Just finished reading my way through the first thread, and it's awesome work. I knew you and Buffy wrote a journal from the BethSoft forums, but I didn't quite expect something like this. It's a really good read.


Although she doesn't quite agree with Buffy's (sometimes) brutal choices, Sarah is starting to see Buffy as a sort of role-model.

*Reads thread two*

"Yeah, I know where he is." He scratched his bare chest and yawned. "What's it worth to you?"

Kurdan’s nearly noontime appearance was vivid, amusing, and a little frightening. Thank goodness for that nice Dunmeri lass!


I felt outmaneuvered, but was determined to keep my temper under control. "I'm listening."

Yay, Buffy! A good time to keep the hands-on-hips and stomping foot on the inside.


"Why doesn't 'Raj' just get the axe for you?" I asked with a suspicious frown.

"This one doesn't like closed, dark spaces," said the Khajiit.

I love it! Kurdan is obviously too busy with his hammer to go look for his axe, and of course Buffy would ask why his employee couldn’t go. Ra'jhera referring to Buffy as “prey” earlier wouldn’t sound alarming, it just sounds Khajiit.


Suspiciously, I stopped and asked, "Why are there gate controls on the outside of the fort?"

The Khajhiit finally talked again, "As you can see the handle is cleverly hidden. Ra'jhera imagines the builders provided for such access in case the fort ever fell and needed to be recaptured."

Another excellent question, and a plausible response from the taciturn Ra’jhera. I love how you’ve neatly filled in the plot holes in this quest! I have to wonder if Ra’jhera rolled his eyes when Buffy resorted to mudcrab chat, or if he just let his tail tip do the talking. The whole boat trip was hilarious!


Buffy is a deadly hunter, and this year’s Silver Arrow winner. Kurdan could make a bundle on her, if he planned ahead. What a relief that she went to see Kurdan fully armed. At least she is dressed for an adventure. It makes perfect sense that she would wear buckskins instead of a dress, given his unwelcome attention on their last meeting. I hope she has a lot of poisons stashed in her blouse! I’m looking forward to some hunting!

Buffy sure got duped this time!

And so the World's Most Dangerous Game begins. The hunter has become the hunted. But who is who? That is the question.

You have done an amazing job bringing Kurdan to life here!!! Two lines really caught my eye and made me laugh, both already quoted above, lol. The first, Kurdan’s nearly noontime appearance - vivid and gross! The second was Buffy's using probably the most famous random line from the game, "I saw a mud crab the other day..." - I rolled at that line !!! Awesome write and chapter, an absolute favorite from the start to finish !!!

I loved your descriptions of Ra'jhera (not to be confused with Ra'jirra). The forest of arrows was an excellent metaphor. Then his ears flattening was an excellent way of conveying his mood.

"You got a death wish, elf? It ain't even noon yet."
This made me think of an old roomie of mine, who never got up before the crack of 4pm...

The confrontation with Jabba the Hut is what I expected. *phew* that is one vile customer. His 'bark-biter' line was another excellent wood elf slang term. I will have to file that one away with 'leaf-sucker'. As others have noted, the classic mud-crab line from the game was hilarious.

"Why are there gate controls on the outside of the fort?"
Hmm, now that is odd, is it not?

In Episode 117, Buffy acquiesced to a rather poor deal with Kurdan gro-Dragol in hopes of learning the whereabouts of Aleron Loche. After a boat trip to Fort Grief, Buffy found Aleron. She also found both of them were now trapped inside the fort.

Ceidwad- Thanks! I'm so glad you enjoyed Buffy's unsuccessful attempts at small talk/interrogation with Ra'jhera. It is indeed fun to squeeze a well known game line into the story when it fits.

KC- Thank you. How hard can it be to find some orc's family axe for him?

ghastley- Thanks for endorsing the changes we are working into this quest. I like the quest very much, but once we began writing it we discovered quite a few logic challenges that generated some changes.

Zalphon- Thank you! Publish? Oh noes! Then we'd have to worry about plot and keeping Buffy focused and stuff like that.

Rider- Thanks! I stole the idea of a boat driver from you of course. Yes, Buffy got outmaneuvered which, as you pointed out, fits her young and still naïve character. Julian never would have fallen for it and I still chuckle over the humor that our wise old Redguard employed during her much more successful verbal dueling with Kurdan.

hazmick- I'm so glad that Buffy's desperation, expressed by her mud crab line, got a laugh!

glargg- Fort Grief sure is well named! I hope you enjoy how Buffy tries to deal with it.

Daedralord357- I'm so delighted to have you join us and thank you for reading thread one. I suspect you will find that Buffy's hard edged moral compass will settle and soften somewhat as you continue reading her evolving nature. I hope that you will eventually find her to be a worthy role model for Sarah.

Grits- I'm so pleased that you enjoyed Buffy's encounter with Kurdan. As good as you are with details, I'm glad you noted how Buffy at least pointed out the oddity of gate controls on the outside of the fort. Like you, I'm glad that Buffy was wise enough to be armed and dangerous when she sought out Kurdan.

TK- Buffy did indeed get duped here. It's unclear whether Kurdan would have bargained more, but he masterfully convinced Buffy that he would not. Of course, Buffy is not without her own talents, nor is she afraid of dark places. So your question of who will be the hunter and who the hunted is astute indeed.

mALX- Thank you! I'm so glad Kurdan came to life for you. Nothing gray about Kurdan as the consummate villain! Glad you enjoyed the mud crab line!

SubRosa- Thank you for the observations on Ra'jhera the Keeneye. There are few enough Khajiit characters in BF that we really enjoy trying to work with what we envision as their mannerisms and speech patterns. Our tree hugging twigs are getting quite a collaborative collection of nicknames, no? I hope you will feel free to use bark biter, just as I hope someday to fit into BF: "It's raining wood elves!"



I stared through iron bars at the Khajiit who had locked me inside the courtyard of Fort Grief. After a moment, he spoke, "If the prey wants to survive, she will listen carefully. By the time this one gets back to the dock in Bravil, Kurdan will have the hunters ready to come out here. Today they will pay a great deal of gold to hunt wood elf. You will leave the soft human in the courtyard and enter the fort by yourself. Provide the hunters good sport. If you do not cooperate," he glanced toward Aleron, "that one dies. The game allows a small chance for you both to survive."

Torn between anger and fear, I managed to say, "Go on."

Ra'jhera the Keeneye continued, "Upon entering the fort's interior, you will find a small room containing a handle that can open this gate for you to escape. The door to the room is magically warded. One of the hunters will carry a key."

I narrowed my eyes. "If I survive this 'hunt', then Aleron and I can leave?"

He nodded, then nimbly stepped to one side - clear of any line of fire that I could manage through the iron bars. I heard his boots in the sand moving off toward the boat. At that moment, I knew if I lived through this, I would not rest until my bow had dealt both Kurdan and his feline henchman the same fate as Earana.

"I'm sorry, Buffy," said the soft voice behind me. "I see the orc lured you out here with his axe story as well."

I wheeled around to face Aleron and snapped, "You're sorry?!? How many lives are you trying to ruin with your stupid gambling? If we get out of this and Ursanne doesn't kill you, I will!" My anger was quickly betrayed by tears as I dragged a sleeve across my face. "Tell me what you know."

The Breton stared at the ground. "Kurdan told me if I came out here and got his axe for him, he would forgive my debt. When the Khajiit locked me in here, he said he was sure someone worthy of the game would be trying to find me."

Glancing up at the sun, I pondered aloud, "I figure those hunters will be here within an hour, maybe two. I've got work to do."

A burst of alteration magic could not unlock the iron gate. The handle outside the fort failed to respond to my telekinesis spell as well. A quick climb to the old fort's upper structures verified there was no way to escape over the walls. I then slipped on my detect life rings and entered the inner portion of the fort.

I let my eyes adjust to the dim interior. Tiny openings built into the fort provided a small amount of light and ventilation. Nevertheless, the cool, damp air carried the smell of death and decay. I quickly found the room Ra'jhera had described. My spells could not unlock the barred gate or budge the handle inside to free us from our prison.

Moving purposefully, I calmed several rats and sidestepped a number of traps as I mentally mapped out passageways and chambers. The more hazards I could leave intact for the hunters, the better. I thought that was clever thinking until one rat managed to nip my right hand just as I got my spell off.

The injury, although bleeding, was not serious. I could feel the onset of muscular weakness though. A healing spell quickly closed the small wound and allowed me to assess and confirm my suspicion of feeble limb. The disease could be serious for me since I had so little strength to begin with. It seemed that if there was some sort of sickness to be transmitted, I would usually catch it. Bosmer were extremely resistant to illness, but not me; another reminder of my Bretonic paternity. Fortunately, that same heritage, along with diligent practice, had helped me to recently achieve enough skill in restoration that I could cure myself without alchemical assist. As I draped myself in white magic, I felt my body being purged of disease and my strength returning.

I continued through the fort's two levels without further incident, noting the remains of numerous unlucky 'prey'. Most were but bones, armor and clothes, but a few were fresh enough to explain the smell.

Making my way back to the exit, I stepped into the midday sun that filled the fort's courtyard. "Aleron, there's no way out except to play Kurdan's game. His hunters should be here soon. When they arrive, I'll slip back inside the fort's interior. You stay out here - away from the gate. The Khajiit said you would not be harmed if we cooperate."

"Buffy, I feel terrible about the mess I've caused." he said.

My distracted and clipped reply was tinged with anger. "Fine."

"If. . . if you make it out of here without me, will you tell Ursanne I love her and how sorry I am?"

"You'll tell her yourself," I replied in a much softer tone.

"I see the boat approaching!" His voice was urgent as he peered through the bars. "There's several armored figures aboard."

"Get back away from the gate," I said. "Once I do what I must to get a key from one of the hunters, I'll be back for you and we'll get out of here." I quickly returned to the door of the fort and slipped inside. Melting into the shadows of a small alcove near the entrance, I waited.

Shortly, three pink glows joined me in the cool darkness. I overheard some of their words as they discussed how to search for their prey. From the voices, I assessed their races as Orsimer, Nord and Imperial. As the hunters began to move deeper into the fort, they gave no indication that they were aware of my nearness. I thanked Mara that they apparently lacked the magic to detect my life force.

Holding Slayer vertically and close to my body, I pressed my back into the shadowy stone wall. I willed my heart and breathing into slow silence. The fingers of my right hand were free, in anticipation of several spells I was prepared to cast if discovered.

As the trio passed by their hidden and frightened prey, a feeling of calm confidence began to wrap itself around me. I recalled the exact moment on the Planes of Peryite when, instead of cowering in fear from clannfears, I realized I was stalking and hunting them. So it was now, as the hunters became the hunted.

Before long, two of the glows disappeared into the lower level of the fort. I began stalking the one who remained on the upper level. A poisoned armor-piercing arrow penetrated the hunter's steel back plate with a tiny puff of orange magic. The impact drove him to the ground as sparks from Slayer's enchantment arced and danced around him for a moment. He managed to struggle to his knees, only to collapse again from my poison.

Searching the Nord, I gathered any lightweight valuables he carried but noted with disappointment that there was no key among his possessions. I didn't bother trying to free my arrow; its magic was spent, and the slender arrowhead no doubt badly damaged by its successful penetration of the heavy armor.

On the fort's lower level, I stalked the remaining two hunters and discovered them working together. I crept just close enough for a hidden strike. Poisoning another armor-piercing arrow, I slipped it into my boot sheath. I then pointed my fist at the farther of the pair. An emerald illusion swirled from my fingers and convinced one hunter to attack his comrade on my behalf. Reaching for the feathered tail by my right thigh, I set the nock to Slayer's silk bowstring.

Over the tip of my arrow, I watched the mortal dance, illuminated by the orange flicker of a torch that one of the hunters had dropped. The clashing of steel on steel was punctuated by curses and cries of pain. When one glow fell, I smoothly drew the arrow's feathered fletching to my ear and loosed it to lethally congratulate the wounded victor.

I searched the corpses, gathering anything of value that was small and light. Neither of the pair carried a key to escape the fort. Why was I not surprised?

*enthusiastically claps*

another masterpiece by the King of storytellers

You, Treydog, H.E.R, Malx and many others have inspired me to start my own story.


S.G.M

Hey, not fair!

Whenever my characters do this quest, the hunters aren't close enough to each other to use illusion against them. But then they do carry a key, so I suppose that balances out.

@ghastley: But none of those keys are the one you really want. For that you have to fight Kurdan.

Acadian, you have done it again - put your own Buffy-ness on a well-known TES quest. Nearly everyone who has spent any time in Bravil has been suckered into Kurdan's game. I really liked how Buffy met the challenges of dealing with three hunters. It was a good call on your part to have the three arrive after Buffy reached the fort - it gave her the opportunity to scout the ruins. Julian didn't even have that!

Well done!

I like how you adjusted the quest to make more sense. Those idiots probably were thinking "Wood elf: small, weak, timid, easy to crush. This will be fun." HA.

Kurdan and his goon will die next. This shall be fun.

Good chapter!

The improvements that you made in this quest’s logic are most welcome. I like how Buffy exhausted every possibility of getting out before she scouted the ruin.

My distracted and clipped reply was tinged with anger. "Fine."

I think Aleron earned the f-word more than anyone!

Before long, two of the glows disappeared into the lower level of the fort. I began stalking the one who remained on the upper level. A poisoned armor-piercing arrow penetrated the hunter's steel back plate with a tiny puff of orange magic. The impact drove him to the ground as sparks from Slayer's enchantment arced and danced around him for a moment. He managed to struggle to his knees, only to collapse again from my poison.

One shot from an enchanted bow with a poisoned, armor-piercing arrow, archers are scary. One could sit next to Buffy on a barstool while she chattered away and have no idea.

We had some tense moments in the ruin, but Buffy gave us a brilliant display of her hunting. My worries still lurk outside. Kurdan and his tight-lipped archer friend, and the need to protect the hapless Loche. Actually, it’s mostly Keeneye that concerns me.

Buffy's long time acquintence with Ursanne and Aleron is very evident in her interactions with both - loved this chapter!!! My fave line:




Buffy at her Buffyest !!! Awesome Write !!

Magnificent! That's the hunters dealt with, but the worst is yet to come. There's hardly enough room to swing a Khajiit in that courtyard, it would be a terrible place to get attacked by a massive orc...

Buffy could well end up "conscripting" him. I've found that he's usually guilty of friendly fire, so I often just let him help unintentionally.

The way the game plays this out, you can't help Aleron, and you have to be in talking range of Kurdan to advance the quest to the fighting stage. But since Acadian has already permitted himself to improve on the standard fare, all bets are off, and anything could happen.

I'm wondering if she'll take the Shadowbanish wine home?

A nice little break from the game's version of the quest, having Ra'jhera explain the rules of the hunt to Buffy. Her first reaction was smart, try to find a way out. but of course if there was one, the hunt would not work. Likewise, her anger at Aleron is quite realistic. If not Kurdan, it would have just been some other Hutt he would have gotten himself into trouble with.

The rat - with its disease - was yet one more good example of Buffy's mixed parentage. While she lacked her mother's resistance to diseases, her father's extra magicka certainly made curing it easier!

Also, a refreshing bit of common sense in the disposition of the hunters. Rather than sitting down in the tunnels for days (or months?) waiting for someone to come by, you have them come to the fort after Buffy gets there. Then she hides while they pass. Then it was time to go hunting, and Buffy showed the skills she has worked so hard to attain. I think Jabba is going to be in for a big surprise when he sees who comes out of the fort...

Great chapter! I particularly liked this part:



That part really speaks to the growth of Buffy, in both her skills and her overall maturity. She understands now that the best way to overcome fear is to confront it, and confront it often. She trusts her skills in combat and is leaving less of the outcome to chance.

One personal criticism--I can't help but feel that the disease part was a missed opportunity. While it makes perfect sense that she would be easily able to heal herself given her Bretonic heritage and skill in Restoration, I thought that having the disease during the course of the quest would have been a great challenge for Buffy to overcome, and reading about how she would have gone about dealing with the hunters even as the disease hampered her limbs would have made the chapter even more enjoyable. Again, it is a personal preferance--I enjoy putting my own characters in unexpected situations and seeing how they react to and handle them, but of course that is my style and I don't expect everybody else to feel, or write, the same way.

Again, great chapter, and as always I look forward to more!

The most dangerous game! But I also share Khajiit_Thief01's fears that Buffy is becoming too powerful. She dispatched three hunters in two paragraphs. Hopefully that is just building up to the showdown with Kurdan and Keeneye.

I don't think Buffy is necessarily becoming too powerful--she dispatched the hunters using stealth and poison, which has always been her way. I was just merely commenting, from a personal standpoint, that adding the disease dynamic to the battles would have made for a very interesting read. Like I said before, personal preference.

I have no doubt that the battles with Keeneye and Kurdan will be difficult. They are tough foes who are not to be taken lightly. I look forward to seeing how it all plays out!

During Episode 118, Buffy familiarized herself with Fort Grief. When the boat transporting hunters to the island returned, Buffy directed Aleron to remain in the outer bailey while she returned to the fort's interior. She managed to dispatch all three hunters, but none of them carried the key to freedom promised by Kurdan's Khajiiti henchman.

Doommeister- Did you know that Buffy actually has a lovely singing voice? Well, anyway, it is certainly music to our ears to hear that she has had some influence over your wonderful decision to share the story of your battlemage.

ghastly- Buffy can deal with single, isolated foes by sniping; it is groups that cause her to rely on the 'mind control' family of illusion spells. As you can probably tell, the big pieces and even outcome of this quest will certainly line up with the game, but we continue with many liberties on the details. Heh, most of those changes stem from Buffy asking me questions that usually start with, "Why would. . .?"

Rider- Thank you so much for the endorsement of the 'Buffy' changes we have applied to this quest. I quite like the quest, but was surprised how many tweaks it took to have some of the rough edges make sense. I know I simply loved the way you 'Julianized' the quest for our dear Redguard hero.

KC- Thanks. I think the hunters' flaw in thinking was believing their foe would either hide in terror, or try to fight like they do.

Grits- Thank you for your kind words on our changes to the quest, Buffy's futile attempts to escape and, of course, her use of the 'F' word. Your premonition into the upcoming hazards is spot on.

mALX- Thank you for focusing on Buffy's relationship with Ursanne (and Aleron). We displayed some of that when Buffy accepted the quest, and will show more depth/history when she reports back to Ursanne with (you guessed it), bad news.

hazmick- Perfect analysis, my friend! The worst is indeed yet to come.

SubRosa- As ever, I love your insights and observations. Thank you for a couple things in particular:
1. Another display of the pros and cons of Buffy being a half-breed. She was truly born to be neither archer nor mage but, rather, a mystic archer.
2. The fact that the hunters did not arrive until the prey was in place. Like you, I was not buying the game feature that those hunters would just sort of live down there waiting to be fed 'prey'. I view them more as high roller wannabe 'big game hunters'.

Khajiit_Thief01- Thank you for endorsing Buffy's reminder to herself that she is indeed a potent hunter and her memory of how/when she made that transition.

I so appreciate your suggestion that Buffy could have been hampered by her disease. Unfortunately, I was trying to make several pieces work together here: A reminder of her mixed racial abilities. A flaw (albeit a small one) in what was a pretty elegant performance. Evidence that her skill in restoration has reached the rather lofty milestone of curing disease by spell. To have her linger with the disease would have precluded that last objective. Spending more time with her pondering the impact of the disease if left uncured could have been interesting to explore, but I was also concerned about maintaining focus on the hunt and managing episode length. Please know that such helpful observations surely do factor into our longer term planning and crafting of future episodes.

MyCat- The concern I had with this episode was exactly the one you mentioned: Buffy was quite elegantly lethal, almost flawless in dispatching the hunters. I believe the only real solution would have been to combine that episode with the balance provided in her next fight; but that would have generated an excessively long episode. I so appreciate your trust that her smooth performance was indeed intentional to set the stage for a much more dangerous final showdown with Kurdan.



As I emerged from the darkness of Fort Grief, my attention was drawn to two pink glows standing near each other in the outpost's sunlit bailey.

"Well, I'll be a stuffed slaughterfish!" boomed Kurdan gro-Dragol. "So, the bite-sized knight survived." As my eyes quickly adjusted, I could see the orc held his warhammer in one hand. With the other, he grabbed nearby Aleron Loche by the back of the Breton's shirt. As he pulled the small man in front of him, Kurdan warned, "Any arrow or spell from you will hit Aleron, not me."

The orc apparently saw me glance at the fort's outer gate, because he then added, "Yeah, while you were in the fort, I slipped into that locked room just inside the door and closed the gate. I got the only key, so you ain't getting out of here."

"Let Aleron and me go," I demanded. "I played your game and I won. No one else has to die."

"Wrong," said Kurdan. "Aleron was just a piece of bait to lure worthy prey out here, but I don't need him now and he's seen too much of my operation to live. You're a different problem. My customers pay a lot of gold. If they get killed by the prey while hunting, they can't exactly rave to their friends about the fine entertainment I provide out here, now can they?" Not waiting for my response, Kurdan continued, "You're too good at the game, and I don't need you alive to coax another victim out here. When you've been missing for a couple days, I figure someone like Daenlin'll be pissing all over himself to fetch my nonexistent axe in exchange for the empty promise of getting his little protégée back. Yeah, maybe he'll be the next prey."

I snarled, "You never planned to let us go, did you?"

"You're wising up, twig, just in time for me to kill you." He took a cautious step closer.

As my right fist spiked the air, Kurdan stopped and wielded the frightened Breton in front of him like a shield.

A ghost materialized beside me. Thankfully, the spirit was wise enough not to target Aleron and quickly floated to one side of Kurdan. While my summon formed a blue globe of magicka in its ethereal fingers, I nocked an arrow.

As the orc faced a potential crossfire, I saw indecision in his eyes. He threw Aleron to the ground, raised his warhammer with both hands and charged my ghost.

Thankful for Kurdan's error in judgment, I immediately loosed my armor-piercing arrow into the side of his cuirass.

Aleron had barely hit the ground when an arrow from above us pierced the Breton's back, extinguishing the glow of his life. After a moment of shock and confusion, I cursed myself. I had not only forgotten about the orc's henchman, I had failed to scan above me for life signs.

Kurdan was wounded, but not mortally so. As his hammer passed harmlessly through my ghost, I looked up. Sure enough, the archer's pink glow was hidden on the stone ledge above the courtyard. Hoping that my summon could occupy Kurdan for now, I cast a shroud of invisibility and sprinted up the stairs.

I found myself on a circular ledge that overlooked the bailey below. Looking down, I could see Kurdan and my ghost, trading harmless hammer swings and weak frost attacks. Ra'jhera the Keeneye was across the bailey on the far side of the same ledge as I. I wanted to control the cat's mind with an illusion that would cause him to attack Kurdan. Surrendering my invisibility, I loosed a swirl of emerald magicka at the archer.

The nimble Khajiit easily dodged my slow-moving spell and reached toward his quiver.

I magically disappeared again, then sidestepped to my left.

The cat responded by diverting his paw into a pouch worn at his waist then quickly quaffing a potion. He had barely dropped the empty bottle when his eyes snapped toward my invisible form. "This one can see the glow of your life. The prey cannot hide from Keeneye." He nocked an arrow.

I dove behind a pillar then heard his arrow strike the stone wall nearby. Shielded from further arrows for the moment, I remembered Kurdan almost directly below me. I bought myself some more time by replacing my ghost with a fresh one. I was relieved to see the spirit float down into the bailey and engage the orc.

I then returned my focus to Ra'jhera the Keeneye. With his detect life potions - and I assumed he had more of them - I couldn't maneuver for a hidden shot. I ruled out distracting the archer with a summon because my helper was badly needed to hold off Kurdan. The Khajiit was quick enough to avoid my spells. There was only one thing fast enough to strike with. After poisoning an arrow, I nocked it and slipped out from behind the safety of my stone column.

Ra'jhera, with his own arrow nocked, engaged me in a deadly dance of cat and elf. We both moved rapidly and unpredictably from side to side, silently teasing and flirting for a lethal opportunity.

With Kurdan still alive below me, time was not on my side. I stopped, knowing that Ra'jhera would pause to take a shot as well. Pulling silk to cheek, I loosed my arrow then leaped for the safety of the closest pillar.

Our arrows passed each other in flight and a blinding pain struck my hip as I cried out. My body was spun about by the impact and knocked against the unyielding wall of the fort. I then collapsed to the stone ledge. A panicked glance toward the Khajiit revealed he was down too, but his life force still glowed. In agony, caused by the arrow protruding from my right hip, I managed to regain my feet. Battling the pain that threatened to steal my consciousness, I tried to bring magic to my hand. Thankfully, my poison then extinguished Ra'jhera the Keeneye.

Relief was shattered by an orcish roar and the rattle of armor plates. My head snapped toward the top of the stairs to see the nightmare of a charging orc, his warhammer raised high.

I struggled to override the screaming pain from my hip and focus my magic. Kurdan managed to cover half the distance between us before I finally convinced the dancing cobra to leap from my hand.

The emerald snake swirled into its target, unleashing a full measure of magical venom. The massive hammer's weight caused the helplessly paralyzed Kurdan to fall to his right, as if in slow motion. After clipping the stone ledge, he continued over the edge. A moment later, I heard a loud clatter as the heavily armored orc met the ground of the bailey below.

The throbbing that radiated from my hip overcame my ability to focus, or even remain upright. I slid to the hard gray surface at my feet. Through the stone ledge, I could see the glow of Kurdan on the ground below. His groans filled the air and I could no longer repress my own.

Disoriented, I tried to watch the orc's glow for any sign of movement as one hand fumbled into my pack. The healing potion I managed to find eased enough pain for me to think more clearly and struggle back to my feet.

Grasping the deeply imbedded arrow that protruded from my hip, I coaxed destruction magic to travel through the missile until it completely dissolved. I then channeled powerful white magic into the wound until the pierced flesh was knitted closed and my pain melted away. Another glance through the stone ledge beneath my feet revealed Kurdan's pink glow was still not moving.

I cautiously made my way down the steps to the courtyard below. Kurdan's right leg was bent at an impossible angle, confirming at least one broken bone. Either his movements or the fall had snapped the shaft of my arrow, no doubt leaving the slender head imbedded within his chest. His armor bore reminders of the frost damage done by my faithful ghosts.

The orc's eyes met mine. He was breathing hard and blood trickled from one corner of his mouth. "You got to heal me, kid. I can't move my legs. I'll make you a full partner and cut you in on my action."

I responded by reaching over my right shoulder. Selecting a broadhead arrow, I set it to the nock.

"I can make you rich beyond your wildest dreams, Buffy," said Kurdan, his tone becoming more urgent. "Please."

I closed to within three paces of the orc, applied partial tension and aimed.

His dark eyes opened wide as he bellowed, "No!" Tiny droplets of blood and spit seemed to hang in the air, as if the moment was frozen in time by the echo of his last word.

I fully drew the silk bowstring and released it. Instantly, my feathered shaft blossomed from Kurdan's left eye as his head snapped back against the ground and his glow extinguished.

A search of the orc quickly located his key to this prison. His heavy coin purse, which now belonged to Ursanne Loche, made its way into my pack.

I sat down a few feet away from the dead body of Aleron. "I will ask my friend Gladius Maro, or perhaps Gaius Prentus, to come out here in the guard boat and bring you home to Ursanne."

Drawing up both knees and hugging them to my chest, the tears finally came. As my small shoulders shook, I could feel the shattered lives that Kurdan had left behind. Every victim of his game that now rested in the bowels of this fort had a tragic story to tell. After a long time, I ran out of tears.

I rose to my feet and thought about the beautiful spirit of Ursanne Loche waiting in the Great Chapel of Mara for good news that would never come. Finally, I spoke, "If you are kind to me, I will love you dearly." Turning my gaze to the body of Kurdan gro-Dragol, I added, "If you are a threat to me or my friends, I will likely kill you."

First the nit: I think you meant me - as in "Let me go."

Now the good stuff. I really loved how Buffy used a ghost to distract Kurdan. The idiot is too stupid to realize that an unenchanted weapon is no good against those spirits! For her Keeneye is the more dangerous foe, and rightly so. I really liked the tactics, and how the cunning Khajiit countered her usual tricks. This was something that kept me holding my breath throughout!

In the game, for all his bulk and bluster, Kurdan was a joke to fight. Keeneye was much much harder to deal with, as is typical of experienced archers. I really appreciated how you played that up here.

And Buffy's post-combat reaction is perfectly drawn, as she stops to think about her friends that have been drawn into this deadly game.

Buffy barely survived that fight! Keeneye was quite a challenge for Buffy and she had to take a terrible risk to end him. Cobra's Dance has saved Buffy so many times over the course of her travels.

Even though his death was expected, it is too bad Aleron died. You can't save everyone.

Kurdan is was a fool to think Buffy would heal him.

Fantastic chapter Acadian!

Biggest problem with this quest: the impossibility of giving Kurdan what is really his. Well, not entirely impossible, but it does require some inventiveness on the part of the player.

I really appreciate how you dealt with Kurdan's final seconds upon this mortal realm. Hunting down Kurdan's hunters is one thing, but that d@mn loan-shark has a real way of making it personal, and you capture it perfectly.

Not a nit, per se, as much as a request for clarification:


Is Kurdan capable of lifting Aleron off the ground with one arm (outstretched or curled, or anything in-between) or is he just shoving the poor gambling addict around like a bad puppet?

A very intense fight! Buffy did the same thing Haa-Rei did in not immediately noticing Kurdan's feline henchman but Buffy had the quick idea of using a summon to distract the awful Orsimer. The battle between the two archers was brilliant with each archer scoring a hit, fortunately Keeneye does not share Buffy's poison making skills.

I also liked the way Buffy got injured...don't judge me but it showed us that she is still a delicate little Bosmer Butterfly and it also gave us a chance to read another amazing description of her magic usage.

I don't envy Buffy having to give Ursanne the bad news

the bite-sized knight
Another line to remember!

Again, you portray Kurdan as being not only memorable, but also with sound motivations. Of course he cannot allow either Buffy or Aleron to live, for all the reasons he stated. He even tried using Aleron as a meat shield to keep from being shot. As Buffy noted, his only mistake was going after the ghost.

I was just wondering about Ra'jhera when the feline's arrow answered my question. Again, a delightful change from the game in having him be to the one to actually kill Aleron. His quaffing the detect life potion was another excellent divergence from the game.

a deadly dance of cat and elf
an excellent turn on the old phrase!

Boderi's training paid off here, as Kurdan was certainly not going to stop because Buffy was having a bad day. His falling off the second floor was a wonderful surprise, and certainly likely given the state of those forts.

Using destruction magic to disintegrate the arrow rather than pull it out was a nice touch. I always like seeing writers put magic to regular-everyday use outside of the simple shoot-and-kill you see in the game.

Buffy's finishing Kurdan off was pure Buffy. No monologues, just straight to business. As Eli Wallach said in The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: "When you have to shoot, shoot. Don't talk."

Last of all, you show us that there is more to the bite-sized knight than slayage, in her tears for Aleron, Ursanne, and the untold number of other victims of Kurdan's game.

I liked the selection of the ghost to distract Kurdan. It fits his character perfectly to have him flail uselessly with a big warhammer against an opponent that it doesn't affect. He's just like Grommok at Xedilian, can't believe that he could lose a fight.

I've usually done this fight the same way, go up and take out Keeneye first, but Kurdan rarely follows, and it's easy for an archer or spell-tossing mage to take him out while he just paces up and down below. Your version explains why he doesn't make the climb!

A most unfortunate ending to this short tale.

But all is well in any case (well, besides Aleron's untimely end, that is), the evildoers have received their just desserts, and Lady Loche will finally be rid of her debts.

Smart of Keeneye to quaff a Detect Life potion. He really did live up to his name, good show!

Wow, this could have gone either way. Keeneye couldn’t have known that Buffy had forgotten him, and he gave himself away by shooting Aleron. She was occupied with Kurdan, possibly giving him a fatal shot at her. How smart of Keeneye to use detect life, that’s in my mind every time Buffy disappears. She has a variety of lethal options and the planning to take advantage of them, but she is still sometimes one silence curse or detect life effect away from disaster. Keeps things lively.

This episode was heart-pounding throughout and a joy to read. I am especially impressed with Buffy’s quick action in the face of the unexpected. No pee in the greaves, no Alawen to save her, and not enough time for Acadian to coach. Buffy noticed that her ghost was weak against Kurdan even though it distracted him, I wonder if this fight will spark a road trip.

Here’s what I thought when Kurdan attacked the ghost. Even though in the game it can seem that every boulder conceals a bandit hedge wizard, real bad guys wouldn’t go around attacking each other unless there was profit in it. Sensible folk without enchanted bows would stay away from ghosts. So Kurdan probably wouldn't know how to fight a ghost, or even that he should swat the butterfly who summoned it instead.

"I can make you rich beyond your wildest dreams, Buffy," said Kurdan, his tone becoming more urgent. "Please."

Where are your insults now, Kurdan? He shows composure of his own, which I would expect from a successful usurer. Though I imagine he heard a lot of people say “please” in the course of his work.

Buffy’s sorrow over the victims and those who are missing them was all the more beautiful for being simply expressed. Really, I could quote this whole episode as my favorite part.

Holy Cow! That was a very powerful ending, following a chapter filled with action - made all the more real by Buffy's failability when she was injured and became disoriented. Like Grits, I especially liked that the enemy availed himself of the "Detect Life" and thwarted her easy time of it! Awesome Write !!!!!

Too bad she killed Kurdan, I was kinda hoping for a few episodes of her hunting him down like Earana. (My Bosmer archer's enchanted bow is powered with a black soul gem. The bow is named Earana. Inspired by Buffy.)

Others have already made my comments. My favorite part was her grieving over the victims.

I liked Kurdan

Another masterful episode!

In the actual game, this little quest is one that starts with great promise but disappoints at the end. Not only does Aleron have to die while the player stands frozen, but then the fight that follows is usually a let-down. You made it count, you made us care, and - best of all - Buffy gave those meanies what they deserved!

In Episode 119, Buffy emerged from the interior of Fort Grief and was confronted by Kurdan gro-Dragol. She managed to defeat the Orsimer crime boss as well as his Khajiiti henchman, but not without the loss of Aleron Loche.

Rider- Thank you. It was fun, between Kurdan and Keeneye, to gradually remove most of Buffy's normal tactical options until she was left doing the archer dance against the nimble Khajiit. Thanks for the nit; even though it's dialogue, Buffy is educated enough that she should normally be expected to speak rather well.

KC- I agree. This battle ranked right up there as a true fight for her life; there was no Alawen, Mazoga or Arielle Jurard to save her this time. Just her beautiful Dancing Cobra once again. Thank you.

Captain Hammer- Thank you for the endorsement of Buffy's decision to kill Kurdan. At least she didn't torture him, and I was pleased to see her not taunt him, despite her resolve. I envisioned the Breton's feet dragging the ground as Kurdan tried to use him as a human shield - more lugging and dragging than actually holding up in the air.

hazmick- Thank you for those kind words about Buffy's fight. She is comforted somewhat to realize that Haa-Rei also initially missed the presence of Keeneye. I agree, that it was far from fun describing my bowgirl getting seriously wounded, but you are right in that it does point out her fragility. Hopefully, the desperate and bloody fight contrasted effectively with the elegance Buffy displayed while clearing the inside of the fort.

SubRosa- Thank you for the insights and observations you provided. I find it wonderful that our bite sized knight seems to be growing slightly more comfortable with her title and not ignoring some of the implied responsibilities; no doubt in part due to the influence of Mazoga and Acadian. This was perhaps Buffy's first 1 vs 1 against a skilled archer at their own game with no 'mystic' advantages. Thank you for endorsing our balancing of Buffy's hard edged vengeance with her tears.

ghastley- Thanks! As I have said, I like the quest a lot, but only when we got into the details did it become apparent how many small points needed to be tweaked to make sense. Buffy's big break during the fight was when Kurdan made the blunder of going for her ghost instead of her.

TK- Thank you. Buffy is so dependent upon remaining unseen that when a foe uses detect life against her, it really screws her up!

Grits- Thank you. You are so correct that a foe using silence or detect life is a big problem for Buffy. I enjoyed writing Kurdan and Keeneye and it was fun to give them a little bit of personality in past episodes before they died here. I'm glad that Buffy's post fight ruminations softened her cold and wordless dispatch of Kurdan. I enjoyed the opportunity to state her doctrine once again at the end.

mALX- This was Buffy's first taste of being on the receiving end of a long bow at close range in the hands of a skilled user, and something she'll never forget. We also tried to show that Buffy cannot cast spells if down on the ground and that it also requires some clarity of thinking for her to use magic. Thank you!

MyCat- I expect that had Kurdan surrendered Aleron and let them both go, Buffy would have then chosen her own time and place to stalk and free Bravil of it's one-orc organized crime ring. Gosh, I'm honored that you would name your character's bow 'Earana', inspired by Buffy!

Zalphon- Buffy tried to work with Kurdan, both when investigating the drain marksman scroll and seeking Aleron. Unfortunately, the orc violated the Buffy Doctrine.

glargg- I'm so glad that Buffy's version of this quest caused you to care about the characters! Thank you! She has one sad remaining detail to attend to regarding Aleron.



After using Kurdan's key to open the iron gate, I sadly but gratefully walked free of Fort Grief. As I approached the moored boat, I realized I had no clue how to sail it. I asked Acadian for some instruction, but the paladin suggested an alternative.

Kneeling in the sand, I unrolled my doeskin map. When I found the small island's location, I touched a finger to it. With my other hand, I grasped the small leather pouch containing a lock of Superian's mane. Closing both eyes, I thought about King Rislav's Call of Corsair. My spirit traveled across Niben Bay to gently intertwine with that of the precious black mare. The sun felt warm on our bare back. I could see, smell and taste the tender shoots of grass near the end of a long nose. As she raised our head from grazing, I warned her of what was coming. "Superian, I need you."

The grass, wooden rails of the corral and stable building disappeared. Sky, clouds and water swirled around us, then glimpses of gray walls, a moored sailboat and a small wood elf kneeling over her map in the sand. Then everything stopped. The mare was standing beside me on the small island.

Superian stepped closer and nudged me. As I reached into my pack for an apple to share, she snorted her disapproval at the smells of death that no doubt permeated my blouse and buckskins. I realized that part of her discomfort resulted from my own blood that soaked the front of my greaves from hip to right knee. The wound caused by Ra'jhera's arrow was healed, but I was a mess. After we finished our apple, I took a quick bath in the Niben and produced a clean set of buckskins from my pack.

As I dressed, I said, "I'll bet Antoine was surprised to see you disappear from the stable. I'll explain to him about a mage and her horse when we get home."

I lovingly ran both hands over Superian's bare back. "It's good that we've practiced riding without saddle or bridle." I then spread my arms to place one hand on her withers and the other on her haunch. As I prepared to cast the massive alteration spell, I said, "Can you give your elf a quick ride home across the surface of the Niben? I fear I have bad news to deliver to poor Ursanne."

*

After stabling Superian and assuring Antoine that the mare's sudden disappearance had been both magical and intentional, I found Gaius Prentus on duty at the bridge leading into the city. "Hail, Gaius."

"How does the afternoon greet you, Buffy?" replied the Bravil guard as he adjusted his sword belt.

"I'm well, thanks," I said. "I expected to see Gladius Maro on duty. Have you seen him?"

"Aye," a look of concern replaced the Imperial's smile, "he's been called to the castle - again."

"I hope he's not in trouble." Both hands found their way to my hips and I heard irritation creep into my voice. "What did he do this time, arrest little Prince Gellius again for kicking another beggar? Can't Captain Lerus just let him do his job? Like you and Caccian, Gladius is one of the few guards we have who -"

"Calm down, Buffy," interrupted Gaius. "Although Gladius has had plenty of run-ins with the captain, I don't know what he was called to the castle for today."

"I just hate to see him routinely given a hard time for doing his job," I said. "He's not built to compromise, and I respect him for it. Speaking of run-ins, I had a very serious one with Kurdan gro-Dragol that I need to report to you."

I briefly relayed the situation at Fort Grief. Gaius promised he would take the guard boat out to the island to recover the body of Aleron Loche and see if he could identify any of the 'prey' victims at the fort. I also suggested that Kurdan's boat might be a fine upgrade to that currently used by the guards.

Thanking the Imperial for his help, I continued into the city and to Nilawen's shop. There, I sold the valuables garnered from Kurdan's hunting ground and added most of the gold to the dead orc's heavy purse.

My feet then reluctantly made their way across town.

*

"Do you bring news of Aleron, Milady?" The Breton looked up from the front pew inside the Great Chapel of Mara.

"Yes." I sat down beside her and met her gaze. "I'm sorry, Ursanne."

My words clearly shattered the hope on her tired face. Her chin began to quiver as tears overfilled reddened eyes. "It was his gambling, wasn't it?"

I nodded. "He was deeply in debt to Kurdan gro-Dragol and trying to get himself out of it. Both of us found ourselves ensnared in a deadly web of slavery. We faced down the dangerous orc together to regain our freedom. Aleron fought bravely and, between the two of us, we were able to kill Kurdan. I regret that this humble knight's skills were insufficient to save your husband's life. Gaius Prentus assures me he will bring Aleron home to you." I slipped a linen handkerchief from the sleeve of my blouse and wiped Ursanne's tears. We then both sat quietly, holding hands.

Scrambling to my feet, I ignored the skinned knee and continued running. I ducked into an alley hoping to lose my tormenters but I could hear one of them behind me, "You can't outrun us with those little legs. Why don't you just flap those ears and fly up into a tree where you belong, elf." As I glanced over my shoulder to see how close they were, I ran headlong into the flaxen barrier of a woman's skirt. Panicking, I turned to face my tormenters. The three humans were about my age of nine, but much bigger than I.

As I pressed my back into the skirt of the woman behind me, her hands fell protectively to my shoulders and her voice sternly rang out over my head, "You children should be ashamed of yourselves, picking on a small elf. Shoo, or I'll take a stick to the lot of you!"

The young humans ran off. Gentle hands turned me around to face my rescuer. As I looked up, I recognized Ursanne Loche, a friend of my mother's. "Oh, Buffy, look at you." She knelt in front of me, slipped a linen handkerchief from the sleeve of her blouse and wiped my tears. "Don't pay any attention to those children and their teasing. You're a beautiful elf." After giving me a hug, she rose to her feet, took my hand and said, "Now let's get you over to the chapel so Marz can fix that skinned knee."

Ursanne finally broke the silence. "I feared this would happen to Aleron someday. I just thank Mara that you're safe, Milady."

"Aleron knew the danger we were in and asked me to tell you that he loved you and how sorry he was to disappoint you." I placed the heavy coin purse of Kurdan gro-Dragol between us on the pew. "Aleron's debt is paid in full. This is yours now."

Ursanne stared at the bag of gold. "It should rightfully be yours. You are the one who risked your life to save Aleron, even knowing I could not afford to pay you."

"I accepted your quest not for gold," I replied, "but because you have always been kind to me. Kurdan has paid with his life, but he still owes you at least this much for what he has taken. I know how frugal you are, Ursanne. You never need worry about money again."

Ursanne looked at me with moist eyes and managed the ghost of a smile. "Our little Buffy wears her knightly title well."

"Would you like me to stay with you, Ursanne?"

"No, Milady," she replied. "I would ask to be alone with Mara for a time."

I gave her a hug and rose to my feet. "May our Goddess of Love comfort and watch over you." I felt as if I had just gained a deeper understanding of what Sir Mazoga already knew about being a knight.

Totally appropriate way for Buffy to leave the island.

The flash back to Buffy's childhood was wonderful and explains her close relationship to Ursanne. And her sensitivity about her ears.

Good chapter!

Buffy's consternation when faced with a boat is understandable. Thankfully Teresa has been spending enough time in dories lately to have picked up a few things! How very inspired of Buffy to call her trusty steed to her to get around her watery problem. While I am at it, that was a lovely description of The Call of the Corsair. This time you have given us a much deeper look at how it does indeed intertwine the spirits and perceptions of Buffy and her precious black mare.

So our old friend Gladius has been hauled into the castle. If not a for a grilling by the less-than noble captain of the guard, then I wonder what it might be for?

flap those ears and fly up into a tree where you belong, elf.
Yow! No wonder Buffy is so sensitive about comments regarding her ears. But of course Buffy flashback to her childhood showed us so much more than that. It was a brilliant idea to tie Ursanne into Buffy's past like that. Now it was Buffy's turn to be the rescuer, and she bears the even sadder fate of not being able to reciprocate with her husband. The last sentence shows that so much, as Buffy muses over her similarities to Sir Mazoga.

"Our little Buffy wears her knightly title well."
Indeed. She is one swell Dame, that is for certain. I never had any doubt that all of the money Buffy had gathered would go to Ursanne. That is simply the way Buffy has always been wired up.

Oh, you thanked Mara. That's rare in fanfics

You have really out-done yourself on this chapter - HUGE chapter !! The description of Buffy using "The Call of the Corsair" was Awesome, as was Buffy's running dialogue in this chapter !! Adding in the mystery of poor Gladius was like icing on the cake - Huge Write !!! ** Favorite Chapter - top 2 !!!

Nice touch with the mention of Mazoga. A reminder that all Orcs aren't Kurdan.

When you had Keeneye row her out there, I was wondering what you were going to do about the trip back, and the auto-pilot being broken. I notice you left out the detail of how to arrive in Bravil by water-walking horse, though!

Others have already commented on the things I liked about this story. I will point out Buffy's kindness in explaining to Antoine that Superian's disappearance was intended. It must have given him quite the scare when the mare went missing!

Would've posted sooner, but our electricity was out for eleven hours. I see I have quite a bit of catching up to do.

I loved Buffy's gesture of wiping away Ursanne's tears after Ursanne had done the same for her all those years ago. Makes me wonder if Ursanne shared that same connection that Buffy felt during the flashback. Very nice

What a beautiful description of the link between Buffy and Superian. It gives us a glimpse of what it might be like for Acadian. How funny that Buffy had a clean set of buckskins with her, but of course she did!

"How does the afternoon greet you, Buffy?" replied the Bravil guard as he adjusted his sword belt.

I love this greeting!

Ursanne’s quiet grief says so much about how she has lived with the burden of worrying over Aleron. As she tells Buffy, she had been expecting this.

"No, Milady," she replied. "I would ask to be alone with Mara for a time."

I love the references to Mara throughout. Ursanne shows us that her faith really comforts her. As Buffy left her in the chapel, I had a sense that new beginnings were possible for her.

Beautiful. The flashback to a time when their roles were reversed makes the connection between the two women feel so much more real, more important. I love the way you build backstory and significance into these simple plot lines.

A most touching moment, and how honorable of Buffy to give up her "winnings" so that Ursanne would never again have to worry about debts.

Lovely episode.

Wow, what a great chapter! Well done!

I particularly enjoyed the flashback. It imparts a deeply personal aspect to the tale, and we really get a sense of just how deeply Buffy cares for Ursanne--and thus, how deeply sorry she is that she couldn't save the woman's husband.

I am glad that Buffy gave all of the gold to Ursanne--perhaps that, coupled with her ever-constant faith in Mara and the Nine, will allow her to be free of the troubles that have besieged her for so long.

Now that this matter has been settled, I wonder what else is immediately in store for Buffy....Kvatch can't wait much longer, can it?

Very powerful. The flashback to her childhood shows that Buffy used to be the one who needed protecting but now she's a knight and all round Bravilian hero That coin purse will hopefully keep Ursanne living in comfort and peace.

Everyone else has already picked out the highlights for me such as the horse teleportation I'm excited to see where Buffy takes us next.

In Episode 120, Buffy returned from Fort Grief to Bravil and delivered news of Aleron's death to Ursanne Loche.

KC- Thanks for your kind words on incorporating Superian into Buffy's departure from the island, and the childhood flashback!

SubRosa- I have no doubt Teresa could quickly figure out sailboats - but then again, she did just torch that one used by skooma smugglers. Thanks for enjoying the extra depth we were able to work into 'Call of Corsair'. Gladius will centerpiece this next episode with a couple surprises. This quest really did drive home to Buffy that she is a knight; I'm so glad to see her begin to really embrace the role.

Zalphon- Thank you. Mara has always been an important force in Buffy's life. I think part of it is that, despite her failings and dances with darkness, Mara accepts and loves her unconditionally.

mALX- I am truly humbled by your kind words, my friend. As ever, your encouragement is so very precious to us.

ghastley- I'm so pleased that mention of Mazoga worked for you. Our intent of course was to display how Buffy is growing into her knighthood, but your observation that it highlights what Buffy considers the overall nobility of the Orsimer race (despite Kurdan) was most welcome. I hope you don't mind that I opted out on detailing the water running trip back to Bravil; it is not new to Buffy and Superian of course and was one of those 'try to stay on focus' choices we made not to distract from the Call of Corsair or interaction with Ursanne.

Rider- Thank you! I find so very much in BF 2.0, that Buffy insists on 'walking the dog' through everything as we plan episodes. Usually this highlights details that might not occur to me. It was she who pointed out the dismay that Antoine at the stable would have surely experienced at the sudden disappearance of one of his charges.

RainbowVeins- Thank you very much for commenting on the circular nature of Buffy and Ursanne as, in differing times and places, they wiped each other's tears. What goes around comes around, and in this case, with what we hoped was a touch of bittersweetness.

Grits- I love your insight that the Call of Corsair did indeed offer a glimpse into what perceptions are like for Acadian as he travels intertwined with Buffy. I'm so glad you enjoyed Gaius' old world and somewhat whimsical greeting! Thank you also for seeing Mara as an element of connectivity throughout.

Glargg- Your reaction regarding Buffy and Ursanne humbles me greatly, for it is so very much what we were trying to achieve. Thank you!

TK- Thank you. Ursanne strikes me as living quite a simple and frugal life. I think Buffy was right that Ursanne will steward that gold into a lifetime of security.

Khajiit_Thief01- I'm glad you enjoyed the flashback and the sense of role reversal it implied, along with some insight into both women. Your question about Kvatch could not have been timed better! I agree, it's about time for Raminus Polus to recall Buffy to the University to discuss Kvatch. I promise you, she is getting impatient and will be in Kvatch in less than a fortnight of her time.

hazmick- Thank you also for the endorsement of our flashback. Next, we have a transition episode that foreshadows what's upcoming for Buffy.



As I approached the door to leave Mara's chapel, I was met by Gladius Maro. He spoke quietly, "Gaius said you were asking for me. He also told me what happened out at Fort Grief. I'm sorry about Aleron. How did Ursanne take the news?"

"It will be hard on her," I said. "Despite Aleron's gambling, she loved him deeply."

Gladius glanced over my shoulder toward the front pew where the Breton's widow now grieved. He then shook his head sadly. "Aleron never realized how lucky he was." After a moment he asked, "Will you walk with me?"

"Of course, Gladius." He opened the heavy wooden door for us and we stepped outside. The sun was now flirting with the top of the city's western walls. I took the Imperial's offered arm as he led me along the side of the chapel. "I hope nothing was amiss that caused you to be called to the castle?"

"Buffy, I've just been reassigned to Kvatch." He stopped beside the grave of City Swimmer. "I wanted to say good bye to you and," he pointed to the Argonian's simple headstone, "the one who introduced me to Daenlin's fiery little archer. Despite the fact that I killed your friend, you welcomed me to your city."

We had long ago made peace over the fact that City Swimmer attacked Gladius instead of submitting to arrest after she stole from the chapel. In his own way, the soldier shared my grief over the Argonian's death. I said, "I know you've been unhappy in Bravil and, given some of the castle's selective law enforcement policies, I can't say I blame you. Do you know the danger at Kvatch?"

"There's a damn Oblivion Gate!" scoffed Gladius. "Of course I know the danger, but I hear the captain in charge up there has his head on straight; that'll be a refreshing change from here."

"I can assure you that what you hear about Captain Savlian Matius is true," I said. "Why Kvatch do you suppose?"

"Well, I've been asking for a transfer - to anywhere - for a long time. When I reported to the captain today, she showed me a letter written by her counterpart in Leyawiin asking for the various city guard forces to bolster the defense of Kvatch. According to the letter, Count Leyawiin has already dispatched his sergeant of the guard and one of his knights to assist. Captain Lerus tried to dress it up, but I'm pretty sure she doesn't expect me to survive or return. That probably suits her just fine."

"I'm the knight Captain Draconis referred to in her letter, Gladius," I said. "I've been to Kvatch and it's harsh duty all right. You're a tough man though, and the city's defenders are well-led. In fact, I'm awaiting word from the Council of Mages to learn if my guild can provide some assistance. I will then return to Kvatch."

"I relish the opportunity to defend Kvatch. It's just that. . . ." One eye twitched slightly and I could see the muscles of his jaw ripple.

I gently prompted, "What is it, Gladius?"

He exhaled loudly. "I just got engaged, and don't look forward to breaking the news to my fiancée."

"Congratulations, Gladius!" I said, a smile springing to my face. "Who's the lucky woman?"

"Her name is Pelena Georick and we've been courting for some time." The Imperial's eyes softened, adorned now by the crinkles of a smile. "She's an aspiring alchemist in The Imperial City. Her father runs a shop called The Main Ingredient in the Market District. We're hoping to be married soon, but that will probably have to wait now."

"I gather you will not bring her to Kvatch?"

Gladius shook his head. "That's no place to start a marriage, Buffy. I'll just have to hope she'll understand and wait for me."

"If she loves you, she'll wait, or. . . ." Unsure whether Gladius wanted my advice, it was my turn to let the words trail off.

"Or what?" he asked.

"Or she might just insist on coming with you. Women aren't made of glass you know, and she might surprise you. Of course, I don't know anything about Pelena except that she has good taste in men. Maybe she could help you make your decision? Just talk it over and listen carefully to her."

He rubbed the evening stubble on his chin. "I'll do that. I leave by ship tomorrow for The Imperial City. I'll be able to spend a day or so with her before heading west. It pleases me to know that I can expect to see you at Kvatch when your business with the Council of Mages is complete." He glanced at City Swimmer's headstone again. "Well, it'll be dark soon. May I see you to your guild?"

"Why, yes, thank you. I'm expecting news from the University any day now. Perhaps it has arrived." As we made our way from the chapel's graveyard, I added, "Please relay my congratulations to Pelena. I look forward to meeting her. I'd also appreciate it if you would pass my regards to Savlian Matius, as you will likely arrive a few days before I do."

I quite admire Buffy's restraint there. Just her regards to dear Savlian? When I know there's more to it than just regards! That wet dream was no fluke!

How wonderful that Gladius told Buffy about his engagement. It's a beautiful way to remind us that these city guards, usually so annoying and useless in game, are actually people with lives and loves and all that follows. I love stories like this that flesh out the cardboard characters in the game and makes them more real and alive.

And it just struck me how ironic that your Captain Lerus showed the same impatience to be rid of an annoyance (by sending Gladius to Kvatch) as my Count Bravil did (by sending my Captain Lerus to Bruma)!

It feels as if just as with Ursanne, Buffy has not come full circle with Gladius as well, as they stand at the grave of City-Swimmer. It was an excellent idea to put the conversation there, to highlight how he met Buffy.

So the Gladster is not only off to Kvatch, but getting married! Well good on him (as Olava might say). It sounds like he picked a good one. Between her and her father, they can make a potion for any injury, illness, curse, or other problem he might befall.

Buffy being the one to tell Gladius that his bride-to-be might not be a shivering violet was perfect. Kind of falls under Captain Obvious really, with her being a knight fresh from slaying a crimelord.

Someone in Castle Bravil is hoping Gladius is killed in the battle for Kvatch. Which is very strong possibility. Still this is a better option than him simply being disappeared sometime.

I like how they stopped near City Swimmer’s grave. Seems appropriate.

Buffy’s getting capable soldiers to Kvatch to combat the gate to Oblivion. Funny how she’s doing all this for Savlian Matius, and not for Kvatch.

Good chapter!

A bit amusing that our favorite "glass cannon" asserts that women aren't made of glass! (Amusing but so true.)

This chapter is filled with the excitement of upcoming events in your story - new events, never before seen in Buffy fiction !!! WOO HOO !!!! AWESOME WRITE !!!! Can't wait to follow this story as it unfolds !!!