What makes your work stand out is these seemingly insignificant insights that show us who Buffy is. Also worth noting was her internal debate over the question of assassination- and the fact that her essential goodness again won the day.

Your description of the use of the healing magic came out very well. As did her contemplation of an arrow in the dark. The latter is a natural enough thought, and just as in Buffy's case one not normally acted upon. It is very disappointing to see that the Countess is wearing Teresa's favorite though!

I do have a pure game question that I have been meaning to ask. When you go into the chapel undercrofts is it still considering breaking and entering, and if someone sees you will they call the guard and have you thrown in prison? It is something I have considered trying from time to time, but most of my characters have been too law-abiding to take a chance on doing something that might be illegal.

Harpy. :lmao: You brought back a whole rush of D&D memories for me when you said that. Yes indeed, she is a harpy.

Buffy was skating on that limit of control in this chapter. I thought for a sec it might be a dream episode, where Buffy does hit the Countess with that destruction spell, fights every guard within 20 miles and then wakes up safe and sound in a camp outside town. But no, self control won the day. And better yet, without Acadian's guidance!!!

Beautiful opening paragraph both well written and highly entertaining. Your work continues to get better with every read I just can't image how hard you must be working on this story. You managed to make this scene come to life while giving more depth to Buffy and giving us a bit more insight into the countess. Brilliant yet again my friend.

~Digz~

When you used the phrase 'softly spat the words' that showed us in four words more than a paragraph by other writers could have. Kudos and double kudos, brother!!!

@RemkoNL- :whisper: It never occurred to Buffy to simply charm a guard to get in, and I didn't have the heart to dissuade her from her elaborate plans.... Thank you for the kind words!

@mALX- Ha! Thank you so much mALX! Buffy will be giving the Count a bit of marital counseling soon.

@treydog- Essential goodness, yes. But boy, there sure a lot of dark impulses that get in her way! Thank you so much for the wonderful encouragement and example you provide me!

@SubRosa- I'm so pleased you liked Buffy's use of healing magic. She has come to realize that there is quite an empathic aspect to her healing magic. Thank you for your help in developing that with me. I'm sorry about the Countess' outfit, but you know, Teresa looks good in anything. On the undercrofts, we exchanged detailed PMs on this. The short story for other readers is that Buffy is not trespassing.

@Wolf- Thanks! Harpy - I couldn't find a very lore-friendly term that would get through the censor for what Buffy meant to say?. Self control, yes. You should have seen her shaking, and trying to look all mystical while fighting her impulses. :flame:

@Digz- Wow! Thank you so much for your wonderfully encouraging words! :twirl: I do believe I am getting better, but boy you are right? it takes me countless edits. T'is a joyful labor of love though.

@D.Foxy- As with the phrase treydog pointed out, it is so gratifying when writers of your talent highlight a passage they deem as worthy. Have a tankard, my friend - :foodndrink:

42 Leyawiin Expedition - Stark Reality

I stopped inside Castle Leyawiin as I approached the dining room and smoothed my dress with nervous hands one last time. Yes, the red dress was a good choice - burgundy with gold trim and green accents actually. The black dress I had tried on seemed somber and emphasized the slight sun-kissed tone of my skin; I told Agata I was a Wood Elf, and not about to give up sun-drying after playing in waterfalls. At any rate, we agreed the slight color to my skin was not very 'milky noble'. The blue one was a beautiful color, but it was too long and cut for a woman of more Nordic proportions than I. Agata had helped arrange my hair into a stick twist, assuring me that it looked elegant and showed off my neck. I had taken a bit of convincing to be comfortable, since the hair style so prominently displayed my big ears. I was a very nervous elf, but Agata told me, as I left the guild, that I was beautiful. Based on the admiring reaction of the guards I had just passed, I guessed it was all working.

I was pleased to note a young man in common clothes near the entrance to the dining room. His notepad and quill, along with numerous parchments protruding from his pockets marked him clearly as a reporter for the Black Horse Courier. I wanted the evening's events to be well publicized. My quiet suggestion to the thief, Weebam-Na, had obviously born fruit. He had connections, was discreet and quick to support anything that might embarrass Allesia Caro.

I took a deep breath and approached the dining room.

"Good evening Milady." The guard recognized me of course and I was quickly admitted.

I stood just inside the dining room as the door was closed behind me. Another guard formally announced to the room, "Dame Buffy, Knight-Errant of the White Stallion."

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/ScreenShot152.jpg

Lady Leyawiin was not yet present. The two women at the table smiled at me. The two men rose to their feet and bowed. I curtseyed, then approached the table to meet the guests. Britta and Jaras Invel were an Imperial couple from the big city. Vlarimil Orius, another Imperial, was visiting from Chorrol and somewhat vague about his background. Finally, Termanwe was a pleasant Altmer in a black and gold dress. I was pleased now that I had decided not to wear my black dress. We engaged in small talk, all pleasant enough.

The same guard that announced me broke in loudly, "Her Ladyship Allesia Caro, Countess of Leyawiin."

The Countess breezed into the room, took her seat and motioned for her guests to do the same. Janonia and Januarius quickly brought soup, followed by roast boar and a savory feast. It became clear the nobles all knew each other and that I was something of an oddity.

"Buffy is our very own knight and, I am given to understand, quite the adventuress," the Countess announced. She then looked at me. "Do please be a dear and tell us about one of your adventures."

The other guests joined her in encouraging me as I relayed the story of Malcath's Shrine. "? well those huge ogres didn't waste any time putting Lord Drad to work on his own farm! Because I had rescued them, the ogres were perfectly friendly to me. I just assumed then, all ogres were friendly. Well, imagine the shock I got the next time I saw one in the forest and tried to say 'hi'!"

The guests seemed to enjoy my story. Wine, laughter and encouragement flowed. I, of course, was just pretending to drink from the silver goblet. "So finally, I made my way back to Malacath to report my success. As a reward, he gave me a war hammer that was bigger than I! I expect it's still sitting there next to his shrine, as I certainly couldn't lift it."

Fortunately, Vlarimil rescued me from having to tell more stories by relaying some of the news from Chorrol. "? and do you know, the guards never did solve the mystery of who murdered that mage Earana? Shot dead by a single arrow while standing by The Great Oak, she was. And with a guard not ten paces away. Simply disgraceful! But by Stendarr, can you imagine the archery skill required to pull off such a feat?"

I could indeed. While the guests focused on the words of Vlarimil, I managed to unobtrusively slip one of the support sticks from my hair. With a gentle shake of my head, I was rewarded by an errant lock that fell loose. I managed to catch the Countess' eye as I questioningly held my wayward blond tress.

Allesia Caro smiled at me and gestured towards the kitchen. "Yes, dear. Go see Janonia. She will fix you right up."

"Thank you Milady." I left the table and stepped through the kitchen doorway. Once out of sight, magic erupted from my hand and I disappeared. I stepped right back into the doorway with a few seconds to think about what I was going to do.

Studying the Countess, I remembered how she spat the word 'Khajiit' when talking about Tsavi. I was torn between anger and pity. How could she not love the way Khajiit told you what they were thinking merely by the way they held or moved their ears? Did she not see that the most beautifully expressive eyes and voices in Cryodiil belonged to Argonians? How could she not be awestruck by the straightforward nobility of an Orc warrior?

While still invisible, I cast a spell that would further cloak me in a brief but total chameleon effect. Calling forth Stark Reality, I pointed my hand at Allesia Caro and released the spell.

The Countess and her guests were stripped of their clothes. Pandemonium broke out as they began to run around the room, confused. The door to the dining room flew open as several guards poured in.

My hands reappeared, as did my arms, legs and everything else previously covered by my dress.

One of the guards brushed past me, saying with a red face, "I'm so sorry Dame Buffy. We have no idea how this happened. Don't worry though. We'll catch the scoundrel!"

Sitting back down in my chair, I smiled and took my first sip of wine for the evening. The seat of the chair was cold against my bare skin. Perhaps it was my Wood Elf nature, but I didn't mind the lack of clothing nearly as much as these nobles seemed to. I watched as the Countess ran out of the dining room; Too few hands trying to hide too many parts. I was pleased to see the Black Horse Courier reporter had slipped into the room behind the guards and had been feverishly taking notes. He now ran along after the Countess, asking her silly questions. Eventually, the other red-faced guests scurried off as well, leaving me alone in the dining room.

I savored another sip of wine. A blue and green dress, along with pair of cloth shoes were pre-staged in the kitchen. My entire pack was safely waiting for me at the guild. If I never saw my beautiful dress and jeweled amulet again, it would be worth the price. I would get back to Sanguine in my own time. In fact, as I refilled my goblet, I was quite pleased with my first dinner party.

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/ScreenShot153.jpg

ROFL!! She keeps sitting there drinking up the wine - and having the reporter there was priceless! How did she avoid the guards knowing she had done it? They always know in my game!

I think it was the 100% Chameleon spell she added onto her Invisibility? I did this a few nights ago with invisibility potions that I had pre-staged on the floor near the servants quarters and the guards still were onto me. I had to run through half of Elswheyr to get rid of the last of them (I have a no borders mod).


Excellent story Acadian! I especially liked that you took the time to show us Buffy making her fashion arrangements. I loved Nice way to put 'roomy in the chest'.

I also liked how Buffy was able to get help from Weebam-Na, considering their previous encounter concerning Nocturnal's lockpick. It says quite a bit about a hero when they can forge an alliance (or at least get some help from) a former enemy. The reporter was an excellent form of revenge. Now the Countess will be embarrassed not only in Leyawin, but the entire province!

The way you recounted Malcath's quest via dialogue during the party was also brilliant. You killed two birds with one stone in just a few sentences, telling us what happened, and at the same time showing us Buffy's interaction at the party.

Finally, I am completely with mALX in loving how Buffy sat there in her birthday suit and enjoyed the dinner party after everyone else had fled. Priceless!

Yikes - I was away for a while and now I see I have a ton of catching up to do on Miss Buffy. Yeesh, you prolific posters and writers! :ahhh:

This is one of those posts where I cannot pick and chose the best bits to quote- because I would quote the whole thing. I loved Buffy's Malacath story as well- and the little side-comment regarding the mysterious death of Earana (who certainly deserved it). And the little touches that show us more about Buffy's character- the swimming and sunning, her uncertainty about being dressed like a "girly" girl (or elf), especially in contrast to her willingness to sit a calmly sip her wine while everyone else is going crazy.

I think how it's great you always make Buffy have conflicted feelings, it's hardly ever just done like "that"

Buffy from Bravil?? :blink:


Ah yes, that's better. Our Bosmer girl is back. :woot:


Kudos to that statement brother. My heart is still breaking over what happened to City-Swimmer.

Nice one m8! :goodjob:

Loved how you depicted why beast races aren't beasts but beautiful in their own way in so little words.

Very well done again my friend. More character development, some flash backs, and the unfolding of an exciting event. I loved it.

~Digz~

'tis more undressing of an event for exiting methinks.

Better than medium rare!!!


*I mean well done - ole friend*!!!

:clap:

Acadian,

Just finished reading both threads. What can I say that hasn't already been said? It's the rare writer who can present his story with a complete lack of self-consciousness. When I read Buffy, I hear Buffy. You've developed some serious chops my friend, keep it up.

@mALX- Thank you! Acadian tried to tell Buffy that arranging for a reporter was a bit vindictive, like twisting a dagger after a thrust. She of course responded: "And your point is?" as she sipped wine in her birthday suit.

By being cloaked with 100% chameleon when she cast the spell, her act of casting was undetected. I love the Sanguine quest and my characters have never had a problem with that technique. In visibility would have evaporated upon casting so that would not have worked. :bolt:

@SubRosa- Thank you so much for the detailed comments! Wow! :twirl: I am so very pleased that you picked up on everything I tried to tie together here. This story was clearly the culmination of her Leyawiin Expedition.

@Leydenne- Welcome back! I am delighted you dropped in! Oh my? it must be getting close to asking you to once again to employ your post limit gentle key of locking. Fortunately, Mazoga has already given Buffy her third journal so she will be ready. Thank you so much for reading!

@treydog- Like SubRosa, I thank you so much for pointing out some of the details that caught your eye. I am honored that you recalled the significance of Earana's death. I chose not to directly refresh the fact that Buffy killed Earana here because it was not key to this story - again, thank you much for remembering that from so many stories ago.

@mcbeanie- Thanks! Buffy is full of many swirling currents; Therefore she can make things like a simple party trick more complicated than they need to be. :ahhh:

@Wolf- Trust me, Buffy would rather be in simple clothes, swapping archery tips with Daenlin in front of a fire. Or perhaps in no clothes, drying after a swim at some waterfalls catching up on her journal. With friends like Kud-Ei, Tar-Meena, the late City Swimmer and Mazoga, how could she not love Argonians and Orcs? Although she doesn't know too many of the beautiful cat people well, I'm sure she will become friends with a Khajiit in the future.

@RemkoNL- Thank you! Buffy's not really trying to make a statement. Rather she's just loyal to her friends - and many of her friends don't happen to be Imperials. She really does perceive things that I never would without her.

@Digz- Ahhh? ^_^ (that was a contented sigh). If Digz likes it, then Buffy and I are happy! Thank you so much my friend!

@Foxy- A 'well done' from you, my friend, is music to my ears!

@Destri- Wow! Thanks so much for catching up - 65K words of story and counting is not a light task! :read: I thank you also for your kind, insightful words.


43 Leyawiin Expedition - Assistance

* * *

BLACK HORSE COURIER SPECIAL EDITION!

DINNER PARTY MARRED BY PRANKSTER

Leyawiin - - Countess Alessia Caro held another of her formal dinner parties recently. We have often reported these events as somewhat dull, somber affairs. This one however was revealingly different.

At some point well into the evening, an unknown assailant cast a spell that literally stripped the event of its dreary predictability. In fact, the mischievous magic quite removed every bit of clothing from the lovely Countess and her fellow diners. The guests included the Invels, well known members of high society from the Imperial City. Other attendees included visitors from as far away as the City of the Great Oak. Even one of Leyawiin's own knights, also a guest at the dinner, fell victim to the spell.

Word is spreading of a possible motivation for the assault. Leyawiin is a city well known for tension between Argonians and Khajiit. Rumors even exist of the Countess' own dislike for the beast races. When asked about a possible connection, a spokesman for the castle flatly denied any such rumors as idle and malicious gossip.

The commander of the Leywiin Guard, Captain Caelia Draconis has ordered increased patrols, and launched an investigation in the wake of this grave breach of castle security. Given the lack of any evidence about the perpetrator, no arrests have yet been made.

Hildara Mothril, the Countess' chaplain and advisor, made a brief statement confirming the Countess has no dinner parties planned for the near future. The Countess herself was unavailable for comment.


* * *


"Have you caught the scum yet, Captain?" demanded a red-faced Marious Caro.

"Not yet, Your Lordship." The Imperial woman wore the uniform of a Leyawiin guard. "My men have interviewed the entire staff and have yet to turn up any leads. The only unusual person in the castle last night was that reporter. His credentials and noninvolvement have been confirmed."

"Bah! Reporters. No doubt responsible for-" the Count waved a copy of the Black Horse Courier, "this!" He then noticed my presence. "I wish I could say good afternoon Buffy, but this is dark day. Forgive my manners. Dame Buffy, this is Caelia Draconis, Captain of the Leyawiin Guard."

The Imperial and I nodded at each other as the Count addressed the throne room, "please excuse Dame Buffy and I for a moment." The small entourage moved into the great hall, leaving the Count and I alone.

Marious Caro's face softened as he motioned to the empty throne beside him. "Sit."

My eyes flew open wide. "Milord?"

"I'm not promoting you. Just sit."

With a soft jingle of mithril chain, I did as ordered.

"Buffy, I'm sorry for the embarrassment this fiasco caused you last night. I might find naked nobles humorous, but such an assault to the dignity of one of my knights is another matter. As you can see, we are doing everything we can to identify and bring the perpetrator to justice. The Countess and I will, of course, compensate you for the loss of your gown. Allesia is humiliated and refuses to leave her bedchambers. Her guests all left Leyawiin in a huff."

"Poor thing," I lied sympathetically. "Please do not worry yourself on my account Milord. I am a Wood Elf and quite used to running around? well, without much clothing."

"I have warned Allesia that her haughtiness would bite her on the bare rear end some day. She is convinced an Argonian or Khajiit is responsible for ruining her party. Although I can't say I would blame them, I do not jump to such conclusions." He lowered his voice and shook his head sadly, "I know full well of Allesia's foul attitudes regarding nearly half my subjects. I was so hoping once I brought her here from Chorrol, she would change and grow to appreciate the wonderful residents of my county - all of them."

I gulped as I contemplated the audacity of what I wanted to say. Could a knight be imprisoned for having a big mouth? "Milord, if I may be so bold with words for your ears only, are you not the Count of Leyawiin?" He raised one eyebrow, but I did not sense anger. Emboldened, I continued, "the Countess is a subject of your court. You would not tolerate such attitudes from your other subjects. Teach her the wisdom that is in your own heart on these matters. Love her yes, but lead her as well." I squinted and cringed a little, fearing his response.

The Count rubbed his chin and looked at me. A smile formed. "Knights should be known for courage and wisdom. I see both these qualities in you and shall think upon your words." He removed his hand from his chin, formed it into a fist and placed it firmly on the arm of his throne, closing the subject. "Now, what brings you to my throne room today?"

I wrinkled my nose and asked sheepishly, "First Milord, may I stand? I really do not belong seated at a throne." The Count nodded and I rose. "Your Lordship, I come before you to ask your support for a quest that I undertook long before joining your court. I feel bound to assist the small band of soldiers defending Kvatch from that portal to Oblivion."

Marious Caro slowly svcked in his breath, clearly surprised. "I have heard of the deplorable situation there. Like many, I'm mystified why the Elder Council does not dispatch a large raid force." He thoughtfully nodded his head. "Your quest is indeed noble Buffy. How can I help?"

"I ask your permission to leave Leyawiin. I am trying to gather assistance from several sources, as well as improve my own ability to fight daedra. I also ask that you assign Sir Mazoga to my quest. She is a ferocious warrior and willing to take up my cause."

The Count steepled his fingers and thought for a moment. He then separated his hands and clapped them together once. His patiently waiting entourage returned to the throne room. "Captain Draconis," he began, "Dame Buffy has undertaken the task of assisting the beleaguered force defending Kvatch. I have granted her leave to proceed, but would like to provide more? direct support. She has suggested assigning Sir Mazoga to the mission. Your thoughts?"

"Milord, thank you for seeking my counsel regarding this worthy endeavor," the Imperial continued, "however I do not recommend Sir Mazoga for two reasons. Firstly, County Leyawiin needs at least one of our knights to control the Black Bow Bandits. Secondly, as effective as Sir Mazoga is for the independent job of hunting down and killing bandits, she is not well suited for the task at Kvatch. She may be a formidable combatant, but she is not used to the discipline required to function as part of a military operation. The Kvatch commander, I believe his name is Matius, needs a soldier, not an independent fighter." While still addressing the Count, she looked at me with a professionally measured, but earnest smile. "Dame Buffy's mission would be better served by the assignment of one of our own Leyawiin soldiers to Kvatch."

After listening carefully, the Count turned to me. "Dame Buffy, what say you to the Captain's counsel?"

"I cannot dispute her wisdom, Milord. Despite my affection for Sir Mazoga, I must agree. I know Captain Matius. It is indeed, disciplined soldiers he needs most."

The Count announced, "so shall it be done. Captain Draconis, please detail one of your finest to Dame Buffy. It is late now, I have business with the Countess." With that, he rose and departed the throne room.

Ah, now we see the Paladin in real life emerging! A chapter as emotionally appealing as it is factually true!!!

:clap:

Is the Count by chance going to...spank the Countess?

I think he will spunk her countless times...

She forgot to mention not whining in the bedroom, lol. Great job as usual! Is the Count by chance going to...spank the Countess?

That would not happen to be a certain Khajiit with red hair and white fur would it...


From plagues of rats infesting the Imperial Prison, to missing links near Skingrad, to naked noble dinner parties, the Black Horse Courier certainly has been getting a lot of good stories. It does make you wonder if they are merely recording the news and not somehow manipulating them...

Nice touch with the Black Horse Courier news sheet at the beginning of the post. Also nice to see Buffy having the nerve to speak up to the Count about his wife. She took quite a gamble there. It seems to have paid off because the Count was receptive to her, but you never know how things like that can come back to you in the future. If the Countess learns that Buffy told him that, things could become very difficult for Buffy, regardless of how the Count feels about things.

We also see Buffy's future plans revealed most starkly. As you have been hinting at for a long time, she is pointed directly to a showdown at Kvatch. We know she has been trying to improve her own skills to be able to meet the challenge, but here we see her take her first formal step toward that goal, by officially requesting aid from the Count. I expect we will see Buffy doing likewise with other local rulers, maybe the Fighter's Guild as well? Although the problem with the latter is that she probably cannot afford to pay them. Unless it is with all those magic items that she has been getting as rewards for those Daedric quests?

Just wondering, or you using the console to bring a leyawin soldier to Kvatch or just pretending the soldier is there?

How hard was it for Buffy to control her facial expression during her count conversation? ha, ha.

I really enjoyed the realism you brought to the last part of the chapter.
To have the red tape placed across Buffy and Mazoga was spot on and very few writers would think to do that. Lovely.
I shall wait to see what follows.

I like the way this chapter was all you. Every bit of it was from your own head nothing was actually part of a quest in-game. You have not only managed to bring Buffy, and all those around her, to life, but have also created your own tale with its own quest and its own direction. I know it has all been a long time in development, and so much of this tale has been game related, but what you have done with your character and the game world she lives in has been...simply put amazing. Your writing is wonderfully skillful, imaginative, and inspiring. Keep up the great work my friend!

~Digz~

EDIT:

Ok, I really just want to explain, even more, what it is that has pulled me into this tale. I just can't believe how well you take the quests, that the game gives you, and manage to sprinkle in a handful of Buffy with a pinch of Paladin. Resulting in game related quest that are expanded to a new level, and while they may remind us of something we once did on a character of our own they are just so different and so much more enjoyable this time around. You tie these reminders of our own experiences together with an on going, but at times short term, personal quest. Now even with all these things present to pull the reader in you just don't stop trying to improve, and the result is Buffy. They way you feel about this character, and in turn the way you make your readers feel about her, is what really keeps me coming back for more. Your managed to make Buffy real to us all, and we can't help but to want to know what is coming next every time. The way it is all tied together is just amazing and continues to amaze me more with each read.

As much as I was looking forward to seeing Mazoga storm an Oblivion gate, I am glad you chose not to allow it. I would hate to see her overwhelmed by a herd of Clanfear.

On a side note, I love the subtle changes you are bringing to Buffy's character. I look forward to the day that her confidence matches her obvious skill. :goodjob:

@Foxy- Yes, sometimes tactical reality can and should change plans. Thank you!

@mALX- Ha! We shall have to leave it to the feline thief for a report of any success Buffy's words about the Countess may have had. Thanks!

@SubRosa- Yes, the Black Horse Courier has been getting quite a workout on our threads! I was quite proud of Buffy, for both her tact and courage in addressing the Count about his Countess. Buffy has some ideas for more Kvatch assistance?. Thank you again for the detailed comments you provide. Your insights are invaluable - in fact several of your wonderful ideas have influenced the story.

@Nummos- The Leyawiin soldier - I will simply pretend he gets to Kvatch. Thanks so much for reading!

@Wolf- It was hard for Buffy to feign sympathy for the Countess, but once she started talking to the Count, she spoke from her heart. Buffy accepts the wise recommendation for a soldier over Mazoga. She realizes that one 'free spirited loose cannon' is enough for Kvatch!

@Digz- Wow! Thank you again for sharing your impressions. I can't tell you how much they help, both for encouragement and future planning. Yes, this was about a non-game 'Buffy' quest. Hopefully the well-known places, characters and pieces lend a comfortable sense of familiarity, to the stories, but all seen through Buffy's eyes.

@Destri Melarg- I think Buffy was wise to accept the offer of a soldier. I am glad to see that her time at the University is paying off with improvements in her sophistication, reasoning and ability to control her communication. Her confidence will certainly improve, but that is a fleeting thing. She certainly needs to be at high point if she expects to enter an Oblivion gate. To Buffy, clannfears = nightmares.


And so closes Buffy's second thread. Her third thread will pick up at Chapter 44. Thank you so very much to those who read her stories and inspire me to write them. :dance:

I will ask for no further comments on this thread. I have just opened a http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1060173and will now ask Buffy's friend Leydenne to use her gentle key of locking on this thread.