Buffy the Bowgirl, Book 1, Thread 4, Do You Know the Way to Kvatch? Options

[ghastley]

"I agree," Alawen said with a nod. "Having you distract the wraiths by curling up on the deck and letting them knock the urine out of you while I shoot is not optimal." - I'm sure this won't be Buffy's choice of tactic regardless of whether it's "optimal" or not! She's always come up with a better idea before, so I expect she'll do so again.

[SubRosa]

Oh, that was not a poem I posted, it was the lyrics to the song Ghostbusters, by Ray Parker jr. I just substituted Buffy and Alawen for the part where he says "Ghostbusters!".

Alawen shows her mettle with her insistence to help the ghost, once she realized that she was indeed not crazy. Buffy of course shows her own by accompanying her. Not to mention with her ability to cast her water walking on horses, and help acclimate them to the entire thing.

Poor Buffy! Trying so desperately to protect Alawen, she bears the brunt of the Wraith's attack and gets the pee knocked out of her! Something she was so not built for. This would have been much easier if she had been alone!

[MyCat]

"Oh," I said sheepishly as I glanced down, "you noticed, huh?"

I guess that's why she's buying black armor now

[Lady Syl]

Chapter 5 review

Loved the chapter title.


Men! "Acadian, if you had your way, I would sleep with full battle gear including a bow and quiver jammed into my back! Or more likely, would you have me never sleep at all? I know you worry, but that’s why I had Ita Rienus teach me how to disappear before we left Bravil. You know that every time I camp or bathe in the wilderness, I make sure I have that spell ready. That will allow the time I need to grab my bow if suddenly attacked. Now, mind your own business about what I do or do not wear!"
I like these little bits between Buffy and Acadian. They are very amusing.


I did pick up a few lightweight items that looked like they would sell for -

Buffy! Stop daydreaming.
This was an excellent way to bring us back to the present. And it also caused me to chuckle. 'Twas most unexpected.

Shocked, I managed to breathe the words, "y-you know Acadian?"

After gently pressing two fingers under my chin to close my mouth, she smiled and responded…
When I envisioned the above scene, it was a great image--Buffy's mouth gaping in shock and Dagail simply closing it like she did. Priceless!

[Thomas Kaira]

Argh! Another moistening blunder by our wondrously playful she-elf!

That was a gripping flight. Quite tense, and I was genuinely scared for Buffy's bow. I was sure she wouldn't succumb herself (with her resolve, I don't think Buffy even knows how to die), but I was quite afraid that the wraith would snap her bow. That would have been quite heartbreaking for our Bowgirl, I'm quite sure.

Once our duo has rested up, formulated a plan, and dried off their greaves, I will be right back with them. Onwards!

Nit:

"Nevertheless,I hesitate to ask a horse to deal with that sensation."

You lost a space here.

This post has been edited by Thomas Kaira: Apr 18 2011, 07:31 AM

[Acadian]

In Episode 97, Alawen and Buffy followed clues from the Forlorn Watchman to the mouth of the Panther River and found the Emma May. Upon entering the shipwreck, the two archers were promptly attacked by a wraith. After surviving the fight, where Buffy got her butt kicked, the ranger and her scout agreed that some refinement to their plan was required.

Ceidwad- Thank you. Although way out of their comfort zone, neither archer abandoned the other in the face of a close range wraith attack. You nailed much of Buffy's personality in your kind comments.

Foxy- Ah, the legend of Button and the Bear will no doubt spread throughout Tamriel! Safe journey, my friend.

Grits- Gosh, thank you for reviewing so much of what I was trying to portray of Alawen and Buffy here through their actions. For Buffy to initially cast the wrong spell (demoralize against an undead) was such a typical response for her when caught surprised without a plan. It was a Boderi-instilled response to being silenced that caused Buffy to reach for a dispel potion. I'm so glad you enjoyed that scene and the interaction between the two ladies.

Rider- With help from the young filly and some patience, Buffy and Alawen were able to teach an old mare a new trick of walking on water! I'm so glad that mention of our hero in a headband brought a smile.

King Coin- Thank you. Yes, that was quite the harsh 'welcome aboard' for the pair of archers. By herself, Buffy would have disappeared and tried to hide!

mALX- Aww. Thank you for enjoying the interface between Alawen and Buffy. I agree that this past episode showed plenty of what they're made of (the good, the bad and the wet - lol). I'm so glad the impact of the wraith's freezing attacks came through effectively.

ghastley- Heh. I agree that Buffy makes for a very poor 'tank'. Of course, Alawen is poorly suited for that role as well, so I hope they can come up with something that works. I'm sure Buffy is wishing for a 'summon Mazoga' spell.

SubRosa- Sorry for the confusion from my last comments; I recognized your wonderful reference to the ghostbusters song, but chose my words poorly as I tried to segue from song to poem. You are so right that neither Buffy nor Alawen are built for this type of fight! I agree that without Alawen, Buffy's instinctive reaction to disappear, hide and formulate a plan would likely have kept her greaves dry. Fortunately, Buffy's insistence on not abandoning the ranger was matched by Alawen's calm and lethal volley of arrows.

MyCat- Hee! Buffy has natural tan buckskin greaves as well as those dyed gray, forest green and black. Surely one of the darker colors would have helped her hide the fluid reaction to getting beaten, frosted and slimed!

Lady Syl- Thank you for the lovely words about Buffy's Leyawiin MG recommendation quest, where she learned a little more about Acadian from Dagail. Buffy has a few 'trademarks', and getting her lower jaw gently lifted closed when agape is one of them. What a fun nostalgic trip you are giving Buffy and I with your wonderful comments as you catch up!

Thomas Kaira- Yes, a moistening blunder! I'm glad we were able to portray some of Buffy's terror during that fight. Hopefully, the duo will do better going forward. Thanks for the nit so I could fix it.

* * *

98 The Tournament of Archers, Part 14- The Emma May

Navigating the confusing maze below the Emma May's main weather deck, we crept toward her bow. There were enough holes and cracks in the old hull that slender, dust-laden streaks of sunshine provided enough light for us to make our way. I signaled a stop, then whispered what my rings revealed. "Hidden just beyond the starboard side of that open hatch at the end of this long passageway is another wraith."

"You seem to know the terminology quite well for someone who has spent little time aboard ship." Alawen's quiet statement included a questioningly raised eyebrow.

Returning my eyes to the distant glow, I softly replied, "The University has a large library." The statement was true enough but incomplete. I figured it was simpler than trying to explain about Acadian. As Alawen and I had ground up sacred lotus seeds to create resist frost potions, the paladin had given me a silent lesson in ship terminology.

The ranger returned her attention to the shadowy passage ahead. "To approach close enough to see the wraith will surrender our range advantage. Can you do something with your magic to perhaps coax our target into a killing zone?"

Recalling my bruised butt and wet greaves, I was more than a little motivated to prove my worth to Alawen. After a moment, I smiled and nodded. "Nock your arrow."

I visualized the spell sequence I would need, then raised a glowing fist. A skeleton formed from the lavender cloud I released in front of us. Another spell caused the summon to fearfully rattle down the long passageway toward the open hatch.

As soon as the wraith wailed his interest and engaged my bony helper, I evaporated the summon by casting a new one between Alawen and I - a scamp this time. As I hoped, the disappearance of my skeleton drew the suspicious wraith into the passageway.

Alawen's first arrow elicited a screech, and was immediately followed by a quiet twang from Slayer and a fireball from the scamp. The withering fire that ensued, caused the wraith to dance and jerk until it collapsed into a puddle on the deck.

The ranger looked at me. "By Dibella, Buffy! I have never seen anything like that." She added, "This went a lot better than the first one, no?"

Feeling my self-confidence returning, I proclaimed, "There's no more life signs on this deck. Where next, ranger?"

"Well, scout," she said with a smile, "before we go slogging through this whole ship, I want to know more about her fate. Let us find the captain's cabin, and navigation room. Hopefully, there will be ship logs of some sort. Both those spaces should be near the stern."

We made our way aft until we found ourselves at the bottom of a ladder to the captain's quarters. Alawen whispered, "This will likely be a confined area. If there is a wraith inside, you will try to immobilize him with your spells, then join me in shooting as you can. If he gets too close, you back away and keep firing or casting. I will step forward with my dagger."

"Do you know how hard those things hit?" I asked. "Maybe we should keep me in that role. I can drink a shield potion before we go in and I'll have an elixir of dispel ready in case my magic gets cursed again. You don't have to be the one to get beaten up just because I didn't do so well with that first wraith." I continued, trying to keep the fear out of my voice, "I-I promise I'll do better this time if it becomes necessary."

"Do you know how to use that hunting knife strapped to your thigh, young elf?"

I glanced down, then looked at the silver handle of the short blade riding at Alawen's waist. "Only for cutting my arrows from victims or field dressing game," I said sheepishly.

"Buffy, neither one of us are front line fighters, but we are better off with me in that role if it comes to it. I have seen the power of your magic. I have also seen it taken from you. I cannot cast spells, so I do not care if a wraith tries to disable them. I am also a little bigger than you and wearing more armor. Perhaps I can better withstand being struck."

"Well, you have some good points," I admitted. "You should drink one of the potions we made then." I then looked up at the taller Bosmer and added, "Alawen, you saved my life earlier. You can count on me."

The ranger placed a hand on my shoulder and smiled warmly. "I know I can, Buffy."

"Here, take some of these too." I handed several of my shield potions to Alawen.

She nodded, then quickly drank two potions - one to resist frost and the other to strengthen her leather armor. The ranger then quietly led us up the ladder.

Another wraith announced its presence almost as soon as we entered the captain's cabin. By knowing the enemy and having a plan this time, we were ready. My spell cut the spirit's wail short as it turned in fear and cowered against a porthole. By the time I loosed an arrow, Alawen was nocking her third. Our combined fire quickly destroyed the spirit. Careful examination of the cabin revealed no clues, and we retreated down the ladder.

We continued our search until letters carved into the closed wooden hatch in front of us confirmed that we had found the navigation room.

Alawen turned to me. "Same brief, understood?"

I nodded, as the ranger drank another pair of protective potions. Both of us nocked arrows, then Alawen kicked open the hatch. Relaxing at the sight of the empty, small navigation room, we quivered our arrows and began searching through the crumbling charts and logs until we found the Emma May's last entry.

"Mutiny," spat Alawen. "They killed the captain and chained Grantham Blakely below decks. These wraiths must be spirits of the treacherous crew that ran her aground." The ranger snapped the logbook closed and tossed it on the navigation table. "What do you think, scout?"

"You're in charge, ranger, but I would hunt down and destroy this murderous crew, then find what remains of Grantham and see if we can put his spirit at ease." I smiled grimly and added, "You know, justice through vengeance."

Alawen raised one corner of her mouth and nodded. "Let us continue our search and find access to the ship's lower decks."

*

The two mutinous wraiths I detected on the Emma May's mid deck were each hunted down and magically terrorized into corners. There, they suffered our combined fire. Alawen was lethally accurate and shot faster than I, but her bow could not match the stopping power of Slayer.

I watched as she gathered some valuable ectoplasm from the second wraith. For the first time, I considered the wood elf's potential as a competitor in the tournament. When it came to rapid-fire I was the equal of Daenlin or more so, but Alawen was better than I. The hope that her long range skills were less than those of my master crept forth like tendrils of a poisonous vine. A wave of shame swept over me for allowing such thoughts.

We checked our equipment, then counted and redistributed arrows before continuing. All the way astern, we found what we sought. After raising the wooden hatch, we quietly eased ourselves down the ladder to the lowest deck. The Emma May rested somewhat stern-low and we found ourselves standing in water that approached our knees. I held up a single finger, then pointed in the direction of the only glow I detected.

As we crept forward, the water yielded to dry deck and we made our way to an open hatch. Centered in the large cargo bay before us hovered a wraith that did not detect our stealthy approach. Despite the pink haze of detect life, I could see the spirit shimmered with a dark purple aura.

Alawen gently grabbed my arm, pulled me back a few paces behind a bulkhead and whispered, "You told me that you detect them as pink glows. Can you see that this one is a different color than the others?"

I nodded and whispered, "Perhaps he's the leader."

"What do you think?" the ranger asked quietly. "We have time to plan our attack. Do you have any more magic tricks?"

A smile came to my face.

"I take that as a yes." she softly said in reply to my expression.

"I'll remove his immunity to poison, and he won't even know it until we open fire." I reached into one of my pack's three outer compartments for a green vial.

Alawen did not challenge my magical claim; rather, she simply nodded and produced her own vial of poison. She then drizzled the thick liquid over the tip of her arrow and fitted the tail to her bowstring.

After poisoning my own broadhead, I staged it in my boot sheath, keeping my right hand free for casting. We crept forward, side-by-side, until gaining unobstructed views of the wraith.

My spell had proven its deadliness in the past. The first effect would double the lethality of poisons or, in the case of undead, eliminate their immunity for several seconds. The other aspect of the spell would briefly and totally drain a victim's speed, rendering them unable to detect the caster.

"Ready?" I whispered to Alawen.

In response to her nod, a glow formed in my hand. I quickly extended my arm, and the destruction magic leaped from fingertips to target. Within a heartbeat of the spell's impact, Alawen's poisoned arrow caused the wraith to exchange his purple aura for a beautifully satisfying jade one. My first arrow struck as Alawen was loosing her second.

As I nocked my next arrow, the wraith extended its ethereal fingers toward Alawen and released a pale globe of blue magicka. The ranger dove into a right shoulder roll that did not allow her bow to touch the deck. As the icy blast passed harmlessly between us, the nimble elf was on her feet and already drawing her bowstring.

Our next arrows simultaneously struck the target, dead center. With a reassuring 'whoosh', Azura's Star claimed the wraith's energy.

"You traffic in souls?" Alawen's tone seemed curious, not judgmental.

I shook my head, remembering my University teaching. "I'm simply capturing the arcane essence that animates their movement - a form of magicka. I feed the magic to Slayer. In return, the bow keeps me alive."

"I have never had an enchanted weapon." As Alawen watched me transfer the wraith's energy to my bow she added, "I am not averse to using what remains from the fallen to survive. I shall have to think on this."

Continuing our search, we soon stood before a wooden hatch to the forward cargo compartment. The ranger drained yet another pair of pink vials then quietly burped. "Hopefully these potions will prove to be no more necessary than their predecessors."

We nodded comfortably to each other then nocked arrows in unison. As with the navigation room, Alawen kicked open the hatch.

There was no wail of greeting - only silence. After we quivered arrows and shouldered bows, I sparked a torch to life with my fingertips.

Chained to a main vertical support beam, was a body that had long ago yielded its flesh until only bones remained.

Alawen produced the key she had found in the slippery remains of the last wraith, and tried it on the skeleton's overhead shackles. With a satisfying metallic click, the lock fell open. Chains and bones clattered to the deck as a white cloud formed and slowly revealed the translucent image of a sailor.

"My name is Grantham Blakely." The tired voice was soft and sounded as if it had at one time belonged to a Breton. "I thank you for freeing me." A watery finger pointed to a space between the deck planks. "In this compartment, lay a map hidden by my treacherous shipmates. They spoke of a smuggler's treasure farther up the Panther. Claim it for yourselves now, with my gratitude." The spirit then floated upward, passing into the wood overhead and disappearing..

The ranger nodded her head. "Fair winds and following seas, Grantham Blakely." She then looked at me, and we exchanged sad smiles.

As I held my torch over the deck, Alawen easily retrieved the scroll Grantham spoke of and unrolled the parchment for us both to see.

"This treasure seems to be under the waters of the Panther River, just a small ways upstream," I said, studying the map. "It's right by a small campsite and dock used by smugglers."

"Shall we then?" The ranger's tone was lighter now, almost playful.

I was acutely aware that my blouse was soaked with green slime and my greaves were still wet from, well, you know. "I could certainly use a dunking in the river before returning to Bravil." I smiled, then added, "Oh, and my empty coin purse wouldn't mind half a treasure as well."

This post has been edited by Acadian: Apr 18 2011, 09:43 PM

[haute ecole rider]

This chapter really highlights what teamwork is all about.

"Buffy, neither one of us are front line fighters, but we are better off with me in that role if it comes to it. I have seen the power of your magic. I have also seen it taken from you. I cannot cast spells, so I do not care if a wraith tries to disable them. I am also a little bigger than you and wearing more armor. Perhaps I can better withstand being struck."

Alawen's logic regarding who gets to close with dagger is sound, and only illustrates her understanding of combat and your comrade's strengths to complement your own weaknesses. In this case Alawen's lack of magical ability means that her being silenced doesn't affect the outcome of the matter, so it is better that she take on that particular risk.

Buffy using her summons to lure the wraith out into the open before their bows is very effective, and using the scamp as the second summons is even better use of her magicka - wraiths are particularly susceptible to fireballs, regardless of source. It's like more bang for the septim.

I was acutely aware that my blouse was soaked with green slime and my greaves were still wet from, well, you know. "I could certainly use a dunking in the river before returning to Bravil." I smiled, then added, "Oh, and my empty coin purse wouldn't mind half a treasure as well."

And what a delightful way of stating the obvious - "I'm covered in pee and slime, and I'm broke. Help me find that treasure and I'll split it with you." Nah. I like Buffy's turn of phrase much better.

[TrisRed]

I really do love the growing friendship and partnership between Buffy and Alawen. They are very suiting to each other and they work together like perfection.

Recalling my bruised butt and wet greaves, I was more than a little motivated to prove my worth to Alawen.

I really do love this. Despite the fact that she injured herself, Buffy decides to use it to her advantage in proving herself to Alawen, which i think is very endearing, especially in the free-spirited Buffy

LOVE IT!

[ghastley]

One minor complaint: Buffy is using her Detect Life ring(s) yet they're uncertain if anything is behind the closed doors. I'm not sure you're being consistent here, although there are a number of instances in the game where the dead only become undead when you approach. Unless Buffy has encountered those, I'd expect her to place more trust in her rings. Alawen can't see the glows, but Buffy should have been able to see the wraith in the captains cabin, and the lack of life signs in the navigation room.

But as expected, they get the tactical advantage back by using their brains. The use of a Scamp for its fireball attack, the whole "who's going to tank" discussion, all add up to a great story.

[SubRosa]

the Emma May's main weather deck
Here we see the author's time spent on ships.

Buffy shows her stuff once more, not only locating the enemy with her radar detect life rings, but employing a clever use of summoning, and then turning to lure the wraith out into the open. Then later some wisdom on the part of Alawen as she volunteers to take the brunt of the next attack, with some extra potion fortification.

And Buffy shows her elfmanity, noticing that while Alawen is a comrade-in-arms, she will also soon be a dangerous opponent in the tournament. Perhaps dangerous enough to take the the title of champion away from her master. At the same time, she shows her integrity with her revulsion over such thoughts.

They spoke of a smuggler's treasure farther up the Panther
This makes something that never made sense in the game - that the dead crewmen would bury their treasure up the Panther - and makes it believable. Perhaps it was the knowledge of that treasure all along that drove the crew to mutiny, and smash the ship into the rocks of the rivermouth?



nits:
There were enough holes and cracks in the old hull that slender{,} dust-laden streaks of sunshine
Take a look, and see if you might want to put a comma where I inserted it above?

I signaled a stop{,} then whispered what my rings revealed.
Same here.

[King Coin]

Buffy was much better this go around. They have a good system for dealing with those powerful wraiths. Good job!

[mALX]

I was more than a little motivated to prove my worth to Alawen.

Feeling my self-confidence returning, I proclaimed, "There's no more life signs on this deck. Where next, ranger?"

You can count on me."

The above quotes show Buffy's make up wonderfully. The two of them together play off each other so nicely, and as Haute said - they exemplify teamwork. Love this chapter !!! Awesome Write !!!! WOO HOO !!!

[Lady Syl]

Chapter 6 review

Yeah, I remember my first encounter with Falcar. Though some of the others had been rude or disdainful, Falcar really threw me for a loop...

Welcome to Cheydinhal, Buffy. Suddenly, I wanted to be back with Kud-Ei and my own mages in Bravil. I blinked a few times, determined not to make things worse with tears. --Aww, poor Buffy. A sensitive heart—I know what that’s like. (Most people who see me think I’m hard and tough, but inside I’m soft and squishy. )

I love the scene where Buffy buys the horse. Her cheerful squeal when she finds she has enough money, the knowing when she first sees the horse that she’s the one for her, her choice to wait for naming the horse, and the conversation with Mivryna…. It was delightful.

Isn’t it fun trying to climb onto a horse when you’re short? I loved the part when Buffy had to climb onto her horse the first time. And I especially loved when she got Superian to run—an exhilarating experience to ride a fast galloping horse through the countryside—freedom.

Nits: Punctuation missing—After casting two spells enabling me to see and breathe in the dark water, I dove in

The Orc scratched he head.—her head…

Facing the mare's haunch, I lifting one leg awkwardly.—should be I lifted

This post has been edited by Lady Syl: Apr 20 2011, 07:54 PM

[Ceidwad]

Another fine episode as Alawen and Buffy give Grantham his longed-for rest.

My favourite part was this quote:

The hope that her long range skills were less than those of my master crept forth like tendrils of a poisonous vine. A wave of shame swept over me for allowing such thoughts.

Great use of imagery there, especially the likening of the errant thought to poison. Indeed, any kind of rivalry at that point might well have been Buffy's doom, given how crucial her cooperation with Alawen was. Come tournament time, though, will Buffy quietly slip into a different view?

[Acadian]

During Episode 98, Alawen and Buffy dramatically improved their tactics and ability to fight together as they successfully cleared the Emma May. In gratitude for freeing his spirit, the Forlorn Watchman suggested the elves claim a smugglers' treasure located farther up the Panther River.

Rider- Thank you for those kind words about the teamwork and tactics that Alawen and her scout tried to use here. Yes, Buffy desperately needs a bath!

Rihanae- I so appreciate that you are enjoying the interaction between Buffy and Alawen. As you imply, it is the friendship they are developing that is important.

ghastley- Thanks for your kind words as Buffy and Alawen tried to think their way through the Emma May.

The inconsistency you note regarding detect life is astute, and there is not a perfect answer. Our layout of the Emma May was much larger and different than what is depicted in game. The ladder to the captain's quarters was intended to be a deck transition up to the wheelhouse area. The other two doors were not deck changes, but we simply treated all the closed hatches/ladders in the ship the same as entering the ship itself or changing decks; that is we embraced the game's 'loading screen' treatment and applied it to all closed doors.

Buffy knows that when she activates a door, sometimes it simply opens but most of the time it transports her into a new area often containing unpleasant surprises. As a result, she correctly assumes that she often can't tell what is on the other side. An embarrassingly artificial game mechanic? Yes, but one that we actually like.

Detect life is Buffy's primary defense. It is so powerful however, that I actually want to limit it somewhat without reducing her use of it. We like to expand the 'loading screen' treatment the game assigns to most doors that precludes seeing into the next 'cell' to generally include all closed doors. We find this helps with our fiction's tension (particularly in this past episode) and tones down Buffy's abilities. I ask your indulgence for what I guess is imperfect, but intentional? Lol. Buffy can see glows beyond rocks and walls, but generally not into closed compartments. It is an attempt to limit her so that (much to her chagrin) she can more often walk into a 'door trap' or a 'stair trap'.

SubRosa- Thank you. Buffy may have finished wet and bruised, but she is happy that she was able to redeem herself in Alawen's eyes. Clearly, the ranger is a superb archer and I expect she will cause some concern regarding Buffy's hope and expectation that Daenlin will once again win the tourney. I agree that the Forlorn Watchman quest leaves some questions. Without trying to over engineer it (as Buffy can sometimes do), I'm glad our rather simple and vague portrayal worked here. Thanks for the nits so I could round 'em up.

King Coin- Heh. She had to do better after her last ghostly disaster! Thank you.

mALX- Thank you so much for highlighting, as Rider did, the teamwork the two elves developed. Yes, the Emma May really was about building trust and friendship.

Lady Syl- I loved your observations from the episode where Buffy did the Cheydinhal MG recommendation and met her precious black mare! Buffy was poorly equipped at the time to deal with the responsibilities and hazards of traveling by horse. In true 'love conquers all' fashion however, she could not be deterred and they would go on to figure out how to keep each other alive. Thank you for those three nits. I went back and fixed them on the thread as well as in my archives.

Ceidwad- Thank you. It felt good to bring peace to the sailor. Buffy's vision for the tournament is simple: Daenlin wins and she just has to shoot well enough so that he is proud of her. Yet, as you can see, Buffy and Alawen are fast developing a friendship forged in fire. I appreciate you drawing out the potential drama that Alawen's friendship and skill may bring to the tournament.

* * *

99 The Tournament of Archers, Part 15- Lions, Horses and Blondes

The wooden planks of the small dock felt smooth against my skin as I enjoyed the drying warmth of a midday sun. Lying on my back, with head and shoulders propped up by both elbows, I lazily considered my surroundings.

Behind me was piled the tack of two horses.

Fifty paces or so farther up the river's bank was Black Dog Camp. Alawen had insisted on stepping into the camp to declare herself. The Khajiit and Dunmer who attacked her, now bore mute testimony that the ranger and her hidden scout had brought local smuggling operations to an end.

Close to my left hip was Slayer and an elven quiver. I wiggled my toes luxuriously and looked just beyond them at the Panther River, as it flowed quietly toward the Niben. Items of clothing and armor, cleaned by the river and a kiss of soap, were displayed and drying over the heavy posts that supported the dock.

Sunshine sparkled on the water droplets that had not yet dried from the ranger's back and legs as she lay beside me, her toes also pointed toward the river. To my right and just beyond Alawen, was a pile of gems and jewelry that Grantham Blakely's treasure map had helped us retrieve from a chest at the bottom of the river.

Slightly downstream, two mares had quenched their thirst and now grazed peacefully on tender grass that grew along the Panther's bank.

I sighed contentedly. This was the calm I had hoped my visit home would bring.

A growing whisper among the overhead leaves announced the arrival of a breeze. As the cool air danced across my wet skin, I glanced down to see countless tiny bumps emerge. I smiled a bit self-consciously to see two larger bumps had responded as well.

Whether from the same tightening of her wet skin or the breeze itself, Alawen awoke and lazily rolled onto her back. "Mmmm," she sighed, turning her face to the sun. "Buffy, I am beginning to quite like the lush forests and gentle rivers near your home."

My eyes were drawn to one of Alawen's bare legs. An area bigger than my open hand was dominated by a scar. Four parallel claw marks traced a path completely across the front of her left thigh.

"Lion." Alawen's voice jolted me, and I quickly turned my head away.

The tiny bumps of coolness on my skin instantly yielded to a flush of color that I watched travel from thigh to breast. I could then feel the warmth as it rose up my neck and continued to the tips of my pointed ears. "F-forgive me, I didn't mean to stare." I returned my gaze to Alawen, this time making sure to seek her eyes instead of her scar.

The ranger had propped herself up on both elbows, matching my position, and I was relieved to see her smiling. "I was nine years old when I learned about lions. Mother found me screaming in the tiny rock crevice that had saved me. Thanks to her potions, I eventually healed."

"You were lucky to survive, Alawen. I've seen lions kill horses, and even Legion soldiers."

She nodded. "Mother told me it meant something special to carry the mark of a lion. Shortly after I healed, I found that I could sense and influence the will of forest creatures. Mother could sometimes briefly command them, but my abilities went beyond that. I can often calm animals or even frighten them away."

"Magic?" I asked. "Like a spell?"

"No," replied Alawen, "I don't know how to cast a single spell. My ability to influence animals is just something that happens when I focus on them and try to project part of my mind into their will."

"What a wonderful ability you have, Alawen!" More comfortable now, I allowed my eyes to travel back to her scar. "You know, potions can only do so much. The priests at your Chapel of Dibella should be able to fade that scar some. Even my own spells could probably help. Would you like me to try?"

"You are a caring elf, Buffy, but no." The ranger continued to smile. "I earned that scar. It was granted thirty years ago and is a part of me."

"I think I understand, Alawen." Hoping to lighten the mood, I added, "Besides, it's quite the conversation starter when you're lying around without your clothes on."

I was very surprised to hear a giggle erupt from the ranger, and took it as a welcome indication that perhaps I hadn't offended her with my rude staring.

I sat up, cross-legged, and removed the ribbon restraining my ponytail. After shaking my wet hair loose, I fished around in my pack until I found a comb. I then began to work out the tangles.

Alawen flicked her hand against the skin of my knee and pointed downstream. Her smiling lips whispered, "Look."

Charger was quietly grazing as my mare slowly approached from behind. Superian stretched her neck and playfully nipped Charger on the rump. Two white legs instantly propelled a pair of hooves back toward Superian, who briefly reared then sprinted away with her tail raised like a flag.

Charger went back to grazing, only to be nipped and taunted twice more. Finally, the white mare wheeled around with flattened ears, snaked out her neck and bit Superian.

I started to my feet, but was stopped as Alawen grabbed my wrist and said, "No, let them work it out." Her grip was firm, but her words were gentle.

I was used to killing anything that threatened Superian, but she clearly deserved the rebuke after wearing through the older horse's patience. I was relieved to see my mare sharply back away and Charger not, well, charge. Relaxing, I said, "I guess we know who's boss."

Tipping out a small amount of thick liquid from a pink vial, I began to work it through my hair with fingertips.

"What is that?" asked Alawen.

"It contains just a touch of ectoplasm, along with some rosemary oil and aloe vera for conditioning, glow dust for shine, and some finely ground bergamot for a nice citrus scent. Want some?" I offered her the vial.

After an approving sniff, she applied a small amount of the conditioner. I frowned. "Alawen, your hair is kind of a mess. Here, sit up and turn around." Kneeling behind the now cross-legged ranger, I went to work. "Didn't you bring any hair things?"

"I forgot," Alawen said sheepishly. "I have never traveled before and I am afraid I did not prepare very well. I was just going to use some of the saddle soap that I apply to my tack and armor."

Despite pursing my lips, a short sputter of laughter escaped. "Oh my, we can't have that! I have plenty more of this at home, and a spare comb too. Keep these when we're done."

"Thank you, Buffy." She relaxed into my hands as I continued working on the tangles. "Mother and I used to do this for each other," she said. "It feels wonderf - Ouch!"

"Oops. Sorry, Alawen. It's really rather matted back here." I continued, "You're right though, it does feel nice to have someone help. Ardaline, - she's a guild mate of mine - we do this for each other all the time. Probably more to chat than for each other's hai -" A movement downstream caught my eye. "Ooh, look!" I pointed.

Superian, her head lowered to graze, was being quietly approached from behind by Charger. The older mare playfully delivered a nip to Superian's rump, then both horses took off at a gallop. Completing a wide circle, they returned to the same patch of dappled shade along the river.

Alawen nodded approvingly. "Charger is not too old to play, she just wants to feel as if she is in charge. It looks like she has convinced Superian."

"I'm glad they're becoming friends," I said as I returned to Alawen's hair. "When are you going to shoot for tournament qualification? Tomorrow's the last day, you know."

"I noted the target line on the range when I rode by yesterday," said the ranger, "and I think the sun angle will be good tomorrow afternoon."

"I'll look for you then," I replied. "See Antoine at the stables. I'll tell him to take good care of Charger." Satisfied with the other elf's hair, I proclaimed, "There! All done."

Alawen ran her fingers through the untangled brown tresses. "That feels much better." Rising to her knees, she turned to face me. "You next." With a circling gesture of her hand she added, "Turn around and sit."

I did so, and surrendered my hair to Alawen's gentle fingers. After a few moments, I felt the comb and her hands stop. Looking over my shoulder, I could see her staring at me with moist eyes. Instantly, I was up on my knees, face-to-face with the other bare wood elf. "Alawen, what's wrong?" I said, concerned that perhaps I had offended her somehow.

A single tear had escaped and was tracing a path down her cheek. She was staring at my hair as she said, "It is just that. . ." her eyes were childlike as she reached out to touch a blond lock, "it is the color of golden corn silk, Buffy. Mother's hair was the same, and it just brought back. . . I-I am sorry." With a forearm, she brushed the child from her face. "Please sit back down and I will finish."

I obeyed the ranger, but my thoughts were swirling. That look in her eyes was frozen in my mind. It reflected the same wistfulness I had seen in Daenlin's eyes the day before when he had similarly touched his fingers to my hair and said, "She had golden locks, just like you, my apprentice."

Some of Daenlin's other words came crashing back to me now: "Forty years ago, Reman, Diana and I were the best of friends - the finest archers in Skingrad. . . she loved us both, I expect. . . ."

Alawen was marked by a lion thirty years ago at the age of nine, and her mother was a skilled archer with blond hair. Could it be?

Willing a calmness into my voice that I didn't feel, I quietly asked. "Um, Alawen, you've never mentioned your mother's name. May I ask?"

"Diana," the ranger said. "There, now your hair is done too, Buffy."

Launched into a storm of thought over the confirmation, I absently ran fingers through my hair and replied, "Thank you."

We both stretched out on our backs again under the afternoon sun. After a few moments, I turned to face the ranger and propped myself up on one elbow. My heart was racing. "Forgive me. Perhaps I am being too nosey. . . ." I let the words trail, hoping for a sign from the wood elf beside me.

The ranger also rose on one elbow and faced me with a smile. "What is it? I won't nip like Charger does."

"You never speak of your father. Did something bad happen?"

"Diana was both mother and father to me," she replied. "I have no idea who sired me and Mother never spoke of it."

"You don't find yourself wishing to know about your father?"

"No, I do not want to know," she stated firmly. "If he was honorable, then he must have died before I was born; otherwise, he never would have allowed Mother to be alone with child. Confirmation of his death would bring me no comfort." Alawen's face darkened. "If he yet lives and I knew his name, I would put an arrow through his heart for allowing Mother to raise me by herself. That also would bring me no comfort."

Her voice reflected determination as she continued, "No, my friend, if I was meant to know who my father was, Mother would have told me. I trust her judgment on that." The ranger lay back and closed her eyes, as did I.

My head was spinning. This all meant that either Daenlin or the Imperial named Reman Broder was quite possibly Alawen's father.

Without the kind of evaluation I had undergone at the University, it was very difficult to confirm the race of one's father. Such testing focused on special abilities and aptitudes. For example, although I had no Bosmeri special powers beyond my affinity for the bow, I possessed the arcane aptitude and resistance to magical attack normally found in Bretons. Alawen's mark of the lion - more specifically the somewhat Bosmeri power it conferred - served to further complicate things. We couldn't even rule out the possibility that there were more than two men or mer in Diana's life at the time Alawen was conceived.

What, if any of this, should I share and with whom? Would the possibilities bring comfort, or simply tear open old memories best left to bittersweet slumber?

With a heartbreaking sadness, the answer crystallized. The honorable ranger, who now called me friend, left no ambiguity regarding her feelings. In fact, I understood her logic perfectly. Not knowing the fate of my own father, I could easily imagine speaking Alawen's very words. She had earned my respect for her wishes.

There would be no happy meeting of father and daughter. Like Diana, I would carry this heavy secret to my grave.

I rolled onto my left side to face away from Alawen, lest she be watching and a tear sneak through my closed eyelids.


* Author's Note: Readers of Jean M. Auel will recognize that the scar on Alawen's left leg is identical to that sported by Ayla, heroine of 'The Clan of the Cave Bear' series.

[haute ecole rider]

Honestly, I can't think of a better tribute to an unforgettable heroine (Ayla) than Alawen. She comes by her wisdom the hard way. Her attitude regarding the identity of her father really hits home. Does it matter to her who her father is? Does having the knowledge change who she is? Her words make it clear that it is something she wrestled with in her younger years, and something she put to rest some time ago. She does not care to wrestle with the issue again, and Buffy shows a growing maturity in her decision not to raise that issue to Alawen.

This is a lovely interlude of two women relaxing side by side in an idyllic setting. The fact that both are Bosmeri, both seem unable to keep their clothes on in the presence of water, and both are fatherless only serves to enhance the beauty of the situation. Grantham Blakeley's treasure is a very minor factor in this scene, as it should be. Their friendship is about more than just treasure hunting (and ghost-busting!).

[ghastley]

On the subject of the Detect Life, the main limitation I find in using it is that you can't tell what's between you and the pink glow. In a situation like the Emma May, it could theoretically show creatures outside the hull of the wreck (although not in the game, where all interiors are in another world), and it's always hard to judge the distance. Not to mention the drowning-out effect of a live companion up close. And as I mentioned before, there are a few instances where the glows are off until you get close, and traps aren't alive at any time.

If there's a door or other item that blocks the spell effect, that's a valid part of the story, too. Buffy doesn't need to understand why that sometimes happens, just that it does, and having limitations on her abilities is always a good thing. Not seeing Grantham Blakely before he materialized could have been an opportunity for Buffy to learn about one without having to endure a non-optimal outcome!

But back to the current piece: some wonderful subtlety in the descriptions in this. You know Alawen is lying face-down and showing a lot of skin because of the water drops on her back and legs. The effect of the cool breeze on Buffy does the same for her, even if we have come to assume the proximity of water will remove her clothes anyway.

I liked the way the lion incident created or awakened Alawen's Beast Tongue. It makes her more attached to that scar, as she'd regard it as the source of her ability.

[mALX]

GAAAAH !!! Twin sisters ... seperated at birth by .... GAAAAH !!!! DON'T DROP IT BUFFY !!!!! ARGH !!! AWESOME CHAPTER ... but ARGH !!!

[SubRosa]

Ahh, finally a nice peaceful break for a naked wood elf to consider her bumps, the smaller ones and the larger two. As haute said, the focus here is on the real friendship that has grown between the two women. While it may be been facilitated by ghosts and treasure, the latter is not the story at all. Very sweet and snuggly.

I loved how you tied Alawen's ability to control animals - which is definitely beyond the normal Bosmer power - with her experience with the lion. It was an initiation that awakened the power within her. It is no wonder that she now carries the scars with pride.

"Besides, it's quite the conversation starter when you're lying around without your clothes on."
Well, I can think of a few other conversation starters...

"I noted the target line on the range when I rode by yesterday," said the ranger, "and I think the sun angle will be good tomorrow afternoon."
Now there is a clever archer, picking her time and place to shoot. Just like a fighter pilot dragon rider hiding in the sun...

And finally the revelation of Alawen's parentage comes out! This was a wonderful moment in BF 1.0, and remains so the second time around. Buffy is faced with a heavy burden, keeping Diana's secret from not only Alawen, but also from Daenlin. Yet given Alawen's resentment of her missing father, it is clearly the best thing to do.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Apr 21 2011, 10:59 PM

[King Coin]

A good relaxing chapter that confirmed some of my suspicions of Alawen's origins. They are getting a long nicely, though I can see a confrontation brewing over the question of fathers. I'm sure Buffy and Daenlin can get that sorted out with some explanation if it becomes necessary.

Cool scar by the way. I really liked Mass Effect because you could choose to give your character a nasty looking scar. That's one thing I'm hoping for from Skyrim. I'm not personally familiar with Clan of the Cave Bear but I've seen them on the bookshelves at home.