Episode 150 carried a strong undercurrent of spoken and unspoken communication between Buffy and Savlian as they began to meld visions of their priorities and future together. Against this backdrop, our couple met with Lucilius, Baurus and Arturo. Savlian agreed to support the Blades’ investigation into a possible claim to the throne and to provide access to the chapel once the city was free. The two Blades pledged their support to Savlian’s efforts until that time. The Captain of Kvatch ended the meeting by announcing that he and Buffy would enter the Oblivion Gate the following morning.
mALX- Hee!
It takes quite a bit to render Buffy speechless. Thank you!
Darkness Eternal- Thank you. Buffy and Savlian met ever so long ago and have gradually become emotionally tied together for sure. I sent you a PM touching on Buffy’s rendition of the Oblivion Crisis which is not tied to any other fanfics. Just as the Emperor told her, Buffy plays a role in the Oblivion Crisis, but it will not be her who saves it. We have featured several ‘crossovers’, but they focus on the characters and their natures, generally within isolated story lines rather than trying to meld specifics of disparate game worlds.
McBadgere- Thank you. It seemed so natural that the Blades would travel incognito, and monks of Talos seemed the perfect fit.
KC- It is so gratifying to realize that, given the context, when Buffy said she ‘assumed the position’, readers knew exactly what she meant. She is struggling a bit with her eagerness to fully support Savlian versus her hopes for their future. Some of that spilled out of her in this past episode.
Grits- Thank you. When Savlian said he would leave matters of the Empire beyond Kvatch in the hands of the Blades, Buffy’s heart sang. She is learning that the man does indeed factor her needs heavily and consistently into his decision making. And that is all she was hoping for. Happy elf! Thanks also for noting Savlian’s tradition of using of ‘damn’. We will continue to have some fun with that as it begins to rub off on his impressionable elf.
SubRosa- Thanks for appreciating the long-term effects of no Emperor on the Empire. And for instantly knowing ‘the position’!
I just couldn’t imagine the Blades advertising their business by showing up in their easily identifiable armor – thanks for agreeing that their discretion was appropriate.
TheBrume- Thank you for the kind words regarding interaction between Buffy and Savlian as they adjust to actually and finally being a couple.
Tabrasa- Thank you! When it comes to Buffy, Savlian seems to deflect her concerns, then quietly think about them and make the right decision. I loved the effect you described of Buffy’s mouth gaping open during a rare speechless moment.
Rihanae- Thanks for your words about Arturo. We tried to add some interest in a short amount of space. Buffy’s detailed study of his injuries betrayed both her underlying skill as a healer, and frequent ability to ruminate her way into losing grasp of her situation.
* * *
151 Into the Jaws of Oblivion
Superian and I stood quietly nuzzling each other. This magical time right before dawn was my favorite part of the day for trying to understand things. That I had awakened in Savlian’s arms less than an hour ago continued to be like a dream come true. He understood my need to spend some time with Superian on this day that would see us enter the Deadlands. And I understood his need to write and leave behind a final letter of instruction should we not return. I had left him in our tent with a kiss, and taken from him a promise to soon join me at the stable.
After our meeting with the Blades, the rest of the previous day had been busy with preparations, repairs and inspecting our gear. Savlian had made some adjustments to the shoulder areas of my scale leather armor so it fit notably better than during our training expedition. We had culled down what we would carry to allow for the numerous full waterskins I assured him we needed.
Thoughts of the monumental task ahead had filled my afternoon with trepidation that manifested as a decidedly clingy elf. By the time we crawled into our bedding at the end of the day, I was desperate to be held. Savlian confessed that he shared my apprehension and had pulled me close. Tender kisses and gentle whispers between us gradually pushed aside thoughts of the Oblivion Gate. For a time, Savlian made the fears go away and my body responded to his.
Lovemaking inside our canvas home had necessarily been more subdued than our unrestrained romping on the bank of the Strid River. A sip of Pelena’s potion had worked wonders, restraining my volume to barely audible sighs and chirps. Savlian teased that it did not diminish my ability to provide almost nonstop commentary, albeit at a whisper. Oh, and we were very careful to observe my spell casting positional limitations, lest I set our tent ablaze in a moment of passion.
Cuddled together in the glow that followed, Savlian’s fingers stroked my hair while mine mapped the old scars covering his chest. We agreed that we could feel the Oblivion Gate – both its presence and our approaching time to enter it – return to our tent like an ominous and unwanted guest.
The mare now nickered softly as my fingers busied themselves with imagined tangles in her mane. “My paladin, I have made provisions for Superian, but what will happen to you if I die?”
“I have long wondered when you would ask. The answer, however, is likely to change how you think of your own life. Are you sure you wish to know?”
“Damn it, Acadian! I may get us killed today so don’t pull that with me. I willingly share every aspect of my life with you. When you kept your history with dragons a secret until Peryite revealed it, I thought I made it quite clear that I don’t appreciate you keeping things from me. Now, out with it.”
I could feel the paladin deliberating until finally, more of his words surrounded me, “As long as we enter the Dreamsleave together, we will emerge together. There is no telling what form we might take.”
“B-but I thought I was simply one in a long line of hosts that has sustained you over the centuries?”
“And I must confess that I have not taken steps to dissuade you of that notion,” he replied. “In truth however, you
are the long line of hosts. We have taken many forms and identities, often blended together as we are now, other times side by side.”
I scratched my head, feeling more than a little overwhelmed. “You mean we could end up as a pair of Ayleids enslaving humans in the First Era?”
“Yes, or serving them in the Second astride a dragon. Roles, times and places you cannot begin to imagine.”
“A white-bearded wizard and his apprentice?” I asked, unsure why the image popped into my mind.
“Or a sorceress and her black cat familiar,” he replied.
“I don’t remember any of that.”
“Nor would you, Buffy. Your memories begin anew with each form we take – in that regard, you are very mortal. I am the repository of our history, which spans time, distance and even worlds. Although of different species, we have evolved into mutual dependence.”
“And you waited until I was imprisoned in the Imperial City nearing the age of eighteen to initially reveal yourself? I could have used your help when I was younger, you know.”
“I was with you at the moment of sunrise that marked our entry into this life – and every moment after. I wept with you through skinned knees and every taunt about your ears or size. Growing up as a small elf among humans was challenging enough without subjecting you to the additional burden of an unseen presence - until age could permit understanding.”
My head was spinning. “What of Phantom? I have seen her in your – I mean
our – dreams and can often feel her presence.”
“She is an enduring shadow of our distant past.” After a moment, he added, “Once loved by a dragon, the bond is eternal.”
“By Kynareth’s wings, Acadian! How am I supposed to process all this?”
“Be at ease, Buffy. Savlian’s job today includes protecting this frail wood elf. With due care, we can live hundreds of years here before we need worry about moving on.”
“Well, I did ask. At least I know that if we do die, I won’t be orphaning you.”
Acadian’s response was silent:
I’ll be quite upset if you drag us from the Deadlands into the Dreamsleave, my bowgirl.“I’m not going to die this day,” I said.
“Not on my watch you won’t.” Savlian’s arrival explained Acadian’s shift to telepathy. My Imperial’s smile yielded to a look of gentle determination. “Buffy, we’re a well-trained team and draw courage from each other. We will rise to whatever is required to bring each other home. It is Oblivia who will not survive this day.”
I mustered a grin of bravado as I tried to set aside the distraction of Acadian’s revelations. “Yes, you and I will finally close that damn gate.”
Savlian gave me a crooked smile and a wink. “Where did you learn such unsavory language?”
“Where do you think?” I playfully poked at the dark wolf head on his camouflaged surcoat.
“Are you hungry?” he asked. “I know we’re taking almost no food that we may carry more water, but nothing says we can’t enter the Deadlands with full bellies.” Savlian presented a small bag. “Weedum-Ja just provided this for us when I stopped by her kitchen.”
We issued carrots to Superian and each of her stable mates. By the time Savlian and I did justice to some bread, a wedge of cheese and some smoked venison strips, the eastern horizon had grown cheerful with the promise of a rising sun. After I tossed a kiss over one shoulder to my mare, Savlian and I started up the hill, each munching a carrot.
Both of us were dressed and equipped the same way we had been during our training expedition to Fort Agarctova, except for less food and a lot more water. I noted Savlian’s leather boots were much quieter than the steel ones he would normally wear defending the barricade.
By the time we passed Camp Defiance, the carrots were gone and my crunching turned to chatter. “Did you finish your letter?”
“Aye,” he replied. “If we don’t return from the Deadlands, Lucilius will find his battlefield commission in our tent and assume full command of Kvatch.”
“A prudent precaution, but it will be unnecessary, I’m sure. We will destroy that gate and bring each other home.” To brighten the mood, I then gave my voice to song - as much for the butterflies in my stomach as for Savlian.
The familiar sights and sounds of the Daedric sky soon loomed overhead. As we crested the plateau, I could see Ilend Vonius’ watch team – including Gladius and Dreelius – arrayed against the flaming portal to Oblivion.
Lucilius and Sigrid both waited behind the perimeter and, as they noted our approach, strode to meet us. “Hail, Milady, Captain.” Lucilius’ gauntleted fist crashed into the wolf on his chest. “You both look dressed to exploit whatever cover and shadow you may find inside Oblivia.”
Savlian lowered his own bare fist from the almost hidden wolf on his subdued surcoat. “Aye. Let’s put her to rest.” He turned to the Nord in blue. “Thanks for being here to wish one of your mages well, Sigrid.” His eyes then returned to his fellow soldier. “What are your questions, Lucilius?”
“I presume you’ve checked over the rigging of each other’s armor?” After Savlian and I both nodded, Lucilius continued, “Both quivers full?”
“Twenty five arrows each,” I replied.
“Plenty of full waterskins?”
“Can’t you hear us sloshing?” joked Savlian.
Sigrid addressed her question to me, “Healing potions?”
“Only a few for me,” I said. “I will heal Savlian if he is in need. I have dispel and restore magicka potions as well. Oh, and a full complement of poisons of course.”
“Repair hammer?” asked Lucilius.
“Nay,” replied Savlian, “Buffy can summon one as we need it.”
Lucilius pulled a pair of rings from the bag that I had given he and Savlian my first day at Kvatch. “You’ll need these.”
Savlian took one of the rings of fire shielding and slipped it on.
I displayed my fingers. “I’m already wearing one. I enchanted it long ago for this occasion.”
Lucilius returned the offered ring to its bag. “I’m relieved to hear that, Milady. That was the smallest of the lot and quite too large for you I’m sure.” His smile faded as he turned to Savlian. “Last minute instructions, sir?”
Savlian nodded. “I know we’ve discussed retaking the city, but I want you to oversee detailed assault planning. Ilend can help with the layout inside the walls, and Merandil can draw up fire support plans. Rely on Sigrid for matters involving healing and the use of mages.”
“Understood, sir.” Lucilius then turned to me. “Milady, inside that gate you will be filling my role as the Captain’s second in command. I’ll rely on you to provide wise counsel, and perhaps a touch of prudence when required.”
My hands found their way around Savlian’s arm. “I’ll bring him back, Lucilius.”
“And you, Savlian Matius,” admonished Sigrid, “don’t break one of my mages. The Kvatch guild chapter attracts few enough as it is.”
He answered Sigrid’s smile with a wink, “Not to worry, Magister. Buffy’s a small target and fits behind my shield just fine.” As if to emphasize his words, he slipped the steel disc from his back and fitted it to his left hand and forearm.
Savlian and I then moved forward into the defensive line. He engaged briefly in comfortable banter with each member of the watch team, culminating with an agreement to bring back any Daedric whiskey we found.
The butterflies in my stomach took full flight at the sound of Savlian’s arming sword sliding ominously from its scabbard. I slipped on my pair of detect life rings to join the one of fire shielding, then pulled Slayer from my shoulder. We moved up to the gate and staged just off to one side in order to preserve a clear field of fire for the watch team.
“Ready, my scout?”
“Yes, my captain.”
I then followed my hero into the jaws of Oblivion.
. I like how the potions can be added in some situations that does not involve battle or survival, but intimacy. Reminds me of that woman with the Dibella statue in her home who likes to use stamina potions and "Horker horns" and leather straps 
. I love this part here because it's mostly love rather than base lust.
This is not a walk in the woods.
I think Bethesda did a good job with the Deadlands. I can almost feel the heat coming from the lava and rocks when in Dagon’s realm.
