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

[Tábrasa]

Hello Acadian!

Even though I have quite a fair amount to catch up on (I've only been reading this thread so far), You're story telling technique is inspiring. You can really see through your words the bond between you and Buffy.
I was also thrilled that 'Buffy' is, well, Buffy. My character is called Tara Willow (or just Tara). It's amazing how much inspiration can come from something completley unrelated to TES, assuming of course that the name 'Buffy' was inspired by a certain vampire slayer haha

Enough of my rambling, to the chapter at hand!

This piece is very moving. I love how simply yet beautifully Buffy and Savilous open up to each other, and it was interesting to learn some information about Buffy that i didn't know prior this chapter. I can't wait to read older threads to learn more of their relationship

Great chapter!

P.S if you hadn't already guessed, I'm a newbie

[King Coin]

I’m happy the two of them are going into the gate together. This will be fun, Buffy working with another to close that gate.

Clearing conjurers would probably be the best way to get a look at some daedra and learn how to kill them.

Perhaps that heritage explains the bow on your back and magic in your hands.

I really liked that line. She’s adopted talents given to her from both parents.

Meeting the blacksmith was fun! She’s got her hands full! She’ll be a master before this is done. There are a lot of orcish women in Skyrim that have taken up blacksmithing as well so that made that part even more fun.

[Zalphon]

*Smile* Keep writing, I want to see how this pans out!

[Acadian]

In Episode 142, Savlian informed his second in command, Lucilius Marcus, that he and Buffy would leave the following morning for a training expedition that would prepare them to close the Oblivion Gate together. As the captain and the elf shared some of their family histories, Savlian stunned Buffy with his dark self-assessment that he would be an unsuitable mate for any woman. After spending much of the day together organizing and planning, the two parted ways to pursue some individual preparations. Buffy welcomed Savlian’s request to call on her later that they might share a sunset meal under Weedum-Ja’s tent.

maLX- Thank you for mentioning some of the measures we have tried to take to (partially) address the impact of that gate being open so long. Some elves just can’t be rushed. Lol.

ghastley- Heh, I’m curious as well about the tactics our odd couple will develop together.

liliandra nadiar- Good to hear that another Myrin episode is on the way! Thank you for the kind words. It was fun reviewing some of Buffy’s history and providing more of Savlian’s.

Rider- As you can see, Savlian has probably long simmered with some internal doubts and conflicts about the choices he has made. I expect it is Buffy’s presence that is bringing them to a rolling boil.

SubRosa- Buffy’s been infatuated by her image of Savlian for a long time, but you are right that it takes time spent together to build a real relationship. As you can imagine, I am hoping their training expedition serves more than its stated purpose. These two may be masters with their primary weapons, but it seems both are novices in matters of the heart. That they are forced to use dungeons and Deadlands as their dance floor only makes things harder. On the other hand, things forged under fire often proves to be stronger and more durable.

Grits- Thank you so much for your endorsement of Lucilius. I have grown terribly fond of him and what he quietly enables Buffy and Savlian to do. I was proud of our bowgirl here. Despite her inexperience and concerns, the skittish elf did not run away from him. Nor did she try to convince herself that she could reconstruct him to her will. Finally, I agree that her decision to dodge his question was a wise one. For now, she will settle for the fact that Savlian seems to at least recognize the potential problem. Buffy is not a low maintenance elf though, so I suspect the subject is not closed.

McBadgere- Thank you! Although the disappearance of Buffy’s father does include some mystery, I suspect he is dead. Given the length of her saga, I am grateful for the excuse to sometimes review obscure bits of Buffy lore. Upon learning during Azura’s quest that she was a Slayer, and again when discussing paternity with her friend Alawen during the Tournament of Archers, Buffy expressed that a quest to learn the fate of her father does not interest her. Nevertheless, she may well inadvertently learn more of his history in the distant future.

Destri- Welcome back! I hope you will find our comfortable once a week posting schedule will aid you in rejoining us!

Tabrasa- A very warm welcome to you! Thanks for joining us and your kind words of encouragement. I am so enjoying learning of Tara and Willow in your new story! If you find yourself short of time to catch up on back episodes, this may be of help: Buffy – The Executive Summary Thread.

You asked about the origin of the small elf’s name. There are several influences and forces at work, so please bear with me for a moment:
1. Alliteration. Buffy the blond Bravilian butterfly-dragon big-eared baby-breasted Bosmeri bowgirl. We much preferred the sound of Buffy to, say, Bambi or Barbie.
2. As a child, her parents had difficulty keeping clothes on her. She was always running around 'in the buff', as it were. Water seemed to make matters worse. In fact she was nearly thirteen before the red-face protests of her archery master, Daenlin, finally convinced her to be more discrete and not drop her clothes to go swimming in every stream they encountered while hunting. To this day, she pleads guilty to the refrain, 'Tequila Water makes her clothes fall off' - particularly near any waterfall.
3. At the precise moment of sunrise that marked her birth, Buffy was touched by Azura's hand of fate as a Child of Dawn. Although she does not embrace the role, she is indeed one of few women with special abilities to help kill vampires. She is a Slayer, and her bow is so named. The influence of another Buffy with a vampire problem is inescapable.
4. In naming her Buffy, I felt it would be rather tongue-in-cheek and prevent me from taking her too seriously. In that regard. . . I fear I have failed miserably.

KC- Thank you. Using a duo to close the gate at Kvatch is certainly a path less traveled, and I hope you will enjoy their preparations and attempt. I do feel as if Buffy has gradually evolved to fully reflect her mixed heritage. I had fun writing Batul (as I do with any orc) and am glad you enjoyed her! I’m so looking forward to seeing some moving pictures of Aravi in her new northern homeland!

Zalphon- Keep writing? With the wonderful encouragement of writers such as yourself, I certainly will!

* * *

143 I Do It For You

“Now you know how we eat when your bow is not supplying us with venison.”

“That buck certainly didn’t last long,” I replied. As Savlian lifted the flap to his tent, we slipped inside. I lit his oil lamp with a fingertip then stowed Slayer and my quiver in the weapons rack. “Weedum-Ja can make potato soup and bread seem like a treat though.”

Savlian racked his sword and shield. After holding a chair for me, he pulled the other one close and straddled it. “Her Wolf’s Head Tavern was as fine as any in Cyrodiil before the invasion. Speaking of cooking, did you make the poisons you wanted to this afternoon?”

“Yes, the guild tent has a fine set of alchemy equipment thanks to the kindness of our Anvil chapter.” I pointed to an unstrung staff in the weapons rack. “I see you found your old bow?”

He grinned. “I did, but my old hemp bowstring was so old that it snapped when I tried to fit it.”

I smiled. “I can help you there. In the morning, I’ll string it with silk for you. It’ll be harder on your fingers, but stronger and does not stretch – even when wet.”

“I’ll likely need some practice shooting as well. Hopefully, we can return from our expedition with some fresh venison for Weedum-Ja.”

“This talk of hunting reminds me,” I said, “what kind of Daedra are coming from the gate now besides the scamp I saw yesterday?”

“Flame atronachs,” replied Savlian, “and clannfears of course.”

I gulped. “Of course. I guess we can expect the conjurers at Fort Agarctova to summon all those. The texts I’ve read on Daedra describe many more varieties. I’ve tried to memorize what I know about each in case we encounter them.”

“Those damn conjurers are also potent spellcasters,” said Savlian. “Thankfully we won’t have to contend with mages inside the Oblivion Gate.” He then smiled and added, “Well, except for you.”

“I’m afraid we likely will, Savlian. If Mehrunes Dagon’s Deadlands are similar to Peryite’s Pits – and I believe they are – we should expect to encounter Dremora inside the gate.”

“Dremora?” A finger reached up and slipped under the black band to scratch his head.

“They’re humanoid in form,” I said, “intelligent and capable of speech. I suspect they help to control the Daedra somewhat like the conjurers do. Some of them are warriors, distinguishable by their heavy armor, but there are also Dremora mages who wear black robes.”

“Just great,” Savlian remarked grimly. “I guess clearing a conjurer lair will be better training than I had imagined.”

Our conversation turned more to specific tactics and discussing ways of safely working together. I had ample opportunity to share more of what I had learned about Daedra hunting.

“Frankly, I’m stunned,” said Savlian. “How do you survive? Given how. . . fragile you are and that you don’t use a blade. What do you do if cornered?”

“Well,” I replied, “between my detect life rings, bow and casting illusions, I can usually avoid surprises. But if caught off guard up close, I do have a couple panic responses that have saved me on several occasions.”

“Such as?”

I rose to my feet. Savlian did as well. I looked at him mischievously while spiking a fist into the air. As I disappeared and stepped back, fleshless bones began to emerge and assemble from the mist of my spell.

Rather than respond with surprise, Savlian moved with astonishing quickness and decisively disarmed my distraction of its axe.

From the opposite corner of the tent – next to the weapons rack - a lavender swirl of dispelling magic descended over me as I reappeared and my summon evaporated. “While invisible and my foe is distracted, I can escape or reposition to plan an attack.”

Savlian faced me then smiled. “You’re like no mage I’ve ever seen.”

I shrugged. “I’m the only mystic archer I know of. Usually, that just gets me teased, but I’m still alive.”

He took both my hands in his. “No one is going to tease you on my watch.” His face then turned quite serious. “Buffy, I need to close that gate because I’m a soldier and this city is my responsibility. But you. . . I’m still overwhelmed that you’re willing to risk your life for Kvatch.”

I blinked. You beautiful stupid man, I thought. You still don’t realize why I’m here, do you? “I won’t do it for Kvatch,” I said as I looked up into his eyes, “but I’ll do it for you, Savlian Matius.”

He crushed me to him and our lips met. As I returned his kiss, I melted willingly into his tight embrace. A hand slid up my back, between blouse and hair, then trailed over my neck before cupping the side of my face. I felt intoxicated as my head began to swirl. Both knees went limp but, as tightly as his other arm held me, I couldn’t have fallen if I tried.

His lips broke from mine to travel across my cheek. As he began to kiss one ear, tingling sensations rippled right down my spine. I heard a loud sigh escape my mouth. The sound of my pent up yearning, which had suddenly been set aflame, sobered me instantly and my mind exploded with concern. Savlian was human, not a wood elf; what must he think of a moaning forest creature? Then I remembered the thin fabric walls that surrounded us! This man was not only an officer of the Legion, but bore full command of the entire County Kvatch. Would passersby think less of him if they heard such primal noises coming from his tent? I felt myself tense up and gently tried to push him away.

Releasing his embrace, he moved both hands to my shoulders, allowing the half pace between us that I sought. I read concern in his eyes, but did I also see confusion? Disappointment? Hurt? “Buffy, what’s the mat-“

“Captain?”

In response to the familiar voice from outside the tent, Savlian lowered his hands and hoarsely said, “Enter.”

Lucilius Marcus did so. “Good evening, Milady.” His slightly reddened face made it rather clear that the noise of my passion had indeed carried beyond the thin canvas. He shifted his awkward gaze to Savlian. “Sir, you wanted to talk about arrangements during your absence?”

I spent the next hour quietly seated on the chest in the corner, while both men poured over watch schedules and other things that were no doubt important – to them. I couldn’t stop thinking about the sensations that Savlian had awakened within me. How long had I been waiting and hoping for him to kiss me? And I responded by groaning like a doe in heat? Then pushing him away in embarrassment? As I continued to pout in the corner, I couldn’t blame Savlian if he never kissed me again. After all, what man would want an elf that proclaims her passions to the whole encampment? I realized that I was blinking back tears and paying no attention to what the two Imperials were discussing.

When I stood, both men took notice and rose to their feet. “Tomorrow will be a busy day,” I said as I shouldered Slayer and my quiver. “I’m going to return to the guild for some sleep.”

“Good night, Milady.” Lucilius returned to his chair and discretely focused his attention on parchments that filled the table.

Savlian lifted the tent flap for me and we stepped out into the cool night.

He took one of my hands. “I hesitate to let you out of my sight.”

“Why is that?” I asked hopefully.

“Will you promise not to sabotage our plans by trying to slip into the Oblivion Gate without me tonight?”

“What would make you think such thoughts were in my head?”

“Other than the fact that you charged in there the last time you were here? Or that Sigrid tells me you’re an accomplished illusionist who can no doubt bypass my policy that no one enter the gate except on my orders?”

My eyes drifted down to the toe of a buckskin boot as it stirred the dirt.

Savlian continued, “Because the same thought has occurred to me, Buffy. Armed with the knowledge you have shared about the Deadlands, I was tempted to close that gate tonight while you safely sleep.”

My hand that Savlian wasn’t holding found its way to one hip and I lifted my chin defiantly. “If you die inside that gate without me, I’ll hate you forever! Promise me you won’t do that!”

“A mutual pact then?” Savlian smiled calmly into the face of my anger as he lifted an eyebrow.

“I promise,” I said. “I know our best chance to succeed and both survive is with our current plan to train together then close the gate as a team.”

“I’m glad we agree,” replied Savlian. “Let us sleep at ease then, and meet by the horses at dawn.”

I nodded, then reached up and nervously kissed him. We were interrupted by the greeting from a pair of passing soldiers before I could really assess his response. “Good night, Savlian.” I reluctantly turned and headed for the guild.

After a short trek across the encampment, I let the blue and white striped flap close behind me and dispelled the light aura that had illuminated my way.

“Good evening, Buffy.” Pelena lifted her eyes and paused her hands from organizing ingredients and cleaning alchemy equipment. She was the only mage still up.

“And to you as well,” I replied while unstringing Slayer. “Thank you again for the strong healing and dispelling potions you provided me with earlier today.” I placed my bow, quiver and pack on the battlemages’ arming table. “Do you need some help?”

“I’d love some, and the company would be most welcome. Gladius is on duty again.”

I joined the Breton in alchemical small talk while lending my hands to her tasks. Finally, she looked at me awkwardly and said, “Buffy, I’m sorry I was not very welcoming when you first arrived here. I should know better than to be jealous. I realize Gladius loves me – he’s a noble man and full of honor.”

I smiled. “He is indeed.”

“Besides, I’ve seen the way you look at Savlian Matius. I know your heart belongs to him.”

“Does it show that much?” I asked.

She nodded, then hesitantly continued. “And it’s more than that. Buffy, after I left the bath tent this evening, I happened to pass near Savlian’s tent. . . .”

My eyes opened wide and my hand stilled the cloth I was using to clean an alembric. I could feel the warm flush from below my neckline as it rose toward the tips of my troublesome ears. “Did you, um . . . ?”

She nodded again, then quickly added, “I don’t think anyone else heard you except maybe Lucilius. He was approaching Savlian’s tent at the time.”

My eyes swept the ground. “Savlian probably hates me now, knowing that I groan like a wounded forest creature when he kisses me. No wonder I’ve heard Imperials say they’d rather sleep with their horse than a wood elf.” I sighed. “Pelena, I just couldn’t help it. The stirrings he awakens within me, they-”

“They’re not forest creature noises, Buffy,” interrupted Pelena. “I’m not a wood elf of course, but Gladius calls me his little moaner.”

I stared at her, torn between surprise and relief. “But you don’t. . . I mean, I haven’t heard anything from your tent.”

She smiled. “Wait here.” After but a few moments in her sleeping tent, she emerged with a potion bottle in one hand. “This will help. Take a sip.”

I did so. “I don’t fee-“ My words were barely an audible whisper! I tried to raise my voice to no avail. Even trying to yell generated only the softest chirps and squeaks as Pelena watched in grinning amusement.

“Father marketed it to keep children quiet, but I know that many. . . enthusiastic women use it the same way I do. Just a sip can last all night – if you’re lucky enough to require that. The effect can be easily dispelled, however. Do you need some more potions for that?”

In a tiny squeak I told her I didn’t, then lifted one fist. Opening my fingers, I spilled pale lavender dispelling magic that slowly spiraled around me as it sought the ground. “Pelena?” I was relieved that my voice was back to normal.

“That bottle is almost full and I want you to have it. I can make more.” She briefly put quill to parchment, blew the ink dry and handed me a note. “Here’s the recipe. It’s not well known, but any skilled potion maker can craft it.”

I hugged my guild sister and new friend, relieved to know that I was not the only ‘moaner’.

* * * * * * * * *

~ Author's Note: I fully credit the movie ‘Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves’ for Buffy’s ‘I do it for you’ line in this episode. ~

[liliandra nadiar]

Episode Two: Attack of the Insecurities.

All the things that keep bothering Buffy and only one really has any so-called merit. That being the life-span difference but she's pretty well already 'trapped' even if she can't be with him, might as well go whole hog.

And here I was thinking the title came from the movie Serenity.

This post has been edited by liliandra nadiar: Dec 16 2011, 05:46 PM

[ghastley]

Just don't let Buffy take any of that "quiet" potion into battle!

[SubRosa]

But if caught off guard up close, I do have a couple panic responses that have saved me on several occasions.”
Remembers Vilverin. I hope she is not going to show him the wet your pants response!

You beautiful stupid man, I thought.
And how many other women have thought this same thing? It is a credit to your writing skills that you have made Buffy the same as any other woman, in spite of being made of pixels rather than flesh and blood.

And we get a little more then an Almost Kiss for the Buffster this time! And how nice of him to have heard the activities within! I see that Lucilius' timing is not quite as bad as it was. But it could still use some improvement!

I loved Buffy's self-conscious churnings while Sav and Luke went over the details. All quite natural to feel, under the circumstances. It is a lot easier to have a lover when you have some privacy! At least she got a good night kiss out of him, in public no less. That will at least help with things in the future, as now she and the Captain are no longer putting on any pretenses about not being an item.

No wonder I’ve heard Imperials say they’d rather sleep with their horse than a wood elf.
Oh there it is again! How brilliant of you to dredge up this - at the time seemingly random and insignificant - bit of racism and throw it right back into Buffy's mind. Poor elf!

And such a brilliant potion of Pelena's! I bet a lot of married men would love to use that on their wives when they are trying to watch football!

I remember Everything I Do alright. Outstanding song. It was huge when it came out, and has been in every wedding I have been to since.

[Grits]

This was a pure joy to read. Every one of Buffy’s emotions rang true for me, and by the end I felt like I’d received the confidences of a dear friend.

My hand that Savlian wasn’t holding found its way to one hip and I lifted my chin defiantly. “If you die inside that gate without me, I’ll hate you forever! Promise me you won’t do that!”
In an episode that I would like to quote from start to finish, I had to pull out this very Buffy moment.

“A mutual pact then?” Savlian smiled calmly into the face of my anger as he lifted an eyebrow.
All right, and the one that immediately followed. Savlian really shines throughout, but his calm response to Buffy being Buffy warms the heart.

Also, Pelena's more peaceful passion potion had me laughing out loud. What a good friend she has turned out to be!

[mALX]

Just a sip can last all night – if you’re lucky enough to require that.

ROFL !! That was my favorite quote, lol. Awesome chapter!

[McBadgere]

D'yknow Everything I do is the longest running Number 1 single of all time in Britain?...18 weeks I think it was...*Shudder*...Prefered Can't Stop This Thing We've Started meself... ...

Aaamywho...Loved this chapter...Moist...*Cough*...Most excellent...*Plink-Plink*... ...

Blimey, at this rate, the only place they'll get some peace is in the gate... ...

Excellent write...*applauds*...

Nice one!... ...

[Captain Hammer]

Okay, I am caught up.

Gotta say, impressed with the detail work. Between the custom enchantments the battlemages use, the extra-curricular potions and spells you've added for everyday use (and those canvas-thin tent walls ) and how the Kvatch survivors have come together, you've truly added a lot to the game.

Really glad to see Buffy and Savlian open up to each other. I do hate it when two people simply can't seem to admit to each other simple truth. Too bad TV writers don't seem to appreciate that. Plenty of good shows made all the worse for that.

[King Coin]

“Just great,” Savlian remarked grimly. “I guess clearing a conjurer lair will be better training than I had imagined.”
Unfortunately. Don’t fear the mages so much though. Robes are very poor at keeping out sharp objects.

Whoa! Surprise from Matius! Maybe it’s time for them to get out of the tent city eh? Oh they do have a convenient training exercise planned…

I think if I were Marcus I’d have just kept walking.

Love the potion at the end.

[Tábrasa]

Now I've studied the summary I can comment on the most recent posts without getting confused! YAY! (although I do plan to read the rest of the book, too, I assure you!)

I absoloutly loved this chapter from start to finished. Buffy's little insecurities when it comes to Savilus are so endearing, they make her very real and adds to the character.

I also couldn't help but love the way you described Buffy's mid combat 'panic button'. As well as being well written, what a genius little mind Buffy has! Tara would never whink that quickly

I loved this: Savlian probably hates me now, knowing that I groan like a wounded forest creature when he kisses me. Such a girly thing to worry about! Well... not any girls I know, but I'm sure it is for the Bosmers of Tamriel

Great Write! Eager for more!

[Acadian]

During Episode 143, Savlian and Buffy spent the evening continuing training preparations for the following morning’s departure to Fort Agarctova. At one point, Savlian passionately took Buffy into his arms. The elf responded to having her ear kissed with a loud involuntary sigh. Distracted by the thin canvas that surrounded them, and how her vocalizations might be perceived, she awkwardly ruined the moment. Before they could discuss the matter, they were further interrupted by Lucilius. Frustrated, Buffy returned to her guild for the night, agreeing to meet Savlian by the horses in the morning. When the subject of Buffy’s ‘forest creature’ noises came up with Pelena, the alchemist offered some quiet help.

liliandra nadiar- Thank you! Yes, Buffy has pondered the life span difference a couple times, most directly with Acadian before leaving Bravil after the Tournament. She has quietly resolved that despite the consequences, if given the chance, she will dance. It will be Savlian who actually brings it up as a concern later.

ghastley- ‘Quiet potion’. I like it almost as much as Grits’ ‘peaceful passion potion’, but Buffy will probably call it, ‘Pelena’s little moaner potion’. Not to be confused with the game’s very different and inaccurately labeled effect called ‘silence’. Since that game effect does not prevent speech, and no speech is required to cast spells, we refer to it as cursing one’s magic in BF. We’ll see that curse magic effect in use more than once at Fort Agarctova.

SubRosa- Thank you for drawing attention to so much from this past episode, including how different Buffy’s internal thoughts can be from the words that spill from her mouth. I just happen to have a 2:28 minute clip from Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, that features both Lucilius’ ‘He fancies you milady’ and Buffy’s ‘I’ll do it for you’ lines.

Grits- What a beautiful endorsement of Buffy’s swirling emotions you provided! Thank you! As you can probably tell, I’m getting quite attached to the budding couple.

mALX- Hee! Leave it to the marvelously mischievous minxish mALX to hone right in on our attempt at some humor from the boudoir. Thank you!

McBadgere- Thank you! Yes, they desperately need a little privacy if things are going to bloom. Savlian’s war camp is one hell of a place for a courtship.

Captain Hammer- Thank you. What is so fun for me here is that while Buffy’s bubbling emotions are literally an open book to the reader, she is still largely guessing what her mysterious man-creature is thinking and is rather ill-equipped to understand him.

King Coin- Yes, they need to get away from smoke and canvas for a time. Lucilius’ timing is getting better, but he has a ways to go.

Tabrasa- Thank you! I’m so glad our Executive Summary Thread was of some help. Buffy has some brilliant tactics, but they are all preplanned responses that have been practiced and drilled into her by instructors such as Boderi Farano. That’s how she compensates for her natural inability to react well or quickly to surprises. When truly caught off guard up close in combat, she tends to freeze up, cast the wrong spell or pee her greaves. She’ll elaborate a bit on her close combat limitations in this next episode.

* * *

144 The Opinions of Horses and Lions

Laden with bedroll and traveling supplies, I paused when the stable area came into view to savor the first streams of sunshine as they spilled over the eastern horizon. I could see that Superian and Raxle were both saddled – a task no doubt completed by Bolden before the dear Redguard had gone to breakfast.

Savlian was with the horses, lashing provisions and equipment to Raxle’s saddle. I could see the Imperial wore an oddly colored surcoat over his mail. It was a mottled pattern of grays and greens, broken by branch-like trails of brown and indistinct shadows as dark as his headband. The white background of his Kvatch shield had been similarly subdued. A leather guige secured the steel disc to his back, where it was joined by a quiver and unstrung bow. A Legion arming sword rode at one hip while a dagger adorned the other. Mail greaves descended into leather boots, but he wore no gauntlets.

My own tan greaves and boots - both of buckskin - were topped by a cuirass of loam-colored leather scales. Slayer was fully charged and my quiver was full.

Neither Savlian nor the horses had taken note of my approach, so I just watched with a smile. Superian was quite curious at the activity, nudging Savlian and nosing into Raxle’s saddlebags while blowing small clouds of fog into the cool, still air. She willingly accepted some gentle rubs on the forehead. “There’s something about him, isn’t there, girl?” I whispered.

As I stepped closer, I sang out, “Good morning, everyone.” Superian perked her ears and nickered affectionately.

Savlian turned and smiled. “You’re as lovely as your mare this morning.”

“I see you’ve met.” I giggled then added, “She and I have the same ears.”

“A beautiful feature on both of you.”

I almost stopped in my tracks at the serious response to my joke. His gentle expression was earnest. Despite how much trouble my big ears had caused the previous evening, he liked them! As I approached, he relieved me of my burden. “Thank you, Savlian.” I reached over to pat the neck of the old gelding, Raxle, then finally gave my mare a hug. “Good morning, precious girl.”

After we finished loading the horses, I dug a length of silk from my pack. “Let me have your bow.”

Savlian unshouldered the staff and presented it to me.

I slipped one loop of the bowstring over the upper ear so it could slide down the limb. I then fitted the lower loop to the other ear and planted that end of the bow on the ground against the outside of my right boot. Leaning the staff to my left, I slipped my free foot between it and the loose string, then braced the belly of the bow against the back of my left leg. With both hands, I bent the top of the upper limb to my right until able to slide and fit the upper loop of the bowstring to its ear. “Here.”

“You make it look easy,” said Savlian as he returned the bow to his back.

“My archery master taught me techniques that don’t require much strength and I’ve had plenty of practice.” I then unrolled my map against Superian’s shoulder. “So where exactly is Fort Agarctova?”

Savlian studied the well-annotated sheet of doeskin, then touched a finger to the southern end of a bluff that overlooked the Strid River. “You’re the scout and equestrienne. What’s the best way there by horse?”

“Let’s stay on the high ground,” I replied. “We can drop into one of the ravines when our waterskins get light or the animals need to drink.”

We mounted the horses, then let them pick their way directly down the southern face of the encampment’s plateau until we reached the Gold Road.

I slipped on my rings and let the initial flourish of pink from Savlian and both horses subside. “These are enchanted with detect life and enable me to both travel safely and be an effective scout. Their range combines to several hundred feet and I can alert us to danger before we are seen.”

“Don’t you find the effect to be disorienting?” asked Savlian.

“There was a time when at this distance, you would have just been a glowing human shape to me. After staring at the pink aura swirling around Superian for countless hours, however, I’ve gotten used to it. Even with these rings on, I can read the subtle movements of her ears.” I looked at Savlian. “And I can see that you’re returning my smile.”

After a short time traveling east along the road, we identified and began working our way south atop the broad ridgeline that led toward Fort Agarctova.

“What is it?” said Savlian quietly as I drew Superian to a stop and held up one hand.

“Bear, with two cubs. She’s beyond that stand of trees ahead and crossing the ridgeline from left to right. If we wait a few minutes, she’ll probably lead her cubs down into the next ravine in search of berries, water or fish.”

My assessment regarding the pink glows and their actions proved correct.

After another hour or so of travel we began to more frequently catch glimpses of the Strid River and emerald forests beyond. Savlian handed me some of the flatbread that Weedum-Ja had packed for us as he told me more about Kvatch before the Daedra invaded. Despite the bittersweet nature of his memories, I loved listening to him. In fact, as we passed a waterskin between us, I couldn’t recall a happier time than riding alongside this man.

A large glow appeared at the edge of my detect life range and we stopped on my signal. I slid to the ground and pointed toward the life form. “I don’t know what it is.” My left hand sought Slayer while my right drew an arrow and set the tail to silk.

Savlian dismounted as well. “I don’t see any movement out there.”

I pulled some tension on my bowstring and focused on the glow, causing much of the distance to evaporate. As the unfamiliar beast snapped into sharp focus, I sucked in my breath. “The head of a bull, complete with horns. Like a muscular man covered in fur, it stands upright and carries a warhammer in one hand. Two bovine legs that end in hooves.” I quivered my arrow and looked up at Savlian, mystified.

“Minotaur,” he said. “They’re plant eaters, but fiercely territorial and highly aggressive. Sometimes they’ll kill for no apparent reason other than pleasure. This beast will not move on like that mother bear did. We can waste a lot of time crossing to the next ridgeline to avoid it, but I’d rather commence our training right now. Otherwise, we’ll have to deal with it again on our return trip.”

“I will kill it from here.”

He lifted an eyebrow, but nodded and unshouldered his bow. “If it charges, I should be able to get a couple arrows off before switching to blade. If it gets close, you’ll step behind me. Its first strike will be a head butt. I’ll block that to one side, then finish by blade.”

I tossed a small handful of dirt into the air to read the breeze. “Hopefully, it’ll never see us.” The poison I selected was crafted from ectoplasm, fly amanita and green stain cup. That mixture had been brewed with just enough water to provide the perfect viscosity for arrow use. It combined the jolt of shock magic with fungal toxins and had been carefully prepared with quality equipment to act quickly. I applied it to the tip of a broadhead arrow and set my deadly missile to the nock.

Once again, I drew the bullish creature into sharp focus. I adjusted the arrow’s tip slightly into the gentle cross breeze, then elevated it well above the target as I verified that no intervening branches would block the arc of my shot. Halfway through an exhalation, I paused. Satisfied with the final aim point, I fully drew the feathered tail to my ear and loosed. Immediately nocking a second arrow, I pulled the monster back into view and waited.

After the eternity of but a few seconds, I was rewarded to see the creature stagger as my feathered shaft blossomed at a sharp angle from its upper chest. Its mouth opened in a silent bellow of rage as the green tinge of poison quickly spread over bovine features. Slayer’s enchantment caused sparks to arc and dance over the furry body. Making no attempt to remove my protruding arrow, the minotaur raised its warhammer defensively and circled a short distance in search of its attacker. Soon, the monster gave up its futile effort and stood still. Even after my silent count for the poison to run its course was complete, the beast remained on its feet. I loosed a second arrow. While my missile flew its high arc, I nocked a third and once again pulled the target into clear view. And waited.

The song of Azura’s Star announced the second arrow’s impact, even as its shaft sprouted from the minotaur’s upper back and the creature was driven to the ground. “We can proceed now.” I returned the third arrow to my quiver.

We rode to where the creature had fallen. As Savlian helped cut my arrows free, I was stunned by the size of the beast. It was bigger than a troll, nearly the size of an ogre.

“That was some amazing shooting, my elven scout.”

“Are you glad you brought me?” I asked, glowing at his praise as I wiped down the one arrow that was undamaged before quivering it.

“I certainly am,” he replied. “You weren’t exaggerating when you said you’re a sniper.”

“Striking from hidden shadows and long range is how I have to fight. I’m not only fragile, but I lack the ability to think or react quickly in close combat. When traveling with Superian, her stunning speed can carry me to safety. Without her, my normal response is to disappear as you saw me demonstrate in your tent. I won’t do that if you are near however, for despite my skittishness I will not abandon you in a fight. I must rely on you to protect me if things get close.”

We continued south.

After I reported numerous deer glowing in the distance, Savlian reminded us to try and take a couple for Weedum-Ja during our return trip. As we rode, the Imperial was quite understanding while I shared some of the hunting philosophy that Daenlin had instilled in me. In fact, he seemed very comfortable among the trees. I attributed that to his first tour of duty as a forester for the Legion.

The shape of the distant glow was familiar as my raised hand brought us to yet another stop. “Lion, and it’s slowly headed our way.” We both dismounted. “Savlian, if it gets too close, I’d like to try and frighten it away with a spell. I know it sounds silly, but I avoid killing wolves, bears or lions unless I have to.” Feeling the need to elaborate, I continued, “Remember when we briefly talked about my friend Alawen?”

“Aye, Anvil’s ranger has been very helpful to us in keeping the road between Kvatch and the coast free of bandits.”

“As a child, Alawen survived being marked by a lion and can move freely among them now. Another elf I know named Teresa healed a mother bear that had been mauled by trolls near Bravil. My archery master, Daenlin, can pass unmolested among wolves. The Bosmer within me understands the kinship to forest predators, but my human blood will never allow me to fully be like those other elves. Ironically, it is the Breton part of my nature that has helped me master the magic of illusion and thereby achieve some degree of peace with creatures of the forest.”

“I don’t find your views silly at all, and no lion is going to get through me to either you or the horses.” Savlian’s blade slid reassuringly from its scabbard, then the Kvatch shield found its way to his other hand. “We’ll try your spell first though.”

As we quietly waited, the glow grew closer until a lioness emerged from the tall grass and stopped no more than twenty five paces from us. I knew she could cover the distance in a mere second or two.

My right hand was pulsing with a restrained emerald glow. From behind me, I heard Superian snort and the sound of either she or Raxle nervously pawing the ground. The look of determination on my protector’s face matched the cool steel of his ready blade.

The lioness showed no sign of being intimidated by her audience. Nor did she crouch, flatten her ears or display any indications heralding a charge. She simply stared intently at Savlian.

After several moments, her posture had not changed. I smiled. Somehow, I knew the lioness recognized that the man at my side had a heart that rivaled her own. The tip of her tail flicked once as she turned to continue her travels, I gently said, “Go in peace, sister.”

[mALX]

I loved that meeting with the lioness! Also, Buffy's musings on Teresa/Alawen/Daenlin's pacts with different animal species - very nice little crossover there !! Awesome Write !!

[King Coin]

Oh I love the surcoat that Savlian no doubt dug out of storage.

“She and I have the same ears.”

“A beautiful feature on both of you.”
I agree with Savlian.

I’m loving the trip along the Gold Road with Savlian!

Two arrows for that minotaur. Buffy at her finest! Now that she’s demonstrated her ability, I would like to see Savlian’s.

That was such a neat encounter with the lion.

[SubRosa]

Buffy and Superian have their shared ears on. And Savlian loves them both! Now that was definitely the right thing to say at that moment. If he had made a joke in response to Buffy's own joke, that probably would have lingered in the back of her mind forever.

And Buffy also has her radar on too, and is using it quite effectively. No foo fighters on her screen. The mama bear and cubs were a good addition, not only showing us her detect life in action, but also revealing that the rest of the world goes on as normal, in spite of their mission.

I couldn’t recall a happier time than riding alongside this man.
Awww

A minotaur! Buffy's first too I see. I loved Sav's description of it. For herbivores, they are awfully aggressive. I put it down to having a zillion gallons of testosterone. It survived the first arrow. That is saying quite a bit for one of Buffy's shots. But not two I see.

Another elf I know named Teresa healed a mother bear that had been mauled by trolls near Bravil.
She sounds like a cool chick!

Finally, a tense encounter with the lioness! I was literally holding my breath waiting to see what would happen next. Phew! Thank goodness she was not in the mood for a fight, or a meal, and walked on.

[Grits]

I enjoyed seeing Buffy and Savlian so comfortable together in the woods, facing the various situations that confronted them.

Buffy’s use of the zoom and the green poison bloom work so naturally in her story. I love that she lives in the same Cyrodiil that is so recognizable from the game.

“I don’t find your views silly at all, and no lion is going to get through me to either you or the horses.” Savlian’s blade slid reassuringly from its scabbard, then the Kvatch shield found its way to his other hand. “We’ll try your spell first though.”

That’s so Savlian. He really has come to vivid life.

[McBadgere]

I second that about it being cool that your Cyrodiil is the one from the game...It's brilliant... ...

Loved this chapter...I really felt the journey's passing...Fantastic write...

And, like everyone, I loved that bit at the end with the Lioness...Most excellent...

Oh, and those rings are sooo cool... ...

[Acadian]

Buffy and Savlian left Kvatch en route to Fort Agarctova in Episode 144. Their hope is that clearing a troublesome conjurer gang from the fort together will help forge them into a team that can successfully close the Kvatch Oblivion Gate – a prerequisite to freeing the city. While riding south, they talked about a variety of topics, dealt with several animal encounters and continued to discover more of each other. Fort Agarctova is an invention of Buffy Fiction and is southeast of Kvatch.

mALX- Thank you for your kind words on our forest/animal observations. It seems Savlian has an appreciation for forest creatures - like wood elves. The mentions of Alawen, Teresa and Daenlin were to show contrast with Buffy’s mixed heritage and the irony that her Bretonic magical blood is what provides the tools to apply her Bosmeri instincts.

KC- Thank you. Yup, Savlian certainly said the right thing about the elf’s ears! So glad you enjoyed the lion encounter. Like you, I look forward to seeing some of Savlian’s abilities - first blood coming up.

SubRosa- As you can see, the Legend of Button and the Bear has left a lasting impact on Buffy and her thinking. I’m so glad I could convey some of what I intended with the lioness encounter. As you have many times pointed out, suspense does not always have to culminate with a fight.

Grits- We all walk our own tightrope regarding how much ‘gaminess’ to keep in our stories. My intent has always been to provide a comfortable feeling of familiarity to those who play Oblivion. Thank you so much for your kind words in this regard. In this next episode, for example, Buffy tries to explain to Savlian why she can’t use her detect life to tell him what is inside Fort Agarctova before they open the door. I thank you also for sharing some of the growing passion that Buffy and I have for her heroic but imperfect Imperial.

McBadgere- The sense that their journey south showed the passage of time – thank you for noting that. Among the snips of their day, that is what I was trying to show. As Buffy readily told Savlian, her pair of detect life rings are essential to how she does business. They are a huge part of why Buffy and Superian are still alive. Honestly, the only equipment she really needs is Slayer, those rings and Azura’s Star. Everything else, she could drop by the nearest waterfall.

* * *

145 First Blood

As we continued south, the western horizon gradually drew the sun into its grasp.

By the time the crumbling walls of Fort Agarctova came into view, they were illuminated by Masser, Secunda and a host of twinkling stars. The upper structures were largely in ruins. I knew however, that many of these old outposts boasted catacombs beneath that remained viable as lairs for a variety of secretive occupants.

We stopped and dismounted. I pointed toward the fort and said quietly, “I see the glow of one man or mer.” Gesturing at a nearby rock formation, I added, “If I take to that high perch, I think I can both verify my target and get a clean shot.”

Savlian shook his head. “I am an officer of the Legion and will offer this sentry the opportunity to surrender the fort.”

I blinked at him, then whispered, “Are you-” the word ‘daft’ came to mind, but I settled for something more tactful, “-sure?”

He met my gaze with eyes that did not invite disagreement, then nodded once.

I recalled Ranger Alawen insisting on the same need to declare herself when we long ago approached a camp of smugglers. “You’re in charge,” I said dubiously. “I’ll try to support you with bow and magic.”

“Call your shots or spells if it comes to that - like we briefed in my tent.”

Savlian equipped his shield, then quietly drew steel as Slayer found its way to my hand. We crept forward using the night’s shadows to get within twenty paces of the blue-robed conjurer. Savlian stood upright. I rose from my crouch as well, hoping the sudden appearance of both of us would intimidate the sentry.

“Surrender in the name of the Imperial Legion!”

As the Altmer wheeled around to face us, she snarled, “A human and lesser elf on this sacred ground? You’ll both die!”

That was all I needed to hear. I quietly warned, “Casting,” and a full load of emerald magic swirled from my hand.

“Fools!” she cried. My spell struck before her fist spiked the air, and no magic erupted as she opened her fingers. She stared at her hand for a moment in apparent bewilderment, then drew a dagger and advanced menacingly.

I was astonished. How much hatred filled this Altmer? Stripped of her magic by my spell, and equipped with only robes and a dagger, she intended to take on the Legion soldier who had stepped in front of me!

Reminiscent of the tactics I had seen employed by Gladius Maro and Sir Mazoga, Savlian’s shield swept the conjurer’s blade aside. He then stepped back and slashed once, the tip of his blade opening the elf’s midsection. The Altmer dropped her weapon and fell, clutching at the wound in an attempt to contain her entrails.

Savlian quickly knelt by the dying elf and lowered both sword and shield to the ground. He clamped one hand over the mage’s face to steady it, drew his dagger and drove it powerfully up under her chin. The high elf’s groans and ragged breathing instantly ceased. “I presume you speak for your entire clan.” He wiped both blades on the conjuror’s robes, gathered his shield then stood. “I’ll offer no further warning or quarter here.”

Noting the numerous skulls mounted on stakes that flanked the door to the fort, I vigorously nodded my agreement.

We returned to the horses and led them behind the ruins, where hopefully they would not be spotted by any returning conjurers. After stripping off their tack and our camping supplies into a pile, we left the animals untethered so they could run if attacked. Then we returned to the dead sentry and made preparations to enter the fort. As I attached a pair of small yarn tassels to Slayer’s bowstring near the ears - like Aradroth had taught me - I explained how effectively they reduced the powerful bow’s noise.

He gestured toward the heavy door. “Can you see life signs inside?”

“Not into buildings from the outside, or even differing levels of the same structure.” Shrugging my shoulders, I added, “I don’t exactly know why that is. Given the sentry though, I doubt the fort is abandoned.”

No sooner had we slipped inside, when the pink glow of a clannfear grew large. Savlian immediately pulled me behind him and silently held his blade at the ready.

Although it sniffed the air suspiciously, the Daedra did not seem to detect our nearness. Savlian crept behind the clannfear and delivered a mighty thrust just to one side of its spine.

As the soldier yanked his blade free, the heavily wounded creature not only survived, but wheeled to retaliate. I grabbed its now exposed tail and discharged illusion magic. The clannfear fell limply to the ground. Before the beast of my nightmares could recover from being paralyzed, a thrust delivered behind the armored head extinguished its glow.

“Welcome to Fort Agarctova,” Savlian said grimly. Before I could reach out to heal him, he had downed a potion to counter the damage reflected by the clannfear.

“I’m your healer, and I use spells to do so,” I admonished. “Because of that, we didn’t bring very many healing potions. Save them in case I can’t get to you or am unable to cast spells.”

Savlian looked at me for a moment, then gave me a crooked smile and small nod.

A single passageway loomed ahead of us. I could feel a slight movement to the cool, damp air indicating the existence of ventilation ports to the surface. Nevertheless, the faint odor of decaying flesh hung distastefully. Gray stone walls were periodically punctuated by dimly flickering sconces.

The closest glow was humanoid. We silently glided toward it like a pair of ghosts until entering a large room that hosted the single conjurer. The Altmer was illuminated by a pair of hanging lanterns, yet remained unaware of us. To my horror, I could see that he was transferring the skulls of men or mer from a large basket to join the countless ones already on shelves that lined the walls of the chamber.

Just as I released Slayer’s bowstring, the blue robe moved. My arrow buried itself noisily into the eye socket of a skull, knocking numerous others to the stone floor.

“What have we here?” hissed the gold-skinned tall elf as he wheeled to face us. “Come to surrender your souls to Molag Bal?” From the lavender disc of magicka he tossed into the air, a flame atronach descended.

I responded with a mysticism spell. As it struck the conjurer, his summon evaporated.

“How dare you throw your puny magicks at me, leaf licker!” he scowled while spiking a green glowing hand toward me.

My leap to the side was too slow and, as the spell struck, I felt the link to my magic sever. One hand dove into an outer compartment of my pack for a potion.

As I tossed my head back and downed a vial of Sigrid’s powerful dispelling elixir, the comfort and confidence of having magic at the ready returned. I also saw that my protector had stepped between me and the Altmer.

“Die, Imperial dog!” rang the shrill voice of the blue robe as he filled the air to his side with another lavender disc and drew a dagger.

Ignoring the flame atronach beginning to form, Savlian charged the conjurer and shield-swept the dagger aside. The soldier did not open the distance for a slash this time; rather, he pressed the attack with a powerful thrust.

Everything stopped for a moment as the Altmer’s eyes opened wide, staring down at the Legion steel that had impaled him. His expression briefly seemed to be one of disbelief before fading to an empty, glassy stare. The conjurer’s summon vanished as Savlian pulled his blade free and the elf collapsed. A pool of blood was quickly growing on the stone floor. Savlian turned to me and his eyes quickly swept from buckskin boots up to Bosmeri ears. “Are you injured? You look pale.”

I restrained my queasy stomach to a quiet burp before I replied, “I told you I don’t do so well at close range.”

“Your hands are trembling,” he pointed out before wiping his blade on a blood-free area of the elf’s robe.

I looked down to see he was right. “It terrifies me to be cut off from my mystical energy, and that conjurer cursed my magic. The only way to recover, aside from waiting for the effect to expire, is to dispel it with a scroll or potion. Being a mage without magic is a very traumatic and helpless feeling. I used the same type of spell against that sentry outside the fort to disable her magic – hoping she would surrender.”

“I cannot imagine surviving without blade, shield and mail. You’re quite brave to do what you do.” He studied me for a moment. “I shall serve as your steel.”

“I know you will, Savlian.”