Buffy - Book 2, The Cloud Dancers of Valenwood Options

[BretonBlood]

A nifty ability being able to "absorb" Superian back inside of her body as a spirit since Buffy is a Spirit Catcher. I thought that was a very cool ability you added in since it only makes sense because Phantom is part of Superian now and Phantom is linked to Acadian who is inside of Buffy.

I too think these giant trees host elves, and I can't wait to see them, and Buffy's reaction to them.

[Kazaera]

I'm really enjoying this journey of exploration and growth Buffy is on, especially since it's in lands we don't usually see. The lore surrounding Valenwood and the Bosmer is excellent, and it's great to see Buffy get in touch with her roots. Maybe she won't feel quite so self-conscious about her ears from now on.

The failed relationship with Vandrelis was excellently done, showing us Buffy beginning to move beyond her grief even though this particular elf wasn't right for her. And I cheered on Violet when she told Buffy in no uncertain terms that the strength of her totems was not Buffy's problem and not something to be ashamed of!

Kitsune is a very fitting addition to Buffy's companions, and excellently complements her strengths and weaknesses. I'm interested to see more of her!

Overall, the thing I love most about this story is the feeling of Buffy growing, moving on, and healing. New magical abilities, new relationships (both friendship and otherwise), new goals, new lands to explore - it's beautiful to see the grieving elf we left recover and become more.

[SubRosa]

It is starting to get crowded inside Buffy's head! Seriously though, it is great to see her living up to her Spirit Catcher ancestry. In her first Book we saw Buffy grow into the person she could be. In this one I think we are seeing her grow into the person she was always meant to be.

[Renee]

Nice to see your wood elf actually frolicking upon the trees.

[Acadian]

mALX- Thank you for your kind words about the ‘feel’ of the jungle. Your comments reminded me that I overlooked the important contributions that smell and sound could have made – I’m glad you mentioned it so I can try to incorporate more of that. Thanks also for pointing out those nits so I could quickly fix ‘em!

Grits- Thanks! The early part of that episode was designed for the Cyrodiil-raised Spirit Catcher to get her little butt kicked by the jungle - forcing her to figure out how to survive. In this next episode we’ll try to continue to show how her tenacity and the instincts of her tribe help her adapt.

Rider- Thank you! While I’m trying hard to make the area Buffy is currently in feel very much like a thick jungle, I wouldn’t rely on it for a picture of ESO Grahtwood. There are many differences since this was all written before I picked up ESO and my purpose here is to focus on our fic-picture of the Cloud Dancers’ Tall Trees. In our games, we’ve always been able to summon/unsummon Superian. Necessity here in the jungle finally allowed us to begin to develop that in Buffy fic.

Lopov- You are right that the jungle was a harsh eye-opener for Buffy. It was gratifying to use the old paladin when helping to ease her path.

hazmick- Raised in Cyrodiil, Buffy starts at a disadvantage in this inhospitable land. I imagine young Spirit Catchers like Violet learned how to swing from vines at a tender age. The sap of her tree that runs in Buffy’s veins, along with the instincts of her tribe (and a bit of help from Acadian) will help her quickly adapt.

ghastley- Superian will continue to be a big challenge in these lands that are not well-suited to horses. Perhaps enough to preclude Buffy from being happy here. Very astute about traveling aloft – stay tuned!

DE- Thanks for noting the stress that Buffy found herself under – as well as her nurturing refusal to leave her mare. Superian always has and always will be a big factor in the choices Buffy makes. Thanks for pointing out that nit – fixed!

BretonBlood- Thank you! Things are beginning to tie together. Spirit Catcher, Dragon-mare, ‘summoning/unsummoning’ mares and familiars. We’ll get to meet some Cloud Dancer elves very soon!

Kazaera- So glad you’re enjoying Buffy’s journey! You nailed the purpose of the failed Vandrelis relationship – to show that Buffy is indeed trying hard to move on. And I agree that Violet was so wonderfully supportive. Glad you enjoyed meeting Kitsune as well. Thank you!

SubRosa- Hee! Getting crowded inside the little elf is exactly the inspiration behind the nature of Buffy’s tribe. Thank you as ever, my friend.

Renee- Yes! With a bit of help from Acadian, she is just beginning to realize the instincts that lie buried within. Thank you!


Previously- The jungle conspired to fight Buffy’s southerly progress - and seemed to be winning. With the exhausted elf in tears and doubting her ability to either continue or retreat, Acadian offered a startling suggestion. Using Buffy’s Call of Corsair power, Acadian caused Superian to transform into the spirit of Phantom and teleport to his side - within Buffy. The Spirit Catcher then scrambled up a tree to escape the jungle floor’s hazards. Aloft, she was able to rest before continuing her climb. Once above the canopy, she spied several of the Tall Trees rising impossibly high into the sky. Rested and inspired, she vowed to continue on to them.

* * *

Episode 22

Lowering myself from the tree’s loftiest branches was no easier than climbing up, but my confidence was growing. By the time I descended to where the canopy really fanned out, I headed south instead of down.

With some careful creeping and a few slightly precarious leaps, I gradually learned how to move aloft through the jungle. I began to appreciate that, with more practice, this was likely the best way for Bosmer to move through trees so thick that their branches intertwined. When I encountered gaps that I could not safely leap, sometimes I was able to navigate around them. Other times I pulled myself across along one of many vines that wove and dangled among the trees. In a couple instances, I actually swung on a vine from one tree to get to the next. While crossing such gaps, I realized that I was actually several hundred feet above the jungle’s floor. I schooled myself not to become reckless. Although there was a reasonable chance I could catch another branch during a fall, failure to do so would likely prove fatal.

Each evening I would seek a suitable place in the trees to sleep. I was particularly grateful for my lofty perch when, one night, I was awakened by the sound of a big cat making a kill far below. I began to learn which of the jungle’s myriad sounds and smells meant danger and which did not.

Each dawn I would resume my progress south, not taking the time to hunt small simians or colorful birds that shared the high branches with me. I easily augmented my diet of dried mammoth strips by robbing eggs from the nests of birds and gathering several varieties of fruits growing aloft. I even found giant cone-shaped leaves and natural depressions in some of the wider branches that hosted fresh rainwater to fill my skins. Buckskins found their way into my mage satchel, allowing the frequent rains to cleanse my skin.

Over several days, thoughts of civilization faded away in this primeval place. Even the Strid River Valley Tribe’s tent village seemed. . . urban in comparison.

One morning, a glimpse of sudden movement at eye level in the distance froze me in place. I pulsed the air briefly to divine a glow. Its blue color meant the target was likely not hostile. The elf was crouched on a branch several trees away. Silver hair and a bow on his back was about all I could make out. He cautiously faded back into the leafier branches of the tree. I released another small burst of magic, confirming his life force was now out of my range.

I recalled hearing that elves of the Cloud Dancer tribes generally had light colored hair. This sighting probably meant that I was approaching, or perhaps already within their tribal areas. I was encouraged by the fact that he had chosen not to attack me.

Resuming my southerly progress, I noted the trees gradually grew less densely intertwined. Glimpses of the ground became more frequent and revealed the flora covering it was beginning to resemble forest floor more than jungle.

As the distance between trees continued to increase, traveling their network of branches eventually became impossible. Fortunately, the ground far below was appearing more and more hospitable. Cautiously, I began the long descent.

When my bare feet finally found the ground after so many days in the trees, the feeling of loam beneath them seemed a bit foreign. I was pleased when I felt Kitsune’s long tail brush against the skin of my calf. The reminders of my nakedness prompted me back into my buckskins. The soil was not wet like the jungle floor and there were more rocks with less greenery covering the ground. Although the trees remained massive in size – many of their trunks several horse lengths across – they did not grow closely together. I concluded that I now stood on ground much higher than the jungle I had traveled in for several days.

Realizing that this place was open enough to support my mare, I announced, “Acadian, I want Superian.”

“You already know how to bring her to you - from anywhere.”

I understood. The Call of Corsair that I had learned so long ago from the ghost of King Rislav the Righteous in Skingrad would do exactly what Acadian said. I had been able to refine and streamline the procedures through use and practice. I no longer needed my map or even a lock of Superian’s hair. The ability was second nature to us now. I closed my eyes and focused on my mare. Given that her spirit was inside me, it took mine but a moment to join with hers. “Superian, I need you.”

Again, because there was no distance between us, the response was almost instant as her spirit - combined with Phantom’s - gently escaped their elven confines into a swirling cloud of white magic. Soon the light faded, leaving my precious mare standing before me, equipped with all her tack. I then frowned. “Acadian, how many days have we kept this poor mare under saddle, ungroomed and denied of food and water?”

“Be at ease, Buffy. Though Superian controls the dragon-mare in physical form, it is Phantom who dominates when they are as spirit. As such, she perceives time and the needs you mentioned as a dragon does; the difference between a year and an hour is negligible to Phantom.”

I fiercely hugged Superian’s neck as she softly nickered while nuzzling me.

“Don’t move.”

I disobediently filled both hands with magic and turned to face the ominous low voice.

“Lower your hands if you wish to live,” said the same voice.

I was staring at the business end of a drawn bow in the hands of a Bosmer with pale green hair, some ten paces or so from me.

To emphasize his words I heard a woman’s voice from above. “You are outmatched here, sister. Do as you’re told.”

I slowly looked up to see the golden mane of another Bosmer, backlit through the branches by the sun above her. She also had a nocked arrow pointed at me.

I gulped. Kitsune’s hackles were raised as the vixen held her ground, alertly ready to respond to my actions. I lowered my hands, allowing their magic to fade. “I mean no trespass, but seek permission to visit the Tall Trees.”

The she-elf hopped from her branch, some fifty or more feet above me. Instantly a white aura surrounded her as she floated to the ground, bow still drawn and pointed at me. No sooner had she lightly touched down than the magic allowing her to survive such a descent faded. She stepped to the side, ensuring her fellow elf had a clear shot at me if necessary and shouldered her bow. “Stand still,” she commanded. Producing a small candle, she lit it with a fingertip and held it up to study my face. I was mystified. While the forest was shaded, it was hardly dark enough to require a candle. After a moment she announced to her partner, “This elf is not a Bonsamu.”

My mind raced over the countless Mystic Archives volumes I had read until I found the obscure word in my memory. Bonsamu were Valenwood vampires, capable of daywalking and uniquely indistinguishable from other Bosmer unless viewed by candlelight.

The green-haired mer shouldered his bow. “Forgive our precautions. What few Bonsamu exist have been driven into these deep and isolated high forests. “I am Ghaeleg. My mate is Cirwen.”

“I am called Buffy. My mare is Superian and my familiar is Kitsune.”

[Lopov]

Buffy is becoming quite a Jungle Elf!

But she's definitely not a Bonsamu! Now it pays off that she read the Immortal Blood.

“I am called Buffy. My mare is Superian and my familiar is Kitsune.”

...and my paladin is Acadian. Oh hey, Buffy forgot to introduce you.

[hazmick]

Quite the introduction for two new characters. I'm guessing things are about to get a touch more interesting for Buffy, it's not everyone who would take such precautions as these two.

[Renee]

Good, I am glad she didn't just get pwned by those two at the end. Lordy. That musta been scary for her. Then again, maybe not. Another day in the life of the Buffster.

[SubRosa]

Buffy is Tarzanning her way through trees! It probably is the safer way to go, since most predators live on the forest floor.

I love that the Cloud Dancers have cloud colored hair.

Bonsamu? That sounds ominous. Why do I think Buffy is going to learn a lot more about Bonsamu than is written of in the University Archives?

[Darkness Eternal]

Laptop broke. Had this piece of junk fixed. It won't be long before it falls apart again haha.


Oh my. The dangerous and scary legends of Valenwood are here. You know since you introduced Valenwood this part of always wondered if Buffy was going to come across the nosferatu native to these jungles. Since Buffy has her nice reputation of Slayer. This intrigues me

Who truly are these two? Vampire hunters? And will Buffy go on collecting some vamp dust? The candle light fact came straight from Immortal Blood! Haha, I love it!

[ghastley]

Thanks, DE. I knew that piece was familiar, and I couldn't remember the source.

I liked the use of slowfall, or whatever the spell was. It adds to the "you're not in Cyrodiil any more" vibe.

[mALX]

Boy do I wish Misa could swing through the trees that way and stay clear of the horrible jungle in Grahtwood! I hate going through that place, it chills my bones to hear those beast roars echoing because you can never tell how close or far away they are the way the sound comes through the trees and brush! And the dampness of the place is tangible, and not in a good way, lol.

That said, it freaked me out to hear how high up Buffy was in those trees! Holy Cow! Would not like that at all either, lol.

Absolutely LOVE how long you were able to make it feel that she was traveling; but managed to say it in such a small few sentences - that is a gift !!!!

Also loved this meeting between possible people of her own clan! I can't wait to hear what they think of this little Elf that is obviously a part of their own lineage!

Awesome Write !!!

[BretonBlood]

As Darkness Eternal said, I love the Bonsamu, and the candle light trick, it is straight out of Immortal Blood, one of my favorite books in TES.

I enjoyed how Buffy's innate instincts have kicked in as she traversed the trees. And who are these two new Elves? Are they vampire hunters? Part of the tribe Buffy is seeking out? Perhaps both? I hope we learn more and Buffy can learn things from them as well.

[Grits]

I love how Buffy's slim little body that has a difficult time in crowds of heavier folk lets her move so naturally through the trees. A very exciting introduction to Ghaeleg and Cirwen. Bonsamu trouble? I think they are going to be glad to meet Buffy! Outstanding, I am in absolute thrall to this story.

[Acadian]

Lopov- Thanks. Buffy has always had what could be described as a photographic memory when it comes to books – very handy for a mage!

hazmick- Thank you! The Bonsamu mention was primarily a vehicle to justify why they might be suspicious of a new Bosmer in the area.

Renee- Hee! Oh, Buffy was indeed scared. Somewhere between uncontrollably spraying spells and peeing herself.

SubRosa- I couldn’t quite resist the Tarzan stuff but at least I kept it to a minimum.

DE- For some reason, it really stuck in my memory about the Bonsamu and needing candles to distinguish them. They won’t play much more of a role in our story – one encounter/fight with one later.

ghastley- Thanks for your comment on that ‘feather fall’ spell. Though I think the effect can be found in Morrowind and D&D, I did want it to provide a bit of an exotic feel here and it certainly seems like an important ability for tree elves.

mALX- You are right about the height hazards of life up in the trees. As we’re beginning to see, a feather fall ability is how the Cloud Dancers help avoid fatal accidents. Thanks so much for your kind words regarding how we tried to show the passage of some time as Buffy traveled.

BretonBlood- I loved working with Buffy’s instincts and deeply buried racial memories to help her adapt quickly to life aloft in the trees. Thank you!

Grits- Thank you so much for your warm encouragement and support. Although there will be a single Bonsamu encounter later, the mention here was mostly just a vehicle to help display quite a bit about the pair of Cloud Dancers Buffy just met.


Previously- Buffy quickly adapted to traveling through the treetops and made good progress south. As the jungle transitioned to ancient forest, she made her way to the ground, recovered Superian from spirit form within and was promptly confronted by a pair of Cloud Dancer elves. After some tense moments, they accepted that Buffy was not a threat and introduced themselves as Ghaeleg and Cirwen.

* * *

Episode 23

“Why do you seek the Tall Trees?” asked Cirwen. I could see now that her freely flowing golden hair framed a face just beginning to show the lines of age. Her eyes were the color of mine and she was scantily clad in hides with a pair of doeskin moccasins, laced up to her knees. Her small stature and lithe build resembled my own, and her only visible weapon was a bow.

“I am a Spirit Catcher. After Alderglean was destroyed, I was carried in my mother’s womb to Cyrodiil. I was orphaned by the age of twelve and only recently learned all this. I wish to visit the land of my tribe to better understand who I am.”

“Her words have the ring of truth,” remarked Ghaeleg. Not much taller than I, this mer was compact and sinewy - carrying notably more muscle than I or Cirwen. Pale green hair that matched his eye color spilled over both shoulders. Greaves and moccasins of buckskin covered his lower body. His bare chest - like that of most Bosmeri men – was hairless. Ghaeleg's age appeared close to that of his mate. An elven blade rode against his back, secured by the same harness that held his bow and quiver. “She speaks like a Cyrodiil, but does indeed have the look of a fellow Cloud Dancer.”

“I agree,” said Cirwen. “Buffy, you are welcome here. As you may know, all elves spawned in the massive graht oaks of central Valenwood comprise a loosely-linked clan referred to as Cloud Dancers. Each tribe within the clan lives in its own tree. This area of the forest hosts the Tall Tree Lichenostra which is home to our tribe, the Sun Chasers. Though you’re free to go as you wish, you are clearly not familiar with this part of Valenwood. Do you need help?”

I finally breathed a sigh of relief. “Very much so. I have goods to offer if you would consider guiding me.”

The two mer exchanged skeptical glances. Ghaeleg asked, “What goods do you have? We’ve no use for the gold or gems that Cyrodiils barter with.”

“I carry two score of steel arrowheads and half a dozen vials of bergamot oil.” I then added hopefully, “I humbly pledge all of it to you for your assistance.”

Cirwen replied. “Your offer is generous – and accepted. We would be honored to guide you, and you may keep your goods until we reach Lichenostra. It is less than half a day’s journey from here.”

I conjured Slayer, mounted Superian and the two elves turned to lead the way. Apparently content to let the pair of mer guard her mistress, Kitsune teleported to her spot between my lap and the pommel of Superian’s saddle.

After a short time, I asked, “Do either of you recall Aldergleam and the Spirit Catchers before the tree and tribe were destroyed?”

“That was a couple decades ago,” replied Ghaeleg. “As I recall, there were few survivors and none of your tribe sought refuge from the Sun Chasers. That does not surprise me, for there are several other tribes whose trees are closer to where Aldergleam once grew than ours. This forest is so large that it takes several days to travel between them. Since you have never seen one of the graht-oak that the various Cloud Dancer tribes call home, nothing can prepare you for the sight.” He chuckled. “I look forward to seeing your reaction when you first gaze upon Lichenostra.”

With a raised fist, Cirwen stopped us. Her bow slid into her hand as we all quietly listened. A slight rustle from the lower branches of a tree ahead preceded the descent of a spider so large as to leave no doubt that its diet included Bosmer.

I reached for Slayer and an arrow but before I could fully draw, an arrow from each of my escorts killed the creature just as it reached the ground.

“That’s quite the bow you have there,” remarked Ghaeleg.

“I’m sorry I was not faster with it,” I replied, clearly embarrassed.

He chuckled in a manner that put me at ease before adding, “Its size and design are more suggestive of damage and range than speed.”

“You know your bows,” I confirmed appreciatively with a nod.

“We’re used to these spiders,” said Cirwen. “They use the lower branches to wait in ambush for ground dwellers.”

I joined the elves on the ground as we recovered their arrows and harvested both silk and venom from the spider. Once the unpleasant task was complete, I remounted and we continued.

The trees didn’t grow densely here, but they were getting larger. Heavily leafed high branches blocked most of the sun. The ground was drier here and supported but sparse undergrowth. The haunting calls of unfamiliar creatures echoed eerily through the dim forest, interwoven with the more comforting songs and squabbles of brightly colored birds not seen in Cyrodiil. Curiosity coaxed several small tree-dwelling simians close to the ground as their huge brown eyes monitored our passing.

It was Ghaeleg’s raised hand that brought us to a stop this time. Slowly approaching was . . . well, it had the body of a horse but the torso of a man grew from its shoulders. “A centaur,” said Ghaeleg quietly. “We’re not currently at war with them. Let us see what this one wants.”

We held our position, without drawn weapons. The centaur approached to within six horse lengths and stopped. His right hand held a spear vertically that appeared to be twice my height. He presently thumped the end of it against the ground then, with his empty hand, pointed at Superian.

“He wants your mare in exchange for passage,” translated Cirwen.

“Why on Nirn would he want. . . .” It was then I noticed the centaur’s stallion bits were clearly aroused. Slayer filled my hand and I nocked – but did not yet draw – an arrow.

Ghaeleg said, “I take it your answer is no.”

“I cannot ask you to risk your lives for my horse, but he will have to kill me to take her. If you want to melt into the trees, I will not blame you. I’m not sure Superian can outrun him but between my bow and familiar, I am confident he will be challenged to defeat me.”

The two elves briefly exchanged glances and almost imperceptible nods before Cirwen said, “We will stand with you, Buffy. With a united front, this monster may back off. They fanned out on each side of me and drew their bows. Kitsune leaped to the ground as well, taking a protective position directly in front of Superian.

I locked eyes with the centaur and resolutely shook my head.

For several long moments, I held my breath as he seemed to assess the determined threats arrayed before him. Finally, he broke my gaze, turned and walked back into the forest. I slowly exhaled and shouldered Slayer. It was then that my hands started to shake.

“By the Mother of Nirn!” said Ghaeleg. “Those monsters are fast and strong. You would have taken him on by yourself?”

“I know it may seem silly to some,” I said, “but this mare has risked her life to save mine countless times. I will do no less for her.”

“Not silly,” remarked Cirwen. “Still, you acted more like a mother grizzly than a small wood elf in protecting your horse.”

I felt my face and long ears flush as I sheepishly replied, “You’re not the first to say so.”

“You made a good choice, Buffy,” said Ghaeleg. “Centaurs are quite rare. They may go many years before encountering a chance to mate. I expect he would have sated his lust with your mare before killing and eating her.”

I shuddered, then leaned forward and patted the neck of my precious mare. Although I was learning not to underestimate the role of Phantom’s spirit within Superian, I was not interested in finding out whether the centaur would have eaten her or been surprised to find himself rendered into dragon food.

[hazmick]

An intense encounter. Having a horse in Valenwood almost seems more trouble than it's worth! Hopefully poor Superian can find a nice, comfy stable soon.

[Darkness Eternal]

I've noticed that in Hammerfell and Elsweyr people value water, and in Valenwood tools and items are traded and worth something. For some reason it made me think of Cyrodiil and how they value trinkets, coin and material wealth . . . nice touch.


Woah! That was quite a confrontation. Nasty arachnid! The descriptions you provide here are amazing. You bring Valenwood and its denizens to life! Good work!

“I cannot ask you to risk your lives for my horse, but he will have to kill me to take her.

Woo! She'll defend Superian with her nails if she has too! And this wasn't the first time either.

"They may go many years before encountering a chance to mate. I expect he would have sated his lust with your mare before killing and eating her.”

Superian attracting the hunks. Haha.

[SubRosa]

Valenwood has Huntsman Spiders!

Centaurs, how neat. Or is it a Satyr! Thankfully a unified front made it think twice. He will never know how lucky was to avoid becoming a dragon snack!

[Lopov]

I could swear that I already wrote a reply to the latest update via my mobile phone a few days ago but now that I re-checked the thread, it's obvious it failed to "arrive".

An intense encounter with a centaur indeed! You portrayed Buffy's "ready for anything to defend her mare" stance very vividly, I can imagine her watching the centaur, the look in her eyes firm and strict. Buffy is kind but when she has to defense herself or her dearest, she shares the name with her bow.

[ghastley]

So what prompted you to add centaurs? We haven't seen those since Daggerfall.

Still, liked the heavy-hitting/fast bow discussion, and the whole "defend my whole team" thing. Hopefully these two want to be on that team now, at least for a while.