*



Chapter 13: Of Fathis And Orc Diapers




******* Fathis's POV



Fathis was unable to sleep after what he had witnessed outside the Jewelers. Could he just stand by and let the Orc have her? When he was angry, maybe. But in the quiet of the night when his mind should be resting he found that any plan would be better than sitting back and allowing her to slip through his fingers like time that you can never get back. The muted sound of the Castle guards patrolling the corridors had suddenly become a deafening racket that kept him from sleep.

On the spur of the moment Fathis concocted a plan to snatch her away in the night. If she gave indication she did not want to leave with him then he would literally carry her from that Arena. Whether to his castle where the Chaplain could perform a hurried ceremony, or up to the tower in the Jeralls where he could hide her from that Orc and rekindle the love between them...it mattered not which. He was getting her out of that Bloodworks and away from that Orc for good.

Fathis rode helter-skelter back to the Imperial City. When he was walking up to the Arena the door opened and several men spilled out. Fathis darted into the bushes and waited. His plan may or may not be a good one, but it didn't involve fighting off ten stout men before he even saw Maxical. Kidnapping would be hard to do with shattered arms and legs, but he would be damned if he just stood by and let the Orc have her.

Fathis loitered by the bush out front of the Bloodworks trying to appear inconspicuous. He had just started to leave the cover of it when the door of the Bloodworks opened again and he had to hurriedly dart back behind it. It was that Orc and a Dunmer, they seemed to be arguing.

"You almost woke up Andronicus raising your voice like that. The last thing I need is her poking her nose into this, she may talk and that's the last thing I want." Agronak pushed the Dunmer out the door in front of him.

"What the hell is going on Aggie? What are you talking about you gave her the house and bought her a ring? How you gonna get that house back when it's all over? When are you planning to give me my tag, I'm getting tired of waiting."

"Not this time Gils. I like her."

"That's bull crap! You can't change the rules now, what the hell has gotten into you?"

"I told you, I like her. Game's off."

"That's a bunch of bull Aggie, you can't just arbitrarily change everything on a whim, we're partners. I'm not letting you change the rules just like that, we have to agree first. I wouldn't have stepped back from the start for you if I'd known you would pull this crap."

"Do it and I'll kill you."

"How are you planning to keep her? You want everything to get out?"

"She don't have any ideas like that, naive as a newborn baby. That or it's the boyfriend thing. She ain't made the first move trying to find out. If it comes to that I'll give you the tag."

"What are you going to do about that boyfriend of hers?"

"Get rid of him."


They had gotten out of earshot by then, but the large Orc's last words gave Fathis a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach and a chill went down his back. He was pretty sure if the Orc caught him down here his body would be found floating in the Rumare.



Maxical wasn't in the Bloodworks, it was empty except a passed out Andronicus. Fathis's lip curled at the stench of the place, how did Maxical stand it down here? Well the Orc was out with his Dunmer friend and not Maxical. Fathis decided to wait for her return.

It was quite some time later that the Dunmer returned with a group of fighters and Owyn. The Orc was not amongst them. It was late at night now, and the thought suddenly struck Fathis that Maxical was spending the night at the Orc's house on the waterfront.

A cursory glance through the crowds at the Merchants Inn and Feed Bag gave him the information that she was not in either place and a rage surged through him bringing him at almost a full charge down to the waterfront.



Not knowing which house was the Orc's, Fathis began by creeping around the shacks, putting his ear to the doors and outer walls. As he was coming around the corner of one house he spotted a group of people standing in front of one man with a torch.

"What are these idiots doing out here in the middle of the night?" Fathis wondered, straightening up and pretending he was inspecting the foundation of the shack nearest him.

He couldn't very well keep creeping around with all those people staring at him, nor start crashing into the hovels either. Fathis decided his best move may be to get a room at the Merchants Inn. The thought also occurred that she was only at the Arena in the first place to get her golden armor back. If he bought it back for her and gave it to her maybe she would come back to him without any further problems. He would head over to the Best Defense first thing the next morning.













******* Maxical

Fathis was in a rage and wouldn't hear a word I said. I stood watching him gallop away, my eyes swollen and raw from crying. A slow ache climbed from my stomach to my throat and hovered, making it hard to breathe. Not wanting to chance running into Hassiri, I cut down the hill to the Waterfront District and used the key Agronak gave me to wait in his mother's house. It wasn't long before Agronak showed up.

"It doesn't look like you got it straightened out with Fathis, I'm sorry Maxical. I should have waited till we were private to give you that."

"What am I going to do Agronak? He won't even speak to me anymore." My voice sounded dull to my own ears.

It was then, right there with Agronak holding me while I cried that the decision to keep fighting in the Arena was made. Fathis was gone. I had lost him, and without him I just didn't care what happened to me anymore. I can't say I wasn't a little mad at Agronak for his timing, not only because of Fathis, but Hassiri as well. I didn't even ask what Agronak told him, every time that scene played through my mind it was only Fathis's reaction that mattered.

Eventually I got up and began helping box up his mothers things again. We were filling a second crate when I came across a very old looking journal and when I picked it up a key fell out.

"Look at this Agronak. It must be your mother's diary." I handed it to him with the key.

"I've never seen this before." Agronak said, leafing through it.

A very old looking parchment fell from it as he was flipping pages. I picked it up and glanced at it as I handed it to him.

"It's a map! Do you think it is to a hidden treasure? That's what it always is in plays."

He gave a cursory look at the map and then sat down on the bed and began pouring over the diary. Every now and then he would shout something out. "It's talking about me as a baby! She says I wouldn't eat vegetables! Should I read you the part where she discusses my diaper habits?" He grinned.

"EW!" I laughed at him. I went back to boxing up items, glancing up each time he called something out so I could see the expression on his face. I wondered if my mother ever kept a journal and what she would have written about me.


*

Fantastic writing mALX !!

Poor old Fathis, he cannot seem to take a trick, can he?? He is like a dog spinning in circles as he tries to chase his tail. I loved it! The blue show, the scheming hussy, his mind has lost the plot.


This was perfect. Woman do have this sort of influence over us men. Just ask Foxy !!!

Where have I been?? 14 hour runs on Halo 3 and MW2. Oh well, back to Oblivion with my new character. I am determined to finish KOTN and the MQ. At last.

Orc and Khajiit kitty litter habits indeed! I think it is wonderful that Agronak gave his mother's house in the Waterfront to Maxical! I wonder how much more Agronak will learn from his mothers diary?

I liked the appearance of his pompousness, the Count of Bravil!

Well written as ever. You've balanced the second person section with Fathis against Maxical's first person perspective well, so well in fact I didn't notice until I was looking back through.

And I too look forward to seeing what might be discovered in that diary...

Great update mALXie!



made me laugh! So right on spot!

MOOOOORE Kitty sweetness....pretty please!

Nice work, mALX!

@ Winter Wolf - Oh I loved KOTN, (and the main questline!) You are in for some fun! Thank you Wolf!

***

@ Acadian - Writing the Count of Bravil I was free typing, amazingly he came out just like he does in the game, lol. If I am not mistaken Alexander killed him off in his Cyrodiil fanfic - to my cheers and hoots, lol. And he can be killed in game I think as well, but I have never tried it yet. Thank you so much Acadian!

***

@ Olen - Thank you so much! Anytime I can get a compliment from someone who writes as well as you do - Woo Hoo !!! Thank you!

***

@ Minque - Thank you so much Minque! You always pick out my favorite lines to quote! You ROCK!

***

@ Zalphon - Thank you so much Zalphon, I am so tickled to be back on the same forum with you again!

*


Chapter 14: The Secret And The Suicide


“Listen to this passage in the back of the journal!” Agronak said, the excitement in his voice caused me to stop boxing items and look up at him.

“I know my time is near, the illness grows stronger and I weaker with each passing day. Agronak needs to know of his father, yet I can’t bring myself to tell him. One day he will seek his heritage and proof of his noble lineage, yet I pray he does not. I have kept this key to the Royal chamber in Crowhaven all these years, for there lies all he will require to prove his bloodlines. It is my wish that he never seek the answers there.”

He looked up, his eyes shining with excitement. “Here, you read it! I can‘t believe it, I was asking my mother about proof of my birth the last time I talked with her, the same night she passed away!”

The page retained the imprint of the embedded key as if it had been in there a long time. I looked at the dates on the final entries and was stunned, they had been written back when Agronak must have been a small child! But she had just died…I glanced up at Agronak.

“How long has your mother been ill?”

“As long as I can remember.” Agronak said distractedly. He was looking at the map in earnest now, spreading it out across the top of the dresser so the candlelight would make it easier to see the tiny print. “It said Crowhaven, right? I can’t find it on here.”

I read through the last passage and got a chill. She did not sound encouraging. And why was it written so long ago, but talking about dying as if it was imminent? I got a very bad feeling.

“Yeah, Crowhaven.“ I said quietly.

While Agronak was distracted I slid toward the bed and began searching, reaching down behind it. It didn’t take long to find the empty poison bottle on the floor between the bed and the wall. I slid it into my sleeve and moved over to the box of items he was throwing out. Agronak didn’t need to know she had killed herself, he was suffering enough.

Agronak had asked her about the proof the same night she took her life. From that passage it didn’t sound like it was something she wanted him to follow up on. But I knew Agronak well enough to know he was going to. Something that was very important to him was being able to prove he was of royal blood. He felt it would go a long way toward easing what he had suffered growing up because of his different appearance.





***

It was late when I got back to the Bloodworks. Andronicus had passed out drunk, the bottle still in her hands and spilling on her mat which was already soaked from urine, as were her pants. She must have been too drunk to get up. Her mouth hung open and slackened, loud snores blowing breath that reeked of alcohol into my face as I pulled the bottle from her hand and set it up on the cupboard. A strong body odor wafted up from her nether regions when I bent to get the bottle, nearly causing me to gag.

The smell of Andronicus was overwhelming in the corner where my mat lay, and I doubted I could sleep with the racket of her snores. I tiptoed down to the mats by the fount and stretched out on one near a wall.

My dreams were a confused jumble of Fathis, Agronak and his mother, Hassiri, and more Fathis. Somewhere in a pleasant dream of Fathis holding me came the realization that I needed to fight back against my own exhaustion and wake up. And there it was again. Someone’s hand had pushed my tail to one side and they were pushing against me. This was not a dream.

My claws unsheathed and I tried to move, only to find his arm was now holding me tightly pressed against him with a grip of steel. I raked the arm that was holding me with my claws, shredding deep gashes into the skin. With a yowl I was released and ran to behind Andronicus, knocking down all the candles as I ran. An inky blackness settled as the candles guttered out on the stone floor. Being a Khajiit I can see in the dark. That was not a Khajiit that attacked me, I would have the advantage now.

Andronicus was still passed out, and I wasn’t sure if the man would follow and feel safe continuing his attack since she was so inebriated. I gauged the distance to Owyn’s mat, if worse came to worse I would wake him.

Claws extended and trembling I pressed myself against the wall at the foot of Andronicus’s bed so I could move easily to Owyn if I had to, and so I could see if the man felt his way over to my usual mat. I forced my breathing down to slow shallow breaths so I wouldn’t miss a sound or make one that would give away my location to him.

I heard the sound of cursing and someone fiddling with the healing fount, but it was always locked down after the last fight. Stumbling footsteps were nearing the doorway down by Owyn’s mat, dear gods was he coming for me then?

I held my breath till I thought I would burst, then suddenly a slight movement sounded to the right of me. I jumped a mile and bit my tongue to keep from screaming. Darting down toward Owyn I cast chameleon on myself and my night eye again. I spun around, but there was no one there…but Andronicus. She had changed positions…oh no. She was still laying down but her position looked like she thought she was sitting on the urn. Oh dear. Andronicus was wetting her bed again, I only hoped she wasn’t filling her pants as well.

The man never came after me, and eventually I forced myself into the corner onto my mat. The stench from Andronicus was overwhelming. It felt like forever before I finally drifted off, and it seemed I had just fallen asleep when someone was shaking me. “Wake up Maxical!“ was being hissed into my ear. I forced my eyes open and blinked a few times. It was Agronak…what was he doing here in the middle of the night? I rubbed my eyes, but he was still there.

“Agronak?”

“Maxical, the board was up when I got back in. Those fights they postponed for my mother’s funeral have been rescheduled. I can’t go to Crowhaven now…er, but you aren’t on the schedule because of your injured status. Will you go and get the proofs for me? Do this for me and I’ll teach you that spin you’ve been dying to learn, and how to cream a guy with your shield arm. Please say you‘ll do this for me.”

I pulled myself up, glancing around. Andronicus was sprawled on her mat. ”What time is it? Agronak, it can’t be four in the morning yet! If you wake up Andronicus there will be hell to pay. You know I will help you, but I can‘t leave without Owyn‘s say-so. How did you get in here?”

“Gils opened the door for me. He said something woke him up and he was going out for a pint of the stout. Thanks for being such a good friend Maxical. Boy, I don‘t know how you can sleep with that stench!” He laid a wet kiss on my cheek and slid back over to his Bloodworks.

If Gils had been woken up by something, he may have seen who else was up at that time of the morning. I didn’t tell Agronak about the attack, he would just insist I move to the house right away. I won’t say it is rare that Andronicus gets that drunk, but it certainly isn’t all the time.

I thought about Agronak’s mother not wanting him to go to Crowhaven and felt it probably would be the best solution if I went in his stead since I was a neutral party. He was my friend, I had to do it.





***

Gils still hadn‘t returned by the next morning for me to ask if he had seen anyone. As soon as Owyn got up I approached him.

“What the hell happened in here? It’s pitch black, I can’t see the urn to go! Where the hell are all the candles?” Owyn was roaring.

Oops. I quickly ran and set them back in the sconces, then lit a torch and set all the candles back alight. Some of them were broken where I had whacked them and were in various shapes dripping waxy places on the floor instead of into the sconces.

“Owyn, I need to talk to you.”

“I’m peeing right now, do you think it can wait a minute?” He sounded irritated.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” I turned my back and waited.

“Do you think you can step down there so I can have gas without you up my butt to smell it?” Owyn was already starting to holler, and I hadn’t even asked him yet. This was not boding well for me.

“Oh, I’m sorry Owyn.” I scurried to the other end of the room and waited for him to finish.

He glared over at me when he was done, as if I had ruined his enjoyment in peeing or something. I hesitated, he was already in a bad mood now.

“Well come on, I don’t want you following me around the rest of the day waiting for a good time to ask.” Owyn was working himself up into a bad mood rapidly.

“Er, Agronak asked if I would make a trip to Anvil and pick up his inheritance for him since I am on injury status and he has fights scheduled. Do I have your permission to go?”

Owyn got mad of course, I definitely expected that after this morning.

“You just got back into training again, now you’re going to take off? You won’t be in any shape to fight out there when you get back.” He was bellowing.

“Er, Andronicus is ill this morning, I have been making sure no one wakes her.”

Owyn glanced over at her for an extended minute, but when he turned back to me he was quieter.

“What about your training? You’re getting out of shape, soft.”

“Owyn, I was meaning to talk to you about that anyway. I get a lot out of your fitness training, but not the fight training. In the Arena nothing is staged like when we train. And no one is really trying to kill me in training either. I’m not really getting prepared for what happens out in the Arena.”

“What are you saying?“

“I’m saying I need to train against someone who is really trying to kill me so I can learn to fight. Right now I just know a bunch of fancy moves, but I can’t fight.”

“You mean you want to train in the trenches?”

“Yes, that is exactly what I am saying.”

“You won’t be gone long will you? Those crowds are fickle, They’ll love you today but won’t know you tomorrow if they don‘t see you.”

“I know Owyn. I’m just going to Anvil and back. I can run the trip to make up for the ‘two-a-days’ I’ll be missing. Maybe bandits will attack me so I can get some real fight training in.”

“All right, you can go. If you’re serious about going in the trenches we will start when you get back from your trip. I’ll be going with you till I see how you do. This will be on top of your practices though, not instead of them.”

“I understand. Thank you Owyn. Oh, and Agronak said he will train me for the spin and force block when I get back too.”

Owyn grunted at me, that means he’s pleased. He had a gleam in his eye after I mentioned Agronak was going to teach me those moves.


***

The Bloodworks are now the Stinkworks. I do like reality, mALX, but did you have to be so STINKY...

Pee-Yew!!!




You know...I just love the way you have rewritten the story so that everything old is new again. I think we really MUST rewrite the Maxical-Foxy parts to match the new mood!!! PM me!!!

Very nice build up and lead in to Agronak's quest. You make it fit right in to everything very nicely. There are enough little changes here to make this all very new and fresh. Wonderfully done mALX! I must confess a weakness for the stories you do that are told from Maxical's perspective - and this one certainly did that!

New Damien 'Foxy' Reynard and Maxical stories ??!!!!?!!! Yippee.

Now that IS something I will stick around for.

Great writing mALX.

@ Foxy - I can't believe the person that turned me from eating chocolate pudding by their gross comparison is offended, but if you are serious I will tone it down - let me know something. And yes, as you know the Foxy chapters are coming soon!!!! Thank you very much Foxy!!!

***

@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian! I have Maxical's POV up on both sites now, lol. She is back on the current story at the other forum too!

***

@ Winter Wolf - I am glad to hear it! I may have to injure Foxy so he has time to co-write, lol. Just kidding. Thank you so much Wolf!

*


Chapter 15: Doctors, Lawyers, and Thieves



Agronak was grateful for my help and went to the bank to get funds to send with me. I was working out when he returned, an odd look on his face.

“What’s wrong Agronak?”

“It’s my bank account. I couldn’t draw funds for you. They said the funeral wiped it out, there is hardly anything left!”

“Did you have a lot in there before?”

“Yes! I get plenty each fight and have almost no expenses. See this beginning balance here? That should be a lot higher than that.” He showed me the statement the bank had written out for him. “These are from the funeral.”

“Wow, no wonder people let their relatives get burned in the pit. That is a lot, it was a huge event though. I wonder what a regular funeral costs?”

“I wonder if it did cost that much.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean Andronicus had access to my bank account.”

“Surely you don’t suspect her of wrongdoing, she thinks the world of you.”

“I asked my banker about the low beginning balance, and to look into all the funds drawn off the account for the funeral. He is going to get back with me.”

“Well, don’t worry about me, I won’t be able to eat much on my trip anyway. Owyn told me to run there and back and keep up with my 'two-a-days' so I don‘t lose any training. You know I won’t be able to eat doing that. I‘m going in the trenches when I get back, so I have to get back into shape.”

“That’s a smart idea, but you need that ring enchanted before going in the trench.” Agronak gave me a stubborn look.

“I’ll go right now.” I learned Orc like to be in charge from Agronak. That look meant I’d be nagged till I did, so I may as well just get it done.





***

Irlav Jarol tottered away when he saw me enter the campus. Then I bumped into Raminus Polus as he was exiting the Arch Mage‘s tower. He glared. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m back for post grads.” I said with a grin. His face turned white and he stormed away, slamming the door behind him.

I was still laughing when the transporter stopped up in Hannibal Traven’s quarters. He was very surprised to see me, but smiled and warmly welcomed me.

“I have a ring I need enchanted with health for the Arena. That is really all I need, but I better confess now that I told Raminus Polus I was here for post grads.”

Hannibal let out a little bark of laughter, quickly subdued. “I don’t imagine Raminus took that well.”

“He turned as white as me.” I said, handing him the ring.

He smiled almost slyly at me when he took the ring to enchant it.

“What a beautiful diamond, and is that an ebony band? This is such a nice ring to wear in the Arena. So is this the engagement ring from the Gray Prince, hmm?”

“What? Has Fathis been here?”

“No, I haven’t seen him. I understand his upset though, with the history you two share.”

“He is very upset. He won’t even speak to me. But if you haven’t talked to him, how did you know about that, or about the ring?”

“I read it in the Courier.” Hannibal indicated the copy on his desk.

“What? I leaned over his desk and snatched up the Courier. “Oh dear gods no! Owyn is going to kill me!”

“I take it you got in trouble for your last interview?”

I nodded. “I sure did.”

“I knew you, so didn’t think anything of it, but some might.”

“It was explained to me in explicit detail afterwards, and I do mean explicit.”

Hannibal finished the enchantment and was standing in front of me so I glanced up. He was watching my face carefully. Before I could wonder what that was about he tweaked the paper out of my hand and lay it back on the desk.

“Read that in a minute, I need your attention right now. This has the highest enchantment I could give you. It will give your health and magicka a boost and help you feel less fatigued. When you need to rally, you slide it off and back on again like this. Did you feel the difference? Remember, you still have to heal, it just buys you some extra time. Here is the order of operations: ring first, heal second, play with your tail third. Always do it at the end of the match to get you to the fount. Now let’s see how Owyn did with your shoulder and side.”

“How did you know about that?”

“I’ve gone to all your fights.”

“You have? Isn’t it hard for you as a healer to watch all those injuries?”

“I saw much worse than that when you were a pupil here.“ He said and winked.

I ignored that. “Do you really come to my fights?”

“Yes I do. I was your physician too long not to be effected seeing you injured. Owyn did an excellent job though.” He manipulated my shoulder while he talked.

“He is almost as good as you when it comes to healing.” I said, trying not to stiffen my shoulder.

“I trained him personally, did you know that?”

“You trained Owyn? I didn‘t know that.”

“He was one of my best pupils. Speaking of which, why did you never get that restoration training after graduation?”

“I hoped you would train me. No one knows healing like you do, and I am not…bright. I may be harder to teach than others.”

“You were doing a terrible job trying to heal during that last fight, why were you sticking your fingers into your leg that way?”

“My aim, remember? Would you train me?”

“Ah yes, your aim. We will need to work on that as well. Of course I will do it, but it has to be on nights or weekends. When can you start coming?”

“All my fights have been moved to the weekends now, so it will have to be in the evenings during the week. I have to go to Anvil and may be gone a few weeks, and as soon as I get back I start training in the trenches.”

“Moved to the weekends already? That’s great! Maxical, if you are going into the trenches it is imperative you get this training. Don’t put it off. Let me know as soon as you can start. Here, I want you to take this.” He opened his jewelry box and pulled a ring out.

“This will give you a more powerful restoration spell. It can’t help you if you don’t aim right though. Watch my hand. See that huge amount of power? Okay, now watch what happens when I stick it in my leg.”

“It was just a tiny bolt.”

“Exactly. Doing that is almost like doing nothing. Now stretch your hand out. Don’t cast, lets see what you’ve got. Are you trying? That is really low. Put this ring on and try again. How odd! Your magicka is high you should be able to do better than that. I want you here to train every chance you get, day or night. I’ll make the time.” Hannibal pulled a book from his shelf called “Magic Conduction Disorders.”

“What is that?”

“What you may have. As I recall there is nothing wrong with your destruction.”

“I’m wired wrong?”

“Possibly.” He glanced up from the text. “Want to try my latest concoction? Tell me what you think of this.” He said, handing me a pinkish drink.

“Mmmm! This is really good! It’s fizzy like that ginger drink you made when we had upset stomachs, but sweet…is it strawberry?”

“You guessed it!”

“I love it! You make the most interesting things with alchemy, I wish they taught stuff like this in class.”

He sat down in front of me. “So…tell me about this engagement, or are you trying to keep it a secret?”

“There is no engagement, Agronak is just a friend. We hold hands sometimes, but that is it. I am saving myself for Fathis, not that it is doing me any good. He hasn‘t spoken to me since the graduation except in anger.”

“What is going on there?”

I told him about being attacked and losing the golden armor. He immediately examined the scar on my head.

“This isn’t healed properly, why didn’t you come to me right away for healing?”

“It happened just four hours after I left here graduation day. I was afraid you may not want to see me again yet.”

“Don’t be silly! I admit I was relieved when you graduated, but spirited or not I have always liked you. You know that. Don’t ever let a serious injury like this go again. Did you heal it yourself?”

“I had to. I was laying in the road all night, and in the Rumare all the next day. I‘ve never seen so much blood.”

“Where was your escort?”

“I didn’t have one. Fathis came to the graduation in my parent’s stead. He left after the ceremony and said he would see me in a couple weeks.”

“He didn’t escort you?”

“No. I guess he thought I could take care of myself.”

Hannibal didn’t say anything, but scowled. “I can make a potion that may heal that better.”

While he was grinding ingredients I scanned the article again.

“Arch Mage Traven…”

“You can call me Hannibal if you like, you are not my student anymore.”

“Hannibal, have I done something to cause Fathis not to trust me? I am not very bright and sometimes do things without knowing they can cause a problem.”

Hannibal leaned back and looked at me as if deciding what to say. “Maxical, you know Fathis has always been sought out by women, many of them married and always for one purpose only. As long as you were a girl he trusted your virtue. But you are a woman now. It may take him a while to realize that woman or not, you will never be one of that type. Fathis may worry you have succumbed to the freedom that goes on in that Bloodworks. Have you had any problems in there?”

“A little. Andronicus makes me sleep behind her so no one bothers me usually. Between her and Agronak it is a wonder if anyone gets near me.”

“But you have had incidents?”

“Once or twice when Andronicus was drunk.”

“Are you referring to Ysabel Andronicus? She had a terrible crush on Fathis, chased him around, literally stalked him. Surprisingly he rejected her advances, I always wondered why.”

“Her hygiene, probably. Fathis is fastidious about cleanliness. She turned down Owyn’s marriage proposal because of Fathis a long time ago and still drools if you mention him. She told me that Fathis wouldn’t touch Arena trash even for a momentary pleasure. I wondered if me being there has something to do with his change of attitude towards me.”

“It isn’t that Maxical. Fathis is my friend, has been since we were boys in school. In all that time I have never seen him act like this. He is jealous, plain and simple. He may not be the best candidate for a husband because of his past, but he does love you.”

“He doesn’t remember that when he’s angry, and he’s been in a rage every time I’ve seen him since graduation. I can’t prove I’m pure if he won’t let me close to him.”

“You must admit Agronak being glued to your side feeds that anger in Fathis. What is Agronak’s interest in you?”

“None like that, not in thought or even an undercurrent.”

“Interesting.”

“What do you mean?”

“A scientific theory about the mixed union with Orc being asexual.”

“GROSS!”

Hannibal laughed and went back to mixing his ingredients.

Something inside me froze. “What about Khajiit mixes?”

Hannibal caught the look on my face. He pulled a book off one of his shelves and handed it to me. “There is no research on Khajiit, but that details what to look for.“

“I peeped at the drawings in this tome when you confined me up here for my ill deeds.”

He rolled his eyes. “When you and Fathis finally get together if you have problems come see me.”


****

Good update

The plot thickens with Agronak's bank account. Makes me wonder how things will go down when Maxical fin'ds his heritage...

I enjoyed the part in the uni too, it helped highlight how Maxical has developed. And I liked the slightly more in depth discussion on healing, it always seemed a bit to simply in game and this fleshed it out nicely.


That made me laugh.


Classic

i HAVE TO RUN NOW...bUT wILL pOST mORE WHAN EYE FEENEESH LAFFINK....OH MY STREAMING EYES....

This was nicely done. Very 'show not tell' covering plenty of ground via conversation.

It seems perhaps you are rendering Fathis a tad more favorably and multidimensionally than in your previous version, and I think it is becoming.

I loved this!

I cannot believe I have gone so long without commenting- no excuse, sir! Some of these, I have mentioned before, but I wanted to take the opportunity to add a little more detail.

The "letters home" were absolute masterpieces.

"When I told him I'd much rather come back to the Arcane for my post grads in Restoration his face turned white as my fur."

You have really tightened things up in a number of places. One that springs to mind is how Maxical recalls the confrontation with Fathis over the loss of the armor. It rings true that she does not say much about it- first, because it is often hard to remember every moment of stressful situations; second, because she would perhaps feel the less said the better.

The Arena (Chapter 7) was definitely a rollercoaster, as Winter Wolf said. The humor absolutely set me up for the devastating fight. It was all I could do to keep from cheering and groaning- would have been hard to explain to the other cubicle dwellers here at work....

The moving, gritty description of the Bloodworks in Chapter 8 is writing at its finest. It reminds me of why Mrs. Treydog and I liked The Wire so much- in the midst of the terrible things, there are still moments of humanity. Maxical's youthful goodness shines like a beacon in a dark place.

The Black Horse interview- and Maxical's clueless responses (one reminded me of Forrest Gump- "No sir, we are not related...."). Priceless.

"It's Haki the Bald!" I think I did myself an injury holding in the laughter.

The gossip session was perfectly drawn- an absolute schematic of how a rumor grows into something that "everybody knows."

The section from Fathis POV is brilliant. I still do not much like him- but you do paint him a bit more sympathetically. More to the point, you portray him realistically. Just excellent writing throughout.

@ Olen - Thank you very much! You picked out some of my favorite parts, lol.

***

@ Foxy - Thank you so much Foxy, I sure hope you are feeling better!

***

@ Acadian - Thank you Acadian - I am trying to fix some things about him since I have a bad reputation for skewering the males in my story, lol. Thank you so much Acadian!

***

@ Treydog - It always means so much when you stop in, thank you Treydog! I did the recall and brushed over some points to cut some of the drama from the original, thinking it would shorten the story some...then really started getting into the Arena story, so...BLEAH! Lol.

Oh, after you said that I went back and watched Forest Gump - you are right! I love that scene!

Thank you so much Treydog, your words mean tons to me! Er...I hope you won't mind me bringing Mrs. Treydog over here????? PLEASE??????

*


Chapter 16: The Friendship And The Friendship


I walked blithely into the Bloodworks, forgetting I may be in trouble. Andronicus staggered off the urn and into me, she was drunk again.

As soon as Owyn saw me he started shaking. He turned around, snatching a much shredded copy of the Black Horse Courier off the armor cupboard behind him.

I felt like I may shrink into the floor, but when it didn't happen I wished it would, and quickly.

"Arena love triangle? Is this your version of laying low from the press? Arena and Castle Bravil connection? If you two wanted to get engaged we hold a formal press conference and announce it with your managers present. You don't go out on the street corners and make scenes right under the nose of the press! What? What are you holding your hand up for? This isn't a schoolroom!"

By now a crowd of fighters was gathering around the outer door, listening.

"Er...Agronak and I aren't engaged, he just gave me a friendship ring."

"Is that it on your hand?"

I looked down at the over 200 Septim diamond ring glittering on my hand. "Er...yes?"

"And what about this?" Owyn's shaking finger pointed to a place on the page. l"A house? He gave you a house too? I suppose it was just a 'friendship' house!"

"Uh...Uh; Yes?"

"You're telling me the man up and gives you a house and expensive ring out of friendship, and can't find anywhere better to do it than IN FRONT OF THE OFFICE OF THE BLACK HORSE COURIER?" Owyn was bellowing, but then lowered his voice and got up in my face. "Are you hooking in my Bloodworks?"

"Hooking?" I looked over at Andronicus confused. She looked bleary-eyed.

"She's not doing that Owyn, she's too stupid. What love triangle?" Andronicus slurred, standing up swaying.

"Fathis Aren challenged Agronak over her in front of the press!"

"What? Give me that paper! YOU LITTLE TRAMP! Fathis don't want you, you're nothing but Arena trash!" She charged over, shoving by me and snatching the paper from Owyn.

"I know." I said, and started crying.

"Oh geez, here we go!" Owyn said. "Listen Maxical, men don't give gifts like this unless you're giving them something in return. 'Fess up!"

"Well, Agronak wouldn't fit my armor, I guess I could give him my sword. That's all I have..."

Hooting and laughter came from the outer room.

"You idiot!" Owyn looked like he may pitch his glass of water over me.

"I told you she was too stupid Owyn! YOU! Get on your mat." Andronicus put her pointing finger in my face.

"She's a virgin Owyn!" She whispered at the top of her lungs. I heard her at the other end of the room.

"What did I tell you! You each owe me fifty Septims, now pay up!" came Gils voice from the other room.

"If she's that dumb, she could have lost it and not know!" Owyn snorted. Raucous laughter came from the other room.

"She hasn't, I've watched over her nights and Agronak won't let anyone near her days."

"Well who's keeping Agronak off her!" Owyn demanded, it was not a question.

Andronicus leaned in and whispered loudly. "He's not interested in girls, he's never made a move on me all these years."

An "Eeeeewwww" sound came from the next room.

"He bought her a diamond ring and a house, if that's not interested I don't know what is!"

Andronicus's head spun around to me, her mouth opening as if in slow motion. What she would have said is unknown, for right then there was a huge crashing sound followed by pounding footsteps.





***

Guards had kicked the door in and were swarming into the Bloodworks. Because of our reputation for violence in the Arena they came in prepared for a us to violently resist arrest.

Hieronymus Lex strode in last and stood in the middle of the room, unrolling a parchment and reading from it. "By the order of High Chancellor Ocato I hereby make the following arrests: Ysabel Andronicus for the crimes of Grand Theft, Embezzlement, Misappropriation of Funds. Owyn for the crime of Conspiracy to commit fraud. Maxical for the crime of Conspiracy to commit fraud." He gave me a hard glance when he read my name, as if he had always expected me to end in a life of crime.

Owyn resisted arrest, roaring and cursing. Andronicus wet herself while swaying into the two guards that were attempting to remove her. She could barely walk, but the guards refused to carry her so she was nearly dragged. I was in shock and went along meekly. As the door slammed behind the last guard all pandemonium could be heard breaking loose inside the Bloodworks. We were met out front by guards holding a badly beaten Haki, who was also resisting arrest.

Hassiri from the Courier was standing there bug-eyed and scribbling like a banshee on his pad.

The guards had beaten Owyn and Haki so badly that healers were required as soon as we arrived at the Imperial Palace holding area to await a hearing on the charges. I was put in a holding cell with Andronicus, who was a mess. I was grateful she was not vomiting in there with me, but she released enough other fluids to make it very uncomfortable to be confined with her.






*

Oooh, there's more to Agronak than meets the eye then, you have my interest well and truely piqued, it's quite a drama this is building into, and as evey Maxical moves through it like a nieve bull in a china shop.

You paint Andronicus as such a lovely woman

Well done mALX! Plenty of twists and turns here. I like the depth you are giving to Fathis. Agronak? Oh my! What an unexpected mystery! WooHoo!

You really are going to town with this newer version! I'm half expecting the Emperor to walk into Maxical's cell. . . . (not, lol).

Nicely written and loads of fun to read!

Oh-- I thought you realized that the "paintings" are all gifts freely given to enhance your wonderful story? That is- they belong to you, to do with as you will. As to cameo appearances of Mrs. Treydog, Artist to the Stars- we would be honored.

@ Olen - He has been portrayed as a little toooooo too good in the game, it was unbelievable, lol. I hate to step on toes because everyone likes him...but...lol. Thank you so much Olen!

***
@ Acadian - ROFL - that would cut the story really short, lol. Oh, but I couldn't stand to not take on the DB with Eyja, or cut out Foxy or Janus, lol. Thank you so much Acadian! You are so appreciated!

***

@ Treydog - Thank you so very much Treydog! I would really like Mrs. Treydog to make an appearance at the Best Defense and paint that Golden Armor...then WHO would buy that portrait? Hmmmm! Let's see, Treydog is a smithy at the palace when he first makes an appearance...hmmmmm.

Both you and Mrs. Treydog are so appreciated! Thank you both!

***




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





Chapter 17: Fathis, Gossip, And The Golden Armor


Maro Rufus saw the door opening and hurried over to jab Varnado in the ribs. After years of not getting along they found themselves suddenly as tight as brothers over the situation that had arisen over their acquisition of the Golden Armor.

At first just their celebrity in the Market District, the armor was better than any currency for a meal or drink. The amusement it afforded was a compelling reason to keep it as well. But the biggest draw of all was that it gave them power over Fathis Aren. They agreed on something for the first time in years, they would not sell that armor.

Fathis Aren stepped in, and walked up to the counter. Varnado and Maro grinned like cats with canaries in their mouths. "May we help you?" they asked in unison.

"That gold armor, I wish to purchase it." Fathis Aren said.

Maro jabbed Varnado, and they looked at each other with unmasked amusement. "I think we have another party interested in that particular armor." Maro said, jabbing Varnado again.

"Who!" Fathis demanded.

Maro and Varnado exchanged glances of unholy glee. "Did you write down HER name?" Maro asked, putting too much emphasis on the "HER."

Fathis face had taken on a distinctly purple hue.

As they stared at him, the purple shade deepened till his appearance was that of a ripe plum with hair. They both stared fascinated at this metamorphosis till Fathis’s temper seemed to hit a breaking point.

"I want that armor!" he demanded. "What is with you two, you are acting like you have lost all your senses!"

Maro jabbed Varnado again, and they both tried to stiffen up and act businesslike, but their laughing eyes and twisting mouths gave this little credence.

"I told you, I have another interested buyer, I would have to find out if SHE is willing to give up HER claim to it." Varnado said, following Maro's lead in over-emphasizing the pronouns.

With a sound like an explosion escaping his taut lips, Fathis Aren stormed out of the shop, slamming the door as he left. The windows rattled noisily from the impact.

Varnado doubled over, and Maro clutched his stomach and staggered in circles laughing. They would dine well tonight on this tidbit.





***


Varnado and Maro had developed somewhat of a celebrity status among the other merchants and guards since their acquisition of the golden armor. Almost since the first day Fathis had stormed out of the Best Defense on finding the armor there people had been talking. As each new actor was added to the play that was stretching out before them the discussions took on a whole new life, as did the armor itself.

With Fathis it was his hauteur that was to blame. He gave the impression of conceit, looking down his nose at them. He continuously gave to charities as if to make a show of his wealth before those with less. It rankled that he thought himself their better.

To suddenly see Fathis losing that rigid control he seemed to have was an instant hit among them. To Varnado and Maro they found themselves suddenly in a position of power over him as long as they held that armor.

The subsequent entrance into the shop of the white Khajiit, in a rumpled state and obvious emotional agitation and her connection to the armor had an overwhelming effect. Fathis with one of the beast species? It was unheard of. Speculation over the connection was rampant in the Market District and became the main topic of conversation in the guards barracks.

The Khajiit joined the Arena with little notice till suddenly she was seen everywhere with the Gray Prince and then an explosion seemed to occur. Fathis, who barely came to the Imperial City monthly before was suddenly found to be there constantly, haunting the streets nights seeking her…stalking her. His sudden eccentric behavior was exaggerated and inspected carefully in each conversation, tales were told in the most descriptive way possible to garner the most free ale from them.

“That Fathis Aren near trampled me with his horse, I swear on Akatosh that he was putting his horse at the city wall to jump!” One guard declared, tipping up his free pint.

Mounted road patrols had seen him riding at breakneck speeds between the Imperial City and Bravil at all hours of the day and night. Gate guards noticed his purple face as he stormed in or out. He was seen lurking behind buildings, skulking in bushes, every curse that fell from his lips was repeated with gusto and emphasis.

“He nearly run up the back of my horse down at the Old Bridge. I saw him squeeze his legs on that horse like he was going to try and jump over us! I barely got my horse to the side and he blew by me, curses floating back on the wind created by him!“

The conjecture of how the armor came into the picture no one knew, but any one of the scenarios dreamed up by the gossipers could have been made into a play even before the Gray Prince was thrown into it. After he entered the mix, the Golden Armor took on a whole new depth of mystery and intrigue.

Varnado began keeping his ears perked when the Pit Dogs hung out in the Feed Bag, gathering any tidbit he could. The Gray Prince was meeting the Khajiit daily inside the Bloodworks, he brought her treats and held her hand, he sat on her bed and talked well into the night. None of the bloods dared go near her, the Orc was very jealous of her.

Varnado made the mistake of trying to join in their conversation then, but the Pit Dogs closed ranks against him. They clammed up and Varnado felt threatened after he voiced some of his own gossip about the Khajiit. The Arena fighters are a clannish bunch and the Khajiit was one of their own. Merchants and guards were outsiders. Varnado was relieved to make his escape that night and lock himself in at his shop. After that he merely listened when they came in and never tried to draw their notice to him again.

The shopkeepers, however were all ears. Within short order, Maro and Varnado had spread their version of the Orc and that white Khajiit into the gossip at their respective haunts.

“She lives in the Bloodworks. Need they have said more?” Maro said later, wiping the white foam mustache from a free ale onto his sleeve.

Then came the interview where the Khajiit obviously described the Orc. “I guess we know whose sword she has been skewered with.”

Every detail of each action of all the players in the little scenario was dissected and pored over. Amongst those that knew how to use these tidbits it was as good as currency when presented with embellished details, accompanying stories, and especially innuendo.

The Arena matches that featured the white Khajiit were packed with the gossipers hoping to see some drama unfold before their very eyes. They were not disappointed. Fathis was seen in all his travel filth walking in to the Arena Box Seat section, then at the sight of Alix Lencolia had sneaked back out like a thief in the night.

The funeral had been attended by all, where they were treated to the site of the Gray Prince clutching the Khajiit’s hand and Fathis storming out before the funeral had even begun.

On several occasions Fathis was seen skulking around the door to the Bloodworks, even pounding on it. The imminent expectation was at first just the kidnapping of the young Khajiit, but as the gossip spread the possible murder of the Gray Prince in his sleep was added to that conjecture.

Everyone fully expected to hear of the death of either Fathis or the Gray Prince the day Fathis was witnessed sneaking into the Bloodworks. Early the next morning when Fathis was seen entering the Best Defense the word spread that he had killed the Gray Prince and buried his body under one of the houses in the Waterfront District.

Fathis drastic change in appearance also fed the gossipers. A lifetime of reputation for being immaculate and fastidious in his dress, his perfumed and rotund appearance gave way to the rumpled dusty attire hanging off his suddenly overly-thin frame. “Pining away for that Khajiit he is!”

Fathis had always been controlled publicly, but lately had been seen grabbing his sword hilt at the sight of the Orc on several occasions, including the day he challenged the Orc over the marriage proposal.

“Fathis’s eyes lit on the Gray Prince, fire burning out of them! Then he reaches down and grabs the hilt O’ his sword just like this here!”

On numerous occasions Fathis had left the Arena forfeiting his Box Office and bets. Just as many times he abandoned his paid room and wine at the Merchants Inn and was seen galloping away, sometimes leaping his horse over the rails of the corral.

“What you gonna do with that there wine now? Fathis has left the building! How ‘bout sellin‘ it to us at half price?”

“The stables said they are going to start leaving the gate open for him, he nearly impaled himself leaping over it yesterday.”

“That will give the Orc the lead for sure!”

The story of Fathis creeping about the Waterfront District in the middle of the night lost nothing in the telling, nor did the tale of him lurking behind bushes at the entrance to the Bloodworks in the middle of the night.

“He looked up and seen us, then went right back to inspecting the foundation of the house! Just like it wasn’t three in the morning!”

“What would he want with a house on the Waterfront anyway?”

“He don’t! I seen him earlier hiding in the bushes outside the Bloodworks! Then when all was quiet he sneaked in, creeping like any assassin. He is looking for a place to bury that Gray Prince when he does away with him!”





***

The interest in the Golden Armor grew to the point that what had begun as a trickle of gossipers became crowds of tourists drawn to the Imperial City solely to stand and gawk at it. The gossip broke the bounds of the city via letters to relatives and eventually the Black Horse Courier, which began running a blurb each time the price was raised on the armor.

A prominent display was set up along the back wall of the shop between the two counters that consisted of a raised platform and a crimson velvet rope that blocked viewers from getting close enough to touch the armor. It was polished to a high sheen and hung on a tall manikin so it appeared to be descending from the skies as it caught the light from windows on either side and flashed dancing light as far away as the entry to the store.

Entering the store one was immediately struck by the magnificent sight and it was not unusual to see people step in and stop right there starry-eyed, blocking the doorway.

Varnado found a beautifully decorated wooden plaque and purchased it, burning the words “The Golden Armor” on it.

“What about a price?” Maro asked.

“We aren’t selling it.” Varnado said, blowing across the wood to cool it.

“But wouldn’t it be better to put a very high price on it so people think it’s worth their time to come see it?” Maro suggested.

Varnado scribbled an amount on a piece of paper and slid it under Maro’s hand. Maro crossed it out and scribbled another that made Varnado’s eyes pop. He picked up his iron and burned the astronomical figure into the wood below the words.

“Put that sign right here in the center at the base of the Manikin.“ Maro instructed.

The shop was filled with people daily that came in just to stare at the armor. People hung out in the shop hoping to be a witness the next time Fathis or the Khajiit came in to buy it. Even the Imperial guards were seen lingering in the shop. Then it became a draw for collectors wanting to add it to their collections.

They began adding 100,000 Septims each time someone was able to meet the purchase price. Pretty soon the rumor went around that it was for sale to the highest bidder and that the price burned on the plaque was the current high bid.

Maro and Varnado made a pact with each other not to sell the armor. The higher they raised the price the fewer came with the ability to pay that ridiculous amount. Fathis Aren was one that could. Anyone of enough wealth that enquired was told that the armor was being held for a certain customer and SHE would have to release them from holding it before they could contract with anyone else.

The Market District had come alive suddenly. With the influx of tourist trade stores were cleaned up and better displays hung in the windows. The streets were filled with people wanting to ogle the armor or catch a glimpse of the white Khajiit, the great Orc, or the infamous Fathis doing something eccentric.


*






*

This is one of my favorite parts of Maxical's fiction - the rumor mongering and the display of the golden armor, along with Fathis's obsessive behavior.

Wonder if that's why he's so gaunt in my game? And so sour-tempered to boot? Hmm, it does explain a lot!

Your description of the rumour mill is very good, and of people making a living off it. That part was brilliant, it shows Fathis's decline from moderatly influential mage to wreak well. It's also a refreshing use of points of view to give a fuller angle on the story.

Good piece.

A fun read mALX! The whole Imperial City in an uproar.

I do enjoy the tail of my furry friend. Get it? Tail!

@ Hauty - I loved it the first time, so just copied it over to save myself some writing. Then I got looking at it after it posted and didn't like it suddenly. About 5 hours after posting I edited it and now I am much happier with this chapter. I always loved that storyline part too, just wasn't happy with my writing in it, lol. Thank you so much Hauty, you are always appreciated!!!

***

@ Olen - Thank you so much Olen! I appreciate your take on it a lot!

***

@ Acadian - Thank you Acadian, lol. Maxical doesn't have to actually be involved in anything for trouble to follow her around, lol. You ROCK!

***

@ Zalphon - Thank you Zalphon, and I love your new story !!!!





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








Chapter 18: Secrets Of The Past And The Tail In Jail


Abhuki plopped the Black Horse Courier down in front of Alix then slid his breakfast down next to it. “I never did much thinking when I was skewered on a man’s sword, but I still ended up with better’n an Orc.”

“Too much information over my breakfast Abhuki.” Alix said, picking up the paper. SPEW! “S’Jirra, come here! Have you seen this?”

“Not yet, I don’t touch the paper till you have seen it.”

“Listen to what our daughter told the press! Er, better put your coffee down first, I don‘t want to be wearing it.”

“Let me just read it.” S’Jirra said, grabbing the paper and scanning it. “Well she didn’t mean it like that. You know her.”

“I know. But who else knows her like that?” Alix wiped the coffee he had spat off the table before Abhuki saw it.

“Fathis will take this wrong I’ll bet.” S’Jirra mused aloud.

“You should see him S’Jirra. He has lost so much weight he looks like the wind would blow him over. The last few times I’ve caught sight of him he had road dust poofing from his clothing when he walked or sat. I could see the saddle marks on him still. He has been un-bathed and wearing the same clothes he was in days before. I don’t think he may survive being in love with Maxical. His mind hasn‘t survived it, I heard he was caught sneaking around the Waterfront district acting like he was inspecting property at three in the morning. Fathis is losing it S‘Jirra, loving Maxical has pushed him around the bend!”

S’Jirra tried to picture the fastidious Fathis in dirty clothing and unwashed, mooning around the Waterfront inspecting property at three in the morning and the image caused her to go off in a peal of laughter.

Alix grinned and began giving detailed descriptions of the particular odor that Fathis now sported to replace his scented bathwater, giving names to the smell and mimicking the vendors in the Market District.

“A powerful fragrance to give strength to the weaker man, we call this scent ‘Oh-no a scamp’ it goes well for those of you who work nights as a housing inspector in seedy neighborhoods.”

S’Jirra joined in with “And for the man who can’t find the woman he loves, we have ‘Musk of Dunmer‘ - let her find you!”

Abhuki chimed in “Nothing smells worse than a Dunmer that hasn’t bathed, unless it’s an Orc. - What? Why are you laughing?”


*


The Black Horse Courier arrived late, Alix was already irritated when the horse finally pulled up and the rider handed him the stack of papers for the Inn.

“What took so long?” Alix grumbled.

“They were sold out before I could get out of the city, I had to wait while they ran another printing. It’s over the engagement of your daughter and the Grand Champion.”

Alix got a sinking feeling. He stomped in and slammed the stack down on the counter in front of Abhuki, grabbing one to read.

“What is it Alix?” S’Jirra asked.

“That damned Orc.” Alix almost spat.

“You mean the gossip is true?” S’Jirra grabbed one of the papers and scanned it. “Oh no! What are you going to do about it?”

“What can I do? She has run away. If I show up throwing my weight around she will think I am spying on her and not letting her make her own decisions.” Alix’s frustration with the situation was evident in his voice.

“Well you can’t let her go through with this! You better get down there and find some way to stop it! Do you think we could be wrong?”

“No. Read this part here. After Maxical chased after Fathis the Grand Champion looked coyly at Hassiri and very deliberately says ‘No comment.’ You know exactly what he is doing. Things have obviously not changed…although it does say down here that he gave her a house. Now that is strange.” Alix looked up at S’Jirra. “Do you think he is up to something or serious?”

“Does it matter?”

“No. I’m heading over there and see what I can do.” Alix started pulling on his boots.

“It says she ran after Fathis, so no matter what his plans are, hers are still where they were when she left here.” S’Jirra continued reading the article.

Alix stopped putting on his boots. “Do you think I should go or let Fathis handle it?”

“Both. I wish Fathis would stop by here and you two go together. Just in case you get arrested or something.”

“Fathis won’t come here. Forester says Fathis was eyeing the house like he was afraid you’d come out with a rolling pin in your hand. You must have jumped all over him…scared him to death…he‘s…”

“All right Alix, unless you want to see what I did you will quit!” S’Jirra pushed him toward the door. “According to the gossip Fathis may gallop past you on the road and you can catch him. Tell him what’s up and the two of you go together. And be sure to invite him here, I’ll apologize and fatten him back up with potato bread.”









******* Maxical (continued from Chapter 16)


A well dressed man was coming down the polished tile corridor with ease and confidence. Even from this distance I could see his pure white hair was styled with elegance. I guessed him to be a lawyer.

My stomach was knotted between fear and anger at my false incarceration. I would know if I had done something wrong. Over all this I was stunned when I found out Agronak was the arresting party. I stood at the entrance to the holding cell looking out so saw the man approaching down the curved corridor long before he arrived.

“Are you Maxical?” His face was inscrutable. I nodded.

“Guards. She is the one.”

I was shackled and brought out of the cell to the sound of Andronicus sobbing and screaming “Don’t leave me in here!”





***

With a guard on either side and shackled I was led into a chamber room. I have never been so humiliated. Agronak was already in there, arguing with a man in a suit that sat next to him, probably the lawyer representing him. His eyes caught mine, a desperate look in them.

The Elders all sat on one side of the round table, separate from both me and Agronak by a large gap in the chair set-up. One glance into their faces was enough to know the separation was intentional, none of them would rub elbows with an Orc or a Khajiit outside the confines of this hearing room, and even in here they crowded together to keep their skins from the taint of us. The disdain on their faces mirrored the expression of those who rejected me as a child. Agronak was safe from their prejudice being the plaintiff, but it was clear they despised him too.

After a short call to order they began firing questions at me. I had to state the order of events that led to me being the one that picked up certain items that were purchased for the funeral using Agronak’s account. My anger was growing with the Elder Councilor’s sneering and patronizing voices and attitudes. It was obvious I presumed to be guilty, a ’sneaky Khajiit’.

“I was given a list of tasks and did it. The items were parceled in brown paper and crates when I arrived to retrieve them, I did not open or inspect them and have no idea what was inside. The list was on me when I was arrested, in the small pocket of the greaves. I have done nothing wrong and respectfully protest this arrest.”

Agronak and his lawyer whispered back and forth and then the lawyer next to me stood up and requested he be allowed to accompany a guard and watch him search my things. The list was found and the questioning resumed.

“Can you tell us who wrote this list?“

“Andronicus did, it was for the funeral of Agronak’s mother.“

Agronak’s lawyer arose. “My client requests charges be dropped against this person as she was following the orders of her superior and had no knowledge of the contents of items she picked up.“

An argument broke out then. because he and Agronak were the ones bringing the charges against me. I looked over at Agronak, he looked miserable.

“Motion denied.”

I was asked whether I had witnessed the new skirting and hardware of all our Battle Raiment, Owyn’s new armor, Andronicus’s new dress, and Haki’s new suit that were all worn at the funeral.

“Did I witness them? Everyone in Cyrodiil did. They were beautiful, it was the most touching send off I’ve ever seen. Agronak would have been humiliated if we had all shown up in the filthy worn out raiment we wear to fight in, especially with all of Cyrodiil there for the funeral. We were all there to represent Agronak and honor his mother, how would it look if we came in filthy shreds?”

“Then you knew these items were ordered using the plaintiffs funds.”

“Not till they arrived and we were given the task of changing out the skirting.”

“By your own testimony you are proving your complicity with the one who misappropriated this man’s funds.” An Elder leaned forward, his robe crackling with stiffness at the movement.

“Allegedly misappropriated. No wrongdoing has been proven. Agronak gave Andronicus carte blanche with his account to make all the arrangements for the funeral. He gave her no instructions nor limits and did it in front of a room full of witnesses. Andronicus did what she knows best, she made a beautiful public display that the people of Cyrodiil will remember for a long time to come, and she did it for Agronak at his request. She miraculously managed to do it in two days time including the PR releases. The Arena closed for the funeral to honor Agronak, which means a huge loss of Box Office receipts as it was held on a weekend. Everything you have asked me about was purchased for that funeral and has not been used for anything since, so I don’t understand what Andronicus has done wrong, nor Owyn, Haki, or myself. I do not understand what any of us were arrested for.”

The man in the suit next to me stood up “I’d like to have formality of this hearing dropped since the defendant is not represented by counsel.”

“So granted.”

I glanced curiously at the obvious lawyer sitting by my side. I thought he was my counsel.

“May I speak freely then?” I asked, and waited for the agreement. I looked over at Agronak. “What is this really about Agronak? What is going on here?”

“She robbed me, Maxical. How could she do that? She’s my manager. My mother’s funeral…”

“Agronak, you cannot press charges over what she purchased for your mother’s funeral. You know that funeral was the most ceremonial event Cyrodiil has seen in ages, you surely didn’t expect something of that magnitude to not cost a fortune. You should have given her a limit and told her not to exceed it if you had concerns, but you did not do that. Now what is this really about?”

“She did a straight transfer of funds directly to her own bank account as well, that is flat out theft.”

“You mean she charged you a fee for acting as a coordinator setting this all up for you?”

“She’s my manager, it is her job to do it.”

“No, Agronak my friend. No it is not. Her only duty is to manage your fights and PR. Anything you ask her to do outside that contracted duty is extraneous and you should expect to be charged separately for it. Nothing is free Agronak. She worked her butt off for two days getting that funeral arranged for you, handled all the press, and she gave up her share of Box Office receipts the day of the funeral. She deserves at least three full days pay for that, as well as a bonus for pulling it off so quickly and doing such a marvelous job with it. I have never seen such a beautiful ceremony - why Ocato himself attended it!”


*

Your writing is picture card perfect mALX. Such a joy to read. Awesome !!


Ha. Ha. This brought a smile to my face. Bravo.

My new character is heading to the Priory of the Nine at the moment. I took a moment to pass by Faregyl Inn. Everytime I see that place I now think of Maxical. What have you done to my thinking mALX?? You have ruined me forever, the old landscape of Oblivion is forever changed by the crazy stories I read here. Lol.

I enjoyed the poem you gave Destri. Boy was I shocked at the quick response by him. Wow, and I thought Eyja had a way of influencing people.

This line of the story has become so deliciously unpredictable that I am on the edge of my seat. I see the Mistress of Plotweaving is not content to merely republish her story, but to infuse it with new twists and turns and. . . well, just loads of wonderful extra goodness.

I loved this!

Well, well, I don't remember this from the first time around!

You really are rewriting this story, aren't you? At this point, I'm enjoying the twists and turns a little too much.

I did see a couple of typos:
Misappropriated is incorrectly capitalized in this context.

And a very common mixup:

Council refers to a group of people who confer on matters of importance: The Council of Elders, the Mages Council. In this context, I think you mean counsel, a person that gives advice or acts as a lawyer. How common is this mixup? Raminus Polus, in-game, refers to himself as the council to the Council of Mages, when it should be spelled counsel to the Council of Mages! If you have subtitles turned off, you'd never know the difference. Ah, English the patchwork language!

Anyway, Maxical in the end seems surprisingly intelligent! Where did she grow a brain (or common sense, for that matter?)???

Man...it's like reading a whole new story!!!

BTW since i'm too busy to backtrack, are you updating the new sextions (oops) sections into your already punbliss work on the Other Forum as well as on Fanfic??

@ Winter Wolf - Thank you so much Wolf! Lol, Eyja. I wonder how you will feel when you see her next, (?) lol. She has some really good scenes with Lucien coming up soon in the current chapters at that other forum. - er...ARGH! New character? What about Aradroth? Who is this new character, and will they be in Aradroth's story?

***

@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian. This came out of the woodwork. I knew I was cutting some future chapters out, so thought I could do just a tad more with the Arena to make up for that. Well, it has taken over. I was trying to make the Maxical saga shorter, but with this storyline stretching out it is not going so well, lol. ARGH!

***

@ Hauty - THANK YOU!!!! I needed that, and I have fixed it. You are def appreciated, I should have known that!

On Maxical's part, I wasn't sure if anyone noticed on her letters when she was twelve years old that she would say things like, "There was no proof I was involved," stuff like that - she would defend herself even then.

- She has an innate cunning in spite of being dumb, which shows up in battle or when she is angry - this hearing is a battle to her, and she is def angry in it.

- Andronicus taught her a lot, which will come out soon.

***

@ Foxy - Yeah! You are back! Thank you so much Foxy, you ROCK!!! (the answer is YES, and I will give more details below)



TO EVERYONE:

I am still writing updates for the original story and posting them on the BGSF forum:


http://forums.bethsoft.com/index.php?/topi...i/page__st__120



And on the FanFiction.net site:


http://www.fanfiction.net/~malx



If anyone is still keeping up with the original (Acadian is, Thank You Acadian!) I just posted a new chapter two days ago on both links above.

Oooooo two chapters up since last I was here...my my what a writer you are mALXie! I notced you on fanfic.net, must remember to add you as favourite author there!

What strikes me is the intelligent writing style of yours...it's stunning my dear...I'm impressed, very impressed

Looking forward to learn more about my fav-Kitty!

@ Minque - Thank you very much Minque!!! I appreciate you a lot! Are you on the FanFic? I will have to figure out how to search on there and add you as a fave too! Thank you so much!




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







Chapter 19: The Orc In Court


“The bank investigated and discovered Andronicus has been skimming off the top for years. She hasn’t been depositing the full amount I should get.” Agronak’s lip pouted out between the tusks.

“All the managers take their percentage directly off the top so if you die in the Arena they aren‘t left unpaid or having to dun grieving relatives.”

“But she was taking more than her contracted fee.”

“You don’t have a contract, haven’t had one since two years after becoming Grand Champion. Andronicus is a Free Agent. Look at the clause above your signature on the last contract you signed. It states right on it that if it lapses and you continue using her services she becomes a Free Agent.”

“I didn’t keep that, it was expired so I threw it away.” Agronak gave me an inscrutable look.

“I have a copy of that contract.” The lawyer next to me rifled it out of a leather satchel and handed it to the Elders. They passed it amongst them and then back to him.

Out of the corner of my eye I caught Agronak’s brows draw down into a scowl when the lawyer pulled the contract out. It was just for a split second, then it was gone. Was it a trick of the light? It gave me an odd feeling.

“The only reason I let it lapse is because she kept increasing her percentage every year. She was gouging me. I thought Free Agent meant…free.”

Agronak actually looked victimized, which is pretty hard to do when you’re a giant Orc with a reputation for vicious slaughter. I was incredulous, even I am not that dumb.

“Free? You thought she would work for nothing?“ I gaped at Agronak. “Free Agent just means without a contract, she gets paid per-fight at the going rate. No one works for free Agronak.”

“She can’t charge more than our last contract!” Agronak was getting angry, something I had never seen before.

“Yes, she can. Without a contract she is free to charge the current rate. When you negotiate a contract you talk her down below that. Her fee is whatever Haki gets plus an additional percentage because she does much more PR for you. Haki gets raises every year, so obviously her rate would increase.”

I learned that from months of hearing Andronicus moaning about Agronak squeezing every Septim. Until now I had never seen this side of Agronak, and always wondered if Andronicus was just a chronic griper.

“Haki gets raises every year?”

“They all do because the cost of living goes up each year. They are also supposed to get at least one bonus a year when you re-sign with them, more if they do a great job for you.”

“She doesn’t need anything for cost of living, she lives free in the Bloodworks. And she should feel grateful if I re-sign, not get a bonus for it. Bonuses can’t be mandatory, they are like gifts. Besides, she never needed to do PR for me, I earned my fame in the Arena.“

A hot anger rose in me. “Earnings aren’t based on where someone lives, and anytime you need proof of the great job Andronicus has done for you just step out in public. People who have never been to the Arena or seen you fight know you. You have better PR than the Emperor, they never had to tie back the city gates for him like they did at your mother‘s funeral!”

Agronak stared at the table in front of him, obviously angry. “She can’t even get another fighter that will let her represent them! She is lucky to get me!”

“She can only represent you because it would be a conflict of her interest if she had another fighter and they made Champion. She can’t represent two fighters in the same fight.”

How could he not know that? That was basic knowledge, he couldn’t be dumber than me. It had to be an act, but why?

“Agronak, you know that I dislike Andronicus, but she has given you brilliant representation and she is no thief. She believes in you. You expected her to work gratis as your agent and for your mother’s funeral in spite of the fact that she lost her share of the Box Office over it. I’m sorry to say this because you are my friend, but that is unconscionable. Those new skirts and armor were crated till you could pick them up. No one has used them, nor robbed you.”

Agronak glanced over at me his eyes were cold and inscrutable. I felt a shiver go down my back. Something just didn’t feel right about that look. I was angry and upset, was I reading him wrong? I had to be, for on second glance he looked…himself. I must be over-wrought from all this. I spoke more gently, apologetic.

“I’m sorry Agronak, you are my best friend, but if you want my opinion you are still reeling from the loss of your mother. I think the lawyer that pushed you to this action acted unscrupulously and was precipitous because he was over-eager to have his name connected with your fame. In my mind he owes us an apology for the embarrassment of our public arrest.”

The Elders expressions had not changed. I was still a guilty Khajiit, but now I was mouthy too.

The lawyer next to me was scribbling on a pad, not looking up, then suddenly he stopped writing and gracefully and soundlessly stood.

“I am asking that all charges be dropped pending a full accounting of the raises and payments for services Ysabel Andronicus should have received since Agronak gro-Malog became the Grand Champion. I respectfully request a subpoena of all banking records that show deposits made by the Arena into the account of Agronak gro-Malog for comparison. I request these arrests be expunged from all records. As the defendant stated, this action was precipitous. I move that any further proceedings in this matter be handled by the attorneys, that we waste no more of the Council‘s valuable time.”

Agronak sent me a worried glance.

I held my hand up in the Arena sign for step back and regroup. Agronak nodded, then spoke.

“I just asked my bank to look into it. Next thing I know the bank’s lawyer filed these charges. Everything happened so fast.”

I looked curiously at Agronak. As he spoke his expression was confused, but his voice sounded defeated; the two were separate and opposite.

I was upset by the arrest, the prejudice of the Elders. Agronak probably was feeling the same tension I was in here. That would explain…but no, he lied. His signature was on the arrest form, not a lawyer’s. What was going on?

Suspicion can hone your instincts. I had always trusted and relied on them. But Agronak was my friend, it is hard to believe he would ever do anything against me, why would he? Maybe I was the one that needed to step back and regroup.





***

The Elders dismissed for a break. When the Council resumed only the lawyers would return to argue it out before the Elders. Then they would be excluded while the Council made its ruling.

Agronak tried to come talk to me but his lawyer stopped him. I was escorted away by the lawyer that sat next to me and two guards.

“You did very well in there.” The lawyer said as we were making our way down to the lower floor. He hesitated, then turned to me. “You had an odd expression at the end of the hearing, would you mind explaining why?”

“Oh, I am sure it was nothing. I am probably just over-wrought.“

“What was probably nothing?” He opened a door into a small room and indicated I go ahead of him into it. “Have a seat.”

There was a round table and two chairs barely squeezed into the tiny room. I looked at him before taking the seat that would put my back to the farthest wall. Khajiit can usually read people through their eyes, his revealed nothing but his aura was of a decent man. The guards stayed outside the room but I heard a key turn in the lock.

“Go ahead.” He said, pulling out a blank parchment.

“I don’t know if you will understand. Khajiit read people through their eyes, facial expressions, tone of voice, body language, and the aura they emit. It is an instinct born in us and is rarely wrong. It just seemed that several times in there Agronak’s reactions and facial expressions seemed at odds with things he was saying.”

I described several examples; the lie about who filed charges, Agronak’s anger, his scowling over the contract being produced, the inscrutable expressions.

“And pretending he didn’t know Andronicus could not represent anyone while holding his book. He had to know that. Why pretend not to?”

While I was talking he was taking notes on what I was saying, sometimes asking me to describe in more detail either expressions Agronak had made or what was happening in the hearing at the time.

“Andronicus said he was intimidating in negotiations, but Agronak looked victimized in there as if Andronicus had put the screws to him. It was clear by his own testimony that he was tighter than a mud crab with his Septims.”

“Very clear. Now what happened at the end?”

“His words and expression showed confusion, but his voice held defeat…an error in judgment maybe?“

“A backfired plan?”

“Yes, that is exactly what I felt. I am sure my instincts are off, we are close friends. I must be misreading things.”

“Close friends don’t have you arrested, and I noticed several of these discrepancies myself. Always trust your innate senses. Owyn did well to have you brought in first. He was sure he would lose his temper, and Andronicus was not in any shape.”





***

He finished writing on the pad and then looked up at me as if deciding whether to say something.

“You knew a lot about the contracts and seemed to understand the clauses. How did you learn all that in just the few months you have been at the Arena?”

“Andronicus taught me. I bunk with her at the Bloodworks for protection. She talks almost constantly, complains even in her sleep. But if you listen you can learn a lot from her. She taught me how the financial end works, how the contracts work and what they mean, how to work the press to get the right PR.

“Was she training you to assist her?”

“Not that I know of, I think she just likes to talk and gripe a lot.”

He wrote something on his pad. “Go on.”

“Well, when we were arrested I was locked in the holding cell with her for hours before you came, and she talked the whole time about what possible things Agronak was trying to pull with these charges and how it should be countered. She discussed that clause and where to find it on the contract.

“She is a whiz with the contracts, much better than either Owyn or Haki.” He said as if thinking aloud.

“Sir, she would not steal, I would stake everything I own that she is innocent.”

“You said you dislike her, yet defended her in the hearing and now. Why?”

“Where do I begin…she is offensive in at least a thousand ways; loud, brash, coarse, her odor, she is dirtier than beggars on the streets, her teeth, she drinks till she can‘t find the…” I was counting them off on my fingers when he stopped me.

“No, I meant why did you defend her.”

“Oh. Well, I was forced into bunking with her so she could protect me from the men. Being in close quarters over an extended period I have seen a lot that others may not. She is brilliant and talented. She has integrity, she is near genius with her PR abilities. She is blatantly honest and would go hungry before she would steal a Septim. She has an enormous heart and is dedicated to those she loves, of which Agronak is one. This has hurt her deeply. She is no thief.”

“A thin line between love and hate?”

“It gets to be quite a thick line when she is un-bathed, but you are right. I do care about her. Sometimes you can love what is inside even if you don’t like the outer person.”



*

I apologize in advance for the book-length size of this post. I wanted to sit down and try to get caught up with your story and I find that in doing so there are just too many things that I want to comment on. It’s your own fault really.

Chapter 11: Bad things Come in Threes

I swear mALX, there are times when Maxical reminds me so much of Lucy Ricardo that it’s scary. I keep waiting for Ricky to show up and tell her that she has some ‘splaining to do!

And I for one love this version of the story. Your writing is far more refined. Whereas before it seemed that you were discovering your character along with your reader, now it seems like you know exactly who this character is, and where you want her to take us.

Chapter 12: In the Mind of Fathis Aren

My first thought when I read the chapter heading was . . . uh oh!



This is a magnificent paragraph! Imagery, emotion, and action mingle seamlessly with one another to provide a classic example of jealousy. If I might make a suggestion, I would substitute ‘unsatisfying’ for ‘unsatisfactory’. ‘Unsatisfactory’ is a temporary condition and seems to suggest that Fathis might find satisfaction in another’s touch, but we know from the preceding paragraphs that this isn’t the case.

Chapter 13: Of Fathis and Orc Diapers

First of all, GREAT chapter heading!



I think you mean ‘of spouse’ here, ‘as spouse implies that Maxical is already someone’s wife.



SPEW! Ha ha ha ha ha! Is it any wonder that the citizens of Bravil hold the Count in such esteem?

Chapter 14: The Secret And The Suicide

Ahh, intrigue! Agronak’s mother speaks of her imminent death, and then years later poisons herself? You have taken what is generally a straight forward quest in the game and wrapped it up in a mystery that adds new depth to the character of the Gray Prince.

I am beginning to wonder if you are going to deal with Agronak’s demise in a similar fashion as you did in the last version. I have to say that part of me hopes you find a way to keep him around; I’ve grown quite fond of the Orc.

As a side note: Thanks a lot, mALX! Now I can’t look at chocolate pudding again!

Chapter 15: Doctors, Lawyers, and Thieves

It’s interesting, I find myself comparing this version of Traven with the version on the other site and I have to say that I like this version better. In the other story there didn’t seem to be the incentive for him to want to help Maxical that there seems to be here. Reading their interaction I can almost feel the affection that he has for her, even with all the headaches (or perhaps because of all the headaches).

The missing money in Agronak’s bank account makes one wonder how many of Andronicus’ benders are being financed by the Gray Prince.

Chapter 16: The Friendship And The Friendship



And more raucous laughter from my side of the keyboard!

Given the frequency in which Andronicus tends to soil herself it makes one wonder how she came to be a ‘battle matron’ in the first place. *voice dripping with sarcasm* I can’t imagine why Fathis never chose to get with her!

WHAT!!!!!! Just read the part where Fathis overhears Agronak and Gils. What in the Nine Divines is going on here?! You had me at the point that I was really starting to like Agronak, now I don’t know anymore. Talk about cliff hangers, ARGGHHH!!!!!

Chapter 17: Fathis, Gossip, And The Golden Armor

I am in full agreement with everything already said about this chapter. It seems that the merchants in the Imperial City have quite the grapevine, doesn’t it?

I have to confess that as much as I enjoyed this chapter my mind is still racing and my concentration is broken over the fate of Maxical and the details behind this ‘tag’ of Agronak’s.

Chapter 18 Secrets Of The Past And The Tail In Jail





You already know how I feel about a courtroom setting as a kind of battlefield. I am actually giddy over the potential situations that can be explored putting Maxical on trial! I hope you take your time with this, because at some point Irlav Jarol must be called in to give damning testimony!

I’m not sure about the word ‘lawyer’, it kind of clunks in this chapter for me. I don’t think that there is anything strictly wrong with it, I just think that ‘advocate’ or ‘arbiter’ might work better given the setting.

Postscript: Now I see that you have posted yet again! I will attempt to read your latest update over the weekend. Right now I need to wipe the tears from my eyes from laughing so hard!

Now this sounds more like the cunning kitty who happens to be very observant of the people around her!

Well done! Did I ever mention that I love courtroom dramas?

Not so Maxical! You are not dumb. You are just sometimes awkward. And maybe a touch naive.

Another fun read! So, it seems Agronak is not as good as we may have thought and Andronicus not as bad. Veerry interesting!

Destri hit the nail on the head. Your writing is far more refined. Whereas before it seemed that you were discovering your character along with your reader, now it seems like you know exactly who this character is, and where you want her to take us.

That is exactly how I feel about your writing also. In the old days I would spin in crazy circles as I tried futilely to bite the end of my tail, now I just collapse in shock at the maturity and command of the english language that you use. A shame really, kind of makes it hard to read the computer screen from the floor.


See here? The writing you use is absolutely perfect. Thoughts, action and dialogue flow seemlessly into one and it makes it a delight to read. Wow!!

As for my new character, will they make the Aradroth story you ask? Hell Yeah !!
The new build is to complete MQ and KOTN, something I havent done in 4 years of playing Oblivion. Hopeless I am. I keep getting sidetracked by dungeon diving. "Hey look, there is another one, I haven't been there!"

Stand aside Perry Mason, here comes the Berry Sundae.

Great chapter! Looks like she's a bit brighter than Agronak thought and things are unravelling for him now. I'm still interested to see who else in involved and how this finishes up though and the story still has a firm grip.

I liked the way you described the characters in the last chapter, they all seem so natural and flowing and their reactions all fit. Even with the change in Agronak nothing sits out of place, like it was already there and we just hadn't seen it. Great characterisation.

Awsome chapter. More?

Exciting! I, too, like courtroom dramas! I liked the way Maxi sort of protected Andronicus, that was very sweet of her. But then again....Maxi is a very sweet sympathetic kitty

meow!!!

@ Destri - Yeah!!! You're back! Thank you so much Destri! I fixed the nits you mentioned. Regarding the chocolate pudding you have to lay the blame at FOXY'S DOOR!!!!!!

I was picturing the last Seinfeld episode when everyone he ever met comes and says all the horrible things he did when you said that about Irlav Jarol coming, then Raminus Polus, Adamus Phillida, Hieronymus Lex .... among others, read the next chapter!!!! It is so wonderful to have you back!!! Thank you Destri!

***

@ Hauty - Thank you so much Hauty, it is really hard to make her 17 again when I have been writing her at 21 on the other forum, lol. I edited that last chapter before putting it out to tone down Maxical's responses better. I apologize, and thank you for the heads-up on that.

***

@ Acadian - Yes! Now that's what I'm talking about! Thank you very much Acadian, you ROCK!!!

***

@ Winter Wolf - Wolf, to hear you say that means TONS! Thank you so much! Those two questlines are my faves, I love them!

***

@ Foxy - Thank you Foxy! BTW, I am getting the blame for your chocolate pudding, lol. EW! I'll warn you now not to be drinking when you read chapter 21. You may leave a berry sundae yourself after reading it.

***

@ Olen - Thank you very much Olen! Yes! You caught the underthread! Yeah! Winter Wolf and Hauty usually nail any sub-plot immediately, it is exciting to write for them because of it! Thank you Olen!!!

***

@ Minque - Thank you so much Minque! Maxical def cares about Andronicus, just doesn't like the smell, lol. You ROCK!

*


Chapter 20: Our Past Catches Up To Us All


I hesitated, but finally my curiosity got the best of me. “May I ask you something?”

He nodded his assent.

“I thought you were my counsel in there…er, who are you then?”

“My name is Jack Thompson. I am the lawyer for the Arena. I don’t represent individuals in these type hearings, only the integrity of the running of the Arena. It looks bad when people claim they have been robbed by those the Arena has employed to represent them.”

“I don’t know if you are a hero or anti-hero, but you are certainly famous. I heard of your stand against violence long before I came to the Arena. It seems a paradox that you represent the Arena.”

“Not really. If you have a vicious dog, do you let it run loose or control it?”

“Oh that is smart! I never would have thought of it that way.”

“I must say it has been an unexpected pleasure to meet you Maxical.”

“I can’t say it is a pleasure under these circumstances but they were not of your making.” I shook his hand, my shackles jingling with the movement. ”Unexpected?”

“Your reputation for extreme language and violence…I didn’t expect you to be this tiny, nor to do so well in there combating these charges. Do you not recognize my name from the citations you get after your matches?”

“Oh, for the extreme and unnecessary violence in the beheading and goring? That was you?”

He nodded briefly. “Don’t forget the citation for disemboweling your opponent.”

“I never got one for that.”

“I sent it with the others.”

“I am absolutely serious. I did not receive one for that…oh.”

“Yes?”

“Owyn tacked a citation on the wall that day, that could be it. I am too short to read it where he hung it.”

“Tacked it on the wall?”

“For our training.”

“You mean to train you what not to do?”

“Er…not exactly.”

“What do you mean?”

“Have you had anatomy in your schooling sir?”

“Yes.”

“Good, that will make this easier to explain. When a sword is thrust into your abdomen it takes almost a full minute before the pain hits. If you can kill the opponent in that time, he dies a relatively painless death. What I do is not a disembowelment, but an artery cut, there is a difference. I put my sword right here and sweep to the right because it severs a major artery so they will bleed to death quickly. The blood filling in the abdomen is what pushes the intestines out which gives the appearance of a disembowelment. It is not technically a disembowelment, they are two very different moves.”

“But a person will not always bleed to death that quickly in battle, the blood has been thickened and gelled.“

“True, so to make sure their death is painless and while they are still in shock I draw back a hair and do a full thrust up through the left lung. If I am able I follow through and pierce the heart as well for an instant death. It is less cruel that way, and is a move I can do even while weakened from injuries.”

“So Owyn has been training the move to the fighters while a citation existed on it?”

“No sir. Your citation said we could not do a disembowelment. This is called an artery cut, and is not disemboweling. The motion for a disembowelment is like this.” I stood up and turned to the side, empty handed I demonstrated the action. “Now watch the difference when I make the artery cut.” Still empty handed I demonstrated how my artery cut was performed. “The fact that some intestines escape while doing this is totally incidental.”

I sat back down and looked seriously at him. “Sir, I agree with you, a disembowelment can be a cruel death. I would never do that to anyone deliberately. My main goal is to survive first and do no unnecessary harm second. If I can kill my opponent with the least amount of suffering then I feel I have accomplished both.”

“I’ve heard that said before! Who did you say trained you in Blade? I have your application for the Arena here, but you can just tell me and save me from searching.”

“Alix Lencolia sir.”

“Ah yes! Alix Lencolia taught you that phrase, did he not?”

“Yes sir.”

“Did he also teach you how to argue your case?”

“No sir, I gave him a few pointers.”

Jack gave a spontaneous laugh and for a second his deep blue eyes flashed humorously. It was accompanied by a small but pleasant smile.

“Do you have an excuse for the goring?”

“Er…the goring isn‘t deliberate. Due to my size it is usually what is easiest reached when my survival instincts kick in. I have never done it unless I was in over my head and didn’t feel I would make it out of the fight.”

“And you didn’t feel you were going to make it out of the Arena last match, did you?”

“No sir. That is why I was making my tail move for the crowds to scream. The sound of them calling me was the only thing that gave me the strength to finish the fight and make it to the healing fount. I am unable to heal myself, Arch Mage Traven thinks I may have a disorder causing it.”

“Do you know how many times Owyn had to use the fount on you that fight?”

“I counted sixteen, but I was passed out quite a while.”

“It was thirty-seven times. You are right, you almost didn’t make it.”

“Sir, I will try to refrain from any more beheadings. To be honest it made me quite ill to see.”

“For a minute I thought you were going to argue that one as well.”

“Technically when done that way it is quick and painless. But it made me quite sick to my stomach and I really hated it.”

“So I can leave the citation standing?”

“Yes sir. What about the others?”

“I’ll send a retraction to Owyn and expunge the citation on the disembowelment, you have proven your case that it is not what you did. I will take the goring into consideration and let you know my answer.”

“Thank you sir. When you are the smaller and weaker combatant like I usually am, you need some advantages.”






***

Jack Thompson hesitated as if choosing his words carefully.

“You seemed familiar with many proper procedures in the hearing, have you been in Council Chambers before?”

“Plenty sir, but not for anything I’ve done. I was in the Orphanage at the Imperial Compound back when the Council Chambers were housed there. Out of boredom I used to sneak into the hearing room and listen to the cases.”

“A white Khajiit? Oh my.”

“Oh dear.”

“Are you the one that tied the lawyers shoe laces together so they fell down when they stood?”

“Before I answer, were you ever a victim of that prank?”

“Frogs in my satchel? A mouse in my pocket? The goats stomach that made gaseous noise when the judge sat on it? Putting alcohol in the court water pitchers so all the defendants got drunk? The bucket of water that doused everyone as they entered the building? The odd haircuts on Adamus Phillida and Hieronymus Lex?”

“Er….”

“The slaughterfish incident? The needle on the judge‘s chair? Phillida and Lex with boot blacking beards? The pigeon incident? The flood? The mass bedwetting among the Legion? Are you the one that caused Hieronymus Lex to vacate and refuse to return till you were gone? The tarring incident? Taking Phillida‘s expensive private wine collection and giving a bottle each to all the prisoners?”

“Er…but they say that if you get it out of your system as a child you grow into a responsible adult.”

“Where did you go when you left the orphanage?”

“I was adopted, and I went to the Arcane University.

“Hannibal Traven is an old friend of mine. Did you…” The expression on his face changed suddenly from scanning back through his memory to one of fleeting surprise before the mask fell again, sealing off any indications that revealed what he was thinking.

“Oh dear.” I knew what was coming.

“Oh my. Do I need to ask? The horse in his bedroom? Breaking all the windows in his tower? Blowing up the grounds? Turning Daedra loose on the campus?”

“Well, I am grateful your expression never made it as far as dawning horror. I want you to know Hannibal and I have become friends since I graduated, although he does admit relief I am no longer a student there.”

“I can well imagine. I do remember Hannibal saying you showed a remarkable innate ability to defend yourself in those situations. For someone with no formal training you did extremely well in the hearing today.”

“Sir, I hope this doesn‘t effect how you feel about me, I give you my word of honor I am innocent of these charges.”

“Let us hope you have gotten it all out of your system. I have visions of the Arena crumbling suddenly. I do believe you are innocent of these charges though, all of you.” He looked serious when he said that and looked me directly in the eyes.





***

Jack stood up and rapped on the door. The scraping of the key in the lock came quickly, the guards must be desiring their meal. It was late morning when they had escorted me to the hearing room and they had stood like statues by the door in case I made a break for it or became violent or something.

A glance out the windows as we passed gave me a sudden shock. I knew it had to be late in the day now, but still I was surprised to see the sun laying halfway below the tree-line on the other side of the Rumare. Was it that late in the day? Would I be spending the night here?

The sound of our feet echoed in the corridor as we followed the curved walkway to the lower levels, the boots of the guards rhythmically in unison…hurrying so they could get to their meal.

There were no more windows then and the corridor seemed unnaturally dark compared to those we had just passed through, why was the sound of their boots so loud? They were going too fast and I felt my feet beginning to drag trying to slow them down. It was hard to breath suddenly, couldn’t they feel it? Like the oxygen was sucked from the air.

They were all talking as if they didn’t notice the heavy dampness that felt like it would suffocate me any second. Stories of the treatment of beast species in prisons at night came unbidden to my mind, tales of torture chambers that were found in the lower levels of even some of the castles.

Somehow I thought since I was innocent I would not be returned to that cell, that it would come out in the hearing and I would be released. Yet here I was, going down into the bowels of the palace. A place where those Elders who hated Khajiit lived.

“What is it? You don‘t look well, is something upsetting you?” Jack had eschewed his mask-like expression and had a look of concern on his face.

“The Elders live here, and they hate Khajiit. I’ve heard of how beast species are tortured in chambers at night in the prisons, even in the castles. I thought my innocence would come out in the hearing, but the Elders didn’t hear a word I said. All they saw was Khajiit, and I was guilty already in their minds.”

“I felt that as well. They are not fans of Orc either, but he was the plaintiff.”

“Jack, I know you don’t represent me in there, but if you can find any loophole, anything. Please? I…I’m afraid.”

“I’ll do whatever I can, but I can’t make any promises.”

Jack gave a slight wave of his hand as the guards reached my cell. I raised my hand in the Arena salute. The emotionless mask that kept his thoughts from being read had dropped back over his face and I wondered if he really would help me. Maybe like the guards he had only getting home to his dinner on his mind. I prayed to Akatosh that Jack would get me out of here before I found out personally if they had a torture chamber.


*

Wow....


A neat touch. Go Maxical !!:lol:

Jack Thompson?
Maxical is putting her hopes on a man in a Hawaiian shirt.

Chapter 19: The Orc In Court


There it is in black and white, proof positive that Maxical is anything but dumb!


classic!

Chapter 20: Our Past Catches Up To Us All

Jack Thompson for the defense . . . now that is funny!

When Thompson is listing the various (and numerous) offenses committed by Maxical I had this vision of the movie Beverly Hills Cop and the late great Stephen Elliott as Police Chief Hubbard asking Lt. Bogomil:


I am all too curious to see what you have planned for us in the infamous Chapter 21!

This was a lovely clever way of highlighting some things about how Maxical feels about the Arena as well as reviewing some of her prankish history! Well done mALX!

The history section made me laugh. And more courtroom drama, this is brilliant, I'm enjoying seeing this side of Maxical and want to read more.


Classic, this made me laugh out loud.


Clearly she hasn't read Legal Basics from daggerfall to know that the Tamriel legal system works on guilty until proven innocent.

Excellent, I'm loving this.

Enjoyed the recitation of Maxical's pranks in the orphanage! Boy, she really picked on Phillida and Lex! Well, Lex really needs it!

The kitty is a sponge! She remembers everything she sees and hears, just like a real cat!

Finally found the time to re-read your excellent story and I am amazed.... You've really gone to town with this re-write. Agranok a con-man???? hmmm.....