Buffy - Book 2, The Cloud Dancers of Valenwood Options

[mALX]

BWAAHAA! Vandrelis's interest might wane like a frightened turtle if he finds out Buffy's totem is a Dragon or Paladin,

And somehow I believe it’s a she – a woman knows these things, you see.”

BWAAHAA! A "Very Buffy" line there !!!!


I just love the lore you are weaving around Buffy, this is just plain AWESOME !!!!





This post has been edited by mALX: Oct 5 2016, 09:24 AM

[ghastley]

And mALX's reply leads me to conjecture a turtle totem - totally able to ignore the tiger until it goes away.

[Acadian]

Lopov- Thank you! I’m afraid that neither Buffy nor Vandrelis are very adept at courting. Both are hunters. Yup, the little butterfly that Buffy has finally named Dawn is (unknown to her), Azura.

hazmick- Between Buffy’s ineptitude with the mysteries of men and finding herself exposed to unfamiliar cultural aspects of her Bosmerness, a wise girlfriend in Violet is exactly what she needs. Thank you!

Grits- Thanks! I’ve always tried to balance long elven life spans with a slower fertility cycle. In this book we’re continuing that concept by incorporating conception & delivery challenges as well. It was The Real Barenziah books that made me realize there are indeed elven breeding constraints to help balance their life spans. Although the totem/fertility interface is uniquely Buffy Fiction and Bosmer-specific, I imagine the other types of mer deal with their own conception limitations. The night time girl talk with Violet was great fun to write!

Rider- Heh, when I studied up on earth horse fertility, it didn’t suit our purposes. . . so I did indeed take some liberties. Superian comes into ‘heat’ twice yearly like Buffy and, over time, horse and mare have gradually synchronized their cycles – another indication of their closeness. Regarding cats in Tamriel, I don’t see the presence of moon-born Alfiq and Senche Khajiit as precluding the existence of the stable cats and tigers that they resemble. I wanted Vandrelis’ totem to be one of the more formidable ones. Thank you!

SubRosa- Yes, let’s solve the mystery of Buffy’s totem today! As well as you know her, I don’t believe you will be surprised; however, I hope you will enjoy Buffy’s reaction. It will not be tepid.

Renee- Oooh, my little pony as a totem! Not a bad consideration, given what a horse-crazy elf she is! I’m so glad you got a chuckle when Buffy instinctively and uselessly nodded her answer into the dark. I try to ‘walk through’ most scenes and doing so uncovers some fun possibilities. Thank you!

DE- Vandrelis does indeed seem earnestly interested in Buffy as a mate. Not sure (well, okay, I am) where it will lead but I am pleased to see Buffy at least beginning to take an interest in men again. Thanks!

BretonBlood- Thank you. I rather think Vandrelis’ ‘What’s yer totem?’ question was legitimate. He did not know Buffy would be clueless about the significance. I figure he may have then felt awkward at the prospect of spelling it out for her. Thankfully, Violet filled in the gaps. Let the totem games begin!

mALX- I’m so glad you’re enjoying things, my friend! As odd as it sounds and as much as Buffy can confuse me, I can’t believe how much she's taught me about the nearly unfathomable workings of a woman’s mind.

ghastley- Turtle totem! That would work sort of like a powerful ward at the cost of mobility? Hee! Thanks!


Previously- When Violet wasn’t feeling well during the hunt celebration evening feast, she and Buffy went to their tent early, crawled into their furs and talked. Buffy shared her concerns and confusion over Vandrelis. When the subject of totems came up, Violet enlightened Buffy about their fertility implications, musing that Vandrelis was interested in Buffy as a mate. Violet agreed that the following morning she would ask the tribe’s elders for help determining Buffy’s totem. A midday divination ceremony was scheduled by the tribe's shaman.

* * *

Episode 16

When the tent flap closed behind Violet and I, all I could see inside the elders’ tent was the small central fire’s flickering glow. As my eyes adjusted, the cauldron above it became visible. Then the lighter colored portions of the furs and hides that lined the tent’s sides and carpeted most of its dirt floor. Finally, the faces of the aged one-eyed shaman and raven-haired medicine woman gradually grew into clarity. No other elders were in the tent.

“Welcome, child,” stated the shaman to me. “Violet has explained why it is that you do not know your totem and that you desire to learn it now. Do you wish her to stay for this divination?”

“I do,” was my sober reply.

“Very well. Let us talk first. Whether you know it or not,” he began, “you have a totem. If your mate is Bosmer, he will have one as well. If he is not of our kind, the Nirn Mother will provide him a totem that matches his nature. As for this ceremony to divine yours, it is much like the one I performed with you to learn the tree of your tribe. As such, I will once again, require a small sample of your blood to help focus the brew to our purpose. Do you have any questions before we begin?”

I thought of Savlian’s brave, noble nature and commanding presence. I also recalled that the day before we first shared intimate pleasures we had encountered a lion who stared into Savlian’s eyes then yielded to our passage. I now understood. Holding out my hand I replied, “I have no questions.”

Once again, the shaman swirled a few drops of my blood into his cauldron. Once again, I felt Acadian’s magic heal the resultant small wound to my hand. And once again, the shaman began softly chanting incantations over the simmering liquid until thin vapors began lazily swirling above it.

His voice gradually subsided. Both he and the medicine woman peered intently into the gently bubbling surface. After a few moments, one corner of his mouth lifted slightly and he appeared pleased. “I see a butterfly on blue wings.”

I was not overly surprised, and felt Violet squeeze my hand in encouragement.

The medicine woman added, “This is a good totem if you wish to bear childr-“

“Wait,” interrupted the shaman, his faint smile gone as he focused intently on the cauldron’s surface. “This. . . this cannot be. There is something else.”

Both elders stared into the cauldron for several moments before gravely raising their faces. The shaman whispered something into the pointed ear of the medicine woman, who slowly nodded in somber reply. Finally they looked at me. Did I see pity in the dark eyes of the medicine woman? The shaman’s face was inscrutable as he said, “Buffy, you have two totems. We have never seen such a thing.”

It was Violet who spoke next. “I do not wish to overstate my meager-“

“You are a Spirit Catcher, Violet,” encouraged the shaman. "You know more about Buffy’s tribe than all of us. Speak.”

“I was taught,” offered Violet, “that some of my tribe do indeed carry numerous spirits. Two totems, or even the spirit of an ancestor in the same elf was not unheard of. In fact that is the very basis for the tribe’s name.”

“What is my other totem?” I asked as insistently as I dared. “Another butterfly?” I added hopefully.

After an exchange of glances between shaman and medicine woman, it was the latter who answered. “I would not have thought this possible. Your second totem is one I have never seen before - a pale dragon. She is beautiful but . . . for a woman to have such a powerful totem does not bode well for conceiving children.”

Clinging to the only hope I could imagine, I asked, “Could it perhaps be the butterfly that determines my fertility?”

The pair of befuddled elders looked at each other, then to Violet who was sadly shaking her head. “When a Spirit Catcher has two totems, both will battle the totem of any prospective mate. Were it two butterflies, that would be fine, but a dragon. . . I’m sorry, dear cousin.”

I felt the tears well up then begin to spill. As I turned to stumble from the tent, I managed to say, “I-I’m sorry. I must be alone now.”

Superian lifted her head from grazing when she saw me approaching at a dead run. I leaped upon her bare back, wrapped my arms around her neck, buried my face into her mane and squeezed both knees against her sides.

The mighty mare’s response was instant and explosive. She flew through the camp as if shot from my bow, raced along the river, then thundered up onto the plains. Cresting one of the rolling hills, we finally slowed to a walk, and eventually stopped under the dappled shade of a large acacia tree.

I lifted my face toward the cloudless azure sky and screamed, “Acadian! I hate you!” I was then overcome by uncontrollable sobbing. When I was able to compose myself enough to continue, I promptly did so, “This is your fault! Phantom is your dragon; how could you do this to me?!? I’m confident that the power of Savlian’s totem matched his brave heart but even a lion cannot defeat a dragon. We never would have been able to have our own family.” My fury and tears spent for the moment, I hung my head.

After several moments of silence, Acadian finally replied, “I’m sorry, Buffy. I had no idea how complex Bosmeri fertility was.”

I couldn’t read the paladin’s thoughts – unless he wanted me to - but I could always feel his emotions, just as he could feel mine. His chagrin was as deep as my self-pity. “I know, my paladin. I just need someone to be angry at.”

“I feel your disappointment, my bowgirl. Vent as much anger and tears as you need; Superian and I are here for you. I do have some thoughts, but they can wait until you’re ready to hear them.”

I almost smiled. Acadian had learned – from me, I’m afraid - that when a woman is upset, we don’t need someone to try and ‘fix’ what is wrong. There is time for that later. What we need when full of anguish is a sympathetic ear and shoulder to cry on - someone to commiserate with.

I turned Superian and we slowly walked toward the village. I complained quite colorfully, and wallowed in my disappointment at length as both mare and paladin patiently listened. By the time we were halfway home, I was feeling a bit better. “Acadian, tell me your thoughts now.”

“You are wrong about the life that you and Savlian might have had in Kvatch. I can, in fact, tell you about your daughter if you wish.”

“What on Nirn do you mean, Acadian?”

“The child is an Imperial with emerald eyes and dark hair as wild as her spirit. She is apprenticed to a fine stable master and hopes to, within a few years, grow large bosoms – but not as large as Sigrid Firewalker’s.”

My heart melted. “Moria.”

“Yes,” said Acadian. “She adored you because you talked with her, not at her and treated her more like a young woman than a child. Her young age meant the two of you were of similar size; she absolutely glowed when you gifted her with one of your dresses - almost surely the first nice dress she ever had. And it was Savlian Matius who carried her, kicking and screaming with fear, to safety through the daedric fires in Kvatch that claimed her parents. Tell me again how, had Savlian lived, the two of you would not have had a family.”

“I believe you’re right, Acadian. I’m sure Savlian and I would have brought Moria from the chapel’s orphanage into our home. Thank you for reminding me that there’s more to having a family than just the womb of this selfish little wood elf.”

“That Phantom now dwells within Superian does not diminish the influence of her spirit upon you, Buffy – it simply enriches and strengthens your mare just as it has always strengthened you. Can you tell me now what life would be like without our dragon?”

His question chilled me. “Both Superian and I would have perished to the jagged river rocks at the bottom of a deep gorge. Phantom now infuses my mare with both the durability and lifespan of a dragon. I would never trade Superian - not even for the chance to give birth to my own baby elf.”

“Speaking of babies, what do you know about Bosmeri childbirth, Buffy?”

“It is much like that of other elves. We carry our young in the womb for two long years. Even when due, baby elves fight hard to stay curled up inside where it is safe and warm. Delivery can be lengthy, agonizing – even dangerous. It sounds terrifying. . . oh, you tricked me! Again.”

“I do not mean to make light of your legitimate concerns and disappointment, Buffy. . . ."

"I understand, Acadian. I know you are simply trying to help me adjust to my new. . . reality by reminding me of what I have to be thankful for. There are times when an elf might not want to conceive. Potions, spells and charms exist that can assist in that regard, but I shall never need concern myself with them.” I sighed. “Still. . . I wouldn’t have minded two butterflies.”

“I don’t believe you’d be pleased – or even survive - with that, Buffy, for it is clear to me that your totems combine to perfectly reflect the duality of your vulnerability and power. It is the butterfly who wisely whispers when it is time to disengage, flee or avoid a conflict you cannot win. But when you must fight, it is the courage of the dragon that helps you stand against and vanquish foes many times your size. Your body may be as fragile as a butterfly, but the resilient strength of your spirit matches that of our dragon.”

I rode in thoughtful silence for a few minutes before responding. “I love you, Acadian.”

“I love you more,” was the immediate reply.

My maelstrom of an afternoon that had swept me along through hope, crushing disappointment and unrestrained anger finally ended with the reminder that all I really needed was my precious dragon-mare and ancient paladin. And nothing on Nirn could ever wrest either from me.

[haute ecole rider]

Not surprised. Not disappointed. Anyone paying attention to this little elf's story could see the dichotomy coming from a thousand dragon lengths away.

Two totems indeed! Wonder how Vandrelis is going to take the news?

And how convenient! I can see it now ... "What's your totem?" (looks hero up and down) "Butterfly" (if he passes) or "Dragon" (if he fails)!

[BretonBlood]

I had a feeling that Buffy would have a totem that would beat out Vandrelis. And as haure ecole rider said, I wonder how he will take the news. He seems the type that he genuinely likes Buffy so he may be content with other means of having children like adoption.

I did not see it coming that Buffy would have 2 totems, let alone a Dragon and Butterfly, but both makes so much sense and you explained it very well with Acadian telling Buffy how the butterfly is like her physical body but the dragon is her spirit. Very well done.

[ghastley]

What, no turtle?

I was expecting a totem that lets her move on without getting too attached, or the story would stall here. And haven't we established that Violet's is an antelope? Perhaps she'll get noticed if she hangs out with Buffy, and gets some help.

[hazmick]

Ah poor Buffy, not quite what she wanted to hear. Fortunate that her paladin was, as ever, on hand to offer his wisdom. Of course there is more to a relationship than bearing children, so a relationship with Van the Merman is not out of the question. Looking forward to hearing what the elf himself has to say about it.

[Darkness Eternal]

How unfortunate for Buffy. I was just as surprised as the shamans and her when I found out she had two totems. But given her dual nature, her peaceful and serene manner and when behind the aim of a bow, her ferocity, it wasn't unexpected.

Buffy was upset as any woman would upon discovering that they are not fit and able to bear children. I completely understood her anger and bitterness but was also glad when she became gradually more calm. Acadian was right; sons and daughters. There is more to having a family. Makes me wonder about those unfortunate in Tamriel with parents who don't nescessarily behave as fathers and mothers. Acadian's wisdom shines great here. Buffy is fortunate to have him at all times.

I rode in thoughtful silence for a few minutes before responding. “I love you, Acadian.”

“I love you more,” was the immediate reply.

This was gold. Aww.

My maelstrom of an afternoon that had swept me along through hope, crushing disappointment and unrestrained anger finally ended with the reminder that all I really needed was my precious dragon-mare and ancient paladin. And nothing on Nirn could ever wrest either from me.

How awesome is this. I love it!

[SubRosa]

Buffy has a twilight butterfly totem? No surprise there!

I have no doubt what the second totem will be...

Indeed. A well written segment as Buffy grapples with the truth of her body and spirituality. I am loving the focus on that Bosmer world that you are giving this tale. It does so much more than Bethesda's bland offerings.

[mALX]

I have to mirror what SubRosa said above - both an expected answer to her Totem, and how amazingly well you are bringing a new Bosmer Lore to us!

A very beautiful and emotional episode as Buffy is able to realize the value of her makeup even while mourning the limitations of it. Awesome Write !!!

[Renee]

My gosh what an intense story. You two really have some 2-way communication going on. I don't have that with any of mine, and I'm not sure I'd want it. Wow, TWO years of labor, yikes. Makes sense though, since elves live longer.

I got a little confused about Moria though. She's Buffy's child? Oh wait, she's her adopted child?

This post has been edited by Renee: Oct 17 2016, 12:35 AM

[Lopov]

This one's touching, probably the most touching from the 2nd book so far. We have a saying that goes like "For every bad there's something good" so I guess that in a way applies to Buffy - she won't have children of her own but her paladin, her mare (and her fans) will always be there for her.

[Grits]

How beautiful that Savlian's totem is a lion.

Gosh, this episode was a work of art from start to finish. Buffy's emotions and Acadian's wisdom felt so true and familiar from everything that has gone before. I love that what you've shown us about Buffy's dual nature led us to her two totems. And of course the best part for me was the very end, when Buffy realized that the family of elf, dragon-mare, and paladin will not be separated.

[Acadian]

Rider- Thank you and I agree that breadcrumbs of Buffy’s butterfly/dragon dichotomy have been liberally sprinkled throughout her long fiction history.

BretonBlood- Thanks! We have always found the butterfly/dragon metaphor apropos for Buffy’s ‘glass cannon’ nature. Whereas Rider picked up on it from her years of support for Buffy’s fiction, I’m delighted that you – as a newer reader – found that our explanation during Buffy and Acadian’s discussion made it work for you and make sense.

ghastley- You are astute to suspect that tying Buffy down to a mate – as much as she might daydream about that – doesn’t really work well for an adventuring elf. I’m glad she realizes that her solace is the inseparable durability of Acadian and Superian.

hazmick- Thank you – a dragon totem is not what Buffy wanted to hear at all, despite Acadian’s logic. Today, we’ll learn Vandrelis’ reaction to the news.

DE- This was an emotional episode to write and I’m grateful that you mentioned a couple of what I consider to be significant passages.

SubRosa- As emotionally draining as the episode was to write, it was (in a way) fun both unleashing Buffy’s strong emotions and having some quite meaningful dialog between bowgirl and paladin. Thank you for your kind words on this important episode. I quite hoped long term readers would not be surprised by Buffy’s totems.

mALX- Thank you, dear friend. I know you enjoy Buffy episodes when she displays her strong emotions – and this past one certainly did that! I’m also glad that you are enjoying some of the Bosmer lore we are building.

Renee- Although many years spent with one character limits me in some ways, the up side is that Buffy truly does live in my heart – just as I live in hers, and our understanding of each other flows from that. I’m sorry that Moria’s identity was not clear. She was a young Imperial girl I created at the Kvatch encampment during Book 1. As mentioned, Savlian saved her from the daedric fires that claimed her parents and she quite stole Buffy’s heart. I’m glad you mentioned that it was not quite clear for you, as it teaches me that I should have probably expanded that section so that it not only reminded long term readers, but clarified enough for readers who joined us after Book 1. Thank you!

Lopov- This was indeed the most emotional episode of Book 2 from my perspective and I’m so grateful to hear that it touched you as well. I’d like to think that Acadian is a very comforting presence for Buffy that cannot be taken from her. I base that on the comfort that Buffy gives to me – that cannot be taken from me.

Grits- Thanks so much for recognizing so many of the key pieces of this important and emotionally draining episode. Your warm support is always so encouraging. That is especially comforting when Buffy and Acadian bare part of their soul for the reader.


Previously- Buffy discovered that she has two totems – apparently not unusual for an elf of the Spirit Catcher Tribe. She welcomed the news that one totem is a butterfly. Upon learning that her second totem is an ice dragon she did not deal well with the news. As she understands things, for a Bosmer to conceive, her totem(s) must be defeated by the totem of her prospective mate. And she can think of no totem capable of defeating hers. After a typhoon of anger, frustration and self-pity, she was willing to listen to some calm reasoning from Acadian.

* * *

Episode 17

When Superian and I finally returned to the Strid River Valley Tribe’s village, Violet was anxiously hopping from one foot to the other. Our hugs and tears, her chastisements and my apologies for causing her to worry about me filled several minutes before we settled down enough to actually talk.

“Who knows that I have a dragon as a totem?” I had visions of returning to whispers, pointed fingers and looks of pity. Or worse.

“I spoke with the shaman and medicine woman after you left the elders’ tent,” Violet replied. “A totem is a personal thing at best; in your case much more so. We all agreed that you would be the only one to share the nature of your totem – if, when and with whom you saw fit. You may rely on their discretion. And mine.”

I heaved a sigh of relief. “Thank you, dear cousin, for your clear thinking on my behalf while my emotions were banishing any rational thought from my head.”

“So what will you do?” she asked. “I mean about Vandrelis.”

I winced before replying. “I as much as confessed that I returned his interest yesterday, just that I wasn’t ready. He cares enough about me to ask my totem and I figure I owe him the truth.” I sighed again. “Vandrelis and I talked yesterday about him likely being the next chief and he said he looks forward to having a child that he can train to one day succeed him. I-I am sure he will no longer be interested in a. . . defective elf.”

“Buffy!” snapped Violet. “Don’t you dare berate yourself. It is a man’s responsibility to defeat your totem. If his is not up to the task, it is as much – nay, more – his problem than yours. If he considers you merely defective breeding stock, he does not deserve you. You are a beautiful elf and the forests are full of mer who would be lucky to have you whether their totem can defeat yours or not.”

She’s right, you know, silently opined Acadian.

I had to smile. “Thank you, Violet. I’m a lucky elf to have a cousin as caring as you. I know I’ll not sleep tonight if I am still fretting about this so I should tell Vandrelis now – before I lose my nerve.”

The sun was well on its westerly journey toward the Abecean Sea and my shadow was longer than my height when I found Vandrelis. He lowered the arrow he was fletching and smiled. “I haven’t seen you all day. Did you enjoy the feast last night?”

I returned his smile. “I did, even though I ate too much.” To emphasize my words, I patted my tummy – which only reminded me of my dragon-guarded womb and the reason I had sought out Vandrelis. “Will you walk with me?”

“Of course,” he replied.

Our small talk was pleasant as we headed down to the river and leisurely strolled along its bank. Vandrelis occasionally bent to grab a flat pebble and skip it across the water.

“I hope you’re not going to throw me in the river again today,” I teased.

He flashed me a beautiful grin. “I make no promises, Buffy. After all, it was just such a tactic yesterday that resulted in a kiss.”

Why did he have to be so damned handsome. . . and funny, noble, brave, comfortably fun to be with. . . . “About that kiss,” I began.

He raised both hands disarmingly. “You said yesterday you were not ready. Yet.”

“And I appreciate your patience with me, Vandrelis. I would, in fact, be untruthful if I said I do not harbor feelings for you. Remember when you asked my totem?”

“Of course,” he replied.

“I asked Violet about them last night and she told me their real significance. You know, between men and women.

“Buffy, it was not my intent to push you.”

“Violet was kind enough to consult the shaman and medicine woman on my behalf and, earlier today they conducted a ceremony in which I learned the answer.”

“Is your totem a prairie mammoth or grizzly bear?” He asked with a sparkle in his eye.

“It is neither of those,” I replied, “Why?”

“My totem is a tiger and those are the only two among the Nirn Mother’s children I know of that could likely defeat it. So, you see, should you continue to warm to my courtship the chances of us providing the tribe with a chief to follow me would be excellent.” He looked pleased.

“That’s important to you, isn’t it?” I asked, trying to hide my growing concern.

“Of course,” he replied. “An important task of being chief is training one’s successor. And the best source of a future tribal leader is from the loins of the current one.”

“And you believe that I would be a suitable breeding receptacle for the treasure of your loins?” What I had feared seemed to be playing out between us.

He stopped and faced me. “I admit it doesn’t sound very romantic when you put it that way. Is it so unusual for two mer to fall in love, become mated and hope for baby elves?”

“Of course not, if it truly happens in that order,” I said. “Otherwise, how could their love survive the possibility that baby elves might not grace their tent?”

Vandrelis scratched his head. “But you as much as admitted that my totem can defeat yours, so why is any of this a hindrance to our future?”

“I admitted no such thing.” I didn’t think Vandrelis could feel the gulf widening between us – but I could.

“I’m confused,” he said.

“My totem is not of the Nirn Mother, but a creature of the Sky Goddess.”

“What exactly is your totem? You are a formidable huntsmer. . . one of the Sky Goddess’ raptors?”

I took a deep breath. “It is a dragon. An ice dragon to be precise.”

His eyes opened wide. After many long seconds, his face then brightened and the sparkle ignited in his eyes again as he proclaimed, “Why you little vixen! You really had me beginning to worry. I suppose it serves me right after tossing you in the river yesterday.” He took my hand. “No, really, Buffy. Stop teasing. What is your totem?”

“I wasn’t teasing, Vandrelis.”

He studied my face for a time before slowly responding, “By the Mother of Nirn, there is truth in your eyes. A dragon? How is that even possible?”

“How it happened matters not.” I placed a hand on his cheek as a tear slid down mine. “Clearly, having a son or daughter to grace your tent and follow in your footsteps as likely chief is important to you. And I do not fault you for it. I have come to see how important this magnificent tribe is to you and how seriously you take the prospective mantle of its leadership. Indeed, you will make a superb chief. It is. . . j-just not I who will be at your side. Forgive me, dear Vandrelis, for not being what you need.”

We looked at each other for several seconds. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it. Finally, he slowly nodded once. We walked back to the village together in silence.

*

I was unable to eat anything that evening as I told Violet all about what had happened with Vandrelis. I cried that night. Violet must have heard me, for she crawled under my furs and drew up close behind me, pressing the front of her body against the skin of my back and rump so we were like two spoons nesting together. She said it was to help her cramps, but I knew her real reason was to comfort me. I pulled her arm around me and eventually drifted off to sleep.

[hazmick]

I really liked Violet in this chapter - She knows exactly what Buffy needs and when she needs it, even after knowing each other for such a short time.

Certainly a shock there for Van. He, and the tribe, have been so sure of his future position that he no doubt has everything all planned out. Would he change those plans to accommodate a dragon?

[mALX]

Aw, poor Buffy!

I was once again struck by how similar Violet is to Buffy in actions and wondered again if it was something unique to their tribe/heritage:

Violet was anxiously hopping from one foot to the other.

I've known Buffy to do this many times in the past (and also Bobg's "Angel.")

Awesome chapter! Now I wonder if he will turn his attentions to Violet; whose totem is easily eaten by tigers!

[ghastley]

I'm seeing a little more of his positioning himself as next chief, rather than genuine interest in Buffy as Buffy. She had demonstrated her prowess in the mammoth hunt, so he needed her to be part of his entourage, rather than a potential rival (or ally of a rival, if it's strictly patriarchal). And now that's unlikely.

I imagine he's now looking for ways to move her on in her quest, or ensure she doesn't become a distraction to his ambitions. Violet looks like a key part of either strategy, but how does she view him?

[haute ecole rider]

There is a saying among Morgan Horse breeders: the stallion is only as good as his dam.

It really emphasizes the fact that it's the quality of the mare,, not the stud, that determines the quality of the offspring.

It takes an extremely prepotent, high quality stallion to improve upon a mare. That's why stud owners are so picky about the mares their boys are bred to.

Whereas a quality mare bred to an average stud is still going to reproduce herself, and that is something I've seen with my own Rosehill.

So I kind of understand where Vandrelis is coming from. He is taking the long view, and of course he wants strong sons. And it takes a strong woman to bear strong sons.

I'm somewhat disappointed that he still didn't press his suit further - just because he's a tiger doesn't mean the tiger can't thaw an ice dragon. Think of it - if he succeeded, that would be one heck of a child (likely a daughter would have a better chance to be stronger than a son - my own prejudice speaking). So if that's how he sees things, perhaps it's best that Buffy move on.

But damn, he's quite the heartbreaker, isn't he?

[SubRosa]

A defective elf? Buffy, Buffy, Buffy... Don't you know it is Teresa's job to sell herself short, not yours?

Poor Vandry is in for an unpleasant surprise. There is more to Nirn and Aetherius than mammoths and bears...

Now poor Buffy. But I am not counting out Vandrelis yet. Not with theme music like this...

Besides, as Queen Gorgo of Sparta once said:
"Why are you Spartan women the only ones who can rule men?"
"Because we are also the only ones who give birth to men."

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Oct 22 2016, 09:04 PM

[Darkness Eternal]

How great that Violet and the others left the nature of Buffy's dragon and butterfly totem at their discretion. There is no need for everyone to hear about her personal problems. Buffy really shouldn't consider this as a defect. Violet had a point indeed. The man should worry about his abilities or lack thereof. It shouldn't be Buffy's concern.

The flirting between the two was so cute! I think they make a fine couple. But its up to Buffy and Vandrelis . . . and what else comes next to decide.

Buffy still struggles with the bad news, especially following her talk with Vandrelis. I do understand where he's coming from. Especially a hunter-warrior society that expects strong chiefs and hunters. This news did not come easy for him. I do hope the two will work this out.

I really do.