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

[ghastley]

There was nobody here in chameleon but us! And I’d know Foxy in any disguise!

So Eyja's almost caught on, and Maxical's come close too many times to mention. It's looking like Malan's disguise is getting very thin.

I'll admit to being surprised that Fathis and the real Damien haven't found some way to escape yet. Are they together?

[Acadian]

Oh this was great, as you continue to show the slimy charm that oozes from Malan. The dream and ultimate resolution to Maxical’s question was perfectly done.

Closer and closer she comes to unraveling Malan’s disguise.

What a pleasant surprise to see Uriel, and that he has acted on Maxical’s list.

[King Coin]

So very dangerous. Maxical is a mouse and Malan’s a snake. It was so easy for him to slip off the ring that protected her, and then after that, he was free to do whatever magic he wanted. He even got an invitation into her mind yet again.

Maxical’s waking was very creepy… We know it isn’t Gils and Maxical doesn’t realize it isn’t until… after what?

Uriel finally took it upon himself to figure out where the heck they’d gone.

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.”


We end with Uriel mildly impressed with Maxical, until he finds out the rest. He is going to flip!

[McBadgere]

Blimey... ...

Almost but not quite...In several ways...As it were... ...

Fantastic stuff...Love it!!!...

I'll admit to being surprised that Fathis and the real Damien haven't found some way to escape yet.

I agree actually...But, I have no doubt that their return will be mighty and triumphant... ...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

[Grits]

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?

Argh, I wish Maxical was thinking out loud and Eyja could hear her!! She’s just not putting the pieces together yet.

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.

What an entrance!! Uriel’s interrogation was funny. Awesome that he already had a list of things to change. Including more training for Maxical! Her head is in such a fog now, but her emotions were even harder for her to deal with. Now Uriel is back on the subject of relieving her of that virginal condition, and Maxical has run out of husbands! Maybe the real Damian and Fathis have been busy with a lockpick!!

What a relief that Uriel was pleased with her, but I guess there might be some yelling soon. At least Maxical will be armored up to deal with it!

I thought Maxical's dreamy state and then awakening was great. Her confusion came through very well, with the sense that something had been lost but now she doesn't know what.

[Darkness Eternal]

Interesting what you said. So this goes beyond Maxical's blood in a much more convoluted plot, I see. Yes! Conspiracies within conspiracies.

So Maxical questions her own virginity? Oh lawd, the mind games continue

What the hell, Malan! He even seeps into Maxical's steamy dreams! The man is everywhere and anywhere! . I loved the flash memory of the orphanage, a throwback to Maxical's history.

“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.

Oh yes! Uriel(at last he returns) has something planned! . Trouts anyone?

[mALX]

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@ Zalphon - ROFL !! I’ll bet he thinks of it that way, too! Lol. Thanks so much Zalphon!

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@ Ghastley - Maxical didn’t know Foxy before this but that one day, so she has no frame of reference. Eyja would def be able to, but she hasn’t seen the imposter yet, lol.

There have been many chapters since Damien was captured, but it has been less than a week in story time that has passed.

Fathis and the real Damien are not jailed together, but they are both in the same prison. Even if Damien escapes his cell, he can’t return to Cyrodiil for this SPOILER reason:

This is where they are being held:

http://oblivion.nexusmods.com/mods/images/...-1277979579.jpg


Damien can’t fly. Fathis may be able to if he has been turned into a vampire, but he is shackled and in a cell. Damien would not release Fathis if he is a vampire.

Thank you so much Ghastley!

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@ Acadian - Thank you so very much Acadian! Love your description of Malan, you had me choking, lol. Hope you come back soon, GAAAAH! It is TOO quiet without you!

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@ King Coin - I loved your comment, you pegged it so well! Thank you so very much KC!

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@ McBadgere - The worst part about keeping chapter length down to readable chunks is that it takes numerous chapters to cover a few days, lol.

I keep inserting time references in each chapter so you’ll know only a few days has passed - Damien was captured less than a week ago. The war broke out under two weeks ago.

It seems a lot longer than that to me too, but a lot has happened since Maxical came to the Palace - and getting it all in there before Damien/Fathis escapes took a LOT of chapters, lol.

Thank you so much McB!


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@ Grits - Thank you so very much Grits! You always make my day with your comments! I appreciate you so much, you see the things only another female would notice (the parts that mean the most to me, lol). <3

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@ Darkness Eternal - Ah, you caught that! Yes, Malan would have just taken her down if all he wanted was her blood, he has had ample opportunities. Everything he does is integral to a plot he is hatching, and there is a reason he has chosen Maxical for his plot that has nothing to do with her. Two chapters from now (or less) you will find out what that plot is, lol.

That was not a dream Maxical was having, it was something Malan was up to. I hoped that would come across, but didn’t do a good enough job making it clear, lol. Sorry about that.

Thank you so very much Darkness!


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[mALX]

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Chapter 165: Of Testing And Trout


“Foxy wagered you would best my army, his faith in your ability was greater than my own. I was both surprised and pleased by your success.”

“You wagered against me? Your Champion?”

“You were untested till now. What I’ve learned has given me confidence in your capabilities.”

Had I fought cleanly like his army did, I may have strutted around like a banty rooster. Instead I couldn’t look him in the eye I was so ashamed.

“I’m still untested, Sire. I cheated, used filthy tricks. I felt terrible doing that against your men, they fought clean and hard. I was backed in a corner, it was me or them. I knew I‘d take a beating, so took as many as I could down first.”

“I don’t condone your use of those techniques in battle against men, but there are some wars that cannot be won using gentlemen’s rules of engagement. We‘ve been raising up dead enemies to fight for us against these vampires, these are tactics I would never consider against mortals. We do what we must in defense of the Empire, and with creatures such as these vampires or the Daedra to come we must fight dirt with dirt. My troops began training under Owyn in those irregular fighting techniques this morning.”

“Will the Blades be trained in them as well, Sire? Because if you place your life in their hands right now, you will surely die. The least trained of your Imperial Army would avail you better. Renault and Glenroy are unskilled with their weapons and undisciplined. Captain Renault is downright dangerous, and Glenroy has personality issues that are counterproductive to any team.”

“You have made a statement, now must follow through with an action. What disciplinary measures would you recommend?”

“Huh? Me?”

Uriel nodded. “I must know what your leadership abilities are. Make your determination, and tell me what course of action you would advise for disciplining Captain Renault.”

“Oh no, is this a test? Oh dear gods! Er…uh…well, she could be executed for the treason…no, better not. She’s young and pretty, people would be offended and your public image would suffer. There’s prison…wait, no. They’d walk by her cell to see the traitor…she would look like a victim and gain their sympathy. You almost have to extend your grace to her…Dishonorable Discharge, I guess.”

“I was sure you would press for Renault’s execution.”

“If it was just me, I would have. I’m Khajiit and albino, people hate me already just on sight. But everyone loves you, you have an image to protect.”






***


Uriel paused as if considering what he was going to say next. I held my breath because his expression was serious. He placed his hand on my shoulder, then firmly gripped it for a brief second as he began speaking.

“Despite my earlier misgivings, I’m beginning to believe Akatosh chose well. You have surpassed my expectations on this assignment.”

He handed me an official scroll. “This is Renault’s Dishonorable Discharge from the Blades. She is being stripped of all rank, and can never rejoin in any capacity with this on her permanent record. I expect you to serve this on her. Eyja, you are to confiscate her Blade armor and Katana; then remove her from this base and the Palace. Do either of you know where she is? She did not show this morning when I addressed the troops.”

A sickening sensation knotted in my stomach that had something to do with Renault. It felt like I should be remembering something about her. I looked over at Eyja, she was crimson and looked too innocent to not be guilty of something.

Uriel glanced between both of our faces. “One of you knows. Now, where is Captain Renault?”

Eyja gave me an odd look before she spoke. “She stepped out for air sometime after midnight. I locked the door behind her to keep vampires from getting into the Bloodworks. She never knocked to get back in.”

I gasped, remembering Eyja saying I needed to surround myself with witnesses. Had she shoved her out into the vampires?

Uriel‘s face reddened into a suspicious expression that honed in on Eyja, watching her closely as she answered his next question.

“Were there any witnesses to this midnight excursion?“

Eyja nodded. “The whole barracks. I’ve nothing to confess, Sire.“

Uriel‘s expression was relieved. “See that you don’t while under my employ.”






***


Uriel relaxed, giving me a bland look I should have known to be wary of.

“That wasn’t a superhero you didn‘t bed last night, was it? Haven’t I seen a greatcloak of similar fineness hanging in Ocato’s chambers?”

“OCATO! OH!…” I sputtered, then caught the twinkle of amusement in his eyes. He was baiting me.

“You may think it an improvement when you find who it really was, Sire. She slept with Malan.” Eyja blurted, ending Uriel’s humor abruptly.

“MALAN! CONSORTING WITH AN ENEMY TO THE THRONE?”

Uriel’s towering rage was as quick as mine, but there was nothing amusing about it. I hurriedly tried to retrieve his good opinion of me.

“We didn‘t consort, Sire! I must have fallen asleep and just cuddled for warmth or something, but I didn’t…er…” Uriel cut me off mid sentence.

“YOU LET MALAN IN WITH MY TROOPS SO YOU COULD CUDDLE FOR HIS WARMTH?”

“NO! I didn’t let him in here Sire, I swear! He was already here, he was…uh…healing me and I fell asleep. He just…er…felt warm. And it wasn’t really cuddling anyway, my back was to him…” I thought Uriel’s head would blow off his neck. He gripped my shoulder uncomfortably this time, shaking it to emphasize his words.

“Malan cannot be trusted, Maxical. Everything he does is means to an end that benefits him or he wouldn’t do it. Every action is integral to a plot he is hatching. When he is most charming your suspicion should be at its highest! You must remember who you deal with constantly and look for the motive behind every action to stay ahead of his next move. Never take him at face value, because naivety in you could mean death for me!”

Eyja interjected, saving me. “Sire, this Bloodworks was sealed up tighter than a drum. Malan and his army just suddenly appeared inside, I saw it happen.“

“His army too?“ I gaped at her.

“Maxical, what is going on with you? You don‘t remember?”






***


Azura’s seal was burning my tongue nearly in two, but I couldn’t very well sip on vampire juices with Uriel’s piercing glare on me. It suddenly struck me that this morning was the first time the seal pained me since I’d come to the Bloodworks. Had Malan been in here the whole time yesterday? Maybe he was, but in that vapor form that can‘t be detected.

“I only remember seeing Malan, but I know how they do it, Sire. They transform into some kind of invisible vapor. Malan said in that form they are completely undetectable through Life Detect or thermal imagery, but…er…” I ground to a halt.

If I admitted my seal burned now, would he realize I‘d been drinking vampire juices at the Palace all this time to keep the pain down?

“Go on!” Uriel ordered.

“I think it may be possible for me to detect their presence with Azura’s seal, though not pinpoint their position.”

“How?”

“My tongue burns painfully unless an ancient is nearby. It is burning now, but didn’t at all yesterday or last night. Malan must have been in this Bloodworks the whole time. Eyja and I both wore Life Detect and neither of us saw anyone using invisibility.”

“No one was invisible, or I‘d have seen Foxy. I don‘t know how he heard and saw everything, we were all over this place.” Eyja grumbled under her breath.

Uriel glanced at Eyja, then suddenly stared hard at her with an almost glazed expression. He raised his hand as if to silence us, his face nearly as white as me; but his stunned expression showed he was thinking rapidly. When he finally spoke it sent chills through me.

“Malan has begun moving on the Palace. This war was more than a diversionary tactic, my forces were deployed and dissipated nearly beyond repair. I know exactly who the trout is now, but can’t land him or even let him know I’m onto him till I can move in enough forces to take him down. My Elite Guard is gone now, he has cleared away all my defenses and hogtied me in under a week.”






***


Eyja swelled up like a blowfish, cuffing her lacy sleeves like she was readying to fight. “Who is it?”

Uriel gave her a signal that caused her mouth to clamp shut. She glanced over at me and then back at Uriel.

“HEY! I know what that signal means, ‘don’t talk in front of the kit‘! My parents used it all the time when they didn’t want me to know something!”

“Eyja is a highly trained operative and her mind has protection against access, something we must see about having done for you since you can find no one better to sleep with than enemies to the throne.“

“I didn’t invite him to my bed, Sire! He crawled in while I slept!”

“Yet didn’t drink your blood, as anyone would have expected him to do. We know his ultimate plan is the throne, but what plot is he hatching with you? We must find out how he thinks you can avail him. My guess is mind control, pit my own Champion against me.”

“Sire, you can’t think I would…and anyway, wouldn’t Akatosh guard my mind since he appointed me?”

“It is possible, but even that can be tampered with. Akatosh protects mine, but if I voluntarily give access to it as I did with Malan’s Dream Catchers the protection is lost.”

“Oh.“

I’d removed Fathis’s ring that protects me from spells so Malan could heal me last night, and yesterday he had taken it off to cast calming spells on me when I saw Fathis’s blood. Was that allowing Malan access to my mind?

Dear gods, he had to have accessed it when he erased the trauma of my mother’s death three nights ago while Akatosh stopped time to warn Uriel!

“I must know everything Malan said. If your seal stops burning tell me immediately.”

Both he and Eyja pulled out their notepads and began scribbling while I told them everything I remembered that Malan said or did.






***


“Are you sure that is all?“ Uriel tucked his quill into the notepad.

“Wait, Sire. Yesterday I did something to Malan when he was kissing me. Whatever I did, it immobilized him for at least three minutes, and made him so weak that I was able to escape him. I couldn‘t tell if he could hear or think while he was incapacitated, but he couldn’t respond. He looked drugged. Last night he repeatedly tried to make me tell him how I did it.”

Uriel and Eyja were both gaping at me.

“You kissed him?” Eyja squawked.

“No, of course not! He was kissing me! Anyway, last night he said I was safe sleeping with him because that thing I did completely drained his ability to mate temporarily, and he couldn‘t drink my blood without killing me.”

“Now there’s a pick-up line I’ve never heard before.” Eyja rolled her eyes.

Uriel’s eyebrows shot up and then snapped down into a straight line. “Why didn’t you kill him while he was disabled?”

“His army stood guard, they weren’t incapacitated.”

“If you can reproduce that it may be a way to set a trap for him. Did he say anything else?”

“Just about me. He said I was under his protection, that we were bonded centuries ago…whatever that means. He said if anyone else touched me they‘d be dead.”

Uriel snapped his brows down. “What is he up to? Eyja, stay with Maxical. Escort her back to the Palace, I’m going on ahead of you.” Uriel strode out.

“Hey, did you notice Uriel was wearing the Katana and sheath I gave him for his birthday?”

“Yeah. He loves that sword, Maxical. Come on, let’s get out of here. I need a bath, I think I’ve got fleas.”

“Don’t get them in our room at the Palace! Er…I need to do something before we go.”

“Oh no you don’t. You get into trouble when you’re alone, I’m coming with you. What are you up to?”



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This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 19 2012, 04:05 AM

[McBadgere]

...

*Does dance of joy*...

Could it be?...

Uriel glanced at Eyja, then suddenly stared hard at her with an almost glazed expression. He raised his hand as if to silence us, his face nearly as white as me; but his stunned expression showed he was thinking rapidly. When he finally spoke it sent chills through me.

*Starts chewing nails in anticipation!*... ...

Oooh, loved this chapter...Your Uriel is definately my fave character in your story...All the others are brilliant, but your Uriel is something special...

I also loved the fact that Maxical went for dismissal with Renault, rather than execution...For Uriel's sake...Nicely done that...

Absolutely brilliant stuff...Loved it...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Aug 18 2012, 02:10 PM

[Grits]

I love Maxical’s decision about Captain Renault! Putting Uriel’s needs above her own desire for justice was a huge step. Since Uriel had the scroll ready, I guess he really was testing her. Yay Maxical!

A sickening sensation knotted in my stomach that had something to do with Renault. It felt like I should be remembering something about her. I looked over at Eyja, she was crimson and looked too innocent to not be guilty of something.

Uh oh… Now Captain Renault is in the wind. I don’t think we’ve heard the last from her yet!

Uriel relaxed, giving me a bland look I should have known to be wary of.

Uh oh again! You have made Uriel’s character so vivid, I knew there was a big GOTCHA coming for Maxical!! Of course the joke was over pretty quickly once Eyja blurted out the news. The whole cuddling/warmth/whose back was turned toward what discussion was hilarious. Thank goodness she didn’t elaborate on where her tail might have been during all of this.

Maxical’s burning tongue Ancient radar will be handy, but her poor tongue! It is such a relief to have Uriel’s mind at work on what Malan is planning for Maxical. Also a relief that Eyja will tag along on Maxical’s errand, whatever she’s up to. What a great chapter, I loved it!!

[King Coin]

Oh no, not more trout!

Tricks are exactly what Maxical needs to use if she is to succeed.

Glenroy has personality issues that are counterproductive to any team.
Maxical hasn’t exactly been a fantastic team player either. She’s learning though.

Wow… Renault’s been dealt with.

Maxical’s a terrible liar.

My guess is mind control, pit my own Champion against me.”

“Sire, you can’t think I would…
Yes you would. Thanks goodness she’s finally realizing what is happening.

“Oh no you don’t. You get into trouble when you’re alone, I’m coming with you. What are you up to?”
Sometimes she gets help too!

[Zalphon]

Uriel just doesn't understand how charming Dagoth-Malan is. It's a miracle that every woman (and some of the men) in Tamriel doesn't want in his bed.

[hazmick]

just thought i'd let you know that I've returned after all this time to the comfort of Chorrol and wonderful stories. I'll be catching up on the story of my favourite Khajiit within the next week or so and plan to stick around for the foreseeable future

[Darkness Eternal]

Not a dream? *Goes back and reads*. Oh damn, I feel a fool now. I should be the one apologizing, not you. So, in two chapters the secret will unravel before our very eyes! Oh yes, my hands are rubbing together in anticipation.

Love the title, I just had to mentioned trout, didn't I? I knew we would see more of it. .

Zalphon: Hey, a man as charming as him does get some booty from time to time, I am sure. He just wants Maxical! I am still waiting for a scene between the two . . .another one.

As others have mentioned, Uriel is certainly fleshed out in this chapter. I particularly love the words he said to Maxical about not condoning her battle tactics, but also understanding that the rules of engagement sometimes are void in different circumstances. He's a classy guy.

“If it was just me, I would have. I’m Khajiit and albino, people hate me already just on sight. But everyone loves you, you have an image to protect.”

This translates to: "I hate your stinking guts, Renault."Haha, this was pure win! The captain will be very upset with the dishonorable discharge, I suspect the revenge of the captain soon! She won't take her stripping of rank well at all. Maxical did show some uncertainy of her leadership qualities, but I know deep inside she can be a good example of one. Just maybe

So, Maxical cuddled or was it an illusion? Did they . . .*makes same gesture Owyn did*. I need to go back and read that part once more, just for giggles and reassurance.

I love the new lore you woven later on in the chapters, with the undetection to life detecting spells, etc. The vampires are a bigger threat I believed!

Next bath scene? Scented oil please! This was a fun chapter, and very interesting to read. Maxical was encouraged to fight dirty against dirty people. Let the fun continue!

[Acadian]

I loved how Uriel forced Maxical to ‘sentence’ Renault. That command and Maxical’s pronouncement spoke volumes about both of them. With fits and halts, she is growing into a Champion. Then she and I both remembered that she had already set Renault’s fate via the hand of Malan.

What a wonderful job here with Uriel, Maxical and Eyja. You painted what Maxical was feeling while under Malan’s spell so well when it was actually happening. . . but – Eeep! – it does sound pretty awkward as she describes it to Uriel! Eyja is wise not to let mischievous and calamity-prone Maxical out of her sight!

[hazmick]

All caught up, good gracious me, I may be lost for words! The way you've brought this war to life is pure genius on your part, the vampire lore you've crafted is wonderful! Your ability to bring to life familiar and unfamiliar characters never fails to amaze me.

Maxical is quickly turning into the champion Uriel needs bravo mALX! woo hoo!

[mALX]

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@ McBadgere - Thank you so much McB! I appreciate that a lot, because Uriel’s character took a ton of research to write. He is in game for such a short time, lol. I studied all the game lore on him, then studied the great Generals from RL and tried to strike a balance between the two. Thanks again McB!

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@ Grits - Thank you so very much Grits! Malan erased Maxical’s memory of both Gils’ and Renault’s fate, and supposedly erased the memories of everyone in the Bloodworks too - but as Uriel mentioned, Eyja’s mind is protected against tampering. Eyja is the only one that knows now. Thank you so much again, Grits!

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@ King Coin - ROFL !! I loved your play-by-play! Thank you so much KC!

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@ Zalphon - Malan gets plenty of women, they just don’t remember it afterward because he erases their memories of it, ROFL !! Thank you so much Z!

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@ Hazmick - WOO HOO! Hazmick, you have been very missed! It is so good to see you back! Thank you so very much for those kind words, that made my day!

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@ Darkness Eternal - Captain Renault is laying dead in the tunnel system beneath the Imperial Prison - there are two armored skeletons in there, hers is the first one the Player finds after leaving that jail cell. That doesn’t mean some relative of Renault’s may not come seeking retribution though, lol.

No, they didn’t *makes same gesture Owyn did*. - ROFL !!! You had me in hysterics with that! The cuddling was real, but what Maxical thinks was a dream (was not being able to move of her own free will). It was no dream, Malan did something to her. (what he did will be revealed next chapter).

Not all the vampires in Tamriel can transform to birds/vapor/wolves - just Malan’s makes. He created his own vampire line by combining blood from the most powerful vampire lines available (AKA “Immortal Blood) - That’s why Malan’s vampire line is referred to as “Cocktail Vampires.” He used lines whose attributes would make his “makes” unstoppable - like growing to giant size, being undetectable, the ability to fly, etc.

Calling for another bath scene - SPEW !!! (Actually, there probably will be more soon, lol)

I loved your comment, you had me in stitches! Thank you so very much Darkness!

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@ Acadian - You are right again, Malan did seal Renault’s fate already - and about what you said a couple chapters ago, your prediction was spot on (as will be revealed in this chapter below!) I am tickled you foresaw this coming, Acadian! Thank you so very much Acadian - and GAAAAAH! Don’t leave for another week without hopping online a few times to let us know you didn’t tumble into the Grand Canyon or something !!!! Lol, you were very missed!


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[mALX]

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** There is a cameo mention of D. Foxy’s character “Sneakers” in this chapter. Thanks Foxy!



Chapter 166: Friendships Forged Through Fire


“I’ve wondered if Gils has been staying up in Owyn’s office. Renault didn’t slip out in the night to fight vampires, I think she went out to be with him. I need to know.”

“Maxical, are you alright? She can’t be up there with Gils, dear.“ Eyja stroked my arm gently.

“What do you mean? Eyja, you know something. Guilt was written all over your face when Uriel asked.”

“I made myself look guilty deliberately to get Uriel’s attention off you, Maxical. You looked like you may croak up all over his boots.”

“But then…what really happened?”

“You don’t know? Malan’s army dragged Captain Renault out, Maxical. It was really weird, everyone in the barracks was paralyzed while they took her. Afterward when I questioned them they all said she just walked out, so that’s what I told Uriel. Malan probably erased their memories and planted that, but my mind is protected from tampering.”

Something echoed in my mind about his army dragging someone out. Had I seen it? Why didn’t I remember?

“Why would Malan’s army attack her? She sure isn’t a virgin.”

“I think Malan did it for someone he slept with last night.”

“...You mean me? Oh geez, it will look like I asked him to! Do you think they’re going to kill her?”

“I’d bet on it. She won’t be back, just give her Discharge papers back to Uriel. Come on, let’s get out of here.”

“Eyja, did Gils come last night? Was he here?”

Eyja stared at me oddly. “Maxical, are you all right? Don‘t you remember what happened last night? I’m going to let Traven check you over thoroughly before I say another word, I think the strain and shock has gotten to you. Come on…”

She took my arm, but I pulled back from her grasp. “No. I’m checking Owyn’s office, Eyja.“






***


As soon as I entered Owyn‘s office I knew this was where Gils had been sleeping, his mat was stretched out under the window. I threw myself down on it and breathed in deeply, the scent of him filling my nostrils with pleasure…and relief. Renault’s scent wasn’t here. If he did succumb to her, it wasn’t on our marriage bed.

A clump of hair flew up in my face, my own that I‘d cut and rolled into Gils‘ drawing earlier. How did it get here? I stood up and glanced around the office, feeling like there was something I should be seeing.

Another clump of my hair lay near the safe. When I reached down to get it something moved in the darkened corner of the office.

“Gils?” I cast night vision just as a man in Blade armor stepped toward me.

“Baurus! What are you doing trespassing in private offices and popping out of dark corners? More robbery? I know you stole Gils’ stuff from behind the mirror.“

“I didn’t steal them, I moved them up here where he’s been staying.”

“In the middle of a melee? Why didn‘t you fight?”

“You cheated in that fight, I wouldn’t have been on your side. There were enough against you already, and you had good cause. Fifty-fifty, so I stayed out of it.”

“That doesn’t explain why you’re skulking up here now. Why didn’t you announce your presence instead of watching me surreptitiously and then surging out like an assassin? You nearly scared me into wetting myself.”

“I knew you wouldn’t leave till you found Gils’ things, they’re in the safe. I needed to talk to you away from that Bloodworks, too many ears in there and none I trust.”

“Talk then.”

“It’s about Captain Renault. She’s always been ambitious and dumb, but never done anything like she did here. She started seeing this Elf guy, and it was like something snapped in her. He had some hold over her. I‘m not saying she was a prize before, but the person I knew wouldn’t have done some of the things I know she did.”

“You’re concerned Renault gets a fair hearing despite the fact that Uriel’s security was compromised by her?”

“Listen, this man had her under some kind of spell or mind control. I know he was behind what she did here, I think he wanted Uriel’s defenses dissipated worse than Ocato did. But this guy had some interest in Gils too.”






***


“Interest in Gils! What do you mean?”

“I think he wanted information or something from Gils. Listen, I can‘t prove any of this; but I think he was behind her hounding Gils so hard. She’s not a complete idiot, she’d never risk her career over any man.”

“Yet she did.”

“Listen, four nights ago he cornered Gils in this office so I watched through the window. He and Gils argued at first. But then they clasped hands and swore a vow, even kissed on the mouth to seal it. Not some little kiss either, that Elf was down Gils’ throat…had his head all rammed back, turned my stomach.”

“Vowing for what? What are you saying?”

“Look, I’m just telling you what I saw. The Elf left right after they vowed. Then Gils walks out of the office and heads straight out of the Arena. It was after dark, I tried to stop him. He pushed past me like I wasn’t there. I’m telling you, Gils was like a zombie and I ain’t exaggerating. Staring, but like he wasn’t seeing anything. No way he could defend himself like that!”

Dear gods let Gils be safe. I took a deep breath and strangled the impulse to panic at what he was saying, suffocating his words in my mind.

“Where is Gils! What happened to him!” It sounded like a command at an inquisition.

“It was days before he returned, and how the hell he made it back here is beyond me. He was bad off, Maxical.”

“Gils was hurt?”

“Yeah, real bad. Some Orc kin of his had attacked him. He looked like hell, barely made it in the door. Owyn had to carry him to the fount. Almost immediately that Elf guy shows up. You could see it in his face he was shocked Gils was still alive, and angry.”

“You mean like he didn’t want Gils to be alive?”

“I guarantee he didn’t. Next thing I know Renault is insisting on treating Gils. Her and Owyn got in a big row over it till she threatened to have him hung for treason.”






***


Rage choked my throat. “She can‘t even heal herself, why would she do that!”

“That Elf used mind control to make her, I’m sure of it. Just lucky Gils lived through it.”

The relief Gils was alive released my temper. I cut him off. “’What Elf? Give me his name!”

“Beats me, that‘s just it. He just shows up out of nowhere each time. I couldn’t get his name from Renault. The ugliest Elf I’ve ever seen is all I can tell you, but he could charm birds from the trees in the romance department from what I overheard.”

“So you think we should divert the Emperor’s resources to search for a man whose only descriptors are a charming but hideous Elf that made Renault tweet like a bird? And do it to clear the name of a traitor to the throne?”

As soon as the word hideous left my mouth, it suddenly struck me where I had seen someone who exactly fit that description. I knew instantly who he must be talking about!


SNEAKERS! It had to be him, no one is uglier! Charm birds from trees? That grimy little weasel couldn‘t charm a cockroach if he was covered in food scraps!


There is no way Sneakers was some mastermind plotting the downfall of the Empire and using mind control on the Blades to seduce my husband, the cretin couldn’t even find a toothbrush!

What was Baurus really doing here other than trying to excuse Renault’s actions, pleading mercy for her? He saw all this going on, why didn’t he immediately report it to Uriel? My opinion of him nosedived. Sir Damien was right about these Blades being useless, Uriel had no one.





***


My hair felt like it was on fire, and I couldn’t hear what he was saying for the blood roaring in my ears. I lost the struggle to control my rage before it blew all over him, ended cutting him off in the middle of a word.

“The man you’ve just described is Ocato’s natural son, I’ve seen him in the Palace. He most certainly cannot exert mind control or put people under spells. She’s on Skooma if she thinks his leering is charming, an asp could out-charm him and is less slimy. Gils has no information that would avail him unless he was seeking some tips on personal hygiene. Your theory fails, but if you thought it then why didn’t you report it immediately? Why was he allowed to run tame in a secured military base?”

Baurus‘s temper jumped as quickly as mine. “Didn’t report it? I‘m the one that warned Uriel about Renault, ask him!”

“When, two weeks later? Uriel’s life is entrusted to you, if he died because you didn‘t immediately warn him his security was compromised you’d be just as responsible as Renault.”

“I had no proof, and she’s my commander. The Blades are a brotherhood, sworn to a strict code of protocol…” I cut him off, slamming my hand on the desk.

“[Censored] protocol! Your commitment has to be to Uriel Septim, not the Blades! Your only loyalty should be to keeping him alive at all costs! Why was a threat like that Elf allowed free run where battle plans were being made? You report every breach you even suspect, then look for proof! If even one of us fails him, we all fail.”

Baurus loomed forward, slamming his fist on the desk. “You can‘t possibly suspect my loyalty! I would defend the Emperor with my life!”

“When? After the assassin’s blade is at his throat? You Blades have forgotten what your only mission is! Ten years Uriel rotted in Oblivion during the Imperial Simulacrum, where were his Blades? If Fathis Aren hadn’t crawled through the deadlands to save him he‘d still be there! Akatosh appointed me to protect Uriel, do you wonder why? Look at what you Blades spent the past two weeks doing for an answer.”

“You don’t back down, do you?”

“I can’t, and neither should you. That is what being his Elite Guard has to be, one slip-up could mean his death.”

“You can be damn sure it won’t happen again.”






***


The anger was gone in both of us. “Baurus, the Blades’ only protocol must be the security of the throne. You can’t protect him if you’re covering each other’s butts first. He’s doing a shakedown of your Blades starting at the top. Heads will be rolling, make sure yours isn’t one of them. Uriel has faith that you are a cut above the rest, prove to him he is right.”

“He said that?”

“Yes, he did.”

“Man, that stings. Renault just trained us to be the sword at his side, that‘s the truth.”

“He has the whole Imperial Army as swords at his side, why would he need more?”

“Akatosh really appointed you? To do what?”

“He had to, Baurus. Uriel had no one, even you failed him. The Blades, Sir Damien, and now me as Akatosh’s Champion; we’re his Elite Forces. We‘re his shield. It’s imperative we stop every threat before it can reach him, and inform him immediately so he can plan before the danger strikes. We’ve got to be his detectives, spies, double agents, and sometimes his assassins. We’re to do whatever it takes to ensure he’s safe, that is our job. We’re his Dragonguard, but if the Blades can‘t step up they’ll be cut from that honor and dismantled. From what I saw his Army would serve him better.”

“That’s some serious threat! The Blades can’t be cut, we’ve been the sole Dragonguard since the first Era!“

“They can and will if you can’t do whatever it takes to rouse them from their slumber. Big trouble is coming fast, Baurus. Uriel needs protection, or Akatosh wouldn‘t have sent him a Champion. Being a Blade isn’t a title, it’s a duty.”

“Man, no wonder the Imperial Army nicknamed you ‘The Carving Khajiit’, you cut deep.”

“Huh?”

“They were all calling you that after the Emperor spoke this morning because you showed up and heads rolled.”

“HA! That’s better than ‘Ape Woman‘. Wait till they see me doing the executions.”


*

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 23 2012, 11:10 PM

[hazmick]

yeah! Go Maxical! She definitely needs to be in charge of the blades, heck, she should be Empress!

The plot thickens with Baurus' new information, I'm excited to see what happens next!

[ghastley]

Hmmmm,

Something tells me Sneakers wasn't really Sneakers, if the behavior doesn't fit. Either that, or Baurus isn't Baurus when he's telling her, or I'm not me when I'm reading this.

Even Maxical's changed. She's a lot more confident these days, must be the combat.