Your stories are beginning to leave me speechless. I can only repeat what I have been saying. While reading, Buffy becomes an almost tangible presence and I am swept away to Cyrodiil. Once again, thanks for letting me come along.

This is the chapter, my friend, where everything hits the spot.
This is not a story that is simply being told, instead it is really happening around us. Magnificent. :foodndrink:

The NPC's have come alive. The way you described Kud-Ei's reaction was amazing. To have her just sipping that tea was ohhhhh so perfect.

And I am now even more scared about the Fan Fiction section than ever. Is it possible that you and mALX could have planned your events around Fathis Aren months ago????
No, no, I am not even going to consider that.

Just brilliant. :thumbsup:

Well my good friend you have done it again. Another beautifully written chapter, and another interesting look into who Buffy really is. I love the foreshadowing, and how well you transfer from an action scene to a more playful scene with such skill. I continue to sit in aww everytime you post a new chapter. Keep up the good work...as we all know you will.

~Digz~

No, the only conspiracy around here is the "Red Head Conspiracy," Lol (just kidding)

Hmmm...i've been meaning to read the maxical fanfic, you just made me more anxious to read it

I gotta ask the same question as Treydog, what happened, one moment Kvatch, next moment Bravil, did anything happen in between, a boar/deer/lion/goblin/imp etc?

I really liked this part though, it has a very 'girly' feel as some have put it, but i don't get the nord reference either, please explain this to me and Buffy as well. Nice stuff this chapter, keep it up :goodjob:

I was not really jarred by the move from Kvatch to Bravil. At the end of the Chapter 30 Buffy clearly states that she cannot remain there, and that she has to go and learn more before she can return for good. So I was not expecting her to still be in Kvatch at the start of the next chapter. It would have been possible to put a few sentences in of Buffy musing over her return at the beginning of Chapter 31. But I do not recall Acadian using such transitional devices at the beginning of every chapter to create a bridge from the last. So I think it would be been out of place.

On the subject of Nords, well it is rather obvious that Buffy is envious of Sigrid, who is a Nord. At the beginning of Chapter 30 Buffy thinks: "Although envious of her regal beauty". In the same paragraph we are also told that Sigrid has: "Her stylish blond hair, pretty blue eyes, and velvet gown". Then after the 3rd screenshot we are treated to this: "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?"

Plainly, Buffy is feeling very outclassed by Sigrid. Sigrid is a Nord. Agata is a Nord. If Buffy is envious of chesty, blue-eyed Nords, then obviously she is not going to be thrilled about Agata being one.

For some reason those velved dresses seem to cause quite a stirring of envy in the minds of these young girls, lol.





ROFL! Buffy need only watch where his eyes fall to find out! I think that internet pic I sent Acadian came from his wallet, but I could be wrong.

All I can say is "May I please have some more?" :twirl:

Some comments, and Chapter 32.

@mALX- Thank you! How did your girl get in Buffy's story? Would we ever plot such things?
Ah yes? Sigrid. I feel outgunned discussing such things. Buffy, on the other hand is twice as qualified as I. In fact, I believe she mentions Sigrid again this very next story. :lmao:
Do you think we should give Sigrid her own thread and short stories like we plotted, er... I mean discussed?

@D.Foxy- Thanks once again for the save my friend! I shall redouble my efforts to reduce errors.

@mcbeanie- I'm so glad you like the 'tips' that appear in some of Buffy's stories. It comes from her origins in the Oblivion General forums. A spell that enhances poison damage while retaining a sneak bonus is indeed a wonderful tool for an archer.

@bobg- To have that effect on you - the old master who showed me how to 'love' my character, disregard boundaries and bring her to life? I am the one who is speechless. Thank you. :twirl:

@Wolf- Thank you for the high praise! MALX and I plan events? You mean the mALX that pushed me and Buffy into fanfic? The same mALX that I dragged into fanfic right behind me? Coordinate efforts? What would make you think such a thing? Delphine Jend trying to introduce Buffy and Maxical? Is that even possible? :ahhh:

@Digz- Thank you so much once again for so concisely sharing with me what you get from a story. I find it so helpful in evaluating how much of my intent comes through.

@treydog- I'm so glad you liked the story! Yes, we have swapped a couple PMs discussing those mysterious creatures. I travel with Buffy and can observe, but I couldn't begin to read her mind. I have learned much from your thread. Regarding the disconnects:
-Getting from Kvatch to Bravil - sorry I was not clear enough in that transition. I considered your concern heavily and hope I have clarified things in the beginning of the next chapter.
-Chapel Undercrofts - wonderful hunting grounds. Buffy respects the Nine, so long ago she clarified with the Priests that those ghosts under the chapels were fair game. She finds the controlled, predictable environment an ideal location to practice new tactics and techniques. She is a hunter, born to archery. If asked, she will comfortably admit she is never more alive than when hunting a legitimate foe. Perhaps I should have brought all this out in a previous story. I will try to do better.

@UnknownK- Thanks! Maxical is a wonderful story. MALX can weave a plot like no other! Regarding the jump from Kvatch to Bravil, I hope my comments to treydog will help. I tried, in the next chapter, to make that better. The Nord reference?. As SubRosa said, 'welcome to girlsville'. I will ask you to read her response to that since she is so much more qualified and eloquent than I.

@SubRosa- Thank you for your kind words. Buffy has taught me so much. Thank you also for discussing both Buffy's move from Kvatch to Bravil as well as the Nord references. Your skill as a writer and your feminine insight help me greatly!

@D'Emjii- Thank you so much for requesting another story. Coming right up!


32---------- Leyawiin Expedition- Wet Reflections ----------

The journey to Leyawiin was miserable. It never stopped raining. Despite wearing that horrid black robe and hood, my skin was soaked and my boots were full of water. The storm seemed to deter bandits and beasts though, and had allowed us to slosh along the puddle-laden road in relative peace. I had plenty of time to discuss my plans and concerns at length with Acadian and Superian.

My heart had ached as I left the brave defenders of Kvatch. The excuses I had given Savlian Matius about trying to get more help for him and experience for me were true enough, although incomplete. I had nightmares of fireballs, burning rivers, and those terrifying clannfears. Amidst the brave defenders on top of that mountain, I was too ashamed to proclaim that much of my reason for leaving was fear. I was also confused and scared about my feelings for Savlian. Was a frightened, skittish Wood Elf really what that brave man needed? Was a soldier, who subordinated his own needs and feelings to the defense of his city, what I needed? Was he even capable of loving a woman more than his beloved Kvatch? Yet? he had come after me into the gate, jeopardizing his mission. Did that mean? oh, I didn't know what any of it meant. I thought about the beautiful Nord that now graced his defensive perimeter. I couldn't blame Savlian if he preferred her to me. After all, Sigrid was neither skittish nor would she run away. I still believed I would return? just not yet. Not with those nightmares. What would I find when I did return to Kvatch? We slowly plodded along in the downpour. A tear slid down my cheek but who would have known?

After fleeing Kvatch and making a brief trip to the University I went home. The respite in Bravil had been like a soothing potion. Too soon, but fully provisioned, we were on The Green Road bound for Leyawiin. The sky had darkened with little warning, as the storm burst forth between Bawn and, appropriately enough, Fathis Aren's Tower.

Acadian and Superian listened patiently in the pouring rain. Eventually, we came up with some ideas of how I might infiltrate my way into Castle Leyawiin and the Countess' dinner party. Frankly, I didn't expect to learn much by completing Sanguine's practical joke.

I was more than a little perturbed at Daedra Lords as I remembered the two spells thrust upon me by Namira and Sanguine. I had been determined to figure out what effects casting them would cause. There were two men at the University considered to be the finest spellcrafters in all of Cyrodiil. Borissean was overly cautious and had no sense of adventure. Gaspar Stegine, on the other hand, had been up for the challenge of helping me sort out the two Daedric spells. We had quickly discovered that Namira's Shroud was an alteration spell that simply extinguished torches. It would have been lethal for the Priests of Arkay if used in the Anga ruins as Namira had wished. Sanguine's Stark Reality was more complex. Leery of the fact that it contained some sort of destruction component, the Breton sorcerer and I cleared the Praxographical Center of bystanders. I cast the spell on a summoned victim. The skeleton merely flinched - so did Gaspar and I, as a sliver of our health was briefly drained. Then there was the other component. Perhaps the skeleton had found it humorous to be staring at Gaspar and I in our underwear, but we were not amused. After our initial chagrin, I could not help but giggle though. A hearty laugh eventually even forced its way out the old Wizard. Our clothes had not only been removed, they had quite disappeared. We could find them nowhere, but at least we knew what Stark Reality was. The fact that casting the spell would be considered an assault was not lost on me. It seemed Sanguine's intent was to land his messenger in jail after embarrassing the Countess. I was hoping for different results.

We carefully skirted the rising Lower Niben, where the relentless rain had claimed parts of The Green Road near Water's Edge. Despite my irritation with Sanguine, I was quite excited at the prospects for intrigue and learning a bit about what happened inside a castle. Of course what girl would turn down the chance to dress up in a formal gown? By the time the walls of Leyawiin began to emerge from the darkness, I had almost convinced myself that continuing to research Daedra Lords was a perfectly valid reason to delay getting myself killed in Kvatch. I shuddered - rain, cold, fear?

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/ScreenShot111.jpg

* * *

During the brief moment that the door to the Leyawiin guild was open, rain swept across the elegant stone floor and the crack of thunder caused the woman inside to flinch. I quickly pressed the door closed against the storm and pulled my soaked hood off. "Greetings Evoker," I nodded to the Nord, my black robe dripping all over the lobby floor.

"Well, Hello Apprentice. I see it's still not fit for Khajiit nor Argonian outside. It's been quite some time since you helped us by recovering Dagail's amulet." Agata was effectively the second in command at this guild. She was pleasant, but businesslike, with her hair severely pulled back and wearing standard guild-issue blue robes. "I was pleased that our recommendation helped you enter the University. Boderi Farano tells me you did quite well for yourself there Buffy. What brings you to Leyawiin?"

"Mostly research, Agata. Do you think I could stow my things and use Kalthar's old quarters in the basemant while I'm here?" I held up my baggy dripping sleeves and shrugged.

Agata smiled. "Forgive me Buffy. Yes. Use Kalthar's quarters. Head down there right now and get yourself into some dry things. We would be delighted for you to stay as long as you like. Let me know if there's anything I can help you with."

I had found that the term 'research' covered a multitude of things I didn't want to share. "Thank you for the welcome Agata." I headed for the basemant.

When visiting guilds that had basemants with beds, I generally preferred sleeping there. It gave me room to spread out my gear and more privacy. As I looked at the bed, I remembered Kalthar. Killing a whining traitor to help the kind and wise leader of this guild had been a fair trade. The Council of Mages had correctly determined my actions to be self defense and absolved me for the death of my guildmate.

After kicking off and draining my boots, I removed the robe, wrung it out and found a place to hang it along with the hood to dry. While unpacking, I allowed the air to dry my rain-soaked skin. I hoped Delphine knew what she was talking about, commending Agata to me. If the Nord assistant guild leader knew much about fashion and hair, it surely didn't show. Of course, I was hardly one to talk at the moment. My ponytail was more like a wet rattail. Removing the leather keeper I shook my loose hair, spraying the walls. Laying out my gowns to relax any travel wrinkles, I smiled to see my fingers and toes were just as wrinkled from so much rain. By the time I was unpacked, I was dry, except for my hair. Pulling on a blue and green dress, I headed back upstairs.

I suppressed a squeal at my good fortune as I climbed to the second floor of the guild and chirped, "Hail, Tsavi." The green hood and robe turned around, revealing the Khajiit. She was a member of the guild, but more importantly, was the Staff Mage for Castle Leyawiin.

"Oh, hello Buffy, nice to see you again. You had a pleasant trip from Bravil?" Tsavi looked perpetually sad, but she was nevertheless pleasant enough.

"Yes, but for that interminable storm." Careful now Buffy. Nice and subtle. "I had to wear my rain gear all the way. Tsavi, I notice you wear green robes from the University. I could never stand wearing them. How do you get them to fit so well?"

Tsavi seemed pleased at the compliment as she looked down and smoothed the robes a bit with her hands. "I had these altered. Otherwise I would swim around in them tripping over the hem."

I laughed. "Oh, good idea. I called them 'green bags' at the University." Good. Tsavi was opening up just a bit. "I wear black robes against the rain, but only when I have to. Fortunately, they have been soaked and dried enough that they've shrunk to fit. I still hate wearing them though."

Tsavi smiled. "Well the whole idea of wearing robes as the castle mage is important. It helps remind people in the castle - well really, just the Countess - of why I'm there. Otherwise, I'm sure she would throw me out."

"Throw you out?" I opened my eyes wide for Tsavi's benefit. Yes! She was talking about the castle now. "Why on Nirn would she do that?" Add just a pinch of flattery. "You are a skilled mage and healer."

"The Countess Caro hates Khajiit." Tsavi shook her head slowly. "The sad part is, she could be a fine Lady Leyawiin otherwise. At least she dislikes Khajiit and Argonians equally. The way many of our two races torment each other in this town, the last thing we need is for the Countess to take sides. I think she just dislikes anyone who looks different than her Imperialness. She even looks down her nose when she passes that Orc who's been hanging around the Great Hall."

"Orc?" I pounced on the opportunity and tried my best to gush encouragement. "Now, that sounds mysterious!"

"Oh, it is." Tsavi perked up. "This Orc claims she is a knight, but just snarls that she won't talk to anyone but the Count. Of course, the guards won't let a snarling Orc anywhere near Lord Leyawiin. She's done nothing to warrant arrest, so things are at a standstill. Since his guards can get nowhere with her, the Count has offered a reward to anyone who can find out the Orc's business."

"Fascinating Tsavi." I said politely with a measured touch of blandness. Ok Buffy, turn off the gush. Time to gently back out. "How's Dagail? I mean now that she has her amulet back to channel her voices and visions?"

"Dagail? As wise as she ever was. She still talks in questions and circles, but if you pay attention you can learn much from her. Agata continues to handle much of the daily business for the guild. That reminds me, I came over here to see Agata. Please excuse me Buffy. Wonderful to see you again."

"You too Tsavi. 'Bye." I gave myself a passing grade for this first step of my infiltration. My business remained my own. The less people involved in Sanguine's perversion, the better. I hoped to minimize Agata's role to assistance with clothing and hair should the time come. The conversation with Tsavi had provided a reason to visit the castle. I gulped, as I imagined the reason though. Orcs were nice, weren't they?

...yes...

...but Acadian's writing is nicer!

There are stories ones reads as if one is swimming, swimming into a deep and deeper pool of consciousness...that would be SubRosa - there are stories that are so full of life, one feels those sparks enter into our own souls - that would be MalX1's - and there are other stories that one reads for their craft, their sense of the amazing..

...but this story, Buffy and her mentor Acadian, draws me back again and again for its warmth and cheer. Even as we clap or tremble with Buffy, we always feel as if we have come back home, kicked off our shoes and slipped into our bathrobes and slippers and sunk into our favourite chair with our preferred restorative in our hands.

Long may it be so! Thank you, friend Acadian, for giving such comfort to my web crawling!

Thank you Acadian and D.Foxy for your kind words.

@ Acadian - as you know I have withdrawn from the Sigrid discussion to keep from spamming your thread, and will save up any further comments for the Sigrid discussion/storyline thread or just continue spamming your PM with them, lol.

The chapter is Awesome, I knew it would be! Buffy's sensitivity and inner realizations are so spot on! Very well written emotions - as usual, and I stay in awe of your ability to create Buffy into deeper maturity!

Nicely done again. I especially liked Buffy's conflicting emotions as she thinks about Savlian, with the added layer of stylish and attractive Sigrid waiting in the wings (in her mind at least), to swoop in and carry off her man.

Since in my own game I have just finally gotten to Leyawiin and started on the quests there, I found this particularly amusing:



Not! This is one of those cases where the limitations of a computer game show. I want so badly to tell that orc to stuff herself!

Even is I shivered with Buffy on that rain-swept road, I also basked in the warmth of her personality. The writing is so masterful- e.g.- "Not a fit night...."

As to the discussion about the perceived (by me) disconnect from Kvatch to Bravil, I appreciate your decision to fix it... but I'm not sure it was really broken. One of the best things about stories is that we can leave out the boring parts and "get to the good stuff." In the case of Buffy, it is all good stuff. Back to the disconnect question- I should point out that my second story was written in such a way that it took place during the middle of my first story- neither sequel nor prequel, but "midquel."

Thank you so much Acadian, for continuing to share with us the joy and angst of this story.

loved how you talked about Mazoga like that and i enjoyed how she acted on her way to Bravil.
*sigh* the road sounds just like my neighborhood

Buffy is indeed alive and stunningly entertaining. "Ladies and gentlemen. Buffy has entered the building."

Inside Buffy's head is an amazing place to be. Her lust for adventure is only held back by her desire to survive, and sometimes her self doubt. I enjoy this story more and more every time I read a new chapter. As always your skill with words is impressive, and inspirational. Keep up the excellent work my friend!

~Digz~

@ D.Foxy- My mentor for writing craft and bow. Thank you so much for the kind words. In your comments you recognize differing styles, yet lifted not only me, but several wonderful fellow writers.

@mALX- Your insight helps me understand Buffy, and your inspiration keeps me writing. :nod: Thank you my friend!

@SubRosa- Being inside Buffy's head is a swirling mess, yet at the same time a fascinatingly beautiful place to see Cyrodiil from. When it comes to the emotional stuff, she provides the words.
I must confess a softspot for Mazoga. Once you get to know her, she can be a beautiful, loyal friend. She takes some effort, but she's worth it.

@treydog- To retain the interest of such a talented writer is gratifying indeed. Thank you so much for the kind assistance you have provided me via your comments and PMs.

@mcbeanie- I tried something new here. I was going for an odd three way conversation between Buffy's mouth, Tsavi and Buffy's head. I think it worked ok.

@bobg- Buffy is alive. You had a hand in that my friend. Thank you so much for your continuing support and kind words. Coming from the old master, it means a great deal.

@Digz- Once again, I find your insights so very helpful at judging how close to target I am. Thank you. You said: "Inside Buffy's head is an amazing place to be." As one who is so very fortunate to spend time there, no truer words were ever spoken - despite my comments to SubRosa .



And so Buffy continues her rather complicated expedition to the city of Leyawiin....

---------- 33 Leyawiin Expedition- Changes ----------

"Acadian, I thought we were trying to infiltrate Castle Leyawiin and find a way into the Countess' dinner party? How is traipsing over to the east side of The Lower Niben going to get us into that castle?" I stared at the blue mark on my map, mystified and a bit irritated. I knew I could ignore it, but should I?

My choices had not always been the best. I'm the one who decided to jump into an Oblivion Gate, forcing Savlian to pull me back out. It wasn't Acadian that led us into the Dark Brotherhood.

I contrasted that to where my paladin had led me. Azura's Star. The precious magic bag that protected my treasures. I knew how to drain my enemies' speed. The ability to recall Superian. The Cobra's Dance power that had often saved my life. I could go on. Smiling, I closed my map.

"The Yellow Road, half way between Leyawiin and The Silverfish River. So be it Acadian." It only then occurred to me that had I decided to ignore his advice, Acadian's response would have been 'So be it, Buffy'.

* * *

Even from the road, trees could not fully hide the unmistakable hint of a large gray statue. My heart quickened as I realized I was approaching a Daedric Shrine! "Acadian, I didn't think you approved of my obsession with these shrines. Is this a truce offering? Have you changed your mind?" Then I recalled that this had interrupted our task at Castle Leyawiin. "No, if that were the case, you would have waited. This must be related somehow to the Castle." I shrugged, feeling quite carefree. "I'm sure you know what we're doing."

As Superian and I drew closer, the Daedric Shrine became fully visible, just beyond a short bridge that crossed a quiet stream.

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/ScreenShot117.jpg

The statue depicted a slender, robed woman. Each of her outstretched arms supported the figure of a large night bird. As a student of Daedra Lords, I instantly recognized the Night Mistress, Nocturnal. I approached and touched the shrine. A woman's voice, like a shroud of silk, softly echoed around me.

"Night among strangers. Secrets in the dark. Nocturnal is here. But my Eye is blind and drowned, stolen from its shrine, and hid in dark waters. To steal from a god is most unwise. In Leyawiin, two Argonians think themselves secret, but the Eye has seen them. Find these thieves in the city that spans the waters. Learn where they hide my Eye. Retrieve the Eye of Nocturnal, mortal, and return it to me, and I shall look favorably upon you."

Well, at least she didn't jam a spell in my? um, book like Namira and Sanguine had done. I checked the map to ensure there were no more blue surprises. Turning Superian, we headed back to Leyawiin. So, someone stole from the Mistress of Thieves? Imagine that. I was beginning to believe that these Daedra Lords were not only less than helpful, but some of them were not too bright.

* * *

Sitting by a small campfire outside the cave entrance, I worked on Slayer and inspected arrows as I reviewed the past couple days. Flames gently licked the venison and crabmeat in front of me. I was tired and hungry.

The two Argonians had been easy to find. Racial tensions and a few septims flashed in front of a Khajiit had quickly given up the names and location of Weebam-Na and Bejeen.

I gently set my bow beside me, retrieved the meat from my fire and started wolfing it down.

The two thieves, even under a spell, would tell me nothing except some nonsense about a rat infestation. Later, slinking in the darkness I returned in my black cat suit. A spell coaxed the tumblers protecting the Argonians' door open - so much more efficient than using lockpicks. Quietly, I entered like a shadow. I didn't have to wait long.

"What if someone discovers we have hidden it in Tidewater Cave?" The question from Bejeen to Weebam-Na was all I needed to hear before I snuck out as quietly as having entered.

The crab and venison were gone, and I was full. I stirred the fire and added another piece of dry wood from the small pile I had gathered. The fuel was hard to come by in the swampy Black Marsh.

This morning, I had set out on foot for Tidewater Cave. It was on my map from long ago, when I visited the Serpent Stone and explored Fort Blueblood. Following the swampy coast had netted some game for dinner. I had been alerted to the two trolls guarding the cave entrance by my rings that detected life. Their life forces had just been used a few minutes ago to recharge Slayer.

It was late and moonlight now shimmered across the surface of Topal Bay. There were no pink glows nearby and it was a beautiful starry night. I stripped and walked into the cool, soothing water for a swim.

Tidewater Cave could wait till morning.

Nicely done again. Short, and to the point.

So, someone stole from the Mistress of Thieves? Imagine that. I was beginning to believe that these Daedra Lords were not only less than helpful, but some of them were not too bright.

You do have to wonder about these Daedra Lords do you not?

Awesome Acadian! I love the screenshots, and have to get my game back up on the PC so I can add some, lol. I'm with SubRosa on that line she quoted, I picked that one out as my fave too!

It is slowly dawning on me how totally Buffy inhabits her world. It's the little wry comments that occur but not so often as to be a writers device. It's the attention to detail only when Buffy would reasonably be aware of detail. To put it simply; it's the passion of a writer for a fascinating character.

Is this missing the word "to"?

Other then that I loved the chapter excellent work yet again my friend!

I am coming more and more to appreciate Buffy's "journalistic" (in the sense of a diary rather than a newspaper) style. She does not report every moment or thought- she already "knows" what happened- the written words are just to document the major or memorable events. It makes for a fast, meaty kind of narrative- and one in which no words are wasted. I am reminded of one of my dad's favorite quotes- "I do not have time to be brief."

Point being, it takes work to pare one's prose down to the essential elements. You and SubRosa are two of the best at that- and you do it without giving up your character's humanity.

Some people have commented that Buffy jumps around a lot from point A to B.
But, as you have shown at the chapter start, the direction she heads comes part from Buffy's desire and part from Acadian's guidance.
Just like the game itself, any direction is possible at any time.

Your story, as a journal, is much better for this randomness. A straight, linear narrative would not make sense.

I like how you dont always explain things as in:

I had been alerted to the two trolls guarding the cave entrance by my rings that detected life. Their life forces had just been used a few minutes ago to recharge Slayer.

I like that form. Is Buffy ever going to get a new bow?

Some comments and then, Chapter 34:

@SubRosa- Thanks! I admire the shorter length that you use for your stories and I am trying to move towards story lengths of 1000-1500 words. This one was even shorter. In essence, it was the first part of a story that grew too long.

@mALX- I'm so pleased you liked it! :twirl: I do believe the screenshots can add. Especially with my story being pretty close to what happens in game. I'm glad that you, like SubRosa, liked the line about Nocturnal - I have always seen the irony of stealing from the Mistress of Thieves. It seems she is missing her gray cowl as well.

@bobg- Buffy lives and breathes. I am pleased that you find my writing conveys what I am so privileged to see when traveling with her. Her insights flow readily to me - when I listen to her.

@Digz- I so appreciate your continuing encouragement! Thank you also for the attention to detail and taking the time to help me by pointing out a typo. :nod:

@treydog- Thank you so much! As I mentioned, I am trying to reduce the length of chapters. This one was even shorter than planned. I want to mix the level of detail I provide in different chapters though. Sometimes I hope to cover a fair amount of ground in a briefer format; Other times, leisurely covering only a small amount of ground in good detail. I find I am comfortable summarizing a lot of ground quickly in the 'flashback' type format used in the above story.

@Wolf- Thank you for the observations. I appreciate your insight greatly. Buffy is about 65% to the end of her current 'book'. I am comfortable she will reach the destination I have in mind, but getting her there is quite akin to herding cats. I am happy to suport her and do not mind responding to her whims or even random events in the game. Buffy also has a short attention span, "Look! Over there. Oooh, shiny! Let's go!" There is a linear aspect to her story of course, and sometimes a flashback can help provide that continuity. Once her current book is done, I look forward to more of a short story format where she can bounce around more randomly and focus on the sensation of the event at hand instead of having to get somewhere. I hope also to experiment with different styles and perspectives at that point. Ultimately, she is just a simple girl trying to make her way in a dangerous and confusing world.

@mcbeanie- I'm really glad you liked it! She is an archer of course and shoots her bow alot. I try hard to depict that in a variety of ways. Sometimes as indirectly as you mention, other times taking a whole story to detail a bow shot. Her bow, http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/vv43/Acadian6/ScreenShot16.jpg, is good for her now (level 12). At higher levels, she will be looking for a more powerful base bow and to boost the shock damage from 14 to 24. With larger souls more common, going for more power and less charges will work well at higher levels. Ebony is the next base bow that can beat her grummite. She will probably upgrade to ebony at level 16, then daedric at 20.


---------- 34 Leyawiin Expedition- Tidewater Cave ----------

The first streaks of morning sun reflected on the calm surface of Topal Bay as I raised my head from the bedroll. I dressed in black leather and broke camp just outside the entrance to Tidewater Cave. I had not noticed the nearby St John's Wort plants the night prior and gathered some nectar - useful to help make basic poisons. Pulling Slayer from my back, I entered the cave.

Letting my senses adjust to the cold, damp air, I smelled animal waste. The darkness was moderated by naturally glowing rock outcroppings. Surveying the life signs, I could discern a variety of animals and the unmistakably hulking shoulders and long arms of several trolls.

Taking the first right turn, I snuck down a corridor.

Rasping breathing came from behind me. The trolls were moving quickly and I wasn't prepared for two of them. All I could think to do was hug the shadows of the rock wall and hold my breath. If they saw me this close, even disappearing might not protect me from lucky swings. I might survive one hit from a troll, but not two. The huge, foul smelling beasts lumbered past and continued deeper into the cave. Finally, I exhaled.

Creeping forward, I could make out both trolls in the cavern ahead. The farther of the two jerked from the impact of my poisoned arrow. Still undetected, I counted down the time for my poison to run its course. A second arrow was required. Again, distance, darkness and Slayer's enchantments prevented my detection. I repeated the process for his companion.

Creeping forward towards the dead trolls I sensed a warning from Acadian, Behind you again. Before I could react, I felt something hit the back of my right hamstring and tear into my flesh. I staggered forward and turned around. The rat's next lunge was for my throat. I was barely fast enough to deflect him with the stave of my bow. Instinctively, flames leapt from my fingertips once. And again. And again. Several more spells continued to bounce the dead rat down the corridor before I realized I could stop. My heart pounding, leg screaming and hands shaking, I leaned against the cave's stone wall.

The throbbing in my leg radiated into my hip and I felt my head spinning. Tears welled and I was having trouble concentrating as I drank a healing potion. Fumbling in my pack I found a piece of mandrake root and ate it. The dizziness subsided, allowing the concentration necessary to bring forth healing energy and channel it into my wound. I limped into the cavern containing the dead trolls.

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Sitting upon a rock, I used more potions and spells to further heal my wound. What had happened? I had only been in this cave a short time and almost gotten myself killed twice. I made a repair to the tear in my leathers and fixed several tooth nicks on the stave of Slayer. I shuddered to think if the rat had been a troll. "Thank you Acadian, for watching my back. How could I have been so careless as to neglect sweeping the area behind us for enemies?" Shaking my head, I recharged Slayer and tested my leg. After drinking one more potion, as much for nerves as my wound, I backtracked from this dead end cavern.

The next passage descended, explaining the cave's Tidewater name. Two distinctive glows of slaughterfish lie ahead. Wading up to my waist, I started slapping the water. Sure enough, one of them charged, as I quickly back peddled and reached for an arrow. By the time I retreated to ankle deep water, the slaughterfish was splashing and snapping harmlessly in front of me. One arrow killed the fish. Unfortunately, his companion remained in deep water.

I loved swimming, but not while fighting an underwater life support system for teeth. Oh well.

I unstrung Slayer, carefully placed the bowstring in the dry safety of my magic bag and attached the stave to my back. In addition to my pair of detect life rings, I slipped on two more that would allow me to breathe and see under water. A blue glow pierced the shadows. The fur shield I pulled from my pack was a poor substitute for the light steel one I had given to Savlian. Wading forward into chest deep water, I drank a shield potion, submerged and swam deeper. The remaining slaughterfish whirled and charged. Teeth first, he slammed into the shield. The painful jolt jarred me and almost buckled my arm. True to their hit and run style, the fish released the shield and began to turn away. Instantly, I grabbed his tail, paralyzing him. Without letting go, I channeled damaging energy into his body until he died. This underwater corridor turned out to be another dead end.

After drying and reconfiguring everything, I turned into the next passage. The large glow ahead was big as a troll, but on all fours. My target identification spell divined that it was a black bear. One arrow did not kill it, but within a few seconds, the poison did. A third dead end!

A single troll was evident in what appeared to be the only remaining tunnel. I had to be getting close now to what was the Daedra Lord missing? Oh yes, Eye of Nocturnal. I crept closer to the troll. The glow was very large now, just beyond the approaching sharp turn.

Stop Buffy. I thought about some of the things that could go wrong with the upcoming close range fight. I was still a bit shaken from being nearly bested by a rat. I didn't want to end up in a puddle of blood and tears on the floor of this cave screaming how much I hated Acadian for dragging me here. And I really didn't want to get myself killed.

Drinking two shield potions, I hoped they would allow me to survive a troll hit if it came to that. I reviewed the spells I might need. Finally, I poisoned and nocked an arrow.

With Slayer partially drawn, I eased myself sideways to see around the corner. As soon as I had a clear shot, I fully drew the bowstring and released my arrow. At this close range, the massive troll was staggered away from me by the impact. I wasn't taking any chances though, and immediately chased my arrow with a spell. The poisoned troll retreated in terror as I nocked a second arrow. After a few seconds, my spell wore off and he charged. The second arrow not only stopped the troll's forward momentum, it killed him instantly.

I slowly turned, scanning all the way around me for pink glows. Seeing none, I lit a torch and quickly found Nocturnal's Eye.

* * *

Astride Superian, I drew up close and touched Nocturnal.

"My eye is returned, and I once again see into the darkness that is your world. We mock the thieves, for bitter is their loss. You, mortal, may take this. It shall open the secrets of dark places for you."

"That's it? I was hoping for some information about the plains of Oblivion, or at least some experience fighting daedra." I touched the shrine again, but got no response. What good was a skeleton key? I could open any lock in Cyrodiil with a spell. Oh well, it was smaller and lighter than the war hammer or staves I had carried away from other Daedric Shrines.

As Superian and I joined The Yellow Road, I could see smoke rising from the banks of The Lower Niben. We moved closer until a bonfire and several tents appeared. Locating the spot on my map, I saw it was called Fisherman's Rock.

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We skirted the camp down to the water's edge, and I slid to the ground. Spreading my arms, I gently placed one hand on Superian's withers and the other on her haunch. I then transferred a large amount of magical energy to her. After remounting, we trotted across the river atop its surface. Upon reaching the east side, we turned onto The Green Road for Leyawiin.

"Acadian, we need to investigate that Orc in Castle Leyawiin. I still think that's the best bet to get ourselves into the Countess' dinner party."

The bonfire across the river at Fisherman's Rock was still visible. I wondered if the Argonian thief, Weebam-Na would learn not to steal from Daedra Lords?

I was mystified, but content. "I have no idea why you led us to Nocturnal's Shrine, but that's ok, my paladin. I trust you."