Previously- After completing a Fighters Guild quest together to evaluate each other, Mirri and Buffy decided a longer partnership was in order. With her quest proceeds, Buffy promptly bought herself a buckskin and silk outfit that would be more appropriate for adventuring. After Buffy explained her quest to Mirri, the pair decided to leave for Elden Root the following morning. Buffy spent her last evening in Leyawiin with Dagail and they exchanged gifts.

*

Renee- It was ESO where Buffy’s nurturing nature really blossomed in the form of healing. Leyawiin in ESO is not flooded. It actually handles the Niben very well with bridges that allow the city to occupy both sides of the river, yet high enough to allow most ships passage. I think the tears shared by Buffy and Dagail were, on Buffy’s part, letting go – even temporarily – of the only link in the 2nd Era Buffy has to where/when she comes from. On Dagail’s part, as she explains, being a seer allows her few friends – especially ones like Buffy with whom she can comfortably discuss her visions.

ghastley- Buffy did indeed feel good getting into some practical adventure wear that’s more trip-proof than a mages robe.

Rider- Thanks for pointing out both those nits so I could quickly fix them. Especially the Windhelm/Winterhold mixup. I’m thankful you and Lili are well-acquainted with the difference between those two bitterly cold places. I really enjoy having that bit of continuity Dagail provides between Eras. Even though she’s not part of ESO of course, she’ll be a fixture in Buffy’s story. Yes, I think Elden Root will have a very big impression on Buffy.

SubRosa- The wayshrine system allows for some interesting possibilities. Happily, with Mirri along, Buffy won’t have to slog to each one to discover the ones she needs before she can use them. The scale of ESO is so large that some sort of quick travel system is very helpful. Buffy now has her mages pouch of holding as well as her impressive chest magic trunk to store things. The trunk will be for less used items and the pouch more for items requiring quicker access.

Lopov- For starting out naked and afraid, Buffy is rapidly assembling what she needs to support her quest.

Part Three. Grahtwood

This region is the southern heart of the Wood Elves' great forest, and home to more of the gigantic graht oaks than any other part of Valenwood. Its capital, now also the capital of the entire Aldmeri Dominion, is Elden Root.



The next morning, after I finished a bowl of porridge and some strawberries, Mirri arrived, looking ready to go. She nodded approvingly at my new silk and buckskin outfit. After one last goodbye to Dagail, Mirri and I left the Leyawiin guildhall and headed for the city’s wayshrine. “You’ve not been to Elden Root, I presume?” she asked.

I shook my head. “I’ve visited other graht oaks before. In fact I was conceived in the highest branches of one. But, no, I’ve never been to Elden Root.”

“The Elden Root wayshrine is inside the tree on its ground level,” Mirri said. “I owe it to you that the first time you see the tree you have the perspective of enough distance to fully appreciate its scale. We’ll therefore arrive at another wayshrine and travel the remaining distance by horse.”

I’ll trust your judgement, Mirri.”

As we stepped up to Leyawiin’s wayshrine, Mirri grasped my hand in hers, saying, “Don’t let go until we arrive at our destination.” She placed her other hand on the shrine. A few moments later, we were gone.

When the world came back into focus, Mirri said, “We are at the Elden Root Temple wayshrine, roughly half a league northeast of Elden Root. Touch the shrine and attune yourself to it as I’ll have you do each time we arrive at one you’ve not visited before.”

After I added this new wayshrine to my tiny repertoire, Mirri had me close my eyes and led me a short distance away from the wayshrine before telling me to open them.

Looming out of the jungle morning haze ahead of me was a tree that nearly filled my vision even at this great distance. I looked up along its trunk. And up. And up. And up until the tree disappeared into the clouds. Even from here, I could see the tree featured many windows – but they appeared like tiny yellow dots of light against its massive trunk. “Well, stuff me gently,” I managed to whisper in awe.

Mirri, smiled. “Impressive, is it not? The girth of the tree at its base rivals that of the entire city of Leyawiin and its tallest branches are lost in the clouds.”

“Impressive doesn’t even begin to do it justice,” I breathed. Even from this distance, I felt. . . something. . . as if the tree itself beckoned me. The word ‘home’ floated among my thoughts and I was pretty sure I didn’t put it there.

Mirri summoned Gray and mounted. Once I could tear my eyes from the magnificent tree, I called for Superian and mounted as well.

We made our way along a jungle trail until it joined a road. The tree grew ever larger as we drew closer.

Eventually we passed under some of the tree’s roots that curved above ground and could see an arched doorway leading into the tree. I stopped and slowly turned in my saddle, trying to take it all in. There was a stable outside the tree along with numerous vendor stands selling a variety of wares. Some areas of the arched root system sprouted bulbous pods, each two or three horse lengths across at the base and rising to a point. These pods appeared to be dwellings, though one hosted a tavern sign, and a gentle breeze carried the lilting song of a bard.

A lake meandered near the tree and I could see that a massive above ground root provided a wide bridge leading away from the tree. In the shallows and along the nearby shore, I could see numerous bathers in various states of undress as they washed, dried or dressed themselves.

“The tree’s public bathing area,” Mirri commented, “where the warm air and pleasant water temperature combine with traditional Bosmer lack of modestly.”

We rode into the tree through a tall open archway. This ground level hosted a variety of merchants, a bistro where I could see several diners seated at small tables, and the tree’s wayshrine. I also noticed a number of watchful Bosmer city guards patrolling. I could now see there were two other open arches leading into this area besides the one we had entered through. We dismounted near the wayshrine so I could attune myself to it.

After unsummoning the horses, we climbed a wide ramp-shaped portion of the tree to a set of arched double doors, from which grew vines and green leaves and led to the second level. There we found crafting stations and merchants associated with smithing, working leather, cloth and wood, jewelry crafting, enchanting and even an alchemy station as well as a bank. On the far side of this level, another ramp led up and along the back wall. Along that wall were four doors flanked by banners indicating where they led. “I recognize banners of the Fighters and Mages guilds, Mirri, but what do those other two signify?”

“The banners with the crown on them flank the throne room of King Camoran Aeradan.”

“The tree has a king?” I asked.

“Oh no,” chuckled Mirri. “He claims to be the king of the provinces that comprise Valenwood, including this one - Grahtwood. Most of the Bosmer tribes pay little heed, however. I don’t expect many of them bend a knee to any authority beyond their own tribe, or perhaps whichever clan their tribe belongs to.” She pointed toward the fourth door. "Those banners with the oak tree depicted mark the door leading to the upper areas – where most of the Elden Root tribe lives. Access is limited to the tribe and its guests. This lower portion of the tree is quite cosmopolitan though. As you can see, the tribe willingly hosts all manner of non-Bosmeri folk, organizations and enterprises as long as no one harms their tree.”

“The mages guild is where I need to begin,” I said.

“Buffy, in your effort to coax support from Arch Mage Galerion, I fear my presence would be . . . counterproductive. As I’m sure you recall, I can rub people the wrong way when they first meet me. My lack of membership in your guild would not help things either.”

“Where will you go, Mirri? How will I meet up with you again?”

“I’ll use the wayshrine system to attend some matters elsewhere but I’ll arrange to breakfast early each morning at that café we saw on the ground level near the wayshrine. That way you can keep me apprised as you arrange things for the next step in our quest.”

I tilted my head, looked up at her and smiled.

“What?” she asked.

“You called it ‘our’ quest, Mirri. Thank you. And yes, I’ll give you a morning status report each day over breakfast. See you tomorrow.”

*

Screenshot: First glimpse of Elden Root

Mirri finally approves of Buffy's outfit.

A lovely and vivid description of Elden Root. During my ESO Travels, we've been there rarely but your description brought back some memories, for instance three archways leading to the center of the tree.

Well stuff me, Buffy has made her first wayshrine journey, and her first visit to Elden Root.

Larger in circumference than Leyawiin, and certainly much taller. That is some tree! I liked how you use dialogue to convey that.

No waterfalls in the public bathing area. So that might not be strong enough a pull to get Buffy out of her clothes.

It sounds like the King is a King in his own mind, and little else. A common enough circumstance for many kings IRL as well.





nits:
Eventually we passed under some of the tree’s roots that arched above ground and could see an arched doorway leading into the tree.
You have a repetition of the word arched in the same sentence. It might flow better if you changed the first one to something like curved, or bowed; or the second to something like vaulted.

I was initially wondering why Buffy wasn't looking for somewhere to stay the night, until I remembered that she is already a proper Mages guild member. Is Snugpod in her future?

The little changes you have made to Elden Root seem to correct the same things that always annoyed me. King does not live right at the top, but in the upper section. The rest of the population has homes, presumably getting smaller towards the top. There is more than one place to eat in a city.

And they did remember to attune the wayshrine. I have had a character who came from Haven, and went up the tree without doing so. It's a lot harder getting back after a guild daily without it.

This observation of our mature companion's made me smile. How true in more ways than one!

I did find a small nit, one I've missed myself in my own edits: Seems you are missing an opening quote before the bolded 'Those'

I really enjoyed Buffy's first view of Elden Root. I first approached it from the south, after completing the quests at Haven and helping the circus get their show back on stage there.

Trust Mirri to be ever practical regarding touching base on a regular basis. Breakfast at the cafe every morning? I'm in!

I also see Mirri is incredibly wise in choosing not to accompany Buffy when she meets Vanus Galerion. There's been times I wished we'd permanently lost that blowhard on the transport to Coldharbour. Ah well.

OH nice, they're off to Valenwood. Are any elves portrayed as cannibals in ESO? Hmm, I just did a quick search of the Green Pact at UESP. Seems it's more about being a carnivore a cannibal. It's that darn Pocket Guide which started that nonsense!

That's so awesome, a tree so tall it climbs into the clouds. I seem to recall Buffy went into a huge tree in Book 3, however she's still awed by this mammoth in Elden Root.

Gosh the description of Elden Root's vicinity is so placid. Yet breathtaking. 🌳

Whoa, Mirri is recusing herself from entering the MG!

And Buffy gets her buckskin and silk! She looks great in that outfit. And now she has a mage pouch! She quest and market-ready!

Mirri lowered her wine goblet the next morning. It is a treat to see Mirri being Mirri.


“Well, stuff me gently,” I managed to whisper in awe. Oh my goodness, this is charming and hilarious.

Mirri’s approach for a first view of Elden Root does it justice. What a spectacular place. I smiled that it subtly reached out to Buffy.

Previously- Buffy and Mirri magically traveled to a wayshrine near Elden Root in the Valenwood province of Grahtwood. Buffy’s first glimpse of the massive tree city left her (almost) speechless. They rode the remaining distance and Mirri gave Buffy a bit of a tour of the outside and lower levels of the tree – including the location of the Mages Guild. At that point, Mirri departed for business elsewhere and the pair agreed to meet for breakfast each morning so Buffy could brief Mirri on her progress in gaining an audience with the Arch Mage.

*

Lopov- Yes, the first glimpse of Elden Root really left an impression on Buffy.

Subrosa- There’s plenty of waterfalls but none right at the base of Elden Root. I’m sure Buffy will try out that bathing area at some point in this book. Uniting the Bosmer under one banner is akin to herding cats. If the Bosmers’ biggest strength is being able to fight masterfully in their forests and jungles, their biggest weakness is the bickering and refusal of the clans to work toward a common purpose. Thanks for the nit; I changed it per your suggestion.

ghastley- Buffy’s a wanderer and gregarious. That combination will probably have her spending most nights with friends or in Mages Guildhalls among fellow mages. I don’t expect she’ll end up with a house of her own in her story. As you know, the game does nothing with Elden Root above the first few levels. In Buffy lore there’s a whole tribe of Cloud Dancer elves who make their homes above that as you say.

Rider- Thanks for the nit so I could quickly fix it. I think Mirri is right that her abrupt nature and heavily armored appearance would not be helpful to Buffy’s efforts at sweet talking the Mages Guild.

Renee- Cannibals. . . some of the Green Pact Clan tribes do abide by the meat mandate and ceremonially eat the flesh of their defeated enemies in the belief that it will transfer the strength of their foes to themselves. In fact, there is a quest involving a tribe poisoning themselves when on the verge of defeat by a quite traditional Green Pact tribe. When the victors ate the flesh of their vanquished, they were poisoned as well.

Grits- Yes, Buffy’s gradually getting her kit built up again. And you’re right, her first glimpse of Elden Root was a magical moment.

*

A reminder: In Buffy lore, most Bosmer belong to clans based upon common beliefs and characteristics. Those of the same clan who live together form tribes. This becomes relevant in today’s episode and Buffy will further review this – and some of the differences among clans - as we proceed through the book. By the way, we are now half way through this book.




Before entering the Mages Guild, I slipped behind a vine covered branch that hid me from view. I then conjured my storage trunk and changed from silk and buckskins into my tailored mage robe.

The Mages Guild was a very large open chamber that appeared to be formed or grown by the tree itself. There was no evidence that the hand of man or mer had shaped its natural bark-covered walls or planted the ferns and wildflowers that grew with abandon around its perimeter. Two large trees - each hosting a lush bloom of blue flowers - had chosen to grow from the floor in the middle of the chamber.

Ramps along both sides of the chamber rose to a second open level. The wall above that area was dominated by a window that appeared to be two or three horse lengths across. I imagined this was but one of the tiny dots of light I had seen along the tree’s trunk when I first saw Elden Root from a distance. As I looked up, I could see wispy clouds that kissed the chamber’s high ceiling.

Certainly, there was plenty of room for practicing all kinds of spells, as several mages in the central area of the guildhall were doing. It seemed most of the guild’s facilities were along the back wall of this level. I made my way there.

“Are you new here?”

The voice came from a blond Altmer, also in the robe of a mage. I looked up at her and replied, “Yes, I am called Buffy and have just arrived from Leyawiin.”

“I’m Andorie. I bid you welcome. You’ll find we host a unique guildhall, nestled here in the great tree.”

I placed my palms together in front of me, fingertips up, and briefly dipped my head in the greeting used by guild mages. “I thank you for your welcome, guildsister.”

She returned the gesture then led me a short distance to another mage. “Guildmagister Gabin Geric, this is Buffy, newly arrived from Leyawiin.”

The dark-haired Breton’s face was decorated by both mustache and goatee. "Welcome to our guildhall, Buffy,” he said. “Feel free to use the facilities during your stay. We have several empty beds if you require quarters?”

“That would be most gracious and appreciated, Guildmagister.”

Andorie excused herself and stepped away.

“May I ask what brings you to Elden Root and how long you expect to stay?”

“Of course, Guildmagister. I am a paladin and here on a quest for My Lady Kynareth. I hope to enjoy your hospitality for less than a tenday.”

His eyebrows climbed noticeably. “How may I assist your quest, Dame Buffy?”

“My mission overlaps with a concern of our guild. I therefore wish to inform Arch Mage Galerion before I proceed. A guildsister in Leyawiin advised me that he is expected in Elden Root soon. I would seek audience with him.”

“You have been informed correctly. We do indeed anticipate the Arch Mage’s visit within a few days. Since your quest is in service to a Divine, I’m sure he’ll try to accommodate you during his busy schedule here. Until he arrives, please avail yourself of our guildhall and feel free to ask Andorie or myself should there arise else you need."

"Thank you, Guildmagister.”

He was then drawn into another conversation by a pair of mages who were quite insistent that he settle some sort of argument.

So far so good. My stomach convinced me to find the guild’s cooking and pantry area and forage a midday meal of water, boar stew and bread. I spent much of the afternoon learning my way around the guild and meeting fellow mages. I learned that the only area of the guild separate from the large main chamber was the Guildmagister’s combination office and quarters. One of the mages explained it was the only area of the guildhall that allowed for private meetings. I was pleased to discover the guild had a fine library.

“Excuse me.”

I turned from the bookshelf I was investigating to find myself eye-to-eye with an elf no taller than I who possessed a young face and eyes the color of emeralds. Pale green hair spilled over the shoulders of her guild robe.

“I noticed your arrival earlier as I was practicing my spellcasting,” she said. “Your size suggests you are a fellow member of the Cloud Dancer Clan?”

“Yes, I am called Buffy.”

“My name is Valeria and I bid you welcome, Buffy, to both our guild hall and the great tree of my Elden Root Tribe.”

“Thank you, Valeria, I’m pleased to meet you.”

“My treethane wishes to be informed whenever a visiting Cloud Dancer arrives and I have done so. I’ve been instructed to relay her invitation for you to call upon her morning of the morrow.”

“I’d be honored, Valeria. To where shall I report?”

“Are you staying here in the guildhall?” After I nodded my reply, she added, “May I collect you midmorning then? I’ll escort you higher into the tree where our treethane holds court.”

“I’ll meet you here then and look forward to both meeting your treethane and seeing some of the upper areas of this magnificent tree.”

She smiled and relaxed, clearly relieved to have successfully completed her task. “Fellow Cloud Dancers are rarely seen away from whichever tree their tribe lives in, Buffy. May I ask your tribe?”

I winced. “I’m without a tribe. My tree was destroyed by fire during a thunderstorm and my parents were among the few to escape. I was still in the womb.”

Her eyes opened wide. “Oh Buffy, I’m so sorry to hear that. I cannot even imagine being stripped of my tree!”

“Thank you, Valeria. Having been raised among humans, please forgive my unfamiliarity with the customs of visiting your tree as a Cloud Dancer.”

She slowly shook her head and frowned with a hint of pity as she repeated, “Raised among humans. . . . Again, I’m sorry Buffy. Yes, when a Cloud Dancer visits the tree of a tribe not her own, a courtesy call upon the hosting tree’s thane is customary.”

“I am indebted to you, Valeria, for helping to spare me the appearance of rudeness.”

“Well, I hope you enjoy your stay here in Elden Root. Excuse me but I must report your answer to my treethane.”

“See you in the morning,” I said as I watched the small mage walk away.

*

Screenshot: Elden Root Mages Guild

I see, so it's "some tribes" that were cannibalistic. Not the entire province, I see. Sometimes the lorehounds make it sound as if every Bosmer in Valenwood is supposed to be a cannibal.

Clans + tribes, what a good idea.

Kiss the sky in that high chamber, literallly.

"Yes, I am called Buffy," she says to the Altmer. Why does she phrase it that way, and not "my name is Buffy?" --- I am called suggests ... I dunno. I know her name was given because of her habit of running around in the buff as a child. But the way she says "I am called" suggests she doesn't see Buffy as ...

Hmm, let's see if Arch Mage Galerion already somehow knows why Buffy is here.

'treethane!' --- So her parents escaped. Did they then go to Bravil, or not? Sorry, trying to learn some Buffy lore. Pretty sure she was an orphan, which means her parents did not go to Bravil.

Gorgeous picture of your elf's ponytail.

Thanks for the review of Bosmer culture and clans/tribes in Buffy lore. It's surprisingly close to what I had visualized for Lili so I really enjoyed this.

No nits this time, either there is none or I'm cross-eyed from running too many vet dungeons.

Really enjoyed your description of the Elden Root Mages Guildhall. It brought back memories of my early days in ESO.



Lili knows this feeling all too well, sadly . . .

One quick superhero change coming up. In goes Superman - daring adventurer, out comes Clark Kent, mild-mannered Mages Guild member.

Well that was a guild start with Andy and Gabby. It looks like Buffy will have some time on her hands before Galerion arrives.

Eye to eye with another person? Does this mean that this green-haired stranger is perhaps a member of Buffy's own clan perhaps?

It does. Though I suppose it should not be so surprising here an Age past and within the heart of Valenwood itself. I look forward to meeting other Cloud Dancers.

So Buffy actually got "orphaned" twice. First the tree, then her parents as well. I assume that the tree as such has almost as an important role in the life of elves like being raised by actual parents. Or at least it does give them a feel of "being a part of something greater / belonging to something greater".

Great pic - nicely captured Buffy from the back with two braziers at sides and a bright glass window in front of her as a sign of warm welcome.

Does Buffy feel like she "arrived home" in a way?

Previously- Buffy entered the Elden Root Mages Guild, met several mages and confirmed Arch Mage Galerion was expected to visit within a few days. After explaining that she was a paladin whose quest overlapped with a concern of the guild, the guildmagister agreed that he would try to get her in to see the Arch Mage after his arrival. Buffy then met a fellow Cloud Dancer Clan elven mage from the Elden Root Tribe who explained it was customary for visiting Cloud Dancers to pay a courtesy call on the local treethane when visiting the tree of another tribe. Buffy accepted the offer to make such a call midmorning the following day.

*

Renee- “Yes, I am called Buffy,” is just an example of how, when trying to create a favorable impression, she tends to talk in a manner that she considers slightly more formal and that I consider somewhat old world. It is also just one more way to avoid literary redundancy in close proximity (ie: Answering “My name is X” with “My name is Y”). Buffy’s parents escaped the fire that devoured their tribe’s tree (Alderglean) when Buffy was still in the womb. They made their way to Bravil where Buffy was born and raised. Her father (Superior) disappeared during a vampire hunt before Buffy could walk and her mother (Marian) died of disease when Buffy was about twelve. So she does consider herself to be an orphan. Incidentally, Superian’s name is a blend of Buffy’s parents’ names.

Rider- Thanks. Buffy will review Bosmer clans/tribes a bit more in today’s episode in response to questions from Mirri. Mirri asking questions about Buffy and Bosmer is turning out to be a convenient ‘vehicle’ to review aspects of ‘Buffy lore’. Thanks for your comment about Valeria’s sympathy. I was trying to show that, from her perspective, she couldn’t conceive of being raised among humans or not being bound to a graht oak.

SubRosa- The superman change in a phone booth shows how acutely aware Buffy is that what she wears has an impact on how others react to her. Hence, she’ll eventually fill her ‘impressive chest’ with a wardrobe to account for that as well as climate and practical considerations. I’m glad you right away caught that huge ‘eye-to-eye’ clue that Valeria was a fellow Cloud Dancer.

Lopov- The Cloud Dancers Clan are quite connected to whatever tree their tribe live in. Somewhat the way dryads are in D&D. More on that as we progress. Buffy definitely felt something from Elden Root when first she saw it. I think you’ll enjoy it as she learns more about this tribe.



Remembering the shoppes on the lower levels, I headed there to pass some time as well as perhaps find some dinner.

“That robe fits you beautifully.” I turned to look up at the Breton who spoke. Her face was pleasant in a matronly way and framed by a head of black hair, liberally streaked with gray. She continued, “May I ask who tailored it for you?”

“Why thank you,” I replied. “A clothier in Leyawiin named Augustina did the alterations.”

“The name is unfamiliar,” said the woman, “but her skill is obvious. Forgive my forwardness, but the buckskin moccasins you’re wearing hardly do justice to that robe.”

I felt a warm flush of embarrassment. “Augustina told me the same thing.” It was then I noticed she was standing in front of a rather impressive display of footwear.

“I can offer you some fine options if you’re interested?” She looked down at my feet again and added, “Most everything I carry is available in sizes to fit Cloud Dancers.”

Well, she had me with that. A shoe shoppe that did not restrict me to the children’s section! “Might you have some sandals? Perhaps beige or gold colored strappy ones that come up to my knees?”

“But of course, young lady. How about these? Your moccasins look quite new; I’ll give you a significant credit if you’d like to trade them in.”

A few minutes later, with only a slightly lighter coin purse, I was proudly wearing a lovely pair of sandals that, I had to admit, looked much nicer with my robe than the moccasins I had traded for them.

I continued to wander, wide-eyed, among the variety of other vendors. I was just finishing a piece of flatbread wrapped around a succulent sausage when my attention was drawn to a ring. It was gold in color and adorned with a tiny butterfly. It looked quite similar to the one I left behind in Bravil.

“A beautiful ring for a beautiful elf.” The voice’s author was a Bosmer and obviously the owner of this small jewelry stand.

I remarked, “I recently. . . lost just such a ring that I wore on one of my toes for several years,”

“You’re in luck then.” He removed the ring from its display case and placed it in my hand. “Such a clearly refined young lady as yourself will undoubtedly notice the superb craftsmanship used to create this beautiful ring.”

I tried not to smile at the merchant’s silken words and skill with flattery as I turned the ring in my hand. Don’t appear too eager, Buffy.

“Because of the unfortunate loss of your previous ring,” persisted the vendor, “and my special relationship with the master craftsman who created this one, I’m prepared to offer you a price well below its significant value.”

“And what might that price be?” I asked.

“For a mere 250 gold, your lovely toe can once again be adorned with a butterfly. Go ahead, try it on.” He quickly produced a chair for me.

I sat and lifted the hem of my robe to my knees, exposing my new strappy sandals. After slipping the ring over the second toe of my left foot, I announced, “It’s too large.”

“Have no fear, she of small feet, for I have the tools right here to perfectly size it for you. While you wait even.”

“I shall also require the ring to be enchanted with a potent ability to resist frost.”

“Hmm,” he began as one hand found his chin, “you are once again in luck. Should you purchase this ring, I will introduce you to my colleague who owns the enchanting shoppe in this very plaza. His skill with glyphs is unmatched and, with a referral from me, you will find his price very reasonable.”

“I am interested,” I said at length. “Since I will still need to have it enchanted, I’ll offer you 200 gold.”

That earned a wince from the vendor as he sucked in his breath with well-practiced skill. “You drive too hard a bargain, milady. Need I remind you of the skill required to craft such a ring? Or that you are unlikely to find another so closely resembling the one you lost?” After a calculated pause, he added. “I struggle to resist a pretty face though. . . I suppose I could manage to part with this ring for the paltry sum of 225 gold.”

“210,” I countered.

He shook his head. “I would hate to see you pass up such an exquisite piece of jewelry, but 220 is as low as I will go.”

“Agreed,” I said. “Payable as soon as you size it to my toe.”

“Done,” he said with a grin as he extended his hand to seal the transaction.

An hour later, half of which was spent with the enchanter, I was once again wandering among the vendors, occasionally lifting the hem of my robe to admire my new sandals and ring.

*

The following morning, I briefed Mirri on my progress so far to include that I would hopefully be able to meet with the Arch Mage within a few days. I also described my conversation with Valeria and the arrangement I had made to meet with the Elden Root treethane after breakfast.

“So what’s a Cloud Dancer?” Mirri asked while spreading soft cheese over a piece of flatbread.

I finished chewing the bite of pork cutlet in my mouth and reached for a fresh strawberry before replying, “Bosmer form clans, based upon shared beliefs, characteristics and customs. Groups of the same clan who live together form tribes. The Elden Root Tribe in this tree, for example, is part of a clan called the Cloud Dancers.”

“What makes the Cloud Dancer Clan different from other Bosmer clans?” she asked as she lowered her wine goblet to the table.

“Several things,” I replied. “First, each tribe of the clan lives in, and is bonded to, a graht oak. We are very small in size and our bones quite lightweight – almost like those of a bird, ideally suiting us to live among the highest branches. To literally dance among the clouds that frequently obscure the tops of these magnificent trees.”

“I guess having bird bones makes you pretty fragile?” asked Mirri.

"It does," I replied soberly, recalling how the same daedroth who had killed Savlian Matius during the final battle for Kvatch had broken my left upper arm so badly that it took weeks of healing by both priests and restoration mages to repair. I then managed a smile and added, "but that's what I have you for."

“Thanks for your trust, partner. Tell me more about these Cloud Dancers.”

“Our beliefs are different as well. Long ago, when Y’ffre approached the Bosmer offering relief from the curse of the Wild Hunt in exchange for compliance with the Green Pact, most of the clans accepted the offer. Some clans, however, embraced the shapeshifting of the curse and made an accord to control it with Hircine. My clan rejected both Y’ffre and Hircine, instead turning to the Mother of Nirn and the Goddess of Forest and Sky – more commonly known as Mara and Kynareth.”

I paused for a sip of tea then, in response to Mirri’s encouraging nod, continued, “In return for their protection from the curse, we revere and protect the forest as we responsibly use its bounty. We take great care to fully utilize any plants or creatures we take to clothe or sustain ourselves and waste none of the forest’s precious resources.”

“That explains some things, Buffy,” Mirri said. “Your small stature, the strawberries on your plate, the way your eyes lit up when you first saw this massive tree. . . . “

I enjoyed the description of how the Cloud Dancer clan earned its name. It makes perfect sense now.

Wearing a ring on a toe, well that`s clever! And with beautiful sandals it`s even better.

She handled that price quite nicely.

So now it`s off to the enchanter, I guess.

Never fear! I understand Valeria's feelings on the matter - many who are not Bosmer don't really know what that experience of losing their graht oak means to a clan, while a Bosmer would shudder at the thought of it and put it out of their mind as an unbearable loss. Mirri asking questions about Buffy's clan puts me in mind of Lili asking questions about Skyrim and likewise, Sten (and eventually, Sofie) asking questions about Bosmer and Lili's own travels. It's a great way to introduce or refresh a character's backstory to readers.

Shoes! Sized for Tinkerbell tiny Bosmer! I'm sure Buffy will be visiting this shop again.

A butterfly ring! And enchanted with frost! Even though it's technically not the same ring, I'm sure Buffy will think of her friend Jerric often while traveling around Second Era Tamriel. Especially once they find the Ancient Dragon's grave! The haggling that followed was a lesson for Julian! Hee!

Buffy's Kyne's Pact is actually very similar to Lili's Fourth Era Green Pact (according to Lore, cannibalism had pretty much dropped out of favor before the end of the Second Era, though certain rituals still call for it, as already previously mentioned). Looks like our two Bosmer would get along quite well. Fortunately Lili's bones are made of sterner stuff, though still fragile when compared to the likes of Stenvar.

Still looking forward to Buffy's first impression of Venus Galerion!

Ah, see that's what I was getting at for sure: that is something you thought through. She's not just saying "I am called Buffy" as a casual literary way, there's a little method going on. Indeed, such ways of speaking are more old-timey, which I love and appreciate. Blood Raven's the most old-timey.

Thanks for explaining her past. So the parents did make it to Bravil then. Ah-ha! So that's where Superian was derived from. I didn't know her parents' names: Marian and Superior, until now.

The matronly Breton cannot comprehend combining moccasins with such a beautiful robe! Buffy's life in the Second Era is full of fashion faux-pas so far! - Alright, she's got some sandals, very nice.

Yikes "a mere 250 gold...." has she even got that much at the moment? -- Buffy doesn't seem too concerned. She even wants a frost enchantment to be added, yikes, such a demanding little elf!

Very nice, the lore which updates some clans' compassion towards Mara and Kyne. ➕

Hmm, wonder what Mirri was about to say...

Hooray, Cloud Dancer-ready footwear! I can picture the strappy sandals. Great start filling up that trunk.

Oh my gosh, a new butterfly toe ring!! It was fun to watch Buffy pit her formidable bargaining skills against the vendor’s. “She of small feet,” had me giggling. That jewelry vendor was a delight. Three Nordic huzzahs for Buffy’s frost-resisting butterfly ring! May it avail her through snow, ice, and waterfall.

What an interesting conversation with Mirri about Cloud Dancer matters. I love watching their friendship grow.

As soon as that Breton started talking to Buffy about her moccasins, I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. In this case it was literal! And she has footwear in Cloud Dancer sizes!

And a new Resist Toe Frost Ring as well. No one will be able to accuse Buffy of having cold feet from now on.

I really enjoyed the Bosmer World-Building you have at the end here, of the various ways that Wood Elves have sought to evade the Wild Hunt by turning to this or that divine source. I have to say, I prefer the Cloud Dancer's solution to the others on offer.

Green Pact ... or strawberries?

Not a difficult decision to make.

Previously- After concluding her business for the day with the Elden Root Mages Guild, Buffy went shopping among the vendors on the tree’s lower levels. The following morning over breakfast, she briefed Mirri on her progress to date.

*

Lopov - I’m glad you enjoyed learning more about the Cloud Dancer Clan. We put a lot of thought into Buffy’s ‘roots’ to help account for her size and not being a Green Pact carnivore.

Rider- I agree, and you do a nice job of using the dialog between Lili and Sten to expand on the parts of their world the other is unfamiliar with. It makes sense to me that tiny Cloud Dancers would be something the Elden Root vendors are familiar with as far as sizes. In determining the details of the Cloud Dancers’ pact with Mara/Kyne, I’d like to think I was guided to some extent by the American Indian tribes.

Renee- Buffy’s story is so long and involved that I rely on you to help let me know when I need to review bits of it – thank you! Since the Green Pact tribes form the largest clan, most folk in the Second Era tend to think of Bosmer as carnivores. Buffy’s explanation about the Cloud Dancers helped explain Mirri’s observation that Buffy is clearly an omnivore. In ESO, Buffy’s learned that many of the Green Pact Clan are closet omnivores too, secretly eating salads and drinking wine.

Grits- It broke Buffy’s heart to leave Jerric’s ring behind so I knew we had to try and replace it in the Second Era. Buffy’s speechcraft is pretty good, but without her illusion magic to help her cheat, she is somewhat outclassed by a skilled vendor like that Bosmer jeweler. He certainly didn’t lose any gold on the deal but, hey, ‘She of Small Feet’ is happy.

SubRosa- Thank you. I know we’ve talked about the absurdity of the Green Pact before. What always made Buffy's head hurt was the idea that you can't eat grass but you can eat deer. . . but deer eat grass, so . There is a quest in ESO where you are supposed to help a hard-core Green Pact tribe ferret out who in their village picked a flower – so they can put the dastardly petal picker to death. Clearly a quest Buffy will not touch. Like you, she much prefers the Cloud Dancers’ pact.

ghastley- As one of the Bosmer brewers in Elden Root told Buffy, “I learned when I was young that High Elves brew things from berries and grains. I had such an argument with my mother after that. There is essentially no reason to be brewing anything from beetle stomachs.”




After breakfasting with Mirri I returned to the Mages Guild where I was met by Valeria. She led me out of the guildhall and to the door leading to the tree’s upper levels. I saw no handles, mechanisms or even guards but when Valeria placed her hand on the door it dissolved and we stepped through.

We found ourselves in an area featuring what looked like a glowing green portal. “The tree is too large to conveniently climb or walk everywhere,” explained Valeria, “so we use these openings into the tree’s circulatory system to help get around.”

“I wondered about that, given the tree’s size,” I said.

“Tribe members carry some of the tree’s sap within our veins,” she continued. “The tree will recognize this and help move me to where I want to go. And you too if you hold onto my hand.”

I took her offered hand and we entered the portal. We stepped out where a branch large enough to support riding Superian joined the trunk. When I looked down through the broken clouds, folks I could see moving along the ground looked the size of insects.

We encountered several fellow Cloud Dancers as Valeria led me along the branch until we entered a pod shaped chamber, perhaps two horse lengths in diameter. A small firepit in the center was contained within a circle of stones. Additional gentle lighting was provided by glowing mushrooms and lichens that grew along the barken walls. Behind the firepit sat two figures.

Valeria cleared her throat and announced, “Treethane Celelaen Ivyblossom, this is Buffy.”

The treethane was an elf in her prime – those centuries when our appearance changes little. She could have seen forty summers. Or 400. Lavender eyes looked at me from a face unlined by age. Sleek hair the color of snow spilled over her shoulders. She wore a cream-colored blouse that was liberally adorned with beautifully embroidered oak leaves. I could see that her lower body was covered by a forest green skirt. “Welcome to Elden Root, Buffy.” She indicated the figure next to her. “This is Elrihil, our tribe’s shaman."

Elrihil wore a tan robe. Though his features were slightly obscured by its hood, I could discern enough from the lines on his face and grizzled beard to see that he was old. Very old. He nodded. “Welcome, child.”

“I am pleased to meet you both,” I replied.

“Sit, Buffy,” invited the treethane. I did so, sitting cross-legged on the floor like my hosts. “Valeria, thank you for escorting Buffy to my chamber. Leave us, please.”

“As you say, Treethane,” replied Valeria before she turned and left.

Another elf, carrying a tray, entered and all three of us accepted a cup of tea before he left the room as well. I noticed the cups were actually shells of large acorns.

The treethane – Celelaen - took a sip of tea. “Valeria tells me your tree and most of its tribe were destroyed during a thunderstorm while your mother still carried you within. I am sorry to hear that.”

I nodded my acknowledgement.

“May I inquire what tree that was, Buffy?” she asked.

I knew my tree – Alderglean - did not exist in the Second Era for it was but a few centuries old when it was destroyed. I chose my words with care. “My mother never spoke of it, Treethane. I expect she thought I was too young to discuss such matters and was more focused on trying to raise me into the ways of the human settlement in which we lived. Before I was old enough to understand such things, she was taken by disease.”

“Heartbreaking,” commented Celelaen.

“I was fully grown before I discovered I was a Cloud Dancer and learned what little I know of our clan.”

“Tragic,” said the shaman, “to be tribeless and not bound to a graht oak. What of your father, child?”

“Although he escaped with my mother from our tree, he was killed by vampires before I learned to walk.”

A woman burst into the chamber. Celelaen shot her an irritated look. “I trust you have good reason for interrupting us, Melanie?”

“Apologies, Treethane,” replied the breathless elf. “My sister’s water has broken and she’s experiencing a most difficult labor.”

“And is our healer not with her?” injected Elrihil.

“Yes, shaman. She dispatched me here. She fears for the lives of both mother and child and asks that you join her to add your spiritual blessing to her efforts.”

Elrihil looked to the treethane who instantly nodded. “Go to her.”

I said with a tone of urgency, “Forgive my boldness, Treethane, but I am a paladin and healer. I offer my assistance.”

The treethane glanced from me to her shaman. Elrihil spoke. “I have heard of paladins and their healing ability to lay on hands. She should come with me.”

Celelaen replied, “Please go to her. Both of you.”

Elrihil stood up stiffly with the assistance of a staff that had apparently been on the floor beside him. After his staff emitted a brief lavender glow, he moved with the speed of a young elf as he grabbed my hand. We made our way back to the tree’s main trunk, through the same portal Valeria and I had used, emerging this time even higher in the tree. Soon we came to a dwelling sized pod, the shape of an inverted acorn. Elrihil pushed aside the hide covering the doorway.

We were greeted by the sounds of a moaning young elf on a low bed. Judging by her distended belly and raised knees covered by a light blanket, it was clear she was well into labor. Kneeling on the floor beside her was another elf. Elrihil spoke quickly, “Glendril, Buffy here is a paladin. What is the situation?”

Glendril looked up and replied, “Pelaynwen’s baby failed to turn before her water broke and it’s too late to do so now. The child is presenting breech first. This is Pelaynwen’s first, and the child is large. I question whether she can accommodate such a delivery. Mother and child have been struggling mightily and are now both exhausted.”

“I will call upon the powers that sustain us to grant their blessings,” said Elrihil.

I said to Glendril, “May I?”

“Please,” she implored. “I’m fast running out of ideas.”

I knelt on the floor beside the bed. “Pelaynwen, my name is Buffy. I am the Sky Goddess’ paladin and will be assisting Glendril to help deliver your baby. Can you hear me?”

Pelaynwen moaned but opened her eyes and nodded with a pleading look. “Please help me” she managed in a hoarse voice. “I don’t want to lose my baby.”

I could hear Elrihil begin chanting as he implored favor from the Mother of Nirn, Goddess of Sky, and Elden Root itself.

I laid both hands on Pelaynwen’s round belly. Glendril’s assessment was accurate. The baby was positioned breech first and he was exhausted from trying to progress through a birth canal that strongly resisted such an obtrusive delivery. Glendril was also right that it was too late to attempt to turn him.

After doing what I could, I allowed the healing bond to fade and removed my hands. “Pelaynwen, I have eased your pain and that of your baby. I have also restored vigor to your exhausted bodies and infused your birth canal with magic that will allow it to relax and help accommodate the arrival of your baby.”

“I can feel the baby trying again,” she said.

“Good,” I took her hand. Glendril held mother’s other hand. “I need your help, Pelaynwen,” I continued. “When feel your baby struggling to come out, I need you to push.”

She cried out, but I could feel her pushing to help.

“When the child pauses to rest, you must also,” I ordered. “As you feel him trying again, you must push again to assist.”

“Him?” she repeated. “I’m having a boy?”

I nodded just as she cried out again frantically.

“Push, Pelaynwen,” I encouraged as I raised the blanket enough to check her progress. “You’re doing wonderfully, mother, I can see your baby. Let me try to help.” The baby’s last push had forced a small tear but also allowed the baby’s rump to partially emerge. Glendril dabbed at the bleeding as I, thankful for my small hands and tiny fingers, was able to get enough purchase on the baby to assist. “One more big push, Pelaynwen,” I urged, “we’re almost there!” Between her pushing, and me being able to now help pull the child into the world, his slippery body fully emerged, accompanied by another cry from Pelaynwen.

At this point, Glendril knew exactly what to do as she gently took the baby, ensured his umbilical cord was free of his neck and skillfully coaxed him to breathe. I was afraid to breathe for several seconds myself, but finally heard the newborn’s cry and Glendril announce, “Congratulations Pelaynwen. You and Nigel are indeed the parents of a healthy baby boy!”

I laid hands on Pelaynwen. After again easing her pain, I channeled my magic to mend the tear made by the baby’s delivery.

Mother was smiling as tears coursed down her cheeks. Glendril had already cut the child’s umbilical cord before the two of us cleaned him up and placed him at his mother’s breast. I laid hands on the child and was able to confirm Glendril’s assessment.

After we delivered and removed the afterbirth, Glendril and I cleaned Pelaynwen up for visitors.

With mother and noisily suckling son in the care of husband and sister, Elrihil, Glendril and I left them to go brief the treethane.

Elrihil spoke first. “Our tribe is blessed with its newest elf, a fine baby boy.” He then motioned Glendril to continue.

The tribe’s healer briefed Treethane Celelaen in detail on the difficult delivery.

Celelaen turned her gaze to me. “I thank you, paladin, for it seems we owe the lives of both mother and child to you.”

I shook my head. “No, Treethane. It was the skill of Glendril, the blessings invoked by your shaman, and the Sky Goddess guiding my hands that enabled this successful delivery.”

Elrihil spoke, “My Treethane, Buffy is overmodest, for I saw what she did. Buffy has been among us for but a few hours and has already saved the lives of two tribe members. Perhaps this tribeless sister Cloud Dancer has earned a place in the Elden Root Tribe?”

Celelaen looked at me as she took several moments to ponder Elrihil’s recommendation. “What are your thoughts on this matter, Buffy?”

“I-I confess that as I first approached Elden Root, I felt. . . something. . . as if the mighty tree was calling me. . . home. I mean, yes, I’d be honored to join this tribe. . . that is, if the travel my service to Kynareth requires doesn’t preclude it?”

The treethane and her shaman shared glances and almost imperceptible nods before she replied, “It is settled then, Buffy. Elden Root shall be your tribe and home, but you are free to travel as you wish.” She then spoke to her shaman, “Having grown up without a tribe, Buffy may be unfamiliar with some aspects of what it means to be a member of a tribe within the Cloud Dancer Clan. School her, and if she still wishes it, prepare her for the ceremony.”

“As you say, my Treethane,” replied her shaman.

Delightful! I enjoyed Buffy's rather laborious introduction to the clan of Elden Root. Am I correct in thinking they are of the same Cloud Dancer tribe as Buffy?

Two nits:
I have to admit this reads as IvybLossom to me, would that be correct? Or did you intend to have the name stand without that "L"?

And in the next paragraph it seems our lovely tree thane lost her closing quote here:

I do admit I had quite a different vision of how the "doors" in Elden Root function, given that they are part of a living tree, but your version works just as well!


As someone who grew up with 26 mature oak trees on a half acre lot, I had to smile at all the comparisons to acorns in this installment. They were a lot of fun when I was little, except when they piled up at the top of steps and rolled under your feet like ball bearings. I used to pretend having tea with them, grinding the flesh down to make "tea" and steeping them in the largest acorn shell . . .

Interesting that you have the child take a more active role in the labor process than is typical. Not nit picking here, just making an observation. You did mention that Bosmer have tree sap in their veins, so . . .

I have to admit my favorite part of the whole installment was when Buffy asked "May I?" before laying hands on Pelaynwen. Too many so called medical professionals don't bother to take the patient's needs under consideration before diving into their assessment of the patient's condition.

I find myself wishing we could spend more time in Buffy's Elden Root, but I fear we must press ahead and address the issue of Drodda the Ice Witch soon.

That is a handy magical door. Ooh, a sap elevator. That reminds me of the odd magical mass transit system that Black Marsh has in the lore.

I liked the acorn cups. Not only tree-themed, but tree itself. That is a nice bit of reusing existing material.

Ah, broken water. An opportunity for Buffy to use one of her more pleasant gifts and help people. Much nicer than using the gifts involving smiting evildoers.

A breech birth. That is dangerous. It is a good thing there are healers present. Phew, that was nerve-wracking. But in the end a safe delivery for all involved.

And it seems Buffy has found herself a new home, perhaps. I suppose we shall have to see what that entails. But if she decides or is forced to remain in this Age forever, at least she will have a place where she belongs.

! 🥗

'Jerric's Ring.' So that ring was a gift from Jerric?

That's so awesome; they can't just climb/walk everywhere, they have to use the veins & arteries (so to say) of the giant tree. Reminds me of Daria's trip to Telvanni territory. Folks are basically living inside a living thing.

Their cups = large acorns!

Okay, wow. So Buffy's home hadn't even begun growing yet. Or wasn't mature enough to live within. [censored].

“Tragic,” said the shaman, “to be tribeless and not bound to a graht oak.

This really hits home. We have ways of saying the same thing on Earth all the time. We don't have tribes (in modern society) and aren't associated with a tree. But there are plenty other ways which mirror our times & place.

Ah, time for Buffy to get to work. For she is indeed a healer. Has she ever been a midwife, though? Doesn't matter; she is up.

Phew. Let me finish reading later; this is getting serious...

Intense indeed, so many emotions rush through; you really lose your mind. Pelaynwen is pretty focused though. She's probably been through whatever equivalent to Lamaze classes they've got in Valenwood. Elrihil is chanting. Glendril has some experience while Buffy performs magic! THAT right there is what we need here on Earth, whatever healing magic can assist. Wonder how far that would go, if we had the option to include Restoration. Some docs from our world refuse to acknowledge even homeopathic aids and treatments, of course...

"I'm having a boy?" -- Sounds like there isn't a magical equivalent of sonograms on Nirn.

Yeah I'd say she's earned her place as an honorary Cloud Dancer. Not only saved the child, but maybe even saved Pelaynwen.

That was an unexpected turn of events...from a meeting with high-ranking Elves of the Elden Root to helping the woman giving a birth to a baby boy! If it were a daughter, they should have named her after Buffy. Nevertheless, she has now earned her place among the Elves.

Love the tree sap elevator. Not only does it save a ton of climbing for the tree’s tribe, it also saves Elden Root from making a million stairs for them.

“Barken walls,” what a delightfully Bosmer phrase. I enjoyed all the acorn imagery.

Mara bless a labor and delivery paladin with small hands and tiny fingers! Elrihil’s recommendation for Buffy to join the Elden Root Tribe felt perfectly natural after her role in the birth of Pelaynwen and Nigel’s son. I wouldn’t be surprised if Elden Root itself whispered into the shaman’s ear.

Sounds like there is more to being a tribe member than a sap-portal key. I look forward to learning about it.

Also, I’m sure I’m not the only one wishing for a lavender-glowing staff like Elrihil’s, but only if I don’t have to sit cross-legged on the floor!

Previously- Buffy paid a courtesy call on Elden Root’s treethane. The visit was interrupted by news from the tribe’s healer requesting the shamen lend his blessings to a most challenging birth in progress. As a paladin and healer, Buffy was recruited to assist. The delivery was difficult but successful and Buffy was of critical assistance – earning an invitation to join the Elden Root Tribe.

*

Rider- In Buffy lore, tribes are subsets of clans. When Bosmer of the same clan live together, they form a tribe. This is somewhat the opposite of how American Indians do things, where the tribe (or nation) is the bigger group. I expect our portrayal is influenced somewhat by the Clan of the Cave Bear books. At any rate though, yes, Buffy is a Cloud Dancer who has now been adopted into the Elden Root Tribe (of the Cloud Dancer Clan). Sorry for any confusion. Everything about conceiving and birthing elves is difficult – to help compensate for their extra long lifespans. Mirri will actually quote Berenziah later in this book: ‘Elven children are slow to come, and most demanding of their welcome.’ As you know, only the first two levels of Elden Root are available to explore in ESO. I join you in wishing we could spend more time exploring the upper areas where, in Buffylore, her new tribe lives. Since I envision Elden Root as Buffy’s ‘home’, I hope to gradually have her share more of it perhaps in the future. Thanks so much for pointing out those two nits so I could quickly fix them.

SubRosa- I remember using a vine/pulley/pod system to have Buffy get around when she visited a tribe of Cloud Dancers in their graht oak back in Book 2. Using the tree’s ‘circulatory system’ for Elden Root was an evolution of thinking to what I believe to be a better system. Buffy is indeed forming bonds in the Second Era. At the moment, she’s trying not to think about her future after she completes the quest that sent her there. She’ll have to face that before the end of this book however.

Renee- Yes! Jerric gifted Buffy an enchanted toe ring of resist frost for her birthday quite a few years ago via some magic arrangements between Acadian and Grits. She is delighted to have found a replacement, for both sentimental as well as practical reasons. I’m glad the baby elf's delivery seemed intense – it certainly was for Buffy. Yes, having a paladin lay on hands can serve as a sonogram!

Lopov- Heh, I actually thought about the baby elf being a girl and having the mother name the child Buffy. But then. . . who would name a medieval fantasy wood elf something as silly as 'Buffy'?

Grits- I’m so glad the invitation for Buffy to join the Elden Root tribe felt natural after Buffy helped deliver their newest member – that was my hope. Given how important the Sky Goddess is to the Cloud Dancers, it also seemed natural that the tribe’s treethane would be receptive to welcoming Kynareth's paladin into her tribe - even granting errantry to travel as she needs. Buffy will explain some of the perks of her new tribe in today’s episode.




“So, the tribe’s shaman and I discussed Cloud Dancers much of yesterday afternoon before the ceremony,” I said to Mirri over a bowl of porridge and cup of tea. “I didn’t realize, for example, that Elden Root is actually a different variety of graht oak called an elden tree. They’re much larger of course and this one, along with Falinesti, are the only known such trees. Both are considered among the oldest living things in Tamriel.”

“I’ve often wondered why Elden Root is so much bigger than other graht oaks,” Mirri replied as she finished up a plate of what she said were kwama eggs. “What was the actual ceremony like, Buffy? Did you have to munch on bark or such?”

I smiled while peeling a tangerine but continued, “Well, I guess the most significant part was when the shaman made a small cut across the palm of my hand and another similar one into the tree. When I pressed our wounds together, I could feel our blood and sap intermingling. I now carry some of Elden Root’s sap in my veins and the tree carries a bit of my blood – along with the blood of thousands of those who came before me as members of this ancient tribe.”

Mirri paused her wine goblet midway between table and mouth. “But you are free to come and go?”

“Of course,” I replied. “The tribe and tree mutually protect each other. If Elden Root is in danger, I will feel it. No matter where I roam, I can instantly return here.”

“That sounds like a handy ability, Buffy, to recall here without a wayshrine.”

I nodded. “We’ll have to test it to see if by holding hands you can travel with me like we can with wayshrines. There are some other benefits as well,” I continued. “For example, because Elden Root’s sap flows through my veins, blood suckers – from mosquitoes to vampires – will now find my blood distasteful. Yet there is way too much blood still flowing through me to draw the interest of things that suck sap.”

“Lucky elf!” she teased.

“I am, but not because of that. You see, I’m an only child and my parents are dead. I didn’t even have a place to call home,” I looked around at the tree surrounding us, “until now.”

She smiled. “Then I’m happy for you, Buffy. “Where did you actually come from?”

I chose my words carefully. "The tree of my original tribe was destroyed by a thunderstorm, forcing my parents to flee while I was still in the womb. I was born and raised south of the Imperial City in a town called Bravil.”

Mirri winced and sucked in her breath. “I can guess. As the Three Banner War encroached, you lost your family but managed to escape.”

“And here I am,” I replied. “How about you, Mirri? From where do you hail?”

“I was raised in Balmora on the isle of Vvardenfell and my parents still live there, but I maintain a home in the province of Malabal Tor. The house is not large but its location is convenient as it overlooks both a wayshrine and settlement of Bandaari traders who keep an eye on the place when I’m not there. I must take you there, sometime.”

“I’d like that,” I replied. “Oh, the Guildmagister confirmed that Arch Mage Galerion is due to arrive late this afternoon. He said he’d speak to the Arch Mage on my behalf and try to schedule an audience for me – perhaps as early as tomorrow.”

“Hmm,” said Mirri as she placed two fingers alongside her cheek, “How’s your coin purse faring?”

“It still has a pleasant jingle, but I confess I noticeably lightened it my first evening here for these.” I raised one foot so Mirri could see my purchases. “The ring’s enchanted with resist frost.”

She took my foot into her lap and looked more closely. “These sandals and the toe ring are lovely, Buffy!”

I smiled, both surprised and pleased. “So you do have a girly streak in you, my partner! At least a little one.”

The blue-gray tone of her skin darkened somewhat in what I imagined was a Dunmeri blush. “You caught me but don't tell anyone.”

I grinned, and was again surprised to see her briefly do likewise. “Why do you ask about my coin purse?”

“It seems we both have light dance cards today so I thought we might visit the Undaunted enclave here in Elden Root to check their job board for something simple and local. A chance to augment our coin purses and further hone our ability to fight together. What say you?”

Once again, I was thankful for all the history books I read while attending the Arcane University. I knew that the Undaunted was an intrepid band of dungeon explorers that did not survive into the Third Era. I hefted my not quite full coin purse again. “If the task is honorable and we are able to return by this evening, I should be happy to accompany you.”

*

Less than an hour later we arrived at another wayshrine – this one in northern Grahtwood. “According to the map,” said Mirri, “our contact is just down this trail, outside the Ayleid ruin of Wormroot Depths.”

I frowned. “That sounds inviting.”

“We’ll see, I guess,” she replied.

After I attuned myself to this new wayshrine, we conjured our horses and rode along a jungle path flanked by palms, dense ferns and a variety of vine-covered trees. I recognized a patch of low growing flowers and stopped to harvest some of their roots. Mirri remained on Gray, watching curiously. As I remounted Superian I explained, “These keep well in my pouch as they dry and, as their name – soaproot - suggests, lather into a lovely soap that gently cleans both elfskin and buckskin without removing natural oils. I’m used to carrying plenty of such supplies, but after losing everything I’m trying to restock as I can.”

It was but a short distance farther before the verdant canopy under which we rode thinned enough to admit rays of midmorning sun and we found ourselves entering a clearing. Two weatherworn tents flanked a campfire that hosted a cooking pot. An elderly Breton, in the robe of a guild mage, sat on a stool and was using a crate for a makeshift table as he busily wrote in what appeared to be a journal.

As we drew closer, he stood to face us. “If you’re looking to rob me, there is nothing of value here in my small camp. If you insist however, I must warn you that I am not without the ability to defend myself.” He emphasized his point by conjuring the glow of fire magic into one hand.

We stopped our horses and dismounted. I could see now he was indeed old, replete with both hair and beard of gray. “Be at ease,” I said, “for we mean you no ill, nor do we have designs on your belongings.” Since I had changed from my robe into buckskins before leaving Elden Root, I summoned the guild’s blue glowing magic symbol to my hand to identify myself.

The magic in his hand faded to be replaced with a conjured symbol matching the one I displayed. “Forgive my caution, guildsister, for there have been bandits about. I am Archimbert Dantaine, but folks call me Bert. What brings you to my research camp?”

Mirri answered, “I’m Mirri and this is Buffy. We have an Undaunted contract to assist you. I understand there is something in nearby Wormroot Depths you wish to have retrieved?”

“I am indeed glad to see you then!” he replied. “Yes, I’m a scholar and my specialty is the magic of Ayleid light.” He dug into a nearby sack and produced a dull crystal the size of his fist. “I am trying to unlock the mysteries of this Ayleid crystal but, as you can see, it is quite devoid of magic right now. I am convinced that it can be filled at an Ayleid well and happen to know there is one in the bowels of the Ayleid ruin that is now ignorantly called Wormroot Depths. Alas, the ruins are currently infested by Daedra and, well, I’m an old researcher, not a battlemage. That fire magic I displayed was mostly a bluff.”

“And you’d like us to take your crystal into the ruins, find this Ayleid well and recharge it,” I surmised.

He nodded, looking hopeful.

Mirri and I looked at each other briefly before she announced, “We accept your task, Bert.”

“Thank the Eight!” he replied. “May I offer you a bowl of potato, leek, white cap and carrot stew? It’s nearly ready.”

“Thank you but no,” answered Mirri. “Give Buffy your crystal and we’ll seek your Ayleid well straightaway.”

That's a deep connection between Buffy and the tree.

Mirri is eating kwama eggs! That brings back some memories of kwama mines from Vvardenfell.

Hi Bert!

Being an experienced explorer of Ayleid ruins from Cyrodiil, Buffy probably already knows what to expect (more or less).

I love that Elden Root and her elves protect each other. Buffy’s new home is much more than just a place to live. Tree sap bug repellant is the best perk so far!

What a delight to discover Mirri’s girly streak. It’s fun to see their friendship growing.

Archimbert! He is so charming. Jerric stops to say hello every time he passes.

The ride through the Northern Grahtwood forest was especially pleasant to read as there is a rare snowfall outside my window. I can just imagine the bird and animals sounds – and best of all, no bug bites!

Yay, we get to spend time with Mirri again!

I almost broke out in laughing at her line about munching on bark!

On a serious note, I loved the blood-bonding ritual between elf and tree, and all that it entails.

Some careful dancing there by Buffy while relating her past, and allowing Mirri to fill in the blanks on her own, rather than reveal that Buffy's past is in fact, Mirri's future.

So Mirri and Buffy are going to participate in the local gig economy for adventurers and take a shift driving an Uber slaying baddies. It's good work, if you can get it.

From the looks of this Breton academic, I wonder how well this job might pay. But in the very least, they will get a full belly from it afterward. Still, there might be some valuable loot to be had within the Ayleid ruin (as there often is), along with Daedra bits that alchemists might pay for. Plus it is a good opportunity for Buffy and Mirri to work together once more.

Wormroot Depths! Whoo!

First, one nit, or maybe not a nit. ZOS spells it MalabAl Tor, but I see you have spelled it MalabOl Tor. Perhaps that was intended?

Like Jerric, my gang always stop to visit Bertie whenever they visit Wormroot Depths (as it is the locale for additional quests added by subsequent DLCs). Sometimes Julian will take a ride up that road just to check in with him.

Mirri's moment of girliness really does a lot to lighten her character and make her more of an unexpected delight.

And Buffy's collection of herbs along the way puts me in mind of a repeating mental dialogue between my character and their companion: "Stopping again? Do we really need to collect that?" "Yes, never know if you might have need of it."

Took a little bit of time but I just finished reading book four up to where Buffy is now. The summary for the other three books was very helpful, Acadian, or I'd likely still be burning through book one! I love the idea of Buffy and her paladin friend being intertwined on such a deep level. The idea of having a constant friend and companion like that, no matter where one is or what's happening, adds a powerful layer of companionship. And I adore Buffy's creed involving those she loves - Linneá feels just as strongly about her friends and family.


At the time, I didn't realize what you had meant about Chorrol having another story do with Kyne when I started posting my own saga. It's interesting how we can all interpret these characters differently and yet still have them be similar. For instance, your version of Kynareth more closely resembles Mara in my series; blonde hair and blue eyed, to be specific. My version of Kyne has long auburn hair and emerald green eyes, and while she loves her champions and her family just as Kynareth loves Buffy, she's more of a guiding hand, or a shepard watching over the flock. She offers advice and will always listen, but she rarely displays her power. (I say rarely because our heroines have had a similar experience involving combat and a grievously wounded arm. Kyne had to step in or Seeking Solace would have ended very differently.)


The pathway into the Second Era was very well done and I'm enjoying her camaraderie with Mirri, whose name I swear I recognize. I played ESO off and on a few times, but it didn't grab me like other TES games have, or I'd probably have had a few stories in that time. The opportunity to spin a yarn in such a large sandbox is enticing, but I just wasn't a fan of the MMO mechanics.


I'm curious to see if she ever does get back to her preferred use of bows - her transition to a mage role with Kynareth's help was very well done, but sometimes it's hard to let go of the past. Seeing her find a home in Elden Root is very heartwarming though, and I get the feeling she will be in the Second Era for a long time. I'll be looking forward to each episode!

Explanation of tribes = fascinating. You could seriously start a whole Buffylore wiki page on some site, if one doesn't already exist. So Jerric gifted a ring, what about Lothran? I know mirocu's elf and yours wrote letters for awhile, did they ever exchange gifts?

Whoa... blood and sap intermingling... And sounds as though Buffy's essentially protected from vampirism. Cripes, my mind is blown.

Dunmeri blush!

“Be at ease,” I said, “for we mean you no ill, nor do we have designs on your belongings.”

Love the way she says this. So in our words, this might become "Hey, whoa, easy bud! We're not here to hurt you, or take your stuff!"

--- Ah here we go. Bert needs a task fulfilled: a crystal needs recharging, *Quest Added*. Always there's a moment of anticipation & maybe excitement when someone unable asks us for assistance.





I thought this, too. All my Morrowind characters eat kwama eggs, even the pretenditarians like Fay Daway. Kwama jelly, too. Fay won't eat nix hound meat or scrib jerky though, blecch!

Previously- With at least a day before Buffy might be scheduled to see Arch Mage Galerion, she and Mirri decided to practice their skills and perhaps augment their coin purses by accepting a task for the Undaunted – an intrepid organization of dungeon delvers. The pair met their research mage contact just outside Wormroot Depths in northern Grahtwood who gave them a crystal to charge at an Ayleid well inside the nearby Daedra-infested ruins.

*

Lopov- Never played Morrowind but have certainly heard that Dunmer seem to like Kwama eggs. . . and Mirri’s a Dunmer from Morrowind, so. . . . There are indeed numerous quests in ESO involving kwama mines.

Grits- Thank you! I’m trying to pace the growing friendship between Buffy and Mirri as it continues to gradually deepen into mutual reliance via trust and shared experiences. Today's episode will move them along another significant notch.

SubRosa- I’m glad you endorsed how we used the blood bonding between the tree and its elves. Carefully dancing around her past indeed as Buffy tries to balance her words between Kynareth’s urging for discretion about time travel and the truth.

Rider- Thanks for catching the spelling on Malabal Tor. Buffy fully embraces her own ‘girliness’ of course so it’s fun showing how Mirri is rather awkward or even a bit embarrassed about hers. In game, Mirri is quite supportive of Buffy’s flower and herb picking, often saying, “You can never have too much of that.”

Kane- I’m so delighted that you have joined us on Buffy’s adventure! Thank you for reading. I’m thoroughly enjoying the rather similar view of Kynareth/Kyne you portray in your own fiction. Acadian is like a constant rock, serving to help anchor the flighty elf, or at least be a metaphorical shoulder to lean on. Mirri is very helpful in that she serves as another mature anchor for Buffy with the advantage of really knowing her way around 2nd Era Tamriel, not to mention the steel and skills to protect Buffy. I often say the fact that ESO is an MMO is a drawback I readily live with due in part to its sheer mass and scale; it is also quite solo friendly and we’ve learned to appreciate how the world quite realistically changes and evolves over time. I think Kynareth was wise to gently steer Buffy from a bow-using mage to a staff using-mage, as ESO is kinder to the latter. That said, with determination and practice, bow + magic can be quite effective even, and surprisingly, as a healer. So, yes, I do anticipate Buffy returning to her roots as a mystic archer sometime after this book.

Renee- Thank you! You’ve seen mirocu often mention the dagger called Snowflake that Lothran carries – it was enchanted and gifted to him by Buffy long ago. The tree sap is actually redundant vs vampirism in Buffy's case; one of the four abilities shared by all paladins in Buffy lore is ‘Protection from Evil’ which protects her spirit from corruption by such things as vampirism or lycanthropy. Incidentally, the three other paladin abilities of Buffy lore are: Laying on of Hands, Holy Light (to identify oneself as a paladin) and Detect Evil. Those four paladin abilities are inspired by 'The Deed of Paksenarrion' by Elizabeth Moon with a sprinkle of D&D. Though Acadian discussed them with Buffy back in Book 3, I appreciate the opportunity to review them. Thanks also for quoting the ‘old world’ language Buffy used in her opening words to Bert. Language like 'How does the day greet you, milady?' is one reason I love medieval fantasy.



Mirri and I rode the short distance to the entrance of Wormroot Depths, where we unsummoned our mounts and slipped into the ruins.

It was, as Bert had advised, of Ayleid construction. Crystal formations provided adequate light as we peered down the once alabaster, now grime-covered, walls of the passage in front of us. “Remember, Buffy, we’re here to charge Bert’s crystal and we want to get you back to your guild by this evening. I’m sure we’ll encounter some resistance, but perhaps we should sneak past foes we don’t need to waste time on?”

I nodded and we stealthily began to make our way. Our complementary skills continued to serve us well. Mirri commanded the attention of the scamps, clannfears and atronachs we could not bypass. I delivered damage and made sure we remained buffed and healthy.

Finally, we reached a large chamber. Along its back wall a pale blue glow announced the Ayleid well of power we sought.

“There is a strong aura of evil near,” I remarked.

“More evil than every other fetching thing in here?” Mirri whispered.

“No, but stronger,” I replied pointing toward a figure guarding the Ayleid well.

We crept closer until we could clearly see that what stood between us and our objective was a dremora. Heavily armored and wielding mace and shield, I noticed our foe was left-handed.

“Let me engage before you reveal yourself,” directed Mirri. She crept forward until the dremora alerted to her presence. At that point the two charged each other while I continued to sneak closer. At the last moment, Mirri sidestepped her foe and inflicted a wicked slash across the back of the dremora's legs as the two passed each other. When the dremora spun to face their attacker, I noted that Mirri had quite elegantly taunted our opponent and turned it away from me with her opening move.

By now, my Cleansing Ritual was on the ground around us and my first Blazing Spear in the air.

Mirri continued to demand the dremora’s full attention while skillfully blocking every swing of its daedric mace. That the dremora seemed equally adept at blocking Mirri’s blade was countered by the damage I inflicted.

I settled into alternating Blazing Spear with heavy attacks from Carsomyr.

When Mirri missed a block and was staggered by a solid blow to her right upper arm, I quickly cast Healing Ward on her which rendered the dremora’s follow-up attack harmless. By the time the ward’s short duration expired, Mirri had recovered and resumed the block and parry standoff. I noticed, however, that her right – sword – arm did not seem to have the speed or precision I was used to seeing.

I refreshed Cleansing Ritual as needed between attacks. Eventually the dremora fell.

As Mirri turned to me, I remarked, “You took a pretty good blow to that right arm.”

She frowned. “It’s different fighting a left hander, and I missed a block. Thanks for the healing. I think it’ll be fine with some time.”

“Let me be the judge of that. Hold still,” I ordered. I laid hands on Mirri and established a bond of healing. After assessing her arm, I allowed the bond to fade and removed my hands.

“Well?” she asked.

“Mirri, the bone of your upper arm was badly broken. My spells healed it and kept you in the fight but, ranged healing lacks the precision of touch. The bone ends were misaligned when healed.”

“I’ve heard of such a thing,” she said, “when a serious break is allowed to heal improperly. That can mean rebreaking the bone and realigning it – involving a lot of strength and pain. I figure I can take the pain, but I’m pretty sure you don’t have the strength to rebreak and set a healed bone.”

I replied soberly, “You’ve got the right of it, partner. I don’t have the strength but, with Kynareth’s power flowing through my hands, my magic does. And I think I can protect you from the significant pain involved as well. The longer we delay, the more difficult repairing that arm will become.”

Mirri nodded. “Well, let’s do it then. Our partnership is just getting started and I don’t want you trading me in over a bad sword arm.”

I looked around. “We’ll be vulnerable and distracted during the process and this is not the safest place. I don’t like the delay, but I think we’d be wise to retreat to Bert’s camp for this.”

Mirri glanced at the corpse near our feet. “This dremora’s gear will fetch a good price. How about you charge up that crystal while I loot our foe? Then we’ll get out of here.”

“I think that will be fine,” I replied as I retrieved Bert’s crystal from my mage pouch. After charging and returning it, I turned to see how my partner was faring. Though the bald head, horns and heavy armor had given little clue, the soon naked body of the dremora clearly revealed her gender. I summoned my storage trunk so Mirri could stow the exotic armor, shield and mace.

We made our way out of the ruins without further combat and rode the short distance to Bert’s camp.

After he thanked us for the fully charged crystal, I explained, “Bert, Mirri took quite an injury to one arm and I need to heal her. May we use one of your tents?”

His gratitude yielded to concern. “Of course!” He pointed to one of his tents. “Here, use my sleeping tent. The other one’s full of supplies.”

“Thank you,” I said as Mirri and I stepped inside and I closed the flap behind us. “This will work best with nothing between my hands and your skin. Can we get this armor off your upper arm?”

Mirri nodded. “It’ll take some doing though.” We removed her gauntlets first, then undid several fasteners that connected her breast and back plates to each other along her sides. I then helped her lift them, as one assemblage connected by her pauldrons, over her head. After unbuckling her belt, we were able to remove her long shirt of mail. Finally, we slipped her right arm out of the cloth doublet she wore under the mail, exposing her bare arm and shoulder.

“Lay on your left side, please.”

I knelt in front of her, placed both hands on her arm and established my bond of healing. “Guide my hands, Kynareth.” I channeled magic into the bone. When it finally separated along the faulty repair I nearly cried out. I had spoken truly to Mirri though, for it was Kynareth and I who absorbed the significant pain involved in such a traumatic repair. I magically aligned the bone and precisely mended the ends together. I was sweating and exhausted by the time I let the healing bond fade.

Mirri tentatively moved her arm around some, slipped it back into the doublet, stood and swung her sword a few times – careful not to cut the tent. “Good as new, Buffy! That didn’t hurt a bi–“ Only then did she realize I was still kneeling where I had healed her. She dropped to her knees beside me and placed an arm around me. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I replied. “Such healing is . . . demanding and I’ll need a few minutes to rest.”

“You’re shaking, Buffy. I’m no healer but I think I know why I felt no pain as you healed me. You absorbed it, didn’t you?”

“N-not all of it,” I replied. “Kynareth shared much of it with me.”

She put her chin on top of my head and held me close. “Thank you, Buffy. I. . . I’ve never known anyone who’d do such a thing for me. You rest as long as you need.”

Mirri proceeded to get back into her armor unassisted. Once done, she opened the tent’s flap and stepped outside, returning a few moments later with a bowl of Bert’s stew. After she fed me a few mouthfuls, I was able to take the spoon and eat some more. I then returned the spoon to the now half full bowl and said, “You finish it.” She handed me a metal cup of cool water, then finished the stew.

Within the hour I was fine. We took our leave of Bert and started our ride back to the wayshrine. A thought occurred. “Mirri, this might be a perfect opportunity to try my ability to recall to Elden Root and learn if you’re able to travel with me as I do so, yes?”

“Good thinking, partner. If it doesn’t work, I’ll meet you at Elden Root’s wayshrine,” she said as she dismounted and unsummoned her horse.

I did the same. “Take my hand.” I lowered my free hand and beckoned to the ground. Oak leaves, in the full spectrum of autumn colors, appeared around my feet and followed the swirling of my hand as I gradually raised both my hand and the spinning leaves. My feet turned translucent gold as they faded and the effects traveled upward with the leaves. As this continued, I raised my eyes, following the effects up my still swirling arm that now pointed to the sky. When the glow reached my fingertips, I felt the familiar disorientation of teleportation magic. A moment later, I was standing near the Elden Root stable just outside the tree. I was elated to realize Mirri was still holding my hand. We stared at each other, then both grinned. “It worked!” I exclaimed needlessly.

As we made our way to the Undaunted enclave, we reviewed our combat together, agreeing that we made a good team, even as we discussed small refinements.

After collecting our reward and selling the dremora’s armor, we parted ways and I returned to the mages guild with a heavy coin purse.

*
Screenshots of Buffy returning to her tree:
One
Two
Three
Gone!

A keen observation about their foe being left-handed.

A female dremora even!

Buffy and Mirri complement each other well during fights.

Buffy the "magical" surgeon!

That's a beautiful teleportation.

I love watching these two bond. I suspect Mirri won't forget what Buffy is willing to put herself through and that she won't hesitate to return the favor.

Oh nice, I didn't know Snowflake was from your elf. Pretty sure I read some Elizabeth Moon long ago. Anyway, cool.

Agree: ESO is solo-friendly, that's one of the things I liked about it back in COVID times. I expected tanks and casters "griefing" my characters left and right if I didn't "grind" well enough, but it's not like that at all. We can pretty much ignore other players (etc).

While I do miss Buffy as a bowgirl in Book IV, one of the things I didn't like in Online was Archery. The inability to make long range shots, especially. From what I hear, this can be improved, but I never got that far. Anyway...

Buffy and Mirri tagteam some daedra! Complimentary skills are fun.
Whoa, a left-handed NPC. Love the part when Mirri takes a blow and right away, gets healed by your Bosmer.



This captures some of the Online feel, in a way. Not sure if you intended this, but this almost seems like the feeling I got playing ESO just after pwning a boss.... there's this unsure feeling. Because at any moment, everything starts respawning again. It's like we had to constantly keep moving, the very opposite of SP games.

What a magnificent description of the after-effects of healing. Honestly, I've never even seen or considered that: healing spells which truly leave the healer drained (and not just of mana).

Love the teleportation spell! Flliiiiiinnnnnng!!!

Sneak past foes? But we don't get the experience points for killing them then!

Buffy is making sure they stay buffed, as it should be...

Not just a dremora, but a sinister one at that.

Looks like the tag team is working out well, with Mirri getting stuck in with the the dremora, leaving Buffy free to sling the damage like the glass cannon that she is.

Uh oh, a mis-healing arm with its attendant issues. I liked how you used this to add some depth and stakes to what is otherwise a simple affair in the game: applying healing and damage numbers disappear. This feels a lot more real, and potentially threatening.

And Buffy shows some true grit as she not only does the heavy lifting of healing Mirri, but also of taking the pain of doing so at the same time.

“More evil than every other fetching thing in here?” Mirri whispered. I do enjoy Mirri’s direct way of speaking. She makes me laugh!

By now, my Cleansing Ritual was on the ground around us and my first Blazing Spear in the air.

And here we see the power and the glory of Kynareth’s Paladin at battle! Whoop!! I love that Buffy’s trust in Mirri lets her stand and fight when such is called for.

“Mirri, the bone of your upper arm was badly broken. My spells healed it and kept you in the fight but, ranged healing lacks the precision of touch. The bone ends were misaligned when healed.”

Uh oh. Even healing carries a risk. Great description of Mirri’s armor. Buffy’s willingness to go through the ordeal of empathetic healing for Mirri speaks so highly of her. There was so much to love in this episode!

Of course my favorite moment has to be this:

She put her chin on top of my head and held me close.

Previously- Buffy and Mirri completed their Undaunted task of recharging an Ayleid crystal for a research mage. During the final battle with a dremora, Mirri’s sword arm was broken. Buffy’s combat healing spells mended the arm during the fight, but the bones were misaligned due to the imprecision of ranged healing. Back at the research camp, Buffy had to lay on hands to magically rebreak, realign and properly mend the bone. Buffy was able to spare Mirri the significant trauma of such a repair by absorbing much of the pain herself. Once the pair was recovered, they decided to test Buffy’s ability to recall to Elden Root – specifically to see if, by holding Mirri’s hand, the two could travel together. The attempt successfully returned them to Buffy’s tree.

*

Lopov- Thank you. When I walked through it, a heavy blow to Mirri’s right arm seemed much more likely from a left handed foe, given that Mirri’s shield is in her left hand, partly to make blocking right handers easier. That teleport animation option Buffy uses to her tree is quite appropriate for the little tree elf.

Kane- Exactly! Forging their bond under fire was our focus. Buffy won’t forget how safe it makes her feel when Mirri both taunts and turns a dangerous foe away from her. And I’m sure Mirri will long remember the selflessness displayed by her 'pocket hearler’. Someday, they’ll achieve the ultimate in girl friendship: the willingness to hold your friend’s hair back out of the way as she throws up.

Renee- Not doing that detailed healing inside the dungeon was because they bypassed some foes in order to help ensure Buffy could get back to her guild by the end of the day. Dropping their guard to focus on healing while there were foes still in the dungeon would have rightfully earned an admonishment from Rider. Thanks so much for appreciating the intensity and empathy with which Buffy heals when laying on hands.

SubRosa- Thank you. As Kynareth warned, ranged heals are rather generic in nature – helpful during combat but lacking the precision in both diagnosis and healing available via the paladin’s laying on of hands. Fortunately, Kynareth helps the fragile elf by absorbing some of the empathically generated pain of healing serious wounds or injuries. Laying on of hands is Buffy’s true superpower.

Grits- It’s fun trying to capture Mirri’s personality and some of how she speaks. Your very true assessment that playing a magic templar was ‘glorious’ is what prompted Buffy to try that as one of her paths. Mirri’s armor reflects the need for taking serious hits while retaining a bit of stealth. Rather than full plate, she wears plate pieces that do not overlap or ‘clink’ as she moves. Hence the need for some light mail underneath to protect the areas not covered by plate. It was fun having Buffy try to describe it since heavy armor is so foreign to her. Thanks for pointing out the touching moment when Mirri held Buffy. The two ladies are steadily moving toward becoming ‘pals’ like Buffy and Sir Mazoga!



The guildhall was bustling with mages. I caught the Guildmagister’s eye and he waved me over. “As you can see, Buffy, the Arch Mage and his entourage have arrived.” He looked harried and spoke quickly. “Our beds are full. I assure you there remains room for you, but you’ll have to use one of the score of cots we’ve set up to accommodate this temporary influx.”

“And I shall be grateful for it, Guildmagister.”

He smiled briefly. “Even I have surrendered my office and quarters to the Arch Mage. Oh, that reminds me. I did speak to him on your behalf and he can fit you in tomorrow morning after breakfast. Report to my – his – office then.” Before I could reply, he exclaimed over my head, “No, no, Andorie! We only need one storage locker for each cot. And two cases of bread is simply not enough!” I received an apologetic glance before he rushed off toward the pantry and cooking area.

*

The following morning, after Mirri wished me luck at breakfast, I reported to the office of the displaced Guildmagister and said to the mage posted outside, “I’m Buffy and I believe I’m expected by the Arch Mage.”

The young Altmer consulted his journal then nodded. “Wait here, please.”

He parted the heavy hides covering the doorway and disappeared as I nervously smoothed the skirt of my mage robe. After a moment, he reemerged, holding the draping door open for me. “Go on in.”

I slipped under his arm and found myself in an irregularly shaped chamber that appeared to have been coaxed from the walls of the tree by one of my tribe’s tree singers. It was adequately lit by a number of small branches growing from the walls, each hosting a glowstone. The room was dominated by a large desk with numerous books and scrolls arrayed over its surface. Several chairs were scattered about and numerous rugs covered most of the floor. One nook was partially shielded by a folding screen, but I could see part of a bed.

Three individuals stood before me. One was a Dunmer who, judging from his youthful appearance, open journal in one hand and quill in the other, was some sort of assistant or perhaps scribe. One was a Breton in steel armor which was adorned with glowing turquoise glyphs. Her brunette hair fell no lower than her jawline in a bobbed style and I could see the beginning of age lines flanking the corners of her mouth and brown eyes. She appeared to be more than merely a battlemage or guard. Though she carried no visible weaponry, I suspected she could quickly remedy that. The Arch Mage towered over both of them. An Altmer in his prime, he was wearing a mage robe that was as meticulously tailored as mine. His light brown hair was perfectly parted in the middle and fell to his shoulders. All three pairs of eyes were on me.

“I’m Vanus Galerion. This is my Palatinus, Dame Praxedes Rousseau. She coordinates the efforts of the guild’s Order of the Lamp.” He apparently deemed the young mage beside them too inconsequential to introduce.

“I am Buffy and pleased to meet you.”

“What is known?” the Arch Mage said to the Dunmer.

The young mage consulted his journal and reported, “According to the Elden Root Guildmagister, the Bosmer calling herself Buffy recently arrived from Leyawiin, stating that she is a member of the guild and a paladin. She further claims to be on a quest for Kynareth that you should be aware of. A check of the Leyawiin chapter’s membership does not show her name so I checked the guild’s master roster. Her name appears nowhere.”

Vanus Galerion turned a disapproving gaze to me. “Are you a member of the guild or simply a brazen opportunist seeking some form of favor? And what’s this about being a paladin? You are certainly not a Knight Arcana, for my Palatinus or I have designated each of them and you are unknown to us. Choose your words carefully, young lady, for if they do not interest me I shall dismiss you. If they do interest me, I shall ask my Palatinus to confirm their veracity.”

I took a deep breath. “My claims are true, Arch Mage.” I conjured the guild’s symbol in one hand as I added, “As you can see, I am indeed a member of the guild.” After dismissing the glowing magic, I said, “I am also a paladin in the service of Kynareth.” With that I called upon the aura of light known to all paladins. A white glow encompassed me from head to toe as it notably increased the chamber’s brightness. I dispelled it and continued, “Though I am both a guild mage and paladin you are, of course, correct that you have not designated me as a Knight Arcana. . . and I have made no such claim.”

He glanced at his Palatinus who said, “Excellency, there is no reason for me to verify what Dame Buffy has said thus far, for she has demonstrated the truth of her words.”

“Leave us, scribe,” ordered the Arch Mage with a dismissive gesture. After the young Dunmer scurried out, the Arch Mage fixed his gaze upon me and continued, “I grant the facts of what you are, but that leaves open still who you are and where you come from.”

“Neither of which is important nor relevant to my quest, Excellency,” I replied. “I am an instrument of Kynareth, chosen to stop the growing danger posed by the rogue wizard known as Drodda the Icewitch. I have come to you as a courtesy since she is a former member of the guild. While your support would certainly ease my task and be appreciated, its absence will not deter me.”

Vanus Galerion visibly bristled and glared down at me.

I did not wilt as I looked up and steadily returned his gaze.

“If I may, Arch Mage,” injected Praxedes, “Drodda has been a thorn in our side for quite some time. Our best chance of seeing her stopped is with the direct intervention of one of the Divines. It seems Kynareth has favored us enough to take an interest in Drodda’s growing power. I would not question the instrument she has chosen to send us.”

The Arch Mage broke our staring contest by turning to his Palatinus. “What you say has some merit, Praxedes. It would certainly further my goal of ensuring the responsible use of magic to see the rogue Drodda stopped. Even more so if accomplished under the banner of our guild. . . . I am still troubled, however, by the mystery surrounding this young paladin before us.”

“Vanus,” she replied, “there is much magic beyond that which is known or understood by the guild. You have asked me to advise you on Divine matters and that is exactly what I see before us. Dame Buffy is right; how she came to be here is unimportant and seems to be a matter between herself and Kynareth. I would urge against continuing to intrude. She has demonstrated she is both a paladin and guildmage. These are precisely the prerequisites you require for the guild’s Order of the Lamp. As you know, the number of Knights Arcana in the guild is small. Should we ever wish to tender her an offer to join the Order, I expect she will remember what level of support the guild provides her current quest.”

The Arch Mage looked at me for several long moments then slowly nodded. “Very well, what do you ask of the guild to help accomplish Kynareth’s quest?”

“Thank you, Excellency. I would like to begin my hunt for Drodda by interviewing some of the mages at our guild’s chapter in Windhelm. Your endorsement of my efforts would be most helpful.”

The young Dunmer scribe appeared in the doorway. “Forgive the intrusion, Arch Mage, but you have another meeting very soon with King Camoran Aeradan in his court chamber. Your masters of arms and incunabula are waiting just outside.”

“Scribe,” replied the Arch Mage, “send a missive to Windhelm instructing the Guildmagister to fully cooperate with Dame Buffy’s imminent visit.” He then turned to his palatinus, “Praxedes, I don’t need you for this next meeting.” With that, he swept out of the chamber with the scribe on his heels.

“Palatinus,” I asked once we were alone, “is he always so. . . difficult?”

“Difficult? That’s a tactful way of putting it, and please call me Praxedes. Vanus’ vision for the guild is brilliant, as is his command of magic. It seems the price he has paid, however, is to be cursed with an oversized ego and the manner of a toad.”

“It pains me to say that I have seen what you mean, Praxedes. Thank you by the way; I expect I would have been summarily dismissed without your wise and timely intervention.”

She smiled. “There are few enough paladins that we can ill afford to not support each other. You stood up for yourself with grace and firmness. Few can do so in the presence of Vanus Galerion. I simply coaxed him in the right direction. He struggles with the idea that anyone or anything – even the Divines - could possibly possess magic which he can neither fully understand nor master.” She pushed one side of her bobbed hair behind a round ear. “I urge caution as you pursue Drodda; she’s a dangerous mage who has eluded us for quite some time.”

“I’ll heed your counsel,” I replied.

“Alas,” she sighed, “though I’m not required for Vanus’ current meeting, I shall doubtless be expected at his next. Would you please excuse me, Buffy?” She extended her hand, which I readily accepted. “I know dealing with our Arch Mage is difficult, so please don’t hesitate to call on me should you need additional support from the guild.”

“Of course. Thanks again, Praxedes.” I slipped out of the office.

The crowded guildhall still resembled a hive of bees. I needed someplace quiet to think.

Well the big muckety-muck has finally come to town, entourage in tow. Now everyone has been turned out to make room. You capture the controlled chaos of the head spell-slinger as he tries to take it all in stride and accommodate all of the sudden dislocations created by such a prestigious visit.

Well, here we go. *Deep breath* Good luck Buffy!

Galerion calls her out on the irregularities of her existence in a different Age. Given that there are grifters in all times and places long on stories and bad faith, and short of substance and earnestness, he is prudent to do so.

At the same time, Buffy does not disappoint when she answers the challenge!

Praxedes does not disappoint either. She might consider a job in the Fighters Guild, since she obviously has the stones for it!

Well, the Arch-Mage's curtness aside, that went well. Buffy has gotten what she wanted, as well as an ally in Praxedes.

one of my tribe’s tree singers

Buffy’s tribe! I’m still so pleased about that.

Ooo, Dame Praxedes seems interesting.

As much as I instantly dislike the Arch Mage for his manners, I can’t blame him for being suspicious.

Yay, Buffy! I wanted to stand up and cheer at her composure under questioning. Then she calmly put Vanus in his place and won his staring contest. This Instrument of Kynareth vs the Arch Mage scene ranks high in my favorite Buffy moments!

Ok, Praxedes really is that cool. And she’s already subtly recruiting!

She pushed one side of her bobbed hair behind a round ear.

What a lovely little reminder of Buffy’s elven-ness.

There were a few seconds of tension as Vanus Galerion demanded explanations from Buffy. Nicely written!

Though the Arch-Mage is definitely difficult to cope with, one should in a way understand him being a bit too suspicious. He probably wouldn't be able to rule the guild so successfully if he were too gullible.

I bet that Buffy's actions will with time soften his hard manners.

I really enjoyed the depiction of Vanus Galerion.

That was a fun interaction. I remember being amused at Vanus' incredible self-importance while playing ESO. You nailed that part!

OOh, the Arch Mage is here.

Glowing turquoise glyphs, Nice. ~ Yeah, "no visible weapons" isn't a problem. Just summon something!

He apparently deemed the young mage beside them too inconsequential to introduce.

That's so cold!

Her name is nowhere yet she's going to ultimately be the chosen one, or whatever term is appropriate. That's my guess. I'm really loving this scene. The tension. So that's interesting.

Hmm. Buffy's name is unknown to Vanus, yet they've still given her an interview, know what I mean? So someone within the AM's entourage made this decision; said "there's this unknown elf trying to gain audience with us." This didn't seem preposterous to them, they didn't just shrug her off, know what I mean? She must've struck a chord with the Arch Mage, or someone within his organization. "We must at least address this unknown elf," came the final decision.

"Excellency"... Guess she has to call him that ... Probably everyone does.

Nice writeup, Acadian!

Previously- Buffy met with Arch Mage Vanus Galerion and found him difficult to deal with. Fortunately, the guild’s Palatinus stepped in to mediate. Ultimately, the Arch Mage agreed to endorse Buffy’s quest and to ensure the mages of the Windhelm chapter would cooperate as Buffy sought information about Drodda’s whereabouts.

*

SubRosa- You’re right that some skepticism on the part of Vanus is understandable. His dismissive rudeness, even to his own scribe, lost Buffy early on though. She hates the fact that she’s getting pretty good at dancing around the truth of how she seems to have ‘appeared’ with no history, or reputation – not even on the guild roster. I’m proud of her for controlling her temper and leaning into the fact that she is a paladin of Kynareth for the strength and conviction she needed to navigate this meeting.

Grits- Thank you. This was a powerful encounter. Buffy acquitted herself well but I’m not sure she would have obtained the outcome she did without the very able intervention of Praxedes. I’m so glad you already see Praxedes as ‘really that cool’. As Palatinus of the Mages Guild’s Order of the Lamp, she will continue to compare favorably to her 3rd Era counterpart, Boderi Farano. Thanks also for noting Buffy’s subtle elven perspective as she notes Praxedes is a round ear.

Lopov- I’m glad the meeting’s tension came through clearly. I think perhaps Buffy is a bit too focused on her quest and Vanus’ boorish behavior to see what SubRosa, Grits and you wisely point out about him being justified in his suspicions.

Kane- Given Vanus’ personality, I felt the role of his Palatinus as a ‘buffer’ was essential if Buffy was going to have any future in the Mages Guild.

Renee- I think what got Buffy in to see the Arch Mage was her claim to be a paladin on a quest for Kynareth that involved the Mages Guild. Glad you noticed Vanus deeming his scribe too inconsequential to introduce – that told Buffy a lot about his nature.



“The man is an ass, Acadian!” I leaned forward to pat Superian’s neck as we rode.

"Skepticism, given your lack of established credentials here, was to be expected I suppose,” the old paladin mused.. “His manner was condescending and rude, but you have dealt with such before. There is more than just his demeanor bothering you.”

“Part of our studies at the Arcane University was history of the guild, including its founder. Vanus Galerion was portrayed as a brilliant larger than life visionary. We were all in awe of him and I was so looking forward to meeting him.” I frowned. “To now realize that the Great Mage we all learned to admire is a pompous, dismissive, egotistical. . . well, at least I can admit that his vision for the guild was accurately recorded.” I heaved a sigh. “I’m just disappointed, I guess.”

“Histories contain the full spectrum of truth and untruth, as you have seen,” Acadian replied. “Where are we going? You quite stormed out of your tree and onto the road.”

“My tree. . . your reminder that I have a home and tribe now makes me smile. Anyway, mostly I just needed to get away and be with you and Superian for a time. Our destination is simply another wayshrine I saw on the map. Attuning myself to it is something useful to keep me out of that temporarily crowded guildhall.”

Our destination was closer than I thought and within sight of the same lake that caressed the roots of my tree. After attuning myself to the wayshrine, I heard a familiar sound. I coaxed Superian into following my ears until the small waterfall came into sight. It was a pleasant afternoon, so I doffed my robe and went for a swim. I then basked in the grass, allowing the sun to dry me off. I was watching a butterfly dance among the wildflowers that grew along the shore when, out of the corner of my eye, I saw Superian lift her head from grazing.

Before I could turn to see what had piqued her interest, I heard, “Welcome to the Second Era, Buffy. I see that water still makes your clothes fall off.”

The voice of course was Kynareth’s. She now stood over me, presenting in her familiar form as a mortal Nord.

I stood and quickly dressed as she sat and patiently gazed out over the lake.

As I sat beside her, I said, “I’m so pleased to see you, Kynareth. I’ve missed seeing you so regularly. I’m afraid you quite spoiled me with so much time together before you conveyed me here.” As I leaned against her, she returned the favor. I was pleased to see that she seemed to enjoy the comfortable familiarity that she herself had asked for.

“You have been busy, Buffy, and skillfully dealt with the challenges of discretely adapting to your new time.”

“So many conversations,” I lamented, “where I must choose each word with care, trying to speak truthfully while keeping secrets. Thankfully there are those with whom I can be totally open – you, Acadian, Superian, Dagail, and, in time, perhaps Mirri.”

“As you develop your presence and reputation in this time, Buffy, curiosity about your background will ease. I trust the skills I taught you are serving well enough?”

“Magnificently! I’ve delivered a baby Cloud Dancer, healed Mirri’s badly broken arm and helped dispatch numerous foes.”

“Not all at the same time, I was pleased to see,” she replied with a laugh.

I then heard another laugh behind me and turned to see a small airborne creature circle in front of us and hover on four emerald dragonfly wings. From head to toe, she measured the length of my forearm. She had the body of a woman, sparsely clad in what appeared to be a combination of leaves, bark and chitin. Her face rather resembled that of an insect – with small mandibles, large eyes that looked like multifaceted cut emeralds, and a curved horn rising from each side of her head.

“Well, hello, little one,” I said softly, trying to avoid scaring her away. I noticed the front of her shins were each clad in chitin, ending in a vertical spike about the length of one of her tiny forearms. These protrusions rather unobtrusively followed the front of her lower thighs when her legs were straight but I imagined would present rather aggressively when her knees were bent. She bowed then did a graceful midair backflip.

“I was saddened,” I heard Kynareth say, “that your fox familiar did not travel with you. The find familiar spell used to summon her was unique to your late tribe. As that tribe’s tree won’t sprout for another century or so, the spell simply did not exist in this time. I have asked this nixad to travel with you and it seems she has agreed.”

I looked at the. . . nixad hovering in front of me. “I’m Buffy and pleased to meet you.”

The nixad sneezed, misting both Kynareth and I as the force of her sneeze propelled her back nearly an arm’s length. She then pirouetted gracefully, hovered over to me and landed on my shoulder. I felt tiny hands against my cheek and a small tendril of magic between us before she hopped back up into a hover.

“Her name is Willow,” I announced.

“Yes,” said Kynareth. “Willow is an emerald oak nixad – the smallest variety of her kind. She does not speak any language that you recognize but, as you have just experienced, she understands you fine and, in her own way, can communicate well enough. Do not expect her to vanquish your foes, but I believe you will find that she has some helpful abilities. Willow is a tracker, for example. If you offer her an object to examine that is closely associated with someone or something you seek, she will be able to divine your target’s location. You’ll also find her proficient at sensing the presence of traps and, with her small hands and arms, quite adept at manipulating the delicate inner mechanisms of locks.

Willow nodded then giggled as she continued to hover in front of us.

“Thank you,” I replied. “I think she’ll prove helpful indeed.”

Kynareth glanced toward the sun as it nestled into the western trees. “Darkness approaches so I will let you head back to your tree.”

“I trust you know the progress of our quest, Kynareth?”

She nodded. “Thoughtful, steady and methodical, as I knew your approach would be. You are doing well, my paladin.”

“Thank you for the visit, my friend.”

Kynareth stood and, still smiling at me, dissipated as she rose into the sky – her domain.

The effect of her visit, combined with having ranted earlier to Acadian and meeting a new little friend who might be able to help me locate Drodda was powerful. My heart was light as I chose to ride Superian back to my tribe’s tree rather than using the nearby wayshrine. “Willow, you’re most welcome to travel with me and I’ll trust you to help me get to know you.”

That earned a giggle as she flew along beside us, occasionally darting underneath Superian’s girth strap, or landing on the saddle’s pommel to braid a section of the mare’s mane. She was quite curious, folding her wings along her back at one point and climbing all over me to investigate my hair, ears and clothing. At length, she discovered the mage pouch at my waist, opened it and disappeared inside, only to emerge a few moments later chortling her approval.

“You may shelter there whenever you wish,” I told her.

Once back at Elden Root, I did a bit of shopping before paying a call on the guildmagister to let him know I’d be leaving the following morning. I was rescued from the overfull guildhall by Valeria – my fellow tribemate and guildsister with the pale green hair – who insisted I stay with her that evening. On our way up the tree, we called in on the Treethane so I could advise her of my imminent departure.

Valeria and I spent a lovely quiet evening in her cozy pod. After some venison stew and bread, we sipped oak leaf wine and discussed the relationship between our tree and its elves. She taught me a couple tree magic spells and I returned the favor by showing her how to conjure several mundane but helpful items. Finally, I helped her hang a second hammock in her pod and we turned in for the night.

*

“Where in Tamriel did you find her?” gushed Mirri as I joined her for breakfast.

“Mirri, meet Willow,” I replied. “She decided to join me when Superian and I went for a ride late yesterday.”

The hovering nixad gracefully curtsied.

“You’re adorable, little one,” Mirri said. “I used to have a pony guar when I was young. Pon Pon was her name. . . I miss her.” Mirri glanced around, looking rather sheepish. “Yes, well how did you fare with the Arch Mage yesterday?”

“It was. . . challenging,” I replied, “but we should expect some degree of cooperation from the guildhall in Windhelm.”

“Well done, Buffy. When do we leave?”

“I’ve already advised both the guildmagister and my treethane that I expect to leave today. Is right after we finish these sausages and bread too soon?”

Mirri drained her wine goblet. “I thought you’d never ask, partner. Willow, do you like sausage?”

“The man is an ass, Acadian!”

What a beginning!

Nixads are cute little beasts, I just googled them up. And not only cute but also quite useful, it seems.

It is interesting, yes, how we sometimes look forward to meeting someone that we had always dreamed about of meeting and then we're sort of disappointed, when this person doesn't turn out to be the way we pictured it. But I have a feeling that future conversations between the Arch-Mage and Buffy will be more pleasant.

A nixad! Willow is such a charming addition to Team Buffy! Very cool that she can handle the lockpicking, since I suppose Buffy’s Latch Crack spells did not make the journey. And she’s already found a safe haven in Buffy’s mage pouch. Also, magical tracking! Whoop!

or landing on the saddle’s pommel to braid a section of the mare’s mane.

I love it! What a busy little creature.

a small tendril of macic between us

Is this a substance unique to nixads, or perhaps a tendril of magic?

I love that Kynareth can be the warm and supportive friend that Buffy needs, despite being an actual Divine. Yay for Valeria who brings her new tribe-guild-sister right into her home. Buffy has a solid foundation for her adventures in the Second Era.

Histories contain the full spectrum of truth and untruth
Quoted for truth.

OTOH, at least Kyne does live up to her reputation.

It is interesting that Kyne/areth knows that she sent Buffy here to the past from the future. It implies that the Divines do not experience time in a linear fashion, but perhaps instead in a holistic one, like Dr. Manhattan.

A pixie! I mean a nixad. Neat. I like her magic that can use an object to track its owner. It is classic sympathetic magic from the real world. Quite handy for those pesky traps and locks. I see we have the party thief.

If Willow does not like the sausage, I will have some!

No kidding. So the arch mage is portrayed in some books as this brilliant, maybe fair guy, yet meeting him in person, now she really knows his deal. In fact she could write her own description of the old puffer, maybe publish it anonymously. Then everyone in later era will wonder where this other account of Vanus (much more obscure, but some say this anonymous writer's got the better idea) has come from.

Ha, it's Kyne. And the sprite! Didn't the flying lady appear in Book 3 as well? Or one of the earlier books.

As that tribe’s tree won’t sprout for another century or so,

Love that part. Nixad, not sprite. And yeah, seems Willow was around before? Either way, yes or not, seems Willow will be a joy and an asset to Dame Buffy. Drodda herself, it seems.

I like the "enhanced" nixad. Especially as you seem to intend that a non-combat pet will not just be a useless cosmetic. I wish the game would let them do at least something for you.

Since Vanus knew Mannimarco when they were both in the Psijic Order, I wonder how much influence that had on each of them. If I could remember where I left Ulliceta gra-Kogg, I'd get her opinion.