Very nice right there. I can just imagine the pressure. It's like cocaine for a drug addict. Skooma for a Khajiit.



Ha yes! I bet it tastes completely revolting. I like this very much. We share the same views on that matter. And I dare say you wrote better than I did regarding the musty blood.



I never thought of that. I always wondered whether or not people in ES woke up noticing the pin-pricks on their necks. In Oblivion at least for the quest "Darkness Eternal" someone notices it.



An ambitious one, isn't he? And did I see a mention of the Crimson Scar? *Goes back and reads*.

Got me interested, mALX. That much is certain.

Uriel's safe then, Maxical's not going try and do it herself.

Oh I really enjoyed this! So many carefully built pieces all coming together. What a fabulous vampiric display, laced with just the right erotic seasoning and humor as Malan had a taste of Evangeline.

I really enjoyed being inside Malan’s mind, and cringed as he revealed that he could count on Nissy as a sealed ally. Yikes!

Now I’m biting my nails to see whether Nissy and her sisters end up as Malan dreams - or as the vampire’s worst nightmare. Catch that dream of Malin’s and smash it, Nissy - your destiny is tied to that of Sire and Maxical!

Oh my, the vampiric imagery was quite amazing, a wonderful look into the mind of so driven by his blood-lust. That was one of the best depictions I have ever read (that's no small number, just sayin)

Poor Max, she knows there's something not quite right but she has no idea what it is. I do wonder though if she will be able to tell the difference between the scent of Damien and that of Malan...hhmm I sure hope so, or that Nissy somehow finds a way to get out from under his hold on her...

Great write mALX just fabulous, I do believe for imagery and depth this is at the top of the list.

More more more...please!

I thought it was very interesting that Evangeline, possibly routinely, went into Ocato’s royal quarters with the intent/fantasy of killing him. Then Malan had his way with her. Ugh. Great job showing him and his thoughts as a vampire though.

Now I’m apprehensive for Nissy!

I like how you ended it with Maxical, Evangeline, and the other Khajiit. Malan seems to have made an error with his feeding. You surprised me as well with the Khajiit’s reaction.

As noted by others, the look into the inner workings of Malan's mind is incredibly well-written. You again excel at your descriptions of vampirism as practiced in TES.

Poor Evangeline...

And I fear for so many of our protagonists now- Uriel, even though I know his fate; Nisaba, who against her will may become a weapon against the Emperor; Evangeline; and of course- Maxical herself.

This is yet another powerful, gripping installment in a story that has had many of them.

Hassildor had been his greatest error, but this…this would be his greatest triumph.

Oh, this feels like a big turning point. The vampire imagery in this chapter was astonishing. Malan showed us so much of his nature through his treatment of Evangeline. The image of her standing over Ocato night after night just haunts the imagination.

Things are very dark right now! Malan is a fascinating villain! And now I'm starting to wonder, what's going on with Giles? I'm on the edge of my seat again, mALX!!

You shouldn't be, you're not allowed to sit!




Couldn't resist. I definitely agree with Grits, feels like a turning point!

Excellently written chapter...Exceptionally creepy vampire...

Loved the section at the end with Maxical...*Applauds*....

Nice one... ...

*Applauds heartily*...

HEY! My first comment! Haha.

First of all, I am still trying to catch up on your story (almost halfway through now ) and i just wanted to say how wonderful it is!

Your narrative flow is rather inspirational, manageing to write for a different characters, most in the same character, whilst giving versatility makes for an exciting read!

Also, I love, love, LOVE Maxical! I love her. Great character and great story!

Just thought i'd let you know!

Now back to catching up...

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@ Darkness Eternal - Welcome, and GAAAH !!! You did it again !! I'm coming to you every time I'm struggling to describe something vampirish from now on !!



That is exactly what I was trying to get across, but you said it so clearly here by comparing it to the cocaine addict !!! You have a knack for describing/comparing things that is amazing!

I read one paragraph from your story that reminded me strongly of how grossed out I was in Deepscorn Hollow by the cattle, and those cold bottles of blood laying around in Vicente's lair - Urk! That paragraph of yours inspired that description in mine, lol.

Thank you so much, Darkness Eternal !!! (for both the inspiration and for reading!)

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@ Ghastley - ROFL !! This cracked me up, Thank You so much, Ghastley !!

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@ Acadian - Thank you so much, Acadian !!


Good thing to remember (and worry about). Those women’s first loyalty will always be to their mate, glad you caught that. Thanks again, Acadian!

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@ Athynae - Thank you, Thank You, Athynae !!! What a nice thing to say, I appreciate you a lot !!

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@ King Coin - I’m glad you caught that! Evangeline’s secret is about to become known in the next couple chapters (in case the clues were obscure, lol. I think Treydog called part of it already, though).

These Khajiit women have been taking care of themselves from childhood, and most especially after being tossed out in the streets with no one sliding rotten fruit in to them. They have their own way of doing things that is quite effective and has kept them alive so far in some of the most dangerous places in Cyrodiil. Watch out Foxy, and see how these cats protect Uriel, ROFL !!

Thank you so much, KC !!!!!

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@ Treydoggie - Thank you so very much Treydog !! Yeah, I have always had a lot of trouble believing in 65 years only two attempts were made on Uriel and that both succeeded completely. (Jagar Tharn and Mankar Camoran via the Mythic Dawn).

I figure either many more attempts were made that failed, or his security was so lax it wasn’t funny. Well, he had great security till Malan kidnapped Foxy, so now we’ll see what he has, lol. Urk !! Thank you so much for your kind words, Treydoggie !!!!

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@ Grits - It is, in a way. Everything that has been happening has been fulfilling the prophecy of Uriel’s dreams that Akatosh has been providing, but he really doesn‘t have a good idea of who the players are now that Damien is being impersonated by Malan.

Malan spent his lifetime trying to get that throne via Hassildor, he will stop at nothing now that it is within his grasp.

Gils is working with Uriel’s Imperial Army still, I probably should do one of those faction update sheets, lol.

Thank you so much, Grits !! What a nice thing to say, I appreciate that so much !!

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@ McBadgere - Thank you so much, McB !!! I know from what you said on Darkness Eternal’s thread that you are not big on reading about vampires, and so appreciate you sticking it out through this section where the worst of them is going to have to be shown. You ROCK !!!

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@ Tábrasa - YEAH !!! Thank you so much for reading, Tábrasa !!!


This made my day Big Time !!! Thank you so much (I love her too, lol) !! It means a lot that you are taking the time to go through the story, I know it is a long one, lol. Thanks so much Tábrasa !!!


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Chapter 131: Uriel’s Nightmare




******* Uriel Septim


Uriel tossed uneasily on his bed. Despite being both physically exhausted and mentally drained, his eyes remained open and his mind churned. Something didn’t feel right, something he couldn’t quite put his finger on.

What was to come was imminent, of that he was sure. The time and the destiny he could see unfolding before him; Maxical and Nisaba here together. All Cyrodiil would be relying on Maxical, and she was unready…she was unfit. Nisaba…that had yet to be seen.

The Prince of Destruction was awake and on the move, he could feel it in his bones. Maxical confirmed that as well, she herself had felt the gods were moving into place for battle. Akatosh gave predictions of trials before the end, they were happening now…this war…there will be blood and death before the end.

Everything was coming together too soon, why now? Akatosh wasn’t wrong, he couldn‘t be. Maxical’s age was off on those documents, it must be…but by how much?

Uriel surged up from the bed as sudden thought struck. Was she already of age?

A chill shivered down his spine. “Gods give me strength…”

Uriel touched the heavy amulet on his neck, fingering the large ‘Chim-el Adabal’ in the center. Could the souls of former reigning Emperors within the stone have given him guidance he would have welcomed it. He did draw a measure of strength and determination from the action, but no answers.

Uriel paced across the room, tugging the curtains back open as he passed each to fill the room with daylight. Where was Foxy’s man with that report? What was taking so long? He must ready Maxical immediately…was it already too late to send her with Foxy?

Uriel stopped in the window facing to the northeast and fingered the stone again. The northeast, where Camoran’s main base lay…and oddly enough, where both Maxical and Nisaba entered Cyrodiil together. Cheydinhal rested dead-center between the two.






***


The significance of that remained obscured, but Uriel did not believe in coincidence. Everything had a symmetry and purpose, nothing was synchronistic accidentally. Certainly in this case he was proven right in that.

Four freed slaves, all from Hlormaren…no Dunmer stronghold would ever have freed four healthy adult slaves at the same time, especially when the two men were both high-ranking. All left the Bitter Coast together, crossed the Septim’s Gate Pass and entered the Shadowgate Pass together. Both of the women with child when they crossed the most dangerous passages in Tamriel and delivered the infants en route. What could have been important enough to undertake such a journey in that condition? There must be some significance in the timing of that journey…time and destiny.

Both girls were dropped at the Imperial Compound Orphanage in spite of the parents parting company in Cheydinhal, both left the orphanage at the same time. Their paths couldn’t have been more different then, yet they crossed again just as both were called into service by Akatosh. There were no coincidences here, they were ordained to live parallel lives.

There couldn’t be but a month or two between their births, but being delivered in those mountain passes had no proper documentation. The travel papers Maxical’s parents carried were destroyed in the attack that killed them, but what of Nisaba’s? If she came to the orphanage with any paperwork the Elder Council would have it on file right here in the Palace records…but he couldn‘t ask for it without revealing her importance…not even to Foxy. Akatosh had been clear on that, commanded it.

Of all, that order was hardest to follow. He trusted Foxy above anyone. If he could just find proof of Nisaba’s age it would give him some measure of the time he had left. Was it his destiny to not know the hour or day? Time had become an intangible uneasiness that gnawed at his mind, eroding his sleep and health…eroding his sanity. Knowing what was to come but not knowing when was a corrosive acid eating through him.

“Gods give me strength…”














***


Uriel paced to the window with the western view. The sight of the sun gleaming off the Rumare was usually calming, but not today. What ailed Foxy this morning, unable to remember plans made yesterday? He fidgeted with the heavy drape to open it even further. Why had he never mentioned raising Alix Lencolia, even when recommending Alix for the post training Blade to the Legion? What else did he not know of the man?

What did he really know about him? Uriel sank down on the bed, suddenly feeling vulnerable. Nothing. Foxy knew everything about him, but he knew nothing of Foxy…literally nothing, except that he‘d been by his side over thirty years handling security for him.

Uriel eased back down onto the pillows slowly. Foxy never gave cause to doubt his loyalty or honesty. There was no one Uriel trusted more, the man held Uriel‘s life in his hands…………held his life in his hands…

A chill went down Uriel’s spine at those words. Akatosh predicted two would stand true, and one would be found to be his enemy. For months he’d assumed the latter was Ocato. But now…now there were three, and Ocato was not one of them. Foxy, Maxical, and Nisaba.

Foxy was both the most famous and infamous assassin in all Tamriel. How had such a trust developed between them? But no, the trust wasn’t between them. Uriel had assumed it was mutual till now, but was it really? When had he gone from realizing what Foxy was…to placing his protection and security into his hands?

Uriel pounded his pillow in frustration. This doubt was brought about by Maxical, inferring not to count Foxy as friend lest he find instead he was his mark. The child was ridiculous, what assassin waits over thirty years for his kill? Foxy had more than proved his loyalty.

Feeling satisfied that could be laid to rest, Uriel stretched across the bed, adjusting his pillows for comfort and forcing his eyes to close. But like an unseen buzzing gnat he felt it, something niggling against his nerves just barely out of grasp.

Uriel’s eyes flew open and he surged up from the bed. That was it!

Foxy had followed Malan’s trail into the caves. Uriel instructed the agents at the mansion to contact him immediately if anyone came into that house from any direction…no matter who they appeared to be.

How had Damien returned without Uriel getting notice of his arrival? Was there another route back, or had the men not followed orders? If they had breached security, Uriel needed to know.









***



Several times while thinking Uriel had become aware of an odd humming noise. It had become quite loud now, what was it?

“FOXY!” Within too few seconds the door gapped slightly. What had he been doing so close to his chamber door?

“Sire?”

“What is that sound, do you hear it? My head pounds, I can‘t sleep…”

“That sound is Khajiit purring. They must be in the room opposite your wall.”

“How can you say it is a soothing sound if it irritates through a wall? Gods give me strength…my head aches with tension, I‘ll not sleep a drop.”

“Let me go move them to a room farther from yours.” Damien pulled the heavy drapes back across the windows, throwing the room into pitch darkness. “This should help some.”

“When you return, I have some questions I need to ask you.”

Damien paused in the light coming in the door and nodded, pulling the door to behind him. If anything, the sound got louder when Foxy went in to move the women. Then it slowly eased off. Laying there in the pitch blackness of the room, his tension higher than he ever remembered it being…and suddenly Uriel felt vulnerable.

Akatosh had shown him his end, it was not here in this bed…but something was not right, he could feel it in his bones. What had Foxy been doing listening at his door while he slept?

He slipped from the bed and mounded the quilts into facsimile of a man sleeping, then felt along the wall till he found the chair he’d draped his armor on. Uriel slid the silver blade from the sheath and then pushed himself into the corner of the wall behind the chair, grasping the chair itself to use as a shield. He gapped the drape slightly so a thin beam of sunlight cut across the room toward the door, then waited. His heart pounded loudly in the silence of the room, his armpits and forehead began dampening with trickles of sweat.






***


The stress of waiting had become unbearable. Better to armor up and go face the enemy than lay in wait this way. Even as he released the chair the door eased open without a sound. Damien slid in quietly, then gapped the door slightly wider. Two Khajiit women stepped in.

Uriel gripped the chair, ready to raise it as a shield if needed. “What are they doing here in my room?”

“I told them you had the headache, that they must move elsewhere to give you peace. They all offered to cure it for you…all but your Champion, that is. Any of them can cure your tension, all Khajiit are Dream-Catchers. I chose these two because they were the cleanest.”

“Have you lost your senses, bringing me guests of the Palace to breed? You yourself know what these women endured, why they were offered this haven. Do you think I would treat them no better than the monster who did this to them?”

Damien blinked looking stunned. “Monst…er…what? They are not here for breeding, Sire. Had I thought that is what you sought I would have chosen the oldest three that have been prostituting. Dream-Catching is a form of healing unique to Khajiit because they are able to purr. It is done all through Tamriel in many of the Royal houses. Helseth and Pelagius both slept with piles of Khajiit in their bed.”

“They both went stark mad!“ Uriel signaled the women. “You may both return to your room.”

“The Khajiit kept their madness at bay long enough so they could rule.” Damien said pointedly, indicating Uriel hiding naked behind a chair.

Uriel saw his chance. He pointed at Nisaba, obviously the younger of the two women.

“She can’t even be of legal age, Foxy. She can’t be in my quarters. Take them back to their room immediately, then return. I must speak with you privately.”

“I’ve seen her documents myself, she is fully twenty-one.”

A trembling started in Uriel’s legs. That was it then. Maxical was twenty one. The end was here. His head throbbed with tension, the pressure of blood pounding in his temples was so great he thought he may have a stroke.

Uriel raised his hand to touch his temple, but it brushed the ‘Chim-el Adabal’ and he paused in mid action. The souls of his predecessors. He would not face his apportioned fate with any less dignity than they had in their time.

He took a deep breath and planted his feet to steady himself, turning it over in his mind. Knowing it was now, in this he was blessed. The relief…rid of that worry, the wondering. Must act immediately with the time left; strategy and action, strike the enemy down at every turn…and prepare within for the hour, that he throw no shame on the Septim name.

His hand clasped the ‘Chim-el Adabal’ briefly. Give me the strength to fall as an Emperor should…armored and armed, the enemy falling at my feet to the second of my last breath.

Despite his naked state, Uriel pulled himself up to his full height, raising his head high and forcing his shoulders back.

Damien was framed in the doorway, the light from the room beyond illuminating his face. His eyes looked startled behind the face mask, he stared at Uriel and sputtered. “Sire…Sire, I…I’ll…not let it…happen.”

The Khajiit standing beside Damien was gaping at him, slack-jawed. Nisaba’s tiny face was raised up toward his, her eyes shining across the darkened room in a look that would have taken a younger man’s breath away.

“This is Sire...from Nisaba's dream.” She whispered.



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This post has been edited by mALX: Feb 11 2012, 06:16 PM

My mALX senses were tingling

This is an excellent chapter. It brings more mystery to Nisaba and Maxical, though at the same time it brings some sort of explanation to their bond. I love it! ♥

OK, I'm just shaking with anticipation now, that was intense. (But somewhere in the shadows I kept expecting something to accidentally explode or at least catch fire because Max dropped a torch or something, lol)

This was great, seeing inside a mind tortured with the knowledge that death is at hand but knowing there is still much to be done, trying to put all the pieces together. Incredible stuff here mALX!!

I can hardly wait for more, soon please.....

I could quote the entire thing but you've already done that so, I say 'ditto', with one addition, I'd highlight the entire last segment....

I really like the beginning with the emperor. He knows something isn’t right (beyond the vampire invasion), he just can’t figure out what it is at this point. The bit about Nissy’s and Maxical’s parents was very good. Even though we knew that already, I’m glad you went over it again.

I knew Uriel would figure it out eventually. He just needed some time to think things over. Uriel’s way of getting Nissy’s and Maxical’s age was great!

“This is Sire...from my dream.” She whispered.
Loved this! I cannot wait for the next chapter! What an excellent way to end this one though.

Awesome. Uriel's infamous vision/dream has happened. The fate of Cyrodiil begins! Woot. I am anticipating the vampire attack too.

Oh, well done, mALX!

You quite opened up the Powerwagon of prose as we journeyed into Uriel’s restless mind:
'Time had become an intangible uneasiness that gnawed at his mind, eroding his sleep and health…eroding his sanity.'

But, as ever, you also administered a traditional dose of mALXish wit:
“They both went stark mad!“ Uriel signaled the women. “You may both return to your room.”
“The Khajiit kept their madness at bay long enough so they could rule.” Damien said pointedly, indicating Uriel hiding naked behind a chair.'

So time waits for no man, fox or cat and it is upon us!

This post has been edited by Acadian: Feb 12 2012, 01:16 AM

This whole chapter gave me goose bumps. First you showed us Uriel tormented by what he doesn’t know, trying to put the pieces together. Then when the worst comes true and he realizes that he is out of time, he pulls himself together to face it. Naked Uriel was majestic here finding his strength. With phrases like “apportioned fate” in his mind, those thoughts were so clearly him.

Then Nisaba at the end, that was a shiver inducing moment!!

If I ever need to write Uriel Septim, I’ll look to this chapter for inspiration. This is one of my very favorites!

At least this Emperor knows he needs new clothes... ...

...

...

An excellent chapter, told from a brilliantly realised character...

It's horrible knowing that unfortunatness is coming soon...It has been a pleasure reading your version of Uriel...It so has...

The Malan/Damien is sooo creepy...

Just don't leave us in suspense too long about the real one though... ...(Yeah, like I can talk... )...

Aaamywho...I believe the internet ate my previous answer and I'm sorry I never checked... ...

Most excellent chapter...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

This looks like it's coming to a climax ... unless Uriel is really Agronak, and Nisaba is really an Argonian.



It appears that it's not just premonitions, there's some actual logic behind his concerns, but it's not clear to me yet if he's decided who to believe.