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

[Acadian]

In Episode 147, Savlian and Buffy discovered why the conjurer clan infesting Fort Agarctova was exclusively Altmer, and that a sacrificial arrangement with Malog Bal was responsible for the permanent (as opposed to summoned) Daedra they encountered. After clearing the fort, they cold camped nearby, taking turns on watch. Buffy awoke to a sunny morning.

McBadgere- Thank you! Buffy sneaks into every dungeon loading screen and remains quite scared until she emerges on the other side, scans for pink glows and knows she remains undetected.

SubRosa- Thanks for enjoying our attempt to give Fort Agarctova a little bit of a story. I know we spent some time on Buffy’s spell casting positional limitations, but they will come into play again in the next episode – albeit in perhaps an unexpected manner.

KC- Buffy was afraid that her soldier would wake up those two conjurers to ‘declare himself’ and start a big fight. She’s glad he saw things her way. I note that in the game, all conjurers are Altmer or Breton and thought I would try to work with the ugly side of that racial element. Thank you!

Grits- I’m so glad you liked our attempt to use familiar in game references. I remember being impressed when you did the same thing by having Jerric refer to something’s size in terms of his trading caravans. Thanks also for noting how gentle Savlian is in his ‘orders’ to Buffy. He is trying hard to understand the confusing and skittish young elf. As we’ll see in the next episode, he doesn’t always get it right.

mALX- Thank you for your kind words relating to the description of Molag Bal. I was trying for some mystical imagery, and appreciate your endorsement so much.

* * *

148 Horses (and Elves) Need Water

After rolling up the bedding, I tossed kisses to both horses then stretched my short limbs under the welcome sunshine. Savlian handed me some bread from our bag of provisions.

He also slipped my detect life rings from the tips of his smallest fingers. “Here. You’d better wear these for us. My head hurts from using them. I think some deer and perhaps a wolf are all that came within range last night during my watch. It’s quite hard seeing beyond the large glows in our own camp.”

As I donned the rings and quickly scanned the area I nodded. “It took me a long time to get used to them.”

“Bolden gave me a bag of mixed grain for the horses,” said Savlian. “Should we feed them some?”

“No,” I replied between bread bites. “They’re better off with just light forage until we can find them some water. And they’ll need that soon.”

Savlian smiled and took my hand. He led me around to the front of Fort Agarctova and out to the edge of the bluff upon which it was built. I sucked in my breath as the morning sun reflected blindingly off the Strid River below.

“Will that suffice?” he asked.

“I didn’t realize we were so close!”

“Did I not promise to take you to Valenwood?”

“Savlian!” Without thinking, I simply jumped at him. My arms flew around his neck while both legs wrapped tightly around his waist. “Thank you,” I managed to say with our faces just inches apart. As I looked into his eyes my head swirled with questions that I so wanted to ask, but dared not: We’re free of danger for the moment and Oblivia can wait a bit longer, so why won’t you kiss me? I know you feel something for me beyond protectiveness. Did I put you off that much the other night with my embarrassing moans and pushing you away? Is your stomach full of butterflies like mine? Or is Sigrid perhaps right, that your armor of duty is too hardened for any woman to penetrate? I’m doing everything I can to show you how I feel, Savlian Matius. I’ve quite literally just thrown myself at you. Why can’t you read my heart?

Instead of kissing me, Savlian spoke, “When you mentioned Valenwood the other day, I could tell it was important to you. I don’t know when we’ll get the chance to come back here.”

I reluctantly unwrapped my legs, and Savlian eased me to the ground. Blinking back tears of. . . I don’t know what, I said, “I adore that you remembered.”

We loaded the horses and, after saddling up, allowed them to slowly pick a path down the side of the ravine, then to the water’s edge. They were still cool and not breathing hard, so we allowed them to drink their fill as we did the same. Noting an inviting meadow on the far side of the river, I talked to Savlian about casting spells on the animals to get them across.

Getting the unflappable Raxle used to walking atop the water’s surface was not difficult, and he willingly followed Superian as she confidently led the way. Soon, we set hooves on Valenwood soil, much to the displeasure of an angry mud crab guarding the meadow.

After my hero dismounted and bravely slew the lumbering beast, I slid to the ground and joined him. Inhaling deeply, I looked around. “It’s beautiful here, Savlian! Can we stay for a time? Perhaps cook up this crab?”

“Aye, if it retains the smile on your face,” he said. “Lucilius was right; Oblivia can wait a little longer.”

After a scan of the area, I pronounced it free of pink glowing threats and slipped off my rings, bow, quiver and pack.

Savlian added his shield, sword belt and pack to the pile I had started on the ground. He then set about gathering a supply of dry branches and building a fire to cook the crab.

By the time I stripped down the horses, inspected their hooves and gave them a quick groom, a cheerful fire and warm meal beckoned.

The roasted crab was wonderful, and we gorged until full. We then fed both horses some of the grain Bolden had provided. I mused, “I think our training went well?”

Savlian nodded while rubbing Raxle’s nose. “Yes, I’ve begun to see what a mystic archer can do. Despite your vulnerabilities, I was wrong to underestimate you. I think we make a fine team, complementing each other’s abilities. Together, we should be able to sneak past most Daedra in the Deadlands and kill those that we must.”

I replied, “And I’m very impressed how you can blend into the shadows as necessary, yet provide a safe haven of steel when required.” I looked longingly at the river. “When’s the last time you had a real bath instead of dumping buckets of water over your head?”

“Before the invasion.”

“We’ll fix that,” I said. “Lift your arms.”

Savlian helped me slip the surcoat over his head. As I fumbled with the buckles and fasteners on his cuirass, he again assisted and we lifted the mail from his tunic.

His familiarity with armor allowed him to deftly unbuckle and pull my leather scale cuirass over my head to join his on the ground. Unlike his tunic, mine was very lightweight and cut to match the plunging neckline of my armor.

“May I cast a spell on you?”

He didn’t question what I intended or even raise an eyebrow. “Of course.”

After filling my hand with the magic of alteration, I opened my fingers against Savlian’s chest. I knew the weak feather effect was only symbolic but, as it swirled around him, I said, “This is to temporarily banish the weight of your crushing responsibilities. Let Kvatch go - just for a time, my brave man.”

My eyes were drawn to the thin leather strap around his neck that I recalled seeing when he was sleeping in his tent the day of my arrival. I reached up and freed the small pouch that was suspended between his chest and tunic.

In response to the burning question in my eyes, he nodded.

Looking inside the pouch, I could see a small tuft of long hair, the same color as mine.

“Do you remember when you charged into the Oblivion Gate?” he asked.

My eyes flew open wide. “I surely do! I also remember you snatching me right back out, and my hair getting caught in your armor.”

The muscles of his jaw rippled slightly and his gaze drifted beyond me. “For the longest time, that wisp of hair was all I had of you. I fear I have wishfully presumed too much about your feelings.” His eyes then met mine. “I apologize, Buffy, for kissing you the other night in my tent. I could tell by the way you tensed up and withdrew that you were. . . conflicted, and I don’t blame you.” He looked down at his open hands. “What on Nirn would possess me to think I could hold such a beautifully precious and fragile butterfly in these grimy bloodstained hands? Despite my feelings for you, I will not again place you in such an awkwar-“

“Savlian!” My heart was pounding, singing and breaking as I interrupted. “I wanted you to kiss me! It is I who must apologize; the very sounds of pleasure you drew from me when kissing my ear are what caused me to destroy that wonderful moment for us. Bosmeri ears are. . . well, they’re not like human ears and I-I couldn’t help my response. Given the thin walls of your tent and close confines of the encampment, I thought my noises would offend you or embarrass your position.”

“You could never offend or embarrass me, Buffy.” After a smile, he added, “Clearly we both need to be more open with each other about our feelings to avoid such misunderstandings.”

I slipped the green ribbon from the ponytail it restrained and shook loose my hair. Lifting one fist, I summoned an elven dagger. Grasping a blond lock as thick as a finger, I cut it free from near my scalp. After rolling up its length, I placed it into Savlian’s pouch then dispelled my blade.

With a hand now on each of my shoulders, he said, “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I want you to have it.” I looked up into his eyes and took a deep breath. “In fact, Savlian Matius, you can have every part of me that you want.”

I was swept into strong arms and, after a long deep kiss, my eyes finally opened to see a tender smile. As if a huge weight had been lifted from us, the mood was now light. “How about that bath?” I said with a giggle. “We smell like roasted crab, death, fire and sweat.”

I slipped off Savlian’s headband, then both tunics came over our heads and we added them to the growing pile of armor and clothing. “I’m sorry,” I said nervously.

“For what?” said Savlian with a mystified look.

“M-my friend Mazoga says I’m kind of scrawny.”

His eyes traveled slowly and unabashedly over the topless elf standing before him. “Your delicate perfection takes my breath away; you always have.”

“I’m still young, Savlian. Wood elves can continue to. . . bloom until nearly thirty years of age.”

“Never apologize for your elven beauty, Buffy. I’m the one who is marred. The scars-“

“-are beautiful,” I quickly finished. I then reached out to trace the line of one of the many old wounds across his chest. “I shall view them as testimony to the lives you have saved.”

He gave me the most adorable crooked smile. “I guess we were made for each other.”

After loosening then fumbling unsuccessfully with each others’ greaves, we lost our balance and fell to the ground, laughing. It was then we decided that tugging our boots off each other should come first. Finally, with everything we had been wearing in a jumbled pile on the ground, Savlian took my hand and led me into the Strid River.

Between kisses, touches, splashes and play, I’m sure we got pretty clean before he carried me ashore and we collapsed together into happy laughter and soft grass.

This time, when he began kissing me, I melted into his arms. As we gently explored each other, I learned that there were plenty of places on me that were every bit as sensitive to Savlian’s kiss and touch as my ears. In fact I quite noisily let him, both horses and every bird or butterfly near the river hear all about it.

The afternoon was a beautiful blur of new sensations as, together, Savlian and I learned to dance.

Crashing Abecean waves that I never wanted to end. The lion roaring all too soon. Rolling Savlian onto his back and discovering what a combination of restoration magic and kisses could do.

Grinning adventurously, I lifted one knee over Savlian’s hips and carefully assumed what could only be called an equestrienne pose. As Superian nudged her encouragement with a nose to the bare skin of my upright back, I giggled and managed to breathlessly say, “Get your own stallion.”

Soon enough, more waves were lifting me with them. With both knees anchored to the ground, mystical energy surged and grew uncontrollably within me until one hand broke from its grip on the muscles of Savlian’s chest to spike the air wildly with erupting magicka. The errant spell that I could not control caused both of us to momentarily disappear as I cried out to the treetops and the lion roared again. I collapsed forward onto his chest, both of us spent and exhausted.

I awoke to gentle fingers trailing through my hair. Glowing embers, twin moons and countless stars punctuated the night that had gathered around us. After a tender kiss, we pulled each other to our feet. While briefly checking the horses, I studied the beautiful man’s scars and muscles as he added wood to our campfire and stirred life into the flames.

I wanted to remember this moment forever.

A return to the soothing waters of the Strid River. White magic to lift the elven scratches from Savlian’s back and chest – the man already had enough scars. Healing my own sore bits. Smiles that spoke of a future together. More kisses and the surprising return of mutual stirrings.

“Are you hungry again?”

“Only for you.”

[mALX]

I don't see much training taking place after this, lol. Great Write !!!

[SubRosa]

Buffy leapt upon him! I must admit I did not see that one coming. Savlian must have a will of iron to resist that.

So we are off to Valenwood. Even if it is only the other side of the river.

I loved the feather spell, to dispel the weight of his responsibilities! Very cute.

Then a tender, if albeit unwashed, moment on the riverbank, followed by a wonderful frolic in the water. You paint a very sweet, passionate scene between the two. After so long, Buffy has finally gotten her man!

[Glargg]

Well! It certainly took long enough to get to this!

Well written, Acadian.

[McBadgere]

Oo-er... ...

Nicely done!!...As it were... ...

Yes...indeed...yes...

Nice parts...I mean sexc...Section!!...

Brilliant...Yes!!...

Nice one!!... ...

*Applauds*...

[ghastley]

Now wasn't that better than using Pelena's potion back at Kvatch? Even if it did wake the horses.

I'm surprised that the water didn't get to Buffy before she reached the other shore, but it did do the trick.

[Grits]

How wonderful that Buffy got to go riding in Valenwood! And Savlian did promise he would take her there.

What a beautiful scene on the riverbank! Tender, passionate, sweet, adventuresome, and best of all, fun. It’s a happy couple that can giggle and roar together.

That was so worth waiting for!!

[King Coin]

Whoa Buffy! Launch yourself at him!

So very nice that they got to visit Valenwood. I mean, with an Oblivion gate in front of Kvatch, anything could happen really.

When Buffy started the pile on the ground I wondered. Still, the final scene took me by surprise. What a wonderful surprise. It’s great that they got to share this moment together in Valenwood rather than a tent in the middle of a camp. They didn’t have to worry about a thing, just each other.

[RainbowVeins]

Simply beautiful.

[Acadian]

In Episode 148, Savlian allowed a short break between Fort Agarctova and returning to Kvatch as he put paid to his promise to take Buffy to Valenwood. They found themselves in a pleasant meadow on the nearby southern bank of the Strid River. After tending to the horses as well as their own thirst and hunger, Buffy’s clothes started to do what they often do when close to so much water. Once the two clarified some misunderstandings, one thing led to another.

mALX- Training? Hee! Buffy did get to practice her unintentional spell casting. Thank you!

SubRosa- Buffy is quite ‘touchy-feely’ of course, and jumping on Savlian just sort of happened to her when she realized that he not only remembered his promise to take her to Valenwood, but fully intended to do so – that day. I’m so glad they got beyond their misunderstanding over her ears. Simple open communication won the day!

Glargg- Gosh, yes it did take them a long time to get on the same page! Thank you!

McBadgere- Thanks! I'm glad you liked our bits and parts – even the sore ones. Lol.

ghastley- Between the water and noise and errant spell casting, we now know why this scene just wouldn’t have worked back at the encampment! She’ll just have to wait to try Pelena’s potion. And thanks for noting that, yes indeed, getting Buffy near water surely did do the trick.

Grits- My counsel to Buffy on writing her love scene was, “Fade to misty gray, Buffy. Let readers use their imaginations”. Her response was, “Oh for Mara's sake, Acadian. I tell my readers in great detail how I brush my teeth. I’m not about to gloss over something as important as this just because it has juicy bits in it!” The noise and scratching was easy to portray; it was the errant spell casting that was a challenge not to make overly, um. . . graphic. We tried very hard to lace the necessary specifics with plenty of awkwardness and humor. Thank you so much for seeing the tender passion, adventure and discovery as the wide-eyed elf and her hero learned to dance.

KC- Thank you. I so agree that it just couldn’t have been as. . . Buffy in a tent back in that smoky camp.

RainbowVeins- Aww. This was an extremely powerful episode for Buffy and I to write. Thank you so much for your soothing endorsement!

* * *

149 While You Were Gone. . .

We dismounted next to the kitchen area under an early afternoon sun and the beaming gaze of Weedum-Ja. “I shall have to send you two hunting more often.”

At the Argonian’s orders, several men gathered on the patient Raxle and unlashed the field dressed deer. When their attention turned to the buck behind Superian’s saddle, Savlian gently warned them off even before the mare could flatten her ears or begin to prance away. “This girl’s a high strung, skittish one like her mistress, lads. Best leave the task to hands that she knows. Buffy and I will unload her.”

Once complete, we led the horses toward the stable. I loved that Savlian was protective of both Superian and I, and how we tried to understand each others’ ways. During our return trip from the Strid River, I had explained what Daenlin taught me about hunting. I was pleased when Savlian joined me in kneeling by the deer we killed to cut our arrows free and thank them for their bounty. We then wished each animal’s spirit safe passage through the Dreamsleave until they returned. Nearing the mountains of Kvatch, we rode past several bears at a respectable distance. As a pair of eagles lazily winged overhead, Savlian told me that although the Kvatch wolf symbolized the city, his mountains were really the land of bear and eagle. I had joked that he could be the bear and I wanted to be the eagle.

“Welcome back, conjurer hunters,” greeted Bolden as he looked over the horses. “Safe trip? No injuries?”

“That clan of corrupted mages will cause travelers near Kvatch no further trouble,” said Savlian. “The horses, Buffy and I are fine.”

I took Raxle’s reins from Savlian and squeezed his hand as I did so. “Just some sore muscles.”

“Do you know where Lucilius is?” said Savlian to Bolden, but not before I felt his fingers briefly return my squeeze and noted the hint of a smile that played at one corner of his mouth.

“Yes, he’s been keeping me apprised of his whereabouts so I could send a runner for him as soon as you returned.” Bolden called over one shoulder, “Moria!”

The young Imperial I recalled seeing several days ago approached. Small hands pulled rather wild tresses of nutmeg-colored hair from her face. A threadbare dress of tan flax covered the slight frame, and her feet swam in sandals that were entirely too large. Ignoring Bolden, she walked right up to me and said, “You have pretty hair.”

“Thank you, Moria.” I found myself looking down slightly at a nicely featured but dirty face that I estimated to be ten to twelve years of age. “My name’s Buffy, and you have lovely eyes. They sparkle like emeralds.”

“Well, you look like an elf to me. Tavia taught us all about them. I learned that Batul’s a Horsemer. You have big ears like Athrelor. Are you a Bustmer like he is?”

After a smile, I replied, “I think Tavia probably meant Batul is an Orsimer. And yes, I’m a Bosmer – you can call me a wood elf if that is easier to remember.”

“Moria,” said Bolden, “run up to Camp Defiance and tell Sergeant Lucilius that the Captain’s back.”

The girl frowned, planted both hands where someday her hips would widen and lifted her chin to glare up at Bolden. I had to smile as she quite ably assumed ‘the position’ that was all too familiar to me when angry. “But Tavia said you were going to teach me to be a hustler! How is running all over Kvatch Mountain going to help?” She turned her gaze from the Redguard to the Imperial at my side, and her frown transitioned to an impressively convincing pout. “Captain Savlian, you’re in charge. Do I have to do what Bolden says?”

My Imperial eased himself to one knee and gently swept aside some of the wild brown strands that had again fallen into the girl’s face. “I think Tavia meant ostler. And if you expect to be one, you must first learn to follow the orders of your stable master. Secondly, if you want to understand and take care of horses, wouldn’t it be helpful to practice running like they do?”

She beetled her brow skeptically at Savlian, then shifted her gaze to me as if for a second opinion. I placed one hand on Savlian’s shoulder and nodded my endorsement.

“Well, I want to be a good oyster all right.” She then kicked off the oversized sandals, hiked the hem of her dress to mid-thigh and took off at a sprint up the hill.

Bolden chuckled as he shook his head. “Moria’s one of Tavia’s bigger challenges over at the Orphans Guild. She’s spoiled and strong willed.”

Tugging on Savlian’s arm, I helped him to his feet. He said, “I’m pleased she’s retained a strong will. As for being spoiled, I suppose some of that can be forgiven a child who watched both her parents burn to death.”

Bolden shuddered visibly. “I can still hear the little thing screaming as you carried her out of the city that night, Savlian.”

“Let’s get these horses tended to,” was the soldier’s reply.

I began to unlash the traveling supplies from my mare’s saddle. Seeing how gentle and wise Savlian was with Moria, I couldn’t help but think what a wonderful father he would be. Knowing how difficult it was for elves to conceive, I knew it was silly to even think about the fact that I carried his seed within me. The thought of him rescuing the screaming girl intruded though, as a stark reminder that we were indeed back at Kvatch. As we stripped off the tack and removed dried deer blood from bay and black coats, I could sense the weight of Savlian’s responsibilities settling again onto his broad shoulders.

With the tack racked and horses groomed, Bolden led both animals to the stable’s water trough.

I looked at the pile of traveling supplies at our feet. “Um, where should we take my bedroll, Savlian?“

“We promised to avoid misunderstandings by speaking freely.” He gathered up everything from the ground – including my bedroll - then looked at me. “My feelings for you did not stay behind in the waters of the Strid River. I’d like very much for you to share my tent.”

“I was hoping you wanted that. Perhaps I should briefly report to Sigrid? I can let her know we’re back, and gather the rest of my belongings from the guild.”

“Aye. I’ll take all this to our tent and meet you there shortly. Lucilius will know to look for me there.” He leaned over and gave me a quick kiss before we parted ways.

As happy feet carried me toward my guild, I felt the familiar comfort of being alone with my paladin - something I had not experienced since before Savlian and I left on our training expedition. Acadian had thoughtfully and discretely retreated to a place deep in my heart while Savlian and I were discovering each other. He had already silently let me know he was pleased that I had followed his advice and truly learned to dance. “I’m so glad you’re with me to share in this, Acadian. I hope it’s not, um. . . awkward for you.”

“It is certainly a new and unfamiliar perspective, my bowgirl. But I am a part of you and fully share – nay, rejoice – in what you are experiencing.”

“When should I tell him that I harbor the ancient spirits of a dragon and her rider within me?”

“Savlian’s a strong and noble warrior, Buffy, but he has much to deal with at Kvatch, even while adjusting to his feelings for you. Tread lightly here. You will know when the time is right.”

“Thank you, Acadian. For everything.”

After a light chuckle, he said, “And may I say, you dance well, albeit noisily.”

I giggled. “I have some of Pelena’s ‘little moaner’ potion and the recipe for it. That should help.” I lifted the blue and white flap to enter my guild.

Within the half hour, I completed my business, gathered my belongings and rejoined Savlian.

“Look what Sigrid gave us for a tent warming gift while I was at the guild!” I held up the small blue tapestry with its arcane formation of stars.

“It’s very thoughtful of her,” replied Savlian. “The Steed is my birthsign.”

“And you know how horse crazy I am.” I tried to tickle him, but my effort was thwarted by his mail. “Seriously though, no wonder you can move so quickly when you fight. Oh, my sign is the Mage.”

“No surprise there, my magic elf.”

I held the tapestry up against one of the canvas walls of my new home. “Don’t you think it would look nice here?”

“Captain?”

I was now getting used to the interruptions that came with Savlian’s position. “Come in, Lucilius,” I chirped as I set our tapestry on the table.

“I hope the afternoon finds you well, Milady,” said Lucilius as the tent flap closed behind him. “And you also, Captain. I trust the training was productive?”

“Aye, it was,” said Savlian.

Lucilius’ eyes traveled to the two bedrolls nestled together in the corner, then to my happy face. “Congratulations. I’m glad you both seem to have discovered what’s been clear to me for some time.”

“Thank you, my friend.” Savlian’s features creased into a beautiful smile. “Somehow, it seems I’ve managed to capture the heart of a butterfly. Lucilius, would you give me your report please?”

“The perimeter and encampment are secure, with two developments. One of our watch team leaders suffered a broken arm when a pair of clannfears emerged from the gate simultaneously. One of them got past our swordsmen, the spells of Roliand and into the archers.”

“That’s Merandil’s watch team,” said Savlian, his face clouding. “How is he?”

“He’ll be fine. Roliand mended the arm within minutes and, by the end of the shift, Sigrid finished the job. She has Merandil drinking a healing potion each morning for a couple days. It’s his left arm. Until Sigrid clears him, he’ll be relying on his axe instead of that fortify marksman spell and bow. He’s still capable of leading his team though. I did not replace him.”

“Well done, Lucilius. What’s the second development you mentioned?”

“Two men showed up this morning calling themselves fighting monks of Talos. They offered their blades to help free the Chapel of Akatosh.”

“Free the chapel?” repeated Savlian. “Don’t they realize we have the small matter of closing a damn Oblivion Gate first?”

“They said they would discuss it only with you.”

“Your impressions of these men?” asked Savlian as one eyebrow crept up toward his headband.

“They strike me as serious, Captain. Both move with the control and precision of soldiers. I suspect their robes are enchanted, and the katanas they carry are not the simple defensive weapons of churchmen. May I arrange a meeting this afternoon? Perhaps between our crop fields and the stable, near the edge of the encampment plateau where you will not be overheard?”

Savlian nodded. “That location will be fine, but their desire to speak to me alone is not. Perhaps these men do have some sort of need for secrecy, but I have a whole city under siege to worry about. You are my second in command. Buffy is a valued advisor, scout and mage. I want both of you at this meeting.”

Before Lucilius could respond, I asked, “You said monks of Talos? Did these men offer their names?”

“Yes, Milady,” replied Lucilius. “The Redguard who seems to be in charge calls himself Brother Baurus. He refers to the Imperial with him as Brother Arturo.”

“Before we meet with them, the three of us need to talk,” I said. “I know Baurus, and why he is here. Perhaps we should sit down?”

[mALX]

I think it is hilarious that Baurus shows up to save Martin - AFTER Buffy gets there !! How long ago were they supposed to be going to find him? No wonder the Blades couldn't hang onto the amulet or keep the Emperor alive, ROFL !!

Uh oh, Buffy's going to spill the secret of Martin !! Now things will heat up !!

Some very nice touching moments in here, and some humorous ones - like the Orphans Guild, etc. Awesome Write !!

This post has been edited by mALX: Jan 27 2012, 04:47 PM

[McBadgere]

Another most excellent chapter!!...

Loved it...Hugely...

Nice return to camp and all the attendant business therein...And just to show, the Blades turn up... ...Me likee Blades, Oblivion stylee at least... ...

Loved the hand squeeze around the "Sore muscles" line... ...Fantastic stuff...

This bit made the hairs on the back of my neck rise...

Bolden chuckled as he shook his head. “Moria’s one of Tavia’s bigger challenges over at the Orphans Guild. She’s spoiled and strong willed.”

Tugging on Savlian’s arm, I helped him to his feet. He said, “I’m pleased she’s retained a strong will. As for being spoiled, I suppose some of that can be forgiven a child who watched both her parents burn to death."

So many questions rose from this chapter that I think once I've finished the current story I'm doing from the start, this one will be next...Oh yes...I will... ...

Now, to find that "Add Time To Day" spell... ...

EDIT...Sorry, forgot to add my...

Nice one!!!!... ...

*Applauds heartily*...

You know you'd miss it... ...



This post has been edited by McBadgere: Jan 27 2012, 08:05 PM

[Darkness Eternal]

This is a huge story...how many threads do you have exactly? The number of chapters is amazing, but yet only read the first two. Can't help but feel I am missing something? Which is the first story?

[ghastley]

Good point. I'm going to have to go back and re-read where Buffy last saw Baurus to remind myself of the differences between her path through the game and my own characters' versions. If anyone finds it before I do, let us know!

[Grits]

Check the very beginning of this thread, folks!

[Acadian]

Rather than waiting a week to detail things in my next thread posting, I wanted to pop in here and hopefully provide some answers. We are still writing Buffy’s ‘Book 1’ and are in the fifth and final thread of it. Each thread is labeled the same except the thread numbers progress from 1-5. All of them except our current/active thread are in Acadian Subforum .

It is indeed a long story, and I grew concerned that it might intimidate newer readers. Therefore, in our subforum, I created an Executive Summary thread that summarizes her story to date in one easy sitting of less than 2000 words.

Let me review some past details that may help add context to today's episode: When Buffy turned the Amulet of Kings over to Jauffre, he was unkind and accusatory to her so she stormed out on him (Episode 8). She later learned well after the fact (Episode 31) that Jauffre had been killed the very next day after receiving the Amulet. Because of her confrontation with Jauffre, Buffy was afraid she might be accused of killing him and remained quiet on the matter, trusting that the Blades would take care of ‘Emperor stuff’ since she had turned over the Amulet. Much later (right after Buffy's second place finish in the Tournament of Archers plastered her name in the Black Horse Courier), Baurus finally tracked Buffy down (Episode 125) to find out what happened to the Amulet. Between the two of them, they pieced together that Jauffre had been killed and the Amulet stolen before Jauffre could take any action regarding Martin or even notify his Blades. Buffy then shared what Jauffre had told her about Martin. Baurus agreed that he would try to get support from his chain of command to investigate the possible claim to the throne at Kvatch. Buffy’s meeting with Baurus that generated his current arrival took place about two weeks ago in ‘Buffy time’.

Hope that helps some!

This post has been edited by Acadian: Jan 28 2012, 01:43 AM

[SubRosa]

“Just some sore muscles.”


Moira was delightful. Horsemers, Bustmers (I think Sigrid is one of those ), hustlers, and all.

No more public pretenses between Buffy and Savlian. Good show! Now they are officially an item, for all the world to see.

“The Steed is my birthsign.”
Now we know why Buffy was moaning so loudly!

Baurus! W00T. Now we are really getting down to the business of closing that gate, and retaking the city!

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Jan 28 2012, 02:58 AM

[King Coin]

“Just some sore muscles.”
They were talking about fighting the mages Buffy, not after.

I really enjoyed Moria’s difficulty with words.

I hadn’t even thought about where Buffy would stay when she returned to the camp. Glad Buffy’s going to share his tent. And then she starts decorating!

The Blades! Now that’s exciting! Baurus!

[Grits]

I loved that Savlian was protective of both Superian and I, and how we tried to understand each others’ ways.

Me, too. Savlian demonstrates that he has really been paying attention.

Moria charms in so many ways. Buffy’s history and temperament make me think she would be the right one to take on this particular challenge, starting with that nutmeg-colored mop of hair.

As happy feet carried me toward my guild, I felt the familiar comfort of being alone with my paladin - something I had not experienced since before Savlian and I left on our training expedition.

How wonderful to check in with Acadian, and get some reassurances.

“The Steed is my birthsign.”

Yeah, baby!!

“Two men showed up this morning calling themselves fighting monks of Talos. They offered their blades to help free the Chapel of Akatosh.”

Woo hoo!! Savlian meeting Brother Baurus, I cannot wait! Now, about that damn Oblivion Gate…

[TheBrume]

I really enjoyed this latest episode. I particularly like Moira, she reminds me of someone, can't think who though.

The Redguard who seems to be in charge calls himself Brother Baurus. He refers to the Imperial with him as Brother Arturo

The plot thickens? I look forwards to this upcoming meeting.