Yes, I know, I'm insane...but the idea sort of stuck w/me after I wrote it, plus I'm planning my Halloween party...so ...that's my excuse.
Full Version: A New Sun Rises - Maxical's Adventures
Pages: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43
mALX...in case Gils needs any visual hints as to what may befall him, compliments of the Good Friar, if he hurts our beloved Khajiit:
Yes, I know, I'm insane...but the idea sort of stuck w/me after I wrote it, plus I'm planning my Halloween party...so ...that's my excuse.
Yes, I know, I'm insane...but the idea sort of stuck w/me after I wrote it, plus I'm planning my Halloween party...so ...that's my excuse.
QUOTE(Rachel the Breton @ Sep 22 2010, 09:44 PM) 
mALX...in case Gils needs any visual hints as to what may befall him, compliments of the Good Friar, if he hurts our beloved Khajiit:
Yes, I know, I'm insane...but the idea sort of stuck w/me after I wrote it, plus I'm planning my Halloween party...so ...that's my excuse.
SPEW!!!!! It's the piked heads at the Priory !!!! SPEW !!!!! Awesome Rachel !!!!!!
@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian!! That really meant a lot to hear, and I appreciate it tons!! You really summed a whole lot up in this one sentence:
That is what I was going for, I am so glad it came across to the reader!!!
***
@ FOXY - YEAH !!!!! You have been missed!!! I have to write dirty in-you-end-oh to lure you in !!!! Thank you so much Foxy !!!!
***
@ Hazmick - That guard is actually in game, too. If you come in the main gate in Anvil, the guard to your left on certain shifts hates Khajiit - he actually hates all cats, not just Khajiit. He calls Maxical 'furlicker'. If you go to Leyawiin there is an Argonian there that hates Khajiit, and he will ask you what butt tastes like or something similar - I have it written down and will look up the exact wording.
When I say this guard hates cats - I mean if you get that 'Cats and Rats' mod and go to Anvil, it will be the funniest thing you have ever seen in your life!
He chases these little housecats with his sword drawn yelling out things like "For the Emperor!" or "I've fought mud crabs more fierce-some than you!" or "Why don't you just fall down and bleed to death!" - meanwhile, the cats are running around in a zig-zag pattern, the guard in hot pursuit, and if he nicks them with his sword they go "Merrrooooow!" I have never laughed so hard in my life !!!!
Thank you so very much Hazmick !!!!
***
@ Treydog - You had me in tears with that, thank you so much Treydog !!!! You ROCK !!!!! Bruce Campbell? I wondered who that man was that kept showing up when my husband went to work! JUST KIDDING !!! (By the way, did you notice two chapters back the inset of odd type? That was me taking your tips on a Black Horse Courier article !!!)
***
@ Destri - Thank you so very much Destri!! That guard is actually in game (see @ Hazmick above) - I was shocked and dismayed the first time he said it to Maxical, but then I found out I could use his prejudice against him for my own entertainment, lol.
The line "Whoa! That could never get old!" is a direct quote from Todd Howard himself (playing Fallout 3, using VATS. It was followed by a fit of giggles and Wooots as he watched the head rolling - I took the scene of them watching the skull roll from that) - Thank you so much for what you said, that made my day !!!!!
***
@ Rachel - You predicted it, you'll see in the next chapter! I LOVE the sketch of the piked head !!!!! You are AWESOME !!!!!!!
***
QUOTE
She has taken a vulnerable step towards Gils. I hope he realizes what is at the end of the pretty tail he is holding onto. Your move, Gils.
That is what I was going for, I am so glad it came across to the reader!!!
***
@ FOXY - YEAH !!!!! You have been missed!!! I have to write dirty in-you-end-oh to lure you in !!!! Thank you so much Foxy !!!!
***
@ Hazmick - That guard is actually in game, too. If you come in the main gate in Anvil, the guard to your left on certain shifts hates Khajiit - he actually hates all cats, not just Khajiit. He calls Maxical 'furlicker'. If you go to Leyawiin there is an Argonian there that hates Khajiit, and he will ask you what butt tastes like or something similar - I have it written down and will look up the exact wording.
When I say this guard hates cats - I mean if you get that 'Cats and Rats' mod and go to Anvil, it will be the funniest thing you have ever seen in your life!
He chases these little housecats with his sword drawn yelling out things like "For the Emperor!" or "I've fought mud crabs more fierce-some than you!" or "Why don't you just fall down and bleed to death!" - meanwhile, the cats are running around in a zig-zag pattern, the guard in hot pursuit, and if he nicks them with his sword they go "Merrrooooow!" I have never laughed so hard in my life !!!!
Thank you so very much Hazmick !!!!
***
@ Treydog - You had me in tears with that, thank you so much Treydog !!!! You ROCK !!!!! Bruce Campbell? I wondered who that man was that kept showing up when my husband went to work! JUST KIDDING !!! (By the way, did you notice two chapters back the inset of odd type? That was me taking your tips on a Black Horse Courier article !!!)
***
@ Destri - Thank you so very much Destri!! That guard is actually in game (see @ Hazmick above) - I was shocked and dismayed the first time he said it to Maxical, but then I found out I could use his prejudice against him for my own entertainment, lol.
The line "Whoa! That could never get old!" is a direct quote from Todd Howard himself (playing Fallout 3, using VATS. It was followed by a fit of giggles and Wooots as he watched the head rolling - I took the scene of them watching the skull roll from that) - Thank you so much for what you said, that made my day !!!!!
***
@ Rachel - You predicted it, you'll see in the next chapter! I LOVE the sketch of the piked head !!!!! You are AWESOME !!!!!!!
***
*
Chapter 49: Old Habits Die Hard
The contrast between the bright sunshine outside and the inky blackness had purple spots dancing in front of my eyes for a few minutes. I hung in the doorway till they went away, grateful for the excuse. Casting the ‘detect life’ showed nothing. My heart was pounding and my throat had closed off till I thought I might strangle.
We crept back down the corridor. I cast ‘detect life’ again, still nothing. My night vision showed a large lump was blocking the adjacent corridor. When I got closer to the lump, I could see it was a man…wasn‘t it? He was dead…no. He was undead. Without ever having smelled it before I instinctively knew that was what it was, and he reeked of it.
I cast an ‘illumination’ spell and was faced with the ugliest man I had ever seen in my life. His face looked like an inside out butt hole, wrinkled badly. His eyes were open in a frozen stare, the iris was a pinkish red. With the tip of my sword I pushed back his upper lip to reveal fangs sticking down. My first actual vampire sighting, not in a textbook.
“These aren’t conjurors Gils, it‘s vampires. This one is a feral, see how his fangs are fixed?” I pried them with my blade. “They’ll attack on sight…or smell. This place is huge, it could be filled with them. Are you willing to take a chance? Because you need silver or fire to kill them, that axe you got will do nothing. My sword is useless too. If even one drop of their blood gets in any open wound on you it can turn you into one like them, their disease is spread by blood. What do you want to do?” I knelt down and carefully searched the body.
“Can’t you just keep using that spell?” Gils asked, looking down at the ugly sight below him.
“It uses a ton of magicka. Hannibal says I have a high level of magicka, but using a spell like this I could run out. We could be in the middle of this place with no way to defend ourselves. You know I can’t heal.”
“Let me think for a minute.”
“Well, this guy is only a little taller than you, look at this armor. You should take it and put it on now for better protection.”
“I could take it and sell it.”
“You can wear it, just pull it on over your scrubs you work out in. You need all the protection you can get in this place.”
“What are you doing?”
“You have to incinerate the undead so their corpses don‘t reanimate or spread disease. And with vampires, the ashes left over are worth a fortune. Help me get this armor off him.”
“Let’s go in a little further and see how bad it is. This could be the only one.”
“Okay, grab onto me so you don’t get hit with this by accident.”
After I incinerated the vampire I started to gather up the ashes. “Gils, see that sack over there? Can you get it for me to put these in?”
“It’s got some plants in it.”
“Let me see them…oh thank the gods, mandrake root. We may need this. Give me a second to think…kill with fire or silver, Mandrake root and…garlic I think. I wish Hannibal was here to advise us, he is a real expert.”
“You’re kidding!”
“No, he does his own research and testing on ancient vampires, drawing fluids from them and everything.”
“Fluids? BWAAHAAA!”
“Not that kind of fluids! Er…at least I don’t think it is. He was working on a cure for vampirism. It’s like he lead a double life, creeping about drawing fluids from ancient vampires at night. I dreamed of being his assistant, but could never behave long enough for him to even think about it. But getting in trouble is how I found out about it. He confined me to his quarters, and I got tired of short-sheeting his bed and switching out his salt and sugar. I started reading his tome, ‘Researching The Ancient Lines, Vampires And What You Should Know About Them’. It has everything about them, even spells they might use or that you can use on them. Hannibal kept his secret research notes in the back of that tome.”
“EW! Creeping around dungeons draining fluids from vampires? I would never have imagined…I may insist he wash his hands before examining me from now on.”
***
With my aim the only chance we had was to keep using the ‘Enemies Explode’, even if it used a lot more magicka. It covered a large area with fire instead of a concentrated fireball in which I might miss my target repeatedly. But in my hands it was also more dangerous to Gils. He had to attach himself to my back till we looked like two dogs mating going through Crowhaven.
The rest of the horrible place went about the same as that first vampire, and every time I heard that hissing, snarling scream my blood curdled in my veins. I ended up with a sack full of vampire dust and couldn’t wait to see Hannibal’s face when I brought it to him.
We were both laden down with armor and weapons to sell in Anvil when we got out of here.
By casting Enemies Explode, I was killing them before we got close enough to be bitten. I checked my magicka after each kill, keeping a close eye on it. If I ran out at a crucial time, we would be dead or worse.
Finally we came to a locked door. “This must be it.” I pulled out the key Agronak had given me. It fit the lock.
“I guess I should thank you two for clearing the path for me. I’ll just take that key.”
A chill went through me at the voice…Agronak. I spun around, my hand automatically going to the hilt of my sword. Gils was looking wary. Agronak pushed by me and entered the room in front of us. I hung back, but Gils started following him. I grabbed his arm and whispered.
“It’s a sealed vault, nothing could be alive in there. Let’s get out of here. He has his proof, I don’t feel safe with him here.”
“I have to know Maxical. Something Owyn said. You stay with me and I’ll make sure you’re safe.”
“Stay back from him so he has to run to you. That gives you time to get your defenses up.”
With a shock I realized candles were lit in the vault. If it had been sealed all this time, who was lighting the candles?
Gils and I stayed way back, keeping Agronak in sight. My ears caught a rapid pacing sound, movement from somewhere. I froze, grabbing Gils’ arm and casting a detect life. To my horror there was two pink glows. One was Agronak’s huge form, the other a shorter, slender figure on the balcony above him. Oh crap. If I warned Gils he may charge out to save Agronak and get us all killed. If I tossed my ‘Enemies Explode’ I could kill Agronak.
“What is it?” Gils whispered.
Before I could respond we heard a voice.
“Who goes there? Who has entered my private chamber? Luktuv? Is that you? You’re not Luctuv! Who are you?”
“Luktuv was my mother’s name. She told me to come here and find my father. I’ve wanted to meet you all my life! I’m Agronak, your son.”
“You are not alone. Where is she? You’ve brought me a virgin to feed on? Where is she, damn you?”
I heard myself gasp, wishing I had known it was coming to stop it in time.
“Don’t you hear what I’m saying? I am your son.”
“You dare call yourself the son of Lord Lovidicus, the son of that lying harlot? That foul traitorous tramp, I should have killed her while I had the chance! She betrayed me, do you think I’ll fall for your tricks? You bring me a virgin when I need blood, well where is she? Bring her here now! I need to feed...I smell her! Bring her here or I’ll kill you, foul son of that dog! You loathsome turd! You bring me nothing but the temptation of a smell you knew would drive me mad, I’ll kill you for this!”
“I need proof of my heritage, if you give it to me I’ll leave.”
Gils pushed me back through the door and shut it behind us. “Where’s the key?”
“Agronak took it.”
“His father is crazy.”
“You aren’t kidding. He has to be an ancient, he could smell my virginity. The feral ones can‘t. Gils, ancients don’t just feed on virgins, he’ll drain my blood till I’m dead. They have super hearing too, he’ll be able to hear us out here.”
“What are you saying, that his father is a vampire?”
“Well, duh! Anyone else you know wanting to drink blood? He‘s from an ancient line too. They have honed skills passed down to them. They are very powerful Gils, I won’t be able to fight him if he attacks me, and he will. He can smell my virgin blood.”
“Come on, I’m taking you to Anvil.”
“So I won’t be a virgin anymore?” I was just joking.
Gils paused. “That wasn’t what I was talking about but…it would be a solution.”
“Solution to what? Agronak is getting his own proofs now, our job here is done here.”
“Well he won’t attack you if aren’t a virgin, right?”
“Give up my virginity to help Agronak get proof of his heritage? Do you hear what you just said? I’m not a sacrifice for your Orc Gils. He is a grown man asking his father for proof of his birth. He doesn’t need your help now, we did the hard part for him.”
“Agronak may need help.”
“Gils, you need to cut the apron strings. Agronak is a man, not a boy. He is meeting his real father for the first time, he doesn’t need your help to do it.”
“His father is insane.”
“So is Agronak, Gils. Can’t you see that?” I pulled him around so I could see his eyes, but nothing was registering there except protecting Agronak. Oh dear gods…please...no…
“Gils, I can‘t fight an ancient, neither can you. He may attack us, but surely he won‘t attack his own son.”
“Agronak may attack him and enrage him.”
“You can‘t help him, you don’t have any way to fight an ancient Gils. Agronak has his blood, that’s where his super strength comes from. He must have his powers too. If you or I go against him we will die, Agronak is the only one strong enough to do this. He has to do it alone.”
“What do you think we should do?”
“Go to the library in Anvil and look up the history of Lord Lovidicus.”
“Lets do it then.”
***
“This explains why Agronak’s mother hoped he‘d never find out about his father. Lord Lovidicus was over 200 years old when he created Agronak. Look here Gils, the gro-Malog family lived on his estate in the servant housing. Here is Agronak’s mother, Luctuv gro-Malog indentured as a servant…she was just a little girl then. What a life that poor woman had.”
“Owyn always said his other half wasn’t human.” Gils voice sounded like his thoughts were far away.
“Owyn is smarter than a lot of people give him credit for. What now, shall we go back to the Imperial City?”
“Let’s wait.”
“You are not suggesting…Gils, I am not walking back to the Imperial City with Agronak. He made it all the way to Crowhaven by himself, and doesn‘t need our escort home.”
“Well you want to get a hotel room now?”
If we had gotten a room on the way in I would have made love to Gils, what a mistake that would have been. Everyone was right, the Orc was his baby, and would always come first. I really hoped I would remember this lesson next time he turned his charm on me.
“Gils, when I give myself it will be to someone who loves me over anyone and anything else. If this trip has proven anything to me at all it is that Agronak comes first in your mind and heart. All that is charming about you disappeared the minute Agronak showed up. When you should have been thinking of my protection you were thinking of his. I got to see what my life with you would really be like.“
“It’s just habit, I’ve always protected him.”
“I don’t know when the last time you opened your eyes was Gils, but he is not a sickly baby anymore. He is a fully grown Orc over 500 pounds who can and does kill at will. He doesn’t need your protection, I do. I’m a seventeen year old girl, don’t weigh a hundred pounds and can’t heal.”
Gils' expression was that of a deer startled by the light of a torch, or maybe that of someone caught between a rock and a hard place. Oh dear gods, everyone was right…
*
Chapter 49: Old Habits Die Hard
The contrast between the bright sunshine outside and the inky blackness had purple spots dancing in front of my eyes for a few minutes. I hung in the doorway till they went away, grateful for the excuse. Casting the ‘detect life’ showed nothing. My heart was pounding and my throat had closed off till I thought I might strangle.
We crept back down the corridor. I cast ‘detect life’ again, still nothing. My night vision showed a large lump was blocking the adjacent corridor. When I got closer to the lump, I could see it was a man…wasn‘t it? He was dead…no. He was undead. Without ever having smelled it before I instinctively knew that was what it was, and he reeked of it.
I cast an ‘illumination’ spell and was faced with the ugliest man I had ever seen in my life. His face looked like an inside out butt hole, wrinkled badly. His eyes were open in a frozen stare, the iris was a pinkish red. With the tip of my sword I pushed back his upper lip to reveal fangs sticking down. My first actual vampire sighting, not in a textbook.
“These aren’t conjurors Gils, it‘s vampires. This one is a feral, see how his fangs are fixed?” I pried them with my blade. “They’ll attack on sight…or smell. This place is huge, it could be filled with them. Are you willing to take a chance? Because you need silver or fire to kill them, that axe you got will do nothing. My sword is useless too. If even one drop of their blood gets in any open wound on you it can turn you into one like them, their disease is spread by blood. What do you want to do?” I knelt down and carefully searched the body.
“Can’t you just keep using that spell?” Gils asked, looking down at the ugly sight below him.
“It uses a ton of magicka. Hannibal says I have a high level of magicka, but using a spell like this I could run out. We could be in the middle of this place with no way to defend ourselves. You know I can’t heal.”
“Let me think for a minute.”
“Well, this guy is only a little taller than you, look at this armor. You should take it and put it on now for better protection.”
“I could take it and sell it.”
“You can wear it, just pull it on over your scrubs you work out in. You need all the protection you can get in this place.”
“What are you doing?”
“You have to incinerate the undead so their corpses don‘t reanimate or spread disease. And with vampires, the ashes left over are worth a fortune. Help me get this armor off him.”
“Let’s go in a little further and see how bad it is. This could be the only one.”
“Okay, grab onto me so you don’t get hit with this by accident.”
After I incinerated the vampire I started to gather up the ashes. “Gils, see that sack over there? Can you get it for me to put these in?”
“It’s got some plants in it.”
“Let me see them…oh thank the gods, mandrake root. We may need this. Give me a second to think…kill with fire or silver, Mandrake root and…garlic I think. I wish Hannibal was here to advise us, he is a real expert.”
“You’re kidding!”
“No, he does his own research and testing on ancient vampires, drawing fluids from them and everything.”
“Fluids? BWAAHAAA!”
“Not that kind of fluids! Er…at least I don’t think it is. He was working on a cure for vampirism. It’s like he lead a double life, creeping about drawing fluids from ancient vampires at night. I dreamed of being his assistant, but could never behave long enough for him to even think about it. But getting in trouble is how I found out about it. He confined me to his quarters, and I got tired of short-sheeting his bed and switching out his salt and sugar. I started reading his tome, ‘Researching The Ancient Lines, Vampires And What You Should Know About Them’. It has everything about them, even spells they might use or that you can use on them. Hannibal kept his secret research notes in the back of that tome.”
“EW! Creeping around dungeons draining fluids from vampires? I would never have imagined…I may insist he wash his hands before examining me from now on.”
***
With my aim the only chance we had was to keep using the ‘Enemies Explode’, even if it used a lot more magicka. It covered a large area with fire instead of a concentrated fireball in which I might miss my target repeatedly. But in my hands it was also more dangerous to Gils. He had to attach himself to my back till we looked like two dogs mating going through Crowhaven.
The rest of the horrible place went about the same as that first vampire, and every time I heard that hissing, snarling scream my blood curdled in my veins. I ended up with a sack full of vampire dust and couldn’t wait to see Hannibal’s face when I brought it to him.
We were both laden down with armor and weapons to sell in Anvil when we got out of here.
By casting Enemies Explode, I was killing them before we got close enough to be bitten. I checked my magicka after each kill, keeping a close eye on it. If I ran out at a crucial time, we would be dead or worse.
Finally we came to a locked door. “This must be it.” I pulled out the key Agronak had given me. It fit the lock.
“I guess I should thank you two for clearing the path for me. I’ll just take that key.”
A chill went through me at the voice…Agronak. I spun around, my hand automatically going to the hilt of my sword. Gils was looking wary. Agronak pushed by me and entered the room in front of us. I hung back, but Gils started following him. I grabbed his arm and whispered.
“It’s a sealed vault, nothing could be alive in there. Let’s get out of here. He has his proof, I don’t feel safe with him here.”
“I have to know Maxical. Something Owyn said. You stay with me and I’ll make sure you’re safe.”
“Stay back from him so he has to run to you. That gives you time to get your defenses up.”
With a shock I realized candles were lit in the vault. If it had been sealed all this time, who was lighting the candles?
Gils and I stayed way back, keeping Agronak in sight. My ears caught a rapid pacing sound, movement from somewhere. I froze, grabbing Gils’ arm and casting a detect life. To my horror there was two pink glows. One was Agronak’s huge form, the other a shorter, slender figure on the balcony above him. Oh crap. If I warned Gils he may charge out to save Agronak and get us all killed. If I tossed my ‘Enemies Explode’ I could kill Agronak.
“What is it?” Gils whispered.
Before I could respond we heard a voice.
“Who goes there? Who has entered my private chamber? Luktuv? Is that you? You’re not Luctuv! Who are you?”
“Luktuv was my mother’s name. She told me to come here and find my father. I’ve wanted to meet you all my life! I’m Agronak, your son.”
“You are not alone. Where is she? You’ve brought me a virgin to feed on? Where is she, damn you?”
I heard myself gasp, wishing I had known it was coming to stop it in time.
“Don’t you hear what I’m saying? I am your son.”
“You dare call yourself the son of Lord Lovidicus, the son of that lying harlot? That foul traitorous tramp, I should have killed her while I had the chance! She betrayed me, do you think I’ll fall for your tricks? You bring me a virgin when I need blood, well where is she? Bring her here now! I need to feed...I smell her! Bring her here or I’ll kill you, foul son of that dog! You loathsome turd! You bring me nothing but the temptation of a smell you knew would drive me mad, I’ll kill you for this!”
“I need proof of my heritage, if you give it to me I’ll leave.”
Gils pushed me back through the door and shut it behind us. “Where’s the key?”
“Agronak took it.”
“His father is crazy.”
“You aren’t kidding. He has to be an ancient, he could smell my virginity. The feral ones can‘t. Gils, ancients don’t just feed on virgins, he’ll drain my blood till I’m dead. They have super hearing too, he’ll be able to hear us out here.”
“What are you saying, that his father is a vampire?”
“Well, duh! Anyone else you know wanting to drink blood? He‘s from an ancient line too. They have honed skills passed down to them. They are very powerful Gils, I won’t be able to fight him if he attacks me, and he will. He can smell my virgin blood.”
“Come on, I’m taking you to Anvil.”
“So I won’t be a virgin anymore?” I was just joking.
Gils paused. “That wasn’t what I was talking about but…it would be a solution.”
“Solution to what? Agronak is getting his own proofs now, our job here is done here.”
“Well he won’t attack you if aren’t a virgin, right?”
“Give up my virginity to help Agronak get proof of his heritage? Do you hear what you just said? I’m not a sacrifice for your Orc Gils. He is a grown man asking his father for proof of his birth. He doesn’t need your help now, we did the hard part for him.”
“Agronak may need help.”
“Gils, you need to cut the apron strings. Agronak is a man, not a boy. He is meeting his real father for the first time, he doesn’t need your help to do it.”
“His father is insane.”
“So is Agronak, Gils. Can’t you see that?” I pulled him around so I could see his eyes, but nothing was registering there except protecting Agronak. Oh dear gods…please...no…
“Gils, I can‘t fight an ancient, neither can you. He may attack us, but surely he won‘t attack his own son.”
“Agronak may attack him and enrage him.”
“You can‘t help him, you don’t have any way to fight an ancient Gils. Agronak has his blood, that’s where his super strength comes from. He must have his powers too. If you or I go against him we will die, Agronak is the only one strong enough to do this. He has to do it alone.”
“What do you think we should do?”
“Go to the library in Anvil and look up the history of Lord Lovidicus.”
“Lets do it then.”
***
“This explains why Agronak’s mother hoped he‘d never find out about his father. Lord Lovidicus was over 200 years old when he created Agronak. Look here Gils, the gro-Malog family lived on his estate in the servant housing. Here is Agronak’s mother, Luctuv gro-Malog indentured as a servant…she was just a little girl then. What a life that poor woman had.”
“Owyn always said his other half wasn’t human.” Gils voice sounded like his thoughts were far away.
“Owyn is smarter than a lot of people give him credit for. What now, shall we go back to the Imperial City?”
“Let’s wait.”
“You are not suggesting…Gils, I am not walking back to the Imperial City with Agronak. He made it all the way to Crowhaven by himself, and doesn‘t need our escort home.”
“Well you want to get a hotel room now?”
If we had gotten a room on the way in I would have made love to Gils, what a mistake that would have been. Everyone was right, the Orc was his baby, and would always come first. I really hoped I would remember this lesson next time he turned his charm on me.
“Gils, when I give myself it will be to someone who loves me over anyone and anything else. If this trip has proven anything to me at all it is that Agronak comes first in your mind and heart. All that is charming about you disappeared the minute Agronak showed up. When you should have been thinking of my protection you were thinking of his. I got to see what my life with you would really be like.“
“It’s just habit, I’ve always protected him.”
“I don’t know when the last time you opened your eyes was Gils, but he is not a sickly baby anymore. He is a fully grown Orc over 500 pounds who can and does kill at will. He doesn’t need your protection, I do. I’m a seventeen year old girl, don’t weigh a hundred pounds and can’t heal.”
Gils' expression was that of a deer startled by the light of a torch, or maybe that of someone caught between a rock and a hard place. Oh dear gods, everyone was right…
*
I have never used Enemies Explode before. It must be truly powerful if it would kill Gils despite his racial resistance.
Agronak must have used some of that vampire speed to beat Fathis to Crowhaven. I was hoping to see him back in Anvil, asking the bigoted guard where the white khajiit went. And at long last Gils shows his true colors. Damn! I was sort of rooting for him.
To borrow from you . . . OOOOOH! Foreshadowing!!!
I stopped reading and laughed myself silly for five minutes upon reading this!
Agronak must have used some of that vampire speed to beat Fathis to Crowhaven. I was hoping to see him back in Anvil, asking the bigoted guard where the white khajiit went. And at long last Gils shows his true colors. Damn! I was sort of rooting for him.
QUOTE
No, he does his own research and testing on ancient vampires, drawing fluids from them and everything.
To borrow from you . . . OOOOOH! Foreshadowing!!!
QUOTE
What are you saying? That his father is a vampire?
Well, duh.
Well, duh.
I stopped reading and laughed myself silly for five minutes upon reading this!
You better not use the excuse/sentence "Maxical is dumb" anymore.... not after this last chapter. 
Much is revealed in this chapter, and the groundwork is set for more revelations in the future. And this was one of those perfect mALX chapters- with humor, emotion, action, and intrigue. No one can manage that the way you do!
I loved the fact that, just when it looked like Maxical had actually paid attention in class, it turns out she was really just snooping during detention.
Now there's an image that will surely conjure a certain (dog) fox...
And then the sudden appearance of the Green Weenie- um, Grey Prince. The scene with his father was very well-written; lots of creepiness and personality in those lines. We get a real sense of Lord Lovidicus arrogance and anger (characteristic of ancient vampires, I believe?) from his sneering speech.
That one made me want to stand up and cheer.
It seems that Gils is Agronak's Renfield... Although minus the bug-eating (as far as we know). But the idea that the Grey-Green Prince of Weenies may have inherited some of Lovidicus' powers makes me wonder....
[deleted spoilerish speculation]
QUOTE
You have to incinerate the undead so their corpses dont reanimate or spread disease. And with vampires, the ashes left over are worth a fortune."
"Give me a second to thinkkill with fire or silver, Mandrake root andgarlic I think."
"Give me a second to thinkkill with fire or silver, Mandrake root andgarlic I think."
I loved the fact that, just when it looked like Maxical had actually paid attention in class, it turns out she was really just snooping during detention.
QUOTE
He had to attach himself to my back till we looked like two dogs mating going through Crowhaven.
Now there's an image that will surely conjure a certain (dog) fox...
And then the sudden appearance of the Green Weenie- um, Grey Prince. The scene with his father was very well-written; lots of creepiness and personality in those lines. We get a real sense of Lord Lovidicus arrogance and anger (characteristic of ancient vampires, I believe?) from his sneering speech.
QUOTE
"Im not a sacrifice for your Orc Gils. He is a grown man asking his father for proof of his birth. He doesnt need your help now, we did the hard part for him.
That one made me want to stand up and cheer.
It seems that Gils is Agronak's Renfield... Although minus the bug-eating (as far as we know). But the idea that the Grey-Green Prince of Weenies may have inherited some of Lovidicus' powers makes me wonder....
[deleted spoilerish speculation]
MAGNIFICENT!!!
I agree that this was mALX at her very best. You drew forth Gils' true colors in a wonderful way.
Now, I always am looking for a bright side. . . Maxical has a back up bf whose initials are Fathis!
I don't know which is worse. Smelling like a virgin to an ancient or smelling like a nightshade flower to all vamps. At least the virgin bit can be cured. Lol.
I agree that this was mALX at her very best. You drew forth Gils' true colors in a wonderful way.
Now, I always am looking for a bright side. . . Maxical has a back up bf whose initials are Fathis!
I don't know which is worse. Smelling like a virgin to an ancient or smelling like a nightshade flower to all vamps. At least the virgin bit can be cured. Lol.
Wow! I'll head down to Anvil later to find this guard, I've spoken to the Argonian in Leyawiin and his butt jokes. 
Agronak has found them! and Maxical has finally realised the truth about Gils and Aggie's relationship. Get away from them both Maxical!
Great chapter, more soon I hope!
Agronak has found them! and Maxical has finally realised the truth about Gils and Aggie's relationship. Get away from them both Maxical!
Great chapter, more soon I hope!
Poor Maxical! 
At least she found out before she made choices she would have regretted later on.
I'm beginning to think I see how the Arena chapter of Maxical's journey is going to end...that is, provided you intend to follow it to the point of Maxical becoming Grand Champion. Noting the suspicious circumstances of Agronak's mother's death...and the inherited powers (madness?) from his father...I can't shake the feeling that Gils may be risking more than his chance for happiness...but I had best leave off here, ere I go off on a totally divergent path...or (less likely, no doubt ) wind up giving away what you had in mind...
Hmm....
Oh, and needless to say, this was supremely written!
At least she found out before she made choices she would have regretted later on. I'm beginning to think I see how the Arena chapter of Maxical's journey is going to end...that is, provided you intend to follow it to the point of Maxical becoming Grand Champion. Noting the suspicious circumstances of Agronak's mother's death...and the inherited powers (madness?) from his father...I can't shake the feeling that Gils may be risking more than his chance for happiness...but I had best leave off here, ere I go off on a totally divergent path...or (less likely, no doubt
) wind up giving away what you had in mind...Hmm....
Oh, and needless to say, this was supremely written!
Picture of Gils:
QUOTE(mALX @ Sep 24 2010, 12:36 PM)
More androgyny in Tamriel! It's an EPIDEMIC!!
*Destri dons a surgical mask and runs for his life!*
QUOTE(Destri Melarg @ Sep 24 2010, 03:03 PM)
QUOTE(mALX @ Sep 24 2010, 12:36 PM)
More androgyny in Tamriel! It's an EPIDEMIC!!
*Destri dons a surgical mask and runs for his life!*
Whad'ya expect? He's an ELF!
QUOTE(Destri Melarg @ Sep 24 2010, 06:12 PM)
QUOTE(haute ecole rider @ Sep 24 2010, 01:44 PM)
Whad'ya expect? He's an ELF!
Yeah? Well HE is too, and so are THEY! Not to mention, HIM!
Maxical refuses to date any of the elves you have linked to. Androgyny is a good thing...no furry backs...
I am just dying to know what the surgical mask is for though !!!! ROFL !!!!
Oh, and Destri, you'll need something better than a wimpy surgical mask to fend off the epidemic of androgyny!
Something more on the order of, oh, say, an antiradiation suit complete with its own life support system . . .
Something more on the order of, oh, say, an antiradiation suit complete with its own life support system . . .
QUOTE(haute ecole rider @ Sep 24 2010, 06:57 PM)
Oh, and Destri, you'll need something better than a wimpy surgical mask to fend off the epidemic of androgyny!
Something more on the order of, oh, say, an antiradiation suit complete with its own life support system . . .
Oh, is THAT what the surgical mask was for? To ward it off like a germ spreading ??? ROFL !!!!
QUOTE(mALX @ Sep 24 2010, 11:36 AM)
Cute. I like his looks a lot more than the regular game character.
Ahem. Rachel keeps telling me I have to read your story, and I will get around to it as soon as life stops getting so darn busy. :'( But when she showed me this pic, i just had to find it again and tell you that I liked it.
Okay, so Im starting from the beginning, and Ill try to post responses to all chapters dont hold me to it, though.
Im still reading after chapter one, so that should tell you that I like it; Im a very finicky reader who usually doesnt read long stories.
These were some of the quotes I found really funny.
So I am a bad tempered, red headed albino. Sometimes the Gods just don't know when to quit.
Commander Phillida probably dreamed nightly of my adoption, or maybe even my demise after a few particular incidents. Then Hieronymus Lex removed himself to the South Watch Tower after being embarrassed and maybe a few other pranks. He refused to return while I remained. Then too, quite a few repairs needed were due to me. I have a tendency toward clumsiness. Yes, they were anxious for me to be adopted.
I found I have problems with aiming.
LOLOLOLOLOL that poor guy.
Alix said Commander Phillida wouldnt sleep nights if he knew I was armed.
I cant behave, no matter how hard I try. My voice was raw.
Then I guess our lives will be that much more exciting for you being with us.
Okay, you have cats, its easy to know.
Im still reading after chapter one, so that should tell you that I like it; Im a very finicky reader who usually doesnt read long stories.
These were some of the quotes I found really funny.
So I am a bad tempered, red headed albino. Sometimes the Gods just don't know when to quit.
Commander Phillida probably dreamed nightly of my adoption, or maybe even my demise after a few particular incidents. Then Hieronymus Lex removed himself to the South Watch Tower after being embarrassed and maybe a few other pranks. He refused to return while I remained. Then too, quite a few repairs needed were due to me. I have a tendency toward clumsiness. Yes, they were anxious for me to be adopted.
I found I have problems with aiming.
LOLOLOLOLOL that poor guy.
Alix said Commander Phillida wouldnt sleep nights if he knew I was armed.
I cant behave, no matter how hard I try. My voice was raw.
Then I guess our lives will be that much more exciting for you being with us.
Okay, you have cats, its easy to know.
@ Destri - Never used "Enemies Explode?" Watch this vid:
Enemies Explode
Thank you so much Destri !!!!!
PS:
...and...er... I...er... won't show any more...er...androgynisticly enhanced men ... (promises with fingers crossed behind back)
and PSS: SPEW !!! Surgical Mask !!!! BWAAAHAAA !!!!!
***
@ Remko - Thank you so much Remko !!! Uh oh, if she is smartening up Gils is in trouble !!!
***
@ Treydog - Thank you so very much Treydog !!!!!
GAAAH !!! You don't miss a thing !!! Lol. Great pick up !!!!
The creepy father is ALMOST word for word of Lord Lovidicus's journal - of course I had to change certain words or he would have called Luktuv an honoured user or boat or something similar !! I used it as a guide and didn't stray far.
& Renfield... bug-eating - GAAAH !!! I remember that scene! What a funny movie !!!
***
@ Acadian - Thank you so very much Acadian !!!
SPEW !!!!!! ROFL !!!! You had me dying laughing with that, great subtle joke !!!!
***
@ Hazmick - Thank you so much Hazmick !! One can only get just so far away from someone in the Bloodworks, but we'll see !!!!!
***
@ Rachel - Thank you so very much Rachel ...(spoiler) = AHA !!! You ROCK !!!!
***
@ Nauty Hauty - Thank you so very much Haute!!!!! I hope you noticed the title of that chapter !!!! That was in your honor, it fit so well with the chapter content !!!
SPEW !!! ROFL !!!!!
***
@ sford564 - Hey everyone, this is the author of "Four Ears," if you haven't had a chance to look at it yet, you will love it !!!!
Thank you so much !!! I love that pic !!! He is a companion, and I am scrounging the TESNexus site to download him to my game !!!! (why didn't they use him for that Stoker Wolf mod? ROFL !!!!!)
I love those lines you chose too, all of them except one are from the original story.
Yes, I actually do have cats, lol. I could tell some stories, my one indoor cat beats up our dog, literally. Chases him through the house, attacks him in his sleep by boxing his ears - they hated each other till I got the new puppy, then suddenly they could be seen sitting side by side staring into the puppy kennel (or guest bathroom if you want accuracy) - now you know they were plotting the take-down of that puppy !!! It didn't work, the new pup is a female, and when her scent came in the dog found her more interesting than the tenuous truce with the cat. If the cat asks for a "Pounce" treat and you don't give it to him, he makes his tail bush and runs through the house making a wild noise!! They keep me rolling !!
Enemies Explode
Thank you so much Destri !!!!!
PS:
...and...er... I...er... won't show any more...er...androgynisticly enhanced men ... (promises with fingers crossed behind back)
and PSS: SPEW !!! Surgical Mask !!!! BWAAAHAAA !!!!!
***
@ Remko - Thank you so much Remko !!! Uh oh, if she is smartening up Gils is in trouble !!!
***
@ Treydog - Thank you so very much Treydog !!!!!
QUOTE
I loved the fact that, just when it looked like Maxical had actually paid attention in class, it turns out she was really just snooping during detention.
GAAAH !!! You don't miss a thing !!! Lol. Great pick up !!!!
The creepy father is ALMOST word for word of Lord Lovidicus's journal - of course I had to change certain words or he would have called Luktuv an honoured user or boat or something similar !! I used it as a guide and didn't stray far.
& Renfield... bug-eating - GAAAH !!! I remember that scene! What a funny movie !!!
***
@ Acadian - Thank you so very much Acadian !!!
QUOTE
Maxical has a back up bf whose initials are Fathis!
SPEW !!!!!! ROFL !!!! You had me dying laughing with that, great subtle joke !!!!
***
@ Hazmick - Thank you so much Hazmick !! One can only get just so far away from someone in the Bloodworks, but we'll see !!!!!
***
@ Rachel - Thank you so very much Rachel ...(spoiler) = AHA !!! You ROCK !!!!
***
@ Nauty Hauty - Thank you so very much Haute!!!!! I hope you noticed the title of that chapter !!!! That was in your honor, it fit so well with the chapter content !!!
QUOTE
antiradiation suit complete with its own life support system
SPEW !!! ROFL !!!!!
***
@ sford564 - Hey everyone, this is the author of "Four Ears," if you haven't had a chance to look at it yet, you will love it !!!!
Thank you so much !!! I love that pic !!! He is a companion, and I am scrounging the TESNexus site to download him to my game !!!! (why didn't they use him for that Stoker Wolf mod? ROFL !!!!!)
I love those lines you chose too, all of them except one are from the original story.
Yes, I actually do have cats, lol. I could tell some stories, my one indoor cat beats up our dog, literally. Chases him through the house, attacks him in his sleep by boxing his ears - they hated each other till I got the new puppy, then suddenly they could be seen sitting side by side staring into the puppy kennel (or guest bathroom if you want accuracy) - now you know they were plotting the take-down of that puppy !!! It didn't work, the new pup is a female, and when her scent came in the dog found her more interesting than the tenuous truce with the cat. If the cat asks for a "Pounce" treat and you don't give it to him, he makes his tail bush and runs through the house making a wild noise!! They keep me rolling !!
*
Chapter 50: The Day Of Truth
“Agronak can’t take care of himself, Maxical. His mind isn’t…right.“ Gils was looking away from me. “He’s always been like this…but he has periods where it gets worse.”
Hannibal had told me that if Agronak’s mental problems were congenital he would have required more care as a child, creating a stronger bond in Gils since he practically raised Agronak.
Still, something wasn’t fitting right between Gils’ words and his actions. It was like a jigsaw puzzle where a piece looks like it should fit, but the edges stick up slightly when you try to press them into place. Then suddenly it hit me, like a flash illuminating the right piece…the real questions.
“Wait! If you knew Agronak wasn’t right, why did you let me spend unsupervised time with him or give me no word of warning? Why was he even with me if you cared for me right from the beginning?”
“He couldn’t hurt you…he just likes to be seen with women.”
“Couldn’t hurt me! He crushed my shoulder, had me falsely arrested, and ruined my reputation! And his ‘problem’ shouldn’t have involved me, not if you cared from the start as you vowed. Why did you let him display me if you loved me? Wait! Why didn‘t you stop him from doing those things to me?” Why won’t he look me in the face?
“I never thought he’d actually…hurt you. Owyn noticed he got worse…out of control…whenever I was serious about someone. I’ve always been there for him…maybe he fears that will end if I marry, I don’t know. Agronak can’t stand being around any woman for long, they irritate him. I thought he’d tire of you quickly, not harass you like he did…the other Khajiit.”
My chair scraped loudly back, nearly falling over I stood so fast. “I’m not a toy rattle for you to pacify your Orc with! You’re acting like he was two and you feared a tantrum! He’s over thirty, Gils. It‘s time to stop changing diapers and breast feeding. If he gets worse the Legion can handle it. As long as you follow him around wiping his butt for him he will keep manipulating you with these fits. You’re allowing him to destroy your career, your happiness. Don’t think I will.“
“What does that mean?”
A terrible ache was building inside me as the realization struck…this was it. There was no sense talking anymore. I forcibly stifled my rant, struggling for a more rational tone.
“You told me it was love and I was dumb enough to believe you. You can keep your habit of protecting ‘Aggie‘, Gils…I’m stepping off. When we get back to the Bloodworks I won’t be sleeping with you anymore.”
“Maxical, don’t do this! I know you love me.”
“Aye…I do. But I can’t rely on you to rescue or protect me when Agronak is your main priority. And you let his whims dictate your commitment to me from day one. I won’t settle for second place to him, Gils.“ I turned to leave, nearly plowing into the bug-eyed librarian that was obviously eavesdropping.
A feeling of emptiness and pain surged up inside me, I had to fight the keening from rising in my throat. Everyone warned me. I’d let Gils slip by all the warnings. When charm is used against someone it becomes wiles; even Agronak had warned me of Gils’ wiles.
This was my mistake, and might have consumed me had I not remained intact and unstarted. I believed him after everyone said not to…naivety. He hadn’t changed in twenty years…stuck in his own hell, and would never be free while Agronak lived. But dear gods I loved him still, even knowing. Breaking from him…it’ll tear me apart living in the Bloodworks with him.
The seduction and allure of the Bloodworks…it’s like a country within a country. When you cross the threshold you step into another realm with its own governing laws, its own freedoms and hierarchies. You become so immersed that you don’t see clearly what is in front of you. I could easily have succumbed many times with only the thought of the sensations that blinded reality…thrown the years with Fathis away. Gils is very good at what he does. I don’t know the skills Fathis possesses except by reputation. But he could never match Gils in charm.
***
Gils followed me talking. I couldn’t hear what he was saying, my ears were pinned down to muffle the sound of his voice. When we rounded the corner to the main gate we were treated to the sight of Agronak punching out a guard. Three other guards lay on the ground at his feet and more were running towards him. Citizens were running forward to help the guards.
“Gee, he made it out of Crowhaven without your help, Gils. His drawers may be soiled though, better run check him.” I cringed at the bitterness of my own words, but was unable to stop the hurt and anger that was fueling my mouth right now.
An overly large Argonian ran forward and jacked Agronak’s jaw with an uppercut that would have put a horse down. The Orc literally flew backwards, landing in a heap at the guards feet.
“Oh my gods, that is Hauls-Ropes-Faster! He was at the Arena when I first came. How did he know about Aggie’s glass jaw?” Gils was looking stunned.
“Maybe it’s another thing you only thought was a secret.” I followed Gils up to the crowd around the prostrate Orc.
‘Hauls’ confirmed my theory when Gils asked him. “Who doesn’t know that? And about his…er, shall we say difficulties when it comes to pleasing the ladies. It is common knowledge. Speaking of ladies, I hope you plan to introduce me…” He smiled at me, raising mobile eyebrows several times over half-closed eyelids.
Whatever was going on between Gils and I, there was a large crowd here and we represented the Arena. Owyn’s training was very strict on representing our persona in public. The state I was in, I doubt I could have pulled it off without the comic relief provided by Hauls‘s overt flirtations.
It took enormous effort to suffocate the raw ache and anger inside, it felt as real as any wound. I choked out a laugh at the Argonian’s facial antics and made my tail into a question mark.
He pointed at me. “You’re the one with the tail! The white Khajiit I read about! What brings you to Anvil?” He pushed by Gils.
“I came on a mission that has ended. I was just leaving to get back to the Imperial City.”
“Ah, the sun won’t shine as bright in Anvil when you leave, you aren’t walking the roads of Cyrodiil alone are you?”
“It looks that way. My escort abandoned me to protect that Orc you just laid out.”
“We can’t have that…”
Gils pushed by him and grabbed my arm, his molten eyes were glowering. “I’m escorting her home. She has no need of your…services.” A man nearest us in the crowd raised his head, obviously anticipating another fight.
Gils turned towards me then, giving me the full brunt of the emotions that were infusing his face. “Maxical what are you doing? You think you’ll make it back intact with him escorting you? He’ll take it from you by force, please let’s work this out. I don’t want to break up.“
Three more men’s heads raised, giving intrigued looks at us. An Imperial woman looked me up and down, then winked at me. Hauls‘s eyes gleamed before he dropped the lids halfway and arched one eyebrow several times at me.
“How churlish of you to announce that publicly Gils.” He said, winking in my direction.
“Yes Gils, maybe you should take out a billboard…but I will accept your escort home if you are leaving your Orc here and it is just you and me.”
Hauls would have me laid down in a field before leaving Anvil County even if I was just a female mud crab, that was obvious.
“I’m sorry, I should have phrased that better. Maxical, we need to talk this out, not break up.”
“Ma'Thjizzrini Qa!”
I spun around and there was Fathis, standing like the statue of a hero in the middle of the open gate.
“Fathis!” I breathed more than spoke.
“Now there is one that won’t abandon you for an Orc.” Hauls muttered.
He was right. Tears crowded my eyes, burning. Everything in me wanted to throw myself into Fathis’s arms like I had the first day I met him. I imagine it’s how sailors feel coming into their home port from a bad storm when they kiss the soil as they alight. I had always turned to him when I had a problem, sought comfort from him. The pain and turmoil inside me felt like acid eating through my stomach. But I couldn’t turn to Fathis to ease it, not when it was wrought by another man. Guilt held my feet planted.
“Are you here for me Fathis?” I asked him in Khajiit.
“What else is there? What is it then Ma'Thjizzrini Qa? Why are you here?” He answered in Khajiit, his eyes sliding rapidly over the crowd till they fell on Gils.
Fathis’s hand slid to his sword hilt then; his molten glare never wavered from Gils, giving credence to the challenge.
Hauls saluted Fathis, grinning as he wandered back to the crowd around the Orc. He stayed turned toward us, his eyes riveted on Fathis and Gils. This town must love a fight.
I pointed to Agronak‘s prostrate body. “I promised to get proof of his heritage for him. It is very bad, Fathis. His father was a 200 year old insane vampire named Lord Lovidicus. When I fought all the vampires and it was safe, suddenly the Orc showed up. He argued with his father over the proofs, so I left.”
“Traven told me you were in Anvil right in front of the Orc. I laid the cretin down for hurting your shoulder, and for trying to ruin you with that ring and deed. The Orc must have overheard him. I searched for you here first. Finally a guard mentioned Crowhaven, but had no directions. When I finally reached the place, I saw the Orc leaving it covered in blood. I followed him first to make sure you were safe…and to finish him for hurting you. If I hadn‘t had to stable my horse you may have seen me knock him out again.“
“Will you bring me home Fathis?”
“That was my purpose for coming, my Ma'Thjizzrini Qa. You are still mine, are you not?” Fathis touched his sword hilt again, glaring into Gils’ eyes with the promise of his death if I wasn’t.
We spoke only in Khajiit. Gils couldn’t understand the words but read Fathis’s look and challenge easily enough, comprehension was clear in his eyes. I suddenly felt terrible for having doubted Fathis. I had nearly given everything we had together away for Gils and the flirtation he spewed.
The realization of how close I came to not keeping myself for Fathis shamed me. I buried my face in his shoulder, unable to look him in the eye when I answered. If he saw my guilt, Gils would be decorating his sword.
“I am still yours, I’ve kept my promise to you.” I barely whispered the words into his shoulder. It was the truth…so why did it feel like a lie?
The tension seemed to ease out of Fathis at my words. He squeezed me then quickly released me.
“That is good. Had he been your lover I would have killed him for what he took from me.” He spoke as if talking to me, but changed to speaking in Cyrodiilic and glared directly into Gils’ eyes as he said it.
Somehow in a crowd of people Fathis had singled out Gils as the one that may have been my lover. I don‘t know how.
The crowd around Agronak shouted suddenly, he was sitting up. He stared hard at me, then lunged toward us roaring.
In a split second Fathis pushed me behind him and stepped forward, his arm shot up like a lightning bolt and the sound of crushing bones followed. Agronak was back out again.
Gils was gaping, stunned. I had a moment of petty gratitude that he witnessed Fathis lay out his Orc to protect me…dear gods. I don’t remember ever being bitter and hateful before…please don’t let me become a product of what I’m feeling right now. I couldn‘t stand myself…nor Agronak having the power to change me.
Fathis’s eyes were darting back and forth between my face and Gils‘, noting every nuance of expression with a building rage. His right hand kept making intermittent swipes at the hilt of his sword. If I didn’t get Fathis away I was liable to see Gils' death.
“Fathis, can we go now?”
With one last glare at Gils, Fathis put his arm around me and escorted me away. I didn’t dare glance back at Gils again, Fathis would have run him through.
*
Chapter 50: The Day Of Truth
“Agronak can’t take care of himself, Maxical. His mind isn’t…right.“ Gils was looking away from me. “He’s always been like this…but he has periods where it gets worse.”
Hannibal had told me that if Agronak’s mental problems were congenital he would have required more care as a child, creating a stronger bond in Gils since he practically raised Agronak.
Still, something wasn’t fitting right between Gils’ words and his actions. It was like a jigsaw puzzle where a piece looks like it should fit, but the edges stick up slightly when you try to press them into place. Then suddenly it hit me, like a flash illuminating the right piece…the real questions.
“Wait! If you knew Agronak wasn’t right, why did you let me spend unsupervised time with him or give me no word of warning? Why was he even with me if you cared for me right from the beginning?”
“He couldn’t hurt you…he just likes to be seen with women.”
“Couldn’t hurt me! He crushed my shoulder, had me falsely arrested, and ruined my reputation! And his ‘problem’ shouldn’t have involved me, not if you cared from the start as you vowed. Why did you let him display me if you loved me? Wait! Why didn‘t you stop him from doing those things to me?” Why won’t he look me in the face?
“I never thought he’d actually…hurt you. Owyn noticed he got worse…out of control…whenever I was serious about someone. I’ve always been there for him…maybe he fears that will end if I marry, I don’t know. Agronak can’t stand being around any woman for long, they irritate him. I thought he’d tire of you quickly, not harass you like he did…the other Khajiit.”
My chair scraped loudly back, nearly falling over I stood so fast. “I’m not a toy rattle for you to pacify your Orc with! You’re acting like he was two and you feared a tantrum! He’s over thirty, Gils. It‘s time to stop changing diapers and breast feeding. If he gets worse the Legion can handle it. As long as you follow him around wiping his butt for him he will keep manipulating you with these fits. You’re allowing him to destroy your career, your happiness. Don’t think I will.“
“What does that mean?”
A terrible ache was building inside me as the realization struck…this was it. There was no sense talking anymore. I forcibly stifled my rant, struggling for a more rational tone.
“You told me it was love and I was dumb enough to believe you. You can keep your habit of protecting ‘Aggie‘, Gils…I’m stepping off. When we get back to the Bloodworks I won’t be sleeping with you anymore.”
“Maxical, don’t do this! I know you love me.”
“Aye…I do. But I can’t rely on you to rescue or protect me when Agronak is your main priority. And you let his whims dictate your commitment to me from day one. I won’t settle for second place to him, Gils.“ I turned to leave, nearly plowing into the bug-eyed librarian that was obviously eavesdropping.
A feeling of emptiness and pain surged up inside me, I had to fight the keening from rising in my throat. Everyone warned me. I’d let Gils slip by all the warnings. When charm is used against someone it becomes wiles; even Agronak had warned me of Gils’ wiles.
This was my mistake, and might have consumed me had I not remained intact and unstarted. I believed him after everyone said not to…naivety. He hadn’t changed in twenty years…stuck in his own hell, and would never be free while Agronak lived. But dear gods I loved him still, even knowing. Breaking from him…it’ll tear me apart living in the Bloodworks with him.
The seduction and allure of the Bloodworks…it’s like a country within a country. When you cross the threshold you step into another realm with its own governing laws, its own freedoms and hierarchies. You become so immersed that you don’t see clearly what is in front of you. I could easily have succumbed many times with only the thought of the sensations that blinded reality…thrown the years with Fathis away. Gils is very good at what he does. I don’t know the skills Fathis possesses except by reputation. But he could never match Gils in charm.
***
Gils followed me talking. I couldn’t hear what he was saying, my ears were pinned down to muffle the sound of his voice. When we rounded the corner to the main gate we were treated to the sight of Agronak punching out a guard. Three other guards lay on the ground at his feet and more were running towards him. Citizens were running forward to help the guards.
“Gee, he made it out of Crowhaven without your help, Gils. His drawers may be soiled though, better run check him.” I cringed at the bitterness of my own words, but was unable to stop the hurt and anger that was fueling my mouth right now.
An overly large Argonian ran forward and jacked Agronak’s jaw with an uppercut that would have put a horse down. The Orc literally flew backwards, landing in a heap at the guards feet.
“Oh my gods, that is Hauls-Ropes-Faster! He was at the Arena when I first came. How did he know about Aggie’s glass jaw?” Gils was looking stunned.
“Maybe it’s another thing you only thought was a secret.” I followed Gils up to the crowd around the prostrate Orc.
‘Hauls’ confirmed my theory when Gils asked him. “Who doesn’t know that? And about his…er, shall we say difficulties when it comes to pleasing the ladies. It is common knowledge. Speaking of ladies, I hope you plan to introduce me…” He smiled at me, raising mobile eyebrows several times over half-closed eyelids.
Whatever was going on between Gils and I, there was a large crowd here and we represented the Arena. Owyn’s training was very strict on representing our persona in public. The state I was in, I doubt I could have pulled it off without the comic relief provided by Hauls‘s overt flirtations.
It took enormous effort to suffocate the raw ache and anger inside, it felt as real as any wound. I choked out a laugh at the Argonian’s facial antics and made my tail into a question mark.
He pointed at me. “You’re the one with the tail! The white Khajiit I read about! What brings you to Anvil?” He pushed by Gils.
“I came on a mission that has ended. I was just leaving to get back to the Imperial City.”
“Ah, the sun won’t shine as bright in Anvil when you leave, you aren’t walking the roads of Cyrodiil alone are you?”
“It looks that way. My escort abandoned me to protect that Orc you just laid out.”
“We can’t have that…”
Gils pushed by him and grabbed my arm, his molten eyes were glowering. “I’m escorting her home. She has no need of your…services.” A man nearest us in the crowd raised his head, obviously anticipating another fight.
Gils turned towards me then, giving me the full brunt of the emotions that were infusing his face. “Maxical what are you doing? You think you’ll make it back intact with him escorting you? He’ll take it from you by force, please let’s work this out. I don’t want to break up.“
Three more men’s heads raised, giving intrigued looks at us. An Imperial woman looked me up and down, then winked at me. Hauls‘s eyes gleamed before he dropped the lids halfway and arched one eyebrow several times at me.
“How churlish of you to announce that publicly Gils.” He said, winking in my direction.
“Yes Gils, maybe you should take out a billboard…but I will accept your escort home if you are leaving your Orc here and it is just you and me.”
Hauls would have me laid down in a field before leaving Anvil County even if I was just a female mud crab, that was obvious.
“I’m sorry, I should have phrased that better. Maxical, we need to talk this out, not break up.”
“Ma'Thjizzrini Qa!”
I spun around and there was Fathis, standing like the statue of a hero in the middle of the open gate.
“Fathis!” I breathed more than spoke.
“Now there is one that won’t abandon you for an Orc.” Hauls muttered.
He was right. Tears crowded my eyes, burning. Everything in me wanted to throw myself into Fathis’s arms like I had the first day I met him. I imagine it’s how sailors feel coming into their home port from a bad storm when they kiss the soil as they alight. I had always turned to him when I had a problem, sought comfort from him. The pain and turmoil inside me felt like acid eating through my stomach. But I couldn’t turn to Fathis to ease it, not when it was wrought by another man. Guilt held my feet planted.
“Are you here for me Fathis?” I asked him in Khajiit.
“What else is there? What is it then Ma'Thjizzrini Qa? Why are you here?” He answered in Khajiit, his eyes sliding rapidly over the crowd till they fell on Gils.
Fathis’s hand slid to his sword hilt then; his molten glare never wavered from Gils, giving credence to the challenge.
Hauls saluted Fathis, grinning as he wandered back to the crowd around the Orc. He stayed turned toward us, his eyes riveted on Fathis and Gils. This town must love a fight.
I pointed to Agronak‘s prostrate body. “I promised to get proof of his heritage for him. It is very bad, Fathis. His father was a 200 year old insane vampire named Lord Lovidicus. When I fought all the vampires and it was safe, suddenly the Orc showed up. He argued with his father over the proofs, so I left.”
“Traven told me you were in Anvil right in front of the Orc. I laid the cretin down for hurting your shoulder, and for trying to ruin you with that ring and deed. The Orc must have overheard him. I searched for you here first. Finally a guard mentioned Crowhaven, but had no directions. When I finally reached the place, I saw the Orc leaving it covered in blood. I followed him first to make sure you were safe…and to finish him for hurting you. If I hadn‘t had to stable my horse you may have seen me knock him out again.“
“Will you bring me home Fathis?”
“That was my purpose for coming, my Ma'Thjizzrini Qa. You are still mine, are you not?” Fathis touched his sword hilt again, glaring into Gils’ eyes with the promise of his death if I wasn’t.
We spoke only in Khajiit. Gils couldn’t understand the words but read Fathis’s look and challenge easily enough, comprehension was clear in his eyes. I suddenly felt terrible for having doubted Fathis. I had nearly given everything we had together away for Gils and the flirtation he spewed.
The realization of how close I came to not keeping myself for Fathis shamed me. I buried my face in his shoulder, unable to look him in the eye when I answered. If he saw my guilt, Gils would be decorating his sword.
“I am still yours, I’ve kept my promise to you.” I barely whispered the words into his shoulder. It was the truth…so why did it feel like a lie?
The tension seemed to ease out of Fathis at my words. He squeezed me then quickly released me.
“That is good. Had he been your lover I would have killed him for what he took from me.” He spoke as if talking to me, but changed to speaking in Cyrodiilic and glared directly into Gils’ eyes as he said it.
Somehow in a crowd of people Fathis had singled out Gils as the one that may have been my lover. I don‘t know how.
The crowd around Agronak shouted suddenly, he was sitting up. He stared hard at me, then lunged toward us roaring.
In a split second Fathis pushed me behind him and stepped forward, his arm shot up like a lightning bolt and the sound of crushing bones followed. Agronak was back out again.
Gils was gaping, stunned. I had a moment of petty gratitude that he witnessed Fathis lay out his Orc to protect me…dear gods. I don’t remember ever being bitter and hateful before…please don’t let me become a product of what I’m feeling right now. I couldn‘t stand myself…nor Agronak having the power to change me.
Fathis’s eyes were darting back and forth between my face and Gils‘, noting every nuance of expression with a building rage. His right hand kept making intermittent swipes at the hilt of his sword. If I didn’t get Fathis away I was liable to see Gils' death.
“Fathis, can we go now?”
With one last glare at Gils, Fathis put his arm around me and escorted me away. I didn’t dare glance back at Gils again, Fathis would have run him through.
*
Now all becomes clear (or comes back to me!)
I have to admit this version of Fathis is soooo much more satisfying to the hopeless romantic in me than the one in the other forum. This Fathis can give Janus Hassildor a run for the money - and probably win!
I have to admit this version of Fathis is soooo much more satisfying to the hopeless romantic in me than the one in the other forum. This Fathis can give Janus Hassildor a run for the money - and probably win!
Another one of your best!
Being inside Maxical's head as she assessed that Gils was not for her was a treat! Her internal and external dialogue blended beautifully.
I have no doubt that Maxical will grow beyond Gils (and his girlfriend Agatha the glass-jawed orc).
You managed Fathis magnificently. He may have just as well knocked down the gate to Anvil with a white horse and shining armor. You are showing us what Maxical sees in him.
This entire episode was just pure joy to read and had me cheering.
Being inside Maxical's head as she assessed that Gils was not for her was a treat! Her internal and external dialogue blended beautifully.
I have no doubt that Maxical will grow beyond Gils (and his girlfriend Agatha the glass-jawed orc).
You managed Fathis magnificently. He may have just as well knocked down the gate to Anvil with a white horse and shining armor. You are showing us what Maxical sees in him.
This entire episode was just pure joy to read and had me cheering.
Now, Hautee...WHY have you not commented on this, the most powerful post out mALX has written, the one that delves deep in the psyche of the female?
Here we see:
That our Khajit finally understands the meaning of the conflict between her sexual and emotional drives in her psyche, and how Fathis is the only man who can reconcile the two...
That certain men (and women, too!) like Gils...are deeply flawed emotionally: that they appear to be likeable and charming on the surface, but deep down inside have a terrible, jawning chasm that splits their soul from end to end...and if you get too close to them, you will fall into that chasm, and never get out.
And the terrrible thing about them is that you can't even get mad with them when you find out about that flaw. It was built into their emotional DNA. You always end up kicking yourself and saying "Why, why didn't I SEE what was RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY FACE?"
That .... and this is found more often in women than men.... emotional bonds are hard to break....you know he's a heel, and you know it was the right thing to break up....and yet there is a part of you that aches and yearns for the the love that is a lie.
All this depth was MISSED by you because out mALX is such a good writer of comedy that even when she writes deep and searing emotional truths it is masked by her writing skills...readers, learn to read her posts twice. You may find something you missed the first time around.
I shall be off TDY for a week or so, so this is a loooon post. AND a deserved one.
Kudos to mALX!!!
Here we see:
That our Khajit finally understands the meaning of the conflict between her sexual and emotional drives in her psyche, and how Fathis is the only man who can reconcile the two...
That certain men (and women, too!) like Gils...are deeply flawed emotionally: that they appear to be likeable and charming on the surface, but deep down inside have a terrible, jawning chasm that splits their soul from end to end...and if you get too close to them, you will fall into that chasm, and never get out.
And the terrrible thing about them is that you can't even get mad with them when you find out about that flaw. It was built into their emotional DNA. You always end up kicking yourself and saying "Why, why didn't I SEE what was RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY FACE?"
That .... and this is found more often in women than men.... emotional bonds are hard to break....you know he's a heel, and you know it was the right thing to break up....and yet there is a part of you that aches and yearns for the the love that is a lie.
All this depth was MISSED by you because out mALX is such a good writer of comedy that even when she writes deep and searing emotional truths it is masked by her writing skills...readers, learn to read her posts twice. You may find something you missed the first time around.
I shall be off TDY for a week or so, so this is a loooon post. AND a deserved one.
Kudos to mALX!!!
^Wut he said.
OH. MY. LORD!! THE BOOTS!!!
I am riding to Bravil RIGHT NOW to buy that spell from Delphine!
The seduction and allure of the Bloodworks…it’s like a country within a country. When you cross the threshold you step into another realm with its own governing laws, its own freedoms and hierarchies. You become so immersed that you don’t see clearly what is in front of you. I could easily have succumbed many times with only the thought of the sensations that blinded reality…thrown the years with Fathis away. Gils is very good at what he does. I don’t know the skills Fathis possesses except by reputation. But he could never match Gils in charm.
Sorry mALX, but Remko called it a few chapters ago. This whole chapter puts paid to any notion that Maxical is dumb. And this paragraph makes her brilliant! After all, how many 'dumb' people would be able to pull off the use of the words 'seduction', 'allure', 'threshold', 'hierarchies', 'immersed', and 'succumbed' within a single paragraph?
QUOTE(mALX @ Sep 25 2010, 12:40 PM)
OH. MY. LORD!! THE BOOTS!!!
I am riding to Bravil RIGHT NOW to buy that spell from Delphine!
QUOTE(mALX @ Sep 25 2010, 12:43 PM)
The seduction and allure of the Bloodworks…it’s like a country within a country. When you cross the threshold you step into another realm with its own governing laws, its own freedoms and hierarchies. You become so immersed that you don’t see clearly what is in front of you. I could easily have succumbed many times with only the thought of the sensations that blinded reality…thrown the years with Fathis away. Gils is very good at what he does. I don’t know the skills Fathis possesses except by reputation. But he could never match Gils in charm.
Sorry mALX, but Remko called it a few chapters ago. This whole chapter puts paid to any notion that Maxical is dumb. And this paragraph makes her brilliant! After all, how many 'dumb' people would be able to pull off the use of the words 'seduction', 'allure', 'threshold', 'hierarchies', 'immersed', and 'succumbed' within a single paragraph?
QUOTE
Im not a toy rattle for you to pacify your Orc with! Youre acting like he was two and you feared a tantrum!"
I mentioned wanting to stand up and cheer for a line in the previous chapter- doubly so for this statement!
I still have some suspicions about Gils and Agronak and the Green Weenie's heritage...
And, just to keep things from getting too overwrought, you bring in Hauls-Ropes-Faster.
QUOTE
"Ah, the sun wont shine as bright in Anvil when you leave, you arent walking the roads of Cyrodiil alone are you?
That is just an absolutely outstanding moment of writing. The tension is getting unbearable- things might turn ugly at any moment- and then we are introduced to a charming rogue of an Argonian! If I could think of a way to get away with it, I would steal the technique you display there. But, just as there is only one Maxical, there is only one mALX.
QUOTE
I dont remember ever being bitter and hateful beforeplease dont let me become a product of what Im feeling right now. I couldnt stand myselfnor Agronak having the power to change me.
No, not a dumb kitty at all.
And Fathis earns a bit of credit for using her true name at this moment of loss and understanding. I still distrust him, still have my E. Tennessee contrarian reaction to anyone "owning" or "buying" someone else's affections or favors. Yes, Fathis has done many good things for our girl kitty- but... a "gift" is something freely given, with no thought of recompense.
But what I want to end with is- this is one of your best chapters ever.
Before anyone else jumps all over me for my comment -
This is in reference to a PM conversation I had with mALX - up until her unplanned absence from the forums, I had no problems following the complex plot she was weaving. However, my swiss cheese memory did not stand up well to her prolonged absence, and when Maxical returned to her story, I had forgotten much of the plot details. I knew Gils was a smooth operator (read con artist of the heart), and that Agronak was not the Mr. Nice Guy we know from the game. I was having trouble picking up the plot threads, but knew it would all come back to me eventually as the story progressed. That comment was aimed for for mALX to let her know that the holes in my memory has now been filled, thank you very much.
The characters are all well crafted and real, and Gils is like my sister's ex-boyfriend - all nice and charming on the surface but just deeply flawed beneath in many, many ways.
And I do agree with treydog, this most recent post is one of the best chapters yet - no nits to pick, really.
This is in reference to a PM conversation I had with mALX - up until her unplanned absence from the forums, I had no problems following the complex plot she was weaving. However, my swiss cheese memory did not stand up well to her prolonged absence, and when Maxical returned to her story, I had forgotten much of the plot details. I knew Gils was a smooth operator (read con artist of the heart), and that Agronak was not the Mr. Nice Guy we know from the game. I was having trouble picking up the plot threads, but knew it would all come back to me eventually as the story progressed. That comment was aimed for for mALX to let her know that the holes in my memory has now been filled, thank you very much.
The characters are all well crafted and real, and Gils is like my sister's ex-boyfriend - all nice and charming on the surface but just deeply flawed beneath in many, many ways.
And I do agree with treydog, this most recent post is one of the best chapters yet - no nits to pick, really.
QUOTE(haute ecole rider @ Sep 26 2010, 01:57 PM)
Before anyone else jumps all over me for my comment -
This is in reference to a PM conversation I had with mALX - up until her unplanned absence from the forums, I had no problems following the complex plot she was weaving. However, my swiss cheese memory did not stand up well to her prolonged absence, and when Maxical returned to her story, I had forgotten much of the plot details. I knew Gils was a smooth operator (read con artist of the heart), and that Agronak was not the Mr. Nice Guy we know from the game. I was having trouble picking up the plot threads, but knew it would all come back to me eventually as the story progressed. That comment was aimed for for mALX to let her know that the holes in my memory has now been filled, thank you very much.
The characters are all well crafted and real, and Gils is like my sister's ex-boyfriend - all nice and charming on the surface but just deeply flawed beneath in many, many ways.
And I do agree with treydog, this most recent post is one of the best chapters yet - no nits to pick, really.
I knew exactly what you were talking about, and was tickled with your comment !!!! I was trying to get everyone to tell me if there was a part that (either I wrote ambiguously or was too far back to hunt out) that they weren't getting - so I could insert a chapter and refresh that part of the storyline rather than have people trying to dig through 50 chapters hunting for it.
TRIVIA: Chapter 50 of the original story is where Maxical got killed !!!
@ Naughty Haute - ROFL !!! A cold shower, ROFL !!! I am glad the memories came back. Just in case others were struggling too, I made a few insets in todays chapter to re-describe some aspects of the stuff I made up for my story.
I agree with you about Fathis, I like him better in this one too. He was a buffoon in the original !!
Thank you so much Haute !!!
***
@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian !!! I edited that chapter about eighty times before posting it, and really liked the end result myself !!! You pegged the scene with Fathis!! It didn't show up in that chapter (to cut down on the word count) but it will later - a ray of sunlight was gleaming off Fathis's armor when he was standing there - Gils saw that and comments on it, ROFL !!!!
***
@ Foxy - You could not have made me happier !!! To get a comment like that from the Black Fox - AWESOME !!! Thank you so much Foxy, You ROCK !!!!
***
@ Destri - Oh, I couldn't wait to post the comments and show you that vid !!! RE: Maxical's purported intelligence: She could have read the word 'succumbed' in the Black Horse Courier !!! ROFL !!! - Thank you so much Destri !!!!
***
@ Treydog - Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Treydog !!!!! Your comment on this chapter, (and several others) left me speechless !!!
That whole chapter was written around that first comment you quoted.
***
@ EVERYONE - You all ROCK !!! Thank you so much for reading!!!
I agree with you about Fathis, I like him better in this one too. He was a buffoon in the original !!
Thank you so much Haute !!!
***
@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian !!! I edited that chapter about eighty times before posting it, and really liked the end result myself !!! You pegged the scene with Fathis!! It didn't show up in that chapter (to cut down on the word count) but it will later - a ray of sunlight was gleaming off Fathis's armor when he was standing there - Gils saw that and comments on it, ROFL !!!!
***
@ Foxy - You could not have made me happier !!! To get a comment like that from the Black Fox - AWESOME !!! Thank you so much Foxy, You ROCK !!!!
***
@ Destri - Oh, I couldn't wait to post the comments and show you that vid !!! RE: Maxical's purported intelligence: She could have read the word 'succumbed' in the Black Horse Courier !!! ROFL !!! - Thank you so much Destri !!!!
***
@ Treydog - Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Treydog !!!!! Your comment on this chapter, (and several others) left me speechless !!!
That whole chapter was written around that first comment you quoted.
***
@ EVERYONE - You all ROCK !!! Thank you so much for reading!!!
*
Chapter 51: And The Day From Hell Continues
Fathis led me to one of the beautiful Inns that dotted the town and got a suite so I could bathe before making the trip back.
As I scrubbed the filth of Crowhaven off me, my mind churned over everything that happened today after leaving that stinking place…peppered with memories of Gils and I together. Afterwards I propped my head against the rounded back of the tub and lay there, just thinking.
Quiet tears made erratic paths through the fur of my cheeks; my throat strangled back the sounds that would have accompanied them. I must have been there quite a while…I wished I could have laid in there till my heart was reconciled to the loss of Gils, but Fathis tapped on the door.
“Ma'Thjizzrini Qa, are you ill?” Fathis called in.
“I’m just tired Fathis…today didn’t go well till you arrived. I’m just…soaking.” I sat up and splashed some of the water over my cheeks, wiping away the streaks left by tears.
“You shattered the Orc’s jaw with one punch Fathis, should I look for your challenge in the Arena?”
“No worries.” Fathis called in, laughing.
“But you used fists, and street moves. When did you start practicing hand-to-hand?” I called, stepping out of the tub.
“Alix has been teaching me.”
“He has? Alix was in town?” I shot into the room with Fathis.
“Ma'Thjizzrini Qa…you’re naked!” Fathis quickly turned his back toward me.
In the Bloodworks it was common at any given time to see someone nude or in various stages of undress. I had become used to not even thinking about it. Fathis’s shock brought the sudden realization that what was acceptable in the Bloodworks would not be understood outside of it. It may even make him angry to know I’d been thus in front of the men in there, or that I saw them naked as well.
I flushed in embarrassment. “I didn’t want to put the smelly armor back on when I’m clean. I’ll get a towel.”
“Don’t you have a change in your pack?”
“No.”
“I saw a nice glass armor in the window at the Peacemakers shop. It was a pretty green shade that would go well with your coloring. I‘ll run across the street and get it…” Fathis started toward the door, keeping his eyes averted.
“Wait, I want to hear about Alix. I haven’t heard from him since graduation. Let me just cover up.” I hurried to the bathing room and grabbed the largest towel, wrapping it around me.
“He and S’Jirra were both coming to see you, but you left town. They were taking care of the Orc first so you would be safe. Let me tell you about the chain Alix ran on that cretin after he hurt your shoulder…” Fathis called from the other room.
He averted his eyes when he saw me, but continued talking. I plopped down beside him, making sure the towel stayed closed.
The towel covered me well, there was nothing to see except legs, arms, and my neck. Fathis’s prudishness was at odds with his reputation, did the thousands of women he bedded keep their clothing on in the act? They couldn’t if they wore greaves or pants, surely some wore these.
Did he only mate in the dark? A vision of Fathis snuffing candles while a woman waited on his bed crossed my mind…no. I listened to every scrap of gossip about Fathis, it would have come to my ears by now if he behaved thus in the act of romance.
With a sinking feeling another thought struck me. Could it be because I was Khajiit? Fathis had never bedded Khajiit before…was it possible he found the fur offensive?
As he detailed the people who helped run the chain, my thoughts stayed distracted by his averted face…and wondering what Gils was doing.
“Do you regret the promise between us, Ma'Thjizzrini Qa?” Fathis interrupted my reverie, watching my face closely.
“If we are together, no. But you broke with me over the armor and never contacted me since. I didn‘t think you were ever coming back, and felt…unforgiven, left on a shelf like an unwanted toy. Time waiting alone palls quickly. Then I regret promises.”
“Ma'Thjizzrini Qa, we need to settle this. I planned waiting till you were older, but now I think it best to announce you publicly as my intended as soon as you turn eighteen.”
“You mean it? And we’ll be together like we were before graduation?“ I squealed, wrapping both arms around his neck and squeezing him nearly to death.
“Now that’s my Ma'Thjizzrini Qa!” Fathis laughed, caressing my cheek gently like he used to at the Arcane. His eyes were not passionate or intense like Gils’, but they clearly held love for me.
***
If Gils had escorted me home he would have been charming and romantic, we would probably be together again by now. He is like a drug in my system, a weakness that binds me to his side through anything. Even now the fire in Gils’ eyes burns into my memory evoking thoughts of him while I am here with Fathis.
The promise to Fathis could have been called in anytime, how much more painful it would have been if I hadn’t realized Gils was a mistake beforehand…that would help me forget him. Still…this was tearing me inside, I was in too deep.
Having to live broken from Gils in the Bloodworks…that will be my downfall. Unless Fathis removes me, there is only one way to guarantee I never again fall for Gils’ charms in a moment of weakness. Fathis would have to start me. If I was bound to him, it should seal all those feelings onto Fathis.
“Fathis…er…I need to discuss something…uh…important. Er…the blue show…it drives Khajiit powerfully inside…er…uh…to mate. It really drives us quite mad till we are…uh…er…started. When a man starts us, we become bound to him for life. It keeps us faithful to him forever. Er…uh…can you…er…will you…start me now? Seal it between us so there can never be another?”
“How does a man start you?”
“You just have to…uh…er…bring arousal. Just squeezing my tail like this works.” I showed him then turned my back to him and waved my tail in his face.
“Ma'Thjizzrini Qa, you don’t understand how it works. A man isn’t built for starting and stopping, just doing. You will be eighteen soon, legal age. We can’t be kissing and touching before then.”
“You don’t have to stop, Fathis. It was saved for you, is yours to have whenever you wish. Just please make me bound to you, it is a lifelong commitment that I will belong to you and no one else. I’ll feel better…er…you’ll feel better knowing…”
His eyes showed a negative response was imminent, I broke in before he could speak it.
“Fathis, the Legion didn‘t even know I was Khajiit when they found me. They just guessed at my age. Hannibal is sure I’m older, he said the blue show only appears at twenty years old. The legal documents can be appealed. Look, we are behind walls and doors.” I pointed.
“No one knows what we do in here. When the flag is blue, men know I’m untouched. They try to be the one to take it from me. When you start me the flag turns purple. Men will know I‘m bound to someone and they’ll leave me alone.”
That caught his attention.
“Fathis, we are together in this place that breathes romance…I’ve never seen such a view. The scent of the sea and sand…everything here is white like me, even the horses. No one knows us here…it would mean everything to me for it to be here in such a place…please?”
Fathis kissed me then.
Dunmer men are sought for their expertise, but until they marry rarely find a partner that pleases them. After marriage they can teach only their first wife the sacred Dunmer mysteries - the secret tricks to pleasing and keeping the men faithful to the marriage.
It is rigidly adhered to, bringing severe consequences to any man who breaks tenets. That law keeps polygamy and divorce out of their culture.
Gils taught them to me because we swore marriage vows together. I’ve never claimed to be the brightest, but to be honest it never occurred to me to pretend I was ignorant of them when I kissed Fathis. He is a Dunmer after all.
Not having kissed any but Gils before, I didn’t know there would be differences. There was. I suddenly was faced with what it felt like to be with someone really experienced and why Fathis got chased by women all the time. He had all the skilled moves of a courtesan, a maestro directing an orchestra of sensations.
Oddly, for it felt so good…I found only minute passion building in me. My body fought arousal for some reason…Oh dear gods! Could I have been started already by Gils?
And then I noticed Fathis was having little response as well. The kiss I gave him was a full passionate kiss designed to bring Dunmer arousal to its peak. It wasn’t working on Fathis. I tried several different mysteries…still no response.
An unsettling feeling came over me as it had earlier when he averted his face. Could his lack of passion be because I am Khajiit? He couldn’t have earned his reputation without arousal…does he think me less than all those human women he bedded? I felt an involuntary flicker of anger at the thought. What other explanation could there be?
Suffocating those thoughts, I doubled my efforts and tried every single trick Gils taught me to evoke the passion from Fathis even one of them would have brought out in Gils. I finally got a response, but not the one I was looking for. Fathis was in a rage. The only desire reflected in his eyes was to see Gils’ lifeless body
“Should I have waited to see what else you’ve learned? If I see that Dunmer I will kill him! I know it is him, don’t deny to me, Ma'Thjizzrini Qa!” Fathis jumped up, his eyes boring into mine while he buckled his sword on.
My nerves were rapidly shattering. Tears crowded my eyes and began spilling out in a flood as a terrible fear gripped me. Fathis didn’t make idle threats, he would kill Gils.
“What are you doing, Fathis? Are you leaving me?”
“Nae, I will escort you, and we will seek your lover on the way. He has taken from me what was mine, and broken Dunmer tenets. You will see him die before he does either again, Ma'Thjizzrini Qa.”
“Fathis, that which I held for you still waits. None have been before you with it. You ended it with me and never returned to tell me different, how would I know our commitment to be valid still? Yet I remained intact, this is not enough for you? My lips are in the same place they’ve always been, they were not hard to find if you sought to be the first to kiss them.”
“You are under legal age, I awaited your eighteenth birthday as any decent man would.” He emphasized the word ‘decent’.
He paced to the end of the room and was looking out the window. Dear gods don’t let Gils be out there…
“Nature made those documents invalid with the blue flag, Fathis. And age wouldn’t keep you from sending me word that you still cared.”
Fathis turned his head slightly my direction, was he listening?
“The proof awaits you and I begged you to take it, Fathis. If anger is the only passion I can arouse in you then withdraw your suit and find someone who fuels your desire. I’m obviously not experienced enough, or maybe not human enough to do that. Or will some magic happen when I turn eighteen that you will suddenly feel what you could not here today?”
Fathis spun around, staring hard at me. His molten eyes were raw with rage and…pain?
“Human! You think that of me? Aye Ma'Thjizzrini Qa. I could have taken you twenty times off just one of those mysteries. The desire is there, but knowing another taught them to you will eat through me till I kill him for it. You see the pain you’ve caused me in my eyes, you know it.”
“Fathis, you broke with me. It was over between us. I have a blue flag on my forehead that tells everyone I am ready and up for grabs. It drives needs in me that you know of and ignored. If something is important to you, do you not watch over and protect it? You don’t abandon and ignore what you care for, expecting no one will steal it.”
Fathis looked like he had run into a brick wall. He came slowly over and sat beside me, then took my hand.
“Aye, Ma'Thjizzrini Qa. Traven and your father both said as much, many times. We need to forget what is past and make a fresh start together. I’ll give you no more cause to seek attention from others. Will you end it with the Dunmer then?”
“I already have.”
*
Chapter 51: And The Day From Hell Continues
Fathis led me to one of the beautiful Inns that dotted the town and got a suite so I could bathe before making the trip back.
As I scrubbed the filth of Crowhaven off me, my mind churned over everything that happened today after leaving that stinking place…peppered with memories of Gils and I together. Afterwards I propped my head against the rounded back of the tub and lay there, just thinking.
Quiet tears made erratic paths through the fur of my cheeks; my throat strangled back the sounds that would have accompanied them. I must have been there quite a while…I wished I could have laid in there till my heart was reconciled to the loss of Gils, but Fathis tapped on the door.
“Ma'Thjizzrini Qa, are you ill?” Fathis called in.
“I’m just tired Fathis…today didn’t go well till you arrived. I’m just…soaking.” I sat up and splashed some of the water over my cheeks, wiping away the streaks left by tears.
“You shattered the Orc’s jaw with one punch Fathis, should I look for your challenge in the Arena?”
“No worries.” Fathis called in, laughing.
“But you used fists, and street moves. When did you start practicing hand-to-hand?” I called, stepping out of the tub.
“Alix has been teaching me.”
“He has? Alix was in town?” I shot into the room with Fathis.
“Ma'Thjizzrini Qa…you’re naked!” Fathis quickly turned his back toward me.
In the Bloodworks it was common at any given time to see someone nude or in various stages of undress. I had become used to not even thinking about it. Fathis’s shock brought the sudden realization that what was acceptable in the Bloodworks would not be understood outside of it. It may even make him angry to know I’d been thus in front of the men in there, or that I saw them naked as well.
I flushed in embarrassment. “I didn’t want to put the smelly armor back on when I’m clean. I’ll get a towel.”
“Don’t you have a change in your pack?”
“No.”
“I saw a nice glass armor in the window at the Peacemakers shop. It was a pretty green shade that would go well with your coloring. I‘ll run across the street and get it…” Fathis started toward the door, keeping his eyes averted.
“Wait, I want to hear about Alix. I haven’t heard from him since graduation. Let me just cover up.” I hurried to the bathing room and grabbed the largest towel, wrapping it around me.
“He and S’Jirra were both coming to see you, but you left town. They were taking care of the Orc first so you would be safe. Let me tell you about the chain Alix ran on that cretin after he hurt your shoulder…” Fathis called from the other room.
He averted his eyes when he saw me, but continued talking. I plopped down beside him, making sure the towel stayed closed.
The towel covered me well, there was nothing to see except legs, arms, and my neck. Fathis’s prudishness was at odds with his reputation, did the thousands of women he bedded keep their clothing on in the act? They couldn’t if they wore greaves or pants, surely some wore these.
Did he only mate in the dark? A vision of Fathis snuffing candles while a woman waited on his bed crossed my mind…no. I listened to every scrap of gossip about Fathis, it would have come to my ears by now if he behaved thus in the act of romance.
With a sinking feeling another thought struck me. Could it be because I was Khajiit? Fathis had never bedded Khajiit before…was it possible he found the fur offensive?
As he detailed the people who helped run the chain, my thoughts stayed distracted by his averted face…and wondering what Gils was doing.
“Do you regret the promise between us, Ma'Thjizzrini Qa?” Fathis interrupted my reverie, watching my face closely.
“If we are together, no. But you broke with me over the armor and never contacted me since. I didn‘t think you were ever coming back, and felt…unforgiven, left on a shelf like an unwanted toy. Time waiting alone palls quickly. Then I regret promises.”
“Ma'Thjizzrini Qa, we need to settle this. I planned waiting till you were older, but now I think it best to announce you publicly as my intended as soon as you turn eighteen.”
“You mean it? And we’ll be together like we were before graduation?“ I squealed, wrapping both arms around his neck and squeezing him nearly to death.
“Now that’s my Ma'Thjizzrini Qa!” Fathis laughed, caressing my cheek gently like he used to at the Arcane. His eyes were not passionate or intense like Gils’, but they clearly held love for me.
***
If Gils had escorted me home he would have been charming and romantic, we would probably be together again by now. He is like a drug in my system, a weakness that binds me to his side through anything. Even now the fire in Gils’ eyes burns into my memory evoking thoughts of him while I am here with Fathis.
The promise to Fathis could have been called in anytime, how much more painful it would have been if I hadn’t realized Gils was a mistake beforehand…that would help me forget him. Still…this was tearing me inside, I was in too deep.
Having to live broken from Gils in the Bloodworks…that will be my downfall. Unless Fathis removes me, there is only one way to guarantee I never again fall for Gils’ charms in a moment of weakness. Fathis would have to start me. If I was bound to him, it should seal all those feelings onto Fathis.
“Fathis…er…I need to discuss something…uh…important. Er…the blue show…it drives Khajiit powerfully inside…er…uh…to mate. It really drives us quite mad till we are…uh…er…started. When a man starts us, we become bound to him for life. It keeps us faithful to him forever. Er…uh…can you…er…will you…start me now? Seal it between us so there can never be another?”
“How does a man start you?”
“You just have to…uh…er…bring arousal. Just squeezing my tail like this works.” I showed him then turned my back to him and waved my tail in his face.
“Ma'Thjizzrini Qa, you don’t understand how it works. A man isn’t built for starting and stopping, just doing. You will be eighteen soon, legal age. We can’t be kissing and touching before then.”
“You don’t have to stop, Fathis. It was saved for you, is yours to have whenever you wish. Just please make me bound to you, it is a lifelong commitment that I will belong to you and no one else. I’ll feel better…er…you’ll feel better knowing…”
His eyes showed a negative response was imminent, I broke in before he could speak it.
“Fathis, the Legion didn‘t even know I was Khajiit when they found me. They just guessed at my age. Hannibal is sure I’m older, he said the blue show only appears at twenty years old. The legal documents can be appealed. Look, we are behind walls and doors.” I pointed.
“No one knows what we do in here. When the flag is blue, men know I’m untouched. They try to be the one to take it from me. When you start me the flag turns purple. Men will know I‘m bound to someone and they’ll leave me alone.”
That caught his attention.
“Fathis, we are together in this place that breathes romance…I’ve never seen such a view. The scent of the sea and sand…everything here is white like me, even the horses. No one knows us here…it would mean everything to me for it to be here in such a place…please?”
Fathis kissed me then.
Dunmer men are sought for their expertise, but until they marry rarely find a partner that pleases them. After marriage they can teach only their first wife the sacred Dunmer mysteries - the secret tricks to pleasing and keeping the men faithful to the marriage.
It is rigidly adhered to, bringing severe consequences to any man who breaks tenets. That law keeps polygamy and divorce out of their culture.
Gils taught them to me because we swore marriage vows together. I’ve never claimed to be the brightest, but to be honest it never occurred to me to pretend I was ignorant of them when I kissed Fathis. He is a Dunmer after all.
Not having kissed any but Gils before, I didn’t know there would be differences. There was. I suddenly was faced with what it felt like to be with someone really experienced and why Fathis got chased by women all the time. He had all the skilled moves of a courtesan, a maestro directing an orchestra of sensations.
Oddly, for it felt so good…I found only minute passion building in me. My body fought arousal for some reason…Oh dear gods! Could I have been started already by Gils?
And then I noticed Fathis was having little response as well. The kiss I gave him was a full passionate kiss designed to bring Dunmer arousal to its peak. It wasn’t working on Fathis. I tried several different mysteries…still no response.
An unsettling feeling came over me as it had earlier when he averted his face. Could his lack of passion be because I am Khajiit? He couldn’t have earned his reputation without arousal…does he think me less than all those human women he bedded? I felt an involuntary flicker of anger at the thought. What other explanation could there be?
Suffocating those thoughts, I doubled my efforts and tried every single trick Gils taught me to evoke the passion from Fathis even one of them would have brought out in Gils. I finally got a response, but not the one I was looking for. Fathis was in a rage. The only desire reflected in his eyes was to see Gils’ lifeless body
“Should I have waited to see what else you’ve learned? If I see that Dunmer I will kill him! I know it is him, don’t deny to me, Ma'Thjizzrini Qa!” Fathis jumped up, his eyes boring into mine while he buckled his sword on.
My nerves were rapidly shattering. Tears crowded my eyes and began spilling out in a flood as a terrible fear gripped me. Fathis didn’t make idle threats, he would kill Gils.
“What are you doing, Fathis? Are you leaving me?”
“Nae, I will escort you, and we will seek your lover on the way. He has taken from me what was mine, and broken Dunmer tenets. You will see him die before he does either again, Ma'Thjizzrini Qa.”
“Fathis, that which I held for you still waits. None have been before you with it. You ended it with me and never returned to tell me different, how would I know our commitment to be valid still? Yet I remained intact, this is not enough for you? My lips are in the same place they’ve always been, they were not hard to find if you sought to be the first to kiss them.”
“You are under legal age, I awaited your eighteenth birthday as any decent man would.” He emphasized the word ‘decent’.
He paced to the end of the room and was looking out the window. Dear gods don’t let Gils be out there…
“Nature made those documents invalid with the blue flag, Fathis. And age wouldn’t keep you from sending me word that you still cared.”
Fathis turned his head slightly my direction, was he listening?
“The proof awaits you and I begged you to take it, Fathis. If anger is the only passion I can arouse in you then withdraw your suit and find someone who fuels your desire. I’m obviously not experienced enough, or maybe not human enough to do that. Or will some magic happen when I turn eighteen that you will suddenly feel what you could not here today?”
Fathis spun around, staring hard at me. His molten eyes were raw with rage and…pain?
“Human! You think that of me? Aye Ma'Thjizzrini Qa. I could have taken you twenty times off just one of those mysteries. The desire is there, but knowing another taught them to you will eat through me till I kill him for it. You see the pain you’ve caused me in my eyes, you know it.”
“Fathis, you broke with me. It was over between us. I have a blue flag on my forehead that tells everyone I am ready and up for grabs. It drives needs in me that you know of and ignored. If something is important to you, do you not watch over and protect it? You don’t abandon and ignore what you care for, expecting no one will steal it.”
Fathis looked like he had run into a brick wall. He came slowly over and sat beside me, then took my hand.
“Aye, Ma'Thjizzrini Qa. Traven and your father both said as much, many times. We need to forget what is past and make a fresh start together. I’ll give you no more cause to seek attention from others. Will you end it with the Dunmer then?”
“I already have.”
*
The tension between Maxi and Fathis reaches boiling point...
I liked how you had Maxi confront Fathis with his lack of attention. Dumbass should know better
I liked how you had Maxi confront Fathis with his lack of attention. Dumbass should know better
Maxical is a very sly kitten indeed.
She did right calling Fathis on his boneheaded neglect of her after he saw the golden armor. Instead of asking her about it, he just assumed the worst and went off in a huff and never spoke to her. No wonder Maxical felt abandoned. That much has been clear throughout the story.
Now he is angry because she learned some of the Dunmer mysteries from another Dunmer? He only has himself to blame.
The only thing I could add to this is Maxical cuffing Fathis up the back of the head to knock some sense into that dense head of his.
She did right calling Fathis on his boneheaded neglect of her after he saw the golden armor. Instead of asking her about it, he just assumed the worst and went off in a huff and never spoke to her. No wonder Maxical felt abandoned. That much has been clear throughout the story.
Now he is angry because she learned some of the Dunmer mysteries from another Dunmer? He only has himself to blame.
The only thing I could add to this is Maxical cuffing Fathis up the back of the head to knock some sense into that dense head of his.
You have me on the edge of my seat with Fathis. I sort of want to like him, but my goodness, he is so dense! You presented this episode beautifully. Maxical's actions and words flowed perfectly from her wonderful internal dialogue. Arrgghh! How can Fathis be so dumb!?!
This is actually a cliff hanger. Despite Fathis' words, I hope to see some evidence that he understand what Maxical has so eloquently laid before him.
Oooh. VERY well done mALX and a joy to read!!!
QUOTE
My lips are in the same place theyve always been, they were not hard to find if you sought to be the first to kiss them.
This is brilliant. This is actually a cliff hanger. Despite Fathis' words, I hope to see some evidence that he understand what Maxical has so eloquently laid before him.
Oooh. VERY well done mALX and a joy to read!!!
Another chapter that shows your skill at writing relationships- and that shows Maxical's mixture of wisdom and innocence....
I note those two, because they are absolute gems (or hot coals, which should burn upon Fathis' foolish head).
Fathis is certainly more likable in this version of the story- which does not mean I like him... That is not a comment on your ability to draw compelling characters- just the opposite. Some of the best characters ever written are the ones you would really rather not bring home to dinner....
Maxical has learned that she has the will to break from a charmer like Gils- which she had managed before Fathis "rescued" her- now to see if she can overcome biology and habits of thought where Fathis is concerned...
QUOTE
"And age wouldnt keep you from sending me word that you still cared.
"If something is important to you, do you not watch over and protect it? You dont abandon and ignore what you care for, expecting no one will steal it.
"If something is important to you, do you not watch over and protect it? You dont abandon and ignore what you care for, expecting no one will steal it.
I note those two, because they are absolute gems (or hot coals, which should burn upon Fathis' foolish head).
Fathis is certainly more likable in this version of the story- which does not mean I like him... That is not a comment on your ability to draw compelling characters- just the opposite. Some of the best characters ever written are the ones you would really rather not bring home to dinner....
Maxical has learned that she has the will to break from a charmer like Gils- which she had managed before Fathis "rescued" her- now to see if she can overcome biology and habits of thought where Fathis is concerned...
@ Remko - She's fighting with all her beau today, ROFL !!! Thank you so much Remko !!!
***
@ Naughty Haute - Thank you so very much Haute!!!
ROFL !!!!
***
@ Acadian - Thank you so very much Acadian !! That line you quoted was one of my favorite in the chapter.
***
@ Treydog - Thank you so much Treydog !! And you are right, she is trying to make Fathis realize he is to blame...hoping he won't kill Gils.
***
@ Naughty Haute - Thank you so very much Haute!!!
QUOTE
The only thing I could add to this is Maxical cuffing Fathis up the back of the head to knock some sense into that dense head of his
ROFL !!!!
***
@ Acadian - Thank you so very much Acadian !! That line you quoted was one of my favorite in the chapter.
***
@ Treydog - Thank you so much Treydog !! And you are right, she is trying to make Fathis realize he is to blame...hoping he won't kill Gils.
*
Chapter 52: Revelations
“I want your promise you will stay true to me after this, Ma'Thjizzrini Qa. Will you give it?” Fathis tried to look deeply into my averted eyes.
“Aye, if we are together I‘ll have no need of another. I thought it was over between us, Fathis.”
“Then come to me.” He held out his arms.
The tension in him was palpable, like taut wires rippling below the surface. Oh dear gods he is still going after Gils.
When Fathis left to buy the armor I ran to the window, pressing my face to the glass. He was walking slowly down the main thoroughfare, his head swiveling like an owl. Fathis suddenly seemed to freeze in his tracks, then almost in slow motion turned to stare at the front of a dilapidated house…Oh no…dear gods no…please don’t let him kill Gils…
“NOOOO!“ I screamed through the closed window, then tried to lift the sash but it wouldn’t budge. I pounded my fists on the glass but it wouldn‘t break.
It seemed he stared at that house an eternity before moving on. My breath came out in a loud gasp as he finally began walking again. I slid to the floor under that window sill, my knees like jelly…I was crying too hard to see now anyway. But with everything in me I prayed he would not find Gils.
Fathis was gone what seemed like hours. The sound of the key in the door jerked me to my feet. In an instant I was hyperventilating with loud whooping gasps that I couldn’t make stop. My body seemed almost to be convulsing it was shaking so badly. I had to look, but dreaded the thought of seeing the evidence if he had found Gils. There was no blood on his armor…Fathis‘s bearing spoke of frustration rather than victory. I exhaled in relief, then found myself struggling to keep the nausea from rising in my throat.
He stared at me, anger…and devastating pain in his eyes…but then without a word he helped me to the urn to vomit. A glimpse in the looking glass as I washed my face afterward showed bloodshot eyes with bright red rings around them from crying. They looked sunk in, my face ghostly pale even for an albino. I looked like a vampire except no fangs.
Fathis was staring at my hands, they were bruised and swollen from beating on the window. Without saying anything he healed me, and rallied me with a spell. I saw him inspecting the bloody marks on the window and sill before he turned to me and spoke.
“We’re leaving, Ma'Thjizzrini Qa, get ready.“
***
Fathis lifted me up on his horse and mounted behind me. He left the stables and headed west.
“Where are you going?”
“I stopped in and talked to the jailer. The Orc had no proofs on him. We are going to see if there are any to be had.”
“Lord Lovidicus is an ancient vampire, can you fight him?”
“Yes Ma'Thjizzrini Qa, I wouldn’t risk having you with me if I couldn’t.”
Fathis didn’t have to kill Lord Lovidicus, he was in pieces all over that vault. I have never seen so much gore and became physically ill from the sight. Fathis scoured around till he found a journal that revealed Lord Lovidicus was Agronak’s father….and an insane vampire. He tucked it in his pack.
“What will you do with it?”
“I‘ll give it to Hassiri and leave it up to him what to do. Unfortunately the Orc can‘t go to jail for killing his father since it’s lawful to kill vampires. I saw many remnants in there, you incinerated quite a few vampires. Do you know what they were?”
“They were all feral, Lord Lovidicus was the only ancient. I have a sack full of vampire dust to give Hannibal.”
“Was this your first time seeing one?”
“Yes. I wet myself when it made that horrible hissing and that blood curdling death scream. And its face looked like an inside out butt hole.“
Fathis smiled. “Believe it or not you get used to the sound after you kill enough of them. How did you know they were feral?”
“Fixed fangs.”
“What professor did you have?” Fathis asked.
“Oh, I learned nothing from my professor. I guarantee he never saw one in real life. He droned on and on till he even put himself to sleep.”
“Was it that pompous boar Ilmiril?” Fathis looked stunned when I nodded. “How could he still be alive? He was decrepit when he taught me! He put me to sleep with his lectures over 50 years ago!”
“You slept in class?”
“His class, yes. Someone needs to shake that Arcane up. They need new professors, younger ones. And classes in things that will really prepare the students, make them fit for the dangers they’ll face outside school walls. The mages coming out of there aren’t up to snuff. And Jarol!” Fathis snorted to indicate his opinion of Irlav Jarol.
“Don’t remind me of him! He always kept a list of all my ill deeds on his person so it would be handy to add to. He even slept with it. It was quite large. Whenever I got in trouble he would reach inside his robe and pull it out. Everyone thought he was extremely well endowed till they found out it was just a giant scroll filled with my ill deeds….are you okay Fathis?”
Fathis nearly choked laughing.
“He wrote me the whiniest letter, said you were biting other students on the neck claiming to be a vampire, do you remember getting in trouble for that?”
“We were all biting each other on the necks and saying that. Delphine took a chunk out of one boys neck by accident. She didn’t get in trouble for it, but I did because Jarol caught me doing it.”
“How did you learn about vampires then?”
“The majority of my time at the Arcane was spent confined in Hannibal’s quarters for my ill deeds. I eventually got tired of pulling pranks on him…“
“Like what?”
“Short-sheeting his bed, switching his sugar and salt, creasing his loin cloths with potato starch…well, I only did that once. Please don‘t ever remind him of that one, Fathis. I think he’s forgotten it. Anyway, I started reading his tomes. He has an excellent one on vampires, it’s huge. It has everything about them, even the spells they use. Delphine and I memorized the love slave spell and tried to cast it on all the boys. It didn’t work, though.“
“Lucky for me, I’d have to slay the whole graduating class.”
“Not the women. Did you know Hannibal is friends with an ancient vampire?”
“Yes. I’ve met him.”
I turned in the saddle, staring bug eyed at Fathis. “I want to hear everything!”
“I can’t tell you who it is, of course. But he is quite friendly and benign.”
“What line is he from?”
“He is an Immortal.”
“Oooh!” I breathed. “They are the rarest! Fathis this is exciting! Tell me everything.”
I kept a constant chatter up to distract him from searching for Gils, and swished my tail in his face incessantly till I was sure he couldn‘t see where he was going. The whole time we rode I watched intensely for Gils, silently praying we wouldn’t come across him.
Fathis did stop the horse and kiss me a few times. Although he seemingly enjoyed the kisses, his passion never roused from them, nor did mine in spite of all the new sensations he evoked. I quickly added praying Gils hadn’t started me to the prayers for his safety.
******* Gils
Gils’ hope of patching things up with Maxical on the walk back to the Imperial City was shattered by the sight of Fathis Aren stepping through the gate. The suns rays glinted off his armor creating a halo effect around him. He looked every bit the heroic vision Gils was sure Maxical thought he was.
The timing couldn’t have been worse. His fight with Maxical had been over Gils’ lack of protection of her...and Aggie. In one punch Fathis covered both aspects just minutes after his arrival, and did it as smoothly as if he was brushing off a mosquito.
Dunmer instinctively know their rivals, Gils wasn’t surprised Fathis had singled him out for the challenge. Had it been anyone but him Gils would have fought for her, but Maxical made it clear from the beginning that Fathis was her intended. Gils had to honor that unless she told him different.
Maxical said that if Fathis ever showed she would choose either to stay with him or keep her promise to Fathis. If that whole Crowhaven fiasco hadn’t happened, Gils was sure she would have picked him.
Everything Maxical spoke of being romantic Fathis gave to her…including the Inn with a view of the beaches. That was Gils’ own fault.
Maxical said outright that the truce was off, she wanted to get a hotel room together instead of going to Crowhaven. Everything he’d waited for since day one, bound to him for life…his. What idiot would have turned her down? What maggot got in his brain to push onward to Crowhaven with an offer like that made? She was right, it was obvious he had made Aggie a priority over her…but why? Why didn’t he realize what he was doing at the time?
This wasn’t the first time he had found himself losing something important over Aggie…and not knowing why. Walking off from the height of his musical career that meant everything to him…and never understanding how those decisions could have been made by him, but they were.
As if on cue Aggie showed up each time, just as he did today. Through the years Gils repeatedly wondered if Aggie had a way to control others thoughts and actions. The idea was always discarded as ridiculous, paranoid…until now. Maxical said these ancients had extraordinary powers. An expert like Hannibal might know if such control over another exists…and could be passed on to the offspring.
Gils’ father had said the same thing. Everyone thought he was going senile, blaming a child for actions he obviously had done himself. He could barely tolerate Aggie, but changed his will to add Aggie as the primary heir, then denied he ever would have done that. That was just one of many incidents before he became ill. Neither Gils or his father had such episodes before Luktuv and Aggie came.
The superhuman strength…Owyn always said it was inherited from something, not someone…and Owyn said Luktuv had been murdered with poison. Gils’ father had been green too. Aggie was there with both the nights they died.
Gils found something chillingly familiar between Aggie’s delicate mental balance and Lord Lovidicus today.
***
Gils watched from the window of an abandoned house as Fathis scouted around, seeking him. At one point Fathis stared hard at the very window he was looking out of, coming to a full stop in front of the house. Gils backed from view, but Fathis continued staring…glaring.
Gils glanced around, the only escape if Fathis entered would be out that window. There was no doubt Fathis was seeking his death. Finally, after what seemed an interminable time Fathis moved on. Gils let out his breath loudly, not even realizing he had been holding it.
When Fathis and Maxical stepped out and headed for the main gate, Gils was surprised to see them carrying their packs. Fathis wasn’t staying overnight with her? Why?
Maxical was glancing around nervously. She may have called an end to their relationship, but it was obvious she didn’t want Fathis to kill him either. That may be reason to hope they could patch things between them.
Gils slid through the gate and followed them. To his shock they turned toward Crowhaven. He followed at a distance, keeping ducked low in the high grasses and brush. Maxical didn’t want to come back here…she wouldn’t have. Fathis must have insisted, but why?
When they went inside Gils climbed to the top of the enclosure, crouching on the highest parapet amongst the pieces of charred skeleton that littered the thin walkway...evidence of damage from Maxical’s fire spell. With a pang Gils remembered how close they were still at that point, teasing her with the bony hand of the other skeleton.
The creaking of the door caught Gils by surprise, they hadn’t been in there long at all! He honed his ears to catch their words as they emerged and mounted up. Drat Fathis speaking in Khajiit, Gils couldn‘t understand a word, only that they seemed in good charity with each other.
Gils balanced on crumbling wall of the parapet and watched them ride away, the horse picking its own path down the hillside from Crowhaven. Fathis pulled his horse to a stop at the bottom and kissed Maxical…that said it all.
With a strangled yell Gils picked up the charred skull of the skeleton and threw it as hard as he could, half hoping it would bean Fathis and end that kiss...even if it meant they would draw swords right afterward.
*
Chapter 52: Revelations
“I want your promise you will stay true to me after this, Ma'Thjizzrini Qa. Will you give it?” Fathis tried to look deeply into my averted eyes.
“Aye, if we are together I‘ll have no need of another. I thought it was over between us, Fathis.”
“Then come to me.” He held out his arms.
The tension in him was palpable, like taut wires rippling below the surface. Oh dear gods he is still going after Gils.
When Fathis left to buy the armor I ran to the window, pressing my face to the glass. He was walking slowly down the main thoroughfare, his head swiveling like an owl. Fathis suddenly seemed to freeze in his tracks, then almost in slow motion turned to stare at the front of a dilapidated house…Oh no…dear gods no…please don’t let him kill Gils…
“NOOOO!“ I screamed through the closed window, then tried to lift the sash but it wouldn’t budge. I pounded my fists on the glass but it wouldn‘t break.
It seemed he stared at that house an eternity before moving on. My breath came out in a loud gasp as he finally began walking again. I slid to the floor under that window sill, my knees like jelly…I was crying too hard to see now anyway. But with everything in me I prayed he would not find Gils.
Fathis was gone what seemed like hours. The sound of the key in the door jerked me to my feet. In an instant I was hyperventilating with loud whooping gasps that I couldn’t make stop. My body seemed almost to be convulsing it was shaking so badly. I had to look, but dreaded the thought of seeing the evidence if he had found Gils. There was no blood on his armor…Fathis‘s bearing spoke of frustration rather than victory. I exhaled in relief, then found myself struggling to keep the nausea from rising in my throat.
He stared at me, anger…and devastating pain in his eyes…but then without a word he helped me to the urn to vomit. A glimpse in the looking glass as I washed my face afterward showed bloodshot eyes with bright red rings around them from crying. They looked sunk in, my face ghostly pale even for an albino. I looked like a vampire except no fangs.
Fathis was staring at my hands, they were bruised and swollen from beating on the window. Without saying anything he healed me, and rallied me with a spell. I saw him inspecting the bloody marks on the window and sill before he turned to me and spoke.
“We’re leaving, Ma'Thjizzrini Qa, get ready.“
***
Fathis lifted me up on his horse and mounted behind me. He left the stables and headed west.
“Where are you going?”
“I stopped in and talked to the jailer. The Orc had no proofs on him. We are going to see if there are any to be had.”
“Lord Lovidicus is an ancient vampire, can you fight him?”
“Yes Ma'Thjizzrini Qa, I wouldn’t risk having you with me if I couldn’t.”
Fathis didn’t have to kill Lord Lovidicus, he was in pieces all over that vault. I have never seen so much gore and became physically ill from the sight. Fathis scoured around till he found a journal that revealed Lord Lovidicus was Agronak’s father….and an insane vampire. He tucked it in his pack.
“What will you do with it?”
“I‘ll give it to Hassiri and leave it up to him what to do. Unfortunately the Orc can‘t go to jail for killing his father since it’s lawful to kill vampires. I saw many remnants in there, you incinerated quite a few vampires. Do you know what they were?”
“They were all feral, Lord Lovidicus was the only ancient. I have a sack full of vampire dust to give Hannibal.”
“Was this your first time seeing one?”
“Yes. I wet myself when it made that horrible hissing and that blood curdling death scream. And its face looked like an inside out butt hole.“
Fathis smiled. “Believe it or not you get used to the sound after you kill enough of them. How did you know they were feral?”
“Fixed fangs.”
“What professor did you have?” Fathis asked.
“Oh, I learned nothing from my professor. I guarantee he never saw one in real life. He droned on and on till he even put himself to sleep.”
“Was it that pompous boar Ilmiril?” Fathis looked stunned when I nodded. “How could he still be alive? He was decrepit when he taught me! He put me to sleep with his lectures over 50 years ago!”
“You slept in class?”
“His class, yes. Someone needs to shake that Arcane up. They need new professors, younger ones. And classes in things that will really prepare the students, make them fit for the dangers they’ll face outside school walls. The mages coming out of there aren’t up to snuff. And Jarol!” Fathis snorted to indicate his opinion of Irlav Jarol.
“Don’t remind me of him! He always kept a list of all my ill deeds on his person so it would be handy to add to. He even slept with it. It was quite large. Whenever I got in trouble he would reach inside his robe and pull it out. Everyone thought he was extremely well endowed till they found out it was just a giant scroll filled with my ill deeds….are you okay Fathis?”
Fathis nearly choked laughing.
“He wrote me the whiniest letter, said you were biting other students on the neck claiming to be a vampire, do you remember getting in trouble for that?”
“We were all biting each other on the necks and saying that. Delphine took a chunk out of one boys neck by accident. She didn’t get in trouble for it, but I did because Jarol caught me doing it.”
“How did you learn about vampires then?”
“The majority of my time at the Arcane was spent confined in Hannibal’s quarters for my ill deeds. I eventually got tired of pulling pranks on him…“
“Like what?”
“Short-sheeting his bed, switching his sugar and salt, creasing his loin cloths with potato starch…well, I only did that once. Please don‘t ever remind him of that one, Fathis. I think he’s forgotten it. Anyway, I started reading his tomes. He has an excellent one on vampires, it’s huge. It has everything about them, even the spells they use. Delphine and I memorized the love slave spell and tried to cast it on all the boys. It didn’t work, though.“
“Lucky for me, I’d have to slay the whole graduating class.”
“Not the women. Did you know Hannibal is friends with an ancient vampire?”
“Yes. I’ve met him.”
I turned in the saddle, staring bug eyed at Fathis. “I want to hear everything!”
“I can’t tell you who it is, of course. But he is quite friendly and benign.”
“What line is he from?”
“He is an Immortal.”
“Oooh!” I breathed. “They are the rarest! Fathis this is exciting! Tell me everything.”
I kept a constant chatter up to distract him from searching for Gils, and swished my tail in his face incessantly till I was sure he couldn‘t see where he was going. The whole time we rode I watched intensely for Gils, silently praying we wouldn’t come across him.
Fathis did stop the horse and kiss me a few times. Although he seemingly enjoyed the kisses, his passion never roused from them, nor did mine in spite of all the new sensations he evoked. I quickly added praying Gils hadn’t started me to the prayers for his safety.
******* Gils
Gils’ hope of patching things up with Maxical on the walk back to the Imperial City was shattered by the sight of Fathis Aren stepping through the gate. The suns rays glinted off his armor creating a halo effect around him. He looked every bit the heroic vision Gils was sure Maxical thought he was.
The timing couldn’t have been worse. His fight with Maxical had been over Gils’ lack of protection of her...and Aggie. In one punch Fathis covered both aspects just minutes after his arrival, and did it as smoothly as if he was brushing off a mosquito.
Dunmer instinctively know their rivals, Gils wasn’t surprised Fathis had singled him out for the challenge. Had it been anyone but him Gils would have fought for her, but Maxical made it clear from the beginning that Fathis was her intended. Gils had to honor that unless she told him different.
Maxical said that if Fathis ever showed she would choose either to stay with him or keep her promise to Fathis. If that whole Crowhaven fiasco hadn’t happened, Gils was sure she would have picked him.
Everything Maxical spoke of being romantic Fathis gave to her…including the Inn with a view of the beaches. That was Gils’ own fault.
Maxical said outright that the truce was off, she wanted to get a hotel room together instead of going to Crowhaven. Everything he’d waited for since day one, bound to him for life…his. What idiot would have turned her down? What maggot got in his brain to push onward to Crowhaven with an offer like that made? She was right, it was obvious he had made Aggie a priority over her…but why? Why didn’t he realize what he was doing at the time?
This wasn’t the first time he had found himself losing something important over Aggie…and not knowing why. Walking off from the height of his musical career that meant everything to him…and never understanding how those decisions could have been made by him, but they were.
As if on cue Aggie showed up each time, just as he did today. Through the years Gils repeatedly wondered if Aggie had a way to control others thoughts and actions. The idea was always discarded as ridiculous, paranoid…until now. Maxical said these ancients had extraordinary powers. An expert like Hannibal might know if such control over another exists…and could be passed on to the offspring.
Gils’ father had said the same thing. Everyone thought he was going senile, blaming a child for actions he obviously had done himself. He could barely tolerate Aggie, but changed his will to add Aggie as the primary heir, then denied he ever would have done that. That was just one of many incidents before he became ill. Neither Gils or his father had such episodes before Luktuv and Aggie came.
The superhuman strength…Owyn always said it was inherited from something, not someone…and Owyn said Luktuv had been murdered with poison. Gils’ father had been green too. Aggie was there with both the nights they died.
Gils found something chillingly familiar between Aggie’s delicate mental balance and Lord Lovidicus today.
***
Gils watched from the window of an abandoned house as Fathis scouted around, seeking him. At one point Fathis stared hard at the very window he was looking out of, coming to a full stop in front of the house. Gils backed from view, but Fathis continued staring…glaring.
Gils glanced around, the only escape if Fathis entered would be out that window. There was no doubt Fathis was seeking his death. Finally, after what seemed an interminable time Fathis moved on. Gils let out his breath loudly, not even realizing he had been holding it.
When Fathis and Maxical stepped out and headed for the main gate, Gils was surprised to see them carrying their packs. Fathis wasn’t staying overnight with her? Why?
Maxical was glancing around nervously. She may have called an end to their relationship, but it was obvious she didn’t want Fathis to kill him either. That may be reason to hope they could patch things between them.
Gils slid through the gate and followed them. To his shock they turned toward Crowhaven. He followed at a distance, keeping ducked low in the high grasses and brush. Maxical didn’t want to come back here…she wouldn’t have. Fathis must have insisted, but why?
When they went inside Gils climbed to the top of the enclosure, crouching on the highest parapet amongst the pieces of charred skeleton that littered the thin walkway...evidence of damage from Maxical’s fire spell. With a pang Gils remembered how close they were still at that point, teasing her with the bony hand of the other skeleton.
The creaking of the door caught Gils by surprise, they hadn’t been in there long at all! He honed his ears to catch their words as they emerged and mounted up. Drat Fathis speaking in Khajiit, Gils couldn‘t understand a word, only that they seemed in good charity with each other.
Gils balanced on crumbling wall of the parapet and watched them ride away, the horse picking its own path down the hillside from Crowhaven. Fathis pulled his horse to a stop at the bottom and kissed Maxical…that said it all.
With a strangled yell Gils picked up the charred skull of the skeleton and threw it as hard as he could, half hoping it would bean Fathis and end that kiss...even if it meant they would draw swords right afterward.
*
This chapter expertly weaves the differences between Gils and Fathis.... And, to no one's surprise, the person who emerges as the best is Maxical.
You also begin to reveal that my deleted spoilerish speculation from an earlier comment may be correct.
That small moment there reveals far more than Gils would care to realize. Although he claims to love Maxical, he never bothered to learn her language- only the methods to seduce her. Credit to Fathis for his scholarship, at least.
And the reminiscences about the Arcane were great fun- have to wonder if the ancient lecturer on vampires is some other kind of "ancient."
You also begin to reveal that my deleted spoilerish speculation from an earlier comment may be correct.
QUOTE
creasing his loin cloths with potato starch
QUOTE
Drat Fathis speaking in Khajiit, Gils couldnt understand a word,
That small moment there reveals far more than Gils would care to realize. Although he claims to love Maxical, he never bothered to learn her language- only the methods to seduce her. Credit to Fathis for his scholarship, at least.
And the reminiscences about the Arcane were great fun- have to wonder if the ancient lecturer on vampires is some other kind of "ancient."
Yes, Treydoggie, every college has a few "ancients" tucked away in a corner classroom here and there. I've had a few of them!
mALX, I really liked this - you've captured the intense rivalry between Fathis and Gils beautifully. Gils's POV was effective and felt particularly authentic - now he is kicking himself for making Agronak his priority instead of Maxical. He has every reason to fear Fathis - the man is a formidable mage when he chooses to be.
mALX, I really liked this - you've captured the intense rivalry between Fathis and Gils beautifully. Gils's POV was effective and felt particularly authentic - now he is kicking himself for making Agronak his priority instead of Maxical. He has every reason to fear Fathis - the man is a formidable mage when he chooses to be.
My goodness. You have built Fathis and Gils both into such deliciously complex characters. No one-dimensional good/bad simple fellows here. Nosireee.
I feel sorry for Gils, but would never, ever consider him redeemable. He has spoken, and his flaws seem fatal.
Fathis has clearly demonstrated that he cares greatly for Maxical, but it is unclear whether he cares for her as a pet or perhaps a piece of property. He doesn't seem to consider the questions: "How can I best fulfull Maxical's needs? Do I even know what those needs are?"
Maxical, on the other hand, although young and full of swirling emotions is the only one of the three who seems to really factor in the needs of those she deems important to her.
Wonderful, mALX!
I feel sorry for Gils, but would never, ever consider him redeemable. He has spoken, and his flaws seem fatal.
Fathis has clearly demonstrated that he cares greatly for Maxical, but it is unclear whether he cares for her as a pet or perhaps a piece of property. He doesn't seem to consider the questions: "How can I best fulfull Maxical's needs? Do I even know what those needs are?"
Maxical, on the other hand, although young and full of swirling emotions is the only one of the three who seems to really factor in the needs of those she deems important to her.
Wonderful, mALX!
How did you sneak a chapter past me??!!
Chapter 51: And The Day From Hell Continues
I find it ironic that everyone is willing to berate Fathis for jumping to conclusions about the golden armor while saying nothing about the fact that Maxical attributes his lack of arousal to her being Khajiit. TWICE! Did she think he had never noticed the fur before? Then there is the wonderful incongruity of her speculation of Fathis past dalliances while mentioning Gils name no less than SEVENTEEN TIMES (yes, I counted) during this chapter. Ah, the mystery that is woman!
I loved it all, mALX.
Chapter 52: Revelations
It was good to see Maxical and Fathis laughing again. That has been too long absent! I cant imagine what Hassiri will write when given the evidence of Agronaks parentage. I see another special edition coming.
I think there is far more than protective impulse in Gils and Agronaks relationship. Hopefully the long walk back to Cyrodiil will give him time to see the insidious connection in all the deaths that have befallen those that surrounded them.
And we only blew a seven on the Gils-o-meter. Maxical is improving. But, then again, half of this chapter was told from Gils POV where we dont count the number of times his name is mentioned!
Chapter 51: And The Day From Hell Continues
I find it ironic that everyone is willing to berate Fathis for jumping to conclusions about the golden armor while saying nothing about the fact that Maxical attributes his lack of arousal to her being Khajiit. TWICE! Did she think he had never noticed the fur before? Then there is the wonderful incongruity of her speculation of Fathis past dalliances while mentioning Gils name no less than SEVENTEEN TIMES (yes, I counted) during this chapter. Ah, the mystery that is woman!
I loved it all, mALX.
Chapter 52: Revelations
It was good to see Maxical and Fathis laughing again. That has been too long absent! I cant imagine what Hassiri will write when given the evidence of Agronaks parentage. I see another special edition coming.
I think there is far more than protective impulse in Gils and Agronaks relationship. Hopefully the long walk back to Cyrodiil will give him time to see the insidious connection in all the deaths that have befallen those that surrounded them.
And we only blew a seven on the Gils-o-meter. Maxical is improving. But, then again, half of this chapter was told from Gils POV where we dont count the number of times his name is mentioned!
Aaarghh... nicely built tension between Gils and Fathis.. I see no other way to end the strive between those two except for on the sharp end of a blade.. But then again, I am not mALX...
BRING IT ON!
BRING IT ON!
Love these last chapters, mALX! I think poor Maxical's view of love has been tainted by Gils-the-sex-fiend, LOL. Not that Fathis has provided much to compare him to, though, by practically running away from her...up until now she has only seen two extremes, and thinks that it's either all or nothing...so she doesn't get where Fathis seems to be coming from...can't wait to see where this leads!
@Destri...LOL...interesting observations. I don't think that she is unaware of the problem of her thinking of Gils while she's with Fathis, though; I took the line where she's thinking "As he detailed the people who helped run the chain, my thoughts stayed distracted by his averted faceand wondering what Gils was doing" to be sort of a guilty acknowledgment of her torn feelings. And I think she uses the gossip of Fathis' past dalliances as a reference to his try to explain his current behavior (not looking at her, etc.). But, you're right about her jumping to conclusions without giving him the benefit of the doubt while (rightly) taking him to task for doing the same. At the risk of making excuses for my favorite Khajiit ( ), though, I am inclined to think her current assumption making might have been aided by his past poor behavior...if he's capable of being an unthinking fool here, why not there...
@Destri...LOL...interesting observations. I don't think that she is unaware of the problem of her thinking of Gils while she's with Fathis, though; I took the line where she's thinking "As he detailed the people who helped run the chain, my thoughts stayed distracted by his averted faceand wondering what Gils was doing" to be sort of a guilty acknowledgment of her torn feelings. And I think she uses the gossip of Fathis' past dalliances as a reference to his try to explain his current behavior (not looking at her, etc.). But, you're right about her jumping to conclusions without giving him the benefit of the doubt while (rightly) taking him to task for doing the same. At the risk of making excuses for my favorite Khajiit (
), though, I am inclined to think her current assumption making might have been aided by his past poor behavior...if he's capable of being an unthinking fool here, why not there...
@ Treydog - You caught the starchy crease in the undies prank !!! ROFL !!! It was an accident when I did it, I was just trying to iron my husband's boxer shorts so they would look un-wrinkled in the drawer. Of course, they had to be folded, which put the crease right up the butt crack - OUCH !!! I learned not to ever do that again! Lol.
PS: I love it when a reader speculates, it doesn't bother me at all. I am terrible for speculating what future chapters will bring when I read everyone's stories too, so don't feel bad or hold back !!!!
Thank you so much Treydog !!!!
***
@ Naughty Haute - Oh, I love your insight into that chapter !!! Thank you so much Haute !!!!
***
@ Acadian - I think Gils is finally starting to figure things out. He may be bright in some things, but he's real slow to change. Fathis is caught between a rock and a hard place, but he's very quick to learn...and right now Maxical is a mess. (how does that old song go..."Torn between two lovers, feeling like a fool, loving both of you is breaking all the rules...")
Thank you so much Acadian !!!
***
@ Destri - YEAH !!!! Someone caught that besides me !!!! She did jump to conclusions - and then proceeded to get angry over them as if they were fact !!! Oh yeah, she is not totally innocent in the problems between her and Fathis.
I will give her a break on how many times she thinks about Gils since they only broke up hours beforehand (and she had been intimately involved with him), and Fathis hasn't been around her in months.
That said, women actually do take a long time to quit rehashing X's in their minds, lol.
BTW, I've got a chapter coming up that I may call, "Ode To Regina" in honor of a comment you made on your thread. I wrote it off a comment you made on here a long time ago - and then the other day you mentioned Regina on your thread (not sure if it is the same person, but you should really enjoy that chapter!)
Thank you so very much Destri !!!
***
@ Remko - WOO HOO !!! Thank you so much Remko !!!! I don't know if (after seeing Maxical's reaction) Fathis could put her through what killing Gils would do to her. I doubt he'll tell her that though, keep the fear in her so she doesn't go back to him.
***
@ Rachel - AWESOME !!!! You nailed everything right on the head !!! We absolutely must think alike !!! You ROCK !!!! Thanks Rachel !!!!
PS: I love it when a reader speculates, it doesn't bother me at all. I am terrible for speculating what future chapters will bring when I read everyone's stories too, so don't feel bad or hold back !!!!
Thank you so much Treydog !!!!
***
@ Naughty Haute - Oh, I love your insight into that chapter !!! Thank you so much Haute !!!!
***
@ Acadian - I think Gils is finally starting to figure things out. He may be bright in some things, but he's real slow to change. Fathis is caught between a rock and a hard place, but he's very quick to learn...and right now Maxical is a mess. (how does that old song go..."Torn between two lovers, feeling like a fool, loving both of you is breaking all the rules...")
Thank you so much Acadian !!!
***
@ Destri - YEAH !!!! Someone caught that besides me !!!! She did jump to conclusions - and then proceeded to get angry over them as if they were fact !!! Oh yeah, she is not totally innocent in the problems between her and Fathis.
I will give her a break on how many times she thinks about Gils since they only broke up hours beforehand (and she had been intimately involved with him), and Fathis hasn't been around her in months.
That said, women actually do take a long time to quit rehashing X's in their minds, lol.
BTW, I've got a chapter coming up that I may call, "Ode To Regina" in honor of a comment you made on your thread. I wrote it off a comment you made on here a long time ago - and then the other day you mentioned Regina on your thread (not sure if it is the same person, but you should really enjoy that chapter!)
Thank you so very much Destri !!!
***
@ Remko - WOO HOO !!! Thank you so much Remko !!!! I don't know if (after seeing Maxical's reaction) Fathis could put her through what killing Gils would do to her. I doubt he'll tell her that though, keep the fear in her so she doesn't go back to him.
***
@ Rachel - AWESOME !!!! You nailed everything right on the head !!! We absolutely must think alike !!! You ROCK !!!! Thanks Rachel !!!!
*
Chapter 53: Truth Before Dying
Gils ducked inside Crowhaven and crept along, feeling his way down the dark passageways. Maxical’s spell would be handy right now, it would help to know if he was alone in here. The door to the vault creaked loudly as he pushed it open. Gils froze, listening. The air was still and heavy, eerily silent…where was Lord Lovidicus?
Sliding in quietly, he hadn’t gone far before he got his answer. Pieces of Lord Lovidicus’s body were everywhere. Gils grabbed several candles from the sconces and bunched them together in one hand for more light, but the vastness of the room dwarfed even that.
Just ahead, dimly lit by intermittent sconces appeared to be bookcases. Gils moved toward them, but then realized they were up on a balcony. He felt around till he found stairs leading up. At the top of the stairs was a corridor, both walls lined with bookshelves.
Grabbing several books, Gils ripped the pages out and crumpled them into a pile. He tipped the candles in his hand, dripping a waxy trail over the heap as he lit the top page. It ignited rapidly. The flames following the trails of wax made a hissing sound that sent a chill down Gils’ back. He gave an involuntary shiver. It was the same sound the vampires had made before dying. He glanced around, beginning to feel nervous about being here.
The tinder dry paper caught up all at once with a loud ’poof‘. Gils jumped back in surprise and slid on something. Vomit, probably Maxical’s…and another piece of Lord Lovidicus.
A thin trail of blood wound across the balcony and disappeared in a darkened alcove. Gils followed it, not even sure why he did. He hesitated at the yawning mouth of blackness before extending his handful of candles into it.
With a shouted curse Gils jumped back, falling backwards over a wooden chest on the floor. He scrambled up and shot across the balcony toward the fire, stumbling several times in his headlong charge. Gils pushed his back against the corner of the wall behind the roaring fire and doubled over, retching and heaving as if to vomit but none came.
The horror of that sight felt etched into him, he may never be free of that memory…the demented face of Lord Lovidicus…fangs like boar tusks curving out of that twisted mouth…his severed head piked on Aggie’s sword. Aggie had killed his own father. Not just killed him, tore him to pieces.
Dear gods, Maxical and Owyn were right. Aggie was insane! Gils fell back against the wall, feeling as if the floor rocked under him. He let Maxical spend time alone with Aggie…told her Aggie needed his protection…and he was capable of this? Oh dear gods what had he done?
Flames began shooting up the side of one set of shelves across from him, catching it on fire. It illuminated that section of the vault, even the ceiling. As if drawn, Gils looked up. As far up as the eye could see on the walls…even on the ceiling in places…were sprays of blood.
With a shudder Gils realized what had been so strange about the pieces of Lord Lovidicus’s body…there was no blood around them, no blood except that one thin trail that led him to that horrible sight in the alcove…as if it were a path meant to be followed by someone. But who? Himself?
As soon as the thought hit, Gils knew beyond a doubt it was for himself that trail was left. But why? His sword.
Sparks from the fire were popping and crackling. Gils had to move to keep from being burned. Before he could take a step, a roaring sound came from the wall beside him. That whole row of bookcases was blazing now, the tinder dry books exploding and shooting sparks as they caught up. Flames roared across the corridor from both sides, completely blocking the exit. Gils hurried toward the other end of the balcony, looking for any exit that would help him escape the fire that was rapidly spreading toward him as furniture and wall hangings began catching fire.
The candles were gone, he must have dropped them. Gils was glancing around for a way off the balcony when the alcove caught his eye. Of their own volition his feet brought him to the edge of its once dark chasm, his arm stretched forward…reaching in for Aggie’s sword.
The blazing vault now lit the alcove, his hand was almost touching the blood crusted hilt…just inches from the leering face frozen in its death mask. Firelight flickered across the gleaming fangs and glittering eyes, giving the impression the severed head still lived.
What are you waiting for? Get the sword, it’s Aggies, he’ll want it back. Hurry before the fire spreads here…
Gils forced his hand down. What was he doing? The vault burning to the ground around him, he may be trapped in here…reaching to touch something that made his stomach churn…for Aggie! Why?
Aggie kept adding more secrets that had to be covered so people would think he was normal…Gils had given up his life without even knowing why, everything he cared about…gone. His music, family, love…there was nothing left. What now? Would Aggie kill him like he did his own parents? Gils’ father…
Unbidden memories of his own father’s death came, the green tint…the mortician had given him an odd look, Gils never knew why…till now. Had he been protecting his father’s killer all these years?
Just get the sword, you know you’re going to…just do it.
Gils hand drew closer to the hilt. Why was he doing this? He didn’t want to! Was it Aggie making him do it? It couldn’t be, he was in jail.
Maxical said the vampire disease was spread through the blood. The sword hilt was covered in it. Gils looked down at his hands, they were raw with scratches and cuts from feeling his way in the dark. He drew his hands back quickly.
Scenes flashed before his eyes…Aggie as a sickly baby who always seemed to be barely clinging to life…Gils had to come in off the road touring with his band to care for him. The parents said he was only healthy and happy when Gils was there…then they were both suddenly taken ill. Aggie couldn’t have been two years old then, an infant. Too young for manipulation, that couldn‘t have been an act. But if he inherited superhuman strength, wouldn’t he have had it then?
Gils was called in from a road trip again, told bullies were picking on Aggie for his blue coloring. Gils had to teach him to fight, protect himself. Yet…Gils remembered seeing Aggie barehanded at seven years old dismantling the shed because something he wanted was in it. He had the super strength even then…so why did Gils have to give up his music to train him? It was another one of those decisions he never would have made…but did.
Gils started to reach for the sword again. He wouldn’t do that. It had to be Aggie. Gils forced his hand back down.
The flames behind him suddenly roared and reflected in the glassy stare of Lord Lovidicus’s eyes. A loud crash sounded behind him and something smashed against his leg. Gils spun around. He was sealed into the alcove by a wall of flames.
The smell of the oil used in lamps filled the air and he heard a footfall. Behind the flames was the shape of a large man…Aggie.
“You’re right Gils, it’s me. Where’s that [censored] Maxical. She should be here with you.”
“We split up. Why should she be here?”
“Toss me that sword Gils, I need it.”
“It’s diseased, Aggie. It‘ll make you sick.”
“That’s my sword, Gils. Everyone looks for it when I fight in the Arena. You’re right there, won’t you get it for me big brother?” Aggie’s voice was wheedling, needling something in Gils.
And then Gils felt it, the pressure to do Aggie’s will…his arm reached toward the sword as if of its own volition.
Dear gods, it had been Aggie all along…some kind of mind control. Gils drew on every bit of willpower he had and fought against it.
***
“Our hands are cut, Aggie. We can’t touch that sword. I’ll buy you a new one when we get out of here.”
“No, I want that one. Your father gave that to me.”
“My father! You never told me that before…”
Gils felt like the floor rock under his feet. He had come home…from the yard he heard Aggie yelling, cursing Gils’ father. Gils ran to his fathers room…Aggie wanted the sword. His father was clutching it feebly in shaking hands, refusing to give it. He died later that night. Aggie produced that sword his first fight at the Arena and told Gils he bought it from Haki. Dear gods, Aggie really had killed Gils’ father…dear gods.
“I told you. He gave you the bow and me the sword. He told my mother too.”
“I can’t ask her now, can I?” Gils was gauging Aggie’s voice position to either aim a hit or plan an escape.
“No. Hurry Gils, I don’t want the sword to burn up in the fire.”
“Aggie, when you fight vampires you catch their disease…it’s spread by blood. You need to hurry to Anvil, go straight to the healer so they can cure you before you become like him.”
“Like…who…Gils?”
“Like Lord Lovidicus. You can’t help what he was Aggie. It’s not your fault.”
“I don’t trust you with my secrets anymore, Gils. You told that [censored] everything, now all Cyrodiil knows. She was supposed to be with you.”
“Why, you killing me?”
“Both of you. She‘ll get hers.”
“Then come get your sword yourself. I’m not touching it. It’ll burn with me.”
While Agronak roared curses, Gils looked around quickly. Everything was covered in blood, he dared not touch anything. The small dresser nestled in the alcove was beginning to burn. Gils slid the lowest drawer out using his toe…loincloths, but they’d have to do. He grabbed two, covering his hands with them and jerked the sword out of the severed head. He tucked his father’s sword behind the back of the drawer, then eased the drawer closed. Steeling himself, Gils picked up the severed head.
“I’m sorry Aggie. That was mean. Forgive me?”
Agronak’s curses gave away his location.
“Here, here’s the sword.” Gils threw the severed head of Lord Lovidicus at the last place he heard Aggie’s voice and then dove through the flames in the opposite direction.
Agronak’s roars echoed behind him as Gils shot to the end of the balcony. It dead-ended. Aggie was coming after him like a raging minotaur. Gils leaped over the railing and hung on by one hand…it was a long drop.
Agronak’s fist smashed down on Gils hand. With a strangled bellow of pain Gils‘ crushed hand slipped off the railing and he felt himself falling. He landed with an involuntary scream as both ankles shattered. Maxical’s ring could not be pumped, his finger was nearly severed.
He had to get out of here. Biting back any cries of pain Gils crawled on his knees and elbows, his feet dragging limply behind him.
He pulled himself through the door to the vault and pushed it shut behind him. Aggie had the key. With his one good hand Gils jerked his pack open and grabbed the first thing his hand fell on, a pair of steel greaves. With all his strength he wedged them tightly under the door. Gils cried out as his crushed hand bumped against the pack when he pulled it back on.
The first breath of night air in his lungs as he crawled out the door was the first hope Gils had that he may survive this. Aggie would go straight to Anvil looking for him. Gils had seen some white structures to the south, but there was a sheer cliff there. He tried to see in the dark which area of the hillside was cliffs and which was sloped. The west seemed the only way that wasn‘t a sheer drop. Gils threw himself into a roll down the slope.
Suddenly he was freefalling through the air. He landed with a huge splash and water covered over him before he could get his breath.
His pack was still full of armor to sell, sinking him like a stone to the bottom. Gils struggled to swim but the weight of the pack held him at the bottom. His air was gone.
He pulled his dagger from its sheath and cut the straps of the pack, feeling relief as it fell from him. He still couldn’t push off the bottom to reach the surface, not with the shattered ankles. One foot hurt less, he had to take the chance. Gritting his teeth, Gils tried to push off the bottom. Pain shot through him causing his mouth to open in a yell involuntarily. He began choking as water flooded into his lungs. The dagger slipped from his hands and sank to the bottom as he fought with flailing arms to reach the surface. Each choke brought another flood of water into his lungs.
What looked like stars from the night sky swirled in front of him, creating a tunnel of light in the dark void that had taken over Gils’ vision.
*
Chapter 53: Truth Before Dying
Gils ducked inside Crowhaven and crept along, feeling his way down the dark passageways. Maxical’s spell would be handy right now, it would help to know if he was alone in here. The door to the vault creaked loudly as he pushed it open. Gils froze, listening. The air was still and heavy, eerily silent…where was Lord Lovidicus?
Sliding in quietly, he hadn’t gone far before he got his answer. Pieces of Lord Lovidicus’s body were everywhere. Gils grabbed several candles from the sconces and bunched them together in one hand for more light, but the vastness of the room dwarfed even that.
Just ahead, dimly lit by intermittent sconces appeared to be bookcases. Gils moved toward them, but then realized they were up on a balcony. He felt around till he found stairs leading up. At the top of the stairs was a corridor, both walls lined with bookshelves.
Grabbing several books, Gils ripped the pages out and crumpled them into a pile. He tipped the candles in his hand, dripping a waxy trail over the heap as he lit the top page. It ignited rapidly. The flames following the trails of wax made a hissing sound that sent a chill down Gils’ back. He gave an involuntary shiver. It was the same sound the vampires had made before dying. He glanced around, beginning to feel nervous about being here.
The tinder dry paper caught up all at once with a loud ’poof‘. Gils jumped back in surprise and slid on something. Vomit, probably Maxical’s…and another piece of Lord Lovidicus.
A thin trail of blood wound across the balcony and disappeared in a darkened alcove. Gils followed it, not even sure why he did. He hesitated at the yawning mouth of blackness before extending his handful of candles into it.
With a shouted curse Gils jumped back, falling backwards over a wooden chest on the floor. He scrambled up and shot across the balcony toward the fire, stumbling several times in his headlong charge. Gils pushed his back against the corner of the wall behind the roaring fire and doubled over, retching and heaving as if to vomit but none came.
The horror of that sight felt etched into him, he may never be free of that memory…the demented face of Lord Lovidicus…fangs like boar tusks curving out of that twisted mouth…his severed head piked on Aggie’s sword. Aggie had killed his own father. Not just killed him, tore him to pieces.
Dear gods, Maxical and Owyn were right. Aggie was insane! Gils fell back against the wall, feeling as if the floor rocked under him. He let Maxical spend time alone with Aggie…told her Aggie needed his protection…and he was capable of this? Oh dear gods what had he done?
Flames began shooting up the side of one set of shelves across from him, catching it on fire. It illuminated that section of the vault, even the ceiling. As if drawn, Gils looked up. As far up as the eye could see on the walls…even on the ceiling in places…were sprays of blood.
With a shudder Gils realized what had been so strange about the pieces of Lord Lovidicus’s body…there was no blood around them, no blood except that one thin trail that led him to that horrible sight in the alcove…as if it were a path meant to be followed by someone. But who? Himself?
As soon as the thought hit, Gils knew beyond a doubt it was for himself that trail was left. But why? His sword.
Sparks from the fire were popping and crackling. Gils had to move to keep from being burned. Before he could take a step, a roaring sound came from the wall beside him. That whole row of bookcases was blazing now, the tinder dry books exploding and shooting sparks as they caught up. Flames roared across the corridor from both sides, completely blocking the exit. Gils hurried toward the other end of the balcony, looking for any exit that would help him escape the fire that was rapidly spreading toward him as furniture and wall hangings began catching fire.
The candles were gone, he must have dropped them. Gils was glancing around for a way off the balcony when the alcove caught his eye. Of their own volition his feet brought him to the edge of its once dark chasm, his arm stretched forward…reaching in for Aggie’s sword.
The blazing vault now lit the alcove, his hand was almost touching the blood crusted hilt…just inches from the leering face frozen in its death mask. Firelight flickered across the gleaming fangs and glittering eyes, giving the impression the severed head still lived.
What are you waiting for? Get the sword, it’s Aggies, he’ll want it back. Hurry before the fire spreads here…
Gils forced his hand down. What was he doing? The vault burning to the ground around him, he may be trapped in here…reaching to touch something that made his stomach churn…for Aggie! Why?
Aggie kept adding more secrets that had to be covered so people would think he was normal…Gils had given up his life without even knowing why, everything he cared about…gone. His music, family, love…there was nothing left. What now? Would Aggie kill him like he did his own parents? Gils’ father…
Unbidden memories of his own father’s death came, the green tint…the mortician had given him an odd look, Gils never knew why…till now. Had he been protecting his father’s killer all these years?
Just get the sword, you know you’re going to…just do it.
Gils hand drew closer to the hilt. Why was he doing this? He didn’t want to! Was it Aggie making him do it? It couldn’t be, he was in jail.
Maxical said the vampire disease was spread through the blood. The sword hilt was covered in it. Gils looked down at his hands, they were raw with scratches and cuts from feeling his way in the dark. He drew his hands back quickly.
Scenes flashed before his eyes…Aggie as a sickly baby who always seemed to be barely clinging to life…Gils had to come in off the road touring with his band to care for him. The parents said he was only healthy and happy when Gils was there…then they were both suddenly taken ill. Aggie couldn’t have been two years old then, an infant. Too young for manipulation, that couldn‘t have been an act. But if he inherited superhuman strength, wouldn’t he have had it then?
Gils was called in from a road trip again, told bullies were picking on Aggie for his blue coloring. Gils had to teach him to fight, protect himself. Yet…Gils remembered seeing Aggie barehanded at seven years old dismantling the shed because something he wanted was in it. He had the super strength even then…so why did Gils have to give up his music to train him? It was another one of those decisions he never would have made…but did.
Gils started to reach for the sword again. He wouldn’t do that. It had to be Aggie. Gils forced his hand back down.
The flames behind him suddenly roared and reflected in the glassy stare of Lord Lovidicus’s eyes. A loud crash sounded behind him and something smashed against his leg. Gils spun around. He was sealed into the alcove by a wall of flames.
The smell of the oil used in lamps filled the air and he heard a footfall. Behind the flames was the shape of a large man…Aggie.
“You’re right Gils, it’s me. Where’s that [censored] Maxical. She should be here with you.”
“We split up. Why should she be here?”
“Toss me that sword Gils, I need it.”
“It’s diseased, Aggie. It‘ll make you sick.”
“That’s my sword, Gils. Everyone looks for it when I fight in the Arena. You’re right there, won’t you get it for me big brother?” Aggie’s voice was wheedling, needling something in Gils.
And then Gils felt it, the pressure to do Aggie’s will…his arm reached toward the sword as if of its own volition.
Dear gods, it had been Aggie all along…some kind of mind control. Gils drew on every bit of willpower he had and fought against it.
***
“Our hands are cut, Aggie. We can’t touch that sword. I’ll buy you a new one when we get out of here.”
“No, I want that one. Your father gave that to me.”
“My father! You never told me that before…”
Gils felt like the floor rock under his feet. He had come home…from the yard he heard Aggie yelling, cursing Gils’ father. Gils ran to his fathers room…Aggie wanted the sword. His father was clutching it feebly in shaking hands, refusing to give it. He died later that night. Aggie produced that sword his first fight at the Arena and told Gils he bought it from Haki. Dear gods, Aggie really had killed Gils’ father…dear gods.
“I told you. He gave you the bow and me the sword. He told my mother too.”
“I can’t ask her now, can I?” Gils was gauging Aggie’s voice position to either aim a hit or plan an escape.
“No. Hurry Gils, I don’t want the sword to burn up in the fire.”
“Aggie, when you fight vampires you catch their disease…it’s spread by blood. You need to hurry to Anvil, go straight to the healer so they can cure you before you become like him.”
“Like…who…Gils?”
“Like Lord Lovidicus. You can’t help what he was Aggie. It’s not your fault.”
“I don’t trust you with my secrets anymore, Gils. You told that [censored] everything, now all Cyrodiil knows. She was supposed to be with you.”
“Why, you killing me?”
“Both of you. She‘ll get hers.”
“Then come get your sword yourself. I’m not touching it. It’ll burn with me.”
While Agronak roared curses, Gils looked around quickly. Everything was covered in blood, he dared not touch anything. The small dresser nestled in the alcove was beginning to burn. Gils slid the lowest drawer out using his toe…loincloths, but they’d have to do. He grabbed two, covering his hands with them and jerked the sword out of the severed head. He tucked his father’s sword behind the back of the drawer, then eased the drawer closed. Steeling himself, Gils picked up the severed head.
“I’m sorry Aggie. That was mean. Forgive me?”
Agronak’s curses gave away his location.
“Here, here’s the sword.” Gils threw the severed head of Lord Lovidicus at the last place he heard Aggie’s voice and then dove through the flames in the opposite direction.
Agronak’s roars echoed behind him as Gils shot to the end of the balcony. It dead-ended. Aggie was coming after him like a raging minotaur. Gils leaped over the railing and hung on by one hand…it was a long drop.
Agronak’s fist smashed down on Gils hand. With a strangled bellow of pain Gils‘ crushed hand slipped off the railing and he felt himself falling. He landed with an involuntary scream as both ankles shattered. Maxical’s ring could not be pumped, his finger was nearly severed.
He had to get out of here. Biting back any cries of pain Gils crawled on his knees and elbows, his feet dragging limply behind him.
He pulled himself through the door to the vault and pushed it shut behind him. Aggie had the key. With his one good hand Gils jerked his pack open and grabbed the first thing his hand fell on, a pair of steel greaves. With all his strength he wedged them tightly under the door. Gils cried out as his crushed hand bumped against the pack when he pulled it back on.
The first breath of night air in his lungs as he crawled out the door was the first hope Gils had that he may survive this. Aggie would go straight to Anvil looking for him. Gils had seen some white structures to the south, but there was a sheer cliff there. He tried to see in the dark which area of the hillside was cliffs and which was sloped. The west seemed the only way that wasn‘t a sheer drop. Gils threw himself into a roll down the slope.
Suddenly he was freefalling through the air. He landed with a huge splash and water covered over him before he could get his breath.
His pack was still full of armor to sell, sinking him like a stone to the bottom. Gils struggled to swim but the weight of the pack held him at the bottom. His air was gone.
He pulled his dagger from its sheath and cut the straps of the pack, feeling relief as it fell from him. He still couldn’t push off the bottom to reach the surface, not with the shattered ankles. One foot hurt less, he had to take the chance. Gritting his teeth, Gils tried to push off the bottom. Pain shot through him causing his mouth to open in a yell involuntarily. He began choking as water flooded into his lungs. The dagger slipped from his hands and sank to the bottom as he fought with flailing arms to reach the surface. Each choke brought another flood of water into his lungs.
What looked like stars from the night sky swirled in front of him, creating a tunnel of light in the dark void that had taken over Gils’ vision.
*
I'm not going to comment on Gil's fate just yet.
But it is nice to see my suspicions about Gil's relationship with Agronak finally being revealed as the sick psychological manipulation it has been all along. Classic vampire trick, if all those old Christopher Lee movies are to be believed.
I'll sit back and wait to see what unfolds next . . .
But it is nice to see my suspicions about Gil's relationship with Agronak finally being revealed as the sick psychological manipulation it has been all along. Classic vampire trick, if all those old Christopher Lee movies are to be believed.
I'll sit back and wait to see what unfolds next . . .
Wow!
First, you do the impossible . . . imparting a genuine menace into a character called 'Aggie' throughout the chapter!
Then you leave us with a (AAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHH) cliffhanger! I knew that there was something hinky about Aggie's hold over Gils! Now I have to wait to find out more!
One question though: Wouldn't Gils recognize his father's sword in Agronak's hands for all these years? Or is that another aspect of Agronak's hold over him?
First, you do the impossible . . . imparting a genuine menace into a character called 'Aggie' throughout the chapter!
Then you leave us with a (AAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHH) cliffhanger! I knew that there was something hinky about Aggie's hold over Gils! Now I have to wait to find out more!
One question though: Wouldn't Gils recognize his father's sword in Agronak's hands for all these years? Or is that another aspect of Agronak's hold over him?
Oh my...
Can't wait for the rest. Was Aggie's hold on Gils so strong, Gils didn't even realise it was his father's blade?
Wow! Just...... wow.
Can't wait for the rest. Was Aggie's hold on Gils so strong, Gils didn't even realise it was his father's blade?
Wow! Just...... wow.
This was another pulse-pounding chapter, and one in which Gils goes a long way toward redemption.
Like haute, I had suspected some sort of mind-control as the reason Gils was unable to make the break with his "friend."
In Agronak, you have created an incredibly complex, dangerous, and despicable character. Even so, his evil is not two-dimensional (see "complex" above).
I shall wait impatiently to discover what ultimately happens to Gils; I have watched too many programs to believe anyone is really dead until we see the body. (And sometimes, not even then!)
Great work, mALX!
Like haute, I had suspected some sort of mind-control as the reason Gils was unable to make the break with his "friend."
In Agronak, you have created an incredibly complex, dangerous, and despicable character. Even so, his evil is not two-dimensional (see "complex" above).
I shall wait impatiently to discover what ultimately happens to Gils; I have watched too many programs to believe anyone is really dead until we see the body. (And sometimes, not even then!)
Great work, mALX!
QUOTE(treydog @ Oct 1 2010, 08:24 AM)
I have watched too many programs to believe anyone is really dead until we see the body. (And sometimes, not even then!)
Most notably soap operas!
QUOTE(haute ecole rider @ Oct 1 2010, 09:59 AM)
QUOTE(treydog @ Oct 1 2010, 08:24 AM)
I have watched too many programs to believe anyone is really dead until we see the body. (And sometimes, not even then!)
Most notably soap operas!
Then again...I did kill Maxical in the last story !!!! - oh wait, then I brought her back to life... Er... Never mind.
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