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

[hazmick]

You'll be seeing more of Inwold in my fanfic but at the minute I'm going to develop him in-game a little bit.

Back to your story . I can feel the excitement building up to the moment when we will (hopefully) see some serious kicking of vampire...teeth.

Even though this chapter focused more on vampire hunting, the 'Maxical-Fathis-Gils-Agronak' situation still added that delicious hint of drama. I can't wait for the next brilliant chapter!

[Acadian]

This was VERY engaging to read! Just plain fun and entertaining.

I love what you've done with Azzan! What a clever idea making him the hero. I suspect everyone who plays the game loves him - what a great NPC - handsome, kind, strong and a fine guild leader.

Oh, and bringing all those destruction mages in, how cool is that? Oh my. . . I hope Delphine doesn't get hurt. Heh, I suppose I should probably worry more about her blowing buildings up that get in her way! She has every bit the destructive power of Maxical, only unlike our darling kitty, Delphine can hit what she aims at!!!

Hannibal: Get those mages working on a powerful dispel spell for Fathis! And some viagra potions - Let's see. . . wormwood? Nah. Oh, I know! Try a mixture of: spiddal stick, ironwood nuts, ambrosia, arrowroot, ginseng, and taproot. Mix it all up and add a pinch of root of the Nirn.

[Destri Melarg]

I would be willing to pay good money to see what effect 'Enemies Explode' would have on an ancient immortal like (J)anus!

Azzan is the 'Hero of the People', eh? That is an inspired choice. Now we gt to see him in real action with that axe!

Foxy is right, I loved the weaving of a little ambiguity into the story. We now see how (J)anus was able to maintain civil relations with the Mages Guild. And we see the political pliability that enabled Hannibal to achieve the rank of Arch-Mage. I love the idea that Hannibal is so intolerant of necromancy, but willing to turn a blind eye toward vampirism. It sounds like there's a story behind that.

[Grits]

After many late nights I have caught up with Maxical's adventures, and I am greedy for more! I am in awe of your intricate plot and long passages of fast paced dialog. I find that I often go back and re-read just to enjoy them again. And also a little to keep track of what's going on. I can't resort to coffee to compensate for the late hour since you write so many spew inducing moments, and they often pop up without warning!

Yay Azzan! One of my favorites.

[mALX]

After many late nights I have caught up with Maxical's adventures, and I am greedy for more! I am in awe of your intricate plot and long passages of fast paced dialog. I find that I often go back and re-read just to enjoy them again. And also a little to keep track of what's going on. I can't resort to coffee to compensate for the late hour since you write so many spew inducing moments, and they often pop up without warning!

Yay Azzan! One of my favorites.

Now THAT is what I love to hear !!!! That makes my day !!! And Azzan is one of my favorite characters too! Thank you so much Grits, your kind words mean a lot to me !!

[mALX]

@ Foxy - If that butterfly has a white tail and red hair, she can do some real damage flapping, ROFL !!! Thank you so much for your kind words, Foxy!!! Coming from you, that means tons !!! You
ROCK !!!

***
@ Hazmick - Thank you so much Hazmick !!! It is so great to have you back, you have really been missed !!! It feels great to know the tension-building I was aiming for has come across, thank you so very much !!!

***
@ Acadian - I have always loved Azzan's character in the game too, and don't intend to skewer him at all. His role in this segment is before he becomes Master of the Fighters Guild, but he will achieve that promotion in this story.

I had him hail from Sutch because (in game, unless a patch has fixed it) - he was supposed to be GuildMaster in Sutch before they dropped that city from their world map.

GAAAAH! Delphine can't be hurt! Lol. Thank you so much Acadian !!!!

***
@ Destri - He doesn't die, but goes down to the floor of his suite and never arises, no matter how long you wait. He will talk to you if you click on him, but instead of seeing his face close up in front of you, you get a way-too-close view of his crotch. You can push him around to different places, but he stays lying down. I had to load a previous save to bring him back to life.

The story behind that is in the next chapter !!! - Thank you so very much Destri !!!

***
@ Grits - Now THAT is what I love to hear !!!! That makes my day !!! Your story is AWESOME !!! I am so glad you started posting it here!!! (EVERYONE - Grits's story is up on the boards, and it ROCKS !!!! Very character-driven, I became hooked instantly !!! )

Thank you so much Grits, your kind words mean a lot to me !!

This post has been edited by mALX: Dec 10 2010, 05:02 AM

[Thomas Kaira]

Well now... what can I say here?

mALX, I cannot believe you did this to me, but you got me hooked on a harlequin romance.

Guilty pleasure? Maybe. Am I ashamed? NO!!!

Great story!

[mALX]

Well now... what can I say here?

mALX, I cannot believe you did this to me, but you got me hooked on a harlequin romance.

Guilty pleasure? Maybe. Am I ashamed? NO!!!

Great story!

ROFL !!! Well, it has the extra plus of a half leopard female and a couple vampires, lol. But I promise action is about to break out...and she won't be so interested in romance in the relatively near future.

Thank you so very much for your kind words !!!

[mALX]

*


Chapter 84: History Of The Ancients



******* Hannibal


“The Mages Guild provides immunity to a select few ancients who agree not to act on their nature. This is invaluable for our research at the Arcane. Their stays have been granted by Ocato. If we get proof they have acted on their nature, sanctions are brought against them. At that time, their identities are revealed and they lose their immune status.� Hannibal spoke quietly, in spite of the glaring faces of Itius and Azzan.

“That’s bull crap and you know it, of course they act on their nature! They can’t help themselves! You can’t keep them under surveillance continuously!� Azzan’s raised voice echoed back on them off the walls of the rotunda-shaped conference room.

Hannibal kept his tones even, but rose from his seat. “This one has not killed in years, of his own decision. And those under our protection are monitored regularly.�

Itius was scribbling down notes, but was obviously listening. He glanced at Azzan first, then Hannibal. “We’ll get back to him. What about that last ancient?�

“That one already has diplomatic immunity, I can’t give you any information about his identity without proof he has acted on his nature. You were right, Azzan, his powers are extraordinary. He is an Immortal, cannot be killed…an extremely rare specimen, literally one of a kind. When an enemy cannot be taken, it behooves us to form an alliance with them.�

Azzan slammed his fist down on the table. “He IS acting on his nature! It is written all over your face! You’re afraid of him, that’s what’s going on here! You’re scared, so are willing to just let him keep killing!�

Hannibal’s eyes fell before the scorn in Azzan’s. The lad was right, fear was holding him back. He had proof enough Janus was following a virgin…but he was not the one that attacked her, and there was no proof he had attacked anyone else. For Cyrodiil’s sake, Hannibal hoped he never got proof Janus killed anyone…because he couldn’t turn Janus in as long as he was needed.

“He has an exemplary record of over fifty years. We know the others are killing, and have no proof he‘s done anything wrong.� Hannibal said firmly.






***


“Maybe we should measure their fangs and compare them to the holes in the necks of the victims when we do the autopsies.� Azzan’s tone dripped with sarcasm.

Hannibal responded instantly, in all seriousness. “That is exactly how it’s done, Azzan. Once we have Seridur, Vicente, and Agronak; we measure fangs and compare them to the victims wounds. If any don’t match, then we look at the other two vampires.�

“Why are you protecting him? Don’t tell me you’re not, your face has already told its tale!� Azzan kicked the table leg, seething.

“I need proof, Azzan. He could just be here for the music festival, or Uriel’s birthday. Let the Mages Guild handle him, I guarantee we will no longer offer him protection if he is killing. Cross that bridge when we have it before us. We know the others are killing, we should be acting on them immediately.�

“You’re playing god, you better hope it doesn’t jump up and bite you where the sun don’t shine.� Azzan pointed at Hannibal, his eyes filled with contempt.

“Azzan, that was the most absurd conglomeration of mixed metaphors I‘ve ever heard.� Itius spoke without looking up from the parchment he was writing on.

Hannibal remained standing, grasping the back of his empty chair as if to garner strength from it.

“He is as powerful as a god, Azzan…and just as immortal. Attack him…you’ll enrage his maker…who has armies at his beckon. Uriel’s law was meant to run the ancients out of Cyrodiil by creating fear. It only pushed them into hiding, and that fear festered into anger. We’ve been teetering on the brink of an all out war, they’ve just been waiting for the right opportunity to act. That time is right now, and thanks to Clavicus Vile’s gift we can’t see the armies forming right in front of us. Like Seridur, we could be interacting with them and never know it.�

Itius looked up from his parchment. “What do you mean the timing is right?“

“All of Cyrodiil and half Tamriel is here…in one spot. Uriel himself is scheduled for numerous public appearances this week. They know you are shorthanded, you said yourself you didn’t have the manpower to hunt the Orc. Itius, you interacted constantly with Seridur and didn’t know he was an ancient. How many more are out there that we don’t know of? Or amongst the tourists that are here? They could find no better time to rise up, and when they do…even the feral will climb up from the sewers and join their forces.� Hannibal’s voice rang back to them like an omen.






***


“Conspiracy theories and paranoia.� Azzan snorted.

Itius shifted uncomfortably. “I thought the Crimson Scars were all slaughtered?�

“Vicente is known to be a Crimson Scar, and Greywyn Blenwyth is rumored to be in Cyrodiil as well. He vowed to strike again when the timing was right…� Hannibal was cut off mid sentence.

“They only fought the Dark Brotherhood! The Legion doesn’t care if they wipe out a guild of assassins…� Azzan began, but Hannibal cut him off.

“Had the Crimson Scars won, you would have had a guild of vampire assassins! Guilds have power! Silarian‘s intervention saved Cyrodiil. Anytime vampires form an alliance they become unstoppable. We need the Immortal on our side.�

“That is just inviting trouble, we can’t trust them to side with us against their own!� Azzan once again slammed his fist down.

“Itius, you do not want this to turn into a war of vampires against us. Greywyn Blenwyth has armies of Crimson Scars, and no one can determine the size of Dagoth-Malan’s army of giant vampires…both just waiting for the signal. They can be among us and we’d never know it! The Immortal is the only one capable of stopping Malan, we do need an alliance with him.�

Itius shifted uncomfortably. “It won’t do any harm to go after the other three first. That Orc will take a lot of manpower himself.�

Azzan stared at Itius, stunned; but his voice dropped back into a normal volume and he took his seat again. “Army of giant vampires…what are you talking about?�

Itius signaled Hannibal to answer.






***


“It began when Dagoth-Ur harnessed power from the Heart of Lorkhan to make himself immortal. His cousin Malan was eaten up with the idea of besting Ur before that. Afterward it became an obsession, Malan wanted to be immortal…and omnipotent. Ur probably suspected, because he made plans to turn Malan into an ascended sleeper. Malan‘s spies warned him, so he covered himself with protective spells and sneaked into Ur’s chamber while he slept…carrying a contraption that draws blood. His intent was to drain all Ur’s blood, but after only two vials Ur awoke. Malan escaped and hid out in the Crystal Tower for years…�

“You’re talking ages ago, and in Morrowind!� Azzan scoffed.

Hannibal ignored the interruption. “Malan gathered blood from many of the most powerful ancient lines of vampires, mixed them together…and injected it into himself. His strength became beyond that of any known species, nothing could stop him. With the vampire in him spreading that Dark Gift he began creating armies, he was bent on domination. By the time the Sixth House was felled by the Nerevarine, Malan had created a super race of vampires here in Cyrodiil, they are amazingly powerful. He placed pods of them outside each city to attack people coming and going, infiltrating and filling each city. As long as they fed they could not be distinguished from anyone else, in the same way Seridur has fooled everyone.�

“Are you saying they are still there?� Azzan looked disbelieving.

“No one knows how many of them are inside each major city in Cyrodiil, but on Malan’s signal they will grow to giant proportions and attack.� Itius added, his eyes reflecting how seriously he was taking Traven’s concerns.

“You’re [censored] me!� Azzan rocked his chair back. “Giants?�

Hannibal took his seat before responding. “Every vampire Malan has made grows to enormous proportions when their nature emerges for battle. The Immortal is one of these…but more powerful…�

“How could he be more powerful than his maker?� Azzan’s expression showed he still struggling with believing what he was hearing.

“Malan’s armies are not immortal. He returned to the Crystal Tower and experimented for years more…till he found his mistake. The immortal blood had to be injected before the vampire blood had taken over in the system. It was too late for himself, but he could make another…one that would be unstoppable and do his bidding. He could only make one, so chose his victim carefully to afford him the greatest asset. But the one he chose has refused to act on his nature, isolated himself for over fifty years. I have monitored him closely, I believe he is just here for the festivities. I will not believe he has killed without proof.� Hannibal watched the myriad of expressions flitting across Azzan’s face, and with a sinking feeling realized the lad was intelligent enough to figure out what Hannibal already had.






***


“Fifty years, and suddenly comes out? He is following a chosen then. And you know it.� Azzan pointed at Hannibal.

“We know who his chosen is, and he has not attacked her. We are monitoring the situation extremely closely, and have guards placed on her. And as you know, in following his chosen…his focus is tunneled…he could not be responsible for any deaths.� Hannibal ground his teeth, this should never have come out.

“Yet! Let someone stand in his way, and watch the bodies pile up! Especially if she has a spouse, does she?�

“This is distracting from our purpose here. We need to move on those that are killing.� Hannibal slammed his flat hand onto Itius’s parchment, trying to change the flow of the conversation.

“Azzan is right, you are protecting him. And if he is here to kidnap a citizen, that is my jurisdiction. You better tell what you know, Traven.� Itius ‘s eyes pierced directly into Hannibal’s.

“He is immune from these proceedings, Itius...and we are protecting the girl. The standoff with these ancients is already tenuous; I don’t recommend antagonizing them while your manpower is already strained to its limits. The safety of these tourists has to be our prime focus.�

Itius tapped his thumb on the table nearly a full minute before coming to a decision. “I agree. Azzan…our targets right now will be strictly Seridur, Vicente, and the Gray Prince. Agreed?�

Azzan looked from one to the other before reluctantly signaling agreement. Hannibal let his breath out in a quiet stream.


*

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 4 2016, 05:37 AM

[Thomas Kaira]

Quite the backstory for one Count Skingrad, and it appears that things are, indeed, about to get ugly. They need Hassildor, but as he is definitely acting on his nature (which only the reader knows at this point), what's going to happen when they find out? Looks like Traven has just dug his own grave, to me.

You've also got quite the scooby gang building up...


(Parting from actual story a bit here)

Let's see here...

Maxical as the devilish Slayer with a taste for mischief (if she doesn't reopen the hellmouth, first.)

Gils as the sidekick

and Hannibal Traven as Giles.

All we need now is a Willow and we'll be all set.

Watch out Buffy! Here comes team mALX!








(That's vampire slayer Buffy, not the fragile bowgirl we all adore here)

[Zalphon]

Excellent addition, Max

[hazmick]

The tension keeps building with every chapter, I think I might explode! However, explosions tend to slow down the reading process so I would miss the conclusion to the vampire sub-story which would be very upsetting. I'll just sit here until your next chapter to minimize the chances of exploding.

[Destri Melarg]

I’m on the edge of my seat here! The mistress of lore . . . she shoots and she scores! Greywynn Blenwyth and the Crimson Scars! Silarian! Clavicus Viles’ gift! Wow! The story you have created around Dagoth Malan blends seamlessly with everything else. It’s almost like we are seeing the goings on behind the curtain of accepted events in the Tamrielic timeline. I haven’t been this hopelessly geeked out on a chapter since you brought the Dwemer back to life over on the Bethesda Forum!

MORE . . . NOW!!!

Btw, do you know what race Greywynn was? I've never been able to figure it out. At first I thought Bosmer, now I’m thinking Altmer . . . or Dunmer. Maybe he’s an Orc.

[D.Foxy]

Holy crap and Homer's scat, my Mistress of the Magical from the Mundane, mALX who builds fALX that brings a story to life while being a mother AND wife...

(how the hell DOES she do it? How? HOW????!!!???)

*turns green and yellow with jealousy*

And IN ADDITION to all that, she writes choice lines like...

" “Azzan, that was the most absurd conglomeration of mixed metaphors I‘ve ever heard.” Itius spoke without looking up from the parchment he was writing on. "

I snortled-choked-clapped-laughed-salaamed on THAT one!!!

Readers....

Have you taken a moment to ponder how EASY it would have been for our very own mALX to have stumbled over the very complexity of the backstory, multiple plotlines, the instaneous switching of moods from hilarious to horrendous to magical to monkeyshines to tender to tough?

And yet she does it without a hiccup. WITHOUT ONE FREAKING HICCUP.

Excuse me while I turn green, yellow, purple, and apoplexical from our mALXical's technical tour de force.

And THIS is the lady who told another beautiful lady that "You've given birth to a masterpiece, I just crapped out the world's biggest turd".

Well, call me a scat pervert, but it THIS is a turd, mah deah mALX, then crap out a TON more....and I'll gobble it all up!

*heh! did I give you an EWWWWW GROSSSSSS moment there? that was my intention, you know....call it a little revenge from a jealous writer wannabe to a REAL writer...*



:thumbsup:

[Acadian]

This was a great three way dialogue throughout. You did a good job of ensuring it was always clear who was speaking, and you presented each of the three characters very effectively.

Those who love TES lore, and vampire lore in particularly, were well-treated in this segment!

Looks like a vampire hunt kicking off.

Is there going to be a fang-measuring contest amongst the vamps?

[Grits]

"They could find no better time to rise up, and when they do…even the feral will climb up from the sewers and join their forces." *shiver* New rule for Grits: read mALX with no beverage, an empty bladder, and daylight hours only!

What's going to happen next!!!!

[mALX]

@ Thomas Kaira - Thank you so much Thomas Kaira !!!! The Scooby gang - ROFL !!!! That had me rolling !!! Thank you again !!!

***
@ Zalphon - Thank you Zalphon !!! I hope I can portray the melee as well as you do, lol. Thank you so much !!!

***
@ Hazmick - Woo Hoo !!! Exploding!!! Now that made me feel great!!! Thank you so very much Hazmick, that meant a lot to hear !!!

***
@ Destri - That has to be the greatest compliment ever!!! Thank you so much Destri !!! You can't imagine how good that made me feel to read coming from you - and you remembered me finding the Dwemmer ? That is AWESOME !!!

** mALX exhales **

Greywynn is an Altmer, by the way. Thank you so very much Destri !!!

***
@ Foxy - Thank you so very much Foxy !!!! To hear that coming from you means TONS !!! You absolutely ROCK !!!!

EEEEWWWW!!!! Are we back on chocolate fudge again? Or was that chocolate pudding? EW !!!

Thank you again, Foxy!!!

***
@ Acadian - ROFL ... fang measuring contest? Is this like when you guys get together and see who can pee the furthest distance? (accompanied by hooting and derisive comments to the 'shortest distance' pee-er?) - ROFL !!! Thank you so much Acadian, you are so appreciated !!!

***
@ Grits - Thank you so very much Grits !!! You had me hooting with the "empty bladder before reading" comment !!! Thank you so much Grits - and I hope everyone is keeping an eye out for your fantastic story !!!! Talk about developing characters, I may never look at Benirus the same again !!!


*

[Destri Melarg]

Greywynn is an Altmer, by the way. Thank you so very much Destri !!!

No mALX, that last chapter was GREAT! Thank you!

[mALX]

*


@ Destri - Thank you so much Destri !!!!


*


Chapter 85: Plots, Flotsam, Jetsam, And Plotting



******* Janus


Janus jerked awake as the door to his guestroom crashed against the wall. Jak’s bulk filled the doorway in full vampire…rage emitted tangibly from him.

The hairs on the back of Janus’s neck rose like hackles on a dog as he leaped from the bed, landing with feet planted. Deep inside him came a feeling of shackles breaking as the vampire tore free of them and prepared for battle.

His fangs extended rapidly, laying straight and flat like daggers instead of the curved arches for feeding…the rush of hot fluids never came, instead the fangs dripped what felt like corrosive acid, burning his tongue.

A feeling of strength filled him till Janus thought he would burst if he didn’t act; the muscles in his arms and legs ached instantly for movement as if cramped. His neck thickened till it felt like a tree trunk.

An intense cunning was taking over his mind; animalistic, a beast preparing to stalk its prey. All the incredible powers of the gift he inherited with his vampirism began drawing up for use, lining up into his hands and fingers; a full arsenal of deadly spells. Without having to wonder how to use them, he suddenly knew instinctively where each could be drawn from.

His eyes glowed, burning as if on fire…then narrowing into slits till he felt like an avenging demon ready for battle. Janus stood as a king, poised and regal…a giant surveying all around him. His voice was a deep growl.

“What do you mean crashing in on me?�

“You’ve overstayed your welcome, Hassildor. Do not consider me friend after this.�

With the litheness of a cat, Janus crossed the room toward Jak. “Explain yourself. What is this about?“

“I’m talking about a man that don’t protect his own. Getting a chosen is a privilege, a gift. You’d rather see her dead than with me and dare call yourself my friend. I’ve already given you more deference than you deserved. You’re not man enough for those powers you inherited if you don‘t use them to protect her. I‘m not afraid of you anymore. Now get out.�






***


“You were never afraid of me. What has brought this on, Jak?“

“Where were you when Vicente attacked your chosen tonight, here soaking up my hospitality? I warned you he had her scent. Go ahead, read my mind if you want to see the state she was in when I arrived…drops from death, terrified. I had to heal her or she wouldn’t have made it…and rout Seridur who sought to finish her. You expect me to respect your right to her when you won‘t…don‘t…� A haunted look suddenly flickered over Jak’s face and he roared, the sound split between raging and wounded.

Suddenly it struck Janus…the glimpse of haunting pain in Jak’s eyes. This wasn’t to be a battle. The vampire slowly began to dissipate, filtering back to the recesses it had emerged from.

“This is about Amiela, isn’t it…the situation brought back memories. I apologize, Jak. That must have been painful for you.�

Jak’s breathing became so rapid it sounded like he was hyperventilating, then with another anguished roar he drove his fist through the heavy plaster wall. White powder puffed from the hole, filtering through the air in a haze of particles that hung like a barrier between them. A dusting of it covered Jak’s fist when he pulled it out.

Jak shoved a chalky finger nearly into Janus’s eye. “Don‘t you dare speak her name, unworthy dog!� His shout echoed loudly in the small room.

“Come on, Jak. You need a drink. I’ll pour for you. I am sorry, Jak. When I knew I couldn’t stay out there and protect her, I sought you immediately for advice on what to do. Gemellus said you were not to be disturbed…then locked me from your suite.�

“Is this truth? You sought my help? What happened that you couldn’t protect her?�

“I was spotted by Fathis Aren, had no choice but to hide out. I read his mind, he told Traven and Ocato that I put spells on him and was after the girl. I couldn’t go near her after that, they’d be watching for me.…�

“You came straight here after Aren saw you, led him to my door? This is how you repay a friend…OUT!�

“He couldn’t follow me, I put him under my control again. I would never put you in jeopardy, Jak...nor her. I didn’t know they could attack her in a crowded public place.�






***


“If you’ve brought trouble to my door…I want that invitation to your castle formal, written in case you aren’t there when I arrive…and put your official seal on it.� Jak pointed to the desk in his room.

Janus wrote it, instructing his staff to treat Jak as an honored guest even in his absence. He wedged the top off his signet ring and pressed the seal within onto the parchment.

“I hope you will visit, I enjoy your company.� Janus handed the invitation, watching Jak pocket it.

“Listen Jak, Fathis is bringing her to me this morning. If you spoke true and I can’t take her…she’s yours. You earned it protecting her…your friendship to me.�

Jak calmed visibly. “Don’t double-cross me, Hassildor. This isn’t your rural West Weald, we swear vows to seal our word here.�

Janus pounded his fist twice on his chest, then raised it palm facing Jak. “If I have no use for her…�

Jak pounded his chest, reaching forward to clasp Janus’s hand. He swore his vow quickly, under his breath…and in an unrecognizable language.

Janus jerked his hand back, closing his fist before Jak could clasp it. “What trick is this?�

Jak’s outstretched hand fell before him, and suddenly Janus noticed the ring on his hand. “That’s one of those rings she gave out! You lied…you did poach!�

“No, I did not…“ Jak pounded his fist over his heart twice. “I wanted to, though. I’ve smelled her for months…just wanted to see the face that went with that blood. She’s a sweet thing…too full of life for you, Hassildor. You’ll bore her to a coma before you feed on her, blathering on and on about the blasphemies and crop rotation…wait, maybe it’s rat breeding you put people to sleep with at this time of year…�

“It isn’t about the rats breeding…in itself. It’s a discussion of a scientific experiment based on rat libido…�

“She’ll welcome death then. ‘Tis a pity, wasting a chosen. Did I tell you I’ve asked my nature to find me another?�






***


“Are you serious, Jak? You can’t be ready, you still grieve…�

“Aye, and always will. That doesn’t go away, lad. You don’t begin to fathom…your Rona wasn’t suited for you as a man, or as a vampire. Your father selected her strictly for political reasons, ease you into the office of Count Skingrad. The chosen…the gods know every hair on your head, every secret thought…it’s almost as if they create her with you in mind. Amiela and I, we had 137 years together. Nothing can take those memories from me. It’s time though…the next…she’ll ease the pain of it, bring me a new happiness.�

“What about your farm?�

“Are you interested? I was going to just turn them loose, but wouldn’t mind doing a little deal with you on them…you can’t tell Seridur, though. I refused his offers, he’d kill them all. Two of them are getting close to age, one of them is blonde with some good-sized doorknockers…that should interest you. There’s seven in all, seven is a lucky number.�

“Deal for what?�

Jak glanced up from filling his snifter with brandy. “Seven for one.�

“My chosen?�

Jak nodded.

“Why?�

“Ever since I let my nature know I was ready, the ache has been strong in me…share my bed with a woman again; the laughter, conversations...unlike you, in that order. Yours…I want her living here with me till my nature finds me one of my own, chase away this loneliness.�

“Boy do I know that ache. But why her? The city is full of women…�

“Bah! Remember your prostitute? I’m not staying in illusion or keeping them under spell constantly, who wants that? Her…your nature chose her for some reason…something different about her. She’ll need no mask or spell, chosen don’t.“






***


“Odd, that’s what Hal-Liurz said. She said I should tell her I’m the Immortal…and not worry about it.�

“It’s truth. Chosen know, and don‘t care.�

“Go on�

“Look, you don’t want her. I liked the lass…eyes full of mischief… When I rescued her, she remembered me from all she gave rings to…called me ‘Jack be nimble’, just like my Amiela used to…said she trusted me. You’re just wanting her blood, there’s plenty of that at this festival. I’ve stuffed myself on it tonight, and laid each one.�

“Dear gods, don’t even bring that up. I could nearly join a monastery it’s been so long. The prostitute can’t be counted, either. A slaughterfish could polish a sword better than her. How do you do it? I can’t get anywhere with those women!�

“I’m not in a cowl. My ancient line passed down an illusion spell that hides the fangs and pink eyes…Vicente has it too. We can look like handsome young men, or anyone we choose. I can give it to you with an incantation…we’d have to clasp hands…� Jak reached out his hand to Janus.

Janus drew back. “I don’t trust you.�

“Tell you what…make a pact with me, then. I’ll pick up the women, bring them here…we can share. I’ll even let you mate with every other one, but the first one you kill is the last one I bring you…and that’s an option I’ve never offered Seridur. Come on, shake on it.� Jak reached his hand toward Janus.

“I doubt the offer would draw him.�

“You caught that? You’re right, his interests lie…elsewhere. Why his girls always die, he can‘t bring himself to mate with them.�

“I’ll think about it after I see how tomorrow goes. Three times now you’ve tried to clasp hands with me, what is going on? What would have happened if I’d clasped your hand?�

Jak hesitated, then shrugged his shoulder and answered. “You’d be swearing your chosen onto me…then she’d be mine. I earned it, protecting her when you wouldn‘t.�

“I knew it was a trick. I won’t double-cross you, Jak. If I have no use of her, I’ll see you get her…and if you still want me to then, I‘ll swear her over to you.�

“Thank ye’ lad. Come look at my farm, I‘m turning them loose tonight if you aren‘t interested.�

“Wait a minute! If she was selected to be perfect for me, how could she become your chosen? Someone perfect for me wouldn’t suit you at all…�

Jak kept walking toward the basement as if he hadn‘t heard, calling over his shoulder. “Decide if you want to deal on my farm. If not, I need your help wiping their memories and smuggling them out of here.�






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This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 4 2016, 05:41 AM

[Thomas Kaira]

I swear, if you keep building the tension like this, I'm going to explode before you even reach the climax...

A slaughterfish could polish a sword better than her.

“No, I did not…“ Jak pounded his fist over his heart twice. “I wanted to, though. I’ve smelled her for months…just wanted to see the face that went with that blood. She’s a sweet thing…too full of life for you, Hassildor. You’ll bore her to a coma before you feed on her, blathering on and on about the blasphemies and crop rotation…wait, maybe it’s rat breeding you put people to sleep with at this time of year…”

“It isn’t about the rats breeding…in itself. It’s a discussion of a scientific experiment based on rat libido…”

And you owe me a new keyboard!