Buffy - Book 2, The Cloud Dancers of Valenwood Options

[Grits]

First, I have been biting my tongue to keep from gushing about how closely the feel of ESO’s Valenwood is to Buffy’s imagineered ancestral home until you had a chance to see some of it in the game, and now you’ve been there! Even the Valley tribe’s sparsely treed plains can be found in Greenshade. I happily embrace differences from the games and lore in stories, I’m just tickled that Buffyversewood blends so beautifully with what I see when my characters walk around in the game.

I was delighted to see so many practical tools summoned to Buffy’s hands as she needed them. Here is a University trained mage at work regardless how rustic the surroundings. And why waste bag space on things other than shoes? Ha, I’m sure Vandrelis was happy that the cook assigned a naked task to the Cloud Dancer lasses. I loved the method of sharing the waterbreathing spell, since hopefully it bodes well for Violet sharing her knowledge of finding familiars. What a warm and lovely episode. I could hug Violet just for being there with Buffy.

[ghastley]

I picked up the same little detail as SubRosa, and am starting to wonder if that butterfly/moth is going to be her familiar.

[Acadian]

In our last episode, Buffy and her cousin were tasked by the tribe’s cook to gather freshwater mussels from the river. Violet’s eagle familiar kept watch as the two elves used Buffy’s waterbreathing spell to help as they hunted along the river bottom. While drying themselves in the sun, they noticed Vandrelis watching from across the river. Buffy learned from Violet that he was the chief’s son.

DE- Thanks for noting the threads of Azura here. Unknown to Buffy, the little butterfly is indeed her godmother and we are reminded, with that shrine, that Buffy’s mother had turned to Azura shortly after Buffy was conceived.

BretonBlood- I hope you’ll enjoy the path that things between Buffy and Vandrelis take. I like the idea of the eagle familiar as well – helpful but not overpowered at all. Thank you!

mALX- As you recall from the prelude, when Buffy’s mother asked Mara and Kynareth to be Buffy’s godmother all she got was silence. That is why she turned to Azura who, though not really qualified for the task, accepted the role. Much of what I know about horses, I learned from you, my friend. Oh noes! I should have said otters or crows or. . . anything except squirrels!

SubRosa- Thanks! It was a big decision to briefly depart from Buffy’s strict first person perspective when we wrote the book's prelude - but now it is fun to display her clueless interactions with the little butterfly whose identity only we know.

Renee- Buffy has always loved what SubRosa and I have called ‘utility magic’, and I thank you for your encouragement. Buffy is pretty good at summoning a wide range of what other mages would consider quite mundane objects to help her with routine tasks.

Lopov- Thank you. Buffy was anxious to repay Violet for her kindnesses and the waterbreathing spell was a great opportunity. I’m so glad the mention that Buffy’s mother maintained a shrine to Azura drew you back to the prelude – that was my hope.

Grits- I too am pleasantly surprised to see how closely ESO matches our own vision of Valenwood – particularly since this book was fully drafted before I ever really knew anything about ESO. Summoning mundane tools to leave more wardrobe room is exactly right! I’m also glad you noticed that sharing the waterbreathing spell was also foreshadowing the arcane intimacy required for Violet to teach Buffy the Find Familiar ability. Thank you!

ghastley- Although the little butterfly is an unobtrusive manifestation of Azura, I wouldn’t bet on a butterfly familiar. Thanks!

* * *

Episode 12

The reward for our morning of hard work was several more hours spent opening, cleaning, checking for pearls and preparing mussels for the cook. Chatting with Violet made the time pass quickly though. I learned that women of the Spirit Catchers Tribe were generally skilled with bow and magic, while the men excelled with bow and blade.

During my brief time here, I had seen that mer of the Strid River Valley Tribe generally favored grazing on their own schedule in lieu of community meals. This evening was an exception, as nearly the entire tribe gathered to share flatbread, wild strawberry wine and fish stew. Once our bellies were full, the reason for the occasion became clear.

The tribe’s chief stood and announced, “The spring hunt is upon us. As you know, I have led each of our hunts for many years now and, since he came of age, my son has been at my side during each of them. He is now ready to take another significant step in his training to one day become your chief. Two days hence, it is Vandrelis who will lead our huntsmer as they quest for a mammoth to sustain our tribe."

After dinner, I joined several of the huntsmer in some good natured target practice that would also help Vandrelis select his mammoth hunters. I was easily bested by the other mer and their light elven bows during the contests that required shooting while maneuvering on foot. When it came to accuracy at range from a fixed firing perch though, I did extremely well. They were also impressed that many of Slayer’s arrows, after passing through the hide targets, continued on to split or damage the rocks beyond. At Vandrelis’ request, I saddled Superian and gave a brief demonstration of my mounted archery ability.

When Violet and I finally crawled into our furs, sleep came quickly.

Early the following morning, we found the roster Vandrelis had posted of huntsmer assigned to the band he would lead. Scanning down the list of just over a score of names, we found ‘Violet and eagle’ right above ‘Buffy and horse’. The parchment also announced a midday briefing.

Taking my cue from Violet, we focused on general preparations in order to have the afternoon and evening to make refinements after we learned our assignments. My time was spent working with the tribe’s leather artisan to replace Superian’s crude bridle of vines.

When the sun was high, we made our way to the central cookfire. If Vandrelis was nervous about leading the mammoth hunt, it didn’t show as he detailed his plans and assignments to the assembled huntsmer. Violet was assigned to one group of ten hunters. Most of the remaining hunters comprised a second group of the same size. Vandrelis explained that Superian and I would function as a separate maneuver element. Finally, two additional hunters would guide and escort the tribe’s river buffalo-drawn wagon required to help bring our anticipated bounty home. As he went into great detail, I was impressed by both his planning and the confidence he inspired.

Once he finished our briefing and the hunting party wandered off to continue their preparations, Vandrelis caught up with me. “Buffy, how fast is your horse?” In response to my tilted head and confused look he added, “I mean, can she outrun a mammoth?”

“I don’t know,” I replied. “How fast are they?”

“Much faster than any mer, but slower than an antelope.”

I smiled. “Then she can outrun them.”

“Good.” He looked relieved. “After the first arrow is fired, our target will charge and not stop until dead. Normally, we split and fan our groups into too many targets for the mammoth to focus on, hoping that the animal’s uncertainty and confusion will allow those in position to keep shooting. I’m relying on your horse’s speed and maneuverability to keep the focus of our quarry’s charge on you instead of my much slower foot archers.”

“Superian and I will do our best,” I replied soberly.

I realized he was leading me to the giant skull just outside the elders’ tent. As we stopped, he continued. “This belongs to the mammoth we took during our last hunt and serves as a reminder of the magnificent animal responsible for sustaining this tribe for half a year. Confident that his spirit will have returned to the plains, we hope to replace this with the skull of his successor.”

He tapped on the broad bone forehead with his knuckles before continuing, “This is why our hunters do not aim for the head but focus on the shoulders and hips to slow, and the side of the chest to kill. It is like armor and I’ve never seen an archer able to pierce it - until last night. I saw the damage your bow did to those rocks behind our targets.”

I tapped on the skull myself. “I believe Slayer’s power and armor-piercing magic can penetrate this.”

“I suspected as much. Remember that your first priority is to hold our quarry’s ire as a target it cannot catch, thereby protecting our hunters. That said, if you do get the opportunity to shoot, try to pierce the animal’s skull. A successful hunt means losing no tribesmer, but also honoring our prey with a quick and merciful death. That is why we coordinate our attack with so many bows.”

“Your tribe has beautiful traditions, Vandrelis. I’m proud to hopefully play a small role tomorrow in helping to continue them.”

“Thank you, Buffy. Well, I’d better check on how preparations fare with our buffalo and his wagon.”

“Of course,” I said. “I understand how busy you must be.”

He started to turn, then abruptly stepped close enough that I could feel the heat from his bare chest. He looked down into my eyes and said, “After the hunt. . . I hope you will stay with us for a time.” He then turned and headed for the river.

I followed the mer with my eyes for a time - acutely aware of how his broad shoulders and bronzed back narrowed into a shapely rump - before trying to return my flustered focus to preparations for the hunt.

The rest of the afternoon was spent helping Violet fletch arrows for her bow, filling waterskins and packing a small amount of dry food to sustain us both during the hunt. I knew there would be unlimited grazing for Superian out on the plains.

Dinner that evening was another tribal affair, but the huntsmer were more subdued than the previous night. I attributed it to the same nervous anticipation that I was feeling. Regardless, the certainty of starting out before sunrise sent all of us to our sleeping furs early.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Sep 10 2016, 03:11 AM

[hazmick]

Ooh mammoth hunting! The oldest of traditions. I hope Team Bosmer all make it through this one, though with "Buffy and horse" on their side they certainly stand a good chance.

[haute ecole rider]

I've been reading this latest Buffy story with immense enjoyment as it has been unfolding. I apologize for not commenting sooner.

I followed the mer with my eyes for a time - acutely aware of how his broad shoulders and bronzed back narrowed into a shapely rump - before trying to return my flustered focus to preparations for the hunt.

Umm, yeah. I can see it too. Hmm-mmm!

One nit:

The tribe’s chief stood and announced, “The spring hunt is upon us. As you know, I have led each of our hunts for many years now and, since he came of age, my son has been at my side during each of them. He is now ready to take another significant step in his training to one day become your chief. Two days hence, it is Vandrelis who will lead our huntsmer as they quest for a mammoth to sustain our tribe.

You left out the closing quote here.

Otherwise, the story continues to unfold, and I'm more or less transported to the heyday of the Great Plains Indians as they prepared for their buffalo hunts. Having just recently read Alan Swale's first two books of his Eagle trilogy, it is not difficult to imagine. If that was you intent, you are accomplishing this very well.

And while I haven't gone to Valenwood in ESO yet, I don't need that experience to visualize what you are creating for us readers here. Lovely bits of world building - others have remarked upon the same things I've already noticed so I don't see the need to repeat everything again.

[Lopov]

Awesome, Acadian, I like this episode a lot - I see it as an "announcement" for the hunt to come

Looks like this hunt will be special for Spirit Catchers too, with Buffy and her skull-piercing Slayer joining them.

Though my favorite part is where Vandrelis turns back to Buffy and talks to her. That was nicely done, and you created the fitting atmosphere in just a few words.

Oh, and one more thing, I love the expression huntsmer!

[SubRosa]

The reward for a morning of hard work is more hard work! Some things never change in life.

Buffy's huntsmering abilities are as expected. You have demonstrated her strengths and weaknesses so well in the past we knew how that was going to work out before even reading the words.

Confident that his spirit will have returned to the plains
Exactly what a RL hunter-gatherer would have said.

My Vandrelis, what a shapely rump you have...

I look forward to the big hunt next week!

[Darkness Eternal]

How fitting that the men are talented in the use of the sword and bow, and the women magic and the bow. Either way, the bow and arrow are the main tools for Bosmeri weaponry. Great chapter as we learn along with Buffy about the tribe, their foods, their training and customs. The mammoth skull was a nice touch and I'm tapping my feet here impatiently awaiting the mammoth hunt. The preparations are already here.

It warms my heart to see that Buffy just may have something going on here with Vandrelis . . . it all starts with the lingering gaze. I like what's going on here. I too, hope that Buffy ends up staying with them for quite awhile.

Great chapter, Acadian!

And thanks for the information on the butterfly. I suspected as much

Nit: Well, as the Master of Nits(I have them all the time), here's one I found:

"The reward for our morning of hard work was several more hours spent opening, cleaning. checking for pearls and preparing mussels for the cook."

I believe there should be a comma there rather than a period, and if not, "checking" should begin with a capital C.

[BretonBlood]

I really did enjoy this chapter, it was sort of like tryouts to make the hunting team, and naturally Buffy with her bow, Slayer, and Superian she would make the team. I am excited to see how the hunt turns out with Buffy being set up to be the killing blow.

We also see Vandrelis show some more interest in Buffy... where will that lead I am wondering.

[mALX]

I had the same sensation Haute spoke of in reading this; it almost gave the vibe of the Great Plains Indians the days leading into their big buffalo hunt before winter sets in - very cool tribal feel to the customs of these Mer; enough so that it is surprising to hear their speech is far from tribal and you remember they are Mer, lol. Excellent the way you immersed the reader into their culture!

Seconding everyone else's comment here; I got a huge kick out of Vandrelis looming his sweaty chest into Buffy's face and then giving her a walking away shot to think about while she was swoony, lol. Buffy may be a grieving widow, but hey! She is still female!

But this next line was my absolute favorite, and I'm glad SubRosa noticed it too - kind of confirms in my mind that it was as awesome as I thought it was:

Confident that his spirit will have returned to the plains, we hope to replace this with the skull of his successor.”

That sums up and brings us full circle back to that sensation of the tribal Plains Natives - Really Awesome write here!!!! Excellent l!!

[ghastley]

The thing that I'm noticing is that he's essentially told her "either the whole tribe attacks the mammoth and it dies slowly, or you shoot it in the head".

No pressure!

[Grits]

Woo, Vandrelis leads his first hunt! I loved the preparations, especially that "Buffy and horse" will be a separate element. With Superian's speed and Buffy's powerful bow, they can make a huge difference in the hunt.

The best part for me was after Vandrelis had finished talking privately to Buffy about hunt business, when his hotness turned back and showed his personal interest in her. I don't think he wants her to stay just to help render all that mammoth fat.

[Acadian]

hazmick- Thank you! One mammoth hunt coming right up!

Rider- Delighted to have you back with us! You are spot on regarding some of our influences; they include the American Great Plains Indians, Jane Auel’s ‘Earth’s Children’ books and. . . oh yes, TES. Thanks for the nit so I could quickly fix it.

Lopov- Thanks much for sharing my like for the term huntsmer – it just seems to fit. Also glad you’re enjoying the tentative dance between Buffy and Vandrelis.

SubRosa- It is music to my ears that you could predict how Buffy would fare during various aspects of the archery competition! I also appreciate your endorsement of this tribe’s (and Buffy’s) rather reverent and spiritual approach to hunting.

DE- As I mentioned to hazmick, one mammoth hunt coming right up! As I’m sure you can see, there are several themes weaving through Buffy’s visit with the Strid River Valley tribe – learning some spirit magic from Violet, Vandrelis trying to tug at her heart and, of course, learning some about life as a plains hunter. Thanks for the nit so I could fix it.

BretonBlood- Thank you! I figure Vandrelis included Violet and Buffy among his hunting party as much for their critters as for their bows.

mALX- I’m so glad the tribal feel of plains hunters is coming through – thank you! I hope you enjoy the hunt itself in today’s episode!

ghastley- You nailed it! Buffy’s first mammoth hunt and there is quite a bit of pressure on her, Superian and Slayer. Thank you!

Grits- I’m so glad that you caught the inseparability of Violet and Buffy from their critters. This big team hunt is all new for Buffy so she’s pretty nervous – especially given the big role that Vandrelis has assigned her. Thanks!


In our last episode, Buffy learned that the chief's son, Vandrelis, would be leading the spring mammoth hunt. She and Violet were both selected to be part of his hunting party and spent their time preparing for the hunt.

* * *

Episode 13

By midmorning we were well out onto the prairie. Our search was guided by Violet, based on what her eagle familiar showed her from the air. From my high perch astride Superian, I was the first mer to actually see the mammoths as we crested a rolling hill. As I pointed them out, Vandrelis called a stop to our procession. The herd consisted of about a score of the giant animals, grazing and lingering near a small patch of green that probably indicated water.

Our river buffalo and his wagon, along with two hunters, remained together right where we stopped. I had learned the draft animal’s name was Tobias and that he was as steady and placid as he was strong. The remaining hunters continued over the ridgeline’s crest then split into two groups, separating themselves by enough distance to create a killing zone between them. Once Vandrelis was satisfied, he gave his signal. Both groups held their position out to my flanks, while Superian and I continued straight toward the herd.

As we drew closer, a bull mammoth moved to place himself between me and the herd. Raising his trunk, he trumpeted a loud warning. He then stood directly facing me as the rest of the herd returned to grazing. It was clear they had no intention of yielding their oasis and likely considered Superian and I simply pests to be kept away.

Our plans for cutting an individual from a moving herd and drawing it into our killing zone had just changed. Fortunately, Vandrelis had discussed this very possibility during the preceding day’s briefing - and I trusted the tribe that had been hunting these massive creatures for generations knew much more about their behavior than I. Apparently, as long as I continued to seem merely a nuisance to the herd, they would trust this big bull to deal with me. Should I attack however, the whole herd would likely charge.

Superian eased closer and maneuvered slightly to one side. The mammoth lowered his head, slowly sweeping his tusks – each longer than my mare –just above the ground in an ominous display. He then pawed up a cloud of dust with one massive foot.

Superian wisely stopped. She understood the foot pawing part of his warning perfectly. Indeed, had I not been astride her, she would have readily heeded it and retreated. But, for better or worse, as long as her elven archer was in the saddle, she had boundless courage. While I was pondering how to provoke our quarry into an aggressive display that would draw him away from the herd, Superian made our choice for us by snorting and pawing the ground with her own challenge.

Her action was enough to generate a mock charge. We bolted to the side and slightly away, stopping abruptly as he did. I was relieved to see that the rest of the herd seemed content to let him deal with the insignificant horse and elf.

I then ran Superian fairly close across the bull’s frontage inciting another charge that was more aggressive. This time we were able to tease him slightly away from the herd. When Superian and I taunted him into a third charge, he finally seemed determined to end to our annoyance once and for all. With plenty of speed, we opened some distance and turned to verify that the rest of the herd remained uncommitted. We then raced tantalizingly close and began to lead the now furious mammoth toward the awaiting huntsmer of the Strid River Valley Tribe.

As we entered the killing zone, a score of arrows flew from the tall grass on both sides of the mammoth. Severely wounded, he stopped, trumpeted his pain and fury then looked for an assailant to charge. The second volley staggered the giant animal yet he remained unsteadily on his feet. By now, I had sharply wheeled Superian around and fully drawn Slayer. My arrow pierced the mammoth’s skull just as the tribe’s third volley struck from both sides. The animal fell – dead. The time it took from first arrow to last was probably less than ten seconds.

It had been a merciful death for this mighty and noble creature, but there were neither cheers nor shouts of celebration.

I dismounted and joined my fellow huntsmer as we arrayed ourselves around the mammoth. Each of us soberly dropped to one knee.

It was Vandrelis who spoke. “Honored and majestic guardian of the prairie, your sacrifice will sustain the elves of my tribe and we revere you for it. We grieve for your herd, but know that others will rise to the tasks you leave behind. May the Nirn Mother guide your journey until, once again, the thunder of your feet across these plains announces the return of your mighty spirit.”

It was similar to the sentiment and ceremony I had performed over the carcass of every prey animal that had sustained me since my first kill. I had not even seen ten summers when my archery master, Daenlin, ensured that I knew how to perform it and understood its meaning. For such was nature’s circle of life. The round-ears viewed animal flesh as a supplement to their more agrarian diet and had digestive systems that supported such. Bosmer, however, were not humans; we were primarily carnivorous predators. While my mouth certainly enjoyed strawberries and sweet rolls, my body – like those of this tribe – required meat to survive.

Once Tobias and his escorts arrived, we unloaded the tools and equipment from his wagon to support the daunting tasks of skinning, gutting, dismembering and transporting this massive creature.

Indeed, the process required several heavily-laden trips that took us through the night and well into the next day. Superian pulled a sled that used tusks as rails, rib bones as cross supports and was lashed together with strips of hide. Her first load consisted of massive portions of meat wrapped in large sections of the animal's pelt. Ultimately, I believe Superian proved as valuable as Tobias, but those on foot also carried heavy packs filled with our treasure from the prairie.

Even as we traveled back and forth between our kill and the village, those of the tribe who were not among the hunting party were hard at work processing the arriving bounty. Numerous fires and racks were already smoking meat. An entire team of elves was necessary to handle and begin curing the large sections of pelt which would eventually be tanned and softened using oils from the animal’s own brain.

The sun was past its zenith on the second day as we finally unloaded the last of it. The entire village assembled around the animal’s skull – which now occupied its predecessor’s place of honor next to the elders’ tent. The chief spoke. “Our entire party of hunters has returned safely. The smell of freshly roasting mammoth once again fills this village.” He placed his hand reverently on the giant skull. “I am told this animal died valiantly but with merciful quickness. These things are the marks of a successful hunt and we give thanks to the Nirn Mother.” He turned to Vandrelis. “Have your hunters clean themselves, their equipment, then enjoy a well-deserved day of rest. Tomorrow night the entire tribe will feast and celebrate.”

Vandrelis then assembled his hunters to briefly add his own thanks and admonishment to clean up and rest.

I made my way to Superian and hugged the filthy mare. Both of us were exhausted, covered with blood and smelled badly. I mounted and we slowly rode into the river. I slipped into the water where it was shoulder-deep and began the process of removing, rinsing out, and tossing ashore my buckskins and Superian’s tack. I then washed my mare and, finally, myself. Most of the hunters had joined us in the river doing much the same thing. Almost half of us were women, but all were too exhausted to care about the fact that our bits were on display.

Clean, dry and covered by a short tunic, I joined Violet in hanging our wet things on branches to dry. I then managed to groom my precious mare and get us fed before my feet carried me to the women’s tent. That it was only mid afternoon was no deterrent to sleep, which came quickly and deeply.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Sep 18 2016, 08:15 PM

[Grits]

I love that Plan A didn't work, but Vandrelis had already put Plan B together so well that Buffy and Superian could just go ahead with it. How awesome that Superian's foot pawing that we saw in reply to the minotaur was the final straw for the mammoth and started the hunt!

I found the packing up and processing of the kill just as interesting as the hunt itself. Buffy's exhaustion was very real by the time she dragged her bits out of the river and off to sleep. Since the hunt went so well, I imagine that more huntsmer than Vandrelis will hope that Buffy stays. Also every tribesmer who had a loved one out on those plains and hoped that they wouldn't return in the wagon will be thankful once they hear the story. What a fabulous episode!

This post has been edited by Grits: Sep 17 2016, 03:46 AM

[haute ecole rider]

I loved the communication between Superian and the bull mammoth. Yes, her returning his challenge would trigger a more serious charge from him.

But what caught my eye in this episode was this phrase:

The round-ears viewed animal flesh as a supplement to their more agrarian diet and had digestive systems that supported such. Bosmer, however, were not humans; we were primarily carnivorous predators. While my mouth certainly enjoyed strawberries and sweet rolls, my body – like those of this tribe – required meat to survive.

Sounds like Bosmer are part feline! For cats, too, are obligate carnivores and cannot survive without meat.

Didn't see any nits this time!

[mALX]

Buffy & Superian are always a great lure!

What shone above everything in this chapter for me was this passage:

I dismounted and joined my fellow huntsmer as we arrayed ourselves around the mammoth. Each of us soberly dropped to one knee.

It was Vandrelis who spoke. “Honored and majestic guardian of the prairie, your sacrifice will sustain the elves of my tribe and we revere you for it. We grieve for your herd, but know that others will rise to the tasks you leave behind. May the Nirn Mother guide your journey until, once again, the thunder of your feet across these plains announces the return of your mighty spirit.”

It was similar to the sentiment and ceremony I had performed over the carcass of every prey animal that had sustained me since my first kill. I had not even seen ten summers when my archery master, Daenlin, ensured that I knew how to perform it and understood its meaning. For such was nature’s circle of life.

What strikes me so strongly here is that she was taught from early childhood the ways of her own people by Daenlin; and that is the second time something he had taught her or raised her to believe was 100% in sync with their customs.

So now for the second time I'm wondering if Daenlin may have had a connection to this tribe! Maybe there is a reason he was Buffy's guardian all this time!

*mALX slathers at the delicious possibilities*

Spectacular write !!!!

[Renee]

That poor mammoth. These tribes are like Indians though at least, they take but they also give, in a way.

[SubRosa]

Violet and her eagle familiar are reminding me of The Falcon and his sidekick Redwing from the old Captain America comics.

Well, trust Buffy to get someone exasperated! I see it works on mammoths just as well as it does on everyone else! Getting the bull's dander up certainly worked to get it to cut itself from the rest of the herd. Buffy showed the power of light cavalry, with her mock charges and quick retreats. Or as Bruce Lee once said: "...water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend."

The circle of life plays itself out. I was keenly aware of how this hunt could make or break the entire tribe. A situation especially magnified by the fact it is Vandrelis' first time leading it. Its success means the tribe's future is assured for another six months. But things could have easily gone very badly the elves, and ended with many maimed or dead. While Buffy was certainly the ace in the deck here, it is Vandrelis' leadership and preparation of Buffy that really showed through here for me.




nits:
Have your hunters clean themselves, their equipment[,] then enjoy a well-deserved day of rest.
I think you were missing a comma where I inserted it above.

[Lopov]

The mammoth was a necessary sacrifice but at least Elves brought it down quickly and will use the slain animal and its "contents" to ensure their own survival. So what happens with the skull of the previous slain mammoth when new one arrives?

[Darkness Eternal]

Woo! And so the hunt begins!! I quote mALX in the passage: that was so great. We see the deep-rooted beliefs instilled in Buffy so long ago shine here.

The hunt with the mammoth was just intriguing and just as an animal would act when faced with such peril. In the end the majestic creature was no match for Buffy's arrow, nor the others that struck him.

Bosmer, however, were not humans; we were primarily carnivorous predators. While my mouth certainly enjoyed strawberries and sweet rolls, my body – like those of this tribe – required meat to survive.

This was great!! Speaks volumes about the Bosmer, and why they value meat so much. There's the Green Pact also . . . awesome.

I have to add that the manner in which they brought back the meat was very great and insightful. You excelled here as a writer, Acadian and I am thoroughly enjoying Buffy's journey here. And the end of this chapter had my mouth watering the entire time

Vandrelis has seen Buffy's abilities shine here. I long to see what the celebration and the feast will bring, besides these Bosmer together.