um that bag in the story. the one that weighed nothing. was that real in game or made up?

I think that is that "backpack mod" for PC games.

Each story just gets better. You may have discovered your true calling in life.

D. Foxy. Thanks so much for the encouragement and tips.
-Damage to her bow from blocking. I shall have to think on this. At low levels, she may be able to change bows because at this stage she blocks until the fight is over while spamming flare spells. Soon she will abandon that for block only long enough to disable her foe with one illusion spell, then immediately open fire with her bow. Very problematic if the block breaks her bow. Yet 100% accurate of what the game char does in her world; In fact critical to her game. By that time she will be using enchanted bows, so perhaps a pretend shield enchantment as you suggest. Or it may have to fall casualty to a primacy of Oblvion rules over earth rules. Again, my intent is to describe what she actually does in the game, like pull an "elven" arrow out of the "quiver" that is obviously on her back, draw her bowstring to "full tension for minute" so she can "zoom in" and watch her target's movements? all the quoted items are not consistent with earth rules.
-Close range stopping power. That is a wonderful thing to know and I can easily envision the handiness of that.
-Pee. You and I have traded PMs on the subject. Since it is not key to actual game play of course and appears to be a tad unrealistic, I will try to find another flaw to highlight. She has a few to choose from?

Alecrayrocks. Those interested only in the creative writing aspect may want to skip this paragraph. The bag is a mod called Bag of Holding. When use of a mod comes up, look for clues like Buffy gushing about how rare or unique it is. Eg: "I had never heard of such a thing. Surely it must be the only one in all of Cyrodiil, probably all Tamriel." Her other mods: Spells be Effective, Portable Campsite, Short Grass, Darn, Unlimited Rings, Where's my Horse, Love your Horse, UOP. One could argue that I not mention the mods, but I like to describe what she really does accurately. That makes it very easy to keep everything straight because all I have to remember is what she really does. I wouldn't want to avoid mention of her Bag of Holding and have the astute reader add up what she says she carries and come to the conclusion she doesn't do what I say. Same with spell effectiveness. When later, she commands or demoralizes a level 25 enemy with a spell while wearing leather boots, I want to be up front it is a mod that allows that. Same if she puts a third or forth ring on?. Or sets up a campsite where there is none. Again, I will try to give big clues if she is using a mod.

For Buffy's other friends who have graciously taken the time to read and post, thank you so much for the encouragement.

8---------- What a girl wants; What a girl needs. ----------

Earana towered over me in her green finerie. "Stupid girl! I don't care how you get it, but I want that book! Despite your incompetence I'll even still give you the reward I promised."

Bristling, I instinctively raised my left hand towards my bow. Just as quickly I stopped myself and slowly lowered my hand. I was intimidated by the Altmer mage and pretty sure that she would win if it came down to a straight fight in the open. It didn't matter though, as, from the corner of my eye, I saw the guard under the Great Oak. He took an interest and moved his hand to the pommel of his sword. I really didn't want to get into a fight with a guard. I figured he just had a job to do and maybe even had a family and all. Besides, my last confrontation with a guard only lasted a second or two and didn't go well at all for me.

My anger overpowered my fear of Earana. "If you want me to choose loyalties between a rogue mage with a bad attitude or my own guild, you lose. That book is the property of the guild now. The only reason I told you that Teekeeus has it was to repay you for your rudeness. You can stuff yourself and go to Oblivion!" I promptly wheeled around and stepped off towards the North Gate. I sure hoped that guard intimidated Earana as much as he intimidated me. I figured he was the only thing preventing a fireball in my back.

Lucky for me, the only thing flying my way from Earana was insults.

Approaching the guard on duty at the North Gate, I smiled sweetly at him, then exited the city of Chorrol. I remembered that on my way to Cloud Top two days ago, the sound of falling water had drawn me off the trail to a pair of ponds connected by two beautiful waterfalls. Those falls cleverly concealed a cave called Black Rock Caverns. I didn't care about the cave. Those beautiful waterfalls were my destination now.

Superian was waiting outside the North Gate and we raced the short distance to the falls. We climbed to the upper pond. I untied my ponytail and shook my hair loose. After carefully placing my bow, quiver, arena raiment and pack next to the pond, I dove into the cold water.

After a short swim, I climbed out of the pond and sat next to my pack. Almost naked, sunhine drying my skin and hair, and the calming sounds of the falls. Green grass, beautiful trees, and Superian grazing nearby. I needed this! I just needed to bask in being a Wood Elf for a bit. After five of these guild recommendations, I needed a break. No trudging off to the next town for the next silly fetch and carry guild recommendation. Not yet.

I was sure Acadian had probably placed some blue mark on my map. I hadn't looked, and didn't care right now. The map can wait.

Sitting by those falls, the sunshine on my bare shoulders and legs felt wonderful contrasted to the cold of Bruma. The area around Bruma had been cold, gray and depressing. I had to wear an ugly fur cuirass, along with leathers and boots to keep warm. The guild recommendation there had been a simple matter. Incompetent guild head, silly boys, silly prank, fetch this, get that. Jeanne Frasoric, the guild head, said she would forward a recommendation to the University and I left Bruma as soon as I could. The only good thing I recalled about Bruma was that I was able to gather a fair amount of milk thistle in that area.

I listened to the peaceful sound of the waterfalls for a bit. I noticed my skin had dried as I grabbed my journal and glanced at Superian. I had started a new section in my journal. On a whim, I had titled the section: 'What a girl wants; What a girl needs." I turned to that section and made a new entry: 'Detect life - I need to figure out how to use it when riding Superian. I need more range and for it to last longer, even when not riding.'

I started to put the journal down, but stopped. I turned to a clean page and made a new section. A new list. I put two words on the list. 'Falcar. Earana.' I stared at the waterfalls for a long time, quill in hand. Then I added a title to this new section. 'Targets.' I put the journal back in my pack.

The road from Bruma to Chorrol had been uneventful. When danger approached, Superian simply broke into a run until the danger was gone. As I had approached Weynon Priory I remembered the Emperor's amulet, still in my pack. I vividly recalled some of the Emperor's words about his own death, "No trophies of my triumphs shall precede me. But I have lived well, and my ghost shall rest easy." Smiling to myself a bit, I hoped he was resting easy. The Emperor had been kind to me and I was happy to try and deliver his amulet.

Jauffre was upstairs, seated at his desk studying a book. I recalled what Baurus had said, "He is the grandmaster of my order. Although you might not know it to look at him. He lives quietly as a monk, at Weynon Priory." I decided the description was accurate. I had to look carefully past the advancing years, balding head and black robe to see that he appeared to be a powerful man.

I simply said. "The Emperor sent me. I have the Amulet of Kings."

"Who are you?" Jauffre barked, visibly shaken. "What do you know of the Emperor's Death?" Then he sternly continued, "The Amulet of Kings? I don't believe you. You'd better start explaining, right now!"

Instantly, I disliked this man. I pulled the amulet from my pack and dropped it on his desk.

"By the Nines!" exclaimed Jauffre. "This is the Amulet of Kings! How did you get this?"

I bristled, as I wondered if he meant that a simple girl from Bravil was not worthy of touching the Amulet, or perhaps he thought I stole it? "The Emperor gave it to me." I blandly stated, resenting his interrogation. I then curtly told him of the Emperor's last hours and words.

Jauffre told me the story of Martin, the Emperor's illegitimate son. He said Martin had last been seen living as a priest in Kvatch. Then it came - "You must find Martin!"

I snapped back angrily, "No I mustn't! The only reason I am here is because the Emperor and Baurus asked me to deliver this Amulet. Both those men were kind and courteous to me. You are neither of those things. You're the boss of the Blades, so send one of them." Then I added, "You're not the boss of me!" With that, I walked straight out the door, mounted Superian and continued to Chorrol.

I continued sitting and listening to the sounds of the waterfalls for awhile longer. I leaned over the pond to see my reflection. My hair was still down, so I pulled it back to see better. I frowned at my big ears. That's why I normally wore my hair in a pony tail. It hid them a bit better. I giggled as I thought that they looked like Superian's ears. I made silly faces at my reflection. And so the beautiful afternoon continued until the sun started getting a bit low. Then I set up my camp and gathered some firewood.

I hated to see the afternoon I had enjoyed in this place end. I giggled again. Ok Buffy, that's enough time playing naked woods nymph. I tied my hair back into a ponytail, pulled on a hunters outfit and leather boots. After equipping my quiver and bow, I cast a spell and set off, looking for life signs. I was hungry. Two hours later I was back and sitting in front of a warm crackling campfire. The smell of fresh venison cooking. The calming sounds of the falls. A beautiful starlit night. My bedroll waiting next to the fire. The hardships of my recent travels had been washed away. I felt wonderful.

I reached for my map.

'You're the boss of the Blades, so send one of them'. Brilliant !!
Isnt it amazing that Baurus trusts us to be the temporary keeper of the amulet ? Bosmers !!

If there are no "shield on bow" mods, it would hurt the story to make one up, (IMO). If her bow is not enchanted, she could always bring it to a repair shop, or repair the damage herself when the battle was over, which is easily explained, and when she goes to enchanted weapons her skill in repairing her armor can easily have developed to the point that she has learned how to repair it. - or if her non-enchanted bow is damaged badly enough she could scavange one off a fallen enemy - that would be more realistic I think.

*** Awesome job on the story Acadian! You really capture the (young) female mind so well !!



True, she could easily have peed before the battle, from fright - but I was pretty sure it happened when that axe hit her shoulder, the combination of pain, shock, and fear could have easily caused her to pee her pants IMO. That shoulder hit was a tremendous blow.

Thanks again for the support and ideas.

9----------In the Blink of an Eye ----------

"Hail citizen. Where are you bound?" The question was a friendly greeting from the approaching Imperial Legion Rider.

"I'm trying to make my way to Skingrad." I nervously responded as our horses pulled abriast and stopped. The soldier was on my left side. My experience with the Legion so far had been? painful. Astride Superian, I was eye to eye with the iron clad soldier on his bay horse. "Can you offer any advice for the trip?" I asked hopefully.

The rider leaned a bit closer. "By the Nine Divines, if you've got to travel, stay on the roads. The wilderness just isn't safe anymore. We've had sightings you see, ? the daedra." The concern in his calm authoritative voice gave me pause. The Imperial's steel blue eyes reflected the hardships of a lifetime of service to the Legion. Yet there was also kindness in his eyes. He didn't appear to be in a hurry; In fact he seemed quite willing to pause along his patrol route to talk for a bit. "Let me see your map." From our present position on the Black Road near Chorral he did not recommend trying to travel directly cross country to Skingrad. Rather, he traced a route east along the Black Road, south along the Red Ring Road and finally west to Skingrad along the Gold Road. He said, "It will take longer, but is safer. And remember, if you run into trouble, come find me, or one of the Legion."

"Thank you," I smiled. I added truthfully, "I'm glad I ran into you."

He leisurely tipped a finger to a spot on his helmet above his right eye as if in friendly salute and smiled back broadly. "We're here to serve, citizen." He then clicked twice to his horse and slowly continued towards Chorrol.

I turned in my saddle and watched him for a few moments. I recalled that another soldier had knocked me unconscious with the ease that one might swat a fly. That was the trip with City Swimmer that landed me in the Imperial Prison. I reluctantly had to admit though, the soldier in that case really was just doing his job. City Swimmer and I were the ones that broke the law. I may have to change my mind about the Legion. I put my map away and continued riding along the Black Road towards Imperial City.

As a gray stone fort loomed into view along the road ahead, I saw a Khajiit running from the fort towards us. He did not have a weapon in his hand and I thought he might be in trouble or running from an animal. We stopped. I began to get nervous as the Khajiit drew closer. I could see he was wearing a fur cuirass and that the handle of an awfully big weapon on his back protruded well above his shoulder.

"Give me your gold." I couldn't decide if his tone was more matter of fact or demanding. Looking down at the Khajiit now standing by my left knee, I could clearly see the huge axe on his back. I didn't do so well with axes. My mind raced.

"Try to take it if you can!" I hoped my attempt to back him down sounded more confident than I felt.

He slowly smiled and menacingly replied, "This one likes it that way." His hands started up towards the handle of that giant two handed axe.

At the first twitch of the Khajiit's hands, I had instantly whirled Superian around and we were off. I heard a forceful thud behind us that must have been the Khajiit's axe as the blade hit the ground - probably barely missing my mare's flank. In less than a minute, we stopped. I turned in the saddle, listening for signs of pursuit. Silence.

Dismounted, and with my heart in my throat I carefully inspected Superian's hindquarters. She was unharmed. I closed my eyes and whispered, "Thank you Mara." But for her incredible quickness, she could have been mortally wounded. The giant axe was surely slow to equip and swing - perhaps that helped us too. My thoughts turned to the Khajiit. He had looked initially like a traveler in need of help. I had been ready to offer him assistance!

I pulled out my bow with grim determination.

Stealthily, I made my way back towards that fort. I saw the Khajiit before I was close enough to detect his life sign. Damn! That short range spell helped quite a bit in dungeons but the lack of range on it was going to get me killed out here in the wilderness. At least he had not seen me yet. He was just standing by the side of the road. I bet he simply ducked out of sight whenever the Legion Riders came by, then came back out waiting to rob Wood Elves like me!

Ok, Buffy. Time to get down to business.

The poison was a simple one, but it would do the job. If the Khajiit that tried to take an axe to my horse died slowly and painfully, so much the better. I nocked the arrow and leisurely sighted in, savoring the sensation of the Khajiit perfectly lined up with my arrow. It was a pretty long shot. I moved the tip of my arrow slightly up and down fine tuning my aiming point above the Khajiit. Head shots were stupid - too easy to miss. Chest shots were what I normally tried for - big target and lethal. This however, would be a belly shot. Hopefully it would not kill him right away. The next moments resembled a single fluid motion, developed from years of hunting: Normal breath in, release about half, momentarily pause breathing, bowstring smoothly to full tension, loose the arrow. The Khajiit jerked involuntarily and cried out as my arrow slammed into his midsection. His body was quickly flooded by poison and took on a green tinge. I was still undetected and could have easily stopped his pain with a second arrow. I would have done so for any wild animal. Instead, I watched him wrestle with the pain of trying to remove the deeply imbedded arrow from his belly. "I hope it hurts." I whispered. An image briefly popped into my head that would have been funny under different circumstances - a mouse with a bow, toying with a cat. Within a few more seconds he moaned and fell to the ground, dead. I stowed my bow.

After retracing my steps to Superian and giving her a hug, we returned to the dead Khajiit. Still in the saddle I looked down at the dead highwayman. I didn't mind the satisfaction I felt at my growing skill with a bow and the tools and techniques to support it. I didn't even mind the satisfaction I felt at killing someone who deserved it. But this was different. The rage I felt as I imagined him swinging that huge axe at Superian?. I had taken cruel pleasure in killing this Khajiit slowly. I mean, I had the skill, but is this what I wanted to use it for? I didn't understand my feelings at all.

The sun was beginning to fade now. We had spent much of the day going up and down a fairly short stretch of the Black Road. I needed to figure out a better way to travel. I needed to figure out a lot of things.

The road passed through the exterior ruins of Fort Ash. I decided to lead Superian into the circular open ruins for the night. I set my camp up above her on the stone overhang, glad that I had purchased camping equipment from The Three Brothers shop in the Imperial City. I didn't know why other people seemed to travel without their own camping gear. In fact, I had never seen anyone else that carried such equipment.

The campfire light bounced off the old walls of the ruins. It felt comfortable and safe up on this ledge under the stars. I needed to think. First of all, I had to improve my skill in restoration. I could heal myself, but didn't yet have the skill to heal Superian if she got hurt. Next, traveling by horse was a mixed blessing. I wished I could leave Superian in a safe place, but bring her to my side when I needed her. Oh well.

I repaired and checked my bow and made some potions and poisons. Then I had something to eat. I set my bow, quiver and pack next to my bedroll. Removing my Arena raiment, I frowned as I remembered I still hadn't learned how to repair it. I was already practicing on everything I could find. I had even repaired the dings in that highwayman's axe and the hole from my own arrow in his cuirass. Of course, I just threw them on the ground after.

The sun was barely rising as I started to ride out of the ruins of Fort Ash. I had just cleared the ruins, when I stopped and opened my map to check our route. I was not surprised to see a blue mark on the map. That's what Acadian did when he thought he knew were to go better than I did. But this mark was on Fort Ash. "What are you thinking?" I asked, mystified. "We're at Fort Ash now."

Acadian had never talked to me with words, but we were getting better at communicating. I closed my eyes and tried to empty my head. I didn't sense anything from the old paladin. No feelings, no images. Then I felt the map rustle in my hand a bit. I opened my eyes and stared at the map. Fort Ash. Concentrate. Fort Ash? Fort Ash? Fort Ash! Do you want to travel to Fort Ash? Yes!

Instantly my surroundings had changed around me. Disoriented, I almost fell off the mare. I saw the walls of Fort Ash. We had both been transported from just outside the ruins to standing in the middle of the ruins! What magic was this?

Confused, scared and exhilarated, my mind was racing. I looked at my map. The blue mark was gone. An idea hit me. I rode east to just outside the ruins. Then without Superian, I ran back through the ruins until I was just outside them on the west side. I looked at Superian on the other side of the ruins. Then I looked at my map and stared at Fort Ash on the map. I concentrated. Do you want to travel to Fort Ash? Yes. Again everything changed in the blink of an eye! I was once again in the middle of the ruins, but with Superian at my side this time.

We rode west towards Chorrol from Fort Ash until it was out of sight. I jumped off Superian and raced back to the middle of Fort Ash. I took out my map. Do you want to travel to Fort Ash? Yes.

It worked! I had only moved a pace or less but Superian was standing by my side! I could recall her to me instantly from long distances. "Acadian!" I squealed, "I could kiss you! Well? I mean, I would if I could."

Superian and I spent the day playing with our new revelation, while gradually making progress towards Skingrad. I would leave her in a safe spot. Then I would explore ahead. That way I could cast spells, use my bow and easily gather ingredients. Sure, it was slower, but any time I could find a place marked on my map, I could call her to me. I guessed we could even travel instantly from town to town if we wanted. And of course we could still just ride normally and race down the road as fast as a Black Horse Courier. I decided I liked the exploring way best for most of the time. What a discovery!

This just might be the best one yet! Really great writing, and I like how you explained the fast travel and the journal map.

Revenge is sweet indeed.......

Your writing of the bow combat makes me want to leave the forum and start playing. And that, my friend, is a great sign. :thumbsup:

You now handle bow combat with much better realism. Notice how, like a pinch of salt and pepper in a soup, that little change makes everything taste so much better? THAT's how good writing is done - some patient polishing here, a little tweak there, assembling the jigsaw puzzle, and then..."my god, I didn't know I was that good. That was solid work!" as you look back on your own work.

Keep wriitng. You learn to do through doing.

Cool fanfic Acadian! Different.

Thanks! I would submit however, that the salt and pepper that seems to be helping me improve a bit, is the wonderful constructive criticism and warm support I have received to date. :wub:

10 ---------- You don't look like a Mage ----------

I stopped and crouched, as the pink glow of a life sign appeared just beyond some bushes ahead. I slowly drew my bow and watched. The glow appeared humanoid, but slightly hunched over. A goblin was my guess. I had learned that like imps, goblins often had companions nearby. Using the brush to conceal, I crept a bit closer. Two more glows appeared. Just a bit closer now and I could see the three goblins. They appeared to be guarding the entrance to a mine.

The mine was right along my path on the Gold Road to Skingrad. I backed away a bit. It took some scouting around, but I was able to find a perch on a large rock that provided a clear view of the mine entrance from fairly long range. Stealthily getting to my perch had not been hard. Goblins seemed to have terrible sneak detection skills - unlike imps. I had learned, that my best chance of remaining undetected when trying to kill a group, was to pick off the farthest targets first. Sometimes I could remain hidden between shots, sometimes not. That's why being ready to disappear was a good idea. I decided poison was not needed. If I could remain undetected, a solid hit from my grummite bow with an iron arrow should one shot kill these guys. Bow partially drawn, I studied the targets beyond the tip of my arrow. The farthest goblin stopped. One of his comrades was looking away. The other did not have line of sight with me due to a tree. The moment I loosed my arrow, I snuck two steps back down my rocky perch, breaking line of sight to the targets. I crept back up the rock to survey the results. One dead goblin. The other two were clueless. I loved the feeling. The exhilaration of successful stalking and hunting! After a few more minutes and two more arrows, all three goblins lay on the ground.

I checked the area around the mine entrance. Totems with skulls marked the door. The skeleton of, no doubt, some hapless traveler lay nearby. Several nightshade and peony plants were nearby, which I happily harvested. This place would do.

I pulled out my magic map. The newly appeared symbol at my location said Derelict Mine. I stared at it. Do you want to travel to Derelict Mine? Yes. I felt the now familiar sensation of instantly teleporting a pace or two away. I quickly looked around to see Superian had appeared a few paces away. I still marveled at this ability to call her to me. I had left her near Greenmead Cave, where we had camped the night before. I figured this would be a good place to leave her until I made it to Skingrad.

I continued on foot west along the Gold Road.

"Your money or your life!" The Khajiit had seen me and raced up to block my path well before my spell detected his life sign.

"H? Here's 100 gold," I stammered, intimidated by his closeness and even more by the giant axe on his back. I was frightened, but I had a plan.

"Smart choice." He said as he grabbed the gold and let me pass.

I continued along the Gold Road. Once I was sure I was out of sight of the Khajiit, I stopped. 100 gold did not grow on trees. I drew my bow and rummaged in my pack for a poison?.

I was able to recover my arrow from the chest of the dead Khajiit highwayman. And my 100 gold. Again, I cursed the short range of my detect life spell. I felt calm and lethal if I could see enemies before they saw me. I felt like a frightened little girl when they saw me first. Damn!

Although not as towering or intimidating as Imperial City, Skingrad was certainly impressive. Slender towers with sharp spires. Towering red banners flanking the East Gate. I quickly found, it was also very confusing.

"The guilds are inside the north walls to the west," The Skingrad city guard was not much older than I. "The stables are just outside the West Gate."

"Thank you. Um, I guess that will help." I walked away scratching my head, still confused.

Finally I found the West Gate and the Grateful Pass Stables. I opened my map and called my mare to my side. I gave Tilmo, the Altmer caretaker, some instructions for Superian's care and a bit of gold. "If she gives me a good report, there will be a bit more gold for you when I come back," I smiled. I reentered Skingrad through the West Gate.

"I trust you have good reason for interrupting me?" Adrienne Berene, the mage in charge of the Skingrad guild was irritated.

"I?I only need two more recommendations to enter the Arcane University." Then I added hopefully, "Can you help me?"

The Breton, wearing an elegant blue dress thought for a moment. "Well Associate, there is a matter I haven't had time to deal with myself? Perhaps you can help. One of my mages is missing. I'll tell you what. You find Erthor for me and we'll see about that recommendation."

Well, that didn't sound too bad. "Do you know where I might start looking for him?"

Adrienne frowned. "Associate, if I knew where he was, I wouldn't need your help now, would I? Try talking to the other mages. I'm busy, now run along."

Some my best friends were Argonian women. City Swimmer and Kud-Ei came to mind. The nicest mage I had met outside my own guild house to date had been Deetsan. I loved the curiously flat, precisely enunciated manner of their speech. I also found them to be very friendly. So when I saw an Argonian woman mage wearing a blue robe in the Skingrad guild, I approached her to ask about Erthor.

"What? Who are you? Oh... who cares. I'm Druja. You want something? Or you just practicing your Cyrodilic?"

I was slightly taken aback. "I'm hoping you can help me find Erthor for Adrienne. I'm trying to earn a recommendation to the Arcane University."

Druja looked at me for a moment, and her face softened. "I'm sorry Associate. I didn't realize you were in the guild. You don't look very much like a mage. I would be happy to try and help you." She continued to explain that Adrienne had sent Erthor to Bleak Flats Cave to do his research after some sort of spell accident. Erthor spent much of his time there, but had been checking in with the guild periodically. "Come to think of it Associate, I have not seen Erthor for weeks now. Here, let me mark that cave on your map for you. You should remind Adrienne that she is the one who sent him there."

I thanked Druja for her help. I don't look very much like a mage?

Adrienne wrinkled her face and looked at the ceiling. "Oh yes! I do remember now sending Erthor to that cave. Oh well then. You'll just have to go there and fetch him back for us. Here, let me teach you this weak fireball spell. It just might come in handy. Now, off with you."

It was late afternoon as I looked at the cave on my map. Tomorrow Buffy. I looked through my ingredients. Using the ones I didn't need, I made as many potions as I could, to sell. Then I popped across the street.

After a few minutes trading with Gunder, the owner of Colovian Traders, I had lightened my load and filled my purse a bit. Back to the guild for the night.

I had been on the road for many days since I left Chorrol and relished a touch of civilization for a change. The Skingrad guild was quite elegant. Well, certainly compared to my guild in Bravil. I repaired my bow, checked all my equipment, took everything off, cleaned up and put on a simple blue and green dress. It was nice to feel like a clean girl. I spent the early part of the evening getting to know the mages a little better and having some dinner. Since I was in the heart of Cyrodiil's wine country, I even had a couple glasses of a yummy local wine. Something called Tamika's.

Still angry at my short range detect life spell, I spent the latter part of the evening just standing by me bed and casting it over and over. I wanted to make sure that when I figured out how to get more range from it, I would have the mysticism skill to do so.

It felt wonderful to crawl in between real sheets instead of a bedroll. Sleep came quickly.

Squinting in the dim light of predawn, I checked on Superian. I savored the smell of fresh hay, the musty scent of the horses, and even the other earthy smells of the stables. Satisfied, I set off on foot for Bleak Flats Cave. The short trek to the north was uneventful. I had never seen so many flax plants in my life and gathered much of their seed. I knew I could combine flax seed with other simple ingredients, even potato, to make a potion that protected me like armor. I also found some more nightshade and peony - when combined, they made for a simple but effective poison.

Standing at the door to Bleak Flats Cave, I pulled out my bow, reminded myself to keep my detect life spell active and stealthily entered the cave.

I found my spell worked better inside dungeons. The distances were less, it was darker and there were more places for me to hide. I had only crept a short ways when the pink glow appeared. It looked humanoid - but not quite. I crept a bit closer and let my spell lapse briefly.

As the pink glow faded, the form of a zombie emerged. No problem Buffy. I poisoned my bow. The zombie jerked from the impact of my arrow but I saw no sign that my poison affected him. He saw me! I quickly loosed a second arrow and nocked a third as I rapidly started backing up. He fell from the third arrow. I calmed down a bit. Well, that didn't go so well. Hmm? Ok. I tried to keep track of enemies that were immune to poison. I knew skeletons were. City Swimmer told me that she and all Argonians were. Zombies needed to go on my list also. Another lesson here. There was a fine line between a smooth, elegant, kill and scrambling in terror. Could I have engaged that zombie from longer range? Yep. Why didn't I? I couldn't figure out a way to blame Acadian for this, so I had to admit it was because I got lazy and overconfident. Learn anything? I hope so. I took a deep breath and snuck deeper into the cave.

Maximum range, even if I had to back up some, or sneak to a point beyond the target to get it. Shoot from a corner and sneak out of sight even as the arrow is still in the air. Not perfect, but I was able to kill four more zombies scattered around the cave as I progressed. Several times, I was able to shoot a zombie more than once without being detected.

There was a long tunnel ahead of me that opened into another small cavern - with two zombies close enough to kiss each other (yuck). I could only get a medium range shot. Now what? I readied a spell and loosed an arrow. Sure enough, a wounded zombie and his healthy friend charged as I disappeared with a flick of my right hand. I tried really hard to keep track of which zombie was wounded as I retreated into a corner ready to recast my disappear spell. The zombies were running all over looking for me and I lost track of which was which. I recast my spell and patiently waited, invisible. Finally they gave up and toddled back to their cavern. I nocked an arrow. After repeating this process several times, one of the zombies was dead. I was sure his friend was also wounded. I relaxed a bit. One versus one now. An arrow to his chest, followed by another as he charged, dropped the seventh zombie. How many more are down here and where was this Erthor?

The chamber where I had killed the sixth and seventh zombies led to another tunnel, which I snuck down. A life sign appeared. Creeping a bit closer, the shape became distinctly humanoid. Hopefully Erthor. A small cavern appeared at the end of this tunnel and I could see him. I let the pink glow surrounding him expire. By the light of some torches mounted on the wall I could see the Bosmer. I readied my disappear spell, just in case, and walked into the cavern.

"Are they gone? All of them? Who are you? I've been too scared to leave. Are you here to rescue me?" The dark haired Bosmer finally shut up for a moment.

"Yes, my name is Buffy. Adrienne sent me to find you, and I want you to come back to the guild with me. Oh, and yes, all the zombies are dead." It was kind of refreshing to talk to someone shorter than me for a change.

"Oh thank you Buffy! Thank you! But you don't look like a mage."

Again, the don't look like a mage stuff! "Would you like to wait for someone who looks like a mage?" I said with a mixture of amusemant and irritation.

"Oh no!," Erthor gasped. "I meant no offense. Don't leave me. Please. Thank you again. I'm right behind you."

The short trip back to Skingrad was uneventful. Erthor tagged along behind like a puppy, gushing his appreciation. Someone who was more frightened of stuff and skittish than me for a change! I thought of my Bosmer mother and chuckled to myself. I could see, perhaps, why she married a Breton.

"Thank you for retrieving Erthor, Associate." Said Adrienne. "Raminus Polus will have my recommendation. Just as soon as I get around to it."

I spent the evening making ready for travel and studying the long route from Skingrad to Anvil. I longed to be home in Bravil. It had been weeks. Oh well, one more of these recommendations to get. I wondered what things would be like at the Arcane University? It was beginning to look like I might actually get there.

Finally I crawled into bed. Erthor's words came back to me. What's a mage supposed to look like? Giggling, I imagined what Erthor saw. A girl wearing the Arena raiment of a blue team combatant. A quiver on her back. A bow as big as she was in her hands. Was I supposed to wear mage stuff?

I felt Acadian near. I closed my eyes and tried to open my mind. After a time, a sensation, a feeling began to form. I wondered what the feeling was? Then I understood. My sense of wondering? that was the feeling - curiosity. Acadian was curious. Slowly, an image began to form, strangely familiar.

The image, foggy at first, gradually became clear. It was me! I was standing with my bow in my hand shaking my fist. I was angrily saying something. My quiver was on my back and I was wearing leather boots, bracers, hunters pants and a hunters vest. I remembered when it happened! And? I remembered my words. "Acadian! I don't care what you or anyone else wants me to wear! I don't care if you think it is too revealing or doesn't protect me well enough. Would you have me wear the iron suit of a warrior, unable to walk? Or perhaps the robe of a mage, tripping over the baggy folds? I'll wear whatever I want, whenever I want!"

I smiled and rolled over, ready for sleep. Tomorrow I would wear my Arena raiment.

xD

YES! :goodjob:

It's amazing to see how much your narrative has improved in such a short time. You're now successfully delivering lines from the game in a way that is interesting and full of personality, your pacing is superb, and you're honestly the most prolific writer I've seen in a while.

For once, I have no complaints. Keep it up; this is good stuff. :dance:

As the pink glow faded, the form of a zombie emerged. No problem Buffy. I poisoned my bow. The zombie jerked from the impact of my arrow but I saw no sign that my poison affected him. He saw me! I quickly loosed a second arrow and nocked a third as I rapidly started backing up. He fell from the third arrow. I calmed down a bit. Well, that didn't go so well. Hmm? Ok. I tried to keep track of enemies that were immune to poison. I knew skeletons were. City Swimmer told me that she and all Argonians were. Zombies needed to go on my list also. Another lesson here. There was a fine line between a smooth, elegant, kill and scrambling in terror. Could I have engaged that zombie from longer range? Yep. Why didn't I? I couldn't figure out a way to blame Acadian for this, so I had to admit it was because I got lazy and overconfident. Learn anything? I hope so. I took a deep breath and snuck deeper into the cave.

Maximum range, even if I had to back up some, or sneak to a point beyond the target to get it. Shoot from a corner and sneak out of sight even as the arrow is still in the air. Not perfect, but I was able to kill four more zombies scattered around the cave as I progressed. Several times, I was able to shoot a zombie more than once without being detected.

Now THAT was both true to the story, true (mostly) to real life bow hunting, psychologically plausible, AND good description as well...

FOUR TARGETS in one shot!

Now THATS what I call good writing - when research, imagination, and craft work hand in hand in harmony.

Remember that - Research, Imagination, and Craft. The foundation of a good story.

:thumbsup:

I have some in-game questions -

How many arrows does Buffy normally carry when she leaves Bravil ?
Is it a crazily high number that allows her to never end up in short supply, or do you instead 'cap it' and leave the rest of them at home ?

Loved that line! Great work as always keep up the good work.

This was perfect Acadian! Awesome! (sorry, force of habit I hit the reply)

BSparrow: Wow! :wub:

D.Foxy: I came here with plenty of imagination (and passion). You and others here, have helped greatly with the research and craft parts. Thank you!

Wolf: She goes out with 100 standard (level dependent) arrows and usually two or three types of enchanted arrows in very small numbers. She carries a reserve of 50 in her Bag of Holding (mod) that she rarely needs. Good poisons and stealth bonuses help reduce arrow usage. She is aggressive about trying to recover arrows.

For Buffy's other friends: Thanks so much for the encouragement. :twirl:

11---------- The Heart of a Lion ----------

The rumbling crackle of thunder was almost constant. Streaks of red lightening danced across the black sky, illuminating the dead trees. Monstrous curved spikes protruded from the earth in front of the walls surrounding Kvatch. Flames licked the ominous opening that could only be a gate to the planes of Oblivion itself. What manner of horror was this?

"Stand back civilian! This is no place for you. Get back to the encampment at once!" I knew this had to be Savlian Matius. Everyone in the Kvatch encampment had talked about his heroics in getting them out of the city to safety. I stood frozen as the Captain of the City Guard, in white and black chainmail, wielding a longsword approached. He carried a round white shield, adorned with the black head of a wolf - the symbol of Kvatch.

"W?What happened here?" I stammered, overwhelmed at the scene before me.

"We lost the damned city! That's what happened. It was too much. Too fast. We were overwhelmed. Couldn't even get everyone out. There are still people trapped in there. Some made it to the chapel. But some? were just run down in the streets. The count and his men are still holed up in the castle and now we can't even get in to the city to help them with that damned Oblivion gate blocking the way!" The Imperial's face was illuminated by flames coming from that very gate. His brown eyes were wracked with pain and anger. The black headband and closely cropped brown hair soaked with sweat and blood. He and a handful of his men were the only thing standing between this flaming gate and Cyrodiil.

"What will you do now?" I felt small and insignificant.

"The only thing we can do. We'll try to hold our ground, that's what. If we can't hold this barricade, those beasts could march right down and overrun the encampment. I have to try to protect the few civilians that are left. It's the only thing we can do now."

A scamp burst through the gate. Savlian and his men immediately charged the daedroth and slew it.

Savlian returned to me, shaking his head in desperation. "My home! My damn home in flames. It kills me that I can't get in there and do something. We couldn't have been any less prepared for this. Seems like they came out of nowhere. There were just so many of them. If only I had a way to strike back at the enemy. But we can't leave the barricade until that Oblivion gate is closed."

"You are a hero to those down in the encampment. They owe their lives to you." My heart was breaking for this courageous, selfless man standing before me. I reached out and briefly touched his cheek with my hand. His face carried the scars of too many battles. I tried to smile, as tears came to my eyes. "I can see you are carrying the weight of this city on your shoulders. This gate threatens the entire Empire. I'm sure the Legion will send soldiers to help man the barricade. I? I wish I could ease your pain."

He managed a tired, grim smile in return, "Thank you. What's your name?"

"My name is Buffy, from Bravil."

"Well, Buffy from Bravil, I will remember your kindness. I will? remember you. Hopefully you are right and the Legion will send help. Maybe when it's safe again?. Maybe? I mean, I hope? you will come back. For now though, you'd best get back to the encampment. There's no telling when more of them will come out of that Oblivion gate."

"I will come back, Savlian Matius." And I meant it. I started backing away. I couldn't take my eyes off the burning city of Kvatch? or this noble man with the heart of a lion, standing against the horrors inside that flaming gate.

"Buffy!" Savlian yelled over the thunder, "My tent in the encampment. There's a spare Kvatch shield. Take it with you."

I nodded as I continued backing away. Another beast emerged from the gate. The hissing scamp crouched, scanning for a target. As if fed by the flames, a fire spell was forming in his bony hands. Savlian and his men charged forward again. I turned away, and headed down the hill to the encampment.

"Yes," I whispered to myself, "I will come back, Savlian Matius."

Great writing! The reader can feel Buffy's desire to help (battling with her own fear of being ineffectual against the enemies - maybe thinking if trained soldiers can't beat the Daedra, what hope would she have against them). - Really good Acadian!

Thanks!

12---------- The Traveling Merchant ----------

Gently swaying golden grasses, and birds cheerfully winging overhead, marked the day as we leisurely made our way down the beautiful Gold Road. The morning sun warmed my back as I rode. As we crested a small rise, I sat up very tall (well, for a Wood Elf) in the saddle, and looked at the rolling hills of the Gold Coast. The road ahead sloped down to our destination. I could make out the reddish roofs on the city towers of Anvil.

The Gold Road had been quiet this morning. The one wolf that charged us was no match for the burst of speed we used to quickly distance the beast. As we drew closer, I could smell the Abecean Sea. What a beautiful land this was! I was excited to finally be approaching the port city.

The Anvil mages guild was more elegant than some. I met several of the mages and settled in. There would be time later for whatever might be involved in earning my final recommendation. After changing out of my dusty Arena raiment into a dress for a change, I just walked around the town. My first visit to Anvil.

The town was quite open, with wide streets. Not rich or fancy, but nice. Open space, park benches, a blacksmith shop and friendly people. Outside the walls towards the sea was the port area. A rough part of town for sure, but charming in its own way, the sounds of the sea ever present. The port area, with its shops and taverns along the boardwalk was flanked on one side by a lighthouse. The Anvil Castle loomed on the other side of the port.

The sun was sinking now. Mesmerized, I watched as eventually it touched the sea in the distance and slowly sank. I wondered if it made a sound when it hit the water? Well Buffy, better find out what's involved with this last recommendation.

"Unlike some mage guilds, we take our work seriously here." Carahil had been appointed head of the Anvil guild when the former guild head was promoted to Arch Mage. The attractive but serious looking Altmer woman, dressed in a black and burgundy gown, continued in measured tones. "No insignificant errand tasks here, Associate. The Arch Mage has asked for my assistance regarding what seems to be a rogue mage. Magic is serious business, and we take a dim view of those who would abuse its power."

I was to help two battlemages investigate the deaths of traveling merchants along the Gold Road near Anvil. Posing as a merchant myself, my task was to attempt to draw out the killer. The only clue known about the mage was that he seemed to favor frost damage attacks. The battlemage, Arielle Jurard, would contact me at the Brina Cross Inn; The same inn I had passed, approaching Anvil, earlier that day.

Squinting at the bright morning sun, I emerged from the guild the next morning. Exiting the town I proceeded along the Gold Road on foot. I was wearing leather boots, laced leather pants and a brown shirt, but I felt naked without my bow. Trying to look as 'merchantly' as I could, I made my way towards the Brina Cross Inn.

"Pssst! Carahil sent you, did she not?" The beautiful dark haired woman wearing a brown shirt like mine whispered. This was obviously my contact, Arielle Jurard. She continued her whisper. "Speak to Christophe, rent a room for the night and meet me upstairs. If anyone asks, you are a traveling merchant. Say nothing more." She ceased her whispering and declared quite loudly to me, "Why, um? no, traveler. I'm sorry. I don't know the way to Cheydinhal."

I rented a room from Christophe as instructed and headed for the stairs.

"Excuse me. Did I overhear you telling Christophe you're a traveling merchant?" The Altmer woman in a blue gown towered over me.

"Why, yes." I simply said, remembering Arrielle's instructions.

"I'm Caminalda. I've been so frightened, with the recent murders. I haven't left the Inn for days!"

I nodded and continued up to my room. I was soon joined by Arrielle. "What do we know so far?" I asked.

"Little more than Carahil was able to tell you I'm afraid," Arrielle began. "Tomorrow morning, depart the Inn and proceed east along the Gold Road. A fellow battlemage and I will travel near you, but quietly out of sight. Make no attempt to contact us."

"I'll be unarmed. Merchants don't carry bows." I smiled nervously to mask my concern. "If attacked, all I really have to help is a flare spell, a disappear spell and a couple potions to help against frost."

"If that happens, defend yourself as best you can." Obviously sensing my nervousness, Arrielle smiled and placed her hand on my shoulder. "We'll be close by Associate, and quickly rush in to take care of things. Now get a good night sleep. You'll need it."

Early the next morning, I stepped from the Inn and started walking east along the Gold Road. I caught a glimpse of blue hoods, as the two battlemages faded into the brush alongside the road. I felt even more vulnerable than the day before without the comforting weight of my bow and quiver on my back.

Suddenly, I saw a figure in blue enter the road ahead from my left and start running toward me. As she quickly approached, I recognized her as Caminalda. I was relieved. Until she spoke, that is.

"So. I hope you carry more of value than the last few merchants." Her face changed into an ugly sneer as she raised her hand, a blue glow forming.

I was ready. With a flick of my right hand, I disappeared and rolled to my right. A ball of ice flew through the spot I had disappeared from, shattering against a tree. I quickly circled trying to get behind her. My mind was racing. I figured if I could cast spells to see invisible things, so could she. I gulped one of the potions to help protect me from frost. Where are those battlemages?!? I could see my hand reappear in front of me as my weak fire spell flew from my fingertips. Caminalda cried out as the fire struck her in the back. She whirled around and began to cast another spell. I disappeared and rolled to the side again. Caminalda anticipated this, and a stream of blue frost tore into the right side of my waist. Suddenly Caminalda jerked violently, as a bolt of lightning slammed into her left side. Before the crackling sparks could subside, a large ball of flame flew past me into her chest. The heavily armored battlemages raced in after their spells, and quickly cut down Caminalda with their swords. I felt my knees weaken as I grabbed the cold, aching wound on my side. The trees began to spin around me.

There was a cool hand on my forehead. Opening my eyes, I looked into the concerned face of Arrielle. "Welcome back Associate."

"H?How long?" I moaned as my head began to clear.

"Only a few minutes. Roliand and I have healed your wound, but the area may be sore for a couple days. As soon as you are able to walk, I want you to come back to the Inn with us to rest a bit"

The two battlemages escorted me back to the Brina Cross Inn. Within a few hours I felt better. I would need a new brown shirt though. "Thank you both for healing me. I think I can make it back to Anvil alone. You and Roliand were beautiful to watch. I've never seen magic used like that? I mean with weapons."

"It is the way of battlemages, Buffy. You did well though." Arrielle smiled. "I'll let Carahil know. Good luck at the University."

I recalled Superian to the Brina Cross Inn. With the soreness from my wound, I had to use the fence near the barn to get into my saddle. I held my side as we slowly rode back to Anvil. A bowgirl without a bow, trying to trade spells with a real mage?. How dumb had that been?

"I have spoken with Arrielle." Carahil stated. "You have acquitted yourself ? satisfactorily, Associate. I shall forward my recommendation." She then briefly displayed just the hint of a smile. "I understand this is your final recommendation. I suggest you report to Raminus Polus at the Arcane University for admission." She then returned her attention to the book in her hands.

I think Buffy has a weak fireball?
Surely that would of been more powerful
Great writing again 5/5

Very nice writing. Great pace and flow. The transition from the battle scene to the waking recovery was superb. :thumbsup:

Again, great work. I'm looking forward to the next update.

I had to take a sidestep from following Buffy's movements in my own game, (I wrote you about it) - but will be doing this quest as soon as I get back to that point, which will be fairly quickly. Another great story Acadian!

Sorry, I keep hitting reply, it's a habit!