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

[McBadgere]

...Pure awesomeness!!... ...

I absolutely love Jak!!...Which isn't easy for me to say about a vampire, as you know... ...*Raises eyebrow*...

Aaaamywho...

Such a brilliant episode, loved the way that Imbel kept just spilling all the secrets out, I'm surprised that Foxy didn't tell him to wait while he found a pen!!... ...

Wonderful to have you writing again...

Brilliant stuff...

Amazing!!...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Jun 27 2013, 06:11 AM

[Winter Wolf]

Oh, mALX, I just logged on today and read your update. My mind and heart is clouded with emotion for you and your family. I still remember our conversation from last year. It now drives me to get outside, go for a walk and some thinking time.

Thumbs up from me to get back on the horse and continue writing. I always remember what Morrison wrote- 'Words got me the wound, and will get me well, if you believe it.' I have felt that part of my health issues over the last two years is that I have forgotten who I am. My own writing has grinded to a halt and that is really at the core of the problem.

I do not know if your realize it, but your writing has always been remedial to me. Thank you for sharing it.

I feel sorry for poor old Foxy, trapped inside that soul gem, seeing the world through a kaleidoscope where nothing seems to make sense. Tapping into human emotion and longing has always been the hallmark of your writing.

[Darkness Eternal]

Welcome back to the story, mALX. We missed you and we're glad you returned to us. Good to know you're feeling better

Woah! So that's how staying inside of a black soul gem looks like! It looks pretty awesome, but the experince must be terrible I reckon. So we see the real Jakben and naked Fathis, both doomed inside of the gem. But Jakben sure has a mouth on him, doesn't he? But I like him. He's quite charming and humorous with his nose-picking pranks and making others wet themselves . Maybe Malan can do some self-defecating too, eh?

Time was endless in this tomb of a cell. No daylight penetrated the thick stone to measure its passing. Malan had thought of everything, it was as if this cell had been created with Foxy in mind. The shackles that held him had a magical seal that could not be picked, not in this cell where the magic was absorbed before it could even be tapped.

Eternity inside a giant prison floating in the cosmos of space . . . Not fun at all. Malan's such a jerk to toss in folks in there.

So Malan is going to put Fathis' soul back? This only makes things interesting. Can't wait to see what Maxical thinks of all this. It must be terryfing to see Malan fly at full speed! Good descriptions here, and overall a wonderful update. I liked that you revisited other characters too, offering us a good vantage point!

[mALX]

*

@ Ghastley - Thank you so very much Ghastley! I am so glad Jak's likability came across, lol. Yes, on everything you said, and I am sorry about the updates being every two months. Just going through some rough times lately - Thank you so much Ghastley!

*
@ Elisabeth Hollow - Thank you so very much Liz! Aw, what a nice comment! Jak is def a heartthrob, lol. I'll have to post some pictures of him when he arrives. <3 Thanks so much again Liz!

*
@ King Coin - Thank you so very much KC! You hit the nail on the head for what I was going for, but a much more potent gas. Everything with Malan is a plan; and all the souls are inside Malan.

The prison is where he keeps the body's of men he is impersonating. Jak has been Malan's prisoner for about three centuries. And yes, you are exactly right; Malan is putting Fathis's soul back because he doesn't trust him not to take control of his body again at this crucial time when he is this close to seizing the throne. All this is taking place after Fathis saved Maxical's life and Amiela was hauled to prison. Thank you so much again, KC!

*
@ King of Beasts - Thank you so very much Kobby! ROFL !!! I think it was DE that hoped he could be made to crap his pants as well, ROFL! Malan has no idea Jak and his prisoners wander free in his absence, lol. After centuries of Jak being (a thrall or alone on that tier of the dungeon), Malan slipped a bit on his security. When Fathis saved Maxical, Malan realized Jak couldn't be trusted. That jail won't be left unguarded again as long as anyone with their soul intact is in it. Thank you so much Kobby !!!

*
@ Acadian - Thank you so very much Acadian! How kind you are to say that! You know what I was going through when that chapter was written, so it is music to my ears to hear that dungeon and Malan's flight/Foxy's run to the cell came across as I hoped!

Jak was lively and fun to write, kind of took over and wrote himself, lol.

On Fathis being expandable once his soul is returned - no. Fathis's soul is too powerful for Malan to pass up. If he ever was to kill him, it would be while he (Malan) had his soul. (but Malan has plans for Fathis, he won't kill him).

1. Fathis is a highly respected Court Mage with the highest security clearance
2. Fathis is highly accepted even by the working class that despise him for his wealth.
3. Malan never changes his plans, if something happens to mess him up he just finds workarounds and keeps the same old plan going (a weakness which Maxical realized, it makes Malan's next moves predictable). Maxical already figured out Malan's plan for Fathis that night Malan attacked her and Janus in the Temple of the One - He is going to use Fathis's body when he takes the throne.

Thank you so very much again, Acadian !!!!! <3

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@ Grits - Thank you so very much Grits! I needed to hear these kind words, it took me two months to squeeze that chapter out, ROFL !!! (And today's too, lol). It means a lot to hear those parts came out well, I can't tell you how many times I had to scrap those and start them over, lol. Thank you so very much again, Grits !!!

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@ McBadgere - Thank you so very much McB! Now YOU made my day on this comment below, McB !!! :

I absolutely love Jak!!...Which isn't easy for me to say about a vampire as you know...

I know how much you hate vampires, that was AWESOME to hear you say that !!! I liked him too, he kind of took over the keyboard on me, lol. Your kind words mean tons to me, McB; thank you so very much!

*
@ Winter Wolf - Thank you so very much Wolfie !!! The surprise of seeing you on here, and then reading your kind words - you had me bawling here. I miss you so much, miss your writing and your beloved assassin Aradroth. Dear gods it felt good to read this, to know you are healing up so maybe you will come home to us again. You are so missed, so loved. it was so wonderful to see you again, hear you; how wonderful it would be to read your writing again.

I lost my Mother in May, and as you see I have not been writing much myself since. I was kind of shut off from talking with anyone much through June - too raw.

My mother loved Maxical, used to push me to get chapters written. Losing her inspiration knocked my feet out from under me as far as writing goes. I hope it comes back, I do agree with your that when the writing grinds to a halt it saps the parts of us we love best, the parts that feed our energies and drive us to strive and achieve.

I can't begin to tell you how much your words meant to me. You are a treasured friend, regardless of the time that passes between visits; but you are always missed in the gaps between. Thank you so very much, Winter Wolf. <333 You ROCK !!!!



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@ Darkness Eternal - Thank you so very much for the warm welcome back DE! ! I am feeling better, and it is friends like you who got me over the toughest patches of the roughest months of my life.

I always wondered what it would be like to be inside a soul gem looking out, Maxical was in one in the first story, now Foxy, lol. Must be a theme of mine I don't realize or something, lol.

You had me rolling in your comment, especially the "self-defecating," ROFL !!! Does Jak remind you of anyone in particular with his pranks and mischief (and ever-running mouth)? Lol. (Maxical).

Thank you so much for what you said about Malan flying at full speed - that meant a lot to hear, I hoped it would feel like a juggernaut bearing down at such speed he barely had time to run the short distance to the cell. I'm so glad it came across that way. Thank you so very much again, DE, and for all your support this past year.

*

@ EVERYONE - It has been a very rough year for me, the loss of my Mother. I couldn't have made it through without friends like you all. I am still not back 100%, but am feeling much better than I was, and I give the credit for that to my friends on here that helped with kind words; listening ears; and hugs, even if they are just emoticon ones. You all are the best !!! I can never thank you enough for all the support you gave me.

Although I plan to backtrack over and cover some of the previous chapters in each chapter, for anyone that wants or needs it, here is a brief update:

Previous Chapters Update:

* Malan removed Amiela's soul from Maxical and hid the soul inside Evangeline. Maxical suspected he had done it because she saw Malan's guard posted outside her door. She warned Uriel.

* Uriel drew up orders vacating Evangeline's post and removing her from the Palace. He told Maxical to find the Recall marker in her room and dispose of it.

* Maxical found the Recall marker and buried it at the bottom of a cow manure pit.

* Malan is learning, he removed his guard on Evangeline's door. Since there was no guard, Maxical thought it was Evangeline and proceeded to brag and exaggerate about her first sexual experience, telling her about mating with Malan. She then proceeded to discuss the Earl of Imbel's sex life with who she thought was Evangeline. Of course, Amiela knew the Earl of Imbel was Malan in disguise, so was doubly livid. She flew into a rage.

* Janus, Hannibal Traven, and (unbeknownst to Maxical) the Earl of Imbel (who technically is Malan in disguise) enter the Palace in time to become party to Amiela/Evangeline's rage. The guards are called.

* Maxical serves Uriel's orders on Evangeline and has her hauled away, but not before Amiela (who is now in full control of Evangeline's body) tries to kill Maxical.

* Fathis's soul temporarily takes control of Malan's body and saves Maxical's life. Malan is livid, and a bit frightened when he has a struggle getting control of his body back from Fathis.

* Malan does not follow Amiela's soul because he wants to plant another Recall marker in the Royal Quarters.

* Between Maxical and Janus, Malan learns Uriel's plots against him:

1. Since Janus and Malan are split-aparts, Janus can allow/give permission to another vampire to enter Malan's lair just as if he was Malan. Uriel wants to bring Greywyn Blenwyth into the Royal Quarters to establish their lair / hijack Malan's lair; thereby blocking Malan from the lair HE had established there.

(Maxical wants it to be Fathis, so does Uriel - he only said Greywyn Blenwyth to make Maxical angry enough to get off her butt and rescue Fathis - she thinks better when angry, and it gave her an incentive to do it herself or pressure Janus into acting for her).

2. Uriel set a trap at the Imperial Prison for when Malan followed Amiela's soul (inside Evangeline) there to remove it (since Evangeline could no longer enter the Palace or take him straight into power, Malan would want that soul inside someone else right away).

* On learning of these plots against him, Malan realizes he needs to step back and regroup, do a workaround on his own plots. He hates Maxical too much to fool her by feigning love, and needs to get rid of Fathis's soul before it blows everything with him this close to obtaining the Throne. He decides to send the real (and charming) Springheel Jak in for two weeks, hoping Uriel will think his plot failed and remove the trap around Evangeline/Amiela's soul.

* Malan doesn't trust Fathis and Foxy being alone together, even bound in chains and locked in magic inhibiting spells. He orders his army back there to guard the prisoners.

* Maxical tried to beg and plead, shame and coerce, etc Janus into keeping his vow to rescue Fathis. When he refused she sank to threatening him with his Diplomatic Immunity and Seat as Count Skingrad. She went back to protect and brief Uriel on the events.

She barred Janus from the Royal Quarters till he brings back Fathis, leaving him down there with ( "some handsome friend of Janus's," who unbeknownst to Maxical is the Earl of Imbel, who unbeknownst to everyone is Malan).

* Malan (who Janus thinks is his good friend Jakben Imbel) tricked Janus into swearing the rights to Maxical over to him. (doesn't matter, since he plans to have Amiela kill Maxical).

Some screens of Foxy:


In jail:


http://www.mamapop.com/wp-content/uploads/...94166468458.jpg


With sword:


http://images.mylot.com/userImages/images/...tos/1615312.jpg




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This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 29 2013, 02:15 PM

[mALX]

*


*** D. Foxy has graciously approved the use of his characters Damien "Foxy" Reynard and to the cameo mention of his character Sneakers in this episode. *Approved!



Chapter 205: Foxy and Fathis Escape





******* Sir Damien "Foxy" Reynard


The sound was so subtle Foxy couldn't be positive he'd heard anything behind the clanging of chains as Malan jerked Fathis's shackles taut, but it was there; a current as intangible as the air itself, like a heart pumping or blood rushing in your veins. The persistence of it is what caught Damien's attention. It was growing increasingly louder, ambient and alive.

Whatever Fathis had done, Malan was in a rage from it. Fathis's back was drawn against the black stone wall too tightly to move. He'd not be able to free himself without help.

The chances were great Malan would check Damien's shackles and cell next, and discover they'd been tampered with. He'd be cinched just as tightly as Fathis, and there'd be no escape for either of them.

Outside the prison the noise had become discernible now, the thrusting of thousands of expansive wings beating the air. Malan's army. In seconds the gaping archway to the sky darkened, the stars and moons blackened as it filled with the huge birds.

They began landing in groups, shimmering into vapors out of which glowing red devoid eyes in expressionless blank masks of faces emerged. Soulless vampire thralls mutely flooding the cellblock corridor.

There wasn't room to see, to breathe. No way to move or escape through the massive sea of them. At least a hundred of them entered, and outside the continuous beating of wings heralded thousands more.








***


"She'll die while you watch for what you've done." Malan's deep voice echoed down the cellblock along with the sound of magic as he sealed Fathis's shackles and cell door.

In a sudden surge the army converged on Foxy's cell with lightning speed; Jak's words confirmed. They were thralls.

The army's giant forms blocked his view as Foxy prepared for Malan to enter the cell; coiling tightly against the shackles ready for rapid movement.

The gases hissed their poison into the air around him. Foxy held his breath and slumped his head as if succumbing. To his surprise, Malan stopped the gases after only a few minutes. His eyes were mere slits trained on the cell door for Malan to enter, waiting. Instead his peripheral vision caught movement coming from his left the split second before a hollowed dart pierced the vein in his neck.

There was an immediate stinging and acidic burning at the site that began creeping up the vein with the flow of blood.

Foxy didn't have to guess what poison the dart contained, Jak had already warned him. This cellblock was for thralls and vampires only, Malan intended to make him one or the other or he wouldn't be here. It would contain Malan's blood.

The army held their post on his cell, but he heard as Malan entered Jak's cell next; their voices low whispers that barely reached his cell. The words "Two weeks with Maxical," followed by threats if Jak tried any tricks.

Through a minute gap in the crook of one thrall's arm Foxy saw Jak's hand pound his chest and then raise in a vow. Malan was speaking an ancient language as he pressed his body against Jak's, ramming him against the stone wall behind him. He kissed him full on the mouth, cramming his head backwards with the force of it.

After all his warnings to Foxy, Jak was letting Malan take his soul. Foxy's initial horror and reaction to defend Jak was stilled by Malan's words. Jak was not afraid of Malan's threats, he was tricky and knew his time was running out. The lad was plucky. He would protect Maxical from Malan, Foxy was fairly sure of that. More importantly, Foxy would have an ally inside Malan. Jak may help bring Malan down. And now he knew exactly where Malan would be for two weeks.






***


Malan never approached Foxy's cell, in fact left so quickly after taking Jak's soul that Foxy felt the urgency of it; and the relief that he hadn't checked the magic seal on his shackles or cell bars.

Malan's army left with him, another relief. They may be just escorting Malan to the Palace and returning though; Foxy didn't waste a second waiting to find out. The window to escape was now, and may not come again.

Foxy immediately slipped his shackles and pulled the dart from his neck. The taint and power of Malan's blood could already be felt coursing through his veins. He slid his hand through the hair over his ear and removed the wire filament Jak had given him as he ran toward Fathis’s cell.

Fathis urged him to hurry. “Malan gave orders; his army returns to guard us, we must away before they do. Malan will be alerted if we are free within this area or attack them, but they’ll not notice our absence from the cells if we leave before they arrive. ”

Foxy moved rapidly to disable the seal on the cell door and pick the lock, answering Fathis in surprise as he worked.

“They will guard an empty cell?“

“Aye, it’s truth. Malan sets them to guard a place, not the person.”

“That is a good piece of information there, Fathis. Unless you know another way, I’ll have to ride on you as you fly. I weigh sixteen stone, can you carry my weight?”

“Nae, your weight is greater than mine in man’s form. Malan can carry as much, but few others could. A Feather spell would lighten you, but not last even to the ground below Theryon. Once in bird form I’ll be unable to cast again, and don‘t believe you‘ll be able to in flight either. We’d not survive the fall.“

Foxy pushed the cell door open and hurried in, immediately setting to unsealing and picking the shackle's locks on Fathis's ankles and wrists.

“There is a laboratory inside the palace above this prison tier, can you mix a potion quickly? It has enchanting and spell altars as well.“

Fathis shook his head. “Nae, ancients can’t cross into another’s lair. You'll have to do it. Better to enchant clothing if there are soul gems, no chance the spell will wear off in flight.”








***


Foxy glanced up at Fathis. “How did Malan get Maxical here?”

“Recall spells. He has markers in his bedroom here and one was set up in the Royal Quarters.“

Foxy‘s head spun toward him. “Do you know where he keeps them?“

Fathis nodded. “In his library.” He began describing how to reach it, and Foxy waved him to stop.

“I’ve been doing a systematic search of the whole lair.“ He tapped one finger to his temple. “Memorizing it till I could log it. I’ll need that Recall to come back for Sneakers and Jak.”

Foxy paused and glanced back up at Fathis. “Hold, you said one marker was set up in the Royal Quarters, what did you mean by was? Is it no longer there?”

“Aye, moved. Ma'Thjizzrini Qa found it. She set it up in the bottom of a cow manure pit. Malan was swimming in dung, and burning in the sunlight.”

Foxy snorted. “Good for her.“ He slid the wire filament into the lock of the shackles and let go. “Watch yourself, slight shock coming.“

He cast a low shock to short out the seal on them, then picked the lock with the filament.

“Prepare; another shock. When you are free, boost me up to that vent. I‘ll climb up and meet you on wall up top.”






***


The last shackle fell. Fathis shook himself free of them and hurried to the air vent, cupping his hands for Foxy‘s foot. He heaved Foxy with force, nearly propelling him into the shaft.

Foxy was surprised at the strength he was pushed up with. Jak had barely been able to lift him. Fathis answered his unspoken question.

“The strength comes with Malan’s ancient vampire line. It is tremendously powerful. Jak’s line is considerably lower in abilities and strength.”

Fathis raised his arms and was instantly surrounded by vapor. No bird appeared, the vapor just moved out through the gaping arch in the black stone that Malan had entered through earlier. Foxy hurried to the top, then slid along the wall till he saw the vapor floating in front of him. Fathis materialized before him.

“Can you hide your vampire features?”

“Aye.“ Fathis immediately cast illusion to cover his vampire features. “It is a relief to be in possession of my magic again.”

Foxy indicated Fathis‘s nude state and his own. “We’ll need that clothing. Let us hope he has the soul gems needed to counter my weight with Feather enchantment; and some Mandrake Root as well. I don‘t relish the idea of joining his vampire line.”

Fathis nodded his understanding. “Nor did I. He’ll have no Mandrake, nor cure of disease; not anywhere on Theryon. I can conjure armor or clothing for us to save time, though armor would increase our weight.”

Foxy shook his head. “No. We’ll need robes similar to those worn by the Royal Battlemages, and hoods to cover our faces.”

“In the laboratory where the enchanting altar is found, the schrank along the far wall.“ Fathis gripped his arm before continuing.

“When we are safely away there is much you’ll need to know before entering the Palace. Best I brief you before going in, as I’ll not be able to accompany you up. Malan’s lair blocks me from the Battlemages floor to the Royal Quarters. Uriel‘s chambers are still free of it, but may not be for long.”

Damien’s mouth drew into a grim line. Fathis would need some debriefing himself to cure that bloodlust before Foxy could consider him with the trust he would need for what was ahead.

“We’ll go first to my fortress southeast of the Imperial City and prepare. Take whatever measures you need to stay hidden while I am inside in case his army returns. There are trees and shrubs for cover along the garden wall, I’ll meet you there.”






***


As Foxy was leaving the library with the Recall scrolls he paused by Malan's desk, eyeing the parchment and inkwell. The temptation was too great to leave without mocking. Foxy drew a quick picture and note, leaving it on Malan's desk. He set markers in several places throughout Theryon, ensuring Malan would never find them all before Foxy could come back to rescue Sneakers and Jak.




Foxy's note to Malan:


http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq67/Ma...zps6724fc46.jpg










******* Maxical (From Chapter 201, Page 101)



Despite my rage at Janus for forcing me into the position of needing to do it, the guilt for threatening him that way was overwhelming. I may as well consider myself as cold and calculating as Malan now, he'd ended everything I ever knew about myself. I hated what I had become, and hated what had become of my life now.

Rage caused me to pound on Uriel's chamber door like the guards on a raid. Eyja unbolted it just in time for me to get a glimpse of Hannibal tottering toward Uriel to protect him.

Once again I was struck by the fear that Hannibal's heart had not withstood the shock of Mannimarco's return to Cyrodiil. The thought slid in an unbidden taunt that only Malan was capable of the kind of healing Hannibal would need, a man of his age with a failing heart. Eyja probably strained it beyond repair with her mating.

If anything ever happened to Hannibal, I didn't know how I'd stand it. Everyone I'd ever cared for seemed to be dropping from my ken, one after another as if the gods took turns plucking them away till I'd welcome Dagon for the death he'd bring to ease the ache of it.

It was with too much vigor that I slammed the door, it crashed loudly against the steel frame. If the bolt were less sturdy I may have broken it by the force I threw it across with. I turned back to see six stunned eyes staring at me.

"Uh...sorry. Hannibal, will you stand guard for my debriefing?" I hurried to the vault. Uriel and Eyja both grabbed parchment pads and quills and followed. Eyja sealed the door as I started briefing Uriel on the situation below floors.

“It was Amiela, she'd completely taken over Evangeline's body. She was to marry Malan within the hour. You would have been sacrificed, Sire. That's all he waited for was Amiela by his side to move on the Throne. Malan came in the same time Hannibal did."

I handed Uriel the orders vacating Evangeline's post. "Very good thing I had these orders, Sire. The guards were afraid to move against Evangeline without them. On your behalf I ordered the Palace sealed, all stations manned and a high alert status. She's being hauled to the Imperial Prison under full watch."

"What of Malan, did he follow Evangeline out?"

"No. I was sure he would, to remove Amiela's soul from her; but I believe he remained here to plant another Recall marker in the Royal Quarters. In vapor form there is no way to keep him out." I turned to Eyja quickly.

"You'll need your men to grid off the Royal Quarters and sweep for Recall markers constantly. Have them keep a fire lit in Ocato's suite at all times. Any markers found need to be thrown in the large fireplace; not Ocato's."

Uriel shot me an approving look, and for the first time since realizing Malan was moving on the Throne I felt the relief of it and breathed out in a long exhale. Uriel had survived Malan's first siege on the Palace. I hadn't failed him.



*





This post has been edited by mALX: Sep 9 2013, 07:44 AM

[King Of Beasts]

It's nice to see you writing again mALX!!! And I'm glad you feel better


That note....

Despite my rage at Janus for forcing me into the position of needing to do it, the guilt for threatening him that way was overwhelming. I may as well consider myself as cold and calculating as Malan now, he'd ended everything I ever knew about myself. I hated what I had become, and hated what had become of my life now.

Poor Maxical. This war has put her through a lot, huh?

[Grits]

What a delight to find Maxical’s story at the top of the page this morning! I loved every second of Foxy’s and Fathis’ breathless escape. Foxy’s note made me laugh.

If anything ever happened to Hannibal, I didn't know how I'd stand it. Everyone I'd ever cared for seemed to be dropping from my ken, one after another as if the gods took turns plucking them away till I'd welcome Dagon for the death he'd bring to ease the ache of it.

Just heartbreaking.

Uriel shot me an approving look, and for the first time since realizing Malan was moving on the Throne I felt the relief of it and breathed out in a long exhale. Uriel had survived Malan's first siege on the Palace. I hadn't failed him.

This made me want to cheer for Maxical. What an awesome end to a fantastic chapter!

It’s so great to have this update to read!

[Elisabeth Hollow]

I'm seeing the potential for Jakben becoming a favorite character of mine. Which means he dies, lol.

Let's hope that Jak can unite a few souls inside Malan and make his life a living hell while he tries to make Maxical's a nightmare.

I really like how Damien (LOVE the name, btw the way! -elbow elbow treydog-) was able to fool a rushed Malan into thinking he'd succumbed to the gasses.

It's nice to see Fathis isn't going all fangy on Foxy. I really hope they find a way out soon and show Maxical that her husband is alive! A vampire, but, alive!

This post has been edited by Elisabeth Hollow: Aug 30 2013, 03:48 AM

[ghastley]

You've been bottling it up and it shows. Awesome splurge!!!

[Acadian]

A warm welcome back to you, mALX!

What a spooky return of Malan and his winged army of giant vampires - terrifyingly ominous, and painted just as clearly as a movie scene. Then a real sense of urgency as Foxy and Fathis work the details of their escape. Enchanting some feather gear and riding on the back of a winged vampire to safety – what could possibly go wrong?

Foxy’s ‘bye bye’ drawing was hilarious!

Nits:
- ’Outside the prison the noise had become discernable now,’ - - discernible.
- ‘The gasses hissed their poison into the air around him. Foxy held his breath and slumped his head as if succumbing. To his surprise, Malan stopped the gases after only a few minutes.’ - - gasses or gases? You used both in the same passage.

[King Coin]

I’m surprised Damien wasn’t caught. MALAN is definitely losing his edge; I don’t think he would have made that mistake if he was on top of his game. Is this after he read Maxical’s mocking note?

I hope Damien gets a cure before he is turned.

That was some quick thinking by Maxical. Perhaps she does think better under pressure after all. I only wish she had tossed Malan’s recall ring in a fireplace too instead of a dung pit, as funny as that was.

EDIT: wrong name.

This post has been edited by King Coin: Sep 6 2013, 06:35 PM

[McBadgere]

... ...

Fair dues...

I have missed this story... ...

Foxy was epic and amazing...Loved the crawl through Theryon...

Yep, definitely best hope there's some Cure Disease about soon...Though, as a battlemage, you'd have thought he'd have learnt the spell by now...Considering what he may find himself up against...Silly man... ...

But epic... ...

Maxical has definitely grown as character, fantastic writing that...

Fantastic that you're back posting again...

Brilliant story...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

[Darkness Eternal]

Look who's back! Woo hoo! I've been seriously wondering what became of Maxical. I almost sent you a PM these days wondering what happened to the story. Glad to see it back on track!

Foxy's note. Ha. Bye bye, Malan!

The section with Foxy and Fathis was pure gold. Truly comical characters, and Foxy comes across as mischievous here. Especially with the urge to rub the escape to Malan's face.

Outside the prison the noise had become discernible now, the thrusting of thousands of expansive wings beating the air. Malan's army. In seconds the gaping archway to the sky darkened, the stars and moons blackened as it filled with the huge birds. They began landing in groups, shimmering into vapors out of which glowing red devoid eyes in expressionless blank masks of faces emerged. Soulless vampire thralls mutely flooding the cellblock corridor.

Gotta say, I agree with Acadian here. The image made here is frightening, spooky and dark and totally fits Malan and all that he represents. Dark power and domination of others(the souless thralls), not unlike Mr. Molag.

“The strength comes with Malan’s ancient vampire line. It is tremendously powerful. Jak’s line is considerably lower in abilities and strength.”

I like this bit of lore here. The closer the purer one is to the source, the stronger!

Maxical is a fine contrast to the escaping duo. She's angry, she's pissed and she's furious! It is realistic and understandable that all those circumstances that's been dumped on her, regarding Janus, Fathis and Malan, is boiling out of her with frustration. I can't wait when she sees Fathis again!

This is going to get good and by good I mean better.

[mALX]

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@ EVERYONE - Thank you so very much for all your warm welcomes back! That meant tons to hear; coming off writer’s block is a very odd feeling of “should I really be doing this?” - You all are so very much appreciated in every way as readers, but also for your patience with me through the huge gaps this past year and sticking with me through the tough times.

This (below) is the last chapter of reviewing what has passed, next chapter jumps right into the present of everything covered.

@ King of Beasts - Thank you so very much Kobby! Aw, now that was sweet! Yes, it sure has. <3

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@ Grits - Thank you so very much Grits! You nailed everything I hoped would come through in that chapter; your kind responses are exactly what I’d hoped for!

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@ Elisabeth Hollow - Thank you so very much Liz!

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@ Ghastley - Thank you so very much Ghastley! Wow, now that made me feel great, whew! Thanks again, Ghastley!

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@ Acadian - Thank you so very much Acadian! Fixed the nits, thank you so much for the help! Your kind words on the escape scene meant a lot to hear, thank you so much again, Acadian!

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@ King Coin - Thank you so very much KC! I loved your idea of the furnace for the rings, ROFL !!! Not a bad idea at all, lol. The fireplace was the next best thing, but I give you the credit for it! Thank you so much again, KC! Here is the answer to your questions:

Janus hasn’t been letting his vampire nature out, and as long as he keeps it subjugated he can’t tell it is Malan - only that it is an ancient vampire (who he has trusted for years as his friend Jak).

Janus is easily manipulated anyway due to almost a full lifetime spent isolated in that castle - but by a master of manipulation like Malan he is putty in his hands.

No one has read either Maxical’s threatening note or Foxy’s mocking note yet; but Maxical’s note will be read by next chapter (not the chapter below).

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@ McBadgere - Thank you so very much McB! Aw, you really made my day with this warm welcome back and kind words! Thank you so much again McB!

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@ Darkness Eternal - Thank you so very much DE! To hear these kind words from the master of vampire knowledge and lore meant a lot, thank you so much again DE!

Malan created his own vampire line off of many of the most powerful vampire lines mixed together in a cocktail that was injected into him; and you are right that those lines he used in the cocktail were probably closer to the source (as it all took place in Morrowind centuries ago).

Jak is not of Malan’s line, the ancient line he belongs to is a much lesser ancient line - the same as Seridur’s - not powerful at all. (That is why Malan has been able to keep him subjugated all these centuries).

LOVED what you said about Maxical here, ROFL !!!


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[mALX]

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** Rumpleteasza (actual Profile name from the Bethesda Official Forums) has graciously given her permission for the use of her Profile name and her actual likeness for the role of Rumpleteasza Goldwine in this chapter.


** Our own Treydog and Mrs. Treydog actually did the artwork and photoshopping for the Rumpleteasza portrait, and have graciously given their permission for the continued use of Mrs. Treydog's name as the famous artist in Cyrodiil whose paintings are of such renown that they are instantly known for their value by just the mention of the artist's name.




Mrs. Treydog portrait of Rumpleteasza Goldwine:

http://a1.ec-images.myspacecdn.com/images0...200400f4b/l.jpg






Chapter 206: Maxical's Debriefing With Uriel



The good rapport between Uriel and I didn't last beyond a few more questions in my debriefing.

"Where is Malan now?"

"He remained on the Battlemage's floor, I smelled him right up until I entered the Royal Quarters. He must have been in vapor form, because my Life Detect ring showed no one except Janus and some handsome friend of his."

Eyja's eyebrows rose, but not for the reason I thought. "What do you mean, you smelled him?”

“Oh. Well, I found that Recall marker Malan had in my room and buried it at the bottom of the cow manure pit behind the prison.”

Eyja brayed out a laugh, but Uriel barely flickered a smile. He indicated my bleeding throat.

"Was there a battle?"

"She tried a quick-kill move on me, but that handsome friend of Janus's saved me.“

Uriel scribbled something on his pad and then pointed in my direction. "This friend of Hassildor's, what is his name?"

I shrugged. "I don't know, Sire. There wasn't time for introductions."

Eyja looked up from her writing. “How did you learn it was Amiela?”

“To be honest, I didn't know. Malan never leaves Amiela unguarded, and there was no guard on her door. I assumed it actually was Evangeline until she became enraged. I accidentally riled her up talking about Malan. She just up and attacked that beautiful man that came in with Janus."

"You did what?" Uriel's fist slammed down on the table, his face instantly reddening in anger. "You were given direct orders not to discuss anything about Malan with Evangeline!"

"I didn't talk about Malan Sire, not exactly. I was just describing my first time mating. She asked who it was with, and I said Malan."






***


Eyja's interest perked up at that. "What did you tell her? I've been waiting for details since you returned and got not a single word from you."

"You! You had your Argonian team hidden out at Theryon eavesdropping and broadcasting everything I did, what need have you of my version?" I gave her a 'HMPH' look.

Eyja grinned and made an obnoxious sound that I'm sure was meant to be an imitation of Malan's noisy passion.

"There, you see?" I turned back to Uriel. “I was just trying to entertain her. I may have exaggerated to make it more interesting; and I think I probably bragged a bit."

Uriel did not look entertained, he was still livid I had broken his orders. "Exactly what did you tell her?"

"Yes, what?" Eyja pulled a large blank parchment in front of her and poised her quill over it to taunt me. Her grin wasn't hidden well enough, she was deliberately letting me see it to bait me.

"Nothing! I might have miscounted the number of times he took me; I think I claimed to have marked every room in Theryon numerous times. Then I more or less hinted that his wife hadn’t pleased him in the bedroom. I may have said he complained she stunk, or quoted him as saying she was 'lousy' or something. Wait, that might have been when I was gossiping about the Earl of Imbel. Anyway, that's when all hell broke loose.”

Eyja scraped back her chair and staggered to the couch, straddling the arm of it and gasping for air the whole way. When she caught her breath it was to let out a medley of her worst laughs.

“SKWREEEEEEK! BWAAHEEEOOOWAAA! BRAAAAYOOOO!” The first was just a shriek, I couldn't even begin to figure out what the second was. The last one sounded like a cross between a donkey braying and a wolf howling.

"Geez Eyja! What's with that new laughs? I don't know whether to saddle you up or put on hunting gear." I turned back to Uriel in time to catch an amused gleam in his eye.

"I’m sorry Sire; but with Evangeline the juicier the gossip is, the better she likes it." I winked at Eyja. "Amiela on the other hand, is obviously dead to gossip. Get it?"

Eyja choked. “You are lucky you weren't dead too after saying those things." She grinned at Uriel. "I'll wager Amiela will demand Theryon be sold immediately now, that was her and Malan's lair."

Uriel finally relaxed and smiled, but it was directed toward Eyja.






***


“Actually, until she threatened to eat Alix the Mouse, I truly thought it was Evangeline." I finished when Eyja had settled down.

Eyja looked confused. "Mouse? What mouse?"

“You weren’t here to see it, but Evangeline is replacing a child she lost with this mouse, dresses it in clothing and strolls the Greenway with it in a pram.” Uriel explained.

“Oh how sad!”

I nodded. "It is. She spoils it dreadfully, and it has become quite demanding."

"How does a mouse make demands?"

Uriel waved us to get back on topic.

"Okay. Well, then Hannibal and Janus came in with a gorgeous man that would take anyone’s breath from them, and she attacked him like a wild jackal."

Eyja grinned at the image that conjured, but Uriel was enraged by it. “What made her attack anyone other than Malan? Is she unbalanced?”

“I wondered that too, Sire. But crazy or not, she is the driving force behind everything Malan does. Malan was just using Evangeline to gain the throne, then he would have killed her. He has a plan for someone else to use permanently. I don't know who yet, but they will be young, beautiful, and powerful. We need to find out who it is."

Uriel tapped one finger on the table absentmindedly, then banged it loudly.

"In one of our last conversations during his imposture of Foxy, Malan mentioned Count Ormellius Goldwine‘s daughter Rumpleteasza. According to Malan there is a Mrs. Treydog portrait of her that hangs in the Greathall of Castle Kvatch. He seemed to know quite a bit about her. Had I not already known it was Malan, it would have caused suspect."

I glanced up, surprised. "Rumpleteasza? I was teased in school by the students from Kvatch, they said we could be sisters but for the tail, fur, and ears."

Uriel snorted. "Hardly; Rumpleteasza is a noted beauty. There are similarities in coloring; hair and eyes, and her skin tone is alabaster. For Malan's purposes she would be ideal. She holds a position of power and respect, and is but twenty-two years."








***


"If he mentioned her, she is the right one. Malan tells his plots, thinking people are too stupid to figure them out. Almost like bragging to show how smart he is, he believes he is omnipotent. All I’ve done is take the information he gives and figure out what in it avails him, and I‘ve been right on the mark each time for what he was plotting and why."

Uriel nodded, and both he and Eyja made a note of it on their pads. Uriel paused in his writing.

"We are at a crucial phase in the battle against Malan now. If you have discovered any other weaknesses we need to hear them now."

He didn't add, 'In case you die in this battle', but I felt the implication behind the words he did say.

"He loves irony, so if you see it in anything, that is the path he will take. Amiela’s soul will absolutely be his downfall, he will never give up his plan to raise her from the dead; or any of his plots. It is as if he has invested too much into them and can't bring himself to discard them. You can almost pinpoint his next actions by reviewing any plots in his past because he refuses to drop a plan no matter how flawed or failing, or how badly it is going. He just keeps trying to work around the roadblocks."

Uriel signaled Eyja without a word and they both began listing his active plots that they knew of.

"Add getting my mysteries to that list. He told me they were removed with Amiela's soul, but something she said makes me think they weren't. He went through too much for them, he'll not stop till they are his."

I glanced over Uriel's list when he stopped writing. "Every one of his plots is a promise he has made to Amiela. She is the catalyst behind all his plans, the driving force for them. Her lust for power is greater than his. Everything he has done or plans is for her. Sire, at his worst I've never felt the evil off Malan himself that I felt from her. He is her pawn, she needs his power to accomplish her goals."

Uriel took the list back and scanned it, then gave me one of his rare approving looks. “You've done well, Maxical. This is some valuable information.”






***


“Sire, Malan has to access the Royal quarters for any of his plans to progress. He could impersonate any one of us. We need to have some way of knowing it is you at all times, and for you to know it is us."

Eyja nodded. "No codes or signals, too easily picked up on if he watches in vapor form."

Uriel agreed. "We require a simple sign; one that will go unnoticed by any but the three of us who know of it. Traven and Hassildor are to be excluded, and access to my Royal Chambers must be limited from this point forward as well."

Eyja indicated the Amulet of Kings. "Yours is easy, only Dragonblood can wear the Amulet."

Uriel gave a slight shake of his head. "Malan has had over three centuries of planning for this. He will have long since readied an imitation so perfect as to be undetectable."

At Uriel's words my eyes fell on the Chim-el Adabal hanging off the heavy chain around his neck. The souls of eight reigning Emperors...nine with Uriel's soul. Dear gods, Malan wasn't just after the throne!

The words choked out of me. "The souls! Malan wants those souls, and yours too, Sire! He would have more power than Mannimarco with them!"

Uriel barely nodded. "That conclusion was realized the moment we learned the extent of necromancy he was involved in. Protecting the Amulet of Kings is as much part of your task for Akatosh as the protection of myself and this Throne."

My stomach made a sickening lurch. Every aspect of my task for Akatosh was beyond my capabilities, why had he even considered me?






***


Eyja's next words cut into my thoughts, immediately bringing to mind the reasons for my rage at Janus.

"We must be able to instantly notice differences in any one of us who has been out of the other's sight."

With a chill I suddenly realized what could be behind Janus not protecting me and refusing to keep his vow to rescue Fathis.

“Eyja, can you do that mind cleaning on vampires? Malan had Janus imprisoned three days, and just now he refused to protect me when Amiela tried to kill me. I think he needs to be checked for mind control."

Eyja nodded. “Good idea."

"Be warned, he may be a bit sulky."

"And this is new how?"

"Worse than usual. We fought."

Eyja rolled her eyes. "What else is new."

"Er...well, I kind of threatened his Diplomatic Immunity and County Seat. That and eternity in a dungeon under Uriel's Law. Janus vowed he’d rescue Fathis; now he‘s refusing to even help me do it.”






***


Uriel signaled Eyja. "Check Traven as well. Malan is easily capable of reproducing his healing; he is an extraordinary physician."

"You are right, Sire; and Hannibal may be in a weakened state and more susceptible to Malan right now. I think his heart was badly strained by the shock of Mannimarco's return, he has not looked well since he learned of it."

I turned to Eyja, not caring if she took it well. "Your wild mating could kill him if his heart is failing, Eyja. Please don't...he means too much to me."

Surprisingly, Eyja colored up; then just as suddenly her mobile brows raised and she brightened visibly.

"I've got it." She slid a dagger from beneath her skirt and bent down, making a scratch along the inner side of one shoe with it. She leaned over and scratched my shoe the same way, then waited for Uriel's nod to do his.

“What are you doing?”

“People never notice shoes. Wear these at all times in the Royal Chambers, and always check the other's shoes immediately and before talking."

"What a great id..." I broke off and clutched my chest. Inside me I could feel Malan’s nature activating, like cosmic tumblers clicking into place.

In seconds the circle of it expanded so rapidly within me that it felt like standing against a flood tide, feeling the wash of it crashing against my body inside. As suddenly as it hit I could feel the massive power of it in every cell of my body.

Eyja kneeled down and looked up into my eyes. “What is it, Maxical? You look like you've seen a ghost.”

“Janus has sworn me over to someone, I can feel it...something happened with that circle inside me. I...I locked Janus out of the Royal Quarters till he brought me Fathis like he vowed. He has, he must have! He’s rescued Fathis and sworn me to him!”

Inside myself the joy I should have been feeling struggled to overcome the fear that I was wrong.

Dear gods, please let it be Fathis. Please gods let it be Fathis.

*

[Grits]

Wow, I love that picture of Rumpleteasza!

As always the delightful interplay between your characters stole the show for me. This part

"How does a mouse make demands?"

Uriel waved us to get back on topic.

Is my favorite example. It’s so fun to watch Maxical, Eyja, and Uriel together.

Eyja grinned at the image that conjured, but Uriel was enraged by it. “What made her attack anyone other than Malan? Is she unbalanced?”

D’oh! I really thought he was going to catch on right there.

Very exciting! I'm looking forward to Malan's next move!

[King Of Beasts]

"Geez Eyja! What's with that new laughs? I don't know whether to saddle you up or put on hunting gear."

“Janus has sworn me over to someone, I can feel it...something happened with that circle inside me. I...I locked Janus out of the Royal Quarters till he brought me Fathis like he vowed. He has, he must have! He’s rescued Fathis and sworn me to him!”

This can't possibly be good...

[Elisabeth Hollow]

It can't be Fathis. Fathis is still in Theyron. What did Janus do?! Unless he'll find him in the next chapter?? Ugh, I can't wait!

[Grits]

It was

Wasn't it?

[mALX]

It was

Wasn't it?