Wow i really need a black horse it just look's like the perfect horse for my char

Oh I love the addition of the pics, it really adds to the feel that you are actually watching her go thru these things! This chapter came really close to beating out my favorite chapter! Really great Acadian!

Acadian We need a new post the wait is killing me im litreally checking this forum every 5 seconds. :ahhh:

Thank you so much. It means a great deal to have people take the time to read and comment. :wub:
Slithrine, here you go:

17 ---------- Graduation Party ----------

"Hmph, she doesn't look like much of a mage to me," Snorted Fathis Aren. "Usually, she looks more like a wood nymph running around with a bow."

Almost the entire Bravil guild was assembled at the dining table enjoying a meal in celebration of my graduation from the Arcane University. It had been delayed for several weeks because the guild head, Kud-Ei had been visiting relatives in the Black Marsh. Although I had moved into my own home, I still enjoyed spending time with my friends in the guild. I was seated across the table from Fathis Aren. Technically, Fathis was a member of the guild and had joined us tonight. His words silenced the room.

I set my fork down and said icily, "I wasn't aware that your approval of my appearance was required." Fathis had been abusive towards me for quite some time. I guessed it was because I had, on more than one occasion, deflected his amorous advances. It seems he liked 'wood nymphs'. I might have thought that humorous but, at the moment, there was nothing suggesting humor in the Dark Elf's dangerous manner. There was also no doubt his magic skills vastly exceeded mine. To make matters worse, my bow was at home. It had never occurred to me that I might need to defend myself within the sanctuary of my own guild. Despite my blue gown, I felt quite naked.

The Dunmer sorcerer calmly met my gaze, unimpressed. "I'll caution you, young Apprentice, to mind your tone when addressing the Staff Wizard to the Court of Bravil." His hand was glowing menacingly and just a hint of sparks danced from his fingers as they drummed the surface of the table.

I felt my anger simmering as I slowly stood up. Fathis, with equal slowness, leaned forward slightly and with his right elbow on the table now, raised his hand towards his ear. The glow and slight sparking from his hand intensified slightly.

Kud-Ei, from her seat at the head of the table, stood as I did. "You just hold it right there Fathis." The glaring Argonian's arms were crossed defiantly. "I'll do anything for my girls. You may be something important over in that castle, but this is my guild house. What's gotten in to you? Did the Count yank your chain today? If you think you can come in here and try to intimidate one of my mages, you have another thing coming. You just stop this nonsense right now and mind your manners, or get out of my guild! Is that clear?"

If there was any emotion in Fathis' red eyes, it did not show. He continued looking directly at me while addressing the head of the Bravil guild. "Why Mother Kud-Ei, I meant no offense to your young charge." The glow slowly faded from his hand as he reached for the goblet in front of him. "In fact, let me propose a toast to your newly returned graduate." He raised his goblet.

Fathis caused us no further trouble that evening. I had always admired and looked up to Kud-Ei, and now I loved her dearly.

Another guest that evening was Ungarian. The Altmer enchanter owned 'A Warlock's Luck', the magic store in Bravil. He was not a member of the guild, but visited us routinely and had always been pleasant enough. As the dinner was winding down, he approached me, smiling. "Let me add my congratulations and welcome home to you!"

"Why thank you Ungarian. I'm pleased that you joined us tonight." I could see that he had more to say.

Ungarian lowered his voice. "Buffy, some of your recent? ah, how shall we say this? adventures have come to my attention. I have a bit of business I would like to discuss with you. This would be the type of business that is best discussed in private. Would you do me the honor of sharing a meal in my shop tomorrow after hours?"

I was intrigued. After a moment I replied. "Ungarian, I would be pleased to. See you tomorrow then."

After the party was over and I was home in bed, I thought about the events of the evening. Buffy, what were you thinking, standing to confront Fathis Aren? Were it not for Kud-Ei's intervention, you could easily be dead now. The episode with Fathis reminded me of my confrontation with Earana in Chorrol, after giving the 'Fingers of the Mountain' book to Teekeeus. My angry words overrode my cautious nature there also. Were it not for the watchful Chorrol city guard, that incident could have meant my death. When I was insulted, I did or said dumb, rash things. Someday, my anger response would really get me into trouble.

I began to believe that a mortal confrontation between Fathis and I at some point was likely. I knew that in an up close, fair fight, I would have to rely on magic and could never beat Fathis. Under conditions where I could effectively bring my bow to bear however, I knew I would win. So, do I assassinate Fathis and live as a murderess? Or, do I wait for him to attack me and surely die trying to defend myself? Why is everything so complicated? Finally, I made the decision to not decide right now. After all, Fathis spent most of his time in the castle - a place I generally avoided. Surely though, I needed to learn better self-control when angered.

As I drifted off to sleep, my thoughts turned to Ungarian. What sort of mysterious business did he have in mind? Oh well, I would find out the next day.

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Lol, Fathis Aren, huh? Lol. I have actually seen him in the Bravil Mages Guild before! Also, in all my other games he was always rude to me, but for some reason in this game I am playing now, he has been really friendly - not sure if I just have a higher personality or if it has to do with the youth of my character, maybe he likes younger girls than the characters I normally play, lol.

I love this chapter, and can't wait to hear what Ungarian has to discuss with Buffy!

Image link not working

Thank you so much for letting me know. It worked fine intitially. I figured out what the problem was and it is fixed now. I also figured out how to prevent future problems with it. Sorry.

Sounds good, looking forward to more of this story.

18 ---------- The Black Market ----------

The sun had set, and the streets of Bravil were now dimly lit by flickering lanterns. The torch I carried brightly lit the path for the short walk across the bridge from my home. I knocked on the locked door of 'A Warlock's Luck'.

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"Ah, welcome. Please come in." Ungarian graciously ushered me into his shop and locked the door behind me. You look positively enchanting tonight."

"Why thank you Ungarian. Whatever you're cooking smells wonderful." I extinguished my torch and sat down in the chair Ungarian offered.

"Something to drink perhaps? Ungarian was very polished in his manner. "Wine, brandy?"

"Some Tamika's would be nice." I said pleasantly, trying to mask my wariness.

Ungarian poured some wine into the silver goblet in front of me. He then poured himself some Cyrodilic brandy and sat down across the small table from me. "The boar stew will be ready soon. Shall we get down to business?"

"Ungarian, what's this all about?" I'm sure there was a touch of irritation in my voice. "Why the mystery?

"Well, my dear, the mystery is necessary. What we are going to discuss is not something one talks about in public." Ungarian took a sip of brandy and replaced his goblet on the table. "Buffy, I presume you are aware that if you scratch the surface of Bravil a bit, you will find quite the underbelly of a black market."

"You brought me here to tell me there is black market skooma trade in Bravil?" I relaxed a bit. "Do you forget that I've lived here all my life, silly?"

"No my dear." Ungarian continued, shaking his head a bit condescendingly. "I have no interest in peddling refined moon sugar slop for the addicts across the street to swill. Nordinor can more than provide for their self-destructive habit. Now, as you know, I am an enchanter, merchant and retired adventurer. That positions me perfectly to quietly attain and move some rather? ah, unique merchandise items. The same darker aspects of my past that prevented me from ever being accepted into the mages guild have provided a network of connections that quietly serves me well."

"So," I said, beginning to understand. "You run a side business trading in exotic and perhaps illegal items. What exactly are you getting at?"

"I think we can help each other Buffy. But that stew is ready." The Altmer rose and brought stew, bread and cheese to the table, while I refilled our goblets.

"This is a wonderful meal Ungarian." I said truthfully between mouthfuls. "What is it you think we can buy and sell from each other?" I had started just touching the goblet to my lips instead of drinking from it. I wanted a clear head.

Ungarian removed an item from a bag and placed it upon the table. Perhaps the size of a cheese wheel, it was somewhat square in shape. Emitting a pulsing glow and faint humming noise, it seemed to exude magical energy. "This, Buffy, is a sigil stone."

"What does it do?" I had never seen such a thing. "Where does it come from?"

"They often, but not always, come from the planes of Oblivion." Ungarian explained as I stared at the glowing stone. "They can be used to maintain an open portal, or gate to that domain. Of more interest to us however, they can also be used to create strongly enchanted items. Different stones have different strengths and effects. Most of the effects are similar to what you can create at your enchanting alters, but often quite a bit stronger."

"But where do you get them Ungarian? Surely you don't travel to the planes of Oblvion!" I asked as I remembered the flaming gate I had seen at Kvatch.

Ungarian raised one eyebrow. "That is indeed one place they may be found. A sigil stone however, is simply a purified morpholith that has been inscribed by a Daedric Prince? or Deadra Lord if you prefer. Who can fathom the ways of Daedra Lords, and why they might traffic in such things? Regarding the realm of Oblivion, the dragonfires normally prevent portals from forming. With Emperor Uriel dead and no successor crowned, the Temple of the One is now dark for the first time in centuries. Centuries ago however, there were several periods when the dragonfi?. Ah, forgive me. I see I am losing you."

"Please Ungarian, get to your point." My feigned irritation was an attempt to conceal the intellectual inadequacy I felt. Ungarian was talking well beyond the level of my studies at the University.

"Let me phrase things a bit more simply for you, my dear." The Altmer continued. "Do not be so arrogant as to think you and I are the only adventurers to have walked Tamriel over the centuries. Further, do not presume to understand the ways of Daedra Lords. The exact nature of my sources are not important to this negotiation. What should be of concern to you, is deciding if you might be interested in acquiring one or more of these stones from me."

I was unprepared for this. Ungarian had just turned much of what I knew about enchanting upside down. My mind was swirling with confusion and possibilities. "What type of effects, and in what strengths can you provide?"

"Ah, I see you are interested." Ungarian smiled. "There are many effects, and the stones come in different strengths. Further, I can only get what my sources are able to provide me. Let's approach this from a different direction. What type of effects do you want that your precious University enchanting alters cannot provide?"

Could it be? I thought of the times I had been startled by creatures, or that I had been surprised by enemies. I thought of how hard it was to travel on Superian, being unable to see approaching life signs. I knew exactly what I wanted. I tried not to show my eagerness. "Tell me Ungarian, can these stones enchant the mystical effect of detect life? And I don't mean the short ranges I can enchant at the University's alters."

Ungarian smiled. "I just so happen to have two such stones. They can each detect life signs up to a range of 90 paces."

After picking up my goblet, I looked down into it and pretended to drink. I needed a moment to compose myself. I set the goblet down and said as calmly as I could, "Perhaps I might be interested, at the right price. Could these stones be used to enchant rings?"

"Rings? Certainly. As far as what I would require in payment, that brings us to the other side of negotiating now doesn't it?" Ungarian rubbed his hands and smiled again. "I was talking to Daenlin recently. Really Buffy, he is so proud of you. He couldn't stop talking about your new bow." Ungarian's chatty manner suddenly became quite serious, and he looked directly into my eyes. "In fact, he told me exactly what the bow does and how many charges it has." He paused to allow the effect of his words to sink in. "Now, where in the world did a young girl like you get a grand soul?"

I felt a warm flush as the blood rose to my face and neck. I was sure the white blouse barely covering my shoulders did nothing to conceal my embarrassment. My bow, Slayer had indeed been enchanted with a black soul gem containing the captured life force of a bandit. "I think you know the answer to that. And I think you know the answer could expel me from the guild."

Ungarian's face softened. His smile reappeared and he held up one hand disarmingly . "Buffy, speaking as one with less than a? stellar past myself, please trust that I have no intention of sharing our little secrets. I'm sure that you can appreciate our mutual need for discretion. The guild doesn't need to know of your necromantic predilections. Similarly, neither the Legion nor the city guard need to know the details of my little? enterprise. Now, that said, I have customers who would pay dearly for black soul gems."

"I'm interested then, in those two sigil stones you mentioned." I said calmly. "What's your price?"

"Ah yes! Down to business." The Altmer grinned and rubbed his hands together. "Each stone will cost you a black soul gem? Plus 6000 gold for the pair."

"Is there no way to lower the price?" I asked hopefully. Why did I feel like a small insect inside the lair of a rather brilliant, but oily spider?

"I'm afraid not." Said Ungarian. He seemed to now be enjoying himself. "Any necromancer could supply me with black soul gems. I would prefer, of course, to deal with a more? trustworthy source such as yourself. On the other hand, you cannot imagine the risks involved in obtaining these sigil stones. I'll tell you what. If we make a deal right now, I'll throw in a couple rings and we'll send you out of here tonight with two enchanted detect life rings. Need I remind you that between the two stones, that is a range of 180?"

I reached into my pack, produced the required gold and placed in on the table. "You may trust that I have the gems. Now make the rings."

Ungarian took the gold. Opening his sales counter, he produced two unremarkable brass rings. "Wait here." He proceeded upstairs to the second floor of his shop.

I opened up my pack, removed the two black soul gems from my magic bag and hid them in the folds of my green silk skirt.

Several minutes later, Ungarian returned with the rings and laid them on the table. "Try them."

"I'll trust you." I picked up the rings and looked Ungarian directly in the eyes. "After all, I know where you live, and I apparently don't have to tell you just how lethal my bow is."

The spider was not quite expecting that response from the insect seated across the table from him. Ungarian raised one eybrow, but his face remained pleasant. "Point taken my friend. I promise you they will perform as I have said. Now, the gems?"

"Oh yes." I placed the two black soul gems on the table.

Ungarian picked up the gems. "More wine, my dear?"

"I think not. In fact I shall call it a night Ungarian." I lied. "Thank you for dinner."

"Certainly." Ungarian unlocked the door to his shop and lit my torch for me. "Should you require more? shall we say, hard to find items, let me know, hmm?"

I walked home quickly. The smooth and experienced merchant had clearly flustered and outmaneuvered me. I didn't care.

Just a few minutes later I emerged from my house. The green skirt and white blouse had been replaced by a hunters outfit, leather boots and bracers. My quiver and bow were on my back. I ran through the dark town to the front gate of Bravil.

After the gate, I ran to the stables and finally stopped, my heart pounding. Pink glows erupted everywhere as I slid the two rings on. There was Carandial's bay horse on the bridge, the city guard, of course Superian, and even a mudcrab down on the shore!

I mounted Superian and we walked along the road, under the stars, away from Bravil. I reveled in the ability to ride Superian, confident that I could detect approaching threats before they could see us. This solved the problem of not being able to cast the spell while riding. In fact, it would eliminate having to remember to keep that spell active while on foot as well. I thought back to the countless times I had wished for this.

Ok, so I was broke? again. And I was dealing in black market goods.

But at the end of the day, a girl's got to have what a girl's got to have. :dance:

This was great! I especially loved the part where he instantly recognized the enchantment as having had to have been made by the black soul gems, and Buffy's just pretending to drink! Awesome!

Haha brilliant, i love the last line
Keep doing what your doing Acadian (Y)

Thank you for the encouragement!

19 ---------- Vengeance ----------

The sun faded, slowly yielding to my ally of darkness as I patiently waited. I was behind The Gray Mare in Chorrol performing final checks on my equipment. This was going to be a one shot, instant kill. Earana was to be my target. I could ill afford for my arrow to leave enough breath in her body for her to cry out to the guard posted near the Great Oak. All my equipment had been chosen for this very purpose.

The dark color of my brown blouse and laced leather pants would help keep me concealed.

My primary bow, Slayer, would not be used tonight. I had already checked the bowstring tension on another grummite bow that had been especially enchanted for this purpose. It would drain Earana's life and add several types of damage - all in massive amounts, but only for a brief moment.

Ungarian had charged me dearly for the lone arrow in my quiver. I had no idea where he got it and was sure I probably didn't want to know. It was one of three I had purchased. The first two had been sacrificed to the Bravil archery target. I had wanted to ensure I was able to account for the slight twist to the tail feathering that allowed the arrow to rotate in flight and thereby increase long range accuracy. The arrows were slightly heavier than my normal arrows and perfectly straight. In addition to being immensely powerful, the black and gold arrow was also enchanted to snuff Earana's life force into my awaiting black soul gem. Ungarian had called them Hatred's Soul arrows, and the name seemed fitting.

The poison of sickness I was now applying to the broadhead of my arrow, would instantly drain more of her life.

The damage from my bow and arrow would be magnified by my stealth. Even more so, due to an amazing feat I had learned from Daenlin. Neither of us could fathom why it worked - only that it did. With a very long range shot, if I could quickly switch from my bow to a dagger while my arrow was still in flight, the stealth damage from my arrow's impact would be even further magnified. Apparently, the extra damage was more comparable to that of a sneak attack using a blade. I had no idea how to use a dagger, but it seemed all I had to do was have it in my hand when my arrow hit the target for this trick to work. It had taken quite a bit of practice to perfect the technique. The procedure was too cumbersome to routinely use, but I would need it for this shot.

Finally, there was the spell I had created for this occasion. Casting it would temporarily enhance both my agility and archery skill.

Everything was ready. I was just waiting for the cover of a bit more darkness.

The decision to kill Earana was? complicated.

Given the confrontation between us that marked my Chorrol guild recommendation, I fully believed she would kill me if given the chance. Each time I had subsequently visited Chorrol, her insults had made her lethal intentions clear - restrained only by the presence of the city guard. I still believed Earana could kill me in a fair fight at close range out in the open. I was merely preempting the inevitable. Or so I tried to tell myself?.

The truth however was perhaps simpler and darker. I hated Earana for treating me badly, and I hated myself for being intimidated by her. I wasn't sure if what I was about to do was cowardice, vengeance or a form of self-defense.

Stepping out from behind The Gray Mare, I could see the flickering streetlamps lining the street up to the Great Oak. It was now dark enough to remain unseen.

The city erupted with several pink glows as I slipped on my rings that could detect life signs. Two glows appeared near the Great Oak. From studying her movements for several days now, I knew one of those glows was Earana. The other would be a city guard.

I moved 3 or 4 paces to the spot I had chosen for its very long range and unobstructed view of the Great Oak. After casting the spell to boost my abilities, I nocked the deadly arrow and brought it to bear.

This was long range alright! Earana was just a glow. I enhanced my focus, and pulled the green clad Altmer clearly into view. The wind was calm. There were no high obstacles that would prevent the considerable aiming offset above her head that I would need. I verified I was still undetected.

"Goodbye Earana." I whispered.

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The next sequence was not a consciously executed set of procedures. It was instead, a single, fluid motion - the result of muscle memories developed through years of bow hunting. At a well-practiced point in my breathing cycle, I paused. The bowstring came fully back, the tip of my arrow found its final aim point well above Earana's head and the two bow fingers of my right hand loosed the arrow. As my focused view of Earana snapped back to a pink glow, I remembered to quickly switch from wielding my bow to a dagger.

"Whoosh!" The beautiful sound of a successful soul trap! I very briefly had an odd feeling? as if my actions had been observed by forces unknown. No time to think about that now Buffy. Still undetected, I quietly moved along the east wall to quickly offset myself from the line of flight my arrow had traveled.

A few minutes later, I emerged from behind a boulder wearing a blue and green dress with no bow or quiver. Just a simple girl from Bravil. I walked over to join the small, but growing crowd by the Great Oak.

An expanding area of blood surrounded the arrow protruding through Earana's green silk blouse. The guard was kneeling over her lifeless body. "There's been a murder! Did anyone see anything?" Those of us in the small group that had gathered, silently shook our heads at the guard. A second guard arrived and received instructions from the first. "Looks like the arrow may have come from the area of the North Gate, or perhaps The Gray Mare. Go search there."

I sat down on a bench under the Great Oak to watch and think. It had worked! All of it, just as planned. In fact, there was no need to escape now. I decided to just spend the rest of the night right there in Chorrol, at the mages guild. Tomorrow morning, I would step out of the guild without fear of Earana!

Despite the considerable range, my arrow had not only found Earana, it had found very nearly the center of her chest. I was proud of my skills. In fact I found using them for such a challenge downright exhilarating. I wasn't proud of killing Earana though. Was it something that just needed to be done, or was I? a murderess?

I was still wrestling with this when I crawled into bed that night in the Chorrol guild. "Acadian, what's wrong with me? I'm so confused." The old paladin inside my head and I had gotten much better at communicating. I knew he understood when I talked to him. His ability to transmit simple feelings and images to me had grown. Although he didn't speak to me with words, I could clearly understand his thoughts now when he chose to share them - even when they involved more complex concepts. A paladin would surely know about the things that were troubling me. "Can you help me?" I closed my eyes and opened my mind to him.

Humility. Righteousness. Protect the weak. Honor.

"What does that have to do with me?" I almost scoffed. "There are no people who live by those things!"

The rebuke from Acadian came without hesitation, as he forced an image into my mind.

I remembered the incident - a wolf had surprised me. Before I could draw my bow the beast had closed the distance between us and leapt. The dark gray flash of a heavy shield suddenly intercepted the wolf in midair. With one decisive slash from a longsword, the wolf was dead. The Imperial Legionnaire sheathed his sword and simply stated, "We're here to serve." Just as quickly he was gone.

Before I had time to fully reflect on this, another image formed. This image was a memory that had been forever branded into my consciousness. Captain Savlian Matius was charging a deadra as it emerged from the Oblivion Gate. He was selflessly risking his life to protect the survivors of his town, his men, and even? me.

I squirmed, feeling very small. I knew I would never be a paladin or a soldier, but maybe I wasn't completely hopeless. "Acadian, you are right about humility. My skills are largely thanks to Daenlin and the University. I will try to be more humble. Honor and righteousness? I'm not sure I fully understand. I know I'm loyal to my friends and will fiercely defend them. I would lay down my life for Kud-Ei, City Swimmer, Daenlin or any of my friends. Doesn't that count for something?" I waited.

It did indeed.

"Protect the weak?" I continued. "But I am the weak! I need to kill to protect me. Look, I'm pretty fragile, as you well know. I'm also quite poor at defending myself when surprised or confronted at close range." I recalled several instances of barely surviving such encounters, and shuddered. "If I do the 'honorable' thing and wait for someone like Earana to attack me, I'll be dead. In order to survive, I need to sometimes preemptively kill a known threat. Can you understand that? Would you let Earana live and force me to timidly avoid the city of Chorrol? Would you never seek out and destroy an enemy while he is plotting against you in his lair?" I closed my eyes again.

A sense of uncertainty, pondering. Then a warm understanding and acceptance.

"Thank you Acadian, for understanding." I sighed with relief. "I really can't think of anyone else I can talk to about such things." Then I smiled somewhat grimly. "I can just see my friend Ardaline dropping her potions right on the floor of the Bravil guild if I asked her opinion about killing Earana."

I felt much better, and hopped out of bed before my thoughts could leave my head. Digging through my pack, I produced my inkpot, journal and quill.

The Buffy Doctrine:
It's ok to kill someone if I believe they are likely to kill me or one of my friends. I'm just not built for toe-to-toe fighting; If striking first, even from the shadows is what it takes to survive, so be it.

Putting my journal away, I climbed back into bed. As I rolled over to go to sleep, I remembered that feeling I had earlier in the day. What did 'observed by forces unknown' mean? I had no idea, but I was exhausted and sure I would sleep rather soundly.

Fantastic stuff! Very interesting to see how Buffy is evolving and the justifications she makes to herself for her actions. She's all the more interesting for being that slightly flawed.

Read your last post, Acadian, and compare it to your first three or five ones.

See the difference?

I have only one word to say:


EXCELLENT!

Uh Oh, Buffy is in for a rude awakening! Great writing Acadian! I am always left wanting to read what happens next!

why the hell have i not read this before?!?! 5/5

is she going to do anything with the DB?

You'll have to wait for the next one unfortunatly thats the only problem every story leaves you on the edge and you cant wait for the next one.

Ah, yes. Earana. There is no loss there. So many times that witch has towered over my male Bosmer like some Frost Atronach. Well done Buffy !!

Great pic on the link. Very cool.

Nice dark turn your character is taking there. I can't say I agree with her reasoning for pre-emptively killing Earana, though. I'm looking forward to seeing how a certain visit will play out. (Get on with the story, already! )

This !!

Personally i find frost atronach's alot nicer than earana

I am humbled by the continued interest in Buffy. Her next story will be out within a day. As President of Buffy's fan club, mALX1 will of course get a PM when that happens.

In the meantime, let me respond to some of the comments.



You mean an attractive young woman who manipulates her own perceptions to justify her actions sometimes? Yep! :whisper: Stay tuned as she takes rationalizing to a new level.




I did exactly that. Yes. I can see the improvement. I started here with decent organization, structure, grammar, spelling and passion. I have been able to improve my research and craft thanks in no small part to you. :hugs: I do feel as if I am starting to 'paint' her stories rather than write them, and I like that. I have a long way to go with the craft part, but am inspired towards mastering it. I have some dedicated readers and I owe them no less than the best I can do.



Well you have now! Thank you and welcome to Buffy's world. :icecream: Please keep reading.



If you can fathom what makes a young woman tick, please let me know. I try my best to guide her, but Buffy dances along her own path. :dance:



Oh dear! I'm afraid it will be the story after her next one before it becomes clear. I hope you can stay with us.



If Buffy can make the reader recall how they felt when they did the same quest, then we have hit a bullseye! :twirl: Thank you so much Wolf.



Soj, wonderful to see you over here in fanfic. Thank you for reading and taking the time to consider her thinking a bit.

Buffy is far from perfect. Despite her loyalty to friends , she does indeed have a vengeful streak. Being cornered up close is the stuff her nightmares are made of. That, combined with getting her butt kicked a few times has forged the 'Buffy Doctrine.' Given her frailty and the harsh nature of life in Cyrodiil, I think I can understand, as she does what she feels she must to survive.

Or perhaps I overanolyze. It may be as simple as 'If you are nice to me I will love you dearly; However, if you are mean to me or my friends, I will kill you.'

Regardless, I believe it is an inherent part of her character - actually a constant factor in her otherwise swirling maturation process. :ahhh:

Oh darn, I saw your name on "last post" and raced over to read the next chapter!

Ha me too!