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

[ghastley]

I like the use of the summoned handkerchief again. Buffy's spells are so practical. I'm slightly surprised she doesn't have one to dispel odors.

I also like the fact that her physical healing is taking time, so that she's not being rushed with the rest of her recovery. She's getting involved with the recovery of the city, and its people, so she's not alone in her grief.

Needs some 'Zoga/Martin news to distract her soon.

[Zalphon]

The spells you've invented are so simple that really anyone could do 'em, but they're so innovative and useful...

[Acadian]

From astride Superian, Buffy was able to give us a view of Kvatch’s initial rebuilding efforts in Episode 172. Upon returning to the Mages Guild, a concerned Gladius Maro asked for help with Pelena who was vomiting. Buffy diagnosed the soldier’s mate as pregnant. Later in private, the nervous elf self-assessed that no new spirits grew among those dwelling within her.

Darkness Eternal- Thank you for noting that life in Kvatch goes on, even as the very cycle of death and new life continues. Buffy and Acadian have some serious talking to do after the next couple episodes.

KC- Thanks for appreciating how we have specialized some of Buffy’s talents, even within the same school; in this case noting that she’s great with poisons but terrible with potions. You know her well! Dreelius seems to come through when required, but he sure is cranky!

SubRosa- Thank you, my fellow Enya fan, for the link to that great song. It is one I had not heard! There is one more song left for Buffy to sing in our story - in the very last episode. It is another Enya one. Buffy will make it to Savlian’s grave but, as she said, just not yet.

mALX- Thanks for picking up on the rays of hope here. Gladius is a good friend and means well, but he clearly never received much training from the Legion on consoling grieving widows.

Grits- Thank you for those very kind words. Gosh, you are spot on in suspecting that Buffy will be ready to make some decisions soon. We need the next two episodes to more fully set the stage, then our final two episodes for her to sort things out and set her course.

Rihanae- So glad you enjoyed Oleta! No private joke on the turnip – just Moria’s habit of mangling her words. The chuckles were that one of the readers here (D. Foxy) can see dirty innuendo in almost anything, and mALX correctly suspected he would have fun with our line about ‘sniffing Buffy’s turnip’. Thanks for your kind words about Buffy passing by the graveyard and the emotional roller coaster she rode as she discovered Pelena was pregnant and she was not.

ghastley- So glad you like the summoned handkerchiefs. Buffy sure cries enough to need them! Yes, grieving will take time for her – even as life and rebuilding goes on.

Zalphon- Thanks. In this next episode, Buffy displays her ability to summon towels.

* * *

173 Epilogue, Part 4 - What Shall I Wear Tonight?

Moria carried Superian’s tack into the stable’s storage tent. The girl returned to hand me a hoof pick then went to work with a grooming brush. “It’s nice to see your arm out of that sling and that you can mount and dismount your mare without help now.”

I began inspecting each hoof. “Well, I still need a brief fortify strength spell to make it up to the saddle, but not for much longer I think.”

“I’m glad you’re riding Superian every day. I can tell how happy that makes her.” Moria’s hands paused a moment. “What are you going to do after we finish grooming her today?”

Setting aside the hoof pick, I began working my fingers through Superian’s long tail. “My next stop is the bath tent to get cleaned up and wash my hair.”

“Bolden says that, as a mage, you can heat your own water! Can I go with you? My chores here at the stable are already done for the morning.”

I looked at the bits of straw decorating unkempt brown hair, streaks of dirt marring the young hopeful face, and grimy hands that fidgeted with the grooming brush they held. My eyes then traveled down the front of a stained flaxen skirt to horse manure-encrusted toes and sandals. “I think that would be a wonderful idea, Moria. We can do each other’s hair.”

Soon, we left the silkily groomed mare and headed for our next task. Moria was skipping and humming at my side. “I don’t often use the bath tent,” she declared.

“Oh really?” I replied, feigning surprise.

“No. My guild head, Tavia, makes each of us spend a whole day every week on laundry detail. We have to use the stream down by the old encampment because the one up here by the city has a waterfall and she’s afraid of losing clothes and orphans over the cliff.” The young Imperial then puffed up with pride. “Because I work at the stable, I can use Belle and her wagon to haul laundry down and back up the mountain. Tavia says all that will change once we move into the city and they get some ducks to carry water.” She giggled. “I think she must be teasing me about the ducks.”

“I think they’re special ones called aqueducts,” I remarked.

“Anyway,” she continued, “we end up getting soaking wet and pretty clean by the end of our day washing laundry. All of us except Isabel, that is.”

“Isabel?”

“Oh, she goes to work in the Countess’ tent, learning how to be a lady’s maid. They make her wear nice clothes and use the bath tent nearly every day! That green elf with red eyes - they’re called Dungmer by the way - who works for the Countess wanted the oldest orphan girl, but Tavia told her I was not a proper bait.”

“Although I can’t imagine why, perhaps Tavia meant you were not appropriate for duty with the Countess and her Dunmer steward?”

“Yes, that’s it. She said I was better off outdoors being trained as a hustler at the stable.”

“I must admit, Superian and I think you’re a wonderful ostler.” Approaching one of the plateau’s several springs, I announced, “Here we are.” Moria and I lugged water to the nearby women’s bath tent until half a dozen full buckets rested on the slatted wooden floor inside. The girl watched in rapt fascination as flame danced from my fingertips to heat the water.

I fished vials of soap, conditioner and shampoo from my pack and arranged them on a bench. Our clothing then found its way onto hooks mounted to the corner support posts inside the tent. “Leave your sandals on,” I instructed, “so they get washed as well.”

As I raised the first bucket above our heads and began to drizzle water over us, Moria asked, “Why’re your ribs sticking out? Hasn’t Weedum-Ja been feeding you enough?”

I looked down to verify her observation. “I guess I haven’t been eating as often as I should.” Once thoroughly wet, we each began soaping up.

“Have you been bad?” she persisted.

“What do you mean?”

“Sometimes when I’m naughty, Tavia makes me go to bed without dinner.” Staring at me, she continued, “I can see your hip bones. And I think you need to feed your bosoms more too. Someday, I’m going to have hips. And bosoms too – big ones. Well, maybe not as big as Sigrid’s; some of the boys make jokes about her and I don’t think I’d fancy that.”

“I’m sure it won’t be long until you begin to blossom, Moria.” We poured more water over each other before washing our hair. “No,” I finally replied to her question, “I don’t think I’ve been bad. In fact, both Weedum-Ja and Sigrid have been encouraging me to eat more. I guess I’m just too sad to feel very hungry.”

“Oh, I know about being sad,” she replied soberly.

We washed our hair a second time in silence then, lifting more buckets, gave each other a final rinse. I summoned a series of towels and we dried off. My fingers ran conditioner through our hair then Moria, being surprisingly careful around my ears, combed mine out. She gave me a center part and left it loose. “My stable master says you’re like a lost forest creature now without her mate.”

“Bolden’s a wise man,” I replied, “and yes, I miss Savlian.”

She passed my comb to me and turned on the bench so I could tame her tangled mane. “I remember that night the Daedra set my house on fire. Part of the roof collapsed, trapping my parents. Captain Savlian broke down the door, threw me over his shoulder and charged back out just before the rest of the roof fell. I remember kicking and screaming how much I hated him for not saving my mother and father.”

As I arranged her brown hair into twin ponytails using a pair of green ribbons from my pack, I said, “I know Savlian would have saved your parents had it been possible.”

“I realize that now.” She turned to face me with glistening green eyes. “I never got to tell him I was sorry for yelling that I hated him. Nor did I ever thank him for saving my life. Now it’s too late.”

“Don’t you worry, Moria.” I took her hands in mine as I blinked back my own tears. “He knew.” I wrapped the girl’s filthy clothes into a bundle, instructing her to bring them to her next laundry day. The russet felt dress with green trim that I donated from my pack fit her well enough. Once we were both dressed, I said, “You look like a beautiful young lady.”

She grinned. “I like having a bath with you – warm water, good smells and pretty hair.”

As we left the tent, she pierced the air, “Tiberius!” Skipping away from me to join the smith’s apprentice as he passed by, I heard her demand, “Smell my new Buffy hair!”

After sniffing the thick tresses thrust into his face, Moria’s fellow orphan smiled and awkwardly took her hand in his. She yanked it away, hit him on the shoulder and sprinted off toward the stable. I whispered so quietly that only Acadian could hear, “Give her some time to grow bosoms and hips, Tiberius. Then you’ll have your hands full.”

I turned and let my feet carry me toward the blue and white tent of the Mages Guild. In some ways, I felt so much more childish than Moria. Why couldn’t I accept Savlian’s death as well as she had dealt with the traumatic loss of both parents? Despite her tender age, she seemed of sturdier stuff than I.

The flap to my guild no sooner closed behind me when I heard, “I hope the day greets you well, Milady.” My eyes fell upon auburn hair, blue-green skin and delicately curved ears that rose to graceful points. The well-dressed mer rose from a chair and continued, “I am Badali Sendal, Steward to the Court of Kvatch and humbled to make your acquaintance, Dame Buffy.” She looked at me expectantly. When I offered my hand, she grasped it warmly.

I recalled that the steward had been one of the chapel’s survivors. “I’m pleased to meet you, Badali. Please call me Buffy.”

“Nay, Milady. Although I have served and advised the royalty of Kvatch for generations, I hold no title of nobility. Please permit me the honor of executing my station and duties.”

It was instantly clear that any further attempt to dissuade her use of my title would be as futile as such efforts had been with Lucilius Marcus. “I hope you and the Countess have recovered from your long ordeal. How may the Mages Guild help you today?”

“My business is with you, Milady, not your guild. I bring tidings and an invitation from Lady Odalys.”

I tilted my head. “An invitation?”

“Yes. My lady liege wishes that you dine with her this evening.”

“Why me?” I immediately tried to correct my uncourtly response by adding, “I-I mean, I’m honored.”

It was Badali’s turn to tilt her head. “Because you are the only noble besides herself who yet breathes the air of life and freedom in our fair but struggling city.”

“You mean I’ll be dining alone with the Countess?”

Like Boderi Farano, the age of this Dunmer could have been forty or four hundred. The glow of wisdom in her ruby eyes and reference to serving generations of nobility suggested the latter. “Be at ease, Dame Buffy. She does not bite and you will find her most gracious. May I tell Lady Odalys to expect you within the canvas walls of her court as the sun slips into the Abecean?”

I nodded. “I’ll be there.”

With a flawless curtsey, Badali said, “The Countess will be most pleased, Milady.” Without presenting her back to me, the mer then slipped out of the guild.

“What shall I wear tonight?” I pondered aloud.

“A change out of these buckskins might be in order,” replied Acadian quietly. “Perhaps your guildmagister, who now also serves as court mage, can help?”

“Excellent idea.” I went straight to Sigrid’s sleeping tent, which doubled as her office.

“Good day, Buffy.” Pressing our guild’s seal into the hot wax of a folded letter, she added, “One of my more unpleasant duties. Roliand left no living kin, but Arielle is survived by a younger sister – with arcane aspirations it seems. I told her how bravely our dear guild mates died. Now, how can I help you?”

[ghastley]

So Moria Malaprop has to grow some hips and bosoms before she's a proper bait? Makes sense to me!

[mALX]

“I don’t often use the bath tent,” she declared.

“Oh really?” I replied, feigning surprise.

ROFL !!!

Moria had me in stitches with her artless chatter - ducks & Dungmer

Buffy having to ask what to wear to go to a party? Urk, she really is not herself. But going to Sigrid is a great idea, I haven't posted a screen of her boobs dressed in fancy blue velvet lately, ROFL !!

Buffy forgets she was just as tough as Moria, taking the death of her parents at that same age. She is healing well, actually. Functioning is bringing her out of it. Awesome Write !!

[SubRosa]

It sounds like Buffy's body is mending at least, fortify strength spells not withstanding.

My eyes then traveled down the front of a stained flaxen skirt to horse manure-encrusted toes and sandals.
Hmmm, yep, I think the bathing tent would be a good idea indeed...

“I think they’re special ones called aqueducts,”
I have heard about those ducks. I think they use duck tape to keep them from flying away. Seriously though, Moira once again provides a wonderful sense of levity to what is otherwise a very grim and depressing time for our heroine.

Badali was an interesting new character for us to meet. I wonder how many generations of Goldwines she has served? Two, or twenty? It could be either.

So the Countess requests our Dame's presence for dinner? Somehow I suspect that it will not be a purely social visit between two aristocrats. I have the feeling the Countess has some ideas about Buffy's continued presence at Kvatch? Perhaps as a permanent addition to her court? However, I think Buffy will have a hard time remaining in Kvatch now that Savlian is dead. Now it will be a city haunted by his ghost.

Sigrid sending a letter of condolence to Arielle's sister was a good reminder of the two battlemage's and their sacrifice. I wonder if we might be seeing the younger Jurard sometime in the future?

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Jul 13 2012, 09:47 PM

[Darkness Eternal]

And we start off with some steed grooming. Good for Superian. And once again I see two females bathing around here. Is this what you do in the regular basis? Anyways I love the shampoo and conditioner part, since I always wondered how exactly they kept their hair in such lustrous fashion. I should probably search for some medieval shampoo recipes .

Someday, I’m going to have hips. And bosoms too – big ones. Well, maybe not as big as Sigrid’s; some of the boys make jokes about her and I don’t think I’d fancy that.”

Don't know why, but I loved this part. Poor Sigrid.

So after Superian' grooming, as found Buffy and the young orphan child also getting themselves cleaned up. And yet more sadness on Buffy's part of Savlian's passing. The moment she said she hasn't been eating much, it is obvious why. And the physical appearance on her part is not going so well either. And we conclude the chapter with Buffy's invitation to dinner with royalty. My curiosity is peaked now. Good chapter!

[Grits]

I love how rather than telling the numbers of days Buffy shows time passing by her body healing and her strength returning.

Soon, we left the silkily groomed mare and headed for our next task. Moria was skipping and humming at my side. “I don’t often use the bath tent,” she declared.

“Oh really?” I replied, feigning surprise.

I love it! Buffy is right in the moment, and probably itching to get her hands in Moira’s hair. I had the best time trying to figure out what had been said by untangling Moira’s version.

Of course Moira was careful with Buffy’s ears! If Buffy lets her groom Superian, she must have a gentle touch. And now we know who is responsible for Buffy’s new hairstyle! I like how Moira turned to Buffy with her regrets over Savlian. It let Buffy be her nurturing self a little. An adult might have been afraid to mention him.

The flap to my guild no sooner closed behind me when I heard, “I hope the day greets you well, Milady.”

Oh, I like Badali! Her impeccable and unobtrusive courtesy was a delight. Maybe Buffy will get a little girl time with Sigrid before she heads out to feed her bosoms. (Before Buffy heads out, that is. I think Sigrid’s might already be full.) Also it was wonderful to hear a quiet word from Acadian.

[TrisRed]

What a wondefully sweet chapter!

Moira is adorable, her mindless chatter is perfect and just what Buffy needs; a charmingly cute distraction

I love that Moira is desperate to become womanly, and I loved Buffy's little side comment once Moira had ran off. It's great to see Buffy making jokes again

Dinner with the Countess? Sounds important! Haha

Can't wait for more

[King Coin]

Buffy’s healed up a bit, though not fully back since she has to fortify her strength. Can she use her bow yet? Oh wait… it’s gone.

Heated water is definitely a perk of being a mage!

“Oh really?” I replied, feigning surprise.
I love Moria’s difficulty with words. For a while I thought Moria was the name of an NPC in Oblivion, but she’s actually a goofy shop keeper in Fallout 3 (another Bethesda title). She’s just as funny as little Moria here.

What a clever way to fill us in how Buffy’s been doing, by having Moria point out her ribs and hip just like a child would. That was a tender moment between the two remembering Sav.

An invitation to dine with the countess!

[McBadgere]

Excellent stuff!... ...

Forgive a latecomer's ignorance but I never realised that when people said "Dame Buffy" I just assumed it was an honourific not an actual...Um...Honourific...Um...And yet, she's nobility...Wow...Sorry...I missed that... ...Knowing that it may wind up not being so but...Quick recap?... ...

Aaaamywho...Lovely chapters dealing with the loss...Brilliantly done...

Here's hoping for book 2 to be hoving into view soon...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*..

[Acadian]

During Episode 173, Buffy and Moria groomed Superian. The orphan then joined Buffy for a bath and some girl talk. Finally our elf made it back to her guild, only to be met by the court’s steward who tendered an invitation to dine with Countess Odalys Goldwine that very evening.

ghastley- Thanks for enjoying dear Moira! She’ll grow into a fine hustler ostler someday; that is of course if she doesn't take her future big bosoms and run off to Gweden.

mALX- Yes, I think seeking Sigrid’s fashion advice was wise. After all, any woman who can fight in blue velvet. . . . I’m glad to see you think Buffy is healing fairly well. I do agree with Mazoga that she is tougher than she looks – and tougher than she gives herself credit for. Thank you.

SubRosa- Thanks for noting what I think was some needed levity again from Moira. I’m glad you found Badali interesting and hope you enjoy learning more about the Countess in this next episode. Yes, they will discuss Buffy’s future. I always envisioned Arielle Jurard playing an enduring role in Buffy’s life; I console myself that, with her death, at least she left a sister for Buffy to hopefully meet someday.

Darkness Eternal- Thank you for your interest in Buffy’s hair care products! Here’s the recipe for her conditioner: It contains just a touch of ectoplasm, along with some rosemary oil and aloe vera for conditioning, glow dust for shine, and some finely ground bergamot for a nice citrus scent.

Grits- Thanks for your kind words on how we are implying the passage of time via the scenes Buffy is sharing. Heh, Moira was at her best with some of her word choices there, but somewhere in the tangle were words that Buffy probably needed to hear. Thank you for noting that Buffy has retired her girlish ponytail and green ribbon. So glad you liked Badali! Acadian hasn’t had too much to say as he is also processing Buffy’s loss. This next episode will strongly feature Countess Odalys Goldwine, but our final two episodes that follow will be exclusively the Buffy, Acadian and Superian show.

Rihanae- Thanks for noting that life and even lighter moments continue as Buffy is trying to deal without Savlian. I hope you enjoy Countess Kvatch!

KC- Thanks for recalling that Buffy’s mighty bow, Slayer, was shattered during the battle that killed Savlian and broke our bowgirl. I guess it’s natural that she might not be eating well at this point and probably there’s no one better than an uninhibited child to point that out to her.

McBadgere- Thank you! Yes, ‘Dame’ is the honorific for a female knight. Sir Mazoga opted to retain her self-appointed title of ‘Sir’ and I don’t know a soul who would dare argue with her! Buffy doesn’t feel much like a knight, but the history of her actions since achieving the title back in Leyawiin would indicate she is growing into the role.

* * *

174 Epilogue, Part 5 - I Envy You, Buffy

I returned the watchful smile of Jesan Rilian on duty outside the Countess’ tent. Nervous elven fingers then smoothed my linen skirt one last time. Sigrid had assured me that the low cut forest green dress, when layered over my indigo chemise, was appropriate. “Milady?” I tentatively addressed the purple and white striped canvas in front of me.

A feminine blue-green hand slipped through the tent’s rather garish flap and pulled it aside. I was ushered inside by Steward Badali Sendal. Her fine quality blouse and skirt were of complimentary shades of loam and cinnamon. “Good evening, Dame Buffy. Welcome to the Court of Kvatch, such as it is.”

I did not see Lady Odalys. “Thank you, Badali.” The large tent was similar to that used by my guild and lit by several lanterns and candles. The main area was dominated by a long table that, at least for this evening, was appointed for dinner. Its centerpiece was a ceramic vase filled with local wildflowers. A single basket between the two place settings colorfully displayed fruits, cheese and leavened bread. The dishes, flatware and single pitcher were all of pewter. A pair of hanging tapestries along the fabric of one wall undoubtedly served as doors to connecting tents. I imagined they led to sleeping quarters for Badali and the Countess. Fine carpets that had seen better days covered most of the dirt floor. A charred Kvatch banner, no doubt salvaged from the castle, hung at the tent’s far end. I remarked, “This makes for a fine court until the castle is repaired.”

The steward seemed pleased with my assessment. “We have Lady Millona Umbranox of Anvil to thank for the tent and some of its furnishings. She has been most generous, in part because she is the niece of our own late Lord Goldwine. Lady Odalys demands that our current arrangements be stately enough for the appropriate administration of her city, yet of adequate humility to reflect the conditions her subjects currently endure.” With a glance toward the table, she added, “No silver here, I’m afraid. Similarly, you will find your fare this evening to be the same that Weedum-Ja serves the rest of our citizens. Our Lady’s young maiden in training will be here shortly with hot stew.”

I smiled. “I do believe that Weedum-Ja’s fine cuisine is fit for the noblest of palettes.”

As if on cue, the tent’s main entrance gapped open long enough to admit a girl carrying a covered pot. “Wonderful, Isabel,” said Badali. As the steward headed for a hanging tapestry that undoubtedly led to the private quarters of my hostess, she added, “I will let the Countess know we are ready.”

Isabel was a fine-boned Breton who appeared to be about ten years of age. She was dressed in a wine colored outfit with black trim. Her dark hair was carefully arranged – obviously by adult hands – into a bun affixed to the back of her head. As soon as she delivered the pot to the table, she faced me, curtseyed and recited, “Dame Buffy, my name is Isabel and I am honored to make your acquaintance.”

“I’m delighted to meet you as well, Isabel. Have you had a chance to try the stew?”

“Yes, Milady. Weedum-Ja fed me already.”

“Countess Odalys, I believe you have met Dame Buffy?” I turned at the sound of Badali’s voice to see that the ruler of Kvatch had stepped from her quarters. As both Isabel and I curtseyed, I noted the Imperial looked as regal as I recalled. Raven hair, lightly streaked with gray and worn loose to her shoulders, was accented by the single shock of white that served as a reminder of her icy entombment. Her black gown was lightly embroidered with gold trim. Except for the heavy court ring of Kvatch, the noble’s jewelry matched her emerald eyes and was both tasteful and understated. She leaned on the elegantly carved handle of an ebony cane.

“Indeed I have,” the Countess answered. “I owe both my city and life to the high price paid by many, including this young knight. Dame Buffy, you are most welcome in my humble court.”

Remembering my Leyawiin lessons of ‘less is better’ when addressing high nobles, I simply said, “I am honored, and thank Milady for her kindness.”

Steadied by the cane, she limped slightly while making her way to the large chair at the head of the table. “Stop fussing, Badali,” was her response as the Dunmer tried to assist. Once seated, Lady Odalys looked at me and gestured toward the only other place setting. “This table is entirely too long to have you seated all the way at its other end.”

I took my seat along the side of the table by her left elbow.

Badali hovered nearby as Isabel began serving. Youthful hands allowed a few drops to stray from ladle to table, eliciting a wince from the girl. The Countess smiled. “Relax, child. Proper serving of food is a valuable skill that will serve you well, be it in my court or working in a tavern. It takes practice, and that means spillage now and again.”

Once two bowls had been filled with stew, Isabel poured water while Badali adorned our plates with grapes and cheese.

The Countess then announced, “Badali, you and Isabel will take your leave now. I would have private words with Dame Buffy.” In response to the Dunmer’s lifted eyebrow, the noble’s tone sharpened somewhat. “I’m quite sure that a crippled countess and wounded knight can manage to get through a meal without further assistance.” She broke a piece of bread for each of us as if to make her point. “Leave us.”

“As you wish, Milady. Isabel and I will take evening prayer at the chapel then.”

Once alone, I asked, “How is your foot, Milady? I see you have a limp, as I feared.”

“The skill of your healing touch has rendered my withered toes free of pain. The inconvenience is but a small price compared to that paid by others.” We ate for a time in silence before she continued, “Buffy, ‘tis lonely in a position of authority. Surely your captain shared that with you. Let us speak comfortably together as nobles. Two widows united by grief.”

“I confess that I do not feel like a real noble. I am only a knight because of my friend, Sir Mazoga.”

“I envy you, Buffy. I was born a Princess. My title of Countess was bestowed by marriage. You, on the other hand, gained your knighthood through intrepid deeds. And you readily displayed that gallantry again in service to my city.”

“But I did not serve your city, Milady. I served the man who freed it.”

“That you do not see the selfless nobility of your words and actions simply emphasizes my point. You have well earned your title and will always be welcome in the court of Kvatch.”

“T-thank you. I’m sorry you lost Count Ormellius. I’ve heard that he was a wise and respected ruler.”

“Yes, he died that I might live – much as Savlian did for you as I understand it.”

“Everything at Kvatch reminds me of him,” I said as my linen serviette made its way to my eyes.

“I experience the same pain over Ormellius’ loss, dear. Part of me dreads the rebuilding of our castle and the loneliness that I know will fill its empty halls. Corridors once so full of the love between a Count and his Countess.”

“I-I don’t know if I can ever get used to being here without Savlian. Sometimes I just want to run away. Do you have those feelings as well?”

“I do indeed. Once again, I envy you, Buffy.” In response to the tilt of my head, she added, “As a knight errant, you are not bound here. I am.”

“You cannot resign as Countess and seek your home in a place less filled with painful memories?”

“Were I to do that, the Elder Council would realize that I have no heir and likely appoint the eldest child from among the city rulers of Cyrodiil as Count or Countess of Kvatch.” Probably noting what I’m sure was a blank look on my face, she went on, “Thankfully, Countess Arriana Valga was able to farm her black-hearted ambitious daughter off onto Marius Caro – a good man, but one whose judgment was no doubt shaded by loneliness in agreeing to such a union.”

Although surprised by Lady Odalys’ frankness, I had to agree with her assessment of Alessia Caro. It was also clear that, despite her long period of frozen captivity in the castle’s vault, she was now quite up to date on courtly matters within the Empire. I imagined she was in written contact with at least Millona Umbranox. “Whose child is next in line then?” I asked. “Count Indarys’ son in Cheydinhal?”

“No. There are worse things than young Farwil’s unguided courage and arrogance. You are from Bravil, are you not?”

My blood ran cold. “You don’t mean. . . ?”

She nodded and her eyes flashed angrily. “My precious city on a hill was cleansed of Daedra by the blood of heroes. I’m not about to see it turned into a skooma-infested travesty by Regulus Terentius’ brat-spawn!” Almost as quickly as her storm of words began, the lady composed herself and continued calmly, “No, Buffy, I cannot forsake my title.”

I feared overstepping my position but couldn’t help myself. My spoon found its way to the table and I tentatively reached toward Countess Odalys. Her emerald eyes glistened as our hands met in mutual reassurance. “I’m sorry, Milady. I can see that you are wearing the same heavy mantle of leadership and responsibility that used to press upon the shoulders of my Savlian.”

“Then you understand that only one thing will relieve me of my throne. Many more of my years are behind than ahead of me, so death will come soon enough. Loneliness welcomes the prospect, even as my concern for the future of Kvatch dreads it.” She squeezed my hand before releasing it. “But your path is not so constrained, dear. I hope now that you can understand my envy. Do not surrender your freedom or youth. Remain a free knight.”

I lifted the pewter pitcher from the table. “Let me refill your cup, Milady.”

[King Coin]

I thought the choice of chapter title was unusual… Then I remembered that of course the count was lost in the daedric invasion. It makes sense; I agree that Buffy’s in a better position than the countess. Seeing the countess’ attitude, I can say that Kvatch is in good hands.

“But I did not serve your city, Milady. I served the man who freed it.”
For a second there I was worried at this line! Had Sav not captured her heart, she would not have returned with the assistance she had. I wonder if the countess really knows that Buffy would have left them to fight on their own. Either way, she was not offended.

I like the countess’ advice to Buffy at the end. Stay free.

[Darkness Eternal]

Thanks! Don't mind if I borrow some of those ingredients, will you? .

With no castle, a meeting in a fancy tent would suffice. You were excellent in the descriptions added. Yum, hot stew!

We got to see the contrast between Dame Buffy and the Countess, as the former became a prominant figure through deeds while the latter was simply of birth and title. Don't know why, but I liked that particular moment written. It goes to show though they are different, they share the circumstance of losing a lover. It is sad to see the countess bound by her birthright and I must agree with her voicing of not allowing a destroyed city as Kvatch be rebuilt into a scum-infested town. That would be the last thing those people needed.

We conclude with reassuring words from the countess and Buffy's path as a free knight. Will Buffy continue, I must wonder.

[McBadgere]

“My precious city on a hill was cleansed of Daedra by the blood of heroes. I’m not about to see it turned into a skooma-infested travesty by Regulus Terentius’ brat-spawn!”

Oh, that made me chuckle... ...

Another fantastic chapter...Another so full of emotion from two united by loss...

Or summat... ...

And bless the countess with the new serving girl...Love that touch of still being in touch with reality to her...Not all high and mighty...*Salutes*...Wonderful character...

Love it...Brilliant stuff...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Jul 24 2012, 05:45 AM

[SubRosa]

The new court is certainly nice-looking, especially given the circumstances. What a very neat twist to learn that the Countess of Anvil was the niece of Count Goldwine.

Remembering my Leyawiin lessons of ‘less is better’ when addressing high nobles,
This was a wonderful little reminder of Buffy's introduction to knighthood, and dealing with Counts and Countesses.

The Countess was as I imagined her to be. At once polite and kind, while at the same time direct and not at all unused to command. I think Kvatch will do well under her leadership. Her frank discussion of the line of succession was an eye-opener. Gellius Terentus as Count Kvatch? That sounds worse than the Daedra!

[Grits]

I love Countess Odalys’ kind but firm manner with her attendants. What a frightening prospect to have a skooma addict next in the line of succession. That sounds like a real assassination motivator.

“Then you understand that only one thing will relieve me of my throne. Many more of my years are behind than ahead of me, so death will come soon enough. Loneliness welcomes the prospect, even as my concern for the future of Kvatch dreads it.” She squeezed my hand before releasing it. “But your path is not so constrained, dear. I hope now that you can understand my envy. Do not surrender your freedom or youth. Remain a free knight.”

Here are some more things that Buffy probably needed to hear. These quiet episodes have been so comforting to read. The pieces are there, and I'm sure that our broken bowgirl will (in her own due time) put them together.

[mALX]

Sir Mazoga opted to retain her self-appointed title of ‘Sir’ and I don’t know a soul who would dare argue with her!

ROFL !!!


Sorry, Acadian - the above is all I had so far on my comment, but I haven't finished reading yet. (only got as far as the serving of the stew, lol).

I could barely get halfway through the chapter before my dog's going nuts on each other ruined my ability to concentrate. As I found out later today, the problem was Dixie not feeling good. She was snapping at anyone canine that got near her. Her heart was the worst today that I've seen it in a long time. I am fretting just hoping she makes it through the night, just can't concentrate to read.

I'll be back tomorrow to give Miss Buffy a proper read (barring any canine cardiac complications). <3

This post has been edited by mALX: Jul 21 2012, 07:43 AM

[mALX]

Loved the mutual assessment of both Countess Caro and Terentius's son, found myself in agreement with both, lol.

I agree with Grits, these are words Buffy had to hear. Otherwise I see her staying there and antagonizing her suffering just to be in the same place she last saw Matias. Also that the Countess needed to be firm with her staff - it seems some of them don't realize they must obey her in the stead of the Count now that he is dead. Awesome Write !!

[TrisRed]

What a wonderful chapter.

I was highly curious about the Countess's intentions with Buffy, and It was lovely to see her being so polite and respectful of our dear dame.

It was also wonderful that Buffy was able to talk through her grief with someone of recent similarity; again, just what Buffy needed.

This particular quote from the Countess spoke a feeling of overwhelming joy to me for all the above reasons.

“I envy you, Buffy. I was born a Princess. My title of Countess was bestowed by marriage. You, on the other hand, gained your knighthood through intrepid deeds. And you readily displayed that gallantry again in service to my city.”

I also couldn't get a certain Red-Headed 'Desperate Housewife' out of my head when it came to the countess. I don't know why, just some of her mannerisms. I loved it

Great work and, again, can't wait for more!