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

[Acadian]

During Episode 103, Buffy discussed her concerns about the drain marksman scroll with Nordinor. The two elves agreed that monitoring betting on the tournament would offer their best chance to identify who intended to use the scroll. Nordinor instructed Buffy to return late the following evening after qualifications were complete and the field of ten finalists was set.

And so ends a very long day for the bowgirl. We are also just over halfway through the Tournament of Archers storyline. The following day will be the last of the three day qualification period, and precedes a single day of final competition that will decide the champion archer of Cyrodiil. Regarding the scroll caper, all suspects have been named. The final evidence will be presented and the culprit identified during Episode 108. Buffy still expects to be recalled to the University within a week or so to learn if the Council of Mages has approved her plea for assistance to Kvatch. The tournament storyline will end a few days after the final competition, as Buffy leaves Bravil.

ureniashtram- So wonderful to have you back with us! Oh, I hope Buffy finds out who the scroll culprit is in time! It'll be fun to see if you are right!

mALX- What a delightfully poignant song from the man in black. Buffy will have to ask Aradroth if he can sing; the bowgirl actually sings quite well. Thank you so much for enjoying Buffy as she naively stumbles along with her heart on her sleeve trying to 'fix' things.

King Coin- There is nothing honorable about Nordinor of course. Buffy tends to judge men and mer based on whether they are kind to her though, so she cannot bring herself to dislike the shady Bosmer. Fortunate in this case because I think you're right - he may be just the one to help solve the mystery.

SubRosa- Thank you! Buffy's nature and her history in Bravil allow her to move in many incompatible circles. Seems like it just might pay off here. You are so right about Buffy often wearing her heart on her sleeve; sometimes the words just pop right out! What a night! From amorous friendly orcs to amorous deadly ones, to a professional lesson on men from Luciana, to learning so much from dear Cosmus, to dealing with a skooma dealer/bookmaker in the middle of the night in a dark alley.

Grits- Thank you for agreeing with Buffy's treatment of Cosmus. Knowing that you are a blonde, it warms Buffy's heart to receive your endorsement that she tried to hide her cluelessness about the confusing mechanics of Nordinor's betting operation. Yes, Buffy is finally making a little progress with those eyelashes. I'm so pleased you are enjoying the tournament as we present it from the perspectives of both Buffy and Teresa. Working with the creative genius of SubRosa over the last year on this has been a pure joy.

Captain Hammer- Welcome back! Although Buffy has no hope of ever rivaling Jessica Fletcher, she is surely trying hard to solve that pesky mystery. Thanks also for the endorsement of Buffy recognizing that the non-violent approach is sometimes in her best interest. I also appreciate you catching that nit so I could fix it.

Zalphon- I know! Those sneaky little wood elves skulking around in the shadows. Just can't trust 'em.

Wolf- Thank you so much. From chirping about how great it would be for Daenlin and her to finish first and second, to trying to emulate Luciana's eyelash skills, to struggling to solve the scroll mystery out of love for Daenlin, to being clueless about betting, to getting so easily distracted. . . . Yup, that's Buffy! Aradroth gets to show his stuff on the range as he attempts qualification in a couple episodes. I expect Nordinor will consult with the mer in black about that vexing scroll as well.

Foxy- Thanks for the endorsement of Buffy's novice detective skills as she flounders about.

* * *

104 The Tournament of Archers, Part 20- Tea?

Cheerful streaks of sunshine began to pour over the eastern walls as I made my way across town. The streets were already filled with people and the tantalizing smells of vendors preparing their savory wares for the day.

I had already exercised Superian in the quiet predawn, been home and changed into a russet felt dress. I had hoped for more sleep, but a couple restore fatigue potions would have to suffice this morning - again. So much for a restful break.

My thoughts turned to the reason for my layover in Bravil. I hoped the wait would yield some help from the Council of Mages for the beleaguered force defending Kvatch. Counting off days on my fingers, I figured it should be less than a week before I got recalled to the University.

Soon enough, I arrived at my guildhall. The mages periodically got together for morning tea, and I tried to attend when I was in Bravil.

*

"So Henantier, it's good of you join us this morning." Delphine Jend topped off her tea cup. A sharply arched eyebrow betrayed her deceptively bubbly manner as she pointedly added, "Where have you been?"

From my seat at the dining table between Kud-Ei and Ardaline, I could see Henantier glance at Kud-Ei before he responded, "Well, let's just say I had a touch of trouble with a very delicate experiment. Our wonderful leader, with some help from the Fighters Guild, came to my rescue however."

"Fighters Guild?" chirped Aradline. She grinned then continued, "Henantier, did you conjure some rats that needed to be put to the blade?" Chuckles erupted around the table.

Before Henantier could respond, the soothing, but firm voice of Kud-Ei replied, "All right, girls, leave poor Henantier alone. Let us just say we needed help from someone unknown to our chapter, and the Fighters Guild commander was kind enough to offer one of his recruits to assist."

"Yes," resumed Henantier, "Teresa was a great help in finding everything that I had, er, misplaced."

"Teresa?" asked Ardaline. "The same Bosmer with fiery red hair that was in here selling potions?"

"The very one," said Kud-Ei over her the rim of her cup.

"Did she have a bow?" My question resulted in nods from Ardaline, Kud-Ei and Henantier. Reaching for a strawberry, I continued, "I saw her trying out for the tournament. Daenlin says she's quite a naturally skilled archer."

Delphine bounced to her feet. "More tea?" Her elegant blue gown swept around the table as she refilled cups. "Speaking of archers, it's wonderful to see you in town, Buffy, at least for a little while before you no doubt go flitting off again. How did your trip to Leyawiin go?"

"Thank you for asking," I replied. "Agata was a great help putting me together for that dinner party. She actually got my hair up into a stick twist, if you can believe it."

"Oh, I bet you looked beautiful," said Ardaline.

"Yes," added Delphine, "so how was that fancy dinne-" Delphine's hand flew to her mouth. "Oh, wait! That's not the one we read about in the Courier, is it?"

"The very one." After a giggle, I added, "Someone snuck in, cast a spell and 'poof'! All our clothes were gone. It was great fun actually."

"I would like to have seen that." Henantier's comment caused tinkles of laughter to dance around the table.

"Delphine," I said seriously, "I haven't forgotten about your friend, Maxical. I searched a Khajiiti village called Borderwatch to no avail. And none of the cat people I saw in Leyawiin had white fur. I'm sorry. I know you were concerned. Have you heard from her?"

The Breton's normally effervescent expression clouded, and she placed a finger aside her cheek pensively. "No, and I'm still quite worried about her." As if willing her somber thoughts away, she smiled and continued, "Knowing Maxical, I suppose it's a good thing she's not here. I'm sure she would try to enter your archery tournament."

"Oh? Is she skilled with a bow?" I said before popping a strawberry into my mouth.

Delphine almost sputtered her tea, and had a brief fit of both coughing and laughing before replying, "Oh my, no! She would have to stand with her tail downrange and aim for the city gate to accidently hit one of those archery targets. We'd all get rich charging to heal the spectators!" More laughter filled the room before Delphine added, "She's a little better at aiming spells, but not much."

"You're very quiet this morning, Aryarie," Kud-Ei blinked her orange eyes at the Altmer.

Aryarie licked her fingers. "While you all have been talking, I've been devouring these wonderful sweet rolls. Where did they come from?"

"Ah, I'm glad you noticed," replied Henantier with a sly grin. "I'll have you know I ran all the way to Skingrad before sunrise this morning to fetch these from Salmo the Baker!"

Aryarie winked at Henantier before she said, "Quite remarkable how they're still warm, my speedy friend."

Ardaline and I exchanged befuddled glances as we scratched our heads in unison. She then asked what I'm sure both of us were thinking, "Can I ask a dumb question?"

"Better than anyone I know, except perhaps Buffy," replied Delphine. In response to glares from Ardaline and I, the Breton's serious face erupted into a grin. She then protested, "It's a joke!"

Kud-Ei shook her head and calmly admonished, "Delphine, stop picking on your blond sisters." The Argonian then directed her gaze at Ardaline and I. "Girls, don't let Henantier tease you. The sweet rolls are indeed Salmo's, but come from the small vendor stand he has set up near the tournament grounds."

"Well, they're wonderful, regardless," said Aryarie with a sparkle in her eye as she reached for another of the pastries. Pausing between bites, she asked, "I know Carandial is off at Anutwyll doing more Ayleid research, but has anyone seen Ita this morning?"

"I saw her earlier in the basement recharging some weapons," chimed in Ardaline. After briefly sticking her tongue out at the Breton in blue velvet, she added, "Ita said she's not coming anywhere near Delphine's tea."

"Hmmph!" retored the bubbly Breton. "If she'd drink it instead of spill it on herself, it wouldn't eat holes in her blouse."

It was my turn to almost sputter tea.

Kud-Ei placed a hand on mine and said quietly, "Buffy, in my routine correspondence from the University, I got a note for you. Here."

"Thank you, Magister." I took the parchment and unsealed it.

Buffy,

The Council of Mages remains distracted by the same problem you uncovered at Wellspring. Be assured, Apprentice, the support you require will receive our attention shortly. Boderi tells me you can be reached in Bravil. I recommend you stay there, that I may contact you. I will send for you as the Council goes into session.

Warmest regards,
Raminus Polus
Headmaster, Arcane University
Steward, Council of Mages

Although distracted by thoughts ranging from the Council of Mages to that flaming gate at Kvatch, I managed to enjoy some more pleasant time with my guild mates. After morning tea, we moved to the next room, where Delphine gave us an excellent lecture on cooking with destruction magic.

This post has been edited by Acadian: May 10 2011, 12:18 PM

[ureniashtram]

The Bravil Mages in your Mundus is so . . . alive! No words can be put to how much I enjoyed that chapter! The banter they shared on that morning's tea time was, well. I'm embarrased to say this, but my mind kinda conjured a picture of a family, with the children picking on each other.

Whew! Nice chapter!

[ghastley]

I especially liked this line "If she'd drink it instead of spill it on herself, it wouldn't eat holes in her blouse." - it reminded me of England, and the "industrial" version of tea in so many workplaces there.

Nice to see Maxical get a mention, although I'm not sure she'd agree with that.

[Grits]

Oh my goodness, a late night and an early morning! Maybe anti-fatigue potions come in a latte cup.

I enjoyed the banter around the tea table at the mages guild. Delphine better think twice about teasing blonde alchemists, unless she keeps her shampoo under lock and key.

Delphine is now as firmly associated in my mind with caustic tea as Nerussa is with wine. And now Buffy has a name to put with the fiery red hair. This is more fun than a Leyawiin dinner party!!

[SubRosa]

Poor Buffy, her restful vacation has her staying up so late that she has to chug restore fatigue potions to stay awake! Good thing she is taking it easy and relaxing!

"Fighters Guild?" chirped Aradline. She grinned then continued, "Henantier, did you conjure some rats that needed to be put to the blade?"
What is it with the Fighters Guild and rats? Is it some sort of initiation or something?

So that girl with the fiery red hair has a name now! I wonder if we will be seeing more of her in the future...

And a white-furred Khajiit too! Thank goodness that she is not in the tournament, else half of Bravil would be pulling arrows out of their backsides!

A very wonderful little moment at the Mages Guild. You have noted the sense of camaraderie I have given the FG, here you give us the same with the MG. I love how you have used this little scene to show us Buffy's relationships with her fellow magisters. Even if she and Ardaline had a blond moment!

[haute ecole rider]

It seems I'm a little remiss in commenting.

Anyway, I just wanted to say how much I've enjoyed the last two chapters.

"The very one." After a giggle, I added, "Someone snuck in, cast a spell and 'poof'! All our clothes were gone. It was great fun actually."

"I would like to have seen that." Henantier's comment caused tinkles of laughter to dance around the table.

This one is a standout and strongly appeals to my sense of humor!

Aryarie licked her fingers. "While you all have been talking, I've been devouring these wonderful sweet rolls. Where did they come from?"

Be careful Aryarie, or you'll end up like Vigge the Cautious! Maybe it's a good thing Salmo's only there for the tourney and will soon be heading back to Skingrad!

[King Coin]

Well, Buffy's time in Bravil isn't all work, she had a lovely time with her guild mates!

[mALX]

ROFL !!! I loved this reference to Buffy's doing the Sanguine quest !!

"Yes," added Delphine, "so how was that fancy dinne-" Delphine's hand flew to her mouth. "Oh, wait! That's not the one we read about in the Courier, is it?"

"The very one." After a giggle, I added, "Someone snuck in, cast a spell and 'poof'! All our clothes were gone. It was great fun actually."

This was kind of a "Catch-up" chapter, reminders of where Buffy's tale had taken us in the past, reminding us where it will be headed in the future, and a brief reminder that the Tourney is still ongoing !!! I loved the looks back best of all, because each sentence brought the full chapters to memory.

And somehow Maxical and Teresa squeezed into the comaraderie around that breakfast table that you wove so well !! Awesome Write !!!

This post has been edited by mALX: May 7 2011, 04:18 AM

[RainbowVeins]

I just started reading the BF sometime last week, and I immediately became addicted. When I went to click the "next" button just now, I was surprised to find that I'd actually caught up. I haven't read 1.0 so this whole story has been fresh and exciting. Buffy is a joy to read and I eagerly await your future installments.

[Captain Hammer]

After morning tea, we moved to the next room, where Delphine gave us an excellent lecture on cooking with destruction magic.

The Basic Flare Spell. Capable of warming tea. Useful for starting a Legionary's cook fire. Functional as a signal flare. Great for dealing with "Eyes Only" material after having been read. Perfect for turning a frigid bath into luxuriant hot tub. And, with only a little investment in malice and/or willingness to send a message, capable of reminding folks why you don't F*ck with magic users stronger than you!

Now available from your Local Mages Guild with great introductory rates!

Sorry, but I had to comment on that. Every time somebody talks about the unrecognized mundane utility of various magical effects, I smile a little on the inside.

Great to see that the Mages Guild is trying to do something, even if the Council is taking its sweet time. Ah well, bureaucracy for you.

And now Henantier is back in the world of the alert and conscious. At least his experiments never seemed to get an entire town dragged into a jam. Not the worst that can be said for a rogue Altmer mage in Oblivion, by any measure.

[Acadian]

Episode 104 found Buffy enjoying morning tea with her guild on the final day of tournament qualification.

ureniashtram- Thank you for those kind words! The unspoken and presumptive familiarity of a family was absolutely what I was hoping to portray. In this case I envisioned the matriarch, Kud-Ei, presiding over her charges.

ghastley- Delphine's 'industrial tea'. Well, the Diva of Destruction knows our Maxical well, so I'm sure she speaks the truth.

Grits- Oooh! Are you sure you're a blonde? The idea about sabotaging Delphine's shampoo sounds almost Maxicalishly clever. . . . Thank you so much for enjoying the banter over tea.

SubRosa- Yes, another morning requiring restore fatigue potions. It was great fun to open the rumor mill around the table, from Fighters Guild rat problems to the mysterious assistance provided by Teresa to tales of Maxical's aiming prowess. The camaraderie was indeed assisted by the example set by your own delightful meals around the guild table. Although comfortable portraying a two way conversation, I confess to being intimidated by dialogue involving multiple speakers such as was required here. I'm glad I dove into it though, because I think it came out well and helped me improve that ability.

Rider- Thank you for enjoying Buffy's recollection about Countess Leyawiin's dinner party. I know! Too many sweet rolls leads to chubby mages! I wish you luck and inspiration as you and Julian continue to compose OHDH Ch 27 that will show us the challenges of Sancre Tor.

King Coin- Thank you. It was nice for her to change gears and spend part of the morning with her guild mates.

mALX- Yes, we reviewed lots of ground via recollection and rumor in this episode. As you say, a catch up that included reminders of Buffy's past, the ongoing tourney and even why she was in Bravil. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and humbly thank you for your kind words about how we presented it.

RainbowVeins- I'm delighted to have you with us! I assure you that we simply relish hearing from readers. Not only is 2.0 much bigger than 1.0, but I believe that Buffy and I have refined and improved our ability to tell her tale thanks to reading so many fine examples here and the kind support of friends.

Captain Hammer- Because Buffy is an archer/illusionist/healer, her ability with destruction magic is limited. Her focus toward that school is on the aspects that help her as a mystic archer - namely drain speed and weakness to poison. Unlike Delphine, Buffy's skill with the elements is limited to the helpful but mundane tasks you so eloquently listed. And yes, thanks to the mysterious efforts of Teresa, we finally have Henantier back!

* * *

105 The Tournament of Archers, Part 21- Sweet Roll?

After morning tea, I stepped from my guild to greet what had blossomed into a warm and beautiful day.

Screenshot

I had agreed to meet Daenlin at the tourney grounds to observe the last of the qualifications. As I wandered toward the city gate, the bustle of Bravil's temporary transformation was exciting, but I was quite missing my quiet town.

I frowned as Nilawen's shop came into view, reminding me of the troubling drain marksman scroll. At least for the moment, the mystery was in the hands of the bookmaker, Nordinor.

Glancing down one of the alleys between buildings, I noticed two women seated together on the ground. I knew one to be Aia the Wretched, a beggar. The other, with henna red hair and alabaster skin, now had a name - Teresa. I paused to watch, as they shared what appeared to be a simple lunch.

Aia did not have the addiction problems to wine or thievery that Cosmus did. Rather, something had apparently happened in her past - likely before I was born. She refused to wear shoes and, even more tragically, would not enter any building. Not surprisingly, she couldn't find a job and suffered from chronic illness. As she chatted with Teresa, I was pleased to see Aia clearly enjoying the wood elf's company.

It surprised me, however, to see a joyful sparkle in Teresa's emerald eyes and the warm smile that danced across the angular features of her face. She had impressed me as quite businesslike, almost somber, when I had seen her shoot for qualification. As our eyes met, I realized I was staring. I averted my gaze and, with a faint smile, continued to the city gate.

Once across the Larsius River, I greeted Gaius Prentus on duty at the bridge post. Staring at the tournament grounds arrayed before me, I marveled at the sights, sounds and smells. The sunshine highlighted an explosion of color from the sea of brightly striped tents, their flaps drawn back to display glittering treasures. Lute-strumming wandering minstrels sang unknown songs, the words drowned out by vendors hawking their wares.

Of the countless smells - most of them good - I detected cinnamon and allowed my nose to lead me through the maze of tents and vendors to Salmo the Baker's busy stand.

I noticed the elf in front of me, also waiting for pastries, carried a small unusual bow on her back. She had flaming red hair and wore a silver-gray dress that exposed the pale blue skin of her shoulders. It was gathered at her narrow waist by a black sash, then fell to mid-calf and was met by a pair of fine quality black leather boots. Curious, I touched her arm. "Excuse me, but I have never seen such a bow before."

She turned, revealing an attractive face and ruby eyes. "It's a called a chitin short bow, and is common in my homeland of Morrowind." With a smile, she extended her hand. "My name is Zerina Sarethi."

"I'm Buffy." As our hands met, I noted her fingers did not have the heavy bowstring calluses shared by Daenlin, Alawen and I. "Are you shooting in the tournament?"

"Yes, I'll be trying to qualify today, although I confess I'm much more comfortable with spells than bows." She tilted her head. "With a name as unusual as Buffy, I presume you're the archer that currently holds the number two position among the contestants?"

I could feel a flush of warmth rise above the neckline of my dress. "Yes, my archery master and I are both competing. Do you like Morrowind?"

"Yes, and I miss it," she replied. "My home is in a town called Gnisis in northwest Vvardenfell. Have you traveled there?"

"No, I'm afraid I've never left Cyrodiil."

Our conversation was interrupted as we found ourselves finally at the head of the queue for Salmo's. With a bag of fresh sweet rolls each, I said to Zerina, "It was nice talking with you, and I wish you luck in the tournament."

"I enjoyed meeting you as well," she said with a smile while looking at me pensively. As I began to turn away, she touched my wrist and added, "Were you serious about wishing to see Morrowind?"

"Oh yes!" I breathed. "I would love to visit there someday."

"Buffy, I know magic that could allow you a glimpse of my homeland. It would require me to place my hands upon your face and for you to clear your mind. Would you like to try?"

What Zerina proposed sounded much like the way Acadian projected images into my mind. I nodded. "I'd like that, Zerina."

She stood facing me and said, "Close your eyes and open your thoughts." After I did so, her warm hands touched my face. I could feel an unusual form of magicka begin to flow into my mind. Hauntingly beautiful sounds and images formed.

Video Clip - Two Minute Morrowind Tribute

As the experience faded, I opened my eyes to find myself back at the bustling tournament grounds. There were tears on Zerina's cheeks. I had felt how powerful the memories were for her during the short time our minds had touched.

Profoundly affected, I managed to stammer, "Your homeland is beautiful, Zerina. Thank you for letting me briefly share it through your eyes and ears."

Her bittersweet smile brightened a bit as she said, "Shoot well."

"You too," I replied as she walked away.

With a small bag of sweet rolls in my hand, and thoughts of Morrowind in my head, I made my way toward the reviewing stands. I forced myself to pass by numerous merchants selling beautiful things I was sure I needed, like jewelry and shoes.

Sidling up against Daenlin where I found him seated, I planted a brief kiss on his cheek.

"Well, look at you, in a dress! And no doubt with matching shoes." He lifted the hem of my skirt to reveal russet felt slippers.

"Of course, silly." Proudly holding up the still warm and fragrant bag of cinnamon pastries, I added, "Look what I got you, Master."

"Mmm, I can smell what's in there." Producing a similar bag, Daenlin proclaimed, "It seems we shall become a pair of chubby elves, my apprentice. I bought Salmo's sweet rolls for you as well."

"Oh, look," I pointed toward the firing line, "Aradroth is shooting." Although we had missed his first flight, a glance up at the scoreboard attested he was doing fine. As he reached for the first arrow of his rapid-fire flight, the judge turned her hourglass to commence the timing.

Half a minute later, Daenlin shook his head. "I wonder if that black cloak and unruly mop of hair in his eyes are what slowed him down. By the time he got each arrow nocked, he had to rush his shots. I hope he can compensate some during the final flight."

I looked around, wondering if Alawen had yet arrived. I couldn't see her, but the crowd was too large to know for sure. A nudge from Daenlin returned my focus to the targets in time to watch the assassin's final flight. Taking plenty of time to aim, he smoothly placed three arrows in a tight group near the center of his target. I nodded to the Bosmer beside me. "Clearly, long range shots with plenty of time are his forte." I didn't add that I recognized a fellow sniper when I saw one.

"Well, he did come back rather strongly," said Daenlin. "I imagine he'll qualify."

"Oh, I hope so," I replied, "especially after we pestered him to compete."

After watching several more shooters attempt qualification, Daenlin let us take a break to wander among the merchant tents.

We grew hungry, but decided to save our sweet rolls for later. Instead, we found ourselves standing beneath a sign that said 'South of the Border'. Judging from the pair of Khajiit that were cooking, I presumed the name referred to their homeland of Elsweyr. We bought a pair of very thin discs of corn and watched in amusement as one of the Khajiit piled on a grilled mixture of slaughterfish, mushrooms, capsicum and onion. This was then garnished with freshly shredded cabbage and cheese, diced tomato, then a liberal sprinkling of thick red sauce. The Khajiit then folded each in half for convenient eating, and presented them to us.

We walked down by the bay as we ate our messy but tasty meals. "That was delicious," said Daenlin as he licked his fingers.

"Hold still," I instructed. Slipping a linen handkerchief from the sleeve of my dress, I wiped the remains of Daenlin's meal from his face. "It was good, but my mouth's burning a little bit."

As we made our way back toward the reviewing stands, Daenlin bought a bottle of beer and handed it to me. I chilled it with a magical blue glow. The cold beer we then passed between us eased the burning in my mouth and made for the perfect finish to our exotic meal.

We found a spot near the firing line and sat down in time to see the Dunmer I had met at Salmo's arrive. She approached the judges to receive her briefing for qualification.

Daenlin remarked, "Don't see many chitin short bows in Cyrodiil. I expect she's from Morrowind."

"Indeed she is," I said with a nod. "Her name's Zerina and I met her in the queue at Salmo's."

As she stepped up to the firing line, Zerina raised a glowing fist and gracefully opened her fingers. From the lavender cloud that resulted, a skeleton appeared beside her. The summon willingly accepted a pair of small bags from the mage. I imagined they contained the fruits of her morning shopping.

I nudged Daenlin with an elbow. "I must see if I can teach my conjured helpers to do that."

Zerina's first three arrows blossomed near the center of her target. Like many of the contestants however, she then lost quite a few points during the rapid-fire portion of her attempt. Her final long range untimed flight, while not as accurate as Aradroth's, was quite respectable.

"She's more of a mage than an archer," I said to Daenlin. Holding up my bowstring fingers, I added, "I shook hands with her earlier, and she lacks the calluses of hard daily practice. I suspect her considerable marksman skill comes from decades of practical use that belie her youthful appearance."

This post has been edited by Acadian: Aug 7 2011, 09:33 PM

[mALX]

ZERINA !!!! Where is Rales? GAAAAH !!! Loved this chapter, you did a round-up of all the tourney characters in one chapter !!! AWESOME !!! Great Chapter !!

[King Coin]

That is a great screenshot!
Teresa! Aia must have been reminded her of Simplica.

I forced myself to pass by numerous merchants selling beautiful things I was sure I needed, like jewelry and shoes.

I liked this chapter quite a bit. I love meeting new characters!

[ghastley]

Wait, what's the Vulcan Mind Meld doing in the BF? Pointy ears is NOT sufficient justification!

We'll forgive the unobtainable chitin bow, though. Morrowind is at least just over the border.

[SubRosa]

From that first screenshot, I see that Buffy has been taking sultry lessons from the other women in the guild!

a joyful sparkle in Teresa's emerald eyes and the warm smile that danced across the angular features of her face.
Sparkling eyes and dancing smiles? Oh my!

I averted my gaze and, with a faint smile, continued to the city gate.
Now there is that faint smile!

Yay for Zerina! What is that, the fourth guest star in the BF TOA? I better add a few to the TF TOA to keep up! And of course everyone's favorite Mer in Black makes another appearance as well.

and for you to clear your mind.
Some might say that this is a natural state for certain blond women...

Plus a wonderful bit of visual storytelling! Both that, and Zerina's later skeletal manservant were excellent ways to show us that she is more magician than archer. Not to mention Buffy's notice of her lack of finger calluses from shooting.

I wouldn't be surprised if she uses that small bow more as a poison delivery device than a primary weapon.
Little does Buffy know that once you venture past the border into Morrowind, poison cannot be applied to weapons. So the gods have decreed it.

And I have been meaning to mention your new screenshot of the month. As lovely as it is, I must say that Teresa preferred the April Showers...

This post has been edited by SubRosa: May 10 2011, 12:43 AM

[Doommeister]

ahhhhhh noooooooo ive reached the current end of the story

ive just reread the story, and it is, as always riveting. keep up the good work acadian

[haute ecole rider]

Like SubRosa, I found that missing faint smile as well. It made me smile faintly as well.

And Zerina! This TOA is becoming quite the Academy Awards Show! It was wonderful to see this lovely lady who has been MIA from this forum for far too long. (Are you reading this Rales? Yes, that was a hint for you!)

And it was interesting to see Aradroth's shooting style was much like many others'. It seems only Buffy and Teresa are used to shooting rapid fire under pressure. Nothing like experience to polish one's skills, especially when survival is at stake!

Just a teeny nit:

The summon willing accepted a pair of small bags from the mage.

Didn't you mean willingly?

[Grits]

A Teresa sighting, how delightful. And a faint smile to go with it. Loved the tacos and beer! And how nice that Buffy and Daenlin can share one, instead of downing half of it in one gulp.

I nudged Daenlin with an elbow. "I must see if I can teach my conjured helpers to do that."

I have a vision of Buffy out shopping with a Daedroth trailing behind her, carrying a jeweler’s bag in two claws.

I’m certainly enjoying this warm and beautiful day in Bravil.

[Captain Hammer]

Hmm, two bags of sweetrolls? I highly doubt that even that could turn Buffy into a chubby Bosmer. I'd rather wager that the sugar would cause her to immediately run off and do something noteworthy, like, say, clear out a haunted manor in Anvil. Or possibly clear out an Ayleid ruin, looking for a bloody helmet.

Seeing our favorite cold-eyed, darkly fraternal sniper qualify was a treat. Aradroth reminds me of the type of guy that could spend his whole life waiting for that one perfect shot, and think it worth the time.

I gotta ask, do gloves/gauntlets offer sufficient protection to mitigate calluses on fingers without drastically reducing ability? I ask since I know they were widely used by companies of archers, but shooting into a mass of enemies and taking out a single target are vastly different activities.

[Thomas Kaira]

Chapter 103:

An interesting take on affairs from Nordinor. He sounds honest, and he does have every reason to be. Let's hope what he says is true.

Nit:

You shoot well when the time comes, and let me to 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.

The highlighted section seems kinda like it is trying to merge two phrases together into one, and it doesn't really work. Might work better as "and leave me to do what I do best" or "and let me do what I do best."

Chapter 104:

You just wait until Delphine gives up her recipe for Hot Tamales! Not even the legendary Ghost pepper can compare in terms of heat!

Glad Teresa is keeping herself busy. Nothing like a little trip through a nightmare to help one find their bearings, eh?

Oh, and don't worry about Maxical, just train your eyes and aim your feet towards the next massive explosion you see, and you are sure to find her.

Nit:

From my seat at the dining table between Kud-Ei and Ardaline, I could see Henantier glance at Kud-E before he responded,

I believe your "I" at the end of Kud-Ei here has pulled a J'Skar on you!

Chapter 105:

We grew hungry, but decided to save our sweet rolls for later. Instead, we found ourselves standing beneath a sign that said 'South of the Border'. Judging from the pair of Khajiit that were cooking, I presumed the name referred to their homeland of Elsweyr. We bought a pair of very thin discs of corn and watched in amusement as one of the Khajiit piled on a grilled mixture of slaughterfish, mushrooms, capsicum and onion. This was then garnished with freshly shredded cabbage and cheese, diced tomato, then a liberal sprinkling of thick red sauce. The Khajiit then folded each in half for convenient eating, and presented them to us.

¡Arriba!

By the way, Buffy, don't soothe chili-burn with liquid, that actually makes it worse before it makes it better. Attack it with bland, like plain rice or unseasoned bread. That way, the bland food absorbs the heat and removes it from the mouth a lot faster.