Buffy - Book 2, The Cloud Dancers of Valenwood Options

[hazmick]

Great chapter. Contingency sounds like a really handy passive to have I hope Buffy won't need to make use of it, but better to have it and not need it...

[SubRosa]

Contingency is a brilliant idea, and similar to some Skyrim and Fallout perks, which kick in when your health drops to a certain amount. The Featherfall example certainly sounds handy for a tree dweller.

Way back in the old Earthdawn RPG, there was a talent that worked like your Featherfall. It was a favorite of airship sailors, and air pirates.

Immune to pouting, eyelash batting, and uncrossing her legs? I think Gandalf might be gay!

[Lopov]

From time to time Buffy's charming persuasion doesn't work as supposed.

Useful spells, both of them. It'll be interesting to see them at work.

Guards of Lichenostra now finally know the mystery of vanishing Superian.

[ghastley]

I dunno. Spells operate on the "do what I tell you" principle, then get superseded by ones that "do what I meant to tell you", then you find you need "do what I ought to have meant to tell you". Pretty soon you need a companion who can think independently, and she already has one.

She'll never develop the reflexes if she doesn't use them. Her greaves will be drier, but ...

I'm all in favour of Superian getting back to normal service, though.

[Darkness Eternal]

Contigency is quite an ability. Adaptable. She'll most likely need the feather ability. I'm certain it'll come to aid when she needs it, especially in the great hights of Valenwood's trees. It was fun to see the conversation between Buffy and the merchant.

A pity her charms, which often had worked to her advantage, did not sway this centuries-old Wood Elf to alter the range of his price. But with trials and errors come success. If she keeps at it, her bartering skills will vastly improve.

A warship is safe in a harbor, but that’s not what she’s built for.”

Words of wisdom from Buffy. She's right. I can't help but agree with her and she has good intentions when it comes to Superian. Always looking out for her mare. There truly is nothing like freedom.

We end with a heartwarming farewel as we gear up toward the conclusion and a nice return to the Heartland!

[BretonBlood]

I'm curious is contingency something you made up or is it in the lore? The way you wrote it, it sounds like it would be in the lore as it made perfect sense. I really enjoyed it and found that part very cool, that will most definitely be useful for Buffy.

I like forward to the next part and conclusion.

[Renee]

I was clearly outclassed by this ancient wizard though. In a tree full of small elves, my vulnerable stature earned me no sympathy. Likewise, he seemed immune to pouting, eyelash batting or any of my other tricks that often resulted in lower prices.

This is awesomely delicious to read. I never read Book 1 so I was not aware that Buffy uses feminine charms, or tries to.

The part when she imitates Acadian's voice made me chuckle too. Looking forward to Book 5, sir.

[mALX]

This was a very Buffy chapter - her personality that I've known and loved so long really shone through in this chapter!

In a tree full of small elves, my vulnerable stature earned me no sympathy. Likewise, he seemed immune to pouting, eyelash batting or any of my other tricks that often resulted in lower prices.

BWAAHAA!!! Buffy meets her match in deal-making,


This next passage speaks so clearly of what I have always known of Buffy - her wandering spirit and need to be close to Superian comes across so well in her simple explanation here:

“I cannot be happy under a roof for very long – even one of leaves - where I have to climb an hour to feel the sun on my skin. My mare would never again feel the sunshine if we stayed here, and this part of Valenwood is not conducive to her in other ways. Superian is a working horse and she cannot do her job very well in this high canopied forest. In the outlying dense jungles or up in the trees, she is further reduced to me carrying her instead of the other way around. While I appreciate the wonderful ability to hold her within me, I crave her physical warmth and presence, touch, sounds, even her soothing smell. Traveling so far down to the ground simply to hug her is not something we could tolerate for long.” I paused briefly to catch my breath. “For all these reasons, it is clear that a Cloud Dancer with a horse doesn’t belong here.”

I was really surprised to hear she would be leaving so soon, thought she would learn more of her heritage before going! But this passage said it all, this is SO Buffy!


But this one here just had me rolling - yes, this is so VERY Buffy:

Both hands found my hips and, with a terrible imitation of Acadian’s deep voice, I retorted, “A warship is safe in a harbor, but that’s not what she’s built for.”

“You would turn my own words against me?”

BWAAHAA !!!! The hands on the hips - oh yes, all it lacked was her saying the word, "FINE!"


Awesome chapter !!!!

[Grits]

The image of Buffy engrossed in a spell catalog while the candles burn down utterly charms. Contingency sounds like a fantastic mage-reflex type of spell. How funny that fitting in so well with the Sun Chasers eliminates Buffy's tiny-lass bargaining edge!

What a marvelous chat with Acadian about the decision to move on. I thought when Buffy woke up with Kitsune on her neck, the vixen may be feeling Buffy's need to connect through touch since she has been away from the physical presence of Superian.

I noticed Buffy's description of her map as "poorly annotated." That makes me wonder if she plans to explore (though not on this trip) until she fills all the blank spaces in!

[Acadian]

hazmick- Buffy has a creative idea for Contingency that we'll reveal in this next episode. Like so many of her plans, they involve the horse-crazy elf’s precious mare. Thank you!

SubRosa- Glad you're enjoying Buffy’s new ‘forest magic’ spells. Thanks!

Lopov- Thank you. I couldn’t resist making a joke about the disappearing horse.

ghastley- Heh, now Buffy’s problem will be dealing with her own surprise when Contingency triggers for her. Thank you!

DE- Thank you. Yes, Buffy is an adventuress and Superian is her magical warhorse. Neither would thrive for long if ‘protected’ from the dangers of their calling.

BretonBlood- Contingency is a spell I borrowed from Baldur’s Gate 2 (D&D). There are three (I think) ‘trigger’ type spells in that game and I have always liked them. I’m so glad that fitting Contingency into TES seemed to work for you. Thanks!

Renee- It has been a bit of a running joke throughout Buffy’s history that her ‘feminine charms’ work about as often as they don’t. Thanks so much for your kind words!

mALX- I so appreciate you picking up on several aspects of Buffy that were on display here. You know her so well!

Grits- Buffy has discovered that ‘fitting in’ among a tree full of other tiny elves is not without some practical downside. Thank you for noting the predictable build up of stress that not having the physical warmth of Superian at hand would cause Buffy. I expect that, with time, Buffy will grow more content – even appreciative – of her recent ability to ‘absorb’ Superian and carry the mare within herself. After all, she is a Spirit Catcher.


Previously- After learning some forest magic spells from the Sun Chasers’ shaman, Buffy surprised Acadian by announcing that they would be leaving the Tall Trees.

* * *

~ Part 5 – Heard Any News From the Other Provinces? ~

Note- Some background/review is in order preceding our next episode, as it deals with the fact that Buffy is a Vampire Slayer. This was detailed in our seven episode ‘miniseries’ called Child of Dawn within Book One (Episodes 20-26) way back in August 2010. For those who might wish to review or delve into it, here is a link to Book 1 Episode 20. I expect that for most readers, however, the following short review of what it means to be a Slayer will suffice just fine:

Being a Vampire Slayer in our fiction is a gift and curse bestowed by Azura upon very few women. Of Azura’s mysterious requirements, only two are known: Being born at the exact moment of sunrise or sunset, and possessing at least some Bretonic blood in their heritage. Sired by a Breton and born at sunrise, Buffy was so chosen by Azura. The Mistress of Twilight revealed this to Buffy when the elf helped Azura by giving the freedom of death to several followers who had been cursed by vampirism (Oblivion’s Azura Star quest). Though Buffy has not embraced the role, neither can she fully ignore it.

Here is a concise list of known Slayer characteristics:
- Attacks from a Slayer inflict hefty damage to vampires - even ancient 'immortal' ones.
- Slayers are alerted when a vampire is near by menstrual-like cramps. Some theorize that, in addition to its normal role of nourishing new life, the womb of a Slayer reacts negatively to the unliving presence of a vampire. It is unknown if or how a vampire can counter a Slayer's ability to detect them.
- Vampires can likewise detect the presence of a Slayer. It seems that, to a vampire, Slayers emit the scent of ‘nightshade where none grows.’ A clever Slayer can somewhat mask this vulnerability by sprinking themselves with vampire dust to disguise their scent.
- A Slayer cannot be turned. If they contract Porphyric Hemophilia, Sanguinare Vampiris or Noxiphilic Sanguivoria, the diseases are no more worrisome than any normal illness and cured just as easily.
- The blood of a Slayer is toxic to vampires. Vampires can no more drink the blood of a Slayer than they can bask in the sun.
- Killing a Slayer seems to accrue significant status among vampires.

Episode 29

We made good progress east from Lichenostra through the high forest. The one giant boar we encountered lifted his tusked snout from digging tubers and loudly grunted his warning to remain clear – which we heeded.

By late in the day, the ground was descending and the forest beginning to thicken.

I felt a sudden discomfort low in my abdomen. “Acadian, did you feel that cramp?”

“I did, Buffy, but it’s not been a full six months since your last fertility cycle. That can only mean one thing.”

Slayer slid into my hand as I drew Superian to a stop and listened carefully. I felt another mild pain and quietly said, “Where are you, vampire?” Kitsune moved to a protective position in front of Superian. None of us heard or saw anything. Unhappily noting a mild breeze from behind, I was not surprised that neither of the animals picked up any threatening scent. What I felt was unmistakable though.

Allowing Slayer to dispel, I slid to the ground. Lifting a fist, I spilled divination magic as I slowly scanned across our frontage. The glow of a man or mer shaped target blossomed into view behind a tree at good distance. I quickly switched from my ‘detect anything bigger than a butterfly that can move’ spell to my ‘find corpses’ spell and repeated the scan - which confirmed the target was indeed undead.

Summoning Slayer and taking again to the saddle I paused to consider my options as I watched the tree that separated prey from prey, predator from predator. I knew vampires could detect the presence of a Slayer as readily as I could detect them.

We could have backed away, then navigated well around the monster. Had I not just done exactly that to avoid the significantly lesser threat of a giant boar? With a mixture of fear and frustration, I realized I could not retreat. Creations of the Nirn Mother were far different than those of Molag Bal. The same hand of fate that enabled me to kill even ancient vampires also rendered me loathe to allow their escape. Azura herself had both gifted and cursed me with being a Slayer.

I slammed an arrow into his tree and nocked another. “Show yourself, Vampire.”

A rather ordinary-looking Bosmer stepped into view, bow in hand. “So the legends are true, Slayer. You can detect a Bonsamu vampire without use of a candle. Just as the scent of nightshade where none grows tells me who and what you are.”

“I can give you permanent release from your curse,” I offered.

“Or I can bring your head back to my clan and show them I am strong enough to kill one of Azura’s Slayers.” He followed his words with a hiss, as his face transformed into his true red-eyed, fanged form.

Several things then happened all at once as I drew Slayer. The vampire’s hand shot into his quiver for an arrow. Kitsune yipped her warcry, magically drawing the vampire's ire as she charged. My contingency activated, engulfing Superian and I in the protection of my Barkskin spell.

The vampire’s first shot missed my small vixen and struck Superian in her shoulder. The mare flinched but did not falter in maintaining the steady shooting platform I required.

He was nocking his second shot when I loosed. My arrow staggered him as I reached for another.

As he recovered, he dropped his bow in favor of a dagger, and slashed at the dancing Kitsune. She was more nimble than he and my second arrow killed him.

I leaped to the ground, dispelling Slayer. While inspecting my mare’s wound I noticed that, since the ‘combat’ condition was no longer met, my Contingency-triggered Barkskin spell had faded from both Superian and I. The vampire’s arrow had not penetrated our shielding enough to embed itself and lay on the ground nearby. By the time I could place my hands on her to heal the minor wound, Phantom’s regenerative abilities had already done the job.

A quick check of Kitsune revealed the fox was unharmed. As ever, the happy little warrior seemed pleased with her ability to help protect me.

The animals followed me to where my prey had fallen. The mortality of true death had rendered the vampire’s body into a withered husk draped in clothing. Summoning my elven hunting knife, I collected some of the creature’s dust into a small pouch. I would keep it handy, for I knew that rubbing some over my skin could significantly impede a vampire’s ability to detect my presence. I was also reminded of the need to get some potions to ease cramping – handy not only during my twice yearly periods but useful for easing the similar discomfort of being around a vampire. The cramps could be helpful to alert me but were distracting and, frankly, divination spells worked better to more precisely determine my prey’s location.

“Buffy,” asked Acadian, “how did you know your Barkskin spell’s protection would convey to Superian?”

I giggled. “Do you remember the time of my first coupling with Savlian Matius?”

“Of course, I do,” he replied, “It was a magical time.”

“Quite literally, my paladin. I remembered that when I . . . lost control of my passions with Savlian beneath me, I dug my knees into the ground and spiked a fist into the air, wildly spewing magic.”

“How could I forget?” commented Acadian with a chuckle. “Since you were. . . connected to Savlian, your invisibility spell engulfed both of you.”

“Exactly. My hope – which turned out to be correct – was that with my legs around Superian, our connection would provide similar results. Without the Contingency spell’s automatic casting, I could never test that theory astride my mare – until now.”

“I’m pleased that the memory now conjures a smile,” remarked Acadian. “Even a month ago the same recollection would have summoned tears.”

[mALX]

I'm so glad you refreshed us on the Slayer! I did remember the menstrual cramp-type pain Buffy would feel when a vampire was near, and that she could also be detected by them - didn't remember the rest though, so glad you reviewed it for us!

This has always been such a fascinating part of Buffy lore for me! I loved that whole episode when she first discovered she was a Slayer! (or rather, when I "the reader" first found out about it, lol)


What a powerful chapter this is! We are starting to see Buffy coming back to herself after so many years of grieving so profoundly - these last two chapters really reflect the passing of the "Broken Bowgirl" part of her life so well, because glimpses of her personality are once again starting to show through - but especially her being able to remember her time with Matius without it bringing back the pain and grief (but remembering how wonderful it was).

Embarrassingly enough, Acadian was a "Peeping Tom" for the whole scene,

Awesome Write !!!

[hazmick]

Fantastic chapter! Loved the little bits of vampire lore you wove in there, and the fight was intense and exciting. Sir Kitsune is the bravest knight in Tamriel!

[SubRosa]

Uh oh, cramps. That can only mean one thing...

Buffy's decision to take on the vamp is just as certain to to us who know her as the one to avoid the boar. There is on other way she could react on either score and still be Buffy.

Buffy is prepared for every contingency now! It seems very natural for her spell to thusly extend to her precious mare. Good thing too!

[Darkness Eternal]

For some time I've been anxiously waiting to see Buffy go back to hunting some vampires. When the Bonsamu were mentioned I knew we were in for a nice mention and more insight on Buffy's Slayer status. I recall her going about Azura's quest to 'free' the undead

You did well by providing some information on Buffy's history for those who may not remember. Buffy has an advantage, as one would imagine when being blessed by a Daedric Lord- One of the highest powers in Tamriel.

That Candle Vamp was no match for the Slayer's prowess with her bow. His sad and vain attempt to elevate himself among his clan, well, failed quite miserably.

Savlian

Like me, Buffy was reminded by this event of days of old. Wouldn't it be a wonder if she could go back in time?

[BretonBlood]

That was a great chapter Acadian. I loved the backstory on Azura's Slayers, is that in the lore of TES or more of your genius creativity being brought into the story? Either way it was very cool.

And then seeing that in action in this chapter was really cool. The vampire didn't stand a chance.

I'll be going back to look at that previous story of Buffy.

[Lopov]

A vampire and a Bonsamu at that!

I liked the dynamic description of several things that happened at once. It's not easy to write about multiple events taking place at once and keep a flow of the story, but you did it really good.

While grieving is a normal process to cope with death of our loved ones, to remain strong and move on with life, requires a lot of physical strength. To be able to remember our loved ones and good things that we experienced with them without their deaths shadowing good things, requires even more physical strength. Being a family doctor, I'm often faced with such stories and through conversations I try to help people to try and resume their normal life. With Buffy now being able to smile about sad past events, I'd say she's on a good way to resume her life, maybe even find love again. So while grieving is normal, over-grieving is dangerous and leads to all sorts of other problems.

[ghastley]

Now I'm starting to wonder if Buffy was subconsciously hiding herself (and Savlian) from her audience.

It's good that the Contingency doesn't suffer from Buffy's limitation of casting only with her feet on the ground! Of course, if it did, then the featherfall part would be useless.

This post has been edited by ghastley: Jan 16 2017, 03:50 PM

[Grits]

The encounter with the Bonsamu vampire was vivid, exciting, and a beautiful study in pacing. Wow, Buffy's story continues to be an inspiration! This is a part to return and read over and over.

How wonderful that Buffy brought up the memory of Savlian with a smile. (And what a great memory.) The signs of healing continue. Whatever she does next, this episode gives me hopes for her rather than worries.

[Acadian]

mALX- Thank you! I’m glad you found the Slayer review helpful. This episode did mark a bit of a turning point for Buffy – where pleasant memories with Savlian can invoke a smile.

hazmick- Thanks! Kitsune is a pretty good little helper. Glad you enjoyed our unique take on vampires and Slayers.

SubRosa- It is so gratifying to hear that you can predict Buffy’s reaction to many circumstances based upon some of the consistent aspects of her nature. Thank you.

DE- Thanks so much for your warm support regarding our treatment of vampires – despite the fact that ‘Buffy Lore’ strays quite a bit from TES lore.

BretonBlood- Thank you! The idea of an Azuran Slayer does not exist in TES lore. That Azura does not like vampires is clear from her quest in Oblivion however. With a character named Buffy, I naturally couldn’t resist a place in our story for ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’.

Lopov- Thanks for your kind words regarding what you called a ‘dynamic description’ during the fight. I agree that pacing is quite important during combat scenes. I think part of what is helping Buffy through her grieving is being in a different environment (Valenwood). When she returns to Cyrodiil in our next book, it may well reopen healing wounds and lead to some of the self-destructive behavior you allude to.

ghastley- What an intriguing thought as to whether Buffy’s climactic invisibility spell might have been to hide her and Savlian from view! Given how vocal she gets when excited, I’m not sure she can keep such things secret.

Grits- I think most of us find fight scenes a challenging balance between presenting clear detail during what is by nature a confusing evolution without bogging down the pace. Thank you so much for your warm and supportive encouragement. Buffy’s past is long, but I join you in foreseeing a long future for her as well.


Previously- After departing the Tall Tree, Lichenostra, Buffy encountered a Bonsamu vampire in the forest. Unable to ignore her instincts as a Slayer, a deadly confrontation was inevitable.

* * *

Episode 30

By sunset, we'd arrived at the edge of the nearly impenetrable jungle that both surrounded and protected the ancient forest of the Cloud Dancers. By a small stream there we made camp. Dinner was a small mudcrab that was both killed and cooked by my flame spell. As I ate, Superian and Kitsune foraged for succulent grasses and small rodents respectively. After we all had a short but cleansing play in the water, the animals watched over me as I made a bed of moss and leaves then crawled into it. “We’ll take to the trees at dawn.”

The next two days of treetop travel – with Superian safely spirited away inside me and the comfort of my Contingency spell set to Featherfall – proved both efficient and uneventful.

By the third day I was once again astride Superian. As the tan-colored rocky ridgeline bordering western Elsweyr grew close, we turned north.

The open forest of eastern Valenwood was carpeted in emerald grass and large swaths of brightly colored wildflowers. The songs of familiar birds and appearance of white-tailed deer prompted me to remark, “This reminds me of Cyrodiil.”

“Our current course will take us there,” replied Acadian. “Is that your intent?”

“Maybe it is,” I said. “We’ve seen the prairies, forests, jungles and Tall Trees of Valenwood. My broken arm from Kvatch is healed and I think my heart is mending – or at least learning to dwell on precious memories more than grief.”

“And your skills are once again formidable,” he added.

“I’ve had plenty of help there but, yes, I do feel more like predator than prey once again.”

“I’m sure your many friends north of the border would love to see you, Buffy.”

“I do find myself thinking of those I love in Cyrodiil. . . Archery Master Daenlin, my University Advisor Boderi Farano, Guildmagister Kud-Ei, Sir Mazoga. . . .” I smiled then sighed.

Before long, we found ourselves following an established dirt trail instead of forging our own. Superian was the first to lift her long nose into the slight breeze, flaring her nostrils. I glanced down to see Kitsune also tasting the air with her muzzle. Then I smelled it as well. The faint odor of wood smoke. Civilization.

As we crested the next rise, I drew Superian to a stop. Bracing my hands into the mammoth-bone pommel of her saddle, I leaned forward to survey the vista sprawled before us. This far east, the Strid River crashed and roiled its way through a narrow canyon ahead of us and I could see it gradually snaking out to the west toward the wide river valley that bore its name. Far across the river to the north and slightly west, the spires of Skingrad spiked skyward. Farther to the northwest, I believed I could make out the mountain that hosted Kvatch.

Directly ahead was a formation of stone that arched over the river canyon allowing passage across. Built around the Valenwood approach to this natural bridge was a settlement. Faint trails of smoke from several chimneys gently wafted upward until dispersed by the light breeze. I knew the village to be called Strid Crossing - a way stop serving traders and travelers who used the bridge between Valenwood and Cyrodiil. The westering sun now cast a golden glow over the Strid River and it had been a long day. Urging the mare forward, I said, “I expect they have an inn, perhaps even some news from Cyrodiil.”

After so much time in the prairies, forests and jungles of Valenwood, the sound of Superian’s hoofs clattering on the rough and narrow cobblestone main street of Strid Crossing seemed foreign. Chickens, pigs and goats wandered freely and I saw at least one cow tethered to a tree. There were a few daub and wattle houses along the street with roofs of thatch. Set further back, several trees contained small dwellings within their branches. A number of townsfolk – mostly Bosmer and Khajiit - looked up from their activities of tanning hides, smoking pipes or milking goats to eye us with mild curiosity.

The center of this modest village was marked by a cluster of several more buildings. These were constructed from river stones and timber. Several bore signs advertising the nature of their businesses. We stopped and I dismounted to draw a bucket of cool water from the town’s central well. After drinking our fill, I blew Superian a kiss and headed for the door beneath a tavern sign.

[hazmick]

Loved the description of northern Valenwood. After exploring Reaper's March myself, I can picture it so clearly.