Awesome, thanks for providing that quick summary of Daelin's relationship. Sorry for my abrupt questions but I got stuck on that detail about her house. I'll probably get stuck on other details in the future. "But why.... ?"

See, that's good. They'd be better off allowing her to join them since she does have some knowledge of how Daedric forces work. In fact she'll be able to provide some useful information, so yeah, that's smart.

I like that you're taking the Main Quest seriously by writing an in-depth story about it, and blending it into Buffy's tale. So many have complained about it (being cliche or generic or whatever) but I enjoyed it. I always wanted to write a Renee version of the Main Quest, but the moment has long passed.

Anyway, let's see what happens next as they prepare for ... whatever shall come.

Just as you said. Buffy will do it for Boderi and her friends.

I do not think anyone's dealings with Count Terentius have been encouraging...

Hopefully Hannibal in Buffy's world is not played by Anthony Hopkins...

So Phillida is keeping 300 years in the city for its defense. That should protect it for a long time! It looks like he is thinking several moves ahead.

Lunchbucket is an awesome name for a donkey. Much better than Number Seven.

Tell Buffy to look out for Prizna when she's near the Bravil gate. She may wants some help.

I'm looking forward to some interesting negotiations with the Counts and Countesses. Especially ones she's had to deal with before. And I assume she might meet Jauffre again at the Great Gate party. That should be fun!

Who better than to provide the necessary aid to combat the Daedra than someone who's been within their Oblivion Gates and saw the destructive power of that terrible siege crawler? Phillida is making good progress, no doubt learning from the exploits of others of his station in battles prior.

Its great to hear the potential for allies here as the counties and guilds might lend a helping hand to combat the Daedric threat

Lunchbucket! The carrier of Sheogorath's staff!

A dangerous thing indeed to poke at a nest full of Mythic Dawn agents. Being the fanatical zealots they are, they'll stop at nothing to complete their task, and right now Buffy is the threat that can thwart their efforts. The Blades must act quickly in identifying those sleeper agents. Anyone can be Mythic Dawn.

Great chapter as the plans are being set by our daring heroes! Looking forward to see this tale unfold!

Again, I'm happy to see Buffy back at it!

I love that recruiting allies for Bruma is a team effort. It will be great to see Dame Buffy return to Bravil and Leyawiin.

I’m glad that Agronak warned Buffy about Mythic Dawn sleeper agents. Yikes!

Renee- To put it in Renee terms, Mazoga and Agronak will fill the more visible/heroic ‘Xena’ role during the crisis that is normally performed by the player character in Oblivion. Buffy’s role in resolving the Oblivion Crisis will be one of ‘Gabriel’ support – even as she pursues an unrelated but life-changing path of her own.

SubRosa- I expect Buffy’s dealings with Count Caro in Leyawiin will be cordial, but not without some unexpected twists. You are right though to expect some confrontational sparks when Buffy tries to deal with His Pompousness in Bravil. I fondly remember Number Seven from Teresa’s fiction.

ghastley- Buffy will be trying to get help from Leyawiin and Bravil while others are soliciting the other counties. She hopes Boderi will subsequently assign her to the Mages Guild contingent supporting Bruma in time to help at the Great Gate party.

DE- Thanks for pointing out some of the moving parts. Buffy’s role will be fairly minor and we only get to really see what she sees. Therefore, I’m trying to indirectly reveal some of what else is happening - the two orcs functioning as Martin’s champions and doing most of the Main Quest hero stuff, several emissaries besides Buffy soliciting aid from the counties that Buffy is not tasked to visit, undercover Blades trying to ferret out Mythic Dawn sleeper agents. . . .

Grits- I’m so pleased you agree that it makes sense to spread the ‘recruiting allies for Bruma’ effort around so Martin’s orcish pair of champions can concentrate on the heavy lifting of the Main Quest. I thought the task assigned Buffy would be most appropriate, given how diligent and successful she was at gathering forces for Savlian so they could ultimately recapture Kvatch back in Book 1.

*

Previously- As Mazoga, Agronak and Boderi discussed the need to reinforce Bruma against an anticipated Great Oblivion Gate, Buffy’s immediate task was revealed: Travel south by ship to request aid from Leyawiin, then ride north and solicit the same from Bravil. Mazoga and Agronak explained the provisions already in progress by others to seek help from the remaining counties across Cyrodiil. After presenting the orcs with the Daedric artifact that Martin will eventually require, Buffy said farewell to her fellow knights as they headed west.




The following morning found Boderi and I seated in her parlor sharing a breakfast of fresh strawberries, warm sausage rolls and hot bergamot tea. The second book of my journal, covering travels in Valenwood, now resided next to its predecessor in Boderi’s private bookcase. My eyes were drawn to a beautiful tapestry depicting Julianos that hung above her mantel. It had not been there the day prior.

“Buffy,” she said before I could ask about the tapestry, “I asked you here this morning not only wish you well on your expedition south but to discuss your knighthood as it relates to our guild.”

The topic took me by surprise. “I assure you there is no conflict with my loyalty to the guild. Count Caro of Leyawiin dubbed Mazoga and I Knights Errant of the White Stallion as an honor after the two of us delivered justice to the notorious leader of the Black Bow Bandits. As the title implies, I am a free knight. A pledge of fealty to Leyawiin would only be required were I to accept promotion to Knight Sister.”

The Dunmer smiled and gently shook her head. “I have never questioned your loyalty, but always been interested in your growth.”

I had long ago learned that when Boderi spoke cryptically, the lessons she eventually imparted were worth my temporary confusion. I simply tilted my head and looked at the other elf, waiting as the fire in her hearth crackled softly.

“Tell me, young knight, what do you know about the Order of the Lamp?”

The question was unexpected and I felt like I was right back under Boderi’s instruction as a student. I stared absently at the ceiling’s wooden support beams as images of pages from countless tomes contained in the Mystic Archives flashed before the eyes of my memory.

I blinked the images away, then met Boderi’s gaze and replied, “The Order of the Lamp was formed by Vanus Galerion during the Second Era. As the guild’s first Arch Mage, he recognized the potential of magic for both good and evil. He believed that only Divine power was strong enough to illuminate and ferret out misuse of the arcane arts. Lamp Knights, more often referred to as Knights Arcana, were paladins – holy warriors selected and empowered by the Divines and devoted to combating evil. Although members of the guild, the loyalty of each Knight Arcana was to the Divines. These paladins were above corruption - not even the Arch Mage was beyond the scope of their righteous justice when it came to combating the use of magic for evil purposes.”

I paused for a sip of tea before continuing, “Well suited for operating independently, their tasks ranged from exploration and discovery, to investigation, enforcement and defense of the guild from forces of darkness. The Order was guided by a Palatinus who, at the pleasure of the Divines, coordinated directly with the Arch Mage.” I studied Boderi’s ruby eyes, searching for a passing grade.

She nodded. “Well done, Buffy. I see your uncanny ability to recall almost anything you read remains intact. And do you know what became of to the Order?”

“It is unclear,” I replied. “Most of the Knights Arcana, along with nearly a thousand battlemages, were killed during a great battle against Mannimarco and his army of necromancers – which suffered similar losses. Arch Mage Galerion was killed. Reportedly, so was the King of Worms but his body was never found. Several historians have speculated that, just as he had somehow survived the Planemeld after trying to usurp Molag Bal, Mannimarco once again defied death.” I shrugged. “Little is written about what subsequently became of the knights. Some say the Order of the Lamp dissolved after the death of Vanus Galerion. Other arcane scholars suggest the Order still quietly serves to this day, citing examples of evil mages who are inexplicably killed or simply disappear.”

“And what do you believe, Dame Buffy?”

“There’s a lamp shining brightly above each Divine’s altar in the University’s Chapel of the Nine,” I stated. “I suspect they burn there for a reason.”

“You suspect correctly.” I followed Boderi’s eyes up to the tapestry depicting Julianos - the god of both knowledge and magic. “The Council of Mages convened last night to discuss our role in the Oblivion Crisis and the dark times facing the Empire. I was asked to bring the Order out of the shadows and back into righteous lamplight. Arch Mage Traven believes that, at this point, there is more to be gained from the Order’s visible deterrence than its continued clandestine operations. I and the rest of the Council agreed.”

My eyes opened wide, as did my mouth. I managed to close the latter.

The dark elf who had forged me into a combat mage continued, “While it should be no surprise that I have always been involved in the quiet business of enforcement, intelligence gathering and special operations, my true position and title within the guild has been kept secret. Until now.”

I stared at her for a long time before one end of my mouth lifted into a crooked smile and I stammered, “D-Dame Boderi?”

“Yes, for longer than you have lived.” She dipped her head humbly and an aura of Divine white light surrounded her. “Paladin of Julianos and Palatinus to the Order of the Lamp.” The light then faded away.

My astonishment grew. In retrospect, however, I now recalled her attending frequent meetings in the Arch Mage’s tower. I had assumed her business there involved mundane matters such as the battlemage training program. Unsure how to react to this revelation, I stood, tugged Boderi to her feet and hugged her. My mentor’s arms around me were as warm and reassuring as ever. After we broke the embrace, I asked, “How many knights do you have?”

“Too few – which is the reason I wanted to privately speak to you this morning.” It was Boderi’s turn to tilt her head as she looked down into my eyes. “Dame Buffy, when you first came to me, you were an archer, seeking to augment your skills with knowledge of the arcane. I am proud of the elf that now stands before me. You are a fine mage who happens to be a knight. I urge that, just as you embraced the synergy between bow and magic, you now give consideration to a path that blends mage, knight and priest – the path of a paladin."

My head was spinning, but I managed to say, “If you would continue to guide my steps, I would learn your ways.”

“Your skill as both mage and knight is well established,” Boderi smiled warmly as she placed a hand on my cheek, “but a Knight of the Lamp is beyond fealty to any guild, county, empire or mortal. Arch Mage Galerion fully recognized that it would require no less than Divine sanction to keep the addictive allure of magical power in check. Accordingly, each Knight Arcana’s service is inspired by a patron Divine. This is not a course to approach lightly. I know from your journals that you travel with the spirit of an ancient Paladin of Kyne who I'm sure can advise you on the hardships that life as a paladin entails. The decision, however, ultimately lies with the Divines. Meditate and speak to the Nine. If one of them calls you to be a beacon in their name, I will be proud to call you fellow paladin.”

This episode had me digging back to the knightly orders in the TES II: Daggerfall game, where they existed for region and temple, with the Order of the Lamp being an exception in being based in the Mages Guild. The Knights of the Flame in ESO come directly from that origin, as do the Order of the Hour. In that game you could belong to the Lamp, plus one each of regional and temple. Buffy belongs to a regional order, so the only gap is the one for a Divine Temple. Hmmm......

Clark votes for Dibella, but he may have been influenced by the outfits in certain mods.

Ah, thank you for the delightful breakfast!

Dame Boderi gave me shivers!! I loved this episode.

On Episode 7 - you're doing a good job by describing how various factions of Cyrodiil are teaming up together to battle against the Daedric invasion, requiring Buffy's services either as a courier, negotiator or a seeker of crucial items required for the battle.

On Episode 8 - now Buffy has something to think about regarding the Knighthood. Divines would be "silly" not to call her.

Buffy as a Dame Paladin? Hrrm, too big a stretch? Not for this blonde Bravilian Bosmer bowgirl! Small she may be, but her spirit and heart are bigger than Superian in her Skyrim incarnation!

Looking forward to learning which Divine calls Buffy!

I wonder, has Buffy ever considered publishing her journal as a book(s)? I think the tale of her adventures would give Tamrielans a welcome alternative to Castra Scribonia's Woman Gone Wild...

If this was taking place in the real world, then The Order of the Lamp would be really creepy. A secret death squad that goes around killing people whom they deem are evil. Given that this is a fantasy world, and they are divinely aligned, I take it that they are a genuine force for good taking their orders from genuinely beneficent deities - like Mara and Julianos (little teapot and all). In which case it is a good thing they are there, and even better that they are coming out of the shadows to stand against Dagon. It is very plain that Boderi's patron is Julianos.

While it seems pretty plain that this is going to be focused on the Oblivion Crisis, the numerous references to Mannimarco (Manny? The Manster? The Mannimaniac?) that at some point Buffy might get involved in the Mages Guild questline as well, perhaps in Book 4?

I am hoping the Flying Spaghetti Monster is the one who calls Buffy. May the pasta be with you!

Great detail on the ancient Order of the Lamp! I enjoyed reading about their works and responsibilities. Fascinating how after all these centuries they are still around, in one shape or form, at such a crucial moment in time when Oblivion Gates are opening all over the place. One can say there hasn't been a better time to discover more about them in these present moments.

I think it is very appropriate for Buffy to find out more about them. She fits perfectly as one of these holy paladins!

That breakfast in the beginning sounded delicious by the way!

ghastley- Though Buffy’s historical depiction of the Order of the Lamp is recognizable from lore, we have freely taken liberties and filled in some gaps to our own purpose. That such knights were, first and foremost, paladins and why Vanus Galerion insisted upon it is such an example. Thank you!

Grits- That Dame Boderi’s revelation of her true identity gave you shivers is music to my ears! I so hoped for such a reaction. Thank you!

Lopov- I’m glad you endorse Buffy’s ‘supporting role’ in the crisis instead of being ‘The Chosen One.’ Being in support suits her nature much better. We view the Oblivion Crisis primarily as a familiar backdrop for Buffy's journey of personal growth. Thank you!

Rider- Looking back over the years, I’m surprised I remained blind to the signs. Only when I read The Deed of Paksennarion by Elizabeth Moon recently did the clarity of Buffy’s destiny snap fully into focus. The author’s depiction of what a paladin is all about literally sang to my heart, gave Buffy the courage to consider it and provided the inspiration to finally bring this book to life. Thank you!

SubRosa- In Buffy Fiction, paladins will be beacons of light in a dark and dangerous world. You are right to identify the challenge of avoiding self-serving motives and zealotry that can sometimes infest mortals claiming Divine inspiration. Our weapons against that will be incorruptibility and compassion. In Buffy's world, the Divines choose only a small number of paladins, and do so with great personal attention. As you say, a genuine force for good in a fantasy setting.

The attention to Mannimarco was relevant only to address what I felt was a potentially awkward historical timeline. ESO has the Worm King in what seems to be Molag Bal’s inescapable and permanent grip of torment at the end of the Planemeld – well before lore says he did battle with Vanus Galerion later in the Second Era and, much later, resurfaced to plague the Mages Guild in the Third Era. My hope in the last episode was to allow for the possibility that he somehow survived Molag Bal. Though I don’t rule it out, I have no current plans to present the Mages Guild questline. Rather, I’m leaning toward transitioning Buffy’s story to the Second Era (involving time travel of course) after this book. I much prefer writing where we’re playing instead where we were two games ago. Thank you!

DE- I’m pleased to hear you suggest that it's appropriate for Buffy to discover more about paladins before committing to that path. As we’ll gradually learn, there is a great deal about them that she does not know. She correctly understands they are beacons of Divine light but it will be Acadian who eventually reveals the limitations and hardships that such a life entails. And Buffy's godmother, Azura, is likely to complicate things as well. Thank you!

*

Previously- The morning of Buffy’s departure for Leyawiin, she and Boderi shared a private breakfast. Boderi turned the conversation to the Order of the Lamp. Buffy knew that the Order had been comprised of paladins empowered and devoted to the Nine whose role had been to combat the evil use of magic. Boderi then surprised Buffy by revealing that the Order was still active but had been operating clandestinely – until now, and that Dame Boderi was a Paladin of Julianos who had been serving as the Order’s Palatinus for decades. Finally, Boderi asked Buffy to consider the path of a paladin herself.






I stood among a score of passengers under the midday sun. We waited as cargo was carried down a ramp mating the dock to the ship’s lower cargo hold. Among the crates and barrels still waiting to be loaded aboard was a mule and three sheep. I was grateful that Superian traveled safely as a spirit within me.

My thoughts returned to Boderi’s proposal that I ask the Nine to call me to their service. Though I traveled with the spirit of a paladin inside me, I was far from sure I totally understood what being one entailed. I knew, however, that before I decided anything I needed to talk to Acadian and probably some priests.

Oh, and Azura. It was the Mistress of Twilight who had touched me with her hand of fate and thrust the abilities of a Slayer upon me. Would she be angry if I considered serving the Nine? She would have no right to be. After all, I never asked for her interference in my life and considered being a Slayer more curse than blessing. I should speak to her about it though. . . as well as the fact that I loaned her Star to Mazoga and Agronak. I pushed such thoughts aside for now – my quest to Leyawiin and Bravil took priority.

Aside from myself and an Argonian dressed in a loam blouse and faded gray skirt, the rest of my fellow waiting passengers were men. Mostly merchants and artisans by the look of them.

After a gangplank was rigged to the main deck, a Bosmer at the far end waved us onto the ship. “Welcome aboard the Peony Princess. My name is Fillimir, ship steward.” The leather-faced elf had black hair slicked back into a short queue and was dressed in a burgundy tunic trimmed in black with matching pants over sturdy sailcloth shoes. After explaining some of the ship’s rules and meal times, he exchanged our tickets for waterwalking amulets, which we donned. “We’ll usually be in sight of land. In case we go down, stay calm, move away from the ship and walk to shore. These amulets don’t grow on trees, so I’ll need them back as you debark at your final destination. I’ll show you the galley on our way down to where you’ll sleep. This way please.”

We followed the steward below the weather deck, past the galley, through several passageways and down one more deck before he announced, “This is the passenger berthing compartment.”

As we passed a doorway from which hung a canvas curtain, he commented, “That’s the head - for cleaning yourself up and doing your personal business; if you want a full bath, wait till port or tie yourself to a line and splash around over the side.” He paused by the next opening along the bulkhead. “My office. You can usually find me in there or checking the galley.” Drawing open the canvas that covered a doorway across from his office, he revealed a small cabin. “This is where our two lady passengers will sleep.” Finally he gestured out toward the main compartment. Along the bulkheads on both sides were strung hammocks, three high. “You men sleep here. The Captain doesn’t tolerate any nonsense, so stay out of women’s berthing unless you want to swim to your destination.”

Once the Argonian and I entered our cabin, she slid the curtain closed and extended a scaled hand. “Quill-Weave. Are you going to Anvil as am I?”

“Buffy,” I said as my hand met hers. “Only to Leyawiin. I have business there. Do you live in Anvil then?”

“Yes, I am a writer and heading home after doing some research here on The Imperial City maze of a sewer system and the lost souls who call it home.”

“There is certainly plenty of mystery beneath the city,” I commented.

“What is your business in Leyawiin . . . I mean, if I am not being too nosy?”

“I’m just couriering a message for my guild of mages.”

“You don’t look like a mage – not with the way you’re dressed and those bowstring calluses on the fingers of your right hand.”

I held out the open hand of which the observant Argonian spoke. From its palm flickered to life the magenta arcane flame of my guild. As orange eyes widened, I closed my fingers to extinguish the beacon of guild recognition.

“It seems I was mistaken, magister.”

“I get that a lot. It seems buckskin-clad Bosmeri mystic archers are rare.” I then grinned. “But don’t worry, I’m not going to turn you into a scamp or anything like that. Your name and the ink stains on your own hands mark your profession well enough though.”

She held up her stained fingers. “So they do.” Looking at the three hammocks strung above each other, she added, “You want top or bottom?”

“May I have the top?”

“Perfect,” she replied. “I prefer the bottom. Most of us scaled folk like being low or even underground. I don't snore but sometimes my tail thrashes around in my sleep. It will be safer for you being above me."

I chuckled, then countered, “Being a short elf conceived in the treetops probably explains my preference for high perches.” Suddenly I felt the ship move. “We’re underway!”

“Old hat to me,” replied the Argonian as she opened her worn travel bag.

I began to change clothes as Quill-Weave carefully arrayed her writing supplies on the single small table.

“You know,” she continued, “after my current book, I’m toying with writing one about the guilds of Cyrodiil. May I ask you a question?”

“Of course,” I replied, wriggling out of my buckskins.

“Everyone knows that a display of the arcane flame marks one as a member of the Mages Guild – just as the red and white medallion worn by members of the Fighters Guild serves to identify them. From interviews with mages, I have learned that the ability is bestowed as a mage begins their course of study at the Arcane University.”

“That’s all correct,” I confirmed as I tugged an ivory skirt with emerald trim over my hips. “During the ceremony, the mage is infused with a tiny portion of the guild’s arcane flame that she can henceforth display as you saw me demonstrate.”

“If a member of the Fighters Guild is expelled,” Quill-Weave explained, “they forfeit their amulet. Fleeing without surrendering it generates a writ from the guild to track down the disgraced fighter and recover the symbol of their guild – by whatever means is necessary. My question is, how does your guild preclude a disgraced member from still displaying Mages Guild credentials?”

“Well, we try not to kill them if that’s what you’re asking.” I pulled a white peasant blouse over my head. “We’re not the Dark Brotherhood, after all. When a mage is expelled from the guild and does not willingly surrender it, their tiny piece of the arcane flame acts like a beacon to those trained to locate and recover it.”

Quill-Weave was scribbling busily. “I assume the guild has mages whose duties include enforcement of such things?”

“You assume correctly. I’m sure you can appreciate that the specifics are more effective if not disseminated beyond those who use them.”

She paused her note taking to look at me and nod her understanding. “Very enlightening. I like the mystery angle; readers eat that stuff up. When someday I finish the book, Buffy, where may I send an autographed copy for you?”

“What a thoughtful gesture!” I replied. “It will reach me if sent to the Arcane University.” We chatted a bit more as I pulled a brush through my hair. Before I excused myself to head topside for some fresh air, we agreed to meet later in the galley for dinner.

After getting lost and having to ask one of the crew for directions, I finally emerged on the busy main deck. Sails billowed and sailors bustled. I found what looked like an out of the way spot on one side of the ship. I held the railing with one hand to steady myself against the ship’s movement and kept the other near my skirt in case an errant breeze lifted it. Closing my eyes, I savored the wind in my hair and sun on my face.

That'd be fun. Instead of life jackets we get waterwalking amulets.

That does make a lot of sense. Buffy has no problem being higher when she sleeps, while Quill-Weave has no problem sleeping low.

Quill-Weave sounds like she actually writes some material for publishing. Unlike Casta Scribonia. I can remember when I was new to the game. One of my characters spoke to Casta and Casta bragged about writing all these books. None of which are in the game apparently. And that was actually my first thread in the old Bethesda forums. "What's up with Casta Scribonia?" Where are all these supposed books she writes? Somebody accused me of being a troll! But i was serious. I had to prove my intent in that thread!

Anyway, let's see where this trip leads, as they head south to the land of frequent rain. I wonder if it'll rain constantly in Leyawiin like it does for a lot of my characters.

I always like the everyday magic in everyone's stories. If you're in a world with magic, it will get used whenever it makes sense. Water-walking away from a wreck is better than just being floated, as it saves a rescue trip, so the authorities would mandate that.

@Renee: you've got me trying to recall if Quill-Weave has any books in the game. I think she does, but I don't remember which.

The flame "ID" coming at the same time as Adryn reminds us that not all mages can do all the schools has now got me wondering what happens if a mage is "allergic" to fire?

I hope no one puts Buffy in a crate!

I think Azura would feel that she has the right to be angry about anything she chooses to Buffy! That is one of the perks that comes with being a god (or godlike being).

I love the name Peony Princess for a ship. It could be a tavern as well.

Waterwalking (and breathing) amulets sound like a great idea for shipgoers who were not blessed with being born Argonian.

So is the head at the head of the ship?

Sewer research? Now that is a crappy job Quill-Weave.

Yowch! Being a slight elf when a trail is thrashing about sounds like being a long-tailed cat in room full of rockers!

Very neat world-building with the inclusion of the Guild's arcane flame. At first I thought that rather than it being gifted upon them, they should learn to create it themselves as a sign of their ability. But then I realized that would mean any mage not in the guild could recreate it themselves and fake it. The whole situation of leaving the guild and tracking rogues though the flame is fascinating. It also implies that the Guild could use it to locate any member, like a magical GPS.


You are such a troll Renee, everyone knows it...

According to the UESP Wiki:
She is a famous author who writes stories about the adventures of outlaws and low-lifes in her books, such as "Red Crater" and "The Goblin with the Golden Arm". One of her neighbors keeps rats as house pets, and during the related quest, you will find out exactly how much that bothers her.

Quill-Weave is currently working on a series of books named after Cyrodiil's Doomstones, though she believes that the Doomstones have no magical powers

Again, it so handy to have a pocket-mount able to travel in such a form.

I can sympathize with Buffy's regarding thoughts on Azura. Daedric Princes, even the ones considered to be often good and benevolent, have a very harsh track record and often put mortals in positions and spots they don't want to be in.

Great reference to the Interregnum. Not many people remember the details of that time period. I'm certain scholars and mages would be more inclined to know about it, and of course old organizations. I think Mannimarco did of course escape Molag's grip. I agree that it was sort of odd with the different timelines, but fan theories aside, its cool to see it mentioned here.

“You men sleep here. The Captain doesn’t tolerate any nonsense, so stay out of women’s berthing unless you want to swim to your destination.”


The exchange between wood elf and argonian was great, and its interesting how their racial habits extends even to their sleeping ones.

To Leyawiin!

Renee- I’m glad you agree that waterwalking amulets for river and coastal ship travel seem to make sense. I bet the weather will indeed be mostly overcast and/or rainy in County Leyawiin. Perhaps with a few bolts of red lightning. . . . Thank you!

ghastley- Like you, SubRosa and others, I like to try to show some practical uses for magic in such a magical world. Thank you!

SubRosa- With Buffy considering aligning with one of the Divines, what Azura might have to say about it seems like a prudent consideration. Buffy will learn the names of some of the Peony Princess’ sister ships and I hope you will enjoy them also. I’m glad you like how we are using the MG’s arcane flame. I confess it was partly inspired by the FG’s amulets that you introduced in Teresa Fiction. Thank you!

DE- I felt obliged to address how the traitorous Worm we left to eternal torment in the Second Era in ESO could somehow survive to later battle Vanus Galerion (in support of Order of the Lamp lore) and even infest himself upon the Third Era (in support of the MG questline in Oblvion). I find it great fun to try and weave the wide range of racial characteristics found in Tamriel into matter-of fact-normal considerations that might not occur to those of us without pointed ears, tails, fur or tusks. Thank you!

*

Previously- Buffy boarded the Peony Princess to begin her journey from The Imperial City down the Niben to Leyawiin. After meeting her Argonian cabin mate and settling in, she made her way up to the ship’s main deck to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine.




“What lady so fair, whose golden hair shames the very sun, graces my port rail?”

I turned to look up at a handsome Redguard. A loose fitting white shirt was gathered at his waist by a scarlet sash and its wide sleeves danced in the wind. Well-fitted black trousers were tucked into knee high suede boots of the same color. His roguishly smiling lips parted to say, “Torlin, first mate of this fine vessel.”

“Buffy,” I managed to reply without stammering.

“Buffy,” he repeated. “What a beautifully exotic name! In all my travels, I’ve never met anyone who shares it.”

“Nor have I,” I said, feeling rather flustered by his blatant charm and attention, “so I suppose it is rather rare,”

He lifted my hand briefly to his lips. “Welcome aboard.”

“Thank you,” I replied. As he leaned against the rail and unabashedly watched me, I looked around, trying not to display my self-consciousness. Behind us now was the wide bridge spanning the Upper Niben at its juncture with Lake Rumare. Ahead, I could see another vessel closing quickly. It sailed by almost silently, save for the cracking of sails in the wind and what sounded like commands being barked to its deck crew. “Beautiful,” I said. “What ship is that?”

“Barenziah’s Breeze,” replied Torlin amiably. “One of our sister ships, and bound for The Imperial City. While not as fair as yourself, she’s a beauty all right.”

I imagined my peasant blouse did little to hide the flush I felt rising above its off-the-shoulder neckline, but I didn’t draw attention to it by looking down to see. “When I picked up my ticket at the Imperial Trading Company, the clerk told me we’d arrive at Leyawiin early tomorrow. How many stops do we make?”

“Just one at Bravil before sailing overnight to Leyawiin. About four more days from there on to Anvil, including numerous stops.”

“At what cities?” I asked.

“Well, after Leyawiin, we sail to Duncori Walk and Senchal in Elsweyr. Then on to the land of the Bosmer.” Brilliant white teeth flashed briefly before he continued, “Our Valenwood ports are Haven, Southpoint, Greenheart and Woodhearth. Next is one of the Summerset Isles for a stop at Skywatch before finally arriving Anvil. After a few days port call for the crew, we bring aboard a new load of passengers, mail and cargo then retrace our route back to The Imperial City.”

“I’d love to visit those cities. Someday.”

He smiled. “Tis a shame that Leyawiin will break my heart by stealing you away on the morrow before I can show you those ports.”

I smiled demurely and, as I lowered my eyes, could see now that my shoulders did indeed display the blush I felt. “How fortunate your crew is to have a first mate so gifted by the silken tongue of a bard.”

“You wound me, lovely lady.” I looked up to see sparkling eyes that belied both a crestfallen face and dark hand placed dramatically over his heart to stem imaginary bleeding.

“Oh, I’d wager the numerous ports you visit provide plenty of lovely ladies to tend your wounds. I find this talk of ships fascinating though. How many such vessels does the Imperial Trading Company operate and where else do they go?”

“Let’s see, there’s our own Princess of course. And you saw the Breeze just heading north.” He began counting off on his fingers. “The ITC also operates Nymph of the Niben, Mara’s Tear, Black Swan and Dragon’s Tongue. Six. They all run the same route when not undergoing maintenance in our home port of The Imperial City. The Rihad Trading Company overlaps us at Anvil and serves the northern provinces.”

“Thank you, Torlin. I had no idea how all this worked.”

“You’re most welcome,” he replied. “We’ll dock at Bravil within the hour. Our loadmaster will oversee the on and offloading. My duties in port are actually quite light. The town is quite an unsavory den of thieves, beggars and black marketeers. ‘Tis hardly a place for a cultured unaccompanied lady. I’d be honored to escort you ashore, share a dinner and get to know you better. Have you had the misfortune of visiting Bravil before?”

“I grew up in the beautiful forest city that is cleansed by the Niben and nurtured by the Great Chapel of Mara. After losing both parents, the city and its people became the family who raised me.” I smiled sweetly.

The Redguard was speechless for a long moment. When he spoke, the roguishly bardic manner was gone. “Forgive my poorly chosen words, Buffy. I feel as if I’ve eaten half my boot.”

“Apology accepted, Torlin. I admit that it takes time spent in Mara’s city to fully appreciate her subtle charm and that your perceptions are shared by many visitors.” I paused to give the man a reassuring smile. “I greatly appreciate you teaching me so much about ship travel within the Empire, however I must decline your kind offer. The length of our port call here is too short for me to say all the hellos and goodbyes that going ashore would require. And I’ve already promised my cabin mate that I’d quietly remain aboard with her for dinner in the galley.” I then poked a small finger into his ribs playfully. “Besides, you’d hardly want a Bravilian waif as your dinner date. I might steal your heart and sell it on the black market.”

My joke elicited the intended laugh and seemed to ease his lingering embarrassment. “Methinks ‘tis I who have learned from you, fair and wise lady. We’ll need to rig for the wind and make our turn toward Bravil soon. I hope to see you again before you leave us in Leyawiin.” He kissed my hand once more, then treated me to a charming grin and exaggerated bow as one hand almost swept the deck. He then turned and, before I knew it, was barking orders about sails, coming around, riggings and such to the crew.

I watched the resultant deck activity for a time and felt the ship turning. My gaze shifted out over the bow. The City of Mara soon began to grow out of the distant trees, backlit by the golden brilliance of a westering sun.

I sighed. Torlin was handsome, worldly and charming. Part of me was flattered by his attentions, even though I was sure that any young thing in a skirt would draw his eye as easily as I. He probably had women in each of the numerous ports he had mentioned. And good for him, I thought, for I certainly wasn’t ready to move beyond the memory of Savlian yet. I had tried twice and. . . it had not gone well.

In Valenwood an elf named Vandrelis from one of the mammoth-hunting plains tribes had courted me, eliciting hopeful stirrings in my heart. Though I balked after his first kiss, confessing my lingering grief over the loss of Savlian, he was both patient and attentive. I found myself beginning to hope he would kiss me again.

As the chief’s son, Vandrelis was next in line to lead his tribe and explained how important it was to him that any mate be able to provide an heir to succeed him. For a Bosmer to conceive, her totem must be defeated by that of her mate as the couple shares intimate pleasures. Vandrelis' totem was a tiger. His curiosity was piqued as I informed him I had two totems. When I told him that one was a butterfly, he was pleased. Dismay, however, was his reaction as I reluctantly advised him that my second totem was an ice dragon. We sadly agreed that I was not what he needed. There were plenty of wood elven maidens whose totems could be defeated by his powerful tiger, but I was not among them. The potential for love to blossom was over before it really began. Acadian had gently consoled me that knowing Vandrelis’ priorities so early in the courtship was better than learning them later.

I stared out over the bay as I recalled a subsequent attempt at romance after returning from Valenwood. Caccian Apinia was a member of the Bravil guard force and took quite the fancy to me. Unlike some under the command of Captain Viera Lerus, he rejected corruption and was both firm and fair in his duties. I was drawn to both his sense of honor and skill as a warrior. I had accepted an invitation from him for dinner at the Silverhome. Well, I ended up drinking too much and blubbering about Savlian. Between the wine and emptiness in my heart, I became clingy as he walked me home, even inviting him to come inside for the night. He gently declined.

Once fully sober the next day, I realized how chivalrous the man had been to not take advantage of an inebriated and vulnerable elf. I was so impressed that, when he asked, I readily agreed to try dinner together again – without the wine. This time, when he delivered me home, we chatted comfortably outside my door. Then he took me gently into his arms and our lips met. Instead of welcoming his kiss as I hoped I might, I stiffened as waves of guilt washed over me. I pulled away, crying and apologizing. I had selfishly implied to this kind man something I could not deliver. He was wise enough to understand, and our evening ended with a friendly but sad hug. The last thing he said that night still hung heavily in my heart: ‘You told me that Captain Matius’ final words to you included the hope that you live your long elven life. Until you truly embrace his wishes, no man can compete with the ghost of your hero.’

Had it not been for the steadfast strength, unconditional acceptance and vehement reassurances of my paladin that night, the next morning would have found me at the bottom of the Niben. Beneath the same waters that now lapped against the sides of the Peony Princess.

Is Buffy shaming the Sun again?

Torlin has some serious thirst for Buffy. You certainly described what it feels like to be on the receiving end of the male gaze quite well.

I do love the names, especially Black Swan, thanks to the ballet and movie.

The misfortune of visiting Bravil! The cad! Buffy should steal his heart and sell it on the black market!

Caccian was quite right. No one can compete with a ghost.

Well it explains why I constantly get those Where am I? pictures wrong. I fess up now. I have never actually played a Bethesda game.



OH my gosh! I agree with Dame Buffy, this Redguard probably says this to all the pretty ladies.



Torlin and my Kahreem both have the flirty gift. These words could literally have been said by my Redguard thief.

I like that he has no idea who she is, that she is actually an adventurer who faces down all sorts of enemies, and so on.

Vandrelis appeared in Book II, correct? I seem to remember their encounter, especially them exchanging totem information.

Does this mean that your Leyawiin is that of Open Cities Reborn, (or at least similar) where the Niben is actually navigable through the city? I always preferred it the way that mod rebuilt it, especially as it re-created the concept art, without breaking any of the quests there, or making any dialogue nonsensical.

I also started wondering about the stop in Skywatch, as Lathenil of Sunhold wrote that the seas around Summerset were impassable during the Crisis. But then, he managed to get out to Anvil himself, so it's likely that did not apply to Auridon, and he had another way to get between the islands that didn't require a boat. If any port would still be open, it would be that one.

Vangelis did the music for Chariots of Fire...

Quill-Weave! At first I thought that the mentioned Argonina will be of no particular importance, but it turned out to be our favorite writer. A nice bit of conversation, the Fighters Guild is quite ruthless when it comes to retrieving the amulet by any means necessary. Water-walking amulets are a clever addition for the passengers, in case the ship would sink.

I was thinking of Vandrelis as Buffy began her conversation with Torlin, although I didn't recall Vandrelis' name until you brought it up. I'm thankful for some insights into events from previous stories. I enjoyed a conversation between Buffy and Torlin, although I assumed that she'll accept his offer to accompany her.

Ooo, Quill-Weave! As ever I adore the touches of practical magic in Buffy’s world.

I then poked a small finger into his ribs playfully. “Besides, you’d hardly want a Bravilian waif as your dinner date. I might steal your heart and sell it on the black market.”

I love it!

It was sobering to realize that Buffy’s bleak night after the date with Caccian happened so recently. Darkness and light wove all the way through this episode.

Previously- Buffy continued her voyage toward Leyawiin. Meeting the ship’s charming and flirtatious first mate elicited painful memories of her failed attempts at romance after the loss of Savlian. As the ship prepared for a brief port call at Bravil, Buffy elected to remain aboard for a quiet dinner with her cabin mate.

*

SubRosa- I’m glad that Buffy’s feminine reactions (voluntary and otherwise) to Torlin’s gusher of charm rang true. I did have fun making up those ship names! As you can see, Buffy still has work to do reconciling Savlian’s ghost with any possible future romance. At this point, I’m proud of her for at least being willing to try.

Renee- How neat that Torlin’s smooth charm reminds you of the Weet Bandit! Buffy’s diminutive size and ‘elf next door’ look are not likely to intimidate anyone. . . so she has learned to rely on speechcraft as well as any advantage to be gained from being underestimated. You are exactly right that Vandrelis appeared in Book 2. Thanks for remembering!

ghastley- It always seemed absurd that the Niben’s delta area around Leyawiin precluded navigation to/from Topal Bay, but the only mod I used to correct it was imagination. In Buffy fiction, it is not landlocked and those using the Yellow Road to and from Leyawiin rely on a ferry to cross the fully navigable Niben. We’ll see that in the next couple episodes. Regarding Skywatch, I confess I did not delve deeply into possible impact of the crisis on Auridon. I figure it is reasonable that Auridon could be struggling but still viable with at least one functioning port.

Lopov- I thought Quill-Weave, as a traveling writer, would be a perfect cabin mate and opportunity for Buffy to explain a couple guild things that are unique to Buffy fiction. Buffy’s saga is so sprawling that I figured reviewing her failed courtship with Vandrelis from Book 2 would be prudent.

Grits- Quill-Weave’s dry but curious manner was fun to write, as was Torlin’s over-the-top charm. I appreciate your comment about weaving fun and humor into this past episode, while finishing on a rather sobering note.




The port call in Bravil was predictably uneventful, given that Quill-Weave and I had stayed aboard for dinner and crawled into our hammocks early.

At some point during the night a gentle sense of motion had alerted me that we were underway. The soothing movement of the ship likely contributed to my sound night of sleep.

I awoke with warm fur in my face. Kitsune liked to sleep curled up with her nose covered by her luxuriant tail - and she often extended the courtesy to me. Easing the vixen aside, I noticed no hint of daylight yet penetrated our cabin’s single small porthole.

Careful not to awaken Quill-Weave below me, I managed to quietly dismount from the rope and canvas hammock and get my feet onto the deck. After summoning a towel and wrapping it around myself, I padded across the passageway to the washroom to pass water, wash up and clean my teeth. Once back in my cabin and aided by a nighteye spell, I pulled on my buckskins and arranged my hair into a ponytail. I then left the sleeping Argonian.

Once outside the cabin, I knelt down and whispered to Kitsune, “Your sense of smell is much better than mine. Will you lead us to the galley?” She did so. Though early, I talked the cook into some cold roasted mutton and hot tea.

Finally, I emerged topside into the damp predawn air. Dark shadows, which more light would soon enough render as trees, slowly slipped past both sides of the ship. I leaned against the starboard rail and waited for daylight to become more than a vague promise.

I smiled as a pale green butterfly appeared and fluttered around my head. “Good morning, Dawn,” I said. The diminutive creature had frequently appeared during most of my life, but only around sunrise. Though she was a mystery to me, I had come to welcome her brief visits.

By the time I finished an orange that I had grabbed from a barrel in the galley, I could make out the Green Road whenever it came close enough for the Niben’s gentle waves to lap at its cobblestones. Reeds along the river’s edge and weeping branches of willow trees confirmed we were in County Leyawiin.

Soon, there was enough light that I could make out the sharp broken rocks of a closed Oblivion Gate as we slowly sailed past. The corpses of several Daedra on the charred ground nearby silently testified that the gate had not long been closed.

Ahead of us, and on the other side of the river, towering gray walls announced our proximity to Fort Redman.

My tiny winged visitor suddenly disappeared. A moment later, the sound of distant thunder reached my long ears.

“Could be a storm ahead, lads. Standby to rig for foul weather.” My head turned to see the ship’s first mate issuing orders. The Redguard turned to me and lowered his voice, “Good morning, fair Bosmer. You may want to retreat below deck. Wouldn’t want such a lovely flower of the forest blown overboard.”

“Good morning, Torlin,” I said absently, for my attention was focused on the sky ahead. When a bolt of red lightning slashed across the rapidly forming black clouds, my heart sank. “I know that sky. It brings neither wind nor rain; rather, it proclaims an open Oblivion Gate.”

Torlin’s eyes widened briefly before he decisively turned to address the deck crew. “We’ve got an Oblivion Gate ahead. Steady as she goes and we’ll safely sail right on by.” Turning back to me, he said, “I need to notify the captain. Once again, I thank you, my lady.” The Redguard spun on his heels and quickly made his way aft toward the pilot house.

I retrieved both bow and quiver from the enchanted satchel at my waist and settled them onto my back.

Within minutes, the flaming maw came into view. The scorched meadow it claimed was just south of Fisherman’s Rock along the Niben’s east bank. As we sailed closer, I could make out a large green banner, emblazoned with the rearing pale horse that marked it as belonging to Leyawiin’s Order of the White Stallion. Several knights stood guard as some number of their comrades were undoubtedly inside attempting to wrest the sigil stone from its tower.

Acadian quietly remarked, “I see their mission has changed from slaying black bow bandits to closing the jaws of Oblivion.” I nodded, thankful for the comfort that the old paladin’s spirit within me provided.

As we sailed past the gate, my eyes turned again toward the west bank to see Water’s Edge come into view. Half a dozen sheep stood nervously together in shallow water bleating their disapproval of the incessant angry streaks of lightning tearing at the thunderously protesting sky. Several residents were already outside and, between fearful skyward glances, dutifully tending the small community’s rice plants. The wetlands crop, along with fishing, provided the bulk of their diet and livelihood.

I watched Water’s Edge slowly disappear behind us, then shifted my gaze forward over the starboard bow as the Peony Princess continued south. I was surprised when a stone building of imposing size grew from the trees along the Green Road. As the ship drew abeam, I could make out a familiar banner. A wide smile grew across my face. “So, it’s true,” I whispered to Acadian. “The humble lodge used by Mazoga and I after we were dubbed has been replaced by a magnificent hall that, by the look of it, could host more than a score of knights.” The low stone wall surrounding the compound also enclosed a stable, sparring area, forge, vegetable garden, henhouse and well. I saw no sign of activity outside the lodge, though two of its several chimneys issued wispy clues of life inside.

The impressive facility soon slipped behind us. A pair of sailors across the deck along the port rail were discussing another closed Oblivion Gate now visible just east of the river. The more of these gates I saw, the more my fear of them was joined by other emotions. Heartache and worry for the brave souls who struggled to close them. Fury toward the Daedra Lord of Destruction for unleashing his rapacious flaming teeth into the beautiful forests that I loved.

A loud crack of thunder dispelled my ruminations. It should have been getting quieter since that open gate was now well behind us. I looked out over the bow as Leyawiin’s distant gray walls began to come into view. On the eastern shore of the Niben, near the Yellow Road ferry landing stood another towering set of stone teeth! Flames belched forth, angrily licking the sides of the portal as a number of soldiers, augmented by portable barricades, had established a defensive perimeter to contain and channelize Daedra. The river itself did provide somewhat of an additional barrier behind the soldiers. Daedra could swim but, while doing so, they were slow and helpless targets for any archers atop the city’s walls and towers. The dock area seemed safe enough for the moment.

By now, Torlin was back on deck and tersely issuing orders to the crew. The ship began to turn toward the city’s wharf area.

After, well. . . forever it seemed, the ship kissed her pier and lines were cast to and from the deck to secure us. As longshoremen maneuvered two ramps toward our cargo bay access and weather deck, I heard Torlin admonishing a Nordic sailor that I understood to be the ship’s loadmaster, “All hands are at your disposal to quickly get Leyawiin cargo off and on. The Captain wants the Princess back underway and away from this flaming swamp in less than an hour!”

Fillimir, the ship’s steward, along with two passengers carrying their travel bags appeared on deck looking bewildered and more than a little frightened by the angry sky and nearby flaming portal to the Deadlands. With but a glance from me, Kitsune disappeared. As soon as the pier and weather deck were mated, I pressed the waterwalking amulet that had been issued to me upon embarkation into the steward’s hand and ran down the gangplank. Rather than hoping the nearby ferry was ready to go, I cast my own waterwalking spell and ran directly across the river toward the Oblivion Gate to offer my help.

She can summon a towel??? Man, if I had that ability I'd be summoning my car keys every day!

Nice, she has a butterfly follower (sort of). I like seeing those ruined Oblivion gates in my post-Crisis games.

Oh no. Red lightning. That can only mean one thing.



Translation: Acadian installed a White Stallion Lodge at some point. Kidding. Maybe this is just imagination, because one thing I know from reading old Buffy posts in the old forums is you didn't have that many mods. I think you stated you had a mere 30 at the most.

She casts Water-Walking and rushes off. Now Torvin the Flirty must be wondering who the cute dame he flirted with really is.

When I saw "I could make out a large green banner, emblazoned with the rearing pale horse that marked it as belonging to Leyawiin’s Order of the White Stallion. Several knights stood guard " I was already anticipating the expansion I read a bit further down.

So now I'm wondering how long this is after the events that created the Order. And whether all the Marauders in Rockmilk Cave suddenly got a legitimate job?

How thoughtful of Kitsune to warm Buffy's exposed face with her tail!

Uh oh, the Twilight Butterfly returns! We know who that is...

Hopefully that coming storm is not the sound of an open Gate. Oops, I guess it is!

I see the LOWS is on it. I wonder if the bandits are taking advantage of the authorities' divided attention?

It was nice to see old familiar places again like Water's Edge. And newly refurbished ones like the LOWS headquarters.

There sure are a lot of those darn gates!

"flaming swamp" is not a phrase one often hears!

Buffy being who she is, throws herself into the fray. I was expecting this from the first open gate they saw.

Except when it's actually a will-o-the-wisp - which do infest that area in the game. Mazoga needs to be protected from those until she gets her Daedric gear. I forget what happens when the wisps meet the daedric creatures. If they're not in the same faction, they could become allies!

Sigh. I'm listening to the Oblivion OST as I read this, and it sure brings back many memories as does this leisurely trip (eh, with a fair bit of tension due to those nasty Gates) down the Niben to Leyawiin unfolds.

This shipfaring soul loved this turn of phrase - how appropriate for sailing ships of all kinds!

Of course, like Julian, Buffy and her Paladin just can't leave those fellow knights to defend against those Gates!

That's kind, because if using a candle, Quill-Weave could be woken up by sudden light, but with a nighteye spell only Buffy saw the light.

I enjoyed descriptions of various people and places along the Niben.

Torlin became Torval along the way.

Looks like "calm" episodes are over for now, it's for some action!

Torlin the Redguard is such a charmer.

Barenziah’s Breeze. I quite like the name! And how slick for Torlin to sneak in a flirtatious compliment. Silken tongue of a bard indeed!

"Oh, I’d wager the numerous ports you visit provide plenty of lovely ladies to tend your wounds."
I've thought about the same thing. No doubt he works full time as a both a sailor and a ladie's man. Methinks someone's been leveling up his speech.

I like how Buffy reminded us of Vandrelis. Though there are many potential suitors, there's a strong chance none might live up to our heroic and dear Savlian, though time will certainly tell.

This was a superb chapter!

You provide such a rich description that takes us there with Buffy. I felt like I was back in Cyrodiil again, seeing the Green Road past the waves of the Niben, and the tell tale signs of the Oblivion gates. It seems that the knights' noble goes shifted from bandits to a more dangerous foe. I like this about them; it matters not the evil-doer, all will find justice. You end in a nice cliffhanger here that has me anticipating for some action! When the Mystic Archer sets sight on her quarry, they better prepare.

Woe to those Daedra.

What a peaceful dawn trip along the Niben. I love how the Order of the White Stallion has grown, as has their purpose.

Yikes, another Gate to Oblivion! Flaming swamp, indeed. I remember feeling exasperated at the number of Gates that crop up right around there. Buffy’s emotions make the crisis feel personal again.

Rather than hoping the nearby ferry was ready to go, I cast my own waterwalking spell and ran directly across the river toward the Oblivion Gate to offer my help.

Go Dame Buffy!

Previously- Buffy’s journey continued as the Peony Princess made its way along the Niben from Bravil to Leywawiin. Along the way, she noted several Oblivion Gates closed or being closed by Knights of the White Stallion. Approaching Leyawiin, there was another open Oblivion Gate dangerously close to the city. As soon as the ship docked, Buffy sped to the aide of Leyawiin soldiers trying to defend against the portal to the Deadlands.

*

Renee- Buffy’s skill is primarily in bow, illusion and restoration. Her conjuration and destruction skills are more mundane – like summoning a towel or or heating bathwater. The butterfly is a manifestation of Azura who, as Buffy’s godmother, has always secretly kept an eye on her. The intro to Book 2 revealed that knowledge to readers but Buffy remains unaware. It will become clear even to Buffy later in this book. Thank you!

ghastley- Though most of what we present that differs from vanilla is imagination, we actually did have a nice mod that expanded the White Stallion Knights Lodge into something similar to what Buffy described. Though Buff and Zoga killed their boss, the Black Bow Bandits still persist but much diminished. Thank you!

SubRosa- I’m pleased you remember the twilight butterfly from the opening of Book 2. Buffy, of course, remains clueless but will discover who Dawn is later in this book. Glad you enjoyed Buffy’s observations while sailing down the river. Thank you!

Rider- Nice to hear that you enjoyed Buffy’s tour down the Niben via ship. I enjoyed presenting a glimpse of ship life through Buffy’s non-nautical eyes. I expect Buffy realizes that getting an audience with Count Caro is not likely with his city under siege from numerous Oblvion Gates. So just as surely as Julian would, Buffy will offer her assistance. Thank you!

Lopov- As I mentioned to Renee, Buffy’s pretty good with mundane uses of magic (like nighteye). Glad you enjoyed Buffy’s observations of life along the Niben. Thank you for pointing out my error on Torlin/Torval so I could quickly fix it. You are right; looks like some action ahead for the little knight. Thank you!

DE- I’m glad you enjoyed Torlin and some of the Imperial Trading Company ship names we came up with. The episode where Buffy reviewed her failures at romance was a powerful one for her – your endorsement of the episode means a lot. Coming from a master of description such as yourself, I am humbled by your kind words regarding Buffy’s observations along the Niben. I hope you will similarly enjoy Buffy’s observant walk through Leyawiin on her way to the castle in a few episodes – once she helps close that pesky Oblivion Gate! Thank you!

Grits- It was fun trying to ‘paint’ the dawn banks of the Niben as the Peony Princess sailed into County Leyawiin. By the time we got to her destination I’m glad Buffy’s exasperated reaction to yet another Oblivion Gate ‘fit’. I'm hoping the end of this next episode inspires another 'Go Dame Buffy!' Thank you!



As I approached the flaming portal, I noted that spiked anti-cavalry barricades had been emplaced to channelize emerging Daedra into an awaiting formation of city guards. I recalled how Savlian had also used such chevaux de frise barriers to good effect during his lengthy defense against the Oblivion Gate at Kvatch.

“Dame Buffy?”

The familiar voice drew my eyes and attention away from the defensive arrangements. Errant strands of brown hair framed an exhausted face. Smudges of dirt, blood and Daedra innards stained the surcoat of Leyawiin’s guard commander. Caelia Draconis had been the first to provide aid to Kvatch. It was her example, and letters to counterparts in other cities, that helped swell Savlian’s forces to numbers that allowed the eventual recapture of his city. “Captain Draconis, I thought we had an understanding between us that did not require titles.”

Bypassing my extended hand she hugged me and, as we brushed cheeks, whispered into one ear. “Things are desperate here, Buffy.”

As we disengaged, my hand lingered at the small of her waist long enough to magically ease her fatigue. There was little I could do about how overdue she was for a bath. “How can I help, Caelia?”

“I could use another mage in the ranks,” she replied. As I glanced over the defenders, I recognized a journeyman in tan robes from the Leyawiin chapter of my guild. I returned S’drassa’s wave, but his feline grin contrasted with the drooping ears and limp tail that proclaimed his weariness. “Deputy Guildmagister Agata has managed to keep at least one of Dagail’s mages out here and has stopped by regularly to check on them and supply us with potions.” As Caelia’s gaze returned to the gate, she said, “Damn that Jovanah for charging in there by herself!”

“Jovanah?” I asked. It was then I noticed a small singed flag planted near the flaming portal. Its black dragon imposed over a red diamond background identified it as belonging to the Imperial Legion.

“County Leyawiin’s new forester,” lamented Caelia. “I know she wants to prove herself, but she picked a damn fool way to do it!”

The gate flickered briefly as a massive pale blue form emerged. S’drassa’s fireball was chased by half a dozen arrows – including my own – and the frost atronach quickly fell to join numerous other daedric corpses.

Unfazed, Caelia continued, “I’m loathe to send others inside. If Jovanah pulls that sigil stone, anyone not holding on to her will perish.”

I nodded my understanding. “How long has she been in there and how much water did she take?”

“The gate opened five days ago and Jovanah was first on the scene. She barely took time to plant her banner, so I’m sure she has no more than one skin of water.”

I sucked in my breath. “As a solo forester, she would have tried to sneak and avoid fighting. Those tactics, while slow, don’t require anywhere near five days to reach a sigil stone.” I shook my head. “If the Daedra didn’t kill her, then the relentless dry heat of the Deadlands and lack of water did.”

“You’re sure?” the guard commander asked.

“I helped destroy the first gate at Kvatch long ago. I closed another north of Bravil by myself just a few days ago.” I nodded sadly. “I’m sure.”

The officer winced and her face softened somewhat. “She would’ve made a fine forester had the eagerness of youth not outpaced her judgment here.”

“I’m sorry for the Legion’s loss, Caelia. What forces do you have with the training to close these things?”

“Leyawiin’s Knights of the White Stallion are so trained,” she replied. “They closed one of the nearby gates by securing the area, sending in half a dozen knights, killing every Daedra inside and claiming the sigil stone.”

I almost smiled as I recognized the tactics of Sirs Mazoga and Agronak. “They sound impressive.”

“Aye,” she agreed, “but they’re currently busy with two more gates flanking the river up Water's Edge way.”

“We sailed past,” I remarked. “One of those gates is already closed. Knights are still inside the other.”

“After already dealing with several gates simultaneously the knights will doubtless be exhausted and in need of healing – as well as repairs to their weapons and armor.” Caelia frowned. “I can’t ask them to close this one as well without rest.”

“What of Leyawiin’s chapter of the Fighters Guild?” I asked. “Have any of them received the Legion’s Oblivion Gate training up at the Arena?”

“A few of them have but Guildmistress Vilena Donton just ordered them all to Bruma. They left yesterday, offering no details of their mission.” She spat on the ground. “My guards aren’t trained for this, damn it! That leaves me with limited options – all of them bad. I could hold the line out here and hope that endless small waves of Daedra and exhaustion don’t attrite us to the point we become overrun before help arrives. Alternatively, now that we believe Jovanah has failed, I could send my sergeant of the guard with a detachment of soldiers into the gate to close it, and live with the ghosts of those who don’t return.” Her eyes glistened but her face was hard as steel as she stared at the flaming portal. “Or I can do what I know I must and lead the detachment I send into the gate myself. If I survive, I expect to be relieved of command for violating the Legion’s policy that a commander remain with the bulk of her unit. I’ll be damned, though, if I’ll send my soldiers into something I haven’t trained them for without me at their side!”

I understood Caelia’s dilemma about her location when splitting a command. Savlian had explained that commanders were expected to use subordinates to lead detachments. At Kvatch, however, no one had ever closed an Oblivion Gate or had any real idea of the hazards within. . . or if closing one was even possible. For reasons similar to those just voiced by Caelia, Savlian ordered that just he and I enter the Oblivion Gate there and attempt to close it. The Legion would say that, despite our success, Savlian made a reckless decision and violated policy. I, on the other hand, adored him for the selfless courage of his choice. Just as I respected the decision Caelia was prepared to make.

I made a decision of my own. “There is another way, Caelia. Leyawiin’s knights must be exhausted by now and, as you say, your soldiers – including you - are not trained for this task.” I looked up at the Imperial officer. “I am both rested and trained. If you can augment my one waterskin with the loan of another, I will close this gate.”

“Are you sure?” Her eyes reflected. . . worry, hope, fear? Perhaps all of these things, I decided.

“Yes,” I stated with all the authority and confidence I could muster. “My business in Leyawiin is with Count Caro and I’m quite certain he will not grant me an audience while his city is under siege.”

She handed me her waterskin. “We’ll hold the line out here. That’s one thing we’re trained to do.”

I added the skin to the other full one in my satchel, then slipped on three rings. The heat emanating from the gate instantly eased, and all nearby life blossomed into pink glows. “I should be back within a day. If this gate still stands after two, assume I have failed and continue to hold the line until you can send in a contingent of White Stallion Knights as soon as they've recovered from their current tasks.” Before Caelia - or I - could change my mind, I stepped off for the gate.

The last words I heard before entering the flaming portal were Caelia’s. “Good luck, brave knight.”

If the current "occupant" of the gate is a forester, the Daedra are already alerted to the sneaky archer style. That's going to make things harder for Buffy.

Are the legion all Imperials in your story? The game makes them that way for voicing reasons, but it's a bit arbitrary. Jovanah isn't all that Imperial-sounding a name, but then names aren't always chosen by mothers.

I appreciated the use of chevaux de frise at the entrance to the gate. They are such a simple and effective means of defense, that anyone with an axe and a few trees ought to be using them.

Looks like Captain Draconis could use one of Aela an Loria's Cleanse spells.

Looks like a great opportunity for Buffy to lend the Leyawiin guard some on the job training at closing gates.

And off Buffy goes, being Buffy to the end. Well, hopefully not the end.

Oh no. It’s sad to lose a forester. My wager is that Jovanah is a Nord, as she charged in like one.

I love how the defenders shot the emerging atronach down with barely a pause in conversation. That and their weariness showed how time had passed while it was open.

Caelia’s Gate-side remarks reminded me of Savlian. It is no surprise that Buffy is willing to go in to help her friends, even knowing that she may share Jovanah’s fate. Gooo, Dame Buffy!!

This made me chuckle and groan at the same time: [quote“Yes,” I stated with all the authority and confidence I could muster. “My business in Leyawiin is with Count Caro and I’m quite certain he will not grant me an audience while his city is under siege.” [/quote]

Uh huh, and just about every other noble in Cyrodiil . . .

Oh, no, a forester has been lost in there? I remember Julian going into that one so Marsias our forester would not have to face them alone.

I'm with Grits on this one: GO DAME BUFFY!

Previously- When Buffy arrived at the Oblivion Gate threatening Leyawiin, she found the city guard struggling to contain things. The county’s forrester had already entered the gate and failed to close it. The guards were untrained for the task, the Fighters Guild was deployed to Bruma and the White Stallion Knights were busy with other gates. Rather than allow Leyawiin’s guard commander to lead untrained soldiers into the Deadlands, Buffy volunteered to close the gate herself.

*

ghastley- We’ll see that Buffy’s solo survival advantage inside a gate is her experience and arcane training. Though most in the Legion are indeed Imperial, there are a number of exceptions in Buffy’s world. Astute of you to note that Jovanah is indeed not an Imperial name – we’ll learn her race in today’s episode. We’ve used Nords and Bosmer as Imperial Legion battlemages at the University. And Buffy’s heard of a Redguard Legion veteran named Julian of Anvil.

SubRosa- As I verified my nomenclature for chevaux de frise, I was thinking that you would appreciate it. Buffy’s Tamriel would be a cleaner and better smelling place if Buffy knew the Cleanse spell that graces your fiction! This will be the last Oblivion Gate we have planned for Buffy to close, so we’ll linger inside this one for an entire episode.

Grits- Jovanah did charge right into that gate like a Nord on Jerric Juice! We’ll learn her race in today’s episode. Thank you for your kind recollections of Savlian. We are beginning to see that Buffy’s grieving is moving beyond self-pity. Her reflections of Savlian going forward will be more along the lines of cherishing memories, recalling the things she learned from him and, when required (as it will be when she gets to Bravil), aggressively defending his legacy.

Rider- Oblivion certainly did throw gates in the way of gathering allies for Bruma! Fortunately for Buffy, others are simultaneously soliciting aid from the other nobles. My hope is that by limiting Buffy’s recruiting efforts to two cities, we can more fully develop the situation in each without risking repetitiveness. Unfortunately, Jovanah lacked the wisdom from years of experience that served Julian so well for the deadly work of closing Oblivion Gates.




Upon entering the Deadlands I lifted my fist and spilled a cloak of invisibility over myself. Scrambling to the top of a large boulder to better survey this realm, I crouched stealthily before my spell expired. A clannfear charged below me and right out the gate. Caelia’s guards would deal with him.

I could see the sigil tower at the end of the path straight ahead. Although the number of patrolling Deadra were few, the trail’s length was flanked by some sort of slender sentry towers.

The first challenge, however, was a rift in the Deadlands cutting directly across my intended course. I slid down from the boulder and made my way to the edge of the chasm. The gorge was as deep and wide as where the Larsius River passed beneath the bridge leading to Bravil’s main gate. Except here, shifting rock had destroyed the bridge, and the river below was angry lava. I lamented to Acadian, “Too far to jump, even with a running start.” After scanning the horizon to my left and right, I frowned and added, “Going around would require nearly a full day and almost all my water.”

“Are you not skilled in Alteration and Restoration?” offered the paladin.

“By Kynareth's wings, you’re right!” I stowed both bow and quiver inside my mage satchel then cast several spells. With nearly a third of my weight feathered and my ability to leap dramatically augmented for a short time, I took a running start and jumped from the edge of the gorge.

The feeling was both exhilarating and terrifying as I sailed over the deadly lava below. As the rocky ground on the other side rushed up at me, I realized I hadn’t thought much about landing. Upon touchdown, I gracelessly collapsed into a ball and rolled several times. Scrambling to my feet, I quickly checked for hostile glows. Seeing none nearby, I healed a few bruises then retrieved my bow and quiver.

I could better see the sentry towers now. Each was roughly twice the height of an Altmer and topped by some sort of small mechanism.

In the distance, I spied a scamp. When the emerald spell I cast swirled into its target, my newly recruited assistant sprinted toward me. I studied the sentry towers between us, noting that none of them reacted to the small Daedra’s passage. As the creature neared, I rewarded its service with a lethal arrow.

“I think we’re in luck,” I said with a smile. “It seems these sentry towers are either inoperative or not sensitive enough to notice a small target like me or a scamp. I hope.”

“Either that,” replied Acadian, “or they are able to distinguish Daedra from Bosmer.”

I frowned and sighed. “You’re probably right.” I cautiously approached the nearest of the sentry towers. Sure enough, the top of it began to whirl ominously and glow.

I dove to one side, pulling the bow in close to my body as a fireball narrowly missed me. Rolling as I hit the ground, I was quickly on my feet and behind a protective boulder. Fireballs continued to harmlessly strike the stone shield between me and the fire sentry at a regular interval that I counted out to be six seconds.

The spell that grew in my right fist was a powerful one to ward against magic. Combined with my father’s Bretonic gift of magic resistance and the ring of resist fire I wore, I hoped it would be enough. Regardless, the spell’s brief duration would require speed and timing.

As soon as the next fireball hit the boulder, I cast and ran. Once in the open, I set my course for the shelter of another large rock slightly farther along the path. Another fireball passed close behind, but the next one found me just as I leaped to safety. Thankful for my precautions, I passed a healing hand over my slightly singed elven rump.

After scanning again for foes, I repeated the cast and run process. I learned and improved as I went, resting at each stop to allow my endurance and magicka to recover.

I was well into my second waterskin by the time I found myself safely hidden in a narrow gap between two large rocks at the base of the sigil tower. Assisted by my detect life rings, I studied the movements of three Daedra that patrolled around the towering dark structure. Once I understood their pattern, I exploited a narrow window of time and scrambled from the safety of my stony crevice to the tower’s entrance, and inside.

No challenges or glows of life met me on the other side. After magically warding the door behind me, I cast numerous weak, but persistent frost spells into the ceiling and walls where they lingered – effectively illuminating the entire large chamber. The pale blue glow from my spells revealed several corpses littered about the stone floor.

One was human.

I knelt by what I could now see was a Redguard clad in the bloody leathers of an Imperial Legion Forester. After gently passing a hand over the woman’s face to close her blankly staring eyes, I quickly searched her body and pack. Among the personal effects that I stuffed into my satchel for delivery to Caelia, was Fanador’s book on how to close Oblivion Gates. Guilt tugged at my heart as I realized she had tried to use the same stealthy tactics that Savlian and I did inside the Kvatch gate. “I’m sorry, Jovanah. Stealth without magic would not have let me succeed either. That you made it this far is testimony to your determination and skill. I will honor you by finishing what you boldly started. Farewell, sister. May the Nine ease your path to a peaceful rest.”

I stood and quietly admonished myself, “Focus on the task at hand, Buffy, lest you join this brave forester.” I took a long pull from the second waterskin before continuing.

The screeching challenge that welcomed me as I entered the next chamber prompted a panic-casting of my invisibility spell. As I slid to one side to vacate the spot of my last visible presence, I quickly assessed the threat. I yielded my cloak of invisibility to command the nearby angry clannfear with illusion magic. My new ally quickly charged the twin flame atronachs who also guarded this chamber. The distraction allowed me to sprint up a ramp to the only door besides the entrance and slip through it. Thankfully, this room was empty and I quickly warded the door behind me.

The next level once again required recruiting a temporary Daedric distraction, but the chamber above that was ascended without detection.

Climbing a ramp that led to yet another door, I quietly slipped into the next area and, again, warded the door behind me. The ample light coming through the translucent red-domed roof, and humming of a sigil stone confirmed that I had arrived at the tower’s pinnacle.

Two glows guarded this level and I stealthily crept close enough to evaluate them while remaining unnoticed. Between the ramps and teeth-like stone pillars, it took a few moments for my moving foes to reveal themselves as a dremora mage and frost atronach.

I studied them while debating how best to proceed. Invisibly running for the sigil stone? Hoping that perhaps the slow swirl of a command spell could catch one of the moving targets and turn them against each other? Possibly using the superior speed of an arrow to kill the mage first?

My options suddenly became very limited when the black-robed dremora moved closer and looked around suspiciously. “I sense a disturbance in the tower’s force.” Her voice had an otherworldly echo to it. Black-gloved fingers opened to spill pink magic that I knew all too well. “I see the glow of your life force, little mortal. Welcome to the place of your death.” Her hand spiked toward me, releasing a burst of dark red magic.

I answered with a spell of my own but hers traveled much faster. A feeling of panic rose as I felt the link to my precious magicka sever and watched her easily sidestep the slow swirl of my illusion.

I sprinted for the other side of the large circular room, making several erratic turns to complicate her spell targeting. A bolt of lightning flew past, barely missing me. I had also inadvertently strayed close enough to alert the frost atronach. I dove behind a pillar. The column of stone shielded me from both the crackling spark-filled explosion of the mage’s next spell, and the booming chill of the atronach’s frost magic.

Protected for a brief moment, my hand dove into the pouch at my waist and emerged with a potion. Spitting its cork from my teeth I guzzled the dispelling elixir. Even before the empty vial hit the ground, I felt the relief and power of magicka once again surging through me.

Keeping the pillar between the mage and I, illusion magic swirled from my fingers to the atronach. After it struck, the ice monster turned, and its next spell was directed toward the dremora spellcaster.

Since the mage could both divine my location and curse my magic, she represented the far bigger threat.

When I stepped out from behind the protection of the stone pillar, my bow hosted a fully drawn arrow. My readiness to quickly slide from side to side to avoid the mage’s spells was not needed, for as I saw her hand thrust a fire spell at the atronach, I loosed. Her corpse had barely hit the ground when I cast yet another illusionary swirl toward my remaining frosty foe. He answered with a ball of icy fog.

As our slowly moving spells passed each other, I easily sidestepped his. The atronach, however, made no attempt to evade mine. As it blossomed into his chest, he turned to flee in terror.

I sprinted to the angry pillar of flame in the center of the chamber, atop which was suspended the buzzing and humming object that powered this horrid realm.

Grasping the sigil stone, I was engulfed in the familiar blinding light and roaring protest of collapsing stone. I surrendered to the sensations of swirling, tumbling and falling that I knew would return me to Nirn.

I really liked your description of Buffy spilling a cloak over herself.

Alright, Buffy is buffing up like a superhero! She will be patrolling the streets of Detroit with Stormcrow in no time! Seriously though, I did like the idea of using both feather spells and strength fortification to assist with an augmented leap.

I was actually thinking that the towers could sense a daedra from a Tamrielian. I will see when I scroll farther down.

Looks like the head-Paladin and I think alike!

Nice little trick of using frost spells for illumination!

I was afraid that we would find Jovanah within. Her remains are a grim reminder that while Buffy makes it look easy, closing gates is serious business for one not as experienced and well-prepared as she.

I was guessing a clannfear from the screeching challenge.

A disturbance in the Force? Yikes! He's on to Buffy! But some clever use of cover, and a potion saved for the inevitable eventuality of a silence spell, and the Buffster showed that a cool head and preparation will prevail.

Yeah, Dame Buffy! She can close that gate. Nobody else in the vicinity seems qualified.

Hey, she puts on her Detect Life rings. Did she also have Resist Fire? I like when she says "I should be back within a day."

Nice, she uses Feather for an actual purpose other than carrying extra weight. See, none of my characters ever use this spell. They always sell Feather potions + scrolls. Never thought of using them to add agility, though.

She's drinking water as she explores the heated Deadlands.

Uh oh, looks like Buffy's been spotted by a Dremorwizard. But she can do her invisibility / summon trick, right? Nope, not this time. Interesting that she hasn't fired any shots, yet. Maybe her bow is more of a backup in this situation.

Wup! Spoke too soon.

Phew. Sigil Stone in hand, and back to Cyrodiil she goes.

Chapter 12:

From the serene jungle of Valenwood and back into the fray. Buffy wasted no time in taking the fight to the Daedra, and again she means business. Good to see Caelia Draconis, and a reminder in how instrumental she was in retaking the city.

My hand lingered at the small of her waist long enough to magically ease her fatigue. There was little I could do about how overdue she was for a bath.
This was a very nice touch!

The need to prove one's skill can be dangerous in a place like Tamriel, and an all too common folly of the young. Jovanah's venture into Oblivion gave me little hope, and Buffy's prior knowledge and experience in the Deadlands. If the denizens of the realm did not kill her, the fierce and fiery realm may have. But there's always a chance, right? Hopefully.

Though pressed with concerns, Buffy's bravery was the much needed answer to Caelia's problems. Entering Oblivion on one's own will takes courage, and in this case, a selfless heroic spirit.

Chapter 13:
You painted a fiery picture of the Deadlands as most of us have remembered it. Once again Acadian proves helpful and offered good advice as Buffy's leaps over the voracious lava below. It was quite amusing, if I must say, seeing her land unceremoniously on the ground. That was a nice touch, and seeing her putting her healer skills to work felt great.

“I sense a disturbance in the tower’s force.”
I totally got that.

I don't think there is anything more terrifying than encountering a Daedra, especially in their own realm . . . especially one trained in the arcane arts. Buffy reminds me just how useful potions and elixirs are; they certainly come in handy in dire moments like these. A shame Jovanah did not make it, but her bravery will not be unremembered, for sure. Not everyone is capable for such a tremendous task.

Buffy's fight with the lady Dremora had me on the edge of my seat, and her determination and wise use of her magick capabilities made short work of the Dremora and the pesky frozen fiend! This was a great chapter!

I liked the way Buffy knows to just make the atronch flee, as she's about to collapse the tower on him. Most would feel the need to destroy it first, and then leave.

This is sad - but for the Grace of Akatosh goes Julian! I rather suspect that Julian's years of experience in the Legion fighting alongside battlemages had thought her that magic and sword&board does mix. I recall how she utilized that little healing spell so frequently in her first forays in the Deadlands she had to use the magicka wells to replenish her own pool. And I recall how quickly she adopted the detect life spell and the chameleon enchantment on her armor!

Reading this latest adventure of Buffy's bought back many memories of all those gates Julian closed. She does not miss them. At. All.

That’s a clever use of the Feather spell! Buffy’s mage satchel really shows its worth here.

Smart to ward the doors as Buffy passed through the tower. The arcane part of arcane archer shone throughout this adventure!

Preparation saves the day with that potion. Well done, Dame Buffy!

As others have said - a very clever use of Feather spells. Like Renee's characters, mine sell those potions / scrolls as well.

I was hoping there'd be a slim chance for Buffy to find wounded Jovanah hiding somewhere but by closing the gate Buffy avenged her.

Impressive that she managed to avoid almost all denizens of the deadlands by a clever use of her spells.

That mage proved to be a challenge but "fortunately" it had the atronach nearby, so Buffy could turn the atronach against her. I like it how you described that she sensed Buffy's presence and struck first.

Previously- Buffy entered an Oblivion Gate threatening Leyawiin and navigated the perils of the Deadlands. After locating the body of the Legion Forester who had preceded her by several days and fighting her way to the sigil stone, she managed to close the gate.

*

SubRosa- When Buffy was ‘flying’ across that gorge, I did think of Stormcrow. Buffy and I were delighted long ago when we figured out how to illuminate dark chambers by tossing persistent weak frost spells into walls and ceilings in TES4.

Renee- Early in Buffy’s TES career, we lifted the two ring restriction so, yes, she wore a very effective combination of two rings of detect life and one with resist fire inside the Deadlands.

DE- Getting her magic severed by a Daedric spellcaster quite inflicted a déjà vu terror in Buffy’s heart. She vividly recalls that is exactly what led to her inability to prevent the mortal damage Savlian took during their final battle back at Kvatch. There, her potions had been crushed. Though there was no opportunity to describe it in this episode without breaking the flow, she now uses custom vials made of light mithril steel and never adventures without dispelling potions. So glad you got my Star Wars ‘force’ reference.

ghastley- Heh, I think Buffy’s choice to turn the atronach with fear, grab the sigil stone and flee was more that she could ‘smell the barn’ and anxious to exit the Deadlands. Knowing that pulling the sigil stone would kill any Daedra inside was just a bonus.

Rider- I well-remember Julian being a skilled warrior who gradually embraced magic to augment her traditional soldierly skills to good effect. I think Buffy’s lack of physical strength that causes her to eschew melee is what drove her to augment her bow with magic. After a couple failed attempts to teach Buffy to use a dagger, it was Daenlin who pointed her toward Kud-Ei and the guild of mages to increase her survivability.

Grits- Buffy (and her greaves) hates dangerous surprises so warding the sigil tower doors behind her seemed natural. Though Buffy tends to rely on her bow for actually delivering raw damage, she’ll readily admit that she could survive without her bow; she couldn’t survive without her magic. Her skill evolution is slow and gradual, but she has changed her primary self-perception from archer to mage.

Lopov- Buffy’s pretty creative with ‘utility’ spells like summoning hunting knives, feathering heavy items, lighting up dark areas, etc. Illusion is her primary school of magic and it proved its worth through most of the Deadlands. Against the dremora mage, however, it displayed its drawbacks of traveling slowly and not actually doing direct damage.





After bouncing once and rolling twice, I scrambled to my feet and gratefully inhaled Leyawiin’s cool damp air. By the time I had stuffed the sigil stone within my satchel to silence it and healed my bruises, Caelia Draconis was upon me.

“Thank Zenithar!” she exclaimed.

“How long?” I asked.

“You were in there over the middle of the day – about seven or eight hours.” Her face clouded. “Did you find any sign of Jovanah?”

I nodded solemnly as I produced the forester’s personal effects and gave them, along with the now empty waterskin I had borrowed, to Caelia. “You may truthfully pass along to the Legion and any family Jovanah had that she died bravely.”

“Thank you, Buffy.” She gazed at the steam rising from the broken gate’s flickering and glowing remnants for a long moment. “Once again, Leyawiin is in your debt. You mentioned you have business with Count Caro?”

“Yes,” I replied. “I’d appreciate any help you can provide arranging an audience. It involves martial assistance relating to the Oblivion Crisis, so you should attend as well.”

“Can it wait until tomorrow morning?” In response to my frown she continued, “Look, we’re both exhausted and need some cleaning up. . . actually, a lot of cleaning up. Besides, my hope is that by morning the White Stallion Knights will have that final gate closed. I’d like to have their knight commander at this meeting.”

“You’re right, Caelia,” I admitted.

“I’ll make the arrangements then,” she stated. “Will you require quarters at the castle?”

“No thank you,” I replied. “I’ll stay in the Mages Guildhall.”

“Fine. I’ll pick you up there midmorning on the morrow and escort you to the castle. That will give us the opportunity to privately discuss something you should know before we meet with Count Caro.”

“What might that be?” I lifted an eyebrow.

“The Count recently had Alessia Caro executed for treason.”

A score of questions swirled in my mind, but before any could reach my lips, Caelia held up a hand to stay my words and continued, “Like I said, there are things we need to discuss.” As a soldier approached, she added, “But this is not the time or place.”

“Captain?” The Imperial’s helmet was tucked between his arm and the singed fabric of his Leyawiin surcoat. The tired face was streaked with soot and his closely cropped hair bore flecks of gray.

“Dame Buffy,” said Caelia, “this is Ignatius Varro, my sergeant of the guard and second in command.”

“Pleased to meet you, Ignatius.”

Rather than shaking my offered hand, he formally touched the back of it to his lips. “I see Milady’s reputation as one of Leyawiin’s first knights is well deserved. Thank you for destroying this gate.”

“Report,” ordered Caelia, limiting the reply I could give Ignatius to what I hoped was a graciously humble smile.

“I’ve directed a withdrawal from this position and asked S’drassa to thank his guild for their assistance,” the soldier began. “Our guards are returning to the barracks to get themselves healed, fed and tend to their gear. I’d like to get them back into the semblance of a routine. A rider’s been dispatched to the knights dealing with that remaining open gate up north. He’ll notify them that this one’s been closed and remain there until he can bring us word of the final gate’s closure.”

“Outstanding job, Sergeant.” Caelia then turned back to me. “By your leave, Dame Buffy. I’ll call for you in the morning at your guild.”

She waited for me to nod, then the two soldiers turned and began walking toward the awaiting ferry. I watched their backs for a time as they talked and opened the distance from me.

Alone, under a gray afternoon sky, I gazed at my handiwork. The collapsed pillars of a closed Oblivion Gate were normally rather unremarkable stone that went cold as soon as the portal was closed. I noted, however, that the detritus of this one continued to mock the surrounding forest with an orange glow. Sigil stones were infused with a variety of effects, but I didn’t need to check the one in my satchel to know that its magic was fire. No matter how many vines the spriggans planted in the name of Kynareth to reclaim this patch of woods, the small flames that flickered from these rocks would likely take years to eventually die out.

“Superian, I need you,” I said. The combined spirit of mare and dragon stirred within me. A bluish white mist - the color of ancient glaciers and ice dragons – formed in my hand. As I opened my fingers, the vapor quickly expanded and solidified into the fully tacked up form of Superian. I hugged my precious mare’s neck and mounted. Kitsune appeared and, after circling my waist, settled into her spot between my hips and the saddle’s pommel.

We slowly rode the short distance to where the Yellow Road met the Niben, and didn’t mind waiting the few minutes it would take for the ferry to return.

*

After carefully examining my sigil stone the guild’s storekeeper, Alves Uvenim, opened a display case containing two others. The teeth-tingling discordant hum of three sigil stones forced both hands over my ears. When she quickly added mine and closed the case’s transparent cover, the noise blessedly stopped. As I lowered my hands, the Dunmer pointed at my stone through the clear barrier and emitted a low whistle. “That transcendent fire stone is worth a great deal.”

The amount of coin she then offered rendered my eyes likely the size of saucers. I managed to nod acceptance while finding my voice. “That’s much more than my traveling expenses require. Can you give me a hundred gold now and credit the rest to my guild account?”

“I think that’s a prudent choice, Buffy. According to the Black Horse Courier, the Legion cautions that the roads just aren’t safe anymore.”

She began counting out gold. “Did you hear about Countess Caro?”

“Yes,” I replied as Alves filled my silk coin purse. “Captain Draconis will call for me in the morning and has promised to share more details of the lady’s fate during our walk to the castle.”

“I couldn’t wish such an end on anyone, but part of me wouldn’t blame our local Khajiit and Argonian friends if they held a celebration.” She dropped in the last coin. “Is there anything else you need?”

I stowed the purse in my satchel, then glanced down over buckskins that were streaked with black soot and white dried sweat. I was pretty sure my face and hair looked no better. “A bath, and rather badly I should think.”

“Oh, you’ll love the new tub Agata had installed downstairs! I hope to see you later at dinner.” Slender blue-green hands opened the top drawer of her sales counter and began rummaging among the parchments and journals within. “Now, where’d I put my quill?”

I suppressed a giggle as I realized the long feather nestled in her dark hair was not a fashion statement. “Is that it behind your left ear?”

“Welcome back to Leyawiin, Buffy.” The interruption came from behind, but I recognized the Nordic voice as that of the deputy guildmagister.

Smiling, I turned. “Thank you, Agata. I hope to stay for a day, perhaps up to three.”

“That’ll be fine. Boderi Farano sent word by courier dove to expect you. I’ve assigned you Kalthar’s old bed downstairs for your stay.” She looked me over then wrinkled her nose. “You need a bath, Journeyman.”

“Yes, Agata.”

Thank Zenitor!

The Countess has been executed for treason? Wow, did not see that coming. I suspect the plot might be thickening indeed!

It looks like Buffy might be richer than Zenithar now.

I hope Kalthar's old bed has had a bath as well!

Countess Caro executed??

Julian asks: How does this affect Count Caro's relationship with Countess Arriana Valga, the Countess Caro's mother?

I admit I had that relationship in the back of my mind as I wrote the relevant chapters of OHDH and made a (so far unkept) promise to myself to explore it further in potential sequels . . .

And a Bath! In the GUILD HALL?? My my the Leyawiin Chapter is moving up!

Is it really a bath, or did one corner get flooded?

I don't really remember what was down there before, but It did look like a rebuild was in order.