Welcome back! Another wonderful story.

Stop hunting for complements young lady.


Which could actually be correct...


... if .... IF.... Buffy was hunting for a BOYFRIEND.


:rofl:



COMPLIMENT!!!


Forgive me, Acadian, it is so rare that you muff a recovery and have to use full afterburner for a "go-around" that I just couldn't resist that!!!

:P

Oh, now you have made me homesick for the sound of the afterburners kicking in as the F-16's take off in 25 feet from a dead stand still heading straight up - Sorties and Zulu time...aaahhh! What a thrill!

One mark of a truly great story in a fantasy setting (swords'n'sorcery and all that) is the little touches that make it real instead of fantasy. Just because a beast is mythical (or fictional) doesn't mean it doesn't bleed.... It is such a joy to see that Buffy is still Buffy, even as she grows and becomes more confident. Thank you sir, may I have another?

Yay! Acadian's back!!! :twirl: :celebrate:

Great post, i especially loved the part about her being drenched in blood, though i have to ask, exactly how much did she hunt so that the food has to be carried by the horse?

Wonderful story. I am also glad you are back to writing.

A new story and some comments.

@mALX- Thank you! I missed you and the many wonderfully supportive friends we have here. It is great to be back!
:whisper: Oh, on your jet stuff - please just stick to enjoying the sound of freedom when you hear it. :rofl:

@SubRosa- It seems she may have overdone it a bit, but hopefully, the meat can be preserved.

@Digz- Thank you so much!

@Wolf- I'm not kidding when I say how critical playing the game is for us. When Buffy plays, I see and sense things through her eyes that would never otherwise occur to me. Thank you so much for the encouragement and kind words.

@Bobg- :wub: High praise indeed from a master who crafts words into provocative sights, smells and symphonies.

@jaycar- Aww. Thanks my friend.

@D.Foxy - Forgive you? Heck, I'm very grateful you pointed that out! I even know better. :facepalm: Thanks to you, I was able to correct it within a day of the story being posted.

@Treydog- Thank you so much. Since Buffy has matured a bit, I am enjoying her insights and perceptions even more.

@UnknownK- I am touched here, as I often am by the kind comments Buffy and I have been so very fortunate to receive. Thank you.
How much meat? I was trying to create a realistic impression that she had two full fresh deer, the best cuts of meat from one boar and the same from perhaps three more deer.

@Blaise- Welcome to Buffy's world! I hope you will stay with us. It is always nice to have another Oblivion roleplayer reading.

*

The below story is one of several throughout her saga that involves Kvatch. Attentive and/or compulsive players of Oblivion may note that some details of Kvatch are slightly different than what they may see in their own game. I point this out hoping my minor license will not distract.



30 ---------- Who's in Charge of this Operation? ----------

Sigrid looked out of place. Her stylish blond hair, pretty blue eyes, and velvet gown belonged in an elegant guild hall, not this smoky, dirty camp. "Buffy, as the only survivor of the Kvatch Mages Guild I welcome you to our humble encampment." Although envious of her regal beauty, I liked her Nordish direct manner. "We can't thank you enough for your efforts to resupply the camp and our guards."

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/ScreenShot87.jpg

"You are the only survivor from the guild." I repeated her statement in disbelief. I couldn't imagine how I would feel if my guild and the mages I loved in Bravil were taken from me. I blinked to hold back a tear. "I?I'm sorry Sigrid." I walked over to a bench by the fire and slowly sat down. The Nord joined me, smoothing her blue gown with nervous hands as she sat. Trying to reject the tragedy, I managed a smile. "Well, at least you won't starve now." I looked at the large tent billowing smoke to help dry and preserve the fresh meat inside. An exciting thought then occurred. Sigrid was an Evoker and therefore outranked me in the guild. "Tell me, are you skilled in illusion?"

"Why yes Buffy. I'm an alchemist, but I'm pretty good with illusion spells." Sigrid cocked her head. "Why do you ask?"

"I've just been trying to think of ways to help up at the barricade. Speaking of which, how is the guard force managing?" I looked at the fire in front of the bench we shared.

"The Legion has sent a small number of reinforcements. At least they can spell each other and get some rest now." Sigrid sighed. "The Captain is holding everything together for the moment."

Taking a deep breath and keeping my eyes on the fire, I lied as nonchalantly as I could. "Oh yes. What was his name?"

There was surprise in Sigrid's voice. "Buffy, you don't remember Savlian Matius?" I could feel her looking at me appraisingly. "He comes down to the encampment periodically to rest and check on things here. "He has mentioned you several times."

I could feel my heart beating faster. I wasn't sure what else I felt. I wanted to change the subject, but yet I didn't. I opted for the former as I looked up from the fire. "Sigrid, I brought several bottles of wine with me. Would you like to share one?"

"What kind of question is that Buffy? I am a Nord!" Sigrid flashed a wonderfully simple, honest smile. "I know I can find a couple dirty cups somewhere around here. Oh, in case I get too drunk to remember later, you can set your bedroll up and stay with me in the 'mages guild' tent."

We both laughed. It was a rare but welcome sound in this camp.

* * *

I remembered the foreboding sights and sounds as I climbed closer. The black sky was filled with red streaks of lightning. Continuous thunder rolled ominously. Blackened trees marred the landscape. Fire illuminated the barricade and the soldiers that manned it.

"Stop right there civili? Buffy? Buffy from Bravil?" The Imperial with brown eyes and dark headband was Savlian Matius, Captain of the Kvatch city guard.

"Yes Savlian Matius. I brought you something."

"It's good to see you again Buffy. I know you brought us something - a horseload of fresh meat! We are deeply indebted to you."

"No. I mean something just for you." I opened my pack and produced the shield Savlian had given me so long ago.

"My old shield?" Savlian smiled. His face was beautiful. Well, except for the dirt and the blood and who knows what from numerous daedra. "Buffy, you didn't have to?."

"It's enchanted. It will help protect you from weapons and fire." I stared at the massive gate. Flames licked the structure, as if beckoning victims to enter. Turning, I faced Savlian. "Have you learned any more of this portal to Oblivion?"

"Two days ago, I sent almost half my force -five volunteers - through the gate to see if they could close it or at least learn what we're up against. They haven't returned." Savlian's face became grim. "I regret that decision now. I need every weapon remaining on the barricade just to stop those daedra as they come out. It kills me that I have five men, perhaps trapped or worse, inside."

He was right. The six soldiers, including three Legionnaires, he had remaining to defend the barricade looked exhausted. Pain showed in Savlian's face, caused by the heavy mantle of leadership. I could also see the flaming gate directly behind me, reflected in his eyes. I took one pace back. "Savlian, you need a raid force? or at least an expendable scout."

"Yes. I've sent another dispatch to the Legion for more assistance up here. I want so damn badly to go in that gate after my men."

I shook my head. "No. You must hold this small band together." I took another pace back. "If you enter that gate and don't return, the entire effort here at the barricade will fall apart and nothing will stand between those daedra and Cyrodiil." As I took yet a third step back, Savlian's eyes flashed in response.

He cocked his head suspiciously. "Buffy, what are you?."

I spun around and sprinted for the gate.

"Stop right there!" Savlian roared. I heard a sword being drawn and the rattle of chainmail as someone charged after me.

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/ScreenShot84.jpg

I leapt through the giant gate of fire.

Upon emerging I was gripped by terror. It looked just like the image Acadian had shown me. This was Mehrunes Dagon's Deadlands. I was immediately approached by a Kvatch soldier. Before he could speak however, a scamp appeared and began forming a fireball. Energy flew from my fingertips. The soldier quickly gored the, now docile, beast. Two young clannfears appeared in the distance and charged. I reached up to grab my bow.

The gauntleted shield hand of Savlian Matius suddenly swept around my left side and slammed into my chest. I was lifted from my feet and pinned between his shield and cuirass. "Follow me!" Savlian yelled at the soldier. He then jumped back through the gate carrying me with him as if I were a child's toy.

As soon as the three of us were through the gate, Savlian released me and turned to the soldier. "Llend, are you alright? Give me your report."

"Just bruises and few mild burns sir. We could see a tower in the distance and moved towards it in a tactical formation. I was in the rear. Suddenly two giant sets of gates closed, trapping the front four of our group. It was a killing zone! Clannfears charged while atronachs and scamps rained fire from the rocks. My comrades never had a chance. Three were killed and Menien was captured and carried off towards the tower."

"Llend, why did you not return through the gate?" Asked Savlian, placing his hand on the shoulder of the young soldier.

"Sir, you asked us to try and close that gate. I wasn't about to let you down as long as I breathed." Llend stated. "Captain, who is this young woman that helped me kill that scamp?"

"Llend, this is Buffy. Buffy from Bravil." Savlian said without looking at me. "Get down to the encampment. Ask Sigrid for a healing potion and have Batal gra-Sharob repair your gear. Then get some food and rest. Report back here by sunrise."

"Yes sir." Llend scurried down towards the camp.

Savlian finally turned towards me. "Buffy, walk with me please." He then moved away from the barricade until we were out of earshot of his men. His face and manner were hard. "What in the name of Akatosh kind of stunt was that? I don't know whether I'm more angry at you for disobeying my orders or at myself for jumping into that gate after you - I jeopardized my mission chasing after a woman because she makes me feel? nevermind! As it is, I don't know whether to hug you for saving Llend or arrest you!"

"Stunt?" I glared back. "We both know what your answer would have been had I asked your permission to enter that gate!"

"Look, Buffy. I am responsible for the defense of Kvatch. I need the authority to make the hard decisions necessary to accomplish that task. I'm the one who determines who enters that gate and I alone am responsible for the consequences. Can you understand that?" Savlian's eyes were no longer angry.

Looking down, I stirred dirt with the toe of my Arena sandal. Then I looked up at Savlian. "Yes. I understand that. But I also understand how much having those men trapped inside that gate hurt you."

"I want your help Buffy, but I need you to work with me, not against me."

I managed a smile. "You're not going to arrest me?"

Savlian finally smiled. "No, not this time."

I rubbed my bruised ribs. "And if that maneuver inside the gate was your idea of a hug, I can do without that too." Then I dropped my smile and looked him in the eyes. "Savlian, I promise I will work with you. I understand you are in charge here."

"Thank you Buffy. Now let's talk tactics. What kind of magic did you use to help Llend defeat that scamp?"

"It's a spell I made at the University. It will command any creature within a radius of several paces, but is harmless to men or mer. Savlian, you could use some magic up here to help. I bet I could teach that spell to Sigrid. Would you like me to try?"

"Sigrid has been a great help healing us with her potions and spells." Savlian rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "If you think she could learn such a spell, I would put her in the rear line with a guard to protect her."

"I will try." As I wheeled and headed down the hill towards the encampment, I recalled Savlian's words: 'chasing after a woman because she makes me feel?.' What did I make him feel? What did he make me feel? Was I drawn to his selfless courage or to the man himself? Why was everything about such feelings so confusing?

* * *

Preparing to leave the encampment, I said. "You are comfortable with that spell Sigrid? Just remember, if you get attacked, drink one of your disappear potions and let Savlian's men do their job."

"If I can help kill some of those beasts that slaughtered my guild, I will do so Buffy."

Yes. She was ready; A force to be reckoned with even.

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/ScreenShot88.jpg

As we trudged up the hill towards the barricade I studied Sigrid. She seemed even more beautiful wearing her out of place velvet gown in this flaming Akotosh-forsaken place. Was delivering her to Savlian wise? I looked at her small human ears, pretty face and the profile of how her dress fit. I then looked down at the, um? more petite front of my Arena raiment and felt intimidated next to her. Did Savlian like busty women? Buffy! Stop being stupid and self-centered! Sigrid was a talented mage and those men at the barricade needed her help.

Savlian grinned as we approached. "I see the Mages Guild is arriving. Here Sigrid, take a position next to our Legion archer right behind the barricade."

We didn't have to wait long until a fire atronach burst through the gate. With both hands, Sigrid released a bolt of energy. The spell bounced harmlessly off one of the swordsmen engaged with the atronach but its burst radius rendered the beast harmless. The atronach was quickly and safely killed. Sigrid was beaming.

"Congratulations ladies!" exclaimed Savlian as he returned from the fray and sheathed his sword. "Sigrid, that was perfect. Buffy, thank you for the idea and for teaching Sigrid your spell. This can make the task here a bit easier."

I was proud of Sigrid. This was a fearful place and she had not hesitated. I caught Savlian's eye and moved back from the barricade. He came with me.

"I must go now Savlian."

Surprise registered in Savlian's eyes but he quickly turned his gaze away from me towards the Oblivion gate. "My small force is well provisioned, and their numbers have grown thanks to you Buffy. I know this is a filthy, miserable existence up here, but I?I was hoping you might stay."

"Savlian, we both know this cannot end as long as that gate remains open. I have spent much effort learning about Oblivion gates and the Deadlands. I have read countless books and visited numerous Daedra Lords." I paused for a moment as I searched for the right words. "I know what holds that portal open, but I lack the skills to close it and survive. I must remedy that. Also, you have seen the power that magic can bring to your mission. I have some ideas to bring more of that power to you, but I cannot effect them from here."

Savlian turned and met my gaze. What was the emotion in his eyes? Sadness at simply losing a mystic archer from his defensive perimeter? or something more? As if to answer my question, he removed a gauntlet. He then placed his bare hand upon my cheek.

My eyes closed and my face melted into his hand.

"Buffy from Bravil, you will come back?"

Reluctantly opening my eyes at his words, I smiled. "Yes, Savlian Matius, I will come back."

*in an EXTREMELY nasal and irritating voice*

BUFFY and SAVILAN, sitting in a TREE!!!

KAY EYE ESS ESS EYE ENN GEE!!!!

First comes love...Then comes a CARNAGE!

Then come Fireballs all in a BARRAGE!!!!!

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Sorry...again I just couldn't resist...

Now I see why you said Buffy was fishing for COMPLEMENTS...

Freudian Slip, perhaps?

"I jeopardized my mission chasing after a woman because she makes me feel? nevermind!"

Oooh, looks like Dibella has struck! :twirl:

And I know who will be there to give her away at the alter

Romance, magic, fighting, more romance... what more could anyone ask for? Oh, yeah- popcorn!

I really liked the portrayal of a conflicted, confused, determined-to-be-responsible Buffy. And you moved so smoothly from the difficult realities to the optimistic (too strong a word perhaps) desire for happiness and companionship.

Excellent change of pace, i could literally feel my heart thumping as she leaped into the gate, and was caught by Savlian, i like how the romance is going along, how they both obviously like each other, but with the barrier of an oblivion gate problem slowing progress, i'll be really interested to see if they'll admit their crushes after they take back Kvatch.

I loved this, such an elegant dance that buffy and Savlian are performing around each other, you could teach the overly clumsy CRPG romance writers a thing or two my friend

Buffy is flowering into womanhood.

So it's "Buffy", not "Busty", amirite?

:D

Nice chapter, Acadian. Always an interesting read. And I like that she doesn't (sensibly) want to rush headlong into an Oblivion gate and storm the tower until she's damned good and ready.

If you had used the pic of Sigrid I sent you, there would be no doubt as to who was "Busty" as Leydenne said. Here it is:

http://www.uesp.net/w/images/images.new/4/44/OB-npc-Sigrid.jpg

Acadian I have to say this is the best chapter yet, bar none!

Hey, it is just like real life. One minute paying out on each other, the next minute smiling.
Men and women.......hopeless really.

I did like the improvised ideas at Kvatch. It does seem strange that disaster beckons and everybody just stands there.
Now that stuffy Sigrid will have to do something for once. I love it.

Yet again I sit in shock. I have had ambitions about writing my own fan-fic for a while now, but after reading yours it is hard to imagine ever being able to do what you do. This chapter was one of the most amazing pieces of fan-fic I have ever read. I don't even know how to describe how it made me feel, but I do know that I really enjoy the feeling. You have raised the bar even higher with this post. Let us just hope this motivates the other authors here to work as hard as you do.

Your loyal fan,
~Digz~

wow... a non cheesy "romance" scene! not like:

Oh, John
Oh, Marsha
I love you
I do too

lol

Great story!

I was expecting Buffy to run in, discover what she was facing, and run back out. I would never have thought of Savlian snatching her back out.

And the "Dance of Romance" between the two of them was excellent.

Keep up the good work. Looking forward to the next installment.

Chapter 31, after some comments:

@D.Foxy- Buffy sends: :slap: :lmao:

@SubRosa- Dibella. Yes, you do know your lore. ^_^

@Bobg- Thanks! :wave:

@Treydog- Yes, lots of moving parts. Thanks for the kind words. Thank you also for the tips you have graciously shared with me via PM.

@Unknown- Jumping in that gate was pretty scary. As far as admitting crushes, my advice to Buffy would be if you love someone, tell them. Cyrodiil can be such a dangerous place after all. Unlike most of Buffy's quests, expect quite a bit of license regarding Kvatch.

@jaycar- "an elegant dance that Buffy and Savlian are performing" This was surely my intent. I am thankful my humble efforts were able to convey that impression to you. :twirl:

@Leydenne- I am so pleased that we have been able to keep you dropping in, as you patrol the threads, to have an ale and a read. Buffy's head and emotions swirl when she thinks of Kvatch. :ahhh: She is drawn to it, yet actively rationalizes ways to avoid it.

@mALX- "best chapter yet". Oh my goodness, such high praise! Buffy's journal is over 50,000 words now and you have inspired me for every single one of them. In mALX-speak, you are Awesome! :dance:

@Wolf - Thanks for the kind words. I truly value and appreciate your insights.


@Digz- :wub: I experience what you describe when I read some of our great writers here. I call it 'jaw dropping moments' when I doubt my own abilities and wonder how I can ever aspire to craft such beautiful magic with words. To realize that my efforts may have been able to have such an effect on you simply overwhelms me. You have been such a wonderful and steadfast source of encouragement. Do not doubt your own abilities my friend. This was a precious story causing Buffy to lay bare part of her soul. I was quite nervous about my ability to do justice to her. Your comment was like a calming, soothing potion for this self-doubting writer. Since Buffy and I began our journey, I have never had a comment affect me so much.

@mcbeanie- Yes! Non cheesy is what I was hoping for! Thank you.

@D'Emjii- Thank you so much. As I said above, all things Kvatch will exhibit uncharacteristic license away from the scripted game. Buffy, of course, will return again to Kvatch as she has promised.


Well? given several comments, I would be remiss not to mention our regal Nord in blue. Buffy was uncomfortable near Sigrid. Believe or not, the reason was not readily apparent to me in our game, perhaps due to angles and such or maybe obsession in getting up to that gate. Possibly even, in part, the fact that NPC's zoom in to a close-up of their face when you talk with them. MALX sent me the wiki picture suggesting she saw a couple reasons for Buffy's discomfort. Oh my. It became quite clear. Things were again very clear when Buffy later posed for a couple screenshots with her friend Sigrid. Buffy has come so far, yet she still has so much to learn. She has not learned the futility of envy. She does not know that Sigrid, ironically, envies the petite athletic physique of her new elven friend, that permits activities Sigrid would have difficulty or discomfort doing without precautions. I hope the two ladies will have a frank conversation. I'm sure Sigrid can share things that would never occur to Buffy - Like chronic back pain and the frustration of having to start so many conversations with, "Hey! My eyes are up here!"

* * *

31 ---------- What's a Girl to Wear? ----------

Four pink glows erupted as I slid on one of my rings. The round floating shapes were ethereal undead of some sort. I selected a custom spell. The mages called the effect 'telekinesis', but I called it 'target identification'. Regardless, I was able to divine that the ghosts were actually ancient sanctified dead. Camouflaged in my black cat suit, I waited in the shadows and allowed my eyes to adjust to the dim flickering wall torches that illuminated the undercroft of the Great Chapel of Mara. I didn't buy for one minute that these were the ancestors of my fellow Bravil citizens - neither did the Priests of Mara; Rather, they were a recurring infestation of foul spirits. Regardless, I was a hunter and I was down here to practice my craft. Nocking an arrow to the silk bowstring, I watched as one of the glows slowly moved among the columns. I aimed my partially drawn bow at a point where I expected a target to emerge and patiently waited.

The impact elicited an eerie shriek, but Slayer's enchantment protected my hidden location until a second arrow struck. Azura's Star captured the ghostly life force as its physical form collapsed into a pale green puddle.

I selected another arrow and crept a bit further until I could see into one of the adjoining chambers. Two arrows killed the single prey within.

A crackling ball of sparks flew past my head!

Detected, I dove to the floor, wincing at the collision of left shoulder and stone. Rolling behind a column, I scrambled back to my feet. Aiming at the glow beyond, I slid out a pace to reveal ghost number three. I loosed my arrow even as I began moving back behind the stone pillar of safety. A lightning bolt flashed harmlessly by as I heard a wail - no doubt caused by my arrow finding its mark. The glow remained however. I aimed through the column again and took one pace out to the other side this time. My arrow was faster than the spirit and the glow was gone before it could charge up another spell. I looked at the ethereal undead that had been reduced to a puddle on the cold stone floor. "I know how that feels; Better you than me."

One ancient sanctified dead remained. A change in tactics, rather an experiment, was in order.

Once again hidden in the shadows, I poisoned an arrow and made ready my new spell. After a quick mental rehearsal, I snuck towards a firing position that would afford a clear shot. The ghost had its back to me. Calling forth the complex powers of destruction, a glow formed in my right hand. The moment the spell left my fingertips, I quickly nocked and released an arrow. Boderi, my University advisor, called it 'chasing my spell' and had relentlessly made me practice the tactic. The normally poison-immune spirit turned green as its form flooded with vile liquid from my arrow. Undetected and fascinated, I crept much closer. After a few more moments, the spirit collapsed.

It had worked! My spell had two components. It carried a powerful weakness effect that temporarily, but dramatically, increased the deadliness of my poison - or in this case countered the undead immunity. The second aspect of the spell was that it totally but briefly drained a victim's speed; This rendered the target unable to remember being hit by a spell and allowed me to remain undetected while 'chasing my spell' with an arrow. Visions of green ghosts, skeletons and zombies danced in my head!

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/ScreenShot94.jpg

Careful not to slip on the ghost puddles, I gathered the useful remains from my prey. I then peeled off the form-fitting cat suit in favor of more innocuous clothing and returned to the Bravil Guild.

* * *

"Buffy, this ectoplasm is so fresh it's still wet! Thank you." Ardaline immediately began processing the green slime through her alchemy equipment.

After placing my bow on her counter, I produced Azura's Star and a repair hammer from my pack. "You're welcome Ardaline. I needed the practice and wanted to try a couple new things anyway." I quickly returned Slayer to perfect condition and put my tools away. "Say, have you seen Delphine?"

"I think she's in the dining area, probably having tea with Kud-EI." Ardaline was now pouring concoctions from one vial to another. "Oh, don't forget to congratulate her on the award the University gave her for that 'Enemies Explode' spell she created."

"I will." Smiling at my friend, I looked at her simple blue and green dress. Yes, Delphine was who I needed to talk to. Heading for the dining area I trailed words over my shoulder, "Thanks Ardaline."

"Congratulations Delphine! On your spell I mean." She was indeed having tea with Kud-Ei, the leader of our guild. Standing next to the two women, I was delighted that Delphine had received an award. Despite the fact that my own spell to immobilize and weaken enemies to poison was more creative, I would never submit it for an award. As far as 'Enemies Explode' goes, I didn't quite understand an award for standing in front of the alter and turning the fire damage controls all the way up to 'oh wow'. It wasn't really about the award though; It was about the joy receiving it gave to my guildmate Delphine, and I could not have been happier for her.

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/ScreenShot97.jpg

"Ooooh! Thank you Buffy. Would you like me to teach it to you?" Delphine bubbled with enthusiasm, as always.

"Delphine, you're the destruction expert. Like Kud-Ei here, I'm an illusionist." I chuckled. "I couldn't begin to figure out how to cast such a powerful spell."

"We don't need that stuff when we can control minds do we Apprentice?" Kud-Ei looked at me. I loved her wonderfully melodic voice, so typical of Argonian women.

"Um, ladies, I have to go to a formal dinner affair at Castle Leyawiin. Do either of you have any suggestions for what I might wear?" I got just the response I hoped for from the two women who were so very different from each other:

Kud-Ei took a sip of her tea.

Delphine shot to her feet. "Oh my yes Buffy! I know you have lots of clothes." She quickly looked me up and down. "We're about the same size. Let me run upstairs and grab some of mine." The effervescent Breton breezed out of the room.

Peeking around the corner, I could see Delphine's blue gown bouncing up the steps.

Kud-Ei set down her tea, blinked her orange eyes at me and shrugged. "Sorry Buffy, I have ten outfits and they are all the same as the green one I am wearing now. Something tells me, you will get all the fashion help you need from Delphine though. Probably more than you want." She picked up her tea again, but there was a sparkle in her eyes.

"Thank you Kud-Ei." Then I added, "You help me in more ways than you know."

Delphine, her arms full of clothes poked her head in. "Let's go Buffy. Off to your place. C'mon."

* * *

My home soon had clothes all over the floor and I was getting dizzy trying everything on. The open bottle of Tamika's we were sharing probably didn't help. Finally I just had to sit down, in my underwear. Delphine and I both laughed.

"Here Buffy, it will be one of these." She laid three gowns on my table. "But you're right, we need a break." Delphine suddenly noticed the bruises on my bare left shoulder area and her eyes flew open wide. "Buffy! What happened to you? I swear, if someone has been hurting you, I'll make them explode!"

"No, no Delphine. I was hunting ghosts in the undercroft this morning and had to do some diving and rolling." I rubbed my right hand over my shoulder and elbow. The magic from my fingers quickly soothed and faded the bruises.

"Really!" Delphine shook her head and clucked disapprovingly. "Some day you're going to get hurt skulking around in dark places like that. Those bruises remind me that there's something else I've been meaning to talk to you about." She sat down across from me, smoothed her gown and looked quite serious. "Buffy, you recall butting heads with Fathis Aren?" Delphine's segue was as subtle as a repair hammer.

Suspiciously, I replied. "Um? yes?" I was unsure what was coming. I remembered quite clearly a confrontation between Fathis and myself at the guild. It likely would have ended with one of us dead were it not for Kud-Ei's intervention on my behalf.

"The whole guild here remembers how he used to be infatuated with you. Worse than Varon Vamori with Ardaline even. At first, when he called you a 'wood nymph', we all thought it was cute; But when you didn't respond to his advances, he began sneering the term as one of many insults." Delphine paused for a breath and continued. "And who could forget that night at the guild. I was ready to jump under the table, expecting fireballs and lightning bolts to be flying any minu?."

"Delphine?" I interrupted her to prevent the tears I felt beginning to well. Sitting in my underwear provided little cover for the flush of embarrassment and discomfort I felt. Why was she dragging up these memories? It wasn't the confrontation, but the months of cruel insults. "Could you get to your point my wonderful, dear friend? Please?"

"Well Buffy, I have a friend who graduated from the Arcane University over a year ago and I haven't seen her since." Delphine placed two fingers on her cheek and looked up at the ceiling. "Funny thing is, she was sweet on Fathis and it seems, he on her. He even gave her an arcane tower somewhere up in the Jeralls. I just wonder if something's happened to her. Given how mean Fathis was to you, I wonder if he may have something to do with this. I'm worried about Maxical - that's her name."

"You know Delphine, maybe that explains why Fathis has not bothered me for quite some time now." I stood, and tugged a light green skirt up over my hips. "In fact, I've seen very little of him lately. Who knows, maybe he's changed for the better. Stranger things can happen I guess. How can I help?"

"Until she turns up, I'm not sure that you can Buffy. If she does though, and you are around, I'd love to introduce her to you. Depending on what's going on with her, maybe you could share some of your thoughts on Fathis. Oh, and in your travels, maybe you could keep an eye out for her?"

"I'll do that." I freed my ponytail from the neckline of the white peasant blouse I had just pulled over my head. "This friend of yours? Maxical? What does she look like?"

"You can't miss her Buffy. She is a Khajiit with the most beautiful white fur, and about our age. Oh, and like you, she doesn't look like a mage." Delphine patted the gowns on the table between us. "Now, for your fancy party, take all three of these with you and decide there. Make sure you take shoes for each one. We can't have you wearing those clunky leather boots!" She laughed, then irrepressibly continued. "When you get to Leyawiin, see Agata. Yes, yes, I know she's a Nord, but she really does know fashion and hair." Delphine looked at me and frowned. "Speaking of which, that ponytail will have to go. Have Agata help you put it up with a stick twist to show off that pretty neckline. It'll make you look elegant. She'll know what to do if you ask for her help. Oh, now don't forget to take a nice amulet with you. That copper thing you wear most of the time may be enchanted, but it certainly doesn't go with a formal gown."

My head was spinning. "Thank you so much Delphine. I'll take all that stuff with me, look up Agata, and let you know if I see a white Khajiit."

* * *

After picking up my house, I spent the rest of the afternoon packing. I carefully inspected everything from bowstrings to poisons to blue velvet shoes. What did Delphine mean about Nords not knowing much about fashion? Sigrid of Kvatch was a Nord, and she was both elegant and beautiful. Frowning, I wished I hadn't remembered that. I tried to focus on preparing for my trip to Leyawiin.

Something told me there would be more to this adventure than just Sanguine's party quest. "Acadian, how are we going to get into the Countess of Leyawiin's dinner? The only time I've ever been in a castle was just long enough to buy this house. I guess we'll figure out something. Infiltration maybe?" Acadian realized I was just jabbering to myself. "Here's a question that I really would like an answer to, my paladin. Say we do get into this castle, and even into the party? I don't know anything about royalty. How do I act? What do I say? I'm just a simple elf from Bravil. Acadian, I'm scared of those nobles!"

I couldn't imagine what he might be able to tell or show me, but I had learned not to underestimate Acadian. I closed my eyes hopefully and tried to clear my mind. I waited. Sure enough, an image began to form. A face that looked familiar - it was an older man, gray hair, white collar, purple... Uriel Septim! The image spoke: 'But in your face, I behold the sun's companion.' The Emperor then faded away.

"Acadian!" I squealed. "I could kiss you! Well, ok actually I can't, but you know what I mean. You're right, the Emperor of all Tamriel was kind to me. He liked me and thought I was important." Suddenly, I felt much better. "If I'm good enough to walk and talk with Uriel Septim, I'm good enough to consort with the Countess of Leyawiin! Besides," I shrugged, "she might even be nice like the Emperor was."

Tell Buffy to mention the name of a good sports bra to Sigrid, containment works wonders if that is all that keeps Sigrid from enjoying athletics. Nothing can be done about the eye problem though, not without the magic of Bethesda's first person viewing.

Acadian, that vacation must have refreshed you, you just keep knocking them out of the park since you've come back! Awesome write, (and I love how you described Maxical, lol).


** I resisted the urge to insert a pic or link to the "Ooomph" mod - oh wait, that was "UFF" mod, sorry. (assistance for NPC's with Sigrid's particular 'complaint')

Enterprise to Accadian. Acadian, come in.

Acadian to Enterprise. Ready to land. Request permission to land.

Roger. Land, Acadian.

*Acadian uncharacteristically flubs landing, missing all four cables*

And with a FVROOOOOM! Acadian bolts off the deck to try again...


Ardaline was now pouring concoctions from one vile to another.

I know ectoplasm is vile...but don't you think the container should be a VIAL?


Ooooh....I have SOOOOOO paid you back for Buffy's playful slap at me!!!

:rofl:


A-and in a matter of minutes Acadian zooms back and he makes a perfect three point and catches the first cable!!!!

(and the crowd goes wild)...


:clap:

First- absolutely loved it. The discussions of magic, of clothing, and such "girly" things ring true (to my ears, at least). Can't imagine why you felt the need to ask for my insight into women- you seem to have a great deal of insight, already. (And to repeat- I really don't want to get a reputation for being an expert on crying females!)

Second- I know these are Buffy's journals and she doesn't tell us everything- but there seems to be a disconnect. Last we saw she was leaving Kvatch, promising to be good. Now she is in Bravil, apparently on a contract for the Chapel (or the Mage Guild). Probably just me- wanting to hear about every moment of Buffy's life....

Great work, as always.

Very nicely done. I especially liked this:

Sigrid of Kvatch was a Nord, and she was both elegant and beautiful. Frowning, I wished I hadn't remembered that.

Welcome to girlsville. That was done so lightly and effortlessly that is pure beauty to read.

im starting to really enjoy how you incorporate game strategys into your writing. that trick you used with the poison will help a lot in the future