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

[Grits]

Oops! I have no idea where I got the idea that Alix was ex-Legion. When I’m wrong, I’m really wrong!!

The end of the Dragon Break was beautifully done, I loved the symmetry.

Maxical and Uriel were a delight here, both of them angry and firing off questions and answers, it was great! I love that Maxical was the one who wondered who was speaking to Nissy during the Break.

“What ruse is this? How would Malan know of the Mythic Dawn and their plans…and why swear his army to my defense?”

Did I mention that you write Uriel so well that I hear all of his lines in Patrick Stewart’s voice? Awesome, mALX!!

[ghastley]

I was wondering why this episode was making sense to me. When it's all Maxical, making sense means I've missed something! But it's Uriel's explanations that are bring it together at last. (And his "voice" is just perfect).

But I'm still not sure if Uriel knows "Damien" was Malan, or if he just saw Jak at that point, so I still need the next episode to help.

[mALX]

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@ Darkness Eternal - Thank you so much Darkness!! I studied Azura carefully for her role in both the Khajiit and Dunmer aspects of my story, kind of balanced what lore had of her and her personality with my ideas for what that could be. (example her "gifts to the Chimer" I turned to the Chimer/Dunmer mysteries in my story, etc.) - but I tried to make everything I did fit with what she would have done, so I'm glad to hear you say that !! Urk, sorry about your laptop. I hope you can get that fixed !!! Thanks again, DE !!

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@ Acadian - That is so nice to hear, thank you so much Acadian !!! I'm especially glad to hear Uriel is coming through well, you know I have a terrible time writing strong men, ROFL !!! Thank you so much again, Acadian !!

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@ McBadgere - Thank you so much McB !!! It tickles me so much when people say they can hear Patrick Stewart saying the lines !!! I have a youtube vid of the opening where Patrick Stewart says the opening words for the game - play it when I am writing his lines and try to think those words with that voice to see if it fits. It means sos much to hear you say that !! Thanks again McB !!!

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@ King Coin - Thank you so very much KC !!! You couldn't have said a nicer complement, that means tons to hear - Thank You !! You are right about everything you said - Maxical will have to wake up a bit to be good at Uriel's protection, that is for sure, lol.

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@ Athynae - Your kind words mean a LOT to me, Athynae !! Thank you so very much !! And you are right, I'm sure Malan will find ways to make Maxical sorry she trusted him, lol. Thanks again, Athynae !!!

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@ Grits - You couldn't have said a nicer complement than you did, that means tons to hear !! I do listen to a youtube vid of him speaking when I write his lines, but it means so much to hear that others can hear his voice saying those lines - thank you so very much Grits !!! You ROCK !!

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@ Ghastley - Thank you so much Ghastley !! Now that really makes me feel good, I am tickled the Emperor is coming across well !!! Thanks again Ghastley !!


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[mALX]

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Chapter 142: Scenes of Understandings



“These scratches are deep, you did well to hold Nissy. This would have been considered a treasonous attack punishable by death had she succeeded in reaching me.“ Uriel flushed the gash with healing magic with a precision that matched Hannibal or Owyn. “What happened next with Malan?”

“Seridur and Malan were working as partners. Audens Avidius was selling orphans to Seridur. Audens would pull the orphan’s paperwork so there’d be no trace they existed, then bribe the guards to clear the yard.”

“Seridur was kidnapping children? He is dead, but I will order his name be posted at the executions and a seizure of his assets immediately. Audens Avidius will be arrested as well, he and Gemellus Axius can be executed the same day. Your time would have been better served today training with the Palace Executioner instead of starting another war.”

“Yes, Sire. Oh…please don’t forget that Audens Avidius’s assets were embezzled from Fathis Aren, that fund was supposed to be used for better housing and skills training for the orphans.”

“I’ll have the records for that fund audited, but it will be up to you to appoint someone you trust to oversee it.”

“Will you advise me, Sire? It must be someone…like Fathis or yourself, whose compassion reaches beyond race.”

Uriel nodded his head approvingly at me. “I‘ll take that into consideration when I review the choices to recommend.”

It wouldn’t last, I knew that…but for this brief moment I was in Uriel‘s good graces. I breathed in relief.






***


“Seridur and Audens left, then Malan came in and cast a sleep spell on Nissy. He picked me up and sang that song to me, ‘Jack be nimble’. As he sang, it took my memories away. Tonight it brought them back though, and I remembered everything…my vow with Nissy, even my mother’s death. Then after that he reminded me of a vow I’d made to come to him when I was of age, and I remembered it.”

“Virgin hunting. Malan is known for planting memories of his own making, Maxical. All ancients have that ability, but Malan has it perfected.”

“Maybe, but if he really is planting post hypnotic suggestions in little girls minds to come to him when they are of age…virgins coming to his door at a consensual age without having to farm them, maybe that’s why the cave was empty when you found it.”

“Possibly. Maxical, you must learn to incorporate everything you know of an enemy into every aspect of your dealings with them. With the enemies you face now the battle is not drawn in matches, every action is integral to an ongoing war. You must be able to discern his true motives as they occur and counter them with plans of your own to stay ahead of his next move.”

“You mean even when he is doing a kindness I should suspect his motives and be sizing him up like I would if we were in combat?”

“Exactly. There are no breaks from battle anymore, Maxical. Your mind must never relax or take anything at face value. Any naivety in you could mean death for me, you must think at all times. Malan does nothing unless it avails him. He is an uncanny con.”

“I don’t…understand, Sire.”

“Why would he have shown you that night he kidnapped Nisaba? In doing that he has created a witness to his crime where there were none. Unless you find a reason that benefits him and outweighs the risks of opening your memories, don’t believe him. It is much more likely Akatosh revealed them, so you would know the enemy you face.”

“He said he did it because I saved his life tonight, that in centuries I was the only one that ever had. In return he released me from that promise.”

Uriel paced to the window and back. “Traven once mentioned something about saving an ancient’s life having some extreme importance to them, but…this is Malan, his motives must always be suspect. Ancients are obsessed with promises, Maxical. There is nothing they take more seriously. What was Malan’s share of the vow you remembered?”

“I never recalled his part.”

“This isn’t good, Maxical. I suspect it’s a trick.”

“I don’t understand…”

Uriel turned me to face him. “What could he have vowed that would make you promise to come to him?”

“Probably that he wouldn’t hurt Nissy.”

“Exactly, I am positive that was his vow. But he did hurt Nissy, he imprisoned her in a cave, drank her blood and forced himself on her. He erased his vow from your mind so you would think he was doing something nice by forgiving the promise. He released you from a debt you didn’t owe anymore, Maxical. It was a trick.”






***


“Oh…OH! I’m sure you’re right! And to think I was stupid enough to tell him that I trusted him!”

Uriel’s look was of deep concern. “You told him that you trusted him? Maxical, you must be very careful how you talk to these ancients. Things you or I may say in passing and mean nothing by, to them can be making a promise they will consider a legal binding contract.”

“Oh. Well, I think I’m still safe. He said that if I come to him now it must be of my own free will. I certainly won‘t.“

“Malan isn’t going to let a virgin go, Maxical. There is something he isn’t telling you, some trick. He is a master of impersonation. He could make himself appear to be someone you trust explicitly; me, Traven, your father. You would go to him willingly without realizing it was him. He is the greatest con imaginable, Maxical.”

Uriel gripped my arm uncomfortably tightly. “This is deadly serious, Maxical. You can make promises to ancients without even realizing it, they read your mind and consider your thoughts to be your true feelings. You living here and saying you trust him…to him that could be considered an open invitation to access the Palace, and we know he is after the throne. This has become a very dangerous situation.”

He looked at me, perplexed. “We need Traven here, he is the foremost expert on ancient vampires in Tamriel. He’ll know how to counter anything you’ve said or done. There is a protocol used when dealing with ancients, even your thoughts must be controlled. There are also some personal questions I must ask that may be more comfortable coming from your physician.”

“If it’s what I think you want to know, I’ll answer. Gils is my bound mate, somehow accomplished without breeding. We wed without witnesses but never mated because Fathis held a promise over me that Gils honored. Fathis wed me the night before war broke out, but never attended our wedding night.“

“He was here with Sir Damien, setting the trap for Malan and the Immortal.”

“Oh…oh?” So, the Immortal had lied about Fathis being with another women he was in love with on our wedding night…why? Relief that it was untrue warred with rage at the Immortal for lying to me. I wondered if he would mistake slapping or choking him as some subliminal message.

“Sire, if Malan is virgin hunting that can be resolved…Gils is with your army since this war began.”

“Yes, I know. He is at the Arena working with the Blades. I sent orders for him to attend me when you first arrived, but Captain Renault said they are overwhelmed and unable to spare even one man.”

“Sire, that is ridiculous! How can one man who has no magic be indispensable? Ocato returns nightly, why could Gils not have been with him?”

“You are not to go there seeking him, I‘ll order he be reassigned to the Palace immediately. Maxical, listen to me. Malan can never be trusted. Everything he does has a purpose, he is an uncanny con. Foxy is an expert on him, as soon as he returns we need to hear his take on all this.”






***


“I’ve bled quite a bit on your rug, Sire. If we could contain it some way, it could be used in a trap to catch Malan.”

“You may be onto something…” Uriel stopped healing me and broke off mid-sentence, staring hard at me. “Traven has bloodletting equipment, does he not?”

“Of course, he‘s a physician…but…Sire, I don‘t like where this is going. You‘re not planning to have bowls of my blood laying around in your chambers…are you?”

“Of course not. But Traven could get a few vials of it, have them on hand for setting traps. Would you allow it?”

“Aw geez, Sire. I hate bloodletting, it‘s gross. I gave enough on your carpet already.”

“You won’t be forced to do anything against your inclination, Maxical. But I hope you will agree to do this for the sake of the Empire.”

“You sound like my father, guilting me into doing stuff I don’t want to. I guess, but…if something comes up I want to do, don’t think I won’t throw this in your face when I ask.”

“It will depend on what you ask whether it bears weight in the argument.” Uriel gave a brief enigmatic smile, one I’d seen both Alix and S’Jirra give when saying much the same thing in dealing with me.

“Wait a minute, I know that smile…and those words, too! You’re saying it will never bear weight in any argument! My parents have pulled that trick on me before. No doubt one of the Princes taught you to be wary of allowing leverage to children, I wonder which?”

“Prince Ebel. As a youth his spirit could not be contained, nor his temper. He was the bane of all his tutors …” Uriel ground to a halt mid-sentence, raising one eyebrow at me before continuing. “Much as I myself was.”

“That look you just gave doesn’t bode well for me, like a plotting parent. Why do I get the feeling you’ve just realized something that is going to make me miserable?”

“You exaggerate…however, I do believe I may have discovered a way in which we will not grate on each other as we have been and may bring about some growth and maturity as well.”

“In other words, you are going to do whatever it was your father did to you, and you did to Prince Ebel? Somehow I’m sure whatever it is, you will derive much more pleasure in doing it than I will in receiving the lesson.”

Uriel’s brief humorless smile all but confirmed I was right.






***


“What is it I’m supposed to learn from it?“

“A number of things. According to your dossier you think better when angry. Learn to bottle your rage and tap it at will, you will be thinking at your top capacity without needing rage fueling it. This should give you a measure of control over your temper as well.“

I grabbed my pony-tail and waved it at him. “My temper is biologically driven by red hair. Whatever this process of yours is, it can’t work very well. Your temper is as bad as mine.“

“You may find this difficult to believe, but what you see now is a vast improvement.”

“Dear gods!” I gaped at him.

“It’s truth. The Septim temper is well known for marking the warriors in our family history. My father claims I inherited a triple dose of it. What you see now is mellowed considerably in comparison.”

“I remember reading of Uriel Septim the fifth’s temper, it was legendary. They said his reputation as a great warrior was founded on people bending to his will in advance of his visits in fear of witnessing a display of it. Are you saying yours was worse?”

“In my youth it was much worse, even after my father’s efforts. The biggest change to it came during the Imperial Simulacrum. Ten years of imprisonment in a realm your worst nightmares could never bring to mind. A decade of breathing sulfuric fumes without relief, heat so intense it withers the soul…monsters no imagination would dare dream up. Our cells were in cave vents over a volcanic sea.”

“Ten years in a cave, just like Nissy and the sisters…that‘s why it struck you so powerfully that you sought to vanquish her tormentor in her sight…I’m sorry I yelled at you for it Sire. I understand why now. You had no way of knowing the extent of force Azura’s seal is on Khajiit.”

“It took much more than temper from me, my health was destroyed…my youth gone, hair turned this white you see now. Had my friend Warhaft not been entombed with me, there is no doubt I’d have succumbed before Fathis arrived.”






***



“…FATHIS? My Fathis? Are you saying my Fathis was the Eternal Champion?”

“He is the Eternal Champion, his death won’t diminish the honor of that. The ceremonial sheath and sword he always wore, that was given in tribute for his service to Tamriel…his dedication and bravery.”

“I never saw him that he didn’t wear it, it was one of the ways I knew that was an imposter at the Arena…the sheath was gone. Fathis had given me his sword to fight with, but still wore the sheath the last time I saw him. When Malan impersonated Fathis, he left off the sheath, I guess because there was no sword to place in it.”

“Your young man Gils received a twin to it for his actions the day war broke out. Unarmed he tried to rescue Fathis’s remains from Malan’s army and took quite a beating from them for it. He came through them and my own security to warn the Palace.”

Fathis’s remains…




There could be no more devastatingly graphic confirmation of Fathis’s fate than those words. Inside me that gnawing pain that had been constant since that day at the Arena rose to my throat and shattered the air with a keening that may never stop now it was released.

My knees buckled beneath me, but before I hit the floor I felt myself lifted up and shaken roughly.

“STOP! There is no time for grieving with the fate of Cyrodiil in jeopardy! Suck that up and push beyond it, or it will sink you . Your grief can come when your task for Akatosh is completed.”

Rage throttled the keening, but my full body was quaking from the effort. I pointed one badly shaking finger at him, my voice was raw with agony. “Don’t you EVER say those words ‘Fathis’s remains’ in my presence again, EVER.”


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This post has been edited by mALX: May 9 2012, 08:22 PM

[Acadian]

'It wouldn’t last, I knew that…but for this brief moment I was in Uriel‘s good graces. I breathed in relief.'
This is so very Maxical!

“You are not to go there seeking him, I‘ll order he be reassigned to the Palace immediately. Maxical, listen to me. Malan can never be trusted. Everything he does has a purpose, he is an uncanny con. Foxy is an expert on him, as soon as he returns we need to hear his take on all this.”
Uh oh. Uriel still hasn’t twigged onto Foxy yet. . . .

That’s it, Maxical – blame your temper on the red hair.

Here's hoping that Maxical soon discovers Fathis' confirmed death may not be so confirmed after all.

This post has been edited by Acadian: May 10 2012, 12:25 AM

[King Coin]

Heh, a little healing to prompt Maxical into talking. Lol. And Maxical does it right back with a compliment!

I’m happy Uriel is the one helping her figure out Malan. He’s been dealing with schemers all his life, he knows what Malan would be up to.

Getting to know Uriel more, that’s awesome! I hope they can get Traven BEFORE Foxy/Malan makes another appearance. I’m not holding a ton of hope though. Ten years imprisoned! Now I too understand why the caves for the orphans affected him so powerfully.

Poor Maxical! She now believes Fathis is dead! Is this some part of Uriel’s plot to toughen her up, or was it a slip? I believe Fathis is still alive, but we shall see.

[McBadgere]

OOooh!!...You tease you!!...I thought we were on for a revelation then!!...

Oh hell... ...All that stuff that Uriel promises to do afterwards...*Lip trembles*...

I really felt for Max with the Fathis stuff...And the Gils thing...Bless...

As for the red-head temper...As the husband of a red-head...*Looks over shoulder*...Yes...They are truly terrifying... ...

Brilliant writing, as ever...

Most excellent stuff...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

[Grits]

“Oh…oh?” So, the Immortal had lied about Fathis being with another women he was in love with on our wedding night…why? Relief that it was untrue warred with rage at the Immortal for lying to me. I wondered if he would mistake slapping or choking him as some subliminal message.

Even when the subject is very serious, Maxical’s way of thinking makes me smile.

“You may be onto something…” Uriel stopped healing me and broke off mid-sentence, staring hard at me. “Traven has bloodletting equipment, does he not?”

Yikes!! I love the conversation that followed. Maxical got to see the paternal side of Uriel, as well as learn about some of the pain he carries. And then this part:

“…FATHIS? My Fathis? Are you saying my Fathis was the Eternal Champion?”

“He is the Eternal Champion, his death won’t diminish the honor of that.

Was awesome and heartbreaking in the same sentence. Especially since moments before she was scheming a hot date with Gils. Poor Maxical!

[ghastley]

Remind us. Fathis and Damien are in the same prison? And if they are, does each know the other is there?

I'm worried about the idea of bringing Gils to the palace just as Malan's impersonation of Damien is wearing thin. That might give him (Malan) an opportunity to switch to a new identity. Though maybe one that's easier for Maxical to see through.

[mALX]

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@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian !! Putting Maxical and Uriel Septim in the same room is like putting out fire with gasoline, their tempers are so equally matched, lol. Uriel has a tendency to keep what he is thinking to himself, he may be starting to pick up on something not being right with Foxy yet, lol. Thanks again Acadian !!

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@ King Coin - Thank you so much KC !!! The only one that knows Fathis is still alive is the real Foxy, (Sir Damien) - and he is being held in the same prison so can't tell anyone. Uriel and Maxical have a few kinks to work out between them before they will have a smooth friendship, lol. Thanks again KC !!!

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@ McBadgere - Thank you so very much McB!!!

As for the red-head temper...As the husband of a red-head...*Looks over shoulder*...Yes...They are truly terrifying... ...

ROFL !!! This had me rolling !!! Thanks again McB !!

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@ Grits - Thank you so much Grits !! Maxical is slowly finding out how things really work outside the schoolroom, when this is over she won't be half as naive, lol. Thank you so much Grits !!!

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@ Ghastley - Fathis and Sir Damien (Foxy) are both being held in the same prison - they know each other is there, but no one else does...yet. And you are absolutely right, his Damien impression has about hit the finish line. The overpowering scent of Maxical's virgin blood is making it impossible for him to concentrate on keeping up the right personality and accent, lol. Thank you so much Ghastley !!!


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[mALX]

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Chapter 143: Playthings of the Gods


Uriel gripped my shoulder apologetically. “That was badly done. I feel the loss of Fathis as well, Maxical. For over sixty years he has been my closest friend. We must force ourselves to think of him in moments only, lest it overtake us.”

“I don’t know how to live without him, Sire. He was always there if I was scared or in trouble, always. Just being beside him brought comfort and protection. I never had to dream him a superhero, he already was one without the greatcloaks and capes. This war, the things that I face ahead…now when I have the greatest need of him, he is not here to turn to. I am lost without him.”

“That struck me earlier today as well, realizing for the first time that when my end comes it will be without my friend beside me. These months I’ve known what was ahead, it was never doubted that my last sight on this realm would be that of Fathis and Sir Damien battling the enemy beside me. Now…” Uriel trailed off without finishing the thought.

“Now Sir Damien seeks the throne.”

Uriel didn’t answer, or ask how I knew…but his flash of doubt was a good sign coming after Akatosh‘s warning. The traitor wasn’t me, that much I knew. Once Malan was dead, I was almost positive Nissy could be trusted…well, unless Uriel killed him.

“Fathis sought only to serve you, Sire. He said none could motivate the heart and soul to service as you could, that he would have followed you into Oblivion. I never knew he actually did it.”

“In peacetime, people don’t want to hear of heroes or champions. Fathis was both. He slew Jagar Tharn, the most powerful Battlemage known…saved both myself and Warhaft. He saved Tamriel, Maxical. He was a Child of the Empire, just as you are expected to be.”

“He had something special within, Sire. I don’t…have that.”

“Earlier today you said it will be on the head of all Khajiit if you fail me, but your responsibility is much greater than that. You are the wife of Fathis Aren, and the ‘Eternal Champion‘ is how he will be memorialized. If you fail, you will bring shame to his name. I expect you to fill his rightful place at my side just as he would. You must act on his behalf as he would if he were here.“






***


“Dear gods…I can’t, Sire! No one can be equal to Fathis, most certainly not me. How can I even hope to be worthy of the spit that shined his boots?”

“By using what you know of him to guide your steps. If a task I give is greater than your ability, you must imagine him receiving the same task and how he would have dealt with it. You have already begun doing this with his financial affairs, Maxical. There is a change in you each time you act on his behalf, you approach these with a seriousness and forethought beyond anything you’ve shown otherwise. You’ve seen Fathis prepare for battle, the steps he took to protect Bravil. No matter if he had seconds or months to plan he used the same approach. Practice his methods till they became second nature to you.”

“When the minotaur attacked us he was dismounted and throwing a Shield spell over both the horse and me before I could blink, he killed the beast mid-step toward us and then healed and rallied us from our fright when it was over. I‘m not fast thinking, Sire. Nor can I heal myself or another.”

“Then assign yourself a healer who can, and is with you at all times. You need to grow up quickly, I need you toughened before we face Dagon, and time races now. There may come a time when the responsibility of a platoon is put on your shoulders, men that rely on you to get them safely through battle.”

“How? I have no training other than combat, Sire.”

“We have no time for you to train, Maxical. I realize the pressure I’m bringing to bear on you, but there is no time left in which to prepare. Every bit of rage and pain you have inside needs to become a resource you can tap at will to push you beyond your own strength and do whatever is needed. You think better angry, funnel that rage and pain into thought and action. You know as much of Fathis as I learned of him these 65 years. Use it. Practice till the actions come automatically and without need for thought.”

Uriel finished my healing and followed up with a Rally spell to boost my spirits. I needed a lot more than that to lose the feeling of a crushing weight pressing on me.

Acting on Fathis’s behalf with the finances was realms apart from imitating his decisions on the battlefield. I’d assumed that when it came to battle, Uriel would give orders and I would obey them. Fathis was a born leader of men. To try and imitate that…without a doubt I would fail Uriel and besmirch Fathis’s name.

Uriel went back to the dome window to watch the war. He seemed tireless, did he never feel the effects of days without real rest? He was all but turned 87 years old, yet bounded around with little or no sleep.

His mind showed no exhaustion either, while mine…it felt inert, numb. I was more than exhausted from the past few days, and not just from emotional strain. Palace life moved at a pace beyond anything I’d ever seen before. Even at the Arena we found more time to rest. Here nothing stopped long enough to take a breath.






***


With his back still to me, Uriel spoke so quietly I wasn’t sure he meant me to answer. “What do you know about Dream-Catching?”

“I know it’s dangerous, why?“

“What do you mean by dangerous?“ He spun around, watching my face so intensely it made me nervous.

“A Dream-Catcher is something you send to your enemies when you want to take over their kingdom. Sire? Are you okay?“ He looked like I’d floored him.

He waved his hand for me to continue. “Go on.”

“Well, it’s addictive like a drug. The more they are used, the more they are needed. It weakens the recipient and eventually drives them mad. Pelagius and Helseth both used piles of them in the bed, both lost their minds from them.”

“I was told the Dream-Catchers kept their madness at bay so they could rule as long as they did.”

“Whoever said that lied, Sire. Dream-Catching makes you feel marvelous while your rule is crumbling beneath you. Generals have lost all their troops in easy battles because they sent armies of men out repeatedly without rest, all because the Khajiit on their feet made them feel rejuvenated and they thought they could keep fighting.” I paused because Uriel was clearly stunned.

He waved his hand for me to continue.

“Your ability to handle stress decreases with each session so you need them more and more frequently. Sire, if you are thinking about using Dream-Catching against Malan, it won’t work. Ancient vampires are immune to it, in fact they are more prone to be the ones using them against their enemies.”

“Why would they be more prone to use them?”

“Because it opens an access to the recipient’s mind. Ancients can read minds. They use it to discern secrets or manipulate the person by using mind control. Sire? Are you okay?”






***


Uriel paced quickly to the window and stared out. I don‘t know if he even realized he spoke aloud, his voice was barely audible even to my sensitive Khajiit hearing.

“That is how Malan learned of the Mythic Dawn’s plot. He was here in the Palace.”

For the second time in the past two days I felt a profound disappointment in my Emperor. He had commanded those two women come to him under threat of throwing them into the streets, he was that bent on seeking unknown pleasure without even bothering to find out how unsafe it may be.

My temper flared at the inconsistency of him, preaching accountability to me for my actions when it was his own that caused his predicament. I whispered the words of his own motto under my breath.

“It matters not how charged with punishments the scroll, you are the master of your fate, the captain of your soul.”

Somehow he heard it. I could see the reddening of anger staining his cheeks and the glittering rage in his eyes before he had even turned fully to face me.

“You dare use my own words to you as a sword? Exactly what meant you by quoting that?”

“Humans that choose to dabble with beasts would do well to remember we were created by a Daedric Lord. Since Akatosh has seen fit to align you with Khajiit you should learn all you can about our race through research instead of experimentation. Hannibal has a tome on Khajiit that has an entire section devoted to the odd connections between Khajiit and ancient vampires through history, which delves deeply into Dream-Catching. He also has one that is considered the most thorough tome on ancient vampires available.”

“I will caution you again on the tone you use when addressing me, Maxical. You may not revere the throne, but must show it due respect. Is that understood?”






***


“I apologize for not knowing the proper protocol required to speak to an Emperor, where did you expect I would have learned it? I came to you straight from the Arena Bloodworks, spent my childhood in a prison yard…dirt and filth so real you smell and taste it, and it is as familiar as your own name.”

“Pull yourself together Maxical.”

“How should I do that? In two weeks I’ve lost everyone and everything I know, been thrown into a life where intrigue and double agents abound and assassins are trusted bodyguards. Suddenly Dagon and Camoran Usurper are not just chapters in a text, and ancient vampires are stepping out of history to stalk me like I’m a chicken dinner…“ I clenched my fists to smother the sob rising in my throat. “I’ve learned altruism comes at cost, and sometimes our heroes aren’t what we thought them.”

Uriel had one eyebrow cocked in my direction and an angry grimace. He turned back to the window before speaking. “Are you done feeling sorry for yourself? There isn’t time to wallow in self pity, don’t expect to be babied for your tantrums here.”

“Yes, Sire…but it would help if you were not your own security’s worst enemy. How could you even think of exposing your dreams in a city full of ancient vampires and Akatosh sending messages through…“ Suddenly pieces began falling into place in my mind, realizing another possibility that left me with a sinking, sickening feeling in my stomach. “Dear gods…”

“Finish what you were saying.“

“You said Akatosh has never frozen time to warn you of danger before. But your dreams were being caught, he couldn’t securely speak to you through them anymore. Sire, not just ancients, but the Daedric Lords can access your mind while a Dream-Catcher is with you. Dagon, Sire. Dagon could have intercepted any dreams Akatosh sent you and now has that information.”

Uriel spun around at that, and almost barked, “How!”

“Your Dragonblood must somehow protect information Akatosh sends you, but you allowed the Khajiit access and she has no such protection. Those assassins entered your chambers at the exact time you were with both Nissy and her sister, and at your most vulnerable.”

Uriel held up his hand. “I need silence, time to think…don’t leave yet.”






***


I went to the opposite side of the dome and watched the war continuing below. Jak the bird could still be seen circling over the different districts, but high out of the range of the mage’s fire and too far away for me to hear his cries.

Uriel was right when he said Jak the bird was really Malan. I never would have believed it had I not seen Malan transform with my own eyes tonight. At the Arena I had even touched his soft feathers…oh dear gods, I stroked him…on what must be his private areas! No wonder Janus accused me of fondling him! How embarrassing! Oh, I hope that isn’t one of those things ancient vampires take wrong.

I learned one thing from all of this, ancient vampires will say or do anything to get virgin blood. It feels like being covered in bait, luring sharks in to eat me. Hannibal and Uriel were both right, the safest thing I could do would be to lose that which was drawing any of the ancient’s interest.


*

[King Coin]

Uriel really hit Maxical with a lot of pressure.

“That struck me earlier today as well, realizing for the first time that when my end comes it will be without my friend beside me.

I really liked that line.

I just mentally saw Uriel having an aneurism after Maxical started revealing what she knew of Dream Catching. Didn’t Foxy tell him it was safe? And Maxical said Foxy seeks the throne… Will it be enough?

Maxical is really letting Uriel have it… for something Foxy/Malan did. Still enjoying the fireworks though! Interesting idea that Dagon could have been privy to Uriel’s dreams. I don’t know how long Maxical and Uriel will be together, but I’m going to love the conflict between the two for however long it lasts!

[Grits]

Uriel was right when he said Jak the bird was really Malan. I never would have believed it had I not seen Malan transform with my own eyes tonight. At the Arena I had even touched his soft feathers…oh dear gods, I stroked him…on what must be his private areas! No wonder Janus accused me of fondling him! How embarrassing! Oh, I hope that isn’t one of those things ancient vampires take wrong.

Oh my goodness, I think that anything Maxical did could be taken wrong! I remember that scene at the Arena. I nearly hurt myself laughing.

These two are really figuring some things out, in between wanting to throttle each other. Their relationship is somehow touching, funny, and noble all at the same time. I’m sure their shared grief over Fathis is a big part of that.

It’s also funny and sad that at the same time Uriel is telling her to live up to her dead Eternal Campion husband’s memory, she has a pressing reason to sleep with Gils. As convoluted as ever, I love it!!

[Athynae]

The depth of emotional connection between Max and Uriel continues to build. At times it reminds me of two that have been friends forever, who know each other intimately, bickering; then in the next moment they are strangers knowing they are connected and trying to figure each other out. You do quite the job with this mALX, the complexity is very well done.

Keeping us just on the edge of our seat while each of them puts pieces into the puzzle, seemingly on opposite sides of the board, I can hardly wait until the picture comes into focus for them both.

Great write again, as always. I am anxiously awaiting the next part.

[ghastley]

So Maxical now understands that Malan can transform himself into a bird, but have either of them noticed that he can do other party tricks?

If she does figure it out, she's going to have to be really careful about solving her virginity problem, as she won't be able to trust her eyes. That could get really silly, as she decides what she can trust, and how to check that she's right about it.

[Acadian]

Wow, Maxical just got promoted to Mrs Eternal Champion! Uriel’s inspirational words to Maxical were awesome. No wonder he is the damn Emperor! Seriously, the interactions you write between Maxical and her Emperor are wonderful.

I loved the shock Maxical revealed regarding Dream Catchers. A wonderful forehead-smacking moment for me. All the more delicious because we know MalaFoxian has been ‘helping’ Uriel with Dream Catchers. This creates such a perfect Maxical moment:
”Sire? Are you okay?”

”…ancient vampires are stepping out of history to stalk me like I’m a chicken dinner…“
I love this line!

I remember Maxical feeling empathy for Jak. Sad, as she realizes he really is Malan.

Poor kitty. Married to two mer and still a virgin. Isn’t there anyone in Cyrodill who can cure her of the condition?

[Darkness Eternal]

Gritty. Virgin hunting. What better place than to kidnap kiddies at an Orphanage? Funny you mentioned Orphanage and kids in this chapter, since I was planning to make a brief reference and add a scene of such things. Though I fear it may be a bit...too much. Too macabre. Anyways, it was interesting to see more of Seridur and Malan's interest in children here. It just shows how vampires like anything young and pure . No wonder Molag Bal chose a virgin to do his...stuff.

Character development between Maxical and Uriel keeps growing. I wonder how terrible his fate will be to her

"In peacetime, people don’t want to hear of heroes or champions."
Yeah, that's for damn sure!! The plot thickens! Dun..Dun...Dun!

[McBadgere]

OOoh, an excellently intense chapter...

Love the way all that info about Fathis and the Dreamcatching stuff got put out without it dragging the story down...That was sooo amazingly done...

I'm loving these two-handers between Uriel and Maxical...You really do them so incredibly well...

Such beautiful writing...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

[mALX]

*

@ King Coin - Thank you so much KC !!! If they don't start getting along soon, Uriel may kill her in her sleep, ROFL !! But you pointed out something really important, Malan/Sir Damien has been putting a spin on facts every time he talks to Uriel - there are two ways to look at anything, and he has been playing Devil's Advocate with everything Uriel thinks or believes (like the day he was pretending to stand up for Maxical, just twisting wording so it sounds better).

Maxical proved she was eavesdropping on that conversation when she mentioned Sir Damien was seeking the throne - if there is one thing she picks up quickly it is ways to defend herself, lol. Thanks again, KC !!!

*
@ Grits - Thank you so very much Grits! That line you quoted was the first thing I thought of when Maxical realized the birds were really vampires - dear gods! ROFL !! I am so glad you caught that, and remembered that scene at the Arena too (hard to believe it was just weeks ago in the story, lol) Thank you again, Grits. You always make my day with your comments!!!

*
@ Athynae - Thank you so very much Athynae! Your kind words are so appreciated, that made my day !!!

*
@ Ghastley - Thank you so much Ghastley! You had me rolling with visions of exactly how Maxical can check to see who is Malan in disguise, ROFL !! Thanks again, Ghastley !!

*
@ Acadian - Thank you so very much Acadian! You got me so tickled with crying out to Cyrodiil to help Maxical (reminded me of a Blazing Saddles line, "Isn't anyone going to help that poor man?") Maxical may not be good for much, but I thought it fitting she should be the one to clue the Emperor in on the Dream Catchers, now Uriel has some deep thinking to do. Thanks again, Acadian !!

*
@ Darkness Eternal - Thank you so much DE!! I love getting insights from you on the vampire stuff, and like you said - was very hesitant to take it there. If Bethesda hadn't done it first I def would not have, although the farming was something I pictured vampires doing long before I came across that Daggerfall story, lol. Thanks again DE!!!

*
@ McBadgere - Thank you so much McB! I was worried it may be an info dump on that, so was glad to hear it didn't come across that way! I appreciate so much your words on the fights between Maxical and Uriel, it was bound to happen, lol. Thanks again !!!


*

[mALX]

*


Chapter 144: Hawks and Hooks



In the past two days it felt like I’d learned too many things that were beyond my ken, things I doubt I’d understand in a lifetime. Vampires were complex masters of subterfuge…why did the Arcane only teach that they had fangs and carried disease?

Everything we learned at the Arcane was abstract, no one would expect to leave there and face Daedric Lords and historic figures like Malan and Camoran Usurper‘s son…or do tasks for gods even. It felt like a powerful current had carried me to depths too deep for my ability to swim in them.

Uriel needed someone with brains, a quick thinker…something I would never be. Everything that had happened in the last few days was too far over my head to sort out, it was overwhelming me. I just wanted to go home and be treated like a child again, where I could cry and not be shaken for it…where someone was always strong for you because you couldn‘t be…weren‘t expected or required to be.

For a second tonight I’d been reminded of that feeling when Malan cradled me in his arms and rocked me, singing away the painful memory of my mother’s death for the second time. One minute the ache inside me was excruciating…the next I couldn’t pull up the image in my mind anymore, never to relive it in nightmares.

It felt really odd to consider any moment with him as good, especially in light of what he was doing there that night and the horrible things he did to those children. A shiver moved down my spine as if to shake off his memory, and just then he flew closely past the dome toward the Temple District. His piercing eyes seemed to be looking in as he flew by, and I had a tingle of fear that my thinking of him had drawn him in. Had he eavesdropped on my thoughts?

I needed Gils to end this for me, needed the protection our relationship would give me from all of this. Uriel said he would send for Gils…I couldn’t stand the thought of my first time being in this Palace. Uriel and Sir Damien listening through one wall and the Khajiit women through the other, probably giggling. Ocato’s shrill shrieks possibly interrupting everything in the middle. Evangeline popping in to hide Alix the Mouse from Ocato…no. Not here.

With or without Uriel’s permission I would find Gils on my own. Maybe we could go to our spot on the Rumare, or even if we just locked ourselves in the bathing room of the Bloodworks. Anywhere but here.









***



An odd scratching kept repeating on the glass of the dome above me. I glanced up expecting to see that the effigy we’d hung had fallen…and had the air smothered in my lungs in a gasp. Jak the bird…Malan was staring down in through the glass, his eyes glittering tiny reflections of myself back at me. With a chill I knew beyond a doubt he had been eavesdropping on my thoughts.

“SIRE!” I pointed up at the large bird on top of the dome.

“Blank your mind!” Uriel ordered.

“I…I can’t…” I tried, but couldn’t. My mind chattered worse the harder I tried. It was like I’d swallowed Skooma, my mind raced a million thoughts at once, colliding with each other in a jumble. Somewhere in that collage of thought flashed something Hannibal had told me once, that my singing would bring an enemy to its knees. Instead of blanking my mind, maybe I could just imagine myself singing…but what song?


In Daggerfall,
they hold a ball
And all of society indulges in a variety
Of scandal, they can handle -- A lot.
The Captain of the Guard
Has to search very hard
For a bean that the Queen
Has in her pants.

And the Court Sorceress
Will grant you a wish
To cause the King
to fling
About his lance


Oh what a bad choice of songs to think of singing! The last thing I want to do is sing a bawdy song and get him thinking randy thoughts about my virgin blood! I tried to think of a better one quickly, and came up with one Owyn used to sing when he was drunk.


"You think you mixed silver, blue diamonds, and yellow grass!"
The King laughed, "Look up, Faer, up to the ceiling glass.
The light falling makes the ingredients you choose
Quite different hues."
"What do you get," asked the floating voice, bold,
"Of a potion of red diamonds, blue grass, and gold?"
"By God," said Faer, his face in a wince,
"I've made a potion to fortify my own intelligence."


I really needed some intelligence potion right about now. Then I remembered one of Gils’ songs that was especially apropos for the situation.


So I try to get through to you,
in my own special way,
as the barriers crumble,
at the end of the day.
Do not take for granted,
powers out there,
don't step into the demon's lair.








***



I was still trying to think of the best song to sing when Uriel caught my attention.

“What is happening? Has he been hit by something? Look, he’s staggering around in circles…what is he doing with his wings?” Uriel’s pointing finger followed the bird as it was stumbling across the top of the dome.

It looked like Jak was stunned, and alternating between covering his ears and clutching his stomach with his wings as if he was in pain. And then suddenly there were two birds!

“GAAAAH! There‘s another one!” I shrieked. The new bird dove at the dome in what looked almost like an attack. When it landed it seemed to be challenging the other bird in a territorial way. Then they started pacing back and forth, flapping their wings and squawking at each other. I got a sinking feeling that my blood was the territory they were fighting over, like I was a fat worm to be devoured.

“One would almost think they were arguing…” Uriel observed aloud.

“Sire, one of those birds must be Jak, and the other one Malan. How will we know which?”

“Malan and one of his bloodline.“ Uriel spoke as if to himself, his eyes riveted on the birds.

“Jak is one of Malan’s? How do you know?”

“Transforming to large predatory birds. That clan was from High Rock, and was extinguished ages ago. Their line only exists today in Malan‘s cocktail vampires. Traven retrieved all Malan’s logs from the Crystal Tower, they pinpoint every ancient line that went into the mixture used to create both Malan and the Immortal. He is the foremost authority in Tamriel on them.”

After some angry sounding chattering, one of the birds stepped off onto the ledge and went into a skid on the grease and soap Nissy had coated the ledge with. The bird on the dome looked like it was pointing at the other bird with one wing, and made a squawking sound almost like it was laughing.

“He’s trying to get in the window! Oh Sire, it is a very good thing we booby-trapped your windows. Did I warn you of that? Don’t open one by accident.”








***



The bird from the top of the dome took off and flew in a wide circle, dipping low over the Talos Plaza and disappearing. The other one hesitated, looking in at us before following the first bird. When the second bird passed the district wall Uriel seemed galvanized by their departure. He hurried to his desk, scribbling and sealing parchments rapidly.

“I want you to find out immediately if Nisaba was contacted while Akatosh had time frozen.”

“I will ask, but if it was Malan she won’t tell me anything. The seal will keep her from exposing him.”

“Then don’t ask, just tell her what happened to you and see if she is forthcoming on her own. Akatosh said two would stand true, and one be my enemy. It is imperative I know…”

“Oh! So the first place you look for the rotten apple is to the beasts, regardless of the fact that the third person is an assassin!“

“Whom I have known to be trustworthy for well over thirty years. And you forget she attacked me tonight.”

After taking a deep breath my temper dissipated as quickly as it had flashed, and my tone was contrite when I spoke.

“I didn’t forget it, just hoped you may have.” To my shock Uriel gave a brief smile.

“Let us not come to blows again tonight, it should ease your mind that you are not among the suspected.”

“I’m not? That does relieve me.” It actually did.

“We are equally matched in temper, my father would have called this my ’just deserts’.”

“I get that a lot, if true I must be everyone’s bad karma coming to bite them.” I grinned, but it disappeared at his next words.








***



“I’ll be sending Ocato with a message for Traven in the morning, I want him to bring those tomes you mentioned and the bloodletting equipment.”

I gaped at him. “OCATO! But I want to…er…” Uriel was already saying no before I could finish.

“I doubt Traven is up to another of your greetings, he was with the healers for hours and still walks with a limp.”

I gasped. Uriel was obviously baiting me deliberately, I refused to pick up on it. “Ocato has a broken leg from what Evangeline said, he‘s limping too. I promise to walk carefully...”

“Do so. I want you fully armed and armored, and while you are out I have two errands for you. I want you to carry a message to someone at the Tiber Septim Hotel, and then stop by that mansion we lay siege on the other day. I will give you a message with my official seal ordering those men to the palace immediately. This is not to be discussed with anyone, is that understood? Not Nisaba, not Sir Damien or Evangeline…no one. From now on I don‘t want even your left hand knowing what your right hand is doing.“

I gaped at him. “Sire! I don’t…I’ve read about women that do that in one of Casta Scribonia’s novels, but I’ve never…”

Uriel gave a short cough. “I’m saying that from now on when I give you orders no one is to know what you are doing, why or when. We must determine who knows what they shouldn‘t.” He handed me the missives and I startled when I saw the name on the top one.

“Eyja…how odd. That was the name of my father’s first girlfriend. He sometimes teases S’Jirra that Eyja is still first place in his heart…well, when he is trying to make her mad he does.”

“Does she have a temper like yours?”

“Not quite as bad, but she doesn’t have red hair. That fuels mine, I can feel my hair get hot a split second before I do. S’Jirra’s you can see coming and run before it blows. Alix has no temper unless someone messes with his own.”

Uriel held up his hand to silence me, then handed me another sealed parchment. “Listen to me carefully so there is no error. This one with the official seal goes to Foxy’s men in the mansion we lay siege on. These two for the Tiber Septim have explicit handling instructions, so listen carefully.” He then gave me some very odd instructions for how to deliver those messages.

“You want me to hire a prostitute? Won’t they think that odd coming from a female?”

“You will tip the publican, Augusta Calidia very well. She will assume you are but an emissary for a wealthy man and send you to a room. You are not to speak. Hand her this missive first, it has an identifying code. She will give you her code in return. It is crucial this be done correctly, Maxical. Malan can read minds. You must remember the code to verify it is correct, but it must be done without it being held in your mind. Do you understand?”

“Huh? Er…hey, wait a minute! How come your code can be written and carried but not the prostitute’s? You’re tricking me! I’m not the brightest candle in the sconce, but even I can see through that.”

“I’m testing your memory and how well you follow directives. Just do it. Glimpse at this code and immediately blank your mind of the information till she gives her code. If she gives you the correct code, you will then hand her this second missive.”

“And then what?”

“And then you leave. You walk straight across the square and deliver these official orders to the man in the entry room of the mansion. Return here immediately when done. I’ll work on trying to get young Gils released in the meantime, but you must realize it is not a sure thing that we‘ll be able to get him.”

“NOT A SURE THING? Why not? Gils has no magic, surely one man for a few hours won’t crush the war effort!”

“If he is in the sewers, it can be days before they can reach him.”

“Oh…Yes, Sire.”


*

This post has been edited by mALX: May 21 2012, 12:31 AM