That is a beautiful oasis! Buffy looks tired but lovely outside Orcrest. She must still have some hair glop left! That road sign was fun to see.

Only Buffy could outshine a Tsaesci and a snow leopard. Her outfit is fabulous!!

The thing I love most about the desert is the sky, so the last two are my favorites. I love the way the light touches the side of Buffy’s face in the sunrise picture.

The oasis is gorgeous! That dust storm - man, they really do come up quick. Remember the charge into Iraq that got them all the way to Bagdad when that sandstorm hit and they had to wait three days to enter? Urk. Wow, that Snow Leopard is HUGE !!!!! Awesome shots!

Buffy continues her exploration of Elseweyr, but first some grateful words for the support of her friends -

ghastley- Yes, that’s the oasis by the Two Moons Temple. We thought it was a really pretty spot. Thanks!

SubRosa- I’m glad you’re enjoying our desert tour. Living in the desert myself, I quite love the terrain and climate. You can see why Buffy likes that bonemold helm so much – it’s perfect for sandstorms. Quite a surprise encountering a Tsaesci! Another fun race is the Ragasha – they are basically goblins with brown fur, tails and a rat head.

KC- Thank you! In the tavern is one of those Ragasha I mentioned above to SubRosa. Buffy, being. . . well, Buffy of course, has pretty much customized her wardrobe all around to suit the desert. Lol. Oh, Orcrest is pretty much run by orcs, to include the city ruler. It’s a tough city with even minotaurs wandering around without crossing the orcs.

Grits- Oh, thank you so much for those words, Grits! You always make Buffy grin, dance and spin like a top!

mALX- Thanks! Those sand storms only take a few minutes to come up in Elsweyr and can last for up to several days. Buffy’s biggest concern is finding a place to get her mare into some cover. She’s even bribed the city guards to bring Superian into their guard house or, if out in the desert, taken her into a cave to wait it out.


Welcome to Dune. (I know I already posted this one as a 'postcard'.)

Zebra!

Superian’s familiar taking on a leopard.

Asking directions.

Cooling their feet.

Enjoying a pitcher of margaritas after a long day.

Superian's familiar is up drinking margaritas and getting familiar with Buffy, ROFL !!! What building is that? Is it an inn?

I'm torn for a favorite between that gorgeous leopard, "cooling their feet," and the Zebras - beautiful landscape in that one!

I am LOVING this mod! Great update!

The first pic has me looking for people with glowing blue eyes, and sandworms!

The zebras look really good.

Buffy shows that she is female, in that she is willing to stop and ask for directions!

Margaritas, alright now. That little rooftop lounge looks very inviting.

The zebras are kind of cool. Does Buffy want a showy mount like that?

The fight with the leopard looks so cool. I’ve seen a happy tiger so much that it’s nice to see that he can be mean when he needs to be.

Asking directions was very neat! I like the landscape in that picture.

Zebras!! And wow, a cat fight! That leopard looks beautiful.

I love Asking Directions. The cacti, the size difference, and that Khajiit’s gorgeous markings! Buffy could strike up a conversation with just about anyone.

Ah, margaritas. I love the light in that picture, and what a neat building! What an enjoyable tour!

There are Pineapples (at that plantation, if I'm not mistaking where she is), and Coconuts, and Sugar Cane to make rum, so I'd have thought Pina Coladas would be available, too!

I must do the Alchemy next time, and see what that mixture gives you

Thank you for the wonderful support as Buffy walks on warm sands.

mALX- Lol. When the cat is satisfied that Superian is safe, he’ll sometimes stay with the mare, but almost as often wander around with Buffy. That building is the tiny plantation of an eccentric artist who allowed Buffy to pitch her bedroll up on the roof. Thanks, I’m glad we were able to capture some of the savannah wildlife!

SubRosa- I chuckled over your comment about Buffy asking directions. Like Teresa, Buffy’s a great scout and good with a map, but not too proud to ask for help. Beautiful sunset from atop Margarita roof.

KC- Buffy likes to look at the zebras, but she thinks her precious mare is showy enough. I wish I was better at action shots; that big cat is awesome when fighting. Thanks!

Grits- Elsweyr is simply full of all kinds of cats (no surprise there) and many of them are gorgeous. Thanks so much for picking up on how naturally Buffy the chatterbox starts up conversations with anyone.

ghastley- *Buffy slaps self on forehead* “I coulda had a Pina Colada!?!” Let me know how that plantation mixture works out!

In part five of Buffy’s six part Elsweyr expedition, she discovers a city that we would call the Jewel of the Anequina -

An interesting rock formation near Corinthe.

Corinthe.

Open air markets.

Palace gardens.

Palace courtyard.

Mages Guild.

I'm so torn for favorites here!

Open air markets - absolutely LOVE that idea, and the screen depicts it in amazing detail!

Palace courtyard - two very different Khajiit in one screen, not to mention giant tigers wandering in the background!

Mages Guild - Buffy is kind of looking at the camera with just one eye, the other is seen through the bottle - I absolutely LOVE that one !!!

Can't pick a fave, love them all !!!

That is a weird rock outside Corinthe. It sort of reminds me of a teapot, with a long spout.

The open air market is neat! I like how it is packed with stuff. They even have a troll for sale!

The palace is looking good. I see more pet tigers there. Of course Buffy found the Mages Guild too! That is a good shot of her inspecting her potion.

I like Corinthe much better than the Orc city. No corpses decorating the city gates. The buildings look very pretty.

The market is so cool! Really has that market feel to it.

Buffy looks well dressed for the palace gardens!

The courtyard really shows quite a variety of Khajiit.

I think I like the more cave like guild hall than this one.

What a neat picture with the rock, the plants, and the elf loving her mare!

Oh, Corinthe looks lovely! What a beautiful setting. The market looks like it has fun things to poke through. A pet troll, a candle shop, and I am giggling over those, um, goats? Or perhaps they’re sheep in party hats.

I love Buffy’s Elsweyr fashion flair. That outfit gets a bowgirl noticed, even standing next to a giant guard in a very special hat!

Palace Gardens is my favorite. The flowers are the perfect colors to complement Buffy and her outfit.

Wow, I would be looking for real estate in Corinthe! Beautiful.

In the last segment, Buffy showed us some shots of Corinthe, Elsweyr – a beautiful city.

mALX- Thank you! Those open air markets were wonderfully exotic. The two giant blinged-up brownish tigers are Royal Pahmer, and Lliana did a wonderful job at depicting numerous types of Khajiit. As many photo sessions as Buffy has endured, you’d think she’d know better than to look at the camera while making poisons.

SubRosa- Oh, you’re right about that rock looking a bit like a teapot! That open air market really helps ‘make’ the city. The Corinthe MG is a big one with quite a few members. As you can see, not all of them are Khajiit and the guildmagister is an Altmer. Thanks!

KC- I agree that Corinthe is beautiful compared to Orcrest. Although the Corinthe guild is very nice, I join you in preferring the intimate cavelike rustic guild hall in Riverhold. Thank you!

Grits- Thank you! I’m so glad we posted that open air market one as I see several folks love it as much as Buffy and I. You can get little lanterns to carry around that work just like torches – quite neat for those magically challenged dungeon divers. That outfit is inspired by Assassin’s Creed and is a great mix & match set in differing colors with capes and skirt/pants accessories. Like you, I really like those big red flowers – we’ll show some more in the jungle within today’s batch of shots.


Approaching the coastal jungles to the south, we wrap up Buffy’s tour of Elsweyr –

Red River Canyon Gorge.

Find the showering elf.

Coastal jungle.

The Red River tumbling toward the sea.

Stalking through the jungle.

Finally, the southern coast!

Out on the coral reef.

And finally, our elf and her mare make their way across the border near Leyawiin and up the Green Road to the City of Mara -

Wonderful to be home again! More tea, guildsisters?

I love Red River Canyon. The textures on the cliffsides really make it work. I keep looking for John Wayne atop one of the rises.

Find the showering elf was not easy, but I found her!

Neat to see a ship off the coast. I wonder if they are pirates!

The coral reef was really neat to see. A Seahorse! What a brilliant addition.

I see Buffy made it back to Bravil for some tea with her guildmates.

The canyon is beautiful! I love the flowers and ferns on the rock walls. Found the showering elf! The jungles are the best I’ve seen. Looks thick and dangerous though. I was looking for another showering elf in the fourth screen shot. Buffy’s tiger looks right at home in the jungle brush. What a cool shot of Buffy in the coral reef! If that was Aravi swimming, it would have been more difficult to get a screen shot. She has a very cute dress in the last one!

I've seen some of these before, but loved them just as much the second time around! Still can't figure out how Buffy got on that shelf below Superian and the tiger, but if they hadn't been there drawing attention I may never have found her, lol. I love this mod - have to get it! Awesome screens!

I love these! There’s no way I’ll be able to pick a favorite. The water and vegetation along with the desert rock is so beautiful! I especially love the picture of Buffy and Superian in Red River Canyon Gorge. The gulls are a great detail in the coastal picture. And the coral reef is amazing!

It’s lovely to see Buffy back home with her guild sisters, though. I wonder if Buffy’s new fashion will inspire any of the Bravil girls to shorten their skirts.

Oh, and the Nord looking over my shoulder (and dropping crumbs) will always find the showering elf!!



.

Buffy is surely having a blast in Elsweyr! I can tell! Nothing but tans, waterfalls, sand and exotic animals! And she gets to walk around without any heavy armor! Talk about vacations! I like the Guildmaster's tea picture. That was a very neat one, but not the only neat one. The stalking in the grass with the tiger is pretty cool, too!

Thank you dear friends for enjoying my adventures in Elsweyr! By Mara, it’s almost Saturalia again! Acadian has told me of your winter customs, so we both wish everyone a wonderful Saturalia and merry Christmas. I got together with a couple friends and the three of us decided to sing a little song to celebrate. The brunette is called Caramell; she’s a tiny Nord singer from Skyrim who’s famous throughout Tamriel. The elf with lavender hair is Malin from Valenwood (you met her in Episode 123 of my Journal). Acadian even has a tiny speaking part in it. I hope you enjoy our little number.

Have a great Fourth Era!
Buffy

That's cute! Thanks for sharing! Happy Saturalia Buffy!

*

Maxical

Sorry I can't watch your singing Miss Buff, but Happy Saturalia to you and yours from me and mine! I'll watch your singing after I get back to Cyrodiil !!!

*

Thank you for the song, Buffy and friends! Happy Saturalia!

*

Maxical

Happy Saturalia Buffy!!!!

*

"It is a time for family and festivity. I wish you a merry Saturalia. You have quite the singing voice, I confess. You're eyes are quick, and you're feet are quicker. We should hunt together sometime after the holidays. Safe travels. Happy Hunting. May the Huntsman guide you, Buffy."-Vera The Huntress.

Thank you, dear friends!

I so hope everyone is enjoying their winter. We spent Saturalia frolicking in the snow near Bruma. Thanks to Jerric’s gift last Saturalia of my resist frost toe ring, I was inspired to bedeck my traveling companions with similarly enchanted bling to keep warm. I hope Aravi and Kharjo are keeping each other warm up in Skyrim. Maxical, that is such a beautiful picture of you! You look so regal and ladylike; surely Delphine and I must tease you about that when next we see you. And well-met new friend, Vera! Yes, we shall have to go hunting. I find most of my prey lives in dark places and travels on two legs.

We finally descended out of the snow. Approaching the University, I had to chuckle over how much magicka it takes to keep 1700 pounds afloat!

After retrofitting (and warming up) at the University, I headed south but couldn’t resist some dungeon crawling along the way.

As ever, it was so nice to be with friends in the City of Mara.

Soon enough, however, that strange door in the Niben beckoned again. Someday, someone (not me of course) will figure out how to get rid of that nasty little Daedric Prince who runs the Isles. I’m so glad that Jayred Ice-Veins managed to somehow kill that horrid Gatekeeper. At least now, I can go deeper into the Isles and explore. It’s gorgeous in there but lacks. . . order with Sheo in charge. I mean the sky is beautiful, and look at this: Underground waterfalls!

While exploring the Isles, I encountered a Nord named Yngvar who gave me a book called ‘The Predecessors’; it talks about something called a Greymarch. Well, Ungarion and Henantier were very interested when I brought the book to them and have been talking about restoring order to the Isles ever since. Who knows? Henantier is a very powerful mage and perhaps just crazy enough to go in there and try. . . .

Look at me blathering on! So many dungeons, so little time. Love and kisses to each of you!
Buffy

Tell Buffy to be careful around those underground waterfalls. The rocks are slippery, and no-one will hear you if you fall.

*

Maxical

Looks like you've been having a lot of fun Buffy! I enjoyed looking at all these drawings you made of your adventures!

*

How fun to have a snowy Saturalia! Superian’s familiar looks quite stylish in the tail ring. Buffy’s dungeon crawling outfit is approved on all fronts, as she looks both well-protected and lovely in her armor and red hood.

I love to see Buffy in the Isles, especially since she is practicing her stealth art and bringing interesting tidbits to the Altmer warlocks of Bravil. Beautiful sights to see! Particularly around those waterfalls.

My favorite picture is the 1700 pound water striders. Despite the buckskins and bow, there goes a mage!!

Buffy’s tiger looks very stylish with his resist frost enchantments. I would expect nothing less from Buffy though, keeping everyone looking their best. Aravi and Kharjo are staying nice and warm.

Buffy has a lot of magicka stored in that little elf body! Where does she keep it all? Anyways, it’s nice that she keeps her horse and tiger nice and dry!

Even in a dungeon where nothing is likely to see her (unless something goes wrong), Buffy looks great as ever in her black cuirass. Looks like leather pants too.

The Bravil guild hall! Looks like someone’s in a shouting match!

I like seeing Buffy on the enormous roots that grow in the Isles. I love the screen shot of the sky, but the one of Buffy on the waterfall is the best in my opinion. She’s dressed like Aravi is at the moment.

“That’s the last of them, Acadian.” I pushed out my lower lip and blew several blond strays from my face. “Hearts Day is only two days away and I need to get these presents out for the next Black Horse Courier run to make sure they’re delivered in time. The Imperial City, Chorrol, Bruma, even as far away as Anvil and Skyrim. I can deliver the ones here in Bravil by hand."

The paladin sighed. “I don’t think I want to see any more chocolate or red ribbons for a long time. You know I feel everything that you do – including your upset stomach.”

I licked my fingers and quietly burped. “Well, we had to sample everystuff didn’t we?”

“If you say so, my bowgirl." I felt him cringe at my 'everystuff' Buffyism, but he knew better than to critique it. "Will you hold out one or your presents so I can capture its image?”

“Of course, my paladin, but not looking like this.” Summoning a handkerchief, I dispelled any chocolate smudges from my face and hands. I then lifted my fist and under its resultant shroud of invisibility exchanged smock for silk. As my hands reappeared in front of me, I quickly ran a comb through my hair. “Delphine and Kud-Ei, can you come over here please? Oh, and bring the summoned ghost you’re playing cards with.” I turned and held out one of my presents.

Happy Hearts Day!

*

Maxical

Ooh! I love chocolate candy! Thank you, dearest Buffy! Happy Hearts Day to you and Acadian too!

*

What a wonderful little snippet and a beautiful picture! Loving Buffy's new hairstyle.

Aravi will be on the look out for a courier bearing chocolate. Good to know that if there is a missing piece, it's just Buffy making sure everything tasted good! Anymore than that, and Aravi will know to chew out a Nord.

Happy Hearts Day to Buffy!

What a lovely and thoughtful treat! Jerric’s world is full of lonely hearts at the moment, and Buffy’s gifts will surely bring warm smiles all around.

I love the adorable and very Buffy story behind that beautiful Heart’s Day picture!



And lol, KC. Of course there are a LOT of Nords who work for courier services!

Kayla will be expecting her chocolate! XD Happy Heart's Day, Buffy and Acadian!!

Just love the ghost! He must be losing badly... or is that not Delphine's neck he is eyeing?

Happy Heart's Day, Buffy and Acadian!

Lothran was happy that Buffy thought of him this day and sends his warmest regards and his coldest picture

(First one from imgur btw)

Happy Heart Day, dear Buffy!

Thank you dear friends. Sun’s Dawn the 16th (today) is the real Hearts Day so happy wishes again!

mALX- Delphine told Buffy that Maxical loves chocolate. Wonderful to hear that the Diva of Destruction was right!

KC- Thank you! I’m glad you like the hairstyle. It’s longer in the back than it looks from the front. Aravi certainly won’t have to worry about chocolate melting in Skyrim!

Grits- I’m so glad that the chocolates and warm wishes will help bring smiles to Jerric and friends.

Liz- Buffy wasn’t quite sure, so she sent two packages for Kayla; one to Anvil and one to Skyrim.

Destri- That ghost is a mess! Loves tea, but has a real dribbling problem with it! Warmest regards to Lord Rugrat and that beautiful new bride of his.

mirocu- I’m so glad that you and dear Lothran dropped by! What a fabulous snowy shot of Lothie, Wolfie and Aetherius!

16 Sun’s Dawn


Dearest Buffy,


Warmest Wishes for a Happy Hearts Day.

Your thoughtful gifts were received and thoroughly enjoyed today. Jerric helped himself to a sample from each box. After repeating his taste test several times he declared them all equally delicious.

I confess it was I who suggested that your chocolate might pair well with a glass of Surilie Brothers tawny port. Our Nord friend followed my advice, and then tried a piece with Blackguard’s Ale, Mellow Mushroom Mead, a Colovian lager of uncertain provenance, one leg of mutton, and a distilled beverage whose name cannot be accurately rendered in our tongue as only an Argonian can hiss while spitting.

Lildereth painted a picture of the aftermath. I have enclosed it for your amusement. [Jerric Requesting a Belly Rub.]

Before Jerric succumbed to his Sanguinite tendencies he brewed a small thank-you gift. I have enclosed it with the poem that he quilled himself. (Forgive me, but I took the liberty of testing it. I assure you it is quite safe.) I will not repeat the Hearts Day scenario he described that might require an elixir of warming. Suffice it to say that the Nord admires you.

In closing I wish to thank you, Buffy, for your thoughtful gifts but more for your gracious friendship. I speak not only for myself when I say that on this day as ever you warm the hearts of us all.


Fond Regards,

Darnand Penoit

Jerric’s Poem, accompanying a vial of Resist Frost Potion:

Redwort is Red

Entoloma is Blue

Together they make A nice potion for You.


From Your Friend,

Jerric

From Kayla:

"Boofy!

Currently I am balls-deep in vampires, so excuse the harsh language and unreadable bits. I'm a bit on edge. There's a *^# --=)...

The chocolate you sent was a ray of sunshine in my darkened world. When I am finished with my quest of vengeance, I will try to make a trip to +/,>, and see if I can't teach you a bit about hands-on combat fighting. Maybe you can show me some illusion magick as well?

!-*~~ of my love,

Kayla"

My friends, Acadian has ‘suggested’ that I favor black ink on my quill as he believes it to be easier on the eyes. By ‘suggest’, I mean he has replaced most of my ink pots, save enough to quill my signature. Grumpy old paladin! I mean who made him my editor? Do any of you know what it is like to have him 'nitpick' your hard work while he professes that it is for your own growth? Oh, I acquiesced, but you can better believe I shot him a tersely clipped 'Fine!'

I did enjoy a cozy morning curled up by a warmly crackling hearth, sipping tea and tending to my letters. I was delighted to hear that all the packages I sent found the tummies of my friends.

*

Dear Darnand,

Thank you for the wonderfully thoughtful letter and clever poem from our Polar bear Poet of Potions. Since Lildereth painted that picture, I take it she is well. I’m ever so glad that, in his chocolate frenzy, Jerric didn’t accidentally pop the small wood elf into his mouth! I know the way to a Nord’s heart is through his stomach, but I’m sure Lildereth would never forgive me.

I’m glad the packages found you. I was careful not to underestimate our large Nordic friend and, hopefully, sent enough for all. What a wonderful idea to pair chocolate with wine! I’ll certainly have to try that.

I shall save and cherish the elixir of warming until, once again, I see your warm smile and those of the wonderful friends that travel with you.

Love, Buffy

*

Friend Kayla,

Ugh – vampires! They give me cramps when I get near them. Not fun, so I truly sympathize.

I’m so pleased that the chocolates found you and brightened up your day a bit! I understand pairing them with wine works better than vengeance. Hee!

I’d be happy to try and teach you some illusion spells – I’m sure your Altmeri instincts in that regard would overrule your Nordic upbringing to render you a skilled wizard. Not to mention how much an illusionist can save while shopping. On the melee fighting. . . well, once I got mad at Daenlin when I was young and punched him in the chest. He had to escort this crying elf to the chapel so my bruised thumb could be healed. He later told me to not to wrap my fingers around my thumb when I make a fist. I’m probably hopeless?

Stay safe and spill some vampire blood for me, sister.

Love, Boofy Buffy

*Dearest Buffy*

As always I have spent yet another winter in Bruma and as always it has been bliss! I love my Nordic little town where everyone knows everyone and where most of the ground is as white as my hair. You have been occupied in the warmth of Elsweyr I understand, where the climate is perhaps more suitable for a wood elf. Even so, I can still see you sitting by the fire in my cabin, with the bear pelt wrapped around you trying to get your body temperature up!

But now I´m almost ready to leave Bruma to enjoy the rest of Cyrodiil again. I plan to follow my usual routine which involves going almost straight down to Anvil. The difference between the two towns is really interesting and I love coming down there after my winter stay up in the mountains. I´ve also heard about a ranger´s cabin out in the Basin somewhere and I aim to look it up. Perhaps I can make a new friend?

Whatever happens, rest assured that you and Superian are never far away in my mind and I hope that we one day will see each other again! Perhaps we can go for another hunt? In any case, be safe and be happy!


With warm regards, your friend Lothran


Now fly, Kyne. Find Buffy and give her this letter.
Find her.

Dear Lothran,

Kyne found me at the University working on my memoires. It’s hard to believe that our white dove has been dutifully carrying letters between us for over two years!

I’m so pleased that your winter passed well. I fondly remember my first visit to see you in Bruma. I was ill-prepared for the weather, but fondly remember us riding together, and the magic of snowflakes dancing in your white hair. I hope your mare, Aetherius, remains well? She’s a beautiful paint, and well-suited for your Nordic winters.

Yes, Elsweyr is a wonderful land. I had no idea the complexities of Khajiit and their culture. And I fell in love with the subtle beauty of that province’s deserts, jungles and beautiful sea coasts. With some wardrobe adaptations, Superian and I learned how to survive and even travel during the frequent sandstorms that sweep across the Anequina.

It is delightfully warm here now as I sit among the flowers of the alchemy gardens. As you well know, I cannot stay in one place too long and, hopefully, this spring will find Superian and I visiting Anvil as well. I confess that when our paths last crossed there, you quite spoiled me. Crab and Tamikas for dinner, watching the sunset from the lighthouse, and gentle surf on our feet during walks along the beach. And how festive it was when you and I delivered the boar we had hunted for a guild cook out!

Be well and safe, my friend, until our paths can cross again. Fly now, Kyne. Carry this to Lothran.

Love, Buffy

*




*

Hee! Maxical, just remember this:

Kyne = white dove = good.
Jak = black raven = bad. Don't trust any messages from this courier service!

Love, Buffy

*




*

Odin begs to differ

Oops, forgot about your avi! Jak is definitely a baddie. He's a vampire who can take the form of a big black bird in Maxical's story. He's caused Maxical plenty of grief (and the rest of us a few gigglesnorts).

Happy Easter, dear Buffy!

Aww, thank you! I hope Lothie's day was filled with chocolate bunnies!