with black spots of a Valenwood tree leopard. “This one is called Baedargo and is honored to serve you.”

“My name’s Buffy and I’m interested in renting a room for myself. Oh, and one of the stalls I noted on the side your tavern for my mare.”

“You both will be most welcome,” he replied with a feline smile. “Your accommodations will include dinner, an evening bath, breakfast and oats for your horse.” After showing me to my room, he announced over his shoulder, “A guest!” Two Khajiit children who each rose only to my shoulder scurried to his side. “These are my kits. They will help you and your horse to be comfortable during your stay.” He turned to the small ones. “Tsabhi, roll the tub into Miss Buffy’s room and begin heating water to fill it. Jo’Rakha, as soon as she is settled in, help our guest tend to her horse.”

“Yes, father,” they said in unison. The boy bowed and the girl curtseyed, speaking together as one, “Welcome Miss Buffy. These ones are honored to serve you.”

“I am very pleased to meet you both,” I said. “Jo’Rakha, would you help me with my mare now?”

“Yes, Miss Buffy.”

As he took my hand to lead me from the tavern, I looked at the beaming Baedargo and remarked, “Your pride is well-deserved. They’re adorable.”

My hosts spoiled both Superian and I with an attentiveness that rivaled the finest inns of the Imperial City. Both children were enthralled with Kitsune and it was the attention they lavished upon her that reminded me how much the vixen had become a natural part of me. She could appear and disappear at will, slip unobtrusively through doors at my side and normally drew little attention – from most adults anyway.

After I enjoyed a warm bath and fine meal, Baedargo approached apologetically. “The kits tell their father that you have traveled far and long without news from the other provinces.“ He presented a copy of the Black Horse Courier. “This one regrets that the latest edition to find Strid Crossing is a week old.”

“Your charming kits are correct, and I’m ever so grateful for your thoughtfulness.” Steaming bergamot tea arrived as, with Kitsune curled up on my lap, I caught up with the news from Cyrodiil.

From just the front page, it quickly became clear that the Elder Council was still running the Empire without an Emperor. I couldn’t find a word about the surviving Septim heir that we had found in the Chapel at Kvatch. Looking at the date on the Courier, I calculated it had now been nearly six months since Baurus, Mazoga and Agronak had escorted Martin to. . . I had no idea where.

I skipped over an article under the headline ‘Gray Fox eludes Hieronymus Lex’s latest sweep of the Waterfront.’

My heart swelled when I read a piece in the editorial section titled ‘The Hero of Kvatch was Right’. It chastised those who, within weeks of Savlian Matius closing the Oblivion Gate at Kvatch, had questioned his decision to ‘kick a hornet’s nest’. Some had apparently claimed his 'rash and misguided actions' would cause more gates to open, arguing that appeasing Mehrunes Dagon by sacrificing one city for the good of the Empire would have been a more prudent choice. The article ended with its author concluding, ‘What say you now, oh timid souls? It has been nearly six months. Where are the Oblivion Gates spilling hordes of Daedra that you feared? To you doubters, I say, hail the late Captain Matius - Hero of Kvatch!’

On the society page, I found an article describing the Countess of Leyawiin’s latest dinner party. The reporter’s tone mockingly congratulated her for avoiding a repeat of the ‘fashion disaster’ that marred one such event nearly a year ago, saying, ‘It took all the Count’s horses and all the Count’s men, to prevent the Dastardly Disrober from striking again.’ My smile faded as I recalled that I had still not returned to Sanguine’s shrine to reclaim the beautiful red gown stripped from me that night.

After checking on Superian, I said good night to my charming hosts and closed the door to my room behind me. Kitsune hopped up on the bed, circling several times before choosing her spot for the night. I smiled as I watched her. How long had it been since I’d slept between real sheets instead of a bedroll, furs or moss? Skingrad, I decided; before. . . Kvatch.

I sat at the small desk and unrolled a well-worn and richly annotated doeskin map – not of Valenwood, but of Cyrodiil. “Acadian, we’re going home.”

“I am proud to see that you are doing so on your own terms, Buffy. What is our plan?”

My finger followed my words on the map. “From here, we’re going to Kvatch. I know it will be hard, but I owe my dear Savlian a graveside visit.”

“I’m sure the dragontongue flowers you planted around him will have grown beautifully by now.”

My smile was a sad one, but it was a smile nonetheless. “Our next stop will be Skingrad. Those warning cramps that preceded our recent vampire encounter reminded me that it's also nearly time for my twice yearly period - and I don't want to be caught unprepared. I need elixirs for cramping and some of those little Abecean sea sponges that Nilawen in Bravil taught me to use. That Dunmeri alchemist in Skingrad – you know, the one from Morrowind who. . . dances with dead – is discrete and carries a good supply of both.”

“Residents of Skingrad’s graveyard likely consider themselves fortunate to have her attentions,” quipped Acadian.

The paladin and I shared a quiet laugh before I continued, “We’ll then head northeast to Sanguine’s shrine. I want that red dress back from the Prince of Debauchery who stripped it from me in Leyawiin nearly a year ago. It belongs to Delphine Jend.”

“Always wise to close out unfinished business.”

I nodded my agreement. “From there, we’ll continue east to the Arcane University. Stablemaster Thernd will be fascinated by the changes to Superian. I owe Boderi Farano many thanks for her part in coordinating the creation and delivery of my mystic bow. Also, if there is any news of my dear friends and fellow Knights of the White Stallion, the Imperial City will be the most likely place to hear it.”

“I agree. It has been far too long without word of Sirs Mazoga and Agronak.”

“Finally, we’ll go home – to Bravil. I miss Master Daenlin, Guildmagister Kud-Ei, and so many others there terribly.”

“I’m sure your many friends in the City of Mara will be delighted to see you.”

I rolled up the map. “We ride at dawn, my paladin.”

~ The End ~

[mALX]

On the society page, I found an article describing the Countess of Leyawiin’s latest dinner party. The reporter’s tone mockingly congratulated her for avoiding a repeat of the ‘fashion disaster’ that marred one such event nearly a year ago, saying, ‘It took all the Count’s horses and all the Count’s men, to prevent the Dastardly Disrober from striking again.’

Below the article was an artist's rendition of that very event a year ago, where they captured the guilty party in the very act!







This is so exciting to see Buffy returning to Cyrodiil !!!!!


Here is someone who heard Buffy was coming back, and knew there was one place she would most definitely prioritize visiting - and ran to wait for her friend there:


http://i.imgur.com/XZYguQo.png?1



And staying warm in her backpack is another person who can't wait for some of Buffy's spoiling:



http://a4.ec-images.myspacecdn.com/images0...e246cc570/l.jpg



Awesome Write, really enjoying hearing about Buffy again!






This post has been edited by mALX: Jan 27 2017, 04:01 PM

[hazmick]

Homeward bound. Seems like a pretty solid plan for Buffy's tour of Cyrodiil, though I imagine Kvatch will be the largest hurdle for our little Elf to climb over.

[ghastley]

“I agree. It has been far too long without word of Sirs Mazoga and Agronak.”

And their indestructible squire?

[Darkness Eternal]

I'm just as excited as mALX is to see Buffy return to Cyrodiil. I don't know why but I suspect it is because Cyrodiil, for most of us, is the place where it all began. It is a place where Buffy was born and raised, too. So I am glad to see her back to a place where the height( ) of her life was. I expect new things for Buffy here.

Baedargo the innkeeper and his pride/litter tugged at the heart. They're adorable.

The Courier news was a great reminder that despite the odds, the mortals of Tamriel prevailed over the demonic hosts of Oblivion, and that Savlian— rather than incurring the complete and total wrath of Mehrunes Dagon—had not only kicked the hornet's nest but contributed valiantly in its destruction and downfall. What say you oh doubters?

That was awesome.

And how can we forget Leyawiin's little prank?

Buffy had quite a list of things to do, but it is going to be a great adventure for her. It always is. Awesome work Acadian!

[BretonBlood]

Quite the way to "end" Buffy's story, well this part anyways. Very well written, I enjoyed her reading of the Black Horse Courier to catch up on what has been going on in Cyrodiil in her absence.

And maybe this is something that I may have missed from Buffy's first book, but she mentions going to Skingrad and I can't help but think of Buffy and her Slayer status when it comes to that city... for the obvious reasons. Does she know of the vampire present there?

I can't wait to continue with Buffy through the rest of her adventure back in Cyrodiil.

[SubRosa]

You very cleverly introduced the innkeeper as a Khajiit, without ever having to actually say so. That was nicely done.

The Gray Fox is still as slippery as a vulpine familiar!

And so is the Dastardly Disrober!

Falanu is Buffy's herbal hookup! Good thing for Buffy that she is not as pale-skinned as others...

And a nice close on this book of Buffy's adventures in Valenwood. I agree that it is good to see her returning to Cyrodiil on her own terms.

[Renee]

I'm just as excited as mALX is to see Buffy return to Cyrodiil. I don't know why but I suspect it is because Cyrodiil, for most of us, is the place where it all began.

Add me to this list. And mirocu too, for sure.

Well, what a lovely ending to Book 2. That was fun to read. I'm glad I was around to catch it all, Acadian!

[Grits]

Baedargo’s kits were adorable! I love how they attached themselves to Kitsune. What a charming image of a thoroughly refreshed Buffy reading the paper over tea with her familiar curled up on her lap.

I was as interested as Buffy to read the Courier and see what had been going on back in Cyrodiil. The highlights connected her story to background events beautifully.

The last line is perfect. Book 2 ends looking forward to Buffy’s next beginning. What a delight it has been to go along on Buffy’s Valenwood journey!

[Lopov]

I could almost hear "these ones" talking.

Nice glimpse into what's been going on in Cyrodiil sine Buffy was gone, not that much changed.

That was an interesting read, yet the ending foreshadows a new beginning so we're far from end, I'd say.

[Acadian]

Previously- During the book’s final episode, Buffy and her crew spent a quiet evening in the border village of Strid Crossing, catching up on the news from Cyrodiil. Later in the evening, Buffy announced that she would ride the next morning for Cyrodiil. She then discussed some of her shorter term plans with Acadian.

mALX- How thoughtful of you to remind us of that wonderful drawing that Ayumi fan did for Buffy years ago! As always, you are a boundless source of enthusiastic support and encouragement. Hi to dear Maxical and chubby Alex the Mouse!

hazmick- Buffy will probably be okay for a time, comforted somewhat by the assurance that her hero (Savlian) stopped the Oblivion Crisis at Kvatch. When those who claim that Savlian simply kicked the hornet nest are eventually proven right, it will likely prove emotionally traumatic for Buffy.

ghastley- Oh yes! Can’t forget Fanador – the adoring fan and squire to Sirs Mazoga and Agronak.

DE- Cyridiil does hold a special place in our heart as well. Though conceived in Valenwood, Buffy was born and raised in Bravil of course. That is where her story began. Thank you.

BretonBlood- Thank you – Buffy’s history is so long that I always appreciate questions which allow me to review bits of it. Way back in Book 1, Buffy stopped in Skingrad on her way to Kvatch. She did indeed experience vampire cramps as she passed the castle. She was concerned that there might be a vampire lair near or even under the castle and debated warning the count lest he be unaware of the danger. Since she did not know the count and had pressing business at Kvatch, she did not pursue the matter. So, no – she doesn’t yet know Count Skingrad’s secret.

SubRosa- Thanks much for pointing out my intent on how we introduced the innkeeper as clearly Khajiit without directly saying so. I clearly remember many years ago when you first took an interest in Buffy’s story and reached out to help me develop the skills to tell it – and I remain as grateful as ever for what you have taught me.

Renee- I’m so glad that you were able to join us for Book 2! I have appreciated your interest, questions and the resultant opportunities to elaborate on some of Buffy’s history. Thank you!

Grits- As the epitome of graciousness, you always seem to know exactly the right words to both encourage Buffy and I as well as warm our hearts. Thank you so much for your inspiring support as Buffy travels her long path.

Lopov- I very much enjoy episodes where Buffy relays her story against a slightly distracting backdrop – be it while grooming her mare or, in this case, being pampered by the engaging innkeeper and his kits. And yes, I hope the ‘end’ of Book 2 was both satisfying as well as clearly indicating there is more of her story awaiting the telling.


All- It means the world to Buffy and I to have the warm and continuing support of our friends who find our humble efforts worthy of their time. Truly, I thank each of you so much for the help and encouragement we have enjoyed.

Just as Skyrim heavily impacted our plans after Book 1, so has ESO impacted our plans after Book 2. Though we have numerous plans and as many partial drafts, we need some time to rest, play and contemplate how best to tell the next major piece of Buffy’s tale.

Finally, allow Buffy to leave you with her uniquely elven parting words, “Cool waters and green grasses to you."

[mALX]

D'Aaaw! Buffy will be missed till she graces the boards again!

[hazmick]

As ever, we shall wait patiently for future writing and look forward to hearing more of Buffy's adventures.

Finally, allow Buffy to leave you with her uniquely elven parting words, “Cool waters and green grasses to you."

Haa-Rei wishes me to say: "May friendly branches shade your path, my small friend. No, wait, leave the 'small' bit out. Are you listening to me?"