So now we know that without the extra advantage of stealth, Slayer and its conjured arrows can take down a Minotaur in two strikes (and one ball). That suggests it would have been only one if it hadn't detected her, but of course that would have told us nothing, as we wouldn't know just how dead it was.
I hope Superian doesn't become a suicidal attacker of predators. Especially if she's ever pulling a wagon. (Don't ask this one about those incidents. He is not fond of being reminded how he was run over by his own home.)
Full Version: Buffy - Book 2
I forgot to mention that I just love seeing Buffy in Valenwood. It is her homeland, afterall. Well, she's from Bravil but you understand 
I enjoyed Buffy and Superian’s journey to the high plains very much. I’m delighted to see a variety of landscapes in Valenwood. Buffy’s focus on the tasks that will fill her time at camp on the not-Cyrodiil side of the river made me want to hug her.
Wow, Superian’s challenge right back at the minotaur was just great! I was so pleased when Buffy answered my questions with her own thoughts on Superian’s slightly changed nature. What an exciting display of mounted archery. Then Buffy’s reflection on her bow’s magic answered the rest of my questions. In particular it was interesting to note that the bow caused enough drain on Buffy for her to want even a short break from it. I love these mage moments.
Oh, and “our long ears”!
Wow, Superian’s challenge right back at the minotaur was just great! I was so pleased when Buffy answered my questions with her own thoughts on Superian’s slightly changed nature. What an exciting display of mounted archery. Then Buffy’s reflection on her bow’s magic answered the rest of my questions. In particular it was interesting to note that the bow caused enough drain on Buffy for her to want even a short break from it. I love these mage moments.
Oh, and “our long ears”!
Episode 6 found Buffy and Superian approaching a high prairie en route to the Strid River. When the path ahead was blocked by a minotaur, elf and mare displayed their teamwork using Buffy’s new bow from the saddle.
Renee- Hee! Yes, that minotaur had a role to play. Like ‘Crewman Green’ from the old Star Trek series, you just knew he wasn’t gonna make it back from the away mission. Thanks!
mALX- While the presence of Phantom’s spirit within does give Superian a bit more confidence, most of the mare’s newfound defiant bravado is because she has learned how effective the archer on her back can be. Just as Buffy trusts in the mare’s speed/maneuverability, Superian trusts in her elf’s marksmanship. We’ll see in the next episode that the mare’s bravery evaporates without Buffy in her saddle. Hopefully the resultant impression will be their interdependence. Regarding Slayer’s arrows, they linger for a time after being shot, then evaporate on their own so Buffy doesn’ t have to worry about recovering them. And each time she conjures Slayer, its quiver is full. So arrow management for Slayer is very much like Skyrim’s bound/mystic bow. Thanks so much for asking your questions so I could address them!
Lopov- Thank you! Mounted archery is one of the bigger examples of Buffy Fiction now running on 'Skyrim’s game engine' instead of Oblvion’s. I debated using conventional arrows that Buffy had to resupply. In the end, I went with magic ones to keep her hybrid bow a bit more in line with Skyrim’s mystic bow.
SubRosa- Thanks for your kind words about our opening. I love beginning one of her episodes within the magic of a forest morning. Buffy’s paranoid about Superian’s safety and welfare. It really is necessary for the mare to have a few defensive abilities (like some regeneration and the constitution of a dragon) for Buffy to comfortably use her as a warhorse – and I love the swaying of Superian’s mane as she moves too much to cover her with armor.
DE- I take your supportive words as high praise indeed, given how your own wonderful fiction was able to bring the hauntingly primeval hunting grounds of Hircine so vividly alive. I’m also glad you’re pleased that our setting is Valenwood. Buffy will learn a great deal about the sap that runs within her as well as her tribal roots. An armored minotaur!
ghastley- Heh, I recall the challenges your horses have provided your wagon mod. As I mentioned to mALX, Superian’s bravery comes from the archer on her back. With Buffy dismounted, the mare will act very much like the nervous prey animal she is. In horse form the mare’s nature is stronger than the dragon’s.
Grits- Thank you for the encouragement. There has been much new to present in the book so far and I’ve been trying to strike a balance between ‘showing’ it, augmented by ruminations from Buffy. I hope you enjoy Buffy’s upcoming time with a tribe of the plains.
I dropped the waterskin I was filling and stood when I saw the wood elf. He must have stealthily approached from downwind, precluding my nearby mare from picking up his scent.
He nocked an arrow but did not draw his bow.
I conjured Slayer and did the same while sidestepping closer to a tree that might shield me if necessary.
Superian raised her head from the spring’s small pool, water trailing from her mouth. She backed away nervously, for much of her courage was contingent upon having her elf in the saddle.
The archer directed his weapon down and to one side, but kept the arrow fitted to his bowstring. “You don’t look like a Valley Girl.”
“I beg your pardon?” His words mystified me but, in response to his tone and actions, I pointed my arrow toward the ground as well. “What’s a Valley Girl?”
“You look like a Cloud Dancer but speak like a Cyrodiil,” he stated.
His response did nothing to enlighten me but his tone was not threatening. I allowed Slayer to dispel and lowered my hands as the subtle illusion magic of a fear spell unobtrusively filled my right fist – just in case. “I don’t understand your meaning but I intend you no harm.”
I was relieved to see him quiver his arrow and shoulder his bow. “I am Vandrelis, a huntsmer of the Strid River Valley Tribe.”
“My name’s Buffy, a traveler,” I replied as my readied spell quietly faded. “I mean no trespass. If you’d look at my map and advise me, I’ll be happy to avoid your hunting area." I produced a doeskin map of Valenwood from my mage satchel and unrolled it.
As the mer approached, I could see he was nearly as tall as an Imperial. A short elven sword rode at one hip and a waterskin on the other. Buckskins covered his lower body. From the waist up he was bare, save the leather harness that hosted his bow and quiver. The sun had bronzed the skin of his trim, muscular upper body and a mane of chestnut hair trailed well down his back. A clean-shaven face displayed finely chiseled features. He ignored the map and, after a curious glance at Superian’s azure glowing eyes, looked down at me. “I meant that your accent is clearly from Cyrodiil, but your coloring and size mark you as a Cloud Dancer. What is your tribe?”
“I-I don’t know. My mother carried me in her womb from Valenwood to Bravil where I was born. She said she would tell me of our tribe when I was older but died before she was able to do so.”
His dark eyes softened somewhat. “I’m sorry to hear that. . . Buffy.”
“What’s a Cloud Dancer?” I asked.
“Bosmer display physical traits consistent with their tribal territories. Cloud Dancer is a general description applied to several tribes that live in Valenwood’s tallest trees – found in the center of the province. Trees so tall that their upper branches kiss the clouds – hence, the elves who live there are referred to as Cloud Dancers.”
“You said they look like me?” I prompted.
He nodded. “Their physical adaptations include small size and light, fragile bones to support life in the slender upper branches of their homes. Their hair is light-colored, ranging from silver or golden to lavender or even pale green. Presumably this is a form of camouflage, for it is said they prefer to fight from the trees with the sun above them. Unlike the brown or black eyes of most Bosmer, theirs are generally green, blue or violet. Living amidst thick foliage means they hunt by sound as much as sight and their sensitive ears are larger than those of other elves.”
“You just described the appearance of my mother and I!”
“Now you see why I assumed you were from one of the Cloud Dancer tribes – until you spoke.” Finally, his attention moved to my rather poorly annotated map. “Where are you headed?”
“I’m not sure. You see, I came here from Cyrodiil about three months ago hoping the forests of my ancestral homeland could help mend my broken heart. So far, I’ve just been wandering and living off the land.”
“Who would break the heart of such a beautiful elf?” he asked.
I lowered my eyes. “N-no. He died in my arms, from wounds sustained saving my life.”
“I’m sorry. It sounds like he loved you very much.”
I nodded, and a tear slid down one cheek as I looked up at the elf and announced, “I want to find my mother’s tribe. Can you help?” I held out the map again.
“Your map will be of little help.” He pointed generally south. “When you see taller trees in front of you, go toward them. When the trees stop becoming taller, you are there.” He shrugged then added, “I’ve never ventured far enough south to encounter the Tall Trees.”
“Well, that should at least get me heading in the right direction.” I rolled up the map. “Thank you for allowing me safe passage.”
“I’m sure it is many days travel.” His look grew dubious. “Are you well-provisioned?”
“Probably not,” I admitted.
He knelt by the spring and filled his waterskin as well as the one I had dropped. As he stood and handed mine to me, his gaze traveled down my small frame, then briefly back up over Superian. “You are near my territory and I would feel responsible if you attempted such a journey with inadequate supplies and so little knowledge of your destination.”
“You are most kind, but-“
“Stay your words,” he interrupted. “You look half starved and poorly equipped. This animal you travel with looks well-cared for though. Would you expose her to such a hazardous trip unprepared?”
His protective chivalry tugged at my heart, for it reminded me of my Savlian. It was Vandrelis’ last question that made me reconsider his offer though. I looked at my precious mare, then back to the mer. “There is truth and wisdom in your words, Vandrelis. Superian and I would be grateful for any assistance you can offer.”
“Accompany me to my village, Buffy. We will speak with the tribe’s shaman. I believe he may be able to help. There is a member of our tribe who was born in the land of the Tall Trees.”
Renee- Hee! Yes, that minotaur had a role to play. Like ‘Crewman Green’ from the old Star Trek series, you just knew he wasn’t gonna make it back from the away mission. Thanks!
mALX- While the presence of Phantom’s spirit within does give Superian a bit more confidence, most of the mare’s newfound defiant bravado is because she has learned how effective the archer on her back can be. Just as Buffy trusts in the mare’s speed/maneuverability, Superian trusts in her elf’s marksmanship. We’ll see in the next episode that the mare’s bravery evaporates without Buffy in her saddle. Hopefully the resultant impression will be their interdependence. Regarding Slayer’s arrows, they linger for a time after being shot, then evaporate on their own so Buffy doesn’ t have to worry about recovering them. And each time she conjures Slayer, its quiver is full. So arrow management for Slayer is very much like Skyrim’s bound/mystic bow. Thanks so much for asking your questions so I could address them!
Lopov- Thank you! Mounted archery is one of the bigger examples of Buffy Fiction now running on 'Skyrim’s game engine' instead of Oblvion’s. I debated using conventional arrows that Buffy had to resupply. In the end, I went with magic ones to keep her hybrid bow a bit more in line with Skyrim’s mystic bow.
SubRosa- Thanks for your kind words about our opening. I love beginning one of her episodes within the magic of a forest morning. Buffy’s paranoid about Superian’s safety and welfare. It really is necessary for the mare to have a few defensive abilities (like some regeneration and the constitution of a dragon) for Buffy to comfortably use her as a warhorse – and I love the swaying of Superian’s mane as she moves too much to cover her with armor.
DE- I take your supportive words as high praise indeed, given how your own wonderful fiction was able to bring the hauntingly primeval hunting grounds of Hircine so vividly alive. I’m also glad you’re pleased that our setting is Valenwood. Buffy will learn a great deal about the sap that runs within her as well as her tribal roots. An armored minotaur!
ghastley- Heh, I recall the challenges your horses have provided your wagon mod. As I mentioned to mALX, Superian’s bravery comes from the archer on her back. With Buffy dismounted, the mare will act very much like the nervous prey animal she is. In horse form the mare’s nature is stronger than the dragon’s.
Grits- Thank you for the encouragement. There has been much new to present in the book so far and I’ve been trying to strike a balance between ‘showing’ it, augmented by ruminations from Buffy. I hope you enjoy Buffy’s upcoming time with a tribe of the plains.
* * *
Episode 7
I dropped the waterskin I was filling and stood when I saw the wood elf. He must have stealthily approached from downwind, precluding my nearby mare from picking up his scent.
He nocked an arrow but did not draw his bow.
I conjured Slayer and did the same while sidestepping closer to a tree that might shield me if necessary.
Superian raised her head from the spring’s small pool, water trailing from her mouth. She backed away nervously, for much of her courage was contingent upon having her elf in the saddle.
The archer directed his weapon down and to one side, but kept the arrow fitted to his bowstring. “You don’t look like a Valley Girl.”
“I beg your pardon?” His words mystified me but, in response to his tone and actions, I pointed my arrow toward the ground as well. “What’s a Valley Girl?”
“You look like a Cloud Dancer but speak like a Cyrodiil,” he stated.
His response did nothing to enlighten me but his tone was not threatening. I allowed Slayer to dispel and lowered my hands as the subtle illusion magic of a fear spell unobtrusively filled my right fist – just in case. “I don’t understand your meaning but I intend you no harm.”
I was relieved to see him quiver his arrow and shoulder his bow. “I am Vandrelis, a huntsmer of the Strid River Valley Tribe.”
“My name’s Buffy, a traveler,” I replied as my readied spell quietly faded. “I mean no trespass. If you’d look at my map and advise me, I’ll be happy to avoid your hunting area." I produced a doeskin map of Valenwood from my mage satchel and unrolled it.
As the mer approached, I could see he was nearly as tall as an Imperial. A short elven sword rode at one hip and a waterskin on the other. Buckskins covered his lower body. From the waist up he was bare, save the leather harness that hosted his bow and quiver. The sun had bronzed the skin of his trim, muscular upper body and a mane of chestnut hair trailed well down his back. A clean-shaven face displayed finely chiseled features. He ignored the map and, after a curious glance at Superian’s azure glowing eyes, looked down at me. “I meant that your accent is clearly from Cyrodiil, but your coloring and size mark you as a Cloud Dancer. What is your tribe?”
“I-I don’t know. My mother carried me in her womb from Valenwood to Bravil where I was born. She said she would tell me of our tribe when I was older but died before she was able to do so.”
His dark eyes softened somewhat. “I’m sorry to hear that. . . Buffy.”
“What’s a Cloud Dancer?” I asked.
“Bosmer display physical traits consistent with their tribal territories. Cloud Dancer is a general description applied to several tribes that live in Valenwood’s tallest trees – found in the center of the province. Trees so tall that their upper branches kiss the clouds – hence, the elves who live there are referred to as Cloud Dancers.”
“You said they look like me?” I prompted.
He nodded. “Their physical adaptations include small size and light, fragile bones to support life in the slender upper branches of their homes. Their hair is light-colored, ranging from silver or golden to lavender or even pale green. Presumably this is a form of camouflage, for it is said they prefer to fight from the trees with the sun above them. Unlike the brown or black eyes of most Bosmer, theirs are generally green, blue or violet. Living amidst thick foliage means they hunt by sound as much as sight and their sensitive ears are larger than those of other elves.”
“You just described the appearance of my mother and I!”
“Now you see why I assumed you were from one of the Cloud Dancer tribes – until you spoke.” Finally, his attention moved to my rather poorly annotated map. “Where are you headed?”
“I’m not sure. You see, I came here from Cyrodiil about three months ago hoping the forests of my ancestral homeland could help mend my broken heart. So far, I’ve just been wandering and living off the land.”
“Who would break the heart of such a beautiful elf?” he asked.
I lowered my eyes. “N-no. He died in my arms, from wounds sustained saving my life.”
“I’m sorry. It sounds like he loved you very much.”
I nodded, and a tear slid down one cheek as I looked up at the elf and announced, “I want to find my mother’s tribe. Can you help?” I held out the map again.
“Your map will be of little help.” He pointed generally south. “When you see taller trees in front of you, go toward them. When the trees stop becoming taller, you are there.” He shrugged then added, “I’ve never ventured far enough south to encounter the Tall Trees.”
“Well, that should at least get me heading in the right direction.” I rolled up the map. “Thank you for allowing me safe passage.”
“I’m sure it is many days travel.” His look grew dubious. “Are you well-provisioned?”
“Probably not,” I admitted.
He knelt by the spring and filled his waterskin as well as the one I had dropped. As he stood and handed mine to me, his gaze traveled down my small frame, then briefly back up over Superian. “You are near my territory and I would feel responsible if you attempted such a journey with inadequate supplies and so little knowledge of your destination.”
“You are most kind, but-“
“Stay your words,” he interrupted. “You look half starved and poorly equipped. This animal you travel with looks well-cared for though. Would you expose her to such a hazardous trip unprepared?”
His protective chivalry tugged at my heart, for it reminded me of my Savlian. It was Vandrelis’ last question that made me reconsider his offer though. I looked at my precious mare, then back to the mer. “There is truth and wisdom in your words, Vandrelis. Superian and I would be grateful for any assistance you can offer.”
“Accompany me to my village, Buffy. We will speak with the tribe’s shaman. I believe he may be able to help. There is a member of our tribe who was born in the land of the Tall Trees.”
A real life Bosmer Bowmer, and soon a whole Valenvillage of them! I'm very much looking forward to seeing your version of Valenwood and Bosmer lore. I just hope they realise that Superian isn't lunch...or Buffy for that matter.
WOO HOO! This is Awesome !!!! I've been to that area of huge trees, it is so cool!!! Starting to meet her kin is going to be so fun! Awesome write !!!!
/glances at the thread subtitle
Something tells me this meeting will prove significant.
Something tells me this meeting will prove significant.
A Valley Girl? Like, gag me with a spoon! Sorry, I could not resist. I remember irl Valley Girls.
This is a tense meeting, but it looks like the better aedra of both Buffy and the buff, bronzed, hunter Vandrelis have won the day.
The revelation of tribes sharing physical characteristics is a wonderful piece of world-building. It also gives us deeper and welcome look into Buffy's own elven genealogy, which has never been explored before. Vandrelis certainly described Buffy to a tee when he recounted the appearance of the Cloud Dancers and their habitat. Again, all nicely done.
This Vandrelis seems like a good fella. It is off to his tribe we go! I am looking forward to seeing a Valley Bosmer settlement, and holy person!
This is a tense meeting, but it looks like the better aedra of both Buffy and the buff, bronzed, hunter Vandrelis have won the day.
The revelation of tribes sharing physical characteristics is a wonderful piece of world-building. It also gives us deeper and welcome look into Buffy's own elven genealogy, which has never been explored before. Vandrelis certainly described Buffy to a tee when he recounted the appearance of the Cloud Dancers and their habitat. Again, all nicely done.
This Vandrelis seems like a good fella. It is off to his tribe we go! I am looking forward to seeing a Valley Bosmer settlement, and holy person!
Looks like Buffy's soon about to learn more about the tribe she comes from. I like the name - Cloud Dancers But before that, a visit to Vandrelis' village awaits her - as others, I like your description of Valenwood and its inhabitants. My favorite segment of the story is when Vandrelis tells Buffy that the map will be of little use to her, instead she should follow the trees.
What a start. I was wondering if the little elf was friend or foe, along with the meaning of Valley Girl. I quite like the name Vandrelis. Sad indeed that Buffy never learned from what tribe her family originated from, but there is hope. Buffy and her mother share the same traits as these Cloud Dancers. The reason our friend Vandrelis mistook her for one. I think we learn of Buffy's history here, at least perhaps her parents'.
What a brave man he was. I recall his fall. One of the tragically memorable moments in Buffy's story.
Vandrelis indeed sounds like a decent fellow. An invitation for food and a meeting with the tribe's shaman is in order, and with these the possible revelation of Buffy's mother. Buffy indeed must feel right at home, among her people. A nice way to learn of her own race's culture, too. This is simply great.
I look forward for more!
QUOTE
I lowered my eyes. “N-no. He died in my arms, from wounds sustained saving my life.”
What a brave man he was. I recall his fall. One of the tragically memorable moments in Buffy's story.
Vandrelis indeed sounds like a decent fellow. An invitation for food and a meeting with the tribe's shaman is in order, and with these the possible revelation of Buffy's mother. Buffy indeed must feel right at home, among her people. A nice way to learn of her own race's culture, too. This is simply great.
I look forward for more!
That reminds me, Vandrelis has his own theme music...
QUOTE(SubRosa @ Aug 8 2016, 05:49 PM) 
That guy playing heroic music on the piano and smoking cigarettes reminds me of Lopov! (or possibly one of this characters, but not Rattler!)
Just read through the whole story so far. I'm going to go back and read the summary of book 1, but for now it is late and I am tired. But I loved the beginning meeting between Mara, Kynareth, and Azura, it was a great way to entice people into the story.
These first seven chapters have been great, the part where Superian fuses with Phantom was truly magnificent, and I loved how you did the dove and scroll, as well as her conjured bow. And finally, seeing Buffy meet a native bosmer and tell her about the different tribes was very cool, and it made me feel bad for Buffy since she never got to know about where she is from.
Can't wait for more.
These first seven chapters have been great, the part where Superian fuses with Phantom was truly magnificent, and I loved how you did the dove and scroll, as well as her conjured bow. And finally, seeing Buffy meet a native bosmer and tell her about the different tribes was very cool, and it made me feel bad for Buffy since she never got to know about where she is from.
Can't wait for more.
So Buffy’s not from Sunnydale? 
I love how the two cautiously lowered their guard as they spoke.
I was enthralled by the descriptions of the Strid River Valley and Cloud Dancer tribes, and not just because of the bronzed, shirtless, elven speaker. Vandrelis’s manner was delightful. I am super excited to meet the wood elves of Buffy’s world, and especially the one who was born among the Tall Trees! *happy dance*
I love how the two cautiously lowered their guard as they spoke. I was enthralled by the descriptions of the Strid River Valley and Cloud Dancer tribes, and not just because of the bronzed, shirtless, elven speaker. Vandrelis’s manner was delightful. I am super excited to meet the wood elves of Buffy’s world, and especially the one who was born among the Tall Trees! *happy dance*
In our last episode, Buffy and Superian were surprised by a wood elven huntsmer. After some revealing discussion about Bosmeri tribes and Buffy’s possible heritage, she agreed to accompany the mer to his tribe’s village to learn more.
hazmick- The plains tribe that Vandrelis belongs to will be quite different from the tribes of the tall trees that spawned Buffy. We’ll eventually get to see both. Thank you!
mALX- Thanks! The ground-dwelling Strid River Valley Tribe is inspired more by buffalo hunting tribes that once inhabited the American great plains than TES but I hope my world-building will feel like it belongs. Later, Buffy will meet the elusive tree-dwellers who live aloft in the deepest portion of central Valenwood. That will feel much more TES-like but their culture will still reflect heavy influences from ‘Buffy lore’.
ghastley- Yes! Thank you for catching our first real reference to the book's sub title. And you are right also at the extent of revelations she’ll learn during her time with Vandrelis’ tribe. The core of the book is indeed Buffy’s search for the Cloud Dancers.
SubRosa- Hee! Buffy is of course clueless about what a ‘Valley Girl’ is but I knew you would join me for a giggle at the reference. I appreciate the kind support for our humble efforts at world-building when it comes to Buffy’s heritage. I’ll be including more Bosmer quirks that seem very reasonable to me but not included in TES lore. Heh, as I’ve said though no Green Pact – I know that you and I are not fans of that concept.
Lopov- Thank you. I hope you enjoy the plains area Buffy is heading into next. She’ll spend some time there, but it really is primarily to prepare her for heading back south into the land of the Tall Trees. I think Vandrelis was right about the map also. Heavy canopied rain forest can certainly make navigating by sun, moons and stars challenging.
DE- Thank you! The name Vandrelis popped into my mind and seemed ‘right’. When that happens I always google the propsective name to avoid any embarrassing surprises. In my search I did rediscover the beautiful music that SubRosa linked to. Buffy’s tendency at this point of course is to compare any man who might interest her to the lofty standard set by her late Savlian Matius.
BretonBlood- Thank you so much for joining us! I’m so glad you are enjoying Buffy’s story – particularly given your own talent with telling the tale of Jak and Arissa’s roguish adventures in Skyrim. This book is indeed letting Buffy try to discover ‘where she is from’ - quite literally, her family tree.
Grits- Thanks for the Buffy Summers of Sunnydale vampire slaying reference! Oh, I hope you like the upcoming glimpse of the great plains the pair will traverse on their way to the river.
I conjured and shouldered Slayer before mounting Superian. At my urging, Vandrelis swung himself up behind me. Right away I realized the arrangement wasn’t going to work and allowed the weapon and quiver to dispel to make more room for the other mer.
As Slayer faded away, he asked, “Can you shoot that bow from the saddle?”
“Yes, but probably not very effectively with a passenger behind me – so if attacked, we’ll quickly decide whether to use my mare’s speed to flee, or dismount and draw weapons to fight from the ground.”
“My knowledge of horses wouldn’t fill the bladder of an Abecean sparrow,” he replied with a chuckle, “so I’ll defer to your judgment.”
We then set off to the north. The warmth of his chest against my back and one arm around my waist was necessary of course and, I had to admit, not unpleasant.
Before long, open forest yielded to golden grasses. Gently rolling hills hosted the occasional acacia tree and clusters of bergamot orange trees. We saw several small herds of prairie mammoth, plucking tall grass with their trunks. “These majestic animals are the lifeblood of my tribe,” Vandrelis explained. “When we take one, we honor it by fully using every part of the animal. Food, shelter, sleeping furs, clothing, cooking and eating vessels. Candles, soap, weapons, waterskins. . . the list is long.”
I nodded approvingly. “My archery master in Bravil trained me the same way – to appreciatively use the bounty of nature, but never waste it. Only when hunting to feed many mouths or preserve a good supply of meat have I taken large prey such as deer or elk. Since I travel with just my mare most of the time, it's generally rabbit, fish, crab or the occasional a game bird that roasts over my campfire.”
The prairie gradually began to host more trees and its grasses grew green as we descended. Soon enough, the Strid River came into view.
The settlement we found there featured a central cooking fire. There were numerous conical tents of varying sizes made from mammoth hide draped around supporting frames of wooden poles that were lashed together at the top. The evidence that several hosted small fires inside wafted upward through smoke flaps. Next to the largest of these tents was the massive sun-whitened skull of a mammoth.
Quite a few of the elves took note of our arrival as they looked up from activities that included cooking, curing hides and fletching arrows. I noted a small, crude smelter and roughly-hewn forge surrounded by lumps of ore, silver-gray ingots and baskets of arrowheads. Several chickens and goats roamed freely. At least two mer, armed with bow and blade, appeared to be guarding the village.
Closer to the river was a sturdy wagon, heavily stained with old blood – probably from transporting many large kills. Grazing nearby was a gelded river buffalo that looked quite capable of pulling a heavy load.
Once Vandrelis had directed us near the water’s edge, he dismounted first. The elf then reached up and, with both hands around my waist, gallantly lifted me from Superian’s back and placed me on the ground. If he noticed the warm flush that I felt rise to the tips of my long ears, he was courteous enough not to stare or mention it.
We stripped off the mare’s crude wolf pelt saddle and bridle of vines before turning her loose to graze and drink.
Vandrelis then showed me around the village, introducing me to numerous members of the Strid River Valley Tribe. Finally, he lifted the entrance flap of the largest tent and we stepped from bright sunshine into its dim interior.
Right away I smelled wood smoke, drying herbs and a hint of incense. At first, all I could really see were the embers of a low-burning central fire with a large pot suspended just above. Soon enough, five dim figures seated just beyond the fire grew into focus.
I was introduced to the elders, including the tribe’s chief, his wife, brother, medicine woman and shaman.
When invited to sit, we did so on two of numerous pelts arrayed on the dirt floor outside the fire's protective ring of stone. I explained how it came to be that I didn’t know my tribe. The elders agreed with Vandrelis that, based on my appearance, I was likely conceived in the Tall Trees and belonged to one of the Cloud Dancer tribes.
“And you would like to know your tribe.” The chief’s words were more statement than question. He was broad-shouldered, bare-chested and his hard face reflected the weathering and lines of many decades. Although perhaps past his prime, he very much cut the imposing figure of a warrior.
“Very much so,” I replied respectfully.
The tribe’s shaman was cloaked in the pelt of a bear. Even shrouded in fur, I could tell he was a mer of slight build. The vicious line of a scar traced a path from his forehead, through a gaping hole where one eye used to be and continued down into the grizzled gray beard that covered his cheeks. He nodded in response to a look of query from the chief before speaking to me. “I believe I can help divine the knowledge you seek, child.” He then set about adding what appeared to be a variety of alchemical ingredients to the simmering cauldron before him while others among the tribe’s elders continued to question me about my history and travels.
hazmick- The plains tribe that Vandrelis belongs to will be quite different from the tribes of the tall trees that spawned Buffy. We’ll eventually get to see both. Thank you!
mALX- Thanks! The ground-dwelling Strid River Valley Tribe is inspired more by buffalo hunting tribes that once inhabited the American great plains than TES but I hope my world-building will feel like it belongs. Later, Buffy will meet the elusive tree-dwellers who live aloft in the deepest portion of central Valenwood. That will feel much more TES-like but their culture will still reflect heavy influences from ‘Buffy lore’.
ghastley- Yes! Thank you for catching our first real reference to the book's sub title. And you are right also at the extent of revelations she’ll learn during her time with Vandrelis’ tribe. The core of the book is indeed Buffy’s search for the Cloud Dancers.
SubRosa- Hee! Buffy is of course clueless about what a ‘Valley Girl’ is but I knew you would join me for a giggle at the reference. I appreciate the kind support for our humble efforts at world-building when it comes to Buffy’s heritage. I’ll be including more Bosmer quirks that seem very reasonable to me but not included in TES lore. Heh, as I’ve said though no Green Pact – I know that you and I are not fans of that concept.
Lopov- Thank you. I hope you enjoy the plains area Buffy is heading into next. She’ll spend some time there, but it really is primarily to prepare her for heading back south into the land of the Tall Trees. I think Vandrelis was right about the map also. Heavy canopied rain forest can certainly make navigating by sun, moons and stars challenging.
DE- Thank you! The name Vandrelis popped into my mind and seemed ‘right’. When that happens I always google the propsective name to avoid any embarrassing surprises. In my search I did rediscover the beautiful music that SubRosa linked to. Buffy’s tendency at this point of course is to compare any man who might interest her to the lofty standard set by her late Savlian Matius.
BretonBlood- Thank you so much for joining us! I’m so glad you are enjoying Buffy’s story – particularly given your own talent with telling the tale of Jak and Arissa’s roguish adventures in Skyrim. This book is indeed letting Buffy try to discover ‘where she is from’ - quite literally, her family tree.
Grits- Thanks for the Buffy Summers of Sunnydale vampire slaying reference! Oh, I hope you like the upcoming glimpse of the great plains the pair will traverse on their way to the river.
* * *
Episode 8
I conjured and shouldered Slayer before mounting Superian. At my urging, Vandrelis swung himself up behind me. Right away I realized the arrangement wasn’t going to work and allowed the weapon and quiver to dispel to make more room for the other mer.
As Slayer faded away, he asked, “Can you shoot that bow from the saddle?”
“Yes, but probably not very effectively with a passenger behind me – so if attacked, we’ll quickly decide whether to use my mare’s speed to flee, or dismount and draw weapons to fight from the ground.”
“My knowledge of horses wouldn’t fill the bladder of an Abecean sparrow,” he replied with a chuckle, “so I’ll defer to your judgment.”
We then set off to the north. The warmth of his chest against my back and one arm around my waist was necessary of course and, I had to admit, not unpleasant.
Before long, open forest yielded to golden grasses. Gently rolling hills hosted the occasional acacia tree and clusters of bergamot orange trees. We saw several small herds of prairie mammoth, plucking tall grass with their trunks. “These majestic animals are the lifeblood of my tribe,” Vandrelis explained. “When we take one, we honor it by fully using every part of the animal. Food, shelter, sleeping furs, clothing, cooking and eating vessels. Candles, soap, weapons, waterskins. . . the list is long.”
I nodded approvingly. “My archery master in Bravil trained me the same way – to appreciatively use the bounty of nature, but never waste it. Only when hunting to feed many mouths or preserve a good supply of meat have I taken large prey such as deer or elk. Since I travel with just my mare most of the time, it's generally rabbit, fish, crab or the occasional a game bird that roasts over my campfire.”
The prairie gradually began to host more trees and its grasses grew green as we descended. Soon enough, the Strid River came into view.
The settlement we found there featured a central cooking fire. There were numerous conical tents of varying sizes made from mammoth hide draped around supporting frames of wooden poles that were lashed together at the top. The evidence that several hosted small fires inside wafted upward through smoke flaps. Next to the largest of these tents was the massive sun-whitened skull of a mammoth.
Quite a few of the elves took note of our arrival as they looked up from activities that included cooking, curing hides and fletching arrows. I noted a small, crude smelter and roughly-hewn forge surrounded by lumps of ore, silver-gray ingots and baskets of arrowheads. Several chickens and goats roamed freely. At least two mer, armed with bow and blade, appeared to be guarding the village.
Closer to the river was a sturdy wagon, heavily stained with old blood – probably from transporting many large kills. Grazing nearby was a gelded river buffalo that looked quite capable of pulling a heavy load.
Once Vandrelis had directed us near the water’s edge, he dismounted first. The elf then reached up and, with both hands around my waist, gallantly lifted me from Superian’s back and placed me on the ground. If he noticed the warm flush that I felt rise to the tips of my long ears, he was courteous enough not to stare or mention it.
We stripped off the mare’s crude wolf pelt saddle and bridle of vines before turning her loose to graze and drink.
Vandrelis then showed me around the village, introducing me to numerous members of the Strid River Valley Tribe. Finally, he lifted the entrance flap of the largest tent and we stepped from bright sunshine into its dim interior.
Right away I smelled wood smoke, drying herbs and a hint of incense. At first, all I could really see were the embers of a low-burning central fire with a large pot suspended just above. Soon enough, five dim figures seated just beyond the fire grew into focus.
I was introduced to the elders, including the tribe’s chief, his wife, brother, medicine woman and shaman.
When invited to sit, we did so on two of numerous pelts arrayed on the dirt floor outside the fire's protective ring of stone. I explained how it came to be that I didn’t know my tribe. The elders agreed with Vandrelis that, based on my appearance, I was likely conceived in the Tall Trees and belonged to one of the Cloud Dancer tribes.
“And you would like to know your tribe.” The chief’s words were more statement than question. He was broad-shouldered, bare-chested and his hard face reflected the weathering and lines of many decades. Although perhaps past his prime, he very much cut the imposing figure of a warrior.
“Very much so,” I replied respectfully.
The tribe’s shaman was cloaked in the pelt of a bear. Even shrouded in fur, I could tell he was a mer of slight build. The vicious line of a scar traced a path from his forehead, through a gaping hole where one eye used to be and continued down into the grizzled gray beard that covered his cheeks. He nodded in response to a look of query from the chief before speaking to me. “I believe I can help divine the knowledge you seek, child.” He then set about adding what appeared to be a variety of alchemical ingredients to the simmering cauldron before him while others among the tribe’s elders continued to question me about my history and travels.
It's nice that Vandrelis' tribe honors their prey - instead of only eating meat, they use anything that can actually be used to help them in their everyday life.
A very vivid description of the village, I could almost smell some wood smoke, drying herbs and a hint of incense.
Maybe I've mentioned this before but for me one of the favorite things in your stories is, that you visually describe Men (or Mer in that case) that Buffy meets on her travels, like you did with Vandrelis, the tribe chieftain and the shaman. It's much easier to imagine them when we know how Buffy sees them.
A very vivid description of the village, I could almost smell some wood smoke, drying herbs and a hint of incense.
Maybe I've mentioned this before but for me one of the favorite things in your stories is, that you visually describe Men (or Mer in that case) that Buffy meets on her travels, like you did with Vandrelis, the tribe chieftain and the shaman. It's much easier to imagine them when we know how Buffy sees them.
There are suggestions in this of the Valenwood Improved and Elsweyr Anequina mods joining forces. Did you use both of those?
"Use it all" is something I noticed too. A pity the game doesn't encourage it more.
"Use it all" is something I noticed too. A pity the game doesn't encourage it more.
I really love the Native American influence you have chosen to take with the tribe. It's actually kind of how I imagine some wood elves live in Valenwood.
And then I enjoyed your description of whst Biffy saw once she was in the tribe, everyone has a Jon and does their part to keep the tribe going.
Let's up the shaman is able to help Buffy, I can't wait to see what he says.
And then I enjoyed your description of whst Biffy saw once she was in the tribe, everyone has a Jon and does their part to keep the tribe going.
Let's up the shaman is able to help Buffy, I can't wait to see what he says.
First, I forgot to say last time how much the description of the Cloud Dancers’ adaptive coloration helping them hunt from above made my biologist heart sing. I thought immediately of countershading on birds and fish (and dragons!).
Vandrelis’s anatomically specific reference to a sparrow bladder made me laugh out loud. When later he explained that they use every part of everything, I believed him!
I absolutely love the description of open woodland transitioning to grassland with the occasional tree and then to the greener riparian zone as Buffy and Vandrelis approached the river. When they reached the tribe’s settlement, Buffy’s swift impressions were so vivid that I got a complete picture at the pace of her looking around. Most of all I thought how the tribe fit there as a natural part of their environment. Lil would have felt very much at home pulling up a pelt and sitting at that fire. I am so pleased for Buffy that she is on the verge of discovering her origin and learning about her mother's roots.
And finally I was so happy to see the signs in Buffy that she was noticing Vandrelis’s very masculine presence, particularly when she noted that he was courteous and gallant. Not that I’d swipe her phone and set up a Tinder account for her yet, just glad to see signs of spring.
Vandrelis’s anatomically specific reference to a sparrow bladder made me laugh out loud. When later he explained that they use every part of everything, I believed him!
I absolutely love the description of open woodland transitioning to grassland with the occasional tree and then to the greener riparian zone as Buffy and Vandrelis approached the river. When they reached the tribe’s settlement, Buffy’s swift impressions were so vivid that I got a complete picture at the pace of her looking around. Most of all I thought how the tribe fit there as a natural part of their environment. Lil would have felt very much at home pulling up a pelt and sitting at that fire. I am so pleased for Buffy that she is on the verge of discovering her origin and learning about her mother's roots.
And finally I was so happy to see the signs in Buffy that she was noticing Vandrelis’s very masculine presence, particularly when she noted that he was courteous and gallant. Not that I’d swipe her phone and set up a Tinder account for her yet, just glad to see signs of spring.
Hmm. So Mr. Vandrelis hitches a ride on Superian. I had a kick out of this:
You provided fantastic descriptions on the geographical shift as they passed from open forest to a grassy enviornment. Valenwood is mysterious as it is beautiful.
The two Wood Elves share quite a bit. I enjoyed Vandrelis' comment on the bounties of prey and nature; something Buffy has learned and mentioned numerous times before. She's among friends here.
Indeed, we have confirmation of her heritage and that she was conceived in the Tall Trees, and part of the Cloud Dancer tribes, no less. I'm curious as to which ones, and what this revelation will mean for Buffy and her future and travels in Valenwood.
QUOTE
“My knowledge of horses wouldn’t fill the bladder of an Abecean sparrow.
You provided fantastic descriptions on the geographical shift as they passed from open forest to a grassy enviornment. Valenwood is mysterious as it is beautiful.
The two Wood Elves share quite a bit. I enjoyed Vandrelis' comment on the bounties of prey and nature; something Buffy has learned and mentioned numerous times before. She's among friends here.
Indeed, we have confirmation of her heritage and that she was conceived in the Tall Trees, and part of the Cloud Dancer tribes, no less. I'm curious as to which ones, and what this revelation will mean for Buffy and her future and travels in Valenwood.
Loved that sparrow quote, gave me a chuckle.
Loved the village too. I was reminded of a Bosmer settlement in ESO that also uses mammoths for cheese as well as for their squishy parts. They're like a walking buffet!
The description of the scarred shaman was so vivid and easy to picture. Alchemy isn't a common practice among Bosmer, but let's hope it helps.
Loved the village too. I was reminded of a Bosmer settlement in ESO that also uses mammoths for cheese as well as for their squishy parts. They're like a walking buffet!
The description of the scarred shaman was so vivid and easy to picture. Alchemy isn't a common practice among Bosmer, but let's hope it helps.
I've been saying this for awhile but I love hearing about Valenwood in various ways, whether it's tmar's pictures or a Buffy story. This one really takes me there too.
A Valley Girl? Like, gag me with a spoon! Sorry, I could not resist. I remember irl Valley Girls.
Like... totallaaay.
QUOTE(SubRosa @ Aug 7 2016, 12:50 PM)
A Valley Girl? Like, gag me with a spoon! Sorry, I could not resist. I remember irl Valley Girls.
Like... totallaaay.
That was a very direct display of trust of Buffy, to dispel her weapon when Vandy mounted up behind her. Though granted, with that right next to her, a bow would not help Buffy much anyhow. He does seem to be a trustworthy fellow though. Unless he belongs to a tribe of cannibals and is just luring Buffy back to their lair!
Something to consider about fauna is that the American Mastodon was a forest-dweller. So while the mammoth browse the plains of Valenwood, mastodon might be living within the trees.
The Cyclopean Shaman is an interesting figure. I wonder if his injuries came from war, or if he did it himself? Shamanic initiation can be very harsh, and often involve the shaman dying in a very violent manner, only to be reborn again. Typically some physical organ or flesh is taken from the shaman's body, and replaced with something magical. An Inuit shaman described being eaten by a polar bear, only to be regurgitated out again. In Australia the old shamans pull out the prospective shaman's innards and replace them with magical crystal. In my own initiation I burned in the heart of a star, only to be reconstituted again by Hekate - with Earth, Air, Fire, and Water added in to my ashes. IRL, these experiences are usually metaphorical. But in a setting like Tamriel, it might be literal reality.
Something to consider about fauna is that the American Mastodon was a forest-dweller. So while the mammoth browse the plains of Valenwood, mastodon might be living within the trees.
The Cyclopean Shaman is an interesting figure. I wonder if his injuries came from war, or if he did it himself? Shamanic initiation can be very harsh, and often involve the shaman dying in a very violent manner, only to be reborn again. Typically some physical organ or flesh is taken from the shaman's body, and replaced with something magical. An Inuit shaman described being eaten by a polar bear, only to be regurgitated out again. In Australia the old shamans pull out the prospective shaman's innards and replace them with magical crystal. In my own initiation I burned in the heart of a star, only to be reconstituted again by Hekate - with Earth, Air, Fire, and Water added in to my ashes. IRL, these experiences are usually metaphorical. But in a setting like Tamriel, it might be literal reality.
D'awww, Buffy was adorable with Vandrelis! I doubt anything could grow out of it with Buffy's grieving for Matias, but I do think it is good that she is interacting with another male close to her age in a way that may help her heal from those emotional wounds.
I have to agree totally with what SubRosa said here - huge amount of trust for her to have him ride behind her like that; she is totally vulnerable if he had bad intentions. She must trust her instincts about people thoroughly or trusts Acadian will stop her if he senses danger. That is not a small thing; and probably could have used a small explanation of why she felt the trust; but it was still such an awesome scene that it doesn't matter (because we know nothing happened to Buffy!!!!)
But at first all my female warning buzzers were going off big time on that, because = he doesn't know Acadian and Phantom are there, all he sees is a tiny elf and a horse alone in the woods. A female reading that is going to think Buffy was just lucky his intentions were good if she doesn't clarify how she knew she could trust him to put herself in such a vulnerable position.
I'm a bit confused on the age of the elders at Vandrelis's village. Buffy thinks "decades" here; but the Mer is grizzled and with a lined face.
Since in game the Mer age much slower and don't show it till centuries; was Buffy thinking "decades" as in how a Mer would think of it?
If so = this chapter is well short enough that it might be good to add a sentence indicating that to a Mer a decade is much longer than man's years or something so the reader isn't looking at a decade as being just 10 years there.
I just didn't know if you were world building Buffy Fiction with her own age/time that works different than in game; or if Buffy was saying "decades" in Mer timing - so it kind of left me confused as to what she actually meant by "decades" there.
QUOTE
“My knowledge of horses wouldn’t fill the bladder of an Abecean sparrow,”
OMG, I Love this line!!!!
I have to agree with Lopov on your descriptions of people - very visuall!! Really Awesome!
Also agree with Ghastley on your descriptions of using all of the Mammoth and for what - very cool !!! I also liked how Buffy compared it to her own experience with deer to feed many - that was just so darn cute! It kind of makes you wonder how huge his tribe is and how they have learned to prevent the meat stored from spoililng in those hot temps !!!
You know, I wondered for a second here if it would turn out that Daenlin learned his preservation and use of everything in a kill from this tribe! WOO HOO !!!
Great description on that village, that is another great visual!!! To this day I will never forget your description of Bravil for the Tourney - OMG, I could visualize every single inch of it!!!
The water buffalo being gelded was another touch that just added to the whole here! Tribes were doing that centuries before civilization caught on, and the removed were (urgh) another part that was not wasted. (gaaaack)
Another AWESOME Write !!!!! I am loving seeing Buffy finally finding her roots (literally too!) and maybe meet some who may have known her mother!
I’m posting a day earlier than my preferred Friday routine since I’ll be leaving town today for a few days. I look forward to returning next week and catching up with things here.
In our last episode, Buffy and Vandrelis rode across an area of high plains then down to the Strid River where Vandrelis introduced her to the village of his tribe. Buffy met the tribe’s elders who agreed that she was likely from one of the Cloud Dancer tribes. The shaman began preparing a brew to help divine more of her origins.
Lopov- Thank you! Vandrelis will be a significant character and I tried to paint a reasonably detailed picture of him. The elders only have a small role so my goal was just enough detail so they do not seem overly generic.
ghastley- I love the Deserts of Anequina Oblivion mod and used it for a long time. I also used Valenwood Improved but only briefly as I had problems with it. Thanks!
BretonBlood- Thank you! The Strid River Valley tribe and its adjacent prairie hunting grounds was influenced by several sources, including the buffalo-hunting tribes of the American great plains.
Grits- It somehow gives Buffy comfort knowing that she is supposed to be the way she is rather than just a big-eared fragile runt of the litter. I worked hard on the transition across the prairie and into the village trying to paint a vivid picture without excessive wordiness. Thanks so much for your encouragement on that count. Vandrelis is indeed unknowingly tugging at the damaged heartstrings of the vulnerable Buffy.
DE- Coming from one with such mastery of description, your kind words humble me. Buffy is rather excited to meet a whole tribe of fellow mer whose hunting philosophy matches her own.
hazmick- Thank you. Since the elders are not big players in the story, I wanted their descriptions to be very brief, but still have a bit of interest.
Renee- Another who recalls the Valley Girl fad! So glad you’re enjoying the story and thanks much for reading!
SubRosa- Thank you. My inspiration came partly from the bison-hunting tribes of America, but since Buffy loved the mammoths so much in Skyrim I couldn’t resist using them and even keeping their perhaps too heavy fur for the more temperate clime where Buffy is. Our shaman is quite a minor character so I’ll kind of leave him shrouded in mystery – also because I don’t have the knowledge to go very deep into what makes him tick.
mALX- I suppose if Vandrelis had acted up once up in the saddle, Buffy would have had to rely on Superian rearing and dislodging him. I agree that a sentence or two displaying Superian’s intuitive comfort near Vandrelis and Buffy’s choice to trust him would have been helpful. In truth, it was a questionable decision made more with her kind heart than her analytical head. Happily it seems like the right choice. On Bosmer age, when Buffy said many decades, she meant twenty or thirty decades perhaps - not six or seven. ‘Several centuries’ would have been an okay alternate but the target I had in mind was around 300 years old. A good reminder for me to think carefully about how we relay her perceptions though. Thank you for pointing out your concerns, as well as your ever so kind words about our descriptions.
After a time, the shaman looked up from stirring his simmering concoction. “I require one final ingredient for this divination brew. Each Cloud Dancer tribe lives in their own tree. Tree and tribe are linked in a mutually dependent and intensely loyal relationship. As children come of age, they are bonded to the tree via a ceremony where a small amount of blood and sap are exchanged. Little is known outside those tribes exactly what benefits elf and tree gain from this exchange of their essences. Assuming your mother had some of her tree’s sap in her blood, a trace of it will have been conveyed to you.”
I obediently stuck out my hand.
After obtaining and swirling a bit of my blood into his brew the old mer began quietly chanting incantations.
“Do you need help healing that?” inquired the medicine woman. Her hair and eyes were the same color as the strands of raven feathers that adorned her. The mer’s ageless face was sharply featured, but her tone conveyed the caring nature of a healer.
“Thank you for the offer,” I replied, “but I can manage.” I closed both eyes briefly, feeling my paladin’s restorative magic flow into and close the small wound to my hand.
The shaman had ceased his incantations and was peering into the simmering caldron. Finally, he soberly announced, “The tree you seek was called Alderglean.”
“Was?” I repeated.
Ignoring my question, he exchanged glances with the other elders. It was the chief who finally said, “Vandrelis, go find Violet and bring her to us.”
Quite unsure of what was going on, it was with significant effort that I held my tongue as Vandrelis stood and left the tent. I looked to the shaman but he offered no words. His one eye just stared into the fire as we waited.
Within a few minutes, Vandrelis reentered the tent with another mer in tow. I was struck by her diminutive size and slight build. Her eyes and hair were pale lavender in color. Beyond appearing to be in her long elven prime, I couldn’t discern her age. She stared back, with what appeared to be equal fascination.
It was the shaman who spoke. “Buffy, this is Violet. You both carry sap from the tree of the Spirit Catcher Tribe. The tree and most of its inhabitants were destroyed just over two decades ago. Violet, sit and please tell Buffy what you remember”
“I was thirteen at the time," she began after folding herself crosslegged onto a pelt next to me. “The season had been unusually dry, so when a lightning storm struck Alderglean’s upper branches, the resulting fire quickly spread. Our entire tribe, armed with rainwater pods, battled against it but. . . it just spread too fast. After several tribesmer were burned alive, Father, Mother and I were forced to hurriedly descend.” She paused and took a slow breath, her chin quivering. “Only Mother and I ever found the ground.” Tears filled her eyes as she stared into the flickering embers under the shaman’s caldron. “Many whole families refused to leave, preferring to die in the branches of Alderglean rather than live without our precious tree. The fire raged from ground to clouds for three days.”
Her glistening eyes turned to me. “Buffy, before the fire, the Spirit Catchers numbered over a hundred. When the smoke finally cleared, not even a score of our tribe remained. Eventually, we dispersed in small groups. Some left to petition neighboring tribes to accept them; others struck out for various cities. Mother decided we would leave Valenwood altogether and the two of us headed north. Our destination was Skingrad where she had heard humans and elves lived together in towering trees of stone that were immune to fire. We never made it though. She was skilled with bow and magic, but died killing a pair of trolls that attacked us as we entered the Strid River Valley. I was badly wounded and would have died as well, if not healed and taken in here by what became my new tribe.”
Violet studied my face. “Your age appears less than mine, yet I’m sure that I was the youngest survivor. How. . . how could you carry the sap of Alderglean?”
“I-I’m not sure,” I replied. “All I know is that when my parents came from Valenwood to Bravil, I traveled in my mother’s womb. By the time I was old enough to begin asking such questions, I was an orphan.”
The shaman suggested, “Buffy, tell us what you recall of your parents. Perhaps Violet can remember them from among the survivors.”
Violet nodded encouragingly.
“My father was a dark-haired Breton called Superior. Mother’s name was Marian and she was small with golden hair and light green eyes.” I added with a bittersweet smile, “My horse is named for them both – Superian.”
“Yes!” Violet’s face lit up. “There was one round-ear in our tribe and his name was Superior! He was the mate of my mother’s sister, Aunt Marian. I recall they both survived the fire, but I had no idea she was with child. Mother and I were among the first to leave, so I never learned what happened to them or where they went.”
It was the tribe’s chief who spoke next. “It sounds like you two cousins have much to discuss. Buffy, you are welcome to remain a time and share my tribe’s hospitality. Violet, our guest is now under your charge for the duration of her stay.”
As we stood and faced each other, it was clear that we were indeed of nearly identical size. Violet took my hand. “Come with me, Buffy. We have much to catch up on.”
“I have so many questions for you!” I replied.
In our last episode, Buffy and Vandrelis rode across an area of high plains then down to the Strid River where Vandrelis introduced her to the village of his tribe. Buffy met the tribe’s elders who agreed that she was likely from one of the Cloud Dancer tribes. The shaman began preparing a brew to help divine more of her origins.
Lopov- Thank you! Vandrelis will be a significant character and I tried to paint a reasonably detailed picture of him. The elders only have a small role so my goal was just enough detail so they do not seem overly generic.
ghastley- I love the Deserts of Anequina Oblivion mod and used it for a long time. I also used Valenwood Improved but only briefly as I had problems with it. Thanks!
BretonBlood- Thank you! The Strid River Valley tribe and its adjacent prairie hunting grounds was influenced by several sources, including the buffalo-hunting tribes of the American great plains.
Grits- It somehow gives Buffy comfort knowing that she is supposed to be the way she is rather than just a big-eared fragile runt of the litter. I worked hard on the transition across the prairie and into the village trying to paint a vivid picture without excessive wordiness. Thanks so much for your encouragement on that count. Vandrelis is indeed unknowingly tugging at the damaged heartstrings of the vulnerable Buffy.
DE- Coming from one with such mastery of description, your kind words humble me. Buffy is rather excited to meet a whole tribe of fellow mer whose hunting philosophy matches her own.
hazmick- Thank you. Since the elders are not big players in the story, I wanted their descriptions to be very brief, but still have a bit of interest.
Renee- Another who recalls the Valley Girl fad! So glad you’re enjoying the story and thanks much for reading!
SubRosa- Thank you. My inspiration came partly from the bison-hunting tribes of America, but since Buffy loved the mammoths so much in Skyrim I couldn’t resist using them and even keeping their perhaps too heavy fur for the more temperate clime where Buffy is. Our shaman is quite a minor character so I’ll kind of leave him shrouded in mystery – also because I don’t have the knowledge to go very deep into what makes him tick.
mALX- I suppose if Vandrelis had acted up once up in the saddle, Buffy would have had to rely on Superian rearing and dislodging him. I agree that a sentence or two displaying Superian’s intuitive comfort near Vandrelis and Buffy’s choice to trust him would have been helpful. In truth, it was a questionable decision made more with her kind heart than her analytical head. Happily it seems like the right choice. On Bosmer age, when Buffy said many decades, she meant twenty or thirty decades perhaps - not six or seven. ‘Several centuries’ would have been an okay alternate but the target I had in mind was around 300 years old. A good reminder for me to think carefully about how we relay her perceptions though. Thank you for pointing out your concerns, as well as your ever so kind words about our descriptions.
* * *
Episode 9
After a time, the shaman looked up from stirring his simmering concoction. “I require one final ingredient for this divination brew. Each Cloud Dancer tribe lives in their own tree. Tree and tribe are linked in a mutually dependent and intensely loyal relationship. As children come of age, they are bonded to the tree via a ceremony where a small amount of blood and sap are exchanged. Little is known outside those tribes exactly what benefits elf and tree gain from this exchange of their essences. Assuming your mother had some of her tree’s sap in her blood, a trace of it will have been conveyed to you.”
I obediently stuck out my hand.
After obtaining and swirling a bit of my blood into his brew the old mer began quietly chanting incantations.
“Do you need help healing that?” inquired the medicine woman. Her hair and eyes were the same color as the strands of raven feathers that adorned her. The mer’s ageless face was sharply featured, but her tone conveyed the caring nature of a healer.
“Thank you for the offer,” I replied, “but I can manage.” I closed both eyes briefly, feeling my paladin’s restorative magic flow into and close the small wound to my hand.
The shaman had ceased his incantations and was peering into the simmering caldron. Finally, he soberly announced, “The tree you seek was called Alderglean.”
“Was?” I repeated.
Ignoring my question, he exchanged glances with the other elders. It was the chief who finally said, “Vandrelis, go find Violet and bring her to us.”
Quite unsure of what was going on, it was with significant effort that I held my tongue as Vandrelis stood and left the tent. I looked to the shaman but he offered no words. His one eye just stared into the fire as we waited.
Within a few minutes, Vandrelis reentered the tent with another mer in tow. I was struck by her diminutive size and slight build. Her eyes and hair were pale lavender in color. Beyond appearing to be in her long elven prime, I couldn’t discern her age. She stared back, with what appeared to be equal fascination.
It was the shaman who spoke. “Buffy, this is Violet. You both carry sap from the tree of the Spirit Catcher Tribe. The tree and most of its inhabitants were destroyed just over two decades ago. Violet, sit and please tell Buffy what you remember”
“I was thirteen at the time," she began after folding herself crosslegged onto a pelt next to me. “The season had been unusually dry, so when a lightning storm struck Alderglean’s upper branches, the resulting fire quickly spread. Our entire tribe, armed with rainwater pods, battled against it but. . . it just spread too fast. After several tribesmer were burned alive, Father, Mother and I were forced to hurriedly descend.” She paused and took a slow breath, her chin quivering. “Only Mother and I ever found the ground.” Tears filled her eyes as she stared into the flickering embers under the shaman’s caldron. “Many whole families refused to leave, preferring to die in the branches of Alderglean rather than live without our precious tree. The fire raged from ground to clouds for three days.”
Her glistening eyes turned to me. “Buffy, before the fire, the Spirit Catchers numbered over a hundred. When the smoke finally cleared, not even a score of our tribe remained. Eventually, we dispersed in small groups. Some left to petition neighboring tribes to accept them; others struck out for various cities. Mother decided we would leave Valenwood altogether and the two of us headed north. Our destination was Skingrad where she had heard humans and elves lived together in towering trees of stone that were immune to fire. We never made it though. She was skilled with bow and magic, but died killing a pair of trolls that attacked us as we entered the Strid River Valley. I was badly wounded and would have died as well, if not healed and taken in here by what became my new tribe.”
Violet studied my face. “Your age appears less than mine, yet I’m sure that I was the youngest survivor. How. . . how could you carry the sap of Alderglean?”
“I-I’m not sure,” I replied. “All I know is that when my parents came from Valenwood to Bravil, I traveled in my mother’s womb. By the time I was old enough to begin asking such questions, I was an orphan.”
The shaman suggested, “Buffy, tell us what you recall of your parents. Perhaps Violet can remember them from among the survivors.”
Violet nodded encouragingly.
“My father was a dark-haired Breton called Superior. Mother’s name was Marian and she was small with golden hair and light green eyes.” I added with a bittersweet smile, “My horse is named for them both – Superian.”
“Yes!” Violet’s face lit up. “There was one round-ear in our tribe and his name was Superior! He was the mate of my mother’s sister, Aunt Marian. I recall they both survived the fire, but I had no idea she was with child. Mother and I were among the first to leave, so I never learned what happened to them or where they went.”
It was the tribe’s chief who spoke next. “It sounds like you two cousins have much to discuss. Buffy, you are welcome to remain a time and share my tribe’s hospitality. Violet, our guest is now under your charge for the duration of her stay.”
As we stood and faced each other, it was clear that we were indeed of nearly identical size. Violet took my hand. “Come with me, Buffy. We have much to catch up on.”
“I have so many questions for you!” I replied.
Well I certainly wasn't expecting that! So Buffy is/was bonded to a tree via sap? How very Argonian!
Looking forward to learning more about the mer.
Looking forward to learning more about the mer.
Well that was unexpected.... I feel bad for Buffy now considering she wanted to learn about her origins, and technically she has, but it's in a bad way. At least one of the last remaining tribe members is related to her. That was a nice twist. I want to know what Violet will tell her about her tribe and family.
Wow I didn't expect that either. I loved this chapter. While sad and tragic that the majority of Buffy's people had perished in the fire caused by the lightning storm, and she never had been blessed enough to meet her parents . . . there was hope that came in the form of a lavender-haired wood elf. Violet is an appropiate name for her
This was just great. After so long we are given a glimpse of what remained of Buffy's family, and though she had many that perhaps could be counted as such(despite being her friends) I think, perhaps, this is first time we see someone of blood relation, yes?
Awesome!
Buffy has questions, and so do we. I'm eager on finding out more about our Mystic Archer and the revelations that will come with Violet's answer . . .
To be honest I want a hunting trip with Buffy, Violet and Vandrelis!
This was just great. After so long we are given a glimpse of what remained of Buffy's family, and though she had many that perhaps could be counted as such(despite being her friends) I think, perhaps, this is first time we see someone of blood relation, yes?
Awesome!
Buffy has questions, and so do we. I'm eager on finding out more about our Mystic Archer and the revelations that will come with Violet's answer . . .
To be honest I want a hunting trip with Buffy, Violet and Vandrelis!
I think it's good to know one's past, even if it means to uncover some sad events.
What a great story behind Superian's name!
Nice that Buffy met one of her relatives, maybe even the last one still alive.
What a great story behind Superian's name!
Nice that Buffy met one of her relatives, maybe even the last one still alive.
I very much liked the exchange of sap and blood in the symbiotic bonding ritual of the tree dwelling elves. It not only gives us some wonderful cultural depth, but also provides a clear means of moving the story along. Like a clan-specific tattoo or ritual scarring would.
Sad news about Alderglean.
But OTOH, at least Buffy was not the only survivor. Amidst the ashes of her past, a cousin has arisen! So there is a silver lining to that cloud. I wonder if Violet and Buffy might make a journey together to the old site of Alderglean? It has been some time now, so I would imagine a new tree or trees might already be growing in its place. Which leads to new possibilities for both.
Sad news about Alderglean.
But OTOH, at least Buffy was not the only survivor. Amidst the ashes of her past, a cousin has arisen! So there is a silver lining to that cloud. I wonder if Violet and Buffy might make a journey together to the old site of Alderglean? It has been some time now, so I would imagine a new tree or trees might already be growing in its place. Which leads to new possibilities for both.
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.
I note also the possibility of meeting more of her tribe, if a score of them escaped. Presumably less closely related than Violet.
QUOTE
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 !!!!
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!
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!
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.
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.”
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.”
QUOTE
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.
QUOTE
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?
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.
QUOTE(SubRosa @ Aug 20 2016, 11:23 AM)
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?
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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 !!!!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
And I love how Violet can see through Aquillas eyes, such a cool feature and i can't wait to learn more.
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*
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:
QUOTE
“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*
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...
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...
QUOTE
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.
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.
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!
QUOTE
“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!
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