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

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

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

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

A lovely natural flow.

That whole section Ureni quoted was my favorite part too!

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

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


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

A clipboard?!


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

So they did drag those monkeys all the way from Akavir! I guess it never occurred to them that they might be members of the Po�Tun, and thus easily as intelligent and civilized as the Bosmer, the Khajiit, or even the humans of Cyrodiil! I wonder how they were able to circumvent the Empire�s law against slavery. Maybe it just doesn�t apply to Akaviri.

It is good to see our kitty reunited with Alix and S�Jirra. As for Fathis� conspicuous absence, I wouldn�t put it past S�Jirra to have insisted on privacy for their interrogation reunion.

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

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

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

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

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

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



ROFL !!!!!!

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

Hooray for Alix! And even for S�Jirra, with all her transparent attempts to be sneaky. You can�t help but love her because her heart is in the right place. Reminds me of a passage from a book where the narrator is explaining how his mom was able to act clueless in a really intelligent way. She had argued with his dad that the narrator needed a new rain-coat. Dad said they couldn�t afford it; the old one would have to do. Mom ironed the old rain-coat.

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

*


@ Treydog - Thank you so much Treydog !!!



SPEW !!!! ROFL !!!!!


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



Chapter 72: Alix And S’Jirra


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

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

“Huh?” S’Jirra visibly paled.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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






***


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

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

“Maxical…” Alix began an obviously prepared speech.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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






***


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

“Ka…uh…” Alix mumbled.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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






***


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“What?”

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

“BWAAAAAAA” S’Jirra got louder.

“In exchange for what?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alix shook his head without speaking and left.






***


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

“I’ll go with you.”

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

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

“It has to do with me?”

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

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

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

“Do I know him?“

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

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

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

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

“Get Hassiri.”

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


**

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

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

=> => =>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

@ Ureniashtram - SPEW !!!


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

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

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

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



ROFL !!! You may be right !!!

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

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

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

*


Chapter 73: Of Powers And Spells





******* Vicente


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

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

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

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









******* Janus


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

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

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

“Fifty Septims?”

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

“His was green…”

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

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

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

“You said fifty.”

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

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

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






***


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“You. Go to the bedroom.”

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

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

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

“That bedroom over there.” Janus pointed.

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

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

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

“Yes sir.”






***


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

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

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

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

“Yes sir.”

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

“Er…what are you going to do to me?”

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

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

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






***


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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






***


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

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

“Another freak!” Signy’s lip curled.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“You know…everything?”

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

Janus flushed red.

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

“Thank you, Jak. How did you get in?”

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

“You were…that owl?”

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

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

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

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

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


**

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

Huh? Signy Home-Wrecker? Fafnir?

This made me do a double take:

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

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

Gee. . . ya think?

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

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

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

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

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

(with a solemn face)

Yes. Jak is sucking you...
















... in.

Good chapter, Malx

I thought the description of Janus discovering his powers was excellent. I also thought that including the buxom Signy Home-Wrecker was inspired; it looks like Faustina Cartia may not have been the mastermind behind the Sirens. I loved the conversation between Janus and Signy, and I will just assume that Jak is hedging his bet by sidling closer to the stronger vampire.

I do have one small issue with your treatment of vampirism. I know that in the game a vampire who has recently fed can survive in direct sunlight without too much trouble. But Janus, having never fed, can do it due to the simple expedience of finding some shade. By that logic it stands to reason that any vampire can walk through daylight with impunity as long as he/she is willing to carry along an umbrella! That takes a bit of the �curse� off of vampirism doesn�t it?

Oh- you meant his cowl was green. For a moment there I thought� never mind.

And we discover how Signy arrived in Anvil. I enjoy the way you portray Janus� unyielding, archaic sense of privilege and propriety.

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



And the wheels continue to turn with Maxical at the center.

@ Foxy - ROFL !!!! Your poem made me HOWL, (as did your later comment, lol.) You ROCK!! Thank you so much Foxy!!!

***
@ Naughty Haute - ROFL !!! Great comparison to The Rodney!!! Thank you so much Haute !!

***
@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian!! I appreciate hearing you say that! Oh, I could see Signy getting into it with that healer in Anvil!!! ROFL !!!!

***
@ Zalphon - Thank you so much Zalphon !!!!

***
@ Destri - Thank you so very much Destri! I was worried about that scene, it means a lot to me that you thought it was done well !!!

On the vampire issue - that may explain why the one time I played a vampire I died constantly. The WIKI says the sun damage is reduced by shade, cover, and cloudy skies - it still occurs, but at a much lesser rate. I could have made him only come out for the evening hours, I guess.

Janus (being immortal) doesn't have to eat regular food or sleep to survive. He drinks wine because he likes it, (I've never written a scene where he is eating anything).

In order to keep from re-writing the two chapters (and losing all the comedy of his role in the Imperial City) I will give this vid as my inspiration. (see below)

It is clearly Janus Hassildor as a full vampire walking around in BRAVIL. His face gets red, so he is taking sun damage, but it does not kill him because he is immortal. This vid actually is what got me interested in using Janus in my story. It seems he has a bug that causes him to roam Cyrodiil. He has made sudden appearances in caves while you are clearing them, etc.

I hope this makes up for my not rewriting those two chapters, if not - let me know and I will work on them. (Lol, but serious). :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxmhFIGTplE

***
@ Treydog - SPEW !!! EW, green! EW !!! Thank you so much for your kind words on Janus's portrayal Treydog!!!! That is a huge compliment coming from you !!!! (When I first saw it I thought it was a reference from Dominick Dunne - Power, privilege, and justice - Lol !!!) You ROCK !!!!

No worries, mALX. It's not a deal breaker or anything. It's just something that I noticed, but it doesn't take away from the overall quality of your last chapter. Forget I brought it up.

The footage of Janus in Bravil is hysterical!

Awesome writing mALX!!

It was such a great idea to have the vampires all swirling around each other while they try to become the suitor of Maxical. The image of an albino kitty standing at the center of all this male madness is so cool!

I guess that is why they put the 'man' in the word manipulable!!

@ Destri - WHEW!!! I did not want to have to rewrite that, lol. WHEW !!!!!!! Thank you so much Destri - I love that vid too. I've got one of Lucien Lachance dancing down the street that gets me into hysterics every time I watch it, lol.

***
@ Winter Wolf - I don't know if I'd use the word "suitor" - maybe "drainer" or "drinker of blood-er" - ROFL !!!! Thank you so much Winter Wolf !!!!!

*


Chapter 74: Staging For Disaster



“Hassiri, this clipboard is for you. I just wanted to thank you for everything you‘ve done for me.” I signaled him that the promised exclusive was on.

Owyn was waiting and primed Hassiri on the way to the suite. Hannibal had the door to the suite propped open and popped his head out as we neared.

“Hannibal, will any of these be people I caused to wet their beds, stuck with arrows, hit with spells, or loosed Daedra on? Just curious.”

“Yes to all of the above. You‘ll recognize them when you see them.” Hannibal grinned.

From somewhere in the room I heard, “She doesn’t have a bow in her hands, does she?” Then eight of my former classmates surged out the door.

In the months since graduation the boys I’d gone to school with had turned into men. I wondered if I had changed that much too, or if maybe it was just the time apart that made them seem older.

In the room there was hardly any place to stand. Jack, Owyn, Hannibal, Wes, Gils, Hassiri, myself, and an eight member band were all squeezed into the suite. There were trays of food and arrays of drink everywhere. Everyone was talking at once, it was almost impossible to distinguish one conversation from another, or who the speaker was. Through the crowd I saw Gils’ eyes seeking mine...asking if I’d told Fathis.

I moved my arm and one of them yelled, “Duck!” as if I was about to cast a spell.

“We saw you fight in the Arena, it was good to see you with a weapon you could actually use.”

“Yeah, if you had pulled a bow or magic we would have left.”

“We thought of you right away when the Arena blew up.”

“Er…actually, that was me that did that.” My cheeks flushed red.

“I knew it! Didn’t I tell you? Man, you owe me twenty Septims!”






***


After that it seemed everyone was talking at once. The room buzzed with jumbled snatches of conversations.

“I remember you and Todd used to sing all the time while you practiced casting, is that what you’ll be doing for the show?”

“Not exactly, but that’s how we came up with the idea to do it. We wanted our band to stand out from the rest.” Josey answered.

“Josey, how has your stomach been? Did Hannibal’s surgery really help? Can you still do all those voices?”

He nodded.

“Oh, do the imitation of Wes, that’s my favorite!”

He cupped his hands over his mouth. “Ladies and Gentlemen, your attention please! Welcome to the show!” His voice filled the room, echoing just like Wes’s does at the Arena.

Wes was talking to Jack on the other side of the room. His head jerked around at Josey‘s voice. His eyes lit, and he imitated Josey’s call.

Josey cupped his hands again. “Lower the gates!”

Wes imitated him from across the room.

“That would be great on stage.” Josey said, waving Wes over.

Gils moved beside me. “He sounded just like Wes saying, ‘Lower the gates’.”

“I know. I never knew who he was imitating till I came to the Arena. Josey used to do that voice from the back of the classroom and say he was a Daedric Lord coming for Irlav Jarol. I swear Jarol nearly wet himself in fear.”

Josey heard me and mouthed into his cupped hands, “Irlav Jarol. This is Lord Dagon. Prepare, I am coming for you. You must return with me to the planes of Oblivion.”

“So that was the voices he was hearing!” Hannibal said, stunned. “I thought…” He glanced at me.

“Oh! So you just assumed if any student misbehaved it must be me? No wonder Josey got away with his ill deeds, you probably wrote Alix that I did them all!”

Hannibal roared laughing. “I did!” Everyone laughed at that, even Jack.






***


Jack nabbed Hassiri and filled him in on the contract they were signing with the band, and that there was going to be a special announcement when the band played the festival that Hassiri would be the only one in on beforehand.

Only months out of college the boys got their first contract; working the Arena one year for a cut of the Box Office receipts. Hannibal vowed to provide extra spell casters for special events.

Hassiri witnessed the contract being signed and interviewed Jack and the band. Then Jack signaled Owyn to give Hassiri the exclusive. I glanced at Gils and he moved alongside me to walk to the bedroom. His hand slipped into mine for a split second, shooting what felt like lightning tingling up my arm. My cheeks flushed pink. Gils was watching my expression…he knew.

Owyn, Hassiri, Gils, and myself all went into one of the bedrooms with Owyn’s satchel and lay it on the bed to open it. Hassiri was rocked almost off his feet by the exclusive about the cage match. He looked over all the billboards, exclaiming excitedly at each.

“This is huge!” He was taking notes rapidly when a thought struck me.

“Hassiri, I was wondering how much it would cost if we made up a program for the people in the stands to hold in their hands, so they can call out the moves. If Gils could draw up miniatures of these moves all on one sheet about the size of that parchment, we could sell them at the newsstands before the match, and at the concessions the night of the event. If you can get a figure up, can you bring it to Jack?”

Owyn popped his head out the door and signaled Jack. Gils began making one, flipping through the billboards and sketching quickly.

Hassiri raised his eyebrows at Gils drawings. “Did you do these billboards yourself Gils?”

Gils nodded, continuing to sketch rapidly. Hassiri scribbled something in his pad.

“If you ever like to make some Septims on the side, the Courier could use you every now and then to do a quick drawing of certain events. Let me know if you are interested, it would pay this per job.”

Gils looked up stunned and Hassiri rubbed his fingers together. Gils gave him a brief nod, his eyes gleaming with interest. He went back to sketching quickly.






***


Jack, Gils, and Hassiri got off on one side talking, and soon Jack was pulling contracts out of his satchel and sitting down with Hassiri to sign them.

“Hassiri, who beat me to getting you one of those jeweled clipboards? Drat, now I’ll have to find something else, I thought that was a perfect gift idea.” Jack inspected the board. “This is really nice.”

Hassiri looked at me and I made my tail into a question mark.

“I don’t reveal ladies names that give me expensive gifts.” Hassiri grinned and winked at me. Everyone laughed.

“When Hassiri heard about all the rings Hannibal enchanted for me he said…you tell them Hassiri.”

“I said, that Arch Mage Traven is quite an enchanting man.”

Even Jack roared at that.

“Can you have this on the newsstands first thing in the morning, Hassiri? Gils and Maxical will be posting these billboards tonight all over town after the music festival so when people wake up in the morning they will see them everywhere. Do you think the Courier would mind a billboard in their window?” Owyn palmed Hassiri a good sized Septim note in with several passes to the managers box for the Cage Match.

Before Hassiri left the band sang an old Khajiit song from Elsweyr for him and Gils joined in.

Hassiri raised his eyebrows. “Gils, before I leave can I have a few words with you?” He raised his new clipboard up. “This will come out after the exclusive, but before the event.”






***


After Hassiri left I signaled Gils, ducking into the bedroom where Owyn was gathering up the billboards and putting them in the satchel. I pulled the gold chain from my pocket and gave it to him.

“It’s to hold the gag ring if you want, or I can ask Hannibal to enchant it with something for you.”

“Aw geez, you’re not giving him more jewelry are you? You didn’t think it enough to give him that ring?” Owyn snorted.

“I did it after the press was gone, and in private so I wouldn’t ruin his reputation.” I winked at Owyn.

“Ruin it? If it gets out he’ll have every woman in Cyrodiil after him, thinking he’s some super stud.”

“And they’d be right.” Gils said, pushing Owyn out the door and shutting it.

He turned to me, his eyes glowing. “I saw how it made you feel when I touched your hand, Maxical…no more truces?“

“He wasn’t there to tell, but I told my parents. They’re moving out of his suite. We better get back before our absence is noted.” I turned my face from his so he couldn‘t read my eyes.

“I don’t care about any of that…and you’re too late, I already saw what was in your eyes. No more truces, Maxical?“

“No more truces, Gils.”

Gils locked the door and pulled me into his arms. I felt a moan of weakness in my throat and responded to his kiss with the hunger of weeks spent apart since that Anvil fiasco. Dear gods I have missed him.

“I’ve got to go.” I pulled away and ducked out.

I don’t understand why Fathis even wants to marry me, or why he wasn’t here when he knew I was coming. But I am facing a deadline that is counting down, there is no time left to waste. Three years of love, or three years of a false front…I choose love.

Gils came out after a while wearing the necklace. Owyn rolled his eyes and shook his head.


*

What great fun seeing all of Maxical's school chums and reviewing her pranks. It felt like quite the reunion. (Can you guess which one is Maxical?)

Yes, don't give that girl a bow!

So, it seems our confused kitty is purring up more and more to Gils. Like her school chums, I'm a little arrow/spell shy to fully embrace that she has really chosen Gils. I will wait.

"I don�t understand why Fathis even wants to marry me, or why he wasn�t here when he knew I was coming."
Oh my, dear mALX. . . I shudder to think what fun friend Foxy will have with this!

Levity aside, Maxical is being forced to grow up. The impact of knowing she will be called to serve Akatosh in three years is growing, showing and dawning on her. Nicely done, mALX.

That was certainly a whirlwind of activity to reach the profound truth of the last section. So Maxical will choose love over obligation after all? Up to the moment she voiced that sentiment, I still wasn�t sure which way she would go. I hope she realizes the position that places both Gils and Fathis, especially given that the latter�s lack of ardor stems from circumstance beyond his control. Knowing how mercurial our lovable khajiit can be, I wonder how that will influence her feelings if and when she ever finds out.

I can this going this way:
Fathis: What? It's on now!!
Gils:

@ Acadian - I already PM'd you how much I loved the joke on your comment, lol. Thank you so much Acadian !!

***
@ Destri - Thank you so much Destri !! Yeah, Fathis is quite reluctant to let that info out, could it be because she rode the Orc so hard for his 'problems' there? Lol.

***
@ Remko - It is so good to see you on the forum!! Yeah !!! I won't bug you too hard about another Rales, lol. Thank you so much Remko - and I fully believe you could be right, lol.

*


Chapter 75: Scenes At The Merchants



Owyn sent me to spend more time with Alix and S’Jirra till he was ready for me to rehearse with the band. Hannibal caught up to me as I was walking out the door.

“Hannibal…something I need to ask you. I know Fathis is your friend…so I’m hoping you can forget that for a minute and give me a clinical answer. Alix and S’Jirra said they came back here a few days ago. Is there any logical reason that Fathis wouldn’t have told me they were here when I saw him every day since they arrived? Because I can’t think of a single good explanation for that.”

“He didn’t tell you? They returned to the city early the same day you incited the wild beasts in Weye.”

“Incited! They thought I was dinner! But I wouldn’t have even been there had I known my parents were here. He never said a word. I could have been with them instead of meeting the Emperor. I know I’m not the brightest...but I can‘t imagine any reason for him doing that.”

“Maxical, the last four or five days something has been bothering him. He‘s not been himself, remote and distant…maybe that’s what caused the lapse. He’s obviously dealing with a problem.”

“And maybe I am the problem that’s bothering him. He knew I was coming here today, yet took off for the music festival before I got here.”

“It wasn’t due to open for hours when you arrived!”

“I know. But he was gone, and that was the excuse S‘Jirra gave for his absence.”

Hannibal glanced quickly at me. “I’m sure it’s not what it appears…oh Maxical; you’re not going to break it off with him, are you? You don‘t want to do that…”

I nodded. “I am. I’ll reimburse him for everything he spent on me since I left the Arcane somehow if it takes my lifetime. I know he paid for my damage to the Arena.”

”Yes, and all the new raiment, and quite a bit out for this chain on Agronak. He was willing to pay anything to get even with the Orc for hurting your shoulder. You should have seen him when he found out, Maxical. He really does love you.”

“I know he does. I feel the guilt of what I’m doing, it‘s killing me to do this to him. He’s been nothing but good to me. Did he tell you that in three years I have to turn myself in to the Emperor’s service?”

Hannibal nodded. “I hate to see you do this, Maxical. What you think is Fathis’s issue with you…it can’t be. I’ve known him all my life, that isn’t what is going on. I don‘t know what is, but it is not because you‘re Khajiit.“






***


“Hannibal, everything was abstract before I graduated. Now it’s in his face, and he obviously is not ready for it. I have three years before I have to turn myself in. I live in the Bloodworks, and Fathis and my relationship is almost strictly platonic. I don‘t believe he has any intentions of these things changing. Am I to die without ever experiencing life? Maybe he and I were meant to just be friends…and I hope we will remain friends.”

“Do you know what your service will be yet?”

“No, but this is Akatosh. It won’t be repairing the roads of Cyrodiil. What do you think it will be?”

“I looked into it as soon as Fathis told me what happened. Akatosh is ‘The Dragon of Time’. He represents endurance, invincibility, and everlasting legitimacy. He is the promise of stability and permanence. Stability…the lack of stability could mean a war is imminent, you could be called to battle. I’ve been trying to get information from the other provinces to see if any are at war.”

“Invincibility! He sure picked the wrong helper in me there, my healing disorder makes me a sitting duck.”

“I know. I…took the liberty of bringing it to the attention of the Emperor. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Mind, I could kiss you! It didn’t help?”

“No. He plans to make you an initiate knight in the Order of the Hour…they are given the gift of healing others, the ‘Benevolence of Mara’. You would still not be able to heal yourself, only others. Each knight has to go to another member for healing. Knowing they must rely on the other knight’s presence for survival creates a bond of necessity in battle. They keep in mind at all times that their other members must survive for their own survival.”

“Oh dear gods, Hannibal…my aim…did you tell him?”

“I brought the medical tome with me, went over your disorder…detailed every weakness or inability. Instead of deciding to replace you, he is using it as a guideline in how to prepare and protect you, special armor and the like.”

“He better put special armor on my allies instead, they will be the ones in danger.”

Before we entered Fathis’s suite I reached out and took Hannibal’s hand. “I’m sorry Hannibal. I know he is your best friend. I hope this won’t hurt the friendship between you and I…but I’ll understand if it does.”

“I don‘t blame you, Maxical. Not with this hanging over your head. I just…always thought to see the two of you together.”

“Me too, Hannibal. Me too.”






***


Alix was back, I crawled into his lap and pulled his arms tight around me, giving me a full frontal view of Hannibal looking like he wanted to explode on someone.

“What happened?” I bumped Alix with my elbow.

“He turned me down.”

“Fathis disturbed Uriel’s sleep last night to offer himself, he was denied as well. Uriel sent for her student record. I brought it to him personally, and brought my medical tome as well. I went thoroughly over Maxical’s disorder and how it would put her at risk…he wouldn’t budge.”

“Thank you, Hannibal. I appreciate that you thought to do that.” Alix’s voice sounded strained.

“Maxical said he has been plagued with nightmares of her.” S’Jirra handed Hannibal a glass of wine.

“If he thinks she’s giving him nightmares now, just wait till she is fighting at his side. He was overly impressed by her grades at the Arcane. I tried to explain to him that she is no mage, he just kept pointing to the grades and the fact she graduated from the Arcane. I’d hate for him to find out the hard way.” Hannibal smiled at me to take the sting out of his words.

“Am I crushing you yet, Alix?”

“Come here you. I’ve missed you crushing me.” Alix squeezed me nearly to death, but he took the hint and changed the subject. “Hannibal, tell us about this band you’re sponsoring.”

“Their music is modern. They all mastered in illusion or destruction. They can make it look like a storm with lightning, or fire balls in patterns, it is an amazing show.”

“So when am I going to be told what is going on?” Alix asked, poking me in the side. Hannibal sat up intrigued.

“Not a word of this can get out before it’s formally announced at the music festival today, or Owyn will kill me. Hannibal’s band is being given a special song written by Salomon Geonette. Every time a Blue team member steps into the chute they will play it. We’ve all got beautiful new raiment and are changing our names to ‘Blue Thunder’.”

“Fathis bought those. He thought of the name, chose the colors…everything.” Hannibal glanced at me apologetically.

“I know. I’ll be reimbursing him for all that…as best I can.“

Hannibal’s eyes were on me when I glanced up. He made a little gesture I took as one of comfort.

“At their debut today they will be announcing their year long contract with the Arena, and a special event that I will be dead for telling anyone about.” I hesitated and watched Hannibal sit up excitedly. “A cage match. I can’t say anymore.”

I got dumped to the floor when Alix leaped up. Hannibal and Alix were like two baboons frolicking and hooting.









******* Janus


For all his talk of friendship and supposed good intentions, Jak was clearly still interested in Maxical’s blood. He had seemed almost angry that Janus was not allowing his vampire to emerge and protect her from Vicente; obviously because he wanted her himself.

Janus couldn’t bring himself to walk around with the vampire out. His appearance even now made him subject to Uriel’s law if spotted. Releasing the vampire; having no control over his own actions…that would almost guarantee exposure.

The possibility crossed Janus’s mind that Jak’s urging him to let the vampire out could have hidden motives and agenda. What better way to get rid of an Immortal than to have him thrown in a dungeon for eternity?

Jak had saved his neck with the prostitute and assassin, but could he be trusted? The man was a legendary con before becoming a vampire. He exuded charm, and was extremely…likable. Knowing Jak had suspect motives…it was hard to believe anything he said. Regardless of whether Jak was a friend, it was sure his vampire nature could not be trusted.

Janus hurried to the Merchants, honing his senses in on Maxical as he ran. All thoughts of Vicente were ripped from his mind by what he learned. Maxical was breaking with Fathis…for Gils? When the hell did she get back together with him? Drat! That was the last thing Janus wanted, would nothing work out right on this trip?

He’d removed the spells from Fathis that morning, obviously too late. They’d been on too long, she’d turned to Gils for the romance Fathis wasn’t providing…and Janus had no spell on Gils to keep his sword inactive.






***


Darting up the alley next to the Merchants, Janus found the only shade available was in pressing himself against the wall nearest the street where the eaves blocked the sunlight. His spell for Chameleon wore off unnoticed by him as he listened fuming to what was going on inside.

She and Gils were making out heavily…dear gods, Janus could feel the passion of it through her thoughts. The way it sounded Gils was about to take it from her with Janus standing here listening!

“Aaaaaaah“ Janus let out a loud sigh of relief. Maxical had pulled away and left the room.

At the sound, a girl passing on the street turned and stared, gaping at Janus in his cowl and heavy cloak pressed against the side of the Merchants.

“Disgusting pervert!”

Janus scowled under his cowl. These Imperial City women got on his nerves. So he wore a cowl and heavy cloak in the hot sunshine, was that reason to assume he was vile?

Everything was falling apart, all his careful plans. Maxical’s conversation with Traven came as a shock. Alix and S’Jirra were her parents? Good gods, if he had known that he would have had Fathis tell her of their presence! Their chaperonage would have ensured Fathis did naught with her, Janus could have removed the spell days ago…and she wouldn‘t be breaking from him now. Drat!

Worse, Traven had noticed differences in Fathis. He may be suspicious that Fathis was under a spell. He shouldn’t have tried to manage Fathis so fully while in town…another mistake…hopefully rectified by the removal of those spells.

The powerful emanations of an ancient were coming from inside the hotel itself…Vicente. What more could go wrong? He’d never find a bride babysitting this Khajiit constantly, she had to be taken right away. That would give him one day without this stupid cowl.


*

I am still one chapter behind, but did not want you to think I was not reading (and loving) this story.

Love the reactions of her college classmates as they tease Maxical about her aim and spell-casting ability. \
Especially funny was the bet over who blew up the Arena.

The clock ticking in the background is a good explanation for why Maxical feels so driven- although young people always seem to think that way�

Great addition to the story- it will be interesting to see what happens next.

The noose continues to tighten within the Imperial City.

No dumb kitty here!

I like your take on the Order of the Hour.

Really? The Arch Mage of the Guild of Mages and a retired Swordmaster? Frolicking? Hooting? Baboons?

Here, Janus sounds just like Maxical, stealing one of her signature lines.

@ Treydog - Thank you so much Treydog!!! I cut each chapter size down to accomodate the slower forum lately; hope that helps some in catch-up reading. [bait warning] Chapter 75 has some Alix & S'Jirra in it, lol.

***
@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian !!! Frolicking and hooting? I have seen lawyers and judges in Knoxville do that when the Vols score a touchdown - no one is too mature when it comes to sports !!!! ROFL !!!! Thank you again, Acadian !!!

Of course those judges and lawyers are not hooting over the prospect of their daughters being involved in a cage match to the death! (I think )

Uh, yeah?

Is that the esteemed Arch-Mage himself offering to replace the young Khajiit responsible for the manure-in-the-Arch-Mage�s-quarters incident? Amazing what �wicked imps in the eyes� can do to a man!

A small nit:

You might want to look at this sentence. I don�t think that it is Alix and S�Jirra that need to be ready for Maxical to start rehearsing. If it is Owyn then you need to change �they were� to �he was�. Otherwise, you need to establish who �they� are.

They don't have any idea who will be in the cage yet. She gave no details to anyone - just that a cage match would be held.

In itself, being in a cage would be no more dangerous than any Arena match, they are all "to the death" - it is the odds Owyn set up that make this one dangerous, and Alix doesn't have this info yet.

I imagine Alix won't like the odds of 20 vs 2 at all.




Hannibal would never offer to replace her! No way! That is not in his character at all!

He just brought her grades from the Arcane (because Uriel sent for them) and brought along that medical tome that tells about her disease - He hoped to talk Uriel out of using her, but would never offer to stand in her stead.

If that impression is what is coming across, let me know and I will re-word it. That is not what I meant to come across to the reader at all.



** fixed the nit! - Thank you !!!


*** Thank you so very much Destri!!!



*

Good to see Maxical trying to be fair and asking Hannibal for his opinion. Even though she is hurt and confused, she has the wisdom to seek the truth.



And the whole discussion of how the Emperor plans to use Maxical�s� talents was quite interesting, especially the Knights of the Hour.

Despite his less-comic portrayal here, I still love watching Janus bumble along in a setting he does not understand.



"I am not a monster! Oh, wait. Yes I am, actually. Right then, carry on."

Just re-read the last chapter. That opening sentence reads much better now. And Hannibal offering to replace Maxical was a mistake that I made reading it the first time. You have me spinning through so many different turns of events that I got confused as to who was doing what (or who). In the scene where Alix returns after being turned down by the Emperor you have Alix and Hannibal discussing the fact that Fathis had also been turned down. For some reason I read that to mean Hannibal. My apologies.

@ Treydog - Thank you so very much Treydog!!!



SPEW !!!! ROFL !!! There goes my keyboard and monitor!!!

***
@ Destri - I agree with you on the opening sentence, that does read better - Thank you !!!!!

(WHEW!!!! - GAAAAH!!!! I really didn't want to re-write that!!!)

Thank you so much Destri !!!!

*


Chapter 76: The Promotion



******* Alix


Alix nabbed Hannibal and signaled him to step out in the corridor, calling over his shoulder as they slid out the door. “I’m going to walk Hannibal to his suite, S’Jirra. I’ll be right back.”

When the door closed behind him Alix stopped Hannibal. “If you don’t mind, can you give me an accounting of damages at the Arcane that Maxical caused? I’ll reimburse Fathis if it takes the rest of my lifetime.”

“I’ll get that for you. Alix, do you know where Fathis was today? When did he leave?”

“I don’t know, Hannibal. He never said anything about leaving last night, and I never heard him go.”

“Have you noticed him acting…different these last few days? Maxical said he never told her you were in town.”

“You mean like distant? Not really zombie-like, but if I didn’t know better…I’d swear he was under a spell, waiting orders if you know what I mean.“

“That’s what I’m talking about. Something is going on.”

“I agree. Since when is Fathis not…er…active? He’s not touched Maxical. You‘ve known him longer than I have. I hate this Hannibal, I know he’s your friend. I’m bringing S’Jirra home, we can’t stay in his suite under the circumstances. I’ll be back for the cage match if Fathis wants to talk to me. Do you know when it will be?“

“No, but they closeted themselves in a bedroom with Hassiri. It’ll be in the Courier tomorrow, probably.” Hannibal clasped Alix’s hand. “I’m sorry about all this, Alix. I don’t know what to say.”









******* Maxical


“I like the colors in these new raiment. Great new name, too…Blue Thunder.” Gils stripped down and held the new raiment up, admiring it.

“They do look nice, but since I have to pay for them all…I don’t like them much.” I turned it around twice. “How do you get into these?”

“They’re easier than the old ones, look. See that latch? Undo that.”

“Oh. That is easier.” I pulled it on. “On these rings I’m giving out, do you think we should try to get women coming too? If we’re getting a share of the Box receipts, I want that place so crowded no one can move. Getting women to come will guarantee us a good take. You and the band could give them out to women; it would go much quicker that way, too.”

“I was thinking the same thing. With your Golden Armor fund and both of our percentages it will give Fathis a good portion toward what you owe him.”

“You have to tease with the women, and look them in the eye as you slide the ring on their finger so the laugh hits them as a surprise.”

“Good idea. That will keep the people behind them from knowing what everyone’s laughing about till they get their ring.“

“Is my raiment on right?”

“Let me see…you missed a latch, I’ll get it for you.”

“Here comes the band.”

“Josey is really smart. The idea for the magic show…this band will really stand out amongst the others. With their sound they are an easy shoo-in to win.”

“Look, there’s Hassiri.” I glanced at Gils, he looked tense. “What’s wrong?”

“Did you ever get the feeling of being watched?”

“You should be used to that, all your concerts plus the Arena.”

“That’s not what I meant. Come on, it’s time to go on.” Gils took my hand and squeezed it, his palms were sweating.

“What’s wrong Gils?”

“I get the feeling a Dunmer will be for taking my life tonight while I‘m concentrating on the crowds.”

“He’s not an assassin, Gils. He won’t put a knife in your back, if that’s what you’re thinking. Er…he might challenge you after I break with him, though.”






***


Wes’s booming voice floated over the noise of the crowds. I craned my head out of the tent in time to see him coming through, turning left and right shaking hands as he walked. The band was all set up and waiting on stage. Owyn waved Gils and I to get behind him while Wes vaulted onto the stage. He is amazingly agile.

Josey cupped his mouth like he had earlier and called out, “Ladies and Gentlemen, bring your attention please!”

Wes stood on the other side of the stage from him. He looked over at Josey and then in his big booming voice repeated after him.

BOOM! Paul and Eric made a synchronized pound on the kettle drum at the same time the band made fireballs fly straight up into the air. The crowds shrieked and surged toward the stage.

Josey cupped his hands again. “Welcome to the show ladies and gentlemen!”

Wes glanced over, then echoed him again. BOOM! The kettle drums, this time they crisscrossed the fireballs in patterns. The crowd went wild screaming, and people began running over from the other side of the Arboretum.

Every time Josey called out something, Wes would repeat it. Each time it was followed by a huge BOOM from the drums and a spectacular show of magic.


Do you want it?

BOOM!

Do you need it?

BOOM!

Let me hear it ladies and gentlemen!

BOOM!


The crowds were getting frenzied with excitement; stomping their feet, jumping up and down…screaming and shouting.

The Arena regulars started in unison raising their right arm up and throwing it forward in a point just like they do in the Arena; but when they would normally call their fighter‘s name they were shouting, “YEAH!”






***


When they reached a peak of frenzy, Paul and Eric started a long kettle drum roll that sounded just like thunder. Owyn gave me my cue. I ran up the ramp behind the stage and hit the springboard. The minute my feet touched it they did a loud BOOM on the drums and lit the stage with a huge lightning and smoke storm.

Doing a high leap off the springboard, I burst through the clouds of smoke as if coming out of the sky in a storm. I landed rolling and tumbled to my mark at the front center of the stage, popping up facing the crowds when I hit the mark.

They screamed, shrieked, roared, and stomped. I put my hand behind my ear like I couldn’t hear them and then turned around and did a question mark with my tail. They went berserk.

It didn’t take much interacting with the crowds to rouse them into shouting and jumping up and down screaming. They couldn’t hear my voice anyway, but I circled my arms in the air and stomped back and forth across the stage making my tail go wild.

When the next kettle drum roll started I was too near Gils’ mark, so ran and leaped to my spot quickly. Dave from the band readied his illusion spell to light the spot Gils would be coming from.

BOOM! They made the storm again, and Gils burst through the clouds. My breath caught in my throat; it was spectacular! We clasped hands and raised them to salute the crowds, egging their cheers with our free hands.

Owyn came bounding on stage, making a show of handing Wes a piece of paper like it wasn’t staged in advance. Wes acted surprised, then stared at the audience.

In his big booming voice he started repeating, “Are you ready to rumble?“ getting the crowds worked into a crazed state…and then he boomed louder than I’ve ever heard him, “Are you ready for a cage match?“ The screams were deafening.

Wes knows how to work a crowd, and he uses mostly just his voice and eyes. “Who will survive? Who will survive when twenty Pit Dogs are locked in a cage with just two combatants from the new…BLUE THUNDER!”

Wes started calling off the list of moves, describing to the crowds what they would witness. When he finished he called, “Let’s hear it for the Blue Thunder!“ and the band played our fight song.



I am the master of this game
And everybody knows my name
And I will gladly make you see
That you should not have messed with me

But you have thrown the gauntlet down
Only gauntlet one who wears the crown
So i will gladly hunt you down
And I'm gonna stomp you into the ground


When they sang 'stomp you into the ground’ we all shouted it and stomped our feet, rousing the crowds till they were doing it with us. Good, they’d remember that when it played at the Arena.

Wes bellowed the announcement that a marriage was taking place between the band and the Arena. He brought each member of the band up, calling out their names and whether they were single or not to make the females in the audience hoot. I stuck my tail straight out and made it twirl for each one he said was single.

“Let’s hear it for Wayne, Jonathan, and Chris on guitar ladies and gentlemen! How ‘bout Dave on that bass! You ever seen so many drums? Give it up for Paul, Eric, and Todd ladies and gentlemen! Todd, you stay up here a second. Let’s here it for Josey and Todd with those great vocals!”

Josey came up and cupped his mouth. “Let’s give a big hand to Wes Johnson everybody! ‘The Voice of the Arena‘!”






***


Owyn handed up the crate of rings. I handed each band member a stack of rings and whispered, “It’s important to make eye contact and tease a bit with each as you slide the ring on. That way when the laugh hits them, the people behind them think they are laughing at something you said and will be surprised when the ring makes them laugh.“

When I handed Gils his I whispered, “Remember while you’re handing these out that the truce is over. The marriage vows we swore will be fulfilled tonight.” Gils’ eyes glowed like molten lava…good, that would draw women to the Arena.

Wes and Josey took turns teasing people to come up and vow to be at the engagement in the Arena. Once they saw the ring was real people were flooding up to get one. I was the only girl giving out rings, and the line of men in front of me was long.

“Andronicus! Thank goodness!” I waved her up and kissed her cheek. “Will Pilus spare you to help me out here?”

Andronicus gave Pilus a sultry look over her shoulder.

“Oh, that is good, Andronicus. Use that when you slide the ring on their finger! Just remember, special event percentages on the box office receipts…you will be rich if that Arena is standing room only.”

Andronicus’s eyes lit up. I elbowed Pilus.

“You are about to see firsthand how Andronicus got to be the top public relations expert in Cyrodiil. She‘ll have the crowds eating out of her hand.“


*

So, what catastrophe will come between Gils and Maxical this time?


Small nit, if I am not mistaken you crane your neck, not your head.

I'm back...whew....got a lot of reading up to do!!!

Yes, "the large print giveth and the small print taketh away," to quote my favorite song-writer.

The entire stage show was brilliantly written. Sometimes the best scenes are the ones that seem to require little in the way of comment. I read it, I loved it, it was great.

Wonderful description throughout! Like trey said, there isn't that much to comment on. Well, maybe this:



Our not-so-dumb kitty shows her skill at manipulation motivation.

Oh, this was great!

It was fun to read the whole stage show scene, especially when Maxical 'flew' in then hit and rolled to her spot. Well described and I could feel, hear and see the action here.

One tiny nit?
I read this to mean that 'I don't know who Hannibal is'. A comma makes all the difference in the world and I'm pretty sure you really want one right before Hannibal's name to make it clear that the speaker is talking to Hannibal, not about him. Very petty I know, but it did cause me pause, so I thought I would mention it.

Fantastic!! The smoke, the drums, a flying kitty off the springboard.
This chapter had everything, ha, ha!!

You did a great job of bringing the reader into your story with the swirling description.

I love the 'expansion' you have done to the Arena quests. Bravo!!
Where do I buy the DLC??

@ Remko - Thank you so much Remko !! It is so good to see you back on here!!!

***
@ Foxy - Thank you so much Foxy !!! I think you only missed two chapters though, lol. Not too much reading, I've shortened the chapters quite a bit !!!

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

***
@ Destri - Thank you so much Destri !!! GAAAH! Lol.

***
@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian !!! Fixed the nit, and I appreciate that help so much !!! Your kind words and support ROCK !!!

***
@ Winter Wolf - Thank you so much Wolf !!! That means the world to hear from you, thank you so much !!!!!

*


Chapter 77: Ring Promotion: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?


First in line for the rings was a fairly large Khajiit in a mages robe, scowling dreadfully. I tried to tease a smile.

“Get on with it already!” He growled, then pointed to my arm. “Ew, you call that fur, housecat? What a disgrace!” He started to glare at me, then his eyes widened and riveted onto my blue show. Suddenly he was purring. “TEE HEE!” He moved to my side and began staring at my tail, purring loudly. I glanced around for someone to remove him before I found a barb sticking in me.

The young Argonian who was next in line indicated the Khajiit. “Don’t mind him. He’s a friend of mine. He‘s that way with everyone till he knows them better.” He then proceeded to flirt outrageously with his mobile eyebrows. I couldn’t help but laugh at his facial antics.

“Just how well is he intending to get to know me?” I glanced nervously behind me.

“M'raaj-Dar, go away! It’s my turn! Don’t worry, he just doesn’t get to see too many female Khajiit in our line of work.

The Khajiit’s name told it all, he was a virgin too. No wonder he was so grumpy. I was nervous about raising my tail with him hovering and eyeing it that way.

A female Argonian scurried up, showing her ring to the Argonian man in front of me. They looked oddly similar.

“Look, it’s real! It must be worth over 800 Septims!”

“This is my twin sister.” The male Argonian pointed, then put his webbed hand out for his ring. “Ocheeva, get rid of M'raaj-Dar for me. He won’t leave her tail alone…TEE HEE!”






***


Simplicia wandered through the gate. All the beggars bedrolls had been removed by Ocato for the festivities, and they were forbidden from begging from the tourists under penalty of arrest. He provided them no food or alternate bed. I blew a piercing whistle at Gils and pointed to her.

He signaled Hannibal and tossed him one of the rings. Hannibal really looked like he was proposing, sliding that ring on her finger. Simplicia’s laugh tinkled back to us as Hannibal escorted her to the Arcane’s tent, where he was making sure all the beggars had food and a cot…and gave each of them a ring.






***


A handsome young Breton of obvious wealth was next in line. I was taken by the gleam of mischief dancing in his eyes; mine lit in response and I smiled spontaneously.

“You know this means you are engaged to see me fight in the Cage Match, do you promise to cheer me on?”

“Aye, Lassie. And if we’re engaged might I know your name?”

“Tell me yours, and I’ll tell you mine then.” I smiled.

“Mine is Jakben Imbel.”

“Jack be nimble? That’s a child’s poem.”

“Aye, ‘twas me it was writ’ about.”

“Well you’re the handsomest 300 year old man I’ve ever seen, and that’s no lie.”

“They called me that for my nimble fingers. I was a thief in those days.”

“I’ll bet you stole all the ladies hearts, truth told.”

“That I did. I stoled and sold many a candlestick, too.”

“I don’t have one for you, only this ring. May I put it on your finger?”

“Aye, but you promised to give me your name.”

I looked up into his eyes as I slid the ring on his finger and opened my mouth to answer…my breath caught in my throat. His eyes held mine, the wicked imps in them dancing merrily…he was devastatingly handsome, I found I couldn’t tear my eyes from his. Then, with a feeling of release the imps slowly faded from them.

“Ah, Lass. Ye’ belong to a friend of mine, I won’t poach. But I’ll keep this ring as a memento of the time I didn’t, and the hardest battle I ever fought with me own conscience.”

He must be a friend of Fathis’s, because Gils was glaring at him. As he moved away I was left feeling disoriented, confused. I couldn’t remember hearing him laugh from the ring.






***


One man in line was overly handsome and gave off charm so strongly that women were vying for his attention and staring after him as he came up for the ring. I admit being drawn to him myself. His eyes were mesmerizing and he used them expertly, looking into mine steadily as he sauntered slowly up. He was confident, and obviously enjoying the stir he was creating with the women. I felt a little lightheaded when he drew close.

His eyes stared deeply into mine, and I found it impossible to look away. Without saying a word he touched my hand that held the ring. Suddenly it felt as if the two of us were isolated instead of in the midst of a crowd. His eyes seemed to suck me in to them and I had the sensation of falling into a deep chasm.

He whispered something…I didn‘t hear the words, only the sound and the feel of his breath playing its heat across my ears and hair. Without inhaling my nostrils filled with the scent of it, bringing alive a tingling trail that moved like a shiver down my spine. His eyes bore into mine, leaving me feeling exposed…as if my inner thoughts and secrets were revealed to him.

My senses felt muted, dulled…eons passed that we stood there…or just seconds, I couldn‘t be sure which. Power oozed from him, tangible as it wrapped itself around me. A warning of danger sounded ineffectually in the back of my mind…somehow I couldn’t find the will to listen. His voice whispering through me silenced it…then it was gone.

A subtle sound that began as an undertone was now getting deafeningly loud, pounding and whooshing…the vein in my neck throbbed to the sound…and suddenly I realized it was my own heartbeat and the blood racing in my veins I was hearing.

As suddenly as it began came the feeling of being released. I was swaying on my feet, disoriented. It felt like we’d held a long conversation that I didn’t hear. I was unsure of how long I had been standing there with him.

My lips tingled. When I reached up to feel them something hard scratched and cut my lower lip…the promotional ring, I was still clutching it. A drop of blood beaded on the diamond.

“I’ll have to get you another ring, I’ve bled on this one…” My voice sounded oddly distant to my own ears, and I forgot to play with my tail.

“No, I want this one.” He stretched his hand out for it.

“You have to make a promise to come see me fight, will you then?”

I don’t know if he answered, I slid the ring on his finger and backed away. He held the ring to his mouth and sucked the diamond, his eyes boring into mine until my head reeled. A trickle of blood moved slowly from the cut on my lip and his eyes fell to it with a strange expression in them…lust? I reached up quickly and brushed the back of my hand across it.

Numerous women turned their heads to stare at him as he walked away. Still disoriented, I turned to get water and saw Gils glaring at him as if he would like to pound the man into the ground. How long had I stood with him? I took a sip of water quickly, feeling I may choke on it.

It wasn’t till then that I realized he hadn’t laughed when I put the ring on his finger. Were some of the rings duds?











***


We had a huge crowd of laughing fans in front of us by the time most of the rings were given out. Hassiri was standing in the line. I curled my tail at him.

“Come on Hassiri, you know you’ll be there.”

“Tee Hee! I wouldn’t miss my favorite…Tee Hee!…Arena fighter.”

The next man in line was a well known hero.

”You’re the hero I’ve read so much of, your reputation is fast reaching legend status since that last vampire hunt. The city must feel safer just knowing you are here.” I smiled at him and held the ring up.

He barely preened before his eyes grew serious. He pointed to my blue flag. “You are the prey they seek right now, Miss. Beware, they are all around you. Don’t tarry after dark outside, or you’ll be the next victim found.”

“You mean you have found vampires…here?” I gaped, glancing nervously around. The ring I was holding up nearly struck his face by my movements.

He waved my hand with the ring away, then nodded. “Ancients. Heed my words, Miss. Keep someone by your side when you leave here tonight, and don’t come out again after dark.”

My response was cut off mid-sentence; my attention was caught by a man glaring at the hero from the midst of the crowd. His eyes were cold…deadly.

“Thank you kindly for the warn…er…I think you have an enemy watching you. Do you know of a tall Altmer with brown hair worn into a high point?”

“He is one of them; and the true murderer of that girl last week. The man he accused was no vampire at all. If my body turns up; bring that information to the Legion for me, since you’ve seen him and can give a description. His name is Seridur.”

“I hope the need doesn’t arise, but anything to be of service to you. Here, take this ring to fund your hunt…don‘t wear it, though. You’ll need your wits about you.” I handed him the ring. “Good speed to you, hero.”

Seridur’s eyes watched the hero as he moved away, then like a snake he began slipping through the crowd…following him, I thought.

When I turned around Seridur was right behind me. My breath caught in my throat and I had to hold back a scream. He must have moved like lightning to be there!

“GAaaah! Er…You have to get in line, sir. If I let you cut, it may start a riot.” I spoke loudly, hoping to catch the guards attention. My breath didn’t exhale till he stomped away. I stalled for five minutes, sipping at my water till I stopped trembling.


**