Buffy - Book 2, The Cloud Dancers of Valenwood Options

[BretonBlood]

Hmmm... while I think Vandrelis's intentions are good, like he does care about Buffy, his reaction here makes me think he cares more about the tribe and providing the tribe with an heir that can be his successor.

I feel bad for Buffy, but maybe Vandrelis will come around... we can hope as they would make quite the pair.

[Lopov]

Vandrelis' first reaction was expected, on one hand he has feelings for Buffy, on the other hand he now can't imagine their future together, at least not as he predicted it. Despite Buffy definitely being in a difficult position, Vandrelis is also not in an easy one - as a future tribe leader, he's expected to follow the tribe rituals and as such, have successors of his own.

What I liked about this chapter the most was that Buffy immediately knew Vandrelis of her totem. She didn't think about it too long, nor she decided to keep it a secret (and possibly leave), instead she openly said it to Vandrelis. That takes some courage and wisdom.

[Renee]

Aw jeez, poor Buffy! She's having such a rough time!

[Grits]

Defective?! DEFECTIVE?!? A gazillion times nope!

Violet was adorable and so much like Buffy in her mannerisms, loving care, and worries for others. Their kinship would be apparent even if she was somehow tall and green. How wonderful that the two cousins have found each other.

Poor Van, he is so used to the comfortable knowledge that his totem could gobble up the guardian of any fertile ground that he wished to seed. If he's talking about loins, he's already in love. I think he showed tremendous character in his moment of shock and disappointment. In the same vein, Buffy showed her beautifully courageous inner self when she told him the difficult truth and made herself vulnerable to whatever reaction he might have. The two of them laid a solid foundation of respect and affection for whatever connection they might carry into the future, even if it doesn't include little tiger-dragons.

I imagine that Vandrelis also had a melancholy night. After all, if he wanted any of the local lasses who were interested in him, he would already have one at his side. He knows what is most important to him and did not try to hide that from Buffy, but I still think he has some thinking to do.

[Acadian]

hazmick- You are very right – Violet is a gem and Buffy is fortunate she is there. Thank you!

mALX- Thank you so much for mentioning how Violet was hopping from one foot to the other – it was absolutely a tribute to bobg’s little Angel. Buffy and Violet carry sap from the same tree – and it shows in both their manner and appearance. I don’t believe Violet will be interested in the mer who rejected her dear cousin.

ghastley- A strong woman could certainly challenge Vandrelis for chief as it is not patriarchal in that regard like orc strongholds. While I think Vandrelis is foolish to pass up the possible opportunity to win Buffy’s heart, I do admire that he never misled her and was completely open and honest in what he sought. The fallout I see between Buffy and Vandrelis will be awkwardness, not competition – and I expect Buffy’s wanderlust will soon resolve that.

Rider- What neat insights into the breeding significance of mare over stallion! Vandrelis’ strength and fatal flaw is that he is ruled by reason. As I’m sure you recall, Savlian Matius’ strength and fatal flaw was that he was ruled by passion – and bore the battlescars to prove it. Yet, that is why Buffy – also ruled by passion - loved Savlian and could never love Vandrelis. That said, Vandrelis will no doubt make a fine chief, subordinating his own needs to those of his tribe.

SubRosa- Heh, your comment about Teresa did bring a faint smile. At least Buffy didn’t do Teresa’s signature chew on her bottom lip. Yes, Vandrelis’ loss, as Violet will point out today. Buffy didn’t take the totem news well of course, but she is an adaptable survivor. She’ll rapidly adjust to what we already knew was a perfect set of totems for her. Thank you!

DE- Thank you. Violet is both wise and perceptive – Buffy’s lucky to have her. Vandrelis certainly knows what he wants and I admire his directness. Unfortunately, what he wants Buffy cannot provide. Regardless, I am pleased that Buffy discovered this earlier rather than later.

BretonBlood- I think you are absolutely right. In Vandrelis’ mind, his tribe will always come first. In Buffy’s mind, one’s mate should always come first. Not gonna work I’m afraid.

Lopov- It was Buffy’s dragon totem that revealed Vandrelis’ priorities. If her totem had only been a butterfly, she never would have learned where his real priorities are. Although she doesn’t really appreciate it, her dragon totem has helped protect her once again.

Renee- Yes, Buffy is having a rough time. A dragon is a hard totem to live with. As you know, her first mate (Savlian Matius) died. And she can’t really get off the ground with Vandrelis it seems.

Grits- I’m so pleased you had the same overreaction to Buffy calling herself defective that Violet had! While the two cousins differ in some ways, I intentionally tried to have their similarities come through strongly. I think I understand Vandrelis’ decision based upon his sense of duty and belief that his tribe’s needs come first. That said, I’ve no doubt he will someday kick himself for letting Buffy get away.


Previously- Buffy and Vandrelis talked about totems. She knew how devoted he was to his role as the tribe’s future chief, and his words confirmed that he felt producing an heir to succeed him was an important part of a chief’s duties. When she finally confessed that her totem was a dragon, she spared him from making a choice she did not want to hear by making it clear that she was not what he needed in a mate.

* * *

Episode 18

Early the following morning, I slipped out of the women’s tent and made my way toward Superian. I saw the mare moving her head, as if tracking a target. As I got closer, I could see what she was watching. “Good morning, Dawn,” I said to the twilight butterfly as I conjured Superian’s hoof pick and went to work inspecting her massive hoofs.

“For what it’s worth,” said Acadian, “I agree with much of what your cousin told you. I’m sorry that things with Vandrelis did not work out, but you conducted yourself honorably and with kindness.”

“Thank you, Acadian. I know Savlian wanted me to move on – and I am trying. My totems are not easy to live with but I realize now it is they who showed my why Vandrelis is not right for me.”

“Buffy, I am glad that, even now, you are not afraid to open your heart to the possibility of finding love again - someday.”

“My paladin, I believe it is time to move on from this valley.” I had also moved on to the next step in Superian’s grooming regimen. “My mare and I both grow restless from being in one place too long.” As if to emphasize my words, Superian pawed the ground and snorted her approval. “Do you remember Violet’s offer to try and teach me the magic through which she gained her familiar?”

“I do,” he replied, “and I fully endorse anything that can help make our travels safer. That said, however, I feel your unease. What troubles you, my elf?”

“I already have the spirits of a paladin and butterfly within me. If I understand correctly, aspects of Phantom linger strongly as well. I mean, I’m only a small mer. . . how many spirits can I hold?”

After a moment, the paladin replied, “Spirits are like love.”

I scratched my head. “What do you mean?”

“When you fell in love with your precious mare, did you love your old archery master any less?”

“Of course not,” I said.

“And did your love for Savlian Matius diminish the love for your friend, Sir Mazoga?”

“No. . . and that I love my University mentor, Boderi Farano, does not mean I love you any less either. I think I see now. Spirits require no physical space. After all, how else could a creature like Phantom have ever dwelled inside me?”

“Exactly,” he replied, “and are you not a Spirit Catcher, after all?”

“Thank you, Acadian. It’s a decision I didn’t want to make without you and I feel better about it now.” I continued to work on Superian for several more minutes before adding, “I’ll speak with Violet this morning.”

I heard a giggle behind me. “You sure talk to your horse a lot.”

I turned. “Good morning, cousin. Are you feeling better today?”

She nodded. “My cramps are easing somewhat. Pressing my tummy against your warm rump during the night helped. Thank you.”

“I thank you as well, for your closeness helped ease my tears.” I dispelled the conjured brush in my hand and began combing my fingers through Superian’s mane in search of tangles. “I’ve come to think of you more as a sister than cousin, and I thank Azura that I found you.”

“I feel the same way, Buffy.”

I took a deep breath. “That is why it is hard for me to say the time has come for me to move on. I wish to see the Tall Trees for myself.”

Violet winced. “I was afraid of that. I can imagine it must feel somewhat awkward here after you and Vandrelis. . . well, you know. Part of me wants to go with you but, unlike you, I am a nester, not a wanderer. This river and the prairie it travels through are my home now. How can I help you prepare for the journey?”

“Do you remember what you told me about familiars?”

Her eyes lit up. “Of course! During your time here, we have indeed grown as close as sisters and I’m confident that we are able to fully share our magicks now.” She looked around. “We’re alone here. How about we try right now?”

Finished with my mare, I chirped, “That sounds great!”

With Violet’s hands on my cheeks and mine on hers, our spirits intertwined easily and the magic freely flowed between us. After a time, it was Violet who let the bond fade. She opened her eyes. “Well?”

“I do feel the presence of a new spell, but I am unsure of its school.”

“I don’t think they teach forest magic in Cyrodiil, Buffy,” she teased. “Remember, a familiar is not a summon – you cannot dispel it. Once it finds you, it will soon learn to make its home within you where it will come and go as it sees fit. Many familiars know some magic, but each is unique. They are quite independent, but uncanny in their ability to be responsive to your needs. Now are you sure about this?”

I nodded and filled my fist with this unusual forest magic. After releasing the spell, I looked around expectantly. Seeing no familiar, I asked, “Did I do it right?”

Violet nodded with a smile. “I told you that your familiar is not a summon. Even during your initial encounter, he or she will find you at a time and place of their choosing, not yours. It is not uncommon for your familiar to observe you for several days before making their presence known to you. You should just go on about your business now until your familiar finds you.”

I returned Violet’s smile. “Then I will be patient. Will you help me prepare for my journey?”

“If I say no, somehow I know you will still leave. So, of course I’ll help. When do plan to leave?”

“Sunrise the morrow,” I replied.

“Then we have much to do. Let’s get started.” With that, she grabbed my hand and led me back up toward the center of camp.

It was a busy day indeed. I notified the elders of my intentions, profoundly thanking them for the tribe’s hospitality. I was gifted with a generous supply of bergamot oil and steel arrowheads. Violet explained that both would prove more valuable than gold or gem as forms of currency within the central deep forests and jungles that hosted the Tall Trees. My provisions grew to include a pouch each of wild oats and smoked mammoth strips, along with two additional waterskins.

Perhaps most significant was a gift from the tribe’s leather artisan. He presented Superian with a custom fitted saddle crafted from the very mammoth I had helped hunt and bring home to the tribe. The main portion of it was of pelt, but its pommel and cantle were crafted of bone. It was fitted with leather saddlebags and numerous fittings for attaching plenty of cargo. I welcomed the ability to carry more. While my mage satchel was indeed enchanted to hold more than its appearance suggested, its capacity was not unlimited and the more I put into it the harder it became to readily retrieve things I needed in a hurry.

I slept rather well that night, comfortably anxious to get Superian and I traveling again.

It was too early even for Dawn, my mysterious twilight butterfly friend, when I put Superian under bridle and saddle. Violet and I kept a circle of magelight active as we loaded the mare’s saddlebags.

No sooner had we finished than Vandrelis appeared out of the predawn darkness. “I wanted to say goodbye, Buffy.”

Violet complained, “Oh, imp chips! I forgot that silver ring I wanted you to have, Buffy.” She continued over her shoulder as she trotted back toward the tent, “I’ll be back in just a few minutes.”

I smiled at Violet’s perceptive courtesy for I knew she had no rings, silver or otherwise. I then turned to Vandrelis. “Thank you for coming. I was unsure if I would see you.”

He looked awkwardly at the magically-illuminated ground. “I just wanted you to know that I’m sorry things did not work out for us. You will always be welcome in my valley.”

“Thank you, brave huntsmer.” I rose up on my toes and kissed him on the cheek. “Cool waters and golden grasses to you.”

He smiled. “No longer do you speak like a Cyrodiil, fellow huntsmer. May gentle breezes carry the scent of your prey.” He turned and disappeared into the darkness.

Violet, by contrast, advertised her approach with a candlelight spell twinkling above her head.

I answered the question in her eyes. “Vandrelis is not angry with me and said I will always be welcome here.”

“I’ve no doubt he will lead this tribe well. . . but he is a fool for letting you go, Buffy. Be that as it may, I do expect you to come back and visit me.”

I nodded. “You are the only blood family I have, cou-“ I stopped myself. “I mean, sister.”

She smiled, we hugged, and tears that carried a trace of sap from the same tree mingled.

As the eastern sky began to brighten I mounted Superian and, with a final brief clasp of our hands, I left Violet and the Strid River Valley Tribe behind.

~ End of Part 3 ~

[hazmick]

A perfect time to depart. Buffy has learned a lot from her time with the tribe, and I'm excited to see where she'll go next. The open road awaits!

[ghastley]

I'm surprised that Superian hasn't learned that Candlelight spell, so she can tell Buffy when it's time for her grooming.

[haute ecole rider]

Ahhhh. Such a satisfying little chapter here!

I really have nothing to say, except that this left me with a faint smile on my lips (yes, I'm "borrowing" from Sage Rose!) and a warm feeling on the cockles of my heart.

Yup, time to leave, indeed . . .

[Lopov]

As others have said, time to leave has come.

No big fuss about saying goodbye, that's for the best, besides Buffy will probably visit the tribe again, now that she has a sister there.

I really liked the part as Violet pretended to forget the ring.

Dawn might not be there when Buffy was departing but it will welcome her soon as skies begin to brighten.

[SubRosa]

I see Superian has even noticed the regular visits by the twilight butterfly. Dawn is such a great name for it.

“Spirits are like love.”
Now that almost brought a tear to this Witch's eye.

and I thank Azura that I found you.
A very prescient choice of spiritual figures, considering who is fluttering around on twilight wings.

Don't forget the imp chips Violet!

Time to move on. That was a lovely sojurn in the Strid River Valley. But I look forward to the land of the tall trees.

[Darkness Eternal]

Initially I was somehow convinced Buffy and Vandrelis where going to be together but thanks to the totems we were able to see that this is not the case. They were never meant to be. Buffy's strength not only comes from her bow . . . Acadian has been nothing but helpful and wise to her ever since the beginning. The advice he gives are great, and the support he offers cannot be measured.

We are just as prepared to join Buffy in her next adventure. Steel arrowheads and some provisions were the kind gifts from the elders and the tribe . . . and I stand in agreement with Violet regarding the worth of the arrows compared to gems or coin.

“My paladin, I believe it is time to move on from this valley. My mare and I both grow restless from being in one place too long.”

Trust me I know how that feels. Buffy's on the right path here

Oh, imp chips!

Heh. She must have learned this from her sister, Buffy


A great and happy farewell, and a wonderful conclusion to this story arc as we learned much from Buffy and her heritage. This was one of the best you hae written, Acadian!

[BretonBlood]

It's good to see Buffy moving on after she learned so much about herself and her tribe. It's time to move on and continue. Hopefully she gets to see Violet again... although I get the feeling that Violet and Vandrelis will end up together and that could make things interesting.

[mALX]

Even had it not been for their totems not matching up; Buffy has always been a roamer, she can't stay in one spot long. It took her a LONG time of fretting over Matias before deciding that (for him she could bring herself to stay in one spot, because he belonged to his town and it wouldn't be fair to expect him to leave it and travel with Buffy).

So I kind of expected this to be a passing thing, and Buffy's tears were for her future of not having a child; not for her future not having Vandrelis in it = that was very telling.

No, she was not ready yet, but it was a good sign that she was able to feel interest again. What she needs would be someone who is an Adventurer such as herself (that hasn't taken an arrow to the knee) who can travel with her or she with him; not someone who would try to tie her to a town or have to uproot to follow her.

I am anxious to see the familiar, and wonder if this is Kitsune's entrance, lol.

I am absolutely LOVING Buffy's unique lore in this story !!!!! Awesome Write !!!

[Acadian]

hazmick- Thank you! It seemed like a natural time for Buffy’s wanderlust to conveniently preclude any awkwardness of staying.

ghastley- While Superian can’t cast spells, she is certainly the horse of a mage, who patiently cooperates with Buffy’s spells - even serving as guinea pic on occasion. In time, she will become more magical herself.

Rider- Aww, thanks for your kind words. Buffy’s story is and has always been primarily about feelings and how Buffy deals with them. I guess they say character-driven rather than plot-driven.

Lopov- Thank you for noting how we tried to ‘show’ how perceptively thoughtful Violet is when she ran off to fetch a nonexistent ring to provide Buffy and Vandrelis a private moment. Yes, little Dawn will show up again.

SubRosa- Thank you. I’ve long looked forward to addressing how such a tiny elf can hold so many spirits! I do think imp chips was one of your inventions but Buffy has used it for so long that part of my intent was to show how alike the two cousins are – even in their quirky cursing.

DE- Gosh, thank you so much! Even though it wasn’t all foresty, I loved developing and writing this past section of the book, so heavily influenced by prairie dwellers and ancient tribal ways.

BretonBlood- Thank you! I too am looking forward to Buffy’s travel into the dense jungles of central Valenwood.

mALX- Your assessments and comments are so very spot on. No surprise, given how well you know Buffy. Buffy can indeed love deeply enough to settle down for the right man. But. . . the right man would know that she needs to wander/adventure and not ask her to settle down. . . . We’ll introduce her familiar in this very next episode. Thanks, my friend.


Note- Now at about two thirds through the book and ready to begin its fourth (and final) part, I thought this might be a good time to review things and look ahead. Our Prelude featured a cloudtop meeting among the Nirn Mother, Sky Goddess and Mistress of Twilight. Part One saw the spirit of Phantom emerge to briefly take flight, thereby fulfilling the dragon’s small role in resolving the coming Oblivion Crisis. Part Two delivered a magnificent conjurable bow to Buffy. Part Three lingered in the Strid River valley and plains as Buffy learned much about Bosmer culture. Part Four will see Buffy travel deep into central Valenwood in search of the massive Tall Trees that spawned her.

In our previous episode- Buffy learned and cast a new ‘Find Familiar’ spell but understands that her familiar will find her at a time of its choosing – not hers. Realizing that Vandrelis was not right for her, Buffy’s wanderlust quickly resurfaced. After preparations, heartfelt thanks and some tearful goodbyes, Buffy, Superian and Acadian left the Strid River Valley Tribe.

~ Part 4 – In Search of the Tall Trees ~

* * *

Episode 19

We made good time heading south over the prairie. Despite considering myself a forest elf, I had quite grown to appreciate the rolling hills, golden grasses, wide open vistas and magnificent herds of grazing animals. The open terrain well-suited the speed, maneuverability and elevated shooting perch that Superian afforded me.

We had little trouble outrunning and exhausting a pride of hungry lions that gave us chase. The several individual grizzly bears we encountered gave plenty of noisy warning to remain clear of them – advice we readily heeded. The majestic prairie mammoths paid little heed to us as long as we navigated a respectful distance around them. A lone wolf actually skirted around us, yielding to my mighty mare. So too did numerous coyotes that seemed rather common on the plains.

One fox caught my attention, however. The animal was smaller than a coyote - with a tail that rivaled the rest of its body in size. That it had been paralleling us I took initially as coincidence or perhaps curiosity. After a time, however, I grew suspicious and turned Superian from our southerly course for a few minutes, then resumed our intended track. Sure enough the fox shadowed our movements.

I drew Superian to a stop and, after scanning for danger all the way around us, turned my attention to the fox. It stood no more than a half dozen horse lengths from us now and returned my gaze. The animal’s coat was mostly a mottled snowberry blond and buckskin in color. Its throat, chest, belly and the tip of its tail were white. “Are you my familiar?” I asked.

The animal cocked its head inconclusively.

I dismounted and slowly approached. “I’m Buffy.” Feeling a bit vulnerable more than a few steps from the speed of my mare out here in the open prairie, I backed up until my long ears could once again easily hear Superian’s breathing. I was pleased that the fox not only followed, but continued right up to me after I stopped. I took to one knee and extended a hand.

I could now tell the fox was a vixen as her nose drank the scent from my hand. “My mare’s name is Superian.” There was little doubt in my mind that this small animal was indeed my familiar and she was clearly unafraid of my mare and I. “Oh, and there’s an old paladin who travels within me that you may hear from as well.” I stood and absently twisted an errant strand of blond hair in my fingers as I pondered exactly what kind of help a small vixen could offer Superian and I. “What do you think, Acadian?”

“Firstly, greetings, fox,” he began. “Buffy, do you remember Violet’s words about what kind of familiar you might get?”

I nodded then recited, “The familiar that finds you cares little for what you want, but knows exactly what you need.”

“Perhaps she will show you when she’s ready,” he offered.

“Or maybe she’s still trying to figure out what I need,” I replied.

While Acadian and I were talking, she had moved past me and now stood directly in front of Superian. As the vixen craned her neck, Superian lowered her head until the two touched noses. The sight melted my heart and Superian’s clear endorsement of this new member to my own little tribe filled me with confidence.

“Time to get moving again,” I announced. “Hopefully we can find another water source before dark.” I mounted Superian and we continued south. I was pleased that the vixen had no trouble easily loping along at Superian’s walking pace.

The prairie gradually yielded to an increasing number of green trees. Sure enough, we soon came upon a small stream. Our progress across the plains had been superb but I noted the shadows were now long and the sun hung low above the Abecean Sea. "We'll camp here for the night."

I didn’t have to stalk on foot very far to locate a rabbit. Slayer was a magnificent bow, but ill-suited for small game – unless I wanted to spend the rest of the evening collecting rabbit parts from the prairie. Rather, emerald magic swirled from my fingertips with its characteristic lack of haste to close the dozen horse lengths between us and paralyze my small quarry. A telekinesis spell then delivered the animal to my hand. Conjuring an elven hunting knife, I used the blade’s handle to lightly thump my still immobilized prey on the back of its fragile skull to instantly kill it. I paused to thank the small creature for its bounty and wish its spirit a speedy return to the plains. My dinner-to-be was no mammoth, but it deserved my full measure of reverent gratitude.

I gathered enough readily available dead branches to last the night and, after laying a campfire, my hand flamed it to life. As the rabbit roasted, I stripped off Superian’s tack and groomed her.

Cool water and fresh rabbit under the stars made me glad to be traveling again. I offered the vixen some of my dinner. She declined. She offered me some of the snake she had caught for herself. I declined. Superian had a whole prairie to graze from, so my bigger concern for her was ensuring the mare’s significant water needs - and camping by this small stream would take care of that for the evening at least.

After dinner I cleaned my teeth using the bamboo and boar bristle toothbrush that Daenlin had fletched for me long ago. A small doeskin pouch carried my toothcleaning powder - a finely ground mixture of iris flowers, mint leaves, salt and glow dust that Ardaline of the Bravil Mages Guild had taught me to make.

I then dropped my clothes and stepped into the stream. Although not deep enough to swim in, I splashed around enough to remove the day’s worth of prairie dust. After drying off with a conjured towel, I built up my fire to help deter predators.

Finally, I curled up in a wolf pelt that Violet had given me, relying on the keen ears and noses of mare and fox to keep watch through the night.

The vixen’s spirit visited mine while I slept. I learned her name and that she was skilled with both illusion and alteration. When I opened my eyes to the dying embers of my fire and slight glow from the eastern horizon, her face was inches from mine. Dark eyes stared intently at me as soft breath tickled my nose. Ears that rivaled mine and Superian’s in size swiveled and perked in search of threatening sounds. “Good morning, Kitsune.”

My twilight butterfly guardian, Dawn, visited us for a time as I broke camp, topped up my waterskins and saddled Superian. Once astride my mare, we continued south.

[hazmick]

Aaaah that's the stuff. Some good ol' wilderness wandering to make Buffy feel more...Buffy-ish. We also meet the new member of the group - Cute? check. Friendly? Check. Long ears? Check. Welcome to the gang!

[ghastley]

I like the way magic is an everyday thing in Buffy's world. Not just talking to Kitsume, but Paralysis/Telekensis for rabbit-hunting, and summoned towels.

[Lopov]

Summoned towel for the win! If this was ever mentioned before, I must have missed it.

Warm welcome to Kitsune! Those warm, dark eyes of her might be just what Buffy needs.

[haute ecole rider]

Aaaand Here's Kitsune! How wonderful that we get to see how she and Buffy meet!

Familiar, indeed! She is perfect for our little Bravilian Blond Bosmeri Bowgirl!

[SubRosa]

What the fox said! It is nice to finally learn the story of how Buffy found her fox companion.

[BretonBlood]

So we have found out what Buffy's familiar is, very nice. I like how Buffy's spirit can connect with the familiar in her sleep, almost as if she is going to the spirit world to talk with her familiar. I can't wait to see how Kitsune helps out Buffy in the future.