A New Sun Rises - Maxical's Adventures, The Truth Behind The Oblivion Crisis Options

[mALX]

@ Treydog - Thank you so very much Treydog!!!

"I am not a monster! Oh, wait. Yes I am, actually. Right then, carry on."

SPEW !!!! ROFL !!! There goes my keyboard and monitor!!!

***
@ Destri - I agree with you on the opening sentence, that does read better - Thank you !!!!!

(WHEW!!!! - GAAAAH!!!! I really didn't want to re-write that!!!)

Thank you so much Destri !!!!

[mALX]

*


Chapter 76: The Promotion



******* Alix


Alix nabbed Hannibal and signaled him to step out in the corridor, calling over his shoulder as they slid out the door. “I’m going to walk Hannibal to his suite, S’Jirra. I’ll be right back.�

When the door closed behind him Alix stopped Hannibal. “If you don’t mind, can you give me an accounting of damages at the Arcane that Maxical caused? I’ll reimburse Fathis if it takes the rest of my lifetime.�

“I’ll get that for you. Alix, do you know where Fathis was today? When did he leave?�

“I don’t know, Hannibal. He never said anything about leaving last night, and I never heard him go.�

“Have you noticed him acting…different these last few days? Maxical said he never told her you were in town.�

“You mean like distant? Not really zombie-like, but if I didn’t know better…I’d swear he was under a spell, waiting orders if you know what I mean.“

“That’s what I’m talking about. Something is going on.�

“I agree. Since when is Fathis not…er…active? He’s not touched Maxical. You‘ve known him longer than I have. I hate this Hannibal, I know he’s your friend. I’m bringing S’Jirra home, we can’t stay in his suite under the circumstances. I’ll be back for the cage match if Fathis wants to talk to me. Do you know when it will be?“

“No, but they closeted themselves in a bedroom with Hassiri. It’ll be in the Courier tomorrow, probably.� Hannibal clasped Alix’s hand. “I’m sorry about all this, Alix. I don’t know what to say.�









******* Maxical


“I like the colors in these new raiment. Great new name, too…Blue Thunder.� Gils stripped down and held the new raiment up, admiring it.

“They do look nice, but since I have to pay for them all…I don’t like them much.� I turned it around twice. “How do you get into these?�

“They’re easier than the old ones, look. See that latch? Undo that.�

“Oh. That is easier.� I pulled it on. “On these rings I’m giving out, do you think we should try to get women coming too? If we’re getting a share of the Box receipts, I want that place so crowded no one can move. Getting women to come will guarantee us a good take. You and the band could give them out to women; it would go much quicker that way, too.�

“I was thinking the same thing. With your Golden Armor fund and both of our percentages it will give Fathis a good portion toward what you owe him.�

“You have to tease with the women, and look them in the eye as you slide the ring on their finger so the laugh hits them as a surprise.�

“Good idea. That will keep the people behind them from knowing what everyone’s laughing about till they get their ring.“

“Is my raiment on right?�

“Let me see…you missed a latch, I’ll get it for you.�

“Here comes the band.�

“Josey is really smart. The idea for the magic show…this band will really stand out amongst the others. With their sound they are an easy shoo-in to win.�

“Look, there’s Hassiri.� I glanced at Gils, he looked tense. “What’s wrong?�

“Did you ever get the feeling of being watched?�

“You should be used to that, all your concerts plus the Arena.�

“That’s not what I meant. Come on, it’s time to go on.� Gils took my hand and squeezed it, his palms were sweating.

“What’s wrong Gils?�

“I get the feeling a Dunmer will be for taking my life tonight while I‘m concentrating on the crowds.�

“He’s not an assassin, Gils. He won’t put a knife in your back, if that’s what you’re thinking. Er…he might challenge you after I break with him, though.�






***


Wes’s booming voice floated over the noise of the crowds. I craned my head out of the tent in time to see him coming through, turning left and right shaking hands as he walked. The band was all set up and waiting on stage. Owyn waved Gils and I to get behind him while Wes vaulted onto the stage. He is amazingly agile.

Josey cupped his mouth like he had earlier and called out, “Ladies and Gentlemen, bring your attention please!�

Wes stood on the other side of the stage from him. He looked over at Josey and then in his big booming voice repeated after him.

BOOM! Paul and Eric made a synchronized pound on the kettle drum at the same time the band made fireballs fly straight up into the air. The crowds shrieked and surged toward the stage.

Josey cupped his hands again. “Welcome to the show ladies and gentlemen!�

Wes glanced over, then echoed him again. BOOM! The kettle drums, this time they crisscrossed the fireballs in patterns. The crowd went wild screaming, and people began running over from the other side of the Arboretum.

Every time Josey called out something, Wes would repeat it. Each time it was followed by a huge BOOM from the drums and a spectacular show of magic.


Do you want it?

BOOM!

Do you need it?

BOOM!

Let me hear it ladies and gentlemen!

BOOM!


The crowds were getting frenzied with excitement; stomping their feet, jumping up and down…screaming and shouting.

The Arena regulars started in unison raising their right arm up and throwing it forward in a point just like they do in the Arena; but when they would normally call their fighter‘s name they were shouting, “YEAH!�






***


When they reached a peak of frenzy, Paul and Eric started a long kettle drum roll that sounded just like thunder. Owyn gave me my cue. I ran up the ramp behind the stage and hit the springboard. The minute my feet touched it they did a loud BOOM on the drums and lit the stage with a huge lightning and smoke storm.

Doing a high leap off the springboard, I burst through the clouds of smoke as if coming out of the sky in a storm. I landed rolling and tumbled to my mark at the front center of the stage, popping up facing the crowds when I hit the mark.

They screamed, shrieked, roared, and stomped. I put my hand behind my ear like I couldn’t hear them and then turned around and did a question mark with my tail. They went berserk.

It didn’t take much interacting with the crowds to rouse them into shouting and jumping up and down screaming. They couldn’t hear my voice anyway, but I circled my arms in the air and stomped back and forth across the stage making my tail go wild.

When the next kettle drum roll started I was too near Gils’ mark, so ran and leaped to my spot quickly. Dave from the band readied his illusion spell to light the spot Gils would be coming from.

BOOM! They made the storm again, and Gils burst through the clouds. My breath caught in my throat; it was spectacular! We clasped hands and raised them to salute the crowds, egging their cheers with our free hands.

Owyn came bounding on stage, making a show of handing Wes a piece of paper like it wasn’t staged in advance. Wes acted surprised, then stared at the audience.

In his big booming voice he started repeating, “Are you ready to rumble?“ getting the crowds worked into a crazed state…and then he boomed louder than I’ve ever heard him, “Are you ready for a cage match?“ The screams were deafening.

Wes knows how to work a crowd, and he uses mostly just his voice and eyes. “Who will survive? Who will survive when twenty Pit Dogs are locked in a cage with just two combatants from the new…BLUE THUNDER!�

Wes started calling off the list of moves, describing to the crowds what they would witness. When he finished he called, “Let’s hear it for the Blue Thunder!“ and the band played our fight song.



I am the master of this game
And everybody knows my name
And I will gladly make you see
That you should not have messed with me

But you have thrown the gauntlet down
Only gauntlet one who wears the crown
So i will gladly hunt you down
And I'm gonna stomp you into the ground


When they sang 'stomp you into the ground’ we all shouted it and stomped our feet, rousing the crowds till they were doing it with us. Good, they’d remember that when it played at the Arena.

Wes bellowed the announcement that a marriage was taking place between the band and the Arena. He brought each member of the band up, calling out their names and whether they were single or not to make the females in the audience hoot. I stuck my tail straight out and made it twirl for each one he said was single.

“Let’s hear it for Wayne, Jonathan, and Chris on guitar ladies and gentlemen! How ‘bout Dave on that bass! You ever seen so many drums? Give it up for Paul, Eric, and Todd ladies and gentlemen! Todd, you stay up here a second. Let’s here it for Josey and Todd with those great vocals!�

Josey came up and cupped his mouth. “Let’s give a big hand to Wes Johnson everybody! ‘The Voice of the Arena‘!�






***


Owyn handed up the crate of rings. I handed each band member a stack of rings and whispered, “It’s important to make eye contact and tease a bit with each as you slide the ring on. That way when the laugh hits them, the people behind them think they are laughing at something you said and will be surprised when the ring makes them laugh.“

When I handed Gils his I whispered, “Remember while you’re handing these out that the truce is over. The marriage vows we swore will be fulfilled tonight.� Gils’ eyes glowed like molten lava…good, that would draw women to the Arena.

Wes and Josey took turns teasing people to come up and vow to be at the engagement in the Arena. Once they saw the ring was real people were flooding up to get one. I was the only girl giving out rings, and the line of men in front of me was long.

“Andronicus! Thank goodness!� I waved her up and kissed her cheek. “Will Pilus spare you to help me out here?�

Andronicus gave Pilus a sultry look over her shoulder.

“Oh, that is good, Andronicus. Use that when you slide the ring on their finger! Just remember, special event percentages on the box office receipts…you will be rich if that Arena is standing room only.�

Andronicus’s eyes lit up. I elbowed Pilus.

“You are about to see firsthand how Andronicus got to be the top public relations expert in Cyrodiil. She‘ll have the crowds eating out of her hand.“


*

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 4 2016, 05:15 AM

[Remko]

So, what catastrophe will come between Gils and Maxical this time?

I craned my head out of the tent in time to see him coming through, turning left and right shaking hands as he walked.

Small nit, if I am not mistaken you crane your neck, not your head.

This post has been edited by Remko: Nov 18 2010, 11:08 AM

[D.Foxy]

I'm back...whew....got a lot of reading up to do!!!

[treydog]

“He’s not an assassin, Gils. He won’t put a knife in your back, if that’s what you’re thinking. Er…he might challenge you after I break with him, though.”

Yes, "the large print giveth and the small print taketh away," to quote my favorite song-writer.

The entire stage show was brilliantly written. Sometimes the best scenes are the ones that seem to require little in the way of comment. I read it, I loved it, it was great.

[Destri Melarg]

Wonderful description throughout! Like trey said, there isn't that much to comment on. Well, maybe this:

When I handed Gils his I whispered, “Remember while you’re handing these out that the truce is over. The marriage vows we swore will be fulfilled tonight.” Gils’ eyes glowed like molten lava…good, that would draw women to the Arena.

And this

“Oh, that is good, Andronicus. Use that when you slide the ring on their finger! Just remember, special event percentages on the box office receipts…you will be rich if that Arena is standing room only.”

Our not-so-dumb kitty shows her skill at manipulation motivation.

[Acadian]

Oh, this was great!

It was fun to read the whole stage show scene, especially when Maxical 'flew' in then hit and rolled to her spot. Well described and I could feel, hear and see the action here.

One tiny nit?

"I don’t know Hannibal. He never said anything about leaving last night, and I never heard him go.”

I read this to mean that 'I don't know who Hannibal is'. A comma makes all the difference in the world and I'm pretty sure you really want one right before Hannibal's name to make it clear that the speaker is talking to Hannibal, not about him. Very petty I know, but it did cause me pause, so I thought I would mention it.

[Winter Wolf]

Fantastic!! The smoke, the drums, a flying kitty off the springboard.
This chapter had everything, ha, ha!!

You did a great job of bringing the reader into your story with the swirling description.

I love the 'expansion' you have done to the Arena quests. Bravo!!
Where do I buy the DLC??

[mALX]

@ Remko - Thank you so much Remko !! It is so good to see you back on here!!!

***
@ Foxy - Thank you so much Foxy !!! I think you only missed two chapters though, lol. Not too much reading, I've shortened the chapters quite a bit !!!

***
@ Treydog - Thank you so very much Treydog!!! That means a lot to hear !!!

***
@ Destri - Thank you so much Destri !!! GAAAH! Lol.

***
@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian !!! Fixed the nit, and I appreciate that help so much !!! Your kind words and support ROCK !!!

***
@ Winter Wolf - Thank you so much Wolf !!! That means the world to hear from you, thank you so much !!!!!

[mALX]

*


Chapter 77: Ring Promotion: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?


First in line for the rings was a fairly large Khajiit in a mages robe, scowling dreadfully. I tried to tease a smile.

“Get on with it already!� He growled, then pointed to my arm. “Ew, you call that fur, housecat? What a disgrace!� He started to glare at me, then his eyes widened and riveted onto my blue show. Suddenly he was purring. “TEE HEE!� He moved to my side and began staring at my tail, purring loudly. I glanced around for someone to remove him before I found a barb sticking in me.

The young Argonian who was next in line indicated the Khajiit. “Don’t mind him. He’s a friend of mine. He‘s that way with everyone till he knows them better.� He then proceeded to flirt outrageously with his mobile eyebrows. I couldn’t help but laugh at his facial antics.

“Just how well is he intending to get to know me?� I glanced nervously behind me.

“M'raaj-Dar, go away! It’s my turn! Don’t worry, he just doesn’t get to see too many female Khajiit in our line of work.

The Khajiit’s name told it all, he was a virgin too. No wonder he was so grumpy. I was nervous about raising my tail with him hovering and eyeing it that way.

A female Argonian scurried up, showing her ring to the Argonian man in front of me. They looked oddly similar.

“Look, it’s real! It must be worth over 800 Septims!�

“This is my twin sister.� The male Argonian pointed, then put his webbed hand out for his ring. “Ocheeva, get rid of M'raaj-Dar for me. He won’t leave her tail alone…TEE HEE!�






***


Simplicia wandered through the gate. All the beggars bedrolls had been removed by Ocato for the festivities, and they were forbidden from begging from the tourists under penalty of arrest. He provided them no food or alternate bed. I blew a piercing whistle at Gils and pointed to her.

He signaled Hannibal and tossed him one of the rings. Hannibal really looked like he was proposing, sliding that ring on her finger. Simplicia’s laugh tinkled back to us as Hannibal escorted her to the Arcane’s tent, where he was making sure all the beggars had food and a cot…and gave each of them a ring.






***


A handsome young Breton of obvious wealth was next in line. I was taken by the gleam of mischief dancing in his eyes; mine lit in response and I smiled spontaneously.

“You know this means you are engaged to see me fight in the Cage Match, do you promise to cheer me on?�

“Aye, Lassie. And if we’re engaged might I know your name?�

“Tell me yours, and I’ll tell you mine then.� I smiled.

“Mine is Jakben Imbel.�

“Jack be nimble? That’s a child’s poem.�

“Aye, ‘twas me it was writ’ about.�

“Well you’re the handsomest 300 year old man I’ve ever seen, and that’s no lie.�

“They called me that for my nimble fingers. I was a thief in those days.�

“I’ll bet you stole all the ladies hearts, truth told.�

“That I did. I stoled and sold many a candlestick, too.�

“I don’t have one for you, only this ring. May I put it on your finger?�

“Aye, but you promised to give me your name.�

I looked up into his eyes as I slid the ring on his finger and opened my mouth to answer…my breath caught in my throat. His eyes held mine, the wicked imps in them dancing merrily…he was devastatingly handsome, I found I couldn’t tear my eyes from his. Then, with a feeling of release the imps slowly faded from them.

“Ah, Lass. Ye’ belong to a friend of mine, I won’t poach. But I’ll keep this ring as a memento of the time I didn’t, and the hardest battle I ever fought with me own conscience.�

He must be a friend of Fathis’s, because Gils was glaring at him. As he moved away I was left feeling disoriented, confused. I couldn’t remember hearing him laugh from the ring.






***


One man in line was overly handsome and gave off charm so strongly that women were vying for his attention and staring after him as he came up for the ring. I admit being drawn to him myself. His eyes were mesmerizing and he used them expertly, looking into mine steadily as he sauntered slowly up. He was confident, and obviously enjoying the stir he was creating with the women. I felt a little lightheaded when he drew close.

His eyes stared deeply into mine, and I found it impossible to look away. Without saying a word he touched my hand that held the ring. Suddenly it felt as if the two of us were isolated instead of in the midst of a crowd. His eyes seemed to suck me in to them and I had the sensation of falling into a deep chasm.

He whispered something…I didn‘t hear the words, only the sound and the feel of his breath playing its heat across my ears and hair. Without inhaling my nostrils filled with the scent of it, bringing alive a tingling trail that moved like a shiver down my spine. His eyes bore into mine, leaving me feeling exposed…as if my inner thoughts and secrets were revealed to him.

My senses felt muted, dulled…eons passed that we stood there…or just seconds, I couldn‘t be sure which. Power oozed from him, tangible as it wrapped itself around me. A warning of danger sounded ineffectually in the back of my mind…somehow I couldn’t find the will to listen. His voice whispering through me silenced it…then it was gone.

A subtle sound that began as an undertone was now getting deafeningly loud, pounding and whooshing…the vein in my neck throbbed to the sound…and suddenly I realized it was my own heartbeat and the blood racing in my veins I was hearing.

As suddenly as it began came the feeling of being released. I was swaying on my feet, disoriented. It felt like we’d held a long conversation that I didn’t hear. I was unsure of how long I had been standing there with him.

My lips tingled. When I reached up to feel them something hard scratched and cut my lower lip…the promotional ring, I was still clutching it. A drop of blood beaded on the diamond.

“I’ll have to get you another ring, I’ve bled on this one…� My voice sounded oddly distant to my own ears, and I forgot to play with my tail.

“No, I want this one.� He stretched his hand out for it.

“You have to make a promise to come see me fight, will you then?�

I don’t know if he answered, I slid the ring on his finger and backed away. He held the ring to his mouth and sucked the diamond, his eyes boring into mine until my head reeled. A trickle of blood moved slowly from the cut on my lip and his eyes fell to it with a strange expression in them…lust? I reached up quickly and brushed the back of my hand across it.

Numerous women turned their heads to stare at him as he walked away. Still disoriented, I turned to get water and saw Gils glaring at him as if he would like to pound the man into the ground. How long had I stood with him? I took a sip of water quickly, feeling I may choke on it.

It wasn’t till then that I realized he hadn’t laughed when I put the ring on his finger. Were some of the rings duds?











***


We had a huge crowd of laughing fans in front of us by the time most of the rings were given out. Hassiri was standing in the line. I curled my tail at him.

“Come on Hassiri, you know you’ll be there.�

“Tee Hee! I wouldn’t miss my favorite…Tee Hee!…Arena fighter.�

The next man in line was a well known hero.

�You’re the hero I’ve read so much of, your reputation is fast reaching legend status since that last vampire hunt. The city must feel safer just knowing you are here.� I smiled at him and held the ring up.

He barely preened before his eyes grew serious. He pointed to my blue flag. “You are the prey they seek right now, Miss. Beware, they are all around you. Don’t tarry after dark outside, or you’ll be the next victim found.�

“You mean you have found vampires…here?� I gaped, glancing nervously around. The ring I was holding up nearly struck his face by my movements.

He waved my hand with the ring away, then nodded. “Ancients. Heed my words, Miss. Keep someone by your side when you leave here tonight, and don’t come out again after dark.�

My response was cut off mid-sentence; my attention was caught by a man glaring at the hero from the midst of the crowd. His eyes were cold…deadly.

“Thank you kindly for the warn…er…I think you have an enemy watching you. Do you know of a tall Altmer with brown hair worn into a high point?�

“He is one of them; and the true murderer of that girl last week. The man he accused was no vampire at all. If my body turns up; bring that information to the Legion for me, since you’ve seen him and can give a description. His name is Seridur.�

“I hope the need doesn’t arise, but anything to be of service to you. Here, take this ring to fund your hunt…don‘t wear it, though. You’ll need your wits about you.� I handed him the ring. “Good speed to you, hero.�

Seridur’s eyes watched the hero as he moved away, then like a snake he began slipping through the crowd…following him, I thought.

When I turned around Seridur was right behind me. My breath caught in my throat and I had to hold back a scream. He must have moved like lightning to be there!

“GAaaah! Er…You have to get in line, sir. If I let you cut, it may start a riot.� I spoke loudly, hoping to catch the guards attention. My breath didn’t exhale till he stomped away. I stalled for five minutes, sipping at my water till I stopped trembling.


**

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 4 2016, 05:19 AM

[D.Foxy]

Moved like lightning...hmmm....someone's been watching too much twilight...

That was GOOD girl! Brought out the 'glammer' (yes, that's the true spelling of that word) of the dark magicians of the undead side of the world very well!

[mALX]

Moved like lightning...hmmm....someone's been watching too much twilight...

That was GOOD girl! Brought out the 'glammer' (yes, that's the true spelling of that word) of the dark magicians of the undead side of the world very well!

Actually, I have not seen the twilight stuff yet. I've seen three vampire films: Bram Stoker, one with Eddie Murphy, and another funny one. (obviously all way outdated, I really need to watch some current stuff, lol. My fave depiction of a vampire was the Bram Stoker, he was enigmatic, alluring...Mina was drawn to him.

[treydog]

Talk about ratcheting up the tension! I could just picture Maxical in the middle of a school of sharks- circling closer and closer, eying each other as much as their prey...

Wow.

[Acadian]

Oh, mALX! I really loved this. So many wonderful pieces all coming together, right in front of Maxical! Staying in her perspective for all this was a wonderful choice - I'm so glad you did that.

Scene I: The DB.
This had me chuckling, as soon as I realized (pretty quickly) who the Khajiit was.
Nit?

A female Argonian scurried up, showing him her ring to the Argonian man in front of me.

Maybe I'm just not understanding, but the bolded part seems awkwardly redundant? It would seem perfect by simply eliminating the word 'him'.

Scene II Simplicia.
I'm so glad you included this touch of preciousness in the story! It speaks volumes to what Maxical considers important.

Simplicia’s laugh tinkled back to us

This was so beautiful!


Scene III Jak.
Dangerously delicious!


Scene IV Another vampire.
I think I'm pretty safe guessing this was Vincente?


Scene V Hero + Seridur.
I don't know who the hero is. I hope you intended for that to be a mystery at this point rather than simply my defective reading? Regardless, Seridur fleshes out quite the vampire convention. Where was Janus?
Nit?

Hassiri was standing in the line. I curled my tail him.

Bolded part is confusing. I'm guessing you mean 'curled my tail at him.' ?


Overall, this joins so many of your episodes that was a pure delight to read! Did I tell you I really loved this? Oh, yes, I see that I did.

[mALX]

@ Foxy - Thank you so much Foxy !!!! I actually have not watched that twilight stuff yet. I modeled my vampires off Bram Stoker's and one of the mods I have added to my game, lol. What, no clipboard? ROFL !!!

***
@ Treydog - Thank you so very much Treydog !!! I appreciate you so much !!!!

***
@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian !!! I fixed the nits, thank you for pointing them out!! (Yes, the one un-named vampire was Vicente)

***
@ EVERYONE - I didn't want to name the hero or give a description, because (technically he is the "Player") - he may or may not be called back in for a cameo later, but as of now I have no plans for him other than this questline - so hated to make a character of him.

This post has been edited by mALX: Nov 22 2010, 05:48 AM

[Winter Wolf]

Oh mALX, that was simply delightful!!
I always love to read writing that pauses time and has the action continue to flow within the bubble. You captured the 'vampire feel' perfectly, he just oozed control and self-confidence. The part where he licked the blood off the ring really hit the spot. Awesome!!

Bram will always be the perfect vamp story for me. Maxical looked like Mina in that moment. The frightening part about vampires is always that, as Van Helsing said- '.....we henceforward become foul things of the night like him.' This is exactly what I felt when reading your chapter.

Look out Maxical....!!

This post has been edited by Winter Wolf: Nov 22 2010, 08:28 AM

[Destri Melarg]

I have said it before, but it bears repeating: You are at your absolute best when writing about vampires! The descriptions of Jak and Vicente captured everything familiar that we have come to embrace from legend. Dragging out that moment ensnared in Vicente’s hypnotic gaze was just fantastic.

Now I am left to wonder if all the ancients will trip over each other in their zeal to get to Maxical. I also can’t help thinking that Maxical’s presence somehow makes all the other virgins in the Imperial City safe. Maybe her blood is catnip?

And it never occurred to me how M'Raaj Dar got his name! It really explains so much about him!

[mALX]

@ Winter Wolf - Thank you, Thank you, Thank you sooo much !!!!! Now that made me feel much better !!!! You ROCK !!!!

***
@ Destri - Thank you so very much Destri !!!! I appreciate that so much !!! Well, one virgin was killed last week by Seridur; any other bodies may not be discovered for a few chapters. Maxical just happens to be the one who we are seeing things happen to, lol. Thank you again !!!

[mALX]

*


Chapter 78: Fathis Strikes Back



******* Fathis, The morning of the music festival


Fathis woke up with a start…voices in his suite! Alix and S’Jirra? When had they gotten here? He had to have let them in…why didn’t he remember? He couldn’t even remember going to bed, but here he lay…what was happening to his memory…his mind?

The only things he remembered of the past week…bringing Maxical to the carnival and midway, Uriel’s birthday…going to see the Emperor afterward…he remembered these. Why didn’t he remember anything else?

The feeling was strong of not being in control of his actions…as if he were a puppet and another held the strings that moved him. In the past week that had worsened drastically…things happening without his knowledge or memory, days passing…yet for some reason this was the first time he could remember wondering about it.

One thing that was clear in his mind…Maxical had been pulling away from him. Fathis felt the distance in her when they were together. He’d lose her soon if he couldn’t discover the source of his problem.

In moving the covers, and with shock Fathis realized his sword was suddenly functioning…as if a spell had been lifted.

Fathis sat up quickly, thinking fast. That was it, he had been under a spell! And now it was removed…but who would have done that? And why? It would have to be a powerful wizard…one he’d dealt with.

There was Traven; he’d never do something like this. That cretin Ocato…he had no opportunity. Raminus Polus…jealousy? Worried Traven may appoint Fathis his successor to the position of Arch Mage? Maybe.

There was Hassildor…good gods. Fathis’s stomach cringed in sickening realization as the memory of himself bringing Maxical to Skingrad Castle surfaced in his mind. That was proof Hassildor was behind it, Fathis would never have brought her there…never.

How long had this been going on? Good gods, months. He had avoided Maxical…and been unable to raise his sword nearly since graduation day…Hassildor was ensuring she stay a virgin…and keeping them apart so the spell wouldn’t be discovered.

He was under Hassildor’s powers all this time then. But the spell was removed this morning…why? And what else had Hassildor made him do? Fathis pored over the past months in his mind for any other actions and decisions he never would have made.

Immortal and acting on his nature…Hassildor’s powers made him a dangerous enemy. This must be handled carefully, it was imperative Fathis keep his mind blanked…and find any weaknesses.

Hassildor didn’t understand women if he thought disabling Fathis would bring him a virgin…and he underestimated Fathis in removing that spell, not realizing Fathis may figure things out. Living isolated as he had, his insight into people may be flawed…that was a weakness.






***


Hassildor’s plan would be to use Fathis as his dupe to bring Maxical to him…then probably kill him. Fathis checked his ring that protected against magicka…it had been tampered with. He would have to enchant a new one immediately…then if needed pretend to be under Hassildor’s spell, gather evidence. Fathis would have to stay one step ahead of Hassildor and his plans.

Taking Maxical right away would remove Hassildor’s interest in her…but would she let him? Maxical was planning to break with him, Fathis felt it strongly...she was going to Gils. She’d not let Fathis touch her, not in the frame of mind she was in right now.

He’d have to be gone when she came…so she couldn’t break it off. Thinking quickly, Fathis knew then what he had to do to save their relationship. She would be upset at him, mad. But after the wedding night she would be safe from Hassildor…and his.

Fathis slid out of bed and dug several rings out of his jewelry box. He paused, then grabbed his antique family ring as well. He hated to alter the antique ring…but it was the only way to protect Maxical. It had to be done.

When he stepped out of the suite, the corridor was filled with young mages…the band! Drat! The first day of the music festival! That meant Traven was here at the Merchants…but with a suite full of teen boys.

The protocol as liaison to Hassildor was to tell someone in power immediately if he acted on his nature…a protection against Hassildor wiping his memory or putting him under a spell. Fathis couldn’t tell Traven now, not with a crowd around.

Fathis felt odd using Traven’s enchanting stand without his permission…of course Traven would understand once he knew the situation.

Raminus Polus looked shocked when Fathis stepped off the transporter alone in the middle of the night. Fathis gritted his teeth, hating the idea of giving this information to Polus. But someone had to be told in case Hassildor acted again.

“Polus! It is imperative you get a message to Traven for me. He must enact sanctions against Subject A/JH, the man put me under spell. He has dangerous intentions toward Maxical. This may be the only notice I am able to give.�

“Maxical, you say?� Raminus scowled. “What has he done?�

“There is no time now, I left Traven a note of explanation in his nightstand.�









******* Raminus Polus


Raminus rifled the nightstand drawer, pulling out the parchment from Fathis. He hesitated after reading it thoroughly. It wasn’t likely he’d be caught, but if he was…

As if coming to a decision, Raminus crumbled the parchment into a wad and tossed it into the fireplace. He gave a little half-smile as he watched it burn to ash, ensuring no scrap would be left behind as evidence.

“Well Fathis, it doesn’t look like you’ll be offered that Arch Mage position after all.�

Raminus stripped down and pulled open the schrank, removing a set of Arch Mage robes and donning them.

“Arch Mage Polus…may I serve you a glass of wine? …Thank you, I’d love one.� Raminus poured himself a glass of wine and stretched out on the bed.









******* Maxical


More men were lining up behind an overly large Orc. I forced a smile to my face and made myself tease with him. While I dug in the crate for another ring, the next man moved forward. I looked up with a smile holding out the ring…and then froze. It was Fathis.

“I can only give you an engagement ring if you promise to go to the Cage Match.� I teased, putting my tail into a question mark.

“Nae, I’m not here to get a ring, but to give one.� Fathis signaled to Hassiri.

“Ah, but Hannibal has beat you to it, see? Here is his ring on my engagement hand.� I saw Hassiri scooting towards us, his eyes bugging.

Fathis pulled an antique ring out that had to be a family heirloom. “Hassiri, I want you to have the exclusive on this. Maxical and I have a longstanding promise of marriage between us, and today we are consummating that with the swearing of the vows. We will have a formal ceremony at the Palace in the future which I hope you will attend as well.�

Fathis pounded his fist twice over his heart and held his hand up with the palm facing me. Everyone in the crowds was oohing. Hassiri was there, I couldn’t make a scene by refusing him. I put my hand up palm facing him. Fathis clasped it with his that was facing me and then kissed me, a very long and extremely passionate kiss.

The crowd cheered like mad, applauding and calling out congratulations. Instead of the two witnesses Ocato required, what seemed like all Cyrodiil was there to verify the event.

The men in the crowd began shouting the wedding chant at Fathis, egging him to extend the kiss. “Gor'ko! Gor'ko!� The kiss has to continue as long as they are chanting, to chase bitter fruit from the vine of our marriage. I thought they would never stop.

Fathis’s virility was very obviously restored, I feared if they didn’t stop chanting he may enact the wedding night right there. His hand stayed raised in the vow throughout the kiss the whole time…oh dear gods, why is he doing this now?





***


I barely heard Josey say, “Ladies and gentleman, Gils would like to sing a song for you.�


“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.

Lay beside me, under wicked sky
Through black of day, dark of night, we share this pair of lives
The door cracks open, but there's no sun shining through
Black heart scarring darker still, but there's no sun shining through
No, there's no sun shining through…�


Gils began singing our song…our song…as Fathis took Hannibal’s ring off and slid his in it’s place. A slow tear slid down my cheek etching a path through the fur.

A surge of people began gathering around when Gils started singing. Many remembered him, calling out his name as they pushed to the stage, “It’s Gils! Listen, isn’t that Gils?�

Hassiri was scribbling like mad as the crowds started swaying and making out. I couldn’t look Fathis in the face, nor did I dare to turn around and look at Gils. I wished my legs would crumble but they didn’t.

“Fathis, I have to go. This promotion is for the Arcane too. Oh, I need Hannibal‘s ring back for health reasons, Hannibal will explain.� I hurried back to the stage but turned halfway there and looked back.

Fathis was standing directly in front of the stage, his legs apart, planted. He was staring unblinking at Gils. His hand stayed on his sword hilt the whole time. Dear gods, he‘s telling Gils he won’t stop till he’s dead! What could have happened?


**

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 4 2016, 05:22 AM

[D.Foxy]

AAAAAAAAARGH !!!!


JUST when I think I've figured out the plot....you....you....you MINX MaLX!!! MaLX the mischievous, mocking, mystery-spinning, monkeyshine mixing MINX!!!

NOW WE ARE ALL ON TENTERHOOKS WAITING FOR WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT!!!

Don't you DARE non-post for a week. Don't you DARE. DON'T YOU DARE!!!