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

[McBadgere]

Most excellent!!!...

Loved it... ...

I loved the idea that he's have to stand and declare himself first...Like they do on TV "F.B.I. Stand down!!!" sort of thing...Excellent!!... ...

Brilliantness!!...As for these here..

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.

*Winces*...Ouchie!!...Well, briefly at least... ...

And...

“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.”

Awwwww!!...Bless...Tha's lovely that is... ...

Nice one!... ...

[mALX]

I love the shock on the conjurer's faces at the sight of a Legion in their midst taking them down - great touch !!! My fave line has already been quoted but bears repeating:

“I shall serve as your steel.”

“I know you will, Savlian.”

Awesome Write !!!

[ghastley]

Being a mage without magic is a very traumatic and helpless feeling.

Very much the equivalent of being attacked by a will-o-the-wisp while equipped with only a steel longsword.

[liliandra nadiar]

Woo. Ending the year with style.

the Legend of Button and the Bear
That sounds like the title of a childrens story released by Black Horse Press.

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!
No one's told Buffy of the AI that dosen't concider equipment I see.

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.
And more poking fun at game limitations. Love it.

“How dare you throw your puny magicks at me, leaf licker!”
No, no, Teresa's the leaf licker. Buffy's the branch swallower.

Awesome introduction to the fort and it's cheerful and friendly inhabitants. I second the appriciation of the last couple of lines in the chapter.

[SubRosa]

“I am an officer of the Legion and will offer this sentry the opportunity to surrender the fort.”
I liked this, becuase it is not just a hokey sense of fair play. Savlian is a lawman, and this is part of his rules of engagement. If not, he'd be a tyrant, rather than a protector of the people.

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

So into the fort with the tongue-twisting Celtic name. One clannfear down without too much fuss. Now it is another Altmer with his shiny new skull toys. Got to love these folks. Oh, and he moved just as Buffy fired! That always drives me nuts in the game. At least now we know that they are worshipers of Molag's Balls.

...leaf licker!”
I have to remember that one!

Now Buffy is the one to be silenced. The hand is on the other foot now! But thankfully she has Savlian with her, and those potions. Buffy's admission that being severed from her magic was spot on. The worst thing that can happen to any mage.

[Grits]

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


Savlian stood upright. I rose from my crouch as well, hoping the sudden appearance of both of us would intimidate the sentry.
That must have been very difficult for Buffy to do. Only for Savlian!

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.
First standing up and announcing her position, now grabbing a clannfear by the tail?!

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.
This has turned into a tour of Buffy’s worst nightmares, but she has responded beautifully to the pressure!

I restrained my queasy stomach to a quiet burp before I replied, “I told you I don’t do so well at close range.”
Well, I think she was magnificent at close range. Savlian’s professionalism was inspiring. They make a very strong team. I especially like the respect that they show one another. These two are a joy to see in action!

[King Coin]

This chapter starts immediately wonderful! The description of the fort under the moons set the scene beautifully in my mind.

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

I’m glad Aravi doesn’t feel the need to announce her presence anymore.

Now that Altmer was daft… Easy prey for the lion of Kvatch. Wait, is that Jerric’s title?

Just inside, they are learning to work together well.

Good idea, affiliating the conjurers to a daedric lord.

For a second I thought the brutal close range work of Savlian’s sword that made Buffy queasy. It was actually from being silenced!

[Acadian]

In Episode 145, Savlian and Buffy arrived at Fort Agarctova. The single conjurer on sentry duty refused to surrender and was killed by magic and blade. Our duo under training then entered the fort. As they began their gruesome task of clearing conjurers and Daedra, they continued to learn from, and adjust to, each other. They will spend the next two episodes inside this fort.

McBadgere- Thank you! Buffy long ago realized that she doesn’t have the stones to declare herself and survive. She’s not proud of it, but she is definitely a devotee of what she calls the ‘cowardly preemptive strike from shadows’. Savlian’s world of in-your-face honor and blood is some real culture shock for her.

mALX- Thank you for quoting what I hoped would be a powerful line. Buffy has always been drawn to chivalry and heroes clad in steel. This is likely a matter of opposites attract, but Savlian’s statement certainly pulled her heart closer to him.

ghastley- I think comparing a ‘silenced’ mage to a warrior trying to fight a will-o-the-wisp using a steel sword is an excellent analogy.

liliandra nadiar- Thanks for noting the curious effect of loading screens on detect life; Buffy shrugging her shoulders was the best explanation we could provide. Lol on the leaf licker!

SubRosa- Thanks for endorsing Savlian’s duty to declare himself – at least to the first conjurer. I like how that draws a sharp distinction between characters like Savlian/Alawen vs Buffy. Hey, I stole ‘bark biter’ from you and would be honored to see ‘leaf licker’ appear in TF. I agree that when we portray enemy mages who are smart enough to use silence, detect life or dispel, those squishy robe wearers can become terrifying for characters like Buffy or Teresa. I hope you will enjoy a couple minor mysteries regarding its occupants that we have tried to weave into Fort Agarctova.

Grits- Hee! Buffy was smart enough to think that Savlian was daft for declaring himself, but not dumb enough to call him on it to his face. I was focused so much here on trying to develop Savlian, that it quite escaped me how right you are to point out that little Buffy required some courage to do a couple of the things she did. Thank you so much. Thank you even more for highlighting that these two characters do indeed respect each other and readily show it. I know it sounds cliché, but I believe any strong relationship rests upon a foundation of respect. I like to think we have done that with all the ‘anchor’ characters in Buffy’s life like Daenlin, Mazoga, Acadian, Boderi and others.

KC- Thanks for the kind words on our intro. I’m glad that Aravi believes in the preemptive strike as well – it’s just safer that way for more fragile characters. You were right on both counts at reading Buffy’s reactions to the fighting. The gruesome swordplay made her queasy and having her magic cursed nearly scared the pee out of her.

* * *

146 Forged by Fire

We continued deeper into Fort Agarctova.

The layout seemed simple enough. A single main corridor descended down several small sets of steps and provided access to a handful of rooms on both sides. As we made a turn and looked down the cut stone walls of a long passage, I studied the glow ahead. Noting its tail and long arms, I whispered, “Scamp.”

A single poisoned arrow killed the Daedra.

As I crept toward my kill, I felt the horror of a thin line tightening against the buckskin covering one shin. Then I heard the tripwire break. Before I could drop to the floor, Savlian’s shield swept around me and I was pulled against the wall. The massive iron ball, replete with spikes, barely missed us as it swung on the arc allowed by its chain. How could this man think, move and react so much more quickly than I? Looking up into his face, I breathed, “Thank you.”

After stepping around the sprung trap, we crept up to the dead scamp and cut free my arrow. Scanning ahead, I quietly reported, “I see two glows fairly close. One looks like another scamp and I think the other is a conjurer.”

We silently moved around another corner and into a chamber containing the two closest glows. I was impressed at Savlian’s ability to glide among the shadows when required. From our crouched position against the wall, we could see a scamp in the company of another blue-robed Altmer. She seemed able to control the Daedra. It stood patiently as she loaded its long arms with logs from a massive pile of firewood along one wall.

I held up my fist and looked to Savlian with a question in my eyes. He nodded. I launched an emerald swirl of magic that engulfed the scamp. The Deadra dropped its burden, viciously raked its claws across the robes of the Altmer, then stepped back and began to gather fire in its hand. The startled conjurer responded by summoning a clannfear to defend against her formerly obedient servant.

The beady eyes and long muzzle of the reptilian armored life support system for teeth and claws swept our direction. There was no doubt we were now detected. Ignoring the plight of its mistress, the beast lowered its armored head and turned its full ire toward me!

Surprised and frightened, I momentarily froze as the charging clannfear devoured the limited space between us. Instinctively, my right hand had filled with magic that could render me invisible, but I would not abandon the man at my side. My mind raced indecisively. Muscle memory caused shielding magic to flow through my left arm into Slayer, and the bow came up defensively of its own accord – just like Boderi Farano had relentlessly drilled into me.

The beast of my nightmares was then intercepted by the man of my dreams.

The resulting clash of teeth and steel spurred me to action. I barely noticed the ongoing struggle between Altmer and scamp as I danced behind Savlian, reaching out to briefly apply healing touches as best I could. When the creature lifted its head to shriek in pain, a Legion blade viciously slashed across its unarmored throat.

As the clannfear fell and its glow faded, so did the Altmer to the ravaging scamp. By then however, I had fitted the tail of an arrow to silk. “Get down!” I commanded.

Just like we had briefed in his tent, the soldier immediately dropped to one knee. The wounded scamp’s fireball was passed in flight by a single lethal arrow fired from over Savlian’s shoulder. My protector made no move to dodge the fireball; rather, he raised his shield. I ducked behind him as flames fanned out around us before quickly dissipating.

We rose to our feet and turned to face each other. Both of us said in unison, “Are you all right?”

Proud that I hadn’t peed my greaves, I nodded. Even in the dim light, however, I could see the blood and burns on the Imperial as his chest rose and fell heavily. “Hold still,” I ordered. Shouldering Slayer, I reached up and placed a hand on each side of his face. My magic flowed into Savlian, allowing me to assess and diagnose. I then closed the wounds, eased his bruises and faded the burns to memory as I willingly accepted his pain. Lingering in the intimate bond of white magic for longer than was necessary, I was stunned by the number and extent of long-healed lacerations, punctures, burns and broken bones that I detected. Lucilius had spoken the truth about the harshness of Savlian’s career. Reluctantly, I allowed the bond to fade, then slid to the floor exhausted.

Savlian lowered himself to the cold stone and sat beside me.

“I need to let my magicka and fatigue recover,” I said. “I don’t have much endurance and the way I heal is very draining to body and spirit.”

“Take as long as you need, my elf.”

“I’m sorry I got flustered and froze up on you, Savlian. I realize now that I should have commanded that clannfear to fight for us just like I did with the scamp. Or at least turned him from us in fear. I’ll try to do better.”

“Buffy, I can see that fighting alongside an ally is not something you’re used to. I believe the two of us can learn to be stronger than the sum our dramatically different skills. That’s why we’re here. Don’t be harsh on yourself. It is your magic that both located and caused the death of that conjurer, and it is your bow that killed the scamp. I believe in you.” He wrapped an arm around my shoulder. “Rest now. I will listen for any approaching foes.”

A slow scan around me verified the only glows within range were distant and stationary. I snuggled into the warmth of Savlian’s chest. My head filled with the fragrances of mineral oil, singed surcoat and sweat. Although very different from the comforting smells of Superian, inhaling the scent of this man brought a similar peace and feeling of safety. “I’m also sorry you got burned,” I said quietly. “I know you could have easily dodged that fireball had I not been behind you.”

“I told you that I will protect you – whatever it takes. I’m beginning understand how being small and vulnerable drives so much of what you do.” He rubbed one hand along the rounded edge of the steel disc that had taken the brunt of the fireball. “Besides, this shield is the one I gave you during your first visit to Kvatch. The very one you enchanted then returned to me the second time you came here. It helped protect both of us by resisting some of the flame.”

We rested a bit longer, passing a waterskin between us. “I’m ready to continue now,” I reported.

As he stood and pulled me to my feet he chuckled. “Perhaps we can figure out a method of dodging in unison.”

“Like dancing?” My arms found their way around his neck as one cheek settled against the wolf on his chest. Strong arms circled my waist and I felt Savlian’s chin resting atop my head. I had no doubt his eyes were open for danger as I closed mine. Just for the briefest moment, we were not standing in some dark and dangerous dungeon, but swirling across the floor of a sparkling ballroom. As the strains of beautiful music filled my ears, I imagined us dressed in silk and velvet instead of leather and steel. I could almost-

“We have a task here, Buffy.” Savlian’s admonishment was gentle and he did not withdraw the warm comfort of his arms.

“You’re right of course.” It was I who reluctantly broke away and said, “If either of us commands ‘dodge left’ or ‘dodge right’, I expect that would work. If I say or hear the word ‘split’, I will move right, expecting you to go left?”

“Agreed.” He gestured across the chamber. “Let us search the dead conjurer and recover your arrow from that scamp.” As we did so, Savlian remarked, “Some of these Daedra are not summons.”

“I know,” I replied, “and I’m mystified by it. The Altmer in that room full of skulls mentioned Molag Bal. Perhaps these conjurers have made some sort of pact with that particular Daedra Lord. Maybe we’ll find answers ahead.” I augmented my detect life range with a spell and scanned all the way around us. “There are only two remaining glows – unless there are more levels below this one. They look like sleeping conjurers.”

“Lead on, my scout.”

[SubRosa]

I felt the horror of a thin line tightening against the buckskin covering one shin.
Wonderfully described. Oh noes! Good thing Savlian was handy with his shield.

How neat that the scamp was on firewood detail! I love seeing conjured critters being put to uses other than simply killing things.

Uh oh, it is a Clannfear! The beast of my nightmares was then intercepted by the man of my dreams. Again, this is a wonderful description of our bosmer bowgirl's straits.

Proud that I hadn’t peed my greaves,
Yay!

What a wonderful turn of events that the Savlian is using the same shield he had given to Buffy, and she had given back to him, enchanted. We also see more teamwork evolving between the pair, doing exactly what this dry run against the conjurers was meant to.

[King Coin]

As I crept toward my kill, I felt the horror of a thin line tightening against the buckskin covering one shin.

I love that sentence. Aravi knows that feeling, and luckily it isn’t very often that she feels it.
I’m glad Savlian’s great reflexes saved Buffy from a lot of pain.

Oh no! the clannfear charges Buffy! Unlike her nightmares though, it was put down by her knight in shining armor!

Of course Buffy would use the healing as an opportunity!
Haha, Buffy’s mind wanders. They are working well together, though as Savlian pointed out, Buffy needs some practice. I wonder if he’ll need some practice working in such a small group. He’s normally leading a garrison.

This post has been edited by King Coin: Jan 6 2012, 07:07 PM

[McBadgere]

There are soooo many cool things in this chapter that I may as well just re-post the whole thing... ...

But maybe I'll just settle for this one thing that I thought was unbelievably cool...

Lingering in the intimate bond of white magic for longer than was necessary, I was stunned by the number and extent of long-healed lacerations, punctures, burns and broken bones that I detected. Lucilius had spoken the truth about the harshness of Savlian’s career.

*Applauds*...

Brilliant mate...Just brilliant...

Nice one... ...

[Grits]

All right, now I have such a crush on Savlian, I probably shouldn’t even comment on this episode!

How neat that the scamp was carrying firewood. The summoned clannfear showed why they make such valuable allies, attacking a danger that the conjurer didn’t even see!

This is my favorite part in a favorite episode:

As the clannfear fell and its glow faded, so did the Altmer to the ravaging scamp. By then however, I had fitted the tail of an arrow to silk. “Get down!” I commanded.

Just like we had briefed in his tent, the soldier immediately dropped to one knee. The wounded scamp’s fireball was passed in flight by a single lethal arrow fired from over Savlian’s shoulder. My protector made no move to dodge the fireball; rather, he raised his shield. I ducked behind him as flames fanned out around us before quickly dissipating.

So swiftly and elegantly described that even before Buffy’s remark, I thought of them as dancing.

Now I’m wondering about the source of those non-summoned Daedra. But I'm in no rush to find out, in case there might be time for another quick cuddle.

[mALX]

*


These two lines bear quoting again - very Buffy moments !!

Proud that I hadn’t peed my greaves, I nodded.

Lingering in the intimate bond of white magic for longer than was necessary, I was stunned by the number and extent of long-healed lacerations, punctures, burns and broken bones that I detected. Lucilius had spoken the truth about the harshness of Savlian’s career. Reluctantly, I allowed the bond to fade, then slid to the floor exhausted.

Another that could not be quoted enough times - gotta love this line for all the times I've heard that wire snap and thought ... "oh no" right before the swinging mace hit or the bridge crumbled, lol. :

As I crept toward my kill, I felt the horror of a thin line tightening against the buckskin covering one shin.

Awesome Write, too many places to quote or I'll be spamming your thread !!


*

[Tábrasa]

“Buffy, I can see that fighting alongside an ally is not something you’re used to. I believe the two of us can learn to be stronger than the sum our dramatically different skills. That’s why we’re here. Don’t be harsh on yourself. It is your magic that both located and caused the death of that conjurer, and it is your bow that killed the scamp. I believe in you.”

I'll admit it, this made my heart flutter a little bit! Such a sweetie!

Proud that I hadn’t peed my greaves, I nodded

The amount of times Tara has almost done that is one to many. She fully understands Buffy's pride at that lack of pee-age!

Such an exciting chapter! Intense, exciting, thrilling, dramatic EVERYTHING! It seems that Buffy and Savlian work well together at this point; a mutual understanding on the battlefield underlined with looooove? <3 Haha

Well done

This post has been edited by Tábrasa: Jan 12 2012, 02:28 AM

[Acadian]

During Episode 146, Buffy and Savlian continued to clear conjurers and Daedra from Fort Agarctova and forge their ability to fight together. As Buffy displayed then lamented her limitations, it was Savlian who reminded her of the potent abilities she possesses. He also stated his belief that together they can be stronger than the sum of their disparate skills. Savlian’s quick reflexes and readiness to step between Buffy and danger were also showcased.

SubRosa- Thanks for noting that we had the scamp working; I try to have foes doing something rather than quietly standing with a ‘shoot me’ sign. I appreciate you highlighting her clannfear observations, dry greaves and the reminder about the history of the shield Savlian carries.

KC- Since Buffy navigates by pink glows in dark dungeons, traps are a challenge for her to detect. She’s jealous of Aravi’s wonderful cat night vision. You are right; Buffy’s mind seems to wander even more than normal around her hero. Fortunately, he seems to realize that and tries to keep her task-focused. If they can pull this training off and close the gate, then Savlian might get a chance to show his larger unit tactics in an assault to retake the city.

McBadgere- Thank you so much for highlighting the way Buffy heals. For better or for worse, she owes it to her paladin. One downside is she must lay hands on her patient to heal (no ranged healing). Another is that she is empathic, accepting some of her patient’s pain to heal them. The upside is that like a priest, cleric or paladin, she can assess and diagnose injuries and even read some of her patient’s spirit. I thought it was a wonderful opportunity to reinforce the violence of Savlian’s career and physical price he has paid.

Grits- Welcome to the Savlian crush club! Buffy has had hers from nearly the moment they met. While I don’t have a crush on him, I have always felt that when it comes to noble selfless heroes, he is the gritty real deal. Thank you so much for enjoying how we tried to tie an ongoing theme of ‘I hope you dance’ into this dark and dangerous dungeon. We’ll resolve the mysteries of Fort Agarctova in this next episode.

mALX- Thanks for highlighting how ‘Buffy’ her relief over dry greaves was, as well as using her unique healing to snoop into Savlian’s past injuries. As I said, one of the hazards of navigating dungeons only by detect life is traps. She has gradually learned to avoid most of them, but we have both jumped and yelped in pain and surprise many times.

Tabrasa- Thank you so much for feeling a little of what Buffy did when Savlian gave her that much needed pep talk. Oh, Tara leaves puddles sometimes too? As terrible as it sounds, that makes Buffy feel a bit better that she is not alone. Buffy and Savlian have picked one hell of a venue in which to attempt a romance, but we cannot always chose our battlefields and dance floors. I’m so glad to see you back and updating Tara Willow after a short holiday break.

* * *

147 The Mysteries of Fort Agarctova

Buckskin and leather boots silently carried us toward the only glows I could see remaining within this first level of Fort Agarctova.

We soon found ourselves in a chamber that was softly lit by several of the flickering wall sconces we had seen throughout the fort. Half a dozen or more bedrolls were arranged on the floor, including two that hosted the sleeping pair of conjurers. Savlian looked at me with a lifted eyebrow.

“Remember?” I whispered, “No warning, no quarter. How many travelers along the Gold Road have they ambushed and killed?” I narrowed my eyes. “Where do you suppose all those skulls came from?”

He nodded, then quietly sheathed the arming sword and drew his dagger.

As Savlian knelt over one of the blue robes, I nocked an arrow and aimed in on the other.

The pair of Altmer died simultaneously.

I cast a spell to boost my life detection range and fully scanned around us. “They’re all dead.” I frowned as I looked at Savlian. “We now have another mystery besides how the permanent Daedra got here. Why are all these conjurers Altmer?”

He shrugged. “I’m a soldier, not a scholar. Why don’t you search these two? I’ll look around the rest of this chamber for clues.”

My search of the blue robes yielded no answers. While still kneeling between them, I summoned an elven dagger and began cutting my arrow free. I was proud that I had recently learned to cast spells with both knees on the ground. I grimly realized the reason I had worked so hard to gain that ability was not for convenience, but to better heal those who would pay the price of freeing Kvatch. I knew that kneeling beside a downed soldier, I could better heal than having to bend over or crouch to do so. I dispelled the bloody blade, then rose to my feet.

After inspecting, wiping down and returning the arrow to my quiver, I was met by Savlian who wielded a thick leather-bound text. “This was in a chest,” he said. “I also found a door that likely leads to a deeper section of the fort.”

I bathed myself in light, then we sat together to inspect the tome. “The title’s in Daedric. I can only recognize the words ‘Molag Bal’, one of the less savory Daedra Lords.”

“We’ve heard that name here,” he said.

I nodded, then opened the book. Fortunately, only the outside title was in Daedric writing. We quickly skimmed what was clearly a load of troll dung about worshipping Molag Bal and the need to harvest mortal souls while purging ‘human scum, tail draggers and lesser elves’ from Cyrodiil. I stuck the book in my pack. “This’ll be of interest to my guild, and explains why this particular cult is exclusively Altmer.” Slipping the ribbon from my hair, I gathered numerous blond strays. “Somehow Molag Bal must be responsible for the permanent Daedra we’ve encountered here.” I frowned as I retied the green strip of silk behind my head. “I wonder what type of pact these conjurers have with him?”

Savlian smiled at my hair antics then pointed to the door in one corner of the chamber. “Perhaps there are answers below.”

I rose to my feet, then dispelled the light effect.

“Buffy, can you not cast spells while seated?”

I shook my head. “Magic is very personal and it’s not the same for all mages. I need to be standing crouched or kneeling – and my feet or knees require firm contact with the ground to bring magicka to my hand. I can’t cast while riding my mare for example; even if I stand in the stirrups, my feet don’t have contact with the ground. If knocked down, I must at least get to my knees to cast spells. The only exception I’ve discovered is underwater, where I can somehow use contact magic as long as I’m upright.” I shrugged, then smiled. “If someone lifts me from the ground or simply restrains me on a barstool, I’m helpless.”

“I’ll just have to make sure that doesn’t happen. Magic is more complicated than I imagined. No wonder it’s always eluded me.”

“You have all the magic you need standing right beside you, Savlian.”

With weapons drawn, we quietly slipped into the fort’s lower level.

Several pink glows blossomed, but none were within teeth range of our faces and we remained undetected. I breathed a sigh of relief and we remained crouched while taking a moment to survey our surroundings.

The tall chamber was almost as big as the throne room of Castle Leyawiin. It was lit by numerous fire bowls atop stone bases. Dominating the center of the room, a statue rose almost to the ceiling. The stone figure displayed the horns, teeth and tail that could only belong to Molag Bal.

In front of the Daedra Lord was a rectangular stone platform that rose to waist height and was heavily stained by what appeared to be blood. Tied to the dais, struggled the figure of a young woman.

Our view of the gagged human was partially blocked by the back of a tall hooded conjurer who stood over her. The voice that chanted unfamiliar words revealed his gender and, along with his height, suggested his race. On the floor near his feet was the dead body of a man whose shirt was deeply stained by a wound to the center of his chest. Judging by the two humans’ apparent age and similar manner of dress, I imagined they were a couple – perhaps travelers who had been captured by these foul blue robes. Pacing off to one side of the scene was a single scamp.

As the conjurer finished his incantations, he drew a dagger.

I nocked an arrow and urgently whispered, “Shooting” – just like Savlian had taught me so he would know to avoid Slayer’s line of fire. As the blue robe raised his blade, I pulled silk to cheek. My arrow and the conjurer’s dagger found their marks at the same time. Helplessly, I watched as both glows extinguished.

Savlian’s own verbal warning preceded the twang of his bowstring. A moment later the lone scamp in the chamber screeched and was spun around as the arrow struck its shoulder.

We both nocked and loosed our next arrows together. Savlain’s missed. Mine did not. As the ball of flame being conjured by bony fingers dissipated, I heard the dying Daedra’s magicka being swept into Azura’s Star.

“The statue!” Savlian said ominously as he quickly rearmed himself with sword and shield.

I stared in confused horror. The eyes of Molag Bal’s statue now glowed crimson. From his stone mouth came a swirl of black fog, which slowly traveled to hover over the dead woman. Within the shifting vapor a flame appeared, growing and feeding the changing shape as limbs began to form. I reported what my rings displayed: “It’s alive.”

Over the next few moments, the gaseous cloud fully transformed into a fiery atronach. As the Daedra straddled the dead woman, it hissed at Savlian and I. A globe of fire began to augment its already flaming hands.

Somehow, my own hand had managed to select a broadhead arrow and nock it to Slayer’s silk. I warned Savlian as I drew my bowstring and loosed.

The atronach staggered at the arrow’s impact, sending its spell harmlessly into the ceiling. As I was nocking my second arrow, the Daedra cast a second fireball – accurately.

“Split!” commanded Savlian as he slid to the left.

I instantly sidestepped to my right and warned, “Shooting again.” The muted twang of Slayer’s bowstring was still in my ears as I felt the heat of the fireball pass close between us and saw the Daedra fall to my arrow.

Savlian and I stared at each other for several long moments. He broke the silence. “I guess we now know where those permanent Daedra came from.”

A search of the chamber revealed no other passages or doors except the one returning to the upper level. Savlian gathered some documents from the pair of dead Bretons, identifying them as citizens of Anvil. “I’ll forward these to Captain Langley with the next rotation of Anvil soldiers.”

In the robes of the Altmeri conjurer were notes detailing how the cultists performed the ritual we had just witnessed. I placed them inside the tome already in my pack, “I hope to someday get all this to the University’s Mystic Archives for study.”

“Good riddance to those damn misguided conjurers,” said Savlian.

I nodded. “Can we leave this place now?”

We returned to the surface and quickly found the horses. I squeezed the last of our water into a pair of collapsible leather buckets for them.

Savlian studied the stars, then announced, “We were in there for almost twenty four hours. Let’s cold camp here behind the fort with the horses for the rest of the night. We’ll take turns sleeping and keeping watch. We need the rest, and if any more conjurers return to Agarctova, I want them to share the same fate as their comrades. While I’m on watch and you’re sleeping, may I use your detect life rings?”

After a chuckle, my reply was, “Sure. I expect they may fit over the tips of your little fingers.” I gathered Savlian’s bedroll from our jumbled pile of tack and supplies. As I spread it on the ground for him I asked, “Can I have the first watch? I’m too wound up to sleep.”

“That’ll be fine.” He placed an arm around my shoulder and pulled me comfortably to his side. “I could fall asleep on my feet right now.” He then pointed skyward. “See that large star between Masser and Secunda?”

I leaned into him as I craned my neck. “Yes?”

“When it hides behind Masser, will you wake me for my watch?”

“I will, brave man. Get some sleep.”

With sword and shield by his side, and fully dressed to fight, Savlian was soon asleep on the bedroll. After charging Slayer, I sat beside him and began my vigil against approaching pink glows. Without waking the sleeping man, I managed to lift his head and cradle it in my lap.

My watch was uneventful but, by the time I nudged Savlian awake to trade places, I was exhausted. We discovered my rings did indeed fit over the tips of his smallest fingers enough to function. He stood and stretched as I crawled onto his still warm bedroll. He then sat next to me. I hugged his mail-clad leg, using it as a pillow, and felt the comfort of his hand stroking my hair as I drifted off to sleep.

I awoke to brilliant sunshine.

[McBadgere]

Awww...Most excellent!!...

Loved it, nice conclusion to the - ahem - Dancing In The Dark... ...Oh yeah *Does finger guns*...

Nah, loved it...Fantastic as usual...Brilliant tactics...Mysteries...

Shame about the Bretons, but well done nevertheless...*Applauds*...

Loved these bits...

Several pink glows blossomed, but none were within teeth range of our faces and we remained undetected

and...

Savlian gathered some documents from the pair of dead Bretons, identifying them as citizens of Anvil. “I’ll forward these to Captain Langley with the next rotation of Anvil soldiers.”

The first one made me laugh and the second one made me chortle...I dunno, the idea of forwarding the paperwork to Langley...*Shakes head*...I watch too much TV... ...

Fantastic mate...

Nice one... ...

[SubRosa]

“Where do you suppose all those skulls came from?”
Indeed. I had no qualms about killing the conjurers in the sleep after that as well.

one of the less savory Daedra Lords.
When you go through the list of them, nearly every one qualifies as this. Though Molag does seem even less so then many of the others.

A nice little recap of Buffy's spellcasting limitations. We also see that she has removed one of them, at least partially, by learning how to cast while kneeling.

They caught the remaining conjurers in the act I see. But were too late! What a brilliant addition you have here though, showing us that the permanent Daedra are made so through the sacrifice of victims. Excellently shown through the statue of Molag Bal as well.

A nice, cozy little sleep/watch routine afterward. I bet that is not how it usually works in the city guard!

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Jan 13 2012, 04:46 PM

[King Coin]

I’m glad Salvian agreed to kill the two in their sleep. I was a little worried he wouldn’t be willing to do that.

Humans, tail draggers, and lesser elves?! Buffy and Salvian will show them!

Aww, she’s too late to save the woman. The cultists were trading souls for daedra! What an awful fate. I can’t imagine being Molag Bol’s possession for eternity would be at all pleasant.

Salvian telling the time by the stars was a neat little bit at the end!

[Grits]

The tall chamber was almost as big as the throne room of Castle Leyawiin.

Oh, I just love this! Many memories, and we know exactly how big it is.

The origin of the permanent Daedra was fascinating, and made perfect sense to me. Sort of the conservation of mass applied to the realms. As much as I enjoyed the smooth teamwork and the nighttime cuddles, the statue scene was my favorite part.

“When it hides behind Masser, will you wake me for my watch?”

So many people would have issued that as an order, “Wake me for my watch.” Savlian knows how to talk to Buffy!

[mALX]

I also loved the line comparing the greatroom to Castle Leywiin's throneroom. Anyone whose played the game now knows the size of the room as she entered, a great descriptive trick !!

I have to agree with Grits, my fave part was the statue. That was some powerful imagery !! Awesome Write!