Oiiiaaa....phew! Amazing it is....I managed to read through this thread and I'm truly impressed by your magnificent writing! Since I also read all the comments , I can only second what others already have said


My my......

A wonderful chapter! Congratualitions to Gladius on his recent engagement I do hope he is OK at Kvatch. That university letter is taking it's sweet time, I hope it arrives with good news!

Pass my regards, is that what kids are calling it these days?

The sun was now flirting with the top of the city's western walls.

What a charming way to tell us that evening approaches!

Women aren't made of glass you know, and she might surprise you.

Meteoric glass perhaps, or volcanic glass! I love how Buffy can assert this, then graciously accept an escort back to her guild hall. Courtesy from Gladius does not presume that Buffy has some weakness.

Oh, the anticipation builds for the Kvatch trip! I’m hoping Buffy will catch up with Lucilious there, too.

During Episode 121, Buffy learned that one of her friends, a Bravil guard named Gladius Maro, had not only just received orders to Kvatch but had recently become engaged. After congratulating the soldier, Buffy expressed her belief that she would quickly hear from the University regarding help for Kvatch - and that she would soon join Gladius there.

Rider- Thank you! I think you're right about Savlian; Buffy will talk quite a bit about him in this next episode - including mention of that dream! I like the sense of continuity that Gladius Maro provides, from the death of City Swimmer, his occasional interaction with Buffy, now his orders to Kvatch and engagement. We can expect him to continue to be a persistent minor character in Buffy's story. I love how you have rendered Captain Lerus as a mysterious, somewhat aloof, but ultimately likeable character in JF. In BF, she seems to be in league with Count Pompousness himself - and yes, it looks like she used Captain Draconis' letter from Leyawiin as an excuse to be rid of an inconvenience.

SubRosa- Gladius is surely no winner of the Grass Crown like Vols, but he is a good man. Buffy is hopeful that he will find happiness with Pelena and that his noble spirit will be more suited to service in Kvatch. Thank you; I know that you and I have both liked Gladius since we first met him.

KC- Thank you for nailing Buffy's motivation here. You are correct that she cares not a whit about concepts like cities or empires. She is all about helping those she holds dear. She would call her motivation selfish; I would call it nurturing or following her heart.

Glargg- The irony of our glass cannon pointing out that women are not made of glass also occurred to me. I thank you so much for highlighting it!

mALX- Thank you. This was indeed a transition episode, full of foreshadowing as Buffy nears the end of her time in Bravil.

minque- I'm so delighted to have you with us again! Your kind praise humbles me so very much. Thank you!

hazmick- Much thanks! I join you in hoping Gladius survives Kvatch. Buffy is indeed in receipt of word from the University as she begins the next episode.

Grits- Thank you! I'm grateful for your comment on Gladius' chivalric courtesy to Buffy as he escorted her to her guild. It is the same with Daenlin, who always holds Buffy's chair for her (and why she willingly fetches the old elf's slippers). Buffy greatly respects both men - in part because they return the favor, even while recognizing and embracing the beautiful differences between their genders.

All- The Tournament of Archers storyline began with Buffy's arrival at Bravil. Some thirty eight episodes later, it now ends with her departure from the City of Mara.



A faint glow from across the Niben announced that the starry night would soon yield to a brilliant sunrise. Superian stopped along the Green Road and we turned eastward to watch.

To my right, I could still see the stable. Beyond and above the city's walls rose the spire of Mara's chapel. I imagined that most of my extended family still slept - Priestesses, my master of the bow, a black marketeer, merchants, guild mates, a skooma dealer, beggars, a lonely widow, an assassin, some of the guards and others. Each of them, in their imperfect beauty, had helped forged me into the uncertain elf that now sat astride her precious mare.

My farewells the evening prior had been bittersweet. Daenlin had fussed over each arrow he inspected while filling my quiver. Ardaline inventoried my soap, shampoo and conditioner to ensure I had plenty. Nilawen gifted me with a new journal book full of clean pages, and tried to overstuff my pack with strawberries and sweet rolls to eat on the road. Much of the evening was spent hugging, crying and holding hands with friends and guild mates. I had tried to sound cheerful and confident amidst the tears and smiles.

In the magical moments of dawn however, my heart ached at the realization I might be looking at the city of my birth for the last time. My eyes traveled across the Niben to the eastern horizon again as it grew brighter. I leaned forward to pat Superian's neck. "Why am I willing to leave my home for a man who guards a flaming city on a hill? At worst, I will be killed. At best, Savlian is a human; 'happily ever after' to them means but a few decades. Then I would be alone, like Ursanne, to suffer loss and heartache. As an elf though, my pain could last for centuries." My fingers absently toyed with Superian's long mane, removing imaginary tangles as she stood quietly. "Is my 'hero in a headband' simply the wishfully idealized product of a young elf's mind? I still struggle to believe he could return what I fear I feel for him. Or that I could ever compete with his love for Kvatch."

The mare flicked an ear as her unlabored breathing cast a soft mist into the cool air around her head. She then twice pawed the ground sympathetically with a front hoof. It was the paladin, however, that replied, "You're right. The risk to your life and heart is too great."

"What?!?" I snapped. "Savlian needs me! The last time I saw him, he asked me to stay. Don't you remember how it felt when he touched my cheek? In his letter, he clearly professed that he misses me. I'll have you know that Savlian Matius is not a man of false words! By Mara, Acadian, didn't you feel the state I was in when I woke up the other morning from that dream of him kissing me?" I did my best impression of Superian snorting, then added indignantly, "We're going to Kvatch and you're not going to talk me out of it and that is that!"

Superian stretched and lowered her neck, then shook her head, loosing a snort that was much better than mine.

After a chuckle that completely baffled me, Acadian spoke again, "Your passionate response to my challenge just confirmed what we both know, Buffy. You've made a powerful decision and it is natural to feel trepidation at the unknowns that lay ahead. The stakes are high, but you and Savlian will not learn each other's heart if you do not go to Kvatch. Know this, my bowgirl: if you find love, it can be stronger than fear, or even death. You are correct to follow your heart."

"Well," I grumbled, "you didn't need to trick me to make your point."

Reaching into my pack, my hand lingered over Savlian's letter. Surely there was truth in what I had read between his lines. As the first streaks of morning sun spilled over the horizon to warm my face, it was another letter that I withdrew and unfolded across the pommel of Superian's saddle to reread:

Buffy,

The Council of Mages will meet very soon. I recommend you leave Bravil upon receipt of this and report to the University, as that will ensure you are here to learn our decision as soon as it is known. I understand the passion behind your request, and will do my utmost to diligently present your case before the Council.

Raminus Polus
Headmaster, Arcane University
Steward, Council of Mages

"Acadian," I said as I returned Raminus' letter to my pack, "there can be no more excuses or delays. Even if the Council of Mages refuses to help, we will proceed to Kvatch. When I was terrified of Daedra, I learned how to hunt them where they live. I didn't know how to close an Oblivion Gate, but now I believe I do. My heart still fears what I may or may not find when next I look into Savlian's eyes, but only he can show me that."

Acadian replied with a confident clarity, "Lead on, Child of Dawn."

With no prompting from me, Superian turned to put the glorious sun on my right shoulder and we continued north.

* From Buffy's scrapbook: Screenshot

GAAAAAH!!! You slickly slipped in that new journal full of clean pages!!! ARGH !!! A new chapter in Buffy's life is about to unfold !!! All new material ... never before seen ... ... ....



KAAAABOOOOOOOOM !!!!!


** mALX's head exploded, her brain rocketed through the rooftop and continued at maximum velocity till it cut a chunk in the moon that looked mysteriously like a mouse had bitten into a piece of swiss cheese ... but I digress ... GAAAAAAAAAAH !!!!!!

A faint glow from across the Niben announced that the starry night would soon yield to a brilliant sunrise.
This is an excellent passage.

Time for a new journal I see! It seems like we only returned to the City of Mara yesterday, and already it is time to leave. Buffy's reminiscing at the beginning of her strange hodge-podge of friends helped to underscore what a truly unique person she is herself, as I know you wanted to meant to do.

"We're going to Kvatch and you're not going to talk me out of it and that is that!"
It was a lovely piece of reverse psychology that led to this, pure Buffy, moment.

Lead on Buffy.

Whew! Okay, I've calmed down. This chapter is Buffy at her absolute Buffiest !!! Unsure of herself, trying to talk her own self out of going - but snaps Acadian's head off if he suggests the same thing, ROFL !!! Very Buffy, very feminine, lol.

She is maturing though, she caught on that Acadian was tricking her, lol. Loved this chapter, from beginning to end it!! Up in the Buffy top faves list !!!

PS : Loved the new screenshot !!! I must have missed that when July started, (although I saw it on your PB account).

Before dawn is my favorite time to begin a road trip.

The mare flicked an ear as her unlabored breathing cast a soft mist into the cool air around her head. She then twice pawed the ground sympathetically with a front hoof. It was the paladin, however, that replied, "You're right. The risk to your life and heart is too great."

How wise and wonderful, Acadian! I recognized this tactic immediately as one that Mr. Grits employs all too frequently with me. The entire exchange had me smiling and shaking my head, and here:

"Well," I grumbled, "you didn't need to trick me to make your point."

I had to laugh out loud. Perfect! I noticed that Superian held up her end of the conversation nicely. It is really the three of them together, though perhaps someday we’ll also get a stronger feeling for Phantom.

A lovely farewell to Bravil, and I got the sense that this new journal will represent an entirely new part of Buffy’s journey.

Heavy thoughts for an early morning. She turned to watch the sunrise, but her thoughts quickly wandered.

Buffy’s got her mind made up. Acadian’s casual dismissal of Savlian got Buffy to react in her characteristic way. I could see the hands on her hips.

Nice screenshot

Beautiful screenie!

And what a wonderful introspective moment to close out the Bravil chapter. What lies ahead is a long stretch of much worry, fear and heart-stopping (and perhaps heart-breaking?) activity (if Julian's experiences at Kvatch is anything to go on). One can only hope that there is love to be found at the end of it, enough to make it all worthwhile. Calm before the storm, indeed.

And Acadian's devil's advocate (or is it Daedra advocate) act is something I pull out all the time for my junior subordinates when they're doubting themselves. Nothing like a little bit of indignation to get them to gain a little self-confidence in their choices. Makes my life easier.

Kvatch via the Arcane Uni is a decent journey, I imagine there will be some sort of mini adventure along the way

I'm excited to hear the council's decision. If it's anything like their in game decision then I'll be dissapointed in them but still excited to see Buffy and Savlian's reunion!

What a powerful decision Buffy has made! Fingernails are being bitten, now!

Especially since I think I may be correct in assuming this post is the end of this thread, and therefore this section of Buffy's journal. I'm glad she had some time to unwind in Bravil, but now purpose returns, and with it, the need for Buffy to confront her darkest fears. And Buffy still has one last Daedra she has yet to confront in her journeys, the most vicious of them all... the Dremora.

I don't think Buffy has ever encountered one of these masters of battle before, but the time is coming fast. I hope she's ready, because if she must face one of them toe-to-toe, then I fear moist greaves will be the least of her worries.

This has been a great ride, so far. I have a feeling that the next part of the journey is going to be unforgettable!

No new episode this post. Episode 122 concluded the Tournament of Archers storyline, and we will take a few more days before embarking on the next leg of Buffy's adventure. Finally in receipt of a letter recalling her to the University, she left Bravil at dawn.

mALX- Thank you for those mighty kind words! I knew you would immediately note Buffy's traditional cue that she is ending a thread by obtaining a new journal book in which to start her next. Thanks for liking Buffy's 'Screenshot of the Month' feature in our signature.

SubRosa- Yes! Buffy's big Bravilian adventure took but a mere nine days of her time, but was certainly much longer in the telling. Thanks for noting Acadian's ploy at reverse psychology. He works hard to understand the swirling confusion that is his elf - and in this case it seems he got it right.

Grits- It seems perhaps that you join Acadian and our Child of Dawn in being a morning spirit? I'm honored that we used a tactic (reverse psychology) that seems endorsed by Mr. Grits! I hope also to carefully expand the role of Phantom but I need to be careful; inside our little butterfly-dragon is quite a busy place already.

KC- I'm so glad you were able to visualize the externally rather quiet scene. Thanks also for enjoying our sunrise screenie. Coming from the master at KC Video Productions, that is high praise. I can't tell you how much I enjoy watching the Aravi show in your vids!

Rider- Thank for the screenshot compliment; I recall several very beautiful Anvilian sunset screens courtesy of Julian and Blanco! Thanks for your endorsement of Acadian's 'trick', and realizing the sea change moment this is in Buffy's life as she leaves her lifetime home for the unknown.

hazmick- Thanks! Buffy has been a pretty devoted member of her guild, albeit not perfect. I join you in hoping some of her loyalty and good intentions are rewarded when she learns what the Council of Mages has decided. Buffy speaks the truth when, despite her naturally short attention span, she says she will broke no further delays regarding Kvatch.

TK- Thank you so much for sharing Buffy's angst at leaving her home for the unknown as she begins a new phase of her journey. She has studied all the Daedra, although there are many she hasn't seen. Although not completely rational, it is still the clannfear that can cause her to occasionally have nightmares of being eaten alive. I hope you can take some comfort knowing that Buffy actually has killed two Dremora clearing the plains and tunnels of Peryite's plain. She ate the heart of one (carried away by the moment) and dropped the heart of the other onto the desk of Raminus Polus way back in Episode 76 (The Heart of the Matter) to try and reinforce the seriousness of her cause. Given the length of elapsed time since that episode, I thank you for the opportunity to remind us all of Buffy's previous meeting with Raminus where she requested assistance for Kvatch.

Glargg- Thank you! The final upcoming thread of Buffy's book is what she has been building toward for so very long. Buffy plays a small but important role in the destiny of her world. I'm reminded of this paragraph from waaay back in Episode 2. It was SubRosa who, even then, noted the power of its foreshadowing:

'The Emperor smiled and nodded. "Younger than my sons. There will be troubled times ahead that jeopardize all of Tamriel, and the sign of the Mage shall guide your path. You are not the one who will save the Empire, but it cannot be saved without you."

All- I'm so thankful for the kind support and encouragement Buffy and I have enjoyed during her Tournament of Archers storyline. It was well beyond our normal reach in terms of complexity and subplots, not to mention some very carefully woven collaboration. Heartfelt thanks to the writers who supported and allowed cameo mentions or appearances by Aradroth, Sarrah, Angel, Maxical, Zerina and, of course, Teresa. I especially appreciate the treat of working so closely with SubRosa, as our two stories gently merged at several points; she is an impressive and professional talent.

So, what's next? During her departure from Bravil, Buffy clearly told us what the focus will be for her next thread - which will bring Book 1 to a conclusion. Our pace will also slow now as we transition to posting a weekly episode of the Buffy Show each Friday.

Thank you so much, dear friends.

Thread five and Buffy's other threads may be found on Acadian's sub forum.

This was a great chapter in Buffy's life, so grateful you shared it with us - and can't wait to see where she takes us next !!! WOO HOO !!!

It has been too long since I have commented on all things Buffy, but now I can...

Ah, what a delightful way to bring one part to a close - with a villian slain and a love approaching!

I eagerly await the next Buffy incarnation....

*wolf sneaks in through the backdoor and shuffles over to the fire*
Ah, the Tournament of Archers (or was that champions, or maybe celebrities, I cannot remember which... ) has played out, and a ballad has sung that will be re-told around campfires until the era of the "dragonborn."

38 chapters, March until July. Insane brother!!

It is time for me to sample each part in the full richness that it offers. Please excuse while I retire to the study for some quiet contemplation

I am currently on the Zerina and Teresa introduction. My My- some interesting ladies there!

Whoops, forgot about that...

Well, perhaps a Xivilai, then. I'm fairly confident Buffy hasn't had to face one of those down yet.

I am slowly catching back up to speed. I dropped Oblivion for a few months to get all the other games out of the way. I now have only Oblivion and F1 2010 on the cards.

Back to Buffy-

I really love the way Bravil came alive during the tournament. It simply sings.
Take this for example,

As soon as I slipped inside the store, I set my shopping on a nearby table and slid the door's bolt home. Nilawen looked up from sweeping the floor, blew loose strands of hair from her face and said, "What a day!"

"Sit," I commanded as I took the broom from her and continued the task, "you look exhausted."

"The gold's been good," she said, letting herself collapse into a chair, "but honestly, I can't wait for this tournament to finish so things will slow down some."

"You should have hired some help," I said.

Nilawen freed her dark hair, gathered the strays and retied the ribbon behind her head. "I had Ursanne Loche helping me earlier today, and she'll be in again tomorrow. She's hard working, honest and has a good head for figures."

So simple. Yet, it is exactly that that brings the characters of the story alive. They are real (!?!) people with real jobs, yet the tone never becomes boring or staid.

Great to see the owner of the scroll unveiled at last. I am with mALX and Haute there!
12 months it was we waited!!! Lol. But great fun.....

Cheerful streaks of sunshine began to pour over the eastern walls as I made my way across town.

Ohhh, I love this. A lot.

"Well, it's about time, short one." The booming voice came from Lum gro-Baroth and the target of his words was the small elf in black slinking our way.


A grin came to my face as I realized the parasols were screening the morning sun from none other than Kud-Ei, Delphine Jend and Ardaline.
There is only one word for this- magnificent!