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

[Glargg]

Another masterful episode!

In the actual game, this little quest is one that starts with great promise but disappoints at the end. Not only does Aleron have to die while the player stands frozen, but then the fight that follows is usually a let-down. You made it count, you made us care, and - best of all - Buffy gave those meanies what they deserved!

[Acadian]

In Episode 119, Buffy emerged from the interior of Fort Grief and was confronted by Kurdan gro-Dragol. She managed to defeat the Orsimer crime boss as well as his Khajiiti henchman, but not without the loss of Aleron Loche.

Rider- Thank you. It was fun, between Kurdan and Keeneye, to gradually remove most of Buffy's normal tactical options until she was left doing the archer dance against the nimble Khajiit. Thanks for the nit; even though it's dialogue, Buffy is educated enough that she should normally be expected to speak rather well.

KC- I agree. This battle ranked right up there as a true fight for her life; there was no Alawen, Mazoga or Arielle Jurard to save her this time. Just her beautiful Dancing Cobra once again. Thank you.

Captain Hammer- Thank you for the endorsement of Buffy's decision to kill Kurdan. At least she didn't torture him, and I was pleased to see her not taunt him, despite her resolve. I envisioned the Breton's feet dragging the ground as Kurdan tried to use him as a human shield - more lugging and dragging than actually holding up in the air.

hazmick- Thank you for those kind words about Buffy's fight. She is comforted somewhat to realize that Haa-Rei also initially missed the presence of Keeneye. I agree, that it was far from fun describing my bowgirl getting seriously wounded, but you are right in that it does point out her fragility. Hopefully, the desperate and bloody fight contrasted effectively with the elegance Buffy displayed while clearing the inside of the fort.

SubRosa- Thank you for the insights and observations you provided. I find it wonderful that our bite sized knight seems to be growing slightly more comfortable with her title and not ignoring some of the implied responsibilities; no doubt in part due to the influence of Mazoga and Acadian. This was perhaps Buffy's first 1 vs 1 against a skilled archer at their own game with no 'mystic' advantages. Thank you for endorsing our balancing of Buffy's hard edged vengeance with her tears.

ghastley- Thanks! As I have said, I like the quest a lot, but only when we got into the details did it become apparent how many small points needed to be tweaked to make sense. Buffy's big break during the fight was when Kurdan made the blunder of going for her ghost instead of her.

TK- Thank you. Buffy is so dependent upon remaining unseen that when a foe uses detect life against her, it really screws her up!

Grits- Thank you. You are so correct that a foe using silence or detect life is a big problem for Buffy. I enjoyed writing Kurdan and Keeneye and it was fun to give them a little bit of personality in past episodes before they died here. I'm glad that Buffy's post fight ruminations softened her cold and wordless dispatch of Kurdan. I enjoyed the opportunity to state her doctrine once again at the end.

mALX- This was Buffy's first taste of being on the receiving end of a long bow at close range in the hands of a skilled user, and something she'll never forget. We also tried to show that Buffy cannot cast spells if down on the ground and that it also requires some clarity of thinking for her to use magic. Thank you!

MyCat- I expect that had Kurdan surrendered Aleron and let them both go, Buffy would have then chosen her own time and place to stalk and free Bravil of it's one-orc organized crime ring. Gosh, I'm honored that you would name your character's bow 'Earana', inspired by Buffy!

Zalphon- Buffy tried to work with Kurdan, both when investigating the drain marksman scroll and seeking Aleron. Unfortunately, the orc violated the Buffy Doctrine.

glargg- I'm so glad that Buffy's version of this quest caused you to care about the characters! Thank you! She has one sad remaining detail to attend to regarding Aleron.

* * *

120 The Tournament of Archers, Part 36- She Wears Her Title Well

After using Kurdan's key to open the iron gate, I sadly but gratefully walked free of Fort Grief. As I approached the moored boat, I realized I had no clue how to sail it. I asked Acadian for some instruction, but the paladin suggested an alternative.

Kneeling in the sand, I unrolled my doeskin map. When I found the small island's location, I touched a finger to it. With my other hand, I grasped the small leather pouch containing a lock of Superian's mane. Closing both eyes, I thought about King Rislav's Call of Corsair. My spirit traveled across Niben Bay to gently intertwine with that of the precious black mare. The sun felt warm on our bare back. I could see, smell and taste the tender shoots of grass near the end of a long nose. As she raised our head from grazing, I warned her of what was coming. "Superian, I need you."

The grass, wooden rails of the corral and stable building disappeared. Sky, clouds and water swirled around us, then glimpses of gray walls, a moored sailboat and a small wood elf kneeling over her map in the sand. Then everything stopped. The mare was standing beside me on the small island.

Superian stepped closer and nudged me. As I reached into my pack for an apple to share, she snorted her disapproval at the smells of death that no doubt permeated my blouse and buckskins. I realized that part of her discomfort resulted from my own blood that soaked the front of my greaves from hip to right knee. The wound caused by Ra'jhera's arrow was healed, but I was a mess. After we finished our apple, I took a quick bath in the Niben and produced a clean set of buckskins from my pack.

As I dressed, I said, "I'll bet Antoine was surprised to see you disappear from the stable. I'll explain to him about a mage and her horse when we get home."

I lovingly ran both hands over Superian's bare back. "It's good that we've practiced riding without saddle or bridle." I then spread my arms to place one hand on her withers and the other on her haunch. As I prepared to cast the massive alteration spell, I said, "Can you give your elf a quick ride home across the surface of the Niben? I fear I have bad news to deliver to poor Ursanne."

*

After stabling Superian and assuring Antoine that the mare's sudden disappearance had been both magical and intentional, I found Gaius Prentus on duty at the bridge leading into the city. "Hail, Gaius."

"How does the afternoon greet you, Buffy?" replied the Bravil guard as he adjusted his sword belt.

"I'm well, thanks," I said. "I expected to see Gladius Maro on duty. Have you seen him?"

"Aye," a look of concern replaced the Imperial's smile, "he's been called to the castle - again."

"I hope he's not in trouble." Both hands found their way to my hips and I heard irritation creep into my voice. "What did he do this time, arrest little Prince Gellius again for kicking another beggar? Can't Captain Lerus just let him do his job? Like you and Caccian, Gladius is one of the few guards we have who -"

"Calm down, Buffy," interrupted Gaius. "Although Gladius has had plenty of run-ins with the captain, I don't know what he was called to the castle for today."

"I just hate to see him routinely given a hard time for doing his job," I said. "He's not built to compromise, and I respect him for it. Speaking of run-ins, I had a very serious one with Kurdan gro-Dragol that I need to report to you."

I briefly relayed the situation at Fort Grief. Gaius promised he would take the guard boat out to the island to recover the body of Aleron Loche and see if he could identify any of the 'prey' victims at the fort. I also suggested that Kurdan's boat might be a fine upgrade to that currently used by the guards.

Thanking the Imperial for his help, I continued into the city and to Nilawen's shop. There, I sold the valuables garnered from Kurdan's hunting ground and added most of the gold to the dead orc's heavy purse.

My feet then reluctantly made their way across town.

*

"Do you bring news of Aleron, Milady?" The Breton looked up from the front pew inside the Great Chapel of Mara.

"Yes." I sat down beside her and met her gaze. "I'm sorry, Ursanne."

My words clearly shattered the hope on her tired face. Her chin began to quiver as tears overfilled reddened eyes. "It was his gambling, wasn't it?"

I nodded. "He was deeply in debt to Kurdan gro-Dragol and trying to get himself out of it. Both of us found ourselves ensnared in a deadly web of slavery. We faced down the dangerous orc together to regain our freedom. Aleron fought bravely and, between the two of us, we were able to kill Kurdan. I regret that this humble knight's skills were insufficient to save your husband's life. Gaius Prentus assures me he will bring Aleron home to you." I slipped a linen handkerchief from the sleeve of my blouse and wiped Ursanne's tears. We then both sat quietly, holding hands.

Scrambling to my feet, I ignored the skinned knee and continued running. I ducked into an alley hoping to lose my tormenters but I could hear one of them behind me, "You can't outrun us with those little legs. Why don't you just flap those ears and fly up into a tree where you belong, elf." As I glanced over my shoulder to see how close they were, I ran headlong into the flaxen barrier of a woman's skirt. Panicking, I turned to face my tormenters. The three humans were about my age of nine, but much bigger than I.

As I pressed my back into the skirt of the woman behind me, her hands fell protectively to my shoulders and her voice sternly rang out over my head, "You children should be ashamed of yourselves, picking on a small elf. Shoo, or I'll take a stick to the lot of you!"

The young humans ran off. Gentle hands turned me around to face my rescuer. As I looked up, I recognized Ursanne Loche, a friend of my mother's. "Oh, Buffy, look at you." She knelt in front of me, slipped a linen handkerchief from the sleeve of her blouse and wiped my tears. "Don't pay any attention to those children and their teasing. You're a beautiful elf." After giving me a hug, she rose to her feet, took my hand and said, "Now let's get you over to the chapel so Marz can fix that skinned knee."

Ursanne finally broke the silence. "I feared this would happen to Aleron someday. I just thank Mara that you're safe, Milady."

"Aleron knew the danger we were in and asked me to tell you that he loved you and how sorry he was to disappoint you." I placed the heavy coin purse of Kurdan gro-Dragol between us on the pew. "Aleron's debt is paid in full. This is yours now."

Ursanne stared at the bag of gold. "It should rightfully be yours. You are the one who risked your life to save Aleron, even knowing I could not afford to pay you."

"I accepted your quest not for gold," I replied, "but because you have always been kind to me. Kurdan has paid with his life, but he still owes you at least this much for what he has taken. I know how frugal you are, Ursanne. You never need worry about money again."

Ursanne looked at me with moist eyes and managed the ghost of a smile. "Our little Buffy wears her knightly title well."

"Would you like me to stay with you, Ursanne?"

"No, Milady," she replied. "I would ask to be alone with Mara for a time."

I gave her a hug and rose to my feet. "May our Goddess of Love comfort and watch over you." I felt as if I had just gained a deeper understanding of what Sir Mazoga already knew about being a knight.

[King Coin]

Totally appropriate way for Buffy to leave the island.

The flash back to Buffy's childhood was wonderful and explains her close relationship to Ursanne. And her sensitivity about her ears.

Good chapter!

[SubRosa]

Buffy's consternation when faced with a boat is understandable. Thankfully Teresa has been spending enough time in dories lately to have picked up a few things! How very inspired of Buffy to call her trusty steed to her to get around her watery problem. While I am at it, that was a lovely description of The Call of the Corsair. This time you have given us a much deeper look at how it does indeed intertwine the spirits and perceptions of Buffy and her precious black mare.

So our old friend Gladius has been hauled into the castle. If not a for a grilling by the less-than noble captain of the guard, then I wonder what it might be for?

flap those ears and fly up into a tree where you belong, elf.
Yow! No wonder Buffy is so sensitive about comments regarding her ears. But of course Buffy flashback to her childhood showed us so much more than that. It was a brilliant idea to tie Ursanne into Buffy's past like that. Now it was Buffy's turn to be the rescuer, and she bears the even sadder fate of not being able to reciprocate with her husband. The last sentence shows that so much, as Buffy muses over her similarities to Sir Mazoga.

"Our little Buffy wears her knightly title well."
Indeed. She is one swell Dame, that is for certain. I never had any doubt that all of the money Buffy had gathered would go to Ursanne. That is simply the way Buffy has always been wired up.

[Zalphon]

Oh, you thanked Mara. That's rare in fanfics

[mALX]

You have really out-done yourself on this chapter - HUGE chapter !! The description of Buffy using "The Call of the Corsair" was Awesome, as was Buffy's running dialogue in this chapter !! Adding in the mystery of poor Gladius was like icing on the cake - Huge Write !!! ** Favorite Chapter - top 2 !!!

[ghastley]

Nice touch with the mention of Mazoga. A reminder that all Orcs aren't Kurdan.

When you had Keeneye row her out there, I was wondering what you were going to do about the trip back, and the auto-pilot being broken. I notice you left out the detail of how to arrive in Bravil by water-walking horse, though!

[haute ecole rider]

Others have already commented on the things I liked about this story. I will point out Buffy's kindness in explaining to Antoine that Superian's disappearance was intended. It must have given him quite the scare when the mare went missing!

Would've posted sooner, but our electricity was out for eleven hours. I see I have quite a bit of catching up to do.

[RainbowVeins]

I loved Buffy's gesture of wiping away Ursanne's tears after Ursanne had done the same for her all those years ago. Makes me wonder if Ursanne shared that same connection that Buffy felt during the flashback. Very nice

[Grits]

What a beautiful description of the link between Buffy and Superian. It gives us a glimpse of what it might be like for Acadian. How funny that Buffy had a clean set of buckskins with her, but of course she did!

"How does the afternoon greet you, Buffy?" replied the Bravil guard as he adjusted his sword belt.

I love this greeting!

Ursanne’s quiet grief says so much about how she has lived with the burden of worrying over Aleron. As she tells Buffy, she had been expecting this.

"No, Milady," she replied. "I would ask to be alone with Mara for a time."

I love the references to Mara throughout. Ursanne shows us that her faith really comforts her. As Buffy left her in the chapel, I had a sense that new beginnings were possible for her.

[Glargg]

Beautiful. The flashback to a time when their roles were reversed makes the connection between the two women feel so much more real, more important. I love the way you build backstory and significance into these simple plot lines.

[Thomas Kaira]

A most touching moment, and how honorable of Buffy to give up her "winnings" so that Ursanne would never again have to worry about debts.

Lovely episode.

[Khajiit_Thief01]

Wow, what a great chapter! Well done!

I particularly enjoyed the flashback. It imparts a deeply personal aspect to the tale, and we really get a sense of just how deeply Buffy cares for Ursanne--and thus, how deeply sorry she is that she couldn't save the woman's husband.

I am glad that Buffy gave all of the gold to Ursanne--perhaps that, coupled with her ever-constant faith in Mara and the Nine, will allow her to be free of the troubles that have besieged her for so long.

Now that this matter has been settled, I wonder what else is immediately in store for Buffy....Kvatch can't wait much longer, can it?

[hazmick]

Very powerful. The flashback to her childhood shows that Buffy used to be the one who needed protecting but now she's a knight and all round Bravilian hero That coin purse will hopefully keep Ursanne living in comfort and peace.

Everyone else has already picked out the highlights for me such as the horse teleportation I'm excited to see where Buffy takes us next.

[Acadian]

In Episode 120, Buffy returned from Fort Grief to Bravil and delivered news of Aleron's death to Ursanne Loche.

KC- Thanks for your kind words on incorporating Superian into Buffy's departure from the island, and the childhood flashback!

SubRosa- I have no doubt Teresa could quickly figure out sailboats - but then again, she did just torch that one used by skooma smugglers. Thanks for enjoying the extra depth we were able to work into 'Call of Corsair'. Gladius will centerpiece this next episode with a couple surprises. This quest really did drive home to Buffy that she is a knight; I'm so glad to see her begin to really embrace the role.

Zalphon- Thank you. Mara has always been an important force in Buffy's life. I think part of it is that, despite her failings and dances with darkness, Mara accepts and loves her unconditionally.

mALX- I am truly humbled by your kind words, my friend. As ever, your encouragement is so very precious to us.

ghastley- I'm so pleased that mention of Mazoga worked for you. Our intent of course was to display how Buffy is growing into her knighthood, but your observation that it highlights what Buffy considers the overall nobility of the Orsimer race (despite Kurdan) was most welcome. I hope you don't mind that I opted out on detailing the water running trip back to Bravil; it is not new to Buffy and Superian of course and was one of those 'try to stay on focus' choices we made not to distract from the Call of Corsair or interaction with Ursanne.

Rider- Thank you! I find so very much in BF 2.0, that Buffy insists on 'walking the dog' through everything as we plan episodes. Usually this highlights details that might not occur to me. It was she who pointed out the dismay that Antoine at the stable would have surely experienced at the sudden disappearance of one of his charges.

RainbowVeins- Thank you very much for commenting on the circular nature of Buffy and Ursanne as, in differing times and places, they wiped each other's tears. What goes around comes around, and in this case, with what we hoped was a touch of bittersweetness.

Grits- I love your insight that the Call of Corsair did indeed offer a glimpse into what perceptions are like for Acadian as he travels intertwined with Buffy. I'm so glad you enjoyed Gaius' old world and somewhat whimsical greeting! Thank you also for seeing Mara as an element of connectivity throughout.

Glargg- Your reaction regarding Buffy and Ursanne humbles me greatly, for it is so very much what we were trying to achieve. Thank you!

TK- Thank you. Ursanne strikes me as living quite a simple and frugal life. I think Buffy was right that Ursanne will steward that gold into a lifetime of security.

Khajiit_Thief01- I'm glad you enjoyed the flashback and the sense of role reversal it implied, along with some insight into both women. Your question about Kvatch could not have been timed better! I agree, it's about time for Raminus Polus to recall Buffy to the University to discuss Kvatch. I promise you, she is getting impatient and will be in Kvatch in less than a fortnight of her time.

hazmick- Thank you also for the endorsement of our flashback. Next, we have a transition episode that foreshadows what's upcoming for Buffy.

* * *

121 The Tournament of Archers, Part 37- Women Aren't Made of Glass

As I approached the door to leave Mara's chapel, I was met by Gladius Maro. He spoke quietly, "Gaius said you were asking for me. He also told me what happened out at Fort Grief. I'm sorry about Aleron. How did Ursanne take the news?"

"It will be hard on her," I said. "Despite Aleron's gambling, she loved him deeply."

Gladius glanced over my shoulder toward the front pew where the Breton's widow now grieved. He then shook his head sadly. "Aleron never realized how lucky he was." After a moment he asked, "Will you walk with me?"

"Of course, Gladius." He opened the heavy wooden door for us and we stepped outside. The sun was now flirting with the top of the city's western walls. I took the Imperial's offered arm as he led me along the side of the chapel. "I hope nothing was amiss that caused you to be called to the castle?"

"Buffy, I've just been reassigned to Kvatch." He stopped beside the grave of City Swimmer. "I wanted to say good bye to you and," he pointed to the Argonian's simple headstone, "the one who introduced me to Daenlin's fiery little archer. Despite the fact that I killed your friend, you welcomed me to your city."

We had long ago made peace over the fact that City Swimmer attacked Gladius instead of submitting to arrest after she stole from the chapel. In his own way, the soldier shared my grief over the Argonian's death. I said, "I know you've been unhappy in Bravil and, given some of the castle's selective law enforcement policies, I can't say I blame you. Do you know the danger at Kvatch?"

"There's a damn Oblivion Gate!" scoffed Gladius. "Of course I know the danger, but I hear the captain in charge up there has his head on straight; that'll be a refreshing change from here."

"I can assure you that what you hear about Captain Savlian Matius is true," I said. "Why Kvatch do you suppose?"

"Well, I've been asking for a transfer - to anywhere - for a long time. When I reported to the captain today, she showed me a letter written by her counterpart in Leyawiin asking for the various city guard forces to bolster the defense of Kvatch. According to the letter, Count Leyawiin has already dispatched his sergeant of the guard and one of his knights to assist. Captain Lerus tried to dress it up, but I'm pretty sure she doesn't expect me to survive or return. That probably suits her just fine."

"I'm the knight Captain Draconis referred to in her letter, Gladius," I said. "I've been to Kvatch and it's harsh duty all right. You're a tough man though, and the city's defenders are well-led. In fact, I'm awaiting word from the Council of Mages to learn if my guild can provide some assistance. I will then return to Kvatch."

"I relish the opportunity to defend Kvatch. It's just that. . . ." One eye twitched slightly and I could see the muscles of his jaw ripple.

I gently prompted, "What is it, Gladius?"

He exhaled loudly. "I just got engaged, and don't look forward to breaking the news to my fiancée."

"Congratulations, Gladius!" I said, a smile springing to my face. "Who's the lucky woman?"

"Her name is Pelena Georick and we've been courting for some time." The Imperial's eyes softened, adorned now by the crinkles of a smile. "She's an aspiring alchemist in The Imperial City. Her father runs a shop called The Main Ingredient in the Market District. We're hoping to be married soon, but that will probably have to wait now."

"I gather you will not bring her to Kvatch?"

Gladius shook his head. "That's no place to start a marriage, Buffy. I'll just have to hope she'll understand and wait for me."

"If she loves you, she'll wait, or. . . ." Unsure whether Gladius wanted my advice, it was my turn to let the words trail off.

"Or what?" he asked.

"Or she might just insist on coming with you. Women aren't made of glass you know, and she might surprise you. Of course, I don't know anything about Pelena except that she has good taste in men. Maybe she could help you make your decision? Just talk it over and listen carefully to her."

He rubbed the evening stubble on his chin. "I'll do that. I leave by ship tomorrow for The Imperial City. I'll be able to spend a day or so with her before heading west. It pleases me to know that I can expect to see you at Kvatch when your business with the Council of Mages is complete." He glanced at City Swimmer's headstone again. "Well, it'll be dark soon. May I see you to your guild?"

"Why, yes, thank you. I'm expecting news from the University any day now. Perhaps it has arrived." As we made our way from the chapel's graveyard, I added, "Please relay my congratulations to Pelena. I look forward to meeting her. I'd also appreciate it if you would pass my regards to Savlian Matius, as you will likely arrive a few days before I do."

[haute ecole rider]

I quite admire Buffy's restraint there. Just her regards to dear Savlian? When I know there's more to it than just regards! That wet dream was no fluke!

How wonderful that Gladius told Buffy about his engagement. It's a beautiful way to remind us that these city guards, usually so annoying and useless in game, are actually people with lives and loves and all that follows. I love stories like this that flesh out the cardboard characters in the game and makes them more real and alive.

And it just struck me how ironic that your Captain Lerus showed the same impatience to be rid of an annoyance (by sending Gladius to Kvatch) as my Count Bravil did (by sending my Captain Lerus to Bruma)!

[SubRosa]

It feels as if just as with Ursanne, Buffy has not come full circle with Gladius as well, as they stand at the grave of City-Swimmer. It was an excellent idea to put the conversation there, to highlight how he met Buffy.

So the Gladster is not only off to Kvatch, but getting married! Well good on him (as Olava might say). It sounds like he picked a good one. Between her and her father, they can make a potion for any injury, illness, curse, or other problem he might befall.

Buffy being the one to tell Gladius that his bride-to-be might not be a shivering violet was perfect. Kind of falls under Captain Obvious really, with her being a knight fresh from slaying a crimelord.

[King Coin]

Someone in Castle Bravil is hoping Gladius is killed in the battle for Kvatch. Which is very strong possibility. Still this is a better option than him simply being disappeared sometime.

I like how they stopped near City Swimmer’s grave. Seems appropriate.

Buffy’s getting capable soldiers to Kvatch to combat the gate to Oblivion. Funny how she’s doing all this for Savlian Matius, and not for Kvatch.

Good chapter!

[Glargg]

A bit amusing that our favorite "glass cannon" asserts that women aren't made of glass! (Amusing but so true.)

[mALX]

This chapter is filled with the excitement of upcoming events in your story - new events, never before seen in Buffy fiction !!! WOO HOO !!!! AWESOME WRITE !!!! Can't wait to follow this story as it unfolds !!!