Buffy the Bowgirl, Book 1, Thread 3, Do You Know the Way to Kvatch? Options

[mALX]

I was torn when I reached the end of this chapter, unsure if you have cut out a part that gave me chills on the original - or if it will come in the next chapter - and don't want to bring it up specifically and ruin the surprise if you've just divided a chapter and it is coming soon. The foreshadowing was a huge part of this segment for me, I hope you are keeping it in.

In spite of my anticipation, Great Write !!!!

[King Coin]

Great chapter. I'd love to hear some of the banter between Buffy and her paladin guide.

[The Vyper]

Yes! Sergeant Lucilious Marcus gets to go help defend his home (or what's left of it). I hope he's prepared for what he'll find when he gets there (although I have no idea how you can prepare yourself to see something like that).

"Are you from a rich, powerful family?" Without waiting for a response, she added, "Are you sleeping with a member of the Council?"
"Well, no on both counts. I just thought-"
Buffy has a lot to learn about politics. Too bad she didn't attend any political courses while she was studying at the AU.

"It's nice to be outside that castle in the fresh air."
I'm starting to think that Caelia might be a bit claustrophobic.

I hoped Mazoga would understand the need for her to stay behind.
At least she'll have plenty of Black Bow bandits to...play with.

"I wish the Count would just take that new bride over his knee and give her a good spanking!"
That would be fun to watch. She definitely needs it.

"She is not obliged to make sense."
Indeed she isn't.

Could it be that the spirit so intertwined with my own could learn to speak?
Buffy, shame. It is not Acadian who needs to learn how to speak but you who needs to learn how to listen.

I carefully placed the treasure in my pack, and wondered how much time and patience it would take before I could finally hear the voice of my old paladin.
Buffy reveals some impatience just by wondering how much time and patience it will take.

Yet another great chapter!

[SubRosa]

I suppressed a squeal of approval.
This is our Buffy alright!

I wish the Count would just take that new bride over his knee and give her a good spanking!
Hubba hubba, maybe he does!

A very creative use of Dagail's second medallion! It was always strange that you never find it in the game, since Kalthar does admit to stealing it. Will Acadian speak someday? Very neat!

On the subject of the Count's torture chamber, as I recall, it was to interrogate Argonians newly come from Black Marsh. They were believed to be spies, and so were being arrested and put to question to find out what they were plotting. Or at least what the Empire thought they were plotting. The Blackwood Company started out as mercenaries hired by the Empire to retake territory that was lost in Black Marsh. They failed and went rogue. I believe the Empire now fears retaliation, and that is why they suspect Argonian spies in Leyawiin. I wish I could find the book or article it was in. I saw it about a year ago, and just cannot find it now. Unless I am imagining it all.

The lore does not say much about Black Marsh, just that it joined the Empire by treaty, rather than being conquered. The Empire only has outposts on the fringes on the province. The interior is completely Argonian. So the Argonians might indeed be able and willing to launch covert and even overt operations into Leyawiin. We know from the novels that they secede from the Empire at the beginning of the Fourth Age. So it all does hang together, and also explains why Caelia Draconis has a key to the torture chamber as well. She and her Guard would be the ones arresting the Argonians after all. Given the IRL CIA's secret torture bases, I do not find it at all hard to believe the Empire would be doing the same thing, even if they officially have a policy against it (and they probably do, torture was illegal in European nations during the Middle Ages. So no reason to believe it would not also be illegal in the Empire. Of course that did not stop Europeans from torturing and executing untold numbers of so-called heretics and Witches either...)

Of course it is up to you how you want it all to work. I will be the first person to say ignore what's in the game and make up something on your own! The latter usually makes much better storytelling.

Clint Eastwood?
Tommy Lee Jones (someone I'm particularly fond of)?
James Garner?
Mickey Rooney?
Rod Stewart?
Barry White?

James Earl Jones ("Buffy, I am your father!")

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Jan 25 2011, 05:09 AM

[Thomas Kaira]

The guard captain cocked her head and looked at me. "Are you from a rich, powerful family?" Without waiting for a response, she added, "Are you sleeping with a member of the Council?"

"I'm sorry about your loss, Buffy. My mother, Perennia, keeps the Draconis clan in touch, even though we're spread out. My siblings, Matthias, Andreas and Sibylla are scattered all over Cyrodiil. Mother is always making lists and trying to send gifts to us."

I sure do hope no one... shady gets their hands on one of those, it might cause Buffy to break a certain questline, not to mention result in an unfortunate and painful death.

"I wish the Count would just take that new bride over his knee and give her a good spanking!"

Someone's been baaad, might need to give it to her hard and rough.

Erm...

"If your quest is to understand her, paladin, you will surely fail. She is not obliged to make sense."

QFT.

"I would like you to have my father's. You don't need to wear it. Simply having it in your possession should, with time and patience, help Acadian find his voice."

Interesting twist ending here. Leaves me ready for more.

Clint Eastwood?
Tommy Lee Jones (someone I'm particularly fond of)?
James Garner?
Mickey Rooney?
Rod Stewart?
Barry White?

Martin Sheen?

This post has been edited by Thomas Kaira: Jan 25 2011, 04:19 AM

[Grits]

Caelia held up her hand to interrupt. "Then don't, please. The guard I'm assigning to your quest is Sergeant Lucilious Marcus. He's a twelve year veteran of the Legion and native of Kvatch. Fine man."

I suppressed a squeal of approval.

Yay!!!! Luckily I didn’t have to suppress my squeal of approval!

Oh, there's a chance that our paladin could actually speak to dear Buffy? That would be soooo wonderful! I wonder what he would sound like? Hmmm, let me think . . .

Clint Eastwood?
Tommy Lee Jones (someone I'm particularly fond of)?
James Garner?
Mickey Rooney?
Rod Stewart?
Barry White?

Sam Elliott??

[Linara]

I leave for a few weeks and then...! Anyway, great couple of posts there. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Mazoga remains my favorite character. Underneath her posturing is a good, strong-hearted Orisimer. It's nice to see her come up again, no matter whose story.

I flawlessly curtseyed. The practice sessions in front of Mazoga had been worth the orcish laughter.

Now how did Mazoga know what a proper curtsy was anyway?

I couldn't believe it when you returned to the guild last night in bare feet wearing only the surcoat of a castle guard!

At least is was the Leyawiin guild...some of the others wouldn't have been so understanding. And can you imagine Buffy trying to borrow a surcoat from a guard in Cheydinhal?

Nice screenies, too.

[saqin]

Love this story ^^. I've been following the adventures of Buffy for a while though I haven't commented previously though I know I should have. I like it how you take characters from the game into your story and gives them personalities that the game never did. I love the part about Buffy being a member of Leyawiins court and getting soldiers for Kvatch, it make all of it seem so real in a way. And of course you've just gotta love Buffys' personality.

[SephtVultori]

I Buffy! I'm starting a Fan Fiction and I can now monitor your fan fiction step by step, when I started reading the first part I was more motivated to do my own. so i can say you're a influence for me =)

[mALX]

I Buffy! I'm starting a Fan Fiction and I can now monitor your fan fiction step by step, when I started reading the first part I was more motivated to do my own. so i can say you're a influence for me =)

Veronica is adorably cute !!!

[Acadian]

During Episode 70, Captain Draconis announced her intention to assign Sergeant Lucilious Marcos to Kvatch. She also said she would write letters to each of her city counterparts suggesting they follow Leyawiin's example. Buffy then made her way to the mages guildhall for some goodbyes. While there, Dagail presented her with Manduin's medallion - an amulet that might help bring the power of voice to Acadian. Buffy's plans were then to gather Superian from the stables and head to the 'Black Mare' Lodge for her last couple days in Leyawiin.

Rider- Yes! Just as Superian's role in 2.0 is bigger, so is Acadian's. Their cumbersome communication has been adequate, but speech will definitely better facilitate the paladin's larger role. We could think of no smoother path to it than via Dagail.

mALX- Oh, I'm so sorry! I'm sure I know the scene that your wonderful memory recalls - a chance encounter with Telaendril. Alas, it was a casualty of Buffy's choice to forego full induction into the Dark Brotherhood. Forgive me? I hope some of the other changes we have in 2.0 will help make up for it.

King Coin- Thank you! And indeed, there will be some banter between Buffy and her paladin.

The Vyper- Thank you for those kind words! Lucilious is a strong sergeant and just the help our tired captain needs up there at Kvatch. It won't take long at all before Acadian utters his first words.

SubRosa- Thank you. Like you, I always wondered about Dagail's original amulet. I thought it was very appropriate that Dagail, as a sister Bosmer with voices in her own head, give the second one to Buffy. Thanks for the wonderful lore/history and info on Argonians coming into Leyawiin from the Black Marsh. I hope our depiction of the Leyawiin court makes sense from Buffy's perspective and story.

Thomas Kaira- Thanks for noting the reference to the Dark Brotherhood and one of their 'contracts'. I don't expect Acadian will ever fully understand Buffy. He does indeed have limitations, doubts and fears as we will see. He understands how to unconditionally accept his elf though, and that is what makes him her paladin.

Grits- I'm so glad you joined Buffy in her joy to learn that Caelia had chosen Lucilious to go to Kvatch! It was fun contrasting Caelia's brusque aloofness against the quite opposite personality of Buffy. Oh my - now that all the voice votes are in, I must confess that James Earl Jones or Sam Elliot would be most flattering; however, Buffy will discover that he sounds like. . . Acadian.

Linara- Thank you! In BF 1.0, Buffy had a simple dress pre-staged in the kitchen for after the party. As we crafted 2.0, she pointed out that such an act would likely lead to very awkward questions during the ensuing investigation. She figured she could just walk home recasting an invisibility spell as necessary. Fortunately, one of the guards came to her aid.

saqin- Thank you for your kind words, and welcome to Buffy's story! I returned the favor and read/commented on your own stories. What a delightful treat they both are! I so hope Buffy and I will continue to earn your readership. I also look forward to reading more of your stories.

Sepht- I'm so pleased that you joined us here and quite appreciate both your lovely comment as well as the fact that we may have had some influence on you to take up the quill. Realizing that Portuguese is your primary language, I am awed by your command of written English. I look forward to learning more of Veronica, her brother Sepht and her mentor, Sir Clyde. And I agree with dear mALX - Veronica is adorably cute!

* * *

71 The Leyawiin Expedition, Part 15- Where To Now, My Paladin?

White magic flashed into Slayer as I raised it to block the slashing blade. Nevertheless, the painful impact jarred me to the core and my backside quickly met on the ground.

"No, Buff!" Mazoga lowered the wooden sword and shook her head as she towered over me outside the 'Black Mare' Lodge.

I glanced at Superian as she quietly grazed near the bank of the Niben. Getting no sympathy from the unconcerned mare, I shifted my gaze up to Mazoga.

The orc continued her lesson. "Maybe you can keep your arm stiff and try to absorb a dagger hit from one of your squishy mages, but if you try that with a real warrior, you'll get your arm broken. That's a neat spell you got for your bow and it works real good, but you need to sweep or deflect incoming blows. Here." The orc reached down with a massive hand, encircled my forearm and effortlessly pulled me to my feet. "Try again." She stepped back and commenced a level slash.

This time, I not only magically reinforced my bow, but I angled it somewhat and was able to deflect the blow up and away. I immediately followed with a weak charm spell into Mazoga's chest to simulate immobilizing her, and nocked an arrow as I backed up. "How's that, 'Zoga?"

"Much better. That's the way to keep your arm flexed. You'll never be able to trade steel with a fighter, but you might be able to survive a hit or two and buy yourself a few seconds to cast one o' them spells. Then you can step back, draw your bow and do what you're good at."

I returned the arrow to my quiver and quipped, "I think you're just beating me up because we're sending Lucilious instead of you to Kvatch." Smiling awkwardly to mask my guilt over the subject, I added, "Are you upset with me about that?"

"Nah," replied Mazoga shaking her head seriously. "I'm glad the Count recognizes that it would take several of his guards to keep down those Black Bow Bandits if he let me go to Kvatch. I'll miss you though. I'm glad you told those friends of yours that ride for the Black Horse Courier to stop by the lodge on their rounds and tell me the news of Kvatch. If they say you need my help, I'll be there. Besides, that Lucilious fellow looks like he can handle a sword pretty good. I'd drag him home with me some night if you weren't sending him to Kvatch."

Giggling at the image and relieved by my friend's words, I chirped back, "Yes, yes I know, at the point of your sword! Have you hurt me enough for the day?" I rubbed my sore rear end that had been bounced to the ground several times. My left arm and shoulder were also aching.

"I think so, Buff." Mazoga set the training blade down on the porch and grabbed her real sword and scabbard. "I've busted the bows of plenty of archers who tried to block with them. I'm glad someone taught you that spell to reinforce both you and your bow with some armor protection. She finished strapping on her sword belt. "Speaking of archers, I'm gonna go get me some black bows. Tag along if you like."

Glancing to the west, I noted the sun already teasing the treetops. I shook my head as I shouldered Slayer. "I need to pack and get ready to ride north early tomorrow. Be careful, 'Zoga." I watched as the orc headed out to patrol for bandits.

After she was out of sight, I went down to the river to wash my face and hands. As I felt a familiar nuzzle and warm breath behind my head, I said sarcastically, "Oh, fine. Where was your support when I was getting the imp chips knocked out of me by 'Zoga? I'm just going to laugh at you the next time some older horse puts you in your place. Let's get you inside the lodge's corral."

*

Seated at the wooden table inside the 'Black Mare' Lodge, I stared at the letter I had quilled.

My brave Savlian,

I hope this finds you and your band of defenders in good health and spirits. My friends who ride black horses and carry the news tell me what they can of Kvatch when I see them. They will also carry letters to me should your demanding duties permit you the time to write.

My trip to Leyawiin was longer than I anticipated, but it did yield some assistance. I'm sure you will find Lucilious to be of great help. I know that, like you, his heart is in Kvatch. Captain Caelia Draconis, the local guard commander here, promised to write letters to all her counterparts in the various cities asking for more support to Kvatch.

Caelia advised me against petitioning the Elder Council directly for aid. I'm sure she is right, and I would probably only bring embarrassment upon you if I attempted such a thing. Besides, I know you have already written several requests to the Legion yourself. I will however, be asking the Council of Mages for assistance and I'm working on some other ideas that might produce help for us.

Please be careful. I miss you and have not forgotten my promise to return.

Buffy

I wanted to say so much, yet the words conveyed so little. If the feelings between us were imagined, this report from Savlian's scout would suffice. If they were real, I hoped he could read my heart between the lines. After folding the parchment, I drizzled some wax from a burning candle to seal it. Gathering the score of crumpled drafts strewn about the floor into a large stone bowl, I set them ablaze with the tip of my finger. As the flames diminished, the glowing, dancing embers reminded me of the burning city of Kvatch, that horrid gate and my brief glimpse of the Deadlands. Scamps and atronachs spewing fire. And even worse - clannfears.

"Acadian, I need your help. How many shrines to Daedric Princes have we visited? I know little more of fighting Daedra than when we started." I sighed. "Are we wasting our time?"

Suddenly, I remembered Manduin's medallion and fished it from my pack. Dagail had said it would help as long as it was near, but I figured grasping it tightly might make it work even better. Full of hope, I said, "Can you try and talk?"

"B. . . butt. . . ."

It was more of a croak than a voice I supposed, but it was a start. "Your first word is 'butt'?" I replied. "Are you trying to tell me something? Has Mazoga been feeding me too much? I assure you my greaves fit just as-"

"B-butterfly." The voice was stronger now. "My butterfly." The last words were clear, deep, faintly Nordic and. . . old.

"Yes!" I squealed. You sound just like I imagined you would. Can you still send me thoughts?"

Yes, Acadian replied silently. With his new voice, he then added, "That has not changed."

Although I wondered if the amulet could help me learn to send thoughts to Acadian, I decided not to worry about the wonders of that confusing possibility until another time. The fact that Acadian could speak to me was exciting enough for now. "Tell me, my paladin. You know my heart. Are we wasting our time with Daedra Lords? Where should we go next? Are you going to put a blue mark on my map?"

"I feel I am failing you, my bowgirl," Acadian said. "You ask for my help, yet I have led you no closer to your goal. I know not which Daedra Lord to visit next, or if our efforts are in vain."

"But you have helped me so very much," I countered. "This expedition to Leyawiin has resulted in the assignment of Lucilious to Kvatch and a promise from Caelia that may result in even more help." I added, "I couldn't have done any of this without you."

"Thank you," he replied. "But what help have we garnered from Daedra Lords?"

"Well, you're right." I heaved another sigh. "It was only Azura that seemed to-" The realization hit me in mid sentence. I could clearly feel that it dawned on the paladin at the same moment. I continued excitedly, "Should we return to Azura and ask for her help?"

"She did touch your fate once before, Child of Dawn," Acadian replied. "Perhaps that is indeed our best course now."

I nodded. "I'm glad we worked this out together. Back to Azura it is, then. I hope she doesn't ask me to slay any more vampires. I-"

"Buff, you should've tagged along." The door to the lodge had suddenly swung open to reveal a smiling Mazoga. "I found a new cave just full of Black Bow Bandits. Well, not exactly full anymore." She chuckled and held up several black bows. "I'll take these to the castle tomorrow. The Count's been real nice about paying me a bounty for each one I bring him. His Countess always seems to leave for 'other urgent matters' just as I show up though. I ain't buying that. I figure the poor thing is just shy and lacks self-confidence. Maybe she wears them green clothes 'cuz she's jealous of my attractive complexion and skin tone." Mazoga shook her head. "But like I told you, not every woman can look like me."

After closing the door behind her, she went on, "So anyway, the bounty money's real good. Even after buying repair hammers, healing potions and supplies, we're getting rich! Not to mention how much gold I can make by selling some of the loot them bandits carry."

"Good for you, 'Zoga." I smiled and watched my friend as sat down, drained a bottle of ale, then began repairing her equipment. She looked happy, and I felt a little better about the decision to leave her in Leyawiin.

As if to read my mind, Mazoga continued between hammer taps, "Yep, this is about the best gig I ever had. A never ending supply of bandits just waiting for a head bashing from a real knight. And getting paid for it by that swell Count!" She then paused her repairs and looked at me. "Besides, I talked to Lucilious and he had friends in Kvatch. I know about friends. Going there means a lot to him."

I got up and walked over to her. "It surely does," I said, placing a hand gently on her broad shoulder.

[TheOtherRick]

I am still in the very beginnings of Thread 1 of your story, so I'll not be commenting in this most recent post because I haven't read it. That would be like putting in a DVD and starting to watch the movie at the halfway point. I like to start at the beginning. But I did want to post in order to thank you for helping me get Talendor on track. I would have blundered blindly into disappointment (and poor writing skills) if it weren't for you and Buffy. Thanks again...a ton!

[haute ecole rider]

I absolutely enjoyed the training session between 'Zoga and Buffy the first time around. This time is even better!

Oh, writing love letters can be so awkward when you don't know how the other party feels about you! Ugh! You have captured that uncertainty so well.

As for Acadian's voice, I know! I know! Rutger Hauer! Sure, he usually doesn't play the paladin type, but I loved him anyway!

[SubRosa]

one of your squishy mages
I love this!

when I was getting the imp chips knocked out of me
Oh noes, not the imp chips!

You crafted Buffy's letter well. It has that unique "letter" sound to the sentences. Even before Buffy thought that she wanted to say so much more, that was extremely obvious. Our blond, bravilian, bosmer bowgirl has indeed learned restraint.

Your first word is 'butt'?
This is just perfect!

I figure the poor thing is just shy and lacks self-confidence.
Without a doubt!

A very good episode that weaves Sir Mazoga in and out with (Sir?) Acadian, and shows us how both have grown to become parts of Buffy's life. The last two paragraphs about friends really sums up the entire episode.

And thankfully Acadian does not sound like Sam Jackson, otherwise ever other word would be an F-Bomb!

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Jan 27 2011, 05:31 PM

[Thomas Kaira]

Nordic, eh? Max von Sydow, perhaps (not very original, but who cares)?

I was expecting something more tall, dark, and brooding, myself. You know what I mean.

It was more of a croak than a voice I supposed, but it was a start. "Your first word is 'butt'?" I replied.

What a charming line.

Well, I am glad you've finally found your voice, Acadian. I do hope you find it helpful over time, though I'm sure you will.

Loved the letter, too! And the effort B put into it.

[King Coin]

It was more of a croak than a voice I supposed, but it was a start. "Your first word is 'butt'?" I replied.

What a charming line.

Whole hearted agreement. I really enjoyed that line.

[ureniashtram]

I would hazard a guess that Acadian's voice is like that of the Vocalist of Rammstein! Oh yeah!

[mALX]

Yes, the chance encounter with Telaendril - what a powerful foreshadowing of future events that was - I am sad that it was lost from that scene, but understand entirely. (Gaaaah!).

They will also carry letters to me should your demanding duties permit you the time to write.

HINT, HINT !!!

I assure you my greaves fit just as-"

ROFL !!! Female all the way!

I loved this chapter !!! The letter, Acadian speaking, and the girls blooming friendship !!! Awesome Write !!!!

[MyCat]

I was in an inn in Skingrad and there was a commotion upstairs. I investigated and the corpse of Talaendrel was in the bedroom. I have no idea what happened, but the suit of light armor I looted was a bonus! I did NOT kill her! I had not even encountered the Dark Brotherhood at that point.

I'm of two minds over the Paladin Voice stuff. Sometimes I think that could spoil the mystery.

I'm glad that Ma.. I mean Sir 'Zoga is okay with the current assignment.

[King Coin]

I would hazard a guess that Acadian's voice is like that of the Vocalist of Rammstein! Oh yeah!

HAHAHAHA EPIC

never imagined Acadian like this though lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6x5btEbrGoc&feature=fvw

Perhaps he has a sinister side we don't know about?