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

[Linara]

So wow! I missed a lot. Just caught up, in time to read about my favorite quest, and Linara's best friend Mazoga. You wrote it out very well, lending a warmth and full quality to the characters that we lose in simple voice acting. Out of the last ten or so chapters, a quote that really stood out

I had found the term 'research' to be well-accepted among mages, and covered a multitude of things I didn't want to share.

Isn't it the truth! Especially the Arcane University mages... Great writing, and hopefully I'll be a regular commenter again. Also, Buffy's knight armour looks pretty cool.

[Thomas Kaira]

Hey, clothes are good. I mean, you never know when some handsome young knight might ask you to the ball, or when it might start raining and you need something to keep your skin dry and your hair pretty, or perhaps if a stiff Colovian countess might invite you to a dinner party where a certain Daedric Lord has asked her to get everyone... hey, suddenly clothes don't feel all that important anymore . 'Scuse me, I need to take a cold shower, maybe roll in some snow drifts for a few hours.

Mazoga sure has developed fast, starting as an irate self-proclaimed knight with a chip in her shoulder to an honorable lady, with the appreciation of the Court of Leyawiin and a firm understanding of the simple truth that size doesn't always matter.

Do please try your best to remain unseen at that party, Buffy. It would be most embarassing to have to be dragged to the stockades in your birthday suit.

[The Vyper]

Buffy Knighted! And her first official act is to Knight her friend. I love the way that played out. It seems both natural and appropriate that Buffy would be the one to Knight Sir Mazoga.

I also liked the conversation with Lucilious. His anguish at not being able to defend his home town very touching. I also liked Buffy's assurance that she is working on a way to get help to Kvatch.

I like Buffy's new armor. Is that going to become a regularly used set, or is it just for ceremonial purposes?

[Grits]

“I forced myself to cheer up, with the promise that I would indulge my growing dislike for Alessia Caro later.”
I will be standing up and cheering when you do.

“I'd give my left- well, I'd give anything for a set of orders to Kvatch."
How did I miss this on my first read? Too funny. I’m glad Lucilious remembered he was talking to Dame Buffy!

I love Buffy’s new armor! I’m sure it’s very protective and all, but more importantly it looks so good with her hair!!

[Acadian]

During Episode 65, Buffy and Mazoga were made Knights of the White Stallion, despite the biased misgivings of Countess Leyawiin regarding Mazoga. Buffy also found a sympathetic voice to the plight of Kvatch in Sergeant Lucilious Marcus.

mALX- The caped bowgirl! Thanks. The cape and cuirass both come from a mod by Brash . We use a version that has been modified to fit Buffy's 'body by BAB' that I can provide a link to if requested.

hazmick- Thank you for those kind words. Tell Haa-Rei to be careful in Castle Leyawiin!

SubRosa- Thanks for your endorsement of where we started this episode and what we include and do not. Like you, I confess to not only including 'drive the plot' stuff, but also indulging quite a bit of character-building. You have taught me to linger when it helps say something about either the character, her world or simply something that is important to her.

In BF, it is true that we are portraying the Count not as darkly as the game does (if you dig around deep in the castle). Buffy can only report what she sees, and the Count will actually be quite supportive of both her and Mazoga. He just needs to grow a pair and take that Countess over his knee!

Thank you also for your kindness regarding the phrases you mentioned and our pieces of plotting.

Foxy- Thanks! Caped Avenger.

Linara- Welcome back! It is wonderful to hear from you, and to see that you are continuing with Maya's story. Thanks for the kind words about our characters. Seeing them through Buffy's eyes really seems to help them come alive for us. Yes, 'research' - NPCs in the game freely throw that term around to justify asking you for all kinds of help.

Thomas Kaira-I got Buffy some clothes/armor mods for her to choose from. Silly me. The answer of course was, "I want all of them, you silly paladin."

Thanks also for your endorsement of how Mazoga is developing. As I've said, she will remain an important and valuable friend to Buffy.

Not getting caught casting that spell at the party will be critical. Buffy is a minor noble and member of the Court of Leyawiin. The sergeant of the guard is her friend, and Buffy's nature would not allow her to endanger the man by resisting his lawful arrest of her for 'assaulting' the Countess. Such an act from within his own court could reasonably be seen as treason by the Count. The stakes are very high indeed. Yet, given the time to work out a detailed plan, our bowgirl can be quite cunning.

The Vyper- Thank you! Despite Buffy's disappointment that Mazoga was not dubbed in the throne room by the Count, she was certainly thrilled to knight Mazoga!

I'm so glad that you enjoyed Lucilious; he will be a permanent character in BF and play an important role.

As I was telling Thomas, Buffy is an insatiable clothes horse. I never know what she's going to wear and I'm afraid I've spoiled her with entirely too many choices. I think she will find that even lightweight plate/mail armor will not replace her preference for buckskin, cloth and leather; that is, her elven cuirass and mail greaves will probably be more for ceremonial purposes.

Grits- Thank you! I'm glad to see you won't mind if Buffy tries to strip the Countess of some of her pretensions. Thanks for mentioning Lucilious' left, well, you know; I'm glad that didn't slip by you. And you think Buffy's armor looks good with her hair! She is delighted at such support from a fellow blonde - we have to stick together, else we get overrun by the redheads here!

* * *

66 The Leyawiin Expedition, Part 10- The Black Mare Lodge

"Mazoga, it's beautiful!" The small leather-bound book had the word 'Buffy' emblazoned on the outside of its front cover. Inside, the pages were blank. "How'd you know?"

"I noticed you like to write in that little book of yours," the orc replied. "I figured someday you might need a new one, so I asked Bugag gro-Bol at Southern Books if he had any without words. It only took him an hour to put your name on the front."

I threw my arms around the orc. My journal was barely approaching half full, but I knew it would fill up someday and I would then be proud to use Mazoga's. I breathed up toward her ear, "It's perfect." Breaking away, I then ran outside the White Stallion Lodge. After a quick dip into Superian's saddlebags, I burst back through the wooden door with a grin. Offering the hilt of an elven dagger to Mazoga, I chirped, "For you."

As Mazoga took the small blade, a soft red glow rippled from pommel to tip. "It's magic!" she exclaimed.

"Yes. Mogens Wind-Shifter doesn't need it anymore, thanks to you." I continued explaining, "It does quite a bit of shock damage, and is very light to carry as a backup weapon. More importantly, it will hurt creatures immune to regular weapons, like wills-o-the-wisp. Remember how your sword couldn't hurt them? Oh, and look at the blade; I had Tun-Zeeus at The Dividing Line engrave it."

Mazoga studied the weapon and read aloud, "Sir Mazoga." She then looked at me. I thought, for a moment, she might cry. By Mara, I thought I might cry too. Finally, she said, "I used to have a silver dagger for that, but I broke it. This is beautiful, and just what I need. It's little, full of magic and dangerous - just like you."

After giggling at her observation, I continued explaining, "It's fully charged now, and I spoke with Agata at the Mages Guild. When the blade runs low on magical power, you can just take it to her and she'll fix it right up." I handed Mazoga several small gray stones. "Do you know how to use soul gems?"

"Nope," replied the orc. "I've seen 'em before though. Some kinda magic I guess?"

I nodded. "These are filled - you can tell from the slight glow. Carry some of them with you and you can buy more at the guild when you need them. Sometimes you can even find them in dungeons. They can be used to help recharge your dagger's magic in the field. Just place a filled soul gem against the blade if it needs charging, and magic will flow into the weapon, destroying the stone in the process."

As Mazoga placed the gems and dagger next to her sword belt on a nearby chest, she said, "Gods' ghoulies, every time I kill something with this, I'll think of you."

"Um, thanks." Suddenly, I felt hungry as I remembered the meat roasting on a spit above our outdoor cooking fire. "Let's go check our dinner."

Shortly, our table was adorned with a feast of roasted venison, potatoes, corn, leeks and carrots. Steam rose from a bowl of herb gravy laced with bits of mushroom and onion. Fresh sprigs of lavender filled the stone vase that served as our centerpiece, while a loaf of bread, wheel of cheese and bottle of Tamika's completed our table.

Mazoga and I had spent much of the day cleaning and arranging things. It felt nice to finally sit down. I loved the woodsy feel, and felt very much at home in this wonderful lodge that had obviously been made for hunters.

I quickly learned that when one's dining companion was equipped with tusks, sharing a meal was not a dainty affair. "What's our next quest, Buffy?" Mazoga asked between noisy mouthfuls.

"I'm afraid we must soon diverge paths," I said, refilling our cups with wine. "I have several tasks ahead, but they all lead me to Kvatch."

Mazoga stopped chewing, which quieted the room quite a bit. "Kvatch? The town cursed by an Oblvion Gate? The one they say is on fire and overrun by Daedra? That Kvatch?"

I nodded. "There's a small force of soldiers valiantly trying to defend against that Daedra portal." I pushed the fiery images from my mind and looked into the eyes of my fellow knight. "Oh Mazoga, if you could see the brave man in charge trying to hold it all together up there. I. . . I guess you could say I've taken an oath to help him; it seems no one else will."

"Buffy, we're pals. When you helped me avenge Ra'vindra, I told you I wouldn't forget. If your quest takes you to Kvatch, I'll come with you."

Based on her own words, Mazoga understood the dangers. I could only marvel at her willingness to accept those risks and literally follow me into the jaws of Oblivion. How did she do it and why was it so hard for me to overcome my fear of returning to Kvatch? I knew that my combat skills had improved. With more experience, I might be able to fight Daedra in their own terrifying environment and survive. I was beginning to realize it was not just having my body broken that I feared - it was also my heart. And I knew of no way to train for that. "Thank you, my friend. We'll see. I may ask the Count about it."

"Well you just say the word." Mazoga stabbed a large piece of venison with her fork, but paused before lifting it to her mouth. "Buffy, this 'brave man in charge' up there? Sounds to this orc like you're sweet on him." She wiggled her black bushy eyebrows suggestively. "Hmmm?"

"Mazoga, I just don't know." I lowered my fork. "I mean, of course I am, I think. But maybe he's. . . I can't tell. I'm not sure if anyone can penetrate his sense of duty, or what would happen if I could." Shrugging my shoulders, I sighed and added, "I don't really know what he would see in me anyway."

Mazoga shook her head and curled her lip into what I had come to recognize as a smile. "Girlfriend, you got it bad. And you think too much. Just tell me his name and I'll deliver him to your bed at the point of my sword."

"Mazoga!" How could her handful of words make the blood rush to my face so quickly? Even the tips of my ears burned. "Don't you dare! I'll certainly not tell you his name now." Indignantly, I took a drink of Tamika's as if to dismiss the subject.

"Okay, okay." Mazoga then grinned and disarmingly held up a dinner plate-sized hand. "I won't threaten your fellow." She then dragged an ear of corn across her tusks, nearly stripping it in a single motion as she noisily sucked down the kernels.

I adored Mazoga's humor and simple lust for life, but I couldn't help recalling the loneliness I sensed in her when I had opened the intimate bond of restoration to heal her wounds at Fisherman's Rock. "And what of you, Mazoga? Is there a man who tugs at that big green heart of yours?"

She quickly swallowed the half a potato that was in her mouth and replied, "Oh, I'm happy share my bed with men who are sturdy enough that I won't hurt them. But," she shook her head, "I could give my heart only to a knight who is stronger than I. One who can defeat me in combat with a blade. A powerful and noble Orsimer."

I smiled. "Finding a man who is stronger and more skilled with a blade than I would be easy if that were my criteria." My appetite waned, as I recalled all too clearly the gruesome efficiency of Mazoga's power and skill with a blade. "I can only imagine the challenge a woman of your ability faces in finding such a champion." I was struck by the similarity of Mazoga's words to those of the Grand Champion of the Arena, Agronak gro-Malog. He had spoken of nobility, strong Orsimer women and wanting to become a knight. . . .

"Perhaps someday," I heard Mazoga say.

Her words caused the wheels of matchmaking that were turning inside my head to stop - for the moment. "Yes, perhaps someday," I replied.

Mazoga not only did justice to her meal, she ate the rest of the food on the table. I raked what I had not eaten from my plate onto hers, and she finished that too. Finally, a loud belch echoed forth from the orc and she proclaimed, "That was delicious, and it filled me up plenty." She then grinned and added with a wink, "I won't have to eat your horse now."

My mouthful of wine sputtered across the room as I burst out laughing. I recalled the near deadly confrontation between Mazoga and I over Superian, that now seemed so humorous. Finally, my laughter subsided to a giggle. "Maybe we should ask the Count about changing the name from White Stallion to Black Mare. . . ."

. . . and so it continued. The deer head trophies mounted on the walls of the rustic 'Black Mare' Lodge witnessed a wonderful evening of wine and intimate conversation that lasted until the flickering candles burned low. Only then, did we begrudgingly yield to the need for sleep.

[mALX]

I see some foreshadowing that wasn't in the original on this chapter !!! GAAAAAH !!!

[SubRosa]

Ahh, so nice to have some girl-time, and especially when it comes with such a wonderful meal and a bottle of Tamika's. Here we see the fruits of Buffy and Mazoga's time spent together: a deep friendship between two very different women.

It's little, full of magic and dangerous - just like you.
Sir Mazoga can be very perceptive when she wants to be!

every time I kill something with this, I'll think of you.
Isn't that nice!

I was beginning to realize it was not just having my body broken that I feared - it was also my heart. And I knew of no way to train for that
Because there is no way. As I am sure Buffy will learn, as we all do.

[The Vyper]

Another wonderful chapter! The exchange of gifts was great.

"I could give my heart only to a knight who is stronger than I. One who can defeat me in combat with a blade. A powerful and noble Orsimer."
As Buffy noted, that is indeed a tall order. It kinda reminds me of the 1985 movie Red Sonja.

My mouthful of wine sputtered across the room as I burst out laughing.
That was my reaction, too (but in my case, it was tea).

I'd quote more, but my post would end up being quite a bit longer than the chapter. I'll just end by saying this is one of the chapters I've enjoyed the most. Good show!

[MyCat]

I was away for a week and Buffy has three adventures!

"It's little, full of magic and dangerous - just like you."
That's Buffy!

Are you going to rewrite the Grand Champion tragedy? Half of me wants Mazoga to get lucky, half says to leave the story alone. I'm curious to see what you make of this.

(I'd also like to see Buffy tackle Fallout 3 or New Vegas. With a paladin's (not a Brotherhood of Steel paladin but a real one) guidance she could have some interesting adventures!)

[Thomas Kaira]

a wheel of cheese and bottle of Tamika's completed our table.

Cheddar?
Brie?
Camambert?
Skyrim Jarlsberg?
Gouda?
Hammerfellian Paneer?
Red Leicester?
Port Salut d'Anvil?
Gorgonzola?
Roquefort?
Stilton?

"I'm afraid we must soon diverge paths," I said, refilling our cups with wine. "I have several tasks ahead, but they all lead me to Kvatch."

Don'cha just love the call of destiny? Still very much the Slayer, but not of Vampires, of course. She even has a watcher.
Sorry, I just can't stop paralleling this Buffy with that Buffy. Soon we're going to need to get Buffy together with Buffy to discuss what makes each Buffy Buffy. (Confused now?)

Don't forget to get a picture of a Dremora in a tutu for me, my fashion-conscious friend.

[Grits]

"I don't really know what he would see in me anyway."
Hmm, maybe he will hold your face in his hands and take a look.

“Just tell me his name and I'll deliver him to your bed at the point of my sword."
Ah, that’s what friends are for.

That was some dinner! I especially enjoyed the entire bowl of mushroom gravy. The Black Mare Lodge sounds so much nicer than the White Stallion, I guess it just needed some cleaning, decorating, and good company.

[Zalphon]

I like how you've made 'Sir' Mazoga come to life She He feels so real.

[Acadian]

Episode 66 found Mazoga and Buffy at the White Stallion Black Mare Lodge, where they exchanged gifts, shared a meal and enjoyed an evening of girl talk.

mALX- Thanks! Yes, there is indeed some foreshadowing here that is new for BF 2.0.

SubRosa- Thank you for your wonderfully kind insights, as ever! We quite adore Mazoga.

The Vyper- I greatly admire orcs, and when thinking about them, I cannot help but be influenced by, of all things, Klingon culture from Star Trek. Particularly when Mazoga stated the qualifications for a champion to win her heart. Thank you for your kind words!

MyCat- Thank you! Little, full of magic and dangerous - . Regarding the Grand Champion, yes, his destiny will be different in Buffy's game. I suspect he will outgrow the Arena. Buffy in FO3/NV? Well, she was born in the lands of Diablo II as a bowgirl, and spent years in Baldurs Gate II as an elven archer, so I suppose stranger things could happen. She quite loves Tamriel though, and hopes to someday visit the other provinces.

Thomas Kaira- Although a light tongue in cheek humor and the simple alliteration of 'Buffy the Bowgirl' are the primary factors behind the elf's name, we quite respect the other Buffy. Buffy Summers is a strong young woman, also struggling with her emotions and destiny in a dangerous world. We certainly take your comparisons as compliments and thank you for them. The bowgirl quite assures me that she prefers the name Buffy to Barbie or Bambi. Part of my intent in naming her was to keep me from taking her too seriously - in that regard, I have failed miserably.

Grits- Thank you! Buffy does indeed seem to be throwing up obstacles in front of her heart. 'What would he see in me?' 'Could a woman ever compete with his precious city?' As she admits, she doesn't know how to train to protect her heart, so she is flailing about, quite unsure of herself. I so hope that seeing some of Mazoga's self-assuredness will help Buffy overcome her lack of confidence in that area.

Zalphon- Thanks for the kind words regarding Mazoga. I've always liked her and am so glad she and Buffy figured out how to get along. She's great fun to write as well. I mean, she's got tusks!

* * *

67 The Leyawiin Expedition, Part 11- The Invitation

It had been less than a tenday since the twin bloodbaths of Fisherman's Rock and Telepe. Yet here I was, with Slayer in hand and dressed in the garb of a huntress. Having carefully noted where my target had fallen, I moved toward it through the trees with the ease of a forest predator.

Soon enough, I found the small puddle that had begun its day as a sparkling ball of magical deadliness. Dropping to one knee, I carefully gathered the glow dust. When combined with rosemary oil, aloe vera and finely ground bergamot, it was a key ingredient for the recipe Ardaline and I used for our hair conditioner.

Scanning for life signs beyond the lush greenery and trees that embraced me, I saw only the distinctive pink glows of several horses. Shouldering Slayer, I made my way through the forest and down the steep hill toward Five Riders Stables.

Since being knighted, I had been playing court at Castle Leyawiin without so much as nocking a single arrow - until this morning. Between taking some of my meals at the castle, and the mudcrabs that followed Mazoga home to the lodge, I had not needed my bow to fill my belly. Admittedly, I could do without the carnage of fighting alongside the mighty orc, but I needed to hunt. My own way - a solitary archer releasing feathered death from the shadows.

Superian blew softly and swung her head toward me as I joined her in the barn. She was relaxed, as I had already ridden and groomed her this morning before my hunt. I dug into my pack, assisted by the mare's long nose. "Are you hungry?" As she crunched a carrot, I wolfed down a sweet roll then cut up a pair of apples for us. I savored the comforting smells of horse, hay and leather, but mostly I just wanted to be near her.

Sated in several ways for now, I gave Superian a hug and headed for the castle.

An invitation to one of the Countess' dinner parties seemed no closer than when I first arrived in Leyawiin. Perhaps it was a silly exercise that would bear no fruit. I owed nothing to Sanguine, the chubby Daedra Lord of debauchery. I had to admit with a smile though, that the thought of stripping the Countess of some of her pretensions and bigotry was quite appealing. Dressing to the Nines seemed an exciting prospect as well, until I remembered that Stark Reality would not spare its caster. Thankfully, Gaspar and I had revealed the spell's full nature during my last visit to the University so I could plan accordingly.

And plan I would - if I could ever get an invitation.

Wearing knightly armor while lingering about the throne room and great hall had gotten me nowhere. Today's plan was to see what I could learn from the staff.

After arriving at Castle Leyawiin, I proceeded to the armory and staged my bow, quiver and pack. I then changed into a blue and green dress. While there, I spent some time chatting with the castle smith. I then headed to the dining room for some lunch.

*

"Milady?" The Imperial woman that had kindly brought me wine, boar broth and warm bread stood politely at my elbow.

I lowered the silver spoon, looked up from my chair and smiled. "Yes, Janonia?" I had spoken with the pleasant chief maid on several occasions. Her family had served Castle Leyawiin for three generations. Januarius, the Count's footman, was her husband. They lived in the servant quarters behind the kitchen.

"Countess Alessia has instructed me to relay her hope that you might speak with her this day, Milady."

"Thank you, Janonia. I shall certainly report to our Ladyship straightaway." I quickly finished the light meal. As I stood, I started to pick up my bowl, then paused, set it down and glanced at Janonia.

The Imperial smiled and nodded as she said, "You're getting better, Dame Buffy." She then lowered her voice and added, "As I told you the first time you tried to help in the kitchen, you're a lady of the court. If the Countess discovered me allowing you to lift even a finger, my position at the castle would be forfeit."

I didn't exactly understand, but I wasn't about to risk the livelihood of this gentle Imperial. "I thank you, Janonia, for sharing the bounty of your kindness, patience and kitchen." I headed for the great hall.

Alessia Caro was seated at her throne. Noting the Count was absent, I smoothed my skirt and approached. "Good day, Milady." I flawlessly curtseyed. The practice sessions in front of Mazoga had been worth the orcish laughter. "How may this humble knight be of service?"

"Buffy, I seem to recall from your introduction to the Count, that you are not only an archer, but trained in the use of magic as well?" Her tone was pleasant enough.

"Yes, Milady. I was privileged to attend the Arcane University." I was quite unsure where this was going.

"And did you not perhaps study the magical art of healing?" she asked, lifting one eyebrow slightly.

Still mystified, I nodded and replied, "Although not my specialty, I have found need on many occasions for such magic."

The Imperial drew up the green silk of her left sleeve, revealing a festering and untreated cut on her forearm. "Can you heal me?"

"I believe I can, but I must say that I lack the skill of Tsavi, your own castle mage and healer, Milady." I sadly suspected that I knew what this was about now.

The Countess leaned closer to me and softly spat the words, "She's Khajiit!" The Imperial continued with a quiet venom in her voice, "They're as bad as Argonians. I can't get Marius to demand that the guild provide a more cultivated replacement. Nevertheless, I have no intention of being touched by one of those. . . furry beasts. For Stendarr's sake - she has a tail!" She straightened up and repeated, "Can you heal me?"

Although quite taken aback, I managed to stammer, "I-I shall do my best, Milady. It will take me a few moments to call forth the magical restorative energies necessary." That was a lie. What would take a few moments was for me to control myself. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, pretending to be mystical. I was thankful I had recently satisfied my need to use Slayer - it helped ease the urge to retrieve the bow and impale this human to her throne. My jaw was tight and my fists were clenched. The next temptation I overcame was the desire to use my restoration magic to absorb the very life from this woman.

As I thought of the nearby pair of guards, I realized my anger was all impetuous bluster. Were I to openly attack the Countess, these men would not hesitate to do their duty. Nor would I risk harm to them by resisting their legitimate efforts to arrest me.

In the midst of my silent turmoil, I sensed Acadian's calm feelings. Although he could not read my thoughts, he was able to sense my emotions and feel my physical reactions with clarity. He also relied on hearing my words and observing my actions, both past and present. The paladin and I both understood that the ability to heal carried with it responsibility. He knew my decision before I did. The calm feeling I sensed from him was his pride in me.

Finally, I opened my eyes. A soothing, pure mass of white energy filled my hands. I gently placed them over the Countess' wound and allowed the healing magic to flow through my fingertips between us. Sadly, I sensed a cold darkness from her spirit that was not encouraging. Nevertheless, I willingly surrendered myself to some of the pain that transferred from her injury to me. The festering cut soon closed and faded to a thin scar. After a few more moments, even that disappeared with no trace of the wound at all. Stepping back from the Countess, I was drained by the combination of pain, spellcasting and my battle for self-control.

Alessia Caro raised her forearm, inspecting carefully as she moved it about. "Buffy, this is perfect. Thank you, dear." She then evaluated me for a moment. "I had no idea the extent of your talents. Knight, archer, healer. . . you seem surprisingly articulate and rather well-educated. At any rate, I'm hosting a dinner party tomorrow night, and should think my guests would quite enjoy talking with you. They generally live rather sheltered lives, so perhaps you could regale them with some of your knightly adventures. At any rate, would you join us?"

"I would be honored to, Milady." I curtseyed again and withdrew from the throne room.

Once out of earshot, I whispered to Acadian, "Don't get carried away with the fact that I healed that harpy."

As if of its own accord, my mind instinctively began planning. I knew the Countess traveled periodically, visiting her mother in Chorrol. T'would be a simple matter during one of those trips, and no doubt attributed to bandits or assassins. An unseen feathered missile from deep within the forest would plant its broadhead deeply into the dark heart of my prey. She would bleed out into her green silk blouse - just like Earana did. Stop it, Buffy! I shook my head vigorously to assert control of my deadly thoughts. Alessia Caro was not a threat. Even in my anger, I had to admit that I felt more pity than hatred for her blindness, and longed for a spell that could open her eyes and soften her heart.

I would not kill Countess Leyawiin. Humiliating her however was an entirely different matter. I would attend this dinner party. If there was any doubt about my willingness to cast Sanguine's spell, it was gone.

* From Buffy's scrapbook: Screenshot

[Zalphon]

Buffy, you're a knight who's going to embarass the mistress of her lord? *Hugs Buffy* Sanguine, you're teaching her right!

[haute ecole rider]

Yeeesss! Buffy, humiliate that bee-yotch! Julian is envious of you!

Excellent portrayal of the Hippocratic Oath (sometimes referred to - by us vets - as the Hypocrite Oath). I wonder what the Tamriel version of it would be? Hmmm -

Anyway, I recall reading this chapter before, and have enjoyed reading it again.

And don't worry, I have been keeping up. Loved seeing Mazoga again. I just have been all commented-out lately - forgive me for not speaking for so long on Buffy's story.

[King Coin]

I'm already anticipating the next update! this is going to be fun!

[mALX]

GAAAAH! Buffy the assassin? NOOOOO! I'm glad she pulled herself out of that thought!!! Like Haute said, I remembered this chapter too. Great Write!!!!

[SubRosa]

I love the idea of hunting Will-O-The-Wisps for hair conditioner! It is just so incredibly girly!

Dressing to the Nines
This has an entirely new connotation in ES, and works wonderfully in the setting!

Buffy does indeed show her character quite well here. First in the time she spends with Superian, and then later her exchange with the Janonia. Of course Buffy would want to help clean up the dishes. And of course she would not understand why she should not! Those are the things that make her so lovable!

For Stendarr's sake - she has a tail!
The Countess is indeed most perceptive! However, she is not perceptive enough to tangle with the sharp end of the Buffy Doctrine™!

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Jan 15 2011, 11:30 PM

[The Vyper]

Another great chapter. I definitely sympathize with Buffy's frustration towards the countess. Those of a racist mindset have always frustrated me as well. I just don't get the narrow mindedness of them.

I realized my anger was all impetuous bluster.
A hard admission to make to oneself, and one that shows Buffy's increasing maturity.

The paladin and I both understood that the ability to heal carried with it responsibility.
That particular responsibility can be a nuisance at times, but it can't be ignored.

Even in my anger, I had to admit that I felt more pity than hatred for her blindness, and longed for a spell that could open her eyes and soften her heart.
If only such a spell existed.

Humiliating her however was an entirely different matter.
And for the countess, a fate worse than death. This, I look forward to.

[Thomas Kaira]

Woe to all who incur the wrath of Buffy!

Those who are kind to her friends have her eternal friendship, but those who would wish them harm shall have harm dealt upon themselves... or at the very least she'll steal their clothes.

And Buffy has finally gotten that invite to the dinner, and not only that, she is committed to the public humiliation of that bigoted badger!

Let the mayhem begin.