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

[mALX]

You, my dear mALX, had me falling on me butt, holding my stomach in pain and making such a ruckus with my laughter, that I'd bet you'd hear it all the way from Asia. Even now as I'm writing this, I'm struggling...

Ha!

(suddenly turns serious)

Some words must be said, dear Resident Kitty. . .

.Hassildor's situation is sadder than a sob story! (doubles over in hysterical laughter)

Now THAT is what I love to hear !!! Thanks Ureniashtram !!!!!

[Acadian]

How to pick up girls by Janus Hassildor: Get yourself a sexy hood - chicks dig mysterious men. Try flashing the Count Card. If that doesn't work, move on to the Mage Card. No luck still? Pull out the Religion Card. Sigh. If all that lets you down, fall back on the never failing Gold Card. Great fun to read!

Finally, the tail of the Ape Woman is put to bed. . . uh, er, well, um not exactly. Perhaps that will come later. What I mean is that the charming tale of the Ape Women is put to rest with a satisfying conclusion.

Wonderfully creative friendly 'cat fight' for info between S'Jirra and Maxical, brilliantly played off and from the protective, but caught in the middle lap of Alix. Well done!

A lovely natural flow.

[haute ecole rider]

That whole section Ureni quoted was my favorite part too!

I almost died laughing! Good thing my cup of hot tea was sitting on the side table and not in my hand!

[Winter Wolf]

“Hannibal!” I started towards him when someone stepped out from behind him. “Alix!” I nearly knocked Hannibal down pushing by him and threw myself into Alix’s arms crying.

There is something about this that is soooo perfectly woman-like. Priorities and decisions are changed in the blink of an eye. Just like clothes, and hairstyles, and furniture, and boyfriends, and ........oh dear, let's just say that we males understand what you wrote......

“It’s too involved. It begins with Akatosh and the Emperor and ends with Fathis. I‘ll tell you…later.”

That is my kitty!! Nothing that she ever does is by half....

This post has been edited by Winter Wolf: Nov 8 2010, 06:57 AM

[Destri Melarg]

Well, at least Anus (ooops) Janus the "pervert" doesn't do experiments involving rotting fish, a clipboard, a parked truck, and hookers paid twice the going rate just to get sniffed...

A clipboard?!

There was a delicate line between what is pleasing or over the line when you are lurking in the bushes, . . .

This line just floored me! Poor Janus, even without the cowl his appearance probably guarantees another fifty years of solitude. He may wind up gravitating to Maxical merely due to lack of any other option.

So they did drag those monkeys all the way from Akavir! I guess it never occurred to them that they might be members of the Po’Tun, and thus easily as intelligent and civilized as the Bosmer, the Khajiit, or even the humans of Cyrodiil! I wonder how they were able to circumvent the Empire’s law against slavery. Maybe it just doesn’t apply to Akaviri.

It is good to see our kitty reunited with Alix and S’Jirra. As for Fathis’ conspicuous absence, I wouldn’t put it past S’Jirra to have insisted on privacy for their interrogation reunion.

[mALX]

@ Ureniashtram - Thank you so much Ureniashtram!!! Now THAT is what I love to hear !!!

***
@ Foxy - SPEW !!!!! The old truck stop experiment !!!! Lot lizards on the half shell... ROFL !!!! I'm in shock that you remembered that...er...ROFL !!!!!! Thank you so very much Foxy !!!

***
@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian!! Your comment had me rolling !!!

***
@ Naughty Haute - Thank you so much Haute !!!! Now that's what I like to hear !!!!

***
@ Beloved Winter Wolf !!!!!!! YEAH !!!!! You have been greatly missed, it was so wonderful to see your wolfy avatar on here !!!!!!! Thank you so much Wolf !!!!!!!!

***
@ Destri - Ah...yes, a clipboard - and...Maxical's present to Hassiri was also a clipboard !!!!!

It is good to see our kitty reunited with Alix and S’Jirra. As for Fathis’ conspicuous absence, I wouldn’t put it past S’Jirra to have insisted on privacy for their interrogation reunion.

ROFL !!!!!!

[treydog]

Janus Hassildor’s Guide to Picking Up Women- coming to a Remainder Bin near you. Works perfectly for propping up uneven table legs, stopping drafts around doors and windows. Get extra copies for the privy!

Hooray for Alix! And even for S’Jirra, with all her transparent attempts to be sneaky. You can’t help but love her because her heart is in the right place. Reminds me of a passage from a book where the narrator is explaining how his mom was able to act clueless in a really intelligent way. She had argued with his dad that the narrator needed a new rain-coat. Dad said they couldn’t afford it; the old one would have to do. Mom ironed the old rain-coat.

One thing I love is that S’Jirra keeps trying, even though Maxical catches her at every turn. Like Maxical, I find myself feeling more balanced, even though the problems with Fathis and Gils and the 2! Masked Marauders are still hanging just over the horizon. For now, Maxical is with her people, and that is enough.

[mALX]

*


@ Treydog - Thank you so much Treydog !!!

Janus Hassildor’s Guide to Picking Up Women

SPEW !!!! ROFL !!!!!


***********************



Chapter 72: Alix And S’Jirra


There was only one way to get S’Jirra to quit prying once she thought she was on a hot trail…pry back. Two can play that game, and the best defense is a good offense. I spoke before she could.

“S’Jirra, don’t you think we should have that sex talk mothers and daughters are supposed to have? I‘ve got a million questions.�

“Huh?� S’Jirra visibly paled.

“If we become bound to the one that starts us, how do you do it, since I know Alix didn’t start you? Does it feel different? Do you have no arousal if you are not with your bound mate? Are there tricks you have to use? What are they?�

S‘Jirra looked like she may faint. “Oh. Well, er…well I just…er. The thing is…oh dear.�

“What happens if the person is no longer in your life? Can you then mate at will? What happens when you become bound, is it a sensation, does something happen? What is breeding like? Is it something you can tell me without using dirty words?�

“Er…Well, er…well I just…er…KA KA…The KA thing is…KA KA…oh dear. KA KA� She started coughing.

“What was it like the first time you ever mated? Is it true male Khajiit have barbs? Do the barbs hurt? What does [censored] mean? Someone said it had to do with sex, does it? How do you do it?�

Her coughing turned to choking. “KA KA GA…Oh. KA KA GA…Well, er…well KA KA GA… I just…er. The thing is…I really need to get some water if we‘re done in here.�

She fled the room choking and poured herself a glass of wine, drinking it down fast. I followed at a much slower pace, a militant gleam in my eye.

Alix flashed me the Arena sign for Champion. I felt the headiness of victory for a moment…then Alix snatched it from me.






***


As if in slow motion I saw pieces falling together that spelled doom for me. In my peripheral vision was S’Jirra, signaling like a banshee in a windstorm. Alix’s face began turning red like it does when he is about to do something he doesn’t want to…oh no, don‘t give in to the pressure! Alix shifted uncomfortably and cleared his throat. I knew then my run was over.

“Alix, don’t turn traitor on me!� I pleaded…too late.

“Maxical…� Alix began an obviously prepared speech.

“ARGH! Turncoat!� I scowled at him, a hot flash of anger staining my cheeks.

Alix continued as if I hadn‘t interrupted. “It’s important for people to know your parents are a part of your life so they don’t think of you as fair game…abuse your trust. Certain types of men have a reputation for taking liberties with women…when their intentions aren‘t at all what they are saying.“

“You must be talking of Fathis. His reputation with women is legendary, yet with me he is completely different. It would surprise you to know how undeserved some reputations are. You need have no worries, he contains himself way more than admirably.“ I feigned ignorance of his meaning.

Alix took my chin so I couldn‘t avert my face. “If Fathis is what you want, you must do whatever it takes to protect that relationship. No…uh…‘friendship’ would be worth losing him over…“

He was cut off mid-sentence by me leaping up.

“I see! The burden is all mine then? Have roles been reversed since I left home? Because the last I remember, you were the one actively wielding a sword in one form or another to ensure no competition replaced you.�

“Maxical!� S’Jirra’s face turned purple in embarrassment.

Alix looked stunned. “You mean…Fathis…is…not…�

“Hello, remember this?“ I lifted my bangs and pointed to my blue flag. “I even tried waving my tail in his face…�

“He’s never been with Khajiit, Maxical. He may not know what that tail in his face means.� S’Jirra patted my hand.

I gaped at her. “My back was to him! My tail was in his face! What else could he possibly think it would mean?�






***


Alix choked. I eyed him suspiciously to see if he was laughing. S’Jirra whacked him on the back to get him started talking.

“Ka…uh…� Alix mumbled.

S’Jirra took over. “Fathis may be mad about other...'friendships' you’ve developed.�

“He knows the blue show drives one’s system, yet in spite of those ‘friendships’ I managed to remain intact and unstarted…�

“She’s right about the show, Alix. It’s an overpowering force that drives her to mate.�

She needn’t have bothered explaining to Alix, he looked like he was having an apoplexy. I whacked him hard on the back just in case before answering S‘Jirra.

“Yes, it is. But this is not enough for Fathis. He flies into a rage because I shared a few kisses before him.�

“Of course he would be angry, you’re promised to him.� S’Jirra rolled her eyes as if I should have known that, then reached over and pounded Alix hard on the back several times.

“Now is no time to choke, I need your help here!� She whispered loudly enough that it could be heard over the vendors outside hawking their wares.

“I heard that, S‘Jirra. And I kissed Fathis too! I mean …when he finally decided to spend time with me.� I reached toward Alix‘s back, but he waved my hand away.

“How did he know you had been kissed before?� S’Jirra glanced at Alix for help. He jumped quickly from his seat and hurried across the room, looking like he wished he was anywhere but here right now.

“I guess because I wasn’t gauche as he thought I should be. Fathis threatens to kill a man for something he has shown no interest in, even though the man left me as he found me against his own inclination.�

“Er…maybe Fathis is waiting for marriage…� S’Jirra’s expression was of someone grasping at straws. “Alix, are you done choking? I can come over there if you need me…“

Alix waved his arms like he was staving off a Daedroth.

“You wish me to believe all those women climbing the walls of Castle Bravil just liked the scent of his cologne? He obviously didn’t earn his reputation with women by leaving them untouched.�

“That’s not what I meant, I was talking about waiting till after he marries you.�

“If I did marry Fathis there is one thing I could be assured of; that I would die with this blue show. If he had intentions of consummating the marriage, he’d be interested in mating with me now.�






***


“We better drop this for now, Alix needs our help to breathe.� S’Jirra set off purposefully toward Alix. Alix raised his hand, indicating everyone stop in their tracks and hush. We did.

“Sit down, S’Jirra.� Alix took charge, pointing S’Jirra to a seat. Then he turned to me. “Maxical…are you saying you don’t love Fathis anymore?�

“Of course I love Fathis, I always have and always will. And I know he loves me…but…I don’t spark his desire. I can think of no other reason for it than he finds me less desirable than humans, he‘s certainly showed no lack of interest with them. I am ending it with him today if he ever shows up, and need to know how much I will owe him. I intend to pay him for everything he has spent on me since I left school…even if it takes the next three years, because that’s all the time I have left.

“What do you mean that is all the time you have left?� S’Jirra rose from the couch, her face paled till she looked like the albino.

“I mean when I turn 21 years old, I have to report to Uriel Septim and begin service to Akatosh. Whatever service he asks I am to consider it an honor I was chosen.�

I should have used that to get S’Jirra not to question me about Gils. It did the trick, she collapsed onto the couch and began yowling. Alix’s face was as white as me.

“You’ve been called to service…for Akatosh? Dear gods…tell me you didn’t make a promise to him…“

How did he know I’d made a promise? I nodded.

“What?�

“My life and that of my first born child.�

“BWAAAAAAA� S’Jirra got louder.

“In exchange for what?�

“Does it matter? I’m bound to him as soon as I turn 21. I only have three years left, Alix. Should I spend them with someone who thinks less of me than any human that leaps into his bed? I’ll pay Fathis whatever I have now and anything I earn from here on out. I may be broke, but I will have the chance of happiness for those three years.�

“Fathis was going to kill him…the man you…kissed? This promise was made for him, wasn’t it? Your life in exchange for his?� Alix looked like he‘d seen a ghost. His voice sounded like it rose up from the depths of him, his eyes stared unseeing as if watching a memory unfold.

S’Jirra sat up sniffling and signaled Alix not to tell me something…what? Alix turned slowly, watching me for the answer.

“What is it? What’s going on? Fathis knows why the promise was made…where are you going, Alix?�

“I’m going to talk to Uriel. If this is about what I think it is…you should not be held responsible. I’ll offer myself in your stead, regardless. S‘Jirra, pack up our things. We can’t live in Fathis‘s suite if Maxical is breaking from him. We’ll need to start paying him back as well, he spent plenty on her damages at the Arcane.�

“Alix, wait. The man…he spoke to Uriel but was turned down. Fathis said he was going to as well.�

Alix shook his head without speaking and left.






***


“S’Jirra, don’t cry. He’ll be turned down, Uriel wants me because my face haunted his nightmares…something about a new sun rising, banishing Akatosh’s bright glory…I didn’t understand a word he said. I have to go across the street for a minute, will you be okay? I won’t be long.“

“I’ll go with you.�

“S’Jirra…What didn’t you want Alix to tell me about? I’ve known what that signal means since I was five.�

“Nothing…just…something similar happened a long time ago…before your were born. It’s just…odd…history repeating itself.�

“It has to do with me?�

“Not exactly. I won’t give his name, but I had a boyfriend when I met Alix. The man caught me kissing Alix and was going to kill him. I promised Akatosh…my life and my firstborn to save Alix…just like you did. Alix has prayed to Akatosh ever since…that I wouldn’t be called to serve. He’s going to the Emperor to plead because, being adopted you’re not really my firstborn. If Uriel insists anyway Alix will offer to serve in your stead, like he would if I’d been called.�

“I just got chill bumps, S’Jirra. It really is odd coincidence we did the same thing. All this time I thought Alix was praying to be of service. Is that man the one who started you?�

“No…that happened a long time before I met him.“

“Do I know him?“

“…No, Maxical. You know someone…similar to him. But they are two completely different people. I won‘t tell you more because…his and my privacy would be invaded if I told you about it.�

“Since when are you concerned about invading other’s privacy? You spent all morning digging into mine!�

“That’s different.� S’Jirra wrapped her arms around me and squeezed. “This is nothing you ever need to know about.�

As Hamlof bagged up the jeweled clipboard for Hassiri I noticed a gold chain that was heavy enough to hold a ring or amulet. I grabbed it too and paid quickly. Just as we were leaving the shop, Owyn stepped out of the Merchants and flagged me.

“Get Hassiri.�

“I have to get to work S’Jirra. I’ll be back up later.� I hurried across to the Courier office.


**

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 4 2016, 05:04 AM

[ureniashtram]

“My back was to him! My tail was in his face! What else could he possibly think it would mean?”

What in the name of the Sacred Cheese-Balls?! (faints) And here I thought Maxical was a Khajiit... But it would seem that she has the mating tendency of a . . .

A-Puppy-Grown-Up? Dost thou knoweth thy name A-Puppy-Grown-Up? No? Oh, well. It's synonymous with the Daedric Prince of Dhertee Inu-Endo, anyway.. No! Get out, foul spirit! Thou shall not corrupt thy mind.. with... such... (finally gives in and laughs)

=> => =>

This post has been edited by ureniashtram: Nov 9 2010, 05:38 AM

[Destri Melarg]

Poor Alix, he’s facing down the reality that every father dreads. Really, how are you supposed to have ‘the sex talk’ with your daughter? Trying to ward off a Daedroth is most appropriate! I know I made my sisters lives miserable when they reached the age of consent, and they are both older than me! If it were my daughter that we were talking about I would need the guy’s fingerprints, his next of kin, and samples of both blood and urine!

S’Jirra’s revelations are far too good to be left at that. Please tell me that we will find out more about her past, both with and before Alix.

[D.Foxy]

Destri, if you wanted samples of blood and urine, all you have to do is charge at him with the "Demented Daddy" look on your face.

I don't know about blood, but I guarantee you he will give spontaneous samples of stool and urine.

[Acadian]

It was great fun to read the interactions among Alix, Maxical and S'Jirra! Very well done, mALX! Yes, Maxical at her best.

From that light and fun romp, you really caught me by surprise near the end. No wonder the strong reaction from Alix and S'Jirra - they believe Maxical is promised to Akatosh as S'Jirra's first born adopted because of a promise S'Jirra made that is eerily similar to the promise Maxical made. Brilliant!

So, Maxical perceives she must live her life quickly and fully - with only three years before she is called to service. No worries - after all, how much damage can Maxical cause to Cyrodiil in three years? Oops!

[treydog]

I would have to quote the entire scene with Alix and S’Jirra to highlight the parts that made me laugh…. Instead, I will content myself with this one:

“I see! The burden is all mine then? Have roles been reversed since I left home? Because the last I remember, you were the one actively wielding a sword in one form or another to ensure no competition replaced you.”

Maxical has definitely learned something about fighting to win- even if winning is not what she wants.

And more mysteries are revealed, but not resolved. Very exciting developments- and Alix turns out to be quite the hero.

Quite a wonderful chapter in all its humor, heartache, and mystery.

[Winter Wolf]

Thanks for the kind words mALX. I am hoping to spend a lot more time here at Chorrol, if only I can get my life in order, lol. Ahh, so many great stories to read and so little time....

Awesome chapter, oh plotweaving, palatable, perceptive mALX!! I loved the Akatosh conclusion that you spun at the end, mmmm, that earlier teaser about S'Jirra that you gave us at Beth will continue to grow and grow and grow in my mind until you fill us in about her past. I simply MUST know more about S'Jirra.

My dreams are still haunted by overweight hounds, daedric lords and golden tubs.....

[mALX]

@ Ureniashtram - SPEW !!!

What in the name of the Sacred Cheese-Balls?! (faints)

ROFL !!! You had me choking laughing with this!!! Thank you so much Ureniashtram !!!

***
@ Destri - Thank you so much Destri !!! - and yes, some more of S'Jirra's past will come out in this version of the story!

***
@ Foxy - Thank you so much Foxy !!! Just what I needed as an image in my head that won't leave...BLEAH !!! ROFL !!! You ROCK !!!!

***
@ Acadian - Thank you so very much Acadian !!!

after all, how much damage can Maxical cause to Cyrodiil in three years? Oops!

ROFL !!! You may be right !!!

***
@ Treydog - That means a lot to me to hear, Thank you so much, Treydog !!!

***
@ Winter Wolf - I agree with you; I miss Alix the Mouse, Barbas, Clavicus Vile, Divayth Fyr, Sage Vardengroet, and Lord Kagrenac !!!! I've got no way to weasel Kagrenac into this story, darn it! Lol.

I promise some more things will come out about S'Jirra. I noticed IRL things have a tendency to run in circles, history always repeats itself. S'Jirra has a lot in common with Maxical in spite of her being an adopted daughter. It will come out in future chapters. Thank you so much Winter Wolf!!! I love looking at the page and seeing your Wolfy avatar again! I'll have to send you another howling vid to thank you!!!

[mALX]

*


Chapter 73: Of Powers And Spells





******* Vicente


Vicente glared disgustedly at the other members of the sanctuary as they stood out on the balcony of their suite at the Merchants. Sunlight was filtering in the balcony doors they had left gaping wide open. Just as he opened his mouth to complain a scent wafted in through the open door, so sweet and pure it lifted him out of his chair…virgin blood!

Vicente surged to the door and peered out, yelping as the sunlight hit him…that had to be her, a white Khajiit. She was entering this hotel!

The strong scent of another ancient was close…and three more in other sections of the city. Good gods, the place was crawling with them! Drat, he would have to hurry if he wanted that white Khajiit. Her blood would draw them all to her, and their presence would draw in every vampire hunter in Cyrodiil.

Vicente cast chameleon and shot quickly out of the suite, nearly sliding down the thickly carpeted stairs.









******* Janus


It was almost noon, the sun was beating down directly overhead. Janus’s shady spot was gone, dwindled to the point he was having to hug trees and bushes to keep from burning. With all these women to choose from, he was no nearer finding a bride than when he left his castle.

Janus's face had already endured several slaps by women who took exception to any man in a cowl approaching them. Skulking in bushes and popping out to greet them was increasing the odds drastically. The day was unseasonably warm as well, baking him inside the heavy cloak and thick velvet suit. Dear gods how he craved the cool Colovian breezes he was used to, the air in this city lay still and heavy…suffocating.

The prostitute had just returned again; her thirteenth client. She must be making a small fortune. Already she was seeking the next customer amongst the thousands of men dotting the lawns of the arboretum. Janus signaled her. It would feel good to get out of the sun for a little while.

“Fifty Septims?�

She nodded. “Thirty without that Jagar Tharn cowl.“

“His was green…�

She rolled her eyes and led the way straight through a sunlit patch. Janus darted along the bushes, keeping her in view. When they reached the room he gratefully removed the heavy cloak, stretching it carefully over a chair back. An extremely large bird perched under the eaves on the balustrade outside her window, staring unblinking at him.

“Good gods, is that an owl outside your window?�

She shrugged. “You have to pay up front, birdman. That’ll be 100 Septims.�

“You said fifty.�

“That was if you took that cowl off, you didn‘t.�

Janus didn’t want to argue. He pulled out a gold clip full of Septims and began leafing through them.

“I’ll just take all of that, and the jewelry too…� A man’s voice growled behind him.






***


Janus’s hand stayed tight on the clip. He spun so quickly that the man had not finished his last word before he was hit with the spell Janus blasted at him. The man froze, glassy-eyed. Janus’s fangs had shot out at the threat contained in that man’s voice; his spin to confront had been so fast that the cowl hung back from his face.

The prostitute backed away, her mouth gaped open to scream at the fangs and pink eyes. Before Janus could blink he had reacted , casting the spell on her as well. She froze in position, her eyes glazed over…her mouth slowly closed.

Shocked, Janus stared down at the spell in his hand. A spell to make them obey his commands? How had it gotten into his hand to cast? Did the vampire load the spell as it emerged?

Imbel had said…just think and it would happen…could it be true? Janus cast at the door without loading a spell and the bolts slid with a loud clang. The spell in his hand had changed to one that sealed doors. This was no spell, it felt as if it was coming from deep within himself…it was some kind of power!

Janus moved to the wine rack, keeping his back to the wall and not taking his eyes off the man and the prostitute. He grabbed the nearest bottle of wine, his hands shaking slightly as he uncorked it. He tipped the bottle up, nearly draining it in gulps.

Should he just run? Best to leave the city immediately, she’d seen his nature. Uriel’s law, an eternity in a dungeon…dear gods why did I leave my castle. Imbel would know what to do, but Janus couldn’t leave these two and run for his help.

“Damn it! I’m no murderer, I can‘t kill them. But I‘ll not be entombed eternally in a dungeon, either. What should I do?� Janus muttered to himself.

Both the man and the prostitute turned towards him at the sound of his voice. Janus jumped at the movement, his arm readied to cast. Four glassy eyes stared at him…waiting. He had to do something while they were still under spell to obey.

The man weighed at least ten stone more than Janus, it would be hard to wrestle both him and the woman back to the bedrooms and lock them in without using paralysis or some other form of assault…that would have to be the absolute last resort.

Would they obey him? Janus planted his feet, getting in a defensive stance in case it didn’t work. With his casting hand readied, he pointed to the man.

“You. Go to the bedroom.�

“Yes sir.� The man turned and walked toward the back of the apartment.

“Follow him.� Janus pointed at the prostitute. She followed the man.

Staying back several feet in case they were faking the trance, Janus followed them. One bedroom had no window views, only tiny air vents high up on the wall.

“That bedroom over there.� Janus pointed.

“Yes sir.� The man went in, the prostitute followed behind him.

Janus pulled her out, shutting the door. He cast a spell to seal it from tampering. That was easier than he thought it would be. Janus exhaled in relief.

“Not you…yet. You’ve got some explaining to do.� Janus read the girls thoughts as he put his gold clip back in his pocket. “I’m tired of being out in the sun, I’m spending the day here.�

“Yes sir.�






***


“First, you are not to scream or call the guards. I will let you speak freely and say what‘s on your mind, but you must speak truths.� Janus readied his hand to cast in case she didn’t obey. “Now.�

“What’d you put the Septims away for? You better not think I’m doing a psycho freak like you and not getting paid!�

“Our contract was for fifty Septims, thirty if I removed the cowl. You tried to jack the price up and rob me. I don’t trust you now. I’m not paying till after you fulfill your part.�

Janus removed the cowl, draping it on the back of a chair. “As you see, the cowl is gone. I’d like a glass of wine.�

“Yes sir.�

He removed his velvet garments and stretched a clean sheet over a chair before sitting in it. “You can earn your Septims any time now.�

“Er…what are you going to do to me?�

“Nothing…it is what you are going to do for me.�

The release was just that, hardly worth the Septims he threw down on the table afterwards. The obvious signs of Skooma addiction were evident on her face in this lighting, dispelling what had appeared prettiness in the glaring sun.

He stayed stretched in the chair afterward, having her refill his wine while he tried to think how to safely exit this situation. Dear gods he wanted away from this city, maybe he should just feed on the Khajiit and go home to his lair. But he had to get out of this situation first.






***


“Now we’re going to talk. You can start by telling me your name, and the truth about that man that robbed me. Who is he, and what is going on here?�

“My name is Signy Home-Wrecker. Fafnir and I just met. He’s an assassin for the Dark Brotherhood, this apartment belonged to his last hit. We hooked up to get rich quick while the crowds are here. I pick out wealthy guys with wedding rings on.� She pointed at Janus’s signet ring, then continued.

“Fafnir robs them. They can’t report it or their wives will find out they were picking up hookers. We split the take and they get what they deserve for cheating.�

“This is no wedding ring, I’m a widower. I came seeking a wife, one who is not Skooma addicted or a scammer robbing people. Someone that would like to have the wealth and high position a marriage with me would bring.�

“Pretty hoity-toidy for someone so ugly they need a cowl covering their face to even pick up prostitutes, then expect her to find a wife for you. Fang-faced creep!�

“That’s hoity-toity, for future reference. It may be true that I have trouble finding a mate due to my nature, and I have availed myself of many a prostitute. There is even one I may have taken to wife if not for her notoriety in town. There is no shame in that line of work unless one performs it as badly as you did, or robs their clients. If we’re comparing looks, I’ve seen slaughterfish more appealing than you.�

“Look who’s talking, Pinky. So what if we rob men that cheat on their wives, you think you’re better than me?�

“If you had even the skills of a mud crab in performing your services you wouldn’t need to resort to robbery to get rich. And since you asked, I’ve stepped over better than you getting to the urn, and left better than you in it.�

“Give your fangs a rest, Wolfman. What makes you think I want to talk to you?�

“Most women in your profession are glad to be given the respect of chatting before or after the service is performed. Of course, unlike you they are qualified to actually perform the service as well.�






***


“You want to talk? Maybe we should talk about how ridiculous you look in that stupid cowl, or how your fangs and pink eyes churn my stomach…�

“There’s no time for squabbling…� A voice came from behind Janus’s chair.

“Another freak!� Signy’s lip curled.

“Jak!� Janus jumped up in relief. “I…need help.�

“Now that’s how friends should greet, lad. Instead of me fixing it, I’ll teach you how. You can practice your powers on her. When you’re done we’ll send this one to Faustina Cartia’s place down in Anvil. She’ll fit right in with that bunch. The first thing you need to learn is how to wipe memories and implant thoughts of your choosing.�

“It’s a convention from Fangs-R-Us. Any more pink-eyes coming?�

“Shut her up so we can talk.� Jak rolled his eyes.

Janus cast and Signy fell silent. “There’s a man too, he tried to rob me.�

“Yes, the Dark Brotherhood assassin. We’ll get him back to his chapter, no worries lad.�

“You know…everything?�

“Aye, lad. Didn’t I tell you the cowl was a bad idea?�

Janus flushed red.

“I’ll teach you to blank your mind like I do.� Jak made a false attempt to hide a grin.

“Thank you, Jak. How did you get in?�

“The window, my boy. Vampires don’t need stairs to reach high places.�

“You were…that owl?�

“Who…who. Now we need to finish up here quickly, Vicente is already following your chosen.�

“He just arrived this morning! How did he find her so quickly? ARGH! Will nothing go right this trip?�

“Och, you’re a headstrong lad. Everything would run smooth if you were following the right path, not fighting the vampire. Let it have control, align yourself with it. You can’t stop these situations from arising, but it can.�

“Jak…thank you for coming to help me.�

“That’s what friends are for, lad. We started on a bad foot, but one day you’ll know…it’s friend I am to you. There‘s not too many I say that to.“


**

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 4 2016, 05:06 AM

[D.Foxy]

Real Vampires need no cowl?
Real Vampires can be owls?
How fowl! No, foul!
Your writing made me HOWL!!!

[haute ecole rider]

Huh? Signy Home-Wrecker? Fafnir?

This made me do a double take:

I’ve seen slaughterfish more appealing than you.”
*snip*
I’ve stepped over better than you getting to the urn, and left better than you in it.”

Then I looked at this.
I guess it all depends on the eye of the beholder!

Poor Janus. He just can't get no respekt!

[Acadian]

Janus's face had already endured several slaps by women who took exception to any man in a cowl approaching them. Skulking in bushes and popping out to greet them was increasing the odds drastically.

Gee. . . ya think?

Oh, poor Janus! This was wonderful! How very clever to bring in Signy and then arrange plans for her to join her place in the game at Anvil. I wonder if she'll be back? She reminds me of Eyja a little. Fabulously barbed give and take between her and Janus. And a wonderfully event-driven and well-presented display of Janus discovering some of his powers.

As we predicted, and so eloquently put by Signy, 'a convention of pink eyes'. At the center of it all, of course, is little you-know-who, unknowingly using her white furry tail to waft her scent around the city.

Hmm, let me be very careful not to transpose my 's' words here: Vincente appears to be on the hunt for a kitty snack before another other vamp can snatch it away.

Is Jak actually not a bad fellow (for a vampire), or is he just sucking us in?

Regardless, this was a joy to read, and great fun!

[D.Foxy]

(with a solemn face)

Yes. Jak is sucking you...
















... in.