Buffy - Book 2, The Cloud Dancers of Valenwood Options

[ghastley]

I'm sure the Alderglean/Eldergleam/Gildergreen thing isn't a coincidence, and there will be some relationship with this tree. Even if it's just cousins again.

I note also the possibility of meeting more of her tribe, if a score of them escaped. Presumably less closely related than Violet.

[mALX]

In truth, it was a questionable decision made more with her kind heart than her analytical head.

Oh, I realized that immediately because I know Buffy so well, lol.

D'Aww, Violet sits cross-legged like Buffy!


I am so glad she has found a cousin, and one that will be able to tell her something about her heritage!


I knew the story of Superian's name, really love how you wove that in here !!!


To me the greatest reveal here was the tribal ceremony where the Shaman mixes the blood and tree sap to determine her ancestry! Awesome bit of worldbuilding Buffy Lore there !!!!

Wonderful Write !!!!

[Grits]

I loved reading about the Cloud Dancers’ blood and sap ritual. I can imagine the immense effort required for Buffy to wait quietly while Vandrelis brought Violet to the tent. Inside she must have been hopping from one foot to the other!

I am glad that you ended this episode when you did, because after I read my mother’s sister, Aunt Marian, I was too emotional to make much sense. The fate of the Spirit Catchers was terribly sad, but how wonderful for both Buffy and Violet to find each other! I’ve gotten choked up every time I’ve read this quiet scene around the fire.

I’m delighted that Violet will host Buffy while she’s staying with the Valley elves. It must be just as unusual for Violet to see someone who shares her looks after all this time. Finally Buffy and Violet both have someone whose clothes they can borrow!

[Acadian]

In our last episode, Buffy learned that her tribe was called the Spirit Catchers and that their tree along with most of the tribe had been destroyed just over two decades ago. Her parents were among the few survivors and, with Buffy still in her mother’s womb, they fled to Bravil. She also learned that one of the other survivors now belonged to the Strid River Valley Tribe and was, in fact, a cousin named Violet.

hazmick-They call Bosmer the tree sap people but that is indeed something it seems they share in part with their saurian cousins. I'm sure sap from a graht oak is quite different from that of a hist though. Thank you!

BretonBlood-Thanks! Buffy will indeed need to reevaluate her course ahead now. Violet is the only blood family she has and shares sap from the same tree. Though her tribe’s tree is gone, other Cloud Dancer tribes remain – each with their own massive tree.

DE- Thank you! Yes, Violet is the first blood relative of Buffy that we have seen. Her father disappeared on a vampire hunting expedition when Buffy was a toddler. Her mother died when Buffy was twelve. Book 1 began when Buffy was nearly eighteen. There will indeed be a big hunt that includes Buffy, Violet and Vandrelis.

Lopov- The real Superian was my grandfather’s thoroughbred. She was the granddaughter of Gallant Fox (1930 Triple Crown winner). My grandfather doted on her and trained the mare as a hunter/jumper. Superian, in return, filled his basement with trophies and blue ribbons. I loved her name and when asked, my grandfather told me her sire was called Superior and her dam was named Marian. Thanks!

SubRosa- Your own talent truly sets the standard when it comes to world-building, so your kind words are encouraging indeed. Although the sap/blood exchange is unique to the Cloud Dancer tribes, we’ll see some additional physiological differences between Bosmer in general and other elves/humans. Not only is Violet the only living blood kin to Buffy, but she will prove the best fount of knowledge about the Spirit Catcher tribe.

ghastley- I always appreciate your keen insight as you note things that are important to Buffy and I. In this case, we did indeed put lots of time into naming Buffy’s ancestral tree such that it would echo of Eldergleam and Gildergreen (from Skyrim).

mALX- Aww, thank you! I love Superian’s history and could not resist a brief mention of her naming. I love the idea of the mutually symbiotic relationship between the Cloud Dancer tribes and their trees. Buffy will eventually visit another Cloud Dancer tribe and see that intimate relationship between elf and tree in action.

Grtis- That Violet’s sad history touched your heart is high praise indeed. Thank you. The two cousins will grow close as sisters. Wanderlust will eventually overtake Buffy, but not before she learns more of this tribe and her own.

* * *

Episode 10

After we left the elders, Violet led me first to the tent where she lived with several other women. “Those with mates live in their own family tents,” she explained. As she arranged some furs next to her spot, she added, “You’ll sleep here.” She then headed for the tent flap. “Now, let me show you the rest of the camp and introduce you to more of the tribe.”

As we walked and talked, I learned much about life in the Strid River Valley Tribe. Their four seasons were marked not by subtle changes in the valley’s pleasant climate but by important events that dictated their activities.

Autumn and springtime each heralded a mammoth hunt. Just one of the massive animals, augmented by fish from the river and smaller game, could sustain the tribe until the next hunt.

Summer was the season of gathering bergamot oranges from trees growing wild across the prairie. Bergamot oil was produced which, along with pearls from local freshwater mussels, was bartered with the occasional Anvil-based river trader for sea salt, bladed weapons and a small number of other items the tribe did not produce.

Winter was marked by a joyful celebration giving thanks to the Nirn Mother for gracing the tribe with such generous bounty and offering prayers that she might do so again for the year ahead.

“All the tallow from our last hunt has long been rendered into candles and soap,” explained Violet. “Our dwindling supply of smoked mammoth means more fish in our diet now. But this also signals the spring hunt draws near. I hope you’ll stay for it.”

“I think I’d like that, Violet. Are you one of the hunters?”

“Yes, and my familiar, Aquilla, serves as an aerial spotter.”

“Familiar?” I repeated.

“Forgive me. Although you carry the blood and sap of a Spirit Catcher, I forgot for a moment that you were not raised in their ways.” At her urging, we both sat down in some soft grass along the river’s bank.

“As you know,” she continued, “the tribe of our mothers was called the Spirit Catchers. The name comes from our mystical ability to carry spirits within. For most of us, this means we can bond with a willing animal. Once bonded, the animal can freely move between spirit and physical forms as both companion and ally, even teleporting as needed. My mother taught me how to harness this ability and find my familiar the year before Alderglean was destroyed. Some of our mystics and wise women were known to host several spirits within them.”

She sat quietly for a moment. “I’ve just asked my familiar to join us.” No sooner were the words out of her mouth when I heard the nearby rush of flapping wings. By the time my eyes could locate the noise, a large bird of prey was settling on Violet’s small shoulder. “Buffy, this is Aquilla. He’s a river eagle.”

“H-he’s beautiful,” I managed to say of the sleek brown raptor.

Violet affectionately stroked the bird’s chest as she spoke to him. “You look hungry. Would you like to hunt?”

The eagle leaped into flight, climbed and began lazily circling over the river in front of us.

Violet turned her attention back to me. “Buffy, I know you’ve discovered a great many new things today, so I’d like you to take plenty of time as you think about something.”

“Of course, cousin,” I replied, “we both-“ I was interrupted by a screech from above. My eyes located the source just in time to see a winged blur pierce the river’s surface like an arrow, only to emerge a moment later with a large fish gripped in his talons. He carried his meal to the branches of a nearby tree and began tearing pieces from it with his sharply hooked beak. “I’m sorry, Violet, I forgot what I was trying to say.”

“Buffy, I believe, with more time together, I could teach you the Find Familiar ability of the Spirit Catchers. Teaching or learning the spell is challenging and requires an intimate bond. It’s normally taught to children by one of their parents.” She shrugged. “I’m the only fellow Spirit Catcher you have though.”

“I’m interested and honored, Violet, but I have many questions.”

“Of course you do.” She paused to smile warmly and touch my hand. “It’s a big commitment and the bond between Spirit Catcher and familiar is not to be taken lightly. I bring it up now only that you may begin thinking about it, for it will take time for us to grow close enough to share the required ancient magic. You should use that time to think about it and ask any questions you have.”

“Thank you, Violet, for your profound offer and patient understanding.” I glanced up at the tree where Aquilla was perched, alertly watching us. “Does every Spirit Catcher get an eagle?”

“No,” she replied, seemingly pleased at my continued interest, “familiars reflect a combination of the recipient’s nature and needs. There was a saying among the mystics in our tribe: ‘The familiar that finds you cares little for what you want, but knows exactly what you need.' "

“Where does Aquilla go when not with you?” I asked.

“He is always with me, for we are bound to each other.” She placed a fist against the space between her small breasts. “When not in eagle form, he dwells within me as a spirit. That is a big part of why we are called Spirit Catchers.”

“The idea of a familiar sounds wonderful, Violet, but you are right. I need some time to think it over.” Before I made a decision about allowing any more spirits into my little elven self, I knew I needed to talk with Acadian.

Violet nodded. “Enough serious talk for now. I’m sure you’re tired, travel-weary and probably hungry.” She glanced at the sun, now nestling into the western treetops. Would you like me to show you my favorite bathing spot?”

“I’d love that!” I chirped.

Violet was quickly on her feet and pulling me up by both hands. “Aquilla will keep watch for curious mer and hungry slaughterfish. In fact, if we’re lucky, he’ll bring us a nice fish that you and I can share for dinner.”

[Darkness Eternal]

There will indeed be a big hunt that includes Buffy, Violet and Vandrelis.

Excellent. Looking forward to this.

Oh a mammoth hunt! Those are quite sporting, and the bounty is good. Lycus would know

How great that with each passing season comes different activities to do. From hunting to collecting herbs to celebrating. I'm liking Wood Elven culture more and more and you bring that that life continuously.

Oh wow I fell in love with Aquilla(great name). Truly, every hunter needs their companion. Whether it is a river eagle or even a pet Highland wolf

The concept and nature of the Spirit Catcher is very interesting and fits with the Bosmeri culture. When Buffy learns such ability, I know it will indeed come in handy and I wonder which ally she will have with her, as it depends on what the hunter needs.

You know I foresee a waterfall for a bathing spot. It so fits Buffy. She likes waterfalls.

And fish . . . can't go wrong with fish.

Awesome chapter, Acadian. The jungle and native feel, and Buffy's discovery of her heritage and people is both very entertaining and enlightening.

[ghastley]

Before I made a decision about allowing any more spirits into my little elven self, I knew I needed to talk with Acadian.

Superian should have an opinion by now, too.

And there will now be wild speculation on possible choices for Buffy's familiar - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle?

This post has been edited by ghastley: Aug 26 2016, 05:36 PM

[BretonBlood]

I really enjoyed the backstory on Buffy's tribe in this chapter and learning how they each have a familiar that they can learn to bond with. And each person's is different depending on what they need. It reminds of animal totems that some native American tribes use for people or in Harry Potter how everyone's patronus charm is different hahaha.

[Renee]

I very much liked the exchange of sap and blood in the symbiotic bonding ritual of the tree dwelling elves.

Yeah, this was one of my favorite parts too. And the spirit catcher ability too. And the big bird which can follow commands.

Acadian, what town or village is Buffy's family from? I am assuming in Valenwood, right?

This post has been edited by Renee: Aug 27 2016, 03:45 AM

[SubRosa]

More excellent world-building with the yearly cycle of life in the Strid River Valley.

Aquilla? An eagle perhaps?

The spirit bonding of Buffy's folk is so wonderfully perfect. Not only does it explain a great deal about Buffy's own bond with Acadian, but once more it adds so much more flesh to the world over all.

"The familiar that finds you cares little for what you want, but knows exactly what you need."
I smiled at this. As I have often said of Hecate. She is not the goddess you necessarily want, but if she is in your life, it is because she is the one you need.

[Grits]

I enjoyed the details about the tribe’s gathering and bartering for what they don’t produce on their own. Very neat that their seasons are more cycles of activity than dramatic changes in the local weather.

As SubRosa said, the spirit bonding is wonderfully perfect both for the bonds Buffy already has and the richness it adds to Buffy’s world.

Wow, an eagle! What a marvelous episode!

[hazmick]

A lovely little chapter indeed. The Spirit Catchers sound so cool! Is there enough room in Buffy's tiny frame for another spirit? I look forward to hearing more.

[mALX]

This is a wonderful chapter, and there is so much similarity between the two cousins in action and thought/wave lengths.

Like SubRosa; I was wondering if Acadian; Phantom; Superian - if they have kind of been Buffy's familiars all along. She may not have been raised to know the custom, but still would have been born with the ability.

Anyway, regardless the answer to that; this lore you are weaving for Buffy's heritage is the most exciting thing to happen in Buffy Fiction in years!!!!! I am as excited about this as I was the Tourney; this is so Awesome !!!!!

MORE !!!!!

[Lopov]

As I've said before, reading about one's past and finding more of your hometown and relatives, is one of my favorite things to read, and this chapter is a great continuation of the previous one. I like ways of how tribesmen know seasons by different activities and customs which take place.

I hope Buffy will get her own familiar in due time, unless that's already Acadian. But I'm sure there's room for another. Aquilla is a great name for an eagle.

[Acadian]

In our last episode, Violet told Buffy about life in the Strid River Valley Tribe and that one of their twice yearly mammoth hunts drew near. She then showed Buffy her unique Spirit Catcher ability of sharing her spirit with a familiar – a river eagle in Violet’s case. Before the cousins headed for a bath in the river, Violet invited Buffy to think about learning the ancient Find Familiar ability of their mothers’ tribe.

DE- Thank you! I hope you will enjoy the tribe’s upcoming mammoth hunt in a few more episodes.

ghastley- Thanks for your wonderful insight as ever. The little elf has always carried spirits within and it is beginning to gradually make more sense to her now.

BretonBlood- I’m glad the blend of tribalism, nature and magic is showing through as a big part the inspiration for our approach to Valenwood. Thanks!

Renee- Thank you! Buffy was conceived high in the branches of the Tall Trees of central Valenwood. After her tribe’s tree was destroyed, Buffy was carried in her mother’s womb as her parents fled to and settled in Bravil. So this really is a wood elf’s journey to learn of her *groan* roots.

SubRosa- Thanks for seeing the connection between Spirit Catchers and Buffy’s bond with Acadian. I hope you enjoy which familiar eventually chooses Buffy and how it relates to what she needs instead of what she might want.

Grits- It was great fun to work through the details of life in the Strid River Valley Tribe since, although it is compatible with TES (I think anyway), it is heavily imagineered to suit our purposes. Valenwood allows a cleaner slate for world building than Cyrodiil since none of the main games are set there.

hazmick- Hee! Having room for another spirit is Buffy’s concern as well. Before she learns the Find Familiar ability, she and Acadian will have a chat about how many spirits can fit in a tiny elf.

mALX- Thanks for noticing some familial type similarities between Buffy and Violet. I’m glad the possibilities of ‘sprit catcher’ as it relates to Buffy is provocatively evident. And thanks also for your encouragement as we do some ‘lore-weaving’ in this book.

Lopov- Aquilla’s name just popped into place as soon as I thought of an eagle for Violet’s familiar. Thank you for enjoying our description of life in this part of Valenwood bordered by river and prairie.

* * *

Episode 11

The following sunrise found me grooming Superian by the river’s edge. Both our bellies were full of porridge made from wild oats and apples. I had also enjoyed a cup of hot bergamot tea. A pale green twilight butterfly fluttered nearby. I couldn’t be sure, but I was beginning to wonder if it was the same butterfly that often seemed to find me around dawn or dusk. No, I decided, that would be silly. After all, such small creatures were common sights when the sun was low.

“You’re up early, Buffy.”

I looked over my shoulder to see that Violet had quietly approached. “Good morning, cousin,” I lowered the last of Superian’s feet and dispelled her hoof pick in favor of a curry brush.

“Why are you rubbing that brush in circles?” she asked.

“To loosen any debris in her coat and stimulate her skin.”

“I-I don’t know anything about horses.” After the tentative comment she added, “Can I help?”

I paused, turned to her and smiled. Violet had only briefly met Superian the day before. “Come closer and ask her.”

She approached the imposing mare. As Superian swung her head to investigate the lavender-haired elf, Violet stiffened. “She must be ten times my size!”

“I’d say she’s closer to ten times the size of you and I combined.” Sensing that my comment only made Violet more nervous, I added encouragingly, "Relax though, I can tell already that she likes you.”

Violet cautiously reached out a hand and rubbed the mare’s long nose. “You have beautiful glowing eyes – the same color as those of your mistress. Would you like me to help fix your hair?”

I resumed circling the curry brush around Superian’s coat. “Why don’t you use your fingers to work any tangles out of her mane?”

As Violet reached up, Superian lowered her head making the task easier.

“As you can see,” I said, “she’s used to being groomed by a small elf.” I then dispelled the curry brush by summoning a medium bristled one and began flicking away anything I had loosened up from her coat. “What are we doing today?”

“The tribe’s cook has tasked you and I with collecting mussels from the river for a large batch of stew he plans to make. We’ll save any pearls they contain for when the next trading boat from Anvil makes its way this far up river. Some of the tribe will be catching fish today for the same stew. Another small group has already left camp, hunting for wild tubers and onions. Oh, I’m finished with Superian’s mane.”

“Thanks for the help,” I replied. I was now smoothing the mare’s coat with a conjured burlap rub rag. “Would you work any tangles out of her tail, please?”

“Sure,” replied Violet. She looked rather nervous as she circled around to the mare’s hindquarters.

I chuckled. “Don’t worry, she’ll neither kick nor relieve herself while you’re back there.” I noticed my little butterfly friend was gone.

Soon enough we were done. I blew Superian a kiss over one shoulder as Violet led me to our next task. “You’ll have to teach me how to collect these mussels.”

We’d not traveled far alongside the river when she stopped. “This is a good spot, Buffy. Can you hold your breath well?”

“Not exactly but, with a spell, I can stay under water for over a quarter hour.”

Violet stared at me. “I’ve heard of such spells, but the tree-dwelling Spirit Catchers had no need to breathe water and no one in the Strid Valley River Tribe knows such magic.”

I took her hands in mine. “Violet, I’ve learned so much about who I am from you. And you’ve so freely provided your tent, food and kindness. I’d be honored if you’d let me try and share my waterbreathing spell with you. I mean, if you want me to.”

Lavender eyes sparkled and hair of the same color bounced as she nodded vigorously.

I continued to hold her hands. “We’ll need to maintain a physical bond.” I moved closer until our foreheads were pressed together. “Close your eyes and open your mind to my magic.” Soon, I could feel the delicate tendrils of our spirits gently discovering each other as they intertwined enough to allow the flow of arcane knowledge. After a few moments, I allowed the bond to fade. I stepped back as we both opened our eyes.

“I think it worked,” she said. “I’m anxious to try it.”

After dropping our clothes, Violet picked up the medium sized bag that she had worn at her hip. It contained another such sack and two small flint blades, each with a thin twine lanyard. “The bags are to hold our catch and the blades are to help break free any stubborn ones.” After she tied one of the bags around my waist and a blade to my wrist, I did the same for her.

“Are we ready?” I asked.

“Almost,” replied Violet. She looked up just before I heard the wings of Aquilla. I watched the eagle settle upon a branch that stretched out over the river. “As when we were bathing last night he’ll watch out for slaughterfish and make sure no squirrels or raccoons get into our belongings. Now we’re ready.”

After casting our spells, I followed Violet to the river’s bottom and she began to show me how to find and gather our quarry. With two of us, and the ability to stay submerged for long periods, it took only a couple hours to fill both our bags.

Once done, we sat on the shore, drying ourselves in the midmorning sun.

“Do you remember much of my parents?” I asked while combing out my hair.

“I knew Aunt Marian from as far back as I can remember. She met and married Superior only a couple years before the fire so I didn’t know him as well. The cozy burrow nest that Alderglean provided for them within one of her branches was quite high. Oh, I recall that Aunt Marian maintained a small shrine to Azura in her home – it only appeared a couple months before the fire. I found that a bit odd, as most of our tribe worshipped the Sky Goddess and Nirn Mother.” Violet stiffened slightly. “Aquilla sees a hunter on the other side of the river.” She closed her eyes for a few moments, then opened them again. “No danger. It’s the chief’s son, likely hunting rabbit. “Pull your knees up to cover your bits.” We both did so as some small branches parted across the river and I recognized Vandrelis, bow in hand.

“You can see through Aquilla’s eyes?” I asked.

“Sometimes, when there is something he wishes to show me,” she replied.

“Vandrelis is watching us too,” I said. “I didn’t know he was the chief’s son.”

“Yes,” Violet replied, “and someday I expect he’ll be chief.” She frowned. “Several of the tribe’s young mermaidens fawn over him.”

“I can see why,” I remarked a bit more dreamily than I intended.

“Oh, not you too, Buffy!”

“Well, he is quite handsome,” I said, “and when I first encountered him as I approached your valley, he acted nobly and treated me with kindness.”

She looked at me. “He must have taken a fancy to you - and likely more than just your looks. I mean you and I could be twins except for our hair and eye coloring, but he has never shown much interest in me. Of course, I was a grown mer before he came of age, so perhaps that is why he has never thought of me that way.”

Even from across the river, I could see it was indeed me that Vandrelis was watching. After a short time, he faded back into the forest and I mused aloud, “Or perhaps he’s watching me simply because I’m an outsider and he doesn’t trust me.”

Finally dry, we dressed, gathered our bags of mussels from where we had tethered them in the shallows and headed back to the village.

[Darkness Eternal]

A pale green twilight butterfly fluttered nearby. I couldn’t be sure, but I was beginning to wonder if it was the same butterfly that often seemed to find me around dawn or dusk. No, I decided, that would be silly. After all, such small creatures were common sights when the sun was low.

I'm beginning to wonder and suspect that this butterfly isn't any ordinary butterfly. Buffy dismissed the butterfly early, but given the abundance of life, I don't blame her.

How great that Superian allowed Violet to help out with her hair, and that the two cousins are getting along so well. How amazing would it be to have Violet's ability to see what her familiar sees? Indeed such powers can come in handy.

You know I had a feeling Buff had a crush on Vandrelis from the very start. I mean he does fit the knight in shining armor hunter in shining animal pets persona.

Something that caught my attention was Violet's mention of Marian's worship of Azura and the shrine. I think Buffy's destiny was written out for her long before she was born. Perhaps. It looks that way to me.

Great chapter, Acadian and I loved the fishing tactics.

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: Sep 2 2016, 07:36 PM

[BretonBlood]

As Darkness Eternal said, it was kind of obvious Buffy has a thing for Vandrelis. And I love the little subtle butterfly that gives the reader that sense that Azura is watching over Buffy, but it could just be a regular butterfly.

And I love how Violet can see through Aquillas eyes, such a cool feature and i can't wait to learn more.

[mALX]

I also agree with DE on all he said. I am very excited to learn how the connection comes about between Azura and Buffy's Mother!

I especially liked the grooming of Superian; and it was very cool that Superian brought her head down because she was used to a smaller Elf grooming her - that is legit, I have seen horses do that before! And Buffy's instructions on grooming were dead on correct, loved that!

Why do I get the feeling that Violet is numbered amongst the girls in the village who has a crush on Vandrelis?

An Awesome chapter; but I do have one nit - a pretty huge one:

“As when we were bathing last night he’ll watch out for slaughterfish and make sure no squirrels ... get into our belongings. Now we’re ready.”

...


*mALX turns green, grows to giant proportions; rips shirt off*









This post has been edited by mALX: Sep 3 2016, 09:18 AM

[SubRosa]

The same butterfly every twilight? Oh that would be crazy Buffy!

I hope no mALX'es get in their belongings while they are swimming!

Some more enticing tidbits of the history of Aunt Mar and Uncle Sup. I wonder if there were ever any butterflies around that shrine to Azura?

Vandrelis is the prince? I bet there are plenty of mermaids giving him doe eyes. But it seems he has managed to somehow find himself in Buffy's locale. I am sure completely by accident...

[Renee]

Buffy was conceived high in the branches of the Tall Trees of central Valenwood. After her tribe’s tree was destroyed, Buffy was carried in her mother’s womb as her parents fled to and settled in Bravil. So this really is a wood elf’s journey to learn of her *groan* roots

Oh I see. I just learned a lot from these sentences... all this time I'd assumed she grew up in Valenwood, then moved to Cyrodiil. Because I never read the earlier stories.

I love all the magic in this one! Even little things like summoning a brush, or seeing through somebody else's eyes. Chances are when my Lady Saga returns to Valenwood, she'll already know a lot of the things that are common knowledge in Valenwood, and that's how I'm going to RP it. The tribes and animal spirits are examples here.

[Lopov]

While her tribe can certainly teach Buffy many new things, she can easily return a favor by doing what she did to Violet - teach her how to breathe underwater.

“Oh, not you too, Buffy!”

That made me chuckle! I could almost hear Violet saying that.

Interesting about Marian having Azura's shrine. That immediately reminded me of the introduction to this story.

Buffy & Vandrelis!