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

[treydog]

Lots to love here. The single-minded Regina, Hal-Liurz and her twins- and the first appearance of Janus. (I will refrain from using his accidental name from the previous version). Have to agree with Remko that this introduction makes him much more impressive.

[D.Foxy]

Hmmm....what name could that be?

[mALX]

@ Acadian - I thought you'd feel the relief for poor Sigrid! ROFL !! Thank you so much Acadian !!!

***
@ Naughty Haute - ARGH !!! I know if you said something it was bad. I will never watch Leslie Nielsen again while writing my story, lol. Thank you so much Haute, and for the tip !!!

***
@ Destri - I almost wrote "This Bud's for you" at the top of the page - you inspired that chapter with two comments you made, one on here and one on your thread. I wanted to give you something to laugh about when you remember what you endured, lol. Hope it worked.
Er...unfortunately you might be right on that, but it should have known some bounds, lol. Thank you so very much Destri !!!

***
@ Foxy - I was forced into writing double entendres to lure you off your TDY, we missed you too badly !!!! (and it worked!) You ROCK FOXY !!!!!! And Damien is coming up soon, let me know when you will be ready to edit his role !!!! Thank you so much Foxy, and for returning (finally !!)

***
@ Remko - Thank you so much Remko !!! I hope so, all my men were wimpy girly men in the original, I am trying hard to make them more manly in this version - Winter Wolf was giving me tips, but is hibernating in the wastelands now.

***
@ Treydog - You remembered! Foxy had just come off TDY then too, and was still loopy from the chopper - and he said it first. When Maxical came back to life I just had to have her call him that, lol. Lets hope Janus stays much more impressive this time, I have really been working on my men being more manly in this version. (although according to Destri they still all look iffy, lol). Thank you so much Treydog !!!!!

For anyone here who missed it in the original, Foxy nicknamed Janus Anus - which may or may not be censored on here, lol.

***
@ EVERYONE - sorry about the lack of comment thanks last chapter, my eyes had been bad all week. They are finally on the mend now !!! You all are always appreciated !!!

This post has been edited by mALX: Oct 6 2010, 04:52 AM

[mALX]

*


** There is a cameo mention of Rumpleteasza in this chapter!


Chapter 55: Janus Hassildor



******* Janus Hassildor

The rank odor of Hist wafted toward Janus from a coffee cup resting on the bureau beside the bed where Maxical lay sleeping. Only the grounds remained of what had been Hal-Liurz‘s Hist leaf tea, how she could drink that horrible stuff…but that stench would distract his mind enough to garner desperately needed control over the vampire.

Straining for every ounce of willpower through swimming senses he leaned over the arm of the rocker, his arm extended to grab the cup. A creaking groan was ignored till it was followed by the sound of fracturing wood and the rocking chair suddenly tipping to one side. Janus made a wild grab for the down mattress to keep from being pitched over.

The Khajiit made a scowling face at the disturbance of her sleep, then stretched as if she would waken. Janus froze in that position, not daring to move or breathe lest it wake her further. She would be frightened to find a man in a cowl by her bedside…

He rapidly cast a sleep spell onto the girl as she began to sit up. She seemed to hesitate in a half-sitting position, swaying a bit. Janus cast the spell again. As if in slow motion she tumbled forward, the sheet sliding from her…dear gods, she was unclothed. Her cheek landed close to where he still clutched the mattress, and immediately her nose and whiskers began wiggling as if catching a scent. They tickled his hand as she whiffed it.

Janus was rigidly tense, ready with a spell in his other hand to stop her if she made an outcry. Instead she cradled his hand in hers, rubbing her nose and cheek across it several times inhaling deeply. A loud purring sound seemed to be coming from somewhere inside her. Finally she lay still, her breathing leveled out. She was in a deep slumber again, but the purring continued. Janus exhaled with relief, but didn‘t want to chance moving his hand.

The purring was strange to hear, but pleasant…her hand and cheek were soft and warm touching him. A familiar ache rose in him, the need for a spouse, companionship…dear gods, sex.

The number of women seeking marriage with ancient vampires can be numbered at zero - no, one. That stinking Glenmoril witch that tried to lay him down nearly atop Rona‘s body. Janus would rather mate with sheep like Gaston Surilie before he‘d touch that filthy…but wait!

The sudden realization struck him so forcibly that he almost leaped up from the tipsy rocking chair. The pink eyes and fangs would be gone for at least a day once he fed on this Khajiit! It would be the perfect time to seek a mate!

But…would one day be enough time to meet someone and develop a rapport? It may be best not to chance taking the Khajiit till he at least had someone in mind, found out if they reciprocated interest…that would be the best plan. Spend a few days wearing the cowl while he scouted…

Once again a thought struck him with such force that he had to restrain himself from leaping out of the chair. That music festival would be the perfect place! Ideal! A large number of women gathered in one spot, it would be like fishing in a barrel! Just browse through selecting those that caught his interest!

Once he chose…then feed on Maxical so he could remove the cowl. Admittedly the courtship would have to be hurried…he‘d have to sweep her off her feet quickly before the effects of Clavicus Vile’s gift wore off and the fangs and pink eyes returned.

His excitement grew as Janus began visualizing what qualities he would look for in the next Countess. Visions of chesty blondes with seductive smiles floated through his mind…no, the citizens of Skingrad would balk at something like that.

Maybe someone like Rumpleteasza Goldwine. She was legal age now, and had grown into a real beauty. A marriage between the two Counties…Janus’s reverie was brought up short.

Who the hell was this Gils Maxical was dreaming of? Janus honed in on her thoughts…good gods, she’d been sneaking around behind Fathis’s back…cheating on him!

Dear gods, all these risks Janus had taken would have been for naught! Thank goodness Fathis extracted a vow of fidelity from her, Janus didn’t have a spell on this Gils person to keep his sword inactive like he had on Fathis.






***

Janus leaned back to see the embroidery Hal-Liurz had been working on, when the Hist grounds in the bottom of the coffee cup caught his eye…such an odd pattern, yet…somehow familiar. A strong feeling that it was something he should be remembering overtook him…almost foreboding.

Hal firmly believed in them as forecasters of things to come, swearing they were never wrong. Janus had the eerie feeling this pattern was trying to tell him something.

He forced his mind back on the embroidery, grabbing it and turning back around. With a sinking feeling he realized it was a wedding proclamation, silver bells and birds with ribbons in their mouths. The name Maxical was stitched on one of the ribbons. …made for a wedding that won’t take place.

The door opened and Hal slid soundlessly back into the room, her eyes immediately falling to his arm stretched to the bed, the girl cuddled up over his hand…the upper half of her still exposed. Hal gave him a glowing smile, beaming like a playwright that is seeing her work come to fruition.

…Surely she doesn’t think…oh no. Just then Janus’s eyes fell to the other name stitched on the embroidery, his own name. Holding the embroidery up in his one free hand, Janus raised his middle finger and used it to point at his name on the embroidery. Hal just smiled and nodded. Oh no.

He couldn’t tell Hal his plans. She knew he was a vampire and loved him…but she would never understand what he was about to do, especially since she had obviously become attached to the girl already.

Janus waved Hal over and slid his hand out from below the girl’s, leaving the room quickly before Maxical awoke and saw him. He had to prepare for his trip.

This plan could not be more perfect. A vampire attack in the Imperial City would never be connected to himself. If questions ever arose Arch Mage Traven would verify he never left his castle…and Fathis would swear to that, even if he brought the girl to Janus himself.

Putting Fathis under his power had been spur of the moment…in his upset over some armor a girl sold, Fathis forgot to protect himself against magic before coming to the castle. On reading his mind Janus discovered the girl was promised to Fathis…a virgin. Before he could think better of it Janus had cast the spell, not even having a plan at the time…only that Fathis’s sword be unable to raise when with her so she remain a virgin; and that Fathis trust Janus, even with the girl. As an afterthought Janus thought it best Fathis stay away from Maxical so the spell wouldn‘t be discovered…or removed. That was how it began.

For months Janus did nothing, waiting for an outcry that never came. Using powers against the liaison for the Mages Guild would be considered an attack. Over fifty years of good relations with them would end in sanctions being brought against him, and that would mean exposure of his nature to the Palace.

Not just the forfeit of his position as Count Skingrad was at stake, Uriel Septim placed a bounty on vampires in Cyrodiil. Clavicus Vile’s gift of anonymity to vampires is only received if they feed. If caught feeding it is a crime, if caught with fangs and pink eyes you are put to death. Being immortal…that would mean an eternity in a dungeon when they found death was not an option.

Nothing had ever been worth the risk of leaving the isolation of his castle before. Now…the scent of that pure blood in his nostrils made taking risks imperative, and any conscience was pushed aside in the desire to taste that sweetness.






***

Janus gapped the window, and in spite of the burning sun he stood near the aperture to breathe in the aroma as Maxical and Fathis departed the castle. That song created by her blood racing through the veins of her neck could still be heard clearly. He could track her anywhere by that sound, she could never get far enough away that he could not find her.

Janus remained in the aperture and tried inhaling deeply when her scent became faint. Instead an offensive vibration of odor blowing from the west filled his nostrils. Lovidicus…no. It couldn’t be him, Fathis said he was dead. Lovidicus must have actually made one before dying. Fighting would only pass on the disease, not the ancient line.

A green vampire could come in very handy. He wouldn’t have a full grasp on his powers, his scenting wouldn’t be developed yet. Few but thieves or assassins understood the stealth required to slip unobtrusively about. New vampires usually tried to continue their lives; going to work, visiting friends…being seen stumbling around publicly he would be the first one blamed when the Khajiit’s body turned up.

Janus had just donned his cloak and cowl and was heading toward the door when Hal stopped him, holding up the embroidery with Maxical‘s and his name stitched.

“You are going for her now, right?�

“I’m going to the Imperial City and seek a mate. She is Fathis’s fiance‘, remember?�

“She is the one Janus, your chosen mate. The Hist leaves have never been wrong, you’ll know it when you meet her.�

“I already had one spouse chosen for me, you know how that turned out. I plan to spend a little time choosing someone who suits me. Regardless who, I will not be alone when I return. Have the castle in readiness to receive a Mistress.� Janus began walking briskly away.

“Ancients don’t choose their mate, she is chosen for him. The homing instinct is placed at the time of your making, nothing is random. Go enjoy yourself looking, but meet with her before you choose. You’ll see she is the one.� Hal was waddling as fast as she could to keep up with him, panting heavily and tugging at his arm to slow him down.

Janus pushed the door open and started stepping out into the night air. “She belongs to Fathis. The people of Skingrad would never accept a Khajiit as their Countess.�

“They wouldn’t accept a vampire if they knew, either. You never leave the castle, she’d be in your lair with you always, your constant companion.“ Hal was dragging hard on his arm for support now, gasping from the effort of trying to keep up with him.

She made one last effort. “The desire for her blood will leave you once you claim her, Janus. That drive you’re feeling is what brings you to the right one.� Hal’s voice rang out loudly.

To her relief, Janus came to an abrupt halt. She propped one arm on the wall and clutched his arm with the other, gasping for breath.

“You…knew?� Janus asked quietly.

“I knew.�

“But you left me alone with her, were you not worried?�

“The vampire brings you to her, it’ll make you follow her. But it won’t let you kill the chosen one. It takes the blood lust from you as soon as you decide. Just talk with her, tell her who you are, you’ll see.�

“Tell her I’m Count Skingrad?�

“No, the Immortal. She’ll know…and still come willingly. You’ll see, Janus. She‘s the one.�

Hal couldn’t expect him to tell anyone he was a vampire, it would be foolhardy.

Janus shook his head and hurried out, signaling his mounted guard.

“I need your horse.�

Instead of turning toward the Imperial City Janus turned toward Anvil. He followed the scent of the new ancient to Crowhaven. The pieces of Lord Lovidicus were rotting everywhere around him. One whole end of the living quarters was gutted by fire. In a small alcove laying among the blackened remains was a badly burned Orc clutching a charred Elven sword. He was clinging to life by a thread.

Janus hesitated out of reach of that blade.

“Help me. I can’t heal…I’m burned badly.� The Orc’s voice was wheedling, child-like.

“I’ll heal you, but first we are going to have a talk.� Janus cast a spell over him and read his mind.

Janus considered for a minute before healing Agronak.

He was no green vampire as Janus originally thought. True, he was new to actually being a vampire…but he was the son of Lovidicus. As such he had powers well established from birth…and knew well how to use them. He had been using them avidly to his benefit at least that long. Now that he was a full vampire those powers would be extraordinary.

The Orc was obviously unbalanced. That may render mind control over him unreliable…he could be dangerous and unpredictable.

It may be best to just leave without healing the Orc. Still, with the Orc blundering around it would draw blame for the Khajiit’s death onto him…


***





Janus Hassildor:












*

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 4 2016, 04:11 AM

[haute ecole rider]

Interrrresting . . .

I see you're starting to weave a new web here around Janus.

Promise me you won't disappear for two months which would result in me forgetting the finer points of this plot?

I sit here waiting to see where we would go next . . .

[Destri Melarg]

Now this is a Janus Hassildor with teeth (no pun intended)! I think he might be able to redeem himself after what you did to him in the other version of this story. No wonder Fathis had trouble maintaining his . . . er . . . ardor when intimate with Maxical. The idea that an ancient vampire is somehow controlling his . . . er . . . sword reaches into new levels of creepiness.

It does seem like (J)anus is taking the very real risk of exposure and alienation from the Mages Guild to simply preserve some virgin blood. Especially when you consider that all he wants to do (despite Hal's sage council) is kill this particular virgin. Someone should remind him that he is an immortal, and that they are making new virgins every day.

I especially liked his line about not buggering sheep like Gaston Surille!

And thank you for the chapter about Regina. I remember both of the comments you alluded to, and your desire to make me laugh worked like a charm.

[Remko]

So Aggie is a vampire now.... Interesting.
I'll say again; I love the new Janus.

Fathis' "sword" is cursed? That explains a lot

[Acadian]

Ah, so this confirms Agronak is a vampire. I thought that might be the case. And quite an interesting one at that.

So we learn many things. A little about the witch of Glenmoril. How Hal feels about Janus. Some reasons for Fathis' odd behaviors. Even a glimpse into Castle Kvatch!

Lots of intrigue going on here! Nicely written, mALX!


Nit:

Janus froze in that position, not daring to move or breath lest it wake her further.

Breath is a noun (he took a breath). Breathe is the verb that I think you want here (afraid to breathe).

[treydog]

This is a much deeper study of Janus' obsession with Maxical. Although I loved the comedy of errors version, this promises to be even better. The spell on Fathis'- umm, mage's staff- is an interesting twist.

[D.Foxy]

At this moment, new and old readers, I invite you all to step back and compare MaLX's later writing with her earlier style...


... and see, with awe, how much she has grown in technique, and subtlety, with time.


*which is why I am buttering her up - when she becomes a 100 million and more selling author I shall perhaps be invited to her yatch, (where I might find some...er...er...matches! Yeah, that's right, I meant matches!!! ) and there get a cushy job as her well paid security detail*

[mALX]

@ Naughty Haute - Thank you very much Haute !!!! I hope nothing like that happens again, lol.

***
@ Destri - Thank you so very much !!!! You picked one of my fave lines out, (that one and the 'fishing in the barrel') - oh, I see problems ahead on that statement, lol.


"They make new virgins everyday" - No children will ever be harmed in the making of Maxical's story! ARGH !!! Lol.

I have no doubt adult virgins were as rare back then as they are now. Something happens to girls by at least age 17 ... hormones. Short of locking them away they will not be virgins when they reach age 21.

Janus said he acted before he could think about it when he heard she was a virgin...but Hal-Liurz said that everything Janus did was the vampire instincts bringing him to his chosen mate. (she saw it in the Hist leaf tea grounds)

And that was the first time he didn't suffocate the vampire in him, (see un-edited virgin fang breaking membranes as if hymen in Haute's comment - that was the first time the vampire ever came out that he didn't fight it off using willpower).

** I am so glad you got a laugh from the 'Regina' segment !!! I had a ball writing it !!!

***
@ Remko - I appreciate that a lot!!! I have really held back on lampooning the men in this story - but...some of them may experience an "off day" every here and there. Thank you so much Remko !!!

***
@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian !!! I fixed the nit, thank you for catching that !!!

This chapter was definately one of foreshadowing - almost everything in it was. I'm tickled you caught that !!!!!

***
@ Treydog - Thank you so very much Treydog! I miss the comedy stuff a lot, Maxical is not inept as much as I would like her to be in this version, lol. Darn it! But I'm glad to hear my men are coming out a little better. There will be a bit of lampooning on them, but not like in the original version, lol. You ROCK !!!!

***
@ Foxy - Woo Hoo! My own bodyguard !!! We could use Hal-Liurz's beacons to guide us to Cyrodiil...

Interestingly enough, Damien's first appearance is in Chapter 69, (a bit of trivial trivia)...that is about 26-28 days from now...so...if you ever find an unbusy moment I will forward his script for your edit-ification.

Thank you so much Foxy, You ROCK !!!!!!

This post has been edited by mALX: Oct 7 2010, 05:55 PM

[mALX]

*


Chapter 56: Countess Millona Umbranox



******* Fathis

“Fathis! What are you doing here at this time of night? Has something happened to Maxical?� Hannibal pulled himself out of bed.

“I need a full physical exam Traven, the works. Check for everything, take blood samples, whatever you need to do. Oh, and give me a shot of that vitamin concoction you make too.�

“At this time of night? What’s wrong? What symptoms are you having?�

“Nae Traven, I’ll not say. Just look for everything till you find something that isn’t right. This is one thing I’ll discuss with no one, not even you.�









******* Janus - The next day


The Merchants Inn was booked solid well in advance for the music festival. Janus raised his bribe to 300 Septims before the innkeeper would even consider bumping any of the reservations.

The innkeeper pocketed the Septims and began scanning the list to determine who was the best candidate to juggle. The sound of the outer door opening distracted him. He glanced up and hailed the guests.

“Fathis! Hannibal! Good to see you…�

Janus cast chameleon instantly, hoping they hadn’t caught sight of him.

The innkeeper looked around. “Where did he go? He was just here a minute ago…�

“Did you lose a customer?� Fathis smiled, sliding a silver longsword across the top of the desk. “This is for you Velus. I was just in Anvil and saw a little shop called ‘The Peacemakers’. Remember what you said the other day about needing a ’peacemaker’ with all the tourists coming for the music festival? I had him engrave it for you…�

“Synchronicity. That’s what it’s called when meaningful coincidences occur, you’ll probably need it then.� Hannibal cuffed Velus on the shoulder. “Here’s a bottle of that ginger root drink for your upset stomach. I always make it for the students, they swear by it.�

“Thanks Hannibal. Fathis, this is beautiful! Look at the engraving, ‘Velus’ Peacemaker’! That was really the name of the shop? I’m going to lean this on the wall behind the counter in plain view so the tourists will know not to bring their trouble here. Thank you, Fathis. Here, take a bottle of my best brandy on the house.�

“It was nothing. Like Traven said, coincidence. Had to act on it.� Fathis thanked him for the brandy.

“Karma. When a deed…� Hannibal began.

“Traven, if you keep prosing on I will revoke the invitation to stay.� Fathis snapped.

Velus shook his head and grinned, carefully laying the sword on a shelf behind the bar so it could be seen; then hurried to the front, standing in different places and admiring the sword.

“Beautiful! Just look at that shine!� Velus moved to another spot, nearly bumping into Janus who was still in chameleon.

Janus moved quickly out of his way. With Hannibal here it wouldn’t be safe to remain. Janus reluctantly left his 300 Septims worth of bribe behind. Everything was in his grasp now, it wouldn’t do to take chances at this stage of the game. He walked out as Velus was buffing the fingerprints off his new sword.










******* Gils - Yes, Gils!


A tunnel of light beckoned Gils from the dark void that surrounded it. At the end of the tunnel…movement. A female voice. Maxical? No, who was she? Her face swam into view.

“Feeling better now?�

“Where…?�

“This is the Chapel of Dibella. I’m the healer here. You were in quite bad shape. My name is Laralthir.�

“How long…�

“You’ve been here two days. You almost didn’t make it.�

“I’ve been exposed…vampires. Did you cure it?�

“Yes, of course. Pinarus said you are a famous singer, I guess we‘re not used to getting celebrities in our midst here. Unlike Countess Lump-ox, some of us have to work for a living.�

“You sure I’m cured of that vampire stuff?�

“You think I can’t do my job here? What, are you friends with Countess Millass?�

“No…I’m just scared, I don’t want any scurvy disease.�

“Oh. Sorry. She just chaps my buns with her hoity-toidy ways.�

“Don’t you mean hoity-toity? Er, never mind. What about my hand and ankles, are they okay?�

“Unlike Countess Humpmyass, I do my job. You got complaints?�

“No, no! Er…how did I get here?�

“Oh, Pinarus Inventius found you while he was out hunting. He is so…well anyway, he brought you right to me, because unlike Countess Mybona Isanox, he knows who gets things done right in this town. I got not even a thanks, but HE got a nice personal invitation to the castle for finding you…get my drift? Her husband has been gone 30 years, don’t blame him for leaving if you get my…what are you doing?�

“I’m a fighter in the Arena, my boss will kill me if I’m late for work. You know how that goes. Well, it was nice to meet you, and thank you so much for healing me and saving my life. I am going to tell everyone what a good job you did and send them here for all their healing from now on. Thank you so much Laralthir. You are a wonderful healer.�

Gils checked to see if his feet were facing front like they should be. He looked at his hand. “GAAAH !!! Where is my ring?�

“Oh, well. Your hand was so swollen we nearly had to cut it off. Well, so I was kind of wearing it and pretending we were engaged. You know, just play acting. We can‘t all be like Countess Milliona Tampona and play all day. I get my fun where I find it…if you get my drift.�

“That is my engagement ring, I don’t want another woman touching it! Give it back this instant before I call Countess Gonnamillyourass if you don‘t give it back!�

“Geez, no need to get huffy. I saw your package, and if you ask me your fiance’ is getting cheated. Here‘s your stupid ring.� She reached between her breasts and pulled out a chain with the ring hanging off it.

“We can’t all be Orc you know…TEE-HEE.� Gils spun around. “Where’s the other ring. This one wasn’t on my engagement hand. Are you thieves here? I‘ll call the guards and have this place searched before you‘ll steal my engagement ring from me!�

“Settle down, it’s right here. You guys with nothing below are always trying to put on a show. We healers aren’t fooled by your type.� She pulled the ring off her engagement finger, making a show of buffing it against her breast.

“Give it to me now! I’m going to the Countess and tell her how you usurp people’s property around here!�

“Here, take it. You know they make potions for people like you, they add inches where nature shorted you. I suggest you get some before the wedding.�

Gils tested the ring by sliding it on his finger. Whew! It was his ring from Maxical. Thank goodness. He limped over to the wash bowl and awkwardly scrubbed the rings, then tucked them into his small pocket.






***

Gils stopped in and thanked Pinarus Inventius. “I hear you pulled me from the grave…�

“Yeah, you wouldn’t believe the action it’s brought me with the ladies! I recognized you in town, but didn’t want to look the rube coming up to you. I’ll bet you get that a lot. You’re Gils, right? The singer? As long as you’re here…tell me what you think of this guitar. My wife almost killed me for spending so much on it, but listen to the tone.� Pinarus handed Gils the guitar.

“I can’t believe you remember me from singing, I haven’t done it in…a long time. My hands are a little sore, your healer here…isn’t what I’m used to.�

“Oh, she’s a nut!

“She seems to have a problem with the Countess.�

“It‘s called jealousy. The Countess is hot. Her husband disappeared thirty years ago. Either she’s doing the smithy or when her husband gets back Anvil will explode and sink into the sea.“

“SPEW!�

“Hey, watch the guitar man.�

“Sorry.�

“If you have to go back to that healer, don‘t ever let her know you don’t like anything she does or she‘ll insult your equipment in front of the whole town.�

“She already did.�

Pinarus’s eyes lit up. “What did you say to make her mad?�

“She stole my rings. She was wearing one and had the other on a chain around her neck. Said she was pretending we were engaged, can you imagine?�

Pinarus laughed. “She’d be lucky if a dog would mount her leg. We’ve got some real pretty girls just moved into that Gweden Farm though. Why don’t you come with me to the Flowing Bowl for a pint. My treat if you’ll sing to draw the ladies in to us.� Pinarus had lowered his voice and pointed his finger up to signal his wife was upstairs.

“I’m not in the market right now.�

“The white Khajiit?�

Gils nodded.

“Talk to me, my good man. I can tell something is bothering you.� Pinarus offered him a pint of stout.

Gils did, telling him about Maxical and their break-up after he failed in protecting her and gave her the impression Aggie came first. Then he showed Pinarus the rings Maxical had given him.

“She gave you those? You know how much these are worth? Especially this one, WHEEYU! You must have a tool like a mule, man!�

“SPEW! Not according to your healer. She said my fiance’ should feel cheated.�

“She said she would send my wife a sympathy card.�

“SPEW!�

“Damn, man! You sprung a leak or something? I’m gonna quit wiping the table if you’re just going to keep spraying on it!�

Gils choked.

Pinarus stood up and slapped him on the back. “You really messed up. There isn’t a woman worth having that would stay with you if you don’t protect her first. Everyone else has to come second, that‘s the way it should be. I saw her, she loves you. It was written all over her face. But you, you screwed up man. That Orc isn‘t even really kin to you. I can’t imagine choosing someone you’re not even kin to over someone you love. If it was me, I‘d pick the Khajiit. You ever been with one, man? REEOW!� Pinarus made a sound that Gils assumed was supposed to be a cat meow, but actually sounded more like a pig squealing.

“I think it’s too late anyway. The man who was her intended showed up ‘Johnny-on-the-spot’ and walked off with her.�

“The rich Dunmer? One of the girls that works at the Inn said she heard them arguing in there. She couldn’t understand the words, different language you know. But she heard both their tones of voices angry. They weren’t in there making up the way you think.�

Gils' head snapped up. “Seriously?�

“She’s a reliable source, we kinda got a…thing going, you know?� Pinarus lowered his voice and pointed up at the ceiling.

“That’s the first hope I’ve had since this whole fiasco started.� Gils had a good idea exactly what that arguing had been about. Maxical may yet be unstarted. He exhaled in relief.

“I saw him challenge you out front at the gate. He’ll be looking for your blood.�

“He is. He scoured the town looking for me.�

“I remember when you were singing, girls would line up to be next with you. I had to pull my girlfriend out of the line, she‘s my wife now. Hard to think of you staying with just one.�

“Oh, I’ve got five on the side� Gils held his hand up.

Pinarus laughed. “Don’t we all. So…I saved your life, do I get a free song from you?�

“Which one do you want?�

“The one that got me the most action at the concerts in the park you used to play.�

“I think everyone got action on that song except the band. I saw more butts in the air than I care to remember on that one.�

Pinarus laughed. “You probably saw mine a hundred times. Tell you what, if you ever play Anvil again I’ll write a message on my [censored] so you’ll know it’s me.“

“SPEW!�

“Damn, do I need to take you to the healer for that spraying? Say, I’ll bet I get plenty of action just telling people you sat in my chair. I may have to send my wife to her mother for a while, the women will be wanting to sit where you did.�

“If you don’t lower your voice and your wife hears, the only action you’ll get is that healer at the chapel removing the frying pan from your head.�

“And then telling everyone my equipment don’t measure up.�

Gils choked.

Pinarus laughed, smacking him on the back. “Say, save that song till you’re leaving and I’ll get my wife down to hear it. It’s her turn anyway.�

“Pinarus, you need to live in the Imperial City, or I need to move to Anvil. If things don’t work out with the Khajiit and I’ve lost her, I’m coming here and let you cheer me up.�

“Deal! Although if you‘re back on the prowl, my wife is off limits.�

“Deal.�


*

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 4 2016, 04:14 AM

[haute ecole rider]

Typical men!

And the healer in Dibella's chapel - ROFLMAO!! How many ways can she come up with Millona Umbranox's name??

[Acadian]

Something about the scene you did in the Merchant's Inn. Well, the whole thing really. I absolutely loved it! The intrigue with Janus, the natural and wonderful dialogue among the innkeeper, Fathis and Hannibal. . . just fabulous! In that scene you portrayed some very admirable things about the character of both Fathis and Hannibal, especially Fathis in giving that sword to the innkeeper. The icing on the cake is realizing what a wonderful sword Fathis gave to the innkeeper, while his own weapon is, well, in need of some attention. Lol.

And Gils the crooner does Anvil! Nice reference to the lovelies of Gweden Farm!

Ahah! Gils sees an opening within the rumors of a spat betwixt Fathis and Maxical.

Lots going on here! Wonderful job, mALX!

[Zalphon]

Maxical never dissapoints

[Destri Melarg]

Laralthir and Pinarus just made my day! Countess Humpmyass? Mybona Isanox? Milliona Tampona?

“Either she’s doing the smithy or when her husband gets back Anvil will explode and sink into the sea.”

So that’s why Orrin in Castle Anvil is always smiling! Given that he has a Mercantile skill of 90, How much do you think he charges her for services rendered?

Two small nits:

“Don’t you mean hoity-toity? Er, never mind.”

“What about my ankles and my hand, are they okay?”

Since Gils is speaking in both of these quotes, it might be wise to string them together to avoid confusion. Or you could add a bit of stage business or a speech tag to let the reader know that Gils is still speaking.

“You ever been with one man? REEOW!”

Ah, the magic of punctuation! I submit to you that this sentence is in want of a comma after the word ‘one’. As it reads now it seems that Pinarus is asking if Gils has ever been with one man (as opposed to two men, one would assume ).

[Remko]

Destri is right, I had to re-read that sentence again (after cleaning my keyboard and screen) to realise a comma was missing behind "one".

The scene with Pinarius and Gils had me lol several times.

Countess Humpmyass........ whoehahahaha Are you a Mel Brooks fan?

[treydog]

The humorous mALX has returned from her journey to Anvil. Fathis “exam” from Traven caused much laughter - “Just bend over and relax.”

And Laralthir talking about her rival, Mywata Dumpyox….

Pinarus was even more inspired hilarity. There must be something in the water in Anvil. I wonder if they harvest oysters there?

[Rachel the Breton]

Destri is right, I had to re-read that sentence again (after cleaning my keyboard and screen) to realise a comma was missing behind "one".

LOL, likewise!

mALX, these chapters are great! I love the idea of "Aggie" the powerful vampire...and then healed by that fool?! Ohhh...Janus is shaping up to a less likable, but much more interesting, character than previously!

And...I have to admit...I am still sort of rooting for Gils...although I know it will probably all come to naught.

BTW, I * love * that Fathis did not just disappear in this version, but is actually trying to win Maxical back! Like treydog, I still have my reservations about him...but I like him much better in this one than in the other!

Cannot wait to read more!!

[mALX]

@ Naughty Haute - I was researching her character and found out she had quite a jealousy of the Countess...couldn't let that go by! Thank you so much Haute !!!

***
@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian !!! I loved that scene where Janus eavesdrops on Fathis, Velus, and Hannibal too. That scene popped up when I was editing the chapter somehow, and I made room so I could keep it in.

Having visited the basement at Gweden Farm, I happen to know Pinarus was a visitor there...so it had to come out in the story, lol.

TRIVIA: The Imperial woman that winked at Maxical in chapter 50 was Faustina Cartia from Gweden Farm.

***
@ Zalphon - Thanks Zalphon !!

***
@ Destri - Thank you so very much Destri !!! These are some of my favorite chapters, I miss the comedy in my story too much and had to inject some. Laralthir's documented jealousy of the Countess offered the perfect answer. To be honest I never meant Pinarus's meeting to be funny, the two of them took over my keyboard !!!

** Fixed the nits, thank you so much for pointing them out for me!!! You ROCK !!!!

***
@ Remko - I hate to admit it, but I am a huge fan of Mel Brooks. I think I was only put off by one of his efforts, the rest I can quote lines from at any given time, lol. Thank you so much Remko !!!

***
@ Treydog - ROFL !!! (bend over and relax) - ROFL !!!! I should have consulted you, that section with Hannibal could have been extended, lol. There actually is quite a bit of sex going on in Anvil, so oysters is a good guess.

Mirabelle Monet, Proprietor of the Fo'C'sle is sleeping with all 5 of her tenants. Her fave is Thurindil, that crazed Wood Elf. She admits openly that she only allows "Seamen" (get it?) to stay at her rooms, but as far as I can tell, Thurindil is no seaman.

If you check out the basement of Gweden Farm when doing the "Siren's Deception" quest, Penarus Inventius had to be naked when he left that house! His pants, armor, and prize Minotaur horn were left behind. You will also find Heinrich Oaken-Hull has left his clothing and family jewels (I didn't embarass him by returning them).

Oaken-Hull tells his wife he is at sea nine months out of the year. She thinks he's gone, but he really spends his time between Mirabelle's, the Gweden Farm, and the Flowing Bowl.

Don't feel too bad for Oaken-Hull's wife, though. She is having an extended affair with Enilroth, who works at the Morvayn's Peacemakers. You can find a love letter in the Oaken-Hull house upstairs behind a table. She meets him in the stables for a "roll in the hay." (find them there between 4-8 pm)

Here's my fave part of that story:

If you ask her how she handles it with Heinrich being away at sea nine months out of the year, she says:

"The nine console her."

I wouldn't touch that line with a nine inch pole.

Thank you so much Treydog, you ROCK !!!!

***
@ Rachel - Thank you so much Rachel !!! I give Fathis a little credit because he has never been in a relationship that lasted more than an hour or two (if you count re-dressing afterward) - but he seems to be learning slowly as the story progresses, so maybe he's got potential. There are three things about Fathis that will come out, two affect his actions, one has already come out in the story. The other two won't come out for at least a month. (after Foxy's "Damien Reynard" makes his appearance).

I'm with you, I have to root for Gils. He is like the first real boyfriend every girl has fallen for in high school, the one that the girl dates through all four years and thinks it will be forever - and in some cases it is. (but not always).

This post has been edited by mALX: Oct 9 2010, 06:26 AM