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

[Athynae]

Um McB didn't you say you worked on a farm??? Oh, right, sorry technology and those damnable tractors that are bent on breaking hands, right...

Poor horse, lost its lovely tail, "Hey is that a tail in your pocket?" No, wait it's a scroll, or a pickle or...man it's early, and I'm only a half a pot o coffee down.

mALX it is wonderful! Max is seeing things a bit differently I think, our little kitty is growing up. It is a bit heartbreaking to watch her struggle over her lost memories of Nisaba, I do hope she remembers soon.

The little "Missy" ROFL!!!

Can't wait for more, good stuff.

[King Coin]

I’m surprised Nissy brought that silly mouse with.

I got the feeling they were used to not being welcome.
No surprise there. It’s too bad, but hopefully it’ll make Maxical’s job easier.

It suddenly occurred to me that all these women made a living as bandits. The twitching in my stomach became a knot.
AHHH! Maxical’s usual role is reversed!

Everyone splits when Ocato starts screaming.

The last section was completely awesome! Maxical’s goingto learn to be a Khajiit!

[McBadgere]

Um McB didn't you say you worked on a farm??? Oh, right, sorry technology and those damnable tractors that are bent on breaking hands, right...

Indeed, and it's all dairy cows...And a dog...And some pigeons...But they don't count... ...I know next to nowt about Horsies...*Shrugs*...

[Acadian]

This was wonderful, as it ranged from poignant to slapstick. What a delightful range of writing you have!

’If you have to be seen, make sure there are no more than two of you seen together at one time.”
They nodded in instant understanding. I got the feeling they were used to not being welcome.’
This was so well put. And so sad.

Alix the Mouse! Thank you for saving him, Nissy!

The ‘Missy’ nickname for Ocato was priceless!

I love how you have the Khajiit acting so. . . well, catlike and look forward to what they can teach our own kit, Maxical.

[Grits]

Oh, thank you for pointing out why Damien said “Uriel.” It was right there in the story, but I completely missed the significance!

“Er…what’s this…” Then with a sinking feeling I recognized it. The pillowcase I had taken from Falanu‘s shop. “Oh, I don’t need that…urk.” The pillowcase moved. “You brought the mouse?”

Oh my goodness, the mouse! How sweet that Nissy brought him along and spoke up for his safety. Poor Maxical, faced with filth, guilty feelings, six more cats to conceal, and now the mouse!!

Nisaba shrugged. “Come on then, let‘s go see.” She circled her arm behind her as if waving the others to follow. I hurried ahead of them into the Palace.

Uh oh, was that Nissy’s signal to do it behind Maxical’s back? I love how complicated and uneasy their relationship is, but they still have such a bond!

The guards betting over what had set Ocato off this time said so much. Yikes, what a character!

I suddenly realized there was a whole lot about being Khajiit I had never learned…like those sounds Nisaba made. Something in me recognized them…the leopard in me knew them.

I love that both the horse scalping ex-bandits and the softly spoken Aravi have that awesome Khajiit stealth and grace. I wonder if Maxical’s Imperial blood is to blame for her occasional accidents. It’s great that she’s going to get some leopard lessons from Nisaba!

[mALX]

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@ McBadgere - GAAAAH !! Don’t say that, lol. I really hadn’t explained it well due to him having been a prominent character in the first version of the story. It was really needed to be explained better in the story, lol. I’ll work the info into the story soon, that was my mistake.

The horses needing walking when they are hot - that actually is a fact. These days they use machines that do it, especially for race horses. The machines are called “Hot Walkers” - back then they would have handed the horse off to a servant, child, beggar, etc - given them a Septim for cooling their horse.

Thank you so much McB !!!

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@ Athynae - Thank you so much, Athynae !! Maxical is finally starting to grow up, a lot of that has to do with the removal of everyone that was smoothing her path for her - like Fathis. She never had to grow up as long as people kept fixing things for her. Now she really has to face her responsibilities and errors, it may make her think twice before making them, lol. I am so glad you caught that! Thanks again, Athynae!

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@ King Coin - Nisaba and Maxical are nearly total opposites, in spite of the parallels. Where Maxical’s actions are thoughtless and irresponsible, Nisaba’s are towards leadership and responsibility. She leaves no one behind. Maxical needs to learn more than just Khajiit abilities from her.

You are right about the other too, I think these cats are going to give her a taste of what others have had to put up with from her all these years, lol.

Thank you so much, KC !!!

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@ Acadian - Thank you so much, Acadian !!! That line you quoted was one of two focal points in the chapter, the other was Maxical’s newly found determination and stress over not messing up around the Emperor, lol. Thanks again Acadian, you are an Awesome friend and support!

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@ Grits - I really should have explained that at the bottom of that last chapter, probably need to go ahead and edit it over there. It was an important thing I was trying to get across that Damien reacted instantly to Uriel’s concerns, although it may not have seemed so initially on the surface.

Uriel turning his back would not obscure the resemblance enough to hide the clear Septim features, so until they knew Gemellus’s nature/guilt - Damien covered in a way that would cause most in Cyrodiil to assume it was just another of his many illegitimate offspring.

Yes, Nisaba was signaling the women to do that behind Maxical’s back, lol.

The relationship between Nisaba and Maxical may be fated, but Nisaba can’t/won’t trust Maxical’s motives (due to her broken vow). Maxical will have to earn any trust she gets now.

Thank you so much, Grits !!! You are always so appreciated!!! I really hope you get feeling better, back pain is the worst because you can't reach it yourself in any way to relieve it. Bless your heart <3

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[mALX]

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Chapter 125: Evangeline And The Cats


When I first saw Evangeline Beanique, I was very nervous about asking her for anything. Her face was lined with scowl wrinkles way beyond her years, and her mouth was turned down in a sour expression. She was in the middle of aggressively berating a courier when I first approached her door.

Nisaba and the sisters hung back, melting into the alcoves of the hallway and hiding behind the planters. They could disappear better than anyone I’ve ever known before. That at least gave me some hope that they would remain undiscovered, at least till I could speak with the Emperor. I wanted the Emperor to hear it from me before anyone else carried the tale to his ears, especially Ocato.

“…Er…I was told to find Miss Evangeline Beanique…er…”

One glance at me and she sent the courier off with a string of curses at his back, then waited till he was well past the door before talking again. When she turned to look back at me she had a warm smile on her face.

“There is only one white Khajiit in Cyrodiil, you must be Maxical. Alix Lencolia‘s daughter, right? Come here, child; let me look at you.”

“Do you know my father, Ma’am?”

“I knew his father a long time ago. Oh, just look at that red hair! Does your temper match it?”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“Now don’t you call me ’Ma’am like that, you’ll make me feel old. Now then, what can I do for you?”

“The Emperor invited me…and some friends…to stay in his family quarters. We’re a bit dirty from the war, and we have nothing to wear. The Emperor said to ask…if you wouldn’t mind, I mean…if you could find us some clothing to wear, anything you have no use of would be fine.”

She nodded. “I’ll see what I have, do you know their sizes?”

“Er…about your size, I guess. Oh, and he said if you weren‘t busy could you direct us where we should bathe?”

“There is a bath on this floor, but…High Chancellor Ocato may be upset to see…although he has his own private bath…are your friends also…er…” Evangeline stammered, but I got her drift clearly. Ocato would have a fit seeing Khajiit on his floor bathing even if he never used the pool.

“Yes Ma‘am…er…Miss Beanique. They are all Khajiit. I was hoping we could…er…stay out of High Chancellor Ocato‘s sight as much as possible. He seemed to be irate already when we passed him a few minutes ago.”






***


“Why don’t you call me Evangeline. Now then, when will these friends you mentioned arrive?”

“They’re here…uh…out in the corridor, Miss…er…Evangeline.”

She stared at me expectantly.

“Oh.” I turned back to the door and called in a low voice, “Nissy, you and your sister can come in now.”

Nisaba came in first, a defensive look on her face. I gasped when I saw her ‘sister’.

She waddled in looking like a woman in extremely late pregnancy, both hands cradling her belly area…dear gods! Her belly was jutting out to such a degree that it appeared she may drop a whole litter of baby Orc any minute! There was no doubt where Ocato’s horse’s mane and tail were. Evangeline’s eyes were bulging. I felt faint.

“Are we there yet?” The sister hefted the huge protrusion as if adjusting it, then rubbed one hand on it and groaned.

A black braided lock of the horse’s mane dropped from beneath her skirt. Nisaba dove down and snatched it up quickly, tucking it into her pocket.

“She’s shedding…” She explained briefly.

“Oh my...” Evangeline’s face changed from gaping and horrified to astute the second her eyes fell on my shocked face.

“Out with it, Maxical. What is it you are not telling me.” It wasn’t a question. Her eyes bored into mine till I was sure she gleaned every ill deed I’d ever committed in my lifetime. I took a deep breath. I‘d have to tell the Emperor anyway, may as well start now.

“The Emperor specifically ord…er…requested Nisaba move into the Palace with me, but she couldn’t leave her sisters to fend for themselves against the danger out there. When I told him that, I said ‘sisters, Sire’ … but he thought I said ‘sister’. There are more of us than he is expecting. I planned to tell him…but in the meantime I had no choice but to bring them.”






***


“Are you telling me she has them all hidden up under her skirt right now?” She pointed at the sister's mammoth protrusion just as another braided lock fell from under the skirt.

“Er…no. You see…er…uh…Nissy, will you have the others come in please?”

Evangeline held her hand up. “Wait. First I want to know about that.” She pointed at the sister’s enormous stomach, which was now sliding rapidly down her thighs while she struggled to catch it. A huge pile of black hair dropped to the floor beneath her.

“Uh oh, the baby come too soon…” She hovered over it, using her body to block Evangeline’s view as she frantically scooped it back into her skirt.

“I’m so sorry, it is all my fault. There was a horse out front…er…it was hot and left standing. Please understand, Evangeline. High Chancellor Ocato, he has an aversion to us…Khajiit. I beg you, please…if there are any repercussions, they be brought against me only.”

“Oh my. I see. I’ll make sure the Emperor knows you explained the misunderstanding immediately on meeting me. As for the other; it would be for the best that no one else learns of this.” She turned to address Nisaba next. “You may bring your other sisters in now.”

Evangeline Beanique could not have been kinder to Nisaba and the sisters. She would be a good friend to have in the Palace.

She brought us to the bathing pool and was gathering the ragged clothes from the sisters, giving each a small stack of robes and dresses. I breathed a sigh of relief that it had ended as well as it did.

The water in the bathing pool was crystal clear…and heated! How did they do that? I’d never seen the like before and couldn’t wait to soak the day’s stress away in it and scrub myself clean. I plopped onto a bench and bent down to pull my boots off…and froze as an angry squeak sounded. Oh dear gods, I forgot to tell her about the mouse!









******* Evangeline Beanique


Evangeline pulled the door to the bathing pool shut behind her and waited till she heard the bolt sliding across, locking themselves in as she had instructed. Her breath released slowly, as if somehow the sound of it in the silent corridor would solve…everything.

While the extra Khajiit could be explained to the Emperor, there was no doubt their propensity toward lawlessness would create havoc. But a rodent in the Lords Manor? That would not be explained away, even as a pet.

She would have insisted on its removal…but then Maxical said the mouse’s name was Alix. Ironic. The child couldn’t possibly have known how significant that name would be to her…no, she couldn‘t have guessed that.

Fate had an odd way of recycling your past, shoveling it into your face…mocking the way it can still wrench you apart inside.

How stunned she had been to see the white Khajiit standing in her doorway, then after the initial shock…held her breath in case Alix would follow. He did, of course…but unfortunately in rodent form. As silly as it sounded, Evangeline was determined to dote on that mouse.

A dark braid lay in the middle of the corridor as she made her way down the ramp and she scooped it up quickly and scanned for any more traces of the women’s crime. Another lay almost in the doorway of Ocato’s own bedroom. Very lucky he had not seen it…or maybe he should…

As quickly as the thought hit, Evangeline acted, her hands working rapidly on the braids. Evangeline tied the braids together into a makeshift noose shape. She darted into Ocato’s bedroom and slid back the silken sheets, spreading the noose out on the pillow and then carefully laying the covers back so they didn’t look disturbed. Ha! Let him wonder who that message came from. Traitor. Worse. Traitor at least gave him cause, the excuse of being hungry for power. What he’d done to her…that had no cause, no excuse.

Her self satisfaction at the act didn’t last long, not nearly long enough to stop the pain of memories from rolling back in and suffocating her breathing. Alix.









******* Emperor Uriel Septim VII


Uriel paused in front of Gemellus Axius, his face still etched with the disgust and anger of what he had witnessed in the caves below. The keys had been taken from Gemellus’s person, he could not deny knowledge of what the children suffered. Uriel signaled the agents holding Gemellus.

“Bring him to the prison below the Palace, he is facing public execution for his crimes against those children. The rest of you are to come with me. We must plan quickly before the sun sets.“

Gemellus’s mouth dropped in twisted rage. He alternately berated both Uriel and the agents as they pulled him from the chair. “You can’t frighten me, baseborn. You have no more power than any of your many half-siblings! Who does he think he is! I’m a citizen of good birth, I insist you unhand me; blackguards!”

Uriel spoke at his struggling back as they pulled him from the chair. “Assassination is too honorable a death, and one you will not see. Your name will be publicly connected to the crimes against those children before the executioner takes your head.”

Gemellus‘s bravado crumpled. “I’ve plenty of Septims, I’ll pay…let me go, I say! You’ve got it wrong, I’ve never been allowed in there! Master warned me never to enter it on pain of death!" Gemellus whined, his legs going limp so the men had to drag him.

Uriel raised his hand and the agents hauling Gemellus paused at the doorway. “Even should I believe that, it would not change your fate. Whether you participated in the abductions or simply kept silent to protect your master, you share his guilt in what the children suffered. You will add cowardice to your charges if they must drag you.“ Uriel waved for the agents to take Gemellus out, then turned to the remaining agents.

“Who is the senior ranking among you?“ Uriel signaled him come forward.

“Choose three trained for trapping Malan who will remain with you in this house, choose wisely. One must cover the dome, one the cave in the basement, and one at the front door. He must not escape this time. I’d prefer he be detained rather than killed, but better he be dead than free. Use your own discretion.”

The agent singled out three agents and signaled them to approach. “These are my best men, Sire. We ran the trap at the Arena.“

Uriel paused, perplexed. “How did he avoid the magic restricting shackles there?”

“We volleyed fireballs as the shackles were cast, Sire…but he jumped straight into fire to avoid them.”

“Was he immune to the fire damage?”

“No, Sire. Just seemed his freedom came above any pain he may suffer.”

Uriel tapped his foot slightly, then nodded. “He was the same when trapped at the Palace, he jumped through glass. I want a briefing on your plan.“

“The caves are our best chance for trapping, he can’t fly in there and when he grows to giant form for combat the low ceiling restricts movement. We believe the cave may connect to his lair. If so he’ll probably return by it. If he comes in the dome, we’ll have to kill him; and quickly before he escapes.”

Uriel nodded. “Keep your minds blanked of thought, no matter how long the wait. Use chameleon and life detect. Detain anyone who enters this house regardless of who they appear to be. Send for me immediately once you have them secured, I want to know about everyone who enters and which entrance they came through.”

“Yes, Sire.”

Uriel signaled the remaining agents in the room. “Come with me, we haven’t much time before dusk.”



***

This post has been edited by mALX: Jan 22 2012, 07:10 AM

[McBadgere]

Fate had an odd way of recycling your past, shoveling it into your face…mocking the way it can still wrench you apart inside.

*Raises eyebrow*...Yeah...Funny that...

Absolute brilliance as ever...

It seemed to get better the further through it went though...Like, there's Maxical and the sisters, and that was brilliant. Then there was the bit with Evangeline, and that got the hairs on the back of my neck standing up...Espescially with that quote above...And then Uriel...Oh yes...I do love the way you write Uriel...So brilliant...Soooooo brilliant...

*Applauds heartily*...

Nice one!!... ...

[Athynae]

Evangeline? Hhmm, happy to see Max, maybe? HHmm, “I knew his father a long time ago." and another HHMM.
and then this:

She would have insisted on its removal…but then Maxical said the mouse’s name was Alix. Ironic. The child couldn’t possibly have known how significant that name would be to her…no, she couldn‘t have guessed that.

I am glad that, thus far anyway, Evangeline is treating Max, Nisaba and the sisters well, it'a about time Nisaba and her sisters have something to be happy about. Hopefully they will appreciate it enough they won't cause too much trouble.

Sweet little Alix...

The scenes with Uriel are wonderful, all the more reason to like him, he takes control but he is wise and methodical about it, he KNOWS what he is doing. Great stuff!!!

A black braided lock of the horse’s mane dropped from beneath her skirt. Nisaba dove down and snatched it up quickly, tucking it into her pocket.

“She’s shedding…” She explained briefly.

ROFL!!!

You will add cowardice to your charges if they must drag you.“

This made me like Uriel even more!!



I love it all mALX, keep it coming!

[King Coin]

When she turned to look back at me she had a warm smile on her face.

“There is only one white Khajiit in Cyrodiil, you must be Maxical. Alix Lencolia‘s daughter, right? Come here, child; let me look at you.”
Wait, she’s not running screaming for the hills? Especially after the second sister arrived!

“Out with it, Maxical. What is it you are not telling me.”
Oh, she knows all about Maxical.

Who is she and how did she know Alix? Very interesting.

This post has been edited by King Coin: Jan 18 2012, 09:45 PM

[Acadian]

What a wonderful job you did with Evangeline! At first she was so intimidating to Maxical, then you showed us how looks can be deceiving!

It is indeed fun seeing our dear kit sweat over the hijinks of others now instead of causing them for a change! How brilliantly you handled the pregnant horse hair caper!

And a great job again with Uriel.

Nit: ’She pointed at the sisters mammoth protrusion just as another braided lock fell from under the skirt.’
I’d use the possessive here: sister’s.


This post has been edited by Acadian: Jan 19 2012, 01:51 AM

[Grits]

“She’s shedding…” She explained briefly.

The whole horse hair under the skirt part was hilarious! Oh, the shoe is really on the other foot now. All of those antics that Maxical had help recovering from! Now she’s the one who gets to frantically explain it!!

A mystery with Evangeline, Alix, and Alix’s dad Alix brought to light by Alix the Mouse! As Athynae said, hmm… I’m glad the sisters got a nice bath and some clean clothes.

Great to see Uriel in charge, since Foxy and Sneakers are locked in a pit!

Uriel signaled the remaining agents in the room. “Come with me, we haven’t much time before dusk.”

What’s going to happen next?!

[Jacki Dice]

A black braided lock of the horse’s mane dropped from beneath her skirt. Nisaba dove down and snatched it up quickly, tucking it into her pocket.

“She’s shedding…” She explained briefly.


Oh my.

[treydog]

Chapter 123

In several places, Uriel shows he is TRULY an emperor and not simply because he happened to be born as one. And that includes knowing when to take an interest in- other things.

Uriel shook his head. “If the cave is there, I want to see how those children lived.“

But THERE, much more than in the "deniability" he proves his fitness to rule. And even more so when he contemplates the ragged clothing.

Also loved the tradecraft involved in finding the (obvious) traps- and even that it was, in fact ALL a trap.

The ending was just wonderful!

Chapter 124

Nisaba’s expression suddenly changed to one of studied nonchalance and her tone when she answered was flippant. “You used to call me Nissy, you probably don’t remember that.”

It was like she had raised a shield to protect herself from the hurt she knew my answer would bring. Should I lie? No. She’d see right through it. I just shook my head, not wanting to say the words.

Powerful and heartbreaking.

And the return of Alix the Mouse- woo HOO!

They nodded in instant understanding. I got the feeling they were used to not being welcome.

And with a few words- you manage to speak volumes.

The twitching in my stomach became a knot. My stomach had never been upset before when I was doing something wrong, but right now it felt like acid burning a hole in me.

Interesting...

“That’s truth, may as well be a beggar as a beast.” Another sister agreed.

Wow- just... wow.

And then, in perfect mALX fashion- you bring us back from our bleak contemplation of the lives these Khajiiti lived- but not before making me want to use a number of bad words in reference to Ocato.

“We slipped past while they were looking out the window.” Nisaba explained.

“All of you? I didn’t see or hear anything!” I gaped, stunned.

“We’re cats.” Nisaba grinned.

Just love that!

And AGAIN what a brilliant closing line.

Chapter 125

The mystery of Evangeline and Alix (not the mouse) is quite intriguing... Hmmm.

And then- the "pregnant" hairball dropping (so to speak) Khajiit. Definitely glad beverages had been removed from the vicinity.

A black braided lock of the horse’s mane dropped from beneath her skirt. Nisaba dove down and snatched it up quickly, tucking it into her pocket.

“She’s shedding…” She explained briefly.

Oh my aching sides- I think "I" may have given birth over THAT one!

“Are you telling me she has them all hidden up under her skirt right now?” She pointed at the sisters mammoth protrusion just as another braided lock fell from under the skirt.

Oh- I LIKE this lady!

How stunned she had been to see the white Khajiit standing in her doorway, then after the initial shock…held her breath in case Alix would follow. He did, of course…but unfortunately in rodent form. As silly as it sounded, Evangeline was determined to dote on that mouse.

And that part made me smile.

Evangeline tied the braids together into a makeshift noose shape. She darted into Ocato’s bedroom and slid back the silken sheets, spreading the noose out on the pillow and then carefully laying the covers back so they didn’t look disturbed.

I KNEW I liked her!

You have achieved new heights of humor AND of story-telling with these chapters. Wonderful!

[Glargg]

I love your depiction of Uriel. This is the Emperor as we see him at the beginning of Daggerfall, strong, decisive, and commanding, not the failing old man in Oblivion.

[mALX]

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@ McBadgere - Thank you so very much! The segment on Evangeline was written around that line you quoted, I appreciate you singled it out for quoting!! Thanks again, McB!!

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@ Athynae - I think you are guessing that section exactly right, lol. (If I'm interpreting your "Hmmmms" correctly, lol. Thank you so much for your kind words !!

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@ King Coin - Thank you so very much KC !!! Your comments had me rolling, lol !! Thanks again !!

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@ Acadian - GAAAAH! I forgot to fix the nit! Got it now, sorry about that !! Thank you so much, Acadian - and I loved what you said about Maxical sweating over the hijinks of the others, oh yeah !!! Thanks so much for your catching that nit, You ROCK !!

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@ Grits - Loved your comment!! The whole horse hair pregnancy thing was a spur of the moment idea from a news interview of some girl faking a pregnancy in High School - it hit the air just as I was writing the meeting with Evangeline and just had to make it to the story, lol. Thank you so much Grits !! PS - I hope everything is going better with your back now that they know the cause <3

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@ Jacki Dice - ROFL !! I won't even begin to tell the tale of how I came up with that one, ROFL !! Thank you so much Jacki !!!

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@ Treydog - What a wonderful comment, Thank you so much Treydog!! That made my day, I really appreciated the time you took to write and quote all that - made my day in a huge way - Thank you. <3

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@ Glargg - Thank you so very much for reading, and especially for your kind words. I was so afraid of not doing a good job with Uriel Septim. When I first wrote him in I just used his words from the game, but as his role expanded I ended up researching him in the Imperial Library (and researching top Generals through history). I am so glad he came through well, thank you very much!

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[mALX]

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Chapter 126: Bathing And Truth


When Evangeline left, Nisaba turned to me with a startled look. “Miss Evangeline looked like she was going to cry when you told her the mouse’s name was Alix.”

“I know, she looked like that earlier when she was asking about my father. That‘s why I chose that name. I think she was going to throw the mouse out before that.”

One older sister nodded. “Like a hungry dog looking in a meat store window.”

“Or hopeless love.” Nisaba whispered. I looked at her stunned. Had she been in love? Yes, it was in her eyes…she still was. I changed the subject.

“My father has that effect on women. Come on, let‘s get cleaned up.”

“This one can’t believe the Emprer hisself invited us to stay!“ The eldest Khajiit stuck one toe in the bathing pool and then pulled it right back out.

“We will really have to bathe or he’ll smell us and change his mind.” I hinted.

It didn’t take. Although more than glad to strip their ragged clothes off, none were wanting to join me in the bathing pool.

“Cats don’t like water.” Nisaba said in an instructive tone, reminding me I had asked her to teach me about being a cat.

“But, you all must have felt rain before…”

“This one knows enough to get out of rain.” One Khajiit mumbled under her breath. The others snorted and nodded agreement.

“But surely you’ve bathed in the Rumare…” Eight shocked faces gave me the answer to that.

“You never hear of slaughterfish?” Nisaba shook her head like I was a half-wit.

“But it must have touched your feet as you walked along the banks, this is no different.”

“Uh uh, this feels hot.”

“I know, that is what makes it wonderful! Heated water…it’s a luxury one only dreams of! I‘ll bet the Emperor is the only one in Tamriel that has it, too. This is like those special sweet rolls…things we’ll see but once in our lives. I want to be able to say I bathed in the Emperor‘s own heated bathing pool, maybe tell my children about it one day.”

Several toes dipped after that speech, but no bodies climbed into the pool. The women were smiling stiffly at each other as they held their toes in a little longer. Obviously they were scared, but wanted to be able to say they did it.


“Nissy, the Emperor invited you by name. He’ll ask to meet you in person. You can‘t go in there with the smell of dead bodies on you, you’ll have to bathe.” I showed her by scrubbing my fur with the soap till it lathered up like foam.

When I had scrubbed myself into a thick lather, I handed the soap to Nisaba. She tried to rub it on her fur without getting in the pool. “Nissy, your fur has to be wet to make it lather.”

Nisaba surprised me by her fear of water. Surely she would have bathed at the orphanage. I strained my mind to remember how we’d bathed there, but for the life of me couldn’t visualize any bathing pool or even a tub. How had the Imperial children cleaned up for Fathis’s visits? Had we beasts never been bathed? Dear gods, had I been filthy when I met Alix…and Fathis? Why couldn’t I remember?






***


“You have to, Nissy. That dream you had means something important to him, you have to tell him. This is something we are supposed to do together, don’t you feel that?”

Nisaba nodded, and after a tangible inner struggle forced herself to put a toe in. She yanked it back out, but was obviously still torn. She wanted to please the Emperor, that I could read in her eyes. I had an idea.

“What if I get a bar of the Emperor’s own soap, one he’s used on himself already? I‘ll have to put it back when we‘re done, it will be kind of like…forbidden pleasure.”

That caused an excited stir, even from the other women. I climbed out of the bathing pool and slipped through the doorway, glancing up and down the hall. The coast was clear. I hurried up to Uriel’s private quarters, my feet sliding on the polished wax of the floors and the soapy water dripping off me.

Uriel’s private bath wasn’t hard to find. There were several cakes of soap, all with the Septim crest stamped into the bar. I picked several up, sniffing each till I found one that smelled good and looked used. The family crest stamp was still visible, but barely.


I hurried back as quickly as possible, avoiding the wet spots on the floor. Just as I was darting into the bathing room, Ocato came barreling through the door into the corridor. I slid the bolts to lock the door behind me. A shriek echoed through the door.

Nisaba jumped back. “What was that?” All the women’s eyes were wide with fear. Odd how confidant they had been in the cave, and here in the safety of the Palace everything frightened them.

“Oh, I forgot to dry off before going for the soap, Ocato must have slipped in the water. But look! Uriel Septim’s own soap, it even has his crest imprinted on it! And it has touched his skin, too; see how worn the crest is? You should have seen the new cakes of soap, they were magnificent! I‘d never bathe if my soap was that pretty!”

“Ooh!“ The soap was handed around, everyone sniffed and exclaimed in excitement at the crest and scent. One sister bit a corner of the bar, then spat it out with a sour look. I dipped it in the pool and handed it back.

“Feel it now, it feels different wet…kind of slimy.” No one wanted to touch it wet. Finally Nisaba took it, and it slid out of her hands and skidded across the floor. The women shrieked and ran. It was obvious these women were not going to bathe, I had to just concentrate on Nisaba.


“Come in with me, Nissy. I‘ll be right beside you. I won’t let anything happen to you.” I never knew my voice could sound so persuasive.

“You go first, it’s your steal”

My face flamed and I felt my stomach lurch. “Steal? No! I just borrowed it. I’ll bring it back. It wouldn’t feel right to steal from him after he let us stay here.” I suddenly wondered if Uriel would look upon it as stealing. Oh dear gods…I better tell him before he discovers it missing.

The Emperor had barely just invited us, and already I had a list of confessions to bring him. Maybe it was best, get them all out of the way at once.

One thing I learned from S’Jirra; if she was going to try to spank me for one thing, I may as well do as many things wrong as I could before she caught me. That way I would just get one spanking for all of it.






***


“Shh, it’s okay. Nothing is going to hurt you, Nissy. I’ll help you.“ I tugged her gently into sitting on the pool edge, her feet resting on the first step down so only her ankles got wet. I bathed her there by cupping water in my hand. She tolerated the lather, sniffing the scent of it on her arms.

The other women watched in combined fascination and horror. There was a collective sigh of relief when I wrapped a towel around her and gently buffed her fur dry.

“I like this the best.” Nisaba’s relief the ordeal was over was tangible.

“Well, you have to get wet before you can dry off.” I laughed. “You can bathe yourself like I just showed you, sitting on the step.”

“Never again, I’m clean now.” Nisaba said firmly.

“Well, I bathe every day…” I broke off at her horrified look. “Er…but you won’t need to.”


The mouse caught my attention sniffing around Uriel’s soap bar. I grabbed him quickly and scrubbed him with it till I was sure his squealing would deafen us all. He struggled wildly, splashing water everywhere.

By the time we were done the tile floor of the bathing room was a standing puddle of soapy water and gobs of mouse hair. I was surprised he had any hair left on him by the amount floating in the pool. The mouse was shedding badly, maybe from the stress of his upheaval from a comfortable home.


Evangeline tapped on the door, then entered quickly. “The Emperor has asked that you and Nisaba attend him. Maxical, you go on ahead, I‘ll escort Nisaba in thirty minutes, that should give you time to clear up any misunderstandings.”

“I will. Thank you, Evangeline.” I grabbed the bar of soap on my way out. I couldn’t have the Emperor thinking I would steal from him.

Evangeline told me not to mention Ocato’s horse, but for the first time in my life I wanted to confess all…felt like I had to. I wanted the trust of the Emperor. It may anger him, but in the end he’d know I would not lie to him.


Uriel was standing in the dome window looking out over the city. Somehow I got the feeling he spent a tremendous amount of time doing that. I wondered if it was to give him peace, or if he sought answers by it.

Fathis said he was facing his mortality and not sleeping well…I knew why now. Obviously knowing what was ahead weighed heavily on him. But for the life of me I couldn’t see how I was supposed to help him, short of killing Ocato.

Uriel turned, surprised to see me waiting. “I didn‘t hear your arrival.”

“Yes, Sire. My father taught me never to disturb a man deep in thought.” Especially when you have ill deeds to confess, I thought…suddenly wishing I could put off the moment of confession even longer.






***


“Sire, er…a few things have…transpired. I’d prefer to confess all at once, lest it come to your ears by another and you think I wasn’t honest with you.”

“Rest easy, child. Evangeline informed me of the misunderstanding in the number of sisters Nisaba has. At her suggestion I placed her in charge of the situation, but it rests on your shoulders to see nothing occurs that shouldn’t.”

“Some things already have, Sire. I take full responsibility, ask that any repercussions be brought before me only, and privately so the women not be subjected to...anger.” I felt the sickening knot coming back in my stomach as Uriel’s expression began darkening.

“Minimize the need by supervision.”

Uriel’s firm response shamed me. How simple it sounded in the abstract. Could I have watched them more closely and avoided the incidence with Ocato’s horse?

“Yes, Sire.”

He waved his hand to proceed, but by now his expression was irritated. It suddenly struck me that small details aggravated him. He wanted decisive actions and not be bothered with the niggling minutia of how they came to be.

Maybe because his own mind could produce an intricate plan at the drop of a pin, he expected those around him to be just as thorough…handing him the finished result without dragging him down in explanations.

That was it in a nutshell. The people that the Emperor respected…Fathis, Sir Damien, Hannibal…they were all fast thinkers, just like him. I’d have to change a lot to stop irritating him…but how? My mind is like hand-churning a meat grinder, it may never work fast enough to keep from jangling his nerves.

Maybe it was a hopeless battle to earn his respect, best just try for his trust…and keep it succinct. I stepped forward and lay the bar of soap down on his desk. The once pristine bar was now a misshapen mass covered with mouse hair. I spoke as abruptly as possible.

“This is yours, I borrowed it without permission…Sire.”

“Gods give me strength! Is that a dead mouse? Remove it from my desk immediately!”

“Er, No Sire, er…that is a bar of your soap. I’m returning it. The Khajiit women have never bathed, I thought a bar of your soap would entice them. I apologize for not waiting for your permission, Sire. If you wish, I will clean the hair off and reshape it…”

He waved his hand. “You may keep it, just remove it from my desk without delay.



*

This post has been edited by mALX: Jan 26 2012, 05:16 PM

[McBadgere]

Lol...The idea of Patrick Stewart's face when someone hands him a hairy bar of soap...

Ooooh this was a soap opera chapter wasn't it?!!... ...

...

...

Anyone?...

*Tumbleweed*...

Excellent chapter!!...

Loved it...

Nicely done...

Nice one!!!...

*Applauds heartily*... ...

[treydog]

“Or hopeless love.” Nisaba whispered. I looked at her stunned. Had she been in love? Yes, it was in her eyes…she still was. I changed the subject.

Quoted because it tells us more about Nissy. But it ALSO shows how Maxical has grown. She is thinking before she speaks- or remains silent.

“This one knows enough to get out of rain.” One Khajiit mumbled under her breath. The others snorted and nodded agreement.

Just ONE of MANY that could have been chosen.

And you again weave melancholy with the humor, as Maxical tries to find her memories.

Then there is her understanding of Khajiiti psychology- “It is forbidden.”

“Oh, I forgot to dry off before going for the soap, Ocato must have slipped in the water.”

I sure hope so.

"You go first, it’s your steal.”

Now- that is how to say volumes with just a few words. Brilliant.

I wanted the trust of the Emperor. It may anger him, but in the end he’d know I would not lie to him.

Our kitty is growing up. (Sniffle)

“By the Nine! Is that a dead mouse? Remove it from my desk immediately!”

Well- not completely! ROFL

Loved it- every bit of it.

This post has been edited by treydog: Jan 22 2012, 02:43 PM

[Athynae]

I enjoyed the entire piece start to finish, watching our kitten grow up, as hard as it is, still brings a smile to my face.

Of course Trey stole all of my favorite lines, figures, humph!!! Mean ole dog. Where did I put that mustard??

“This one can’t believe the Emprer hisself invited us to stay!“

I think Alix eek'd so much he ran out of e's so he ...borrowed? one.

The thoughts running under the surface for Max bring a touch to this piece that shows even more of how much she is maturing, a bit of foresight into the kitty she will someday be...

I loved this one mALX, just loved it. Impatiently waiting for more....