Foxy, did you perhaps read a little too fast?

Something I noticed:

Followed by:


Oh, boy, is my mind going off on a crazy tangent!

I am TRYING to be on my best behaviour, everyone.

Hmmmph!!!

Get THEE BEHIND ME SATAN...

er..



..er..


NO! NO NO NO NO!!!! I DIDN'T MEAN THAT!!!!! I'M NOT EVEN GAY!!!

Acadian started it by showing us all dirty pictures first thing in the morning !!!

Love Thy Enemy . . . Love thy enemy. . . I never would've guessed that Fathis took that so LITERALLY. Wow.

You know, this reminds me of a joke. It's corny, cheesy and consists of black humor so BEWARE.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
A dude by the name of Holden Magroyne, was the ideal chem fiend and the neighborhood's mascot. He never took God's commands really seriously and all. But what he treasured though, was Love Thy Neighbor.

You know why?

Because besides his home sits a BROTHEL by the name of the 'PseudoSacrosanct's Den'.

CHEEESSSEEEEYYY!

SPEW !!!! ROFL !!!!!



*

It's official. Foxy disease has infected everyone now.

ROFL !!!!!!!

Oh, mALX! A cliffhanger!

First Maxical couldn't get a fellow, now she has two that think they're married to her!

So, Fathis figured out Janus' intent, and Raminus aspires to Arch Mage.

Maybe our kitty should race to Gottlesfont Priory. Perhaps she could become Sister Maxical. In any event, it seems she could use the help of Akatosh himself to get out of this one!

Er...I could differentiate by calling one...the big sword, and the other...little sword...but which would Fathis call which?

I won't even begin to touch upon the swords! Nevermind

*Destri deftly changes the subject*

Raminus Polus lives up to his name! Social-climbing little s#%^!!

*Forgive me if I go on a bit of a tirade here:

Now that Fathis knows about the spell, his first instinct is to stay away from Maxical?! I would think that he wouldn’t want to leave her side, knowing how much danger she is in. Telling her about the spell and about Hassildor seems to be the only way to make her understand the gravity of the situation in which she finds herself. Not sharing such information, choosing to risk Maxical’s life rather than submit to a possible broken heart is a clear indication that he loves himself more than he loves her. His flimsy reasoning aside, the fact that he runs from her marks him for a coward!

Hassildor went to a lot of trouble, even risked exposure and alienation by the Mages Guild (especially when you consider that Fathis is the ‘best friend’ of the Arch-Mage), to preserve the virginity of a woman that he doesn’t even want. The pull of the ‘chosen’ proves to be strong indeed if it forces a vampire to act in opposition to his own self-interest!

O.K. tirade over*

Poor Maxical, her choices in love come down to two men who are both being controlled (in one way or another) by vampires. Perhaps she really has been ‘chosen’.

He didn't leave her side, he just wasn't available for her to break it off with.




There is a big picture that may take a couple chapters to reveal due to keeping the chapters down to readable sizes and not wanting to post too frequently. Revealing information in advance dulls the impact when those chapters post ...



*

This post has been edited by mALX: Nov 25 2010, 08:25 AM

@ Foxy - You ROCK Foxy !!! Thank you so much, Foxy !!!! Now that makes me feel much better !!!!

***
@ Naughty Hauty - SPEW !!!! ROFL !!!! I somehow missed that in the edits ... and really don't know how to fix the issue, ROFL !!! Acadian showing dirty pictures first thing in the morning that day - it set my mood for the whole week. I have broken my own record for dherty innuendo this week !!! ROFL !!! Thank you so much Haute, you ROCK !!! (and this side of you has been greatly missed lately !!!)

***
@ Ureniashtram - "Holden Magroyne!" SPEW !!!! ROFL !!!! I had to read the joke like fifty times before I got to the end, everytime I read that name I rolled on the floor laughing !!!! You ROCK!!! Thank you so much Ureniashtram !!!!!

***
@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian !!!! Maxical ... a Sister? SPEW !!! Ocato won't recognize her marriage to Gils, since there were no witnesses and she has now sworn vows with Fathis.

The old country marriage by the clasping of hands and swearing the vows in front of two people - (called "handfasting") was taken from an old Scots tradition. (although it was done all through Europe in the rural or remote areas) In most cases it was also considered legal even if there were no witnesses as long as the couple stood by it. Switzerland was the last to stop recognizing it as legal.

(so technically, is she a bigamist now? NOOOOOOOO!!!! ARGH !!!) You are an Awesome friend, Acadian! Thank you so much for your continued support !!!!

***
@ Destri - Thank you very much Destri! In keeping the chapters down to a readable size, some information doesn't get revealed for a chapter or two.

Example: I've done this too, (along with everyone else) on Haute's thread. Everyone got up in arms over Jauffre - thinking he was being hateful to Julian when she confessed her addiction to him. The next chapter revealed that Jauffre was actually being very supportive of her - we all just jumped to conclusions by our own interpretations of what seemed to be his actions.

A lot of times, revealing something too soon can lose the impact that information will have later. (So I'll plead for your patience).

It's really hard to tell how someone means something when it is typed - tone of voice doesn't come through the keyboard. What appears to be derision or sarcasm may not be at all what is meant (hopefully not).

Since the story is following only Maxical (not every virgin or ancient vampire in Tamriel) - you won't be given a play-by-play coverage of every other women who these vampires are going after. It is not that they are only chasing Maxical.

A few chapters back it was detailed that Seridur and Jak both 'farm' - and Seridur killed a virgin in his backyard within the last week. -

I have no plans to detail other virgins deaths any deeper than a conversation about a blurb in the Courier in a few other paragraphs - it is not the focus of the story, only a part of it.

As far as the call to a mate being strong - in the animal world I have seen a scent cause them to risk their lives in many a species. People - I have seen many risk their position or their life for one lay. A Minute Sampling Of Examples: Bill Clinton - Monica Lewinski / John Edwards - Rielle Hunter / JFK - Marilyn Monroe / David - Bathsheba / Jimmy Swaggart - The Pony / Tiger Woods - The Continental United States.

I hope that clears up what has felt to me to be an irrititant you found in the story. I hate to see my story bringing tirades to you so often, lol. Your support means a lot to me, you are very appreciated !!

Thank you so much Destri !!! You ROCK !!!!

This post has been edited by mALX: Nov 27 2010, 04:26 AM

*


Chapter 79: Confrontation And Deception



******* Janus


Janus was drawn to the stage Maxical was performing on. In chameleon he moved in close, finding a vantage spot just as Gils came out…dear gods the look that passed between them…

A flicker of remorse…envy…longing. That was what Janus sought for himself, that millisecond of glance that told what was between them more than a thousand words could. It was so easy for them; young, no hiding behind a cowl…no pink eyes and fangs to dull the attraction.

From his vantage point Janus watched stunned as Fathis swore vows with Maxical. Fathis wasn’t wasting any time now that the spells were off! Drat the man! Janus started forward, wondering how to put a stop to this…then ground to a halt.

This may be a perfect solution to the Gils problem! The spells could be reinstated before Fathis had a chance to consummate the marriage….she would be stuck living with Fathis, safely away from Gils…and still untouched!

The timing was crucial with only one day left for the music festival. Clavicus Vile’s gift would hide his nature for that one day. Maxical would have to be taken early tomorrow morning. That would give Janus all day to hunt a bride as Count Skingrad. He would be a conquering god coming to the festival in full noble regalia seeking a bride.

Janus planned to try keeping Maxical alive as Jak did with his victims, but in case he failed…the Orc would be released to fulfill his part as Janus left the city. Agronak would be a very visible target when the Legion searched for a vampire.

The ability to once again stand in sunlight without burning or that cowl…there could be no greater freedom or pleasure to be imagined.





***


There were a few moments in the ceremonial kiss that Janus feared Fathis was going to consummate the marriage right there. He hurried forward, drawing his arm back to cast the spell on Fathis…then he saw Gils step forward, the pain only another man would recognize in his eyes. Gils began to sing; the surprise of that threw Janus off his course. Stunned, he stood and watched as scenes unfolded before his eyes.

The song reached Maxical at her very core; tears etched trails through the white fur of her cheeks, their lack of momentum accentuating the hopelessness that reflected in her eyes. That song must be special to their relationship. He and Rona had never had a special song between them…but Janus was sure Maxical and Gils did…and this was it.

To Janus’s surprise, Fathis walked to the stage and stood directly in front of Gils. There was no doubt he was challenging Gils by his stance. Gils continued the song as if he did not see, or did not care that the challenge was thrown. Brave…or foolish.

Janus glanced around, the crowd seemed mesmerized by the song. People were kissing, making out heavily…some even slipping behind tents to complete the act! Good gods, what a gift that Dunmer had! Now would be the time to grab a woman made weak in the knees by that song!

He hurried over to the nearest woman standing alone, forgetting he was in Chameleon. Her screams reminded him. He dispelled but her fear was made worse by his sudden appearance in that dratted cowl. He scurried away. Spotting another lone woman, Janus hurried toward her…but the song ended before he got there.

“Get away from me, creep!�






***


Lines were forming in front of the stage to receive promise rings. Janus started to turn away when the smell of several ancients converging toward that area blew strongly under his nose. He glanced around quickly and was startled to see Fathis coming directly towards him. Fathis’s expression reflected shock at seeing him, and a certain caginess.

Caught thus, there was no way to hide. Janus hailed Fathis. “Congratulations!�

“Hassildor, what do you do here?�

“I came for the music like all you see here. If you have no plans for tomorrow morning I‘d like to give a gift to the bride. Something she has a great interest in.�

Fathis indicated Janus join him walking. “A minute of your time, if you don’t mind.“

Janus hesitated, those ancients were swarming the stage area…but surely they couldn’t harm her in sight of all these crowds. And he did need to put the spell back on Fathis to ensure there would be no wedding night.

“You understand I will need the discretion of a private place to meet…one with plenty of shade, or indoors.�

“There is no need for a gift, I’ll convey your congratulations to her. Does Traven know you’re in town?�

“Why should he? I do not have to report my actions to the Mages Guild, I am a Noble and can travel at will. My only arrangement with the Mages Guild is that I not act on my nature.�

“True. Still, it is quite a surprise to see you leave your castle.�

“I have stayed isolated by my own choice, there was never an agreement I stay confined. Your duties as liaison between Castle Skingrad and the Mages Guild do not give you the privilege of dictating or questioning my actions, Aren.�

“True, as long as there is the assurance you are not acting on your nature…�

“Unless you want diplomatic relations between your guild and Castle Skingrad to end abruptly, you will remember that you are merely a liaison. You seem to be confused in the idea of what your duties entail.� Janus’s hand went instinctively to where a sword would hang if he was wearing one. The threat was unmistakable and hung in the air tangibly.

“Before you act on that threat, I feel it best to inform you that I have taken the precaution of informing several others in authority of the spells you used on me, of your extreme interest and actions regarding Maxical, and of the fact that you have left your castle. Sanctions have already begun. Should anything happen to Maxical or me, charges will be brought…and sanctions will be the least of your worries.�

Dear gods…this was it then. Eternity in a dungeon…eternity in a dungeon. Janus tried to think quickly, but visions of dungeons overrode clear thought. Instead a panic arose in him that blinded everything except survival…and escape from this situation.










***


Fear and anger fueled the vampire nature in Janus. In a blink of an eye, and without thought he cast paralysis on Fathis. It was an assault, something totally against Janus’s own nature…but backed in a corner the survival instincts of the vampire were raging through him, he was no longer in control.

In a sudden flash of insight, Janus realized Fathis had lied. The shocked look on his face as he approached…he couldn’t have told anyone Janus had left the castle, he didn’t know it till just now…but had the rest been a lie too?

Traven always warned Janus that telling others immediately would be the protocol should he ever act on his nature. It was a security measure for just such an instance as this. But who would Fathis have told? The Arcane…the Palace? Fathis’s mind was as blank as a stone even before the paralysis, he was deliberately keeping it unreadable…another security measure.

Janus tried to pick Fathis’s mind as if it were a lock, prying at the information he needed from different angles. What that netted confirmed Janus’s worst fears, Fathis had gone to both the Palace and the Arcane in the middle of the night. He must have reported the spells and Janus’s interest in Maxical then. Drat!

Janus realized he should have wiped Fathis’s mind and implanted memories of his own choosing before removing the spells. That had been a huge mistake...one he would rectify immediately.

When Janus was finished, Fathis once again thought of him as being benign and never leaving his castle. Then Janus firmly implanted in Fathis’s mind that the vampire he reported earlier was named Seridur…that he had given the name wrong and must correct it immediately with whomever he reported it to earlier.

Jak said that in order to survive living as a vampire in the Imperial City, he had become devious and cunning. Cut-throat he had called this place. Janus had been here less than a week and was already turning in one of his kind to save his own neck...and had assaulted a Court official.

Janus hurried to Imbel’s rather than heading back to the festival. With the spell back on Fathis he would not be able to perform his husbandly duties tonight. Maxical was now out of Gils‘ reach, and Fathis was bringing her to him tomorrow. Everything was running smooth as glass now. Jak was right, the vampire was a genius of self-preservation.

Jak was locked in his sleep chamber when Janus arrived. Gemellus Axius guarded the steps up to it with a stony look on his face.

“He doesn’t want to be disturbed.� Gemellus growled.

When Janus left Jak's quarters he heard the lock click into place behind him. That was odd, Jak had never locked him from the suite before…nor had Gemellus ever stood guard over Jak's sleep chambers that way.









******* Maxical


The crowds were packed in front of the band as it played its set, oohing and aahing over the magic displays. After the last ring was given out I stumbled back to the tent, glad for the crowd’s attention on the magic show and the relative darkness within the tent to hide the shock that felt etched into my face.

Gils raiment was spread out on the table, but he was gone. I cast a soft light spell and searched for a note from him, there was none. The message was clear, it was over without a word. I sank down on a crate feeling like I‘d been punched in the stomach, the ache of it rising till it filled my throat. The tears I’d held back earlier came now, burning my cheeks as they traced patterns through the fur.

Owyn came for the raiment. “What the hell is wrong with you now? You tell everyone you’re promised to Fathis; then when he marries you, bawl like a calf! Boy, I don’t understand you women at all!�

“Gils left without a word to me…he’s mad…I guess it’s really over between us…� I ground to a halt mid-sentence from the stunned look on Owyn’s face.

“You idiot! Boy, you are the dumbest girl I’ve ever met! You just swore vows with Fathis! Of course it‘s over with Gils! Now you listen to me, Maxical. Don‘t you mess up a good thing with Fathis over Gils, don‘t do it. You remember what happened with you and Gils in Anvil? You better remember that, because it will always be that way. Agronak will always come first.�

“But...I had to accept, the promotion…�

Owyn put his hand on my shoulder, his voice changed to the one he reserves for when we’ve had to kill someone we knew in the Arena.

“Look, Maxical…I’ve known Gils a lot longer than you have. He can’t change who he is. Agronak will need him and he will run, even if you two were married and had babies together. You will never be first as long as Agronak is alive, you better face that and be happy that Fathis still married you. Now, are you staying to see the rest of the festival?�

“Yeah, if you don’t care.�

“Well change out of that raiment then, I’ll take it back with me.�

Owyn gathered up all the Arena items while I stripped it off and hunted for my clothes.

“You sure you’re okay? Maybe you should just come back with me.� Owyn’s expression showed genuine concern.

I shook my head.

He hesitated, then shook his head. “Okay. Meet me at the Merchants for the billboards, you need to post them tonight, remember?“


**

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 4 2016, 05:25 AM

Fascinatingly suspenseful!

What struck me here was the growth of Janus that occurred as naturally as breathing, when the vampire became threatened. Fathis is no slouch, and took solid, even clever precautions. Indeed, early during the encounter between the two, Janus seemed backpedalling and wishing he was anywhere else. As the gravity of his situation became clear, his nature began to emerge. No whispering or coaching from Jak was required here. Janus acted instinctively, outclassing even the formidable Fathis. You managed to fully portray the awesome power hidden within Janus. What a brilliant job you did here with both Janus and Fathis!

I quite liked the way you finished Janus's part here. Jak was sleeping and didn't want to be disturbed. . . Oooh, you mystery/suspense builder!

And Maxical. . . what a pickle she finds herself in. While there is an element of truth to the simplistic berating she receives from Owyn, her situation is. . . well, it's complicated you see.

Overall, this episode was just plain FUN to read. Well done, mALX!

Dear MalX, what a great chapter from you again...and I echo all friend Acadian has said! You R.O.C.K!!!

But I HAVE one nit to pick with YOU....GRRR

When you wrote "Jimmy Swaggert and the PONY/Tiger Woods and the CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES" I SPEWED ALL OVER MY MONITOR...AGAIN....


I swear I'm going to SEND YOU MY CLEANING BILL in future!!! GRRR!!!

ROFL !!!! Now THAT I love to hear !!!!

Wait, I forgot these:

Liberace - The Gerbil / R. Kelly - His Own Urine / Robert Cheuvront - The Scottish Inn Motel Swimming Pool Suction Intake / Patrick Lawrence - The Pumpkin

This post has been edited by mALX: Nov 27 2010, 11:37 AM

Great to see Owyn laying down the law again. The character from the game is the perfect man to explain the 'situation' to our very mixed up kitty. I can almost hear the growl in his voice. Great chapter!!


And dont forget the role my lovely city played in that downfall. Aussies love to cut their heroes down in mid-stride, so the sneaking in of the woman to the Crown Casino was never going to play. Snakes in the grass will always kill the squawking galah.




This post has been edited by Winter Wolf: Nov 27 2010, 11:06 AM

I really like Owyn in game, he is such a good character behind that curmudgeony exterior. Thank you so much Wolf !!!




Yes, thanks to Rachel Uchitel for squawking that story loud enough that it reached the US and Tiger was outed for his wily ways !!!

This post has been edited by mALX: Nov 27 2010, 11:19 AM

@ Acadian - Ooooh, Thank you so much Acadian !!!

***
@ Foxy - Thank you so much Foxy!!! Hearing someone's monitor has been sprayed makes my day !!!

***
@ Winter Wolf - Thank you so very much Wolf !!! I've always liked Owyn's character in the game. On the other...I was just trying to get Foxy to spray his monitor again, lol.

I got both Morrowind for the PC and Fallout: New Vegas - my husband always gets me Xmas presents like ... a laundry basket - so I pick out my own presents every year, lol. Those were my Xmas presents to myself this year, lol.