I did manage to catch some shots of Buffy in her recent travels –

Traveling in safety. The pink haze trailing behind the horses is detect life.

Home on the range. BBQ?

South of Cheydinhal; spring is late this year. Again, you can see traces of the massive range of detect life that Buffy uses to keep her mare and herself safe.

A stark reminder of the horrors of necromancy.

Oh, I absolutely LOVE "Home on the Range BBQ !!!!!" Grossed out as heck over the necrromancer, but Buffy looked Awesome in that shot! The faint pink following her on her horse was dispersed well enough, but when the horse was standing still it was really bright! Holy cow, what is that, about 250 feet? Lol, AWESOME SHOTS !!!!!!

Great Buffy pics there! She looks really nice I think But isn´t it tiresome to always see so much pink?

Beautiful shots! I especially like Buffy's armor in the necromancer pic. You would think the legion riders would be coming from miles around to get some of that BBQ!

Now that is a great shot! Not sure which expression I like better, Buffy's or "The Heads." You can almost see the final thoughts running through the brain. "What are they doing with that axe I wonder. Surely they won't...Ow!!!"

This was my favorite screen. That looks fun!

Great pictures! Nothing better than to travel with a well-armored Imperial Legion soldier.

I like the boar one. Makes my mouth water. I'm sure Buffy enjoyed the meal.

Indeed. She's quite the spellcaster, isn't she? I love her hood and I'm glad Buffy is still continuing her adventures.

Oh why! That's a nasty head! Buffy needs to hunt down some vile necro dudes!

Yay, Buffy and Superian pictures!!

Traveling in safety, what a pleasant way to roam. Plenty of time to view the scenery. And with Buffy’s long range life detection, that legionnaire is certainly safe!

BBQ: Gasp! Buffy has discovered the Summon Nord spell!

Oh my, snowing in the Nibenay Basin?! Thankfully with her wardrobe Buffy is well prepared.

Stark reminder: indeed. There’s a reason Buffy is drawn underground, and it’s not the lovely citrus scent.

Also may I say that April Showers the screenshot of the month is much admired by my crew, even though one of them was hoping for a waterfall!

Superian and the legionary's horse both look resplendent, thanks to your horse mod.

I guess Buffy likes the other white meat.

Snowing south of Cheydinhal? Good thing Buffy has her furs!

I daresay that is not the way Buffy wants to get ahead in the world!

*

Maxical

"Happy Birthday dearest Buffy! I brought plenty of S'Jirra's Famous Potato Bread and Tamika's 399, er...they aren't stolen or anything. Happy Birthday dear friend!"

*

mALX- Thank you! And Buffy is so delighted that Maxical remembered her birthday. I think she is doing this: Hee! Oh, her detect life range is 360' (twin transcendent sigil stone rings).

mirocu- Hee! Thanks! Seeing her world as pink glows when adventuring is second nature to Buffy. Like a sixth sense now.

KC- Aww, thanks! We kind of like the armor too, with its blending of elven style cuirass that ends almost in a trailing robe.

Burnt Sierra- Thanks! You’re right about that severed head next to the headless zombie. That had to leave a mark!

KoB- So glad you liked the BBQ shot. Buffy definitely needed some help! She normally hunts rabbits and crab to eat but when a boar attacks, what ya gonna do?

DE- Much thanks for those kind words. Buffy got attacked by necrodudes as a young mage – long before she had the chance to academically ponder the Guild’s stance on necromancy.

Grits- Thank you so much for your always gracious words of encouragement! BBQ = Summon Jerric spell!

SubRosa- Thank you! Slof and Zira do wonderful horse work with mods.



Buffy’s been rather voracious lately at traveling and dungeon crawling. I did manage to snap a few random pictures from her recent diverse travels -

Too late.

Exiting Beldaburo.

Relaxing in Cheydinhal.

Red River Gorge.

Look what the elf dragged in.

Midnight swim off the southern coast of Elsweyr.

What on earth is that ting she dragged in?!

So a Nord, A Breton, and a Bosmer walk into a tavern.

No, really.


*

Lildereth reached for the door pull, dispelling her Nighteye. The tavern’s lanterns had barely cut through the fog. She was surprised that they had even seen the place.

A gust of wind yanked the door out of her hand, banging it against the wall. Rain lashed her legs.

“Seven damns!” exclaimed Jerric. The Nord’s palm slapped the door aside before it could rebound into her. “I guess that’s why it’s called Rain’s Hand.”

Darnand ducked under Jerric’s arm and slid between them into the tavern. His hood and robe were perfectly dry, as usual. Mages, thought Lildereth. She brushed water out of her eyes and followed.

Cloaks were hung and weapons stowed without much fuss. The three of them stood together for an uncertain moment.

“Not the same as last year,” said Jerric.

Darnand looked at his feet. “That thought is also in my mind. One year ago we shared the company of friends in Buffy’s apartment. I hope that the time will come when we may do so again.”

Lildereth bit back her sharp retort. Humans had so few birthdays to celebrate. She could not blame them for their somber tone.

Jerric clapped a hand on each of their shoulders, sending Darnand staggering into a chair and Lildereth nearly to her knees. “Cheer up, you two! I’ll order the food. Breton, you choose the drinks. We’ll raise a glass to Buffy’s health, and then we’ll raise another to Aravi’s. And then we’ll start over until they run out of wine.” He steadied Lildereth with his grip. “You can have the time to fix your hair, elf. Gods above, we’re having a party!”

“What do you call that style?” Lildereth pointed to the top of his head. “The haystack? The rooster?”

Jerric started to laugh, and then a look of sudden wonder swept over his face. “Is that…” He lifted his nose as if to test the wind, but all Lildereth could smell was ale, human, and smoke. “Is that… Do I smell S'jirra's Famous Potato Bread?”

*

Maxical

"Buffy, look what the rain chased in! It's Jerric! Hey Jerric, no brawling!" Maxical wiped the crumbs from her face and grinned, getting up and heading over to greet her friend.

"Hey, What's that behind you?" Maxical craned her neck to see around Jerric's massive bulk, then let out a loud squeal.

"Lildereth! Darnand! It is so good to see you!" Maxical stopped short in shock.

"Dear gods, Darnand! How did you stay dry? I need to learn how to do that! Has anyone seen Aravi? She's not here yet. Oh, Buffy brought pictures from her travels, they are wonderful! Uh oh, I'm probably chattering like a magpie."

Maxical squeezed Lildereth like a boa constrictor first, whispering into her ear, "I've missed you." While hugging Darnand she slapped Jerric's face with her tail, then turned around laughing. "Well? Do I get wet armor in my face, then? No crushing the cat, Jerric."


*** A while later:

"Miss Buffy, these pictures are so exciting! I'd love to travel like you do! Beldaburo must be down by Anvil, right? I remember the sunset there well. Haha, what potions did you mix into your ale? Seeing you riding Superian over the Red River Gorge is my favorite picture, you look more beautiful as every year passes. What a huge creature you caught, did you fish for it? Scary! Haha, your midnight swim picture. Hey Jerric, come look at Buffy's pictures!"



*

I always hated coming across those scenes like the first pic. At least Buffy is there to pray over the poor soul's remains.

Beldaburo is brilliant with vibrant light!

Red River? Did Buffy meet John Wayne there?

Oh my, that is a big fish thing that Buffy has on the beach! What is it?

And finally some skinny dipping action in the ocean!

Jerric grinned. “Maxical! I’ll be gentle, promise.” He picked her up in a careful hug. “Say, a face full of tail is usually… Uh, never mind.”

Lildereth and Darnand had their heads together over Buffy’s pictures.

“Oh, that’s such a shame about the Legion rider,” Lildereth said softly. “His poor horse.”

“That looks like the road outside Kvatch,” said Darnand. He and Lildereth exchanged a look.

Jerric decided to ignore it. “Sunset over the Abecean,” he said. “That water looks so real I could jump right into it.”

Darnand tapped the picture. “I wonder if conjurers had re-infested Beldaburo, or if necromancers had made a lair there. Either way I am certain that Buffy took care of them.”

“Buffy looks like she’s enjoying her drink in this one,” said Jerric. “I could sure use a pint right now.”

Darnand flipped to the next picture.

“Oh!” exclaimed Lildereth. “Red River Gorge is beautiful! And look at Buffy’s cat friend! Is that a Pahmar?”

That’s a nice top, thought Jerric. “What cat?”

But Darnand had already passed it back.

“Whoa!” said Jerric. “Nice catch! Looks like a sand shark. Did you use Ice Storm? Nah, who am I talking to. Probably an Absorb spell and didn’t even chip a nail.”

Lildereth gave a snorting little laugh.

“How would you catch a shark?” he asked her. “Walk out on the water and shoot it?”

Lildereth shook her head. “Why would I want to catch a shark? Anyway I was laughing about your notice of ladies’ nails.”

“I notice ladies’ everything.” Jerric glanced at the last picture, then stopped himself from snatching it out of the Breton’s hands. “Say, go get our drinks. And some food. Let me take a closer look at that one.”

Darnand handed the picture over, a smug smile on his face. “Is there something in particular you wish to see?”

“There’s a waterfall!” Lildereth said, pointing.

Jerric bit the inside of his cheek and winked at Maxical. “Clams. Just checking if I can see any.”

Lildereth gave a happy little bounce and squeezed Maxical’s arm. “I’m so pleased to see you! What do you suppose Aravi is doing? I wish she was here, too.”

*

Maxical

Maxical squealed in delight when Jerric lifted her easily off the ground to hug her, surprising a warm flush to rise in her cheeks. There was a feeling of being safe and protected about Jerric that was accentuated by his massive size.

"What's that about tails? Oh noo, Jerric." She drawled out the no. "No, your information is dated. I heard Darnand was the tail expert now." She put her tail into a question mark and then grinned at Darnand's flushed face. "Only the guilty blush, what is it then? I'll have the full tale from Aravi when she arrives, rumor has it you are quite 'handy' in melee." She winked at Lildereth, giving away the true source of the gossip.

*

"What cat? Was there a cat in that one? I didn't see it." She turned to Buffy excitedly. "Dearest Buffy, Jerric is right about that top in the picture with Superian. I would love to see some of the new clothing you've picked up in your travels. Do you have any I can try on?" She arched her tail into a question mark again, lopping her ears to the sides tryng to look hopeful or sad, whichever would work.

Maxical kept waving the tip of her tail in Jerric's face when he was trying to see the picture of Buffy's midnight swim. "What is that? Is that the waterfall? It has the shape of an Elf swimming. Oh, here is a clam for you...HA!" She gave a wicked laugh and doubled her efforts to block his view from the picture with her tail.


Maxical turned to Lildereth. "I haven't heard from Aravi in near on two weeks, I hope she is okay. Surely she'll make it here for her birthday party, don't you think? I am happy to see you as well. A year is too long to wait when one is a good friend, dear Lildereth. I want to hear everything you have been doing and why your eyes look sad. Maybe us girls can go try on my dear Miss Buffy's new clothes and have girl talk when these men pass out with their drinks."


*

“Thanks for filling all those goblets with the wine you brought, Maxical. Can you believe I almost forgot my own birthday?” Buffy blew some blond strays from her face and put down the knife. “Look everyone, plenty of slices of S’jirra’s famous potato bread, thanks to Maxical. And goblets of wine for all. . . well, except Jerric.” She looked up at the Nord with a grin. “Yours is in the big mug that holds half a bottle.”

The elf looked over one of the pictures that had created some questions. “Oh, the fishermen of Duncori Walk told me it was a leopard shark that attacked me while I was swimming. Jerric’s right though, it was an absorb health spell that ended his elf-eating career. Anyway, the local fish market gave me enough gold to keep Superian and I in sweet rolls and apples all the way back to Leyawiin.” Buffy looked at her smiling friends and blinked back a tear. “Thank you all for remembering. I’m a lucky elf.”

When Maxical asked about clothes, Buffy grinned again. “Sure, you Lildereth and I are all about the same size.” After a giggle, she agreed, “Yes, after Jerric and Darnand ‘wine down’ we can have a clothes trying party!”

The door opened, and the tall Altmer strode in, taking in the scene. Kayla shook the moisture from her hair, then combed her fingers through it. She gripped the hilt of her blade with her left hand and cocked a hip.

"Did someone forget my invitation?" She drawled in her thick Nordic accent. She grinned at Buffy.

"Hello there, short stuff. How's life been treating you?"

Buffy squealed, “Kayla!” then raced over for a hug. “Ih mifft ou!” Her words were muffled by a face full of high elven cleavage.” She then turned to the others. “This is my friend, Kayla. She calls me Boofy because that’s how they talk where she was raised in Skyrim.” Buffy summoned a towel. “Here, dry that wet hair from the rain.” As Kayla toweled her auburn hair, Buffy introduced the others to Kayla while fetching her a goblet of wine.

Kayla laughed when Buffy threw herself at her. "Don't get lost in there. I can't afford to hire a team to get you out!" She nodded to each of the guests, but stuck her hand out to Jerric, grasping his firmly.

"Well met, brother." she said in Nordic. She then noticed the pictures.

"What is that...thing on the beach?!" She exclaimed. "That could eat a horker whole!" She sipped the wine carefully.

*

Maxical

"Dearest Buffy, we could never forget you on your birthday, even the ones we can't meet." Maxical held Buffy tightly in a squeeze, then nearly jumped in excitement at Buffy's words.

"We can? Oh, I hope the men drink themselves to a stupor quickly, I can't wait to see all your new clothes!" She turned to Jerric with a laugh, calling across to him.

"Jerric, have you played the new drinking game that is all the rage in the Nord taverns? I learned it from my friend Eyja. I think of a word and you try to guess it. If you are right you have to down your ale in one gulp. Wait, or was that if you are wrong? Well, either way you have to gulp your drink. Guess what word I'm thinking of? Dear gods, you are right! How did you do that? Drink up, and let's play again! BWAAHAA!"

Maxical turned back to Buffy. "This will be wonderful, just like old times in Bravil. Remember how funny Delphine would get trying on clothes? I wish she could be here, I haven't seen her in too long."

Maxical curled back on the sofa with a sigh and relaxed smile, glancing between Buffy and Lildereth.

"Hannibal always said friendship is about wavelength, not frequency. He was right. To me it feels like too long between times when we are apart, but the friendship is always there the same as it ever was when we meet again. It is a feeling like coming home."

Just then the door opened and a tall red haired Altmer entered with an attitude that could only mean one thing. "KAYLA! Are you here all the way from Anvil?" Maxical sprang off the couch, tipping over a goblet of wine on the table. "Oops! Kayla, you have come!" She waited for Buffy to emerge before climbing on a stool to kiss each of Kayla's cheeks in salute.


*

“A high elf who’s more Nordic than me!” Jerric exclaimed. “Wind at your back, sister. Now you’ve heard most of my North words. I’m from the Gold Coast.”

Darnand folded his hands in the traditional manner. “Well met, Kayla.”

Lildereth gave the tall elf a nod and a smile.

“Well,” said Jerric, grinning around at the circle of women. He wouldn’t mind seeing Kayla in one of Buffy’s skirts, but he couldn’t think of a polite way to suggest combining the drinking game with the changing of clothes. Maybe Darnand would come up with something. He raised his tankard. “In case I reach an early stupor, here‘s a glass held high to you, Buffy. They say friendship doesn’t need words, and I’ve gone and used a bunch already. So I’ll just say happy birthday and sit down next to the bread. Don’t worry. I’ll keep it safe.”

Lildereth rolled her eyes at him. “Happy birthday,” she said to Buffy.

Darnand lifted his goblet. “May you enjoy many more.”

Kayla grinned. "Don't beat yourself up, Nord." She shot Darnand a wink and a smile at Lildreth. She raised her glass to Buffy.

"Happy birthday! May your arrows always fond their target! " She drank the wine down quickly. She then turned to Maxical.

"Come here, teeny Khajiit, and give me a proper hug." She bent her knees to bring herself to Maxical's height.

*

Maxical

Maxical raised her glass of sparkling water. "Yes, a very happy birthday dearest Buffy, and to Aravi wherever she is may the sand always be warm on her feet."

She took the toast sip, then pounced on Kayla's invitation for a hug. "New friends become old ones, I hope you come every year when Buffy has her birthday gatherings. And maybe we'll meet in Anvil again soon."


*

"Of course! You'll have to come to my birthday celebration as well." She sat on a nearby bench and leaned back against the wall, crossing her legs. "I hope Aravi comes soon."

*

Maxical

Maxical plunked down beside her on the bench. "I hoped too, but a courier arrived just before you came that said Aravi will not be able to make her party this year. When is your birthday celebrated? I will make sure to be there, wherever you celebrate it." She dug her elbow into Kayla's side. "Look, Jerric's eyes are drooping. Soon Buffy will let us see her new clothes. She lets me try hers on when we visit. I don't have any dresses, only pants and armor."


*

Kayla's face fell. "Oh. I'd hoped to see her this year. I missed her birthday last year, as we had only met recently. But there's always next year." Kayla let out a shriek of laughter when Maxical elbowed her. "Very ticklish!" She turned red and covered her mouth with her hand.

She cleared her throat and resumed her relaxed position, slinging her arm over Maxical's shoulder in a friendly gesture. "My birthday is the twenty-fifth of Last Seed. At least, that's the birthday my parents gave me." She leaned her head back against the wall.

"I don't have any dresses either. You can't do too much in a dress, and it gets me in trouble when there's alcohol involved. I stick to pants and that's that!" She laughed and pulled Maxical in for a side hug.

The friends drank a toast to the absent (and very missed) Aravi.

Then Jerric joined in the discussion. “Darnand has a lot of dresses,” he said, pointing at the Breton’s robe.

Darnand cleared his throat. “Nord, let us resume our dice game. Unless you are prepared to concede and pay up.”

“Ha!” Jerric could take a hint, once he had been smacked in the face with it. If they didn’t let the ladies get on with their girl talk sooner or later someone might spike his wine. “Elf, I’ll get us a room. That elf,” he clarified, pointing at Lildereth. “I might take a nap. And fear not, I’ll keep the Breton from brawling.”

“Jerric!” Lildereth called after them. He could hear the smile in her voice. “When you order your side of beef, send over some strawberries.”

Buffy grinned at her fellow mage. “Don’t worry about Jerric's teasing, Darnand. I still wear my University-issue robes sometimes for sleeping or rain when it gets cold. Even though I’ve had them tailored and enchanted to repel water, I still affectionately call the robe my ‘green bag’.”

Her face then turned serious as she lifted the hem of her skirt above her ankles and pointed to one sandaled foot. "As you can see, I cherish the butterfly toe ring of resist frost you gave me last year. It gave me the idea to enchant Superian's saddle pad in the same manner and is ever so helpful when we venture into colder climes." As the two humans prepared to leave, Buffy blew them kisses. “We’ll take good care of Lildereth.”

She then opened her several wardrobe armoires and looked at her sister wood elf encouragingly. “Lildereth, I bet anything in here will fit you perfectly.” Turning to Maxical, she said, “I’m sorry that none of my stuff has tail holes. If you find something you love, I bet we could modify it for you. Try some of it on.” Looking up at Kayla, she giggled. “Oh, I want to put all my long skirts on you so I can see what they’d look like if hemmed to the knees! And I'm sure I probably got at least one or two of Ardaline's dresses mixed in with mine from when she, I and Delphine last had a clothes party down in Bravil. Ardaline's beautifully elegant and statuesque so those should fit you perfectly!"

As she began pulling out clothes, Buffy added, “Oh, I almost forgot! Those three trunks are full of shoes and that cabinet over there is chock full of accessories like bracelets and earrings and things for our hair. More wine?”

Kayla blinked at the incredible girlishness that flowed from Buffy's mouth.

"Ah, uhm, sure. I didn't have any female friends growing up, so excuse me if I seem a tad modest. I've never even heard of...clothes changing parties." She giggled and cleared her throat. She picked up a piece of potato bread and washed it down with a glass of wine.

"Oh wow, this is delicious! Maxical, tell S'jirra she is a GENIUS!" As she finished her second glass of wine, she gave Buffy a thumbs up signal. "Alright, I think I'm ready to take my clothes off in front of a bunch of women!" She laughed hard at her own joke.

“Hee!” giggled Buffy. “Part of my name comes from my parents' inability to keep clothes on me when I was no higher than your knee. ‘Little-in-the-Buff’ sort of became ‘Buffy’ – or Boofy as you say. Gosh, it was after my mother died and I was nearly thirteen before my red-faced archery master, Daenlin, finally convinced me not to automatically drop my clothes at every stream or waterfall while we were hunting.”

She kicked off her sandals. “I have so many clothes, I forget all what I have so it's great fun to try them on – especially with friends - just to remind me what I have. So the rules are that when you take something off, you can’t fold it or put it away, you have to toss it up in the air. If all goes well, between the clothes and the wine, we’ll all wake up in the morning in terribly mismatched outfits, foggy heads and clothes carpeting the entire floor!”

With that, Buffy pulled the peasant blouse she wore over her head, tossed it at Maxical and began digging through one of the armoires. Then she paused and turned back to Kayla. “You know, not everyone's as immodest as wood elves. When I change clothes on the street, I use an invisibility spell so those around me don’t go all gawky. Would you like me to cast such a spell on you as you change?”

Kayla laughed. "I appreciate that, Buffy. Please do. I have a few tattoos I'd rather not explain."

Buffy recalled seeing the upper portion of what looked like a large scar that descended into Kayla’s blouse back in Anvil and suspected the Altmer’s reluctance had more to do with that than tattoos or modesty. Regardless, she was glad she had made the offer to ease Kayla’s awkwardness. Filling her small hand with emerald magic, she said, “When I touch you, the invisibility will last for several minutes. You can dispel it early if you wish just by opening a drawer or such. Trying on clothes and sipping wine, however, will not dispel the effect.”

With that, Buffy smiled and touched the taller elf on one arm, releasing a shroud of invisibility that engulfed Kayla from her auburn hair right down to her feet. “I can’t wait to see what you’ve gotten into when you become visible again! Oh, and I hope you’ll help me try on your armor later.”

"Thank you." Kayla pulled her armor off and set it in the corner. "It's smelly, so do so at your own risk." She chuckled. She saw a gorgeous green blouse that was a little too low-cut for her tastes, and settled on a modest blue dress with short sleeves and golden embroidery around the rounded neck. She kicked off her boots and sighed in relief.

"I wonder what else dispells invisibility." She grinned devilishly and tossed a pillow at Maxical's face, then another at Lildreth.

*

Maxical

Maxical hugged Kayla back. "I'm sorry, I'll try to remember so I don't elbow you again. I get in trouble all the time even wearing armor, and don't even drink alcohol...huh? Did someone mention strawberries?" She made her hands look like telescopes at her eyes and trained them in on Jerric, making a fake cought to catch his attention and drawling out her words.

"KA KA! Uuuh, yea-yuh. I'll take some too if you're offering."

*

Maxical had already dropped her armor on the floor and was standing fully nude when Kayla mentioned her embarrassment. She flushed bright red, and grabbed up the dropped cuirass, holding it up in front of her. "Oh, I'm sorry, Kayla."

Buffy's peasant blouse struck her in the face, followed by a pillow from Kayla that she dropped the cuirass and caught before it hit.

"GAAAAH!" Maxical cupped her hand over her mouth and made her voice echo like the Arena announcer's.

"Aaaand we have MISS Boofy leading the round with a peasant blouse to the face, followed by Kayla using the old 'Pillow Surprise' trick...oh Buffy, this is exquisite!" She broke off the clowning and pulled a soft white snow outfit from the wardrobe.

"It's the same color as me! Can I try this on? Oh, Lildereth, this would look so beautiful on you!...Holy cow!" Maxical made her hands into telescopes at her eyes again and trained them in on Lildereth's breasts, then circled around with them till they landed on Buffy's.

"Geez, you guys. Where was I when the gods were handing those things out?" She put her ears straight up, pointing just the tips of them out to the sides while making her tail into a dancing 'S' shape. "All I got was ears and a tail."

Maxical cupped her hand over her mouth and made her voice echo like the Arena announcer's again. "And for Lildereth we have a stunning green dress, or rather a green dress she will look stunning in." She carried the dress over to Lildereth.


*

Lildereth skinned off her clothes quicker than a Nord could wink. “I’ll get all the way dry before I try anything.” She combed warm air through her hair with one hand while she wielded her wine goblet in the other.

Maxical’s antics made her laugh out loud. She stuck out a hip to bounce Kayla’s pillow away. “How’s that for a tail? I didn’t even spill my wine!” A glance into the goblet revealed that it was already empty. “I’d love to try that green gown! It’s my favorite color. Will you try the white one, Maxical? I’d love to see it on you! Buffy, do you still have that vest you wore at the Red River Gorge?” A flush heated her cheeks. “And I can’t wait to play with your hair. Kayla, that blue is gorgeous on you! Redheads are so lucky.” She took a deep breath. “By the Bones, I don’t think I’ve talked this much in months!”

Kayla laughed, finding herself less embarrassed. "It's alright, Maxical. I'm alright with others' nudity, just not my own." She flung another pillow at Maxical. "I didn't get much in the breast department either. It went all to my rear. I don't think I'll fit in many skirts." She let out an embarrassed laugh.

*

Maxical

Maxical gaped at Lildereth. "I'd give anything to be that graceful! I can spill just thinking about moving. And how do you dry your hair without setting it on fire?" She pulled on the white outfit and preened in front of the looking glass.

"Oh Buffy, you didn't get this one in Cyrodiil. It is for snow, right? It is beautiful." She caught sight of Lildereth in the looking glass and spun around.

"Oh Lildereth, I knew that green would look perfect with your coloring. You look breathtaking! I can't wait to see that vest on you, wouldn't that make Jerric's eyes pop! That wouldn't look right on me, I'd look like a boy in girl's clothing wearing it."

She grabbed Kayla's arm before she could disappear again. "Wait, I want to see the blue dress on you...oh, Lildereth was right! Blue looks spectacular on you!"

Maxical pulled the white outfit off, turning to Buffy. "What color would look good on me?" She caught the pillow Kayla threw laughing at what she said. "Try having a tail there."


*

Buffy looked down. “I guess I’ve grown a tiny bit there the last couple years. And my hips too. Elves are late bloomers you know. But I can still see my toes!” She pulled on a pale blue silk gown that felt delicious as it slipped over her skin. “Maxical, is that beautiful red your natural hair color? I mean you can see with Lildereth and I that our drapes match the carpet, but with your white fur down there it’s hard to tell. And you know, Delphine is really the fashion diva, but for my two septims, you look like a sea of white in that dress you have on. I think you’d look stunning in one of my red ones.”

Buffy dug around in one of the wardrobes. “Here, Lildereth. This is that open front buckskin vest with the faded pink sash, but I’m with Maxical; I want to see you in that emerald gown. Oh, and you can put my hair up later, if I can style yours down over your shoulders. It’ll be nice to work with the hair of another Bosmer who understands about our ears. And Maxical, here’s another vest that’s laced up the front and bares your midriff. I bet would it look nice on you. Especially with a belly chain.”

She looked at Kayla, pursed her lips and let her breath out noisily in admiration. “Gosh, dark blue is sure your color! With the slightly flared cut from the waist it fits you quite well. With those great legs, don’t worry about it being short. I think there's a gold circlet inlaid with a sapphire in that middle chest that would really finish the look."

Buffy glanced in the mirror and wrinkled her nose while smoothing own gown and trying to see what the back looked like over one shoulder. "Does this one make my butt look big? I sort of like how the pale blue color matches my eyes, but it doesn't leave much of my shape to the imagination."

*

Maxical

Maxical looked down at herself, then back up at Buffy a little embarrassed. "This is my natural hair color, I just don't have any carpet yet. Maybe some will grow on me when I get older. Will you style my hair too? Oh, and I've used up all that hair conditioner you sent me, hint hint. I even used it on my fur to keep it soft."


*

Kayla looked down at her legs. "Ah, any shorter and I'd have to wear a pair of pants!" She laughed nervously. "I have a lot of scarring on my legs that I'd rather not be seen. I'm used to pants. And armor. The last time I wore a skirt, I was a teenager."

Kayla poked Maxical in the ribs and grinned mischeviously. "You know, some men prefer women with no hair down there. They say it's better to floss AFTER dessert, not during!" She let out a hysterical laugh. "Yep. The wine has officially gotten to me."

Kayla gave Buffy a once over. "It's a nice color dress, but it you pulled the waist in a bit more, you could show your curves off a little." She came up behind Buffy and pulled the waist of the shirt back. "Situate your breasts so they sit higher, and then they'd pop!"

She then grinned at Lildreth, still holding the back of Buffy's shirt. "I know an Altmer in Riften that could change your hair color. She won't sell you the dye, though. You'd have to keep coming back. And matching the carpet to the drapes is an extra 500 septims!"

*

Maxical

"Huh? What dessert? Is Jerric back with the strawberries?" Maxical pulled on a warm fur jacket and matching skirt before turning back to Kayla. "That laugh sounded like one of my friend Eyja's laughs! She has like a hundred different laughs, some are really funny. One of them starts out sounding like a donkey and ends up sounding like a wolf howling."

"Hmmm." She turned Buffy's fur jacket and skirt inside out so the fur of it was against her own. "This is really soft and warm, Buffy. I wonder why they make these with the fur on the outside where you can't feel it?"

* A while later:

Maxical's eyes were drooping. For a while now she'd been curled up against the arm of the couch with the last pillow Kayla threw at her wedged under her head; just watching the girls changing clothes. The warmth of Buffy's inside-out fur jacket and the nearby fireplace brought a rumbling purring that was lulling her to sleep. After several yawns and stretches she finally gave up trying to stay awake till the strawberries came. She caught Lildereth's hand as she was gliding past her and rubbed it against her cheek.

"Lildereth, it was so good to see you again. I just can't stay awake anymore. Oh, if Jerric brings strawberries, will you ask him to leave me one?"



*

And so it continued until the clothes, hair arranging and wine all somehow yielded to sleep.

Buffy awoke curled up on the sofa with Maxical’s tail wrapped around her neck. Kayla was sprawled across the bed. Initially, there was no sign of Lildereth. Then Buffy saw the bowl of strawberries and a note. The warm words of birthday wishes and farewell from her sister wood elf, brother mage and the big beautiful Nord brought a tear to the small elf's eye.

She wasn’t sure if, or how long, the two men might have ogled the half dressed sleeping ‘beauties’, but trusted that Lildereth would have kept them under control – especially Jerric from peeking under sleeping skirts.

As she raised her hand to her hair, she smiled at the remnants of what Lildereth had apparently styled into a blond stick twist. She giggled at the horribly mismatched outfits on Kayla and Maxical, then rolled her eyes as she glanced down at what she had fallen asleep half wearing herself. The room, of course, was a sea of clothing strewn about everywhere. An errant blouse even hung from the chandelier.

After slipping into her green bag, she waved a strawberry in front of Maxical’s face. The Khajiit, still asleep, began twitching her cute little nose, following the strawberry and opened her mouth. Buffy popped in the berry, then giggled as her friend woke up. The two of them them coaxed Kayla awake by tickling her face with the ends of her beautiful auburn hair. The bleary-eyed Altmer fished what she called a 'morning after' potion from her pack and downed it. It seemed to perk her up some.

After some strawberries and apple-berry juice, Buffy and Kayla unbraided Maxical’s hair. Buffy then shared the kind words that Lildereth, Darnand and Jerric had quilled for each of them. Once properly dressed, the three worked together to get everything folded and put away.

Finally, it was time for reluctant goodbyes, hugs and a few tears.

“Be careful in your travels, little Boofy.”

“You too, high elven daughter of Skyrim.”

“I love you, my very dear Buffy,” said Maxical.

Buffy blinked. “I love you too, my wonderful friend." She then slipped several vials of her hair conditioner into Maxical's pack. "Don't use too much of this at one time - you remember what happened last time. Oh, and I’ll pass your regards to Delphine when next I see her; she asks about you all the time.”

Dear Aravi,

I’m sorry that you missed our birthday. Jerric, Darnand, Lildereth and Maxical all asked about you. And my new friend Kayla was there also. I can’t recall if you’ve met her? She’s an Altmer, but raised in Skyrim so you might have met her.

I know it’s third or so hand information, but Lildereth told me that Darnand said you have a fellow! A big cat named Kharjo who has trouble holding his ale apparently. Anyway, I hope this Kharjo gave you a big kiss and took you someplace warm for our birthday.

After Jerric and Darnand went out to eat, drink and, well, I guess do men things, Lildereth, Kayla, Maxical and I enjoyed wine and trying on all my different outfits. We all wished you could have been there so we could have dressed you up! Although, in the morning our heads hurt and we were quite the fashion disasters.

Hugs and kitty licks to you, my friend, and I hope you had a great birthday!

Love, Buffy

Just checking in with Buffy. Hope I don´t interrupt anything..

-Hello, Buffy!

Still reading and keeping an eye out! Don't want to interrupt the meeting of characters here, but I do enjoy reading it!

mirocu- Thanks for stopping by and wishing Buffy well!

DE- Kraven should have popped in! No doubt the ladies would have had a blast dressing him up and doing his hair. Buffy still needs to get him styled up like Mathias in The Scorpion King!


So, I got Buffy to pose for some more pictures -

Here’s the blue silk dress she liked so much during the dress up session at her birthday party. This black dragon gown was my birthday present to Buffy.

The next day, she caught up on University gossip - ”What say you, Magister?”

Soon enough, wanderlust reclaimed her (as it always does) and it was back to work – and more practical attire.

After a long day of dungeon crawling and travel, she found herself at Pells Gate for the evening, where she enjoyed dinner with Schlera. Before turning in for the night, Buffy and Superian enjoyed a bath.

Nearing Bravil, I was surprised when she went down to the Niben, cast a waterwalking spell on Superian and made a detour out to the Isles for some mushroom gathering.

That blue silk dress is gorgeous! I love Buffy's expression in "Back to work" - how you caught her head turned just so! Those two were my favorites, but loved them all!

The dinner with Schlera - I love those screens where you have her interacting with other NPC's! I got tickled that Buffy shared her bath with Superian (or did Superian share her bath with Buffy? Lol).

This picture of SI is beautiful, it makes it look welcoming instead of manic-depressive! Lol. Loved all these screens, thank you for sharing them!

Ooo, that black dragon dress is gorgeous, so is the blue silk one.

Her practical attire does look much more practical!

I just love that smile on Sclera's face in the dinner pic!

Buffy is back to Mania. Wonderful little mushroom trees.