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

[mALX]

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@ King Coin - Thank you so much, KC! The moonsugar on her tongue proves she was bound and it was the real Gils, and there is def something wrong that she didn't know he was attacked. You nailed it on one of your guesses though. Malan has done something. The next several chapters will reveal exactly what Malan did. Thanks again, KC !!

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@ Acadian - Thank you so very much Acadian! Maxical knew she was promising children she wouldn't be alive to produce, but in her desperation to save Gils she would have done it even if she wasn't facing Dagon within a year. She didn't think far enough ahead though, if she knows she is making empty promises, the gods and Daedric Lords probably do too.

Thanks again, Acadian, especially for your understanding of what one tiny girl will do for someone she loves as Buffy proved when she faced Kvatch for Matias.

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@ Grits - Your comments are always spot on to what I hoped would come across, and always get right to the heart of what I am trying to show that Maxical is. That means so much, you are so appreciated! Thank you so very much Grits!!!

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@ Ghastley - Darn, I was hoping that vision wouldn't be too confusing! Urk! The scene in Crowhaven happened to Gils (in Chapter 53, page 23). Maxical wasn't there when Gils was attacked in Crowhaven, Gils was alone there.

Akatosh's vision just showed Maxical what really happened to Gils that day so she would realize (Akatosh kept his vow to save Gils).

Akatosh then showed Maxical that her own actions (rejecting Gils and marrying Fathis) ended Akatosh's responsibility to keep Gils alive.

Akatosh then showed Maxical what will happen to Uriel if she doesn't keep her end of the vow to him, Uriel will die alone.

Thank you so much Ghastley!

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@ McBadgere - Yeah, Maxical's task for Akatosh/Uriel is to be beside him when Mehrunes Dagon attacks Cyrodiil, she doesn't think she will live through that so is counting down the days till he comes as her last days on Nirn. Thank you so much McB, so great to have you back on here !!

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@ Darkness Eternal - Thank you so much Darkness! Yeah, Maxical may have ticked off Akatosh by cursing him and turning to Vile, ROFL !!!

On the "Khajiit" - I didn't use the "a Khajiit" because that may have been confused as just her (when she was referring to Khajiit as the race itself).

It also is meant to denote the difference between the way the Khajiit speak and humans do. (like in game how they say "this one doesn't like mudcrabs." when referring to themselves)

What you asked about a couple chapters ago is about to happen, Malan is about to take center stage and wreak havoc with that Palace. You will get to see a lot of his POV in the upcoming chapters, lol. Hope you like it, and thank you so much again Darkness!!!

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[mALX]

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** The screenshot of Gils is actually an elf modded and captured on film by the Awesome Victoria. I keep screens of my characters on hand as inspiration when I'm writing their roles. Since I saw this screen on Victoria's thread I have used it as Gils when writing his parts, it hangs over my desk next to Colin Firth's (the model for Jakben Imbel). She has a lot of inspiring characters she has modded, and her talent for taking screens is unsurpassed.

You can find more of her wonderful photo work and gorgeous mods at this link:


http://chorrol.com/forums/index.php?showto...263&st=1080


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Chapter 162: Making Pacts With Devils





Gils:

http://a3.ec-images.myspacecdn.com/images0...9a4cd2b0a/l.jpg



Gils & Maxical’s song:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ctc73dDUr1o





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I didn’t know if Gils could even hear me, but I talked softly into his hair…just whispering bits of memories that had been important to us. The day we met, he‘d walked out of the bathing room naked and stood staring at me. I’d never seen a man’s sword before, pointed at it and asked what that was. Gils said he fell in love with me that day.

Told him how I loved the smell of brandy on his breath, the taste of it on his mouth when he kissed me…my first kiss, there on the banks of the Rumare where later that night we swore our marriage vows. I’ll remember that night forever.

Talked about the day he came back from Anvil and serenaded Pork Chop. That was the night I swore myself to Akatosh to save him. How he bought that mansion in Anvil, he said we’d live in it and fill it with little Dun-jiit babies.

Gils’ eyes stared vacantly in front of him, they weren’t closed but I didn’t know if he could actually see anything. Just in case, I held my hand up in front of his face to show his wedding ring on my finger.

“Remember how you got me this wedding ring by catching slaughterfish Gils? The Jewel of the Rumare. Azura blessed our marriage twice, Gils. I’m the only one that can ever have your mysteries, and I‘m bound to you by her seal. I can‘t live apart from you, Gils. I’ve suffered terribly without you this past two weeks. Please don’t ever let us be separated again, Gils. I can’t take the pain of us being apart. I love you, Gils.”

There was an intangible feeling that he wasn’t there, like a wall was between us…no, it was more than that. It was like he literally wasn’t there beside me.

“Captain Renault knew I was alive, Gils. She lied to you because she wanted you for herself. Everyone said she was trying you. If you gave to her, I‘ll forgive whatever you‘ve done if you just come home to me. You are my husband and the only one I want to be with. I love you Gils, I always will.”






***


An eerie feeling of being watched hung in the air around me as I lay beside Gils, and not someone I trusted like Owyn. My first thought was Captain Renault sneaking up on me, maybe wanting retribution. My instincts raised immediately, the fur bristled on my arms and the back of my neck. My ears were already swiveling, searching for a sound that didn’t belong. The Life Detect ring from Eyja showed nothing but her and Owyn sleeping on the other side of the crates, but I was positive someone was there.

Then it hit me. Malan. Probably guarding my blood, and without a doubt if Gils had been healthy and mounted me Malan would have killed us both by now. Without a doubt.

Maybe the only reason he was letting me have this moment with Gils was that he knew, like Owyn did. Like I’d sensed the minute I saw Gils walk into the bathing room. Gils was dying. My mind screamed over and over again, Don’t you dare let him die, Akatosh! But even as I formed the words in my mind, I knew.

I never slept, just stroked Gils’ hair and told him over and over how much I loved him…how much everyone did, that everywhere in Cyrodiil people knew him as Gils the singer. I didn’t sing to him, but whispered the words to our song; the song that everyone said they fell in love to.


Lay beside me
Tell me what they've done
Speak the words I want to hear
To make my demons run
The door is locked now
But it's open if you're true
If you can understand the me
Then I can understand the you

Lay beside me under wicked sky
Through black of day, dark of night
We share this pair of lives
The door cracks open
But there's no sun shining through

Come lay beside me
This won't hurt, I swear
She loves me not
She loves me still
But she'll never love again
She lay beside me
But she'll be there when I'm gone
Dead sure she'll be there

Lay beside me, tell me what I've done
The door is closed, so are your eyes
But now I see the sun.

What I've felt, what I've known
So sick and tired, I stand alone
Could you be there
'Cause I'm the one who waits,
The one who waits for you




***


At first I thought something I said had reached Gils, his cheek and hair on the pillow were damp. I cast a low light spell and sat up to look. It wasn‘t tears, it was a yellowish green fluid seeping from the corners of his eyes and nostrils. A thin line of it drizzled from his mouth. He started tossing and jerking as if he was having a nightmare, mumbling something unintelligible.

Then suddenly it was like a dam broke. Sweat poured from him like a river flooding, and that greenish yellow liquid seemed to ooze from every pore of his body. The jerking became violent shaking, and it sounded like he was trying to say something but all that came out was a gurgling. Inside me was a terror like I’ve never known.

“OWYN!” I tried to hold Gils tight, but his seizing was so violent I couldn’t keep a grip on him.

“OWYN! AKATOSH, HELP! CLAVICUS, PLEASE HELP ME! OWYN!”

I reached my arm up to cast a stronger light spell and froze. The outside wall of the room was surrounded by giant pink glows…Malan’s army! I cast the light quickly, but no one was there. Either the Life Detect was showing them through the outer wall or they were in here with us but invisible.

When I looked back at Gils my blood curdled in my veins. Fangs! His eyes looked wild, crazed like a feral rabid dog…dear gods, or like Lord Lovidicus’s had that day at Crowhaven.

“OH CRAP!” Owyn shoved me out of the way, grabbing Gils. “GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE! HE SMELLS YOUR BLOOD!“






***


I don’t know if I tried to walk, it felt like my feet were rooted into the stone floor. My mind felt like it had gone numb, frozen and unable to comprehend what it was supposed to be doing.

“EYJA! GET HER OUT OF HERE!” Owyn shouted, and immediately she was there. I felt her pulling me through the gap in the stack of crates.

“OH CRAP!” I heard Owyn’s shout as Gils broke loose from him and came barreling toward me and Eyja. Then suddenly it was as if he ran into a brick wall.

The invisible pink forms of Malan’s giants appeared from nowhere, blocking Gils from getting to Eyja and me. They grabbed Gils and began dragging him toward the door.

“DON’T KILL HIM, PLEASE MALAN! PLEASE DON’T KILL HIM!” I screamed it over and over.

“What the hell just happened?” Eyja shook me hard.

“Leave me alone! MALAN, DON‘T! MALAN!”

“They’re gone, Maxical!” She shook me hard again. “Now what is going on?”

“Gils…was having a nightmare. Malan’s army took him away. Please gods don’t let him die. Akatosh, please keep your vow to me…please! Clavicus, please help Gils.”

Eyja smacked my face hard and shook me till it felt like my head might fly off.

“OW! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? STOP!”

“You sounded like you were going into shock. That was no nightmare, Maxical! I know a vampire when I see one, Gils has been turned!“

“You’re damn right he is!” Owyn wedged through the crates. “I need Cure Disease now, look what he’s done to me!” He had several claw marks on his face and neck where Gils had fought to get free.

“Both of you go in the other room, please! I need to be alone. And don‘t tell anyone out there about Gils!” I literally shoved them out of the storage room and wedged the shield under the door.

My legs crumbled under me and I felt myself sliding down the wall as if in slow motion, just repeating over and over, “Malan, please promise me you won’t kill him. Don’t let him die, please Akatosh? You promised! Clavicus, I only vowed my soul if you save Gils…please save him, please!”






***


A visible vapor rolled across the room toward me, then the pink glow of a man appeared. Malan stepped out of the middle of the vapor like he‘d rode in on a magic carpet. He squatted in front of me, lifting my chin up to look into his face.

“Your seal from Azura would tell you if we meant him harm. The wrath would come, remember?”

“No, something’s wrong with my seal, Malan. Gils was attacked by that Orc days ago, I didn’t even know it! And Azura never came to me, either, I‘d never have known had I not come here. Please, swear it to me that you or your army won’t kill him…please, Malan.”

“You have my promise, Lass. Dagoth-Malan, nor his army will touch him. But I don’t have to tell you the lad is dying, you know it. I doubt he‘ll last the night.” Malan sat beside me on the floor, scooping me against him.

“Thank you. Malan, I don’t understand what happened to him. I talked to him, but he wasn’t there, it was like he was locked away from me. I could feel him through some kind of barrier but couldn‘t reach him.”

“I was reading his mind, he heard everything you said. He knew what was happening to him, knew he was dying. He knew what he’d become, Lass.”

“But how can he be dying? How can someone who was strong and healthy two weeks ago get this ill? Hannibal said you were a great physician once, please…can you tell me what happened to him?”

“Aye, he’s strong all right. Willpower like I’ve never seen. It’s a miracle he lasted this long after that attack, Maxical. You saw his injuries, that Orc did internal damage that couldn’t sustain life. Only a healer like Traven or Owyn could have saved him, and then only if they got to him right away. Captain Renault pulled rank on Owyn, ordered him not to touch the lad. She said she‘d treat him.”






***


His words sank in, and I remembered Owyn saying the same thing…but that was before I knew it had caused Gils’ death. A rage like I’ve never known choked in my throat, and I struggled to sit up.

“He had mortal wounds, and she refused to let Owyn treat him? She knew she couldn’t heal, she outright killed him! Why? Why would she kill Gils when she wanted him so badly?”

“You answered your own question, Lass. That Captain Renault is power hungry and enjoys a bit of torture as you‘ve seen from her bedroom. He needed healing and a cure for that disease. She held the healing over his head for her own gain.”

Malan grabbed me as I was surging up and held me tightly in his arms so I couldn’t leave. His voice was soothing in my ear, but did little to calm the rage in me.

“Shh now. If you have a hand in it, it’ll be the murder that will bring the Dark Brotherhood to your bedside. Now what do you want Dagoth-Malan to do about her?”

“There has to be a legal defense if I kill her!”

“You‘d need proof, Lass. She’s Captain of Uriel’s Elite Guard, you‘d be put to death.”

“He suffered and is dying because of her, Malan. I want his death burned into her soul so she’ll know when she dies it was for what she did to him, and I want my name on it.”

“Listen to me, Lass. Let Dagoth-Malan give her a taste of what she put your man through. I’ll have my army bring her to the lair of that Orc that attacked Gils, let him handle it. I’ll see she’s told it’s for causing Gils’ death, tell her you send your regards.“

“I…I can’t say to do it, or I’ll be legally responsible. And I don’t want to be beholden to you, Malan.”

He rumbled a low laugh before answering. “I‘m just a disgruntled friend of yours and Gils. It’ll be done without your say or knowledge.”

“Thank you, Malan.”


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This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 5 2012, 09:54 PM

[King Coin]

First paragraph made me smile. What a nice (and funny!) memory to review. It gets sad from there though. What has happened to Gils?

What’s going on? He’s a vampire!! As sad as this is going to be for Maxical, I have to appreciate the horrific description of the transformation. What will happen now? I’m so glad Owyn was there to take control when Maxical was shocked out of her wits. And Malan shows up to take advantage… I hate seeing Malan use her like this…

[Acadian]

What a bittersweet collection of memories Maxical quietly voices to Gils. We come to realize he is dying. When the fangs appeared, you had done such a good job that, although we didn’t want it to be so, it was not a surprise.

Eyja and Owyn are good friends to Maxical.

What Malan says about Renault is supported by Owyn. Yes, turn the orc loose on her and let her know why. Of course, Maxical doesn’t cue on the fact that Gils would likely not have been turned without Malan’s direction. He is stunningly complex in a dastardly charming way. Poor sweet Maxical is no match for him.

[Grits]

Oh, poor Maxical pouring her heart out, and it’s just too late. That moment when she realized that what she thought might be tears is really not was just chilling. I thought that Gils’ transformation was very well done. As Acadian said, you gave us enough warning that it made sense, but it was still gripping because that’s Maxical’s man!! Also it was gross enough to do justice to what a horrifying event it was, but not so yucky as to be distracting.

Yikes, Gils attacking and Malan’s invisible army all around made me want to turn on all the lights! Eyja and Owyn were awesome. When the chips are down you can count on Eyja to slap you silly, whether or not you really need it.

A visible vapor rolled across the room toward me, then the pink glow of a man appeared. Malan stepped out of the middle of the vapor like he‘d rode in on a magic carpet. He squatted in front of me, lifting my chin up to look into his face.

Argh!! Malan!! He had Maxical in his lap before she could blink. He is the master manipulator!!

[Zalphon]

Why oh why must good people die? Oh yeah, because it makes for an interesting story Please continue!

[McBadgere]

Fair dues, all Maxical seems to have been doing since I started here is try to find Gils, and now...Blimey ...That was a shocker!...

A pretty intense and heavy episode, expertly done...

I just hope Owyn gets that Cure Disease soon!... ...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

[Darkness Eternal]

Yay! You will keep your promise about Malan . Don't get me wrong, I love Maxical too! .

When I looked back at Gils my blood curdled in my veins. Fangs! His eyes looked wild, crazed like a feral rabid dog…dear gods, or like Lord Lovidicus’s had that day at Crowhaven.

So, Gils is a vampire! Oh my . . .things are about to go down! The transformation scene was gritty and otherwise excellent! Props to you! I loved it! You offered some nice humor here where Eyja once again slaps poor Maxical . . .again!

Grits is so right, Malan is a hardcore manipulative dude, and he does it with flawless skill. It will take more than just Maxical to take him out, or perhaps she will have the courage to do it and face him alone .

Oh and some crazy metallica song, there! , good song! Overall, good update. You gave us some interesting twists and turns, and the undeath of Gil's, which kicks major "boat".

[mALX]

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@ King Coin - Thank you so much KC! That scene with Gils was very hard to write, he has been one of my fave characters in the story. Malan will do what he does best with Maxical - manipulate and use her to his own benefit. He has power over her as Arbiter, and she has a history with him that makes her trust him despite what she knows of him; but she's about to see the other side. That should wake her up. Thanks again, KC !!!

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@ Acadian - You said something in your comment that was prophetic for what is coming up - and you were exactly right. Malan def had something to do with Gils' condition. Not just that he ordered Gils' death that day war broke out that day in the Arena, but since then he's realizing his dream of that Palace and is making his move now. Gils didn't fit into his plans at all.

Your last sentence made my whole week, and that was hard to do this week! That means tons to hear, that is exactly how I hope Malan comes across - Thank You so very much !!!!!

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@ Grits - Thank you so very much Grits! You had me in hysterics with this line:

When the chips are down you can count on Eyja to slap you silly, whether or not you really need it.

I was having the week from hell and really needed a laugh and you really gave it to me with that sentence, ROFL !! Your kind words are so appreciated, and I felt the same way you said in writing that episode - it is Maxical's man. That chapter was excrutiating to write because of that. I doubt I could ever have done justice to what she would have been feeling (had she not had the assistance of Akatosh giving her that blessed numbing). Thank you so much Grits, You ROCK !!!

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@ Zalphon - I liked Gils a lot, it was really hard to do that to him - Thank you so much Z !!!

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@ McBadgere - Thank you so much McB! For someone who rocks intense scenes, it meant a lot to hear those kind words from you!

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@ Darkness Eternal - You said it right, it will take a lot more than Maxical to take Malan down. He didn't live centuries to be taken down by a green girl, lol. Your words on Malan always make my day, you are the resident expert on vampires and it is so appreciated when you give me a thumbs up! Thank you so very much Darkness!

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[mALX]

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Chapter 163: Aftermath And Revelation



“I feel like crying, but can’t. I don’t know why. My brain feels numb.” My whisper echoed back to me off the stone wall.

First Fathis, then Gils. It felt like in two weeks my life had been wrenched from me by this war. I was separated from everyone I’d ever been close to, uprooted...and devastated. But either I had run out of tears or Akatosh had done something to block the painful memories from my mind. All I felt now was rage and an icy numbness.

“You’ll mourn him when the shock is gone and the memories are all you have. I can see what’s in your heart. You love deep, Lass. Khajiit are like us ancients that way. It’s the beast in us both that feels things deeper than humans can.”

“Malan…er…”

“You’ve got a favor to ask Dagoth-Malan. Tell me what it is.”

“I don’t want anyone knowing what happened to Gils here tonight or at the end. I want his memory free from that taint so I can bury him with honor. Can you erase it from anyone’s mind that knows? Everyone except Captain Renault, since she caused it. She needs to remember for eternity that she was killed for what she did to Gils.“

Malan nodded his approval. “Aye, I’ll do that. Funerals are very expensive, Lass. Will you need funds? Dagoth-Malan is very wealthy.”

“No, but thank you for the offer. I don’t like being beholden to anyone. No burials are being done till the war ends, anyway. When it does, I’ll have my own funds. I’ve saved everything I’ve ever earned, it should be plenty for a funeral.”

Malan looked thunderstruck. “What were you saving for?”

“To buy back my golden armor. It was a gift from Fathis.”

Malan looked like a memory struck him suddenly. “Ach, the Golden Armor. How could I forget ‘twas yours? I remember the Courier calling you the ‘Mystery Owner‘, piquant humor that was. Dagoth-Malan may yet add that armor to his collection.”

I stared at him dumbly. “Humor? I don’t get it.”






***


His eyes quickly concealed a flash of mischief before he answered. “It’s a private joke. Are you wanting Dagoth-Malan to make a gift of it to you?”

“No, of course not! I refuse to be indebted to you, Malan. Anyway, Gils and I had already planned to use those funds for something else.”

“What of the arrangements you’ll need to make, won’t you be wanting my army to bring Gils to you when the time comes?”

The thought of Gils‘ body being brought to me left an ill feeling in my stomach and I felt the numbness creeping across my mind to dull it. Once again I wondered if Akatosh somehow blocked my mind from being overwhelmed by painful memories.

“Oh. Can you do that for me, Malan? I’ll have to get a coffin first, I couldn’t stand to see Gils’ body and it not be alive. His jewelry was gone, but I want his sheath and sword to keep.”

“You’ll have it as you wish. You just reminded me of something. Unless you particularly want to select the coffin yourself, I know of one that can be had for free. It was originally made for a member of the royal family in Daggerfall, and is luxurious.”

“Is it…er...yours?”

“Nae, Lass. Knowing how averse you are over being beholden to me, I’d not have offered it if it was mine.”

I eyed him suspiciously out of my one eye that still opened, but he didn’t blink. “How can one that nice be free?”

“Don’t worry, it will cost me nothing to obtain. An enterprising Thieves Guild member stole it out of the shop before they could deliver it to the Palace. Greywyn Blenwyth beat me to the fence and purchased it for 2,000 Septims. It was delivered just as war broke out, and has not been slept in or even uncrated yet. I planned to steal it from him just for fun, it will give me joy to donate it.”

“Because the burial will be public and he’ll read the description of the coffin in the Black Horse Courier?”

“You’re a bright one, Lassie.”

I glanced up at him quickly before answering, oddly surprised. Sir Damien had said those exact words earlier.

“Then no. I don’t want Gils’ grave desecrated by Blenwyth wanting his coffin back.”

“Ach, you’re right, Lass. Thoughtless of me.”






***


“Where is Gils?”

“I’ll tell you where they’re taking him only if you give your word not to go seeking him there. He‘s not right in the head anymore Lass. He’ll be as dangerous as Lovidicus and the Orc. That whole line is tainted. When I was making my ancient line I avoided any connections that led to Lovidicus, wouldn’t chance it.”

“I won’t seek him, Malan. I want to remember the Gils I knew…but I want to know.”

“My army is taking him to a cabin on the mainland, a nice little place. It’s set back in the woods. He‘ll have food and a bed, and my army will guard till the end. It belongs to that Jenseric fellow Seridur accused of killing that girl a month or so back.”

“Seridur killed that girl.”

“I know. Not just her, he killed many. You ever swim in the southern end of the Rumare where the Red Ring Road bridge is, off the eastern shore you’ll find an old Ayleid ruin underwater. It’s filled with the skeletons of girls he killed.”

I made a mental note to tell Uriel about that. “When will your army take Captain Renault?”

“She’s already gone, Lass.” He curled a finger under my chin and lifted my face to his. “They took her out that same side door you ran into earlier when you escaped from me. We need to talk about that.”

“Oh.” I averted my eyes from his and turned my head away when he released my chin, then quickly changed the subject.

“Er…where is the Orc‘s lair? I may want to blow it up with him in it one day.”

“The Orc is holed up in a very little known section of tunnels built by Jagar Tharn himself as an escape route from the Palace in case his illusion was discovered.”

“The Palace! Can he access the Palace through it?”

“He could, but I have some of my army nested there so he can‘t cross. Vampires can‘t enter an ancient‘s lair, their nature stops them as if an invisible barrier was up. They can feel it, but not fight it. There is another tunnel into the Palace that comes out on the upper floors, he hasn’t found that one yet. I’ve already set a nest up there too. Uriel may consider me an enemy to the throne, but as I told you before my army is at his service.”

“You want the throne.”

“Aye, no denying that; but I’ll not kill Uriel to get it. The gods will be taking him in his own time, I can’t change the path they’ve laid out for him. When you consider I’ve waited centuries already, there’s but a blink left before Dagon comes for him. I can‘t change his destiny, Lass.”






***


My head ached from all that had happened, from everything I was trying to remember to tell Uriel. And from Malan. He looked me in the eye, seemingly talking candidly. Everything about his body language said he was being truthful. But Uriel said he was an uncanny con. Would he really sit here and blithely tell me secrets? I’m not sultry like Eyja, so why was he telling me all this?

“I’m in over my head, Malan. I don’t know who to believe or trust. Uriel said you are the greatest con imaginable, uncanny. You’ve always seemed so kind and good when I meet you, but I know your history and inclination. I don’t know why you’re being so friendly to me, but I have to protect Uriel at all costs.”

“Now don’t go trying to arouse me again, Dagoth-Malan is off his game from that kiss of fire you gave when you escaped me. You immobilized me with it. I need to know what you did to me.” He lifted my chin up to his face, watching me closely. I couldn‘t read the look in his eyes so averted mine.

“Er…uh…huh?”

He stroked the underside of my chin almost absentmindedly while he answered, the caress at odds with his words that sent shivers of fear down my spine. “Maxical, this Bloodworks is sealed tighter than a drum. Did it stop my whole army from entering and taking what they wished?” He released my chin and pointed at the Detect Life ring Eyja had given me. “Did you see any of us here till we wanted you to?”

“I didn’t see you till you came out of that vapor. You mean you can’t be detected when you’re a vapor? But how did you get in then? Through the vent windows?”

“We can come in crevices smaller than those vents. We could fill that Palace and no one would know till we wanted them to. But before you panic, listen. I give you my vow that I’ll guard Uriel from every enemy except Dagon. That fight is between him and the gods and there is nothing any of us can do to save him from it. He knows that.”

“Your army is in the Palace? They’ll kill me for my blood!”

“My army is the most disciplined on Nirn. When you crawled up on the mezzanine to Fathis did they harm you?“

“No. They kept me from falling, even though I‘d just torched a raft of them…but why?”

“Because you are under my protection, and they know it.”

“You mean my blood is under your protection, right?”

“Your blood is a part of you.”

“Why me?”

“Now that I can’t tell you.”






***


“Malan, when I’m no longer wafting virgin blood around will all this stop? I just want to feel safe.”

“Whoever took it would be dead, could you live with that on your conscience?”

“I don’t understand, Malan. Am I just in your territory so my blood falls under your jurisdiction or something?”

“Maxical, you read people through their eyes. Look into mine and tell me what you see there.”

“No! Vicente used some kind of hypnotism on me when I looked in his eyes.”

“I know, he just barely escaped with his life for that. Then will you take my promise?”

“No. Just tell me, why do you help me? Why do you protect me?”

“It’s what I told you earlier, my nature sees things beyond your mortal realm’s capability. We have a connection, you’ve felt it.”

“Like we were bonded ages ago?”

Malan nodded. “Aye, we were bonded ages ago. Humans only see the bodies people wear for brief moments in time. Ancients, we see the souls and remember them for eternity.”

“I don’t know what to believe, Malan. You make me feel safe and secure when you’re around me, while everything I know of you says it is deceit. For all I know you could be using some powerful vampire charm over me.”

“Are you saying you find Dagoth-Malan charming, Lass?“ When no laugh came Malan tapped his finger on Fathis’s wedding ring. “Vampire charm can’t pass that ring you wear. You’re safe from it.”

“I am? Well that makes me feel better…I think.”

Malan tipped my face up to his again. “Let me heal you, Lass. It’s hurting you each breath and your eyes are almost swollen shut. Lay down here.” He indicated the two mats pushed together that Owyn and Eyja had used.

“No, you might get ideas! Anyway, those mattresses are filthy. And I can’t go back to mine, it’ll remind me…I don’t want to ever remember Gils like that again.”

“Just don’t start challenging me with battle talk, you’ll be safe enough with me.”

“Huh? Is that a joke?”

“’Tis as much a joke as the last time I said it. You have my promise you’ll be safe from me tonight. Dagoth-Malan won‘t kill you, and that kiss you gave earlier robbed my ability to do what’s needed to keep from it. Since you’ve changed the conversation every time I’ve asked about it, we’ll discuss that another time. There now, my cloak is clean and will cover both mats easily.” He proceeded to pull a richly heavy greatcloak with many capes and an inner lining of thick velvet from seemingly nowhere and spread it out over the mats.

His eyes showed no guile, and I was exhausted. Every injury I’d gotten in the melee ached excruciatingly. Hannibal said Malan was a better physician than himself. I shrugged off the warning bells in my mind and crawled onto his cloak, pulling the soft velvet lining over to cover me.


*

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 10 2012, 08:03 PM

[King Coin]

Maxical sure has been through a lot. She thinks Fathis is dead and now Gils is a vampire. I’m not surprised she’s numb. When she finally realizes who did this to her, she’s going to let him have it!

It a small relief that Maxical’s refusing gifts from Malan. He’s doing everything he can to get her. This can’t all be about blood, can it?

Another clue that Malan is impersonating Damien! And Maxical noticed! If Malan follows through on his plan, the time after Uriel’s death will be very exciting. Both Malan and Dagon coming in to take over.

Malan’s too good at this for Maxical. She knows she shouldn’t trust him and yet she still does. She even ignored her instincts to not allow him to heal her. I’m sure he’ll heal her up just fine, but there will be more to it than that.

[Acadian]

Malan is playing into Maxical’s shock, grief and needs like the master of deception that he is. As smooth as the velvet of his great cloak, that one. Like KC, I was pleased to see Maxical cue on the Ancient’s Foxish slip of words. We are all screaming for her to heed her warning bells but, given her state of mind, she is acting exactly as her nature dictates. I can imagine how difficult this is for you to write, and I applaud the vulnerability and confused thinking you are allowing her to share with us. What testimony to your skill that we are all biting our nails in worry for Maxical!

This post has been edited by Acadian: Aug 11 2012, 12:51 AM

[Grits]

“You’re a bright one, Lassie.”

I glanced up at him quickly before answering, oddly surprised. Sir Damien had said those exact words earlier.

Argh, so close!! Of course I wanted Maxical to jump up and claw Malan, but being a virgin widow of two husbands is just too much for her right now. She crawled into that velvet cape like it was some soft childhood comfort. With all of the action and grief that has been going on, these quiet scenes between Malan and Maxical are mesmerizing! What a great chapter!

[McBadgere]

Oooh...Pass me a bloody stake will ya?!... ...

Aaamywho...Fantastic writing...Brilliant stuff!!...

An interesting line in headfracking there...Manipulation is the word of the day!!...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

[Zalphon]

*Stares at mALX*

I really like this Dagoth Malan fellow... He's villainous, but certainly an interesting fellow. Is it bad to be rooting for him?

[Darkness Eternal]

My pleasure, mALX! You've been a great friend here in the forums!

Zalphon: No, it isn't wrong. I root for him too!

Ah, my favorite toys; deception and manipulation. Malan's dialogue with Maxical was chilling to the bone, and sprinkled with some seductive touches.

“Because you are under my protection, and they know it.”

“You mean my blood is under your protection, right?”

“Your blood is a part of you.”

“Why me?”

“Now that I can’t tell you.”

I LOVE THIS! Maxical still denies Malan . . . but I wonder for how long? The dialogue is superb and you did not fail with the mysteries. Still shocked about Gils though .

[ghastley]

And all this time, Fathis is alive, and Maxical doesn't know it. Damien is alive and is not Malan, and Maxical doesn't know it. Gils is curable, but Maxical doesn't quite believe it

All we need is a credible direct threat to Uriel, and she's going to go ballistic, and accidentally do the right thing again.

[mALX]

*

@ King Coin - You are very correct. Yes, Malan wants her blood (of course) - but that is not what this is all about. He has other plans (plots) involving Maxical that have nothing to do with her. Malan will never do anything unless it is part of a plot that will avail him, and every action has consequences in the most places possible. (He never hurts just one person if he can hurt three or more with one move).

Maxical will learn faster once he starts showing his true colors. Right now it is hard when all she sees is him being nice to her (when she desperately needs that from someone).

You are so appreciated KC, Thank you so very much !!!!

*
@ Acadian - This was so nice, you really understand! And you are right, it is hard to show the vulnerability in Maxical. Suffering major loss for the first time has opened up weaknesses that enemies like Malan can and will exploit till she starts applying what Uriel tells her, (what she should know to do from being an Arena fighter). Right now the power they have over her is overwhelming, and the danger she's placing herself and Uriel in is about to (hit the fan). Thank you so very much Acadian !!!

*
@ Grits - Thank you so very much Grits! You were so right about the 'childhood comfort'. As badly as Maxical has needed that solace, unfortunately Malan is the only one that brings it. Makes it hard to for her to see him as the enemy right now. I am so glad you liked the quiet moments - there is a chemistry there when writing them that flows from the keyboard without effort. I like them too, but worry they'll get too boring for others, lol. Thank you so much again, Grits! You ROCK !!!!

*
@ McBadgere - Thank you so much McB! I fell in love with your Trellanwr character for his cool head and plotting ways, he ROCKS! Your support is very appreciated, Thanks again!

*
@ Zalphon - I wanted Malan to come across as charismatic, and really hope he does. Back when Malan was impersonating Jakben Imbel - I loved his character, it was very hard to stick with the plan of him being the villainous character he was meant to be, lol. We're about to see more of that side of him now that he is starting to make his move on the Palace, though. Thank you so much Zalphon!

*
@ Darkness Eternal - You pick up on every nuance that I hope comes across with Malan, Thank you so much Darkness! (and YEAH! You caught the 'Mysteries' joke!) You are very appreciated!

*
@ Ghastley - Thank you so much Ghastley! Everything is going to start coming out now that Malan is making his move, that should be a relief...or will it? Lol. Thanks again, Ghastley!


*

[mALX]

*


Chapter 164: Nightmares And Reality


Malan tapped his finger on Fathis’s wedding ring that protected me against spells. “You‘ll have to take that off for me to heal you, Lass.”

He knew the enchantment on it, how? The only time its power was used was the night Sir Damien attacked me and tried to put me under spells. If Malan was in the Palace that night, wouldn’t he’d have killed Sir Damien for trying me? I slid it off, but clutched it tightly in my hand to throw on quickly if he tried anything.

Hannibal was right that Malan was a better healer than he was. Malan’s magic was more powerful than any I’d ever experienced before, I could feel it going through me as strongly as the healing fount. He was as professional as Hannibal would have been, no errant touches or lingering of his hands longer than needed at any time.

I’d needed the healing badly, the pain of my face and on breathing had been excruciating…but the memories of what happened tonight were a torture I couldn‘t escape, each scene replaying over and over like being trapped in a nightmare that you know you will never wake from.

Without the blessed numbing Akatosh gave my mind I’d never survive this. But why wouldn’t he take the torment of the memories away too? Gils walking into that bathing room and dropping to the floor, that horrible seizure and those last seconds with his eyes so wild…Gils with fangs.

I couldn’t stop thinking about how he must have suffered from those injuries, or that Renault knew she couldn’t heal and insisted Owyn not heal Gils. She killed him as surely as Agronak did. The sight of her in that filmy negligee on that mat pulled up to Gils’…as if she loved him. No one that loved him would have put him through that suffering. Then why…how could she?

Malan had stopped healing me, I don’t know when. I looked up and he was watching me.

“You’re shaking like a leaf in a storm, Lass. Dagoth-Malan can’t heal you while your mind rages, you’re blocking the magic as surely as that ring of yours would.”

Hannibal had said the same thing, it must be true. Uriel warned me not to trust Malan…but I would never be free of these memories, not without his help. I wanted to forget tonight ever happened, remember only the Gils I knew and loved…never again remember that I lay beside him and felt him dying in my arms or the monster he’d become.

“Tell Dagoth-Malan what you want him to do, Lass.”

“Please, Malan…please take the memories from me. Make them go away so I never remember what happened here tonight again, please Malan.”






***


For the fourth time since that day in the orphanage when I was seven years old, Malan sang away painful memories I couldn’t face without them destroying me. He bundled me up in his cloak and held me like a child in his arms, singing the old traditional songs of his homeland again; gently stroking the hair from my face with one hand while he healed me with the other.

Before falling into an exhausted sleep I remember thinking to myself, “Thank you, Malan,” but then couldn’t remember what I was thanking him for. Healing me, I guess.

After that came a blur between dreaming and reality, like those minutes just after waking where your mind clings to the last vestiges of illusions and struggles against the truth of day sweeping them away.

The chill of the stone floors seeping up through the thin mat, the familiar smell of the Bloodworks, the warmth of a man‘s body pressed against my back and his legs entwined with mine…for just a few blessed seconds I could almost believe the war had all been a nightmare I was finally waking from. I curled my tail on his leg and softly stroked it, purring and snuggling closer to the heat of his flesh against my fur.

Dear gods I’d missed this. I reached for his hand and rubbed it on my cheek before tugging it tightly around me, wondering why the moonsugar wasn‘t on my tongue. That’s when reality crushed the moment, stealing the dream as the stark truth of a cold metal armband on a massively muscled arm tightened me to him. Malan!

Why was I sleeping with Malan? Where was Gils? I tried to sit up, but it was like the signal between my brain and actions was severed. I wasn’t paralyzed, why couldn’t I move? This had to be a dream…a very strange one. Why would I dream about sleeping with Malan instead of Gils?

My mind felt disconnected from my body, feeling every sensation but unable to act of my own will. I could feel his breath tickling the fur on my ears and feel my nostrils flaring to capture the scent of him. I would do that for Gils, but never Malan. I wouldn’t.

This had to be a nightmare. Malan couldn’t be in the Bloodworks…wait, I remember him healing me…dear gods, I took Fathis’s ring off for healing! Had Malan put me under a spell? No, I’d have felt the magic if a spell were cast on me. There was no magic running through me, this was some weird nightmare. But then where was my ring? It had been clutched tightly in my hand and it was gone now. And where was Gils? Had he ever come last night? Why couldn’t I remember?

My mind felt overtired suddenly, dopey. I don’t know when I’ve felt so exhausted. The tension in me was relaxing against the warmth at my back, my eyes drooped to the sound of my own purring.







***


When I woke daylight was streaming in the vent windows. I sat up disoriented, not remembering where I was. Fathis’s ring tumbled from somewhere when I sat up. I grabbed it quickly and slid it on. Had I dreamed Malan slept beside me last night? But he must have been here, I was wrapped in his greatcloak!

Why would I sleep with him? Dear gods, had we? I felt my neck, but there was no wound. I tried to bend over far enough to see if my private area looked any different. It didn’t feel any different. But I was naked. Had I dreamed feeling Malan’s skin hot against the fur of my back? Where was my tail while we slept? I don’t remember feeling it between us!

Was I still a virgin? There was only one way to know. I kicked the shield from under the door and stepped out of the storage room, naked but wrapped in Malan’s cloak.

A loud gasp escaped before I could stifle it. Uriel Septim was there, standing regally in full dress Imperial armor…the troops gathering before him! I cast chameleon too late, Uriel had spotted me.

“MAXICAL!”

I dispelled, struggling for any expression other than guilty. Eyja hurried over at his shout and ogled me standing there with nothing on but a greatcloak twisted around me like a towel. She raised her eyebrows twice and grinned.

“Looks like that little problem has been taken care of. Well? You going to tell us about it?”

“Er…huh?”

Uriel’s eyes looked astonished, then relieved. “Let’s go back into the room you just came from, there are some things we need to discuss.”

Uriel strode into the room and glanced around, taking in the two mattresses pushed together just before looking back at me with raised eyebrows. “Well? Has that worry been relieved?”

“Uh…I don’t know. I think I remember sleeping with him, but it may have been a dream. Although I do have his cloak.”

Uriel glanced at Eyja and she brayed out a laugh.

“Did you have too much to drink, Maxical?” Uriel’s expression was enigmatic, I couldn’t tell if he was baiting me or not.

“I don’t drink, Sire. I just don’t remember. I don’t feel any different. Is there something I should look for?”

“Well we know it wasn’t Baurus then.” Eyja winked at me.

“Dear gods, I remember that!”

“We’d better get her back to the Palace and have Traven examine her.” Uriel shook his head.

“Wait, Sire. All I have to do is step out into Pork Chop’s cage. If I’m still intact, I’ll know it by the vampire’s reactions and the cage will keep me safe.”

“Do it, but armor up first. I’ll wait in the other room.”







***


We could hear bits and pieces of Uriel addressing the troops through the wall, the words ’My Champion’ came through and I breathed a sigh of relief. If he was owning up to knowing me, maybe some of what I promised may get done for those men.

Eyja grinned at me while she helped me find my armor. “Owyn said you were so dumb you could lose your virginity and never know. I didn’t believe him.”

“Well it’s not like I know what I’m supposed to be feeling. He has to have been here, because I have his cloak.”

“Who has to have been here?”

“Malan.”

Eyja gasped and her eyes bulged out from her head nearly as much as her breasts were doing in her lowcut top.

“I gotta say this, Maxical. You don’t do anything halfway.”

“I guess we’ll find out.” I buckled on my sheath and sword and we headed into the bathing room. Uriel followed, locking the door behind us so our conversation would be private.

It didn’t take but a few seconds of stepping out into Pork Chop’s cage to see the reactions of the vampires out there to know I was still intact. Eyja yanked me back inside and slid the bolt.

“How’d you get healed up, anyway? You look like you never fought yesterday, I’m still bruised everywhere and I slept with the healer.”

“Maybe he was clumsy.”

“BWAAHAA!”

Uriel was waiting. “Well?”

Eyja shook her head no. I shrugged both shoulders. Uriel rolled his eyes. “Let’s get back to the Palace, we have a lot to discuss.”






***


“Wait Sire, er…I wanted to talk to you regarding the conditions these troops have suffered. I made promises to these men that changes would be made in their treatment.”

Uriel cut me off by handing me a list. “This covers the vows you’ve given them, I’ve approved them all and informed the troops of the changes they would see.“

One glance at the list was all needed to see every promise had been covered in it, including Owyn being over all healing and the dispensing of potions starting immediately. I gaped at him. “How could you know this? I don’t understand…”

“I heard a bit of what was going on down here, wanted to see how you’d handle things on your own. Foxy tailed you in chameleon and give a very detailed report on everything you did.”

My face flamed scarlet, realizing all he must have seen. “Huh?”

Eyja looked stunned. “There was nobody here in chameleon but us! And I’d know Foxy in any disguise!”

Uriel continued, ignoring Eyja‘s outburst. “He covered everything, from the startling of Ocato’s horse and arguing over the size of Eyja’s anatomy to your use of Eyja as a distraction after your challenge. He repeated all the private conversations between yourself and Eyja, including eavesdropping on me and Malan‘s leverage over you through Dunmer law.”

“Again with the eavesdropping and repeating of my private conversations! ARGH!”

Uriel gave a brief grimace. “He mentioned you might be upset over that.”

“I’m surprised he didn’t inform you whether I was intact or not and save me the trip out to Pork Chop’s pen!”

“SKREEK!” Only Eyja laughed, but Uriel was obviously enjoying my discomfort.

Uriel indicated an item on the list. “That notation for immediate stealth training is for you. Shrieking out obscenities while trying to infiltrate can compromise an entire operation.” Uriel’s eyes reflected laughter he was holding in.

“You did well on your first assignment, Maxical. The best learning is achieved through experience, it is time you begin earning your title. Once you are relieved of this virgin blood I’ll have another task for you.”

He gave me his rare approving look. I felt like I could breathe again. It didn’t last long once Eyja informed him of who I had spent the night with.


*

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 14 2012, 09:48 AM

[Zalphon]

Dagoth-Malan...

He's such a nice fellow--going so far as to heal Maxical