Like all your readers, I was, for a brief while, a happy participant in your colorful and exotic tournament. It ended far too soon. I'm sure when the match has reached its conclusion, I will want to reread it again for the sheer pleasure of a more prolonged experience.

I still have not gotten over the audacity and brilliance of the idea. A tournament. A tournamundo. A tourna ooh ooh ah ah, A tour....

YAY!!!

Ah'm a KEED AGin!!! An tha carnival is OPEEEEEENNNN!!!


YEEEEEE HAWWWWW!!!!

Even as E. Tennessee decides to go back into the deep freeze and the snow swirls, Acadian returns to warm us all with his descriptions. "Shoes!" Thus speaks a man who knows well the female heart.

The only way I could list all the moments I loved would be to block quote the whole chapter- so to avoid that, consider it stated.

I still cannot believe the amazing vision of a tent city around Bravil that you have created. So simple and yet so brilliant.

That was the epic chapter of a very talented writer.
Please excuse me while I shuffle away to study it again. :read:

Well, I am officially fully caught up on ALL the threads..Yes, yes...I did not 'catch' your story from the first post (was that in Aug. or Sept?); rather, I saw it about a week or two ago, and have been faithfully reading through the chapters EVERY CHANCE I GOT!! I am however, sad to say that I am up-to-date, and cannot read at leisure like I am used to...instead, I must (sighhhh) WAIT for you to post chapter-by-chapter like all the others that have been following this story from the beginning!!!

No matter, though. For I am sure you will continue to regale, and amaze me with your stories of Buffy and Co. I will say (as a woman) that I have LOVED the sense of 'womanhood' you have given to Buffy. She isn't afraid of going in anywhere and 'kicking some a@@'...BUT, she's still a lady at heart (and isn't she SO PRETTY!). I really, really like that!!

Please! keep up the WONDERFUL work..I continue to look (very) forward to more Buffy very soon!!

Thank you for making my days (full of Buffy) a true pleasure; for I simply love coming home from a looooong day of caring for other people and reading about the exploits of (one of) my favorite Bosmer gals (you too, Teresa!)!!! Thanks again!

From shoe shops, to a yummo lunch, to nominating Schlera for 'What Not to Wear', to missing her hero in a headband, to a promise of shopping. Oh yes, and shooting almost (wink wink) as well as her master. Whew, what a fun morning! After the last couple tense chapters, this one made me feel like a happy little vegemite.

In Chapter 57, the festive sights and bustling activities transforming Bravil for the pending archery tournament were quite evident. In early bird fashion, Daenlin insisted that he and Buffy register and complete their qualification attempt on day one of the three day qualification period.

mALX- Thank you so much! Yes, we'll miss Maxical at the tourney - perhaps safer for all!

S'lider- I really appreciate your full reading of Buffy's journal and the kind insights you have shared with me. Thank you for bringing up the Shivering Isles (SI). I had significant mention of it planned, but scrapped it for efficiency and not directly relating to her story at the moment. Based on your comments though, a smaller scene related to the SI has made its way back into her current visit to Bravil.

hauteecole rider- I was delightfully tickled to hear the effect this story had on you in your winter wonderland. :cold: I thank you, and took your advice on improving one of my sentences. It also got me into a fruitful review of 'that vs which'.

RemkoNL- Thank you for the compliment on the alchemy excursion with Aradroth, and your kind words.

Destri- Buffy is beginning to realize the full scope of her hard-earned bow skills, and wrestles with some of the considerations and responsibilities they bring. She considers the tournament a game, and the domain of her master. As you can see also, she is eager to experience the festive and exotic atmosphere the tourney has brought to her simple town. Alawen (Oblivion's master marksman trainer in the game) is indeed an important part of the tourney.

SubRosa- Thank you for your wonderful comments that clearly let me know how much of my intent came through. :twirl: Shopping? Oh my, just wait. . . .
Thanks also for catching my typo.

Digz- As always, your comments warm my heart and encourage me so very much. I am delighted that the atmosphere came to life for you. I hope you enjoy the tournament. ^_^

bobg- You said: "It ended far too soon." I hope you mean that my friend. The overall tournament will span quite a few chapters. Some stories just demand to be told and Buffy will not let me rush her visit to Bravil.

Foxy- Thanks! I hope you enjoy the tournament, and the events that will swirl around it.

treydog- 'Tis with a contented sigh, that I read the encouragement offered by a master. I am presenting a tournament that takes place over several days with quite a bit happening besides arrow shootin'. I'm so glad that you seem happy to linger some with Buffy and I. It will be a leisurely pace, that allows for the tasting of exotic fare, shopping and even some subplots.

Wolf- Thank you for your wonderfully kind words. Although Aradroth will not dominate the story again, he most certainly has a role woven into the upcoming days of the tournament.

Yvette- I'm so delighted that you have joined us, and thank you for reading. What I really, really thank you for are the wonderfully kind words you had for Buffy. :wub:
That I have been able to successfully convey to you who she is, thrills me.

Koala- I'm very glad you sensed a light happy feel to the story. Yes, the promise of shopping.



58 Bravil - The Tournament of Archers, Part 2


Wandering among the merchant tents and vendors outside the gate of Bravil, I found myself staring up at a wooden sign that read 'Olaf's Fine Armor'. Curious, I parted the yellow and white flaps and slipped inside. Cheerful lantern light illuminated the roomy tent. Several tables and simple wooden mannequins displayed a variety of armor.

One beautiful set readily caught my eye. The color was that of long grass that one might see dancing in the breezes along the Gold Coast. It looked as soft and supple as leather that had been tanned by the finest of artisans. The golden doeskin had been reinforced in a few key areas by chain, and small pieces of plate. As I reached out, it felt exquisite under my fingers, and almost weightless.

"Ah, Olaf sees you have quite the discriminating eye, Milady." The booming voice came from a mountainous Nord that stood beside me.

"This flimsy yellow set?" I frowned, dismissively gesturing at the armor. "It doesn't look as if it could stop the bite of a sewer rat."

"I see." The Nord's blue eyes sparkled in challenge, as a smile creased his weathered face. "It's made for those who need to be nimble and quick." Raising a massive hand to rub his chin, the smith measured me with his eyes. "I believe I just might have a set small enough to fit," raising an eyebrow, he added, "but I can see you wouldn't be interested in trying it on though."

"Well, I do have an hour to kill before I rejoin my archery master." I shrugged, trying to mask my enthusiasm. "Why not?"

A few moments later, I had drawn a curtain that sufficed as a changing area, and was wriggling into a set of the buttery armor. "What do you call this ugly stuff, anyway?"

"Well," the Nord replied, "It was designed for use in the pit, or arena - hence the name pit armor. As you may know, arena gladiators now wear a raiment design that shows a lot more skin. I guess that's what the fans like."

I slid the curtain open. From the slowly released air that escaped Olaf's pursed lips and the look in his eyes, I gathered the armor looked pretty good on me. To his amusemant, I moved about the tent, pivoting, crouching, and quickly drawing Slayer several times. The armor was as light and unrestrictive as my black cat suit. I wanted it. "Well, it doesn't offer much protection and is kind of unattractive, but at least I can move in it." I stepped behind the curtain to remove the armor.

Olaf cleared his throat. "I must say, it looks quite fetching on you. Perhaps just the thing for a lithe and graceful she-archer?"

From behind the cloth barrier separating us, I smiled at Olaf's obvious flattery. "Well, I suppose I could be interested. I'm sure, that since the armor offers such a low level of protection, it must be cheap?" Dressed again in laced leather pants and brown blouse, I tugged on my boots and slid the curtain open. "Oh, by the way, my name's Buffy."

"Cheap?" Olaf frowned and shook his head. "Buffy, surely that discriminating eye of yours cannot miss the quality of the doeskin and magically light metal protecting the vulnerable areas of this fine armor. I can't possibly part with a set for less than a thousand gold."

I feigned chagrin. "I can see now why this armor remains on display, gathering dust. I thought perhaps you might be serious about selling it." I started to leave, hoping Olaf would stop me.

"Well, don't storm off now." Seeing me pause, Olaf slowly added, "I suppose I might have just a small amount of room to negotiate, especially since that armor looks like it was made for you. How does nine hundred sound?"

Turning, I faced Olaf full on, looked up to his broad face and countered, "I was hoping for quite a bit less, actually." I batted my eyelashes at the Nord and smiled sweetly.

Olaf inhaled loudly and generated a convincing wince. "I'm such a pushover for a pretty young lady. Ok, eight hundred gold, but that's as low as I can go."

"I appreciate your willingness to work with a girl of humble means such as myself Olaf." I placed my hand upon the smith's mighty forearm. He didn't seem to notice the gentle emerald glow at the tips of my fingers. "I don't think I have that much gold. Are you sure you couldn't drop the price just a teeny bit more?"

It was clear that my spell had worked when Olaf responded cheerfully, "Why for you Buffy? Of course dear, how does six hundred sound?"

"Oh Olaf, I could kiss you," I purred. "That is so much more affordable. There are a couple other considerations though. I almost never wear headgear, so I wouldn't want the helmet of course." Shaking my head, I continued, "then there's the fact that that the armor doesn't come with a shield. It's hardly fashionable to run around with a shield that doesn't match one's armor." I shrugged my shoulders and widened my eyes as if stating the obvious, "don't you agree? I'm afraid five hundred gold is the most I could part with for this."

Olaf shook his head, but smiled. "By the Nine, Buffy. I will agree, but my purse is regretting that you ever graced my tent. Five hundred gold, then. I assume you have that much with you?"

"Well. . ." I exaggerated a guilty grimace, "not exactly." I reached into one of my pack's outer compartments. "Olaf, I only have about four hundred in actual gold, but I have these two powerful healing potions. I assure you they're of the finest quality. Couldn't they make up the difference? Please?"

Olaf rolled his eyes, then slowly folded his arms across his chest and looked down at me with a frown.

Placing my hands firmly on my hips, I threw my head back, looked up and returned his steady gaze.

After several moments, a thunderous laugh bellowed forth from the Nord. "If I agree, will you then take the armor and leave? Before I go out of business?"

His monstrous hand engulfed mine as we agreed on the deal.

With the results of my power shopping nestled in my pack, I slipped back into the sunshine. "Acadian, do you realize how much gold I just saved us?"

The paladin shared my cheerful mood, but his thoughts were laced with a light humor. If you save too much more, we'll be broke.

The smells of grass, ale and cooking fires, now blended with smoke and incense to form an exotic tapestry of aromas. Strains of a delicate tune could be heard over boisterous pvssyr and the loud invitations of merchants. I followed the music.

Between the two brightly colored tents sponsored by the big wineries, was a golden-haired Breton, seated before a beautiful harp. Mesmerized by the gentle melody, I lingered as her fingers deftly plucked the strings. I had been told that harps were inspired by stringed weapons such as the one upon my back. I smiled, as I thought how beautiful Slayer's quiet tune was to me. Given the harpist's fine manner of dress and ornate instrument, I surmised that she was hired by the two winemakers to strum up business, as it were.

I thought about buying some Tamika's, but frowned as I remembered how light my coin purse had just become. Instead, I headed for the burgundy and gold tent of the Surile Brothers. Daenlin preferred that brand, and perhaps I would find him there.

"It wasn't good enough for you to outshoot me Daenlin. No. You wanted to steal Diana as well." The Imperial with beady eyes glared down at Deanlin. "You were no good then and you're still no-" He stopped, upon noticing that I had entered the tent. His face remained reddened, but the venom in his voice changed to a tone of business. "Good day to you, young lady. You look like a wine fancier. How about a bottle of our vintage 399? Or perhaps, if that is too rich for your budget-"

"I'm with Daenlin," I declared proudly as I sidled up to my master and encircled his arm with mine. I didn't know what this was about, but already I didn't like the Imperial.

"Buffy," Daenlin said coolly, "this is Reman Broder, an old. . . friend from Skingrad."

Any pretense at pleasantness left Reman's face. "So, you've found another young wood elf to carry your bow, Daenlin. What else does she-"

"Be careful Reman." Daenlin's words reflected a dangerous tone that I had never before heard from him. "Leave Buffy out of this." His voice then softened, as he continued talking to Reman. "Forty years ago, Diana, you and I were the best of friends - the finest archers in Skingrad." He sadly shook his head. "Both of us acted like rutting bucks though, competing and trying to force her heart to choose between us. Neither of us should have been surprised to find, that one day she had simply taken her bow and slipped away." The old Bosmer sighed. "I came here to offer my hand, but see now that time has done nothing to quell your bitterness."

I followed his cue, and we turned to go. As Daenlin parted the fabric for us, he looked over his shoulder and added, "I leave you with the hope that someday you'll realize the futility of ancient rivalries."

"This isn't over," Reman spat. "Not by a long shot."


* * *

Edit: I am adding a http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/Buffy%20I/ScreenShot244.jpg of what Pit Armor looks like, and a http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Oblivion:Other_Specialty_Gearto the codes for it in UESP wiki. The shopping scene was much more about the shopping of course, and much less about the armor. The armor, in fact offers no protection, but Buffy has never concerned herself with such silly considerations.

Excellent display of haggling on the part of Buffy. Even if she did cheat by using a Charm spell! I never like stating exact amounts of money in my writing, mainly because of how whacked the prices are in the game (one or two gold for an apple or a loaf of bread?, yet if I recall in the Corruption and Conscience quest the average person in Cheydinhal makes only 5-10 gold a year?). So I try to just say "a bag of coins", etc... I notice you generally do too. But I suppose you cannot have a haggling scene without naming prices!

Do you have a link to that Pit Armor so we can see it? I could not find it in the wiki. Is it a mod?

The encounter with Reman Broder was short, and to the point. One can see stormclouds there, that is for certain! I wonder what happened to Diana (the prefect name for a huntress!)? Perhaps she gave up on men and shacked up with Nerussa?

Edit: Oh, I like how that Pit Armor looks! It is much better than the Fur armor in the game. Although granted it is a bit low cut in the chest to be a lot of use...

Oh, so delightful and wonderful! I loved the haggling scene! I know my little Italian grandmother, were she still alive to read this, would just eat it up! Wow! :bowdown:

And the scene between Reman Broder and Daenlin - whoa! That was pretty strong, like a brief summer squall that leaves about three inches of water on my smashed tomato plants! :clap:

Poor Olaf.... or should I say "Oaf".... Nicely done!

it's so hard to keep up, nice job though

Enjoyed every bit of this one.



That got a big laugh out of me- having been on the receiving end of that sort of negotiating tactic a few times.

And then the tantalizing hint at Daenlin's history- with more clouds perhaps shadowing the horizon..?

Obviously Buffy has never encountered those kamikaze ones that inhabit the deepest, darkest dungeons in the game.
Those guys will rip your throat in an instant. :lmao:


My mind is ticking over in relation to what this could mean for the future. Somehow I know Buffy will get herself involved......
The line also has a subtle archery theme to it as well. Was that intended? Or have I been drinking too much?

I went and created a mod that changes out the Fur Armor meshes and textures with those of the Pit Armor. It looks much better! So far I have only changed out the non-magical Fur armor. If anyone wants a copy, PM me and I will email it to you (it is only 3kb).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/subrosa_florens/oblivion/Oblivion301.jpg

A really nice transition, I see a new subplot being formed.

Buffy took Olaf from one thousand gold down to four hundred gold and two healing spells! Now that is some serious haggling!

I agree that Daenlin and Reman Broder seem to be heading towards a confrontation. Somehow I know that Buffy will be caught in the crossfire.

Woo Hoo! Can't wait to hear the rest of that story!!! Fight! It is ON !!!! And the lovely Diana may show up to shoot in the tournament as well !!! Yeah !!!

I love sideplots...they just seem to fit, and yet at the same time they throw you for a loop. By the way there is nothing quite like a 60% discount . Buffy did a grate job haggling with her feminine wiles. I loved it. Keep up the great work my friend.

Thank you. I enjoyed the haggling scene immensely. Now I've caught up with Buffy's story I have more opportunity to savour the writing. I would like to add however that read more or less continuously, rather than as short episodes, the tale stands up very well. It would work perfectly well in book format. (isn't this how Charles dikeens worked?!)

I also liked the 'strum up business' line.

In Chapter 58, Buffy enjoyed some power shopping, and happily inhaled the festive atmosphere of the tournament. She then stepped into an ominous encounter between Daenlin and one Reman Broder, revealing old rivalries.

SubRosa- Thanks for the kind words! I'm glad you picked up on Diana (the Roman version of Artemis), and that you liked the pit armor. Its stats clearly make it only for looks.

hauteecole rider- I'm pleased you didn't mind pausing for a touch of shopping. :dance:

RemkoNL- Thank you!

mcbeanie- Thanks for staying with us!

treydog- Yes, I didn't realize shopping was a major skill for Buffy. An elf as old as Daenlin is bound to have a past of some sort.

Wolf- Buffy get involved in the middle of something? :ninja: I'm glad you caught the 'not by a long shot' direct reference to archery.

Destri- Buffy caught in the crossfire between Daenlin and Reman - touch?my friend!

mALX- Thanks for that enthusiastic endorsemant!

Digz- I'm glad you're enjoying the potential for subplots. The tourney will be a busy time. I'm also glad you enjoyed Buffy's haggling skills. :nod:

S'lider- Again, thank you very much for reading. Buffy's current 'book' does (hopefully) flow continuously. The purpose of this book is to introduce her. My hope is to perhaps, after she completes this book, move her on to a second book that is more of a short story / miniseries type format and even begin to experiment with perspectives other than Buffy's first person. Thank you for noting the 'strum up business' line; I had hoped someone would.

* * *
The archery tournament is a four day event. During the first three days, hopeful competitors shoot a nine arrow qualification round. The top ten archers advance to finals on the fourth day. Daenlin and Buffy shot for qualification early on day one. It is now the middle of day one.
59 Bravil - The Tournament of Archers, Part 3

Daenlin and I slowly made our way west along the Green Road in front of Bravil. The festive noise of the tournament fell behind, to be replaced by the gentle sound of water lapping the banks of the Larsius River. The air between us had remained wordless since the confrontation with Reman Broder. I tipped my face up to the midday sun, squeezed a long drink of water from a goatskin bag, then offered it to Daenlin.

He shook his head. "Buffy," he said, finally breaking the silence, "I'm sorry you had to see that."

"I'm a good listener, you know. I mean, if you want to talk about it." I then added hesitantly, "I knew that you came to Bravil from Skingrad many years before I was born, but I never knew why."

"Well, Buffy, you heard most of the story back there in the tent with Reman. I'm sure Diana left to preserve the friendship between Reman and I." After a moment, he looked away from me and added, "She loved us both, I suspect."

"I think maybe I can understand that, Daenlin." As I thought about my own propensity to run away from Savlian Matius, I added, "perhaps she was frightened by her feelings. Did you ever find out what became of her?"

"No, and it's probably just as well." The old Bosmer shook his head sadly. "Reman and I simply became bitter enemies, blaming each other. Finally, I left also, and came to Bravil. I can only imagine how disappointed Diana would be to see us now. I understand Reman retired his bow and, as you saw, went to work for the Surile Brothers."

I looked at Daenlin seriously. "That didn't sound like an idle threat he made." With the Buffy Doctrine in mind, and visions of putting an arrow in Reman's chest, I pressed, "do you think he might try to hurt you?"

Daenlin returned my gaze. I suspected he saw the protective fire in my narrowed eyes because he quickly shook his head. "I wouldn't put it beyond him to try and discredit me perhaps, but attacking? No Buffy, his bark is wors-"

We both stopped and crouched as the will-o-the-wisp came into view ahead. The sparkling creature was just hovering above the road, as if waiting for a victim, and clearly did not see us. Both our bows were still uncharged, as required by the tourney competition rules. I pulled a couple soul gems from my pack and we partially charged the weapons.

Smiling at Deanlin, I quietly said, "this one's mine. Keep an eye out, as they often travel in pairs, but let me show you what your apprentice has learned."

After assessing distance and checking the wind, I nocked an arrow and applied some tension to the bowstring. After carefully aiming for windage, I elevated the tip of the arrow skyward, drew full tension and released it. I began counting and quickly aimed a second arrow directly at the wisp. Guided by my silent numbers, I loosed it.

The simultaneous impacts of the high and low trajectory arrows collapsed the creature into a puddle of glow dust.

Daenlin nocked an arrow and stepped forward, "Here comes his friend."

In typical wisp fashion, the second creature disappeared before our eyes, but was no doubt closing for an attack. Rather than fumble for my detect life rings, I nocked an arrow as well. We waited.

The wisp suddenly materialized in front of Daenlin's drawn bow and projected a thin red beam into the Bosmer's chest. Daenlin returned fire while stepping back to break the short range of the life-leeching spell.

Quickly sidestepping to ensure I wouldn't hit my master, I released my own arrow, killing the wisp.

We stared at each other as we stowed our bows. "You're hurt." I placed my hand on Daenlin's chest and absorbed some of his pain while healing the minor wound. It was faster than a potion.

"Thanks Buffy, that feels better. Where in Oblivion did you learn to hit a target with two arrows at once?"

"Oblivion's exactly where I learned it. Peryite's plane to be precise - hunting Daedra. Are you proud of me, Master?"

"I am indeed, Buffy."

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/Buffy%20I/ScreenShot245.jpg http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/Buffy%20I/ScreenShot246.jpg

Without incident, we continued our short walk to the head of the Larsius River, where we kept an old target hidden near the entrance to Bloodmayne Cave. After an hour or so of solid archery practice, Daenlin sat on the bank of the river soaking his feet. I gathered alchemy ingredients, frequently looking at the old elf. This was a familiar spot, and it was steeped in memories of archery training.

The small bow I wielded was made for my ten year old frame by Daenlin, as was the arrow that he handed to me. I loosed the small wooden missile, which, upon hitting the mud crab lumbering towards us, had no effect. "Again," said Daenlin encouragingly while handing me another arrow. "Now Buffy, take a quick glance behind you. Don't panic or run, just back up now as you shoot." After bouncing several more arrows off the huge beast while I slowly backpedaled, it was getting dangerously close.

A loud twang came from beside me, and Daenlin's arrow blossomed from the mud crab, propelling its body away from us. I was exhilarated by the sound and sight.

"I think I did well walking backwards and still hitting the target. Are you proud of me, Master?"

"I am indeed, Buffy." Daenlin beamed at me and gently brushed some wayward blond strands from my face. "I've only once before seen an archer that possessed your level of natural ability. She too had golden locks."

I smiled at the memory and looked over at Daenlin, still soaking his feet and chewing on the end of a long blade of grass. His words of years ago, now had a name.

Finally, we returned to the city, parting ways at the stables. The early morning qualification shooting had delayed Superian's exercise.

As I led her north through the crowded tournament area, the mare cleared quite a swath. She fairly pranced sideways from pent up energy and nerves caused by the palette of people, sights, sounds and smells that now decorated our city.

As soon as Superian and I cleared the bustle, I calmed her down with a gentle touch and soft words. I slid on my rings of detect life, and swung up to her back. After a whisper in her ear, we were both reveling in speed as we thundered north along the Green Road. As a pink glow appeared ahead, we slowed to a walk and continued cautiously. When a white horse and rider came into view, I drew Superian to a stop and slipped off my rings. We waited, ready for a burst of unmatchable speed, if threatened.

I could now see that she was a wood elf in leather armor, equipped with a bow and quiver. "Hail friend, where are you bound?" I said pleasantly, as the rider and horse drew to a stop next to us.

"Bravil. Is it near?" Her tone was cautious but not unfriendly.

"It is indeed. I'm done riding and would be happy to accompany you. My name's Buffy," I then added with a smile, "from Bravil." With an unconscious pressure from my leg, Superian turned towards home.

"Well met Buffy. I'm Alawen, Ranger for County Anvil." Side by side, we slowly headed south.

"Ranger?" I asked tilting my head. I could see now that she had hazel eyes and her pretty face was framed by light brown hair. I could not discern her age, which no doubt meant that she was in her long elven prime.

"It's like a forester, but I'm not Legion at all. I serve Countess Millona Umbranox, protecting the wilderness of County Anvil, as did my mother before me." After a moment, she added, "the Countess has asked me to represent our city of Dibella in the tournament of archers."

"May your arrows fly swift and true, Alawen," I said earnestly, "I'm competing as well. Where will you be staying while you're here? Even though it's only the first day of qualifications, I fear the Inns may be getting quite full by now."

"Buffy, didn't you say you're from Bravil?" After seeing me nod, Alawen continued, "frankly, I'm most comfortable sleeping outdoors. In fact I live at Troll Candle Camp near Anvil. Is there perhaps an abandoned campsite nearby?"

"There surely is. When we get to Bravil, I'll mark Bawnwatch Camp on your map and send you a short distance south of the city. It's a beautiful campsite right along the river. I love sleeping under the stars too, but," I smiled, "I must admit a taste for real sheets and hot baths."

As we arrived at the stables, I marked Alawen's map and wished her well.

"Thank you for your kindness Buffy. Sweet water and green paths to you." Alawen flashed a smile, then continued south.

The story moves forward, with an explanation of why Reman is so mad at Daenlin. Whenever two men are at odds with one another, you can bet there is a woman somewhere in the mix!

You introduced Alawen quite well, making it a natural extension of the story, rather than feeling contrived. Nicely done! :thumbsup:

I liked the little flahsback of Buffy's, how you not only showed us her as a youngin' learning her craft, but also how you tied it into the present situation between Reman and Daenlin.

The sparkling creature was just hovering above the road, as if waiting for a victim, and clearly did not see us.
Well it does not have eyes, how could it see them! (that is not a nitpick, just me being silly. They never do explain how critters like wisps or headless zombies "see" things).

This one phrase stands out to me, because of how immersive it is:
Sweet water and green paths to you.
Remind me to steal it!

You have really shown your strength as a story-teller with these last several installments. I can just taste the warm summer days I spent walking through the woods or out on the river...

You have such a wonderful sense of place and of Buffy's integration into her home. Again, the immersion is complete.

Absolutely delightful! I've always liked the area around the Larsius River, especially on a bright, sunny afternoon. It is so beautiful there. And you absolutely captured that setting very well. On another yet dreary, cold January day I was transported to a wonderful location with a lovely breeze and warm, warm sun.

Well done!

I'm trying to remember if Bawnwatch Camp has already been cleared (remember the Forlorn Watchman?) in BF. If not, would Alawen be the one to solve that mystery?

As for Superian, very nice description of her prancing and restlessness. Horses don't do well cooped up day after day in those tiny corrals, and you conveyed the activity of a fresh horse very well.

Thanks for continuing to post Buffy's story! May it continue for a very long time!

This whole tourney thread has me excited !!!! Awesome Write !!!

This is so reminiscent of the festival they used to have in Calabasas. Done by the Society For Creative Anachronism. You could find stars from nearby Hollywood, and everyone in medieval costumes. Monks, and knights, rogues and mistrals and food, food, food.... My wife still has a flower coronet from the festival.

I'm glad to see Buffy continue to 'ride, shoot straight, and tell the truth'....if you know the reference.