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

[Acadian]

I just reread the story. After your explanation and edits, your intent comes through clearly now. I'm so sorry my comment caused you some concern - I truly loved the experience of reading this episode the first time through. I see now that I missed some of your intent however. Another example of my limited plot-following skills.

The edited version is now squarely in line with your comments and intent. And it remains thoroughly delightful! Well done, mALX and thank you for the extra effort you took to bring all this extra Maxical goodness to us!

Lest it be lost in the shuffle, let me reiterate how very much I enjoyed the opening segment. I simply adored how you wove in a wonderful summary of Maxical's unique abilities and limitations.

This post has been edited by Acadian: Feb 10 2011, 04:51 PM

[Grits]

The part where Maxical was wondering how Janus would pronounce [censored].

I read this chapter again, and it’s much clearer to me. The first time I did think Maxical was getting hot for Janus.

Now I remember the rat libido conversation, and Jak pretty much calling Janus a dork - I'm glad you reminded us. Sometimes what they say is so funny I have to go back and read it again, so I can think about why they said it. What a great chapter!!!

[mALX]

@ Foxy - That line couldn't fail to draw your attention - Thank You so much Foxy !!! You are so missed when you go AWOL !!! You ROCK !!!

***
@ Acadian - Thank You so much Acadian !! I got lost in your fantastical rabbit hole comment, lol. GAAAAH!

I will say this - she was NOT interested in Janus, just enjoying talking to him. I hoped the last paragraph at the end of that chapter would have made it clear that she considered him like Hannibal, who is just a friend.

It is my fault if my story is misunderstood, so I did go back and edit, trying to clear up what I was (trying to get across). I hope it is a little easier understood now, and I apologize to anyone who found that chapter a tough nut to swallow.

There was no way IN the chapter to remind everyone that Janus's conversations with women were always about the blasphemies, crop rotation, and rat libido. - so I posted it afterwards when I saw the "Huh?" posting.

Thank you so much for giving me that heads up - for the support of your readership you are ALWAYS appreciated greatly - but especially when you give that support in spite of the chapter not coming across to you as it should. Thank You, Thank You Acadian !!! You are a good friend with a ton of class !!!

***
@ Grits - That part where she was going over in her mind how he may pronounce [honoured user] and [hamster] - those were my favorite parts in the whole chapter - thank you so much for noticing them !!

That last paragraph may have been more ambiguous than I thought, when Maxical compared him to Hannibal - (who is just a friend). I knew it was a subtle hint, but didn't realize it was unseeable, lol. I am so glad you re-read after the edit, it does make me feel better that the edits cleared up the problems.

This next chapter will leave no doubt in anyone's mind that she is NOT having the hots for Janus ... not in a good way, lol.

Again, Thank You so much, Grits!!! It means a lot that you read my story and enjoy it !!!

[mALX]

*


** Please note that the sections italicized are what Maxical is thinking to herself. As Janus (and the large bird) can both read minds, these places are what they are hearing.



Chapter 93: Promises in the Dark - Part II


“It is so rare to find someone who truly understands the implications of chaos…� The Immortal spoke almost to himself.

I choked on his wording. “Well, I actually have a first hand knowledge of that. Rarer yet that one who seeks to extinguish chaos finds himself sitting beside the one that causes most of it.�

“You have a point, I may be in danger of the sky tearing open and the void spilling in on me.�

“Add to that the jinx associated with albinos and you may well begin thanking your luck that you are immortal.�

As the irony sank in the Immortal tipped back his head and began laughing.


What a beautiful sound, I could listen to him laugh forever and never tire of it.


The Immortal paused with an intake of breath, his cowl honed in on me for an extended minute before blurting out, “Rotating your corn with a bean crop every few years will triple your yield. The bean roots aerate the soil, keeping it from becoming hard.�


Maybe that is what happened to Fathis. Bean roots were aerating his soil, keeping him from getting hard.


“SKROWK-AWK-AWK� A loud sound came from the roof above us.

The Immortal was choking again. I didn’t ask, just stood up and pounded his back while scanning the roof for the source of the noise. The Immortal seemed healthy enough, why did he choke so often?






*** A little later …


“A child breaking into the jail cells and releasing prisoners?�

“Not just any child, me.� I unsheathed the claw on my index finger and held it up. “I picked the lock.�

“Dear gods, that thing looks lethal! You have those hiding beneath all your fingers?“

“They are lethal, and I have them under my toes as well.� I unsheathed the rest of the claws on one hand and held them out for his inspection. “If you come to the Cage Match tomorrow you will see how deadly they are. I gave Fathis a pass for you.�

“I’m no fan of blood-shedding. Those claws, can you feel them scratching when they are…sheathed?�

Choking back a laugh at the inconsistency of a vampire not liking blood, I sheathed my claws back and placed my hand in his. “Feel, see? You can’t tell they are there.�

“They can’t be felt, that is amazing! A secret weapon, you can never be totally disarmed!� The Immortal clasped and unclasped my hand in his absentmindedly, rubbing his hand gently back and forth across the tips of my fingers. The heat he exuded intensified suddenly, tripling till it felt I was sitting beside a roaring fire.


Dear gods, he is putting out heat like a coal flue! I never thought to check a vampire’s body temperature before. Maybe next time I run across one in a dungeon I should ask him to stop biting me so I can feel if he exudes warmth.


“SKROWK-AWK-AWK� That loud sound came from the roof above us again. I glanced around, but could see nothing.

The Immortal was laughing at something, still toying with my hand. His rubbing on it made me feel like a common housecat being petted; even more so because the tremendous amount of heat emanating from him was causing my purring to increase till I was sure Jack would turn around from his vantage seat to see what the noise was all about…or throw me out of his box. Cats are drawn to heat, add the stroking and I feared any second I may start rolling on the floor from it.

“Dear gods, your fur is like velvet, I never realized it would be so soft. Odd, I’ve never noticed Khajiit hands before. I would have expected something more like…�

“Paws? Don’t be embarrassed, I’m sure it’s what everyone imagines.� I plucked my hand back from him with a jerk, my cheeks reddening in anger.






***


“I apologize if you feel I examined your hand longer than necessary. It was not intentional.�

With a smooth flip of my hand I unsheathed my middle finger and held it up to him, then used it to point at a scantily clad Khajiit with an unnaturally colored yellow hair that was curling herself around men as they passed her on the mezzanine below. “You want to rub cat fur? For a few Septims, she’ll let you.�

“AAWK SKROWK-AWK-AWK! AAWK SKROWK-AWK-AWK�

“What is that sound? Maxical, it was nothing like that! I…Wait! You are the one that gave me your hand to examine! By the way, what was that trick with your hand you did just now? That was intriguing!�

“Examinations don’t entail rubbing. And that is known as the Khajiit Proctologist, but it can be known as the Khajiit Castrator if someone gets fresh.�

“SKROWK-AWK-AWK�

“I did not get fresh! You gave me your hand! …And what is that obnoxious racket?�

“Then explain all this heat you are putting out, and explain that.� Using the extended claw I pointed to his lap where his suit was pouched into a tent shape.

“I’m baking in this heavy cloth and sunlight! And that is the material bunching, look!� He stood up and the thick folds of velvet material tumbled in slow motion downward.


Dear gods, the velvet of his inner clothing is the thickest I’ve ever seen. If I had a dress made of that I would roll on the floor just to feel it against my skin.


Humiliatingly, when they came to a stop they lay perfectly flat. “Oh.� My face felt on fire from embarrassment.

“AAWK SKROWK-AWK-AWK�






***


Fathis had stood at the same time, an unfathomable expression on his face. The Immortal turned his head towards him and spoke curtly.

“Fetch me a bottle of wine from the mezzanine.�

“Don‘t you order Fathis around! You may be used to servants, but Fathis is not one of them! That is what Jack has runners for!� I stood now, facing the Immortal like we were combatants on the Arena floor instead of Jack‘s box.

“I apologize, it was just…nerves. Let us sit back down before we draw attention. Did you not say the press is here?�

I hesitated, looking to Fathis for a signal. His face was an unreadable mask. It looks like that when he is thinking rapidly, what was he thinking so hard about? Fathis was a diplomat, and this was a Noble. Was I stirring up trouble for Fathis at his job? I sank back into my seat feeling like I was at fault for the misunderstanding…although that didn’t ease my anger at the Immortal.

“I apologize.� I barely whispered, turning my head away from him and crossing my arms so he‘d get the message I was still mad.

“Come, am I forgiven then? There is an experiment I wished to discuss with you, I’d like your opinion on it. It involves rat libido…�

“SQWAUK-AUK-AUK!�

It was a perfect topic for him to bring up at that time. The experiment he wanted to discuss was a pedestrian effort by some so-called scientists that had sent Hannibal into a rage when he first read it years ago. I could remember most of Hannibal’s arguments against it…and was glad for a chance to ease some of my anger and embarrassment by debating it with the Immortal. Using Hannibal’s words to argue against whatever viewpoint he was taking would make me sound intelligent again, after that fiasco a minute ago.






*** A little later …


“And his libido returned completely when rat ‘B’ was added to the cage.� The Immortal snapped his fingers.

“An experiment to learn that male rats are promiscuous? All they needed do to learn that was visit the Waterfront at night!� I scoffed at his cowl.

“SQWAUK-AUK-AUK!�

I glanced around for the source of the sound before continuing. “That is just an observation, what do they gain from knowing that?� I did a fair imitation of Hannibal’s mocking of the experiment.

“Then what could they have done to improve it?� He argued back.

“Bring rat ‘A‘ back again, learn how to trick his libido into returning with her.� I had reached the end of what I remembered of Hannibal’s tirade on the subject and hoped he wouldn’t question further.

“How would they do that?�

“Huh? Oh…er…uh…dye her fur a different color…maybe put make-up on her…a little dab of perfume…� A raucous screeching interrupted me.

“AAAAWK! SKROWK-AWK-AWK! SKROWK-AWK-AWK�

Both the Immortal’s and my head jerked toward the sound. “Dear gods!� We both said in unison.

The largest bird I’d ever seen was staggering in circles and flapping its wings on the low eave behind us, making an odd shrieking that sounded almost like laughter.

“It must have gotten into some alcohol!� I gasped.

“I know this bird. SHOO!� The Immortal flagged his hands at the bird, which was now rolling on its back making strange choking sounds. “Just ignore it and go on with what you were saying…�

“You know a bird?�






***


“It is an unmannered pet of a friend of mine.�

“Dear gods, a pet? Is it ill?�

“SHOO! SHOO I say! It is not ill, just rude and nosy.�

“Noisy you mean? Can I rub its belly?� I reached my hand out and tickled the soft white feathers on the rounded belly.�

“Absolutely not! It…er...bites!�

I drew my hand back quickly. “Did your friend bring it here? Where are they?�

“Yes they did, and they had better remove it.� He seemed to be talking more to the bird than me, his tone sounded threatening.

A hot anger swept over me at that. “Don’t use that tone with the poor bird! I’ll wait with him if you wish to go find his master.�

Anger makes me think better, and the rest of Hannibal’s argument against that experiment suddenly popped into my head. I must have looked a fool suggesting perfume and makeup, and didn’t want to leave him with that impression of me.

“And by the way, I was joking before. Those quasi-scientists should have rubbed the scent of rat ‘B’ onto rat ’A’; manipulated the male’s libido to breeding the rat of the scientist’s choosing.�

“Why would they do that?�

“Because it opens the door to breeding out genetic defects, or creating a super-race of rats.� I argued Hannibal’s point in a mocking tone.

“Super-rats? To do what, pull wagons?�

“BWAAHAA! No, rats that have a higher percentage of meat so more people can eat off each; solving the hunger problems for the needy! Now that is what is considered an experiment.�

“Dear gods, that is brilliant!� The Immortal’s voice sounded awed.






***


Turning my back on the Immortal, I reached up again and began stroking and tickling the bird. “And I don’t think this bird bites, look! I think it likes me touching it.� I emphasized ‘me’ and then turned my attention to the bird, crooning and petting it.

“Stop that! You’ll arouse him! Jak, get out of here!� The Immortal grabbed the bird up in both arms and heaved it.

“Corvus Umbranox, unhand that bird! How dare you hurt him! Come here sweet Jak, I’ll protect you from the mean vampire…�

“Corvus Umbranox? A vampire? And I’ve seen you both with my own eyes abusing that poor creature! Ape Woman, you can be assured this will appear in the Courier! Even Hassiri won’t be able to save your reputation this time.�

“Urjabhi! Oh dear gods.�

“Count Umbranox, can you tell us where you’ve been for thirty years? When did you become a vampire?� Urjabhi waved his pad in the air and began questioning the Immortal.

“NO COMMENT! Fathis, get rid of this cretin! Get us out of here!�

“I told you once already; you don’t order Fathis around like he’s your lackey, you…bird hater! I rounded on the Immortal, pushing myself between him and Fathis. In the instant it took me to face the Immortal my fur had spiked to massive proportions. My tail was swishing rapidly and uncontrollably, striking both Urjabhi and Fathis several times in their arms and faces.

The sound of laughter was echoing down from the musician’s platform above us, drawing all our eyes to the sight of a man dressed fully in black velvet, even to the full face mask he wore. A silver longsword was worn at his side in a way I’ve only seen once before…Alix. The man had to be a Blademaster, who was he?


*

** NOTE: The huge bird is Jakben, Earl of Imbel
*** The man in the black velvet full face mask and suit - is a cameo - someone you all know and love - ... ?







This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 4 2016, 07:33 AM

[Jacki Dice]

“Examinations don’t entail rubbing. And that is known as the Khajiit Proctologist, but it can be known as the Khajiit Castrator if someone gets fresh.”

“Then explain all this heat you are putting out …and explain that.” Using the extended claw I pointed to his lap where his suit was pouched into a tent shape.

“And I don’t think this bird bites, look! I think it likes me touching it.”

Stop that! You’ll arouse him

Corvus Umbranox, unhand that bird!

Oh my word that has to be the funniest chapter I've read so far! As I type, I'm still crying!!

[King Coin]

This just keeps getting better and better!

[Acadian]

You really opened a full can of humor in this one! I enjoyed the interactions between Maxical and Janus. I like how you are really developing her as a cat in this version - claws, spiking fur, swishing tail and all. I'm glad she didn't roll over on her back to have her tummy rubbed. Fabulous that you inflated the fabric covering Janus' crotch, then deflated Maxical as it turned out to be . . . just fabric.

So it seems Maxical assumes Janus is the long missing Corvus? And she realizes he is a vampire.

And the mystery of a black velvet swordsman. Can't wait to learn more about that.

[Thomas Kaira]

Count Umbranox?

My thoughts are that Fathis might've been trying to publicly humiliate Maxical given what just happened up there, and considering Traven made sure Jak would pretend to be that bird, I presume.

Count Hassildor arrived in the Imperial City to find a wife while Count Umbranox arrived to find a scroll. While trying to find the scroll, Count Umbranox strolled up to Hassildor, bumping into him, and now Umbranox has been stalking about the alleys looking for his wi... no wait, that's Hassildor. He's strolling about town not finding much of his Elder Scroll among the ladies... no wait, that's Umbranox again! So now Count Hassildor who is actually count Umbranox who is actually count Hassildor disguised as count Umbranox has arisen Maxical's interests by pretending to be Hassildor... no wait, he's still Hassildor, he's just Umbranox disguised as Hassildor! No, wait, that can't be right, because Hassildor traded with Umbranox so that Umbranox could he Hassildor could be Umbranox and... and...

I think I need a bit of clarification on that last paragraph... my brain is collapsing in on itself!

Maxical remains adorable as ever. Who cares about claws, if you've seen into her brain, you'd want to hug her, too.

[mALX]

*

ROFL !!! I need a tylenol after trying to figure that out, lol. I realize there has been a lot of time passing between posts, and many other stories we read - little details can be forgotten easily in these circumstance. (Especially since I am not following a known questline). I don't mind at any time to hunt down the plot clues and post them, would much rather do that then have a frustrated reader that wonders what the H just happened.


Here is a breakdown of what I think you and Destri were wondering about in your comments:


- Jak turns himself into owl to spy on Janus all the time, this actually has nothing to do with Hannibal. Examples: (Chapter 73, Page 31)

An extremely large bird perched under the eaves on the balustrade outside her window, staring unblinking at him.

"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."

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

Maxical came to the erroneous conclusion that "The Immortal" must be Umbranox in the last chapter: (Chapter 92, page 43)

A signet ring? He is a Count? No wonder his identity must be kept secret! That's an Imperial ring, his appointment must be in Cyrodiil! Not Terentius, I've met him. Oh! Umbranox! That would explain why he disappeared for thirty years!

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

Fathis: Fathis is holding a high position as Liaison to Arch Mage Traven - a government position. He cannot divulge the identity of the Immortal (who has diplomatic immunity) or any of his actions - and he cannot attack the Immortal without being attacked with deadly force first. His hands are more or less tied on how to best protect Maxical and still be within the bounds of his political position.

* Below can be found: (Chapter 89, Page 41)

Fathis has to pretend to be under Hassildor's power. He was trying to get hold of Hannibal, Ocato - following the protocol of his position as Liaison to Arch Mage Traven/the Arcane. He left coded messages everywhere, but so far has not gotten any response.

Hassildor could realize he'd been duped at any time, Fathis couldn't keep sitting here waiting for Traven. Raminus Polus and Josey were his only back-ups right now, statistically that was bad odds that the messages would reach Traven. Fathis got no response banging on the door of the Courier office. Protocol was to go to Ocato in the event Traven couldn't be reached.

He knew if he could not get hold of anyone that he would have to meet with Hassildor - so just in case he filled Jack's box up with curious men to make Hassildor feel uncomfortable.

Fathis gave a tense half laugh. "I plan to rudely demand her presence so she'll be angry and refuse the invitation to join me; and hope she forgives when this is over."

"Exactly. He's a newsman; and Khajiit. The curiosity will eat him, he'll show. I hope you don't mind, but I intend to fill up your box a bit with curious men. I want this man in the cowl to feel extremely uncomfortable."

"Curious men...like who?"

"All three brothers from the Courier, Antoine Dodson, maybe that 'Hero of the People'."

* Below can be found: (Chapter 90, Page 42)

He did not want Maxical up there at all, that is why he sent her that hateful note - to tick her off so she would refuse to come. Buying time till someone got hold of Traven or Ocato.

Ma'Thjizzrini Qa;

Part of your duties as my wife require you to entertain visiting dignitaries. I insist on your presence immediately in Jack's box so you can join me in welcoming a member of the Nobility.

Yours, etc.

Fathis.

Br'itsa and Docada threw out the note, so Maxical never saw it - they just told her to go straight to Jack's box. That is why Maxical is up there.

"You better not hand her that note, not unless you want your head to be the next one rolling! She'll leave a trail of bodies all the way up to your desk!"

"What should I do?" Br'itsa was trembling in fright.

"Lose the note, just tell her to go to Jack's box. That way you have completed your task...without getting murdered."

"Br'itsa, dear; are you unwell? Is everything okay?" (Maxical)

"Er; you need to go directly to Jack's box." She choked out.

Fathis was upset to see her up there: (Chapter 91, Page 42)

Fathis's facial expression was unreadable; or rather, if I was reading it correctly then he was upset to see me. That couldn't be, since he had sent for me to be there.

*

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 4 2016, 08:02 AM

[Thomas Kaira]

And now things make sense again. Maxical's brain implings must have infiltrated my skull.

Not that I'm complaining about that, of course.

I shall remember in the future to review the details of past chapters if I get lost.

This post has been edited by Thomas Kaira: Feb 12 2011, 04:12 AM

[mALX]

And now things make sense again. Maxical's brain implings must have infiltrated my skull.

Not that I'm complaining about that, of course.

I shall remember in the future to review the details of past chapters if I get lost.

Now THAT's what I like to hear !! WOO HOO !!! Feel free to PM me or mention it on here if you ever feel a gap that needs explaining - if you have missed something, it is very possible others have as well. (and I know where all the keys are to the plot line, it is very easy for me to find them and post them or PM them).

[Grits]

I love Maxical’s determination to get the upper hand in the rat libido conversation! Her lapse from Traven’s impassioned argument to her own dress-the-rat-like-a-harlot idea and then back to Traven, hilarious!!

Maxical tickling the owl’s belly,

“Corvus Umbranox? A vampire? And I’ve seen you both with my own eyes abusing that poor creature! Ape Woman, you can be assured this will appear in the Courier…even Hassiri won’t be able to save your reputation this time.”

What must Fathis be thinking now!! Mystery Blademaster… I’ve no idea!! Can’t wait to find out!!

[Rachel the Breton]

mALX, I somehow missed this last chapter. I don't want to sell any others short, but...I think this might have been the funniest one I read so far! Awesome stuff. And I like how Maxical thinks better when she is angry, lol...that does not surprise me!

BTW, if these vampires don't stop reading Maxical's mind, I'm pretty sure the local health professionals in the area are going to be suddenly very wealthy.

[D.Foxy]

How I LOVE reading these chapters...when I want to murder the world just because I am overwhelmed by work and the sand and dust, mALX makes me scream with laughter and gives me a reason to go on living!!!

[Zalphon]

“Absolutely not! It…bites.”

Oh that's hilarious I'm half tempted to put in a fan-fic, "I once knew an albino khajiit who had a thing for love-biters, I never did understand that."

[mALX]

@ Jacki Dice - Thank You, Thank You, Jacki !!! Now THAT is Awesome to hear !!!

***
@ King Coin - Thank you so much King Coin !!! I appreciate so much that you have stuck with Maxical through both of her stories !!!

***
@ Acadian - Thank you so much, Acadian !!! After reading your comment I went back and checked ... I have not placed a description in here yet - nor get permission to cameo him. I will have to - just had a very busy week. Thank you again, Acadian !!!

***
@ Thomas Kaira - Thank you so much TK - and for letting me know when I need to refresh info. That two months I took off at Xmas put too much time between those chapters and this, I should always remember (the clear jar of yellow fluid) lesson I learned on the original story, lol. I thought everyone would remember it was Nordic Whiskey ... instead EVERYONE thought it was a jar of Maxical's pee ... that Manheim had (for some reason) saved and given to Owyn as a gift - BWAAAHAAAA!!!! That was funnier than anything in the chapter, I was in hysterics - but I should have remembered that and refreshed - so glad you caught me on that !!!

I know where all the plot keys are at any time anyone wants an update!! I appreciate your reading, Thank You so much TK !!!!

***
@ Grits - I am so glad you liked that, I nearly wrote the whole chapter around Maxical saying that - and it lasted through all the edits, even when the story changed around it each time. Throwing Jack in to hear it was a last minute decision and the final edit just grew from there. Your kind words mean a lot, Grits - Thank you so very much !!!!

***
@ Rachel the Breton - ROFL !!! (Black Horse Courier: "There has been a drastic increase of activity at the local Psychiatrist's office, oddly enough they are all wearing black cowls and long, heavy black cloaks.") - Thank you so much, Rachel !!! You are the goddess of comedy, it means the world to hear you say that about my story !!!

***
@ Foxy - I took it you weren't back, so popped your cameo onto that chapter but left it un-named in case you didn't approve. The place where the bird was rolling on it's back choking was written specifically to make you roll on the floor laughing where-ever you were AWOL from us !!! You are greatly missed, and whenever you get to a point where you can approve some script you have another scene coming up that needs your special touches !!!

Thank You so much Foxy, your reaction is exactly what I hoped for !!!

***
@ Zalphon - Thank you so much Zalphon !!! And GAAAAH !!! Not poor Maxical !!! ROFL !!!!

[mALX]

*


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




** There is a special cameo mention of Mrs. Treydog in this chapter. Thanks Treydog, Mrs. Treydog!!!


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




Chapter 94: Termagant, Fury, Harridan, Virago


The Immortal’s identity remained a closely guarded secret for upwards of fifty years according to Hannibal‘s notes. He endured severe isolation to keep it…and within a few hours of speaking to me he is embroiled in public scandal and outed to the press.

He could not have said it better, the sky would be rent and the void would swallow him. I suddenly wondered if maybe I really am a jinx.

Like dominoes tumbling in a chain things went from bad to worse. Maybe I had over-reacted to his rubbing my fur, but no one could blame me for my anger at his treatment of that poor sick bird. I’d never seen a bird rolling on its back like that, pressing his wings against his stomach…and that odd cackling squawk; the bird was obviously in terrible pain, anyone could see that.

The worst part…Fathis holds a very high and trusted position both at Castle Bravil and his appointment as Diplomatic Liaison through Ocato; both positions secured through Hannibal’s highest recommendations. Even Uriel Septim calls Fathis any time there is a visiting dignitary or situation that needs delicate handling; not trusting Ocato after his haughty attitude offended one too many times.

Fathis’s dealings with the Immortal are in an official capacity, and I have just caused them both to be thrown into a bad light publicly. I may have cost Fathis both his positions, and it could cost the Immortal an eternity imprisoned in the Imperial dungeons…my fault.

With probably more force than necessary I jerked Urjabhi’s arm down that was flagging his pad. He glared at me, but behind the anger was a cagy look. He was going to pull something.

A quick glance at Fathis showed he was already handling the situation in spite of my saying he need not take orders from the Immortal…thank goodness. Within seconds Urjabhi was escorted to his seat with a warning not to harass invited guests in Jack’s private box. I watched Urjabhi’s ears swiveling, he was still trying to eavesdrop.

Lowering my voice drastically, I barely whispered to the Immortal. “He is trying to listen still. I’m so sorry…I never meant to…if you had not manhandled that bird…�






***


“I am not a bird-hater, and I did not manhandle the bird.� He hissed back. “Why did you insist on touching him after me telling you he would bite?�

“He does not bite. His eyes danced merrily when I fondled him, he even rubbed his head on my chest and cooed lovingly.�

“No doubt of that, and I applaud your choice of terms. I warned you not to continue rubbing him that way.�

“OH!� I glanced around quickly and forced myself to a quieter tone. “I didn’t mean anything like that and you know it! Maybe if you didn’t fling him around he would like you a little better.“

“I don’t desire any closer relationship with him than I already have. He had no business here snooping and eavesdropping, that is as low a sabotage as I can think of.�

“A bird eavesdropping and snooping, plotting to sabotage you? I say Anvil won’t miss Lovidicus much now that you have reappeared to play the part of a madman in his stead, Lord Umbranox. …And sabotage what?�

“This visit today was supposed to be in the nature of a wedding gift for you, something you told Fathis you desired greatly. I broke my sacred privacy that you might have your heart’s wish.�

He pronounced ‘privacy’ as one would say ‘privet‘. Had we not been in the middle of a heated argument I could have dwelled on how elegant it sounded spoken in that accent.

His last sentence shamed me for bringing this trouble on him after such a kind act on his part. I felt tears of remorse beginning to burn my eyes and looked up at his cowl to apologize, but they quickly became searing hot in anger at his next sentence.

“For my part I wish Fathis the best in his choice. I certainly hope the bride I came here to select for myself has a more even temperament and the only shrews in our castle will be burrowing in the garden.�

“SHREW!� I struggled to lower my voice again. “I see diplomacy is not your strong suit! Do you find entertainment in the kicking of dogs too? And you did select an even tempered bride; one who has spent thirty years alone waiting for your return. A sadder sight is hard to find. What do you plan to do? You can’t be married to them both at once, you know…“

“Ironic you of all people should point that out.�

“OH! How DARE you! You could not possibly know anything of my circumstance!�

“A little bird told me…� The Immortal began, but stopped as he became aware Fathis had overheard his previous words.






***


In my peripheral vision I had caught the motion as Fathis’s head jerked toward me and then seemed to freeze on me. How dare the Immortal break it to him in such a harsh way.

“Fathis…� I turned slowly toward him, dreading seeing the shock and deep inner pain reflecting there.

“Ma'Thjizzrini Qa?� Fathis’s eyes searched mine. He began speaking rapidly in Khajiit, his voice lowered. He never mentioned what he had overheard, Fathis is too much the diplomat to make a scene by discussing it publicly.

Instead he asked if I had seen the portrait of my Golden Armor done by Mrs. Treydog that was hanging in the clubhouse mezzanine, asked if he could take me to see it.

It wasn’t the words he was saying, they were naught but a ruse; a blind that others including his companion would not be privy to his real intent…eyes that seemed to have bored into my soul and read all he needed to know within, verifying what he had overheard.


Dear gods, he knows…this is it then


An overwhelming urge to cry choked and strangled in my throat. I averted my face before answering or the tears would have overcome me. In what I hoped resembled a light voice I answered him in Khajiit.

“Ta, it’s naught Fathis, but it is as you wish.� My voice cracked on the words. Inside me it felt like a volcano was trying to erupt.

“What else is there than I be here for you?� Fathis finished speaking to me. He looked like a man caught between a rock and a hard place; bursting to speak what was roiling in him but couldn’t.

Inside me it felt like something was sinking. I had a sickening sensation that when it reached bottom I was going to know with certainty that I had made a terrible mistake. Fear like I hadn’t known since I was a child hit me as for the first time I realized the full implications of what I had done…my life from here on out would be without Fathis in it.

A silent scream was forming inside me, the pressure so great to let it out and fill the Arena with the agonizing pain of it…what had I done? To Fathis…to myself? Fathis, who’d always been there to step in and erase any traces of my ill deeds. I couldn’t turn to him to fix this, not when it was him I’d done the wrong to.


Dear gods what have I done? Oh dear gods, what have I done?


The Immortal’s head was riveted in my direction. He seemed to be staring hard at me, but I couldn’t tell due to the cowl. Suddenly he spoke, blurting it in a voice that resounded with apology I took to be aimed at me.

“I would also like to see that portrait on our way out.�






***


The Immortal’s aura suddenly became suffocating, thickening the air and making breathing difficult. I had a minute glimpse of Urjabhi kneeling next to Azzan, pointing up toward the Immortal. In an instant the atmosphere changed, words hung in the air as if time had frozen; every motion felt deliberate, purposeful...painted with a surreal brush.

As if in slow motion I saw Azzan rise, knocking his seat over; the sound of its crash coming seconds after the hiss of his silver longsword leaving its sheath. The pounding of his footfall seemed delayed from the action, yet somehow still gave the impression of a draft horse charging.

Azzan’s mouth gaped and twisted to one side as if his jaw was not connected. Velus was now by his side, a gleaming silver sword in his hand that looked like it hadn’t tasted its first blood yet; his mouth opened wide in silent mimicry of Azzan’s as he joined him in the charge.

The others in Jack’s box turned as if a unit, their raised fists shaking the air; all of their mouths open in the same grotesque shape…and that’s when I heard it, a chorus of angry voices, their shouts reverberating off the wall of Jack‘s office behind me in a cadenced rhythm, “URIEL’S LAW! URIEL’S LAW!�

The sound of my own scream echoed back to me from above as the large bird Jak swooped overhead emitting a terrible shrieking cry that split through the sound of the chanters, chilling my bones…a sound from another realm where gods were watching each act unfold; tumblers of time clicking into place and locking as if destinies were being changed in the void while here a mob scene was unfolding.


*

This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 4 2016, 08:08 AM

[Thomas Kaira]

Oh, dear! Looks like Hassildor's pleasant stay in Cyrodiil City has ended!

I don't know if I should say I'm being entertained by reading about how our dear white kitty is slowly falling apart at the seams now that she's violated Fathis' trust as badly as she has, but I really can't think of any other way to say it.

She is much more emotionally fragile than she used to be because of this, it would seem. This is the first time I can recall seeing mood swings as violent as this in her entire life! There's two explanations that I can see:

1: She cannot come to grips with her betrayal of Fathis.

2: She aged too fast is going through menopause.

I don't know about you, but my money's on the first.

Nit:

“I don’t desire any closer relationship with him than I already have. He had no business here snooping and eavesdropping, that is as low a sabatage as I can think of.”

There appears to be an error of the typographical variety here.

This post has been edited by Thomas Kaira: Feb 18 2011, 04:28 AM

[King Coin]

...and it's all falling apart after balancing for so long.

[Acadian]

This was magnificent! Maxical at her most Maxicalish.

'He pronounced ‘privacy’ as one would say ‘privet‘. Had we not been in the middle of a heated argument I could have dwelled on how elegant it sounded spoken in that accent. '
Here, she reminds of us of how quickly that short attention span of hers flits with delightful dizziness.

That was then followed by a veritable roller coaster ride of swirling emotions, all them powerful, well presented and pure Maxical.

I was ready to cry along with her as she pondered the effect of her actions on Fathis. That would have been a great ending point right there and hard to beat. Yet, somehow you did. The pending violence at the end was a shockingly dramatic lurch from Maxical's ruminations. I am still scratching my head at how well you put this together.

Now, I must confess part of the reason I liked this story so much was that it was from Maxical's perspective and all about Maxical. Nothing makes me happier than when you do that. Wonderful job here, mALX. One of your very best!