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

[Acadian]

During Episode 105, Buffy and Daenlin watched some more competitors, including Aradroth, try their hand during the final day of tournament qualifications. After a brief lunch break, the two Bosmer returned to the reviewing stands to see a mage from Morrowind named Zerina attempt qualification.

mALX- Thank you, mALX! As many here know, Zerina is a character from the fanfic of Remko. The tournament takes place well into the future of Remko's fanfic, and Rales (Zerina's mate) did not make this trip. We do deliver the spoiler (via her last name) that in their future Zerina and Rales are married.

King Coin- We would have to ask Teresa to know for sure but, like you, I see some similarities between Aia and Simplicia. Thanks for the kind words, and I'm glad you liked Buffy's 'Now, what have I forgotten?' screenshot.

ghastley- Thank you. Anything is possible in TES! It was great fun to touch lightly on Morrowind.

SubRosa- It was such fun to reverse things and show the big smile on Teresa and the faint one on Buffy for a change! Hmm, let's see: Aradroth, Angel, Sarrah, Teresa, Maxical, Zerina. . . yes, lots of guest stars/mentions!

I thought about the news that poison doesn't work on weapons in Morrowind. Since my purpose here was a tribute to both Zerina and Morrowind, I decided to eliminate reference to Zerina buying poison ingredients and speculation that she might poison her bow. It was an effort to reinforce her 'mage' credentials, but I believe her Vulcan Dunmer mind meld and summoning a skeleton to hold her shopping will do the trick. Thanks for pointing it out!

Doommeister- So wonderful to hear from you again! I appreciate your kind words!

Rider- I'm so glad that Buffy briefly borrowing Teresa's trademark brought your own faint smile! Yes, let's hope Remko will bring Rales and Zerina back to us. Thanks for the nit so I could fix it.

I think Buffy and Teresa's skill with rapid fire is a product of their tendency to over rely on their bows instead of reaching for a blade like Aradroth might do. Buffy has been shooting longer and had a great teacher, but Teresa is amazing. Both elves have learned to shoot quickly under pressure to survive, but Teresa has more natural talent when it comes to rapid fire. The way Teresa's mind works simply allows a mystical connection between arrow and target that comes naturally to her. Buffy, like Aradroth, is more of a sniper who has to think her actions through. In this next episode, we will see an archer who possesses astonishing speed, refined through decades of experience.

Grits- Thank you so much for enjoying Buffy and Daenlin's fish tacos and beer! I'm so glad you are enjoying this lovely final day of qualifications.

Captain Hammer- Thank you, and I'm glad you enjoyed seeing Aradroth again. Yes, it seems he is likely the patient sniper type. Regarding gloves/gauntlets, I don't know. Buffy wears either no gloves or fingerless ones so that her bare fingers can feel the subtle differences at the tails between her broadhead and armor-piercing arrows when reaching into her quiver. She tells me further that her silk bowstrings, which resist moisture and stretching, are also harder on her fingers than linen or flax strings. So. . . she has quite the calluses.

TK- Thanks for the nits - fixed. Despite his unsavory profession, Buffy finds herself having to rely on Nordinor and hoping he can come through. It was fun touching on Teresa's nightmare with Henantier from a 'rumor' perspective and to gossip about Maxical's aiming challenges. Fortunately for Buffy, the chili-burn was extremely mild, so sharing a cold beer with Daenlin did the trick. Had it been more severe, she probably would have filled her hand with white magic and touched a finger to her tongue. Ain't TES wonderful!

* * *

106 The Tournament of Archers, Part 22- The Ranger of Anvil

"I wonder who that is?" said Daenlin as he extended a finger toward the leather-clad Bosmer who had approached, but stopped short of, the judging station.

"That's Alawen," I replied, "the ranger for County Anvil. I met her a couple days ago and we've become friends." Daenlin and I were seated perhaps twenty paces from the judges, but I could clearly see Alawen's discomfort among so many humans, mer and tailed folk. I patted Daenlin on the knee. "She's frightened. I'll be right back."

As Alawen noted my approach, I could see that the ranger's normally calm and competent manner was gone. It had yielded to the uncertain little girl that I knew emerged when she felt out of place or self-conscious.

"I have never seen such crowds in my life." Her eyes darted, almost wildly, around the sea of faces as if seeking escape. "This was a bad idea. I do not know what I was thinking to even come here. Buffy, I-I cannot do this. I hope Countess Millona will understand." She started to turn in the direction of the stables.

I grabbed her arm. "Ranger, you belong here. I'll be right here with you, just like when I followed you aboard the Emma May to free Grantham Blakely and you saved my life. Remember how I backed you up as you bravely cleared Black Dog Camp? We did those things together and we can do this too."

"It's getting late in the day, Bosmer," said Sinia, one of the judges. "Do you wish to attempt qualification?"

As Alawen stared at me, I could see uncertainty swirling in her eyes. "We can do this," I repeated, nodding for emphasis.

I was relieved to see the transformation that I had come to know occur once again. The ranger replaced the little girl in Alawen's eyes, then she turned to the judge. "My name is Alawen, Ranger of Anvil. I wish to enter your tournament."

"Best of luck to you then, Alawen," replied the Redguard with a smile. "Let's get you signed in and your entry fee collected, then I'll brief you on the rules for qualification." Sinia then turned to me. "Sorry, no coaching in the shooting area. Please return to the stands."

I nodded at the judge then said to Alawen, "Once I get back to my seat, I won't take my eyes off you, ranger. Shoot well." I quickly returned to my spot beside Daenlin. Only when I smiled and waved at Alawen did she shift her eyes from me to the judge.

"Your friend has cold feet?" asked Daenlin.

"Yes, Master. She's used to living and hunting alone. I think she'll do fine now."

With the formalities behind her, Alawen stepped up to the firing line. After a glance back at me, she nocked an arrow and drew her bowstring.

"THIEF!" As the shout erupted from behind me, Alawen flinched. The pickpocket trying to escape was quickly subdued by a nearby guard, but the damage was done. Alawen's first arrow was lodged at the very outer edge of her target, costing five points from an easy shot. Worse, as she sought my eyes with hers, I could see the nervous bewilderment and confusion that had infiltrated her confidence. I was on my feet. After pointing my finger rapidly between myself and her several times, I mimicked the action of shooting a bow.

Relieved to see her give me a tentative smile, I mouthed the words, "You and me!" then sat down again.

After nocking her second arrow, she smoothly and quickly pierced the target's center. Her third arrow sprouted closely enough to her second that they were touching.

"She needed those bull's eyes," said Daenlin. "Is your friend normally that skittish?"

"Not at all, Daenlin. She's steady as an oak in the forest. Like I said, she just has trouble being around crowds."

I remembered being amazed, aboard the Emma May, at the rate of fire Alawen was capable of. I eagerly watched as her hand went for the first arrow of her rapid-fire flight and Sinia turned the hourglass.

The crowd went almost silent when, before half her time limit was up, the ranger had placed three arrows side-by-side in the center of her target.

I elbowed Daenlin. "See? I told you she was good."

"She's beautiful to watch," he replied. "She shoots like I taught you to, my apprentice."

"Only a lot faster," I said, beginning to feel more than a little nervous.

The crowd remained eerily quiet as Alawen studied her long range target. I could see the Bosmer's gaze travel across the treetops to assess the wind, then finally come to rest upon me.

I smiled and nodded proudly at her. I knew that after dropping five points on her first shot she couldn't beat my master's qualification score.

During the seconds that Daenlin or I would have required to carefully aim and calculate offsets, Alawen's first long-range arrow was nocked, drawn, released and buried in the dead center of her target. The crowd erupted in appreciative applause, as did Daenlin and I.

The Ranger's second shot of this final flight was solidly in the nine ring. Her final arrow for qualification blossomed beside her first in the bull's eye.

As the crowd again erupted, I surveyed the sea of faces. I noticed a fiery red mane in the reviewing stands and my eyes fell upon Teresa, who was seated next to Aia. When the wood elf's eyes met mine, I smiled and raised a hand to her. She looked around for a moment, then I was rewarded by a shy smile as she returned my wave. I could see now why her guild had entered her in the tourney as 'Teresa, of the Faint Smile'.

A gentle elbow in my ribs accompanied Daenlin's words, "Come on, I must meet this ranger of yours."

Daenlin and I intercepted Alawen halfway between our seats and the firing line. I expected her to be beaming with pride but, with the shooting done, she was once again nervously eyeing the crowd. "You did wonderfully!" I said. "Alawen, this is my archery master, Daenlin."

The two Bosmer shook hands as I cautioned myself to respect Alawen's wishes. That she was possibly Daenlin's daughter was a bittersweet secret shared only by the ghost of Diana and I.

"That was some incredible shooting," said Daenlin. "I take it this is your first tourney?"

"I have never shot for competition before," replied Alawen. "I am humbled to meet the current champion."

"Well, you were magnificent!" Daenlin said. "With no distracting pickpockets to spoil your first shot tomorrow, you will be formidable competition and a joy to watch shoot. We may get a couple more archers attempting to qualify today, but I think the field of finalists is almost set. Excuse me, I want to thank the officials for the great job they're doing."

As Daenlin approached the judges, I heard one of them cheerfully say, "Hail, champion."

With a moist-eyed smile, my eyes moved from Daenlin back to Alawen. "I knew you could do it, my ranger."

"I could not have shot so well without you, my scout," she replied. "Your heart is as true as your bow. I am very sorry to be so much trouble. I told you what a problem I have being around large numbers of others."

I took her hand. "It takes a lot of courage to face your fears and I'm proud of you. We'll both shoot well in the final competition tomorrow and I'll be right here for you again."

"Thank you, Buffy. Tomorrow then." She turned toward the stables then disappeared into the crowd.

I joined Daenlin and, as he finished chatting with the judges, pulled the badly needed comfort of his arm around my shoulders. We returned to the seating area where I continued to lean against him.

"You're particularly clingy all of a sudden, Buffy," he said gently. "Is something the matter?"

"I'm just feeling very lucky that you treat me as if I were your daughter. I love you, Daenlin."

The old elf looked at me curiously, then tenderly tapped a finger to my nose. "You are indeed the daughter I never had, and I am the lucky one."

This post has been edited by Acadian: May 12 2011, 01:06 PM

[TrisRed]

This was such a beautiful chapter; the friendship between Buffy and Alawen is truly amazing.

I felt just as tense as Buffy during Alawen's go at the board, and that guard distracting poor Alawen with his shouting! disgraceful ;P

I loved this:

Relieved to see her give me a tentative smile, I mouthed the words, "You and me!" then sat down again.
Again, shows the beauty in their relationship.

The old elf looked at me curiously, then tenderly tapped a finger to my nose. "You are indeed the daughter I never had, and I am the lucky one."
:')

Also it was nice to see Teresa again!

Love it!

[ghastley]

Interesting developments. We now have enough contenders that a single Drain Marksman scroll can't guarantee a winner, so it would only be useful to someone who wants a specific loser.

Buffy's making Daenlin think too much, especially in an Alawen context. He'll start adding things up soon, if she's not more careful.

[King Coin]

I'm going to steal this line:

This was such a beautiful chapter; the friendship between Buffy and Alawen is truly amazing.

I agree 100% They've only just met and Buffy knows all the right things to do and say to pull her together.

I can only imagine how Alawen felt while shooting. She normally is alone and suddenly she has the attention of hundreds of people focused solely on her!

This chapter was absolutely great!

[haute ecole rider]

I was struck by the similarities between Alawen and Teresa. Both are self-conscious when they are the center of attention. Both have the capability to overcome it.

But they were also different. Teresa is more at ease in crowds - she knows she can melt into the throng and disappear (though not so easily anymore with that dyed hair!). And Alawen doesn't have that skill, but once she's out in the open, I've no doubt she'll disappear like a Marine sniper into the tall grass and rocks.

Yet again Buffy shows her true kindness towards her friends. This scene made me smile more than faintly:

Worse, as she sought my eyes with hers, I could see the nervous bewilderment and confusion that had infiltrated her confidence. I was on my feet. After pointing my finger rapidly between myself and her several times, I mimicked the action of shooting a bow.

Relieved to see her give me a tentative smile, I mouthed the words, "You and me!" then sat down again.

I could just see Buffy's emphatic gestures that fortified Alawen's courage in utter silence.

[SubRosa]

That is our Alawen, as sweet and shy as ever! She is lucky to have found a companion like Buffy, whom she can draw inspiration from. Just her luck that a zealous Guardsman would shout as he pursued his quarry in the stands. That would have spoiled anyone's shot.

"Your friend has cold feet?" asked Daenlin.
"Yes, Master. She will join us or Die!"
Oh wait, this is not Star Wars...

I smiled and nodded proudly at her. I knew that after dropping five points on her first shot she couldn't beat my master's qualification score.
I hightlight this because it puts the spotlight on two disparate emotions in Bravilian Bowgirl. One one hand she is proud of her friend's ability and wants her to do well. But on the other hand, she wants her mentor to win. With Alawen's skill, those two desires may prove to be very incompatible.

I could see now why her guild had entered her in the tourney as 'Teresa, of the Faint Smile'.
And perhaps the red head will see why soon enough as well.

I expected her to be beaming with pride but, with the shooting done, she was once again nervously eyeing the crowd.
It is a good thing Fathis Aren is busy with another Wood Nymph. Can you imagine Alawen trying to fend of the amorous advances of a persistent Court Mage?

And finally, a little amour of a more platonic nature between Buffy and her foster father. One of the things I love most about the BF TOA is that it is allowing you to dive deeper into Buffy's relationship with Daenlin. Alawen has a made a wonderful catalyst for this, as the circumstances of her birth cause Buffy to examine her own relationship with Daenlin, and draw strength from it.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: May 12 2011, 09:58 PM

[Thomas Kaira]

You have discovered a great character in Alawen. I really do feel sorry for her that that bothersome pickpocket chose to ruin her shoot. Make sure he gets a double sentence for that, guard!

"You are indeed the daughter I never had, and I am the lucky one."

It is incredibly saddening that he can never know that the young ranger he just conversed with is the actual daughter he almost never had. I would want to tell him so badly, but at the same time, know that to do so would be utterly destructive to everyone involved... I don't know how Buffy can cope. Nothing should ever force the separation of father from daughter, but the world is a cruel, cruel place sometimes.

[Ceidwad]

This tournament continues to serve you well as a way of developing some obscure characters from Oblivion, as Alawen's stage fright gets the better of her initially. Also, how interesting to see Buffy take on the pastoral role, guiding her friend Alawen in this unfamiliar arena.

With a moist-eyed smile, my eyes moved from Daenlin back to Alawen. "I knew you could do it, my ranger."

"I could not have shot so well without you, my scout," she replied. "Your heart is as true as your bow. I am very sorry to be so much trouble. I told you what a problem I have being around large numbers of others."

I took her hand. "It takes a lot of courage to face your fears and I'm proud of you. We'll both shoot well in the final competition tomorrow and I'll be right here for you again."

In this exchange I feel the sisterly bond really comes across well. In the words of mALX, AWESOME WRITE !!!!

[Grits]

"That's Alawen," I replied, "the ranger for County Anvil. I met her a couple days ago and we've become friends." Daenlin and I were seated perhaps twenty paces from the judges, but I could clearly see Alawen's discomfort among so many humans, mer and tailed folk. I patted Daenlin on the knee. "She's frightened. I'll be right back."

You set the scene seamlessly in the middle of dialog complete with a little gesture that brings it all to life. There is much to admire here.

After the guard startles Alawen, I could just see Buffy leaping to her feet in front of thousands of people concerned only about Alawen, while Alawen gave her small, mortified looks completely aware of the crowd. So fitting for what we’ve learned of both of them!

"She's beautiful to watch," he replied. "She shoots like I taught you to, my apprentice."

Uh oh.

The smile and wave between Teresa and Buffy warmed my heart! What a beautiful display of Buffy with friends.

[Zalphon]

"She has cold feet." That line is great, because it's realistic and simple.

[mALX]

Have to agree with King Coin, I absolutely love this chapter. It is so sad to see the love Daenlin has to give a daughter and know that his own stands so near and won't ever know that love. I find myself rooting for Alawen to win this tourney - not just because with her skill she should, but for the bloodlines of the Champion Daenlin running in her to show through. Kind of a perfect way to honor her, and her father at the same time (which only Buffy would realize).

Your portrayal of Teresa's shyness was perfectly described, I could picture her doing just as you described.

One of the things I love most about the BF TOA is that it is allowing you to dive deeper into Buffy's relationship with Daenlin. Alawen has a made a wonderful catalyst for this, as the circumstances of her birth cause Buffy to examine her own relationship with Daenlin, and draw strength from it.

I have to agree with SubRosa here, the ending scene with Buffy and Daenlin was touching, and displays Buffy's inner turmoil over the knowledge she has to keep to herself.

Great Chapter, great addition to the TOA !! Awesome Write !!!!

[Acadian]

In Episode 106, Alawen shot for qualification. It became clear that Buffy was the key that helped the ranger manage her fear of crowds and shoot effectively - very effectively.

Rihanae- Thank you very much! I think because their friendship was forged under fire, Buffy and Alawen have quickly grown close. For having a dark and vengeful side, Buffy can be stunningly nurturing to those she holds dear.

ghastley- I think you're right in that the outcome of the tournament just got quite a bit more complex. Hopefully, Nordinor can help Buffy solve that vexing scroll mystery before the end of this last day of qualifications.

King Coin- Thank you. Although Buffy does not share Alawen's fear of civilization, she seems to understand it and how the confident ranger can melt into an uncertain child. And yes, somehow she does seem to know the right words and actions to soothe her friend.

Rider- Thank you for pointing out some similarities between Alawen and Teresa. It seems they both also share an impressive ability to shoot quickly and are both very much 'foresters'. I'm so glad Buffy's empathy toward Alawen came through so clearly, even as we see hints of concern by Buffy regarding Alawen's skill.

SubRosa- Thank you for drawing attention to the emotional conflict Buffy is setting herself up for as she now fully realizes the degree of skill that Alawen possesses and the threat her friend poses to her master's title. You can see, in her uncertainty, how clingy Buffy became with Daenlin which, as you say, draws out more of the relationship between the elf and her godfather.

TK- Thank you for enjoying Alawen and the bittersweetness of the secret Buffy is holding. She would like to think that Daenlin is Alawen's father, but she does realize that the ranger's father could also be Reman Broder (an Imperial) or even possibly some other unknown man or mer in Diana's life. The way half-breeding works in BF, the race of Alawen's father is inconclusive without more evaluation. Buffy sees some 'Imperial-like' charismatic leadership in Alawen, at least away from civilization. She is uncertain whether the ranger's ability with animals comes from pure Bosmeri breeding or her 'mark of the lion'. Buffy does not know if Alawen is naturally skilled as a merchant, has resistance to disease or other things that could perhaps provide paternal clues.

Ceidwad - Thank you for noting the bond between Buffy and Alawen. From what I have seen, Buffy seems to have a strong sisterly bond with Ardaline, Mazoga and now Alawen. Alawen is older, but the 'little girl' is strong in her. The other important women in Buffy's life seem to fill more of a motherly role.

Grits- Thank you for those kind words on how we used dialogue and supporting gestures. Judging from your own skill in this area, that is high praise indeed. I'm so grateful that SubRosa has allowed me to present glimpses of Teresa; she adds much to the tournament with her archery skill, wealth of TF lore, kindness and faint smile.

Zalphon- Thanks for highlighting Alawen's nervousness among crowds.

mALX- Yes, Buffy will resist her nurturing/meddling instincts and respect Alawen's wishes to not pursue the ranger's paternity. Thank you for enjoying the poignancy of the odd quadrangle that is Diana, Alawen, Daenlin and Buffy. It was at this point in crafting the tournament that I realized who actually wins the match is not the big story here. I am confident that the best Bosmer will win, but I expect Buffy will learn much as things unfold.

* * *

107 The Tournament of Archers, Part 23- What Else Can Go Wrong?

The westering sun was flirting with treetops as several judges began loudly announcing last call for tournament qualification. Honditar stepped up with his entry fee. Recalling the insight Luciana Galena had shared with me about the self-proclaimed mountain man, I said to Daenlin, "This should be fun."

The old Bosmer seated beside me chuckled. "I know his game."

The high and mighty elf did indeed turn out to be more talk than action. Although Honditar placed all nine of his arrows into the targets, his score was not even close to matching what would be required to earn a spot among the top ten qualifiers.

"He's had his fun," said Daenlin, "along with plenty of boasting, some laughs and probably a few gullible ladies. Tonight, I'm sure he'll change the targets of his tall stories to those who don't follow the actual tourney standings at all." After another chuckle, he added, "Caution the young women over at your guild to pay him no mind."

"He must have known he couldn't deliver after all that bragging," I said, scratching my head. "Why do you suppose he even made the attempt?"

Daenlin replied with a wink, "I'm sure by the time he gets home to Chorrol, the tale will start with, "Did I tell you I shot in the archery tournament?"

A trumpet sounded the end of qualifications for the tournament.

"You're still in first place, Master," I said proudly.

Daenlin pointed to a flurry of activity around the scoreboard. It was being stripped of the qualification scores and prepared for the following day's final competition. "The judges were telling me about the scoreboard," he said. "Those clever little pegs and plaques allow for quickly updating the finalists' scores tomorrow. It will be at least an hour before they get it all set up though. If I know Nordinor, he already has the qualification standings displayed and is open for betting." He then stood and offered me his arm. "Let's go."

The city gate stood open at the end of the bridge to facilitate an almost continuous flow of foot traffic in and out of the city. Daenlin and I soon joined a crowd of men, most of them with heavy-looking coin purses, as they gathered around a parchment posted outside The Fair Deal. Sure enough, the ten contestants that would advance to the final day of competition were listed. In addition to Daenlin, myself and Alawen, I noted that Riveus the Imperial Forester and Teresa from the Fighters Guild rounded out the top five positions. I was not surprised to see that Lum gro-Baroth was among the finalists, but his brother Kurz was not. The remaining names included Parwen the busty goblin hunter, Aradroth my heroic assassin, Zerina the mage with a bow, and Schlera the fashion disaster of Pells Gate.

"It looks like a fine group of archers," said Daenlin. "I'm going home to open The Archer's Paradox for a few hours this evening. Some of the contestants may need new bowstrings or other last minute supplies before the big day."

"Is Jean-Pierre Lemonds coming over to open and run the shop tomorrow?" I asked.

"Yes," replied Daenlin, "aside from you and I, he's the only one I'm comfortable with managing the shop when I can't be there. I had the store closed part of today, but I want it open all day tomorrow."

"I hope you gets lots of business," I said. "I'm going to pop in here and say hi to Nilawen."

"I'll collect you around dawn, then?" he asked.

I shook my head. "I'll ride Superian early, then meet you at the firing line shortly after sunrise."

Daenlin wagged a finger. "No Tamika's for you tonight and get plenty of rest."

"Yes, Master," I replied as the old elf turned and headed off along the crowded street.

I was too small to shoulder my way among the gathered men outside Nilawen's shop, but as long as I didn't mind getting jostled, brushed against and even fondled a little, I was pretty good at worming my through crowds. Managing to keep most of my dignity intact, I made my way into The Fair Deal.

It was almost as crowded inside the general store. Nilawen was quickly serving customers - mostly beer and ale it seemed. She spared me but a glance and the trace of a harried smile, as bottles and coins quickly slid across her counter.

The walls of her shop were covered with bits of parchment bearing numbers and charts that I couldn't begin to understand. At the center of activity was Nordinor, seated behind a small table. He was talking nonstop and rapidly exchanging small pieces of parchment for gold.

Most of the loud proclamations I heard from the men gathered around Nordinor made little sense to me:

"Gimme the Bosmer field for a hundred."

"Pshaw, that's a lady's bet! Put my fifty across the Fighters Guild."

"I want forty on that skinny red head with the Fighter's Guild to show."

"Well, I ain't bettin' on no damn elves. Here's twenty on Riveus."

"Hey, watch the elf talk! Buffy's right here. Put my forty on her to place. She's gettin' almost as good as Daenlin."

"Who's that jumpy elf in leather that shot near the end? She was good once she settled down. I want fifty on her."

"Yer all stupid. My gold's on Daenlin. Stick with a winner, I say. Here's two hundred."

Slouched in a chair propped against the wall was Aradroth, calmly nursing an ale and looking bored.

I could see that trying to talk with Nordinor would be futile, so I squeezed my way around the edge of the shop until I could whisper to Aradroth, "Did Nordinor tell you about my scroll problem?"

The assassin barely nodded and quietly replied, "Too early, the betting has just started. Go have a walkabout and come back later."

I frowned then retreated through the gauntlet of men toward the door. Calm down, Buffy. It's only a silly tournament and you're doing the best you can to find that scroll.

Once outside, my feet slowly carried me along the street and deeper into the city toward the river that split Bravil. I had been jostled and fondled by sweating men while trying to get into and out of The Fair Deal. Here it was, the evening before final competition and there was still a drain marksman scroll loose, probably poised to sabotage the tourney. After seeing Alawen qualify, however, did any of that even matter?

Why had I encouraged her? I could have sat on my hands and let her leave the tournament grounds, or simply allowed the ranger's nervousness to spray her arrows all around the target. My master had dedicated himself to training me for almost my entire life. Is this how I repaid him? I could see now that Alawen was every bit the archer that Daenlin was, perhaps. . . no. I dared not even think it. No one could beat my master.

The ranger had saved my life though. I knew she didn't have very many friends, yet she counted me among them. If I treated her coolly tomorrow, I knew her child would emerge and she would be unable to beat Daenlin. The dark thoughts I harbored spawned waves of guilt and shame. Oh, why was everything so complicated?

I heaved a sigh. What else could possibly go wrong today?

Suddenly, I was overtaken by a Bravil guard commanding those around me, "Stand aside, citizens."

I stepped to the edge of the road, near the bridge leading to the castle, and looked back toward the city gate. The reason for clearing the way soon became apparent as an official-looking entourage came into view. I could see the green silks of Countess Alessia Caro as she approached with her towering Altmeri advisor. She was escorted by a pair of Bravil guards and two of her own swordsmen who wore the white stallion surcoats of Leyawiin.

As she approached the castle bridge, Countess Caro's eyes met mine. "Dame Buffy?"

Grasping the sides of my simple russet skirt between thumbs and forefingers, I curtsied and replied, "What a delightful surprise to see her Ladyship in Bravil."

The Countess' raised hand, which had halted the small party, motioned me closer. "I arranged the timing of my return trip from visiting Mother in Chorrol, to avail myself of Count Terentius' hospitality and enjoy the archery tournament. I am led to believe that you forest elves are rather good at that sort of thing."

"Thank you, Milady."

"Tell me, dear, how goes your quest to help Kvatch?"

"Slower than I would like, but things are progressing." I cursed the flush of embarrassment that I felt rising above my neckline. This foul woman had struck a nerve. I knew I should be using my skills to slay Daedra for Savlian Matius, not shooting in a tournament for the entertainment of others. "I am currently awaiting a decision regarding assistance for Kvatch from the Council of Mages."

"That sounds just fine, dear." She took a moment to look around. "Despite the laziness and poverty here, at least Count Terentius seems to have only a few tail draggers and tuskers littering his streets. If only we were so fortunate in my own husband's darling little city in a swamp." She rolled her eyes and sighed. "Well, I hope at least the sheets are of silk and the bath water is hot here. Buffy, you have no idea the hardships I must endure." She wagged a hand limply at her bodyguards to move on.

I stepped back and curtsied again. "Enjoy your stay in our fair city, Milady."

Alessia Cara had already turned her attention to her advisor as the group proceeded onto the bridge and toward the castle. "Now Hlidara, once my bath is prepared, I want you to ensure that Regulus has Surilie three ninety nine in his cellar; if not, I expect you to send someone out to that tent we saw on our way into the city to buy some. And for dinner, you may instruct the Count's staff that. . . ." Thankfully, distance faded her words as the group continued across the bridge.

This post has been edited by Acadian: May 15 2011, 07:23 PM

[haute ecole rider]

I'm with Buffy. All that betting talk's mostly over my head.

But I enjoyed the scene in Nilawen's coming on the heels of Honditar's - umm - humiliation on the shooting range. Somehow I get the impression it's not going to keep him down long.

And Aradroth's a canny one. "Too early to tell. Go on walkabout. We'll talk later." Sound advice from a mer with nerves of titanium.

Now Buffy's full of quandaries! Who to support? It's all right to support someone as long as they don't threaten her master's/godfather's chance at securing yet another championship? Obviously it has not occurred to her that Daenlin might be getting tired of winning all the time. I know I would be! If you're the best that's out there, what's left to do?

And the encounter with Countess Caro at the end! What a wonderful way to highlight her condescending manner! Wonder if she'll be as condescending toward the Champion of Cyrodiil? Hmm --

[Ceidwad]

Lots of goodies here!

First up, Honditar. Seems that he can add womanising to lying, bragging and boasting on his list of petty vices. I enjoyed Daenlin's command to

"Caution the young women over at your guild to pay him no mind."

In particular, I could imagine Hondi-baby trying out his roguish charms on the sweet, innocent Ardaline.

Daenlin comes across as ever-vigilant in his fatherly duties towards Buffy again here:

Daenlin wagged a finger. "No Tamika's for you tonight and get plenty of rest."

I also loved the gambler-talk near the end, especially this one:

"Well,I ain't bettin' on no damn elves. Here's twenty on Riveus."

Damn right, I say. Long live the Empire! Though I suspect this fellow's patriotism might make him worse off by tomorrow!

And then of course, we have the cameo of everyone's least favourite snob, Her Ignorance Lady Leyawiin. Two nice touches in particular here:

"I am led to believe that you forest elves are rather good at that sort of thing (archery)."

Well, as if the crude stereotype weren't enough, she can't even get the name right! It's Wood Elves or 'Bosmer', Your Haughtiness! Nice touch.

Alessia Caro had already turned her attention to her advisor as the group proceeded onto the bridge and toward the castle. "Now Hlidara, once my bath is prepared, I want you to ensure that Regulus has Surilie three ninety nine in his cellar; if not, I expect you to send someone out to that tent we saw on our way into the city to buy some. And for dinner, you may instruct the Count's staff that. . . ." Thankfully, distance faded her words as the group continued across the bridge.

Such demands! I think she and Gwen should face off to decide the title of Cyrodiil's most entitled resident!

Also some other things I liked:

If I treated her coolly tomorrow, I knew her child would emerge and she would be unable to beat Daenlin.

Stay away from the Dark Side, Buffy!

Schlera the fashion disaster of Pells Gate

Too true. The fur cuirass didn't look too bad with pants I suppose, but by the time she gets to Elven? Oh, my.

[ghastley]

And we see why Nilawen puts up with Nordinor. There's a lot of extra business coming in for the betting.

No clues yet in the bets being placed, as Aradroth rightly points out. Given the close field, we need to watch for someone betting against a specific participant.

I was mildly surprised that Aradroth qualified. I'd half-expected him to do like Buffy and drop a point or two, to place eleventh so he could have more freedom at the time of the finals. I wasn't suprised at all by Honditar!

... tail draggers and tuskers - so perfectly Allesia Caro.

[SubRosa]

the tale will start with, "Did I tell you I shot in the archery tournament?"
and it will end with "but some fetcher used a drain marksman scroll on me!"

The remaining names included Parwen the busty goblin hunter, Aradroth my heroic assassin, Zerina the mage with a bow, and Schlera the fashion disaster of Pells Gate.
I just love how you not only give out the names of the finalists here, but also add a brief description. Not only are some of them very amusing, but they also help jog our memories as to who is who.

"Well,I ain't bettin' on no damn elves. Here's twenty on Riveus."
That must be the Count! I loved your description of the betting.While I understand odds, I have never been able to make sense of all the other weird things like win, place, show, etc... It seems people can never find enough ways to lose their money!

I see poor Buffy has now run face to face with the moral quandry of which friend to help in the finals. Does she support Alawen, and risk seeing her godfather fall? Or does she do whatever she can to see him win, and betray her new Bosmer sister? No matter which one of them wins, it seems she loses.

Of course one of the most poignant - and at the same time amusing - things about her predicament is the fact that she still has no intention of trying to win the tournament herself. It shows us a great deal about our Bosmer Bowgirl, that she places her friends above distinguishing herself.

And after all that jostling and groping, the scroll still on the loose, what could indeed go wrong? Countess Leyawiin! I was half expecting her to demand a bowl of green-only M&Ms as well!



nits:
I noted that Reveus
Looks like some dastardly thief stole the priceless "i" from Riveus' name and replaced it with a cheap old "e".

"Well,I ain't bettin' on no damn elves
That thief made off with the space after your comma as well.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: May 15 2011, 10:44 PM

[King Coin]

Poor Buffy can hardly get through the crowds.
I enjoyed the active betting in The Fair Deal. That was delightful.
Buffy wouldn't betray her friendship would she? Daenlin would not be pleased if he knew what she was thinking.

Good Chapter!

[mALX]

ROFL !!! What a great chapter !!! I have to say, this was my fave line though:

... tail draggers and tuskers

Our wolfy friend Aradroth telling Buffy to have a "walkabout" was another perfect touch. Loved his quiet mastery, and Buffy obeys without question - even after her groping trip to his table she turns right back for another go-through, ROFL !!!! VERY Buffy moment !!

I have to agree with King Coin, Daenlin would not be pleased if he knew what she was thinking. Have to add this chapter to my faves, not just for Buffy's hilarious plotting sabotage on any of Daenlin's competition (while trying to ensure no one else "fixes" the competition - really funny plot Acadian, I love it !!!

[Grits]

Daenlin replied with a wink, "I'm sure by the time he gets home to Chorrol, the tale will start with, "Did I tell you I shot in the archery tournament?"

Oh, this is brilliant. I’m sure I’ve met my share of Honditars!!


Schlera the fashion disaster of Pells Gate.

How funny!


I was too small to shoulder my way among the gathered men outside Nilawen's shop, but as long as I didn't mind getting jostled, brushed against and even fondled a little, I was pretty good at worming my through crowds.

I guess a Buffy’s-eye view of the crowd would not be pleasant. Her nose would also be at uncomfortable level. Sir Mazoga would come in handy right now, but Buffy gets the job done herself without undue fussing. Then to get told to take a walk as her reward, argh!


The dark thoughts I harbored spawned waves of guilt and shame. Oh, why was everything so complicated?

Buffy’s turmoil tugs the heart, since it is all self-inflicted! But these are the lessons she has to live through to learn. I wonder if that is why Acadian has been so quiet? Her embarrassment at being reminded of the events in Kvatch shows her sense of responsibility, even as she can’t decide which misguided scheme to enact in Bravil. It’s a dark day in Buffy’s mind.


"Despite the laziness and poverty here, at least Count Terentius seems to have only a few tail draggers and tuskers littering his streets.

What a foul woman, indeed! And another bit of nastiness piled onto Buffy’s day. I hope the air clears for her soon.

[Captain Hammer]

I would place a wager on this, but I have a feeling any bet I place is going to end up wrong.

So...

1,000 Septims that a dragon DOESN'T show up at the tournament, with a side bet of 50 Septims that Count Terentius and Countess Caro both remain uneaten through such an event.

This way, I can't lose. If it occurs, I get my money, and an extra Drake based on the odds. If it does occur, I lose my money, but consider it well worth the investment.