Welcome to Buffy's book of short stories! Rather than another chronological saga, this will be a collection of independent (generally short) stories that freely span Buffy's long and ongoing adventuring career. She'll tell you a bit more about that choice of format in her prelude below. One feature of the format she has insisted on is that the stories are not directly linked, sequential or particularly interdependent. While I believe you will find them reasonably consistent with 'Buffy lore', I'm looking forward to what I hope will be quite a bit of freedom and flexibility. The format should also make it easy for any readers who join us in progress or return from an absence, to jump right in with the current story.

For those well-familiar with Buffy, I hope you will continue to enjoy the enigmatic elven mage as she presents selective peeks into her neverending adventures across Tamriel. It is easy for Buffy and I to become emotionally overwhelmed as we contemplate the kind, enthusiastic and encouraging support that many have graced us with over the years. And for that we are profoundly grateful. My fervent hope is that you continue to find our efforts worthy of your valuable time.

For those new to Buffy, please do not let her long history deter you from jumping right in and joining us. While her series of full books are available on the Acadian sub forum, their sheer size makes reading them a daunting prospect. Fortunately, our 'Executive Summary' thread on the same sub forum offers what I believe to be a very effective summary that can easily be read in one sitting per book.



- Hard Crowds and Dancing Whales (1 episode) – post #12
3rd Era. Buffy fills in for a sick bard at an Anvil tavern.

- Unfinished Business – Buffy and the Box (1 episode) – post #24
3rd Era. Buffy finally reports back to Sanguine after inflicting nakedness upon the Courtess of Leyawiin and some of her party guests.

- A Bard’s Tale (5 episodes) – posts #34-66
4th Era. Buffy receives some musical training at the Bards College in Solitude.

- The Case of the Missing Court Mage (2 Episodes) – posts #76-85
4th Era. Buffy helps locate an absentminded missing mage in the Riften area.



"Acadian, I don't want to write about the Oblivion Crisis right now." Getting up from the desk, I climbed up atop the corner bookshelf and sat down. "I want to write about being ambushed in the Reach by a Thalmor patrol. Or my first encounter as a Slayer with the vampiric Count of Skingrad. Or how, after I managed to lose Azura's Star, we traveled through time to retrieve it. Or maybe about that time when-"

"Buffy," interrupted the paladin, "all those things can eventually be crafted into your larger, overarching plot such that they fit properly along your timeline."

I hopped to the floor. "No!" Both hands planted themselves on my hips as my chin lifted defiantly. "I want to write about those things when the passion moves me to do so, not wait until it 'fits' into some silly book that's so long and complicated we can never write it. Whenever I write something I want, you complain if it doesn't make 'perfect sense' or that it doesn't fit at this point in our 'chronology'. By the time most of the tales I want to share fit into your unmanageable plan, I've long lost the passion that motivated me to write about them!"

There was a long silence before Acadian dubiously remarked, "Are you proposing a book with neither plot nor timeline?"

"Exactly! I am not a plot. I am an elf who travels, adventures and explores - with you, of course." I spread my arms expansively and twirled all the way around once before seating myself on a corner of the desk. "What's hard to understand about that? And would you rather read a story that I wrote when passion moved me to do so, or one that I had to force myself to write in support of some silly timeline?" I softened my tone. "Look, Acadian, you and I can travel between worlds and even move through time together. Why do my stories have to be 'in order'? When a butterfly moves across a meadow visiting flowers, does she do so 'in order'?"

The old paladin chuckled. "Despite my years and experience, the ability to successfully argue with an impassioned woman continues to elude me. Your butterfly metaphor contains a simple logic that I cannot refute. I will never fully understand the. . . whimsy that drives your choices but, over the years, I have grown to at least appreciate it."

"Does that mean. . . ?"

"Yes," he replied. "You are the true source of our passion for writing. I shall constrain you with neither plot nor chronology considerations."

"Thank you, my paladin." I crossed my dangling legs, folded my hands in my lap and smiled. "I know that I can sometimes be a little, well, erratic or even elusive."

Acadian sighed. "Like a butterfly in a thunderstorm, my bowgirl."

"This will be fun!" I chirped.

Well this is a pleasant surprise. And I did smile at the mention of the butterfly and how Buffy is not bound by plot or timeline like many are(I raise my hand). It is great to see her return and the new adventures she'll tell us about throughout Tamriel.

This is great, Acadian! We get more of our Mystic Archer

Yay! More Buffy! I am looking forward to the new anthology of Buffy stories!

On this, I think, we are all in agreement. Haa-Rei and I are eagerly looking forward to more Buffy.

This really was a fun read! I could very well picture Buffy on that desk with that determination to do things her way. And I do have to agree that doing things while you have a passion for it is the best way to get the best outcome.

Sorry, mr Paladin. But I´m on Buffy´s side here

This was a great read, and I'm eagerly waiting for the new Buffy stories - whatever time period they occur in, and whether or not the collection makes any temporal sense...

Also, sympathies on a character who doesn't want to play chronologically - Adryn currently insistently has her focus on her early childhood years as well as Adryn: Tribunal. I've generally been able to wrangle her back to the current time, but it's been hard going and I'm worried she's going to take inspiration from Buffy's example now!

Yeah, I'm looking forward too. I missed Buffy's coming up because I didn't join Chorrol until 2012, so I myself will be a picker-upper.

BUFFY !!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT !!!


Buffy in first person? WOW !!!! WOO HOO !!!!!!! And in short scenes and stories - this is how I originally met Buffy in 2009; little disjointed "Best of Buffy" stories!!!! I loved them, they were my favorite part of the day !!!!

This is AWESOME !!!! And yes, a butterfly should never be tied to a plot or chronological order!

HOOAH !!!!!

Awesome, I was hooked immediately when I read the first paragraph of the prelude and read about which things Buffy wants to talk. Then I enjoyed a nice picturesque conversation between the persistent Mystic Elf and the wise Paladin.

I think Buffy needs to get Tove the Unrestfull to have a word with Acadian. He explains time much better than anyone else.

I am delighted to see Buffy’s Book Two beginning! A butterfly is not moved by order, and a dragon is not bound by time. How perfectly fitting that Buffy should share her stories in her own way.

The prelude above addressed what has been a big impediment to our writing. ‘Unfettering’ Buffy and fully embracing where her whimsy wants to take us does indeed seem to be helping.

Another problem we have faced is a three-pronged challenge from Skyrim - for that is where Buffy's game and heart reside.

1. Introducing TES dragons into where there was only Acadian's noble ice dragon. Buffy is not the Dragonborn, but we've deconflicted things enough to proceed.

2. Big game mechanics changes from Oblivion to Skyrim. This has been our most vexing challenge to writing. When we try to write Buffy in Cyrodiil using Oblivion mechanics, it feels foreign, dispels our passion and we quit. Our solution is that the ‘mechanics’ we use in Buffy fiction going forward will much more resemble those in the game of Skyrim than the game of Oblivion. The word ‘Skyblivion’ comes to mind but, in truth, her fanfic range now includes Elsweyr, Valenwood, Cyrodiil and Skyrim. But the tools, mechanics, magicks and trappings that she uses will be the same that we use everyday in our modded Skyrim game. This change seems to have really ignited her passion to revisit Valenwood and Cyrodiil. Horse archery with a mystic bow on the plains of the Gold Coast!

3. The time change. Buffy can magically pass both ways through that barrier. How she does so might indeed make for a fine story sometime. It is important now to simply recognize that when she is in Skyrim, it is the Fourth Era and those who play Skyrim will recognize familiar faces and events. When she is south of Skyrim, she is in the late Third Era and those who play Oblivion will see SkyBuffy interacting with familiar faces and events from the game of Oblivion.

As a result of all these changes, Buffy is indeed prolifically scribing away with a rather frighteningly large number of open drafts. I do note that some of them are growing quite a bit longer than I expected. Having learned to . . . adjust to the fickle elf, I have removed the ‘book number’ from this thread. My plan now is to keep this open for short stories, but when one of them gets to be more than a handful of episodes in length, to pause this thread and fully post any longer story we produce as its own smallish book (Book 2, 3, etc).

Thanks all, for the heartwarming encouragement as we dip our toes back into the arena of fan fiction!

DE- I’m so glad you noted the ongoing significance of butterflies to Buffy. Thanks!

SubRosa- Thank you. Your inspiring skill and the unwavering support you have given Buffy for many years have certainly helped us return to writing.

hazmick- Thanks! Your wonderful efforts with Haa-Rei’s adventures have helped inspire Buffy and I.

mirocu- As you know, Buffy runs on passion. I’m so glad you clearly ‘pictured’ her, even in the prelude. Thank you!

Kazera- I’m so pleased to have you join us and thank you for endorsing Buffy’s approach. I think Adryn could do anything/anywhere she wants – her captivating internal voice and endearing character shine through regardless of what she’s doing.

Renee- Why thank you! Buffy is shaped to some degree of course by her long history, but the details are not critical to where she’s going. Really, she’s just like the girl next door who carries a 50 caliber sniper rifle.

mALX- Seven years, my friend. That’s how long Buffy and I have basked in your enthusiastic support. And I treasure it.

Lopov- Thank you. I’m really hoping Buffy’s ‘Girls just wanna have fun’ approach will help get things going. I’m pleased that she’s already considering some longer stories.

ghastley- I loved your Tove the Unrestful reference. Just one of his numerous head-bending comments: "I'll talk to you some more yesterday."

Grits- You words carry a magic that always eases my trepidation whenever Buffy and I embark on something new or different – thank you. I have grown to love Skyrim, but sorting out the challenges I detailed above has been a struggle. Especially for a little elf who has trouble deciding which pair of shoes to wear, then turns around to go back and change them as soon as we start out the door.




“Ladies and gentlemen!” Maenlorn’s announcement was interrupted by derisive guffaws. The Bosmeri innkeeper’s serious demeanor deftly transformed into a mischievous grin and he tried again. “Pirates and wenches!” this time his words received boisterous cheers of approval. As the noise subsided, he continued, “Freya, our regular bard, will be late this evening.”

“Boo!”
“This tavern’s goin’ ta ‘blivion in a fertilizer cart!”
“Freya git sick from eatin’ yer leek soup?”
“That Nord wench can’t sing but she sure do fill out the little dress she wears.”
“Did she fall over from bein’ top heavy and hurt herself?”
“Nah, she woulda bounced.”

Undeterred, Maenlorn held up a hand. “Chance smiles upon us, my friends, for we are joined this very evening by a young lady who has graciously agreed to take Freya’s first set.” The grumbling stopped as many in the tavern looked around curiously.

“She’s an elf with a magical voice,” promised Maenlorn. “We are lucky indeed that she has just arrived in Anvil this very day for a brief stay. Fresh from the forests of Valenwood, please give a warm Flowing Bowl welcome to Buffy the bardic Bosmer!”

As I stepped up onto what served as the tavern’s small performing area, there was some light applause. And a few comments.

“What’s a Buffy? Sounds like a snack on the menu.”
“Mebbe she strips down to the buff when she sings! Haw!”
“Shaddup and give the poor elf a chance!”
“Don’t gotta worry ‘bout bein’ top heavy, do ye!”
“She be a pretty li’l thing though.”
“Probably gots a good voice ta compensate fer bein’ scrawny.”
“Hey, I said shaddup! Let ‘er sing!”

“Thank you for that kind introduction, Maenlorn, and I’m pleased to be here,” I began nervously. “I discovered some time ago that I have an ability, via song, to share images and impressions of places and events I’ve experienced during my travels.” The tavern had grown awkwardly quiet. “Through practice, enhanced by the magical school of illusion, I’ve been able to refine this ability into something that I hope you will find pleasing.” My hopeful look met more blank stares than smiles of encouragement.

“I-I wasn’t expecting to be performing tonight,” I continued to the bored faces in front of me, “so I must ask that you bear with me as I retrieve my lute.” There were several groans and complaints. More than a few patrons went back to their conversations. “It’ll only take a moment – I promise!” I opened my fingers to release a fistful of magic and closed them around the still materializing neck of my lute. There were several ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’. As the swirling tendrils of magic faded, the lute in my hand now looked rather mundane, save the slight bluish glow to its strings and tuning keys.

I hopped up onto the stage’s lone barstool and crossed my dangling legs at the ankles. Realizing how childlike that probably looked, one foot quickly sought and found a crossbar to rest upon and I recrossed my legs at the knee - like a lady. “We’re all familiar with the majesty of the Gold Coast, for who here in Anvil has not been captivated by an Abecean sunset?” I paused to smile, noting what seemed to be interest, or at least curiosity, on the faces of several customers. “I expect many of you draw your very sustenance from the sea?” There were numerous nods, a few affirmative grunts, and several in the audience raised their sloshing tankards in acknowledgement.

I was beginning to feel a bit more confident. “How many have seen the Sea of Ghosts and the haunting beauty it displays as it crashes against the northern coast of Skyrim?” Not a single hand rose, but most eyes were now upon me. “I’m not surprised, for her sights and secrets are well-guarded by many hazards.” I counted myself lucky that I was, for the most part, now holding the attention of these hard-drinking seafarers. After all, I knew from my travels in Skyrim that a big-breasted Nordic bard with an average voice generally kept the attention of tavern goers better than an elven songbird. “But it is also a place where majestic whales dance, and mountains of blindingly blue-white ice grow right out of the sea! Birds with fins instead of wings fly through the water, and giant guardians cloaked in white fur patrol the coast.” I raised my lute into position. “If you’ll permit me, I’ll show you.”

My fingers strummed gently a few times, grateful that the magical instrument easily translated my skill with a bowstring to the strings of a lute. “As I sing, allow yourself to visualize the images carried by my voice.” Focusing on the ruggedly frigid coast of Winterhold, I began - 3:50 You Tube music vid

What a wonderful little snippet from Buffy´s life!

I really like that ability of hers to project images of places into the minds of her listeners as she sings. Better than any slide show we have here, and I bet her voice is as a hunting as the Sea of Ghosts itself

And I can safely say that if it wasn´t Lothran telling the others to "shuddup", then it was me..


-Thanks for the beautiful song, Buffy! I look forward to your future endeavours!

Buffy the Bard! Very nice. "A warm Flowing Bowl welcome" sounds like something I could do without though.

The tavern patron's reactions had me chuckling most heartily. A mixed reaction to the appearance of a skinny Bosmer in place of their usual buxom Nord, but I can only imagine the looks on their faces when she started to sing.


I can relate to the problems you mentioned with Buffy's adaptation to Skyrim. I've been through Morrowind, Oblivion, Skyrim and ESO with Haa-Rei so I tend to pull everything into a big jumble of miscellaneous lore and mechanics. Fortunately most loops and holes can be fixed with magic.

She's been taking lessons from Lisette, hasn't she?

Summoning the lute is all part of the showmanship. Get the audience's attention, and they'll start to believe you deserve it. After all, that's just what the Nord was doing.

A delightful night at Maenlorn and Caenlorn's place. I guess the real question is whether Buffy can tell them apart?

I love the catcalls and chatter of the audience. It sounds like Freya is a weeble, she wobbles but she don't fall down.

A brilliant idea to craft Buffy the Blond Bardic Bosmer Bowgirl from Bravil's music as being deeply interwove with illusion magic! It meshes what we have always known as her most potent magical talent with her new bardic skillz. Now Teresa wants to journey to Skyland to see the frozen seas and hear the whale's songs.

Wait, so SubRosa's cat is overweight and bosomy with a terrible singing voice?



I love this line!

That music vid Buffy's singing was very Skyrim-esque! I could see almost picture the icy peaks and whales dancing!!!

Welcome back, dearest Buffy!!! You have been greatly missed !!!!

I was thinking this too! One of them is overweight! But not Freya. The all have terrible singing voices though!

When I read that I pictured a rotund Khajiit with 6 ample breasts bulging under her shirt,

Congratulations to Buffy for gaining attention of her public, I assume that seafarers are not impressed easily. My favorite scene is as she summons her lute, you wrote that really well, I could imagine people looking at her, surprise in their eyes. A really beautiful song with matching lyrics for the end. It'll be difficult now for Freya to impress the public again.

P.S.
As usual, I also learned some new English words from your story.

Poor Buffy, needing to contend against buxom Nords in order to keep her audience's attention! Her nervousness really shines through here, but she manages magnificently. And I love the way she summons her lute, and weaving illusion magic into her song - I've always really enjoyed it when a story gives us some of the mundane practical uses magic is put to in Tamriel, and Buffy has always managed that magnificently.

Now, I must say I'm deeply curious about Buffy managing to visit 3E Cyrodiil and 4E Skyrim at the same time - I figured Buffy-in-Skyrim had just lived through the intervening years, not actually time travelling! That sounds like an interesting story. Pleeaaase, Buffy? I'll bribe you with... *considers options* ...the umbrella/"Rainshield" spell from Adryn's world? I'm sure it can be extended to keep Superian dry as well!

I hear you about adaptation problems, by the way. I'm playing one character in Skyrim now who's originally from Morrowind, and she's not really sure how to view things like suddenly regenerating magicka despite her Atronach birthsign (and the fact that she had to hike out into the middle of nowhere to get her birthsign, grrr), the fact that Soultrap is now a Conjuration spell, or the sudden proliferation of constant effect enchantments!

(Also, thank you for the kind words about Adryn! )

Jerric and I enjoyed Buffy’s beautiful, magically multi-media song several times today. He loves it because of course Buffy and also because it made him remember the dreams where he can fly. I’m a sucker for Elven songbirds and penguin swimbirds.

I loved how Buffy won over the boisterous crowd just by being Buffy. Her adjustment to the Freya-sized bar stool was charming!

I feel the struggle with working different game mechanics into one story where magic needs to be consistent. Jerric is campaigning to put an ESO spell into his Oblivion story. It’s the one he calls ‘Ignite Farts.’ (Not its real name.) As ever you and Buffy are an inspiration.

Great information on Buffy's world, Acadian and the changes that came with it. This is awesome.



I laughed at this. Especially the last two. So Freya is absent, and in her place comes in Buffy the Bard. Has a nice ring to it. I can just picture the patrons making those comments. The way the words brought them to life was so amusing that I'm chuckling just as I write this

Buffy's introduction was just as accurate as any event where the show was given from some unexpected stranger. Buffy eased out of an awkward situation and slipped more into a better one as her confidence was found and the crowd was more receptive.

What a nice song!!

mirocu- Thank you! Though it is ‘SkyBuffy’ sharing her stories, many of them will be set comfortably in Lothran’s 3rd Era.

hazmick- Fully embracing only one 'version' of Buffy who can time travel has actually ‘freed’ us to write happily in 3rd Era settings – if that makes sense. Thank you!

ghastley- Buffy has indeed been taking lessons from our favorite bard, Lisette. And how astute of you to point out why Buffy intentionally opted to delay summoning her lute until up on stage.

SubRosa- Freya the Weeble – what a perfect name for the busty bard! Thank you for your kind words about Buffy incorporating illusionary visions into her music.

mALX- Aww, thanks! I’m so glad you enjoyed the description of Buffy’s lute materializing, and agree with me that the music vid ‘feels’ quite Skyrimesque.

Lopov- Thank you for those kind words and enjoying the magical appearance of Buffy’s lute. I wouldn’t worry about Freya being able to follow Buffy – she has a couple impressive talents of her own.

Kazaera- Thanks for noting how Buffy’s nervousness gradually transitioned to confidence – I hoped that would come through well. I’m going to ask your forgiveness and remain coy about Buffy’s time travel until we can tell that story in our fiction. I confess I’m also still toying with about three possibilities and want to take some time to ponder which suits her best.

Grits- Thank you so much! I’m thrilled that ‘being Buffy’ still comes through after our lengthy sabbatical from fiction writing. While embracing SkyBuff keeps her gaming exclusively in Skyrim, I’m delighted to have discovered that it also frees our fiction to write anytime/anywhere in Tamriel.

DE- I’m so glad you enjoyed the rowdy taverners’ comments and Buffy’s song. And thanks for your kind words as Buffy muddled beyond her awkward opening moments on stage.

*

As Buffy’s short stories will range widely across Tamrielic time and provinces, I think it might be helpful to introduce each with mention of its ‘setting’. This next one-episode story finds Buffy in 3rd Era Cyrodiil, before she learned how to travel between Eras.



Sanguine’s shrine rivaled the surrounding trees in height. The chubby horned elf of gray stone with a tankard in one hand watched over his revelers. Two Bosmer and a Khajiit in various states of dress and sobriety paid little attention as I slipped from Superian’s saddle to the ground.

From my mage satchel I produced a flask of Cyrodiilic brandy, then approached the shrine.

“You look familiar,” slurred one of the Bosmer.

“My name is Buffy and I was here a long time ago.”

Recognition appeared in his eyes. “Ah, yes. Buffet. I remember now. My Lord sent you to Leyawiin to loosen you up.”

“Stand aside, please. My business is with Lord Sanguine.”

He frowned, but did move out of my way. “Looks like my Lord’s goal to loosen you up failed. A shame, as you look like such a tasty little thing.” He lecherously licked his lips then grinned.

I sighed and approached the Prince of Debauchery. After placing the flask at his feet, I addressed the shrine. “Lord Sanguine. I successfully completed the task you asked for in Leyawiin some time ago. I ask that you return the red dress I was wearing when I cast your spell upon the Countess of Leyawiin and her guests.”

From everywhere and nowhere, his sarcastic voice filled the air around me. “The prodigal elf has returned, and successfully so it seems. Did you lose track of time?”

I stifled my bristling anger. “I was delayed, My Lord, by your colleague and his minions at Kvatch.”

“Dagon never would take my advice to lighten up. You could learn from that lesson, my tight-butted little elf.” He laughed cheerfully, blunting some of the sting in his words. “But no matter, for time means little to us immortals. You did a fine job in Leyawiin ‘exposing’ that stuffy countess and her noble friends. I must say it was a stroke of genius how you made an excuse to slip out of the dining hall so no one saw you cast my spell. When you reappeared naked yourself, the guards assumed you were a victim too. I almost spit brandy when one of the oafs chivalrously covered you with his own surcoat! Ah, yes, you provided me quite the pleasant diversion that evening. Well done!”

“I’m pleased the task was completed to your satisfaction, My Lord. The dress? You see I borrowed it from a-“

“Yes, yes, I’m sure you did.” I heard what seemed to be a bored yawn. “You’ll find your dress and whatever else you were wearing in the chest right behind you.”

I turned around in time to see a flat-topped sea chest of dwemer construction grow from a cloud of magic. The gray container radiated a continuous dull blue glow. I saw no latches but, as I passed my hand over the top, the lid slid open. Sure enough, I found Delphine Jend’s burgundy and green silk dress inside – none the worse for wear. I also found myself quite intrigued by the chest itself. I faced the shrine again. “Thank you, My Lord.”

“See?” he said. “No harm and a good time was had by all. In appreciation, I’ll even let you have one of my prized artifacts. Behold! Sanguine’s Rose!”

The conjuration magic this time was right in front of me, where a thorned staff appeared. It was topped by what appeared to be a carved rose in early bloom. I stared at the artifact hovering before me. Another staff? Sheogorath and Vaermina had long ago given me staves as well – which now sat gathering dust in the Arcane University’s Mystic Archives.

“I’m sure you’re bursting to know what it does!” exclaimed Sanguine proudly.

“Actually, I-“

“It briefly conjures a random daedra to help fight your foes!” he interrupted.

Like the one that killed my Savlian, I thought grimly. “Surely you must be reluctant to part with such a magnificent artifact, My Lord. Perhaps a more modest token might serve me just as well and allow you to retain your beautiful Rose?”

“You would dare bargain with a Daedra Lord?” he boomed ominously.

I gulped.

“You must have the stones of a minotaur hidden in those tight little greaves of yours.” His laughter then filled the meadow. “Very well, I’ll hear your proposal.”

I released the breath I just realized I'd been holding.

Emboldened by the fact that I was still an elf instead of an ash pile, I said, “Perhaps Your Lordship would consider keeping his magnificent staff and, instead, gifting this humble elf with the magical chest holding my red dress. . . and one other small favor that I’m sure is insignificant to one as powerful as yourself.”

He replied, “What a shame you are such prudish thing, for I can imagine countless uses for that silver tongue besides clever flattery.” He laughed again. “Ah, yes, the chest. . . ‘tis but one of my tens of thousands of realms. A tiny realm, yes, but notably larger inside than it appears. I’m intrigued. Continue.”

“In addition to the ability of summoning this magical chest, I would ask for the lifting from my spellbook of your magic that rather traumatically removes clothing.”

“I agree with your requests,” he said, “subject to two. . . minor conditions of my own.”

“The first condition?” I asked nervously.

“A simple thing, really. Join me for a friendly little drinking contest. It doesn’t have to be soon. As I’ve said, time is rather meaningless to a Daedric Prince. Shall I call for you in, say, two hundred years or so? Perhaps you will have loosened up some by then.”

I was mystified by his nonsensical request. . . but could see neither harm nor any real chance of it ever happening. “Agreed. And your second condition, My Lord?”

“Not that I’m a perverted voyeur, mind you. . . well, actually I am, but If you cast that Let’s Get Naked spell right here and now for me, I will then remove it from your repertoire of magicks and gift you with a spell to conjure the chest you desire.” He chuckled. “I assure you that I’m referring the blue dwemer box behind you, not the modest contents of your blouse.”

“And I assure you, Lord Sanguine, that Nordic breasts would hinder more than help this small-framed archer and equestrienne.”

“So you do have a sense of humor, after all!" he boomed jovially. "Well, will you humor me and display your wares in exchange for the dwemer box?”

“Agreed, My Lord.”

“Splendid!” The staff in front of me evaporated into a small puff of magic. I looked behind me to see that the magical chest had vanished as well. “We’ll talk about the staff again perhaps during our date in a couple centuries. And you will be able to summon that box as soon as you banish your clothing to it.”

By now, Sanguine’s three revelers were seated on the benches arrayed around the shrine, waiting for the show. I supposed I shouldn’t have expected to come away from negotiating with a Daedra Lord unscathed. Oh well, nothing I hadn’t displayed to countless waterfalls. I lifted my hand and cast Sanguine’s spell. Sure enough, I and the three revelers were instantly and fully exposed.

“Well done!” cried Sanguine. “While I do like to tease, you’ve been a good sport and have quite the fine little figure, my dear.”

The three revelers applauded, stood and opened several bottles of wine. The older Bosmer said, “Seeing as you’re now properly undressed, are you sure you won’t stay for dinner? Our Khajiiti sister here gives the best kitty licks, and you can be the main course!”

I couldn’t help but smile. “I appreciate the offer, but I’m sure I have somewhere else I have to be.”

Pleased to note that Sanguine had indeed replaced his silly spell, I filled my hand with the new magic and cast it. Sure enough, the magical chest appeared, floating slightly above the ground. I retrieved my clothing, dressed and dispelled the chest.

As I approached Superian, I said, “Did you enjoy the show?”

The mare nickered softly.

After mounting Superian, I turned her south.

“Acadian, you really don’t need to tell anyone about all this.”

“Of course not, Buffy,” he replied with a chuckle.

I glanced at the westering sun. “We should easily make Skingrad by nightfall. We’ll get a room at the tavern instead of the guild – I’ve dealt with enough lechery today without Vigge trying to watch me sleep.”

“That new chest seems deceptively large inside,” remarked Acadian. “There should be plenty of room for camping gear and provisions. Even spare waterskins, I should imagine.”

“And all the other things a girl needs. The shoe shoppe opens first thing in the morning.”

An excellent chapter. Buffy seems to have developed a distaste for Daedra, which is hardly surprising given her past experiences.

A pocket realm of Oblivion inside a summon-able chest? Now that is a clever idea. Haa-Rei is now trying to figure out how to make one of his own.

Wait a moment. Does this mean that Buffy has actually managed to fill her Bag of Infinite Holding with shoes, and she needs another container? Maybe she just has so much in that one, she can't find what she's looking for.

Or is it just one for now, and another for later? So she can have a separate stash in Skyrim?

My gosh, those people sure aren't very nice to your tight-butted elf, eh? Undressing in front of them all = yicch! Poor elf. [censored].

I'm hearing the voice of James Earl Jones when Dagon speaks.

I have to say that out of all the Daedra, Sanguine at least have a sense of humor unlike some other ones. Not without consequences though.

But at least Buffy got a nice chest out of the deal! And to be honest I don´t know if any pun was intended or not here...

I can definitely attest that Buffy has some impressive stones under those buskins... Maybe not Fighters Guild stones, but some real rocks nonetheless.

I don't blame Buffy for not wanting Sanguine's staff. For one thing, there's no telling where its been! Let alone the associations with monsters that tried to destroy the world, and did slay her beloved.

Uh oh, I think Buffy might regret agreeing to that drinking contest in 200 years!

Let's not forget the shoes!




Maybe not as nice as Sigrid's, but still pretty good...

Well now we know Bill Clinton's Sanguine's "act of choice,"



Uh...but Acadian never said he wouldn't write it down and post it for all of us to read, dear Buffy!

BWAAHAA !!!!

This was so much more the feel of Buffy's voice here in this chapter; I can tell you were totally immersed in the writing here! (and I see foreshadowing for Buffy doing Sanguine's quest in Skyrim in this one, too - WOO HOO! )

I'm assuming you have a summonable chest as a mod? I need something like that, lol.

And Buffy shoe shopping to fill the chest had me in stitches!!!

And yes, Viggie's bedhopping can keep you from getting well rested in that Guild hall, lol. I think if you sleep downstairs he leaves you alone, lol.

Awesome Write !!!!!

Nice recollection of events at Sanguine's Shrine. When Sanguine was about to reveal his conditions, I expected one of them will be for Buffy to expose herself. Judging from reactions of Sanguine's worshippers, it was quite a sight to see.

Ah, the introduction let me focus on Buffy’s words from the very first one without any wondering about where or when. Thank you for that!

I’m tickled to find out what happened after Leyawiin with the Sanguine situation. Buffy’s magical wardrobe is a charming part of her duality. A wanderer who needs a pocket realm to hold her accouterments!

Every bit of the dialog with the sly Lord of Lechery and his revelers made me grin. I love how Sanguine countered Buffy’s proposal for the chest and one favor by adding two conditions of his own. The future drinking contest was a masterful touch!

Buffy’s grim reminder of Kvatch and Savlian hit close to home. I imagine it would be difficult for veterans of the Oblivion Crisis to deal with any kind of dremora.

The gentle exchange with Acadian at the end made a warm finish to the Sanguine box business. Camping gear, water skins, and new shoes, that’s Buffy!

Buffy dealing with Daedric princes! Wonderful. Some people would assume a dress and getting rid of an annoying spell weren't worth bargaining with Sanguine, but not our intrepid bowgirl! And she nabs a chest that's larger on the inside! Nice, and definitely better than yet another staff for the walls of the Arcane University.



Buffy, no! It's a trap! It's... oh no, she's already accepted. /o\ I have the sneaking suspicion you'll regret that agreement, Buffy. And it won't be in two hundred years from your perspective.

Finally:

hazmick- Thank you! Buffy’s tried several clever storage options, but I think she likes this summoned chest the best.

ghastley- Our thinking is that her ‘bag of holding’ is now a more modest mage satchel that can serve more as a day pack with her heavy duty needs and cold food storage etc in the summonable chest. Peeking ahead, Buffy has to time travel naked, so everything she needs has to be conjurable.

Renee- Thank you! I figure it does take some stones to barter with a Daedric Prince and not become an ash pile.

mirocu- Thanks. I agree that Sanguine is . . . not disgusting like several of his colleagues are.

SubRosa- I remember the frustration Buffy felt after her second useless staff (from Vaermina). One more from Sanguine was just too much! Yup, a girl can’t have too many shoes or too much closet space, she figures. Thank you!

mALX- Thank you! I’m so glad you could see the Buffy you know in that episode. Yes, we do have a summonable chest mod.

Lopov- Thanks! I figure Sanguine lives up to his title as the Prince of Debauchery.

Grits- Thanks for the feedback about including a few ‘scene-setting’ notes preceding the stories. It never quite fit into our fiction plans to get Buffy back to Sanguine for her Leyawiin reward during Book 1. But what she would want from it has been firmly in mind for a very long time. Nice to share this bit of unfinished business.

Kazaera- Thank you. Yes, Buffy may regret her deal with Sanguine. She is a bit prudish when it comes to her behavior, but not so much about dropping her clothes. I figure it’s a ‘child of nature’ wood elf thing.

*

Our next story focuses on how the Bards College helped Buffy refine her vocal gifts. This takes place in Skyrim during one of her time traveling excursions. This story actually precedes her performance at the Flowing Bowl that she shared with you a couple stories ago.

Each of the five episodes that comprise this tale culminates in a music vid. I have been ruthless in my editing to ensure the prose portions are both short and sharply focused on setting up the music vid selection that crowns each episode. My hope is that you will be able to see, hear and feel Buffy's gradual progression from an amusingly humble start to what we know that she is capable of.



My long day in the saddle melted away into the warm bathwater. Closing both eyes, I began softly singing for Acadian. When I heard the door creak ajar, then quietly shut, I closed my mouth and opened my eyes.

“Your singing is beautiful, Buffy, please don’t stop.” It was Lisette, the Winking Skeever’s bard. She also helped serve drinks and tended the inn’s bath for any women staying there.

“That’s quite the compliment from a songstress of your skill, Lisette, but I’m too self-conscious to perform for others the way you can.” I stood, and gratefully accepted the towel she had brought.

Undeterred, Lisette said, “Look, I know a beautiful voice when I hear it. Why I believe I could even see the images of butterflies in a meadow as you sang.”

I nodded slightly as I combed out my damp hair. “It wasn’t your imagination, it was mine. I can’t help the images that flow through my singing voice. So now you know another reason I could never sing publically.”

She stared at me. “Do you know how many bards would love to have such an ability?” She took the towel from me and handed me my clothes.

“I’m a traveler and adventuress, not a bard,” I said as I dressed.

“Buffy, many bards are travelers. Why, on the road is where the inspiration for so many tales and songs comes from. Look. I’m just finishing my shift. Let me introduce you to Pantea Ateia, Dean of Vocals at the Bards College.”

“Now?” I asked as Lisette helped tie back my ponytail.

“Of course, now!” The larger woman grabbed my hand and I had little choice as she led me out the door.

*

“Lady Pantea, this is Buffy,” said Lisette. “You simply must hear. . . and see her gift!”

The stately Imperial who had just swept into the recital room was well dressed. She smiled at me. “Lisette has an ear as fine as her voice, so I look forward to hearing yours. Do you have a song in mind?”

I nervously shook my head.

Unphased, Pantea said, “Do you know A Dragonborn Comes?” In response to my nod, she smiled encouragingly and continued, “Its popularity and heroic message make it a wonderfully forgiving first tune for a nervous bard. Lisette will accompany you on lute.”

Lisette grabbed a lute and strummed a verse of the song to warm up. “Show us your voice, Buffy, and the gift that it carries.”

The dragon I knew best was Phantom and I thought of her as I opened my mouth. I was still nervous as a chipmunk, but hoped it didn’t reflect in my voice. What I saw on Lisette and Pantea’s faces as I sang, however, was not very encouraging.

1:36 min music video

A wonderful song, perfectly vocalized by our dear Buffy! Her gifts (voice and ability) are more precious than gold



*sniff*


-Keep it up, girl!

Nicely written conversation between Buffy and Lisette as she helps the singing Elf in the inn's bath.

As mirocu says, the song is perfectly vocalized for Buffy so I have to wonder why would Lisette and Pantea not be enthusiastic about it.

Do I smell a slight story arc coming on, with things lost in caves? Maybe it's the "Part 1" in the title that does it.

A bathtub in the Winking Skeever? Pictures, or it didn't happen!

Vivid images of dragons might be a bit daunting to those who haven't met one, I suppose. And since Buffy isn't Dragonborn, her images may be different from their expectations.

Why, on the road is where the inspiration for so many tales and songs comes from
Talsgar speaks!

A lovely little story of how Buffy found her voice.

Oh how fun to get to see Buffy evolve from a beautiful and charming but untrained singer-songpicturemaker to the uniquely gifted bard that we saw win over the crowd at the Flowing Bowl!

I’m told that Buffy in the bath is a great place to start any story. Some suggest that Buffy sing a song about that part. I am beside myself with delight seeing her interact with familiar faces in Skyrim!

Your editing discipline is admirable. Part 1 is a precisely cut jewel. I love it!

What a cute little Elfin voice Buffy has in this episode! Like Ghastley, I see a future for Buffy in the Bard College coming up, perhaps helping them retrieve certain lost instruments! How exciting, and one of my favorite fun questlines in Skyrim; but with Buffy involved I know it will be AWESOME !!!

Loved the natural scene with Lisette, easily visualized !!! Awesome Write!

Unfinished Business – Buffy and the Box.

Sanguine. An amusing Daedric Prince. After a brief encounter with Sanguine overly friendly servant, Buffy deals with the Prince of Reverly. Sanguine, though a Daedric Prince, was very, uh, willing when it came to giving Buffy her stuff. Must have been tough to even deal with Dremora, as Grits mentioned. After the Oblivion Crisis, people's tolerance for Daedra shifted quite a bit.

Fun fact about Sanguine's Pocket Realms: "Oblivion plane is an expression of its Prince's very nature, so to say that each 'craves absolute control' of his or her sphere is inexact, as a desire for 'absolute control' is not central to every Prince's nature. To use the example you chose yourself, Sanguine's Myriad Realms of Revelry is a congeries of pocket and sub-realms, within which Sanguine grants his guests considerable latitude for personal customization, as each mini-realm can be refashioned to meet the needs and desires of its visitants. It is in Sanguine's nature to indulge the natures of others, particularly their darker desires—so to Sanguine, 'absolute control' is anathema."

Sanguine doesn't seem too bad

A Bard’s Tale – Part 1

Buffy must have a beautiful voice if it captures the attention of a bard. Nice introduction to Lady Pantea and a song I believe all of us are not unfamiliar with

Wow yeah, Buffy can sing! I love the mixed-media thing you've got going on here. It's neat how the story just ends with their faces in shock or whatever.

This story is reminding me of Gabrielle on the Xena show, who was also a bard, and there's all these episodes that deal with her struggling to get better at it while she's traveling all over the place.

mirocu- Thank you! The songs Buffy will sing during the five parts of this story are all actual bardic songs featured in either Skyrim or ESO.

Lopov- Despite the brevity of the prose portions in this series, I’m grateful that you found the interactions still seemed effective. I expect Lady Pantea will provide Buffy plenty of guidance to fine tune her natural talents going forward.

ghastley- You are right that Buffy’s projected image of a dragon (and her tempo, I might add) will need some adjusting by the pros to suit Skyrim audiences. Due to our sharp focus on developing Buffy’s musical gifts, we won’t be able to work any Bards College quests into this series. Great idea for later short stories however!

SubRosa- Thank you. I look forward to showing how, with plenty of help, Buffy develops some more depth to her abilities. Between you and me, Talsgar has probably (unknown to Buffy) seen and heard the elf singing while bathing in various rivers, ponds and waterfalls across Skyrim.

Grits- It is not easy to bring the verbose elf in with a low word count, but I really do want the actual songs to take center stage during this tale – your endorsement that my editing still retained what it needed to is very encouraging. That Flowing Bowl performance really was a good peek at the ‘end product’, whereas this series shows some of the sausage making required to get there – thanks for pointing that out!

mALX- Thank you for your kind words! I do agree that Buffy’s chipmunk nervousness did produce kind of a cute singing voice. She’ll need to settle down some for Skyrim audiences though.

DE- I consider you an authority when it comes to most of the Daedric Princes, so your encouraging words were most welcome. I agree that Sanguine is not so bad in his own way. And more songs ahead!

Renee- Thanks! How neat about Gabrielle and her barding! I say that because I confess some influence from Xena and Gabrielle when it comes to scenes involving the mighty Sir Mazoga and little blond Buffy.

*

A note on Buffy’s singing voice: While the amazing Enya often lends the haunting beauty of her voice to help power Buffy’s songs, this entire short series features the voice of a stunningly talented songstress called Malukah. Her voice was artificially accelerated during the above episode to achieve our intended ‘chipmunk’ effect. The remaining four songs, however, are not accelerated and I think you will readily agree that Malukah’s voice magnificently enables Buffy to project the passion she is capable of through song.

In the first episode (of five) in A Bard’s Tale, Buffy got dragged into trying to sing for two professional bards. Even as she was singing, she could see that they were not impressed.



As my song finished, Lisette’s valiant efforts to stifle a giggle were faltering into facial contortions. Lady Pantea’s eyebrows had traveled up and down her forehead reflecting surprise, curiosity and very possibly some dismay. My eyes went to my feet, regretting I had ever agreed to sing for someone other than my paladin.

It was Lady Pantea who spoke. “Buffy, that was. . . fascinating. Let us begin by discussing your voice. Every note was flawlessly in key. You allowed your nervousness, however, to run away with your tempo. I’m surprised Lisette’s fingers could keep up on the lute.”

“Too fast?” I said, looking up to meet her eyes.

“Like a little chipmunk.” Her face creased into a warm smile and she placed a hand comfortingly on my shoulder. “We can fix that though. If you pull your voice up from deep within instead of just from your mouth and throat, it will necessarily slow you down. At first, you will also find it helpful to consciously think about tempo as well as take your pacing from Lisette’s lute. Can you remember those things?”

In response to my nod, she continued, “As for your nervousness, take comfort that you are among friends here who want to help bring out the talent that both Lisette and I can clearly see. I have performed for kings, courts and festivals all across Skyrim for many years. I have also trained countless young voices. If and when I proclaim you ready for real audiences, you may rest assured that they will not find you lacking.”

I snuck a peek at Lisette to see her nodding encouragingly.

Pantea continued, “Now let’s talk about this amazing gift you have of projecting images via your voice. How much control do you have?”

“I have no say over the fact that my singing voice carries visions. What you see are reflections of what a song means to me and flashbacks of what I have seen in my travels. I do have some control over what memories I focus on.”

“I see,” said Pantea. “Do you understand that few share your interpretation of dragons? Most do not see them as creatures to peacefully frolic with in some idyllic meadow.”

I nodded. “I was at Helgen when it was destroyed.”

Pantea’s eyes widened. “Then you do understand the carnage they can bring and the terrifying feelings of helplessness that such nearly indestructible monsters inspire.”

I shuddered as I recalled exactly what Pantea was talking about. “I-I remember.”

“Buffy, that song serves to not only remind people of the horror and death that dragons bring, but to inspire them with hope that the gods have not abandoned them. That a hero will arise who is mighty enough to slay even dragons.” She squeezed both my hands and studied my face carefully. “Do you understand?”

“I believe I do, Lady Pantea.”

“Splendid!” She replied. “Let us try it again, ladies. Buffy, pull your voice up from down deep. Take your pacing from Lisette’s lute. Remember Helgen.”

Lisette began strumming through one verse to help set our tempo.

This time, I did not seek the comfort of Acadian’s beautiful ice dragaon, Phantom. Rather, I focused on the grim horror and carnage I knew that Alduin and his ilk were capable of.

As Lisette’s lute returned to the top of the melody, I began to sing.

1:55 min music video

Once again Buffy delivers! Such a nice song that inspires hope, even in the darkest of times

Yeah, what Crow says about "darkest times". Because Skyrim is a darker game for sure.

I found the part when she sees visions as she sings especially intriguing. It's rather Sethian, as in "Seth Speaks", if you're familiar. A spirit who speaks through a medium, basically. And I remember there was a part when Seth speaks of music as being multi-dimensional and multi-faceted, and actually more than what we hear with our ears.

Well anyway, that is pretty neat, playing a bard, taking up the role of a bard. Lopov has had a bard too. I don't think I ever have.

“Like a little chipmunk.”
Suddenly I am thinking her song sounded a little like this...

Buffy gave us a wonderfully haunting melody this time out.

I imagine that if Buffy ever learns to play the violin, it might sound like this.

Haha, the tempo! I can so see that happening. (I've definitely let my speed run away with me before in public speaking for the same reason).

I love Buffy being a bard, it suits her so well. And Lisette and Lady Pantea are really lovely in drawing her out past her shyness and feelings of inadequacy (don't worry, Buffy! We've all been there!) and getting her to the woman who sang at the Flowing Bowl earlier. What an intriguing ability she has, as well, and I really like how it works - she doesn't choose what to project, but she can choose what to focus on as she sings! I have to admit I can imagine some, ah, embarrassing moments if her mind jumps somewhere it shouldn't go as she sings...

I like that you write in such details beginnings of Buffy's bardic career. My favorite part of the latest tale is when Buffy's eyes widen upon hearing that it was a bit too fast, I could easily picture her doing that.

Neat song, and it does sound more calm, especially after listening to the previous one again.

This was fantastic! I have never seen that trailer vid for Skyrim that Buffy conjured up with her song; that was amazing and really brought the Helgen attack to life!


When they were talking about not picturing dragons frolicking with Buffy in a field, I was reminded of this screen of a Buffy-ish blonde and her dragons frolicking in a field:


https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RHTw8BxU1fk/maxresdefault.jpg



But after hearing Buffy sing the song with the horror that was Helgen in the images she brought forth - much better!

Awesome chapter !!!


As you know, my 20 day free trial on the voice software has ended, so I've been using the online (one sentence at a time) one for Buffy's story. Tell Buffy I'm sorry it took so long to get it read! (Most def worth it though) !!!

I have to confess, when Jerric hears Malukah’s voice in the ESO taverns, he thinks of Buffy.

What a powerful and haunting performance Buffy gave for her second rendition of the Dragonborn song. Only someone who has witnessed horror and believes in heroes could come up with images like that. Not only does Buffy have the rare gift to share what she imagines, but she is the rare soul who can be trusted to use it. Well done, Buffy!

Lady Pantea is just marvelous here. Love it!