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

[King Coin]

Was that a dream of the paladin Acadian’s final moments in a body of his own? Nope, answered later.

It’s about time we learned a bit more about the paladin that has decided to travel with this particular wood elf.

I like how in the beginning Buffy dismisses the fact that a paladin can fear, and then corrects herself after experiencing the dream. In the dream a neat touch was that Buffy was on the back of the dragon, not just a 3rd person observer or seeing through the eyes of Acadian. She was just added in.

Good chapter and lovely music at the end.

[SubRosa]

"Good night, my paladin."
"Good night, Buffy."
"Good night, Superian."
Good night everyone Sorry, I just could not resist!

What a lovely flashback to the dragonrider battle! I see that Phantom has the same flight characteristics as a Phantom. This was a wonderful little sneak peek into the past of Buffy's fairy godfather. Not only because it sheds more light upon him, but the experience has also brought them closer together.

And finally, Enya for the win! I have been in love with her music since a friend of mine loaned me his cassette of her Watermark album. In fact the song by the same name is still my favorite of hers.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Sep 30 2011, 03:09 PM

[Grits]

Buffy has a lovely singing voice!

The aerial battle is my favorite sequence yet. I’m in breathless awe each time I read it. The dream might have been upsetting for all parties, but it provided a beautiful opportunity to affirm the bond that holds them together.

I’m also pleased to see Buffy thinking past Kvatch. Some day I want to go to Valenwood, too!

[haute ecole rider]

I'm with Grits there - I want to go to Valenwood, too! Ever since I started digging in the Lore and learning about those walking trees!

Beautiful interlude and wonderful description of dragonflight. Puts me in mind of Anne McCaffrey's own Pernese dragons.

Nice touch with Enya. Somehow I'm not surprised by the choice. It suits Buffy to a T.

[mALX]

Very powerful, evocative write! The vision of Acadian and Phantom were intermixed between the dragon and the fighter jet in my mind, I could see and feel both in your telling. Absolutely AWESOME Write !!

[Thomas Kaira]

I find this song very soothing, and I could fully visualize Buffy singing it... if she spoke Japanese, of course.

I enjoyed the brief look into Acadian's mind. No one can escape the up-and-coming dragons, it seems.

All caught up now.

[Acadian]

Episode 132 found Buffy spending the night at a campsite just east of Kvatch. She announced her hope to hunt a deer and deliver it to the encampment the following morning. Her sleep was interrupted by a dream involving an ancient memory – not one of hers, but of Acadian’s.

KC- Thank you. I was hoping to show some blurring of perspectives in the dream between Buffy and Acadian and display the growing influence they have on each other. I normally try to be very careful about staying in Buffy’s point of view (pov), so it was both fun and a challenge to break some pov rules and swirl things up in Buffy’s telling of the dream. I think we are also seeing that, at this stage, Acadian doesn’t have all the answers and even relies on Buffy in some ways.

SubRosa- Yes, Buffy’s solitary campsites are crowded places! The ‘Good night, John Boy’ scene was absolutely inspired by that Walton’s clip that you provided. Thank you for noting how ice dragons and F-4’s share similar flight characteristics. Without ever asking, I knew that you were an Enya fan! I have imagined that Buffy sings like her for a very long time and it was nice to have the opportunity to display it. Buffy has plenty of flaws of course, but when her friends tell the little elf she has a nice singing voice, they're not kidding.

Grits- Thank you for your beautiful words! I’m so glad that you noted the unique and mystical bond between Buffy and Acadian and how the dream was an opportunity to help showcase it. Kvatch is fairly close to Valenwood, and I guess wood elves are just sort of drawn to it. I hope she gets there too – and before the end of Book 1.

Rider- I see we really do share a keen interest in Valenwood! I’m so glad the dream with Phantom worked. Thank you so much for saying that you think our choice for Buffy’s singing voice suits her!

mALX- Thank you for sharing your feelings about that dream. What you described is so very much what I was hoping you would feel! Thank you.

TK- What a lovely song you linked to! Thanks. Oddly enough, I do have some plans for a distant storyline that is quite anime inspired. Indeed, the first seed was planted when Buffy recently met the small elf with violet hair called Malin. Glad you enjoyed the glimpses into Acadian’s world. I’m both delighted and excited that you are continuing Derelas’ adventure!

* * *

133 Return to Kvatch

As thin plumes of smoke lazily trailed upward, I could see Kvatch's encampment had grown. Rather than making our way through the center of camp to the stable area, Superian and I skirted along the tent city’s southern edge.

The metallic song of a repair hammer reached my ears. Outside one of the nearest tents, an orcish smith stood over a heavy table laboring on a steel shield. I could also see arming swords and several sets of mail that looked to be in various states of repair. The orc stayed her hammer for a moment and pointed to a multicolored pile of surcoats on the ground. “Tiberius, get those dirty things over to Tavia.”

“Yes, Batul. Right away.” As the young Imperial picked up the dozen or so garments, I could see that more than one had been marked by blood or kissed by flame. The boy wore a stag-emblazoned surcoat of white instead of a shirt or tunic. That it was too big for him was only partially remedied by the length of rope cinched around his waist.

I drew Superian to a stop, concerned. The familiar colors Tiberius wore could have only come from one man. As the boy with his arms full crossed our path, I called out, “Where did you get a Bravil surcoat?”

He didn’t stop, but cheerfully replied over one shoulder, “A soldier named Gladius Maro gave it to me. He said he never wanted to see it again, so we issued him a Kvatch wolf.”

I smiled, silently thanking Mara that Gladius was alive and well.

Leaning on the pommel of my mare’s saddle, I watched as Tiberius delivered his burden to a Redguard woman who seemed to be in charge of several teenagers washing clothes in a small stream. I could hear the spring that gurgled forth its treasure from between several nearby rocks to flow south. The youngsters teased and splashed each other as they worked, lending a refreshingly pleasing tone to this bleak place.

Lines strung between several pairs of trees bore the fruit of this laundry operation. In addition to normal clothing, there were numerous surcoats trying to catch a drying breeze. Several bore the black wolf head of Kvatch but I could see other cities represented as well. There was a pair of red surcoats bearing the quarter moons of Skingrad and a yellow one displaying Bruma’s black bird of prey. Still another depicted Chorrol’s Great Oak on its blue fabric.

Superian resumed her slow trek.

Further ahead and to my right, a Khajiit and several humans labored with baskets, shovels and rakes in a pair of small fields. The rows of foliage they tended suggested carrots and potatoes beneath the dirt.

Looking to my left side as the mare slowly continued, the maze of tents oddly resembled the tourney grounds that had briefly sprung up outside of Bravil. There was no music or happy banter of merchants here however. I could see that at least a couple of the tents were indeed reminiscent of the tournament. They were larger than the others and bore broad stripes that, although dingy, seemed quite out of place. Rather than the smells of ale, cinnamon and exotic treats, it was wood smoke that hung heavy in the morning air.

Shortly, the stable area came into view ahead. That too had grown and I could see several horses.

"Welcome back, hunter." I remembered the Redguard who was now eyeing the buck lashed behind my saddle.

"Hail, Bolden. Might you have room in your stable for my mare?"

"Aye. No overhead protection from the weather, but all the fine spring-fed grazing she could ask for." After pausing to let Superian briefly inspect him, Bolden extended his hands and helped me to the ground. "Is that fine buck for Weedum-Ja's kitchen?"

"It is. I didn't want to return empty handed."

We untethered the carcass. I had to admit that the summoned elven dagger had done a better job field dressing the buck than my hunting knife ever could. Bolden grunted as he transferred the weight to his shoulders.

"Here, this will help," I said as I touched the deer with an alteration spell. "It's how I got him up there."

"That's much lighter indeed,” he replied. “Start settling your mare in. I’ll be back as soon as I deliver this fellow to Weedum-Ja.” He then turned and trudged into the camp.

I led Superian toward the other horses. Two white geldings appeared to perhaps be Anvil guard horses. I smiled as I recognized Raxle, the old bay warhorse that had carried Sergeant Lucilius Marcus here. There was a small but sturdy chestnut mare with a blond forelock that almost covered her eyes. I suspected she was well-acquainted with the now empty nearby flatbed wagon. Another bay gelding bore the same Imperial Legion brand as Raxle. None of them took exception to Superian or I as we approached. By the time I removed and hung the mare’s bridle on a makeshift rack fashioned from heavy branches, Bolden had returned and was loosening Superian’s girth.

“Weedum-Ja promises venison tonight,” said Bolden. He ran one hand over the distinctive Equestria stable mark on Superian’s saddle, then lifted it from her back. “I had almost forgotten you were a mage, Buffy, until you cast that spell to lighten the deer. I take it you’ll be staying with the mages?”

“Yes, I’ve been transferred here,” I said.

“Well, you’ll find Sigrid’s guild has grown since your last visit. It’s now the big blue and white tent just north of the camp’s center. So how’s Thernd doing? Still coddling those trained imps that guard his precious Valley of the Horses?”

“He sure is.” My smile faded as I gazed up toward the edge of the plateau that hid the flaming Oblivion Gate from view. “Bolden, Thernd said I should tell you of my wishes. You know, in case something. . . happens to me.”

The Redguard matched my somber expression, then nodded knowingly. “Don’t you worry. I know how to get your mare home to Equestria if it comes to that.”

"Dame Buffy?" The voice came from behind me.

I turned to see a familiar face. "Lucilius!" I stopped myself from charging the Imperial and embarrassing him with a hug. Instead, I extended my hand.

The grizzled Legion sergeant lifted my fingers briefly to his lips then said, "Milady, it is indeed is a spot of brightness during dark times to see your face. Captain Matius told me not to doubt that you would soon be here."

"I'm so thankful to see you safe, Lucilius. How is Savlian?"

"I expect your arrival will brighten his day even more than mine. He was up on the line most of the night while I got some sleep. I expect he's in his tent resting now. Thanks in no small part to your efforts, our ranks have grown to afford some routine time off the perimeter for each of us."

"You’ve quite a few new arrivals then?" I asked, noticing that Lucilius now wore a white surcoat emblazoned with the black wolf head of Kvatch.

"Yes, from every city, save Cheydinhal. In fact we've put up an additional cluster of tents to house our soldiers. It's half way up the trail between the encampment and our flaming mistress at the top of the hill. Some of the soldiers are now calling her Oblivia. I'm on my way up to the barracks area now to brief some new arrivals on how to deal with what comes out of Oblivia."

"I won't hold you up then, Lucilius. We'll have time to catch up later - I'm not leaving."

A grin creased the Imperial's weathered face and his eyes sparkled. "I know, Milady."

As Lucilius headed off to attend his duties, I turned to see Superian fully cooperating as Bolden inspected her feet with a hoof pick in one hand. “She likes you, Bolden, and you’re good with her.”

We chatted for a time until Superian was groomed and settled in. She was in good hands. I knew I needed to check in with my new guildmagister but there would be time for that. Right now, my feet would accept no other path than the one that led directly to the tent of Savlian Matius.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Oct 12 2011, 08:15 PM

[King Coin]

Finally back to Kvatch!

Very different from the war camp that I was expecting. They’ve been there long enough that it is bound to be that people would settle in, even with that fiery portal so near. The only thing missing is the merchants.

Savlian is about to have a very good day!

[haute ecole rider]

I agree with KC that our friend Savlian is about to have a verrrrry good day!

I drew Superian to a stop, concerned. The familiar colors Tiberius wore could have only come from one man. As the boy with his arms full crossed our path, I called out, “Where did you get a Bravil surcoat?”

He didn’t stop, but cheerfully replied over one shoulder, “A soldier named Gladius Maro gave it to me. He said he never wanted to see it again, so we issued him a Kvatch wolf.”

You stopped my heart with that first one! It didn't start beating until young Tiberius explained how he came by the Bravilian colors. Don't do that to me! It's like SubRosa killing off Volsinius or Pappy!

Great presentation of how people adapt to adverse conditions and keep surviving. Something Mehrunes Dagon and his daedra have greatly underestimated. Even if they succeeded in overcoming Tamriel, I doubt that they would succeed in overcoming its people (men, mer and tailed folk all).

[SubRosa]

After all this time, we have finally returned to Kvatch. It must come as a relief for you to finally get back here, as it has been the driving force behind so much of the story overall. I am certain it is a relief for Buffy, even if it also means having to face certain other things that were easily ignored from a distance.

or kissed by flame.
This was a wonderful description.

I liked your use of the laundry to show what cities had lent their support to Kvatch. I also see that Buffy managed to keep her own clothing on, in spite of the presence of so much water! I suppose that so long as it is not a waterfall, she has some measure of self-control...

Weedum-Ja's kitchen
I read this and did a double-take, thinking of Weebum-Na from Leyawiin. I would not want to go his kitchen! Rat stew, rat flambe, country-fried rat, rat-on-a-stick, etc...

I stopped myself from charging the Imperial and embarrassing him with a hug
Oh my, she is indeed learning self-control after all!

[Thomas Kaira]

Even a shell of her former self, Kvatch lives strong. Kvatch faced destruction once, and now again, but her spirit continues to give strength and hope to all who surround her. It is quite fitting Akatosh chose to grace this city with His favor; Kvatch is the one city in Cyrodiil that can never die.

Excellent portrayal of how life continues for those forced out of her walls. Now that it has really sunk in, it seems that most are just getting about with their new "normal" lives. But now that Buffy has come, and this time to destroy the gate, that life might be about to end.

[Grits]

The boy wore a stag-emblazoned surcoat of white instead of a shirt or tunic. That it was too big for him was only partially remedied by the length of rope cinched around his waist.

Yes, you stopped my breath with this! Thank you for telling us right away that Gladius wears the wolf now. Whew! I would not have been surprised if Gladius donated squares of his Bravil surcoat for hygienic use at the latrine. I loved the whole laundry operation, especially the light-hearted youngsters. Captain Matius has kept their trust, and I’m sure the barracks between the Gate and the encampment also lets folk relax a little.

It's half way up the trail between the encampment and our flaming mistress at the top of the hill. Some of the soldiers are now calling her Oblivia.

That had me spitting water and falling off my chair.

Right now, my feet would accept no other path than the one that led directly to the tent of Savlian Matius.

Yay!

[mALX]

Buffy's sharp eyes catching sight of her friends armor was a great touch! So glad to hear Maro was well !! I got a kick out of Buffy's feather spell to make the deer lighter - it brought up quite a few fast jokes to mind about the meal later, but I won't digress on here to spout them, lol.

WOO HOO!! Buffy running to check on Matias !!! Awesome Write !!!

[The_Lost_King]

Yay we are in Kvatch. I can't wait to, ....... read about?, Savlian's expression. I have been waiting to see how buffy deals with oblivion and Savlian, talking with people is so much harder than killing them.

[Zalphon]

I think Buffy uses magic to much *shakes head*


And can I get some front-row seats for "Buffy vs. Daedra"

Just kidding, I'm eager to see how it goes!

Edit:

Accidentally posted before I could say what I needed to!

This post has been edited by Zalphon: Oct 8 2011, 05:37 PM

[TrisRed]

I've only just managed to catch up so i won't leave any out-of-sync comments, so I'll just comment on the current chapter

Like many others here I am extremley excited about Buffy's inevitable encounter with Savlion. I wonder how he will react to her appearance Haha.

I must comment on this particular line:

The metallic song of a repair hammer reached my ears.

I'm not entirely sure why but i found this line extremly beautiful to read, the imagery created with such a simple discription is inspiring. Again, your use of Imagery is incredible; My favorite part of your stories

[Acadian]

Buffy finally arrived at the Kvatch encampment during episode 133. The tent city had grown in her absence and she noted the apparent influx of reinforcing soldiers – mostly guards from other cities it seemed. Tending first to her mare, she began the process of settling in and renewing old acquaintances.

KC- Yes, our little elf finally made it back to Kvatch! As you can see, the camp has both grown and changed over time. I think you will see more of the pervasive influence of the longstanding siege defense wartime footing as we proceed. Buffy has so much to do as she begins to settle in to her new home and guild branch, but as you can see, checking on the hero with a headband is at the top of her list.

Rider- Given the concern we caused you regarding Gladius, I’m so very glad we resolved it within a couple sentences. Thanks for your encouragement on how we are beginning to show the encampment. It’s a whole new environment for Buffy!

SubRosa- Yes, returning to Kvatch is a relief – with butterflies of trepidation. Upon her return, we were stunned to realize how many faces, old and new are converging on the encampment – and how many have been influenced by Buffy’s efforts. Thanks for the kind words on using surcoats and laundry to begin to show how Savlian’s force has grown. Gosh, you’re right – Iron Chef Weedum-Ja is much more obscure than the rat recipes touted by Weebum-Na, and I don’t blame you for the double-take. Not embarrassing Lucilius with a hug? The touchy feely Buffy is learning self-control – but not much.

TK- Thank you for your epic observations about the wonderful city of Kvatch. The city, her defenders and residents have suffered far too long. Hopefully a byproduct of Buffy’s narrow focus on trying to help Savlian will be freedom for the entire city.

Grits- Once again, I’m glad I eased concerns about Gladius so quickly after bringing them up. I expect those who have guarded against that gate for so long could not help but name the flaming bane of Kvatch; Oblivia just sooo fit. I’m glad that, like Buffy, you have happy feet as she makes her way to Savlian’s tent. She did bring her sock drawer to Kvatch – you know, just in case.

mALX- Thank you! Buffy has so many friends at Kvatch (like Gladius) to catch up with and oodles of new faces to meet. We couldn’t resist working in a meeting with Bolden, then Lucilius, and references to Weedum-Ja and Gladius even as she first arrived. And of course, the man that has drawn her here.

The Lost King- Thank you. I’m so glad you are looking forward to the interactions that will take place at Kvatch. For when all is said and done, this saga of Buffy’s first book is ultimately a love story. There will be plenty of talking and sparks as well as some Daedra slaying.

Zalphon- I’m glad you’ve noticed Buffy’s gradually increasing reliance on magic. She could survive without her bow, but not without her spells.

Rihanae- Hee! I’m so glad you enjoyed the heavy metal music (TES style) from Batul’s hammer! Thank you for rejoining us. The Kvatch storyline will be long and complicated (as everything in Buffy’s life seems to be), but Savlian Matius will certainly dominate her thoughts and actions.

* * *

134 Nightmares

I held my face close to the tent flap and spoke softly, "Savlian?" Lucilius had told me he was probably sleeping and I didn't want to wake him. Receiving no answer, I slipped into his tent.

Lifting my fist, I bathed myself in a soft aura to illuminate the dark interior.

There he was.

I knelt on the bear pelt that served as a pad beneath the sleeping Imperial. A bedroll embraced his mid and lower body, while a simple beige tunic of undyed linen covered his chest and shoulders. A thin strip of leather around his neck trailed under the garment, concealing whatever it suspended against his chest. Fearing that I would wake him, I resisted the urge to kiss his cheek. Instead I leaned closer and deeply inhaled his comforting scent. The damp towel draped over a wooden chair explained the mild odor of soap. He had probably used the bathing tent before going to sleep. Nevertheless, some of Savlian's essence filled my nostrils, leaving me lightheaded. I wanted to curl up next to him but knew I should content myself to just look at him for a few moments before reporting to Sigrid.

"Menien!" The single word urgently escaped Savlian's sleeping lips. I leaned back barely in time to avoid his empty shield hand as it came up sharply to block some invisible foe. His right hand thrust forward as if wielding a blade.

"Savlian!" I shook one shoulder.

His eyes snapped open, revealing a mixture of frustration, anger and confusion. As he focused on me, his hands stilled and eyes softened. "Buffy?”

I smiled and nodded.

“I was . . . am I dead?"

"No, brave man. You were having a nightmare.”

"But you're here with me. And surrounded by a halo of white light. How can that be?"

"It’s a simple illumination spell and I just arrived within the hour. You called out for Menien."

Savlian rose to one elbow and his brow furrowed. "I should have led that ill-fated expedition into the damn gate. Because of my decision, Menien and three soldiers are gone. Thank the Nine we got Ilend back.”

I placed one hand on his cheek. "We both know that your place is commanding the overall effort. Had you led that group into the gate, you would have suffered the same fate. Then, without your leadership, the rest of the perimeter would have collapsed. Such knowledge is probably scant comfort and doesn’t help your nightmares much though. . . I have them too sometimes."

"Oblivion?" he asked, placing his hand over mine.

"Yes, of being eaten alive by clannfears. The nightmares are less frequent now that I’ve learned to hunt and kill them, but sometimes they still awaken me."

"The destruction wrought by that gate spreads well beyond Kvatch," he said. "I'm sorry you've been dragged into this, Buffy."

"I've chosen to be here, Savlian. I know how to close that gate for you, but there will be time for that later." As he started to sit up, I gently pushed him back down into the bedroll. "You need your rest and I should pay respects to my guild."

An acquiescing smile indicated he accepted my advice. "I'll be up in an hour or two to make my rounds. May I call on you at the Mages Guild then?"

"I'd like that very much."

"Buffy, I know this is a miserable place and I feel selfish for saying so, but I'm damn glad you're here. I've missed you."

"I’m not leaving Kvatch this time, Savlian.” I planted a brief kiss on his cheek, then quickly broke away and stood - before my arms could throw themselves around his neck. I filled one fist with dispelling magic. As I raised it and opened my fingers I said, "I'll put out the light now. Sleep well." I slipped out of the tent, blinking under a midday sun.

As I approached the center of the encampment, I could see the 'kitchen' had been expanded to what looked more like a troop feeding station. Numerous tables and benches were lined up under a large yellow and white striped tent, the sides of which were rolled up. Perhaps half a dozen soldiers in various surcoats from differing cities were eating, along with several plainly dressed residents of the encampment. I recognized Weedum-Ja, the Argonian in charge, as she labored over a hot spit tending what appeared to be a leg of the buck that Superian and I had brought. Several more citizens busily responded to her orders as they stirred bubbling pots, served food or cleaned dishes.

A Redguard in plate armor rose from his seat and arranged both a claymore and mage staff on his back. From Boderi's description, I figured he was likely the weapon recharger that Raminus had sent to Kvatch.

I caught his eye and said, "Excuse me. My name's Buffy and I'm with the Mages Guild. Are you Raccan?"

The Redguard looked to be more than ten years my senior and wore closely cropped black hair with just a sprinkling of gray. After briefly appraising me, he replied, "Yes, I’m Raccan and your name is familiar. Guildmagister Sigrid said we should expect you. Well met, Buffy.”

Encouraged by his warm smile, I grasped the offered hand and looked up at him. “I trust you had a safe journey from the University?”

“I encountered two conjurers along the Gold Road just east of here.” Contempt simmered in his words as he continued, “Foul corrupted mages. They tried to capture me, but my birthsign absorbed the spell one of them cast. Each then summoned a scamp and attacked.”

“So that explains the pair of dead Altmer I found just off the edge of the road.” Considering that we were standing in a dining area, I didn’t feel it necessary to voice my observation that one had been gutted and the other nearly beheaded. It seemed Boderi’s high opinion of Raccan’s fighting ability was well-deserved. “Their blue robes had strange markings.”

“Aye,” he said simply. “As I was searching the bodies, a Legion rider by the name of Falcedon Laenius came upon us. It seems this gang of conjurers isn’t content to sacrifice animals. They’ve been capturing travelers – probably for their demented rituals. They likely have a lair nearby.”

“You mean Dasek Moor?” I said, concerned. “That’s pretty close.”

“I don’t think so, Buffy. Falcedon said he once chased a couple of them south, almost to the Strid River before he lost them. He figures they might have been heading to Fort Agarctova down by the border overlooking Valenwood. You know the Legion’s story these days though: no manpower to go clear the cult out.”

“That’s horrible,” I said. Although I had not encountered them before, conjurers were known to be secretive rogue mages that favored Daedra - and blood sacrifices. “I’m glad you prevailed.”

“I hope your trip was less eventful than mine?” he said.

I nodded. “I’m sure your actions contributed to my safe passage.” I then pointed toward the northern end of the camp. "I take it that large blue and white striped tent is our guild?"

As if welcoming the lighter topic, Raccan chuckled. "Yes. I'm told these big garish tents that now house the eating area and Mages Guild are courtesy of Countess Umbranox - apparently left over from a jousting tournament hosted by Anvil years ago. Forgive me for not escorting you to the guild, but the watch team I've been assigned to reports for duty up at the perimeter in a couple hours. Since I'm new here, Bjorn – he’s the soldier in charge of my team - wants to go over some tactics with me before I start my first shift.

"Don't let me hold you from your duties. It was nice to meet you, Raccan." As we exchanged smiles again, I turned toward the Mages Guild.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Oct 14 2011, 03:24 PM

[King Coin]

I don’t think Savlian would have minded being woken with a kiss!

And then she has to wake him anyways. His confusion was a good touch. Nobody’s really with it when they first wake up.

I planted a brief kiss on his cheek, then quickly broke away and stood - before my arms could throw themselves around his neck.
Yes, our Imperial needs some sleep.

Now to be honest the highlight of the chapter for me was meeting Raccan. This guy’s going to be hell on wheels when it comes to closing the gate and taking back the city. Those conjurers picked on the wrong traveler.

[SubRosa]

A thin strip of leather around his neck trailed under the garment, concealing whatever it suspended against his chest.
A lock of blond hair perhaps?

I planted a brief kiss on his cheek, then quickly broke away and stood - before my arms could throw themselves around his neck.
Yay for Buffy! Not only did she get in that kiss she has been dreaming about - well, maybe not the exact one, but it is a start - but she also showed an incredible amount of self-control

Welcome to the party Raccan! Quite a handy fella to have around I see. Why do I suspect that his news of conjurers foreshadows Buffy paying them a visit at Fort Agarctova?

The mess hall gave us another good view into the union of cities across Cyrodiil that has formed to defend Kvatch. Tents from Anvil, soldiers with every surcoat imaginable, members of the mages guild armed and armored up. As you said in your comments, Buffy is no small part for that coming about. Quite a testament to how far our favorite Dame has come.



nits:
Nevertheless, some of Savlian's essence filled my nostrils{,} leaving me lightheaded.
I think this might read easier if you insert a comma above.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Oct 20 2011, 12:58 AM

[Thomas Kaira]

Lifting my fist, I bathed myself in a soft aura to illuminate the dark interior.

How beautifully evocative!

So Savlian still has night terrors of the attack, and of all those who died under his command. Mark of a good commander: remember your fallen. I am sure that the spirits that haunt his sleep lend him their strength against the Daedra.

"Buffy, I know this is a miserable place and I feel selfish for saying so, but I'm damn glad you're here. I've missed you."

Great minds think alike, it seems!

“I encountered two conjurers along the Gold Road just east of here.” Contempt simmered in his words as he continued, “Foul corrupted mages. They tried to capture me, but my birthsign absorbed the spell one of them cast. Each then summoned a scamp and attacked.”

Plenty of nice details about Raccan are revealed here in a very subtle and unintrusive manner. The birthsign spell absorption is just enough to tell us he is an Atronach, and his reaction to the mention of the conjurers shows us the Redguards' hatred of corrupt magic, born of their racial prejudice for mages.