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

[mALX]

Lying to him about Nisaba’s age had been a spur of the moment cover....He knew now he had nearly a year before all Uriel’s visions would come to pass.

That presumably means that he does have an accurate account of her/Maxical's age, and I'm confused (as always, or you're not doing your job) about how he got that. But now we have a whole year to figure it out!

I'm probably not doing my job, lol. Sorry about that.

Malan knows Nisaba's real age, not Maxical's. In eavesdropping on Uriel's thoughts he learned that Nisaba and Maxical were born just months apart.

Throughout my story ancient vampires have had the ability to read other's minds, that is why for security sake when dealing with them (everyone blanks their minds of thought).

Uriel is not blanking his mind because he doesn't know there is a vampire there. Malan has been reading Uriel's mind, that is how he learned Uriel is facing his death by the Mythic Dawn and Mehrunes Dagon.

This scene in chapter 131 shows how Malan found out that Nisaba's and Maxical's age being 21 would signal the end for Uriel:

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. There couldn’t be but a month or two between their births, Maxical was twenty one. The end was here.

I really need to do a better job of showing where everyone's thought processes are I guess, I apologize everyone.

*

[ghastley]

I'd missed the point that Malan had acquired his Khajiits as babies, so he knew Nissy's age that way. I'd been thinking he'd collected them later, and wouldn't have that detail.

[Darkness Eternal]

I will get to this as soon as I am able. I promise!

[Darkness Eternal]

The women allowed him feed on them, but the vampire fought hard against calming. The aroma of Maxical was too strong, too near. The taste of virgin blood was on his tongue now, calling him back with a demanding need that was consuming him. The women’s blood soured in his mouth, he nearly gagged it back out.

This guy has a taste for virgin blood, doesn't he? And a taste in women, I've noticed!

The urge to pierce her again instead was a physical pain, his mouth was right there on the vein and his nature was screaming for more...just one more taste. He strangled back the vampire with every bit of willpower he had, it was crucial no marks be left behind to incriminate him…not now, not with everything within seconds of his grasp.

Ah, the will to act. I always wondered how intense the thirst would be. He is indeed one of strong mind. What youve wrote about him so far explains this much. A creepy fellow, though. Although how much power can one have?

"But remember this: Sooner or later, the thirst always wins."

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: Feb 23 2012, 09:05 PM

[King Coin]

… but thinking was nearly impossible because of that damned white Khajiit.
For once Maxical’s disastrous nature is doing some good!

I kind of agree with Malan on Azura.

How does Malan know what Uriel dreams? Can he see it through the Khajiit?
Oh I see you answered that already. Never mind then. More!

[Acadian]

So, we get Malan’s perspective. I was fascinated by his take that Azura certainly didn’t do Khajiit women any favors! Thanks a lot, Azura! Not!

If Malan could keep his fangs in his pants mouth, he would have a chance of succeeding. But since he can’t, I am confident he won’t. I’m just curious as to whether it will be Uriel or Maxical that fully clues up first. Uriel would be more likely to put all the pieces together, but Maxical has a Nirn-famous habit of being able to naturally derail things even when she doesn’t understand all the pieces.

[McBadgere]

Oooh, that's just another juicy part right there that is...

Brilliantly done as ever...

Being a vampire must be damned irratating, that's all I can say... ...

Loves me Maxical I do...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

[Grits]

I agree about Azura. Argh! The Khajiit women really get a raw deal.

Malan’s perspective was very interesting, and it confirmed my guesses from what you have shown in other parts. Which is to say that you’re getting through my usual fog of confusion.

Malan is so close to his goal, and I love that his nature that makes him powerful is also undermining him. Ha!! Take that, you blood sucking… ahem. I was also fascinated by his fear of Mehrunes Dagon and his respect for Uriel. And that led me to concern for what Maxical and Nisaba will eventually face.

But mostly I was pleased that Maxical’s knee really did some damage.

[treydog]

And ANOTHER brilliant installment! The first passage from Malan's perspective draws us skillfully- whether we wish it or not- into the mind of the monster.

There is no way for me to pull out particular quotes from this one- I would just have to copy and paste the entire post. Wonderful.

[mALX]

*

@ Ghastley - You were correct in your second posting. Malan got Nissy from the orphanage, so knew her age. In eavesdropping on Uriel's thoughts he discovered how close Nissy's age was to Maxical's. As soon as Malan saw Uriel's reaction, he knew almost the exact timing of Uriel's death (within 2 months depending on whether Maxical is 2 months older or younger than Nissy)

In my story it is mid-October right now. According to the game, Uriel turns 87 on October 30 (30th of Frostfall). He dies August 27 (27th of Last Seed) of his 87th year - so Malan just figured out approximately when Uriel will die (so he'll know not to be impersonating him around that time, lol).

I've been trying to keep the information out there without too much repetitive info, but maybe I need to do a better job, lol. Thank you so much Ghastley !!!

*
@ Darkness Eternal - Thank you so much !! It means a lot to get approval for my vampire scenes from you, the resident vampire expert !!!

Malan made a mixture of the most powerful ancient lines combined into a cocktail and injected it into himself. That is how power-mad he is, lol. As for the virgin blood - it is like Kryptonite to only the ancient vampires in my story - a powerful force that even the strongest willpower can't overcome for long.

I would love to read what info you found on the different tastes from the Illac region clans !!! Thanks again Darkness !!

*
@ King Coin - The ancient vampires can read thoughts in my story, but Malan is also using Dream-Catchers because with them he can not just read the thoughts, but implant thoughts. Thank you so much KC !!!!

*
@ Acadian - I love what you wrote here, this was AWESOME !! :

"Maxical has a Nirn-famous habit of being able to naturally derail things even when she doesn't understand all the pieces."

Thank you so very much Acadian !!!

*
@ McBadgere - Thank you so much McB !!! ROFL, irritating being a vampire - you had me rolling with that !!! Thanks again McB !!

*
@ Grits - Even with a back ache you managed to glean every nuance of the chapter I hoped would come across, Thank You so very much Grits !!! You ROCK !!!

*
@ Treydog - Thank you so very much Treydog !!! Yeah, I hate going there with Malan too, but he tends to be overloaded with charm sometimes and has to show why he is such a creep every now and then, lol. Thanks again, Treydoggie !!

*

[mALX]

** Anyone that read the original Maxical story may remember the feud between the Palace Chef and Ocato over rats in the stew - this is a nod toward that chapter, which was inspired by Treydog and Mrs. Treydog with the “Rat Award” they donated.

Rat Award:

http://a3.ec-images.myspacecdn.com/images0...60a6e16d9/l.jpg



** The scene with Alix the Mouse was inspired by another donation from Treydog and Mrs. Treydog which was a different chapter in the original story and became “Alix’s Portrait, by Mrs. Treydog”

Alix’s Portrait, by Mrs. Treydog:

http://a4.ec-images.myspacecdn.com/images0...7025ecc36/l.jpg


Alix the Mouse:

http://a4.ec-images.myspacecdn.com/images0...e246cc570/l.jpg



Alix the Mouse after Evangeline babysat:


http://a3.ec-images.myspacecdn.com/images0...26c119ae9/l.jpg


** There is a cameo mention of Mrs. Treydog in this chapter. Thanks Treydog, Mrs. Treydog !!!!






Chapter 135: Palace Security and the Khajiit



******* Maxical (From Page 67, Chapter 133):


I couldn’t stand to stay in that room with all that had just taken place, especially surrounded with the sounds of passion echoing in at me from both walls. Knowing Sir Damien would probably cross back through my room to return to Uriel‘s suite was another deterrent from remaining. I decided to go visit Evangeline and Alix the Mouse down in the Battlemages Quarters. I never made it that far.

A high pitched shriek that could only have come from Ocato was echoing up the ramp from the bottom of the corridor…where our gauntlet of traps was set up. Oh dear gods, his name had not been among those given permission to be on this floor…and I had promised Uriel not to harass him. I let out the mewling signal to stop combat and hurried down the ramp as fast as I could. The women were yanking his fine velvet clothes off him as I rounded the curve of the corridor. I mewled for them to scatter and they did, taking his clothing with them.

The bottom of the corridor was a bloodbath, but Ocato had no visible injuries…other than being knocked out cold, and for some reason his arm was already in a makeshift sling. From the twist of his leg I was pretty sure it was broken, that was fresh but not bleeding. Dear gods, what had been going on here?

I popped the door open and made a silent sound. One Khajiit woman emerged silently out of a potted tree in the alcove.

“Get Evangeline here, quick. This one was supposed to have permission, and Sire…the Emperor made me give my vow not to molest him. Where did all this blood come from?” I spoke only in Khajiit as we had agreed for security sake.

“The other trespassers. They fought.”

“Where are they now?”

“They fought.“

“What do you mean? Are they…“

“Dead. We didn’t want to upset Sire, so threw the bodies out the window.”

“Dear gods…did you get any identification from them?”

“Of course; we always rob everyone first.” She shook her head at me as if I were addled. “Trespassers. Fair is fair. We have to make a living somehow…”

“But we’ve got shelter and all the food we can eat. And I’ve been keeping you well stocked in the vampire juices…”

“We do for Sire out of loyalty, only the untrustworthy would accept payment for duty.”

“I hope he sees it like that. Get Evangeline quickly before Ocato comes to.” She nodded and scurried down the Battlemage’s corridor.






***


She returned in no time with Evangeline and a man dressed all in white with a high puffed hat…a chef. What was that he was carrying? Dear gods...

“GAAAH! What…what happened to Alix?“ I gasped. Alix the Mouse was…white? “What is that, hair on his head?” Thick wisps of what looked suspiciously like a mini horsehair wig that had been dyed red were sticking out from beneath the cap.

“What is that he is wearing, infant clothing?” It looked like a thick velvet suit and beret someone very wealthy may have bought for a newborn infant. I had a sudden clear vision of the painting in the room Nissy and I shared. Prince Ebel’s first public appearance captured on canvas by the famous Mrs. Treydog…in this outfit.

“Dear gods…“ I got a sickening feeling that somehow I was going to be blamed for pilfering from Uriel Septim’s family storage chests.

“Evangeline, we can talk about Alix later, right now we have to do something with Ocato…er…he seems to have met with an accident. Uriel will blame me for anything that happens to him, he made me give my vow that I would not harm Ocato…or harass him.”

“I’ll handle it. See this spell?” Poof! Evangeline cast a sleeping spell over Ocato that would have knocked out a horse, then grabbed his unbroken leg and cast a feather spell. We helped her drag him through the doorway into the Battlemage‘s corridor.

“Say, Evangeline…I’d sure like to learn that spell, I don‘t think even Hannibal knows that one!” I hinted baldly. Evangeline nodded her agreement.

I turned to Chef, tweaking an imaginary cap on my head in greeting. “Allo, Chef. I was hoping Evangeline would be alone in knowing this, it seems Ocato has become indisposed.” I spoke in Cyrodiilic.

The Chef clapped his hands. “Bravo for you! For this, I make special treat just for you. Tell me what and I make it. You like sweetrolls like the little mouse that bite Ocato?” He leaned over and spat on the prostrate Ocato.

“Oh dear, did Alix bite Ocato?”

The Khajiit sister stepped forward, speaking in broken Cyrodiilic. “Sisters number eight. For sweetrolls, we throw Ocato from window. Dead men carry no tales.” She imitated Chef in spitting on Ocato, then grinned up at him with a wide smile that displayed jagged yellow teeth.

“I bring sweetrolls for all, sisters too! Whole bagful.” The Chef declared, pointing his finger in the air dramatically. Alix squeaked loudly.

“Yes, I not forget you, little Alix.” He crooned at Alix and then handed him to me, turning on his heel and started hurrying down the hall.

“Wait! He can’t be killed! Uriel will blame me if anything happens to him, he made me vow.” He didn’t stop, but I hoped he’d heard. I turned back to Evangeline. “We need to fix this, Ocato’s name should have been on the list. Uriel will have my head over this.”

Evangeline waved me back to the Royal Quarters impatiently. “I’ll handle this. Just get back in there before Ocato wakes and sees Alix.”

“Didn’t the Emperor approve Alix staying?”

“Yes, but Ocato thinks he killed the mouse that bit him. He may recognize him up close, even with the disguise. I‘ll explain later, and don’t worry about Chef. It is a long running feud between him and Ocato. Now go.“








***


“We’d better clean up this blood…” I signaled the three Khajiit guarding the door back out of hiding and spoke in Khajiit.

The older Khajiit shook her head no. “Find out if it is Sire’s enemy first. If yes, we’ll paint their blood on the outside of the door to warn others.”

“You are right, psychological warfare. I’ll help reset these traps, then someone show me whatever you took from the dead guys.”

“All morning Ocato has been setting the traps off. We had to change them around because he was getting wise to the layout. Ask Sire to tell him he’s not welcome anymore.”

“I don’t think I’d better. I get the feeling Sire is going to be very angry with me when he sees me next.”

While we were fixing the last one Evangeline tapped her coded knock. I guided her carefully through the traps so she didn‘t spring them.

“Watch that tripwire. Ocato keeps getting caught in the traps, I think he broke his leg this last time.”

“He did. I put a hardened bandage on his leg. Maybe that will keep him from walking for a while.” Evangeline gave a dour grimace.

The older Khajiit showed me the loot from the four men they killed. They appeared to be pauper robes, and the sickening fear hit me that they may have killed some of the blind Monks.

“Evangeline, have you ever seen robes like this? They are all the same, no identification or documents…or Septims, from what the sisters said.”

Evangeline shook her head no. “I’ve never seen anything like…wait! I have seen robes like this before!”

“Oh dear gods, not…not blind monks or anything right? Please tell me…er…do you think it is possible they were enemies of the throne?”

Evangeline nodded. “I would stake my life on it.”

My breath released in a sigh. “Good. Maybe I won’t be in too much trouble then.” I stacked the clothing up and put Ocato’s on top.

No doubt I’d be in trouble over Ocato getting injured, best confess right away when Uriel called me. When I turned back around Evangeline was cradling Alix in her arms like an infant.

“Er…Evangeline, what…uh…why is Alix the Mouse white and dressed in clothing? Where did it come from?”

Whatever she was going to answer, I never found out. We heard Ocato’s shriek, he had obviously set off the traps again. Dear gods. I looked around and Evangeline and Alix had disappeared, literally. She must have cast chameleon, and covered Alix with it as well.









******* Uriel Septim (From Page 67, Chapter 132)


Uriel awoke to the sound of Ocato’s shrill voice shrieking. “Let me pass I say! I’ve been robbed, held up! Highwaymen, right here in the Palace!”

Uriel felt the bed around him…Nisaba was gone, when had she left his bed? He drew back the curtain to see the sun dipping against the western horizon. How had he slept so long? Uriel pulled his armor on quickly, sheathing his sword before strapping it around his waist and cinching the buckle.

He splashed the cold water from the ewer on his face rather than ring for heated water to be brought up. His hair was barely brushed before tying it back with a ribbon. How had he slept so long? Months of nightmares keeping him from sleep…but he’d had no nightmare this day. Uriel skirted by Ocato’s falsetto tirade and pulled the bell rope to call Evangeline.

Evangeline arrived immediately, as if she’d been standing outside the door listening.

“Did you ring for me, Sire?”

“Yes, Evangeline. Speak to Maxical and find out what she knows about this.”

“Yes, Sire.” Evangeline scurried down the corridor quickly.

Uriel noticed she hadn’t asked what he was referring to. He turned slowly to Ocato, dreading the scene that was undoubtedly coming.

“Have you injured yourself, Ocato?” Ocato had white hardened bandages wrapped the length of one leg and over one arm, which was hanging in a makeshift sling.

“Yes, thanks to your so-called Champion! She did all this to me! I have slipped on soap, had urns crash into me, slid on unshelled pine nuts, been jerked off my feet…see this lump on my head?”

“Your hair appears singed, has it been on fire?”

“YES! I will refrain from showing you the other places I’ve been burned, but they are there. There’s more, she slew what appears to be a minotaur in the corridor…possibly some beastly ritual. Did you know she filled the Palace with her friends as well? There’s gobs of hair in bathing pool, and the whole upper floors positively reek of them! Worse, they’re thieves! My alchemy lab was emptied, every piece of equipment and plants…gone! On my way to report the theft, I was attacked! Robbed by THREE Khajiit! Held me up, right there in the corridor like we were out on the Green Road! ‘Stand and deliver!’ they said to me, and just like that I was trussed like a Saturalia hen. Do you find this funny?” Ocato pointed at Damien, who was doubled over and choking with laughter.

“And that…that brigand of yours held me at the door with the point of his sword, said you weren’t to be disturbed! AHA!” Ocato pointed a shaking finger at the door.






***


Maxical tapped on the open door and entered, carrying a stack of items in her arms. “I’m sorry, Sire. Er…here is everything taken, and I won’t do it again.” She lay the stack down on his desk.

“My bodyguard doesn’t have time to babysit your litters, Champion. If you must breed like a rabbit, watch them yourself.”

“Huh? I don’t know what you’re talking about…” Maxical looked dumbstruck.

Ocato glared at her and then reached down to snatch his clothing. He suddenly seemed to freeze in position, his hand hovering over the pile. His eyes glazed and his face paled till it appeared he may faint.

Uriel glanced down to see what had frightened him and felt a shock go through him. A crimson robe had slid out from the stack when Maxical dropped them on the desk. More crimson cloth could be seen in the pile.

Uriel pushed the pile over, mentally counting the number of robes. There were three more. A team of assassins, and here in the Royal Suite. How had they made it past the Blades? Past the Legion and his Imperial Army, the Palace guards and the monks? Past the Battlemages, Evangeline…had it not been for the Khajiit women, would they have made it past Damien as well?

“Sire, I…“ Maxical began speaking. Uriel cut her off, his voice harsh with rage.

“You will be dealt with shortly. Ocato, you may well believe I will handle this matter. You may go.”

Evangeline blocked the doorway. “Tell them about someone scalping your horse, Ocato, and leaving a noose made of its tail hairs on your pillow. I saw an Altmer man in a blue robe in Ocato’s bedroom. He looked like a man who’d visited Ocato before, so I thought he must be a relative or friend…but Ocato looked like he’d swallowed a bee when I told him about the man.”

Ocato paled visibly. “Obviously the Palace is filled with criminal element now. If you saw him, you should have stopped him!” He pushed by Evangeline and hurried down the hallway without taking his clothing from the pile.



*

This post has been edited by mALX: Feb 29 2012, 06:17 PM

[ghastley]

Now you've got me reading backwards trying to find out where the significance of red robes came up already.

You're being totally mean to Ocato, even if your version probably deserves it. Any other character gets an immediate magic cure, but he gets a cast and a sling. You'd think he'd know he was getting short measures.

[mALX]

Now you've got me reading backwards trying to find out where the significance of red robes came up already.

You're being totally mean to Ocato, even if your version probably deserves it. Any other character gets an immediate magic cure, but he gets a cast and a sling. You'd think he'd know he was getting short measures.

The Mythic Dawn assassins that attack Uriel and his family in the beginning of the game. The man in the blue robe Evangeline mentioned is Mankar Camoran. (it won't come out till next chapter).

This post has been edited by mALX: Feb 29 2012, 06:45 PM

[ghastley]

I know about red robes, but does Uriel at this point in the story? Real Damien is aware of the Mythic Dawn connection with Ocato, but has he reported a "red robe = Mythic Dawn" conclusion to the Emperor?

[mALX]

*

Yes, actually it is implied in a few places that Damien briefed Uriel on the Mythic Dawn and the whole plot.

Chapter 70 - Damien sends Eyja to spy and gather info on Ocato, the Mythic Dawn, and Camoran

infiltrate the Mythic Dawn and discern what Mankar Camoran is up to.

Chapter 117 - Damien’s joke references the fact that he has already briefed Uriel on Ocato, the Mythic Dawn, Mankar Camoran, & Dagon

“I’m afraid if she is housed with Ocato, she may not be able to contain herself from killing him.”

“You exaggerate…”

“That’s no exaggeration, Sire.” Damien’s eyes glittered briefly with humor through the slits in the full face mask. “Although that would resolve the other issue.”

Uriel’s face relaxed its tension just as briefly in acknowledgement of the joke.

Chapter 120 - Damien again references it to Uriel in conversation, showing Uriel knows about Ocato’s plot with the Mythic Dawn, Camoran & Dagon

“He may be moving his plans forward to take advantage of the war. What better cover for his plot than this? Remember that he counts on the might of Dagon to clear any situations as this out of his path once in power.”

Chapter 127 - Uriel tells Maxical about the Mythic Dawn, Camoran, and Dagon

Uriel nodded briefly. “The leader of a quasi-religious cult that worships Mehrunes Dagon, the Mythic Dawn. The cult leader is a man of great power, the purported son of Camoran Usurper.“

*

[Athynae]

Well I was a post behind, caught up now but on my tablet. I will comment after the storms pass.
But just so you know, It is AWWESSOOOMMMEEE!!!!!!!!!!!

[King Coin]

I couldn’t stand to stay in that room with all that had just taken place, especially surrounded with the sounds of passion echoing in at me from both walls.
I don’t blame Maxical there at all. Especially with how bizarre everything must seem to be with Malan there.

Oh sh!t, the Kahjiit women were killing people? I HOPE they were trespassers!

All morning Ocato has been setting the traps off. We had to change them around because he was getting wise to the layout. Ask Sire to tell him he’s not welcome anymore.
!

Robes? Not Mythic Dawn’s first attempt is it? Oh it must be.

[Acadian]

’One Khajiit woman emerged silently out of a potted tree in the alcove.’
I love the image this conjures!

“Of course; we always rob everyone first.” She shook her head at me as if I were addled.’
But of course, silly! Didn’t they teach you anything at the Arcane, Maxical? Oh. . . well, perhaps that was bandit school. Hmmph. . . college girls. . . .

Alix the Mouse in disguise! No doubt helping the chef prepare some sweet rolls flambé.

And the Khajiit women have unknowingly foiled an assassination attempt!

[Darkness Eternal]

Oh dear gods, his name had not been among those given permission to be on this floor… Dear gods, what had been going on here?

“Dear gods…did you get any identification from them?”

Hehe, for some reason this reinforces the dramatic sense of despair in this particular chapter.

“But we’ve got shelter and all the food we can eat. And I’ve been keeping you well stocked in the vampire juices…”

I've heard this before in the story, but "vampire juices" make me laugh, not in a mocking way. It made me smile a bit. Sounds a bit like an illegal drug harvested from vampires.

I promised myself I would not write down the "Dear gods" in the next chapters. The instance with the chef made me laugh. Especially the whole sweetroll and throw Ocato out the window. Sorry if it wasn't suppose to be humorous, but I had a comical sense of it.

And nice touch with Mankar and the robes. A can't wait to see some more Mythic Broads Dawn.

[McBadgere]

“Dear gods…did you get any identification from them?”

“Of course; we always rob everyone first.”

OW!!!...Oh hell that was funny!!... ...

Brilliant chapter...

Loved the chef... ...

Ocato makes me laugh... ...

Looking forward to wherever this goes... ...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*... ...