Yay! Alix and S'Jirra - I have missed them too! Wonderful to see them again.

If I was Maxical, given the lice, smell and turtles, I think I would be moving out of the Bloodworks altogether!

Let’s see- so many scenes that were enjoyable…

The “Welcome Home” card from Maxical…

I still can’t tell if Gils is sincere, or just can’t help himself… or sincerely can’t help himself? (Although he does seem to “help himself” with some frequency, except he keeps getting interrupted).

Maxical is definitely NOT a “dumb kitty.” She is savvy enough to want romance rather than a business or convenience arrangement.

And Gils again, with the old, “Let me give you a back rub,” trick. Not that I would know anything about that! Of course, I’m not convinced that the way to a Khajiit’s heart is to tell her she smells and harbors vermin….

Gils’ interest suddenly “waning.”

Hooray for Alix and S’Jirra, especially Alix’s skeptical questioning of Gils.

Have to agree with the wise Acadian- it’s about time for Maxical to get out of there.

Khajiit must be downright dangerous if all that’s needed to get them started is the right kind of tail grabbing! No wonder Alix rarely leaves S'Jirra's back er, side!

Gils must be more hard-up than any Dunmer in Cyrodiil! I find it interesting that we are told of all of his various conquests, but we have barely even seen him with another woman since Maxical showed up. Plying the woman he says he loves with stories of lice and the strategic application of floral lotion is amateurish at best. It makes me think that everyone is right in warning Maxical to stay away from him. I'm with Acadian and trey, she would be better off living in Agronak's house!

Where is Fathis when she needs him?!

I'm a bit behind. I had trouble parsing

Should that be her other inmates? Or does the "his" refer to someone else?

Loving it! One cat to another

@ Hauty - Thanks so much Hauty !! I really appreciate you reading, and I have taken a cue from what you said. I've been trying to develop the key characters a bit for what is coming up, obviously a big mistake. I'm going to wrap things up and (set the stage for the action to start) in this chapter - and Crowhaven starts next chapter so hopefully Foxy will return too, lol.

PS - ROFL - that one came from free-typing, and I loved it, lol.

***
@ Hazmick - Thank you so very much Hazmick!! This is the last chapter they will be seen for a while, it is on to Crowhaven after this!

***
@ Remko - ROFL !!! ...uh...Yes !!! Thank you so much Remko !!!

***
@ Acadian - Thank you so very much Acadian! Lol, there really aren't any lice, Gils was pranking her. - But she will move out soon enough, the ball will start rolling next chapter. Your support means a lot, you know that !!!

***
@ Treydog - Ah, you picked out my fave places too. I am getting her out of there soon, I promise. I took everyone's comments (and lack there-of in a few instances) and decided to just dump some things that were my babies and get the action rolling.

- SPEW !!!!! ROFL !!!

Thank you so very much Treydog !!!

***
@ Destri - Actually, his lice story was another of his pranks on her, like she is pranking on him all the time. (And Owyn dispensing Septims to watch the action) - my twisted sense of humor, but I love some of these pranks. I'll rein it all in on this chapter, and next chapter get back on course with the story - which does take her out of the Bloodworks.

Thank you so much Destri !!!!

***
@ MyCat - Yeah !!!! You are here !!! I fixed the error, thank you so much for noticing that !!!! It is so great to see you over here, and thank you so much for reading Maxical here too !!!

This post has been edited by mALX: Sep 19 2010, 04:12 PM

*


Chapter 47: Catching Up On The Players



“I wanted to thank you for Pilus. I couldn’t have stood it in there without him. Here, let me reimburse you what you paid him…“ Andronicus held out thirty-five Septims.

“Jack already did, Andronicus. I thought I was just bribing him to see you were treated well, not paying for stud service. I almost died of embarrassment when I found out.�

“Well he was worth every Septim.�

“Oh good gods, no details! But he really liked you, Andronicus. And you were pretty filthy in there…I‘d like it if he saw you cleaned up now.�

“That’s what I was thinking. Maxical, you did a great job on Owyn, can you do something like that for me?�

“Sure! It’ll work better on you, I can make you look twenty again easy. Do you have a date with Pilus?“

“I was thinking about going to see him.�

“Then you better let me give you the works. Hmmm…thirty-five Septims sound fair?�

“What will you do for it?�

“One bath in scented bath oil, toothpaste, a new toothbrush, a shot glass of that special mouthwash I use, a facial like Owyn got, that gets rid of all the wrinkles and blotches. I’ll do your makeup, dye the gray out and set your hair, and that blue dress you wanted.�

“Deal. Maxical, why are you refusing to leave the bathing room? Why won’t you move out here with me? And don’t think I didn’t see your face when you visited me last. Did you fall in love with Gils?�

“A little. I like being with him.�

“Maxical…You know the only reason he’s still with you is that he hasn’t posted your name on his list with the V next to it yet. That and we haven’t taken in a new girl as a Pit. When we do he’ll be gone, you know that?�

“I know, that’s the only thing that’s kept me strong about not letting him break the truce. I…think I’ve found a way to keep him from dropping me for the next one, though…at least I hope I did.�

“What?�

“The Dunmer mysteries. We swore marriage vows, it‘s his duty as my husband to teach them to me. He said they‘re what keep Dunmer faithful.“

“You swore before witnesses?�

“…No, but he fulfilled his vows anyway.�

“You’ve grown up a bit since I left, haven’t you.� She said quietly.

It was more of a statement than question, but I answered her anyway. “Yeah. My first lessons in love.�

“Well at least it’s Gils, not getting forced by some Pit from the prison.�

“It almost was. Gils fought off thirty of them at once for me…injured.�

“Is that when you fell for him?�

“Yeah…well…his singing too.�

“Come here then. You poor thing.� Andronicus pulled me to her, hugging me.

“Oh no, you don’t have to do that…uh…oh all right. I really did miss you Andronicus.�

“So now, tell me what happened that Gils had to take over all my chores.“

“Jack banned me from doing them. Gils has had to do them all since just after noon the first day. I used over 900 Septims worth of repair hammers for just two raiment that had to be immediately retired. I flooded the Bloodworks and the Arena, got Owyn three citations and a forfeit, and blew up the Arena. Oh, and they had to replace all the mats.� That was all by mid-afternoon the first day.�

“BWAAAHAAA! I think you just gave me job security, I may go ask for a raise.�

“If you’re asking for a raise, better let me give you the make-over first.�






***

“I can’t believe you refused to move out!� Gils pulled me to him and held me pressed tightly against his chest. “You don’t know how tense I’ve been thinking we’d be forced apart. Maxical, I’ve never sworn vows before with anyone. The Dunmer mysteries…you are the only one I can train in them without breaking tenets, and nothing will ever be the same without them. I can’t go back now.�

We slept very little that night. Both of us felt like a milestone had passed in our relationship. For some odd reason Owyn was livid the next day. He never cared we were in there together all this time, then ‘boom’ - all at once he was bellowing and ranting, ordering us apart.

“He’s coming, I can hear him stomping.� I quickly schooled an innocent look on my face.

Gils had such a studious look on his that it was hard not to bust out laughing. Owyn burst in the room like he was breaking through it, his face a deep purple color.

“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TWO UP TO!� He roared, then turned and pointed a shaking finger at me. “YOU! NOW YOU LISTEN TO ME YOU TWO! …Er…�

Gils gave him the signal to get rid of me so they could talk.

“…Er…Maxical, you wait for me in the Bloodworks. I‘ll be right there.�

Whatever happened between Gils and Owyn, he was worked back up to fuming by the time he came out.

“Gils isn’t standing by his truce. From now on he is not to be near you unless you are sparring. I order you two to stay away from each other!�

“What truce? Owyn, you said yourself that when Andronicus got back the truce would be over. Well, she’s back. The truce is over, there is nothing for him to break now. It’s my call.�

I thought Owyn would have an apoplexy. He turned purple and stood there shaking, his mouth opening and closing like a fish. When he spoke his voice sounded three octaves higher than normal.

“Are you trying to get me killed? Your father will raze the Arena to the ground when he finds out!�

“Owyn, you have Alix’s legal signature releasing you from any liability. What burr got in your tail anyway? He has been in there with me all this time! Why are you suddenly worried about it?�

“Er…I forgot you were a minor till just now.�

“Look Owyn, I’ve got an idea that will keep you completely out of trouble with Alix. Gils has the billboards done, and we have enough time to go to Anvil and back before the music festival. Agronak is in jail, the timing is perfect. You can’t be held responsible if I’m not here.�

“That’ll be good. Legally I can’t stop you from leaving…or control what happens when you do. I have to notify Alix though.�

“That’s fine, it will take a few days to reach the Faregyl.�

“Well make sure you hurry back! You‘re making my hair gray again.�

“I’ll touch it up for free when I get back.�









******* Alix

“Fathis left in a rage after reading the Courier, Alix. Look at this…� S’Jirra pointed to a place on the paper.

“Ménage à Ring? While speaking on record, Maxical revealed she had given away the Gray Prince's ring to a ’very close friend’ …this was after Arch Mage Hannibal Traven went through all the trouble of ’heavily enchanting’ it for her. The value of the ring went from approximately 200S to 20,000S. Must be a very, very close friend. It is! She gave it to none other than Gils, who is now proudly sporting it on…you guessed it, his engagement finger! Does this mean Fathis is out of the running for the white Khajiit’s hand?�

“I better get over there quick then, he’s supposed to go to the Arena for that last link in the chain this morning. There is something I think you should know S‘Jirra…Gils swore marriage vows with Maxical, and said she loves him. He did say she‘s still saving herself for Fathis though.� Alix began pulling on his boots.

“I’ll have to get her to talk to me about it somehow…but be subtle about it. You know how she gets if she thinks we are prying.� S’Jirra frowned.

“S’Jirra, I love you…but you are pathologically incapable of being subtle. You’ll just make her mad if you pry, and I won’t help you do that. If he’s free of Agronak I won’t stand in his way if she wants him.�

“Alix, won’t we owe Fathis what he’s paid out if she marries Gils?�

“Yep, we sure will. I’ve talked myself blue to Fathis, Hannibal has too. He’s just sitting back and letting Gils take her from under his nose. Why won’t he step up? It’s not like him at all…�

“Fathis probably doesn’t realize how much competition Gils really is. Maybe I should drop a subtle hint…�

“No S’Jirra. You leave it to Hannibal and me to put bugs in Fathis’s ear.�

“If I can just get her talking…�

“S’Jirra, we haven’t seen her in a long time, I don’t want her upset. And for gods sake, don’t try to signal me in when you fail, I won‘t help you.� Alix finished strapping his sword on and leaned over to kiss S’Jirra’s cheek.

Her face had taken on the expression of a plot hatching covered by an attempt at studious innocence.

“Oh no.� Alix groaned, rolling his eyes. “I gotta go.�

He exited the bedroom and jabbed Hannibal as he was walking by, causing him to spill his wine on the sofa. “Come on, Hannibal. We better get over there, I‘ll tell you about it on the way. I’ll warn Owyn, you handle Fathis.�


*


“Hello Hannibal. Alix, glad you could come. You got my message, right? Maxical refused to move out of the bathing area. When I tried to force them apart that daughter of yours flew her temper at me. I told her I would throw Gils out and she took off, said she was going to Anvil. He left with her. Legally, I couldn’t stop them from leaving together, but thought you’d want to know. I sent a note to the Faregyl right away…er…that was two days ago.�

“I didn’t get your message, I’ve been staying with Fathis at the Merchants. Gils better be staying away from Agronak if he plans to be with Maxical.“

“I doubt it, they are going to get proof of his heritage for him. Your daughter probably put the corkscrews to Gils. She digs her heels in when she wants something. That red-headed temper of hers…�

“She’s almost eighteen, there isn’t much anyone can do to stop them. Hannibal and I have talked Fathis’s ear off to at least spend some time with her. If he thinks paying for the repairs in the Arena is going to win out over Gils’ flirting then he’s got a sad awakening coming.�

“He paid for it? Well that’s one mystery solved.�

“If it wasn’t for Agronak I’d have nothing against Gils, we used to be good friends.�

“I know. Say, how’s that chain going?�

“It’ll be done in about thirty minutes. Fathis is the last one, he’s waiting right there.� Alix pointed to a spot across from the Bloodworks door where Fathis and Hannibal were talking.

“Hannibal was here a second ago, when did he leave? The chain is finished? Damn that I couldn‘t join! Look, there’s Hassiri coming now.“ Owyn pointed to where Hassiri was cutting across the lawn.


“Yeah, we didn’t want to make him a victim, just get even for what he did to Maxical and S’Jirra. I hope airing his secrets helps Gils break free of him, it better if he plans to be with Maxical. Owyn, you would not believe what Hassiri’s brothers went through for that ‘Confessions’ interview. I nearly choked laughing when he told me about it. If he keeps doing these personal home visits he won’t be taking over the Arena anytime soon.�

“Yeah, some group called the ‘Brotherhood of Khajiit’ is raising hell over some things he’s said to them in those personal visits. They plan to picket protest all his fights. What will you do about Maxical?�

“There is nothing I can do. At least he cares about her.�

“Till the Orc needs him. Then she will find out where she really stands with him.�

“I just hope she is smart enough to keep holding out for Fathis.� Alix punched Owyn’s arm. “Thanks for the heads up.�

“Holding off?� Owyn snorted. “Yeah, right.�









******* Hannibal


“When I put this Orc down I’m going to that Bloodworks and get Maxical out of there. Some young buck thinks he’s engaged to her.�

“Don’t say you weren’t warned Fathis. I told you some young blood would woo her off to Anvil.� Hannibal said tersely, scowling for emphasis.

“Anvil! What are you talking about? Have you been tipping wine this early in the morning Traven? Look, here comes the Orc.�

“Maxical. She’s gone to Anvil with that young buck…�

“WHAT?�

POW! CRACK! CRUNCH!

“Nancy? I don’t think so!� Fathis dusted his hands over Agronak’s still form.

“Fathis, that Orc flew backwards!� Hassiri said, awed.

“Hurry up Hassiri, I have to leave for Anvil immediately!� Fathis’s face was taut.

“Go ahead on then. I can handle this.�

Fathis pushed his way through the gathering crowd his face pale and rigid.

Hannibal mentally patted himself on the back. That lit the fire under him!


*

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 4 2016, 02:44 AM

I loved this!

I am so proud of Maxical for trying to clean Andronicus up - and am very impressed with how cleverly she did it without making Andronicus feel badly. The whole scene between these two women was beautifully done and flowed very naturally.

Similarly, I loved the interaction between Alix and S'Jirra (but then I always love those two in MF). See, this is why I love Alix so much. His heart is in the right place and he's smart as a whip!

I think it is cool that Maxical and Gils are going to Crowhaven. Then, OMG, to learn that Fathis is on his way as well! WooHoo! I don't know what is going to happen, but I sure can't wait to find out!!!

Perhaps it is just me, but you have somehow rendered your characters more endearing with this latest episode. It is very becoming, since it is Maxical's story and she has such a beautiful heart. Andronicus was wonderful here. I loved how you reminded us of how bravely Gils defended Maxical. Contrast that with Fathis decking Agronak and flying off to Anvil - for the kit he loves. You have really increased the stakes here by more vividly showing us what about these two mer that Maxical is drawn to.

Nits?
I would put a question mark at the end of this. It just seems like it would do better, especially since Maxical directly answers it in the next passage.
Is the plural of raiment, 'raiment' or 'raiments'. I don't know if there really is a right answer. If you consider it 'raiment', then please ignore this.
To me this reads as if Gils said that Gils loves him (whatever that might mean?). I'm not sure if you mean Gils said he loves Maxical or Maxical said she loves Gils.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Sep 19 2010, 03:23 PM

I can only speak for myself (and that when Apronia Alfena isn't around), but my desire to see Maxical out of the Arena is most definitely not meant to say, "Move the story forward." It is more the way you yell at the character in the movie who is about to do something stupid- like go down into the dark basement while there is a psycho killer on the loose. (What? Doesn't everybody yell at the screen?)

My impatience with Maxical's (apparent) naivete should not be taken as impatience with mALX's story-telling. Just so you know.

On to today's chapter:



Seconded. Voted on. Unanimously adopted.



Makeovers by Maxical- Extreme Khajiit Edition





It wasn't ME that said it this time.

This one has a lot of heart- especially Alix trying to warn S'Jirra against doing any of the things she usually does (and will still try to do again). It perfectly captures the feel of a couple who have been together for a long time.

A grudging "Hooray" for Fathis, for clocking Agronak. I would be more enthusiastic if I believed he did it for Maxical instead of his own wounded pride.

A louder "Hooray" for Hannibal for finally getting Fathis off his fat...

mALX, I've been sick this last week, plus I got the Playstation Move on Friday...so I figured I would spare you my illness-induced ramblings ( ), and, well, I was very busy yesterday, LOL...(my right shoulder [sword arm side] is still sore from combat, lol [which might indicate to some that my blocking skills are not what they should be, but I like to think that my left shoulder is just tougher than my right shoulder ] but the Move is awesome...which isn't to say that I'm not still a big fan of the regular gameplay...like when I just want to relax and play a game and press a button as opposed to actually going through the motions of fighting...or when I've played Move games the day before, and my medieval combat skills are not what they should be, so I strained a few muscles, lol ). Anyhow...wow, I somehow got totally sidetracked there, LOL...but I * have * been following your story all the same...and I love it.

I think I can safely say, Cyrodiil will never be the same, lol...the Arena in flames, Orc-mixes deficient in * ahem * certain endeavors while Dunmer are veritable sex fiends, respectable mages becoming laughing stocks, etc. To say nothing of the fact that I can never look at the Gray Prince again without thinking of his visit to the Black Horse Courier, and a giant urn. Anyhow, I can't wait to see what happens -- keep it coming!!!

Yes, MaLX, keep "it" coming!!!

Again!

And again!

And ugh...ugh....AGAIN!!!!

What??!! I could have sworn I heard the sound of chain links breaking when Fathis clocked Agronak!!! Oh Man!! I can’t wait to see what happens at Crowhaven!

This speaks for me as well. (thank you, trey)

And, oh yeah, you are NOT ‘tactless and annoying’ either! We want MORE pranks, smelly Andronicus, and blowing up the Arena, not less!

@ EVERYONE -

I know what I am trying to say, but if I don't get it across to the reader then they won't enjoy the story. Remember in the original, the bottle of Nordish Whiskey everyone thought was pee - because I thought the reader would remember something ambiguous I wrote three chapters back?

If I am doing this again (without realizing it) - and most especially because I took two months off when Steve was dying - and the fact that I have strayed a lot from the game with some of the Khajiit features, the Dunmer mysteries, the people, etc. - if anyone is having a tough time remembering an aspect, please let me know and I will try to refresh the knowledge in a chapter so you don't have to dredge through past chapters seeking the illumination.

I always appreciate readers of Maxical's story, and want them to enjoy it, if they are not - that is my fault, but I can't correct the problem if I don't know what it is. You all ROCK !!!!

***
@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian!!! And I always appreciate errors being pointed out a lot, most especially if what I've written is coming across as ambiguous to the reader.

***
@ Treydog - I loved that Apronia Alfena section of your story!!! That had me rolling !!!!

I have screamed at that stupid girl going into that basement till I'm blue, what idiot girl with a psycho on the loose hears a noise and goes into a creepy dark basement alone?

I'm glad to know you weren't just getting fed up with the Arena storyline. I originally tried to re-name this story something like "Maxical's Arena Adventures" or "Adventures in the Bloodworks" - so that when she left the Arena I could start a new thread and base the name of that one on the featured questlines.

Since I wasn't able to change the name of the thread, it may leave the reader feeling like this should be going somewhere a lot quicker than it has...(that is what I thought was going on when everyone was saying to get her out of the Bloodworks).

What I was trying to do was more or less a daily journal of what went on in the Bloodworks from the time she got there. ARGH! I missed the mark. - at any rate, I dropped a bunch and streamlined what I kept so she will get out of the Bloodworks quicker. Things will move a lot faster now.

It was a huge "WHEW!" moment when I heard you weren't getting sick of/aggrevated by the story !!!!!

Thank you so very much for all your support Treydog, it means the world to me!

***
@ Rachel - Now that tickles me to hear, since I can't approach the Priory without looking for heads on pikes dotting the lawn, or feel safe alone in a room with Jauffre, the Adoring Fan will forever be Docada to me now, and I can't see Vicente without laughing - or the sea captain - or the Emperor - since reading Edward's story! Thank you so much Rachel !!

***
@ Foxy - I've cut out a bunch of the ugh now, so hopefully you will enjoy it again. Thank you so much Foxy !!

***
@ Destri - Thank you so very much Destri! That meant the world to hear! What I said to Treydog applies here, it was a huge "WHEW!" moment when I heard you weren't getting sick of/aggrevated by the story !!!!!

Thank you so very much for all your support Destri, it means the world to me!

*


Chapter 48: Eating Crow At Crowhaven



Gils and I stood on the hill overlooking Anvil. I had never been off the Rumare before and was gaping like I’m sure all the tourists did. Sun, sea, and sand. It was everything a girl dreamed of as a romantic fantasy destination. The houses were whitewashed stone, it looked like a jewel glimmering on the coastline.

“I’ll bet if I got you a room with a view of that beach you would break the truce.� Gils teased.

“Oh Gils, have you ever seen anything so beautiful? Look, even the horses in the stables are white...like me. There could never be a more romantic place than this…except maybe that one spot on the banks of the Rumare.�

“I was just teasing, but…come on, lets go get a room. We made good time getting here.�

“We don’t know how far Crowhaven is, and there are no roads west of here. We better wait and see how much time we have after we get back from Crowhaven.�

“You mean it? You did hear what I said, right?�

“You want me to take it back?�

“NO! Let’s go ask that guard for directions.�

I smiled at the guard, my eyes shining at being so close to this beautiful place.

“What do you want, furlicker?�

“What?� I looked stunned at the guard's snarling face.

“Unless you want my fist rammed down your throat you’ll take that back.� Gils spat.

Another guard came over. “Anything wrong here?�

“Yeah, that jackass just called my fiance’ a derogatory name.�

“Say fella, I’m sorry about that. He has a problem with cats. What can I do to help you?�

“We’re trying to find Crowhaven.�

“You’re kidding, right?�

“No.�

“I’ll mark it on your map, but don’t say you haven’t been warned.� He drew a skull head on the map.

Gils glanced over at me to see if I heard. I had. The thought of letting Agronak find his own proofs and Gils and I spending a few days at the water front was beginning to flit through my mind. This time it was Gils that pushed us onward.

From the hill below it Crowhaven looked like a run-down abandoned castle looming darkly in the warm sunshine. For some reason neither of us took that as a clue.

Walking blithely up the path…I may as well have been whistling and skipping like an idiot. What I was doing was daydreaming about Gils and I standing on a balcony side by side looking out over the beach.

I didn’t pay attention to the cobwebs hanging off the parapets, nor even notice the creaking sound till it was too late. Gils heard it and grabbed my arm. I gaped as a skeleton ran towards me at a very high rate of speed, an axe raised in his hands. He was in my face before I could react. From the parapet came a loud TWANG.

Gils and I had been ambushed by bandits on the way to Anvil, and attacked by a wolf between Anvil and Crowhaven. I had never batted an eye, but a skeleton armed and attacking…I read about them at the Arcane, something about undead lairs that the skeletons either didn’t die or were brought back to life by conjurors or…vampires. Oh dear gods, what was going on here?

Gils brought a bow and a stock of arrows, but they were going right through the bony chest of the skeleton. I force blocked the axe as it fell toward my sword arm, thank goodness Gils taught me those moves before we came.

Finally reacting like I should, I drew my sword. Because I had mastered sword before coming to the Arcane I never got to fight a skeleton. We did practice conjuring them, but they were not hostile to us. I didn’t have any idea what to do, where their weak points were. With a human it was the ankles, elbows, wrists, and neck. It was worth a shot.

There was no way I would have ever imagined a bag of bones could fight as hard as it did, or be so skilled at blunt weapons and blocking. Gils and I were both being pelted by arrows from the top of the high wall. Gils' arrows did no good, and he brought no shield thinking to use his bow to block. In order to stop the archer he would have to find it, and he wasn’t leaving me alone with Bony and his axe.

Gils tried stabbing the skeleton with his dagger and it went right through, not phasing the creaking creep. Finally I did a sweep with my sword and we found out what the trick is with skeletons. You have to sweep them, not stab. His axe arm went flying. The thing about skeletons is, they can’t bleed to death, so when you sever their arms they are still coming at you.

Gils did the prettiest uppercut I’ve ever seen and we heard a loud POP. The skeleton’s head flew up in the air what looked like fifteen feet. Both of us watched it fly, then land and roll down the hill below.

“Whoa! That could never get old! Oh look, it bounced off that rock! I thought it would smash!� I kept watching till it hit the bottom while Gils was pushing an arrow through his arm.

“Okay, we know how to get rid of them now, and I’m not equipped right. Should we go back to Anvil so I can pick up proper equipment?�

“Pump your ring. You really should have a shield Gils. That skeleton had one. I wish I had seen where his axe landed.�

“Oh crap! That one on the roof is back. The arrows go right through him.�

“Gils, get behind me and hug me as tight as you can.�

“Why?�

“Because I’m going to blow him off that roof, and I never get hurt by my accidents. Everyone around me always does though.�

“Okay.�

“Don’t hump me like a dog Gils! My aim is bad enough.�

BOOOM!!! CRACK!!! PEEEEYOOOOW! CRACK!!! BOOOOOM!!!

“What the hell was that?�

“I told you I can’t aim, but one of those hits must have got him.�

“You only cast once, it was over there, then over there…look, you cut that tree way over there in half, it’s smoking!�

“That’s probably because I could feel you behind me. How can you be aroused when our lives are at stake and undead are attacking us?�

“It’s this position.�

“Well get out of there then. Lets do this and get back to Anvil.�

“Now you’re talking.�

“I found the shield, can you lift the bones up off it for me? Gils I know what you are doing, that is disgusting. These bones could have disease.�

“My bony hand bothering you?�

“EW! Get it off my butt! Hey, if you have that piece of the arm there should have been an axe near it.�






***

The parapets were still flaming from my ‘Enemies Explode’ spell as we entered the enclosure of Crowhaven. Gils had an axe and shield now, thank goodness.

“Have you ever been in an undead lair before?� I watched Gils face as he answered.

“No. I never even went in the trenches.�

“Oh crap. Neither have I. Well if I have to use fire you will have to get behind me, and no fooling around this time. You made my aim go haywire…er, worse than usual.�

We stepped into pitch darkness and the worst smell I had ever… "What was that noise?" I crowded against Gils.

Gils was blinded in the darkness. He started feeling his way down the corridor and I grabbed him.

“Wait!�

A pink glowing form appeared around the corner when I cast to detect life. I wasn’t sure if whatever it was had heard us, it seemed to be pacing. I dragged Gils back out the door.

“There is someone down there at the end of the corridor!� My breath was coming in ragged pants.

“Someone? Like a person? Maybe it‘s the owner.�

“In the dark? No, this is an undead lair. The Arcane said it’ll be conjurors or vampires.�

“Let’s hope it is conjurors then. Use your fire thing again.�

“Good idea. But no funny stuff this time.�

Gils rested his hand on my shoulder and let me lead the way since I had the night vision spell. When we got to the end of the corridor I reached back and pulled him in toward me as a signal to hug up to my back.

The detect life illuminated where to aim, but at this point I could hear the person breathing…my bladder suddenly felt overfull.

I angled myself to get a good aim on him, but stayed in my corridor so I would have a running start if he took chase. I aimed directly at him, but my spell arced off my fingers in a large curve and exploded off the corner of a wall at least seven foot to his left making a huge “BOOM� noise. Then it proceeded to ricochet around so the whole intersection was lit up with fire.

The most horrible noise echoed back at me, a loud hissing as if a giant snake…GAAAAH! The hiss turned into a scream that caused every hair on my body to raise and stand straight out. I felt the blood in my veins turn to jelly along with my legs and bladder control. I ran shrieking back down the corridor and out the door, leaving a trail of pee the whole way.

Gils had hold of my tail because he couldn’t see in the dark. I pulled him out through the doorway with it.

“What the hell was that noise? Er…what are you doing?�

“Wetting my pants. I never heard anything like it in my life, but…I think it is vampires. A conjuror would have been blown to bits.�

“We better wait till you’re done going before we go back in.�

I stood at the mouth of the outer enclosure watching that door while what seemed like the entire Topal Bay continued to drain from me. I doubt I could run now if I had to, my greaves stuck to my legs and each step produced a sloshing in my boots.

“You’re just lucky I only had to pee.�

“You couldn’t sneak up on Andronicus while she’s drunk, listen. Your boots are sloshing, they must be full of pee.�

“Can you remind me why we are doing this instead of Agronak getting these himself? I don’t feel like going back in there. I gave my word to come, and I did. I didn’t say I’d risk my life for him. Agronak can do it himself.�

I struggled to sit down, the leather of my greaves had become tightened against my skin from the wetting.

“I was just trying to tease a smile from you.�

“Well I don’t feel like smiling. I’m risking my life for someone I can’t stand and who has already brought me harm. What promise I made was to someone who didn’t even exist, some fake persona he put on. I want to go home.�

“Come on then, are you scared?� Gils sat down next to me.

I nodded, feeling a tear cutting through the fur on my cheek. I swatted it with the back of my hand.

“Do you want to wait for me in Anvil and I’ll do this alone? I can take you back there first if you want. Or you could wait right out here.�

“You can’t see in there, and don’t have spells.�

“Well, I could make a torch.�

“Then they’ll see you coming, you’ll be a sitting duck.�

“I need you with me Maxical, I’m no mage. But I’m doing this and getting it over with. I need your help, but I’m going in there with or without it.�

I didn’t know if he was bluffing, manipulating, or just plain serious. But I couldn’t risk his life. He couldn’t see the enemies in there, but they could find him by smell. I finally forced myself back in.


*

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 4 2016, 03:20 AM

You work very hard, and are both responsive and gracious to your readers. I, for one, enjoy hearing what is going on in the writer's head - a distinct advantage of the forum venue. I know it is hard to press on when you do not feel your story is right, and am glad you shared some of your thinking and concerns with us. Listen to Maxical, and know you have many people here who love your story.

This chapter was a delightfully unusual style. A light but deadly stroll with her boyfriend through a beautiful country side with, oh yes, a dungeon full of undead. I loved how Maxical's mind was swirling between her feelings for Gils and the deadly business at hand.

I found the ending quite powerful. The deliciously odd dichotomy I described above was replaced by fully serious questions as to why they were there. In beautiful Maxical fashion, it became clear she was now there for someone besides herself of course. Only it is now clear she is there for Gils, not Agronak. She has taken a vulnerable step towards Gils. I hope he realizes what is at the end of the pretty tail he is holding onto. Your move, Gils.

I see Maxical's inability to control her wild magic persists. I'm so glad she doesn't own a bow!

Some fun passages: Spoken like a true Arena girl.
Oh my. Don't you hate it when that happens?

And a couple nits: Let's make that possessive: guard's.
I think you want 'continued'.

Excellent....but WHY must you put THIS to tease me so?

That’s probably because I could feel you behind me. How can you be aroused when our lives are at stake and undead are attacking us?”

“It’s this position.”

“Well get out of there then. Lets do this and get back to Anvil.”

“Now you’re talking.”


Now if it had beeen MEEEE in Gil's position....I would definitely have put my own interpretation on

DO THIS

and...


well, I better not say.

Now THAT's the Foxy we all know and love !!!!! YEAH !!!!

Brilliant! Haa-Rei was nearly shaking with raage at the racist guard, there's just no need for it. Maxical could have gored his crotch-that would shut him up...

anyway, the encounter with the skeletons was excellent, your descriptions of the bony bad guys was great. Poor Maxical needs to control herself when she has a full bladder. "Always relieve yourself before going into a dangerous castle possibly inhabited by undead/vampires!" More soon please!!

First- what Acadian said. You try so hard to please all of your demanding readers- and I hope we make it worth your effort. Your writing never gets old or annoying for me- I have gotten more laughs than I can count. And there have been many tender and heart-warming moments, well. A really good story takes the writer to unexpected places- that is the joy of writing. If you knew everything before you started, what would be the point? Be assured of this- as long as you are writing, I will be (one of) your Adoring Fan(s)- just without the poufy hair.



I’m with Haa-Rei. I think he and Athynae may have to pay a visit to Anvil to “educate” a certain guard.

The skeleton fight was simultaneously scary and hilarious- I have a feeling you were channeling Bruce Campbell there.



That Maxical always knows exactly the right thing to say!

And I cheered Maxical’s realization that she has fulfilled her last obligation to Agronak- other than the one to kick his….

This post has been edited by treydog: Sep 21 2010, 08:50 PM

Three whole ERAS, thousands of years worth of co-habitation and the best that the guard can do is ‘furlicker’? I think that says more of him then it does of any khajiit.

I don’t know why I assumed that Maxical had done battle with a skeleton before. There would be no reason to face the undead in the Arena. I guess I thought she would have encountered one during her travels, but except for the IC and the Faregyl, where has she been really?

Her first encounter is off to a rocky start. Between arrows, screaming and exploding enemies, and copious amounts of pee, it is no wonder that going back home is sounding like a better idea than continuing. But true to our Maxical, she finds a reason outside of herself to go on despite her own fear. That generosity of spirit is why everyone loves her so much.

Despite the collateral damage!


Neither can Maxical, mALX.

LOL, Gils is just lucky Maxical is in love...and with him... And, speaking of Gils, it's interesting that he's the driving force for them to continue...hmm...now, that could mean several things...it could mean that he wants to "do right by his friend" -- get him this info as a sort of peace gesture...or -- and I hope not, for Maxical's sake -- it could be indicative of his continued loyalty to Agronak. All I can say is, if he does turn out to be a cad and breaks Maxical's heart (and there's anything left of him after Alix/Fathis/etc. are done), I might just have to send Jauffre his way.

Good writing, as always...have I told you before that I love this story?!