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

[Thomas Kaira]

Chapter 98-

A most treacherous romp through a treacherous ship with treacherous crew. It was quite a good sight seeing those two working together as they did. Where one falls short, the other fills the gap; like I said, peas and carrots.

And poor Buffy, needing to venture through the whole thing after having been slimed, and her bladder jettisoned. Still, adrenaline does help keep your mind off the discomfort and embarrassment.

Chapter 99-

"I smiled a bit self-consciously to see two larger bumps had responded as well. "

What a charming line!

Okay, seriously, are you taking inspiration from Jean Auel's Ayla for Alawen? Claw marks on the left leg from a lion? Natural ability to commune with the creatures of Nirn (beyond what most Bosmer can achieve)? All that's missing now is the blondie-bear boyfriend. *looks to the bottom* Ahh, yes, I knew it!

Superian playing with Charger (and annoying him) was very well written, I could easily visualise her antics.

And a tantalizing clue of just who Daenlin's old apprentice might be comes through, as well. I look forward to seeing where this goes. Although I must say, if the father was Daenlin, he is in big trouble. Incurring the frigid embrace of vengeance in a girl as gifted as Ayla Alawen?

[Acadian]

Episode 99 found Buffy and Alawen spending a quiet afternoon along the Panther River after collecting some treasure. When Buffy reminded Alawen that the following day was the third and final opportunity for tournament qualification, the ranger stated she would attempt to qualify the next afternoon.

Buffy also learned that Diana (the blond archer at the center of the rivalry between Daenlin and Reman Broder) was Alawen's mother. The ranger was quite clear that she did not want to know who her father was. Reluctantly, and out of respect for Alawen's wishes, Buffy the chatterbox decided to keep her counsel on the matter.

Rider- Thank you for your beautifully kind words. I've always respected Ayla. It was a beautiful afternoon to further cement a new friendship, darkened only by Diana's secret. I'm so glad you agree that Buffy's choice was right for her under the circumstances.

ghastley- I appreciate your endorsement of our descriptions. I was really trying to work with delicate brush strokes from a palette of nature, wood nymphs, sensuality, friendship, innocence, girl talk and horseplay. It was a very precious episode for us, and your compliment means a great deal. The scar was an unabashed tribute to Ayla of course, but I like how it helps to muddy the source of Alawen's power with animals, leaving her paternity an open question.

mALX- Although Buffy's Bretonic paternity is not in question, Daenlin is indeed her godfather and she certainly thinks of him in a most fatherly or grandfatherly way. The fact that Alawen could possibly be Daenlin's daughter does indeed inspire a sisterly nurturing response from Buffy. Thank you!

SubRosa- Sweet and snuggly is perfect! Given your wonderful manner of incorporating the mystic abilities of animals in TF, I'm so glad Alawen's lion encounter worked well. Alawen's comment about sun angle on the target line reminds us that Buffy's wonderful new friend is also potentially a formidable competitor of course. I'm so glad you once again enjoyed the revelation of Diana as Alawen's mother, and that you once again also understand the difficult choice that Buffy made.

King Coin- Thank you for liking Alawen's neat scar! I so appreciate your discretion for not prematurely spilling our beans, but I do want to credit your astuteness. Let me share with other readers that KC sent me a PM right after Buffy first met Alawen. In it, he submitted his suspicion that the ranger's mother was Diana.

TK- I'm glad you enjoyed the teamwork needed to clear the Emma May. And a relaxing afternoon by the river as a reward! I confess that both Buffy and Alawen have been influenced in minor ways by Ayla. I quite liked the idea, given how Alawen was raised by her mother in the wilds, of having her marked by a lion. The only other direct reference to Auel's work that I see in the future is to incorporate her portrayal of animal totems as they relate to fertility. That of course won't happen until such things become a concern for Buffy.

All- As the sun sets on day two of tournament qualifications, the bowgirl's very long day now transitions into a long evening. Her focus shifts back to searching for the troublesome drain marksman scroll that potentially threatens the integrity of the tournament.

* * *

100 The Tournament of Archers, Part 16- The Star Wars Cantina

The Lonely Suitor Lodge was a rough and tumble, even unsavory, tavern. For that reason I normally avoided it - especially in the evenings. I was here tonight on business though. With the tournament in town, it was full of loud voices and the smell of stout drink. Threading my way to the bar, I was either jostled or groped several times. I climbed up onto an empty stool. Bogram gro-Galash was busy sliding bottles along the top of his counter to thirsty customers.

"Hey! The lady and I need a drink!" The booming voice of Kurz gro-Baroth cut through the cacophony of arguments, threats, bragging and demands for more ale. He plopped himself onto the barstool next to mine and, with a grin, looked down at me. "Good to see you, Buffy. Remember me?"

"I do, Kurz. You and your brother were kind enough to let me practice on your guild's range when I visited Chorrol. It's good to see you again."

"So, what'll it be?" The busy Bogram wiped his sweating brow on a stained bar towel.

"A beer, and . . . ?" Kurz looked at me to finish his sentence.

"Tamika's, please," I said.

Reaching into my coin purse, I tried to conceal how full it was. I had been shocked by how much gold Nilawen placed on her counter in exchange for the treasure Alawen and I had shared. Repaying Nilawen for my supplies had taken but a few septims.

"Keep your gold, Buffy," said Kurz as he tossed some coins on the bar when our drinks came. He then held up his beer.

"Thank you for the wine, Kurz." I clinked my metal goblet to his waiting bottle. "How do you think you shot this morning?" I said, trying to make conversation.

"Terrible of course." He laughed. "I don't really care though. Lum got the bow talent in this family. I'll take an axe any day."

"Well, why are you competing then?" I cocked my head. "Couldn't you just support your brother from the reviewing stands?"

Kurz looked around and lowered his voice. "Can you keep a secret?"

"Sure," I replied with a shrug.

The orc leaned very close. "It's my cover. I'm here on what they call a covert mission."

Freeing my forearm from underneath the giant green hand as unobtrusively as I could, I casually replied, "Really?" I hoped my tone would garner more information without giving the orc the wrong idea. I lifted the goblet to my lips.

"Yup ," he declared. "Orders right from Vilena Donton herself. I'm investigating a murder. Tracking down the archer that killed that Altmer freelance mage named Earana."

My hand was barely quick enough to intercept a mouthful of sputtered wine. After drying myself and apologizing, I conjured a level voice as best I could, "Why would the Fighters Guild be interested? Is that not a matter for the city guard in Chorrol?"

"Whoever shot Earana had to be a real good archer. Captain Bittneld figured this here tournament might draw out the killer. Rather than sending one of his guards down here, he decided to contract us to do it undercover."

I stared at my wine as I slowly swirled the goblet. "Any suspects?"

"Ha! That's the frustrating part. I'm supposed to keep an eye on Honditar over there." He jerked his thumb toward the Altmeri self-proclaimed mountain man. "Seems he's been bragging and hinting that maybe he did it. People say orcs are dumb, but I know Honditar's no more the killer than you are, Buffy. He's no archer." Kurz snorted. "I hear he buys most of his venison from Emfrid at The Grey Mare."

Kurz took a pull on his beer then continued, "Nope, this killer had to be a real pro, but sure as a troll craps in the woods he ain't gonna be dumb enough to show his face at no archery tournament. I bet it was the Dark Brotherhood. Earana had plenty of enemies, starting with the head of the Chorrol Mages Guild himself - maybe he contracted the hit. Bah, this is just a wild imp chase. At least the guild is paying my tab for a week of drinking."

I was relieved by some of Kurz' assumptions, but curious. "Do you have any actual evidence?"

"Just the unusual arrow they found stuck in her body." The orc pulled a slender cloth-covered item from his quiver, placed it on his lap and lifted the concealing wrappings briefly. "See?"

I instantly recognized the sinister black and red Hatreds Soul arrow I had purchased from Ungarion. The very one that Earana never saw as it flew halfway across Chorrol to stop her heart.

Kurz continued as he put the deadly missile away, "Thanks to a hefty bribe, one of the magic merchants in the Imperial City suggested I try talking to a supposed black marketeer here in Bravil. Turns out this Ungarion fellow either knows nothing about it or else he's keeping his mouth shut. Dead end, it seems."

"Sorry to hear that, Kurz," I lied. Ungarion's very ability to keep his mouth shut reminded me of why I was here. "Um, I'm investigating a bit of a mystery myself regarding the archery tournament. Heard anything suspicious?"

We were interrupted by a crash of breaking glass from across the tavern. It seemed two Khajiit had taken exception to a Nord, and introduced him to a bottle of wine. The son of Skyrim, with a frozen grin, Surilie-colored hair and unseeing blue eyes staggered back into the wall behind him. He then slowly slid to the floor.

"Hey!" roared Bogram the barkeep. "Quit wasting good wine. I expect you cats to pay for that!" The brief gap in noise inside the tavern was quickly refilled with raucous laughter.

Ignoring the disturbance, Kurz scratched his head. "No, can't say I've heard anything suspicious about the tournament."

"Well, thanks anyway. I wish you luck with your investigation." I turned away from Kurz, hoping to signal the end of our conversation. I began studying the crowd for clues.

The dazed, wine-covered Nord was slowly climbing back to his feet, apparently not much the worse for wear. The pair of Khajiit had already scurried away. I was struck by the diversity in this tavern. Every style and color of ears, skin, fur, scales, horn, tusk and tail was in this lively bar. Most of the patrons were armed with an equal variety of weaponry. Suddenly, I felt a large arm slide gently around my waist.

"Say, Buffy, since we both got mysteries, maybe we could work together." Kurz was way too close. "You know, spend some time and get to know each other a little, hmm?" He elevated both heavy eyebrows twice. "Don't you got a place around here that's a little more private?"

How could I have been so stupid? Well, naïve was probably more accurate. Although not intentional, it was clear that I had encouraged the orc to think I was interested in him. I cursed myself and lamented that I had no mother to teach me about men. The University did not even offer a class to learn about the confusing creatures.

As I removed Kurz's left arm from my waist, he smiled pleasantly and completely encircled my lower thigh with a dinner plate-sized right hand. Gulping nervously, I hoped to get out of this without paralyzing the amorous orc. Of course, casting a spell assumed I could free myself from his insistent advances and get to my feet.

I felt a small hand fall gently upon my shoulder. "Buffy! Imagine seeing you here!" My head snapped toward the woman's voice to see the smiling face of my upstairs neighbor.

"Luciana!" I exclaimed gratefully, "How wonderful to see you."

The Breton replied, "Say, how's that blood lung disease you got? Aren't the rats in this town terrible? Some people never fully recover, and I hear it's contagious." She smiled at Kurz, then winked at me. "Have you been to the chapel to get it cured yet?"

"Why, um, er. . . no, Luciana." I covered my mouth and coughed softly. "I surely must get over there soon though."

The orc's massive hand immediately released my thigh. In fact he sat farther back and his eyes opened wider. "Can you believe it, Buffy? I just plain forgot I'm supposed to have dinner with Lum tonight at the Bravil chapter. I hear the guild commander himself is cooking. He'll be pissed that I'm late. You two ladies have a nice night." Kurz was on his feet and headed for the door.

Luciana quickly slid onto Kurz's now vacant barstool, her eyes flashing angrily. "What in the name of Sanguine are you doing? This isn't your dainty little guild hall or the chapel, you know. Buffy, if you're going to flirt in a dive like this you need to know how to control the consequences."

"I-I didn't think-"

"Damn right you didn’t think! You're not a child anymore. You've got the goods to play with the big girls now, and you're a smart young woman. If you come to a bar, let a man buy you a drink and encourage him to talk, he's going to want to sleep with you. If you're not ready for that, then don't invite it. Got it?"

Luciana Galena was probably ten years my senior. Although not buxom in a Nordic manner, her tiny waist emphasized the dramatic hourglass of her figure. She wore her shining black hair long and loose in such a way that it set off her pretty, although somewhat hardened, face. Her eyes were an unusual violet color, rendered even more striking by her skill at animating the long lashes that framed them. Whatever it was that attracted men seemed to surround her like an aura. I had seen her draw suitors, like moths to her flame, then capture them with just a few lilting words from her full lips. I felt very inadequate. "Luciana, you're right. I really need to learn more about men. I was just trying to look into a potential problem for the tournament. Kurz was a familiar face, and I figured he might know something."

"If you get in trouble like that again, you can't be subtle," she said. "Once a fellow's hands start wandering, he's not thinking with his head - at least not the one Mara placed on his shoulders. Throw up, complain about your period or whatever it takes." Luciana then cocked her head and softened her voice. "All right, lecture over. Now, what kind of information are you snooping around for?"

"Oh, anyone behaving suspiciously," I replied. "How about Jee-Tah?" I pointed across the tavern. "He can be dangerous, right?"

"That big Argonian with the Blackwood Company? Sure, but he's more of a hired axe than a thinker."

I was startled by a tap on my shoulder, and turned to see a rather rough-looking Nord smiling at me. He pointed at my goblet. "Need a refill, sweetheart?"

Before I could respond, Luciana replied curtly, "Go take an ice bath, snowman, we're busy. Besides, we're a package deal and you can't afford us." I was impressed to see the Nord move on. He wandered over to assist an Imperial sitting unsteadily on her barstool. She seemed to have lost control of the top several buttons of her blouse.

Luciana then pushed my goblet of Tamika's away. "If you're going to hang around in here, don't let any of these skirt chasers buy you a drink - they'll think they own you. Oh, and don't drink wine - too easy to spike and advertises when you need a refill. Keep one of these in your hand." She grabbed two empty ale bottles from the bar top, handed one to me and pretended to take a swig from the other. "See? Can't tell if it's empty. You can also whap amorous drongos on the head with it if you need to. Catching on?"

Indeed I was. "Thanks for the education, Luciana. I-I had no idea-"

"Of course you didn't. Look, I didn't mean to be so hard on you. I know you lost your mother before she could teach you these things, and those brainy mages you hang out with have no idea where lower urges meet real life." She absently drummed her fingers on top of the bar. "Now, where were we?"

"Suspicious characters and the tournament," I replied. "Honditar?" The Altmer at the other end of the bar had cornered an attractive raven-haired Dunmer. Based on his animated gestures, he was no doubt bragging about some imagined exploit.

Luciana laughed. "That windbag? I took him home with me the other night to warm my bed and lighten his coin purse."

"And?"

The Breton chuckled. "It's amazing what you can get men to say or do when you've got one of these to bargain with." She gestured vaguely toward her lap. "He's talking like a big shot archer to turn the heads of as many gullible girls as he can. His little brag-'em-to-bed scam will be done tomorrow when I'm sure he'll fail to even qualify. He's all talk and no action." She grinned mischievously and added, "And now, thanks to me, he's broke."

Luciana placed her hand on mine. "Look, Buffy, this is going nowhere. If I'm going to try and help, you can't dance around vaguely. Everyone in this bar is suspicious in one way or another. You have to tell me exactly what's going on here."

[TrisRed]

I loved this chapter. My heart was in my throat during the discussion about Bogram's contract! You picked up the tension really well with this and it really worked.

I also loved Luciana's teasing about Kurz's disease, it made me chuckle!

Also, the way you discribed the business of the tavern was amazing. Excellent imagery.

Well done!

[mALX]

This is absolutely my favorite Buffy episode, between Buffy's combined guilt and naivety ... but Luciana absolutely steals the show with her candid dialogue - LOVED this chapter, and could easily have spammed your thread trying to quote all my favorite lines in it !!! AWESOME WRITE !!!! This is a sample of your absolute BEST !!! AWESOME !!!

[ghastley]

Luciana's a real scene-stealer in this one. Blood lung is the perfect choice of diseases to fake, especially with plenty of rats in Bravil, although Kurz might have run away faster from the droops.

And now Buffy has another reason not to do as well as she can in the tournament. Kurz is naturally going to suspect the winner.

[King Coin]

You were absolutely right! I loved this chapter! Very good description of the tavern, it seems like the type of place Aravi would avoid.

[haute ecole rider]

How wonderful it was to see this scene again! It was even more delicious knowing that Kurz left the Lonely Suitor for dinner at the FG followed by a dessert of Ancondil's fists!

The uh oh feeling Buffy experienced when Kurz went all handsy on her is a familiar feeling to many women, myself included (my older sister's boyfriend comes to mind first - how ugh is that?). Us dressage riders like to call it the downward transition.

And I loved Luciana Galena in this vignette. It's one of those situations where when it came my turn to write her, my perspective was undoubtedly influenced by this chapter (in BF 1.0).

And having an infectious disease works nearly every time! Tell Buffy that if that doesn't work, waving a sharp blade in the area of a man's groin will be more than enough to scare 'em off. Of course, that's even more effective when I notify the gentleman of my license to castrate.

[SubRosa]

The Star Wars Cantina indeed, I could hear Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes playing Jizz in the background.

Kurz returns! Much more friendly this time I see. Perhaps a little too friendly though... I see his taste runs to blond wood nymphs, rather than the pasty-skinned redheads.

Freeing my forearm from underneath the giant green hand as unobtrusively as I could
Yep, he likes the blond ones indeed! Poor Buffy, totally blindsided by the the fact that she is attractive! She is going to have to get used to it, and learn to avoid giving mixed signals to the sausages out there. Her lament that the University did not offer classes on fending off randy boars only underscores what a magic geek she is! Thankfully Kurz had to go back to the guild hall for that dinner...

Captain Bittneld figured this here tournament might draw out the killer.
I think the Captain was right!

but sure as a troll craps in the woods & this is just a wild imp chase.
Wonderful ES turns on old phrases!

As in 1.0, the fight between the two Khajiit and the Nord was priceless, as was the bartender's response!

She seemed to have lost control of the top several buttons of her blouse.


Everyone in this bar is suspicious in one way or another.
If they were not suspicious, they would not be there! Luciana to the rescue, in more ways than one. Your description of her has me thinking of Juliette Lewis. Perhaps she might give classes at the University?

[Ceidwad]

Everything about this episode was pure genius.

[Zalphon]

I need to reread with the cantina song on a loop in the background

[Grits]

98, The Emma May:

Right away the dusty beams of sunlight bring the whole scene to vivid life. I can just imagine the two wood elves feeling for creaky boards with their feet! Nice that the next puddle on the deck was caused by a wraith. Buffy and Alawen executing their plan were great fun to watch!

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

Their adventure brought them from the first extended discussion to a few practiced looks and gestures. The respect and trust that they earned from one another could certainly strengthen their friendship better than hours of getting-to-know-you chat would.

99, Lions, Horses, and Blondes:

Once again I could almost feel the warm sun and cool breeze, and I could see the sun sparkling on the gold and gems. The details you give us allow us to imagine the rest, which to me is so much more engaging than pointing out every little thing. The Black Dog Camp dock has to be one of the most peaceful and inviting scenes ever!

I frowned. "Alawen, your hair is kind of a mess.

So instead of fancy words and elaborate tact, Buffy goes with a solid foundation of friendship and the simple truth. I love it!!

Buffy’s decision to keep her mouth shut about Alawen’s possible parentage reminds us that her head is not filled with soap bubbles. She is willing to keep dark secrets, even at the cost of her own peace of mind.

100, The Star Wars Cantina:

Oh my goodness! I would like to quote the whole chapter as my favorite part! The action in the background placed Buffy and Kurz’s conversation in a perfect frame. Then the luscious Luciana saved the evening by cleverly deflecting Kurz’s interest, and finally providing the much-needed eyelash fluttering lesson. Only it turns out that the lesson is when not to flutter them – and we realize that Buffy’s natural charms have surpassed her image of them, bumps in the breeze notwithstanding. After all, the Nord tapped Buffy’s shoulder when she was sitting right next to the buxom Breton. Luciana’s advice to throw up if necessary had me rolling! I love this chapter!!

(edited because spell-check is not omniscient. )

This post has been edited by Grits: Apr 27 2011, 12:37 PM

[Acadian]

In Episode 100, Buffy found herself quite out of her element in the rowdy Lonely Suitor Lodge tavern. She was hoping to find leads that might help her track down the vexing drain marksman scroll that she believes may be used to sabotage the tournament. When we left her, she was talking with the pub-wise Luciana Galena.

Rihanae- I'm so glad you enjoyed the tension, teasing and imagery in the tavern! Thank you!

mALX- Thanks for those mighty kind words! All of Buffy's mystic archery skill and fancy University education. . . and she still has gaping holes in her training.

ghastley- Luciana was a street-wise blast to write. Fortunately, Buffy was just smart enough to play along with the disease ploy.

King Coin- Thank you. Aravi's Aleswell Cottage is sooo much more inviting than that rough and tumble tavern. And it looks plenty big for a party!

Rider- Ol' Kurz just is not having much luck in Bravil so far, is he? Dead ends on both Buffy and his murder investigation, then getting trounced by Ancondil over in TF! I'm so honored that our depiction of Luciana has influenced your view of her. I know exactly what you mean; my view of Aelwin, Morvayn, Enilroth and many others has been quite flavored by OHDH. I see Luciana as quick thinking and tavern-savvy - a pair of qualities that Buffy quite lacks.

SubRosa- Heh, we'll keep the 'Star Wars' motif for one more episode. Poor orcs just can't win with the woodsters. Poor Ancondil got stopped by Sappho, and poor Kurz by fear of blood lung. You're right, Buffy's a magic geek and has lots to learn about (in Luciana's words), "Where lower urges meet real life." I remember how you enjoyed the little Khajiit/wine/Nord bar fight in 1.0 and am so glad it provided a fun touch of background clutter again!

Ceidwad- By Mara! Buffy and I so enjoyed writing this episode. The encouragement of your kind words is so very humbling. Thank you.

Zalphon- Heh! I just couldn't stop thinking of the Star Wars Cantina as we wrote that scene. Here is your 1 minute clip from the movie .

Grits- I'm so glad you enjoyed the friendship that Buffy and Alawen built from their shared similarities, differences, adventure, then quiet time together. Thank you also for the kind words regarding some of our descriptions. Given your own magnificent talent for understated humor, I'm so glad Luciana managed to tickle your funny bone.

* * *

101 The Tournament of Archers, Part 17- Jabba the Hutt

I had known Luciana Galena, albeit not well, all my life. I was reassured somewhat by the fact that the late City Swimmer had called the Breton a friend. I wanted to trust her and, frankly, wasn't doing well at all on my own. "Luciana, there's a powerful archery scroll loose in the city. I fear it could sabotage the tournament and jeopardize Daenlin's title as champion. Whoever has it is both dangerous and violent. Probably cunning, too."

"Why didn't you say so, instead of dancing around the milk thistle bush?" Luciana frowned. "There's been someone trying to sell such a scroll all right. Further, he meets every bit of your description and then some." Suddenly, her face went pale. "Uh oh, speak of the beast."

I followed her pointing finger to the orc that filled the doorway of The Lonely Suitor Lodge. As his cruel eyes quickly surveyed the tavern, I noted the handle of a large weapon that protruded well above one heavy orcish pauldron. With a scowl, he turned and made his way to the staircase. Most of the crowd parted for him; those who didn't were roughly shouldered aside. Before he disappeared upstairs, I could see that the well-worn handle on his back descended into the massive business end of a warhammer. The gleaming head of the weapon was the color of the orc's skin.

Kurdan gro-Dragol's involvement made perfect sense. He embraced the worst part of Bravil's dark side. With his appetite for loan sharking, extortion and anything else where violence could generate profit, he was a one-orc organized crime ring. More than anyone else in Bravil, he could instill fear - the kind I had seen in Ungarion's eyes when the black marketer refused to divulge who had bought the drain marksman scroll.

"Be careful, Buffy." Luciana's hand on one shoulder gently shook my attention back to her. "Don't tangle with Kurdan; it's not worth it. He's mean, smart and would kill his own mother for a fistful of septims. You should just forget about that scroll."

She then pinched some color back into her cheeks and rose to her feet. With hips swaying and fingers twirling a lock of shining black hair, she drifted toward a visiting merchant with a heavy coin purse displayed at his belt.

Luciana's barstool was quickly taken by a Redguard. The man had a long scar that ran down one cheek and a saber dangling from his left hip. After telling me he was a crewman with one of the visiting ships that now crowded the docks for the tournament, he offered to buy me a drink. I clung to my empty ale bottle as if it were full, then shook my head and then turned away.

The Redguard didn't persist. Aloofness did not come easily to me, but I admitted that Luciana knew a lot more about how to stay out of trouble in a rough tavern than I did. I was grateful for her lessons that allowed me to focus on my purpose here. I thought about how to best approach the dangerous orc upstairs.

Finally, I took a deep breath, let it out noisily and set my bottle on the bar. Standing, I rearranged my bow and quiver, then made my way to the stairs and up to the second floor of The Lonely Suitor Lodge.

"Well, if it isn't little Buffy," the orc scoffed. "What do you want, twig?"

Normally, I considered the term for a young wood elf rather endearing, but certainly not coming from the menacing Kurdan. I held my position near the top of the stairs. "I understand you have a scroll that could help me win the tournament by weakening my competition. I'd like to buy it."

"Betraying the current champion, is it? I didn't think you had it in you, kid. I like that." One side of his upper lip rose slightly.

Okay, Buffy, so far so good with your deception. I had figured that appealing to Kurdan's sense of honor would have simply gotten a laugh. I dropped my coin purse on the small table near the top of the stairs, allowing the sound to emphasize its considerable weight.

The orc glanced at the bag of gold as his tongue slid out to lick a yellow tusk. "That'll get you in the door." Cruel dark eyes then very slowly worked their way from my head to my toes, making me feel uncomfortably like a rabbit hanging in a butcher shop for inspection. "How about we slide into my office, get comfortable and we can discuss what else it'll cost you." His gesture at the nearby bed made it clear what he meant by 'office'.

After my experiences downstairs, why was this not a surprise? I wished I had taken the time to learn a little more from Luciana. Well, here goes. "I am but a clumsy young elf. With this gold, surely you could afford a woman of more skill and experience?"

"Nah, I like 'em young and trainable."

Well, that didn't work so well. I tried to remember more of what Luciana had told me. As uncomfortable as I was, I had no trouble summoning a desired flush of embarrassment to support my newly fabricated backup plan. "Um, Kurdan, I'm sorry, but it is an awkward time in my cycle. I fear you would find things. . . colorful."

"Oh for the sake of Malacath!" Kurdan snapped. "Do you think an orc cares about that? Make up your mind or we're done here."

There was no reason to believe that a lie about having some contagious disease would forestall the inevitable. I dropped the act and picked up my bag of gold. "It's not going to happen, Kurdan."

"Hey, if you got frost-enchanted britches, that’s your problem. I already sold the scroll anyway."

"What?!?" I snarled. "You would have let me -" Stop, Buffy. This isn't going to get you anywhere. You already know this orc would sell his mother. I managed to lower my voice to a hiss, "And who, pray tell, did you sell it to?"

"What's it worth to you, tree hugger?"

Hadn't we just gone through this? "Not what you're asking."

"You're lucky I even offered to deal with you, elf. Everything about you is too damn small except for those big ears. Now, get out."

As I glared up at the orc across the room, I could feel my jaw tighten and the emerald dancing cobra straining to escape my clenched fist. "Or what?" My anger at the stinging truth of his insults had served to prevent tears; unfortunately, that same anger was responsible for the poorly considered challenge that had just escaped my lips.

One large hand moved slowly behind his back, no doubt to rest on the haft of his warhammer. Dark eyes seethed with venom. "Take your best shot, you frigid, gutless little wench."

I knew what the orc was doing. Despite killing several Bravilians, Kurdan had never spent a day in prison. His tactic was to goad an opponent into attacking first. He was well-equipped to survive almost any first strike, then slaughter his assailant and claim self-defense. It was my move again.

Giving voice to my anger had cost me. Kurdan's hatred was now reinforced beyond my ability to magically charm any cooperation from him. Was it to be a fight then? Motivated by a silly archery tournament and my hurt pride? Perhaps by alternating spell and bow, I could immobilize him long enough to win. Then again, he might get one hit with his warhammer - that's all it would take to kill me. I sure didn't have any maneuvering room up here, and I was painfully familiar with how much space it took to stop the charge of an orc. Perhaps I could make it downstairs, but to what end? Only to have him kill half the patrons in the bar during the brawl that would surely ensue?

I took a deep breath, then used fear to help swallow my temper. "You win this round, Kurdan." Calming the glow in my hand, I started very slowly backing away from the deadly encounter.

"You've earned a dangerous enemy tonight, wood elf."

Since I lacked both the stones and steel to take him toe-to-toe, I kept my mouth shut as I slowly continued backing down the stairs.

Once outside, I leaned unsteadily against the old building and breathed deeply of the cool freshness. Kud-Ei had told me that wisdom comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment. Of course, Boderi had assured me that bad judgment gets you killed. I wasn't sure if I was any wiser, but at least I was alive.

After my heart had slowed its pounding, I whispered into the night air, "Daenlin, I've been poked, groped, propositioned and threatened tonight. I surely hope you appreciate what I'm putting myself through for your silly tournament."

I slipped the coin purse from my waist into my pack, then wandered aimlessly as I pondered what to do next. Despite the late hour, Bravil was still quite alive with the banter of vendors and visitors. Thieves and pickpockets moved quietly, with watchful eyes, among the streetlamps and shadows.

Searching for the elusive scroll, among the multitudes of men and mer that now swelled Bravil for the tournament, was akin to seeking a particular drop of water in the Niben. I needed eyes and ears that moved freely but unnoticed in the dark waters of the night. With a plan now forming, my feet turned toward home. A brief stop there would provide the tools I needed - potatoes, carrots, venison. . . .

This post has been edited by Acadian: May 1 2011, 12:37 PM

[Grits]

Oh my gosh! I never saw it coming, but I recognized Kurdan right away! *shiver* I am impressed with Buffy’s self-control as she backed down from Kurdan. Then her application of logic to Kud-Ei and Boderi’s advice was a nice chuckle-inducing Buffy moment after a very tense ordeal!

A brief stop there would provide the tools I needed - potatoes, carrots, venison. . . .

A “Summon Aradroth” potion? No, only a brief stop home… Hmmm…

[mALX]

A “Summon Aradroth” potion?

I would like one of those myself, lol. Where is The Wolf when you need him? ROFL !!



@ Acadian - This chapter was riveting from beginning to end, touches of humor woven into the tight tension of the episode - still, this is my fave line in the chapter, it can't be topped :

Kud-Ei had told me that wisdom comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment. Of course, Boderi had assured me that bad judgment gets you killed. I wasn't sure if I was any wiser, but at least I was alive.

AWESOME WRITE !!!!!

[SubRosa]

A historic post! This is the last of the segments from Buffy 1.0. From here on out, we are in virgin territory once more. Congrats for finally reaching that point.

a fistful of septims
A wonderful ES-ized allusion to a classic Man With No Name movie!

I suppose it is no surprise that Kurdan would be behind the scroll. He was just as big, nasty, uncouth, and repulsive as the title of this segment. He even insulted Buffy's ears! Poor thing. If only Ancondil were there to learn him some manners...

Buffy shows her dragon side by wanting to do the latter herself. But at the same time good judgment in not doing so. That was not the time or place. Still, Kurdan might be joining Earana in the hereafter sometime soon...

Now the big question is, who did he sell the scroll too? Poor Buffy, all her work, and still she is back to where she started. All for Daenlin's silly tournament! I am sure the old man does indeed appreciate it all. Or would, if he knew what his little twig was up to.

So Buffy is looking for unseen eyes and ears? That can only mean one thing. Time to talk to the beggars.

[haute ecole rider]

I'm with Sage Rose here - truly a historic moment as we reach the end of BF 1.0. Looking forward to what happens next! It has taken you what, a year, to reach this point? Congratulations!

Kurdan is as menacing as ever. For some reason, I always think of Clancy Brown in the original Highlander movie. He was terrifying, especially with his height and gravelly voice. And it's that voice I hear in my head whenever Kurdan gro-Dragol speaks - in game or in fan fiction. Probably because beyond the similarity in bulk, voice and menace, they share similar names - Kurdan vs. Kurgan. Congratulations on keeping that similarity alive in writing Kurdan. He really is larger than life, as the ultimate villians should be. Mannimarco really has nothing on him!

Buffy's decision to back down is a wise one. After all, what's more important, getting killed in her anger, or living to fight another day? For as long as she stays alive, there will be another day for her to pick her fight with Kurdan. Even if she had killed him this time, she could get slammed in jail for murder, given his penchant of goading others in throwing the first punch.

Now I'm going to be waiting with bated breath to see what happens next!

[Zalphon]

Why isn't Buffy a good little liar...

By the way, the Cantina Song rocks! Is it bad that I can name every instrument they play from the Holobox to the something Horn IIRC. Go Cantina Band!

[King Coin]

I like this chapter. Buffy really should have held her tongue, but I'm proud that she stood up for herself to someone that would really outclass her in a fair fight. Buffy never fights fair though

[Ceidwad]

Buffy sure can pick them, eh? Kurz gro-Baroth and now this thug. Luciana has the right idea.

You have a real talent for these subplots, like the Leyawiin series and now this. I wonder what's going to happen next? Who bought the scroll? There are sure to be lots of exciting twists to come!

This post has been edited by Ceidwad: Apr 28 2011, 02:28 AM

[TrisRed]

I loved how Buffy kind of planned the fight between her and Kurdan first before deciding against it, if it were me against Kurdan i wouldn't think twice... i'd get out of there!

But that is the thing with Buffy, she's quite headstrong.
the best things always come in small packages

Great write