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

[mALX]

@ Grits - Thank you so much for your kind words, Grits! I can't take credit for a lot of Uriel Septim's lines, I used the game dialogue for him whenever possible (so someone playing the game could actually hear him say them, lol). Hannibal's reactions were my favorite part of the story, lol. I'm so glad you caught them and liked them as well <3 Thank you again !!

*
@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian !! Having Aravi modeling a real warrior for Maxical was inspired by watching KC's gameplay (as you know, lol) She and KC are pretty amazing in battle !!! Thank you again, Acadian (and for pointing out my fave parts, too !!)

*
@ King Coin - I am so glad you caught that Uriel knew who were spies in his castle !!! That meant a lot to me !! Thank you so very much for letting Aravi join in Maxical's story and for making her such an Awesome fighter !!!!

*
@ Treydog - Woo Hoo !! You are caught up !! Thank you so much for the things you pointed out. Almost all Septim's lines were from the game itself, lol. He is really hard to do since we see so little of him in the game itself it is hard to get a bead on dialogue for him, lol. As always you caught my personal favorite line in the chapter. Thank you so much Treydog !!!

*
@ Zalphon - I'm really big on liking screenshots with a story too - I can never remember to snap them, and when I do end up with 50 that look to be all exactly the same scene, ROFL !! King Coin took all those screenshots for me with his Aravi's help. He did an Awesome job, too !!! Thanks so much Zalphon !!!

*
@ McBadgere - Thank you so much McBadgere !! It is no wonder you missed this, it came out the day before Skyrim was released, ROFL !! Thank you so much McB !!!

*
@ Athynae - WOO HOO !! You're back from your galivanting !!! Thank you so much Athynae !!!

*
@ Destri - Well Maxical has missed you too, it was so good to see you coming around Chorrol again !! You are so missed when you are gone such long gaps !!! Thank you for popping in, Destri !!!

*
@ EVERYONE - Happy Holidays !!! My wish for all of you is "Food, Fun, and Laughter !!! "

This post has been edited by mALX: Dec 25 2011, 12:01 PM

[mALX]

*

*** D. Foxy has graciously agreed to the use of his characters Damien "Foxy" Reynard and Sneakers in this episode.

There is also a cameo appearance of King Coin's character "Aravi" in it. Thanks KC, for allowing me to share my page with Aravi, and for making such an inspiring character !!


*



Chapter 118: The Fates Of Three


The sound of labored breathing and restoration magic being cast filtered through the numbness freezing my brain. The charged air of it flowed in cooling waves over me, washing the paralysis in its wake. The vampire sure wasn’t healing me, the Khajiit must have killed him...that was a relief.

It was confirmed when I was able to open my eyes, the blurry shape of a Khajiit head was leaned over me. When my neck was able to turn I found myself looking into the grotesquely formed face of the vampire she had been fighting, the icy eyes still open and staring blankly.

“That is one ugly vampire!” The vampire’s body was too close for comfort, I tried to pull myself awkwardly up, it wasn’t easy with that huge armor. It had to have belonged to an Orc before.

The Khajiit had turned from me and began healing herself next. It was my clumsiness had cost her that injury. The numbness in my brain slowly eased away and was replaced by humiliation.

“I’m sorry…it was my fault you were hurt.”

She just shook her head and continued healing herself.

“Er…thanks. You know, for healing me. My name is Maxical.

“I’m Aravi.” Her soft accent was very familiar, Fathis’s was the same.

“You’re from Morrowind, are you not? I know the accent. Please, who taught you to fight that way? I’ve never seen anything like it!"

She gave me an odd look, then her mouth widened into a slow smile. “Azura.”

“Huh?”

She never answered, but seemed to be looking past me instead. Before I could turn my head to look a man’s falsetto voice shrilled loudly in my ear.

“Hey! You! Maxical, right? You need to come with me, Uriel Septim hisself wants to talk to you.“

I spun as quickly as the oversized armor would let me and found myself eye to eye with an overly short Bosmer. “You scared me!” He had. The high-pitch to his voice was remarkably close to Ocato’s whine.

Instead of being apologetic his face split into an ugly leer that revealed a mangle of corn colored teeth. “My orders was to bring you back directly.”

Dear gods, that must mean it was time for me to begin my service to Akatosh. “Wait…” I turned back to the Khajiit, but she was gone. Drat!

“Listen, er…mister. I have to find the Arch Mage from the University, it is really important. I promise I’ll come back as soon as…”

“He’s up with Boss now, I was told not to come back without you.“

“Boss!” I’d never heard anyone refer so offhandedly to the Emperor, he could be jailed for that! My mouth opened to say as much and then snapped shut again. Was it possible this snaggletoothed cretin was one of Uriel Septim’s bastards? Who else would have the audacity to speak in such a way about him?

Trying to imagine Uriel Septim breeding with any female that could possibly have produced that face was mindboggling…then I remembered that shrill voice and it hit me. He wasn’t Uriel’s, but Ocato’s!

My lip curled involuntarily in disgust. I tried unsuccessfully not to glower at him, but he caught the look. His grin widened into even further, revealing a brown rot clinging to his grinding teeth in the back. Dear gods, you would think since Ocato brought his by-blow into the Palace he would give him access to a toothbrush.







***


The sight of Hannibal’s familiar face nearly overset me. So much had happened since I’d seen him fall in Jack’s box. His head gave an almost imperceptible shake and I gathered enough self control not to run to him.

What was the correct protocol for entering the Emperor’s private chambers? I stood frozen in the doorway, not knowing if I should kneel here or approach him first.

I glanced at Hannibal hoping he’d cue me like Fathis always did in these situations, but instead his eyes were riveted on the Emperor. Hannibal could always be read easily by his expression, and right now it looked like he was in deep trouble. I had no doubt it was over his defense of the Immortal, especially after noticing that man Damien standing next to a desk on the other side of the room.

Well, when in doubt err to the side of caution. I tried to lower one leg, but the knee of the oversized armor was well above my own. My leg couldn’t bend, and the clumsy attempt to kneel by sliding the leg straight back caused me to lose my balance.

The clanking of the armor that had sounded so loud in the street was deafening in the quiet of the Emperor’s chambers. I caught myself from falling by grabbing at a nearby table, oversetting it enough that the bottle of wine and candelabra resting on it pitched off and onto the thick rug beneath.

My prayer to Akatosh that the cork would be in the bottle was rewarded by a loud chuggling sound and the sight of a crimson stain painting an ever increasing pattern of trails through the pure whiteness of the expensive looking carpet.

The spilled wax lit quickly and was spreading toward a heavy velvet banner showing the family crest of the Septims. Dear gods.

My first reaction was to throw myself down on the flames and wallow on them, trying to extinguish the spread before it reached the banner. The ugly Bosmer reacted quickly, leaping across the room with an incredible speed for one that gave the impression of being rotund. He sped into the entry hall behind me, returning in seconds with a mop bucket which he doused over me. The flames sizzled out, leaving behind the heavy stench of smoking wax.

He didn’t offer his meaty hand to help me up, instead grabbed my arm in a surprisingly strong grip and hauled me to my feet.

“Mitts off, you lecherous filth,” hissed under my breath. His leering grin appeared…he’d heard me.

While staring down at that mess an even worse one caught my eye, if that was possible. I had come to the Emperor’s chambers without cleaning the blood from my armor, and not just any blood…possibly vampire blood.

I prayed again, this time for the floor to open up and swallow me whole. Once again Akatosh failed to answer my pleas, but it was apparent why this time. The Emperor had his ear, calling to Akatosh in an enraged shout, the paleness of his cheeks now flaming red.

“Dear Akatosh I beseech you! This cannot be the one!”







***


Thank goodness Hannibal’s head shake had saved me from ignoring the Emperor entirely in a headlong dash to Hannibal’s side, at least I hadn‘t made a complete fool of myself.

Failing Cyrodiilic Speechcraft in school may not be noticeable in the Bloodworks, but here it could not help but be apparent. Polite Khajiit (which I can speak well) is very formal and respectful. My best hope would be to think in polite Khajiit but speak in the Cyrodiilic tongue.

“Sire, please forgive me for entering your chambers unwashed, but High Chancellor Ocato‘s…er…‘child by nature’ brought me directly to you.” I glared in the direction of the cocky Bosmer who was now gaping at me in a stunned manner.

I had obviously stunned Hannibal as well, his jaw dropped and hung there in the folds of his robe. The man Damien began making a choking sound.

“Forgive me Sire, is this something of which I must not be speaking? I just thought it must be openly known and spoken of…since he lives here at the Palace and all.”

The man Damien appeared to be having some form of fit, choking and clutching his stomach. Had he miss-swallowed something? His hand shook as he drew out a handkerchief and began dabbing at his eyes through the slits in his velvet face mask.

“Mayhaps you should send her in Ocato’s care to another province for training.“ Damien gasped out before throwing his head back in a peal of laughter. I blanched, feeling faint at the thought.

“I find no humor in this, Foxy. All of Cyrodiil must rely on this…child, who cannot even enter a room without disaster.” The anger was apparent in Uriel Septim’s voice, he sounded overwrought and…stressed. That I was the cause of it was obvious.

“I tried to warn you…” Hannibal bleated, shooting me an apologetic glance.

“Sire, please. I am clumsy, it’s true. The ill-fitting armor…but Sire, I came back into the city seeking Hannibal…er, Arch Mage Traven… on a matter of utmost importance. I’ve found the vampire Vicente’s lair right here in the Talos Plaza District. He has been kidnapping children, keeping them prisoner in caves somewhere and…raping them when they are of a certain age.”

The man Damien’s humor ended abruptly. In a few cat-like steps he was at Uriel’s side. “Farming girls for virgin blood, Sire. Talos Plaza, that‘s not Vicente.“

“But…it has to be Vicente, his pet bird was there. I saw it going into an open window in the dome.”

Damien’s eyes glittered intensely through the slits in the mask. “The same bird that you were stroking at the Arena?”

“Er…I was just petting it." I nodded.

“Sire, I think we just found Malan’s lair.”







***


“Malan!” I gasped. “It can‘t be his bird…“ Janus said the bird belonged to a friend, he wouldn‘t be friends with Malan…couldn’t be. “Malan has Fathis!” Was all I could blurt out. What had I done?

“Where is the Immortal now, Maxical? Why is he not with you?” Hannibal was looking stricken too.

“I sent him to save Fathis. He gave his vow to do it.”

“The Immortal made a vow with you?” Hannibal looked relieved. “He was raised as a gentleman, Sire. From what I know of him he’ll keep his word.“

My own breath released in relief at Hannibal’s words. Hannibal knew Janus over fifty years, but Fathis was his best friend. His seeming betrayal of Fathis at the Arena…that may have been naught but trust that Janus’s innate character would take precedence over the vampire nature.

Uriel exchanged glances with Damien before the latter spoke. “Why would he make a vow with you? What promise did you make to him?”

“Er…that I would be his sworn enemy in this life and the next if he didn’t save Fathis. I don‘t know why it mattered to him, but it seemed to.”

Uriel slumped slightly, his face an unreadable mask. “Your information confirmed, Foxy.”

“Sire, one of these kidnapped girls was in the orphanage with me, a Khajiit named Nisaba…”

BAM! Damien’s hand slammed on the desk. I broke off mid sentence gaping. Uriel Septim was leaning forward his interest was so great. Even Hannibal was looking owlishly interested.

“…Sire?”

He waved his arm in a sweeping gesture I took to mean keep talking.

“When I was adopted, Fathis Aren approached the Elder Council for the removal of all orphans from the Imperial Prison Compound. He donated the funds himself for new orphanages to be built in each city, in better locations for children. But Nisaba was only a child when she found herself in that cave, and she only remembers being at the Prison Compound Orphanage before that. There were others, many others; all taken as children and raised in these same caves till breeding age. It’s been going on for years, too. Some of these women are…old now.”

I turned directly to Hannibal. “You know Fathis, he would have put someone he trusted in charge of those funds. He must have told you who he entrusted, Hannibal. You are his best friend.”

“There must be another explanation, Maxical. The man in charge of those funds is a high ranking member of the Imperial Watch, above even Itius Hayn. You can’t accuse the man without proof, Maxical.”

“What more proof do you need, Hannibal? You know Fathis well, he would have checked up on the progress of the orphanage and seen the orphans were in good hands. Someone has to have been lying to him all this time, and misusing his funds.“







***


“Maxical, with your temper it may be best to let the authorities look into this.”

“Is that the authorities that work below him or above?” I made my tone edgy and sarcastic, rolling my eyes rudely. Hannibal had never seen that ploy, so it worked much better than any attempt at trying to look innocent would have.

“There is no one above him…well, other than High Commander Adamus Phillida.”

“Thank you, Hannibal. I know it is Audens Avidius now.”

Hannibal blanched. “Maxical, you can’t take the law into your own hands.”

Damien held his hand up and Hannibal’s expression showed a marked relief. “Traven, give me any details you have about this transaction. We already have Avidius under surveillance in another matter, we’ll handle the investigation. The Elder Council should have detailed records on the new orphanages.”

“There was a donation fund also, the accounting was to be done here for all the counties to draw from equally. Fathis made a very large donation to get it started.” I added, trying to school an innocent look.

Hannibal pointed at me. “She’s plotting! Maxical, this is a legal matter, stay out of it.”

“Hannibal, any orphans that were imprisoned in caves and assaulted while under the protection of an orphanage Fathis founded are his legitimate concern. As his wife it is my duty to act on his behalf in his absence.”

“Foxy was hired by Fathis, paid to handle his affairs. Leave it in his capable hands.” Hannibal pointed to the man calling himself Damien.

I wondered if all Emperors had assassins on staff as their right hand man. “Sire, it is my right and duty to challenge the man responsible. Although I’m no trained assassin,” I indicated the man Damien, bringing a shocked gasp from the ugly Bosmer beside him. “I have two legitimate causes for revenge on this man. This is my fight, may I have your seal on it?”

“What is the second cause you spoke of?”

“The Khajiit girl, Nisaba. I clearly remember swearing a vow with her when we were children, but I can’t remember what I swore to. Whatever that vow was, I…didn’t keep it. I can’t help but feel her situation rests at my door twice. I have to do this for her, in amends.”

Uriel nodded. “I agree. Sir Damien will carry the signed Writ of Execution until his investigation reveals the responsible party. At that time he will pass it to you to be carried out. This will be no assassination, but an execution for crimes against the citizens of Cyrodiil. Because you will be acting for the Palace you must be trained accordingly first. I trust you will see to that, Foxy? Get back with me as soon as you can with the information regarding this child Nisaba as well.” Uriel’s tone was dismissive.

“I see. And so the baton of fire is passed. I did see this coming, by the way.” Damien’s smile to Uriel was genuine, it was clear there was a close bond between the two men.

“Baton of fire? You mean me, right? It was an accident…Ow!” Hannibal pinched the back of my arm. I closed my mouth abruptly.

*

This post has been edited by mALX: Dec 27 2011, 04:06 PM

[Athynae]

Yippee Merry Christmas to me, not only do I wake this morning to more Max (we will discuss your procrastination later) but I also am using my youngest daughters gift to do so... She has no idea she got a tablet hehe.

Great write, I love Max! I thought the interaction with Foxy was great, as was the rest. More story is needed! Have to have something good to read on my daughters thingy while I sit. (Note: Will only use the tablet to read next time,trying to type on this thing sucks)

As I said, typing on that thing sucks....had to use the pc to edit as all of my eyes lost their self esteem and ducked their heads!!

This post has been edited by Athynae: Dec 25 2011, 03:37 PM

[McBadgere]

Oh yes!!...Fantastic!!...

Most excellent exchanges and plotting...

This story rocks!!...

Oh how I laughed at all that with the table...So brilliant...

Nice one... ...*Applauds*...

[Grits]

I loved seeing Aravi again, and I love the way you portray her! Of course she would heal Maxical first, perfect!

Oh my gosh, Sneakers with a mangle of corn-colored teeth… and Maxical’s thoughts about him… Then the disastrous entrance into the Emperor’s company had me weeping with laughter. I had to stop and compose myself before I could continue.

I prayed again, this time for the floor to open up and swallow me whole. Once again Akatosh failed to answer my pleas, but it was apparent why this time. The Emperor had his ear, calling to Akatosh in an enraged shout, the paleness of his cheeks now flaming red.

“Dear Akatosh I beseech you! This cannot be the one!”

Quoted for pure awesome. Even Damien couldn’t keep a straight face with dear Maxical’s blundering. She sure does stir up a room. And then it got serious in a heartbeat. I cannot wait to see what Damien does with Maxical's training.

What a delight to have this to read on Christmas!!

[King Coin]

Aravi! I really liked that you noted that she isn’t from Cyrodiil originally.

Poor Maxical! She certainly didn’t enter the emperor's chambers with any grace!

“Dear Akatosh I beseech you! This cannot be the one!”
The emperor! Perfect reaction to that mess Maxical made! She sets his room on fire just by walking in!
Can’t wait to see her training either. This is going to be great!

[Acadian]

“Baton of fire? You mean me, right? It was an accident…Ow!” Hannibal pinched the back of my arm. I closed my mouth abruptly.’
A perfect ending to a perfect episode that was so very Maxical! Dear Maxical can get into trouble just walking into a room!

What a delightful mixture of cunning and clumsiness she is!

And wonderful to see Aravi again!

This post has been edited by Acadian: Dec 26 2011, 01:12 AM

[Jacki Dice]

The clanking of the armor that had sounded so loud in the street was deafening in the quiet of the Emperor’s chambers. I caught myself from falling by grabbing at a nearby table, oversetting it enough that the bottle of wine and candelabra resting on it pitched off and onto the thick rug beneath.

Oh my.

My prayer to Akatosh that the cork would be in the bottle was rewarded by a loud chuggling sound and the sight of a crimson stain painting an ever increasing pattern of trails through the pure whiteness of the expensive looking carpet.

Uh-oh...

The spilled wax lit quickly and was spreading toward a heavy velvet banner showing the family crest of the Septims. Dear gods.

Dear gods indeed.

My first reaction was to throw myself down on the flames and wallow on them, trying to extinguish the spread before it reached the banner. The ugly Bosmer reacted quickly, leaping across the room with an incredible speed for one that gave the impression of being rotund. He sped into the entry hall behind me, returning in seconds with a mop bucket which he doused over me. The flames sizzled out, leaving behind the heavy stench of smoking wax.

Poor Maxical!

I imagine I sound similar when suddenly having to switch to Spanish at work Food and clothes, I handle. Insurance...not so much

[D.Foxy]

First, well and truly approved! In all senses!

Next, I nearly got arrested at the airport. All because of YOU you malx minx.

I shall never read her in airports, or indeed any pubic place, again.

[mALX]

*


@ Athynae - Thank you so much Athynae !! Your threats worked, I scrambled to eke out another chapter, lol.

*
@ McBadgere - Lol, I am so glad you enjoyed that table tipping, my Khajiit is not known for being graceful !! Thank you so much McB !!!!

*
@ Grits - Thank you so much, Grits !!! I sure hope you are okay, you kind of disappeared after getting food poisoning, I hope you are well now !! Thank you so much for your kind words !!

*
@ KC - Thank you !! And thank you so much for sharing Aravi with us for those chapters, she is Awesome !!!

*
@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian !!! (finally someone that can get her to be quiet you mean? ROFL !!) You ROCK !!!

*
@ Jacki Dice - WOO HOO !!! Thank you so much for stopping by !!! Lol, I've done pretty good with the Spanish, but we got a French customer once and I was the only one who had flunked ... er... taken it in high school, lol.

*
@ Foxy - Yeah Foxy !!! Finally dropped in to see what I'm doing to your spys, assassins, and agents? ROFL !! Thank you so very much Foxy, you are so missed when you are away - and you know it always makes me happy when I have caused you to get arrested in airports or buy new monitors !!! You ROCK !!!

*

[mALX]

*

*** D. Foxy has graciously agreed to the use of his characters Damien "Foxy" Reynard and Sneakers in this episode.



Chapter 119: The Service To Akatosh Begins


While Uriel and Sir Damien were talking Hannibal turned to me with an apologetic look. I waved it off. “It’s not the first time I’ve been pinched to shut me up. Hannibal, I don’t understand. The bird has to be Vicente’s pet, so how can it be going into Malan’s lair? I thought you said Vicente was Crimson Scar?”

“He is. You must be wrong about it being Vicente’s pet, Maxical. Vicente lives in Cheydinhal and hasn‘t left his lair in years. He came here just before the music festival began.“

“That can’t be, these women have been being dumped at the statue of Akatosh in the Talos Plaza for years. The cave can‘t have been far from there or someone would have seen them being brought to it. Is it possible he would be working with Malan somehow?”

“I don’t see how, not from Cheydinhal. Surely these women have seen their captor and could identify him to the authorities…”

I cut him off blurting, “No!”

Uriel’s conversation with Damien stopped abruptly and he turned toward me, eyebrows raised. “Why would they protect him?”

“It doesn’t matter whether the breeding was by choice or not, Azura has sealed them to this man. That is primal, they will defend him with their lives against anyone or anything because that seal cannot be broken.”

“According to research they suffer tremendous physical pain on separation from their mates.” Hannibal nodded.

“That is the belief. Scientifically, Traven. Isn’t this actually a form of psychological phenomenon manifesting itself in a physical form?” Uriel questioned Hannibal, but then his gaze rested on me so I answered.

“No, Sire. The seal is an actual binding mark placed on Khajiit by Azura herself that ties us for life to one mate. When our mate is near it gives us Azura’s Blessing, a highly addictive sweet taste in our mouth that brings tremendous pleasure. When the mate is separated from us it burns agonizingly. Should the seal be broken by death the pain becomes excruciating and unbearable. Many Khajiit women in Cyrodiil follow their bound mate to the grave because there is no way to live with the pain of the broken seal.”






***


“Why do you say, ‘in Cyrodiil‘? Wouldn’t Khajiit in other provinces suffer the same?” Uriel's eyes were boring through me.

I glanced nervously at Hannibal and was relieved when he took the hint, though he was obviously reluctant to.

“Statistically the other provinces have a lower incidence of suicide among the female Khajiit. Elsweyr has the lowest number, and has the highest population of Khajiit. They attribute this to the high presence of ancient vampires there.”

“You can’t seriously believe that, Traven. This is superstition, a placebo effect.” The disbelief in Uriel’s voice was obvious and tangible.

“It is truth, Sire. That is how I realized the man impersonating Fathis was an ancient vampire. Their presence interferes with Azura’s mark.”

Hannibal gaped at me like he may burst of curiosity. I’m surprised he didn’t lift my bangs to view the now purple flag there. I'm sure he would have, had Uriel Septim not been there.

“How does it do that?” Uriel’s tone was still skeptical.

“I don’t know, but it does. No one ever discussed with me what I should experience, Hannibal will confirm the Arcane gives no such lessons and my mother would choke to death before discussing such things. But I sat next to the Immortal for hours with no pain, and didn’t receive Azura’s blessing as I should have when Gi…when my mate was there. Later, when I was in the center of the Arena away from all the ancients…and especially last night, the suffering was beyond terrible.”

Damien leaned forward, glancing at the bangs covering my forehead. I lifted them briefly and was not surprised to see Hannibal dive in for a look. Damien began scribbling something on a small parchment pad. When he spoke it was almost as if he was thinking aloud. “Had we known about this before, we could have hired Khajiit woman to browse the cities and determine the size of Malan’s army for us.“

Was he mocking Khajiit? I gave him a fierce look, but his expression was serious so I responded with honesty.

“I’m sure these women could use the income. They were pushed out to the streets once their purpose was fulfilled with nothing but the rags they wore, and I’ve seen Simplicia wear better. Growing from childhood in caves there is a tendency to revert to the feral, survival is their main law. They have no training in proper hygiene, speech or a skill to earn a living. Who would hire them? Most have ended up filling your prisons simply from hunger. They can’t survive without food, and with no way to earn it they have to steal it.“






***


“Fathis mentioned a similar problem with the orphans that were pushed out at eighteen with no skills and usually ended up in prison within days for the theft of bread to survive. Many of them opt for the Arena where they are just as unskilled in combat and end up dying as Pits. Many of the women become prostitutes…I have heard.” Hannibal agreed.

“That’s why Fathis pushed for a reform in how unadoptables were treated. His orphanages were supposed to train them in skills so they would have a chance make an honest living. If a corruption in the Imperial Legion robbed them of this then they caused their situation and are responsible for its correction.” I watched Uriel’s expression for concern, but only read exhaustion there.

“This will have to be taken up at another time, there is nothing that can be done about it with this war on.”

“Yes Sire, but as I was leaving they were sending these women out to fight the vampires with no weapons or armor. Beasts are considered expendable, they are sent into combat unequipped, and usually where no humans will go. Everything I own is at the Arena, I had to take this armor from a body. As you can see it is broken and ill-fitting, I can barely walk in it and I am trained in combat.”

Hannibal spoke up. “She speaks the truth. We passed the Arcane’s healing tent on the way here, the Legion has ordered the humans be treated before Khajiit or Argonians. Those I saw were unarmored, and kept getting bumped to the back of the line as more humans were being carried in.”

Damien nodded. “Traven and I healed them ourselves. We saw several unarmed citizens scavenging bodies as well, but none of the armor or weapons left was in any condition for battle.”

“I wasn’t allowed to use Legion armor off the dead, even though it was the only viable equipment in the heap of bodies.” I added.






***


Uriel’s expression was of one smothering rage with a massive amount of self-control. His fist clasped and unclasped the hilt of his sword as if he wanted to whip it from the scabbard and charge with it raised in the air and a battlecry on his lips. I’d seen Alix and Fathis both do that when they were frustrated.

“A defender’s measure is their heart. Race, even rank have no place in battle. Have your man Sneakers gather any armor and weapons from the dead, the Palace smithy can repair it and return it to the field for use. The troops must be properly equipped. Also, I want my orders carried to the healers. Triage the wounded to determine the most critical for healing first regardless of race or rank.”

It suddenly hit me that Uriel was a decorated warrior…one of the few lessons I did stay awake for, although it was because I was drawing a moustache on the image of him in the textbook. What was he doing in the Palace? To stand in safety while his men and citizens died must be eating him alive.

“Sire…Fathis told me the men you led into battle loved you, that they would follow you into Oblivion for the honor to have served under you. My father says an army is a reflection of their leader. Without your voice before them they have only Ocato’s to hear.”

Whether the image of Ocato’s whiney voice and air of supremacy was the last straw on Uriel’s frustration to act, I don’t know. I would never have followed Ocato into battle. Alix said all real warriors love the sting of battle. Maybe it’s true, because once the decision was made Uriel came to life.

“Foxy, stop your man. When he talks to the smithy tell him to have my horse saddled.”

“I’m going with you.” Damien sprang to his feet as lightly as any Khajiit.

“I’ll need at least a light cuirass…or a shirt.” I started unbuckling the oversized glass greaves to shed them. I’d do much better in just the pants.






***


Damien turned from Uriel to me, his eyes glittering with the anticipation of battle.

“Maxical, why are you so sure the bird was Vicente’s pet?”

“Vicente attacked me at the music festival…he drank my blood. When I woke from the attack, a childhood song was stuck in my head.”

“Jack-be-nimble.” Hannibal broke in, then went back to lining up his spells. I nodded.

Damien leaned forward. “Go on.”

“This morning his pet bird was flying over the cave at the refugee camp, and the song came back to me…but not just to me. All the women that he had held prisoner in the caves were singing it too. They said that song comes to them when the bird is near…and then told me they get the blessing of Azura’s seal every time the bird is near. They could only get that when the one that started them is near, and a bird can‘t have started them…so it had to be Vicente.”

Damien banged his fist down on the desk and began writing furiously on a small parchment pad in front of him, then tucked it in his pocket. He hurried to Uriel’s side and caught him by the shoulder, grinning like a cat below the mask.

“We have Malan, Sire. I know exactly who he’s been impersonating these many years and why we couldn’t find him.”

“Wait for me!” I kicked the glass greaves the rest of the way off and caught up with Hannibal. “Conjure me a shirt or cuirass that fits me, Hannibal.”






***


Uriel turned to face us, his eyes shining as if he’d already won the battle. I felt my breath intake from the beauty of the man and the power and courage emanating from him. A shiver went down my spine and suddenly I knew what Fathis had meant about following him into Oblivion.

"It is fatal to enter a war without the will to win it. Who stands with me?”

I pounded my chest and raised my hand to him with the rest, a devotion like I’ve never felt pounding in my chest. He was my Emperor, and I was swearing my sword to his service. Fathis had said meeting Uriel was an experience to carry through your lifetime and share with children and grandchildren, and at this moment suddenly I knew what he meant.

He went to each in turn to clasp the raised hand, first Damien then Hannibal. Each said something to him as they clasped and kissed cheeks. When he got to me and clasped my hand I didn’t know what to say.

“My sword is sworn to your defense, Sire.” It was all I could think to say. Uriel shook his head.

"Strength lies not in defense but in attack."

Tears of pride for my Emperor were stinging my eyes. This was a moment I would never forget as long as I lived. I felt deeply shamed that I had hesitated to serve him when he first asked for my vow.

Uriel turned to lead the way. Damien moved up to walk beside him and they began reciting the words of the poem Uriel had given me the day Fathis brought me to meet him…the one I promised to keep with me at all times. It was with all my things at the Arena. I strained to hear the words.


Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

*






***

Uriel Septim's Lines:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"It is fatal to enter a war without the will to win it" - General Douglas MacArthur

"Strength lies not in defense but in attack."
- Marquis de Acerba

** The poem Uriel and Damien are saying at the end (and is also posted on Chapter 67) is "Invictus," by William Ernest Henley


*

This post has been edited by mALX: Dec 30 2011, 10:27 PM

[McBadgere]

Holy funster mALXie... ...

Wow...

Seriously, that last section with the oaths and the poem...

This is nothing but a question btw...Is that poem yours?...It's just that I know some things get lifted from game books I haven't read... ...Aaamywho, that's just brilliant that is...

(I say it's just a question because offence may be taken because simply by asking the question is to suggest it's too good to be yours and therefore may be someone else's and I'm not, AT ALL...I just want to know who's it is...*Breathes in*...)

Oh hell yeah!!...

Nice one... ...

Excellent story...

[Athynae]

I agree with McB all the way. FANTASTIC!!!!!! The entire post was some of your best and that last part had ME ready to grab my battle gear!!! Where did I put my boots???? Heck of a tale mALX, keep rockin'.

And if the threat of baldness had ANYTHING to do with it then, well, GOOD!!! Sometimes you have to threaten your friends to get them to do what is RIGHT! and NECESSARY! Your story was just hanging there like an old pair of granny panties on the clothesline. And we all know that your story is MUCH MUCH MUCH more than that!!

So let's keep this going shall we?

Oh, yea, the poem....PHENOMENAL!!!!!!!!

This post has been edited by Athynae: Dec 30 2011, 03:10 PM

[mALX]

Holy funster mALXie... ...

Wow...

Seriously, that last section with the oaths and the poem...

This is nothing but a question btw...Is that poem yours?...It's just that I know some things get lifted from game books I haven't read... ...Aaamywho, that's just brilliant that is...

(I say it's just a question because offence may be taken because simply by asking the question is to suggest it's too good to be yours and therefore may be someone else's and I'm not, AT ALL...I just want to know who's it is...*Breathes in*...)

Oh hell yeah!!...

Nice one... ...

Excellent story...

That is the same poem from Chapter 67 where Uriel first gave it to her, so I didn't bother (at like 4:30 am when I finished writing the chapter, lol) to cite it, but here it is - also, I'm adding cites for two other lines of Uriel Septim (that are also quotes) to the OP - (sorry) :

** The poem Uriel and Damien are saying at the end (and is also posted on Chapter 67) is "Invictus," by William Ernest Henley

This post has been edited by mALX: Dec 30 2011, 03:19 PM

[Athynae]

Somewhere in the back of my not yet sufficiently caffeinated head I remembered that.

[mALX]

Somewhere in the back of my not yet sufficiently caffeinated head I remembered that.

Me too (lack of caffiene and sleep brain), lol.


There is a story behind the poem Invictus - my father gave it to me when I was age 14. I was almost 21 years old before I realized the meaning behind it. I have carried it with me since, and given it to my children in hopes one day it will mean as much to them as it does to me.


** also, sorry if there are places in these last two chapters that give the feel of "info dumping" - since it had been like a two month gap between chapters prior, rather than expecting everyone to hunt for info to refresh their mind on where the story was - I kind of pumped some things into these two chapters to refresh people's minds on a few key things that had passed in prior chapters.

If it sounds too much like one of those stupid pill commercials where woman go back and forth talking about the side effects of some med while trying to sound like they are having a conversation - let me know and I'll drink a pot of coffee and edit it, lol.

This post has been edited by mALX: Dec 30 2011, 04:09 PM

[treydog]

Where to begin? How about with the most important point? WELCOME BACK!

Chapter 118

LOVED the bit where Aravi explains she was taught how to fight by Azura.

Maxical mistaking Sneakers for one of Uriel's- and then Ocato's(!) "natural children" had me snortling uproariously. And then the bit about the toothbrush.... Recovery was touch and go for a moment there.

The clanking of the armor that had sounded so loud in the street was deafening in the quiet of the Emperor’s chambers. I caught myself from falling by grabbing at a nearby table, oversetting it enough that the bottle of wine and candelabra resting on it pitched off and onto the thick rug beneath.

Poor Maxical! Rico seems to have similar moments of "if I just land THERE- it will all work out."

Thank goodness Hannibal’s head shake had saved me from ignoring the Emperor entirely in a headlong dash to Hannibal’s side, at least I hadn‘t made a complete fool of myself.

Um- is she SURE of that?

Going to quote a long bit next- but it is all significant, and shows that having a reputation for not paying attention can come in handy sometimes.

“Is that the authorities that work below him or above?” I made my tone edgy and sarcastic, rolling my eyes rudely. Hannibal had never seen that ploy, so it worked much better than any attempt at trying to look innocent would have.

“There is no one above him…well, other than High Commander Adamus Phillida.”

“Thank you, Hannibal. I know it is Audens Avidius now.”

Hannibal blanched. “Maxical, you can’t take the law into your own hands.”

Chapter 119

The discussion of the systematic exploitation and oppression of the tailed folk- as well as the other orphans- was incredibly well-done and quite powerful.

And then, the perfect moment of lightness, Maxical's memory of drawing a moustache on the Emperor's picture.

Finally, we are given a vision of Uriel as a WARRIOR, not just a "commander" but a LEADER. And yes- I was looking for my shield and sword too.

[Grits]

The title alone put my heart in my mouth.

Uriel turned to face us, his eyes shining as if he’d already won the battle. I felt my breath intake from the beauty of the man and the power and courage emanating from him. A shiver went down my spine and suddenly I knew what Fathis had meant about following him into Oblivion.

"It is fatal to enter a war without the will to win it. Who stands with me?”

*Grits jumps up and down waving* What a powerful call to arms. That poem has so much meaning here, since we know what Uriel knows about what is coming. I love your portrayal of the Emperor!

I didn’t feel any info dump, just a welcome sense of knowing what is going on. I think you worked your recap in beautifully. This might be my favorite Maxical chapter ever!!

[Acadian]

So, part of Maxical’s destiny is fulfilled, as she pledges her service to the Emperor. This was moving, well-written and easy to follow. I, for one, appreciate the review of so many things that you wonderfully wove in. A great review of the complexities involved with Khajiit mating, and how intricately you have tied it to the vampires.

And Damien with that little pocket pad taking notes. Methinks he is actually an undercover agent for the Black Horse Courier.

It was distressing to hear of the treatment suffered by the tailed folk. At least the Emperor took steps to ameliorate it once it came to his attention. That segment showcased Uriel’s isolation as well as his underlying goodness.

Now, let’s get that cat some decent armor and turn her loose!

[mALX]

@ McBadgere - Thank you so much, McB !!! Although I didn’t write it, that poem means a lot to me - really glad you like that !!!

*
@ Athynae - ROFL !!! Granny panties !!! SPEW !!! Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement, Athynae !!!

*
@ Treydog - Ha! You caught some of my favorite places too, lol. Thank you so much for your kind words, they mean a lot. I was very concerned about being able to portray Uriel (which is why I’ve resorted to using his game dialogue and quotes from other famous generals, lol). It means a lot that you saw the chapter as I hoped it would come out.

*
@ Grits - This meant so much to me to hear from you, Thank you, Thank You !!! Your own scenes from the Battle of Kvatch were so inspiring to read and impossible to forget, so your kind words mean tons to me. Thank you.

*
@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian !! Whew, you know how hard that chapter and the upcomings are for me, I do not like doing battles, lol. I so appreciate your support, you have no idea !! Thank you !!