Buffy - Book 2, The Cloud Dancers of Valenwood Options

[mALX]

I had wondered if this was Kitsune's role in Buffy Lore, really glad to learn how Kitsune fits in the big picture of Buffy's life! And yeah, she feels more in her element in nature and traveling than locked down into town life.

I have always loved Buffy's use of magic for everyday things, but have to say that I didn't enjoy hearing about the killing of the bunny,

Wasn't there a children's song about picking up rabbits and bopping them on the head? Probably good Maxical was a vegitarian, lol. Urk.

Awesome Write !!!!

[Grits]

Episode 18, "Spirits are like love." Like I've told my children, love multiplies. (It's time that divides! ) I thought it was great that after some thought Buffy realized that her totems protected her future even though it cost her some immediate disappointment.

Aw, Buffy's warm rump has soothing properties. Now everyone's going to want a treatment. What a very well-timed and peaceful departure. After all, a good way to move on is to move on. How lovely to know that wherever Buffy wanders, she and Violet are connected through sisterly love and that trace of tree sap.

Episode 19, Snowberry blond! I love that Slayer is not for hunting rabbits. Buffy's interaction with her familiar over dinner was sweet and also exciting, for it showed some nice non-verbal communication between elf and fox. Then when Kitsune introduced herself to Buffy as she slept, it just got better! Buffy is traveling to the Tall Trees with a small, beautifully-eared tribe of her own. Oh, and somehow it tickled me that Kitsune offered Buffy a bite of her dead snake.

[Acadian]

hazmick- Hee, Buffy and the Long-Eared Gang! It did indeed feel good to be on the road again. Thank you!

ghastley- As ever, I appreciate your insight. Displaying how seamlessly magic flows through Buffy’s routine tasks was part of my intent.

Lopov- Buffy can’t conjure big storm atronachs but she’s pretty good at summoning mundane objects. Similarly, she can’t blow up buildings with fireballs or freeze enemies in their tracks, but can use destruction magic to cook, chill an ale or start a campfire.

Rider- I confess that part of our vixen selection was due to what we could cobble together as a follower in Skyrim. I’m delighted that the Fennic Fox in ESO suits Buffy just as wonderfully. Thank you!

SubRosa- Thank you. And coming up, we’ll begin to learn of what help the little fox can be to the little elf, big mare and old paladin.

BretonBlood- Thanks! Buffy’s ability to host spirits goes ever so far back – to when she first learned of the old paladin within her. That inspired us to develop the idea of her tribe being ‘Spirit Catchers’.

mALX- As ever, you know Buffy so well. She did indeed leisurely relish over every detail of her first night back on the road with her own little gang. She is most at home under the stars sleeping near her precious mare.

Grits- I figure the spooning helped Buffy's wounded heart more than Violet's semiannual cramps. I’ve been trying to figure out how to work in ‘snowberry blond’ for quite some time. Superian requires quite a bit of care and feeding; I’m glad Kitsune seems much more self-sustaining – even unobtrusive. Thank you!


Previously- Buffy, Acadian and Superian made good progress traveling south across the prairie as golden grasses and acacias finally yielded to deciduous forest. They were joined by a new member of Buffy’s small tribe – a vixen familiar named Kitsune.

* * *

Episode 20

By midmorning, our southerly trek had left the prairie behind. Open forest now surrounded us.

Loud grunting heralded the sudden charge of a giant boar, nearly half Superian’s size. Instinctively, we wheeled and my mare was thundering back the way we came before I remembered Kitsune. We circled just widely enough to remain clear of the slower boar and raced back in search of the vixen. Suddenly I felt her – as a spirit - within me. A moment later she materialized, curled up securely in the small space between my hips and the bone pommel of Superian’s saddle.

Relieved, I focused Superian’s speed and maneuvering on quickly exhausting the pursuing tusker. After a short time, the boar slowed to a walk and stopped, barely able to stand. I could hear its exhausted panting. “You’re lucky I’m not hunting large game today.” We resumed our southerly course as I taunted over my shoulder, “Big pig.”

Kitsune circled around my waist several times before deciding that she did indeed prefer the spot right in front of me instead of behind me in the saddle. “It’s nice to know that I can’t lose you,” I remarked. After a time, she leaped to the ground and resumed her easy lope alongside us.

By late afternoon, good luck carried the soft babble of a nearby spring to the long ears of my thirsty mare, Kitsune and I. As we slowly approached, bad luck carried the hoarse grumbling of trolls. We stopped as two of the monsters came into view next to a small spring-fed pool.

“My mare needs water,” I stated quietly. “I don’t suppose you’ll share?”

One troll thumped his chest as the other bounced aggressively up and down. Both increased the pitch of their threatening grunts.

“I didn’t think so.”

If I dismounted, I had several options involving magic and bow but surrendered speed, elevation and maneuverability. To retain the advantages of mounted archery meant foregoing my arsenal of spells. In either case I was unsure what Kitsune could bring to a fight. Choosing to remain in the saddle, I unshouldered Slayer and backed Superian up to gain the flexibility that more range provided.

My first arrow solidly staggered one of the beasts. His friend roared loudly and began the peculiar ambling charge of a troll. While Slayer helped draw my second arrow, Kitsune loudly yipped a challenge. To my surprise the troll instantly veered toward her instead of the much larger threat posed by a mounted archer! Trolls could never be accused of being the brightest arrows in the quiver, but even they weren’t that dumb. As an illusionist, I quickly recognized my own school of magic in play. Clearly, Kitsune’s yip was some form of targeted ‘taunt’ magic.

My second arrow finished the already wounded troll near the spring, allowing us to focus on just one foe. I began nocking a third arrow, with still no reason to maneuver my mare.

By now the remaining troll was upon Kitsune. His long arms swung repeatedly as the vixen nimbly danced narrowly clear. Just before my arrow slammed into him, he managed to connect, sending the small fox through the air. Simultaneously, I felt a small but sudden drop in my magicka. She landed on her feet and immediately charged right back across the troll’s frontage to retain his attention on her. Neither her appearance nor movement indicated she had taken damage from the troll’s solid hit that would have killed a normal fox. Her low stature made her easy to aim over and my next arrow killed the troll.

Slayer was still dispelling as I slipped to the ground and ran to my familiar. Bright eyes showing no signs of distress greeted me. Placing my hands upon her, Acadian provided the restoration magic for me to assess her condition and heal any injuries she might have. Her physical damage was limited to only the mildest of bruising – which Acadian and I quickly healed.

I stood, scratching my head. “So, you can taunt foes, causing them to target you instead of Superian and I. In return, it seems, a successful attack against you robs my magicka instead of your health. Our lives and spirits seem quite intertwined. Your warcries and agility allow me to safely bring my bow to bear. It’s also clear that, even as you defend me, I must kill our foes before their attacks against you overwhelm my arcane reserves and leave you vulnerable.”

I recalled that, during her dance with the troll, Kitsune had made no effort to bite – not that her small teeth could have damaged such foes. I shook my head in amazement as the full implications struck home. “You are all shield and no weapon, whereas. . . I am all weapon and no shield!”

Acadian recited Violet’s words to me again, “The familiar that finds you cares little for what you want, but knows exactly what you need.”

“So it would seem,” I replied. Kitsune tilted her head happily and waved a luxuriant tail, causing me to chuckle, then add, “And to top it off, my valiant vixen, you seem to relish your role. You are indeed what I need.”

For two more days, we traveled through the forest as the trees gradually grew denser and the underbrush thicker. As Kitsune and I grew more comfortable together, I learned that with a thought from me – or on her own whim - she would willingly retreat to within me. Similarly, she would exit the sanctuary my body provided and appear at my side whenever she chose or at my telepathic request. More and more I was beginning to understand what it meant to be a Spirit Catcher.

Another day of travel saw the forest transition to jungle. Ferns and creeping foliage covered the ground. All manner of tropical trees filled the air with vines, fronds, leaves and branches. The highest of these rose to a canopy that increasingly obscured the sky. Our progress slowed dramatically and I was grateful for three sets of perked long ears, listening for danger.

[hazmick]

An intense encounter, but nothing the gang can't handle - especially now that they have Kitsune the magplar Spirit Fox shielding them!

[Grits]

Beautiful description and demonstration of Kitsune's abilities and limitations. I love that Kitsune's shield-type magic draws from Buffy's magicka. Kitsune's taunts can keep a foe's aggression focused on her, but there is still a sense of urgency for Buffy to finish them off. Her familiar gives Buffy some time and space to do what she does best but doesn't do the job for her. I love the balance of power and vulnerability in Buffy's world.

Oh my gosh, I'm so excited to see Team Buffy enter the magnificent and dangerous jungle!!

[Darkness Eternal]

Hey Acadian I sent you a PM. You responded but I never did. Well just got settled and now I have more time to catch up on things.


Part Four:

Oh I so wanted to read more about the exciting chase between the pride of lions and Buffy and co. Upon meeting and coming across so many animals it was expected that she would cross her familiar. I am surprised and yet no so much that it turned out to be a fox. I remember Kitsune before in her adventures in her potpourri. Great to see how they met each other! Se'll make a fine companion. We've all grown on her already hehehe.

I said it before and I'll say it again. Buffy is to be admired. There is no great measure between life where she's considered; whether it be small game or a titanic-sized one, all creatures are worthy of respect and reverence. I like that about her.


Episode 20:

That was a close one. Whether it a prairie or forest, danger and threats always lurks. Fortunate for her she was able to oust the pork. If Trolls were any smarted, they'd allow her to pass on about to get some water. The only smart troll I know was the one who wrote that letter under a bridge before he drowned . . . and the grammar was atrocious, but anyway Buffy made small work of them.

Kitsune had me amused from start to finish. She's the epitome of cute. There is a fine contrast there and ability that she has . . . quite useful for Buffy and Superian. This was a fantastic way to learn about her powers of luring and distraction as she balances Buffy. It all comes to full circle in the lessons we've learned about familiars and Acadian's words of wisdom.

Welcome to the jungle . . . Fun and games?

Great write Acadian!

[mALX]

I remember (years ago now) when you were first discovering Kitsune's role in combat and her perfect size for Buffy to shoot over her and not hit her! This is such a more detailed explanation, very cool lore you are creating here!!!

My favorite line has already been brought out, but deserves a second quoting:

It’s also clear that, even as you defend me, I must kill our foes before their attacks against you overwhelm my arcane reserves and leave you vulnerable.”

I recalled that, during her dance with the troll, Kitsune had made no effort to bite – not that her small teeth could have damaged such foes. I shook my head in amazement as the full implications struck home. “You are all shield and no weapon, whereas. . . I am all weapon and no shield!”

Awesome Write !!!

[ghastley]

Everybody else has already noted the same point. Your best ally complements your abilities, rather than matching them.

And the landscape continues to change. Are we there yet?

[SubRosa]

It is nice to know that Buffy cannot lose Kitsune. One of the nice things about being a spirit, is not being tied to any particular atoms.

I don't think the trolls are going to share that water either! Time for the bow I think.

being the brightest arrows in the quiver
I smiled at this wonderfully appropriate analogy.

Tying Kitsune's physical form to Buffy's magicka was a very clever turn of world-building. It also ties in so perfectly with Buffy's heritage as a Spirit Catcher

[Renee]

His friend roared loudly and began the peculiar ambling charge of a troll

You describe trolls so perfectly here!

This is deep too...

Acadian recited Violet’s words to me again, “The familiar that finds you cares little for what you want, but knows exactly what you need.”

That was fun reading about some Buffy in action.

[BretonBlood]

Nice chapter Acadian. I love the way you incorporated Kitsune in this chapter with how when she is attacked it affects Buffy's magicka, I thought that was very genius.

Kitsune is very cute, you can just picture her actions perfectly and it makes you kind of laugh at a tiny little fox taking on a troll and acting fierce. She is the perfect match for Buffy, as you said, she is all shield and no weapon, or you might say all bark and no bite... and Buffy is the opposite so they are perfect for each other.

[Lopov]

Kitsune is just the cutest possible shield.

Very vivid description of trolls thumping their chests and bouncing as they spotted a possible prey.

[Acadian]

hazmick- Aww, thanks! Glad you enjoyed meeting Kitsune.

Grits- Buffy is used to the interdependence of symbiant/host due to her long association with Acadian. It just seemed natural that Buffy and Kistune (just like Buffy and Superian also) must depend on each other to survive. I so hope you enjoy our foray into the jungle. Though it was written before I touched ESO, it is not as dissimilar as I feared it might be.

DE- Thanks for drawing out the importance/reverence that Buffy affords the prey that she needs to sustain herself – be it mammoth or rabbit. I’m also glad you’re enjoying Kitsune. We designed her to be low maintenance – unlike the ever-present care/feeding considerations that Superian demands.

mALX- Thank you. I’m delighted that Kitsune has become a ‘keeper’. Though her role evolves somewhat, she has a place in Skyrim, our fiction and even ESO.

ghastley- I do enjoy the similarities and contrasts between the little elf and her vixen. Are we there yet? Yup, coming right up!

SubRosa- Thank you. As I mentioned to Grits, Superian is a high-maintenance girl to the point of driving Buffy’s decisions/choices. I wanted Kitsune to be pretty care-free. I do like how elf and fox are bound together in their own way – different but similar to Buffy-Acadian and Buffy-Superian.

Renee- Gosh, I’m so glad the troll charge came across as TES-accurate. Thanks also for your kind words about how we described familiars.

BretonBlood- Thank you. I wanted Buffy and Kitsune to be interdependent. That the vixen uses Buffy’s magicka for 'reactive shielding' seemed perfect to help establish that.

Lopov- So glad you enjoyed meeting Kitsune and the troll fight! Thanks!


Previously- As Buffy continued south into woodlands, it was a battle with two trolls where Kitsune showcased her value. The vixen familar used illusion to distract foes, along with agility to avoid most hits and the ability to tap Buffy’s magicka as a damage-absorbing shield when necessary. As the group continued south, deciduous forest transitioned to increasingly dense jungle.

* * *

Episode 21

As the jungle continued to thicken, it eventually and completely hamstrung my large mare’s life-saving speed and maneuverability. I gave up trying to ride at all.

With Superian following closely, stealth – my normal ally on foot - was useless. The thick undergrowth reduced our visibility, stealing away the advantage of my keen vision and powerful bow’s range. Every few steps, I had to pulse my detection spell to verify the immediate area was free of predators. Even Kitsune’s ability to nimbly dance clear of foes was hampered by the dense flora. Encounters in the jungle with larger carnivores such as wolves, panthers and even durzogs, required the vixen to distract them while my magicka absorbed damage meant for her and I fired Slayer from nearly point blank range. All manner of small creeping, crawling and slithering threats concealed themselves beneath the thorny undergrowth. Sleep was out of the question, so I had to rely on my spells to stave off fatigue. The trees were getting taller though – at least I assumed so based on how expansive some of their girths had become. The canopy screened their upper branches from view.

After a day and a half of this, we paused near the base of the widest tree trunk I had yet seen. Too much time relying on spells instead of sleep was taking its toll as I leaned unsteadily against Superian. “I don’t think I can go on, Acadian.” Tears began to spill. “I-I’m even beginning to question my ability to get us back out of here.”

“Whatever choice you make is fine, Buffy,” replied the paladin, “but you’re too exhausted to either continue or retreat right now. You desperately need sleep before making such a decision.”

“Everything down here wants to eat us!” I cried in exhausted desperation.

“You must get above the dangers of the jungle floor and up into the branches of one of these big trees. There you can sleep.”

“I will not abandon my mare down here while I seek safety above. And we’ve already determined that Kitsune will not separate herself from me to guard Superian.”

“Then you will carry Superian up into the trees with you.”

“Acadian, I’m so tired. . . you don’t even want to hear what I think you just said.”

“You heard correctly, Buffy. Do not underestimate the dragon within your mare. Just as Phantom turned from spirit to join with Superian, I believe that, if I use our Call of Corsair power, she can return to spirit form, bringing the mare with her and back by my side – safely within you.”

Astonishment at the prospect pushed only some of my fatigue aside. I recalled learning the Call of Corsair ability from the ghost of King Rislav the Righteous in Skingrad and had used it many times to teleport Superian to me. “I’m so exhausted, my paladin, that I don’t trust myself to think this through. . . Superian’s tack, my supplies, how we return her to horse form and, I’m sure other questions that elude me. . . . All I know is that I trust you. Tell me what I must do to recover from the mess I’ve led us into.”

“Cast your stamina spell one more time, Buffy, then follow my instructions. By the time it wears off, I hope we will have you up where you can safely rest."

After I cast my spell, Acadian directed my actions as I moved some dried mammoth strips from Superian’s saddlebags into my mage satchel and strapped two waterskins to myself. “What about her tack and the rest of our supplies?”

“Anything cinched or strapped to her will travel with your mare. I know you are exhausted, Buffy. It will not be long now before you can sleep. Just place your hands on Superian when you are ready to receive her spirit.”

I did so. “I’m ready, my paladin.”

“Ven Sah Liz,” he said, “return to me. I need you.”

Acadian’s simple words still hung in the air as his magic traveled through my hands into the mare. Superian’s form began to fade into swirling vapors that gradually engulfed both she and I. I could feel her twin spirit joining with mine. Then the vapors, mare, tack – all of it was gone.

“She is safely with me, Buffy. Climb this tree before your stamina spell wears off.”

I scrambled aloft, so tired that it only vaguely registered when Kitsune took sanctuary within me. Continuing up a ways, I stopped when I came to a promisingly wide fork in the branches. I sat and took a long pull from a waterskin, then tried to get comfortable.

Acadian said, “Sleep here, Buffy. You were conceived in the treetops of this land. Trust to the ancient instincts within you. You will not fall.”

“Thank you, Acadian, I’ll try to get some . . . .“ exhaustion claimed me before I could even finish my sentence.

I awoke slowly with a luxuriant stretch before I remembered where I was. Sure enough, I had slept well – and not fallen. “Good morning, my paladin. How long. . . ?”

“It is midday. You went to sleep early yesterday afternoon.”

I stretched again and tested my limbs. “I guess I needed every bit of it. I’m not even as sore I would have thought.” I giggled. “I guess I really am a tree elf after all.”

“I’m glad your head is clear,” he replied. “Might I make a suggestion?”

“Please do,” I urged.

“If you climb this tree high enough to get above the canopy, you should be able to get a better perspective on things to help you decide our course.”

“Good idea,” I said, but my stomach insistently rumbled its dissent. I sat in the tree’s fork to chew down a couple smoked mammoth strips and chase them with a pull from one of my waterskins. I then quietly burped and started my climb.

My upper body strength was poor but being light of light weight meant little was required. It was also not lost on me that slender branches that would never hold a Nord or Imperial easily supported my ascent without even bending. I now fully appreciated why elves of the Cloud Dancer tribes had light, almost birdlike bones. Fragile yes, but well-suited for the trees.

The shadows of the jungle brightened as I climbed. When I finally got above the canopy and my eyes adjusted to the explosion of sunshine and clear sky, I looked to the south out over an endless sea of emerald treetops. Piercing the canopy were numerous taller trees. Of these, a handful rose impossibly high. I stared in disbelief. “Acadian, look at that! Surely an elf in their high branches could kiss Masser and Secunda as they passed by those towering giants at night!”

“Buffy, do you think some of those trees host elves?”

“I imagine they do.” I heaved a sigh. “Do you think we should try to continue or turn back?”

“Superian is safe,” he began. “I expect that food, water and places to rest are plentiful up here if you know where to look. I think that if you trust your elven ingenuity and tribal instincts, either course is well within your grasp.”

“Our grasp,” I corrected. Pointing south toward the tallest tree I could see, I declared, “We’re going that way.”

This post has been edited by Acadian: Nov 30 2016, 01:59 AM

[mALX]

Your description of what Buffy was feeling in the beginning of this chapter is the overwhelming feeling that hits me every single time I enter Grahtwood; where I'm sure she is at this moment in her story. And she didn't mention the jungle noises, but your description was vivid enough that I could hear them!

Awesome write, you really brought the feeling of being there out so well! And I'll bet she is headed toward Elden Root now!

What I love about this is that = all this was written before you even picked up the ESO game and played it, so your imagination was so spot on for what is actually in that region!!!!!

Totally Awesome Write !!!


Two Nits:

Encounters in the jungle with larger carnivores such as wolves, panthers and even durzogs, required the vixen to distract them while while my magicka absorbed damage meant for her and I fired Slayer from nearly point blank range.

Missed an edit here.

“If you climb this tree high enough to get above the canopy, you should be able get a better perspective on things to help you decide our course.”

should be able to get a better perspective?







This post has been edited by mALX: Nov 18 2016, 04:46 PM

[Grits]

“Everything down here wants to eat us!” I cried in exhausted desperation.

Perfect. I love how the needs of surviving the jungle drove Buffy naturally up into the trees. Without Violet as a tour guide Buffy will discover the answers within herself, before she sees or hears from other tree-dwelling elves (if she eventually does) how they thrive in their environment. What a marvelous journey!

[haute ecole rider]

I have yet to visit the Dominion lands in ESO. So I am relying on Buffy's story to draw a picture of the jungles of Valenwood for us.

What I noticed in this chapter are several instances where Buffy is adapting her lifestyle/daily routines to the quirks of gameplay not just in Skyrim, but also in ESO. Most notably, what happens to the mounts when you dismount them. Also I am glad to see Buffy starting to adapt her hunting style to shorter range encounters, characteristic of ESO combat. If you wrote all this before picking up the game as mALX said, I'm pretty impressed! It is impressive that every sentence in this segment foreshadows the adjustments Buffy the perennial avatar has had to make moving from Oblivion to Skyrim and on to ESO.

Wonderful!

[Lopov]

I imagine it wasn't easy for Buffy as she ventured into thick jungle. Not only she couldn't ride her mare any longer but her vision was obscured by thick growth. So checking the surroundings / exploring the place from heights sounds like a good alternative. Paladin is right - sometimes a good night's sleep is all you need and problems present at night, are only a dim memory in the morning.

[hazmick]

It's interesting to see a Bosmer struggling in the forest, where the natives thrive. Buffy has much to learn about being a woodsy wood elf, it seems.

[ghastley]

As hazmick points out, she's having to adapt to wood elf country. Riding a horse is something they wouldn't do, it seems.

I've always pictured them travelling between the trees above ground, so I'm curious to see how she proceeds from here. Will she find an aerial roadway?

[Darkness Eternal]

The jungle terrain is just as dangerous and unpredictable as the creatures that dwell there, and Buffy is through a whole different level of stress when it comes to traversing these lands. It can be unsettling for a young explorer like herself in such a giant jungle. I've never ventured in Valenwood but I have seen and heard of plenty of other adventurers in ESO that have been there. How overwhelming it must have been for her.

Her selfless spirit comes out well here. She's so thoughtful of Superian. Once again Acadian comes to the aid of our dear Mystic Archer, and gives valuable advice not only to aid Buffy but her mare.

At least she got some deserved rest here.

“Acadian, look at that! Surely an elf in their high branches could kiss Massur and Secunda as they passed by those towering giants at night!”

Nit(Or perhaps not): Massur here should be "Masser." I don't know if that was intentional, and was meant to portray the way Buffy says it.

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: Nov 19 2016, 06:32 PM