Buffy the Bowgirl, Book 1, Thread 5, Do You Know the Way to Kvatch? Options

[mALX]

WOO HOO !!! "Meet me in my tent at dawn...come alone..." WOO HOO !! Matias is on the move !!! Awesome Chapter !!

[King Coin]

How can he be so boar-headed?
I’m sure there was a similar line said about Buffy in exasperation after she stormed out.

And Lucilius comes to smooth things over a bit for his captain. I’m glad his words help, though the note Savlian left is the best.

Glad Buffy isn’t going into the gate on her own. Savlian would be furious. Heck he might even have her arrested!

[Acadian]

Episode 140 found Buffy seeking the familiar comfort of her mare and paladin. Lucilius also briefly sought her out. Buffy decided that Savlian had not heard the last from her, and marched back to his tent - only to discover that he was likely up on the defensive line checking his soldiers. After washing away a long day in the bath tent, she headed to her guild for the night. There she discovered a note from Savlian expressing his concern and asking to reengage on their disagreement in the morning.

McBadgere- Thank you. The bath tents at Kvatch’s encampment are modeled loosely after those I have relied on under similar field conditions. Buffy’s ability to heat the water is a huge plus for her.

SubRosa- Thank you for your patient understanding. I actually went flower hunting near Kvatch and ensured the combo that Savlian put together can be readily and locally found.

Grits- As ever, your kind words and insights warm my heart with encouragement. Gosh, I hope Buffy doesn’t decide to sneak into that gate. Hopefully, Savlian will begin to accept what the tiny elf is capable of.

Rider- Thank you for those kind words. I’ve become quite attached to the conflicted Savlian. Lucilius has fully grown into the role I envisioned for him so long ago, when Captain Caelia Draconis of Leyawiin assigned him to Kvatch believing he would make a good second in command for Savlian. She was right.

mALX- Thank you! One dawn meeting coming up. No interruptions this time, but no kiss either.

KC- Oh my goodness! To be a fly on the canvas inside Savlian’s tent after the angry little elf stormed out! During Buffy’s last visit, she bolted into the gate and Savlian snatched her right back out (Episode 52). He did indeed threaten to have her arrested back then.

* * *

141 Achieving an Understanding

The cook fires were cold and there was no movement nearby. So, it seemed that Weedum-Ja did occasionally sleep after all. Like many aspects of the camp, it seemed her hours were driven by the schedule of soldiers going on and off duty. Opening an uplifted hand, I banished enough of the predawn darkness around me to better see the watch schedule affixed to one of the poles supporting the large eating tent. The parchment confirmed the team on duty was in the middle of their shift so, not surprisingly, this was a quiet time for the kitchen. Nevertheless, the tables were appointed with baskets containing flatbread and apples to which I helped myself.

After making my way to the stable area, I exchanged magicka for a summoned elven dagger and sliced up a pair of apples that I shared with Superian. I then chased breakfast with the last of Falanu’s potions. When I had cleaned and changed the sea sponge earlier that morning in the bath tent, I was pleased to note that my flow had all but stopped.

I faced the unsaddled mare’s left side and stood very close. As I placed my hands on Superian for balance, I gave her warning. I then dipped my knees and launched myself up and forward to plant my belly onto her back with a rather unladylike grunt. After some wiggling and turning, I sat upright, straddling the mare. I chuckled as I thought of the buxom Sigrid trying to accomplish the same maneuver. Our jaunt was short and primarily to practice the skill of riding without saddle or bridle.

By the time we returned and enjoyed a quick grooming session, dawn was a pink promise on the horizon. After I tossed a kiss over one shoulder to Superian, my feet carried me to Savlian’s tent.

“I’m sorry I stormed out on you last night,” I offered, allowing the canvas flap to close behind me.

“And I’m sorry my dogmatic declarations pushed you to it. You’ve only just returned to me, and my fear for your safety now threatens to drive you away.”

“I may be skittish, but I’m not quite that easy to get rid of.” I looked up into his eyes and followed my light reply with a serious promise: “I will never run away from you again, Savlian Matius.”

“And I will do my level best to ensure that you never again want to.”

He held a chair for me, then pulled up the other one and sat close. I opened the negotiations. “I appreciate that you want to protect me and that you are in charge here, but can you not understand my desire to protect you as well?” I took one of his hands in both of mine. “I wish neither of us had to go into that gate.”

“Aye, but it is a danger I will not delegate. Not after the last failed attempt. Besides, you have convinced me that stealth is required to succeed, and I am the only forester-trained soldier on this mountain.”

I recalled Raminus Polus had insisted on reviewing the Kvatch commander’s Legion record before committing guild assistance. Savlian’s first tour of duty had indeed been as a forester. “I have come to accept that this is something you must do, Savlian. I’m grateful that you endorse my urging for stealth, and I have great respect for a forester’s ability to silently stalk lawbreakers or other threats across any terrain. But I have tools and knowledge you need to survive and succeed at the task ahead. I ask that you accept my help and take me with you.”

One eye twitched. “What my ears have heard of you, battles with what my eyes and heart see. You’re not a soldier, Buffy.” His face was gentle and did not display the commanding inflexibility it had the previous night.

“And you’re no scout-sniper, familiar with magic and the realms of Daedra Lords,” I gently countered. “But like you, I can take to a shadow. I’m also a good learner. Can you not teach me to serve at your side?”

“You’re still confident that this is a task best accomplished by a small team relying on stealth?”

I nodded. “The smaller the better – the purpose is to infiltrate to the sigil stone and remove it, not conquer the Deadlands and slaughter Daedra.”

“Given your knowledge about what awaits us inside that gate, I suspect it is you who will be teaching me.”

“D-does that mean. . . ?” My eyes opened wide.

“Yes.” He paused to give me a crooked smile. “I realize now that I must use every resource – even you - to help ensure success. As much as I trust Lucilius to retake the city if we don’t return, that cannot happen unless this next attempt on the Oblivion Gate succeeds. I humbly ask the assistance of your magic, bow and experience in the Deadlands. You vastly improve our chance for both success and survival.”

“Your survival is important, Savlian. As fine a leader as Lucilius is, you symbolically represent the hopes of Kvatch to many people.”

“I do realize that, Buffy. I also admit that part of my choice to enter the gate is selfish pride, or perhaps redemption. Someone else in my boots might even send you in alone to close the gate, but Akatosh be damned if I’ll let you go in there without the cover of my shield.”

If there were any doubts in my mind about why I was drawn to this man, his last words had just dispelled them. “I will protect you too, Savlian, and make sure that you come back to lead the assault on the city.”

“I fully intend for both of us to return successfully,” his hand squeezed mine, “and that means we must first train to infiltrate and fight together as a team.”

Remembering how practice had quickly improved my ability to fight alongside Mazoga and Alawen, I readily agreed. “How shall we proceed, my captain?”

“Buffy, do you recall our conversation about that cult of conjurers that I suspect are using Fort Agarctova to the south as a lair?”

“I do,” I replied, instantly grasping his intent. “They summon Daedra and could prove an excellent test of our ability to work and fight together.”

“Exactly,” he replied. “Inside an Oblivion Gate is not the place to develop our signals, tactics and teamwork. Those conjurers threaten travelers near Kvatch along the Gold Road and I’ve been meaning to dispatch a small raiding party to eliminate them. It might be the perfect task for you and I. Would you be amenable to clearing Fort Agarctova with me? Lucilius is eminently qualified to take charge here in my absence.”

“Yes, Savlian. I will fight by your side.” A thousand questions sprang to mind, but I settled for, “When do we leave?”

“I must speak with Lucilius first. There is much to coordinate for my absence.” He looked at me, concern in his eyes. “Do you know how to use a shield, sword or even a short blade?”

I grimaced. “Well, no.”

“I understand most Daedra are vulnerable to shock. Can you cast powerful lightning bolts?”

Shaking my head, I replied, “I deal damage with my bow, and one of its several enchantments is indeed shock. I’m a mystic archer, specialized in illusion and restoration. My spells can confuse the minds of foes, causing them to fall down or even attack each other. If I can lay hands on my target, I can share – or even take away – life itself. Do you know any spells?”

“I do not.”

“Can you use a bow?” I asked.

“Reasonably, out to medium range. I suspect I’ll be better at providing a safe haven of steel from behind which you can shoot.”

Our banter and professional probing continued out of the tent and all the way up to the defensive perimeter in front of the besieged city.

“Lucilius!” Savlian’s voice rose above the thundering sky and roar of flames that licked the sides and top of the Oblivion Gate.

[SubRosa]

Opening an uplifted hand, I banished enough of the predawn darkness around me
This sounds so much better then just saying she cast a light sell!

I exchanged magicka for a summoned elven dagger
And there you go again!

I opened the negotiations.
This was also an excellent way of phrasing it.

that cult of conjurers that I suspect are using Fort Agarctova to the south as a lair?
I have been waiting for that shoe to drop ever since Buffy first heard that tonge-twisting name! My expectation since the last episode is that Savlian and the Buffster will use it as a trial run, to test their teamwork and get to know one another's abilities. I will read on and see if I am correct.

It is so nice to be right! One justice sandwich coming up for those conjurers. Hopefully Savlian can live up to the expectations that working with Sir Mazoga must have instilled in Buffy. For that is the last melee fighter that I can recall Buffy working with. If not the only one.

Funny thing is, just like that almost kiss, we will be seeing the same thing soon in the TF. I hope that does not mean Teresa will have to go through an Oblivion gate someday!

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Dec 2 2011, 07:07 PM

[mALX]

A wonderful chapter from start to finish - and Buffy's "Screenshot of the Month" is very Xmas-y !! Awesome Chapter !!

[Grits]

I chuckled as I thought of the buxom Sigrid trying to accomplish the same maneuver.
Oh my. I imagine that Sigrid would have as much luck vaulting onto a horse as she would looking down and seeing her toes. How fun to get a glimpse of Buffy pushing herself to improve her skills.

By the time we returned and enjoyed a quick grooming session, dawn was a pink promise on the horizon. After I tossed a kiss over one shoulder to Superian, my feet carried me to Savlian’s tent.
This is one of those signature passages that charms, informs, and evokes a mood in so very few words. Outstanding! I am in awe and delight.

“I may be skittish, but I’m not quite that easy to get rid of.” I looked up into his eyes and followed my light reply with a serious promise: “I will never run away from you again, Savlian Matius.”
That is a very serious promise, and Savlian’s reply showed that he was up for the occasion. Their gentle reconciliation was just wonderful, as was the respectful negotiation that followed. What a relief that there should be no need for sneaking into the gate or arresting anyone for their own protection.

“I do realize that, Buffy. I also admit that part of my choice to enter the gate is selfish pride, or perhaps redemption. Someone else in my boots might even send you in alone to close the gate, but Akatosh be damned if I’ll let you go in there without the cover of my shield.”
Savlian expressed himself beautifully throughout, but this part really stands out to me as being as important as Buffy’s promise.

I’m looking forward to seeing them in action in Fort Agarctova!

[haute ecole rider]

Wow. Savlian is really in touch with his feelings. Maybe Julian's Captain can take a lesson or two from him?

As I see it, that is exactly what happens!

So glad to see the two come to an agreement. I have a feeling that after that A-fort they will be working together flawlessly as a team!

[ghastley]

I may need to refine my earlier pronouncement. Without training together, the two would be more danger to each other than help. The Mazoga example does show the way, but these two need their feelings for each other held in check, which could be a lot more difficult than one workout against a few conjurers can achieve. Still, plenty of writing opportunity to get them there!

[McBadgere]

Thank you. The bath tents at Kvatch’s encampment are modeled loosely after those I have relied on under similar field conditions. Buffy’s ability to heat the water is a huge plus for her.

Ooooh, there's a story... ...

Aaamywho...Loving it...

Brilliant writing...

Looking forward to the fight at the fort... ...

Brilliant...

Nice one... ...

[King Coin]

Weedum-Ja sounds like the most important of fixture Salvian’s camp!

One eye twitched. “What my ears have heard of you, battles with what my eyes and heart see. You’re not a soldier, Buffy.”
I can’t argue against that statement without seeing what she can do. What can a little blonde wood elf do against an armored dremora? Wait till he sees her shoot.

“When do we leave?”
Yes, when?

“Lucilius!”
The beginning of the end of the foul gate to Oblivion.

Loved this chapter!

This post has been edited by King Coin: Dec 4 2011, 05:33 PM

[liliandra nadiar]

And all caught up. ^.^

Took a couple of tries to really get into Buffy but it's paid off quite well.

Love the life you've given to the survivors of Kvatch and the world around them. Should be interesting to see Buff and Salvian work through the rogue mages. One almost might feel sorry for them, maybe, kinda. Not really.

[Acadian]

During Episode 141, Buffy and Savlian managed to calmly discuss their concerns. They agreed to close the gate together, but only after some training to forge their ability to work and fight as a team. Savlian suggested that clearing nearby Fort Agarctova of the conjurers that threatened the Kvatch area could accomplish that goal. The pair then sought out Lucilius Marcus to start coordinating for the temporary absence their training expedition would require.

SubRosa- So glad to hear that our spellcasting descriptions are working. I’m trying to achieve a balance between mystical creativity and actual clarity of what effect is being cast. I have learned much from others here, including you, at how to get a little better at that. Yes, Buffy’s only experience working alongside a melee fighter was Mazoga – that gives poor Savlian a massive pair of boots to try and fill.

mALX- Thank you for those kind words. I’m so pleased you like our screenie of the month feature!

Grits- Sigrid’s attributes do indeed intimidate the baby-breasted Bosmer, and a little bit of compensatory smugness squeaked into her thoughts as the short elf vaulted up to mount her long-legged bare back mare. Thank you for drawing out the mutual respect, affection and even beginnings of commitment between Savlian and Buffy that I hoped would peek through in this past episode.

Rider- Thank you for picking up on the significance that Savlian seems fairly willing to open up some to Buffy. I think it’s a combination of (1) how lonely a position being in command actually is, (2) that Buffy is not Legion and has a nurturing nature, and (3) that Savlian is indeed passionate. Buffy was struck that passion the moment she met him – I know I was certainly moved by his intro speech in the game. Julian and Captain Steffan are both strong heroes of the Blades; I don’t envy the challenges of who’s gonna blink or loosen their armor first.

ghastley- I agree that the teamwork Savlian and Buffy can forge at Fort Agarctova will be important to their survival. In their own way, both are skilled, lethal and disciplined at their craft. Like you, I look forward to seeing how they function together and how their feelings come into play.

McBadgere- On the bath tents, Buffy does feel spoiled; after all, she can summon towels and heat her own water. I’m glad you’re looking forward to Fort Agarctova. It’s a pure invention for Buffy Fiction and will even contain a couple mysteries of its own.

KC- Weedum-Ja, being the source of chow, is indeed supremely important to the camp. Even though we don’t actually have any speaking parts for her planned, her influence will continue to be felt. When Buffy’s head swirls with a hundred thoughts, very often she defaults to one of the lamer choices, like ‘When do we leave?’ from this last episode. I mention that because her mind will swirl like that again in this next episode and, once again, she will end up blurting a rather bland response that does not really reflect the turmoil in her heart. Thank you!

liliandra nadiar- I’m grateful for the significant reading it took to catch up with us! And I see you did it the hard way, rather than via our ‘Executive Summary’. I’m also glad we were able to convince you over the course of her journal that there is more depth and facets to Buffy than her name might suggest. I thank you for the kind words and hope we can continue to earn your readership as we post a new episode each Friday. Now. . . we just need to get you back to updating Myrin, the magical red-headed Dunmer!

* * *

142 Oblivia Can Wait

Lucilius Marcus terminated his conversation with the watch team leader on duty and strode directly to us. After a curt nod and “Milady” to me, he planted a fist to the black wolf on his chest. “Yes sir.”

Savlian returned the greeting in kind. “Buffy and I are going to close this gate together, but we need to precede the task with some training.”

Lucilius diverted his glance from Savlian to me for only a moment, but a smile played at one corner of his mouth before he spoke, “I know you will succeed. What type of training do you have in mind and what are your orders?”

“We’ll make preparations today,” Savlian replied, “then leave at dawn tomorrow to head south and clear Fort Agarctova of conjurers and their Daedra.” Placing a hand on Lucilius’ shoulder, he added, “It may take us a few days, but I know things here will be in good hands.”

“Thanks for your confidence, sir. I won’t let you down, nor will our watch teams. As far as how long it takes the two of you to get ready, Oblivia can wait. She’s been open a long time and a few more days won’t matter. It’s important that you both sort out how to complement and compensate for each other. I know you’ll be anxious to return though, so may I recommend you travel by horse? Raxle will serve you admirably and he gets on well with Dame Buffy’s mare.”

“I’ll take you up on the loan of Raxle,” said Savlian. “It’s an excellent idea. I ask you to think about any details of running the defense of Kvatch in my absence that we need to discuss, then report to my tent this evening.”

“I’ll have a list by then. May I tell the soldiers that their captain plans to close Oblivia soon? You know that will cause morale to soar.”

“We can’t keep the preparations a secret,” replied Savlian, “nor should we. Tell them, but I’ll trust you and the team leaders to avoid celebration until we get the damn thing closed. Return to your duties.”

Lucilius flashed a broad smile that encompassed both Savlian and I. “Yes sir. Good day, Milady.”

After the two men touched fists to wolves again, I took Savlian’s offered arm and we began the downhill trek together.

“Have you ridden much?” I offered.

“A fair amount. As a young lad I worked for Bolden’s mother at High Country Stables. Mostly pitching hay and mucking stalls for her gentle giants, but sometimes she’d let me ride them. Finest heavy horses in all Cyrodiil. Only Belle survived the Daedra invasion. Bolden uses her to pull the camp’s wagon. She’s a sweet mare, but quite the runt among her breed.”

“I know the feeling,” I replied as I looked up at the Imperial. “Well, Raxle’s an old gentleman. He and Superian met when Lucilius and I left Leyawiin together. The old warhorse is very tolerant of my curious young mare and the two do indeed get on well.”

“I’ve seen this beautiful horse of yours. I look forward to properly meeting her in the morning and hope she takes to me as well as she did to Raxle.”

“Oh, I’m sure she’ll see the same qualities in you that I do.” I tried to keep any nervousness out of my voice as I realized how very much I relied on Superian’s judgment.

Soon, the Oblivion-marred sky fell behind us. Ahead was a beautiful morning so clear that we could see the emerald forests beyond the Strid River. “Savlian, have you ever been to Valenwood?”

“Only briefly,” he replied, “in pursuit of marauders.”

“Someday, I want to go there,” I said. “I’ve never been, but it’s where my mother was born.”

“Then I shall take you there when time and circumstances allow. Where is your mother now?”

“She died when I was twelve.”

“I’m sorry, Buffy. And your father?”

“He never returned from a vampire hunting expedition. That was before I can even remember. Savlian,” I continued, “Mother chose a human as her mate. Like all half-breeds, my race is that of my mother. The influence exerted by Father is more subtle. He gifted me with a Breton’s mystical affinity and resistance to harmful spells. On the other hand, his seed denied me a Bosmer’s abilities to ward off disease and control animals.”

Savlian’s glanced above my head toward the upper ear of Slayer. “Perhaps that heritage explains the bow on your back and magic in your hands. You grew up alone from twelve years old?”

“My family was the city of Bravil after Mother died and now it is the guild of mages. What of you? Did you lose family the night of the Daedra attack? Parents, brothers, sisters . . . or perhaps a mate and children of your own?”

Savlian returned the salutes of two soldiers making their way up the hill as he cheerfully greeted them. After they passed, his face clouded before continuing, “I was an only child. My father gave his life to the Legion years ago. Mother worked in the kitchen of Castle Kvatch, but never really recovered from losing Father. Within a year of his death, I turned sixteen, joined the Legion and left for my initial training. In retrospect, that was too much for Mother to bear. She died while I was patrolling the West Weald as a forester. It was then several years of blood, steel and ice with a heavy line unit up on the Skyrim border, before I returned to Kvatch.”

“I’m sorry, Savlian. I shouldn’t have asked.”

“Of course you should’ve,” he replied. “Family helps shape who we are. As far as a wife, the answer is no.” Savlian almost spat the next words through clenched teeth. “What woman could want a man who abandoned his own mother to the call of the Legion? A man who lives and will likely die by the sword?”

I felt as if pierced by an arrow. Possible responses and confused thoughts wildly swirled through my mind. Be careful what you wish for, Buffy. Will the very things that draw you to this man break your heart? Perhaps you should bolt for Superian and have her carry you far from this place. What are you getting yourself into?

Yet. . . it was clear that the lesson wrought by his mother’s death caused him great anguish – perhaps enough to evolve his priorities? I did not believe Savlian would abandon me for the Legion. In fact, his choice to not only enter the gate but to do so with me at his side screamed exactly the opposite. Was Sigrid right? Could this small elf be the one to penetrate his armor? As the smoky warming fires and tents of the encampment came into view, I settled upon dodging the question – for now. “Are you hungry?”

“Aye, the sun is nigh overhead.”

The soup was made with potatoes and carrots from our own fields, flavored by local herbs and richened by milk from the camp’s goats. There was plenty of fresh bread and pitchers of cool, clear Kvatch spring water. Cheese and pears from Anvil rounded out our meal. We saw Bolden while eating and advised him of our plans to take the horses the following morning. Weedum-Ja offered to prepare us some traveling provisions.

The day became very busy, and our conversation did not return to matters of the heart. Rather, it primarily focused on the tactics and signals we would need to work and fight together. We each used the bath tents and, when Savlian emerged in simple linen attire, I helped him carry his armor to the camp’s smith for repair.

“I’ll have this ready by the time you two get back from your expedition.” Batul gra-Shaob sized me up with a tailor’s eye while speaking to Savlian. “How ‘bout fixing things in the field? Do either of you need a repair hammer?”

I answered, “I only use a hammer on my scale or mail cuirasses, not on my bow of course. And I carry needle and thread to repair any damage to my buckskins.” I looked up at Savlian. “If we need a repair hammer, I recently learned how to summon one for us.”

“Damn mages,” said Batul as she curled her lip into what Mazoga had taught me was an orcish smile. “Well, I won’t complain about the loss of business – I got more here than I can handle. When I trained as a smith, I never figured I’d have to learn how to sew. Yet here I am, mending tents and surcoats.” She glanced at a cured deer hide on one end of her sturdy work table. “Now, all the orphans want buckskin boots like Buffy. Don’t know when I’ll get to that.” The orc heaved an exaggerated sigh but her dark eyes were dancing. “And I’ll be stuffed by an ogre if I’m not a makeshift jeweler as well. Several of those enchanted rings Lucilius has been issuing need to be resized.” She rubbed one of her yellow tusks with a thick finger. “Oh well, good luck to both of you with the conjurer hunting. I hope you get ‘em all.”

Once outside Batul’s tent, I noted the sun was closer to Anvil than Skingrad. “I should go report to Sigrid and tell her of our plans. I also need to use the guild’s equipment to make some additional poisons this afternoon.”

“How about potions?”

“I’m afraid my alchemical passion has always been for poisoning arrows. I tend to rely on spells rather than potions for positive effects. In fact, I only carry a few of them for times when I cannot cast spells – either due to injury or having my magic cursed. Not surprisingly, Sigrid and Pelena can craft stronger potions than I. I’ll ask one of them to provide me with some healing and dispel elixirs that are more powerful than I can craft. Then we’ll be well stocked.”

Savlian nodded. “I need to go through that chest in my tent to dig out some old forester gear.” He chuckled. “I think I have a quiver of arrows in there as well, and perhaps I can remember how to string my old Legion bow.”

“That’s one thing that I can help you with.”

“May I call on you just before sunset? Perhaps we can break bread together again under the camp’s dining tent?”

“Please do, Savlian.” My fingers reached up to linger on his cheek for a moment. I then turned for my guild.

[mALX]

Not surprisingly, Sigrid can craft stronger potions than I...well stocked.”

Savlian nodded. “I need to go through that chest in my tent to dig out some old forester gear.” He chuckled. “I think I have a quiver of arrows in there as well..."

Matias's choice of the word "chest" right after Sigrid's mention may have been incidental, but...sorry, I was rolling at what he said. (Where is Foxy when you need him, lol).


Really nice quiet chapter!! Lucilius had a great point, the gate has been opened in Kvatch all this time so a few more days won't make that much difference. It explains the lack of (feel of urgency) about these chapters as well.

I'm also reminded of Buffy's visit to that Gottlesfont Priory where they proved to her that the chapel would be safe from the Daedra - I wondered at the time if that lesson would have some significance in Kvatch in BF - guess I'll find out soon !!!

Great Write !!!

This post has been edited by mALX: Dec 9 2011, 03:43 PM

[ghastley]

I'm curious as to what tactics the two are going to work out between them now, if Savlian's digging out a bow to use. I had expected he'd armor up to play tank, not become another sniper.

Doesn't Batul have an apprentice now? But then again, you can't teach what you haven't done yourself, so she'd have to get into sewing leather anyway, even if she lets her apprentice do most of it.

[liliandra nadiar]

Now. . . we just need to get you back to updating Myrin, the magical red-headed Dunmer!

Heh, Skyrim's finally loosing the 'Ohh... shiney' effect on me, I've been doing some writing on the next chapter and getting close to the point of another post. Just need to get through Myrin's first real combat event.

It was good to get further details of both Matias' and Buffy's history, managed to get the information without coming across as a data-dump.

Poor Batul, working as the sole supplier of gear and pretties for Camp Kvatch and her defenders.

[haute ecole rider]

Yet. . . it was clear that the lesson wrought by his mother’s death caused him great anguish – perhaps enough to evolve his priorities? I did not believe Savlian would abandon me for the Legion. In fact, his choice to not only enter the gate but to do so with me at his side screamed exactly the opposite. Was Sigrid right? Could this small elf be the one to penetrate his armor? As the smoky warming fires and tents of the encampment came into view, I settled upon dodging the question – for now. “Are you hungry?”

Be careful Buffy. You can't change what Savlian is into something he isn't. But I see in these words some wisdom - that a man can change himself! There's a difference there, and I like to believe Buffy is wise enough to see it.

Of course, when in doubt, feed the stomach! Or should I say feed the Paladin?

[SubRosa]

“I’ll take you up on the loan of Raxle,”
How did Daenlin's horse get all the way to Kvatch?

After the two men touched fists to wolves again
Another wonderful phrase.

“What woman could want a man who abandoned his own mother to the call of the Legion? A man who lives and will likely die by the sword?”
One who does not know what she is getting into? Or is blinded by love? In any case, methinks that someone is fishing for an answer here...

In any case, we had a nice little discussion as the two actually got to know one another, and start building a real relationship. Hopefully they will have opportunities for more of this!

as she curled her lip into what Mazoga had taught me was an orcish smile.
This was a good piece of world-building.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Dec 9 2011, 09:55 PM

[Grits]

“We can’t keep the preparations a secret,” replied Savlian, “nor should we. Tell them, but I’ll trust you and the team leaders to avoid celebration until we get the damn thing closed. Return to your duties.”

Lucilius flashed a broad smile that encompassed both Savlian and I. “Yes sir. Good day, Milady.”
I love this exchange. It’s a demonstration of how well Savlian and Lucilius complement each other.

Finest heavy horses in all Cyrodiil. Only Belle survived the Daedra invasion.
How sad, and a reminder of how much has already been lost.

It was wonderful to see Buffy and Savlian get so much history from each other in such a natural way. Savlian also got some important information about Buffy’s magical abilities, useful for their tactical planning.

Savlian almost spat the next words through clenched teeth. “What woman could want a man who abandoned his own mother to the call of the Legion? A man who lives and will likely die by the sword?”
It was good to see Savlian spit out his own insecurity. Now Buffy can deal with it, and maybe make some decisions. I was encouraged by her thought:

Yet. . . it was clear that the lesson wrought by his mother’s death caused him great anguish – perhaps enough to evolve his priorities? I did not believe Savlian would abandon me for the Legion.
She’s considering whether or not he has learned and grown from his past decisions. I don’t see any trace of the dreaded “My love will change him,” it seems more about how he has already changed.

As the smoky warming fires and tents of the encampment came into view, I settled upon dodging the question – for now. “Are you hungry?”
And a very graceful dodge it was. No answer here was far better than an uncertain one. I like that they are both thinking, “Am I the one,” not so much “Is he/she the one.” Fresh bread and creamy root vegetable soup, thank you very much!!


I’m also curious about Savlian’s plans with his bow and forester gear. I’m guessing that it will be sturdier than Buffy’s buckskins, and quieter than Kvatch-issue mail. I’m pretty excited to see what two archers can do, and how they will work together.

A dinner date to anticipate, a mystery fort, and a trip to Valenwood some day!! But first Savlian has to dig through his chest, and Buffy needs to dig through Sigrid’s. For potions.

[McBadgere]

Brilliant write...*Applauds*...

Most excellent...

Nice one... ...

Ooooh, this raised an eyebrow...

He never returned from a vampire hunting expedition

Doesn't mean he's dead and gone though does it?...

...

[Destri Melarg]

Being absent for so long is a double-edged sword. On the one hand I feel terrible for going so long without my 'Buffy-fix.' On the other hand now I've got several chapters to savor and read all at once. I'll be back when I've done so.