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

[Acadian]

“Stop eavesdropping on my thoughts then, I can‘t control what pops into my head.”
When it comes to our Maxical, truer words were never spoken.

Interesting discussion comparing the vampire beast that comes out and the true cat within Maxical. Nice reference to Aravi to help make the point!

“I probably should be asking questions, but I won’t…just this one. Are you making a promise to me, Maxical?”
A promise? Did he mean not to start something I wasn’t going to finish? That must be it. I nodded.
“It’s a promise.”
This misunderstanding will no doubt haunt Maxical. Janus just told her how important the word ‘promise’ is to an Ancient – as in forever. Always the case with this delightful pair, they fail to understand each other.

Unfortunately, Malan has also told Maxical his intent should she engage in what she and Janus are attempting.

[Heather V]

Still working my way through this! Haha. Just thougt I'd send you a little message to let you know I was reading. I won't clog up your thread with out of date comments so I'll only comment if I read something I simply can't NOT share!

You've got a great story going here I love Maxical Sexy Khajiiti Lady

[hazmick]

uh oh, this definitely won't end well! Maxical really needs to start thinking before she speaks, these ancients take things very seriously!

Great chapter as always mALX, can't wait for the next one!

[Grits]

I love the trust and care between these two in the beginning of the scene.

Maxical’s use of the word “promise” and then straddling Janus (only Maxical could give a lap dance by accident!!) sound like some of the Steps of Promise.

“Stop eavesdropping on my thoughts then, I can‘t control what pops into my head. I wish I had that ability though, it must be loads of fun.”

“Most of the time all I hear is Hal-Liurz thinking of household arrangements.”

ROFL, poor Janus sequestered himself with a boring staff! He should have become a patron of the arts and had Crassius Curio around to entertain him with his thoughts until Maxical was there to horrify him.

I love the comparison of the vampire and leopard natures, and Maxical’s mention of Aravi.

Janus’ reaction to Maxical’s Mysterious kiss (or rather his reaction to his reaction) was hilarious! Then when Janus got with the program and kissed her back in a way that would build bonds of trust over the course of years rather than hitting that RIGHT NOW was so typical of these two!

Yikes, giant fight!!

[Darkness Eternal]

Ah, the promise of eternal life! Diplomatic immunity! And all of the groovy prizes that comes along with being Children of the Night . . .but not for Maxical! After what she's been through, I doubt she would seek to become one. Azura would be displeased.

I adored the info on vampiric nature, 100% truth! And how Janus had to learn to control his urges also came as a welcome additional info.

The bonding between the two was nice, and hilarious. Especially how he was disgusted of visualizing Ocato picking his nose.

When he covered my lips with his this time I put both my arms around his neck, pulling back his cowl and drawing his head down to me. I felt his gasp against my mouth and his arms tighten around me before I responded, using the best Dunmer mystery I knew in a full kiss. Maybe that was my mistake, Janus isn’t Dunmer.

Oh my . . .

SO JANUS AND MAXICAL GOT IT ON! WOOT! Until Malan came crashing in, quite literately. I can't wait to see this battle! Yeah! Good write. You had it all. Humor, eroticism, a bit of action/drama at the end. This indeed will be good.

[King Coin]

This section with Janus is the best those two have acted together! Janus even called her pretty!

I can’t believe she’s been drinking the juices this whole time thinking they came from… elsewhere.

I’ve read another story where people of magical talent regularly ‘listened’ to the thoughts of those around them for signs of danger, like Janus is talking about doing.

Maxical’s sudden kiss really took Janus off guard.

Malan probably wasn’t expecting Maxical to get busy in the Temple. I see a fight coming! What a great chapter!

SO JANUS AND MAXICAL GOT IT ON!

LOL! this totally made me think of this.

This post has been edited by King Coin: Sep 21 2012, 06:44 PM

[Zalphon]

Hassildor--interested in Maxical? What is this (that) world coming to?

[mALX]

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@ Acadian - Thank you so very much Acadian! Your comment nailed it, everything I hoped would come across! Yeah, the one thing Maxical forgot to warn Janus about, lol. Thank you so much Acadian !!!!

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@ Heather V - Thank you so much for reading, Heather V! I actually love comments on old stuff, kind of reminds me of all Maxical has been through, lol. I so appreciate you reading, and I'm really enjoying Jihl! Thanks again Heather V!

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@ Hazmick - Thank you so much Hazmick! You are so right, he even warned her it would be taken seriously, lol. This one may bite her in the butt, (and she'll have to hunt out Haa-Rei to save her!), Lol. Thanks again Hazmick!

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@ Grits - HA! You nailed it, she was giving him the "Steps of Promise" - unfortunately, she seems to be doling those out indescriminately because she just hasn't got a firm idea of what NOT to do around ancients and doesn't think a whole lot before she acts, lol.

Now that you've mentioned Crassius Curio I have to write him in! I have been searching for just the right character to use for a certain part - you solved it for me! Just as soon as the war ends he will show up in a capacity where his "skills and creativity" can best be utilized.

Uriel may welcome Dagon before he even gets here after spending time with Maxical, lol. Your comment had me rolling, thank you so very much Grits! You are so appreciated! And just remember, when Crassius Curio shows up - you have only yourself to blame for the scene he creates, ROFL !!! <3

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@ Darkness Eternal - Thank you so much Darkness! You had me in hysterics with your comment, especially that (very suiting) pic of Jack Nicholson! It always tickles me when I've written anything vampiric you approve of, I look to you as the resident guru on them here, lol! You ROCK !! Thanks again Darkness!

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@ King Coin - Thank you so much KC! Lol, they actually did get along well for a change! I honestly don't try to write them sniping each other, it just happens everytime I type out their scenes for some reason, lol. Thank you so much again, KC - I know how tight your schedule is, it means a lot that you made it to read Maxical!

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@ Zalphon - Huh? I thought Janus Hassildor was a randy dog? ROFL !!! Thank you so much Z !!!


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[mALX]

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Chapter 173: Fates Sealed In Words



Janus and I scrambled up, both conjuring armor on ourselves as we rose. Janus stood poised with his hands in position to cast spells. In belated reaction, I drew my sword. Janus warned me to sheath it in a deep booming voice.

“Don’t fight him, Maxical. He never travels alone, his army will be right behind him.” .

It was like a standoff, both Malan and Janus’s eyes glowed a burning red that was at odds with the chilling aura emanating from them. Neither spoke aloud, but there was no doubt they were saying plenty to each other telepathically.

The tension was so thick I couldn‘t breathe. I had a terrible fear that if someone didn’t speak soon it was going to end in Janus and I in pieces with our blood painting the walls of this Temple, scavenged by Malan and his army. I spoke, someone had to.

“Why are you here, Malan? You promised me I’d be safe from you and free choice. You saw my choice when you entered.”

Malan‘s voice was like thunder rolling, sounding every bit a god as it echoed around the Temple’s rounded walls.

“They are looking for you at the Palace, Maxical. I am here to escort you.”

“And Dagoth-Malan is Uriel Septim’s new runner? Uriel would never order me to cross in the night through battling ancients, and you are the last person he’d send to escort me.”

“Nevertheless, you are leaving with me. Uriel needs you and his orders must be obeyed.”

“Uriel gave you no orders, and those he gave me were being obeyed till you interrupted. He knows you’ve breached the Palace and in what disguise, Malan.”

“You may be angry at my interruption, but will thank me for it when you learn…”

With sudden stunning clarity my own words made me realize what was going on. Malan knew Uriel was onto him. He was kidnapping me. Malan was removing all Uriel’s defenses. I interrupted him.

“If it’s thanks you want, you’ve come to the wrong Khajiit. I’ll go no where with you, Malan! Your plan to kidnap me is so flawed even someone as stupid as me can see your next move. If you or your army attack my sword will be on Janus’s side, and you’ll have me as an enemy for eternity whether I survive or not!”






***


“This is not your territory, and she made promises to me. You are poaching, Malan. The one whose territory this is has no objections to my presence. We can’t battle with her here, as you know. She is under my protection, not yours.”

“Because under your protection I had necromancy performed on me.” I threw in.

“Take her to the Palace now then, or my army will be turned loose in here and you’ll witness her death.”

“If I die your dearly departed wife goes with me, the one you swore you’d keep safe forever this time. Janus, don’t let Malan access me even if his army breaks in.”

It was the fastest I’ve ever pulled a weapon, my mother’s silver dagger. I held it to the vein in my own throat as I darted behind Janus so Malan couldn‘t cast a Soul Trap spell on me.

“If you think to snatch her soul first I’ll ensure you can’t.” I called, peeking from behind Janus.

For the tiniest split second I saw a flicker of fear in Malan’s eyes, but he recovered quickly.

“You’re bluffing.”

“Am I? My days are numbered by Dagon, remember? Try me, but say goodbye to ‘your Lass’ for the second time before you do. For what you and her did to me, I’d enjoy evening the score! Call my bluff and she dies.”

Janus spoke up. “Why are you herding her, Malan? She says you promised her safety and choice, and she made promises to me. I don’t seek her blood, but I know you do. Even your own army would turn on you if you tried to take her under these circumstances.”

“His army can’t turn on him, Janus. They’re thralls.” I whispered from behind him.

Malan heard, I could feel his rage building and see it in his eyes.

“My army is champing at the bit from the smell of her blood, but they obey my orders.”

“You hold all their souls, they have no choice. And they don’t smell my blood, you’re lying.” I called from behind Janus.

“Touch her again and you will see the nightmare of your eighteenth year reenacted.”






***


It took every bit of strength I had not to scream or faint at that threat. Malan may not kill me till he had Amiela ‘s soul back, but the fear was very real that he would order his army to kill Janus.

I stiffened the arm holding the dagger to my throat and tried to sound like those prophets that sometimes set up in the Market District to scare religion into people.

“Akatosh! Take the soul of Amiela forever if Janus or I are harmed. Burn it in your fiery breath…”

“STOP!”

Made up babbling or not, it struck a chord, I could hear it in his voice. My stomach somehow sank and crawled into my throat simultaneously. I was probably going to die tonight. I was more terrified than I’d ever been in my life, but…may as well go down fighting.

“How much did you pay the King of Worms for his secrets, Malan? Does it all go to waste when Akatosh and I take your Lass with us? It’s not his summoning day, but Clavicus Vile would love two souls in one trip with no favor asked. You think it‘s the end, but it’s not. You‘ll lose and die.”

Malan was thinking rapidly, I could feel it emanating from him.


This is the real Malan, the one I never saw. The one Uriel warned me about. Best not give him time to think. Talk, say anything to keep him from plotting! Better try than die.


“All these years I trusted you, Malan. I liked you and felt safe with you, believed you. You promised me your protection, said we had a connection between us. All that was for her, wasn’t it? How long has she been inside me, Malan? Since I was seven years old? I didn’t save my virginity just so you and her can take it from me while I sleep, you’ll never have her again while she’s inside me!”

Malan looked oddly stunned, at first I guessed he hadn’t realized how much we’d figured out about his plots. Then suddenly I could feel his mind connecting to Amiela inside me, he was trying to call her out!






***


A rage like I’ve never known blew over me with such force that my hand holding the knife to my throat started shaking, cutting me. Janus‘s head jerked around, and I know Malan smelled my blood.

“Stop trying to reach her, or she’ll die now and you’ll have caused it! She’s not coming, Malan. I’m stronger than she is, I’ll suffocate her back to the grave you should have left her in. You chose the wrong dupe for your necromancy.”

Malan was struggling with his own rage, and something else…defeat? Had I won that bout with him? His tone was nice when he spoke. Uriel said the nicer he was, the more I should suspect him.

“Don’t take it wrong, Maxical. Ancients love forever, it isn’t in us to stop loving once we start.”

“That’s not my problem, Malan. I never gave permission for this, you should have found out if I’d be willing to forego my life before sticking her inside me. Here’s my answer, I’ll never be your go-between. Since you didn’t ask first and she’s there, best be prepared for what I’ll do to her while she’s inside me. Janus, Greywyn Blenwyth, Puny Ancus…it could be anyone, but it won’t be you.“

“The thoughts of her would always be with me regardless if I found new love, Maxical.”

“Who are you trying to fool, Malan? This isn’t thoughts of her, she’s plunked inside me! And love? I’m not that dumb, Malan. Performing necromancy to raise up your dead wife inside me isn’t what I seek in a prospective mate, nor would I choose the man who killed my husband. I’ll never be a tool for you to mate her, you underestimated me. When Janus and I are safe you can have her soul back. Find someone else to stick her in, that should be easy for a great con like you.”

Malan roared, it was an anguished sound as if he was in terrible pain. “Don’t do this!”

“Oh, does that upset your plots? No back up plans in case I didn’t want to be your dupe? You shouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket, the Arcane calls that ‘Malan’s Folly’ when teaching what mistakes not to make.“

If I’d meant to make him mad it worked, but he quickly subdued his rage.

“If you’d just trust me…”

I cut him off. “NO! The last time I trusted you was the last time you‘ll have that from me. And don’t look for me to save your life again, Malan. Look for me behind the blade that takes it, that’s the only promise you’ll ever get from me. I’m exercising my free choice that you promised me.”






***


Malan’s expression was of being backed into a corner, and when he spoke I got the feeling he was telling more than he’d planned to.

“Don’t hate me, Maxical. You’ll thank me when you learn my plan is to give you the one you grieve for. Fathis lives, it is he you’ll be with if you just wait. I’m here to save you from cheating him of his rights. He waits for you at the mansion you were supposed to go to.”

He couldn‘t have told a more blatant lie, I don’t think I’ve ever been so enraged.

“DON’T YOU DARE…ARGH! If Fathis was alive he would kill you in a heartbeat for what you’ve done to me! Don’t dare say you act on his behalf when just yesterday you tried to lay me down in the same room with his dried blood where you killed him!”

“He’s alive…”

“NO! You expect me to believe he’s alive, but appointed you guardian of my virtue plus gave you rights to it?”

“Listen…”

“NO! And where is your dead wife supposed to be while Fathis and I mate, enjoying my husband? You don’t mind that? Then why not Janus too? In fact, I may take her down to Luther Broads and put her to work hooking there! Let her get some scurvy diseases to give you!”

“Maxical, come with me and I’ll prove to you he lives.”

“NO! What you are suggesting is sickening, and I won’t be a part of it. You promised me the choice was mine, I’ve made it. DARE make me fear my life again and see if I don‘t take your wife to the Lovidicus line, I know where to find it.”

“And if Fathis is alive, you would risk that chance just to name-call and threaten me?”

“Where is he? Let him come defend his rights if he lives. Send him here and I will lay Janus down in front of his face. I’d much rather lose Fathis and know he’s alive than dead.”






***


“If that is your wish then you will get it.”

“You’re bluffing.”

“So are you.”

“Try me.”

“I go for him then. My army stands outside these walls, they have their orders.”

“I’m not that stupid, Malan. None of your thralls know the secrets of transferring souls, nor would you let them touch your precious wife. So just let your army carry out their orders and this dagger will end any chance you have of ever seeing her again. Best hurry on then, your thrall army may fry into crispy bits if daybreak falls before you return.”

“Give me a drop of your blood, he may want proof your virtue is worth fighting for.”

He could only mean that Fathis is a vampire. I struggled to control the vomit that raged into my throat and ward off the faint that threatened. One slip and he could take Amiela’s soul from me, Janus and I would be scavenged like rabid jackals attacked. Dear gods I hoped he was bluffing.

“You’ll get none of my blood unless you scrape it off my corpse when you return. I’ll not let you turn Fathis into a monster that would drink his own wife’s blood, because you won‘t want to see what I‘ll do to your wife if you do. Mannimarco may want a new worm thrall to do his bidding.”

“You like making threats, but forget you have to share in the punishments you wreak on her.”

“I’ll do whatever you make me do, just to get even. You tell Fathis I’m here. If he lives, he’ll show. And he can watch what our wedding night should have looked like when I take Janus.”

“You are a worthy opponent with your words, but we shall see who is bluffing whom.” With that he disappeared.


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This post has been edited by mALX: Sep 22 2012, 01:06 AM

[Zalphon]

That escalated quite quickly (and was quite a good read). It was cunning of Maxical to bluff about killing herself to get Malan to back off. She's always full of surprises.

[Acadian]

Wow! This was magnificently done. Maxical’s anger channels into brilliance, as is her style. Big words coming from the little kitty hiding behind giant Janus was a priceless image. Yet there she was, ably dealing with none other than Dagoth Malan at his own game. There is a difference though: Maxical is not lying and she is not bluffing. I hope Malan realizes that.

I wonder if Maxical realizes and appreciates that Janus is unhesitatingly pledging his life in her defense? I submit that almost makes him worthy of the title ‘Husband #3’. . . well, if it wasn’t for the vampiry stuff and all.

[hazmick]

woah! Go Maxical! yeah woooo!

It seems that Malan may have underestimated her, I almost feel sorry for the guy, of all the people to keep your undead spouse inside of he had to have our Maxical Great chapter mALX, can't wait to see how Malan gets out of this situation

[McBadgere]

Wow indeed... ...

A couple of brilliant chapters...

The second one was just intense as flip...Wow...Loved the idea of Malan backed into a corner...And Hassildor basically squaring up to him was a delight...

Yes, waves the "Team Hassildor." flag... ...

Fantastic stuff...Loving it...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

[King Coin]

I'm so glad that Maxical is finally not trusting Malan. You know how painful it was for me to watch her sit with that snake. Fathis... I hope he hasn't been turned into a vampire as well. I thought it was funny she stood behind Janus and kept up a steady stream of insults and threats.

This post has been edited by King Coin: Sep 23 2012, 11:08 PM

[Darkness Eternal]

Woah, what an intense dialogue fencing this was! Vampire versus vampire! What's a matter Malan? Cat got your tongue? Hahaha! The insidious man has fallen short this time, not counting on Maxical's verbal ferocity! Her tongue is the sword, and Janus Hassildor is her shield! Bahaha, I love it!

Maxical finally could detect some uncertainty in Dagoth Malan, and she knows he's short of being vulnerable. Much of his words and actions betrayed his own self, which shows us a completely different side to this man that we never seen before. You set up his personality real good, mALX. You have me clapping. The plot continues to unfold, and the characters begin to truly flourish! Hooray!

I will stay tuned!

[Grits]

Maxical was magnificent in this chapter!! Uriel was so right about her channeling her anger. Though it was also hilarious to imagine the tiny Khajiit peeping out from behind the giant Janus, it got very, very serious when she put that silver dagger to her own throat.

I love how the more Maxical feared for herself or for Janus, the more she worked on Malan’s fear for his Lass. Uriel’s words coming back to her was perfect, and it made me remember the bond between them at the same time Maxical was telling Malan how he betrayed her trust, and then Malan had the gall to call on Amiela at that very moment!

The debate when they both knew that each held the other’s spouse was fast and furious and tremendous if grim fun to watch, until:

“Give me a drop of your blood, he may want proof your virtue is worth fighting for.”

Oh crap.

What an awesome chapter, and I’m looking forward to the eventual appearance of Crassius Curio!!

[Darkness Eternal]

I'm not going to clutter up the thread, but I love Janus Hassildor, and the addition of Maxical and him makes it superb! Though I will admit, there are some scary things about Hassildor that when you put the pieces together, he comes across as an entirely different character , at least in terms of what he truly is! And it makes him epic. TEAM Hasselholfdor

[ghastley]

Maxical only seems to think clearly when she's under extreme threat, so it makes sense that getting involved in a dispute between two giant vampires is what she needed!

I hope she can still use her brain, when it all calms down for a while. Not that I expect that will last. Especially now she's been told Fathis is alive.

And she still hasn't ...

This post has been edited by ghastley: Sep 25 2012, 12:28 AM

[mALX]

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@ Zalphon - Thank you so much Zalphon, I really appreciate that! Maxical was only partly bluffing, she now knows what Malan is capable of and would rather do it herself than be scavenged by his army.

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@ Acadian - Thank you so very much Acadian! You are right, she may have been trying to bluff Malan, but would seriously carry out that threat rather than let his army take her down.

. . . well, if it wasn't for the vampiry stuff and all.

- ROFL !!! Thank you so much again, Acadian!

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@ Hazmick - Thank you so much Hazmick! ROFL !! He chose the wrong Khajiit, that is for sure! Yeah, Malan only saw the good side of Maxical till now, just like she only saw the good side of Malan, lol. Thank you so much again, Hazmick!

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@ McBadgere - Thank you so much McB! I really appreciate your kind words! Janus was a total gentleman in his battle, Maxical was doing what she learned in the Arena (threats to intimidate opponents) - and what Uriel taught her (fight dirt with dirt). It means a lot that you enjoyed it, Thanks again McB!

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@ King Coin - Thank you so very much KC! I remember it well! She’s finally seen his true colors for the first time. It isn’t likely to be something she’ll forget now, her eyes are wide open going forward. She just needs to smarten up a bit now, lol. Thank you so much again, KC!

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@ Darkness Eternal - Thank you so very much Darkness! That was Malan’s big breakout scene. He is pulling out all stops now, and will no longer be impersonating Sir Damien - and his plots are def going to start unfolding, you pegged it! Loved your comments/commentary on the battle! (“Cat got your tongue, Malan?”) - ROFL !!!

After submersing his nature for 50 years (and being coddled by Hal-Liurz), Janus is really slow to emerge - but his time in the Imperial City is already making big changes in him, lol. He’s beginning to get in touch with his vampy side, lol. Hasselhoff!


http://i1.cdnds.net/11/15/550w_showbiz_dav...sselhoff_05.jpg


WOO HOO! Thank you so very much again, Darkness!

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@ Grits - What I love so much about reading your comments is that you say everything that was in my mind writing it. I so appreciate you Grits, you ROCK !!!!! Thank you so very much!

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@ Ghastley - Thank you so much Ghastley! You are exactly right, either mad or in combat … or if the Black Horse Currier quoted it correctly, “You’d be surprised what moves you can think up when skewered on a man’s longsword.” (Chapter 9, Page 4)

Right again. Knowing Fathis is alive and Malan is holding him prisoner - vampire or not, Maxical will blow through the roof.

And she still hasn't ...

Four more chapters!

Thank you so much again, Ghastley!


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[mALX]

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Chapter 174: Malan’s Trap


Outside the Temple walls in every direction and as far as my ring’s life detection reached were the huge glowing pink outlines of Malan’s giants, his full army surrounded us. Malan went no where without his army, he had to still be in here with us in the undetectable vapor form…watching, waiting for our guard to drop so he could take Amiela’s soul back.

There was no doubt in my mind that once she was gone from me that army of giants would scavenge us like rabid jackals attacking. A chill like I’ve never felt before went down my spine, standing there completely exposed on all sides with the knife still held to my own throat. He could be anywhere. The feeling of hot pee trickling into my boot pulled me back from an almost catatonic state fear held me in.

“Shield me completely, Janus! Hover over me. If he gets her soul back now he’ll kill us both.”

With the dagger still to my throat I clamored up onto the bier that held the Dragon Fires and hugged as closely as I could to the flames, my eyes becoming huge with the terror as I tried to take in the whole Temple interior for the slightest shadow of movement. I’d throw myself in the flames before I’d die torn to pieces by Malan’s army. A feral keening rose from deep inside me, echoing back from the rounded walls and dome above.

Janus hovered over me, his dark cape obscuring any part of me that may have been exposed to Malan’s spells. That entire night we stayed just like that, never changing positions and the dagger pressed to my throat throughout.

Neither of us spoke the whole night. I fought crying, too terrified to let tears blur my vision and senses or weaken me from doing what I must if he attacked.

My arm was an intense ache that alternately cramped from being raised and bent so long. The hand gripping that dagger felt deadened and so rigid I had to look several times to ensure the dagger was still clasped in it.

Dawn broke, but my fear was still too raw to move. I waited till the sunlight was streaming in the windows and regular sized pink outlines were milling outside the Temple.

“Whenever you’re ready we’ll run. Unlock the door from here and keep me covered no matter what! Just go to the closest shelter if you‘re burning in the sunlight.”

“Door is unlocked. Are you ready?” I nodded. “Ready, set…go!” Janus yanked me off the bier and hovered over me like a hunchback, his cloak all but obscuring me entirely. It was clumsy, but he carried me out. He kicked the door open and barreled out, running for the nearest district gates.

Janus ducked under the alcove of the gate and then put me down. My legs were buckling beneath me, I clung to Janus and allowed the tears I’d fought all night to come.






***


“I need to know everything about what went on in there, start from the beginning.”

“I met Malan when I was seven years old at the orphanage. He was nice to me, held me in his arms and sang to me. Beast species in orphanages aren’t shown love, Janus. I thought he was a god, one that loved me. He says I promised to come to him when I turned twenty, I don‘t remember it. When I saved his life a few days ago, he said no one had ever done that before. He released me from that vow, said if I came to him now it was my free choice.”

“You saved his life? There is no greater vow than that, Maxical! A promise to an ancient is a binding contract, no matter what occurs they expect it to be kept. Releasing you and free choice only means you fulfill the promise of your own accord, not bound by the vow. You still owe what you promised.“

“Geez, you vampires really lock down your victims, I was a seven year old child!“

“Just go on.”

“Well, the other day at the Arena I begged him to soothe my grief, and he did. He said that was thrice he’d brought me solace. Next thing I know he leaped on me like a randy dog, but I escaped. That night he showed up again, I was injured and he healed me. I guess I fell asleep, and he lay down and held me in his arms all night. I think that’s when he stuck his dead wife in me, but Uriel thinks he did it that night at the orphanage when I was seven. I never felt her till yesterday, he tried to mate her using me.”

“Turning to him for solace repeatedly is another vow, Maxical! Sleeping in his arms all night is another, but with the healing and you falling asleep first it could be arguable as long as you were dressed. Maxical? I said as long as you were dressed. Maxical!”

My face felt on fire with embarrassment. I averted it before answering. “I wasn’t dressed, and I don‘t think he was either. I felt his skin warm against the fur on my back, cuddled against him for his warmth.”

“There can be no clearer promises made than these, Maxical! You completed the steps with him, and did it all before the promise you made to me in the Temple! No wonder he came in a rage, he thinks you are his! He‘s poached you!”

“Poached! Like an egg?”

“No, poached like hunting on someone else’s property!”






***


“Look Janus, I don’t know all these rules for being around ancients. People do this stuff all the time and it means nothing! He stuck his dead wife in me, Janus! Any promises he thinks I made were broken by him when he performed necromancy on me.”

“He won’t see it that way.”

“Well I do. Listen Janus, Malan is stuffed with so many souls that he’s more immortal than you are. The only way to take him in combat is soul trapping him constantly, those souls empower him. And he made you from the same cocktail batch as himself, you are split-aparts. You share one nature, and Hannibal says you’ll also share the same chosen. Whoever that woman is you came here to find, he’ll probably go after her next since I won’t harbor his dead in me.”

“Split-aparts? What is that? How can we share a chosen? I need to talk to Traven.”

“He’s staying at the Palace now.”

“Did Uriel really order you to mate me?”

I nodded. “Didn’t he tell you that’s why you were being sent to meet me at the Temple?”

“He didn’t send me, I haven’t spoken to him in decades. I followed your scent there.”

“What? You weren’t the one I was supposed to mate? Dear gods! Oh Janus, I thought…oh dear gods! Er…Malan threatened to kill anyone that touched me, I thought Uriel chose you because you’re immortal. I’m so sorry, Janus. But then who? The man was supposed to approach me, you‘re the only one who did!”

Janus seemed to be picking his words carefully. “Unless they came after I sealed access to the Temple, they probably eased out after getting a look at you.” He paused, then added, “My cowl gave me anonymity.”

“What does that mean?”

“You were a sight, Maxical. Eyes all red and swollen, carting brandy and swilling illegal drugs…OW! Bad tempered…OW!”






***


“I was terrified, Janus. Thinking you were the one, it took the fear away.”

“I felt the relief in your aura. A city full of ancients, Uriel had to order that for your safety, Maxical.“

“It was for the security of the Palace, too. A few nights ago Malan and Jak were on the dome fighting. One of them tried to breach a window.”

“That was me. I caught Jak there watching you and confronted him. He said you nearly ruptured his spleen by singing to him.”

“I wasn’t singing to him, I was just thinking the songs in my mind. If I’d sung aloud that may have been considered a treasonous assault on Uriel.”

“That’s what Jak said, that Uriel may survive the attack from Dagon better.”

“He said that? OH! Well he shouldn’t have been there eavesdropping on my thoughts, then! It’s all his fault this happened, because of him Uriel immediately ordered me to lose what was drawing them to the Palace! Gils ran off with another woman, so I was commanded to mate whoever Uriel sent to the Temple. You came, and…Janus, if it can’t be Gils, I still want it to be you. You‘re the only one I won‘t be afraid with.”

“My castle would be the safest place, Maxical. He can’t enter without my permission, no vampire can.”

“I can’t leave Uriel, Janus. Malan wants the throne, and is ensconced in the Palace. I’m Uriel’s Champion, I have to stay unless he releases me. I really need to get back to him now.”

“I’m going with you, but let’s take the sidewalk. It‘s the long way around, but shadier.” Janus led the way, talking as he sought the shade in spurts and stopping to heal himself below trees and doorways.

“What mansion was Malan talking about?”

“Sir Damien gave me a key and instructions to some romantic hideaway to use for mating whoever came. Like it could be romantic with a stranger just because there‘s a good view or something? He was all concern that the experience be memorable, rambling on and on about honeymooning there and his wife saying it was the most wonderful memory of her life…blah blah blah.” I rolled my eyes and made a face like Ocato‘s.






***


“The same Sir Damien that was at the Arena that day? He didn’t give me the impression of being sappy romantic at all, far from it. That sounds like how ancients talk. I didn’t know Gils, but Fathis never gave me the impression he was overly romantic either. Were they like that with you?”

I snorted. “No, thank goodness. Neither of them were. Fathis was traditional Dunmer, old style. Everything formal. Gils…you could swing from the ceiling like an ape and Gils wouldn’t care as long as you landed right. He had an abundance of charm that made you feel romantic about him, but he never talked gooey at all.”

“How did Malan know about this mansion, and that you were supposed to go there?”

“I guess because he skulks around the Palace in his vapor form eavesdropping on everything said.”

“Or uses illusion to disguise himself and gives false orders that send you to a trap. Can I see that key and instructions on how to get to this place?”

“Here‘s the two parchments he gave me, one is where my mother is riding out the war. I don‘t know which it is, I haven’t even looked at these yet.”

“This one is right here in the Temple District, where’s this street number?”

“Look, it’s just doors from us. It could be my mother, can we check while we’re here?”

“That’s a good idea, seeing your mother after the upset you’ve had may help you forget it. It says we have to go through a basement access.”

He tried the front door and it opened readily, as did the basement door.

“Ew, why is there blood around those plants? Gross!”

“Here’s the access door, but it’s locked.” Janus looked at the key, then at me.

“The key is for the honeymoon hideaway, not my mother’s.”






***


“Malan said Fathis was at that mansion.”

“Yeah, how dumb to say Fathis would be at a place Uriel sent me to when everyone knows that…dead or alive, Malan had Fathis last.”

“Maxical, go back outside, stand in sunlight. GO!”

I ran, stopping well out in the sunlight. He came out not a minute later.

“It’s a vampire’s lair, Maxical.”

“My mother is in a vampire lair?”

“No, the key fit the lock. I opened it, and there was an invisible barrier. I felt it and it sensed me, but for some reason was letting me enter! It’s not supposed to do that.”

“It must be Malan’s; you share the same nature, Janus! Wait, Uriel sent me to honeymoon in Malan’s lair?”

“No, Sir Damien did. He’s an ancient, Maxical. I’m positive he is Malan.“

“Malan! Why do you say that?”

“Because he went on and on about romance. All ancients have that in them, we are very romantic with the one we love, and Malan loves that soul you are carrying.”

“But Uriel has known and trusted Sir Damien for over thirty years, surely he’d know if it was an imposter.”

“People see what they expect to see, Maxical. That longstanding trust is exactly why Uriel wouldn’t notice minor discrepancies.”


*