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

[ghastley]

They're not thinking "we" automatically yet, but they're going in that direction. Needs more bonding!

I'm trying to remember the game mechanics for who gets ejected automatically from a closing gate. (I had fun getting it to work properly for Prizna in my mod.) I think that anyone whose editor location is outside pops out, but those who start inside are stuck there. So Menien is not saved in the regular game, because he's "born" in that cage, but would be logically ejected in this narrative, as he started outside. Just to complicate things, the Cheydinhal setup has some special scripting for Farwil and Bremman, so they get moved although the rest of the Knights of the Thorn don't, but it's dependent on the Sigil Tower being non-random.

That leaves Menien's fate all up to Acadian, and we'll have to wait and see.

[McBadgere]

...That was so cool...

There was much terror and heart tugging in this chapter...

Nicely done!!...

Having closed a few gates with KOTN's Sir Thedret at my side I know that those next to you come back...But having also lost Thedret to a gate I also know that sometimes they don't come back... ...Farewell Menien...

So it's gonna be interesting to see how the mighty Salvian and his Elfin love deal with that...

Brilliant charge up the tower...Loved it....

Excellent stuff...Brilliant as ever...

Nice one!!!...

*Applauds heartily!!*...

[SubRosa]

Rather than negating its resistances and attacking with a poisoned arrow, can you command it to fight for us?
Indeed he is. An excellent idea.

I loved the frost astronaut blundering into the tower's central fire! Doh!

Methinks that two silenced mages = one triumphant warrior. Let's see... Yep, nothing living there but B&S!

I’ll never let go of you, Savlian.”
This sums up the second half of the post very well, as B&S again argue over who stays and who leaves.

Now to see what happens next. Is it back to Kvatch? Or will there be time to save Menien? I am still not holding my breath for the latter...

[MyCat]

The burst of flame I cast was pathetic enough that Delphine Jend would have rolled her eyes.

I'm just catching up. Enemies Explode?

Caught up. They make a great pair. I have no hope for Menien though. I also hope to be proven wrong.

[mALX]

What an ending to this chapter !!! Matias's plan, their decision, and then the crashing of the tower - HUGE Write !!! Awesome !!! WHEW !!!

[Grits]

I love that Buffy recognized the sigil stone noise. I imagine that they make a sound one wouldn’t forget. What a great description of the menacingly beautiful frost atronach!

I thoroughly enjoyed the fight against the dremora mage. Buffy demonstrated her own magely qualifications when she anticipated the detect life spell and even cast the same spell at the same time as the dremora to curse his magicka. It’s so exciting that the enemies have a full range of spells.

The who should wait by the stone and who should run for it discussion had me very nervous. What a setting for their declaration of love, an exploding sigil tower!! That will be one to tell the grandchildren. Whether or not Menien made it, I guess that Savlian might have to be sat upon to get him to rest before entering the city. I can even imagine him downing some potions and insisting he’s ready.

The damn Gate is closed! Now Savlian can finally do something about his damn home being in flames.

[Acadian]

Buffy and Savlian located the sigil stone that sustained Kvatch’s Oblivion Gate in Episode 156. Their emotional debate about running directly to safety, splitting forces, and trying to rescue Menien was for naught. As soon as Savlian grabbed the stone, they were frozen in time and space as the tower crumbled beneath them.

KC- Buffy had no trouble paralyzing that flame atronach, as they have no resistance to the effect in Oblivion. I suspect you may have been thinking of Skyrim flamies, which are immune to paralysis. Thank you for noting Buffy trying to manipulate Savlian’s words to her purpose.

ghastley- Yes, more bonding! Coming up, we’ll try to show how far Buffy and Savlian have come at reading each other. We’ll also reveal Menien’s fate.

McBadgere- Romance and combat continue to be an odd and challenging combination to portray, so I thank you very much for using the words ‘terror’ and ‘heart tugging’ in the same breath.

SubRosa- Thanks! I learned the hard way with a BB (Before Buffy) character that touching a sigil column is lethal, and couldn't resist portraying such. Buffy had to use her full quiver of feminine wile to retain her place at Savlian’s side. Like most men, he was outmatched when trying to argue with a woman who loves him.

MyCat- Thanks for catching up! Buffy has almost a learning disorder when it comes to fire, ice and shock. That's why she is envious of the Diva of Destruction Delphine Jend. Menien’s fate coming right up!

mALX- Aww, thank you for that warm encouragement! I tried to show some of the thinking and options that might occur as our duo stabbed in the dark with only theories to go on as far as what might happen when pulling a sigil stone from its perch.

Grits- Thanks! Like you, I wish enemy mages used more of the spells available to them, but that's one nice about creating our own fictions. I’m not so talented or bold as to have our protagonist ‘commanded’ by a mind control spell as you so brilliantly did once with Jerric - yikes! With the damn gate closed, I’m hoping that Savlian will have learned (from his elf) the benefits that a bit of planning and preparation can garner before charging into the city. I’m with you in giving the man high marks for declaring his love in a. . . memorable spot.

* * *

157 Reconnaissance

When the tumbling and noise finally stopped, blue eyes opened inches away from brown ones. Although no longer on our feet, Savlian and I were still clutched tightly together. Cool air filled our grateful lungs.

As we sat up, a cheer reached my big ears. Turning my head I could see it came from the Kvatch watch team on duty. Savlian produced the empty food bag that Weedum-Ja had given him. We slipped the sigil stone inside to still its pulsing glow and infernal buzz. I then placed it in his pack among the numerous spent waterskins. We then pulled each other to our feet.

A quick glance over the broken rocks and burned ground around us where the Oblivion Gate had stood confirmed that only two of us had returned from the Deadlands. “I’m sorry, Savlian.”

The slight slump that visited his broad shoulders told me another scar was forming – the kind you couldn’t see. After a slow exhalation he said, “Rest in peace, Menien, along with the other brave souls who travel with you. Forgive me, my friends, and thank you for your sacrifice.”

We turned at the sound of steel boots quickly approaching. “Welcome back, Captain! I’m glad to see Dame Buffy followed my direction and brought you safely home.” The two men gripped forearms in a warrior clasp.

“Thank’s for holding the line, Lucilius.”

“Sir, you two were in there for over a full day. I’ve just redirected our efforts to focus on anything that may come out of the exposed city gates.”

As several large drops of water pelted the top of my head, I lifted my face. “Rain!” I then pointed up and squealed, “Those are normal clouds and the Oblivion sky is gone!” The parched and blackened dust at our feet quickly turned to mud, hosting countless drops that each danced with the promise of new life.

I made Savlian stand still as I healed our minor burns and bruises, allowing the rain to carry away traces of blood and soot.

“I have draft battle plans to discuss whenever you’re ready,” said Lucilius.

“Excellent,” replied Savlian. “First, I need a quick reconnaissance inside the city so we can get an idea of what we’re dealing with in there.”

Lucilious winced. “As you know, you’re the only stealth trained soldier we’ve got.”

Savlian shook his head and smiled. “The elf at my side is the finest scout in the whole damn province.” He turned to me. Even as he squinted against the pouring rain, I could see the pride in his eyes. “Buffy, can you turn invisible long enough to safely scout the city’s courtyard near the gate and return without alerting any foes that may be inside?”

My heart swelled as I was struck by what Savlian and I had forged in fire together. He trusted my skills enough to briefly allow his butterfly out of the safety of his welcome grasp. Nevertheless, I looked down. “This rain dancing over my boots is like Superian peeing on a flat rock.” Recalling what a downpour could do to the dirt streets of Bravil, I added, “I don’t have a spell that can prevent telltale footprints of invisible elves in the mud. What’s the ground surface like in there?”

“Cobblestone,” replied Savlian.

“I’d need someone to open the gate just a crack and close it behind me.”

“Aye. And I’ll snatch you right back out of there as soon as you budge the door’s handle to leave.” He placed a hand on my shoulder. “We know the city’s layout of course. What I want is a feel for enemy disposition and numbers, along with obstacles. Note whether the chapel looks structurally sound but don’t risk entering it. Quickly in and quickly out. Will you do this for our city?”

I smiled coyly as I shook my head. “No.” A matching smile captured his own lips and eyes, leaving no doubt that he knew my next words: “But I’ll do it for you, Savlian Matius.” Anticipating his likely response as well as he knew mine, I then turned and stepped off the few paces to the city gate so he wouldn’t feel obliged to kiss me in front of his soldiers.

Lucilius turned back toward the barricade and barked some orders. A group of Kvatch’s defenders, including the small battlemage Arielle Jurard, began to move forward. “I kept two watch teams on duty while you were in the Deadlands, Captain – just in case.” Turning to me he added, “Dame Buffy, we’ll manage the city’s gate and catch anything that may follow you out.”

I nodded while slipping on my detect life rings. “Savlian, keep one hand on my shoulder until you can feel that I’ve passed into the city.” I then lifted a fist and disappeared under the resultant shroud of magicka. Lucilius inched open the gate just enough for me to sneak through. It quietly closed behind me as soon as Savlian’s hand had fallen away from my shoulder. I began to survey the conditions inside Kvatch.

Although fire had clearly ravaged the city, the only current evidence of flame emanated from several atronachs; each was surrounded by eerie wisps of steam. A handful of clannfears interrupted their birdlike stalking to claw curiously at the rain as it flowed over cobblestones. I could see a Dremora mage that appeared to be arguing with two warriors. Numerous scamps roamed the area. Studying their tall pointed ears, slight builds and almost stealthy movements, I couldn’t help but wonder if they were some sort of perverted Daedric manifestations of mer? Stop it, Buffy! Focus! Savlian is counting on you.

Most structures were made of stone and, except for having yielded their rooftops and doors to fire, appeared intact. My eyes were drawn to the chapel. Its spire was covered with soot, but reached undamaged and defiantly upward into the low clouds. Like the houses of worship in most cities, its entrance area projected forward somewhat from the main building and I could see two of its likely three wooden doors. Remarkably, they were unravaged by the flames that had swept Kvatch.

One of the scamps approached the main chapel door. Long slender fingers grasped the ornate handle. They were just as quickly snatched back, accompanied by a screech of pain. I smiled to realize that Akatosh had warded his doors against both fire and Daedra.

Before I could ponder the promising implications, I was stunned to see a pair of clannfears viciously turn on the scamp. The smaller Daedra stood no chance, as its upper limbs were trapped in unyielding jaws. The two larger beasts tugged and jerked in opposite directions, violently shaking their heads. After tearing both arms from their screaming victim, they finally clawed open the creature’s chest, silencing it. Killing the weak among them? Destroying the taint of Akatosh? Regardless, the terrifying reptiles began picking at the dead scamp – and eating it. I knew Daedra didn’t require nourishment. Did they simply enjoy the ritual of pulling apart their prey? I shuddered to see my clannfearish nightmares played out before me.

Courage is not the absence of fear, but action in its very presence.

Acadian’s silent admonishment returned me to task and served as a reminder to pay attention to the duration of my invisibility spell - if I hoped to avoid suffering the same fate as the scamp.

I completed a hasty count of the Daedra that I saw in and around the courtyard area. Refreshing my shroud of safety, I sprinted between raindrops across the cobblestones. From my new vantage point, the third door to the chapel revealed itself to be as inviolate as the other two.

Looking across the courtyard, I could see an imposing gatehouse and drawbridge protecting the bailey and castle beyond. My archer’s eye for range estimated the moat and walls to be just over five hundred feet away. I closed about a third of that distance until the battlements illuminated with pink glows. Counting the castle’s defenders required cycling through every finger on both invisible hands several times.

My task complete, I returned to where I had entered the city and removed my rings of detect life. A powerful chameleon spell of but a few seconds duration augmented my shroud of invisibility, allowing me to grasp the gate’s iron handle unseen.

I tugged until the gate budged a crack. It was quietly drawn open from the other side a few more inches. Savlian’s awaiting hand groped my hair and face, then fumbled across an invisible breast before latching firmly onto my upper arm. I was pulled to safety right before my hands and arms reappeared.

The heavy door was barely closed behind me when it burst alive with magic from the fingers of Arielle Jurard. She said, “Captain, unless our foes inside are masters of alteration or locksmithing, the gates are now warded until one of your mages opens them.”

“Thank you, Arielle,” said Savlian. He turned to Lucilius. “The Daedra do have powerful mages and we’re not sure if they’ll try to sortie from the city now that the Oblivion Gate is closed. Let’s be prepared for that until we hear Buffy’s report and can prepare our own assault.”

“Move your people back to the barricades, Calvaria,” ordered Lucilius.

The older-looking Imperial, whose blue surcoat displayed The Great Oak of Chorrol, led her soldiers and battlemage to join the other watch team providing cover. Lucilius followed on their heels.

Savlian escorted me to one side in order to clear the line of fire. We then headed more slowly for the defensive perimeter as well.

“I see the rain has slowed to a steady drizzle,” he offered. “Perhaps if the sun follows, green things may once again grow outside Kvatch instead of stone teeth and tongues of flame. I long for the return of bear and eagle to our mountain.” As we walked, he unshouldered his quiver and dumped the water that had almost filled it. “Do you need me to empty yours?”

“No, its lower bits have drain holes.” I then added with an innocent smile, “Just like me.”

I was treated to a beautifully welcome sputter, followed by a hearty laugh.

As we joined Lucilius behind the barricade, both men looked at me expectantly. Savlian said, “Buffy, may we have your report?”

“The chapel is intact,” I began. . . .

[McBadgere]

Will you do this for our city?”

I smiled coyly as I shook my head. “No.” A matching smile captured his own lips and eyes, leaving no doubt that he knew my next words:

“But I’ll do it for you, Savlian Matius.”

Awwww!!!... ...That's just so cool...I really love the way these two are finally letting it all out...As it were... ...

Loved - in a sense - the whole tour of ruined Kvatch and thought the fighting Daedra was well done...

Still having to fight the urge to do the MQ again... ...

As always, brilliantly done chapter, and as ever, I absolutely loved it!...

I'm sure I'm far too Gentlemannish and polite to snigger as much as I did about...

“No, its lower bits have drain holes.” I then added with an innocent smile, “Just like me.”

...

Well done m'friend...

Nice one...

*Applauds heartily!!*...

[mALX]

Buffy's reconnaissance was my fave part of this chapter - warding off her own nightmares shows how strong she's become inside. Awesome Chapter & Write !!!

[SubRosa]

B&S are back! But without Menien. Well, that was expected though. As much as it would have been nice to see him survive for a change, I think I prefer that he does not. It adds a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by many to reclaim Kvatch from the Daedra.

It is good to see that Savlian now trusts Buffy's abilities. (Am I the only one who sees his name and wants to say Salivan instead? Though with Buffy around no man can be blamed for salivating ).

I very much liked seeing the Clannfears tear apart the Scamp that touched the chapel door. Like Buffy, I too wonder exactly what motivated them. Is it just that they eat their wounded, or was it indeed the whiff of Akatoshian energy upon the Scamp that turned them lethal?

I also like how Buffy's mind wanders with her musings about the nature of the Scamps, and the Clannfear's motivations.

“No, its lower bits have drain holes.”I then added with an innocent smile, “Just like me.”

[King Coin]

I knew he wasn’t going to make it back. I’m glad Buffy and Sav did, and appeared clutching each other.

Oh I can’t imagine what a delightful sight the rain must have been!

That’s different, the chapel is untouched.

I like Buffy’s method of getting through the closed door without revealing herself to the daedra.

And like everyone else, Buffy’s drain hole comment made me grin.

[ghastley]

Hmmm...

More deviations from the standard game coming up, as the fallen spire normally blocks the area by the gate from that in front of the gatehouse. You get to clear those separately, and access the chapel before you head for the castle. But this lets Savlian and Buffy decide which takes priority, instead of having it pre-ordained by the geography.

And of course, not having to persuade the CPU to grind out the animations lets you have a bigger battle!

[Grits]

I made Savlian stand still as I healed our minor burns and bruises, allowing the rain to carry away traces of blood and soot.
This was a lovely way to spend a moment between the Deadlands and the next challenge.

I smiled coyly as I shook my head. “No.” A matching smile captured his own lips and eyes, leaving no doubt that he knew my next words: “But I’ll do it for you, Savlian Matius.” Anticipating his likely response as well as he knew mine, I then turned and stepped off the few paces to the city gate so he wouldn’t feel obliged to kiss me in front of his soldiers.
How fun to see them being such a couple! Now they really have some stories to share, or even better to keep just between themselves.

A handful of clannfears interrupted their birdlike stalking to claw curiously at the rain as it flowed over cobblestones.
Oh, what a neat observation! They’ve been under the Oblivion sky, and this is their first rain!

It sounds like Kvatch is in decent shape, fire damaged but with lots of stone structures left intact. That’s encouraging! The part with the scamp, the door, and the clannfears was horrifyingly fascinating. That was the perfect time to get some silent support from Acadian.

“Thank you, Arielle,” said Savlian. He turned to Lucilius. “The Daedra do have powerful mages and we’re not sure if they’ll try to sortie from the city now that the Oblivion Gate is closed. Let’s be prepared for that until we hear Buffy’s report and can prepare our own assault.”
Wow, here’s another thing I never considered in the headlong rush into the city. Buffy’s way is best!

[MyCat]

“No, its lower bits have drain holes.” I then added with an innocent smile, “Just like me.”

Did I miss something, or how did Savlian know what she meant?

[Tábrasa]

The whole segment within Oblivia was breathtaking! Yet again Acadian, I am highly impressed with your use of imagry as well as your use of portraying emotions; Oblivia must have been terrifying!

Now our hero is out of the frying pan and into the rescue of a city! Exciting stuff!

A couple of things that really impressed me with this chapter:

"...Will you do this for our city?”

I smiled coyly as I shook my head. “No.” A matching smile captured his own lips and eyes, leaving no doubt that he knew my next words: “But I’ll do it for you, Savlian Matius.”

Yet again Buffy's love for Savlian shows deeply here. Willing to traverse along into unknow danger for the man she loves? EPIC.

One of the scamps approached the main chapel door. Long slender fingers grasped the ornate handle. They were just as quickly snatched back, accompanied by a screech of pain. I smiled to realize that Akatosh had warded his doors against both fire and Daedra.

I don't know why but I LOVED this. Just something so simple and effective to explain such a simple, lets say plot hole for use of a better phrase! haha

Amazing chapter and I am SUPER eager to read more!

[Acadian]

In Episode 157, Savlian and Buffy found themselves back in Kvatch, surrounded by broken remnants of the Oblivion Gate. After a sad word to acknowledge that Menien did not survive, Savlian asked his elven scout to conduct a clandestine reconnaissance inside the now accessible city. Buffy invisibly did so, then returned unscathed to deliver her report.

McBadgere- Thanks for enjoying our repeat of the ‘I’ll do it for you, Savlian Matius’ line. That really does sum up Buffy at Kvatch. Thanks also for the nice words on her stealthy tour of the city.

mALX- Thank you! That recurring dream she has of being eaten by clannfears got pretty close to home for her. I love your phrase ‘warding off her own nightmares’.

SubRosa- I appreciate you holding out hope for Menien despite his poor chances; you are right that we were trying to emphasize some of the sacrifices already made and yet to come. Savlian has come a long way; I guess he just had to see Buffy in action a few times before being comfortable enough to send her ahead solo. My intent there was to show his growth in understanding about not holding a butterfly too tightly. Thanks for the kind words regarding the inter-Daedra reactions we saw inside Kvatch. It swells Buffy’s self-confidence to hear you say that there are those (besides clannfears) who would salivate over her. I’m so glad you mentioned Buffy’s mind wandering – it seems to be quite a part of her nature.

KC- Thanks for the condolences on Menien. I can imagine how neat that rain must have seemed – especially given how long our siege has been. Although fire ravaged Kvatch, heavy use of stone in the city seems to have limited the damage some in our story. Buffy’s ‘100% chameleon x 6 seconds’ spell to preserve her invisibility while grabbing the gate’s handle to exit really helped here. This was the second time she has used that spell – the first was to support giving Countess Leyawiin an anonymous dose of Stark Reality.

ghastley- Given how long Kvatch has been under siege in our story, I figured the more structurally sound the chapel remained, the more believable the possibility of survivors might be. Although our Kvatch will have a familiar feel, there will be a number of changes from the game that I think fit with our story.

Grits- Thanks for noting so many of the things I hoped you would! Buffy’s omnipresent nurturing/healing, the growing trust and sense of couple between B&S, how strange the rain must have seemed to Daedra, the horrifying clannfear display and its impact on Buffy, the overall decent condition of the city. As you can see, Savlian seems to have learned a bit of caution from his elf; like you, I was glad he didn’t yell ‘For Kvatch!’ and charge (exhausted and unprepared) right into the city.

MyCat- Thank you for reading! Buffy’s comment about drain holes was simply her attempt to lighten the mood and display an intimate comfort between her and Savlian via a simple anatomy joke. She tells Acadian the same thing when opting for a halter top and loin cloth instead of rain cloak if caught in a warm downpour. She wasn’t actually referring to her habit of sometimes wetting her greaves if that is what you thought; indeed, Savlian hasn’t yet experienced that aspect of his little Tinklebell. Sorry for any confusion.

Tábrasa- So wonderful to have you back, and what a joy to see you continuing Tara Willow! Thank you for letting Buffy, Savlian and I bring you with us through the Deadlands and safely back to Kvatch. Buffy witnessed Akatosh banish a Daedra from his Priory at Gottlesfont way back in Episode 48; that has long fueled her hope that there might be a chance for anyone who made it to Kvatch’s chapel.

* * *

158 By Azura!

As soon as I finished relaying the details of my brief reconnaissance inside Kvatch, Savlian and Lucilius began discussing courses of action.

“Once we capture and hold the main courtyard,” said Lucilius, “we can control the only way in or out of the city while sending small teams north toward the Arena to sweep and clear any pockets of resistance. We’ll also be able to access the chapel. If the altar still works, that could ease the burden on our healers.”

“I like it,” replied Savlian. “By holding our main force in front of the chapel, it positions us well against the castle. If the Daedra lower the drawbridge and swarm into the assault, we’ll be ready for them.”

The light rain had slowed, and now finally stopped. I asked, “Do you really think those defending the castle will give up the safety of the battlements and come out?”

“I don’t know, Buffy,” replied Savlian. “If they stay holed up, it should make clearing the rest of the city easier and let us retain the initiative. Then we’ll try harassing and enticing them to sortie a counterattack. I’d much rather fight them on open ground than send our force into the gauntlet of assaulting my own damn gatehouse.”

“I agree,” said Lucilius. “Victory won’t come without a price though, and this will be the biggest battle many of our soldiers have ever seen. Sir, may I recommend holding off until tomorrow to give them time to come to terms with it and make any arrangements they may feel necessary? The delay will also allow us to refine our plans.”

Savlian nodded. “Yes, put our newer hands on the barricade and give those who have seen more of this long siege a brief respite.”

“I’m pretty new, here,” I said. “Would you like me to fill in on the perimeter to give others a break before the battle?”

Lucilius answered, “You and the Captain were inside the Deadlands for over a day, Milady. You both need to recover. I will augment with our. . . fighting monks and other fresh arrivals.” As he finished speaking, the gray clouds parted rather dramatically. A cheer rose up from the city’s weary defenders as golden sunshine bathed Kvatch with the promise of hope.

“A well-needed morale boost,” remarked Savlian as we all watched the beautiful sight. He seemed to be studying the city gate and angle of the sun. “Plan our assault tomorrow for two hours after dawn.”

“By Azura! By Azura! By Azura!”

All three of us wheeled toward the voice behind us. The young Bosmeri face and twisted steeple of yellow hair belonged to Fanador. I had met him at the Arena, pining away after the Grand Champion left to seek knighthood in Leyawiin. Towering behind him were two massive warriors clad in dull golden plate armor from head to foot. Fanador continued as the two giants removed their full-face helms, “Announcing Sirs Agronak and Mazoga, the mightiest knights in all of Cyrodiil!”

“How goes the battle, Dame Buffy?” said Mazoga with sparkling dark eyes. Her upper lip then curled into an orcish smile.

Despite a grin that probably went from one big ear to the other, I managed to make a somewhat dignified round of introductions. I noted that Agronak’s heavy belt hosted both arming sword and dagger. A leather guige ran diagonally across his chest, securing a large shield to his back. It was the same way that Savlian and many of his soldiers carried their shields when not in use. Mazoga, however, was outfitted differently. The worn handle of a claymore protruded above one shoulder. A flat ring of bladed steel, the diameter of a dinner plate, was fastened to the deep purple sash that encircled her hips. I recognized the throwing weapon from my days at the Arena; it was called a chakram. I wasn’t sure how much good carrying only one instead of a stack of them would . . . .

“Captain,” Agronak’s voice cut off my rumination, “Sir Mazoga and I pledge our service to Dame Buffy’s quest to help free your city.”

“I’m honored to have your strong sword arms, noble knights,” replied Savlian. “Both Kvatch and the elven knight at my side are fortunate to have such friends. Do you need to rest after your journey?”

“We’re fresh for a fight,” said Mazoga.

“Aye,” added Agronak, “put us to work, that we may ease the burden on your defenders. All we ask is a piece of ground where Fanador may set up the tentage carried by our donkey. We left the animal down at your makeshift stable.”

It was Lucilius who replied, “Milord, Milady, your young squire will find a suitable spot in the lower encampment between the eating area and bath tents.”

After receiving a nod from Agronak, Fanador began to retrace his steps down the hill.

Lucilius continued speaking to the pair of knights, “Let me brief both of you on our operation here, the threat and our plans.”

We all moved closer to the defensive line. Savlian wandered among those on duty, drifting into his charismatic banter, while Agronak listened intently to Lucilius. Although Mazoga stood quietly, the grins we flashed each other made it clear we couldn’t wait to talk together.

Not soon enough, Agronak announced, “Thank you for the fine briefing, Lucilius. Let this pair of humble knights take our positions with the hope that you may deem our service worthy enough to give some of your defenders a well-needed rest.”

Mazoga said, “I’ll join you soon, my mate. Let me speak briefly with Dame Buffy.” As soon as she and I had stepped beyond earshot of the line, she said, “Gods’ ghoulies it’s good to see you my pal!”

“You too, ‘Zoga!” I chirped, barely restraining the urge to wiggle like a puppy. “I know I told you not to come to Kvatch, but I must confess joy at the sight of you and Sir Agronak.” I pointed to the chakram at her hip, allowing my eyes to carry the question.

“It’s magic, Buff! Agronak and I found it in some underground Alien ruin full of traps and blue crystals called Welcome Stones. Watch this.” Mazoga plucked the weapon from her hip. With a flick of her wrist, it flew toward a long-dead tree. After severing a branch as thick as a mer’s arm, the disc returned to be captured in her gauntleted hand.

“That’s amazing! No wonder you only need one of them.”

“Yup,” she declared proudly. “I take care of the long range stuff and Agronak handles recharging our enchanted swords. That dagger he carries can grab the magic right out of dying foes and pop it into those little gray rocks you showed me how to use.”

“Sounds like you make a good team,” I said.

“Looks like you got a fella too.” Bushy dark eyebrows bounced suggestively as her thick gauntleted finger stabbed over my shoulder. I turned around as she loudly added, “I guess I’d better join Sir Agronak. Besides, you two not only look tired, but soaking wet as well.”

“I guess we are,” replied the approaching Savlian with a grin of his own. “We do indeed have bellies to fill, equipment to dry and repairs to make before tomorrow.”

As the mighty orc clanked off to join her mate, I took Savlian’s arm and we began the trek down to the encampment. I told him how Mazoga and I met and became knights, then started chattering about the wonderful future Savlian and I would build together after freeing our city.

After some welcome time in our respective bath tents, I was happy to slip into clean buckskins and a blouse. Savlian donned his spare armor and a spotless surcoat. Our next stop was the smith’s tent. Batul was impressed – not in a good way – by what the Deadlands had done to Savlian’s gear. Nevertheless, she promised to at least get his shield and blade back to him before sunset.

The camp was abuzz with talk about the next day’s assault to retake the city. Nowhere was this more evident than in the kitchen area as Savlian and I gratefully ate our fill of Weedum-Ja’s cooking.

A meeting under the same tent followed, during which Savlian and Lucilius shared their vision and issued planning orders for the attack. A long list of questions from the watch team leaders and my guildmagister were systematically addressed. Savlian touched on support considerations affecting nearly every aspect of the camp, from cook to smith.

As we left the meeting, Savlian steered me toward the stable. “I know an elf who has not even had time to greet her mare since our return from the Deadlands.”

In the midst of all this preparation for war, I was stunned at his perceptive thoughtfulness. For a rare moment I was speechless – well, almost. “I love you.”

As we approached the stable, I could see the new arrival that Fanador used to carry supplies for his knights. The small gray pack animal was ungelded and quite clearly interested in making mules. After receiving a sharp kick from one of the white mares used by the Anvil guard contingent, the amorous donkey approached Superian. My own mare’s response included flattened ears and a show of teeth. The poor fellow seemed well-acquainted with rejection and, after a loud bray of mournful protest, headed for a drink at the trough to perhaps drown his ardor.

Superian’s manner changed abruptly as she noted our arrival. Nickering softly, she affectionately greeted us both. While Savlian patted her neck, my eyes were drawn to Bolden as the stable master carefully adjusted a harness between his flatbed wagon and Belle. Although the chestnut draft horse was shorter than the leggy Superian, she was massively muscled and stood on hooves that dwarfed those of my speedy mare. Noting the lack of cheer on Bolden’s face, I looked questioningly at Savlian.

“Belle and the wagon will be needed tomorrow to carry our wounded. . . and dead.” His hand moved from Superian and fell gently on my shoulder. “Our farmers – with their shovels – will be needed as well.”

[mALX]

The poor fellow seemed well-acquainted with rejection and, after a loud bray of mournful protest, headed for a drink at the trough to perhaps drown his ardor.

This had me in hysterics!

Enter Aggie and Mazoga, and I see one huge battle ahead! Awesome write !!!

[McBadgere]

No, okay THIS is absolutely my fave chapter so far...Most definately... ...

Fanador!!...Oh absolutely fantastic!!...I laughed when I realised who he was...BRILLIANT!!...

Mazoga!!!...And not only that, but Mazoga with Chakrams!!..Possibly my fave weapon not to be in Skyrim...(But used extensively in that other game I've been playing, Kingdoms of Amalur.)...

And that bit with the donkey...Aww bless him...Made me laugh no end that...

Such brilliance and beauty...

Excellently done chapter...Sooo good...

Nice one... ...

*Applauds most heartily!!*

[SubRosa]

It was fun to be a fly on the wall during Salviating Matius' war council. Sound strategy was offered by all. Granted, there is no telling what the Daedra might still have up their sleeve to oppose our intrepid heroes however.

“By Azura! By Azura! By Azura!”
Oh good gods no, The Adoring Fan vs. Kvatch!

Thank goodness that Sirs Mazoga and Agronak were behind Fanador! How wonderful to see the Grey Prince here, escaped from his usual doom, and instead fighting to free Kvatch. And I see Mazoga, erm, I mean Sir Mazoga, has a new toy now. We might start calling her Xena soon, especially if she starts using that Amazon war cry. Even Fanador is now a useful fellow, working as the page of our two emerald knights.

Agronak and I found it in some underground Alien ruin full of traps and blue crystals called Welcome Stones.
Mazoga has not lost any of her charm, or her delightful way with words.

“Our farmers – with their shovels – will be needed as well.”
A grim reminder of battlefield reality. How many of these good friends we have come to know and love, will have their faces covered with dirt on the morrow?

[Zalphon]

I really like how you use the game's actual characters--I know it's a little thing, but it displays improvisation (sp?), because you use other people's creations, but you breathe new life into them with your own thoughts and plots.