Malx, as always you've kept me captivated. My apologies for not being able to post. New Vegas has kept me enthralled, and after that I had to replay Fallout 1/2 (FIRST TIME I EVER BEAT IT! TODAY! WOOT!). But neverthelss a great story.

Thank you so much Zalphon!!! I think almost everyone on here is playing F:NV - the forum has never been so dead, lol. You ROCK !!!

Acadian had the exact same reaction that I did to this chapter. The confrontation between Janus and Fathis was excellent! I also enjoyed the subtle tweak you gave Janus leading up to the confrontation. His ineptitude with the opposite sex while Gils is serenading in the background is just the sort of thing that I have grown to love about Maxical’s story.

And bless you Owyn for articulating the exasperation that every man has felt at one time or another! (Recently, I might add! )

ROFL !!!! I know what you are talking about, lol. (Regina II) Thank you so very much Destri !!!

*


Chapter 80: Vicente



After Owyn left I slumped down on a crate inside the tent. I didn’t feel like seeing the rest of the festival. Why had Fathis chosen now to suddenly pull this, then challenged Gils that way? I fiddled unhappily with Fathis’s heavy ring, pulling it on and off to determine the enchantment on it.

An uneasy feeling sent a sudden shiver down my spine. My back was to the tent door, but before I turned my head to look somehow I knew who would be there. The handsome man from the ring line was blocking the exit. I leaped up from the crate, spinning so I faced him. I suddenly found myself wishing they hadn’t banned the wearing of weapons at the festival.

Maybe I rose too quickly, my head swam. My heart gave an odd lurching…not in fear, although that prickled the hairs on my neck and arms till they stood out. It was a strange sensation, as if something within me recognized him…was communicating, replicating some memory.

The implications of a stranger entering the seclusion of the tent were obvious…even to me. Struggling to keep the fear from my face, I moved toward the door. Testosterone emanated from him so thickly it was hard to breathe. It strangled in my throat, choking me.

“We are not strangers, you gave me this ring, remember?� He held up his hand with the promotional ring on it.

Had I spoken my thought aloud? “I gave out hundreds…�

“But you remember giving to me, do you not?�

I felt myself nodding. The heaviness in the air brought a sudden nausea. The blood in my veins began to surge and pound, accentuating the roiling of my stomach. A lassitude and feeling of weakness crept over me till my mind felt like the taffy I had eaten earlier.

He was talking in a soft voice, moving into the tent. I could barely make out the words. Without consciously giving him consent I found myself allowing him nearer me. Why wasn’t I telling him to leave…or calling for help?

“My name is Vicente. Now we are no longer strangers. You gave me a gift, tradition requires I give one in return. I have a very special gift for you, one you will like very much…�

�I gave to everyone, there is no reciprocation…�

“Ah, but they are not me, I always reciprocate.�

“The Arcane donated the rings…’twould be them you owe.�

“But this is for you. You will want this gift, it’ll bring the happiness you thought lost.�

He must have read my thoughts. “’Twould have to be magic to do that.“

“It is. A very powerful magic.“

“I do not dabble in the dark arts sir…Vicente.�






***


Vicente was obviously some kind of high ranking mage; one with powers like no other I have known. He had some kind of hold over me, I couldn’t fight it…lost the desire to as he neared.

Something within me warned of danger. I felt it, but couldn‘t seem to respond. I found it impossible to look away while his eyes held mine. Suddenly with a gasp I realized he was within inches of me!

As my mouth opened to scream he clamped his hand over it, twisting me around and crushing my back to his chest. His arms were like steel bands around me, pinning mine to my sides. I tried to bite down on his hand but could not.

My struggles were useless against his strength; even kicking was impossible in this position. I pretended to black out, to give myself time to think. Oh dear gods, he is going to rape me…will he leave me alive when it’s over?

Vicente had his mouth close to my ear, whispering softly. With each word I felt my willpower being smothered, my muscles deadening till I could no longer struggle.

That’s when I realized it was magic, a spell. The words he spoke mattered not, it was merely a sound meant to carry the spell. I could feel myself screaming inside, but no sound came. Then slowly the fear was ebbing away as his voice drifted through me.

“Say you want my gift, you will never be sorry you did…�

My limbs suddenly felt too heavy to move, a dullness was suffocating any thought. The effort of keeping my head raised was taking too much strength, it rolled back onto his chest.

His words floated around me…within me. His breath left trails of lingering heat around my face; moving as if it was a life force of its own. I held my breath to keep from inhaling his, afraid to let it inside me…in case it gave him access to new areas that would waken to his spell.

“Say yes, Maxical, anything you desire will be yours…“

His voice drowned my thoughts, burying them till only his will remained. My mind felt like a weighted rag, my limbs like boulders too heavy to move. My skin was alive with burning fire, every touch seared it.

The blood surging wildly in my veins slowed suddenly. The rhythm changed to a deep throb that matched the pounding of Vicente’s heart, whose beating I could feel on my back. With each thump my veins leaped under the skin, straining against the surface as if the blood was craving to reach him.

“Tell me. Say it. Say you want the gift I have for you.�

A dark vortex like a black yawning pit eddied below me, sucking me into its depths, luring me to stop fighting against the inevitable. I could do nothing to stop him. My legs went limp below me.






***


In snatches of moments it felt as if I hovered above, watching it happen apart from my own body. He lay me down in the grass floor of the tent, holding my face…forcing me to look into his eyes, drawing me down an endless pathway within his mind…time without boundaries in a realm that ordained his will, systematically removing my own.

My head slowly rolled to one side when he released it. I stared out the entrance of the tent…people walking by without stopping, probably thought we were mating in here. My mouth slacked open, but was unable to call for help.

"Release these chains from me, say you want my gift." The disembodied voice held a note of urgency.

Does he need my permission? I struggled to keep the thought in my mind…he needs permission…he needs permission…

“Say it, set me free.� His words were no longer the soft tones, but a command.

His lips hovered briefly over my neck, I felt him tense as if he was fighting an urge. The veins arched up, touching his lips as if obeying an unspoken command.

“Say yes, say it now!� The voice held desperation.

Why? It was a sign, that desperation. He needed something from me. It gave me some of my power back, or maybe it weakened him. Whatever he needed, if I could fight giving it…I would be safe from whatever he was trying to do.

He wanted me to say yes, accept his present. I wouldn’t do it. I clamped my mouth tightly, mashing the teeth into my gums, gouging cuts into them. The pain from it gave me even more strength against his spell.

He unleashed his powers fully then, it took all my might to keep my jaws clenched against speaking. My mouth was filling with my own saliva and blood from the cuts my teeth made in the gums. I was afraid to swallow or spit, terrified of losing my grip. My lips trembled, his spell forcing them open…somehow I managed to keep my mouth clenched shut beneath them.








***


His spell was too powerful, my momentary burst of strength was fading rapidly. An overwhelming weakness was taking over. He pressed his mouth over mine, trying to force it open. His lips burned and his tongue brought searing hot juices into my mouth.

The cut on my lip broke open, the trickle of blood mingled with his juices. In a flash the hypnotic look in his eyes was gone, replaced with…lust. He went into a frenzy, sucking every bit of those searing juices back from my mouth. I had no strength left to fight him and steeled myself for the rape I was sure would follow.

For just a split second he drew his mouth back from mine and I tried to call for help, but only a gasp of breath escaped. His reaction was instantaneous, his lust was spent immediately and without him removing his pants. My relief was short lived.

“I can wait no more, the taste of your blood is driving me mad!� Vicente gasped out, then sank his teeth deeply into my neck…not teeth, fangs. Vicente was a vampire. He drank like a man possessed, for how long…I don’t know. A man’s voice startled me to waking.

“You’re poaching, Vicente. Trespassing in our territory.� The voice sounded familiar…I couldn’t place where I’d heard it.

As quick as that it stopped. Vicente was gone, just disappeared into thin air. I felt someone touching my neck gently. A torch being carried outside the tent door gave a flicker of illumination to the face above me.

“Jack be nimble…you saved me…thank you.� My voice cracked on the verge of hysterics that are the aftermath of realizing an ordeal is over.

“Oh, Lassie…you don’t want to thank me for that. You just close your eyes. Some things are beyond fighting, and conscience be damned.�

Testosterone was stifling in the air. His fingers gently closed my eyes for me as one would a corpse. He talked softly, his voice soothing the fear, the trauma of what Vicente put me through.

Gentle hands stroked me. “Don’t fear me Lassie, what I do now will save your life.�

“I trust you Jack be nimble…� Drowsiness had replaced the hysteria in my voice, I felt I could sleep forever.

“Don’t say that, Lass. I won’t be able to keep ye’ alive if guilt takes me over." Jack lifted my arm, holding the wrist to his lips. "Och Lass, he hasn't left but a taste. Any more and you'll be gone. Don't worry, I'm sated already this evening. The festival has given a feast to us tonight.�

I felt something soft and gentle on my neck…lips…then everything went black.

The sound of voices pulled at my consciousness. I tried to pick my head up but felt too weak. My eyelids fluttered open and a blurry white image hovered over me.

“What happened?� My voice sounded as if it came from someone else.

“I’m here, Maxical. Just lie back…hush now.�

“Hannibal!� A rush of tears choked any other words from coming.


*

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 4 2016, 05:28 AM

Sorry, mALX, but you would need to grow a prehensile tail, sprout goat horns, and have three sixes branded on your scalp to be Regina II!

Yikes! That was quite an ordeal for poor Maxical. There are some interesting developments here. Vicente proves to be the first ancient to act, and Maxical is saved by the timely intervention of untrustworthy Jak . . . all while Fathis succumbs to another of (J)anus' spells. I am left to wonder if Jak somehow removed the evidence from Maxical's neck to keep the Legion and the Mages Guild off the scent (but don't worry, I will wait patiently to find out).


I think I need a cigarette.

Still a chapter behind, but I owe comments on several so:

In Chapter 78, we begin to see the power of Fathis’ intellect when it is not clouded by magic. He immediately deduces the source of the attack- and the reason behind it. And he also demonstrates an understanding of the feminine mind- explaining his success at seduction. Interesting turn of the plot regarding Raminus…

The scene with Fathis making his vow, publicly and clearly, was first-rate.

Janus and his failed attempts to attract a new Countess (even with the assist from Gils) are again wonderfully comical- especially arriving on the heels of his dark and desperate plans for Maxical.

Paint me confused- I thought Fathis had prepared a magical resistance ring for himself with Traven’s enchanting stand. But then Janus is able to paralyze and mind-meld him… Or maybe mALX is weaving a deep plot with subtleties that defeat the dachshund brain…. Guess I will simply have to do as I always tell Mrs. Treydog when she begins quizzing me about a story- “RAFO.” (Read And Find Out)

Powerfully and well-written, mALX!

I loved that you kept this whole scene in Maxical's perspective. It was wonderful to have an entire episode inside the head of our kitty.

The flow, progression and pacing throughout this powerful tent scene was perfect. Fabulous depiction of Maxical's emotional roller coaster.

Darn it Malx...Now I have to start a new file just so I can join the Dark Brotherhood so I can kill the hungry, hungry vampire!

@ Destri - Thank you so much Destri !!! If you think I should edit that scene, I don't mind doing it at all. You are right about the neck, Jak is a gentleman...as much as possible for a vampire, lol. I appreciate your input so much!!!

***
@ Treydog - AHA !!! You caught that !!!! Yes, Fathis did wear protection. Fathis realized that Janus's isolation for 50 years with only paid staff around him (or prostitutes) had left him with a lack of adeptness socially.

Right now Janus has only academic intelligence. He is smart, but has never had to apply it to anything but book learning and pontificating his viewpoints. (Jakben Imbel pointed that out)

Janus has extraordinary powers, but is unpracticed in using them.

- so far these are the only weaknesses Fathis was able to discern.


Fathis (on the other hand) has been overly social since the age of 15, he knows what drives people, how to motivate them (can manipulate them if the situation calls for it)

Fathis has applied intelligence, craftiness in battle, and street smarts.


Janus would be in for a fight if they were to go head to head. - Oh, was that foreshadowing? ... Maybe, lol.

Thank you so very much Treydog !!!

***
@ Acadian - Oooh !!! Thank you so much Acadian !!!! This chapter was hard to write, balancing that line between how much detail is too much - I hope it did balance. Your kind words mean a lot to me, thank you again !!

***
@ Zalphon - I had to PM you on this, Thank you so much Zalphon !!! Zalphon (or Kalarn now) can come protect Maxical anytime!!!! Thanks again, Zalphon !!!

*


Chapter 81: The Aftermath



My eyelids felt like they weighed pounds as they closed back, squeezing out the tears that were stinging my eyes. I could still feel a thudding deep in my veins as I lay there listening to the rhythmic sound of Hannibal healing me.

“Jack be nimble, Jack be quick…� The childhood song kept replaying in my mind, timed with the cycle of Hannibal‘s spells.

“If you’re going to sing, I’ll be the one needing a healer.� Hannibal muttered quietly.

“I heard that.� With my eyes still shut, I poked in the direction the voice had come from.

Hannibal chuckled.

“I don’t know why, but that children’s rhyme keeps going through my head…S’Jirra used to sing it to me. Jack be nimble, Jack be quick…�

“Singing it will only stick it more firmly in your mind…and may get it stuck in mine as well. Try thinking of something else.�

“What about my neck?“ Eyes still shut, I put my hand up and felt my neck…there was no wound! “Did you heal it?�

“There is nothing there, Maxical. Is it painful?�

“I guess it was just a nightmare. That ‘Hero of the People’ got me scared with all that talk about vampires in the city, that‘s all.�

“It’s said he is quite the vampire hunter. He chased off the one that killed that young girl last week.�

“He told me the man the Legion is after is no vampire at all, that the real vampire is some Altmer that wears his hair in a buff. Sudior or something.�

“Is that what you dreamed?�

“No, he really said that. My dream was about one of the men that stood in line for a ring at the promotion...attacking me. I thought he meant to rape me, but it turned out he was a vampire and bit my neck. It…felt so vivid.�

“Do you want to tell me about it?�

“I just did.�

“I meant in more detail.�






***


“Which man did you dream of Maxical?� Gils voice! My eyes flew open.

“Gils! You left without me, I looked for a note…I had to accept him, Gils…Hassiri was there…and the promotion…“

Gils ignored that. “Was it that Adonis looking creep that stared at you?�

I nodded. “Yes…I dreamed he was a vampire and attacked me…wanting to make me accept some gift. Then he drank my blood.� I reached for Gils, but he looked pointedly at Fathis’s ring on my hand and turned away from me.

“His Dark Gift?� Hannibal asked, intrigued.

“He didn’t say what color it was, just that it was powerfully magic.� I answered, still watching Gils.

“Ancient vampires can pass on all their inherited powers to someone if they choose, it’s known as the Dark Gift. The person must accept the gift because it turns them into a vampire; however, ancients can and do use spells to force the person to accept.�

“He used spells on me. His eyes were hypnotic, and his voice and breath carried spells. My brain went numb, and my arms and legs felt weak and heavy. When I wouldn’t accept his gift…he said the smell of my blood drove him mad. Then he bit my neck…and then I woke up and you were here.�

Hannibal was looking intently at me, and examined my neck again.

“Right here. That’s where Vicente bit me.�

Hannibal froze in place, his hands sticking straight out in front of him stiffly.

Gils didn’t freeze, he was fuming. “You got the man’s name when you were giving out rings?�

“No, he told me his name in my dream.�

Hannibal raised his hand and silenced both of us. “You said his name was Vicente? Maxical, that is a name of a real ancient vampire here in Cyrodiil…though no one in their right mind would describe Vicente as handsome, the man is a veritable goblin.�

“It can’t be the same man, then. This man was…like Gils said. A young Adonis.�






***


Hannibal stood suddenly, his face pale “…Wait! Years ago…Vicente used illusion to alter his appearance to that of a handsome young man! He is an extraordinary Mage. This is very serious Maxical. Here, drink these potions to cure any disease. I am going to try to clear any spells he may have put on you, but these ancients use hypnotism, which can’t be removed as easily. There is an expert in town that can do it…I’ll have to contact him.“

Gils turned around quickly. “Is that the same man who is supposed to do me?“

Hannibal nodded. “My apologies, Gils. I haven’t had the chance to talk to him yet. I’ll go straight from here tonight, I give my word.�

Hannibal turned back to me. “Maxical, as long as you carry that scent, any ancient can track you much the same way hunting dogs track game. It is imperative that you lose that which draws them.“

I glanced over at Gils to see if he had heard. His face was still averted.

Hannibal pointed at Gils. “This part applies to you too, Gils. That hypnosis makes you vulnerable to any and all ancients, not just the one that put you under. You will be drawn to them…obey their commands. Just their aura can trigger that post-hypnotic suggestion, letting them know you have that access. You’ll fall under the spells their aura carries…just like that.� Hannibal snapped his fingers. “And from then on, they will control you at will…even from a distance.�

“Are there ways to fight it?� Gils asked.

Hannibal resumed healing me. “Yes. The first defense is always protection. You must always wear an enchanted item that gives you full protection from magic. I’ll give you one. Next, think strategy. Never go into battle without a plan. Know your opponent‘s weaknesses.�

“Silver and fire. Regular weapons are useless. Maxical told me.�

“Correct. Also, Vicente is allergic to garlic. It weakens him, makes him very vulnerable to magic. Timing can be crucial when dealing with ancients. They’re most vulnerable after feeding on someone. While they can still cast destruction spells, they lose all their vampire powers. It’s their most vulnerable and ineffectual state, and the best time to use spells against them. Remember though, their aura may still recognize the hypnotic access you two have.�






***


“What kind of spells, fireballs or something?“ Gils leaned forward, interested.

“No. I am talking strictly about countering their vampire powers. There is a defense to any known magic, including these ancient powers…spells you can cast on them.�

“Like what Hannibal?� I prompted, glad Gils was listening.

“These are not spells you can buy, they are a sequence of movements. A catalyst is required to activate…vampire juices are excellent for that, and usually readily available if the vampire is attacking you. The spell is inert without the catalyst.�

“The juices, do they feel searing hot on touch? And what if the vampire is passing spells through them, will pushing them back into his mouth subject him to his own spell?�

“Were you kissing that vampire?� Gils demanded, the lava in his eyes looked like it was bubbling.

Hannibal ignored his interruption, looking intrigued. “I don’t know whether their own spells can be used against them. Inert juices do feel hot against our skin, but in storage the container remains cool. Spell-laden juices will heat the container they are stored in…it is considered valid proof that an ancient in our diplomatic immunity program is acting on his nature.�

“Is that why that ‘love slave’ spell Delphine and I cast on the boys didn’t work? No catalyst?�

“Correct. I was afraid if I told you why it wasn‘t working, you would somehow…procure the juices.�

“Love slave spell!� Gils glared fiercely at nothing in particular.

“That is a bit of a misnomer. It is not what it sounds like at all, Gils. That spell is used for protection, the vampire won’t harm the one that cast it on them.� Hannibal put his hand on Gils' shoulder to calm him.

“I know that one by heart, what else is there?�

“There are several, including one paralysis that is extremely powerful. You’ll have to come to the Arcane and read that tome, choose which will help you most and practice them. And Maxical, you can’t go out after dark at all now. It will not be safe as long as you are intact and drawing them to you.“






***


“You really don’t think it was a dream?� I asked Hannibal, glancing at Gils.

“No I don’t.� Hannibal looked frustrated as he glanced over at Gils‘ averted profile, then back at me.

Hannibal pulled Gils to one side and began talking quietly. I tried to eavesdrop, but couldn’t hear their whispers over the noise of the crowds outside the tent. When Hannibal returned his face was an unreadable mask.

“You look awfully pale Maxical. If you’ve lost a lot of blood it could be detrimental in that Cage Match. I’m going to mix you up some things that will build your blood back up quickly. I’ll bring them by tomorrow. You’d best get back to the Bloodworks. Have Owyn heal you hourly and just rest tonight.�

“I can’t, we have to blanket the town with billboards tonight. Gils won’t be safe alone, Fathis challenged him.�

“I can get a Pit to watch my back.� Gils still had his arms folded.

“No, Gils. Fathis won’t kill you in front of me. It has to be me with you, it‘s the only way you‘ll be safe. Besides, I don‘t trust anyone to protect me from Vicente but you.�

“You can’t be out at night, Maxical!� Hannibal’s frustration sounded clearly in his voice as he saw the stubbornness reflecting in my eyes.

“Hannibal…Fathis will kill Gils if I’m not with him. And mad at me or not, Gils will protect me with his life. I am safe in his care.�






***


Gils insisted on carrying and hanging all the billboards himself, fuming and cursing the whole time under his breath as we blanketed the city with them. He refused to speak to me, or respond when I spoke to him. I stayed glued to his side casting detect life constantly, my eyes swiveling like an owl‘s till they ached from it.

As the night wore on the streets emptied out, and even the guard patrols thinned. We were nearing the last billboards to hang when I caught the strong scent of testosterone emanating from the alley beside the store we were posting the billboard on.

A pleasurable feeling enveloped me at the aroma of it. My eyelids drooped. Almost as soon as the feeling hit me I caught sight of two lovers mating on the ground, just barely into the alley. I elbowed Gils and pointed. He cussed loudly.

Gils cursing must have frightened the man, he left quickly…just disappeared. The woman was left behind, sprawled out on the ground. She wasn’t moving.



*

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 4 2016, 05:30 AM

F.A.N.T.A.S.T.I.C Plotweaving and explanation of hypnosis and spellcraft!!!



I am awed....

Only one small nit, MalX. Testosterone doesn't have any scent that can be identified conciously...

...wait, that's for human species. I suspect Khajit are different!

In this setting, 'musk' would be better than 'testosterone'.

After all, it is used as the base for many perfumes . . .

And the reason billy goats smell so bad . . .

And tom cat urine can make your eyes water (not neutered or girl cat pee) . . .

And sweaty men are so stinky . . .

And - well, you get the aroma!

HARRRRUMPH! We men do NOT Stink.

Why, now just sniff here ....

*DFoxy lifts up his elbow, exposing his armpit*


....



....Why is everyone flat on the floor???

It's a manly smell !!!

I think Foxy nailed it. A female khajiit like Maxical might identify the smell of musk as testosterone, considering that it doesn’t occur in women (though I admit that I too bristle a bit at being lumped in with billy goats and eye-watering tom cats! Thanks hautee .).

I think that this might rank right up there with waking up in the Anvil infirmary as one of the worst days in Gil’s life!

And with all this talk of inert and, well, ert juices flying around . . . why is no one concerned about apprehending all the feces-flinging monkeys that are still loose in the Imperial City? Just saying.

Chapter 65: The Great Ape Rebellion (Page 28)

Owyn raised his snifter to me. “I’m proud of you for keeping your mind on the fight with all that going on, [censored] wild beasts. It’ll be tonight before you get your belt, they closed the Arena to capture them …but for right now…here’s to you, Gladiator. He drained his snifter.

This post has been edited by mALX: Dec 3 2010, 11:53 PM

Oops! Sorry, mALX. That completely escaped me the first time. Too bad, I was having a really good time picturing those monkeys wandering through the Arboretum. It kept reminding me of Operation Primate Spear Gun!

That was F'n hilarious !!!!!!!

Adding some nice depth here on vampires, their powers and limitations.

So, it seems Vincente has the ability to change his appearance from that of a toasted crumpet (or goblin, as you say) to a handsome fellow. I suspect he is able to revert to his appearance before he became a vampire?

Nit: Unless I misread, I believe the 'a' is better off gone?