Buffy - Book 2, The Cloud Dancers of Valenwood Options

[BretonBlood]

Very exciting hunt indeed. I really liked the part where you mention how Superian ordinarily would have fled, but with Buffy on her back she is the most courageous horse to ever live. I just found that special because it really shows their bond.

Then when they took down the mammoth, I love how you went into detail and then at the end mentioned how from the first arrows that flew to the lasto ne, only about 10 seconds had pasted. It goes to show how fast and frantic this mighty task was and how skilled the tribe, and Buffy are. I don't know I really liked that.

[Acadian]

Grits- Thank you! I love how Superian’s bravado is all based on overconfidence in the elf in her saddle. I enjoyed the hunt but am glad that it all fit nicely within one episode.

Rider- Like you, I enjoyed the large role that Superian played in the hunt. Happily for Buffy, strawberries, sweet rolls and wine won’t make her sick but, in her world, Bosmer really are primarily carnivorous by necessity.

mALX- I very much appreciate your endorsement of Buffy’s approach to hunting. It was wonderful for her to discover the same view is shared by many more Bosmer than just Daenlin. I figure Daenlin is descended from one of the ground dwelling tribes similar to this one, whereas the less sturdy and smaller tree dwellers hail from deeper south in Valenwood.

Renee- I know. An odd relationship to kill such a majestic animal – even though it is required for survival. As you say, though, they try to revere and respect their prey as best they can. Thanks!

SubRosa- Heh, I confess a touch of ‘Beastmaster’ influence when it comes to familiars. I love how you pointed out that Buffy can even exasperate an animal as patient as a mammoth! With only two such hunts a year you are right to point out how critical each one is and the loss of any huntsmer damages future prospects. This was an important hunt for just the reasons you mention. Thanks for pointing out that nit so I could fix it.

Lopov- Thank you! To be honest, I didn’t really think about removal of the old skull.

DE- Gosh, given the depth of your ‘all things Hircine’ knowledge, your kind words are most rewarding. I very much hoped you would enjoy this hunt, as I know that much of Buffy’s story can be a bit. . . girly. Oh, and thank you for noting that nit.

BretonBlood- Thank you! Over the years, Buffy and Superian have grown to be almost inseparable and so much time together really does help them to communicate intuitively. The mare has speed, a sense of smell, and instincts about the nature of those around her that far exceeds Buffy’s abilities. Given how much and how fast that mammoth could inflict damage, it was essential (and merciful) for the tribe to take him down quickly.

In our last episode, Buffy and Superian helped the Strid River Valley Tribe successfully hunt a mammoth. Once the long process of getting their kill back to camp was complete, elf and mare cleaned up. Sleep then came quickly to the exhausted elf.

* * *

Episode 14

When Violet and I finally emerged from the tent, we were blinking into the midmorning sun. After a breakfast of roasted mammoth heart that the other hunters assured me was required by tradition, I went to the river where Superian and Tobias, the draft river buffalo, were enjoying their day of rest. Our clothing was dry, but I decided to stay in my short tunic and bare feet.

I ambled along the water’s edge until the smells of smoke and roasting meat were replaced by those of rich loam and wildflowers. A patch of soft grass by the river became my seat as I watched the butterflies. Their delicate and varied hues of blue, green, gold and black sparkled in the sunshine as they danced among equally colorful small flowers. The occasional fish would break the water’s surface to snap at iridescent-winged dragonflies. After a time I closed my eyes and just listened to the water and cheerful chorus of birds among the treetops.

“Good morning, huntsmer.”

My eyes popped open to see that Vandrelis had quietly seated himself at my side. “H-how did you. . . ?” I stammered.

“I began my search at your horse,” he replied. “From there, your small footprints were easy to track in the soft ground along the river.” He busied himself for a moment selecting a long blade of grass. I smiled as he stuck the end of it in his mouth, remembering that my archery master, Daenlin, would often do the same. “You and your horse were most worthy additions to our hunting party.”

“Thank you, Vandrelis. You did a fine job of preparing and leading us.”

“Have you thought more about your plans?” he asked.

“I’ve learned much about the Cloud Dancer tribes from Violet,” I replied. “I expect I’ll head south to see the Tall Trees for myself.”

“I could travel with you, Buffy.”

My eyes widened with surprise. “You would leave your tribe?”

“For a time. . . if it means ensuring you come back to us.”

I was suddenly quite aware of how close he was to me and began to grow concerned. Not because his nearness made me want to move away - rather, because it didn’t. I avoided his eyes, afraid of what I might see. Afraid of what he might see. What drew me to the gallant future leader of this tribe was quite similar to the things that had drawn me to my Savlian Matius. Was I truly interested in Vandrelis or desperately grasping for a memory of Savlian? “I think you just want my mare to help bring home your next large kill.” I managed to conjure a crooked grin.

To his credit, Vandrelis seemed to realize my confused hesitance in response to his flirting, for his face lightened into playfulness. “I see you have discovered my intentions. Indeed, I shall just throw you into the river so it can carry you out to the Abecean. Then I will claim your mare for my tribe.”

As he reached for me, I squealed and tried to scramble to my feet. A moment later I was completely off the ground. My arms and legs flailed helplessly as the mer carried me the few steps to water’s edge and threw me nearly two horse lengths out into the river.

I sputtered to the surface to see him standing on the shore with his arms crossed in mock gloat. Filling my mouth with water I sprayed it toward him. My range was woefully short. In a moment, his buckskin boots were off and he dove into the river.

I pointed my feet to the sky and dove for the river’s bottom but could not match the Strid River mer’s swimming ability. His arms soon encircled me, pulled me to the surface and dragged me to a depth where he could stand but I could not.

Soaking wet and pinned against his chest, I made the mistake of looking up into those dark eyes.

He kissed me.

While my mind screamed with confusion, my lips and arms fully responded, as if trying to desperately fill the pent up void left by Savlian. Guilt soon overpowered the unexpected passion and I found my hands against his chest, struggling to push him away.

Vandrelis moved his hands from my back and rump up to my shoulders, allowing a fist full of distance between us as he carried me to shallow water.

“I-I’m sorry,” I stammered. I could feel my chin quivering as tears joined the water on my face. “This is my fault. My heart is still broken and it’s unfair of me to imply more than I’m capable of right now. I don’t know what I was-“

His gentle finger on my lips stilled my voice. “No, Buffy, it is I who am sorry. When you first entered my valley you told me that your heart was broken. I should not have presumed or pushed you.” He gave me a beautifully sheepish smile. “I fear that I am more skilled at hunting than courting.”

I breathed a sigh of relief and returned his smile. “As am I. Thank you for trying to understand this very confused elf.”

After wringing the water from the hem area of my tunic, I sat and patted the ground next to me. Vandrelis made no effort to dry the buckskins that covered him below his bare chest as he joined me. Things somehow felt much more comfortable between us now and I found myself even leaning against him as we talked.

“I understand you will be chief one day?”

“As son of the current chief, that would not be unusual, although I still have much wisdom to yet learn from my father. As you have seen, he now trusts me enough to lead one of our hunts. When the time comes, however, anyone may challenge me. I do not relish the idea of having to fight and possibly kill members of my own tribe who choose to exercise that right. That is why I work hard to prove that I am worthy of serving this tribe that I love. When the time comes, I hope the entire tribe will accept me without challenge.”

My fingers pushed some of the dark wet mane from his eyes. “I think you will make a fine chief – as if you were indeed born to the role.”

“I hope you are right and that someday the Nirn Mother will favor me with a son or daughter of my own to succeed me.” After several moments spent in comfortable silence, he said, “Buffy, what’s your totem?”

I had sometimes been asked by amorous drunks in taverns what my birth sign or standing stone was, but totem? “I’m afraid I’m not familiar with that term,” I replied, furrowing my brow in confusion.

“Forgive me. I forget that you were raised by Cyrodiils. A Bosmer’s totem is the symbol of an animal. For some it is a creature that has influenced their life. For others, the totem is more a reflection –or cause – of their personality.”

“I’m afraid I am unsure what my totem might be.” I glanced up, noting the sun was now fully overhead. I was surprised how quickly the morning had passed.

Vandrelis seemed to notice as well and, after pulling on his boots, stood and helped me to my feet. “I’ve enjoyed our time together this morning, Buffy.”

“As have I, Vandrelis. I look forward to seeing you at the feast and celebration this evening.” We walked together back toward the village. When we came to Superian, we parted ways. He continued up toward the center of camp while I began to groom my precious mare. She was in perfect condition, but I needed the time and closeness with her.

[haute ecole rider]

Well.

Vandrelis makes his move and now his intentions are clear.

What I find striking about this passage is not so much Buffy's realization that she is deeply attracted to this mer on so many levels in much the same way she was attracted to Savlian ( ) but rather the way Vangelis seems to be trying to find a balance between demonstrating his earnestness in courting Buffy without - well - trying too hard. He seems to be well aware of how handsome female mer find him, yet he doesn't take it for granted. He knows Buffy is intrigued by him, but he is just honorable enough to not take advantage of her vulnerable state.

It's good to see the friendship blooming between them. Speaks volumes to me of the kind of character Vandrelis is.

Oh, and am I the only one who reads Vandrelis and keeps thinking of this?

[hazmick]

Oh my! Things are heating up, and we still haven't got to the celebratory feast!

Good to hear more about Vandrelis and his role in the tribe. The future chief thing sounds rather Orc-inspired - hopefully it won't be necessary.

[ghastley]

The future chief thing sounds rather Orc-inspired - hopefully it won't be necessary.

It had me thinking Torygg/Ulfric.

Orcs seem to require that the challenger be the chief's son, whereas here When the time comes, however, anyone may challenge me., which is a lot more like the Nord tradition. I wonder if the result needs ratification by a moot of some kind?

[Darkness Eternal]

I very much hoped you would enjoy this hunt, as I know that much of Buffy’s story can be a bit. . . girly.

Ha, not a problem! I enjoy it very much

This chapter was great, and just what we needed. You developed some possibilities in the earlier chapters and now we see it grow to such a degree here. This part here was gold:

I was suddenly quite aware of how close he was to me and began to grow concerned. Not because his nearness made me want to move away - rather, because it didn’t. I avoided his eyes, afraid of what I might see. Afraid of what he might see.

I understand and sympathize with Buffy's apprehension. The banther between the two Mer had me smiling. I believe this is a healthy step for Buffy in light of what happened to Savlian . . . even after "Da Smooch"


Wait, what? Buffy doesn't know what totems are? Expected of a young Bosmer raised in the Imperial homeland.

I love the explanation of the totems and that's exactly what they are, even in the ES universe. Nords have totems, and obviously so do the Bosmer, and even the more primal and vicious hunting sub-cultures/cults who have the totems of Hircine. No matter which group has them, they have the universal meaning. Very interesting.

[BretonBlood]

Great chapter, we find out Vandrelis's intentions, and how much of a gentlemer (lol) he is. He knew Buffy was still upset and decided to back off, but he has made his intentions clear to her so it will be interesting to see where things go from there for the two of them.

I enjoyed Vandrelis talking about the tribe and how he hopes that they will see him as a worthy ruler, but then at the same time he wants to be with Buffy and would like to travel with her and that creates an interesting situation. Maybe the tribe will look down on him being willing to leave the village, despite it being temporary, for a girl basically haha.

Can't wait to see what happens.

[Lopov]

It was only a matter of time before Vandrelis would try and get closer to Buffy. You wrote the part as they're playing in water very well. I also liked the beginning, when Buffy didn't hear or see Vandrelis as he seated himself by her side. Maybe after spending some more time in the tribe Buffy will also "find" her totem.

[SubRosa]

So that makes two hearts Buffy has eaten! *remembers her presenting Raminus Polus with a Daedra Heart*

Vandry's got game! It was good to see a fun moment turn romantic, at least while it could. But emotional baggage is not so easily unburdened...

You had me smiling over the drunks in the bar asking Buffy her sign standing stone / birthsign.

Totems is it? Is there a ButterflyDragon?

[mALX]

The way he smoothly told her he was just interested in her for her horse and that she would end in the river - and then promptly proved it by tossing her in- this had me rolling!!!

Yeah, I knew Buffy too well to feel it would be an easy transition from grief to love again. That she even feels anything is a good sign that the healing is taking place though!

Awesome, AWESOME chapter !!!!

[Grits]

It seems that the only thing more charming than a wood elf is two wood elves. Vandrelis's best move was the swift and gentle apology that dispelled whatever tension hadn't already blown up when they kissed. When Buffy later leaned against him and then pushed the wet hair out of his eyes, I thought for some reason of how she might lean against Superian as a physical expression of their friendship.

"What's your totem" out of the blue made me chuckle. I'm interested to hear if and when that comes up again after Buffy has had some time to mull it over. I suspect that Vandrelis will continue to think about Buffy, whether he travels with her or not.

There were so many delightful details to enjoy here. "Two horse lengths" might be my favorite. This episode was a joy from start to finish!

[Acadian]

Rider- Thank you! Vandrelis is honorable and speaks from his heart. That is good. Whether he is ‘right’ for Buffy will become more clear over the next few episodes. Heh, when I name a significant character, I make sure to google their name to see if I can live with any references to it that I might find. No problems with this guy.

hazmick- I certainly acknowledge an affection for Orcs and appreciate you pointing out some similarity here. When Vandrelis mentioned having a son or daughter to follow as chief after him, that was intentionally to show their customs are not patriarchic like the Orcs though. I admire Vandrelis’ objective of gaining enough respect/acceptance to avoid bloodshed in his quest to become chief.

ghastley- Thanks. Not to overengineer things but I sort of envision these tribes as quite independent of outside influence in determining their leadership. I think one reason the Bosmer have never been an overly formidable political influence is because they are too independent of each other to effectively organize much beyond tribe levels.

DE- Thanks and I’m so glad you’re enjoying the flirty bits. In truth, as we’ll see in today’s episode, my concept of totems here is most strongly influenced by Jane Auel’s Earth’s Children series of books – specifically Clan of the Cave Bear. You are right though in that it seems almost universal that totems are a reflection - or perhaps cause - of one’s personality.

BretonBlood- Vandrelis claims to be more skilled at hunting than courting – and that is very true. Nevertheless, he somehow managed to keep the door open without alienating Buffy in the process. Thank you!

Lopov- Thank you for your kind words on the awkward flirting interaction between Vandrelis and the little mer that seems to have caught his eye. She will indeed discover her totem before long.

SubRosa- I love how you recall so much of Buffy’s past and your insight on how it affects her: Her strengths and weakness at the tribe’s archery games. How Buffy impressed Raminus so long ago (it seems) by her claim to have eaten the heart of a Daedra Lord that she slayed. The significance of the Savlian-baggage that Buffy carries. And. . . I would not bet against your instincts regarding Buffy’s totem. . . .

mALX- Like SubRosa, you really are an aficionado of Buffy’s personality and long history. As such you are spot on that moving beyond Savlian will not be quick or easy for her. Like you though, I am very encouraged that she is even beginning to show interest in other men. I’m glad you liked how their water play lightened some rather tense moments.

Grits- Thank you! I hoped you would get a chuckle from the out of the blue ‘Hey, baby, what’s yer totem?’ remark. Yes, we’ll continue to add context to what the term means (in Buffy’s world) and it will soon become clear why Vandrelis asked. Thanks for noting the ‘two horselengths’; when reasonable, I try to have Buffy talk distances in ways relevant to what she knows best.


Previously- Buffy was joined by Vandrelis as she enjoyed her quiet morning along the bank of the Strid River. As the two mer talked, Buffy became confused by her feelings even as she rather welcomed his flirting. She fully responded to his kiss, but almost as quickly became overwhelmed with guilt over Savlian Matius and pushed him away. At least she was open with him about her internal conflicts and he seemed to understand. With their feelings more out in the open they felt more comfortable together. Vandrelis stumped Buffy by asking what her totem is. The two then parted, leaving Buffy with much to think about.

* * *

Episode 15

The evening’s feast of celebration paid homage to both mammoth and hunter. There was plenty of food and camaraderie. After our bellies were full, many of the men engaged in contests of strength while several of the women displayed their ceremonial dancing skills around the fire to a rhythmic percussion provided by hollowed logs and pebble-filled dry gourds.

Not very late into the evening, Violet sought me out. “Buffy, I’m not feeling well and think I’ll head back to the tent.”

“I hope you’re not ill, cousin?”

She shook her head and sighed. “No, it’s just cramps.”

“Is it that time for you?” I asked sympathetically.

Violet nodded. “When I first came of age, it was here with the Strid River Valley tribe. The huntsmer had just returned with a mammoth. Since then, my cycle has reliably coincided with the twice yearly hunts. My cramps have gotten better over the years, but still. . . .”

I nodded knowingly. “Oh, I get them too. Superian and I both come into season right before New Life Festival and again around Midyear Celebration Day.” I slipped my arm through hers. “I’ll go with you. It’s been a long day, after all.”

The tent was dark and empty when we arrived. With a fingertip, I lit a tallow candle then asked, “Do you have a potion? I lack skill with alchemy, but I do carry the recipe for a helpful elixir that a Dunmeri apothecary in Skingrad gave me.”

Violet produced a small vial of her own and took a swig. “Thank you, Buffy, but this elixir from our medicine woman and an extra fur pressed against my lower tummy while I sleep will help.”

We quickly cleaned our teeth, brushed out each others hair and dropped our clothes. I then snuffed out the candle and we both crawled into our sleeping furs. Frankly, I was grateful to escape some of the growing noise from the celebration and my stomach was complaining from too much, albeit delicious, roasted mammoth.

Before long, I was pulled from sleep by a quiet voice. “Are you awake, Buffy?”

“Of course, Violet,” I lied, “is the potion helping?”

“Yes, I’m feeling a little better if you want to return to the festivities.”

I rose to one elbow in the dark. “No, but I’d be happy to chat if you want.”

“I’d like that,” she replied. “I helped with the tallow processing today. It’s a messy job, but we’ll have plenty of soap and candles thanks to our hunt.”

“I’m afraid I was a lazy elf today and mostly played by the river. Vandrelis joined me for part of the day.”

“See?” Violet said. “I told you that he likes you. Can you not see that?”

“He did make his interest clear enough today for even me to see.”

“Oooh, tell me more!” I could hear Violet shifting around, likely coming up on one elbow as well. “Did he kiss you?”

I nodded instinctively before realizing how silly that was in the dark. “Yes, it was nice. He was nice.”

“Hmm, your tone does not match your words. What are you not telling me, dear cousin?”

“Violet, remember when I told you about losing my mate at Kvatch?”

“Oh. Of course,” she said sympathetically. “You’re not ready yet, are you?”

“I guess not,” I replied. “I mean, my body responded when Vandrelis kissed me, then I pushed him away. I don’t know which of us was more confused.”

“Did you tell him why?”

“Oh yes. Or at least I tried to. He was wonderfully kind and understanding. And he didn’t leave me in anger; rather, we sat side-by-side and chatted for quite awhile.”

“Perhaps with time, Buffy.”

“Perhaps,” I echoed.

“G’night, Buffy.”

“G’night, Violet.” After a few minutes, I found myself hoping she was still awake and softly said, “Violet?”

“You can’t sleep either?” was the quick reply.

“Probably too much roasted mammoth.” After a moment I added, “Vandrelis asked me what my totem was today and I had to tell him I didn’t know.”

“Oh my,” said Violet. “What did he tell you about totems?”

“That they are an animal which reflects your nature or has some significance in your life.”

“That’s all he told you?”

I caught myself before I nodded my answer into the darkness. “Yes, why?”

“Buffy, he didn’t tell you the most significant aspect of a totem. When a man and woman sleep together, their totems do battle and, for a baby Bosmer to be conceived, the man’s totem must prevail. For Vandrelis to ask your totem means he is interested in you as a mate.”

“Violet. . . I had no idea.”

“Being raised in Cyrodiil, I am not surprised. As I recall, your mother died before she would have explained all this to you.”

“When I told Vandrelis I didn’t know,” I mused, “he didn’t seem overly concerned.”

“That’s because his totem is a tiger – an animal that few others can defeat. I expect his reason for asking is more to demonstrate his serious intentions to court you.”

I thought of Violet’s familiar, Aquilla. “Is your totem an eagle?”

“No, she replied. The familiars of Spirit Catchers are not the same as totems. Aquilla is what I need, and he complements my abilities. My totem is an impala antelope; like me, they are fast, quick to flee danger and equally at home in the deep forests of the Tall Trees or rolling plains of the prairie mammoth. Women generally covet less combative totems because it gives us more flexibility in choosing a mate. I count myself fortunate.” After a moment, she added, “Buffy would you like to learn your totem?”

After a few moments of pondering, I replied, “I would. Can you help?”

“Tomorrow, I’ll speak with the tribe’s medicine woman and shaman. They’ll know what to do.”

By now, some of the other women were quietly straggling into the tent and preparing to crawl into their own furs. Violet and I decided that it really was time to stop chatting and try to sleep.

*

My favorite mornings found me grooming Superian in the sun’s first light. This was such a morning. “Acadian,” I remarked as I worked on the already shining coat of my mare, “I’m convinced that this butterfly who visits us sometimes at twilight is always the same one. And somehow I believe it’s a she – a woman knows these things, you see.”

“I’ll take your word on her sex, Buffy, but she certainly does look like the same one – the pale green wings of a night butterfly and she doesn’t seem afraid of you or Superian at all.”

“What shall I call you, little one?” The tiny creature ignored my question but alighted atop Superian’s withers. “I see you much more often around sunrise than sunset. . . so I think I shall call you Dawn.”

To my surprise, she fluttered back into the air and seemed to pivot in a circle – the pirouette of a tiny dancer. “I’ll take that as your approval. Dawn it shall be.”

“Who are you talking to, Buffy?”

I nearly dropped the conjured burlap rub rag I was finishing Superian’s coat with before realizing it was Violet who had approached. “Oh, just chattering to my mare,” I lied.

“You know, cousin,” Violet began, “when something happens that you weren’t expecting or maybe weren’t prepared for. . . it can throw your heart into turmoil. Sometimes things become clearer after talking about them like we did last night, then sleeping on them. Are your confused feelings about Vandrelis any clearer to you this morning?”

“How did you know this was weighing so heavily on me?” I asked.

“Don’t be silly,” she chastised lightly. “If a man kissed me and professed his desire to court me as a mate, it would certainly linger among my thoughts!”

I nodded. “My Savlian’s last words were that he wanted me to live and enjoy my long elven life, but part of me feels guilty when I even think of another man. I don’t. . . well, I think maybe. . . oh, I don’t know.”

“How many times have you been in love, Buffy?”

“Just once,” I replied.

“Was the courtship all birds happily chirping in idyllic meadows of flowers?” she asked with a lifted eyebrow. “Or, rather, was it full of uncertainly, confusion, even fear at opening your heart?”

“The latter, of course, but I do see your point. It was just so. . . unexpected yesterday that it frightened me. I think. . . well, maybe I wouldn’t mind if Vandrelis kissed me again.” I then added, “Oh, did you speak to the elders about trying to figure out what my totem is?”

“I did,” replied Violet. “In fact that’s the reason I came looking for you. Our shaman has agreed to help. He’s already brewing another divination concoction in his cauldron. He said he’ll be ready for us by the time the sun is directly overhead.”

[Lopov]

Vandrelis is a shrewd one. He talked about totems with Buffy yet didn't fully explain her the meaning behind them. One can't help but like him. But it seems now that Buffy won't "resist" if kissed again.

Butterfly = Dawn = Azura?

[hazmick]

Nothing like a chat with a girl friend to set things straight. This totem thing is a really cool idea, I'm looking forward to learning more.

[Grits]

Ah, totems and infrequent fertility cycles explain why Tamriel is not knee-deep in long-lived wood elves. I love it! I'm excited that the shaman got straight to brewing a divination concoction. I wonder what they will make of Buffy's complex nature and various influences.

I am not surprised that Buffy joined Violet in leaving the party early rather than carousing half the night. A child of Dawn needs her rest if she is to be up before the sun! I loved the conversations with wise Violet, and it made me smile when Buffy informed Acadian that "a woman knows these things, you see."

Oh, and to me Vandrelis's name brings this to mind: Chariots of Fire Theme.

This post has been edited by Grits: Sep 30 2016, 03:28 PM

[haute ecole rider]

Loved the chat between Violet and Buffy.

But I'm confused - Buffy says Superian cycles twice yearly. Unless Superian is something special (I can't remember if she was different before Phantom merged with her?), she would be cycling monthly during the warm months, then stop over the winter. Mares are seasonally cyclic - meaning they cycle/ovulate more frequently while the days are longer, then less so as the days grow shorter. My old mare didn't cycle between October and March, and her intervals were longer (about six weeks) at the first and last (March and October), gradually shortening to about every three and a half to four weeks in June and July.

Sorry, couldn't stop my vet hat from appearing out of nowhere! It certainly did not stop me from enjoying the following conversations.

Tiger, huh? Are there tigers in Valenwood? Or are we talking about one of the Khajiit forms (Pahmar/Pahmar-raht comes to mind). In any case, in Chinese mythology the tiger is quite the powerful spirit animal (and the national animal of Korea). Wonder what Buffy's totem is? Though I do have a good idea!

[SubRosa]

Vandrelis' totem is the Pr0N Star?

I am thinking Buffy's totem is named Dawn...

Aha! Time to go meet the shaman and do some mojo!

[Renee]

Ah, totems and infrequent fertility cycles explain why Tamriel is not knee-deep in long-lived wood elves.

I noticed this too. And I'm betting Buffy's totem is a horse or pony or some other hooved beast. We'll soon see.

Acadian, I really like this...

I nodded instinctively before realizing how silly that was in the dark

[Darkness Eternal]

Vandrelis and his tiger totem

So, his intentions from the start wasn't just giving Buffy a kiss. The conversation between Buffy and Violet was great and very fun to read. The two girls had a great night, and I'm sure Buffy was thrilled, perhaps, by her revelations. The shaman shall once again come to her aid in this. I'm anticipating what's to come now!!

Will Buffy ever get a chance to be with another mate, and will she be happy?

And to answer Haute, I believe there are tigers there. Senche-Tiger's, at least.

[BretonBlood]

As everyone else has pointed out Vandrelis is a slick one.... he knew what he was doing when he asked Buffy about her totem... I'm glad Buffy has Violet there to give her guidance and be somewhat of a mentor in ways.

As others have said I think I have a clue as to what her totem will be, unless it's a curve ball and one of the few totems that can beat a tiger thus making things interesting between her and Vandrelis. Either way I can't wait to find out.