Buffy the Bowgirl, Book 1, Thread 2, Do You Know the Way to Kvatch? Options

[treydog]

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.

This post has been edited by treydog: Oct 22 2010, 02:25 AM

[Casper1984]

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.

[Destri Melarg]

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.

[Ginner]

I like the different details of other characters included in this, E.G. Kud-Ei.

[Linara]

"It was me, not the prophecy"

Oh the poor Khajiit.

Ok, so this didn't work out so well. Vaermina can't possibly be worse than Sheogorath. Let's go."

How can she say that! Well, this is Buffy after all, but still...

This post has been edited by Linara: Oct 27 2010, 02:32 AM

[Acadian]

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, 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.

* * *

41 Vaermina, Part 1- I Savor Your Nightmares

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?

[D.Foxy]

Aha! Now I know why we became friends so swiftly - you have a historical bond with Gallant Foxes!!!

[haute ecole rider]

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:
Gallant Fox

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:

Considering the speed and ferocity of these nightmarish creatures, I decided I would try to sneak past any more I encountered.

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!

[SubRosa]

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.

[mALX]

This chapter can officially be added to my list of favorite Buffy episodes !!!! Your description of the clannfear was amazing !!!! Awesome Write !!!!

[Destri Melarg]

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.

This post has been edited by Destri Melarg: Oct 27 2010, 08:16 PM

[mALX]

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.

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



*


This post has been edited by mALX: Oct 27 2010, 08:27 PM

[treydog]

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.

From what I had read, clannfears were fast, mean and would eat you.

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.

[Casper1984]

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?

[Acadian]

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.

* * *

42 Vaermina, Part 2- I Told You So

. . . 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."

[treydog]

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.

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.

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.

[mALX]

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.

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 !!!!!!

dinner was stale bread

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 !!!!

This post has been edited by mALX: Oct 30 2010, 03:46 PM

[D.Foxy]

"still from a Daedra prince"


That Still should produce quite a wine, methinks...

[haute ecole rider]

Shades of Maxical! I could just see Buffy drawing pictures of horses on her parchment instead of taking notes.

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).

[SubRosa]

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!