Buffy - Book 2, The Cloud Dancers of Valenwood Options

[BretonBlood]

I had to LOL at the centaur lusting after Superian and thinking it would be able to overpower Superian... little does it know that Superian would kick it's ass. Not to mention having Buffy and the other two elves to back her up.

Good chapter, Acadian.

[mALX]

Superian had a "Hubba Hubba!" effect on the Centaur, But to eat her afterward? Grrrrrr!!!! I agree with Buffy in defending her mare!

Really loved Buffy's bartering for the guide escort here! Awesome Write !!!!

[Grits]

I love how readily Buffy fits in with her fellow Cloud Dancers. Once they determined that she was one of them, she was one of them.

That was quite an encounter with the centaur! It makes sense that they would not often encounter horses in that forest. I'm glad he backed off so they didn't have to kill him. What a rich and wonderful world Buffy lives in!

[Acadian]

hazmick- Yes, Superian is a challenge here but it would never occur to Buffy to travel without her. Necessity is the mother of invention though and this part of Valenwood will provide the catalyst to develop some solutions to the challenges Buffy and Superian face.

DE- Thank you for the kind words! Yup, little Buffy can act quite like a mama griz when she perceives a threat to her mare.

SubRosa- Thanks. More exotic critters than Buffy has seen before. She’s ever so glad she didn’t really have to fight that beast.

Lopov- Thank you. Our purpose here indeed was to reinforce what Buffy will put on the line to defend her horse – even to the point of irrational/suicidal behavior.

ghastley- Like many of our choices in Buffy fiction, the decision to use a centaur here was partly whimsy. I view her as a whimsical elf in a whimsical story. Significantly too, I really wanted a threat that went beyond death – one that included the visceral horror of being violated then eaten. Thanks for your kind words about the bow discussion and united front the three elves successfully presented.

BretonBlood- Thank you. Unfortunately, Phantom’s abilities don’t go very far at turning Superian into an offensive warhorse. The mare’s primary weapon system and source of confidence remains her elf. Phantom can be both help and hindrance as this next episode will show.

mALX- Heh, I know you remember when Buffy angrily stood eye-to-boob vs the newly-met Sir Mazoga when the orc joked about eating Superian. Thank you!

Grits- It seems sap of the Tall Trees readily bonds Cloud Dancers together – happily for Buffy! Thank you for the kind words. I hope you enjoy her introduction to an actual Tall Tree in today’s episode.


Previously- Buffy learned that the pair of Cloud Dancers she just met were from the Sun Chaser Tribe. They agreed to escort Buffy to their tribal home – a Tall Tree called Lichenostra. On the way, they managed to diffuse a tense encounter with a centaur who wanted to claim Superian.

* * *

Episode 24

As Ghaeleg and Cirwen led Superian and I through the deep forest, I answered questions about Cyrodiil, Slayer and Kitsune. My escorts told me more of their tree and tribe.

When Lichenostra came into view, nothing on Nirn could have prepared me what I saw. The base of the tree rivaled the entire town of Bravil in size! As I craned my neck, massive lower branches prevented me from seeing very far up. After Cirwen informed me that my mouth was open, she confirmed that her tree did indeed rise well up into the clouds.

As we drew closer, the large arch of an opening in the tree’s trunk beckoned. Elven guards, after noting my name, tribe and the fact that I was escorted, allowed Superian and I to pass into the tree itself. Ghaeleg explained that every structural feature of Lichenostra was provided by the tree changing and growing in response to the needs of its elves.

They pointed out that the large open area in which we presently stood was primarily for hosting a guard force to control entry to the tree and a variety of facilities that served best upon soil or rock. Indeed, I saw the fires of a smelter, blacksmith forge and cooking facilities.

In the middle of this area I couldn’t help but notice a network of vertical vines with basket-shaped open seed pods carrying passengers and cargo up and down. The system rose into a narrow vertical channel in the high ceiling above me and continued up as far as I could see.

Ghaeleg and Cirwen led us past a tunnel entrance in the ground among several horse-sized boulders, explaining it was a moonstone mine. The ore, once refined, was forged into arrowheads that not only tipped the arrow shafts that Lichenostra provided, but served as a preferred form of currency within the tribe.

We stopped when we came to an area where goats were kept – presumably for milk – and my escorts suggested it might be the best place to leave Superian before we went aloft. I dismounted as Kitsune sought sanctuary within me.

My hosts accepted the steel arrowheads and bergamot oil I had promised and explained they would leave me to tend my mare for a time while they conducted some business on Lichenostra’s ground level.

The goat keeper had never seen a horse and was quite enthralled by Superian. Based on clean water in the troughs and the fine condition of his animals, I was comfortable with him right away. More importantly, Superian readily accepted him - and I had come to rely on her judgment in such matters more than my own. I removed her tack and transferred some items from her saddlebags to my mage satchel.

Ghaeleg and Cirwen collected me just as I finished grooming Superian. After I blew the mare a kiss, they led me to the center of the tree.

My speculation regarding the vertical transportation system was accurate. It was all grown and powered by Lichenostra. We shared one of the open-top pods with a load of freshly roasted pheasant, quail and rabbit that smelled of exotic herbs.

After rising high enough that looking down made me queasy, we finally climbed out onto a platform. The tree branched out in many directions, forming walkways all over this city in the sky. Darkness was falling and I was delighted to see a plethora of naturally luminous lichens twinkle to life as well as countless torchbugs. The area became quite well-lit without a flame to be seen. I could see similar lights through knotholes that served as windows to the homes and shoppes that were incorporated right into Lichenostra's branches. Some of the larger natural openings were clearly doorways, curtained by a variety of pelts.

Cirwen and Ghaeleg gave me a bit of a tour, pointing out the tavern and numerous shoppes. I remained distracted though; what I thought was initial queasiness at our great height had deteriorated into a more generalized physical discomfort. I tried to ignore the feeling as my hosts then showed me their cozy one-room bungalow and told me to seek them out if I ran into any problems during my stay. The pair then gifted me with half a dozen moonstone arrowheads to use as currency during my visit until I could sort things out on my own. I thanked them very much for the help and left them to unwind from their own trip.

As I made my way to the tavern, my distress was becoming more acute. I quietly asked, “Acadian, I’m sure you can feel it – what's wrong with me? Could being up so high cause this?”

“I doubt it, Buffy, given that you are a Cloud Dancer yourself. No, I fear it is an unexpected consequence of Phantom and I separating. Though her spirit now dwells within Superian, there is – and always will be - a bond between she and I. It seems that bond comes with distance limitations. I suggest you return to her and see if it gets better.”

I climbed unsteadily into a descending pod and, by the time I was halfway down, the discomfort was gone. As the area around the lower platform came into view, Superian was right there. Several guards were trying to calm her – unsuccessfully, as the wide-eyed mare snorted, pranced and even reared.

As soon as I was able to leap from the transport pod and get my hands on the mare, she settled right away.

One of the guards sternly admonished, “Your horse has disrupted the flow of people and goods ever since you went aloft. She has not tried to bite or kick anyone, but neither have we been able to control her.” His face hardened further. “Look, I know you are a guest here but if this animal cannot be controlled without you, I will not allow you aloft again.”

“I-I’m sorry,” I stammered. “I’ll figure out something so it doesn’t happen again.”

He seemed satisfied as I led my now compliant mare back to the goat area. “I’m sorry to you also, Superian; I expect you were in as much discomfort as I.” I recalled that she and I had no problem at the Strid River Valley camp – likely because the distance between us was never far. As my eyes followed the vines and pods of the transport device upward, I mused, “I guess our separation limit is more than one long arrow shot but less than two.” Superian lowered her head and I placed my forehead against hers. “What are we going to do, girl?”

“You know the answer, Buffy,” remarked Acadian.

“Yes, like in the jungle, she will have to go up into this tree with me.” After putting her back under tack so it would travel with her, I placed my hands on her and said, “Acadian, will you call the spirit of our dragon-mare back within us?”

“Ven Sah Liz, I need you,” was his simple incantation.

The mare quickly evaporated as I felt her dual spirit rejoin mine and Acadian’s safely within me.

As I approached the ascension platform, the same guard warned, “I thought I told you -” He looked around for Superian. “What did you do with your horse?”

“I am a mage and have. . . unsummoned her. I thank you for your patience and assure you she'll cause no further disruption.”

He nodded, even assisting me into the next rising pod. Our ascent was uneventful.

After debarking, I made my way to the tavern. The innkeeper was quite talkative as he explained that visitors from beyond the nearly impenetrable jungle encircling this ancient forest were rare. I learned that while most of the heavier roasting was done on the ground level and transported aloft, warming stones and spells cooked lighter fare, kept food warm and heated the rainwater pods that provided warm baths. Indeed, after a light meal, I jumped at the opportunity for a bath.

My sleeping nook for the night was small, but clean. Even the platform under its furs was ‘grown’ by Lichenostra. I was a happy but exhausted elf and it did not take long for sleep to claim me.

[mALX]

Oh, there was so much to love in this chapter! Now I know why Buffy can't get any far distance from Superian! My favorite thing was the bathing pods, that is Awesome !!!! Great Write !!!

[hazmick]

Lichenostra sounds wonderful. You really brought it to life, from the Moonstone mine to the elevator pods. Looking forward to exploring more of it!

[ghastley]

I always like the details about the altered reality of her world. The whole idea of the tree being symbiotic with the Bosmer, and the details of how thing like fire are handled are always fun.

Superian does seem to be causing a lot of problems for Buffy in Bosmerland.

[Lopov]

Reading about Lichenostra made me think of Suldanessellar, the elven town featured in Baldur's Gate 2. They share some characteristics like being located on tall tress but Suldanessellar doesn't have as advanced transporting systems as Lichenostra, to mention just one difference. Lichenostra will undoubtedly remain one of the most memorable places that Buffy visited.

[SubRosa]

I love the seed pods being used as elevator cars! Now that gives a sense of the massive scale of Lichenostra. What a fantastic tour of the tree city you gave us!

I was suspecting that Buffy might have to summon Supes within herself. Good thing there is a lot of space in there!

One thing you could consider about using fire for cooking is that the old wooden sailing ships had the same issue. There is a short article here about cooking on a 18th - 19th century wooden ship. Older ships used brick fireboxes to cook with open flame, and I believe even older ones just had a set of massive square stones set out to create a hearth to burn fires upon.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Dec 10 2016, 04:49 PM

[Renee]

That poor centaur. He's gonna have to go find a copy of "Hung like a Horse" magazine to get over his blues. Kidding. Seriously though, what a crazy moment between those elves and the man-horse.

I love the description of the giant tree city. There was a Nintendo game long ago on the original NES called Faxanadu, which was a side-scrolling game that had the gamer climb a giant tree too.

wow, she's got a fear of heights, eh? Didn't expect that.

This post has been edited by Renee: Dec 11 2016, 02:14 AM

[BretonBlood]

I loved your description of Lichenostra, and how it changes to fit the needs of the elves that live there. I could picture the place perfectly.


The bond between Acadian and Phantom is really cool, and I should have seen that coming that they cannot be far from each other. Thoroughly enjoyed that part and Buffy's solution to solving the issue.

[Darkness Eternal]

I've never heard of Lichenostra. It must be so beautiful indeed! Purely exotic!


After a lengthy trek in the wilderness, we come to see that Buffy is fortunate to have come across friends. I also wondered at first if the height was the cause of her discomfort. I thought it odd if it was, since Bosmer and heights cannot go wrong . . . in terms of climbing trees I mean, not their stature.

I learn something new with each new chapter. Buffy's bond is much stronger than I imagined since it effects primarily Acadian it seems, and the distance between Phanton and him is the cause.

The innkeep was a nice touch. Looks like Buffy is quite capable of passing through an impenetrable forest. Made possible by her race and skills, of course.

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: Dec 16 2016, 01:26 AM

[Grits]

I have to admit I devoured the Lichenostra descriptions and then went back to read them again. A tree city! How magical and marvelous!

By the end of this episode I took Buffy's queasiness to be the result of her and Acadian's growing separation from Superian and Phantom as she ascended, which at the time she blamed on the heights. Love the arrow-shot distance measurement.

A warm bath, a cozy nook, and the company of her spirit tribe, what a wonderful night!

[Acadian]

mALX- Thank you! Buffy being able to ‘absorb’ (unsummon) Superian has been in her game and in works for her fic for a long time. I do confess that it was ESO that caused us to edit/modify things to add the distance considerations. I’ve got some long range ideas in mind to end up reducing the distance right down to about zero (like it is in ESO) – maybe. Lol.

hazmick- This is the only Tall Tree Buffy will visit so we tried to put lots of creative ideas and goodness into it to help paint a whimsical/exotic picture. I’m so glad you’re enjoying it!

ghastley- Thank you. I very much wanted the tree to seem like a fully alive part of its tribe with, as you say, a symbiotic relationship.

Lopov- Thanks! I did play quite a bit of BG2 though I confess I don’t recall much about Suldanessellar. Most of Lichenostra’s features were spawned by simply pondering what it would take for a city of elves to fully live within it.

SubRosa- Thank you. I too am pleased that, of several vertical transportation options, we settled on Lichenostra’s ‘living elevator’. Very interesting about guarding small fires with heavy stone in risky locations (trees/ships). Happily, as is so conveniently often in ES, magic helped provide some of the answers.

Renee- Hee! So glad you enjoyed the centaur encounter as well as our introduction to a ‘Tall Tree’. No fear of heights for the tree elf – she didn’t realize it at the time, but her queasiness was not from the height but from her separation from Superian. Sorry if there was some confusion there; as you can see from the other comments, you were not alone in pondering fear of heights as a possibility.

BretonBlood- Thank you for your kind words regarding the description of Lichenostra – I very much wanted it to be memorable. Over time, Buffy, Acadian, Phantom and Superian are all evolving closer together, blurring the distinctions among them. That all four of them can, when necessary, fit into a tiny elf-size package is part of that growing closeness.

DE- Heh, first Superian causing challenges and now Acadian (even as he is part of the solution) turns out to be part of another problem. At least the little fox is low maintenance. Thank you! I hope you continue to enjoy Buffy’s visit to Lichenostra.

Grits- Thanks you for your warm encouragement regarding Lichenostra. I’ve been delighted to discover that ESO's portrayal of Elden Root holds much of the same magical charm for Buffy.


Previously- Buffy was awestruck by the sheer size and exotically innovative features of the Tall Tree, Lichenostra. She also discovered there is a proximity limitation between Phantom and Acadian which, for practical purposes, means she and Superian cannot tolerate great distance between them. She and Acadian resolved this by, once again, having the dragon-mare transform to spirit form and join Acadian within Buffy.

* * *

Episode 25

I was pleasantly surprised when Cirwen collected me well before sunrise and we headed out - and up - along a network of Lichenostra's branches that led inexorably higher. Stopping part of the way up, she shared her breakfast of roasted game bird while explaining that understanding the Cloud Dancer tribes was not possible without a visit to the top of one of the Tall Trees.

As we finally found ourselves among the high fragile branches, the need for Cloud Dancers to be of small size and light weight became soberingly clear. I imagined that humans or even heavier elves would be challenged to move safely up here. I couldn’t help but ponder the risks my Breton father took to live in just such a tree with my mother.

Cirwen pointed out a number of small open 'love nests'. Indeed, I heard the sounds of several couples happily mating in the pre-dawn moonlight. My golden-haired escort explained that those trying to conceive during our twice yearly fertility cycles believed the best chances were up here – caressed between the realms of Sky Goddess and Nirn Mother.

I remembered Mother’s wistful response to a normal eight-year old’s question about where I came from. ‘Your life began so high in the treetops that your father and I could touch the moons.’ I smiled as I now understood what she meant.

As the eastern horizon began to brighten, scantily-clad couples began their descent. Cirwen and I stayed to watch the sunrise.

“Who is this?” asked Cirwen as a pale green twilight butterfly fluttered nearby.

“I don’t really know,” I replied, “but she often comes to visit me around sunrise or sunset. I call her Dawn.”

“I’ve never seen one of her kind up here so high,” remarked Cirwen.

“I don’t know how she always knows exactly where I am, but somehow she does.”

As the sun rose high enough to bathe us in its brilliant glow, Cirwen happily ran, leaped and twirled as she danced among these high branches. “Join me. This is why my tribe is called Sun Chasers.” Noting my hesitation as I glanced down and gulped, she added, “Trust your ancient tribal instincts and the sap that runs in your veins, Buffy.”

And I did. Tentatively at first but eventually with the same joyful abandon that animated Cirwen. The feeling was more exhilarating than killing daedra or even vampires.

After a time, we happily began our way back down. “You know, Buffy, having seen your courage against that centaur yesterday and watching you dance among our high branches this morning, I would be proud to call you tribe-sister. I’m sure Treethane Valoreth would look favorably upon the request, and both Ghaeleg and I would be proud to petition her on your behalf. Just something to think about.”

“Thank you, Cirwen. I’m honored by your words and shall indeed think upon them.”

“Well, here you are, Buffy. Safely delivered back to the Crows Nest Tavern.”

“Cirwen. . . I can’t thank you enough for taking me to the top of your tree and showing me what it means to be a Cloud Dancer. I-I somehow feel as if a missing piece of me has been found.”

She hugged me. “Remember what I said.”

I watched the mer as she walked away, then slipped through the pelt door into the tavern.

“You’re up early this morning,” greeted the cheerful innkeeper from behind his bar. “Breakfast?”

“I’ve already eaten, Dangor,” I replied. Then I added, “Do you have an apple for my mare perhaps?”

His eyes widened. “A horse?”

“Yes, silly,” I teased. “That’s what a mare is – a horse with girl bits.”

His frown was belied by mirthfully sparkling violet eyes. “I know that, but how in the name of Azura did you get her through the jungles that surround our high forest?”

I chose my words carefully. "Though she made the journey challenging, it would have been impossible without her. More to your question, however, she and I are not unskilled with magic."

Apparently sensing my hesitation to share more detail, he deftly changed the subject. “Will you be staying another night?”

“Well,” I began, “that depends.” I closed the distance to the bar, lowered my voice and produced one of the moonstone arrowheads Cirwen and Ghaeleg had given me. “I only have six of these.”

He nodded thoughtfully. “You know, most of the Crows Nest’s business is food and bar for those who live here in Lichenostra. Few visitors means I don’t get much call for bed and bath. Tell you what, rather than letting one of my sleeping nooks go empty, I’ll let you stay for two arrowheads a night. Now that includes a hot bath each evening and all the food an elven lass can eat. Oh, and an apple a day for your horse. What do you say?” He placed an apple on the bar.

“I owe you two arrowheads already, and likely two more as I hope to stay at least one more night,” I replied, absently turning the one in my hand. “How can I earn some more of these?”

His eyes swept over me, appraisingly. “A mer as lovely as you should have no trouble. There is a small guild of ladies who offer their personal services, pleasuring those in need. I understand they earn quite a bit.”

I wrinkled my nose and shook my head. “I’m afraid I’m more skilled with my spells and bow than I am with the erotic arts.”

“Well, business is slow enough that I don’t really need any help running the tavern." His brow furrowed in thought as he studied the gnarled bark ceiling for a few moments. “You said you have a horse, right?”

“She’s not for sale, eating or servicing centaurs,” I said with a frown.

“Of course not,” he replied. “Clearly you wouldn’t go through whatever it took to get her here if she were. What I meant is can she carry things? Is she strong?”

Recalling how much of the Strid River Valley Tribe’s mammoth kill Superian had ably transported, I replied, “Properly hitched, I believe she could pull down a small building – not that I’ve seen any this far south into Valenwood.”

“From the bowstring calluses on your right fingers I assume you are skilled with a bow?”

“I am, but surely so are most of the elves in this tree. What are you getting at, Dangor?”

“Hear me out,” he replied. “The butcher down on the ground level buys plenty of small game for low prices from tribal hunters because such bounty is plentiful and easy to bring back to the tree. Boar, large antelope and other big game are valuable delicacies, however, because they are hard to muscle in from the forest. The teams of hunters who join to bring in such quarry are therefore well-compensated, but must divide their profit among themselves.” He grinned, then continued, “Such an endeavor would be lucrative indeed if only you and your horse had to share the proceeds.”

I thought for a moment, then gave Dangor two of my arrowheads. “This is for last night. I hope to be back in time for dinner, a bath and one of your beds again this evening.” I scooped the apple off the bar into my mage satchel.

“Happy hunting,” he replied as I parted the pelt door to leave.

[hazmick]

Life in the Tall Trees is certainly very vibrant. Looking forward to seeing what beasties we encounter next.

[mALX]

This is one of my favorite chapters so far! I absolutely Love the bartering - and I know Buffy well enough that - in hunting, she loses no arrows! (and that was even before her magic bow and quiver!)

LOVE that he offered her to work in a brothel for a way to earn her board,

AWESOME Chapter !!!!!!!!

[SubRosa]

Buffy was conceived in the Mile High Club!

When you mentioned twilight, I expected an appearance by the AzuraMoth.

I am thinking that all the food an elven lass can eat is not very much!

Looks like Buffy is going back into the hunting business.

[Darkness Eternal]

Hmm. Beautifully written, my friend. We learn the details in where Buffy was made.

I enjoyed the love nests you described here. More and more you continue to introduce us to new bits of information on Bosmeri culture and it is fascinating indeed.

Heh. Dangor. A name that just screams Bosmer. Much like Daenlin! I've met so many Daenlin's around that it must be as common as "John" or "Bob" for Wood Elves.

“A mer as lovely as you should have no trouble. There is a small guild of ladies who offer their personal services, pleasuring those in need. I understand they earn quite a bit.”

Heheh. Wouldn't this be something. I don't know if she would've been offended or flattered at such an offer.

“I’m afraid I’m more skilled with my spells and bow than I am with the erotic arts.”

That's right Buffy. Tell 'em!

Well, we are back in hunting. To Buffy and to her kind in such a massive jungle, this shouldn't be an issue. I'm already anticipating this next hunt!

Good work, Acadian!

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: Dec 18 2016, 11:49 PM

[Grits]

How funny that Dangor went straight to "personal services." Hunting and hauling the catch back to Lichenostra sounds much more Buffy's style, though she may be the loveliest hunter in the forest!

Love nests, how charming! It was wonderful to see that the memory of her mother made Buffy smile.

What a marvelous episode dancing in the clouds and finding that part of herself that until now was sleeping. I am so happy to get to read about this journey.

[Lopov]

Buffy is following in her parents' footsteps.

I like the idea of love nests high up the trees.

Buffy's not skilled in the erotic arts. Indeed, it's not a major skill in any TES game.