I'm still loving your work, I'm guessing Buffy will be buying some dark pants to avoid future embarrassment (Sorry for the delay, after reading Buffy I was distracted by the Maxical and Teresa stories. Good stories I might add. They just took a long time to read!)

Edit: I was late to the party but I have a question about early Buffy. She used a black soul gem to enchant her bow, and (I can't remember the name) could tell she used one. Are you using a mod that makes black souls more powerful than grand souls, is the idea that she at that level couldn't encounter grand souls, or is it artistic license? In my game black and grand souls are both 1600 points. I *am* using OOO though.

In chapter 65, Alawen and Buffy determined the Forlorn Watchman must be the spirit of a sailor somehow trapped across the Niben. They crossed atop the surface of the river and located the wreck of the Emma May. Painfully, they discovered the ship is infested with undead spirits, and paused to refine their planned investigation.

Remko- Thanks for the kind words! Yes, the wraiths can deliver melee, cold and silence - ugh. :cold: 'Ford' is a word to describe an area of a river that is shallow enough to cross by foot/horse/wagon. It predates Henry the carmaker.

SubRosa- Thank you for the wonderful insight! Your encouragement to not rush the pace is soothing indeed. I'm glad you enjoyed Buffy's flashback to Savlian. Yes, Buffy had a pinch of trouble - I think having her ability to cast spells temporarily disabled by the wraith really scared her. I agree that resist frost potions may be in order. Oh, I redid that one sentence to read more clearly - thanks!

hauteecole rider- Thank you so much! Buffy was in big trouble with her bow knocked from her hands and her spell casting disabled. She has no idea how to use any sort of melee weapon. Her status as a 'glass cannon' really bit her in the above story. Good thing Alawen was there. Buffy is horrible if surprised or without a plan. Given some time to think however, she can get pretty clever. Thanks for your faith in her! :wub:

mALX- I'm glad you enjoyed the screenshot of running atop the Niben. Thanks for the kind words! I'm sorry Buffy's flashback to Savlian didn't quite work for you. I'll try to do better. Hope you are feeling better. :icecream:

bobg- I'm so pleased you enjoyed the story. It was refreshing to have a bit of firepower on display, even if Buffy was on the receiving end. Your willingness to allow me to reference your precious characters is a responsibility I humbly relish. Thank you my friend.

Destri- As with Mazoga, I hope to use some action to help display the growing friendship between Buffy and Alawen. Yes, Buffy can go from dangerous and confident to a puddle in a shockingly quick turn if things don't go well. Thank you for your patience with the pace of this storyline. When in doubt about things like that, I always listen to my elf and she insists that she has a lot to do and say in Bravil.

Wolf- Thank you for highlighting the terrain drawbacks of fighting aboard ship. Yes, the open spaces of even the Deadlands would be welcome to the confines of a ship. I cannot express the delight I felt, as I realized that Alawen was acquainted with the Dinsteels of Anvil! Charger is in good hands.

Leydenne- Bladder control, yes. Well, it is one of Buffy's quirks of vulnerability. Unfortunately it is messier than Julian's limp or Teresa biting her lower lip or Maxical's inability to count/aim or Angel hopping from one foot to the other or Athynae's temper. Only the lovely Zerina seems to be somewhat free of these challenges. Thank you so much for reading!

mcbeanie- Thanks! Yes, it was nice to fight something for a change, even if it didn't go well for Buffy. How long to write a chapter? Well, storyboarding and consultation with Buffy is a 7/24 process. We play the scenes and do photo shoots B) as/when required. Once we can clearly visualize the scenes, it takes about 3 hours to draft a chapter, then 3 to 4 days of very, very heavy editing. So, short answer is 3-4 days, full time.

Digz- Thank you so much for those wonderful words. I'm glad many of the details are coming through. We would have loved, for example, to do an entire chapter on training and coaxing Charger across the river, but choices must be made. You help me achieve what I hope is a balance between the detail and rumination Buffy is so fond of, with the need to move the story along.

Koala- Thank you, and I'm glad you are enjoying this slight diversion from the tournament itself. Yes, Buffy can certainly fall apart quickly when things don't go her way. But. . . when things do go her way, By Mara!

MyCat- Thank you! She changes clothes faster than she changes her mind. Certainly, at a minimum, she will need to wash those doeskin greaves - probably as soon as she gets off that ship. You are right - we use only a few small mods, and none that affect soul gems. The reason she used a black soul to enchant Slayer was because she was too low a level to find grand ones. Power wise, grand = 1600 = black in vanilla. From what you say, sounds like OOO is the same.


66 Bravil - The Tournament of Archers, Part 10 - The Emma May

Navigating the confusing maze of the main deck, we slowly crept towards the bow of the Emma May. There were enough holes and cracks in the old ship that slender, dust-laden streaks of sunshine provided enough light for us to make our way. As we entered a long passageway, I signaled a stop. "The wraith," I whispered what my rings revealed to me, "is just beyond that open hatch ahead, but out of sight to the starboard side."

"You seem to know the terminology quite well for someone who has never been aboard a ship." Alawen's statement included a questioningly raised eyebrow.

"The University has a large library, and I like to read about things that might help keep me alive." The statement was true enough, on its surface, and I figured it was simpler than trying explain the silent lesson Acadian had provided, while Alawen and I were grinding Sacred Lotus seeds to create resist frost potions.

The ranger returned her attention to the shadowy passage ahead. "To approach close enough to see him will surrender our range advantage. Can you do something with your magic?"

I was more than a little motivated to prove my value to Alawen as I rubbed my bruised butt and thought about my wet greaves. After a moment, I smiled and nodded. "Nock your arrow."

I visualized the spell sequence I would need, then raised a glowing fist. A skeleton formed from the reddish cloud I released in front of us. Another spell caused the summon to rattle down the passageway, in fear, towards the open hatch.

As soon as the wraith wailed his interest, and engaged my bony helper, I evaporated the summon by casting a new one between Alawen and I - a scamp this time. As I hoped, the disappearance of the skeleton drew the suspicious wraith into the passageway.

Alawen's first arrow elicited a screech, and was immediately followed by a quiet twang from Slayer and a fireball from the scamp. The rapid fire that ensued caused the wraith to dance and jerk until he collapsed into a puddle on the deck.

The ranger looked at me. "By Dibella, Buffy! I have never seen anything like that. It is clear your job will be to distract these things so I can shoot." She added with a grin, "this went a lot better than the first one, no?"

Feeling some self-confidence returning, I proclaimed, "there's no more life signs on this deck. Where next, Ranger?"

"Well, Scout," she said with a smile, "before we go slogging through this whole ship, I want to know more about her fate. Let us find the captain's cabin, and navigation room. Hopefully, there will be ship logs of some sort. Both those spaces should be aft near the stern."

*

We stood at the bottom of the ladder to the captain's quarters. Alawen whispered, "This will likely be a confined area. If there is a wraith inside, you will try to immobilize him with your spells, then join me in shooting as you can. If he gets too close, you back away and keep firing or casting. I will step forward with my dagger and try to hold him off."

"You'll be the one to get beat up this time?" I said dubiously. "Do you know how hard those things hit? I do."

"Do you know how to use a dagger, young elf?"

I looked at the silver handle of the weapon strapped to Alawen's waist. "Only for cutting my arrows from victims or field dressing game," I said, a little embarrassed.

"Who has more armor?" Alawen raised an eyebrow.

"You do," I replied, lowering my eyes from Alawen's full leathers to the deck.

"Buffy, neither one of us are front line fighters, but we are better off with me in that role if it comes to it. I have seen the power of your magic. I have also seen it taken from you. I cannot cast spells, so I do not care if a wraith tries to disable them."

"Well, you have some good points there," I admitted. "You should drink one of the potions we made then. Alawen, you saved my life earlier. I'll do my best to support you."

The ranger placed her hand on my shoulder and smiled warmly. "I know you will, Buffy."

"Here, take some of these too." I handed several of my shield potions to Alawen.

She nodded, then quickly drank two potions, one to resist frost and the other to strengthen her armor, and led us quietly up the ladder.

Another wraith announced his presence almost as soon as we entered the captain's quarters. By knowing the enemy and having a plan this time, we were ready. My spell cut his wail short, as he turned in fear, cowering against a porthole. By the time I loosed an arrow, Alawen was nocking her third. Our combined fire quickly destroyed the spirit. A search of the cabin revealed no clues, and we returned to the main deck.

*

Letters carved into the closed wooden hatch in front of us, confirmed that we had found the navigation room.

Alawen turned to me. "Same brief, ok?"

I nodded, as the ranger drank another pair of protective potions. Both of us nocked arrows, then Alawen kicked open the hatch. Relaxing at the sight of the small, empty navigation room, we quivered our arrows and began searching through the crumbling charts and logs until we found the Emma May's last entry.

"Mutiny," spat Alawen. "They killed the captain and chained Grantham Blakely below decks. These wraiths must be spirits of the treacherous crew that ran her aground." The ranger snapped the logbook closed and tossed it on the navigation table. "What do you think, Scout?"

"You're in charge, Ranger, but I would hunt down and destroy every one of this murderous crew, then find what remains of Grantham and see if we can put his spirit at ease." I smiled grimly and added, "you know, peace through vengeance."

Alawen raised one corner of her mouth and nodded. "Let us continue our search."

*

The two mutinous wraiths I detected on the Emma May's mid deck were each hunted down and magically terrorized into corners, to suffer our rapid fire. Alawen was faster than I, but her bow could not match the stopping power of Slayer.

I watched as she gathered the valuable ectoplasm from the second wraith. For the first time, I considered the wood elf's potential as a competitor in the tournament. When it came to rapid-fire, I was better than Daenlin, but Alawen seemed better than I. The hope that her long-range skills were less than those of my master crept forth, like tendrils of a poisonous vine. A wave of shame and anger swept over me for allowing such thoughts.

We checked our equipment, then counted and redistributed arrows before continuing our search for an access deeper into the bowels of the ship.

All the way astern, we found what we sought. After raising the wooden hatch cover, we quietly lowered ourselves down the ladder to the lowest deck. The Emma May rested somewhat stern-low and we found ourselves standing in water that approached our knees. I held up a single finger, then pointed it in the direction of the only glow I detected.

As we crept forward, the water yielded to dry deck and we made our way to an open hatch. Centered in the large cargo bay before us, hovered a wraith.

Alawen gently grabbed my arm, pulled me back a few paces and whispered, "you told me that you detect them as pink glows. Can you see that this one is a different color than the others?"

Shaking my head, I removed my two rings; the glow on the forward side of the bulkhead faded. I crept forward until I could see through the hatchway again. Alawen was right; this wraith shimmered with a purple aura. I backed away to where the ranger waited. "Perhaps he's the leader," I said quietly.

"What do you think?" the ranger asked. "We have time to plan our attack. Do you have any more magic tricks?"

A smile came to my face.

"I take that as a yes?" she said in reply to my expression.

"I'll remove his immunity to poison, and he won't even know it until we open fire." I reached into one of the three outer compartments on my pack for a green vial.

Alawen nodded as she accessed her own pack. In addition to a handful of poisons, she produced a slender quiver which she then strapped to her right thigh and emptied several green vials into. I watched with fascination, as she inserted four arrows into the quiver and looked at me.

In apparent response to the amazed look on my face, she whispered, "oilcloth, lined with waterproofed leather. I had it made on the docks of Anvil. It is not pretty, but it does the job."

I humbly poisoned one arrow the old fashioned way and staged it, tip down, alongside Slayer's handgrip. My right hand was free for casting. We crept forward, side-by-side, until gaining unobstructed views of the wraith.

The two-component spell had proven itself in the Chapel of Mara's undercroft. The first effect would double the lethality of poisons, or in the case of undead, eliminate their immunity for several seconds. The second aspect of the spell would briefly and totally drain a victim's speed, rendering them unable to detect the caster.

"Ok," I whispered to Alawen, "nock your arrow."

With a glowing hand, I quickly extended my arm, and the spell leapt from fingertips to target. Within the span of two heartbeats, Alawen's first poisoned arrow caused the wraith to exchange his purple aura for a green one. Under the circumstances, I found the color to be beautiful. My own lethally-dipped arrow followed. With a reassuring 'whoosh', the soul of the wraith was swept into Azura's Star.

"You traffic in souls?" Alawen's question seemed more curious than judgmental.

"They sustain Slayer, and Slayer keeps me alive."

"I've never had an enchanted weapon." As Alawen watched me transfer the wraith's energy to my bow she added, "I am not averse to using what remains from the fallen to survive. I shall have to think on this."

Continuing our search, we soon stood before a wooden hatch to the forward cargo compartment. The ranger upended another pair of pink vials, then quietly burped. "Hopefully these potions will prove to be no more necessary than their predecessors."

We nodded comfortably at each other, then in unison, nocked arrows. As with the navigation room, Alawen kicked open the hatch.

There was no wail of greeting, only silence. After we quivered arrows and shouldered bows, I sparked a torch to life with my fingertips.

Chained to a main vertical support beam was a body that had long ago yielded its flesh, until only bones remained.

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/Buffy%20I/ScreenShot255.jpg

Alawen produced the key she had found in the slippery remains of the last wraith, and tried it on the skeleton's overhead shackles. With a satisfying metallic click, the lock fell open. Chains and bones clattered to the deck, as a white cloud formed and slowly revealed the translucent image of a sailor.

"My name is Grantham Blakely," the soft, tired voice began. "I thank you for freeing me." A watery finger pointed to a space between the deck planks. "In this compartment, lay a map hidden by my treacherous shipmates. They spoke of a smuggler's treasure further up the Panther. Claim it for yourselves now with my gratitude." With that, the spirit walked towards one of the bulkheads, passed through it, and disappeared.

The ranger nodded her head. "Fair winds and following seas, Grantham Blakely." She then looked at me, and we exchanged sad smiles.

As I held my torch over the deck, Alawen easily retrieved the scroll Grantham spoke of and unrolled the parchment for us both to see.

"This treasure seems to be under the waters of the Panther River, just a small ways upstream," I said, studying the map, "right by a small campsite and dock used by smugglers."

"Shall we then?" The ranger's tone was lighter now, almost playful.

I was acutely aware that my blouse was soaked with green slime and my greaves were still wet from, well, you know. "I could certainly use a bath before returning to Bravil." I smiled, then added, "oh, and my empty coin purse wouldn't mind half a treasure as well."

I loved this recounting of the Forlorn Watchman! Finding the ship's log, learning of the mutiny, realizing what had happened to Grantham, was saddening.

The teamwork between the two Bosmeri ladies is wonderful!

I see Buffy has put the first rule of war (according to Sun-Tzu, or was it his second rule?) to good use. Know your enemy, and know your ground!


Ah, the dilemma of competition!


That's the Buffy I know and adore - never waste an opportunity for a bath!

The release of Grantham's spirit was rewarding enough for me!

What's good, my old friend? And the answer is, it's ALL good!

All of it...from beginning to end...is so good it's worth reading twice. And once more for inspiration, like I did.

Yay!!! DEATH TO WRAITHS AND GHOSTS...


...er...

...em...

...ahhh...

wait, aren't they dead ALREADY? OK, so LIFE TO...dang, that doesn't seem to work...

:rofl:

Why I oughta...

Oh no! Grantham Blakely saw Buffy's wet pants! How embarassing! Let me get a clear jar, and we can save it for a later write where people can... :rofl:

This was quite a good sized write Acadian! Great teamwork between Buff and Alawen!


*

Awwww, for a minute there, I thought that was a shout out to my avatar.

Another good chapter - you really added depth, humor and tension to what is, in the game, a rather typical sidequest. Having Buffy and a companion tackle the task was a terrific idea.

Just finished reading this aloud to my wife. We both enjoyed it very much but she wanted me to specifically let you know that she is now a full fan of Buffy. The residual effects from her stroke don't allow her post directly.

A double conjuration cast to draw out the wraith. Ohh, that was good! :liplick:

The triple firepower onslaught that followed was just as good. Must be that Naval Aviator in you coming out.

Oh, and I love the change to your sig. Las Vegas and Bravil. The two capitals of hedonism :rofl:

For some reason I pictured the scene in the Matrix where Trinity couldn't fly the helicopter until she downloaded flying lessons.

(Also I checked in the construction set, soul gems don't have points they only have soul levels. So a grand soul gem can capture a petty, greater, grand soul etc. A black gem can only capture a grand soul, which all NPCs have. I guess the point count for souls is fixed by the game.)

Your tactical brilliance shines through again. A few more chapters like this and I'm going to have to make my own Bosmer mystic archer. He will be male, and I will call him Acadian in your honor. This was so good that I'm going to join Foxy in reading it again.

I should know better by know than to correct you.... Loved that last chapter, the cooperating Elves was a brilliant idea! :goodjob:
Let's hope Alwan is discrete and won't tell the rest of the opponents about buffy's err... inconvenience...

Excellent display of in-game tactics, down to the detect life not working through the door of the captain's cabin, because it is a different cell. The combined of the summon/turn to get the wraith to come out was a work of brilliance! The same with the rest of Buffy/Alawen's tactics. Where the last post showed Buffy at her worst, this one shows her at her best. :celebration:

I liked how the two women started calling one another Scout and Ranger. Why do I have the feeling that will last long after the quest, and the tournament?

This was marvelously written:
like tendrils of a poisonous vine.
Not only an outstandingly evocative metaphor, but the entire paragraph it belongs to was a good dose of reality. The fact is that Buffy and Alawen are competing against one another, and there is no way one could keep such thoughts from their mind given the circumstances.

Thank you again. I'm still reading and enjoying.

I love the way the (normally) peripheral characters in the game come to life in your work. Long may it continue!

Fair winds and following seas is navy hey? I like that. And even though it is not real life I loved to think of that tortured soul being set free..The girls worked very well together and didn't get fussed with each other..

Buffy is willing to loyally follow those that have earned her trust and the Buffy Doctrine is on display here.. If someone didn't realise who Buffy was, they would after reading this! It really captures her vengeful nature that is always tempered by her essential goodness.. As I've said before, she's a bonzer sheila!

In chapter 66, Buffy and Alawen fought their way through the shipwreck of the Emma May, and freed the trapped spirit of Grantham Blakely. It seems they intend to take up Grantham's offer of treasure hunting.

hauteecole rider- It was your wonderfully inspired suggestion that brought the Forlorn Watchman to visit Alawen. :icecream: Thank you for the encouraging words. Yes, a bath is next!

Foxy- Yes, it takes a touch of careful wording when talking about killing the dead. :wacko: Thanks for the wonderful words!

mALX- Wet pants and great teamwork. Thank you my friend!

Leydenne- Yes, the pair of bow girls wish their feline friend, Scout, all the best. :wave: Thanks!

bobg- I know that you and I have a special place in our hearts for each others' characters, but I am deeply humbled to hear that Mrs Bobg is enjoying Buffy as well. Thank you both so very much!

Wolf- I'm really pleased that Buffy could conjure tactics that would please the Wolf himself. Yes, the dual sig locations; we have learned to cross that boundary now, and travel freely together between our worlds.

MyCat- Buffy needed the 'ship speak' lesson. I just could not allow her to write "how many floors on this boat?" There were no books in her Mystic Archives that could teach her. Thanks so much for reading!

Destri- Coming from a writer of spellbinding combat scenes, I take your tactical endorsemant as high praise indeed. Thank you.

Remko- Buffy is perhaps at her best working alone, but cooperating with Alawen was great fun (and less bloody than fighting alongside Mazoga).

SubRosa- Thank you for the wonderful words about tactics and one of my metaphors. Buffy has called herself a scout for Mazoga, Savlian and now Alawen. She seems to take well to the role.

S'lider- Thank you for complimenting our development of supporting characters. We shall see quite a bit (literally) of Alawen straightaway.

Koala- Thanks for the kind words and sharing your insight on Buffy's nature. Buffy sends: :wub:



67 Bravil - The Tournament of Archers, Part 11 - Lions, Horses and Blondes

The wooden planks of the small dock felt smooth against my skin as I enjoyed the drying warmth of the mid day sun. Lying on my back, with head and shoulders supported by both elbows, I lazily surveyed my surroundings.

Behind me was a pair of saddles and bridles. Further up the river's bank lay two bandits. They never saw the pair of poisoned arrows that arrived simultaneously, announcing an end to smuggling operations at Black Dog Camp.

Close to my left hip was Slayer and an elven quiver. I wiggled my toes luxuriously in the sun and looked just beyond them at the Panther River, as it flowed quietly towards the Niben. Items of clothing and armor, cleaned by the river and a kiss of soap, were displayed and drying over the heavy posts that supported the dock.

Sunshine sparkled on the water droplets that had not yet dried from Alawen's back and legs as she lay beside me, her toes also pointed towards the river. Between us was the small pile of gems and jewelry that Grantham Blakely's treasure map had helped us retrieve from a chest at the bottom of the river.

Further to my right and slightly downstream, the two mares grazed peacefully, their thirst having been quenched by the Panther.

I sighed contentedly. This was the calm I had hoped my visit home would bring.

A growing whisper among the overhead leaves, announced the arrival of a breeze. As the cool air danced across my wet skin, I glanced down to see countless tiny bumps emerge. I smiled a bit self-consciously to see two larger bumps had responded as well.

Whether from the same tightening of her wet skin or the breeze itself, Alawen awoke and lazily rolled to her back. "Mmmm," she sighed, closing her eyes and turning her face to the sun. "Buffy, I am beginning to quite like the lush forests and gentle rivers near your home."

My eyes were drawn to Alawen's bare leg. An area bigger than my open hand was dominated by a scar. Four lengthy side-by-side claw marks traced a path completely across the front of her left thigh.

"Lion." Alawen's voice jolted me, and I quickly turned my head away.

The tiny bumps of coolness on my skin instantly yielded to a flush of color that I watched travel from thigh to briast. I could then feel the warmth as it rose up my neck and continued to the tips of my pointed ears. "F-forgive me, I didn't mean to stare." I returned my gaze to Alawen, this time making sure to seek her eyes, not her scar.

The ranger had propped herself up on both elbows, matching my position, and I was relieved to see her smiling. "I was nine years old when I learned about lions. Mother found me screaming in the tiny rock crevice that had saved me. She carried me back to camp and, with her potions, eventually I healed."

"You were lucky to survive, Alawen. I've seen lions kill horses, and even Legion soldiers."

She nodded. "Mother told me it meant something special to carry the mark of a lion. Shortly after I healed, I found I could calm certain types of animals, or even make them run away."

"Magic?" I asked, "like a spell?"

"No," replied Alawen, "I don't know how to cast a single spell. My ability to control animals is just something that happens when I focus on them and try to project part of my mind into their will."

"What a wonderful ability you have, Alawen!" More comfortable now, I looked at her scar again. "You know, potions can only do so much. The priests at your Chapel of Dibella should be able to fade that scar some. Even my own spells could probably help. Would you like me to try?"

"You are a caring elf, Buffy, but no." The ranger continued to smile. "I earned that scar. It was granted thirty years ago and is a part of me."

"I think I understand, Alawen." Then I grinned. "Besides, it's quite the conversation starter when you're lying around without your clothes on."

I was surprised to hear a giggle erupt from the ranger and took it as a welcome indication that perhaps I had not offended her with my rude staring.

I sat up, cross-legged and shook my loose, wet hair. Reaching for my comb, I began to work out the tangles.

Alawen flicked her hand against my knee and pointed to our right. With a grin she whispered, "look."

Charger was quietly grazing as my mare slowly approached her from behind. Superian stretched her neck and playfully nipped Charger on the rump. Two white legs instantly propelled a pair of hooves back towards Superian, who just as quickly reared and sprinted away, her tail raised high like a black flag.

Charger went back to grazing, only to be nipped and taunted twice more. Finally, the white mare wheeled around with flattened ears, snaked out her neck and bit Superian.

Alarmed, I started to my feet, but Alawen held up her hand. "No, let them work it out."

I was used to killing anything that hurt Superian, but she clearly deserved the rebuke after wearing through the older horse's patience. I was relieved to see my mare back away sharply and Charger not, well, charge. Relaxing, I said, "I guess we know who's boss."

Tipping out a small amount of thick liquid from a pink vial, I began to work it through my hair with my fingertips.

"What is that?" asked Alawen.

"It contains rosemary oil and aloe vera for conditioning, glow dust for shine, and some finely ground bergamot for a nice citrus scent. Want some?" I offered her the vial.

After an approving sniff, she applied a small amount of the conditioner. I frowned. "Alawen, your hair is kind of a mess. Here, sit up and turn around." Kneeling behind the now cross-legged ranger, I went to work. "Didn't you bring any hair things?"

"I forgot," Alawen said sheepishly. "I have never traveled before and I am afraid I did not prepare very well. I was just going to use some of my saddle soap."

Despite pursing my lips, a short sputter of laughter escaped. "Oh my, we can't have that. I have plenty more of this at home, and a spare comb too; keep these when we're done."

"Thank you, Buffy." She relaxed into my hands as I continued working on the tangles. "Mother and I used to do this for each other. It feels wonderf - Ouch!"

"Oops. Sorry Alawen. It's really rather matted back here." I continued, "You're right though, it does feel nice to have someone help. Ardaline, - she's a guild mate of mine - we do this for each other all the time. Probably more to chat than for each other's hai -" A movement downstream caught my eye. "Ooh, look!" I pointed.

Charger was quietly approaching from behind the grazing Superian. After a playful nip to Superian's rump, both horses took off down the edge of the river bank at a gallop. Completing a wide circle, they returned to a patch of dappled shade along the river much closer to us.

Alawen nodded approvingly. "Charger is not too old to play, she just wants to feel like she is in charge. It looks like she has convinced Superian."

"I'm glad it seems they will become friends," I said as I returned to Alawen's hair. "When are you going to shoot for tournament qualification? Tomorrow's the last day, you know."

"I noted the target line on the range when I rode by yesterday and I think the sun angle will be good tomorrow afternoon."

"I'll look for you then. See Antoine at the stables; I'll tell him to take good care of Charger." Satisfied with the ranger's brown hair, I proclaimed, "There! All done."

Alawen ran her fingers through her untangled tresses. "That feels much better." Rising to her knees, she turned to face me. "You next." With a circling gesture of her finger she added, "turn around and sit."

I did so, and surrendered my hair to Alawen's gentle fingers. After a few moments, I felt the comb and her hands stop. Looking over my shoulder, I could see her staring at me with moist eyes. Instantly, I was up on my knees, face-to-face with the other bare wood elf. "Alawen, what's wrong?" I said, concerned that perhaps I had offended her somehow.

A single tear had escaped and was tracing a path down her cheek. I could see she was staring at my hair. "It is just that. . ."her eyes were childlike as she reached out a hand to touch a blond lock, "it is like golden silk, Buffy. Mother's hair was the same, and it just brought back. . . I-I am sorry." With a forearm, she brushed the child from her eyes. "Please sit back down, and I will finish."

I obeyed the ranger, but my thoughts were swirling. That look in her eyes was frozen in my mind. It was the same wistful look I had seen in Daenlin's eyes the day before when he had similarly touched his fingers to my hair and said, 'she had golden locks, just like you, My apprentice'.

Some of Daenlin's other words came crashing back to me now. . . 'forty years ago, Reman, Diana and I were the best of friends - the finest archers in Skingrad. . . she loved us both, I suspect. . . .'

Alawen was marked by a lion thirty years ago at the age of nine, and her mother was a skilled archer with blond hair. Could it be?

Willing a calmness into my voice that I didn't feel, I quietly asked. "Um, Alawen, you've never mentioned your mother's name. May I ask?"

"Diana." The ranger continued, "there. Now your hair is done too, Buffy."

Launched into a storm of thought over the confirmation, I ran fingers through my hair and replied absently, "thank you, Alawen."

We both stretched out on our backs again in the afternoon sun. After a few moments, I turned to face the ranger and propped myself up on one elbow. My heart was racing. "Forgive me Alawen. Perhaps I am being too nosey. . . " I let the words trail, hoping for a sign from the wood elf beside me.

The ranger also raised up to one elbow as she turned to face me with a smile. "What is it, Buffy? I won't nip like Charger does."

"You never speak of your father. Did something bad happen?"

"Diana was both mother and father to me. I have no idea who sired me and Mother never told me."

"You don't find yourself wishing to know about your father?"

"No, I do not want to know. If he was honorable, then he must have died before I was born; otherwise, he never would have allowed Mother to be alone with child. Confirmation of his death would bring me no comfort." Alawen's face darkened. "If he yet lives and I knew his name, I would put an arrow through his heart for allowing Diana to raise me by herself. That also would bring me no comfort."

Her voice reflected determination as she continued, "no, my friend, if I was meant to know who my father was, Mother would have told me. I trust her judgment on that." The ranger lay back and closed her eyes, as did I.

My head was spinning. This all meant that either Reman or Daenlin was likely Alawen's father. What, if any of this should I share, and with whom? Would the knowledge bring comfort, or simply tear open old memories, best left to bittersweet slumber?

With a heartbreaking sadness, the answer crystallized. The honorable ranger, who now called me friend, left no ambiguity regarding her feelings. In fact, I understood Alawen's logic perfectly. Under similar circumstances I could imagine speaking her very words. She had earned my respect for her wishes.

There would be no happy meeting of father and daughter. Like Diana, I would carry this heavy secret to my grave.

I rolled onto my left side to face away from Alawen, lest she be watching and a tear sneak through my closed eyelids.

What is it with reemerging parents all of a sudden? First Andrew finds out about his father, and now ...

My dear friend Acadian, your writing is becoming more chick like by the post. Not that I mind! But you are a living rebuttal of the theory that it is not possible for a man to think like a woman. Your writing has explored more of the woman's view of the world as it has progressed.

ARGH!! NO!!! Daenlin couldn't have known about her! So he can't be responsible for leaving her alone to raise the child ... ARGH !!!! Awesome Write Acadian !!!!!!

I agree with Foxy.... if that isn't chick-writing, I don't know what is
But I enjoyed it a lot, I could really picture the two Elves at the river, chilling and doing each other's (see, I am finally writing each other correct hair.
Lovely!

A lovely interlude.

I echo Foxy - what is it with emerging parents??

But Buffy's father is MIA, and I suspect he might show up someday, or we will at least find out about him. I'd be tickled to hear (read) it!

The interaction between the two mares is well-done and very realistic. My own old mare used to boss her field-mates just by tossing her head and snaking her neck. The young 'uns would do all the running and bucking, and you could see my old girl "heh-heh"-ing to herself.

The lion's scar on Alawen's thigh, and the story behind it, reminds me of Ayla in "Clan of the Cave Bear" - she got her scar almost exactly the same way, and she was considered marked by the sabre-tooth tiger. Nice touch!

I finally start getting used to how impressive your writing is and you go and do THIS! These last two chapters we master pieces on their own the fact that they are part of such an epic journey is just that much more impressive. You have an unmatchable skill for developing friendships throughout your tale, and I for one am continually touched by the connections your characters make. The story it's self has little if no short comings, and resembles work of a seasoned writer. I feel so lucky to have been a part of this story since the early days and look forward to much more from you my friend! (By the way I really have fallen deeper in love with this tale since the Tourney began)

~Digz~

A lovely postscript to the Forlorn Watchman, and a very sweet, gentle piece altogether, bumps and all. I thought the way you used combing out one another's hair as the catalyst for Buffy's realization of who Alawen's mother is was simply masterful! Likewise, it provides a strong link between Alawen and the feud between Reman and Daenlin, tying her more strongly to the rest of the tournament. Finally, it provides another link between her and Buffy, assuming that Daenlin was her father rather than Reman (and there is no telling which it could be).

Buffy's resolve to keep the knowledge to herself shows some of the wisdom she has learned since she began this road. Sometimes honesty is not the best policy at all, here we see her understanding that.

Very interesting plotweaving. The bar has been raised just that little bit higher as we approach the 2nd half of the tournament.

Wow, naked elves sunning themselves on a secluded dock. How come my character never has a chance to witness this on his travels??

This chapter certainly had all the hallmarks of a chick style writing. Amazing!! It is a credit to read a writer who is at one with their character.

O.K. so Alawen's mother is the wedge that forced apart Daenlin and Reman? I'm sure her decision to remove herself to Anvil plays a roll in this. If Daenlin is indeed Alawen's father isn't it interesting how he has a talent for siring Pretty. . .Blond. . .Wood Elfs?

*Destri slaps himself!*

Nah, that's just too crazy.

Well, keep in mind that in ES, a child ends up physically like their mother. So Alawen's dad could have been an orc and she would still come out a blond wood elf.

Although Buffy and Alawen both being blond wood elfs... It does make one wonder who Buffy's mother really was... Did anyone ever seen her and Alawen's mother together? No? Well that is all the evidence I need!

more fighting recently.... I like that. I wonder how many more parts there will be to the Tournament of the Archers.