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

[Acadian]

During Episode 101, Luciana Galena revealed that Kurdan gro-Dragol had been trying to sell a powerful drain marksman scroll. Buffy learned from the uncooperative Kurdan that he had already sold the scroll. Further negotiations deteriorated into a potentially deadly standoff with the dangerous orc. Fear overruled temper as our wood elf backed away from the encounter, with her proverbial tail between her legs. Buffy wandered the dark shadows of Bravil, pondering other sources of information that might help her resolve the threat of tournament sabotage posed by the scroll.

Grits- Thank you for endorsing Buffy's encounter with Kurdan. It was an interesting challenge to build a scene with such mortal tension that resolved without violence. I'm so glad it worked!

mALX- 'Kud-Ei had told me that wisdom comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment.' Thanks for quoting that passage. It sure seems to apply to Buffy. She quoted it after her almost entry into the DB, after her royal screw up at Borderwatch and again here. Must be true!

SubRosa- I'm so humbled that you note our transition from BF 1.0 inspired content into totally new 2.0 material at this point. Being called a gutless, frigid, little wench was not so bad; it was the crack about her ears that pulled Buffy close to playing into Kurdan's hammer. You astutely nail her reference to 'unseen eyes and ears' as relating to beggars.

Rider- Thank you. Yes! Just over a year to redo, expand and present the original 69 episodes of 1.0 into just over 100 episodes here. I'm so glad Kurdan rings effective as a super villain. Thankfully, Buffy has a very strong survival instinct and is practical enough to reluctantly swallow her pride and temper sometimes. I remember how superbly and creatively Julian outmaneuvered Kurdan with her sharp wit!

Zalphon- I'm still chuckling at your wonderful endorsement of our very non-TES reference the Star Wars Cantina and Jabba the Hut. With that University education and her time spent in the Court of Leyawiin, Buffy is getting better at verbal dueling, including deceit. Not quite good enough vs Kurdan here though.

King Coin- Thank you. By giving voice to her anger, Buffy lost the ability to possibly get some info from Kurdan using a charm spell. She's got spunk, but sometimes it shoves her brain to the side a little. Lol.

Ceidwad- Heh. Buffy might start to wonder if orcs have a thing for wood nymphs! Despite a bad night, Buffy greatly respects orcs. After all, she has seen the beautiful simple nobility and awesome power of orcs like Mazoga and Agronak gro-Malog. Thank you so much for endorsing our limited excursion into some subplot weaving in support of the tournament storyline.

Rihanae- Buffy doesn't think quickly, but she really is pretty good at ruminating on one hand while considering the other and trying to sort out what to do. Aww, thanks for the 'best things always come in small packages' comment. Buffy sends -

* * *

102 The Tournament of Archers, Part 18- A Cheap Dinner Date

I slipped through the dark alley between my house and Daenlin's, emerging onto the grassy field that spanned from behind of our homes to the city's south wall. Rather than the single small campfire I expected to see, no less than a dozen flickering tiny flame pits trailed smoky despair up into the night. Each was tended by a beggar, some by two or three as I wandered, searching.

The bustle and festive feel that, even at this late hour, marked the rest of the city during the tournament was absent here. In its place was the quiet hunger and sadness of dirty faces and broken lives. I recognized the hunched shoulders and gray hair tied into a queue that identified Cosmus the Cheat.

"Hail, you old Imperial." I lowered myself to the ground next to him and laid Slayer by my side. "Are you sober tonight?"

The beggar nodded sadly. "No gold, no wine."

"I know it sounds harsh Cosmus, but I'm glad you have no gold. You simply convert it to liquid trouble." I gestured toward the small pot hanging above his fire. "What's in your stew?"

"A rock and a onion. Times be hard. Lots o' gold in town for this here tournament, but," he waved vaguely at the other small campfires, "even more thieves and beggers swarmin' to chase it."

I placed my small food bag on the ground and opened it. Handing Cosmus a potato, I instructed, "Get out your knife and cut this up." After placing some salt and herbs into the pot, I then drew my own blade and began slicing venison into small pieces.

Cosmus looked at the bag as he worked. "Sure you ain't got no wine in there?"

I glared at him. "What happened to that job I got you as a stockman at The Fair Deal last time I was in town?"

His eyes went back to the potato. "Nilawen fired me."

"And why was that?" Nilawen and I talked enough that I already knew the sad answer.

"'Cuz I stole some cheap wine."

I shook my head. "You're going to end up like City Swimmer if you keep stealing. Cosmus, I can find you perfectly good jobs mucking stalls at the stables, helping to unload visiting ships or perhaps even washing dishes at the Silverhome. You have friends like Daenlin and I, who can offer encouragement, but only you can decide if you want to stop with the thieving and the wine." I placed my hand against his forehead then frowned. "Oh, just look at you." Handing him a pink vial, I said, "You've got the chills again. Here, this will cure you - for now. Until you decide to straighten out though, you'll just keep getting sick."

"Buffy, don't think I ain't grateful." Cosmus sipped on the potion. "Not s'many that tries to help me. Some folks toss a septim or two, but that's mostly to make me go away."

Soon, we were sharing a couple wooden bowls of stew and a loaf of bread. "Cosmus, I'm trying to track down a problem. It seems Kurdan gro-Dragol sold a magic scroll to someone that could sabotage the archery tournament. I don't need to tell you how important the tournament is to our friend, Daenlin. Do you know anything about it?"

"I knows plenty. No one pays me no mind. They just looks away or ignores me. I sees and hears what goes on though, I do."

"Can you tell me who Kurdan's been dealing with lately?" I asked.

"Plenty o' folks, with this bow contest goin' on. He does lots of business, most of it outside The Lonely Suitor at night. One of them tall elves - this one had gray hair and a bow. Fancies himself a mountain man they say. He tried to buy that scroll of Kurdan's till he learnt it makes you shoot worse than better. Guess he wanted to impress the ladies or sumthin' by winnin' the contest."

"I think you're right," I said. "Who else have you seen with Kurdan?"

"Well, this bald fella from out of town. I seen him luggin' cases of wine into The Lonely Suitor, then talkin' with the orc outside."

"Could you tell what kind of wine?"

The old beggar grinned, displaying crooked brown teeth. "Does a black bear crap in the forest? I knows me wines. Them cases had the Brothers Surilie mark on 'em, they did, and the old fella was a Imperial."

"That would be Reman Broder." I recalled the Imperial's menacing remarks to Daenlin. "Do you know anything of his business with Kurdan?"

"The orc yelled at him. Sumthin' about don't come back till he had more gold. The bald fellow ran off shakin' like a leaf. Came back to the Suitor several more times with cases of wine, but dunno if he ever got enough gold to buy that scroll."

Cosmus spooned part of his second bowl of stew back into the pot and belched loudly. "Then there was Hans Black-Nail. Seems he fell into the same kinda thinkin' as that Altmer. Was lookin' to buy a scroll to shoot better, not worse."

"Hans?" I asked. I could not imagine what the castle smith would have to do with this. "Any idea what he was up to?" I took a pull from my water bag and offered it to Cosmus.

"Water?" The beggar made an unpleasant face and shook his head vigorously. "You know what fish do in that stuff?" After rubbing his chin, the Imperial continued, "Most likely, Hans was runnin' a errand for the Count's boy. Word is, the little skooma sucker was hopin' to scroll himself into being able to shoot a bow and become some kinda champ like his old man used to be. Well, Hans went away empty handed." The beggar then spit into his fire.

"Cosmus, this is really helpful."

"You always been a kind elf, not lookin' t'other way or treatin' me like I weren't there, Buffy. You been nice since you was knee-high to an imp, followin' old Daenlin around everywhere. I'm glad I knows sumthin' that's of help to you."

It was Daenlin that had, several years ago, gotten me into the habit of sharing my kills. I had provided Cosmus a full belly many times, and was pleased the old beggar was talking so openly with me now.

"Aleron Loche been hangin' around too, talkin' with Kurdan," Cosmus said. "Always about gold. I figure he be tryin' to borrow some. Likely for bettin' if I knows Aleron. Shame, him gamblin' so much. 'Specially with that pretty wife of his. I hear she spends lots of time over in the chapel prayin' for Aleron to stop with the gamblin'."

Aleron Loche was well known to over bet his purse. His wife, Ursanne, was as kind as Mara herself and worked odd jobs to try and help them get by. "Can you think of anything else, Cosmus?"

"Just Nordinor, and that other wood elf dressed in black - you know, the dangerous lookin' one?"

My eyes opened wider at the reference to Nordinor and Aradroth. "I do indeed. What do you know of their involvement in this?"

"T'was a shoutin' contest, it were." He gestured toward The Lonely Suitor. "Happened last night, right outside the tavern. Kurdan said he just sold the scroll. Well, Nordinor sure was angry and wanted to know who bought it. He was sayin' sumthin about how that scroll could throw his numbers outta whack and cost him his shirt. I thought Kurdan was gonna pull that big green hammer and squash the little mer like a mud crab. Nordinor looked like he was gonna piss in his shoes. Can't say I blames him."

"I knows - I mean, I know - the feeling, Cosmus. What happened next?"

"Well, the mean lookin' elf in black stepped back and pulled his bow and a arrow on Kurdan and said sumthin' I couldn't hear. That orc was scowlin' and cursin', but he let 'em both back away. I never seen anyone draw down on Kurdan and live 'afore. Well anyway, Buffy, that's all I knows. Did I do good?"

"Cosmus, you're wonderful." I smiled, kissed the tips of my fingers and pressed them to his forehead; the mild fever was much better after my potion and a decent meal. "It seems I have work to do." I reached for Slayer and rose to my feet. "See Daenlin or I if you get hungry."

Trailing words behind me, I added, "And try to stay off the wine, Cosmus."

This post has been edited by Acadian: Apr 30 2011, 07:55 PM

[haute ecole rider]

Ooh, what a wonderful little sit-down with a beggar! Bless Buffy's heart - twasn't that long ago that Julian would have been the one sitting by the fire with her!

I think you've captured Cosmus's personality well, from his manner of speech to his little idioms -- Water? You know what fish do in that stuff? -- to the fever and brown teeth. We see both the pathos and the tiny shred of dignity that this beggar possesses.

And how nice to see Buffy reaping the rewards of her past kindnesses!

[King Coin]

Oh I love this. Buffy goes from one extreme to the other. She enjoys killing bandits and making them suffer, and then feeds a beggar with her own food.

[mALX]

Another favorite chapter! Buffy's quiet moments with her Bravil "family" are always my favorites !! You know which line in the chapter I would love best, but I'll quote it anyway, lol. :

"Water?" The beggar made an unpleasant face and shook his head vigorously. "You know what fish do in that stuff?"

Great Write !!! WOO HOO !!!

[SubRosa]

a dozen flickering tiny flame pits trailed smoky despair up into the night
This was a excellent description of the beggar's quarter of Bravil.

A wonderful depiction of Cosmus the Cheat here. He really shines through this entire segment, in all his grubby glory. His mannerisms really make him distinct and unique. You show us that his kleptomania and alcoholism are why he is a beggar, without telling us that. Another great example of show vs. tell in writing. At the same time that we see just how helpful he can be, as he returns the favors Buffy has shown him with valuable information on the goings on in Bravil's underworld. Something no one else could have provided.

And does Cosmus deliver! Buffy should have went to him first thing, he has been her best source of leads in the scroll hunt so far. I love how most of the people going to Kurdan for the scroll wanted one to make them better so that they could win, rather than make someone else worse. The difference in attitudes really is dramatic. Because only a competitor who was good enough to place 2nd would have a use for the drain marskman scroll. It would knock out Daenlin, and let them take first in his place. That would make Buffy the prime suspect! But we know it is not Buffy, which means the person after the scroll must not be a competitor. This narrows down the field somewhat, and tells us that their motives are not winning the tourney, but rather seeing someone lose it.

One of them tall elves
What an excellent way of saying "high elf" without saying it!

"Water?" The beggar made an unpleasant face and shook his head vigorously. "You know what fish do in that stuff?"
I know it has been remarked on already, but this was truly an excellent line. Not only funny, but also because it speaks volumes about Cosmus.

and that other wood elf dressed in black
Yikes, it's the Man In Black! Or maybe Aradroth...

I knows - I mean, I know -
So cute to see Buffy slip into Cosmus' speech patterns!

Finally do I detect the pitter patter of tiny foreshadowing feet with the news that Aleron Loche is borrowing money to gamble on the tourney? Given that Daenlin is the seven time champion, I suspect he is going to put the money on Buffy's foster dad. An easy bet some would say. Since it would probably be at 1-1 odds, he would need a really big stake in order to make anything worthwhile off of it. Which explains needing to borrow money from Jabba Kurdan.


nits:
It was Deanlin
I think the ghost of James Dean reversed the "a" and "e" in Daenlin.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Apr 30 2011, 08:08 PM

[TrisRed]

There are simply so many things I cant help but love about this chapter, so I shall show you a couple of my favorite lines:

'I'm glad you have no gold. You simply convert ot into liquid trouble.'
This is BRILLIANT! Literally made me LOL. Very Buffy

'See Daenlin or I if you get hungry.'
So so so cute! I love the compassion Buffy shows towards Cosmus during the whole chapter.

Loved it!!

[ghastley]

Well, we've eliminated a lot of suspects in one episode. All those who thought the scroll would make them shoot better, most of those who'd want to make someone else shoot worse, and Nordinor, who didn't know about it in time. As our Sage has pointed out, the number one suspect in everyone else's mind would be the archer in second place.

I'm suspecting Alawen. Her motive is to prevent its use, and she's just got a share of treasure to spend on it. But then I'm also expecting at least a double-cross from Kurdan, if he survives to pull it off. Looks like more than one potential source of an arrow from the shadows in his directions. If twenty arrows hit him at once, can everybody deny theirs was the one to kill him?

[Winter Wolf]

Finally caught up!!

I have perused the earlier chapters- Nordinor (the bookie) and Aradroth (the black henchman) was such a cool idea. Aradroth really comes across as a fully paid member of the Bravil underworld, sitting with his back against the wall and watching the door like any true criminal does!

The sly smile breaks down the outside cool exterior, however. People might think that Aradroth is a cuddly bear.....

Buffy & Alawen were a delight against the bank of the Panther, with horses grazing nearby and a very intriguing background story. Thanks for putting the Nibenay into the Buffy fic. More, more, I say!!

Great to see Buffy delving into the sewer streets of Bravil. The rich pavilions of the day are always a stark contrast to the poor and grimy areas of the poor and downtrodden. Kind of reminds me of the Jack the Ripper east end of the 1880's. Be careful Buffy!

I smiled at the thought of Kurdan and Nordinor involved in a shouting match. That is a scene I would pay money to watch.

And Aradroth pulls a bow on him....wow, these gambling boys mean business!!

nits- Jabba the Hut / Jabba the Hutt.

[Thomas Kaira]

Apologies for my recent absence, I was hard at work on my new mod. But now that it's seen release, I can get back into things here.

Chapter 100-

I see Buffy still has much to learn about the ways of men. You want to know what the big mystery is? We think with our loins first. There you go, problem solved!

Luciana is a wonderful character. That little lesson on how to play coy was priceless.

Also, it seems that Buffy’s past misdeeds are beginning to catch up to her, as they should. I am fully expecting the day when she has to face up to the bad choices she has made early in her life, but I won’t be happy for that day to come. It’s more in the nail-biting expectation that I wait for the fateful moment to come. I surely do not want for her to tried as a murderer, as that would destroy everything she has worked so hard to build. She’ll be expelled from the Mages Guild, have shamed her late family, as well as supremely disappointed Daenlin, and effectively will be ostracized from the world she lives in now. Ever wonder why the Dark Brotherhood call themselves family?

If you take a life, do you know what you give? Odds are you won’t like what it is.

Chapter 101-

Now, now, Buffy, do not be too sure Daenlin will take the news of your derringdo well. I’m sure he would be touched, but I couldn’t ever see him being impressed that you were willing to throw your dignity around in such a way all for the sake of his tournament. He is a master, and he knows all too well that even a master has to slip at some time. Don’t you think he would prefer it if you were there to take the win if he gets sabotaged than if you were to be killed trying to figure out who was trying to do so? At least then, you would save his dignity, as well as make him a very proud man.

Chapter 102-

Yup, if you need info, and need it fast, talk to the beggars. They don’t advise the Thieves Guild for nothing.

I wonder what Aradroth might know about Kurdan to have made him back off like that? Perhaps he would be willing to share? It’s always a good idea to have blackmail ready for persuasion, especially when the man mer in question deals in blood and dirty money.

And with that, I’m back up to speed!

[Lady Syl]

Chapter 7.1 review

It was only now, in the aftermath of the fight, I realized that I had peed myself.
Poor Buffy! Although, were I in such a situation, I might do the same!

I especially liked the way you described those swinging blades--the sounds they made and how deafening the noise was.

The way you describe action scenes is excellent. (I find myself using that word an awful lot... ) The detail you add makes it come alive.

[Acadian]

Episode 102 found Buffy sharing a late meal with Cosmus the Cheat. The beggar revealed quite a bit about the recent dealings of Kurdan gro-Dragol, giving Buffy several leads about the vexing drain marksman scroll she is investigating. She seemed quite concerned to learn that Nordinor and Aradroth were somehow involved.

Rider- Thank you for noting that that Cosmus' personality and some of his troubles came through okay. I'm so glad that Julian pulled herself away from that life! I'm glad you liked Cosmus' reaction to being offered water; I stole the reaction from Mrs Acadian (she's a diet coke baby).

King Coin- Buffy is very nurturing. Well, to those who mean her no harm anyway.

mALX- Thanks for noting the little extra depth we tried to provide regarding not only Cosmus, but Buffy's history in Bravil. Thanks also for quoting Cosmus' reaction to water.

SubRosa- Thanks for liking our intro to the beggar camp where I tried to capture some despair. It seemed natural that the tournament would attract an influx of thieves, pickpockets and beggars from beyond Bravil - even to the point of competing with Bravil's own population of them. And dear Cosmus did indeed deliver a wagon load of suspects! At least many could be weeded out. I appreciate you drawing out Buffy's momentary lapse into Cosmus' speech pattern; she is educated, but also young and impressionable so it seemed to flow quite naturally - thanks for the endorsement that it worked. Thanks also for the nit so I could fix it.

Rihanae- Thanks for highlighting Buffy's concern that any gold given to Cosmus would simply turn into wine. I was trying to show Buffy's strong underlying compassion (toward those who are kind to her), but temper it with some aspects of almost a maternal nagging and even 'tough love'.

ghastley- I'm so glad you're enjoying our humble subplot involving that pesky scroll. Oooh, Alawen - that is an interesting suspect!

Wolf- Thanks for those kind words, my friend. And again, thank you for allowing Aradroth to participate in the tournament. He adds a wonderful hard and mysterious edge to things. Thanks also for the nit - fixed.

TK- Thank you for your interesting perspective on Buffy. The imperfect elf relies on a very strong survival instinct and the Buffy Doctrine to help guide her. Welcome back, and I hope the modding has been going well!

Lady Syl- Thank you so much for your review of Buffy getting the pee knocked out of her clearing the upper portion of Vilverin. That was her first encounter with blade traps. It's such a joy to hear your views on her earlier episodes, and I'm grateful!

* * *

103 The Tournament of Archers, Part 19- Skooma Alley

Stepping into the alley between Silverhome on the Water and The Fair Deal, I touched my fingertips to the head of a torch. I then lifted the flaming brand against the night. Several shadowy figures cursed and scurried away like rats - skooma addicts. The one figure that remained was Nordinor.

"Well, it's always a pleasure to see you, Buffy. What brings you to my outdoor storefront at this late hour?"

"I'm sorry I've frightened away your customers," I replied.

"Not to worry, they'll be back," the Bosmer said. "They can't help themselves, you see."

His words were a stark reminder that the livelihood of the often jovial elf did indeed include feeding the misery of others. I dropped the pleasantness. "Look, I know there's a powerful scroll loose in town that could sabotage the tournament, and you're somehow involved." I could hear the anger rising in my voice. "You know as well as I how important this event is to Daenlin. I thought he was your frien-"

"Whoa," interrupted Nordinor with a raised hand. "Settle down, Buffy. Of course I'm Daenlin's friend. I'm also your friend. Have I not always showed kindness to both of you?

"I'll admit that you have," I replied to the smooth elf who had deftly disarmed some of my anger, "but I think you'd better start explaining what you know."

"I always keep an ear toward The Lonely Suitor, so I knew of Kurdan's scroll," Nordinor began. "Such a thing could ruin my bookmaking - throw the odds so far off I could lose my shirt. I want that scroll out of circulation as badly as you do."

"Go on," I commanded skeptically.

"After scraping my gold together, I tried to buy the scroll last night. I figured I could sell it to the Mages Guild and trust them to keep it out of the wrong hands. That way, I could get most of my gold back and prevent someone from manipulating the odds. Buffy, a bookmaker lives or dies by the accuracy of his numbers. That scroll could destroy me. Do you understand?"

"Not exactly," I said honestly, "but I'm beginning to see that you don't want sabotage either." I wanted to believe that Nordinor spoke the truth, and decided to test his story. "What happened when you tried to buy the scroll?"

The Bosmer frowned. "I was too late. I tried to get Kurdan to tell me who he sold it to so I could make an offer to the new owner. The big green troll wouldn't tell me, then he got belligerent." The skooma dealer's face blanched. "Buffy, have you ever been threatened by an orc with a warhammer?"

"Yes I have, Nordinor. I know it can be terrifying. What happened?"

"Thank Nocturnal that Aradroth was with me. He stepped back, drew his bow and aimed in on Kurdan's face. I figure staring down an arrow into those cold gray eyes is about as scary as facing Kurdan. Aradroth then quietly explained exactly what the enchantment on his bow could do. Well, it worked - at least long enough for us to back away. Someone needs to do something about that damn orc."

Nordinor had just gained some credibility. His story matched what Cosmus had reported to me. "And what is Aradroth's involvement in this? Are you two perhaps trying to manipulate a win for him in the tournament?"

"Buffy, do you think you are the only one in this town that likes and respects your friend Daenlin? Aradroth is no master archer, nor does he care for your tourney. The only reason he is competing is because someone," Nordinor wagged an accusing finger at me, "showed a newcomer some kindness and asked him to enter the tournament as a show of support for the current champion."

I said a little sheepishly, "Well, you have a point there."

The Bosmer continued with what appeared to be earnest conviction, "Neither Aradroth nor I would betray Daenlin. The mer in black was only with me last night so I could buy him an ale at the Suitor. I was hoping he would tell me about some of the treasures he found recently while imp hunting at Robber's Glen Cave."

"I-I'm sorry, Nordinor. Nilawen knows you better than I, and she accepts you for what you are. I guess I should too."

"I understand, Buffy. There's nothing confidence-inspiring about my business ventures." He sighed and rubbed his chin. "So, it seems our purposes merge, yes? We both want a clean tournament."

"Agreed," I said. "So you think your betting operation may have something to do with it? How can that help us solve this?"

"Well, it can't right now," he replied. "We won't know the ten finalists until the qualification period ends tomorrow afternoon. Then I can finalize my odds and open my books for betting. I suspect there's a good chance that might flush out our culprit."

I cocked my head. "How so? I know nothing of betting."

"Of course you don't, Buffy. Let's say, for example, the top two contenders remain Daenlin and you."

"Oh, that would be great!" I chirped.

"If I intended to use that scroll," the Bosmer continued patiently, "I'd put big money on you. Then I'd use the scroll on Daenlin to ensure he didn't win. So, we just have to-"

"Wait, Nordinor," I interrupted, "wouldn't it be better to just bet on Daenlin and avoid the risk of trying to sabotage things?"

"Odds, Buffy. With this example, if Daenlin retains his championship, it's not a great payoff. If you were to win however, the odds force a much bigger profit to those who bet on you. Do you understand?"

"I think so," I said, hoping my words would not betray that I was clueless. "So you will watch for unusual betting?"

"Well, yes," he replied with a thoughtful nod. "I'll be looking for gamblers dropping more gold than their purses should allow, particularly if it is on the number two contender."

"Since your betting operation is sanctioned by the castle, if you figure out who it is you'll turn them over to city guard, right?"

The Bosmer shook his head. "The guards can do nothing until the damage is done."

I thought about Aradroth again. Nordinor had convinced the assassin to advise him on archery matters. "I don't want this tournament sabotaged, but I don't want anyone killed either. You're better than Kurdan gro-Dragol," I raised an eyebrow and added, "aren't you?"

"Look, I run non-violent businesses here, and never coerce anyone to do anything. I wouldn't last very long if I started allowing people I deal with to be killed. Buffy, you'll have to trust me on this. What I do isn't necessarily something to be proud of, but I assure you I'm pretty good at it."

I heaved a sigh. "What can I do to help?"

The Bosmer smiled. I thought I saw kindness and indulgence on his face. "Leave this to me, Buffy. You shoot well when the time comes, and let me do what I do best. Check back with me tomorrow evening, once I've had a few hours to monitor the betting. I may know something then."

I had denounced killing to solve this mystery and, in so doing, defanged any intimidation I could impress upon Nordinor. I paused for a moment to carefully craft my next words. Rather than a threat, I wanted to intentionally sound vulnerable and play upon Nordinor's professed friendship. Perhaps being a young she-elf, which had plagued me all night, could now work to my favor.

"Nordinor," I said softly, "when you first arrived in Bravil, I welcomed you with trust, as I did Aradroth more recently." I lowered and raised my eyelashes once - slowly, like I had seen Luciana Galena do. "I moved into the Mages Guild so you could use Nilawen's spare room until I could afford a home of my own. I've never spoken of your activities to my friends Gladius Maro, Gaius Prentus or Caccian Apinia in the Bravil Guard. Both Daenlin and I call you friend. Please do not betray us."

Nordinor nodded. "Tomorrow evening, Buffy."

I hoped I was right in trusting the shady Bosmer. The fact of the matter was, I saw little choice.

* From Buffy's scrapbook: Screenshot

This post has been edited by Acadian: May 10 2011, 12:17 PM

[ureniashtram]

Hey! I caught up! Would you even believe such a thing could be possible, as I am several THREADS away? Whew!

Anyway, I think I might know who the culprit is. Emphasis on might. I still am not sure, but I've a suspicion layed on him. I just have to wait until Buffy finds to see if I'm right.

[mALX]

Yikes, it's the Man In Black! Or maybe Aradroth...

WOO HOO !!! Johnny Cash !!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o22eIJDtKho



@ Acadian - ARADROTH !!! WOO HOO !!! Buffy is hilarious as the detective trying to get to the bottom of someone trying to "fix" the tourney - while she (without realizing it) walks a very fine line in doing just that in the name of "ensuring Daenlin wins!" Her naivety in her own actions is endearing - I see a strong lecture from Daenlin in her future if he finds out though, lol.

Buffy's heart is so obviously in the right place, and her love for Daenlin is clear in these chapters. Awesome Write, Acadian !!! You are really giving a great glimpse of what goes on "behind the scenes" at competitions of this sort !!! Love these tourney chapters !!!

[King Coin]

An unlikely ally perhaps. Of all people though, fixing the tournament should be right up his alley

This post has been edited by King Coin: May 3 2011, 04:02 PM

[SubRosa]

I then lifted the flaming brand against the night.
I see magic is good for more than just heating tea!

I see Buffy has finally gotten tired of beating around the bush, as she did was Luciana, and instead is just getting straight down to business with Nordinor instead (isn't Nordinor an odd name for a Bosmer? You would think it would be Woodinor, or Bosinor, instead). I see she does not trust him enough to just take his word either, but compared his version of events at the Star Wars Cantina to what Cosmus told her. Smart girl.

Nordinor however, does have some good advice, and seems to be a key ally in Buffy's hunt for the elusive scroll. Of course, he is looking at things from a purely for-profit angle. What if the possessor of the scroll has no desire to win money, but instead is acting purely from spite to discredit one of the contenders? Then anyone could be the target, and anyone the culprit.

"Buffy, have you ever been threatened by an orc with a warhammer?"
Indeed, she has faced those fast-moving buildings before!

The mer in black
There he is again! I bet he walks the line, and has ridden though a burning ring of fire too!

"Oh, that would be great!" I chirped.
This is so Buffy, her heart right out on her sleeve.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: May 3 2011, 05:28 PM

[Grits]

From 102 : Cosmus steals the show with his unexpected squeamishness! I love that Buffy sees the reality of Cosmus’ situation, but that doesn’t diminish her compassion for him. Instead, she offers him help that he needs, but that he can’t use against himself. It makes me think highly of her, as well as the folk who must have provided good examples while she was growing up. Aradroth’s quick draw and quiet words were chilling, even in the re-telling!

From 103 : Wow, only ten finalists! The pressure is on.

"I think so," I said, hoping my words would not betray that I was clueless.
Blondes everywhere thank you for keeping up appearances. Buffy is so charming!!

I lowered and raised my eyelashes once - slowly, like I had seen Luciana Galena do.
Whoa, I think that's at least a journeyman skill!

This tournament that you and SubRosa have brought to us is such a delight. Thank you so much for sharing it!

[Captain Hammer]

Huh, finally caught up. Don't know for how long though. Ah well. Illa Vita Est! ('That's Life' for all ye non-speakers of Latin.)

I'm loving Buffy's attempts at playing detective. Maybe, after she's done, she'll try to improve on her skills by training with Basil Rathbone look-a-likes.

These are some great installments showcasing a distinct "brains over brawn/violence/intimidation/well-placed-arrow-to-the-skull" approach. I'm enjoying it, as it's something I don't get to see in Elder Scrolls games often enough. I guess that's why the Stolen Chorrol Painting quests and Order of the Virtuous Blood quests are so fun for me. These types of events are reminders that Tamriel can be a very real place, with very real persons, when the writing is done right.

One nit:

Thank Nocturnal that Aradroth was with me.

There should be an opening quotation mark at the beginning ("Thank Nocturnal...) to signify the new speaker. Since you have it at the end, it's probably just a typo.

This post has been edited by Captain Hammer: May 3 2011, 06:19 PM

[Zalphon]

Bosmer...Shady little creatures. One moment they're on your side, the next they're eating their own brother.

[Winter Wolf]

This is so much fun! Trailing along behind Buffy and watching her crazy detective skills come to the fore.
As Rosa says, her heart is on her sleeve, and that is what makes the story come across so well!

The only reason he is competing is because someone," Nordinor wagged an accusing finger at me, "showed a newcomer-
Wonderful! From a Bosmer to a Bosmer about a Bosmer. This scene is worth a painting! Imperials may run the empire, but the wood elves have now taken over. Yippee!!

"Oh, that would be great!" I chirped.
The conversation has only going along for a matter of seconds and already Buffy has allowed herself to be sidetracked.
Her personality just shines through in your writing. Magnificent!

I lowered and raised my eyelashes once - slowly, like I had seen Luciana Galena do.
.......

I cannot wait to see Buffy catch up with the bookie. I can already see her trying to decipher the information and ending up more confused then she started!

[D.Foxy]

So Buffy the bowgirl is now a Dee Tactive, hey?

Me like. Me like very very much!!!!