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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Don’t move.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buffy is becoming quite a Jungle Elf!

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



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

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

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

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

I love that the Cloud Dancers have cloud colored hair.

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Awesome Write !!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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




Superian attracting the hunks. Haha.

Valenwood has Huntsman Spiders!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good chapter, Acadian.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She hugged me. “Remember what I said.”

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

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

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

His eyes widened. “A horse?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AWESOME Chapter !!!!!!!!

Buffy was conceived in the Mile High Club!

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

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

Looks like Buffy is going back into the hunting business.

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

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

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



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



That's right Buffy. Tell 'em!

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

Good work, Acadian!

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

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

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

Buffy is following in her parents' footsteps.

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

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

hazmick- Thank you! One big game hunt, coming up!

mALX- Thanks! Buffy’s not judgmental about the pleasuring profession but hunting does seem to suit her talents better. Besides, I don't think she can separate her heart from her netherbits. She loves shopping of course and we have an episode devoted to the treetop shoppes coming up next week.

SubRosa- Great points! Heh, Mile High Club indeed! Yup, there is the avatar of Buffy’s godmother joining her for treetop twilight dancing. I’m glad you noted that all the food an elven lass can eat is indeed very little for Cloud Dancing mer-maids. And Dangor, the shrewd innkeeper, knows it.

DE- Thank you. The treetop scene really did help Buffy find what felt like a missing piece of herself. It was very helpful to her to know that she is supposed to be the way she is and that there are good reasons for it.

Grits- The ‘personal services’ took me all the way back to the first part of Book 1 when Buffy needed coin to get home to Bravil. Someone in the IC recommended either the Guild of Prostitutes or the Arena. Thank you!

Lopov- Heh, it does pique the imagination to ponder some of the perks of a skill line called Erotic Arts. Thanks!


Previously- Buffy and Cirwen climbed to the highest branches of Lichenostra to watch the sun rise. With Cirwen’s encouragement, Buffy learned to dance in the Cloud Dancers’ lofty magical realm between Sky Goddess and Nirn Mother. A subsequent chat with the innkeeper not only highlighted that Buffy's coinpurse was light, but provided an idea for filling it that involved hunting big game.



After a long ride down, I stepped from the pod I was sharing with several other mer and headed for the elves guarding the tree’s entrance. They agreed that even though I was not a member of Lichnostra’s Sun Chaser Tribe, I would be allowed to reenter the massive graht-oak upon my return.

Once clear of the tree, Kitsune joined me. While being on foot denied me the high perch, speed and maneuverability of my mare, it did allow me to melt into the surrounding forest and bring the full arsenal of my spellcasting to bear. As I crouched into stealth, both feet blossomed a gentle blue aura that greatly subdued any noise or magical light I emitted while sneaking from the eyes and ears of foes. I was pleased to note Kitsune silently stalking by my side as we began our hunt for big game. Every few paces I pulsed the air with divination magic.

Within an hour, I detected a promising glow in the distance. Circling to silently approach from downwind I got close enough to see the elegantly curved horns and tall body of a large antelope grazing on the lower leaves of a tree.

I summoned Slayer. The bow formed in my hand and I felt its quiver settle upon my back. Nocking an arrow, I relied on the bow’s magic to help me achieve its full draw. Comfortable with the range and slight breeze in my face, I aimed carefully for what I hoped would be a painless and deadly shot.

I loosed.

The antelope never saw the arrow that entered one side of his chest. It pierced his heart, tore through the far side of his ribs, then buried itself partially into a tree before dissipating. Thankfully, the animal was dead before he hit the ground.

Kitsune and I quickly closed the distance. I pulsed the air for threats and, divining none, knelt by my prey to thank him for his bounty and wish his spirit a swift return to the forest. My Call of Corsair incantation teleported Superian from within me to my side. Knowing the scent of a fresh kill would soon draw unwelcome predators, I worked quickly to cut then quickly loop a long sturdy vine around the antelope’s horns. With the loose end of the vine firmly between my teeth, I scrambled up a tree until I could slip it over a thick branch nearly three horse lengths above the forest floor. I then quickly descended and rendered the end of the vine into a makeshift harness around Superian’s chest, cushioned by her rolled up saddle pad.

I led the mare as she pulled until the antelope was suspended with its lower hoofs dangling approximately the height of an Altmer above the ground. We then made several passes around the tree’s trunk until the vine was wrapped enough to hold the carcass aloft. I then freed Superian of the vine and positioned her rear quarters below the hanging antelope.

Next came the tricky part. My hands would not be upon Superian to guide her, yet I would need her active assistance and maneuvering for something we had not tried before. With the envisioned sequence of events firmly in mind, I sang a brief song to the mare. Comfortable that she understood the images projected through my singing voice, I nervously began to unwind the vine just enough so it began to slowly slide over the hanging branch above. The result was a somewhat controlled lowering of the animal over Superian’s ample haunches as she maneuvered enough to help receive her intended load. I then joined the mare and, with some pushing and tugging, managed to adjust the carcass' position before lashing it down.

After gratefully hugging the mighty mare’s neck, I conjured Slayer, mounted and we began our trek back to Lichenostra.

Our travel did draw the attention of a tiger, but the animal – though much larger than I -appeared to be a youngster. I knew that these majestic predators could grow to over ten times my size – fully half as big as Superian. After shadowing us for a time, he chose not to try his luck against the unfamiliar hunters and their kill.

Without further incident, we made it back to Lichenostra by mid afternoon. Kitsune disappeared again as I dismounted to lead Superian through the tree’s arched entry.

Dangor’s advice turned out to be quite accurate. I was delighted that my kill netted a full thirty of the pale moonstone arrowheads from the tribe’s butcher.

I then groomed Superian before Acadian absorbed her within us for the trip aloft. By the time I completed the long ascent, luminous lichens and torchbugs were already glowing and twinkling among the branches of this charming arboreal city.

My first stop was the bungalow of Ghaeleg and Cirwen, where I recounted my hunting expedition and tried to repay the six arrowheads they had given me.

“No, Buffy. Those were our welcome gift to you.”

My eyes lowered to the toes of my moccasins as I felt a slight flush rise from below my neckline to the tips of my ears. “I didn’t realize the steel ones that were part of my payment to you were not worthy.”

“Nonsense,” said Ghaeleg as he gently lifted my chin. “Steel arrowheads are perfectly effective. Since they do not double as currency, they are in fact ideal for situations where recovering one’s arrows could be problematic.”

A nod from Cirwen reinforced the words of her mate.

I surrendered to their logic and simply thanked them again for their generosity.

My last destination for this long day was the Crow’s Nest tavern, where I placed two of my arrowheads on the bar. “This is for tonight.”

Dangor scooped up the tribal currency. “How did your hunt go?”

“Your advice was brilliant and I no longer need fear being unable to pay my tavern bill. Thank you, Dangor.”

“Splendid,” he replied cheerfully, “Magical warming stones are preserving both your bath water and dinner, Buffy. Which would you like first?”

After a delicious meal of roasted pheasant, goat cheese and bergamot tea, I dawdled in a luxuriously warm tub until my skin was wrinkled as a sun-dried Colovian grape. Finally, I crawled into the furs of my sleeping nook. I was delighted when Kitsune appeared and joined me. The combination of our growing familiarity and small size of her spirit had rendered her use of me as a sanctuary nearly second nature to both of us.

Great update! I liked all the details you put into preparing the antelope for a journey back to Lichenostra.

A great chapter. A quick and easy hunt, which has given Buffy enough funding to live comfortably for the time being, and a comfortable ending. Most enjoyable.

Excellent to see Buffy and Superian working together to get the antelope on board. I love that she is able to share images with her mare through her singing.

Dangor the cheerful is taking good care of Buffy. He makes a nook in his inn seem as cozy as a home.

The details of the mechanics involved in the hunt and getting the game onto Superian shows how much thought you put into this! At first I thought she was raising the deer up to drain the blood from it like they do in the mountains in ETN; so was genuinely surprised when instead she was loading down Superian with the whole beast! That was amazing !!!

When he offered Buffy the hot bath and meal at the same time, I was imagining how torn any woman would be with that kind of choice, lol. Wanting so badly to get the dirt of the hunt off you, but your stomach aching to be filled, lol.

And Buffy's shame that the bartering she gave of her best arrows was like nothing in this new land was a perfect Buffy touch!

Awesome Write !!!

Good lord, they only get to mate twice a year? Talk about pressure!

I like the part when the butterfly shows up. And then they dance in the trees. Wow. And Buffy has a job too, because of her mare.



Where are you getting this from? Words turning into images. Just curious.

bring the full arsenal of my spellcasting to bear
Given the forest setting, I smiled at the clever use of final word in this sentence.

I was half expecting Buffy to summon a block and tackle to hoist the antelope carcass aloft! Maybe I have just seen too many Horatio Hornblower movies... Still, I am sure Mr. Hornblower would approve of Buffy's efforts to lift a weight that would otherwise be far beyond her muscles.

Also a very clever use of Buffy's bardic/illusion magic to guide Supes into position to lower the carcass onto her back.

The comparison of the usefulness of steel vs. moonstone arrows was a great piece of Valenwood economics. Those elves are literally shooting their money away! It makes me wonder how much a single air-to-air missile costs...

Buffy is very smart when it comes to hunting. Her whole idea on how to get the carcass on Superian was pure genius.

And I don't know why, but I absolutely loved this line, " By the time I completed the long ascent, luminous lichens and torchbugs were already glowing and twinkling among the branches of this charming arboreal city."

It was just so simple yet it portrayed what you wanted so easy and perfectly, showing that the day had basically come to an end and the night critters were coming out. I don't know it I just loved that line. Great write Acadian.

Buffy's hunting talents shine here. That arrow she loosed upon the unsuspecting prey was a death blow the beast never saw coming. How insane that it went through it and struck a tree? Deadly indeed!

As Hircine would have said, guile is one of the major aspects of a hunter. Buffy is crafty here and intelligent in loading up the beast using the vine. Wow. She used her head when muscle might have failed her, and in the end this brought her a nice warm bath, a belly full, and debt paid.

Fantastic chapter Acadian!

I think I'd love to hunt with Buffy someday!

Lopov- Thank you! With Buffy’s lack of strength and Superian’s abundance of it, the mare was clearly the answer to moving such a large carcass. And we did not want to damage the pelt by simply dragging it. I debated between a travois and the ‘hoist’ arrangement she ultimately used. Obtaining a long vine for hoisting seemed simpler and faster than obtaining two long sturdy poles given that they were trying to move on before other predators approached.

hazmick- Yup, she’s got some local currency now. And she knows how to use it! Thanks!

Grits- Thank you! Dangor is an astute businessmer but he is also a very welcoming and ‘soothing’ presence for Buffy in this unfamiliar environment. Buffy’s unique singing talent seemed a perfect solution to seek help from Superian. Buffy’s challenge was to ensure the mare knew what was coming so she would not be spooked by the unfamiliar evolution.

mALX- I so enjoy how well you know Buffy. Day in the forest + warm meal + warm tub + warm bed = happy elf. Similarly, I agree that Buffy’s embarrassment about her steel arrowheads gift after learning the value of moonstone ones was totally predictable, given her nature.

Renee- I’m so glad you asked those questions! It gives me a chance to briefly review things deeply buried in Buffy’s voluminous lore.
- Bosmer can (and do) mate whenever they want; they ovulate only twice a year however. This aspect of Buffy lore helps explain why elves don’t out breed the shorter-lived races. TES lore (Barenziah books) talks without specifics about how difficult it is for elves to conceive and give birth.
- We’ve used Buffy’s unique ability to project images via her singing voice several times in her short stories. We put a finer point on it in Episode 3 of this book when she sang to Acadian and they discussed that the gift seemed to be a combination of Acadian’s telepathic ability blended with Buffy’s skill in illusion. I suppose inspiration came from Acadian’s longstanding ability to telepathically share images from Buffy’s past with her – often to remind her of important things that help her keep daily problems, self-pity and such in perspective. I wanted Buffy to have a similar ability and thought it would be neat to base it off her already established fine singing voice.

SubRosa- Heh, Buffy would have loved me for the ability to summon a block and tackle as it would have saved her a lot of head scratching and grunting. Though her ability to summon a variety of utility objects is impressive, I restrict her to rather mundane everyday type items. Thank you - I’m so glad I followed my urge to use Buffy’s voice/image projection ability to ensure Superian’s understanding before dropping an antelope onto the mare’s back! I too am enjoying the moonstone arrowhead economy of the Tall Trees – fun but we won’t be spending so much time here that it becomes distracting or tedious.

BretonBlood- I so appreciate your comments about the line you quoted to briefly remind us of the evening majesty of Lichenostra aloft as Buffy ascended. I worked hard on that line, hoping to achieve just what you noticed about it. Woot!

DE- That Buffy has learned to partially compensate for the strength she lacks really helped in this past episode. Her magic bow provided the strength for a powerful shot and, of course, Superian did the heavy lifting. Thank you so much for your kind words!


Previously- Running low on moonstone arrowheads that the Sun Chasers Tribe of Lichenostra use for currency, Buffy went out for what she hoped would be a profitable big game hunt. After taking down a large antelope, she put her ability to project images via her singing voice to practical use by communicating to Superian the help she would need to load and transport the carcass back to Lichenostra. Her bounty did indeed comfortably fill her purse.



I awoke with Kitsune curled up between my ear and shoulder, the long fur of her tail tickling my nose. Gently moving the vixen, I sat up to stretch. “Do you know what we’re going to do today, Acadian?”

The paladin chuckled. “Of course I do. You are in a tree full of merchants and artisans and your coin purse is heavily laden with the local currency.”

In as little time as it took me to dress and eat a breakfast of forest fruit, venison sausage and hot bergamot tea, I was investigating the various shoppes incorporated into the tree’s branches. I was pleased that Kitsune was my shadow as we wandered Lichenostra's bark-covered boulevards.

I followed the wonderful smells to the food vender first. Fortunately, a freshly-filled belly allowed me to keep my coin purse closed.

For but a single arrowhead to the apothecary, I purchased a vial each of shampoo and hair conditioner. Although tempted by some of the beautiful fragrances, I opted for products that would carry no scent to fellow predators.

As I perused an impressive assortment of elven short blades, the smith explained that the moonstone required for forging them came from the mine right under Lichenostra. I noticed short pegs that protruded from the shoppe's bark-covered walls to display weaponry were actually stubby branches - apparently grown by Lichenostra for that express purpose. I saw just one set of armor. It was impressively crafted from moonstone, quicksilver and adorned with scarlet silk. The smith informed me that there was so little call for metal armor in the high forest that he only crafted additional sets as customers ordered them.

It was in the clothier’s shoppe that I found soft armors and textiles. Given how unkind Valenwood was to fabric, I was reluctant to look at frocks, blouses or nice shoes. My concern about resisting the temptation to buy proved unnecessary; although the elven craftsmanship was exquisite, neither the styles nor materials could compete with the shopping paradise of the Imperial City’s Market District. Among the armors, fur and hide seemed popular. I did manage, however, to find some leggings, a tunic and pair of boots – all of buckskin – that fit me perfectly. This second purchase of the day lightened my coin purse by another eight arrowheads.

The bowyer and fletcher were a mated pair of elves and, not surprisingly, shared a shoppe. I quickly learned that it was Lichenostra that ‘grew’ the staves and arrow shafts used for their craft. Although many of the arrows did indeed boast moonstone arrowheads, as many more were tipped with steel, flint, bone or simply finished by sharpening the end of the shaft. The feathers of a variety of birds were evident in the fletching used. Some of the pricier arrows reflected a technique of fletching that Daenlin sometimes used causing the arrows to spin in flight, thereby enhancing their accuracy. The bows were equally as diverse in price, size and degree of recurve. The bowyer offered a variety of bowstrings crafted from linen, sinew, hemp and silk.

In response to their question about what type of weapon I used, I conjured Slayer. After I explained several of my bow’s features and allowing the artisans to examine it, one of them remarked, “This weapon harnesses the power of your magicka instead of your strength. In that regard, it seems as much wizard staff as bow. Why it even fires missiles of magic instead of conventional arrows."

The remark caught me off guard and I had to reflect a moment before replying, “I was trained in both bow and the arcane. Though I haven’t thought of it that way, there is much truth in your observation. I’ve learned that I can survive without my bow; I would soon perish without magic however.”

I reluctantly left the artisans with a sense of bittersweet nostalgia, for this pair of elven artisans had sharply illuminated a truth that I had not so directly admitted until now – I was more mage than archer.

Still distracted by the conversation, I wandered the arboreal walkways somewhat aimlessly for a time. The Bosmeri sap conveyed by my mother compelled me to the soothing smells and comfort of forests, even as the Bretonic heritage of my father drew me to the musty but magically charged air that permeated places of arcane study.

Yet. . . a part of me enjoyed that, along with Sir Mazoga, I was a knight of the White Stallion. Was part of the reason I so readily embraced knighthood my closeness to the paladin that traveled within me? I relied on him now more than ever, after the death of Savlian. . . but Acadian had been a robust Nord clad in steel, protected by shield and dispensing bloody justice with a mighty blade. Could a fragile Cloud Dancer ever hope to become a paladin? Weren’t Knights Arcana in the Order of the Lamp magical knights of the Mages Guild? I had never met or even seen one. I now knew where I came from, but. . . who I was meant to become and my path ahead seemed all so confusing. I blew a stray lock of blond hair from my face and concluded that shopping was much more fun than pondering such weighty matters.

I had barely slipped through the pelt-covered doorway of the shaman's emporium when an aged voice croaked, “So you’re the Cloud Dancer raised in Cyrodiil I’ve heard about.”

The Bosmer’s craggy face was markedly lined – at least the portion of it not covered by white beard that I could see. Long white hair grew well down the back of his robes. His eyes were pale blue, but the whites were yellowed and displayed networks of tiny red lines. He was quite simply the oldest-looking mer I’d ever seen.

“My name’s Buffy, but you seem to have me at a disadvantage.”

“I know your name, child. I am called Elberond. Shaman of the Sun Chasers. Is it true that you were conceived in the branches of Aldergleam before fire so tragically claimed it, along with most of your tribe?”

I nodded.

“Welcome then, Spirit Catcher, how can this old forest wizard assist you?”

“I was trained in magic at the Arcane University, but am curious about Valenwood’s forest magic.”

Elberond eyed my vixen. “It appears you already know some of it.”

“I recently met a cousin who survived the fire and was adopted by the Strid River Valley Tribe. She taught me her Find Familiar spell.”

“Ah yes,” he replied. “Almost second nature to the tribe known for carrying spirits within themselves, but less so for other Cloud Dancers.” One hand tugged on his beard for a moment. “I presume you also know the Barkskin spell?”

I scratched my head at the unfamiliar term. “Do you mean the shielding spell I’ve known how to cast since childhood?”

He smiled and nodded. “So you do indeed carry the sap of a Tall Tree within your veins – doubtless conveyed by your mother.”

I slowly nodded my growing comprehension. “That explains much. My instructors at the University could never figure out the origin of that spell or why it costs so little of my magicka to cast.”

“Yes, ‘tis a gift from your Tall Tree that every child conceived in the clouds knows. Would you like to peruse my catalogue of forest magic spells? As a Spirit Catcher and graduate of Tamriel’s premier academy of traditional magic, I expect most of them are well within your ability to learn.”

“I’d like that very much,” I gushed.