*


Chapter 57: Go Fish




******* Gils

“I’ve got something that drives women mad.� Pinarus bowed his chest out.

“I’m afraid to ask, you may tell me.�

“No, - well that does too. But I’m talking about this.� Pinarus turned around and showed Gils how long his hair was. “I keep it tied back in a pony tail unless I’m doing my business.�

“I’m going to laugh all the way to the Imperial City in spite of the fact my girlfriend dumped me and I’ve been crippled by your healer. I was surprised to see my feet facing the front when she was done.�

“Everyone says Newheim the Portly used to be a good looking woman till Laralthir healed him.�

“SPEW! I believe it. Your wife is going to kill you when she has to clean all this mess up I’m making.�

“Here, let me refill that for you.� Oh, before I forget, I got your pack and dagger for you.�

“How did you find them?�

“I saw you in town earlier with your pack full, knew you had one. I figured you had to remove it or drown. I went back the next day to look for it. That’s a real nice dagger. The sun glinted on it or I wouldn‘t have seen it. I stitched your straps back together, cleaned everything up and repaired it all. You selling any of that armor?�

“You can have whatever you like including my dagger for saving my life. I don‘t want to remember what I had to go through to get it, to be honest. It wasn‘t worth the trouble. The only thing I want is the bow, it was my fathers.�

“Here, I restrung it for you and seasoned the wood.�

“Pinarus, you‘re a good man. You take what you like of that armor.� Gils reached over and shook his hand. “Say, you know any way I can get a horse ride to the Imperial City? I need to get back quick.�

Pinarus scribbled something on a piece of paper and handed it to Gils. “Take that to the stable. She’ll take good care of you. I’ve thrown a little action her way.� He lowered his voice and pointed at the ceiling, indicating his wife may hear.

Gils stood up.

“Hey, hold on there…you promised me a song.� Pinarus grabbed a broom and pounded the tip of the shaft on the ceiling above him.

“ASTIA! GET YOUR [censored] DOWN HERE, WE GOT COMPANY!�

“SPEW!�

“BRING A TOWEL TO WIPE UP THE MESS HE’S MAKING!�

“While we’re waiting, how much do you care to write correspondence? I’d like to keep in touch.�

“You got it, man! I’ll keep you filled in on what’s going on around here. If Anvil blows sky high and comes down as little islands you can figure what happened without me writing it, but look for a note floating in a bottle.�

“SPEW!�

“ASTIA! MAKE THAT TWO TOWELS!� Pinarus pounded again with the broom.

They exchanged business cards and then Gils started warming the guitar up.

Astia walked down the stairs stunned. “Is that…Gils?�

“Yeah, but we’ll have to hire a maid if he comes to stay.�

“SPEW!�

“Told you.�

“I can‘t sing if you keep making me laugh.�

“Alright, now make it good. My wife’s turn doesn’t come around too often…�

“SPEW!�

“Hey, watch the guitar!�

“Sorry. Quit making me laugh now.�



Lay beside me, tell me what they've done
Speak the words I want to hear, to make my demons run
The door is locked now, but it's open if you're true
If you can understand the me, than I can understand the you.




Gils watched Astia’s cheeks turn pink and her knees get rubbery. Her eyes glowed with desire as she looked at Pinarus. Maxical’s words came back to Gils...she felt that way about him when he sang to her. He had to fix things with her. Pinarus had given him hope at least.

Gils finished the song and looked to see if Pinarus wanted another song.

Pinarus jerked the guitar out of his hands. “Get your gear and go while she’s warmed up, this’ll be better than the Countess. I’ll write you.“

“Thanks for saving my life…�

Pinarus shoved him out the door. Before Gils limped away he could hear their noisy lovemaking beginning and his mind went to Maxical and what they would have been doing right now if he hadn‘t screwed up. The urge to feel her in his arms was overwhelming.






***

Gils limped hurriedly to the stables. The white horse he rented was swift, and made the trip to the Imperial City in record time.

He nearly trampled what looked like a one legged man standing in the middle of the road when he reached Weye. Leaping off the horse, he hurried over and helped the man up.

“I’m sorry, man. Will you be alright? I wasn’t watching…was going too fast. I have to get back to my fiance‘…we had a fight. I’ve got to make up with her so we can get married. She gave me this ring, see it? I plan to get her one and ask her to marry me proper. We’ve said vows already, but…women like things done right.�

“Well maybe we can help each other out on that.� The man said, sticking out his hand. “You‘re Gils, right? My wife and I met at a concert you had in the arboretum near thirty years ago. Swore vows that same day after one of the songs. She’s gone now, rest her soul. My name is Aelwin Merowald.�

“Good to meet you Aelwin. I’m sorry about running you down. I fight at the Arena now, if you need to see a healer I’ll pay.�

“I’ve seen you fight, lad. You’re good…but so are a lot. Never heard one could beat you singing though. What made you get out of music?�

“Er…It’s a long story.�

“You want a ring, right? Something…unique? How about this? You’ll never see another like it. It’s called the ’Jewel of the Rumare’. That stone…blue topaz, the color of the Rumare. Anyone wears this…they’ll never drown. You help me with a little job, and I’ll give it in payment.�

“What kind of job?�

“You’re smart to ask. Scales. Not just any, but those you only find here in the upper Rumare I need ’em. Can’t get any with this leg. I see you’re limping too, and your hand is busted. Maybe you’re not the right one to ask, but I’m asking. What say you?�

“Can’t drown with the ring on? You swear to that? I just barely survived drowning not days ago. And I don‘t have anything but this bow, no armor…�

“You can‘t wear armor to swim, lad. No wonder you nearly drowned. Aye, I’ll swear to it. I’ve got a short sword you can borrow, but I’ll need it back. I found this ring in the belly of a slaughterfish, you know.�

“Inside? Er…did it eat…er…slaughterfish can bite that bad?�

“That bad? Look at my leg, lad.� Aelwin raised his trouser leg. “That’s why I’m not getting them myself, I can‘t.�

“GAAAH! Slaughterfish did that?�

“Yep. A brood mother bit clean through my leg when I accidentally came up on her nesting. They don’t like to be disturbed...now I can see that’s got you scared, but don‘t you worry. I‘ll give you some tips that will keep you safe.�

“Are these tips you learned after your leg got bit?�

“No! I’ve been a fisherman damn near all my life! I learned from my dear daddy, an’ he learned from his.�

“But you still got your leg bit off!�

“Well…accidents happen, lad. We just need to see none happen to you.�






***

“Carry this basket of my lunch for me, lad. I’ll call instructions to you while you’re out there.�

Aelwin pointed to a folding seat in his rowboat. “Here, lad. Set that up for me on this dock. …Well you have to unfold it, I can‘t sit in it like that!“

Aelwin plunked down into the seat and began digging in the basket. “You get out there and practice using that ring to swim. When you see a fish you give me a yell and I’ll call instructions to you.� Aelwin then proceeded to keep up a running commentary.

“You have to go under the water to see the fish, lad! …How do ye’ expect to see them fish with your eyes shut? Open your eyes, lad!� Aelwin shouted from his perch on the dock, then muttered under his breath, “Oh gods, he’s going to be killed.�

“I heard that…� Gils called.

“Well what are you doing just standing there? You have to go in the water to fish, lad!�

“I’m praying to Vivec, who gives the gift of water breathing.� Gils called.

“What the hell do you think the ring I give ye’ to wear does? You don’t need a god when ye’ got that ring on!�

Memories of being stuck at the bottom of the Brena River flooded in on Gils till he struggled to breathe even standing with his head above the water. They say if you fall off a horse to get right back on, maybe it was the same with drowning…get right back in the water so the fear doesn‘t have a chance to settle in…

Taking a deep breath, Gils plunged his head below the surface of the water. He stayed in the shallow water, just squatted down so his head was below the surface. The first feeling of the water closing over his head sent a panic through him. Gils fought it off, forcing himself to stay under…holding his breath.

Aelwin’s harangue could be heard underwater.

“Are you holding your breath? What good is that ring doing ye’ if you’re going to hold your breath? I thought you had some sense…�

Gils counted to ten, then took a tentative breath. What felt like hundreds of air bubbles filled his lungs. Straight oxygen, it gave almost a heady feeling…how did the ring do that? He breathed a few more times.

“What the hell are ye’ doing now, lad? You expect the fish to come to you?�

Finally Gils felt confident enough with the breathing underwater. He took a tentative step toward the deep and slid over the edge of a drop off, sinking rapidly to the bottom. His initial panic eased as his lungs remained filled with air. There was a slight movement to his left, Gils turned his head and found himself looking straight into an open mouth full of jagged teeth.

“GAAAAH! Holy [censored]! Them mother [censored] are huge!� Gils’ bellowing echoed off the bridge supports as he raced in leaping bounds to the shore.

Aelwin slapped his leg and doubled over laughing. “You shoulda’ seen your face! What did you think they’d be an’ be able to bite a man’s leg off? You addled lad? Go back in and get it.�

“You’re going to call instructions to me, right?�

“Sure, just hurry before he moves on.� Aelwin took an overly large bite of his sandwich and chewed it as Gils headed back into the water.

“HEEELP! Aelwin…tell me…GAAAH! Help me, Aelwin!�

“Mph gwa bu! Wu ba ya!� Aelwin shouted, flecks of sandwich spewing as he tried to speak.

Gils came barreling out yelling, a slaughterfish in hot pursuit. “I thought you said you were going to help me!�

“Gmph! Gmph!� Aelwin pointed behind Gils with the hand that wasn’t holding the sandwich.

The slaughterfish had followed him onto the land, and was flopping towards him with its teeth gnashing.

“GAAAH!�

“Kmin gummy!�

“Oh.� Gils drew the short sword out and pierced the underbelly of the huge fish.






***


Gils hurried into the Bloodworks. Owyn was up drinking brandy.

“Here Gils, have a wee Deoch an Dorus wi’ me.�

“Nae Owyn, one only. Where’s Maxical?�

Owyn pointed to the bathing room.

“Thanks.� Gils turned up the snifter and emptied it. He paused in front of the bathing room door and then tugged on it. It was deadbolted.

“Oh, she gave me this to give you.� Owyn fiddled in his pockets and produced a note.




Gils, Your things are back where you used to sleep. M.




“Did she bolt you out?�

Gils nodded.

“Well, you can go through Pork Chops cage…�

“Give me one more brandy Owyn.�

Gils limped down the chute and entered Pork Chop’s cage. He tried the door into the bathing area, but it was locked from the inside.

Gils put his face close to the door. “Maxical, you know I won’t lay on my mat dirty. Please let me bathe, I won’t bother you and I’ll leave as soon as I’m finished, I promise.�

No answer.

“Maxical please? …Maaaaxicaaal�

No answer. She always got weak-kneed from his singing…



“Lay beside me, tell me what they've done
Speak the words I want to hear, to make my demons run
The door is locked now, but it's open if you're true
If you can understand the me, than I can understand the you.�



Pork Chop began snorting loudly.

“PORK CHOP! NO! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? PORK CHOP, LEAVE ME ALONE! HEEEELP! PORK CHOP NO! HEEEELLLP!�


*

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 4 2016, 04:16 AM

Pinarus shows some dimension (as do all your characters) with his efforts to retrieve Gils’ pack. Then he reverts to form with the shout to his wife. Gils wasn’t the only one to lose some of his beverage over that one…



Yes, why not ask the guy called “Lefty” for tips on using a chainsaw safely.

The scene with Aelwin was so vividly written, I could see it clearly.

Apparently, Gils’ singing has “charms that inflame the savage beast.” I know, I know- the correct word is “breast,” but I was paraphrasing anyway.

Loved it.

Bad mALX!!! BAD BAD BAD BAD BAD BAD GIRL!!!

NOW MY HEAD IS FULL OF VISIONS OF PORK CHOP MAKING GILS INTO HIS....GIRLFRIEND....


... and what will we get in nine months? A sheety porkee babee???

The scene in Pinarus' house was humorous, yet became rather poignant. Nicely done!

And finally, Gils gets out of that sex pit known as the Kingdom of Countess Iwanna Humpanox. I had visions of Gils' rented horse with an Avis butt sticker on its rump.

You did a wonderful job of weaving the Jewel of the Rumare into the story. The fishing expedition was great fun to read. I enjoyed your neat explanation of Gils' perceptions of how the ring worked, overshadowed by his recent near drowning.

Who needs charm spells when you can sing. Hmm. . . seems Gils' aim is no better than Maxical's. . . either that, or it is an area effect weapon. Regardless, it seems the result may be Gils and Pork Chop makin' bacon. Oh my. . . I thought Anvil was bad. Lol.



This post has been edited by Acadian: Oct 9 2010, 04:25 PM

Okay, it’s official . . . Pinarus is now one of my favorite characters in the Maxical-verse!

The idea of Gils doing Go Fish as a way to get an engagement ring for Maxical is inspired!

And at least now we know that Gils’ singing works on both boars and Imperials (though I imagine that sometimes it is hard to distinguish between the two )!

Pinarus rocks!

@ Treydog - Thank you so very much!!! Oddly enough, the "Go Fish" quest was just one paragraph long when I started the final edit the day before posting. I thought I would change the "telling" paragraph to dialogue. Once Aelwin got talking I could not shut him up, lol.

- oh yeah, the one armed guy giving safety tips - ROFL !!!! It reminded me of a panhandler at the race track telling you this system he uses to bet on horses that will make ME a millionaire. Unless it was bumming a buck off everyone in attendance, his system wasn't working, lol.

Pinarus - I like to find a truth about the character in game and expound on it. (like the healer's jealousy over the Countess) Knowing Pinarus cheats on Astia with the Gweden Farm girls in the game, I figure he cheats other places too.

I never meant that scene to be funny, but the first time I had him lower his voice and point to the ceiling I lost control and it was on. I wrote every bit of the Pinarus sketch around that action...which led to having him bang the broom on the ceiling and shout for her.

***
@ Foxy - SPEW!!! EW !!! I think Gils ran fast enough to avoid getting...porked !!! BWAAAHAA !!!!! Thank you so much Foxy !!!

***
@ Acadian - Oh, I should have called on you when I was trying to think up different names to call her - that was great! Thank you so much Acadian !!!

***
@ Destri - Pinarus - I like him a lot too, in spite of his being a rogue. He took over the keyboard when I started doing his character, (see my comment to Treydog above)

The "Go Fish" segment consisted of one paragraph when I was doing the final edits, I only meant to change it to dialogue and that is what came out of that. Aelwin obviously had a lot to say, he wouldn't shut up from the first time I gave him a line of dialogue. When I sat back and read it - I loved it and bumped a whole bunch of stuff to keep it in there, lol.

Thank you so much Destri !!!!!

***

@ Zalphon - Yeah Zalphon !!! I am tickled you liked Pinarus !!! My favorite characters are always the ones that make me laugh, lol. Thank you so much Zalphon !!!

*


Chapter 58: Never Make Promises You Don’t Intend To Keep



Gils never returned from Anvil, days have passed with no sign of him…no word. The thought occurred that he may not come back. It left me with a hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach. Worse, if Gils returns…living together but no longer a couple…the thought of seeing him with other women. That would be unbearable.

My mind knows Gils for a mistake, but my body is a huge vacuole that aches for him. I crave what we had as a lung craves air.

It feels like I’m hanging in a pending state. For the life of me I can’t understand why Fathis would have me stay in the Bloodworks knowing Gils and I will be in here together…knowing our relationship was intimate. Is he testing the strength of my commitment to him? Why would he not just start me and assure himself of it?

I moved Gils mat and clothing back to the main area; had to do it for the sake of my own weakness that found me burying my nose in them, breathing in his scent.

It was past midnight when I heard the Bloodworks door open, some Pits calling greetings…and then Gils‘ voice. I was up in a flash pressing my ear to the bolted bathing room door, but couldn‘t make out the words. My stomach knotted up and it felt like acid was eating holes through it. This was it then. Dear gods please don’t let him be with another woman in front of me.








******* Gils


“You should have known better than to serenade Pork Chop, now he thinks you’re courting him!� Owyn roared laughing.

“Real funny Owyn. I’ve got to talk to her.�

“What the hell is going on between you two? Hell, she nearly ripped my head off for trying to keep you apart before you left, said she was calling the truce off!�

“She said that? I screwed everything up Owyn. Aggie showed up. I didn’t handle it right. I could have straightened it out on the trip home if Fathis hadn’t popped up.�

“You idiot, you going to lose her over that crazy Orc?�

“Not if I can help it. Aggie was controlling my mind, Owyn. He’s been doing it since he was a child and I never knew it.�

“Mind control! You better come up with something better than that.�

“I know it sounds crazy, but it’s the truth. Even being sickly as a child, he was faking it so I would give up my music. He was powerful even then…and manipulative. It was something like being hypnotized, I was doing his will without even knowing it…�

“When he was a child? No one is going to believe that crap!�

“I know, but it’s the truth. You’ve known both me and him all these years…seen it happen with your own eyes. If you don’t believe me, no one will. It’s some power he was born with…from his father being an ancient vampire. You were right about his other half not being human, Owyn. Hannibal is an expert on ancients, ask him if they use mind control. Find out if they can read minds too, because Aggie could read mine.�

“You’re serious?�

“Dead serious. Aggie killed his father with his bare hands, even your stomach would be turning if you saw it. He planned to murder me and Maxical, and you were right about him murdering his mother…I got proof he murdered my father too. That Elven sword he always carries, he said Haki sold it to him. I believed him all these years. He admitted it was my father’s. Those swords are generic, they all look alike. I never suspected. And my father was green when he died too, Owyn.�

“All this was in the Courier…well, all except the mind control. They did a whole expose on it. They even printed excerpts from that vampire‘s journal, he was a nut! It had the evidence Agronak murdered his mother, and that he was suspected of murdering your father for that sword.“

“Maxical gave the interview? How did she know about my father?�

“Hell no, she’s been locked in the bathing room bawling like a calf since she got back. Fathis found the journal, he gave the interview. S‘Jirra told Hassiri off record about your father being murdered for that sword, but he got Fathis to tell him on record and quoted her as ’A reliable source’ to keep her name out of it. She tried to tell you that twenty years ago but you wouldn’t listen.�

“Why don’t I remember that? Aggie…�

“Gils…why the hell are you still calling him Aggie? It sounds like you’re talking about a toddler that needs protected, not a crazy murderer. If he can shred up an ancient vampire with his bare hands, he ain‘t no Aggie. I don’t know what the hell he is, but it ain’t that. If you’re serious about being free of him, you need to break that habit. I know I don’t want to hear it said in my Bloodworks anymore. And I’m telling you this, if you get in that Orc’s corner after this I won’t know you anymore. I’ll throw you out of my Bloodworks for good.�

“You won’t have to worry about that, I think he died at Crowhaven.�

“Dead! What crap you trying to pull on me?� Owyn’s expression made it evident he didn’t believe Gils. “I want to know what you are going to do, because I’m one second away from throwing you out of here.�

“I want you to set my fight schedule back up on a three day rotation. I’ll do the Cage Match too. I won’t fight him, but I’m going for the Championship so my contract with you will be finished. Then I‘m buying out Maxical‘s contract like Alix did for S‘Jirra. I want to marry Maxical and move to Anvil.�

“Now you’re talking. You’re a good man, Gils. Agronak is the only weak point you’ve ever had. Get rid of him and you could write your own ticket, music or the Arena.�

“I do want to go back to my music. Aelwin, Pinarus and his wife…they recognized me, reminded me what my music meant to me…what it did for them. Maxical’s been saying the same thing.�

“Pork Chop was pretty excited by it.“

“Don’t remind me.�

“Well you better hope Fathis didn’t get as far with Maxical as you have. Count Terentius said he had to dig that moat to keep women from climbing the walls of the castle to sneak into Fathis’s bedroom. The only one I’ve seen banging on your door is Horski.�

“Thanks Owyn, I’m sure I’ll have no trouble getting my game on after hearing that. You really know how to kill a buzz! Better fill my brandy again.“

Gils limped over to the cabinet and held out his snifter.

“What the hell’s wrong with your legs?�

“I almost died, and that nutty healer in Anvil…�

“Oh crap, you been touched by that butcher? Hell, I heard she turned some damn good-looking woman into a man by accident, Manheim the Flabby or something.“

“Newheim the Portly?�

“Yeah, that’s it…oh hell, look at your ankles! Get up on the fount…damn! YOUR HAND! What the hell did she do to it?�

“What about being exposed to vampires? She said she cured me…I’m worried now.�

Owyn shot to his cabinet and pulled something out. “Drink this and pray to the gods it’s not too late. I need to know exactly how long ago it was.“

“I don’t know, I was out of it for days.�

“I better get Jeelius up here. Have you had any nightmares or strange symptoms?�

“I haven’t slept since I came to at the Chapel.�

“What the hell did she do to you? That butcher! Look at your ankles! Let me see that hand. Ah geez! That [censored] don’t know what the hell she’s doing! Lay down, let me see if I can fix this.� Owyn unlocked the fount and cranked it up, then started activating it.

“How the hell did you make it back, Gils? You sure didn’t walk on these feet. Hell, she may have crippled you for life. I’m filing a complaint to get her thrown out of healing for good. That mother [censored] butcher!�









******* Maxical

I pressed my ear onto the keyhole, but was only able to catch a word here or there. When I heard Owyn cursing and activating the healing fount, I shot back the bolt and ran out just in time to hear Owyn say Gils may be crippled for life. Gils lay prostrate on he fount while Owyn was working feverishly over him, cursing the whole time.

“Maxical, get your [censored] down to the Temple and get Jeelius. Tell him it’s an emergency exposure with a tight timeline, to bring his stuff. Then get Hannibal here right away. I need his help for this, and I want him to see what that [censored] did to Gils.�

It felt like my lungs constricted and refused to expand. I flew at top speed, but before I even left the district I was heaving for breath…not from exertion, but from fear for Gils. When I reached the Temple I ran in without knocking. I just kept bursting in doors till I found Jeelius sleeping on his cot. I darted in and grabbed him by his webbed hand, pulling him up.

“Owyn needs you, it’s an emergency exposure with a tight timeline. The Blue Bloodworks. He said bring whatever you need…please hurry, Jeelius. It‘s Gils.“

“Vampire exposure, huh?�

“What?� I felt the room dipping and swaying. Gils had been gone days…oh dear gods.

“An ancient Jeelius. An ancient.�

“Oh my.�

Jeelius jumped up and seemed to be a blur gathering items into a sack. “Are you coming with me?�

“No, I’m going after Arch Mage Traven.�

“Go then.�

When the teleported stopped I leaped off it and had Hannibal’s black leather bag in my hands before he had sat up in bed. “Hurry Hannibal, it’s Gils. Owyn said some butcher did something to him, that he might be crippled for life. And he‘s been exposed to an ancient vampire and it‘s been days. I already sent Jeelius.�

“Was he in Anvil?�

“Yes.�

“Damn her!� Hannibal hurried behind me.






***

I stayed out of the way on the other side of the fount, holding Gils’ good hand throughout. I’ve never heard Hannibal curse before, nor ever seen him that mad either. He was in a rage.

“Maxical, when did you and Fathis leave Crowhaven? Timing is crucial here, we need to know exactly when Gils was exposed.� Hannibal asked, watching me closely.

I tried to think, sliding my ring on Gils’ finger. “I don’t remember…maybe noon three days ago?�

“That’s right on the line.�

“Too many people here. Get that ring off him.� Jeelius pointed me out of the way.

I pulled my ring off Gils and backed to the other side of the room, but kept watching them work on him.

I never prayed to Akatosh even though Alix always told me I should. I did now; blurting out whatever popped into my head, promising who knows what if he would save Gils. For all I know I could have promised my life, maybe my firstborn…maybe both.

The wait was interminable…helpless…it’s a terrible feeling when you know you can’t help, and someone you love is in trouble. After what seemed like hours Owyn carried Gils to the bathing area. I ran ahead and held the door open for him. Owyn lay him on my mat.

“Listen up, Maxical. I need him watched carefully. If he moves, breathes funny, acts like he’s having a nightmare, anything whatsoever different you come get me right away. Don‘t try to handle it yourself, I mean it!�

Hannibal stepped in to check Gils, then came and took my hand. “You look terrible. Why don’t you tell me what’s going on.“

“Fathis showed up in Anvil. Somehow he knew about Gils. I admitted the affair, but had already ended it with Gils over his Orc before Fathis came.�

“I warned you.�

“I know Hannibal, everyone did…and they were right. Even now, knowing it myself…all of it means nothing. I still crave him. It’s as if I am bound…but I can’t be because my flag is still blue.�

“Fathis didn’t…�

“No! I tried kissing him…I even turned my back on him and swished my tail in his face to entice him. He refused to start me, then leaves me in here with Gils knowing we‘ve been intimate. If he is testing the strength of my commitment to him, he is setting me up for failure.�

“How did you part?�

“He made me vow fidelity. I gave my word…but he can’t expect me to live here with Gils and keep it. There are different ways of abandoning people…you know?�

“What happened when you kissed Fathis?�

“Nothing happened. He is powerfully skilled, I know now why he is so sought…but I never had…response.�

“It certainly sounds like you are already bound. Maybe you better come by the Arcane and let me check you again.�


*

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 4 2016, 04:19 AM

My dear little Cat...

I suggest you stand in front of Fathis, wriggle your cute little a.s.s,

and sing...



"Push the Button" by SugaBabes.

Just don't try anything by the Hoff.

Speaking of which, Gils doesn't sing (or strut) like the Hoff, does he?

(I was just reading Ol' Andy's latest over on Beth and made the mistake of clicking on the link in his post - owww, brain bleach!)

OMG, I will never wipe that horrible image from my mind - the Hoff...and that vid!




Here is "Gils" singing "The song" everyone requests:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdvJXxNTPV0...feature=related


Obviously it is Metallica, The Unforgiven II

This post has been edited by mALX: Oct 11 2010, 05:32 PM

I liked this version so much better -
Unforgiven II Live

I totally love concert videos!

I like Metallica concert vids better too, but I chose the other vid because the screenies looked like Anvil, lol.

You are spinning quite a balancing act here making both Fathis and Gils likeable and unlikeable at the same time. I couldn't even begin to hazard a guess. Fathis is behind door #1. Gils is behind door #2. Perhaps Janus is lurking behind door #3. I find myself wishing our kitty had a door #4. Brilliantly woven, mALX! You certainly get inside everyone's head.

I got a kick out of this, after the antics in Anvil.

Nit? I know it is dialogue so you can sort of do what you like. Did you mean to say 'needs protected' here? I would have thought 'needs protection' or perhaps 'needs to be protected'. Just see what you think.

Poor Maxical, she just can't seem to get a break! The one time she stands by her guns and refuses Gils entry into the bath area he is dying of vampire wounds, reprehensible healing practices, and overt Porkchop advances. How is she not supposed to feel for him now? I know that Janus is secretly to blame for Fathis lapse in swordsmanship, but he can’t be so dense as to not notice that he has no feeling for the woman that he loves.


Thus endeth the speculation of why Gils would not recognize his father’s sword. Well played, mALX.


There are moments of action or dialogue that are perfectly timed. This conversation is one of those moments!

The very top of chapter 56 when Fathis wakes up Hannibal in the middle of the night as soon as he gets back to the Imperial City...asks him for a full physical, vitamins, etc - (he noticed, he was in a panic! Lol. obviously inability is something that he hadn't encountered in the past).

This post has been edited by mALX: Oct 12 2010, 05:47 PM

Alarums and excursions, as they used to say. You again display your amazing ability to turn a humorous episode on its head and show the tragedy that may lurk behind the laughter. In this case, Gils' botched "healing" in Anvil.

Despite the distractions of Gils' exposure to porphyria, Hannibal seems to be asking the right questions about another matter.

I feel the same as Acadian, wishing Maxical had a "Door Number 4."

This post has been edited by treydog: Oct 13 2010, 12:31 AM

Not to mention what happened to poor Newheim the Portly !!!

@ Foxy - I'm just glad you didn't post that Hoff vid on here, that is the stuff nightmares are made of, lol. Thank you so much Foxy!

***
@ Naughty Haute - I don't think...was Hoff...strutting? GAAAH! ARGH! That vid will haunt me! ROFL !!! Thank you so much Haute!!!

***
@ Acadian - Wait, three boyfriends isn't enough, you think she should have four? GAAAH! ROFL !!!! I'm leaving the nit as it stands because it is Owyn talking, to reflect how he would phrase it. (he says "ain't, too, lol.) Thank you so very much Acadian !!!

***
@ Destri - Thank you so much Destri !!! You nailed a bunch of stuff on the head in your comment. Timing is everything, and Gils coming back injured was about as perfect timing as it could get for him - and Fathis's timing in getting her angry then leaving her there - yeah, bad timing.

If you look at the top of chapter 56 you'll see Fathis ran to the Arcane the second he dropped Maxical off when they came back from Anvil - woke up Hannibal in the middle of the night asking for a full physical exam and some vitamins - he noticed the problem, and was anxious to fix it. I figured with Fathis's reputation and pride, he would not tell anyone about a problem like that, especially after all the rhymes and jokes about the Orc and his lack, lol.

***
@ Treydog - Gils got the lesser botched healing - what about poor Newheim the Portly? ROFL !!!! Good grief I hope I don't have to drum up a fourth man, she's got to get out and do some quests, ROFL !!! Seriously though, I really would like to pare them down to just one and get her moving onto doing some actual work. Thank you so much Treydog !!!!

*


Chapter 59: Promises And Darkness


Gils slept heavily, the brandy on his breath brought back strong memories of that night on the Rumare. It seemed like forever ago, for what we’ve been through since.

Somehow inside the Bloodworks everything took on a different perspective. In Anvil Fathis was my savior, now I was angry that he left me untouched in here with Gils. I broke with Gils…now he lay injured, and every instinct in me ached to bring him comfort. Then Owyn…what was with him? He was forking us together like he worked for Dibella as a matchmaker.

“You’re off training to take care of him, Maxical. Don’t let your huff get in the way of his health. Here Gils, I thought you might like this.� Owyn held out his bottle of good brandy, showing it to Gils but then handing it to me.

“Maxical, uncork that for Gils.� Owyn’s eyes looked conspiratorial.

A hundred useless retorts popped into my mind as I took the bottle. And then suddenly it hit me…he had cooked this up with Gils! When Owyn left I spun around and glared at Gils.

“How much did you pay him to weasel yourself in here with me?�

“Twenty Septims.�

The only way to keep my promise to Fathis would be to never be alone with Gils, never even glance into those intense eyes. I moved my things back to the corner behind Andronicus.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing? I told you he needs to be watched, his health comes before your snit…what‘s this?�

“Thirty Septims. I stay out here and watch him.�

“GILS! You stay out here so Maxical can watch you…what‘s this?�

“Forty Septims.�

“MAXICAL! I told you to stay in the ba…oh [censored], she’s going to blow!� Owyn reluctantly glanced down at the Septims in his hand and then back up at me.






***

Gils moved next to me in Andronicus’s corner. I began bolting the doors when I bathed so he couldn’t catch me in there alone. Knowing they would be my downfall, I avoided Gils’ eyes at all costs…meaning when his health returned and we sparred I took extra damage.

After the clean and quiet of the bathing room, or maybe because of all that was on my mind…I found sleep didn’t come at all out in the main area. The odor nearly made me ill…snores split the silence from all directions, echoing off the stone walls…it was like sleeping in a bear cave. Instead of the light colored tiles bathed in moonlight, everything about this area was steeped in darkness and shadows at night.

I breathed in deeply, hating myself for the weakness that would make me inhale the stench of that corner just for the minute scent of Gils mingled with it. That failure of strength made me grateful for standing my ground and sleeping in the main area…if one could call this sleep.

The scent of Gils and that damned brandy tantalized…evoking memories like specters rising out of the mist that covered the Rumare and taunting me with that night spent on it…my first kiss, swearing vows with Gils.

As if a manifestation of the memories, Gils’ voice came softly through the darkness.

“Maxical, I’m setting my fight schedule back up. When my contract ends I’m leaving the Arena and getting back into music. I wish you could have seen Pinarus and his wife when I sang to them…just like how it is…was between us after I’d sing to you. I needed you in my arms badly after seeing them together like that…�

“Fathis made me promise I wouldn’t see you anymore. I can’t break that, Gils. The next time he won‘t stop until you‘re dead.�

Maxical, we swore marriage vows…you belong to me. I heard you talking to Hannibal, you’re bound to me…it was meant we stay together.�

“Gils, I can’t trust you again. You have all the right words and moves till Agronak is involved, and then you let it all go to hell for his sake.�

“He had control of my mind. Hannibal said it is some form of hypnosis, you obey without knowing what you do. You know me, Maxical. I would have dragged you to the inn before you had second thoughts. When I realized…it was like a sealed vault in my mind was opened and memories that had been locked inside flooded out.�

“I’d have to trust it wouldn’t happen again, and I don’t.�

“I think he‘s dead, Maxical. I hid the sword well, knowing he’d never leave there without it….when he wanted something he became obsessed till he got it. The place was burning down…�

“He’s not dead, Gils. Evil people don’t die when it would be convenient if they did. They always manage to return somehow, worse than ever…like the gas one gets after eating haggis. He‘ll be back, and everything you say to me now will mean nothing.�

“No! I know what he’s doing now, I’ll fight it.�

“Gils, it’s much worse now. He was exposed, he’ll have the vampire disease. Hannibal said as a full vampire those powers he inherited at birth will be extraordinary. Agronak will make sure there is always a connection between you two till one of you dies. I want as far away from him as possible, and that means staying away from you.�






***

Gils sat up and lit a candle.

“Maxical…I want to buy out your contract and we’ll leave here together. Pinarus told me about a mansion for sale in Anvil that I can afford. Alix said he won’t stand against us if Agronak is out of my life.�

I sat up, gaping at him. “You talked to Alix about this?�

Gils nodded. “I know him, we were friends. I told him that we swore marriage vows, he knows I’ve never done that before in my life.�

“Gils…�

“The mansion needs fixing up, remember we passed it going to the library? Pinarus said the owner is all but giving it away, furniture and all. I can go back to giving concerts in the park there.�

“That huge one sitting off all by itself? It must cost a fortune!�

“Nope, the owner is selling it for only 5,000 Septims furnished. It needs a lot of work of course. I already sent the cheque to Pinarus by courier.�

“There must be something terribly wrong with it for it to be so cheap and no one has bought it, I wonder what it could be?�

“Er…Pinarus said it was owned by a necromancer who somehow became a…er…lich. He was…er…interred there and…uh…haunts the place looking for his…uh…severed hand…er…along with a dozen or so…uh…initiates. But for that price I’d give the lich its own room and wait on it hand and foot. Maybe we can find his…er…hand and he’ll leave when we give it back.�

“Haunted! Oh…I don’t like the sound of that, haunting scares me. You remember what I did to the Arena?�

“If you blow it up I’ll build you another. You can’t even buy an empty lot in a resort town like Anvil for that price. It’s overrun with tourists year round, I‘ll make enough off my music that you won’t have to work. Just stay home and fill the mansion up with little Dun-jiit. Have a nice home cooked meal waiting on the table when I come home…�

I flushed, his charm was edging through the barrier. “I can’t cook, Gils.�

“What? Hold up then, let me go see if Horski can cook…GAAAAH!� Gils kept the pillow I threw, propping it under his arms and laying across it at an angle so he faced me.

“Aw Gils, I want to believe you. If I break another promise to Fathis he’ll not stop till you’re dead. And I can’t be around you and not break it, not when everything in me craves you. To see you with another would kill me. I’m moving out of here as soon as I find somewhere to go, I have to.�

“Don’t leave me Maxical, we swore marriage vows well before you made this new promise to Fathis. He ignored you for months, do you think it coincidence that he showed up right after the Courier hinted we were affianced over the ring? He’s just stepped in long enough to threaten off the competition, can’t you see that? Why else would he leave you in here with me and not bother to start you? All he did was stake you out as his territory…like a dog urinating on a bone he has no desire to chew, just to keep the others from taking it.�

Gils’ words were an echo of my own thoughts since Fathis brought me back. Nothing could adequately explain him leaving me in the Bloodworks to live with the man I had been intimate with.






***

“You may as well stay, because I will follow.� Gils slid over and sat beside me, taking my hand.

He stopped me when I tried to pull away.

“We have to talk about something serious, Maxical. According to Dunmer law I either broke tradition or validated our marriage vows by sharing Azura’s gift, the marital mysteries. They are only allowed in the first marriage or face severe consequences. Fathis is the Arbiter for all of Cyrodiil, and he adheres rigidly to doctrine.�

“Fathis is…I never knew he did anything but Court Mage and Mages Guild. I don’t know what an Arbiter does, it sounds ominous…and important.�

“It is, to Dunmer. Your promise to Fathis was well known beforehand, and Fathis knows I was very aware of his position as Arbiter. I acted with full knowledge, proving my intent was serious. He’ll have to decide now either that I consider you my true wife, or bring me up on charges for breaking tenets.�

“He said you broke tenets.� I barely whispered, unable to look Gils in the face.

“Was that in rage when he discovered you had been taught them?�

I nodded, keeping my face averted.

“It’s too serious an accusation to decide in anger, he’ll weigh it carefully before bringing charges. His hands are tied by Dunmer law, he can’t take you from me now even if his promise came first…I’m bound to you by Azura‘s gift, and can never teach the mysteries to another.�

“What will he do?�

“As Arbiter he can find me guilty of breaking tenets and sentence me to death by his sword, or as a man he can kill me for taking what was his. I knew what I faced before fulfilling the Dunmer tradition of marriage with you…but I showed Fathis the highest respect by honoring his promise and leaving you intact, that may save me.�

“If you knew…why did you do it?�

“Fathis held a promise over you, we could never marry except the old country way…swearing vows. By Dunmer law, Fathis could still rend us apart because his promise came first…unless Azura bound our destinies together. It’s our oldest tradition, dating back to when we were the Chimer. By law, what she binds together none are to put asunder. If he tries to separate us now, he’ll be the one breaking tenets…unless he brings charges and proves them.�

Is that why Fathis left me in here with Gils?

“You sound like one of those wily lawyers that finds loopholes…but Fathis won’t be bested. Will he be able to prove charges against you? We didn‘t have witnesses, the marriage won’t stand up…�

“I don’t need a stamp of approval from Ocato saying we are married. I feel it in here.� Gils cuffed his hand over his heart.









******* Vicente Valtieri

Antoinetta Marie pushed her lip out into a pout that would have looked cute on her a number of years ago. Now it just gave image to a sourness of personality that eroded desire in Vicente in spite of her beauty. Lucien Lachance had tired of it as well, dumping her off on Vicente to rid himself of the constant drain of her narcissism.

“We never go anywhere! Everyone in Tamriel went to that funeral, even Telaendril and Gogron were there! Everyone except me. I’m tired of being cooped up in here, I never get out unless I’m on an assignment.�

“Go by yourself, why do I have to go with you?� Vicente attempted to keep the irritation from his voice.

“I’ll ask Lucien to take me, he likes going out.� She stamped her foot.

“You do that. Vampires can‘t go out in sunlight, and can be killed on sight thanks to that law Uriel Septim passed. A crowded event like that is too high risk, even in a cowl and at night.�

“Ocheeva and Teinaava rented a suite, we can take Teinaava’s room and he can sleep on the couch. You’d be inside then.�

“Don’t you think you should ask before making plans?�

“Ask what?� Ocheeva stepped in the doorway.

Vicente indicated Antoinetta.

“Teinaava doesn’t need a whole room to himself, why can’t he sleep on the couch and Vicente and I use the room?�

“Teinaava paid for his room, why should he give it up?� Ocheeva scowled at Vicente.

“I have a contract for Teinaava, he’ll be missing the music festival.� Vicente spoke quietly, but his eyes reflected the challenge.

“That’s not fair!� Ocheeva fumed.


*

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 4 2016, 04:23 AM