mALX, this was great fun to read and quite clever!

This post has been edited by Acadian: Sep 12 2010, 04:35 PM

And if that doesn't convince the ingrates to invite him and "kiss his *bleep*ing *bleep*", well then, nothing will... LOL. His poor "Lordship"...all he has to put up with from those nasty "primitives".

This was awesome, mALX -- all of it! Looking forward to more!

@ Foxy - Thank you so much Foxy !! (see my comment back to you on page 18 !! )

***
@ Destri - Thank you so very much Destri !!! I struggled with this Courier - I've revamped it probably fifty times, lol. I think I've lost my flair for Couriers, and probably should have re-read some of my previous ones a few times to get back that feel for it, lol. Thanks Destri !!!

***
@ Treydog - Thank you so much Treydog !!! Oh, my fave insert "following on the heels" was when they said they would reveal something about Orc mixes in the afternoon's Special Edition - and the first line was Agronak admitting he is an Orc mix - so everyone will connect the info they get directly to him when they read that issue, lol. Agronak just didn't know who he was fooling with, Maxical's family is like ET, "Mess with me, you mess with my whole family" ROFL !!! Thanks again Treydog !!! The Mrs. Treydog will be hanging in the Clubhouse Mezzanine at the Arena for all Tamriel to view - Ocato may want her to do one of him standing next to it !!! ROFL !!!

***
@ Hazmick - Thank you so much Hazmick !!! I've got something coming up that is connected to that statement too, lol.

***
@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian!!! I had fun writing it - but it took so many edits I was surprised it ever reached the post! You ROCK !!

***
@ Rachel - Thank you so very much Rachel !!! Anytime you like my comedy it thrills me since you have kept me rolling with Edward so long and changed the way I view certain characters permanently !! Er...do I see Jauffre going on a rampage on your BGSF Edward? He hasn't had one in so long, lol !!!!

*


Chapter 44: Observations Cats Make


“Maybe I should talk to Jack about the music festival just in case Agronak is out of jail by then.� I gave a sidelong glance at Gils to see how all this Aggie-news was affecting him.

“That’s a good idea, he’ll know what to do.� Gils’ expression was enigmatic. Oh dear.

“How come it says here you and Owyn were trying to get my armor?�

“Maybe I thought if I gave it to you, you would give me something in return like Owyn said.�

“If I listened to Owyn I’d owe it to everyone no matter how minute the favor. However, unlike Agronak you will fit in my armor, so I am still safe. One golden armor for a battered leather one, that‘s a fair trade.�

“No, I want your sword, and you can have mine That‘s a fair trade. Remember your first day here?� He watched my face when he said that.

“Gils…�

He pounded his fist twice over his heart and raised his open palm to me. “I wasn’t too drunk last night. I meant what I said. I‘ve felt this way ever since that day. My sword was the first you ever saw. My hand was the first to touch your tail. You got your first kiss from me. I wish you had been started, I want you bound to me. It is meant that I be the one Maxical.�

“You’re just charming me to get the Courier back, I’m not falling for it..“

Gils threw something at me and while I looked to find out what it was he snatched the paper back.

“I knew it!� I stretched back out to rest again.

“It says in here that I succumbed to your wiles and am just another of your indiscriminate affairs…along with Owyn and Hannibal.� Gils said after a minute.

I rolled over. “Owyn! Ew! I missed that.�

He came over and showed it to me. “I did, you know. Only to find out in the Courier that I‘m just another indiscriminate…GAAAH! Tickle me again and I call an end to the truce.�

“You threaten to end the truce over everything. It’s just an excuse.� I accused.

“Maybe…what are you doing?�

The Courier was ’inadvertently’ scrunched when I leaned over and kissed Gils. Before we finished it had somehow found its way into the bathing pool. Of course he could just go in the other room and get another copy.

One thing I had noticed about Gils, if something is upsetting him he flirts to take his mind off it. The deeper the issue the more intense the flirting. He was getting tense reading the Courier…did he blame me for Agronak‘s troubles? I wasn’t ready to find out everyone was right by having him dump me for his Orc.

I knew one day we would be faced with that test, and it loomed over me because I knew what his decisions had always been in the past. There was a two-fold reason for having Gils teach me the mysteries of being the wife of a Dunmer. Sure, maybe Fathis would come for me one day. But for right now I hoped it would lock Gils to me, I was not ready to lose him.






***


“Come on, we need to get out of here before Owyn gets back or he’ll rehash everything in the Courier with us.“ Gils tugged my ponytail.

“Okay, I’m getting up. I want to see Jack while we are up there.�

I waited till I saw Owyn crossing the Arena in case he was still mad, then darted over to Jack’s office. Gils came with me.

“Maxical! I was just going to send for you. I drew this up and gave Owyn a copy, this copy is for you to carry with you at all times. It is a legal order for Agronak to stay away from you outside of a scheduled match. Just show this to the guards if he bothers you. How is that shoulder doing?� Jack gave me a pleasant smile.

“It should heal well, both Owyn and Hannibal worked on it. Jack, I am worried that if Agronak is free at the time of the music festival he will disrupt our promotion. It isn’t just our promotion but the Arcane’s for their band.�

“Good thinking. I will have a special contingent ordered for that day to watch for him if he is released by then.�

“Er…Jack…What do you know about Orc mixes?� Gils shifted uncomfortably while he asked.

“I know their junk is junk.� Jack gave his ghost of a smile.

“Told you everyone knows.� I stuck my tongue out at Gils. “Thank you Jack.�








***


“Okay, hold that pose.� Gils glanced up at me and then started sketching. He looked up again. “Hey, your tail has moved. I already started drawing it where it was before.�

“Can’t you draw it in both places and make ‘swish-lines’ between? I can’t keep it still.�

“Good idea…I suppose you can’t keep your tongue still either? Do you really want a billboard of you sticking your tongue out?� He looked back down again. “GAAAAH! Cut that out!�

“That’s called ‘Spider Crawling On Face’.� I pulled my tail back behind me.

“But that was my arm!�

“It would have gotten to your face if you didn‘t feel it. Besides, I didn’t want to rename it.�

“All right, relax and take a break for a minute. You’re distracting me from my work.� Gils stopped sketching.

“What are you thinking about? You look tense.� Why did I bring that up? Way to help him keep his mind off it!

“Just…things I thought were secret I find out are common knowledge. Things I gave up a lot to keep covered up...for Aggie. By the way, I know you made those rhymes up last night. Your eyes were full of mischief or I never would have guessed. Next time look down or away so it’s harder to tell.�

“Then I won’t get to see the expression on your face. That’s what made it worth it to think them up.�

“Owyn told me he knows something about you. I even got him drunk to get it out of him and he wouldn’t tell.� Gils looked hard at me as if he thought it might pop out of me.

“I don’t know what it could be…unless…�

“Your eyes are full of mischief again.�

“Nothing can be hidden that will not be known one day.� I quoted Alix.

“Now that’s strange. I had a good friend that told me that a long time ago.�

“You should have listened.�

“You’re right. Do you have any secrets?�

“Like what?�

“Ones that you’re keeping for someone else.� Gils started to draw again without me posing.

“Just one, and it’s not mine to tell. It is connected to Agronak…and it is NOT about his glass jaw.�

Gils’ quill scratched across the drawing in a jagged line. “You know about that?�

I looked away. “There are childhood rhymes about it…�

“Liar. Look me in the eye, I want to read you.� Gils walked over and stood in front of me, his eyes looking intensely into mine.

“Whose is it? No, don’t tell me. It could only be his mothers. I saw the flicker in your eyes, so that was it. Hmmm. What secret could that be? Agronak’s heritage? No. Your eyes look sad about the secret.�

“You read people like Khajiit do.�

“Does it have to do with his birth?�

“All I know about that is he refused to eat his vegetables. I stopped him before he got into the diaper habits. The imagery would have boggled.�

“Are you still going to do that for him?�

“I really don’t want to after what he did to me…I gave my word, but I was hoping he would go himself now.�

Gils nodded and went back to his drawings. “How would you feel about me coming with you? Pose.�

“Under truce?�

Gils hesitated. “It will be very hard, but yes.�

“Because you want to know the secret?“

“Maybe.�

I was surprised. That meant there was another reason, but what could it be? One thing about Gils, he won’t lie. He will evade, or tell you he won’t answer. But if he answers you can take it to the bank it‘s the truth.

“When you say maybe, it means yes but there is more to it. What?�

Gils looked surprised. “Yes, but I won’t tell you…yet. Maybe some day.�

“It must be bad then, that’s what you say when it’s something you‘re avoiding.�

Gils stared hard at me. “You just might be smarter than everyone thinks you are.�

“Maybe.� I shot him a look of mischief.

Gils dropped his quill and came over to me, watching my eyes closely. “What else have you observed about me?�

“When you do this…it’s your private signal to Owyn to leave because you want to be alone with me.�

“And…�

“This…means lock the door on the way out.�

“What else?�

“When you do this it means you are about to break the truce.� I gave Owyn’s graphic hand signal.

“I have never EVER done that one, and your eyes are full of mischief again. Okay, what’s this mean?�

“Owyn to come back in five minutes and disturb you.�

“Good gods, how did you figure all this out?�

“I’m a cat. We watch people.�

“Anything else?�

“Yeah, you and Owyn will change signals now that I’ve picked up on it.�

“To what?�

I turned my head away and shrugged my shoulders.

“Liar. You know.�

“Maybe.� I changed the subject. “I think I would feel better if you were with me, but will Owyn let us both leave?�

“If you want me there, Owyn could not stop me.�

I don‘t know why I flushed at that, but Gils noticed and the flush deepened. Gils had promised not to try me under truce. Was he going to charm me into submission instead? I had better be careful. I turned my back so Gils couldn‘t read my expression.

“What are you thinking?�

“I know the tail was an accident, but you have been charm on Skooma since. It makes me wonder if you are trying to slide one by me. Like maybe there is some loophole where if I am charmed into submission the truce becomes invalid.�

“I am going to floor the next person that calls you dumb…Maxical, what happened right before Aggie hurt your shoulder?�

“He was obsessed with you being near me, said repeatedly he was going to kill you if you touched me. I told Agronak my virtue was not his concern, only Fathis’s. He became livid when he heard me tell Hassiri I was going to the music festival. That’s when he grabbed me, and demanded to know what I thought I was doing making plans to go without him. I told him Fathis was the only one with the right to expect my plans to include him and that the friendship was at an end.“

“Weren’t you worried he may go after Fathis?�

I shook my head no. “Fathis would welcome the attack after that dirty ring trick. If he finds out he hurt my shoulder he won’t wait for an attack, he’ll go after him and kill him without thinking twice about it. He is an extraordinary Battlemage.“

“Let’s stop. We need to practice anyway, and my mind is not on drawing.�

“Okay.�

Gils acted like he was in a bad mood the rest of the day. I wished I could have taken back my answers, said something different that would have soothed him instead of agitating him worse. He seemed to be avoiding me, so I went in our bathing area and sulked.






***


“Maxical, a guard is asking to speak to you outside.� A Pit woke me shaking me.

I glanced around for Gils and didn’t see him, so dressed quickly and shot out the door. Pilus was waiting outside, and smiled when he saw me.

“I’m surprised the Arena is still standing, I heard you tried to destroy it the other day.�

I laughed. “That’s what Jack Thompson said too.�

“Oh that’s right, he’s over the Arena isn’t he. Did he remember you from the compound?�

“Oh yes. And he started looking for insurance carriers immediately.�

“Can we talk…privately?� He glanced behind me.

I turned around and there was Gils, glaring up a storm. I gave him a “Hmph� look and turned back to Pilus.

“Sure, let’s go for a walk.�

He glanced back several times till finally Gils went back into the Bloodworks, slamming the door with a loud bang.

“We are not supposed to do this, but…I have something for you.“

*

Maxical,

The man bringing you this has been taking extra good care of me if you know what I mean. Agronak is making everyone’s life down here miserable. Come see me, please? I miss you. If it wasn’t for Pilus I couldn’t stand it in here.

Love, Andronicus.


*


“I’ll come now.�

I put my hand on his arm and pressed it, then caught his eye and glanced back. Gils had come back out again and was watching. Pilus nodded.

“Let’s go then.�



*

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 4 2016, 02:36 AM

The by-play between Gils and Maxical was perfect! It seems that Fathis has some serious competition. She may attribute it to her nature as a cat, but paying that much attention to another looks suspiciously like love to me.

I wonder if she will tell Andronicus. And I shudder when I try to think of how specifically Agronak is 'making everyone's life miserable'. He must have found an urn by now!!

Lovely use of dialogue to show the personalities and actions and, in some cases, motivations of your characters.

Maxical may be brewing some very interesting plans regarding the Arena and she is very observant, but when it comes to her emotions, she is one confused kitty!


Nit: I think you wanted 'at'?

I loved this sentence in particular.

You continue to weave a mix of comedy and drama into this story that I absolutely love. So do the opposite of Aggie and...Keep it up!

This post has been edited by hazmick: Sep 14 2010, 04:29 PM

Maxical's life just becomes more and more complex... But she is clever enough in many ways to find a way out of her troubles. Just hope she figures out that she "belongs" to herself, and not to Fathis or Gils or anyone else.

Wonderfully written, funny and sad at the same time. This is one with a lot going on beneath the surface.

Gils is quicly becoming one of my favourite characters in this mALX. I hate the character you based him on (I presume he is based on the unnamed blue team Dunmer gladiator training his bow skills in the bloodworks) in the game with snotty remarks and whining after you defeated his friend the Grand Champion but I will never look at him the same again haha.

@ Destri - Thank you very much Destri!! I free-typed a lot of the Gils/Maxical roles - trying to get their personalities to blossom on their own - that is where this quasi relationship between them developed. I was iffy about Gils, and Maxical's choices and actions - but went ahead and let it stand after a lot of trying to eke it out of there. It has a purpose, other than her first experience with love.

***
@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian !!Oh, you nailed it, lol. Yes, she is not sure what she is stepping into, (but should be, enough people have given her a clue) but she is jumping in with both feet. Not always good. I fixed the nit, thank you for that !!!!!

***
@ Hazmick - SPEW! Now THAT was funny !!! Thank you so very much Hazmick!!!

***
@ Treydog - I'm glad you caught that. There is a lot going beneath the surface here, and not just with Gils. Thank you so much Treydog!!!

***
@ Remko - You are right, Gils is based on that unnamed Dunmer in the Bloodworks - who I can't stand in game. You are in the Arena to fight, if you don't win you are dead - so why does he get so mad when you beat Agronak? Also, when you enter the Arena as a combatant, he is a Gladiator. When you become Grand Champion, he is still a Gladiator - so what gives?

I figured there had to be a better explanation than "He was my hero" as the game gives - a more realistic reason for him not to advance in rank and get mad when you kill Agronak. There could only be two that I could think of, and I didn't want to write slash between Agronak and Gils...so I figured he had to be related somehow, lol.

I really don't like him 'in game' - so was really against using him in the story, but in free-typing he ended up taking over the keyboard.

*


Chapter 45: Games We Play


When we got to the Palace Pilus brought me into the Legion area through a locked door so Gils could not follow. I pulled the note out and tossed it into the fireplace, thinking quickly as I watched it burn. Gils had seen the note in my hand, he would hunt for it when I came back.

“Can I have a similar piece of paper?�

“Sure, this is what I used, take what you need.� Pilus indicated a writing desk.

I took the quill and ink pot and scribbled a note, then folded it up and put it in my small pocket. A small stack of Couriers with Agronak’s confessions sat on the corner of the desk.

“Can I bring Andronicus one of these?�

“Good idea…in fact, some of the other inmates might enjoy reading that.� Pilus grabbed up several copies and handed them to me. “You’ll drum up some fans among the prisoners by handing these out, Agronak has been making everyone miserable down there."

As we walked down to the holding area Pilus described in detail the injuries and number of Legion that Agronak took down when he resisted arrest.

“I’ve gotten a promotion. I’m the new hand-to-hand trainer for the Legion. I won’t be able to go down there and see Ysabel anymore. You know, if she could clean…I mean she really is something special…but…anyway, I’m glad you introduced us. I‘m coming down with you to say goodbye to her.�

“Pilus, she’s in a dirty cell and depressed. When she gets out of here you’ll see a difference. But you’re right about her, she is special. We all love her at the Bloodworks.�

When we entered the holding area I saw Agronak right away. He ran to the front of the cell as if I was there to visit him. I went to the cell opposite his.

“Pilus and I have brought you a copy of the Courier to cheer your day.� I smiled at the prisoner and held the Courier up so he could see the headlines.

He gratefully reached through the bars and took it. “Thanks!�

Agronak put his face to the bars and called my name, smiling. Did he think I had not seen him in there? Or that we were still friends? I moved down the row quickly, sliding each prisoner a copy of the Courier till I reached Andronicus at the end of the row. There was one prisoner across from her, but he was sleeping. Ripples of laughter and taunts of “Your Lordship� were already emanating from the cells.

I took one copy for Andronicus and gave the rest to Pilus. “Thank you Pilus.�

Andronicus’s shriek at seeing me woke the man. Pilus stuck the paper in for him.

“The white Khajiit brought you a present.� Pilus pointed in my direction and the prisoner gave me the Arena salute.

I waved and smiled. “I‘m bringing you laughter to brighten this dark place.� I called to him, then turned to Andronicus, who was bawling.

“Here’s something that will cheer you up Andronicus.� I slid the Courier through the bars to her.

“Pilus told me you blew up the Arena. What happened? No one was hurt, were they?� Andronicus stuck her face between the bars as if to inspect me for wounds or soot.

“Gils is having to do all of your chores now Andronicus.“

“All of them? BWAAHAAA! That will keep him worn down enough that he should leave you alone.�

Andronicus caught the look of misery on my face and her expression changed immediately. She must have guessed something happened between me and Gils and managed to give me a look that encompassed anger and sympathy in one glance. I really missed her friendship at the Bloodworks. She would have found some way to put everything in perspective for me.

Pilus asked to hear some of the Orc mix jokes.

“What's big, blue, and can't screw? - An Orc mix!�

“BWAHAA� Pilus barked.

“What's got a useless [censored] and a jaw of glass? - An Orc mix!� I rhymed.

“BWAHAHA!�

“How many Orc mixes does it take to screw a candle into a sconce? - None, they can't screw!�

“BWAAAAHAAAA! Quit!� Andronicus was bent over and circling around. Uh oh.

Pilus was doubled over till I was sure he was going to join Andronicus in leaving puddles. I told several more before I left, and even heard some of the prisoners in the cells near Andronicus’s start laughing hard.

She cried when I left, but I had to get back. I continued to tell rhymes to Pilus on the walk back to the Arena, which made progress really slow. He was laughing so hard he could barely stand and was leaning on my arm to walk.

Gils was standing outside the Bloodworks door watching us make our way towards him. I turned and faced Pilus, my back to Gils.

“I can’t say anymore, that is the Orc’s step-brother. It would upset him to hear it.�

“I understand. Listen, Maxical…it was really good for Andronicus that you came. She is very lonely and…you were right about her personality. I really do enjoy talking to her“

“I know, I do too.�

“She laughed herself sick when I told her about all the things you did to torture everyone at the Compound. I told all of the Legion about you being a combatant, those that remember you said they will come cheer for you. We reminisced about all your tormenting. Everyone said the place wasn’t the same after you left.�

“Thank you Pilus…uh oh, look. That’s Hassiri from the Courier. Unless you want your name in the paper as someone who has succumbed to my wiles you may want to hurry off before he sees me. Uh oh, too late. What do you want to bet you’ll be written up as a mystery man? Pilus, thank you for taking such good care of Andronicus, we all love her.�

He squeezed my hand and hurried off in the opposite direction from Hassiri.





***

Since the Special Edition with the “Confessions of a Grand Champion� came out the press had been sending their cards in to interview Gils. Because of his slowed to a stop career he hadn’t attracted them in years except for the special events he always fought in. I guess “succumbing to my wiles� made him popular with the press again like he had been when he was up and coming.

Hassiri hurried up to me. By protocol he should have interviewed Gils first, so I am sure he was anxious to know about Pilus. Owyn had briefed me and loaded me down with passes to the managers box already.

“Who was that Legion I saw you talking to? Quite a handsome young man.�

“Oh he escorted me to visit Andronicus at the prison. Since the attack Owyn is hesitant about me going anywhere unescorted.�

Hassiri shot me a concerned look before pointing to my engagement hand. “I notice you have moved Arch Mage Traven’s ring to your other hand…I hesitate to ask…but isn’t that now Agronak’s ring on your engagement finger?�

“No, actually both these rings are from Arch Mage Traven. Hannibal made this ring as a gift for me at the same time he made that crate of gag rings, but put a different enchantment on it. Believe me, I have no desire to sport a ring of Agronak’s.�

“I don’t blame you there. Did you throw the old one in the Rumare? I may go swimming if you did.�

“Do people really throw their rings in it? I may take a swim myself! Hannibal had heavily enchanted that ring too, adding extremely to its value. I didn‘t want to enrich Agronak by giving that one back to him.�

“Arch Mage Traven is quite an enchanting man, wouldn’t you say?� Hassiri laughed at his own joke, so did I.

“Oh Hassiri, that is really funny! May I borrow that from you?�

“Of course, just give the credit to yours truly.� He pointed his thumb into his chest, then raised his eyebrows questioningly. “But what of the original?�

“Oh, that one I gave to a very close friend…“

As I was answering him Gils moved out of the Bloodworks entry. Suddenly Hassiri seemed anxious to end the interview. I gave him some passes and thanked him. With a sinking feeling I realized I had spoken on the record about the rings. I watched him run toward Gils with his pad raised. Immediately Hassiri could be seen inspecting the 18,000 Septim ring on Gils’ engagement hand, Gils was on the record too. Oh dear.






***

While Gils talked to Hassiri I ran in and grabbed Owyn.

“Get a Septim ready.�

Stripping down quickly, I lay my pack and clothing on my old mat in Andronicus‘s corner. I shot into the bathing room and jumped in the pool, quickly soaping up and scrubbing. When I heard the Bloodworks door slam I plastered an innocent look on my face just in time as Gils stomped into the bathing area. He was halfway across the room when he stopped, his eyes darting around.

“Er, I have to go take care of something, I’ll be right back.�

“Aren’t you afraid Owyn will interrupt you? You can stay in here, I won’t look.�

“It’s not that.�

“Oh, sorry.�

Gils hurried out. I grabbed a towel and followed, slipping quietly out the door and down to Owyn’s end of the backroom. I could just barely see Gils putting stuff back into my pack, that meant he already knew about my secret pocket at the bottom of it. He picked up my greaves and began feeling in the pockets. Owyn was watching him closely. I tiptoed in and stood next to Owyn as Gils pulled the note from my small pocket and spread it open.



Gils,

If you are reading this note then you have finally made it into my pants. Congratulations! Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. By the way, look behind you.

GOTCHA!




“Damn her!� Gils turned around and saw me.

Owyn started laughing, then held the Septim out and dropped it in my waiting hand.

Gils crumpled up the note and threw it, stomping over to the bathing area. I got the note and handed it to Owyn, he doubled over laughing.

We were supposed to be practicing, so Gils going to the bathing area could only mean he wanted to talk. I hesitated. Gils was upset, this would not be a pleasant chat nor romantic interlude…on the other hand, I couldn’t very well spar by myself either. Should I just stay out here and talk with Owyn till Gils got over it?

“Listen up, Maxical. We don’t want Agronak near you anymore…� Owyn began.

“We? You got a mouse in your pocket Owyn?�

Owyn‘s face took on a purple hue. “Oh, you’re just a laugh a minute. Now you listen to me!� Owyn roared, then lowered his voice back down. “Gils said he was going to teach you that spin and force block, so you better get back on his good side.�

“Gils teach me? I thought Agronak was the only one that knew them?�

“Gils taught them to Agronak.�

I digested that for a moment, then handed Owyn my raiment. “I’ll be back.�

Gils was waiting on my mat in the bathing room, leaned back against the wall watching the door. There was no way to avoid being seen coming in. I believe the best defense is a good offense, so I went in talking.

“Did you know you were on the record when Hassiri asked you about that ring?“ I pointed to his engagement finger that had Agronak’s ring on it. “I just told him I gave it to a very close friend, but I was on record when I said it. You know Hassiri is going to print that I gave this to you and you wear it on your engagement hand? I guess we both messed up on that one.�

“I don’t have anyone to be upset about it.�

“It’s a good thing Agronak is in jail. If he hears about it he will be upset.�

“You’re right there. I wasn’t thinking about him when I said that.�

“I know. Hassiri couldn’t get away from me quick enough after I said that. He made a beeline and looked straight at your hand. Probably because you have supposedly succumbed to my wiles.�

“Maxical…�

He didn’t finish the thought, but I read it in his eyes. “It’s nothing like that Gils.�

“Who is he?�

“He is an old friend from the orphanage.�

“The note?�

“From Andronicus.�

Gils let out his breath with just a little more force than normal. He started teaching me the spin and force block that day in our training session. Gils wasn’t mad at me anymore. I heaved a sigh of relief, we had made it over the first bump in the road.


*

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 4 2016, 02:38 AM

Another fun romp.

It was nice to see Andronicus again. I wonder if passing all those newspapers around in front of Agronak bothered him, or if it just went over his head, lol.

I got a chuckle from the note Maxical planted for Gils to find.

This whole exchange was extremely well-done. Lovely:

Things are moving- rather like when Agronak pays you a visit... Sorry. The visit to the prison was funny and sad at the same time- poor Andronicus.



Hee- I think someone has a wee bit of a crush…





The thing to remember if you feel like your BHC stories aren't working (not sure I agree)- newspapers use that "telegraphic style." Short, punchy sentences- not a lot of descriptive language. The headlines are used to get the reader to look further into the story-

"Champion Claims to Be 'Half a Man'! Sources Say 'He Gives Himself too Much Credit!' "

"Grey Prince or Green Weenie?"

rofl, this was brilliant. As the Paladin said, it was good to see Andronicus again. Agronak?...not so much I'm running out of things to say about your story because I have said it all before, you have a brilliantly comedic mind that keeps us wanting more, your version of Cyrodiil is modern (In a good way) and dramatic (Also in a good way). I'm running low on jokes at the moment so a simple 'More! Please?' will suffice.

You know, it never even occurred to me that Gils might be based on the Dunmer Gladiator in the Arena. Gils has too much personality, I guess.

I agree with trey, there was something a little sad about seeing Andronicus again. I hope she gets out of that cell soon. On the bright side, how many Cyrodiilic women are complaining about not being able to land a man while Andronicus is scoring from a jail cell?!

The little prank with the note is classic Maxical and one of the reasons I love this story so much.

@ EVERYONE - I slowed down the action a bit to develop the key characters some - a couple more chapters and then the action will pick back up, I promise !!! (Chapter 49 starts a ball rolling that causes all H to break out in the story - and keep your eyes peeled after that for...DA DA DA DA...Damien "Foxy" Reynard !!!)

***
@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian !! I believe Agronak was still preening when the other prisoners started calling "Your Lordship" in - it may have gone over his head, but the jokes won't, lol.

***
@ Treydog - Er...everything is moving like...something brown that stinks? Or a steed charging out one's [censored]? Lol.

You are right, I should have packed that Courier with a lot more zing - I'll have to practice doing them again so I can nail them like you described. You ROCK !!!! Thank you so much Treydog!!!

***
@ Hazmick - Thank you so very much Hazmick !!! I had so many chapters trying to develop the characters better that it feels like a long time has passed in story, doesn't it? Sorry about that, lol. Well it will def pick up quickly starting on chapter 49. "Things" are converging on the Imperial City for that music festival and cage match that will shake things up a bit.

***
@ Destri - Really good point, Maxical has freedom and two boyfriends and yet somehow remains a virgin; and there is Andronicus: in jail and stinking, and she lands a man! Go figure!

You picked out my two favorite scenes! Thank you so much Destri!!!

*


Chapter 46: Nooses Tightening



“What’s this?� Gils pointed to the parchment I was having everyone sign.

“Jack’s runner was just here, Andronicus is coming back this morning. It’s a ‘Welcome Home‘ card I made for her, will you sign it? I picked these flowers to give her too.�

“Yeah, sure. Er…I need to see you in our room.�

“What is it?�

“Maxical, you know Owyn forgot we were sleeping together alone in here…Andronicus will notice instantly though.�

“He sees us in here all the time, how could he forget?�

“He doesn’t think like a chaperone. Andronicus always handles that stuff. When she comes back she’ll have a fit! She’ll make you move back out with her…we’ll be separated.�

“Well I don’t want to move out there, it’s dirty and it stinks. I like it in here.�

“You and me both. But she’ll go off on us and raise hell, you know she will.�

“What can we do?�

“There is only one thing we can do…break the truce. Now just listen to what I have to say. If the truce is broken, she won’t have any reason to chaperone you anymore. It’s the only way to keep her from tearing us apart.�

“Geez Gils…this feels…sudden and…hurried. Not romantic.�

“Just this once. Believe me, it’ll be plenty romantic when we are in here together as a couple. I don’t want to give up what we have in here, do you?�

“No…but…my first time, I don’t want it to be rushed…or a plotted thing with reasons behind it. And what about my promise to Fathis?�

“Everything anyone does has reasons behind it. What about this, you could just tell her we did then.�

“I can’t lie to Andronicus!�

“I can’t either.� Gils’ expression changed to a determined one. He kissed me then, using an onslaught of moves.

“What are you doing now?�

“Kissing you…kind of a goodbye before she separates us.�

“Gils! I know what you’re up to now, it won’t work. You shouldn’t have warned me first if you wanted to prevail.“

“Well it’s too late now! There she is, I can hear her.�

Andronicus reeked. It didn’t stop her from hugging us for extended periods, crying and breathing one of the foulest odors I have ever smelled. When she saw the card and flowers it started all over again. I had to bathe to get the smell of her off me. Gils followed me in, staring hard at me. I couldn’t read what his look meant.

“What?� I asked. It felt awkward between us suddenly.

When she makes you move out there, I’m staying in here. It is clean, and private with that lock on the door.�

“You…you’ll stay in here without me?�

Gils nodded. “Her smell will permeate your fur and hair when you go back to sleeping in that corner…like it used to.�

“I stunk? I bathed all the time!�

Gils ignored that. “Even worse, prisons are filled with lice. She will infest this place. I started itching seconds after she hugged me.�

“Oh dear gods, you’re making me itch! Give me that soap back, I’m going to scrub again. Will soap and water get rid of lice?�

“Not really, especially on you…they love fur. If you bathe a lot they don’t like it though. Er…the Alchemy shop sells lotion that kills them. I had to keep it all the time because Owyn gets those Pits from the prison. That’s what that bottle over there with my things is. I won’t need it after today since I’ll be staying in here.�

“Why not?�

“Lice hop from one mat to the next in the night. When Andronicus makes you move back in with her, your mat is right next to hers and your fur will draw them. You’ll definitely catch her lice.�

“Gils, how can I sleep thinking lice are popping over from her mat to mine! What am I going to do?�

“Stay with me…in our room.“ Gils spread out his hands to indicate our corner of the bathing room.

I looked over at our two mats laying side by side in the corner. This room was so clean compared to the main area…Gils was always clean. I liked the privacy of having a locking door. It was safer in here with Gils. And I had become deeply attached to…the intimate things we did together.

If I didn’t make a stand to stay with Gils, Andronicus would put a stop to that. Then what? Would Gils bring Horski in here? Besides, I didn’t feel like the same girl I was before Andronicus left, even if I had missed her a lot.

Watching Gils struggling to reach his back with the delousing lotion helped me come to a decision. It happened all the time in the Bloodworks, women would choose one man to sleep with for protection from the rest. The only difference with me was that I was still intact…so far.

“I’ll help you put it on your back if you let me use some.�

“Deal..� He handed me the bottle.

“Hey, this just says it’s regular lotion for dry skin.�

“I have the girl at the alchemy shop put it in those bottles so no one thinks I’m scurvy getting the other stuff.�

“Oh, good idea!� I finished rubbing it on his back.

“Here, let me get your back for you.� Gils warmed some in his hands and then smoothed it onto my back in caressing strokes.

“That kind of tickles….“

A floral scent was wafting up to my nose. I lifted up my arm and smelled it.

“This stuff smells good!�

Er…I need to…take care of something.�

“Oh, I see. Well, if you want I’ll leave you to be private in here.�

“Hurry on then.�


*

I wrapped a towel around me and hurried out. Owyn was smiling so I decided to tackle him on Andronicus’s hygiene.

“Owyn, can I talk to you regarding a private matter?�

“What the hell is that smell?�

“Er…lotion?�

“Don’t tell me Gils tricked you with that fake lice lotion story!�

“What?�

“Man, you are the most gullible idiot I have ever seen! Did he talk you into rubbing his back with it? I’ll bet you were stupid enough to let him rub it on yours too, let me feel your back…HA! I knew it! Man, you are one dumb girl!�

“You mean…the whole thing was a set up?�

“What do I need to do, draw you a picture? It will look something like this.� He made an O with his thumb and a finger on one hand and ran a finger from his other hand through it.

I was fuming. “OH! … OH! I will get even with him for this!�

“You’d have to be a lot smarter than what you are to get one up on Gils. He’s slicker’n [censored] [censored] in [censored]. Now what did you want to talk to me about?�

“Oh…Er…If someone in the Bloodworks had an extreme hygiene problem, what would we be able to do about it?�

“Andronicus! Get your [censored] in there and clean up, you’re stinking up the place!� Owyn shouted loud enough that they could have heard it over the crowds out in the Arena.

My face turned blood red. “I didn’t tell you who…�

“Well was I wrong?�

“Er…but now she will know I said something to you and be mad at me.�

“Maybe Gils can sooth her with one of his backrubs. BWAAHAAA!�

“OH!� I stormed over to my old mat to the sound of Owyn’s laughter.

Andronicus hardly got into the bathing room when Gils came flying out naked, his ‘interest’ that was standing up when I left the room now looked like a frightened turtle that had drawn its head into its shell.

“You did that on purpose!� He fumed at me.

I turned around and grinned at Owyn. “Score one for the dumb Khajiit!� I said, holding up the Arena sign for victory.

I held my hand out for a Septim and told Owyn, “I heard Gils was very fertile, but his [censored] looks like a frightened turtle!�

Owyn laughed so hard he was staggering and had to hold himself up on the cupboard behind him. I thought he may leave a puddle on the floor he laughed so hard. When he could finally stand up again he tossed me another Septim and flashed me the sign for champion. Then he went back to roaring laughing.

Things were back to normal in our Bloodworks again.









******* Alix

Alix grabbed S’Jirra, lifting her in the air and twirling her around. “I’ve missed you! Did Hannibal tell you what we are planning?�

“Yes…er…Alix, we need to talk privately about something else Hannibal told me.� S’Jirra’s eyes reflected it wasn’t good news.

Within minutes Alix was pounding on the Bloodworks door while S‘Jirra walked back to the Merchants alone. Owyn answered his knock.

“Alix! Why you’ve barely changed a bit! Are you coming back to fight for me?�

“I may just! Can I talk with you for a minute? And then I need to have a talk with Gils. And Owyn…I don’t want Maxical to know I’m here.“

“Gils huh. Don’t blame you a bit there, I lectured him as soon as I found out Maxical was your daughter, but…it wasn‘t my place to tell him the relationship, of course. Ysabel and I both warned her about Gils too, all the good that did.�

“Well he’s not standing by his truce Owyn. Did you know he almost started her? Hannibal said Maxical and Gils showed up at midnight to have her checked. When will Andronicus get back? I need Maxical to stay in here where she‘ll be safe from Agronak, but with this going on...�

“Ysabel got back this morning, but Maxical refused to move back with her. She is the most stubborn...! Said she got used to a clean room. Gils refused to move out too, said he was protecting her. But that [censored] Orc is in jail.�

“Not for long. I’m going to pull some strings, but I don’t want Gils to know anything about that or he‘ll run to Agronak‘s aid. Can you keep Gils and Maxical both inside…but apart till I give you the signal that I‘m done?�

“You gonna run a chain on him? Who you got so far?�

“What would you say if I told you I had S’Jirra and Simplicia…and a very helpful news reporter named Hassiri will be chronicling the whole thing in the Courier?�

“SPEW! Simplicia? Damn it, I can’t be in on it! I’d get kicked out of my position here. I won‘t say a word to Gils, he‘d pull Agronak out of Cyrodiil to protect him. Listen Alix, I am sorry. Damn! It might be my fault, I got Gils drunk. I wasn’t thinking about the truce what with Agronak pounding on the door. Gils says he loves her, but we both know all the good that will do. I’m sorry Alix. Go ahead and leave her with me and I’ll make some changes.�

“Thanks Owyn. Can you get Gils out here without her seeing me?�

“Yeah. Hey, it’s good to see you again. If you want to come back and fight, Andronicus would love to take your book.�

“We’ll see how things pan out after this. I may not need to.�


*

Gils stepped out the doorway shortly after Owyn went inside. His eyes widened when he saw Alix. “Alix! How are you man? I was thinking about you just yesterday! Good to see you!�

“I’m not doing so well Gils. Hannibal Traven says you and my daughter woke him up in the middle of the night worried she may have been started. Since when do you not stand by a truce?�

“Your daughter? Maxical is your daughter? She told me she was from the orphanage! Alix, it was an accident. I won’t deny my interest in her, but what happened was purely an accident, I swear that to you.�

“It would be more convincing if you weren’t advising her to eat meat or reading ‘The Khajiit Mystique‘. Since when do you drink when you’re supposed to be under truce?�

“But it didn’t happen then, it was before that. She was doing something with her tail in my face, like a cobra biting me. I grabbed her tail not thinking. As soon as I realized it I let go, but it was too late…she was already almost started. Hannibal said Maxical being mixed makes it easier for her to be started. It‘s not what you think at all. And we swore vows, Alix.�

“Why are you two still in the bathing room now that Andronicus is back?“

“Maxical refused, she said it was dirty and smelled bad in the main area.�

“Gils, I won‘t have my daughter compromised, she’s promised to Fathis Aren.�

“She is no conquest, Alix. I love her. I swore marriage vows with her, you know I’ve never done that before. She loves me, I know she does.�

“Were there witnesses?�

“…Well…no. But she told me of her promise to Fathis right from the beginning, and I have honored that. She‘s still saving herself for him.�


*

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 4 2016, 02:40 AM

I haven't commented much because your story has left me reeling.

But this line had me laughing like old times!


I'm still waiting for when all the pieces fall into place. I have a feeling it's going to be quite the shakedown!

Andronicus! Hooray! hopefully she can keep maxical out of trouble...mostly! it's good to see Alix again, you've done a good jbo with him and S'jirra.

O.M.G.
Poor Gils... must have felt like a cold shower