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

[D.Foxy]

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.

[Destri Melarg]

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’.

[Remko]

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

[Acadian]

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.

* * *

36 By the Detritus of the Profane, Part 3

"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."

This post has been edited by Acadian: Oct 9 2010, 08:52 PM

[D.Foxy]

Oh Ho!!!

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

WATCH OUT ACADIAN!!!

[haute ecole rider]

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!

[mALX]

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 !!!!!

[SubRosa]

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 Imperial. No arguments if you want to change his race on purpose. The Bretons are known to be prolific magicians after all.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Oct 10 2010, 12:18 AM

[treydog]

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.

[Destri Melarg]

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!

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?

[Linara]

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!"

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.

[Acadian]

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.

* * *

37 Malacath

"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."

[D.Foxy]

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!!!

[haute ecole rider]

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!

[SubRosa]

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...

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Oct 12 2010, 09:05 PM

[mALX]

"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 !!!!

[mALX]

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!!!

I love this poem Foxy !!!!!!!

[Zalphon]

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?

[Linara]

Ogres are majestic, gray, gentle giants

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:

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.

They most definitely were! Another artifact collected, another shrine visited. What's next?

[treydog]

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.