What a wonderful job you did with Evangeline! At first she was so intimidating to Maxical, then you showed us how looks can be deceiving!

It is indeed fun seeing our dear kit sweat over the hijinks of others now instead of causing them for a change! How brilliantly you handled the pregnant horse hair caper!

And a great job again with Uriel.

Nit: ’She pointed at the sisters mammoth protrusion just as another braided lock fell from under the skirt.’
I’d use the possessive here: sister’s.

“She’s shedding…” She explained briefly.

The whole horse hair under the skirt part was hilarious! Oh, the shoe is really on the other foot now. All of those antics that Maxical had help recovering from! Now she’s the one who gets to frantically explain it!!

A mystery with Evangeline, Alix, and Alix’s dad Alix brought to light by Alix the Mouse! As Athynae said, hmm… I’m glad the sisters got a nice bath and some clean clothes.

Great to see Uriel in charge, since Foxy and Sneakers are locked in a pit!

Uriel signaled the remaining agents in the room. “Come with me, we haven’t much time before dusk.”

What’s going to happen next?!

A black braided lock of the horse’s mane dropped from beneath her skirt. Nisaba dove down and snatched it up quickly, tucking it into her pocket.

“She’s shedding…” She explained briefly.


Oh my.

Chapter 123

In several places, Uriel shows he is TRULY an emperor and not simply because he happened to be born as one. And that includes knowing when to take an interest in- other things.



But THERE, much more than in the "deniability" he proves his fitness to rule. And even more so when he contemplates the ragged clothing.

Also loved the tradecraft involved in finding the (obvious) traps- and even that it was, in fact ALL a trap.

The ending was just wonderful!

Chapter 124



Powerful and heartbreaking.

And the return of Alix the Mouse- woo HOO!



And with a few words- you manage to speak volumes.



Interesting...



Wow- just... wow.

And then, in perfect mALX fashion- you bring us back from our bleak contemplation of the lives these Khajiiti lived- but not before making me want to use a number of bad words in reference to Ocato.



Just love that!

And AGAIN what a brilliant closing line.

Chapter 125

The mystery of Evangeline and Alix (not the mouse) is quite intriguing... Hmmm.

And then- the "pregnant" hairball dropping (so to speak) Khajiit. Definitely glad beverages had been removed from the vicinity.



Oh my aching sides- I think "I" may have given birth over THAT one!



Oh- I LIKE this lady!



And that part made me smile.



I KNEW I liked her!

You have achieved new heights of humor AND of story-telling with these chapters. Wonderful!

I love your depiction of Uriel. This is the Emperor as we see him at the beginning of Daggerfall, strong, decisive, and commanding, not the failing old man in Oblivion.

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@ McBadgere - Thank you so very much! The segment on Evangeline was written around that line you quoted, I appreciate you singled it out for quoting!! Thanks again, McB!!

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@ Athynae - I think you are guessing that section exactly right, lol. (If I'm interpreting your "Hmmmms" correctly, lol. Thank you so much for your kind words !!

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@ King Coin - Thank you so very much KC !!! Your comments had me rolling, lol !! Thanks again !!

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@ Acadian - GAAAAH! I forgot to fix the nit! Got it now, sorry about that !! Thank you so much, Acadian - and I loved what you said about Maxical sweating over the hijinks of the others, oh yeah !!! Thanks so much for your catching that nit, You ROCK !!

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@ Grits - Loved your comment!! The whole horse hair pregnancy thing was a spur of the moment idea from a news interview of some girl faking a pregnancy in High School - it hit the air just as I was writing the meeting with Evangeline and just had to make it to the story, lol. Thank you so much Grits !! PS - I hope everything is going better with your back now that they know the cause <3

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@ Jacki Dice - ROFL !! I won't even begin to tell the tale of how I came up with that one, ROFL !! Thank you so much Jacki !!!

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@ Treydog - What a wonderful comment, Thank you so much Treydog!! That made my day, I really appreciated the time you took to write and quote all that - made my day in a huge way - Thank you. <3

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@ Glargg - Thank you so very much for reading, and especially for your kind words. I was so afraid of not doing a good job with Uriel Septim. When I first wrote him in I just used his words from the game, but as his role expanded I ended up researching him in the Imperial Library (and researching top Generals through history). I am so glad he came through well, thank you very much!

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Chapter 126: Bathing And Truth


When Evangeline left, Nisaba turned to me with a startled look. “Miss Evangeline looked like she was going to cry when you told her the mouse’s name was Alix.”

“I know, she looked like that earlier when she was asking about my father. That‘s why I chose that name. I think she was going to throw the mouse out before that.”

One older sister nodded. “Like a hungry dog looking in a meat store window.”

“Or hopeless love.” Nisaba whispered. I looked at her stunned. Had she been in love? Yes, it was in her eyes…she still was. I changed the subject.

“My father has that effect on women. Come on, let‘s get cleaned up.”

“This one can’t believe the Emprer hisself invited us to stay!“ The eldest Khajiit stuck one toe in the bathing pool and then pulled it right back out.

“We will really have to bathe or he’ll smell us and change his mind.” I hinted.

It didn’t take. Although more than glad to strip their ragged clothes off, none were wanting to join me in the bathing pool.

“Cats don’t like water.” Nisaba said in an instructive tone, reminding me I had asked her to teach me about being a cat.

“But, you all must have felt rain before…”

“This one knows enough to get out of rain.” One Khajiit mumbled under her breath. The others snorted and nodded agreement.

“But surely you’ve bathed in the Rumare…” Eight shocked faces gave me the answer to that.

“You never hear of slaughterfish?” Nisaba shook her head like I was a half-wit.

“But it must have touched your feet as you walked along the banks, this is no different.”

“Uh uh, this feels hot.”

“I know, that is what makes it wonderful! Heated water…it’s a luxury one only dreams of! I‘ll bet the Emperor is the only one in Tamriel that has it, too. This is like those special sweet rolls…things we’ll see but once in our lives. I want to be able to say I bathed in the Emperor‘s own heated bathing pool, maybe tell my children about it one day.”

Several toes dipped after that speech, but no bodies climbed into the pool. The women were smiling stiffly at each other as they held their toes in a little longer. Obviously they were scared, but wanted to be able to say they did it.


“Nissy, the Emperor invited you by name. He’ll ask to meet you in person. You can‘t go in there with the smell of dead bodies on you, you’ll have to bathe.” I showed her by scrubbing my fur with the soap till it lathered up like foam.

When I had scrubbed myself into a thick lather, I handed the soap to Nisaba. She tried to rub it on her fur without getting in the pool. “Nissy, your fur has to be wet to make it lather.”

Nisaba surprised me by her fear of water. Surely she would have bathed at the orphanage. I strained my mind to remember how we’d bathed there, but for the life of me couldn’t visualize any bathing pool or even a tub. How had the Imperial children cleaned up for Fathis’s visits? Had we beasts never been bathed? Dear gods, had I been filthy when I met Alix…and Fathis? Why couldn’t I remember?






***


“You have to, Nissy. That dream you had means something important to him, you have to tell him. This is something we are supposed to do together, don’t you feel that?”

Nisaba nodded, and after a tangible inner struggle forced herself to put a toe in. She yanked it back out, but was obviously still torn. She wanted to please the Emperor, that I could read in her eyes. I had an idea.

“What if I get a bar of the Emperor’s own soap, one he’s used on himself already? I‘ll have to put it back when we‘re done, it will be kind of like…forbidden pleasure.”

That caused an excited stir, even from the other women. I climbed out of the bathing pool and slipped through the doorway, glancing up and down the hall. The coast was clear. I hurried up to Uriel’s private quarters, my feet sliding on the polished wax of the floors and the soapy water dripping off me.

Uriel’s private bath wasn’t hard to find. There were several cakes of soap, all with the Septim crest stamped into the bar. I picked several up, sniffing each till I found one that smelled good and looked used. The family crest stamp was still visible, but barely.


I hurried back as quickly as possible, avoiding the wet spots on the floor. Just as I was darting into the bathing room, Ocato came barreling through the door into the corridor. I slid the bolts to lock the door behind me. A shriek echoed through the door.

Nisaba jumped back. “What was that?” All the women’s eyes were wide with fear. Odd how confidant they had been in the cave, and here in the safety of the Palace everything frightened them.

“Oh, I forgot to dry off before going for the soap, Ocato must have slipped in the water. But look! Uriel Septim’s own soap, it even has his crest imprinted on it! And it has touched his skin, too; see how worn the crest is? You should have seen the new cakes of soap, they were magnificent! I‘d never bathe if my soap was that pretty!”

“Ooh!“ The soap was handed around, everyone sniffed and exclaimed in excitement at the crest and scent. One sister bit a corner of the bar, then spat it out with a sour look. I dipped it in the pool and handed it back.

“Feel it now, it feels different wet…kind of slimy.” No one wanted to touch it wet. Finally Nisaba took it, and it slid out of her hands and skidded across the floor. The women shrieked and ran. It was obvious these women were not going to bathe, I had to just concentrate on Nisaba.


“Come in with me, Nissy. I‘ll be right beside you. I won’t let anything happen to you.” I never knew my voice could sound so persuasive.

“You go first, it’s your steal”

My face flamed and I felt my stomach lurch. “Steal? No! I just borrowed it. I’ll bring it back. It wouldn’t feel right to steal from him after he let us stay here.” I suddenly wondered if Uriel would look upon it as stealing. Oh dear gods…I better tell him before he discovers it missing.

The Emperor had barely just invited us, and already I had a list of confessions to bring him. Maybe it was best, get them all out of the way at once.

One thing I learned from S’Jirra; if she was going to try to spank me for one thing, I may as well do as many things wrong as I could before she caught me. That way I would just get one spanking for all of it.






***


“Shh, it’s okay. Nothing is going to hurt you, Nissy. I’ll help you.“ I tugged her gently into sitting on the pool edge, her feet resting on the first step down so only her ankles got wet. I bathed her there by cupping water in my hand. She tolerated the lather, sniffing the scent of it on her arms.

The other women watched in combined fascination and horror. There was a collective sigh of relief when I wrapped a towel around her and gently buffed her fur dry.

“I like this the best.” Nisaba’s relief the ordeal was over was tangible.

“Well, you have to get wet before you can dry off.” I laughed. “You can bathe yourself like I just showed you, sitting on the step.”

“Never again, I’m clean now.” Nisaba said firmly.

“Well, I bathe every day…” I broke off at her horrified look. “Er…but you won’t need to.”


The mouse caught my attention sniffing around Uriel’s soap bar. I grabbed him quickly and scrubbed him with it till I was sure his squealing would deafen us all. He struggled wildly, splashing water everywhere.

By the time we were done the tile floor of the bathing room was a standing puddle of soapy water and gobs of mouse hair. I was surprised he had any hair left on him by the amount floating in the pool. The mouse was shedding badly, maybe from the stress of his upheaval from a comfortable home.


Evangeline tapped on the door, then entered quickly. “The Emperor has asked that you and Nisaba attend him. Maxical, you go on ahead, I‘ll escort Nisaba in thirty minutes, that should give you time to clear up any misunderstandings.”

“I will. Thank you, Evangeline.” I grabbed the bar of soap on my way out. I couldn’t have the Emperor thinking I would steal from him.

Evangeline told me not to mention Ocato’s horse, but for the first time in my life I wanted to confess all…felt like I had to. I wanted the trust of the Emperor. It may anger him, but in the end he’d know I would not lie to him.


Uriel was standing in the dome window looking out over the city. Somehow I got the feeling he spent a tremendous amount of time doing that. I wondered if it was to give him peace, or if he sought answers by it.

Fathis said he was facing his mortality and not sleeping well…I knew why now. Obviously knowing what was ahead weighed heavily on him. But for the life of me I couldn’t see how I was supposed to help him, short of killing Ocato.

Uriel turned, surprised to see me waiting. “I didn‘t hear your arrival.”

“Yes, Sire. My father taught me never to disturb a man deep in thought.” Especially when you have ill deeds to confess, I thought…suddenly wishing I could put off the moment of confession even longer.






***


“Sire, er…a few things have…transpired. I’d prefer to confess all at once, lest it come to your ears by another and you think I wasn’t honest with you.”

“Rest easy, child. Evangeline informed me of the misunderstanding in the number of sisters Nisaba has. At her suggestion I placed her in charge of the situation, but it rests on your shoulders to see nothing occurs that shouldn’t.”

“Some things already have, Sire. I take full responsibility, ask that any repercussions be brought before me only, and privately so the women not be subjected to...anger.” I felt the sickening knot coming back in my stomach as Uriel’s expression began darkening.

“Minimize the need by supervision.”

Uriel’s firm response shamed me. How simple it sounded in the abstract. Could I have watched them more closely and avoided the incidence with Ocato’s horse?

“Yes, Sire.”

He waved his hand to proceed, but by now his expression was irritated. It suddenly struck me that small details aggravated him. He wanted decisive actions and not be bothered with the niggling minutia of how they came to be.

Maybe because his own mind could produce an intricate plan at the drop of a pin, he expected those around him to be just as thorough…handing him the finished result without dragging him down in explanations.

That was it in a nutshell. The people that the Emperor respected…Fathis, Sir Damien, Hannibal…they were all fast thinkers, just like him. I’d have to change a lot to stop irritating him…but how? My mind is like hand-churning a meat grinder, it may never work fast enough to keep from jangling his nerves.

Maybe it was a hopeless battle to earn his respect, best just try for his trust…and keep it succinct. I stepped forward and lay the bar of soap down on his desk. The once pristine bar was now a misshapen mass covered with mouse hair. I spoke as abruptly as possible.

“This is yours, I borrowed it without permission…Sire.”

“Gods give me strength! Is that a dead mouse? Remove it from my desk immediately!”

“Er, No Sire, er…that is a bar of your soap. I’m returning it. The Khajiit women have never bathed, I thought a bar of your soap would entice them. I apologize for not waiting for your permission, Sire. If you wish, I will clean the hair off and reshape it…”

He waved his hand. “You may keep it, just remove it from my desk without delay.



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Lol...The idea of Patrick Stewart's face when someone hands him a hairy bar of soap...

Ooooh this was a soap opera chapter wasn't it?!!... ...

...

...

Anyone?...

*Tumbleweed*...

Excellent chapter!!...

Loved it...

Nicely done...

Nice one!!!...

*Applauds heartily*... ...

Quoted because it tells us more about Nissy. But it ALSO shows how Maxical has grown. She is thinking before she speaks- or remains silent.



Just ONE of MANY that could have been chosen.

And you again weave melancholy with the humor, as Maxical tries to find her memories.

Then there is her understanding of Khajiiti psychology- “It is forbidden.”



I sure hope so.



Now- that is how to say volumes with just a few words. Brilliant.



Our kitty is growing up. (Sniffle)



Well- not completely! ROFL

Loved it- every bit of it.

I enjoyed the entire piece start to finish, watching our kitten grow up, as hard as it is, still brings a smile to my face.

Of course Trey stole all of my favorite lines, figures, humph!!! Mean ole dog. Where did I put that mustard??



I think Alix eek'd so much he ran out of e's so he ...borrowed? one.

The thoughts running under the surface for Max bring a touch to this piece that shows even more of how much she is maturing, a bit of foresight into the kitty she will someday be...

I loved this one mALX, just loved it. Impatiently waiting for more....

Nissy’s pretty sharp! I like the line the other sister said though. She wouldn’t have much experience with love, living with a vampire. Who Nissy is in love with though?

“Cats don’t like water.”
Tell that to Aravi!

Not Ocato! Argh! That fool needs to be tossed from the top of White Gold Tower. Just imagine his shrill shriek all the way to the ground.

Oh Maxical got Nissy clean just in time! Good thinking on her part!

It’s good that Maxical’s coming clean with the Emperor right away. I didn’t think he’d care about the soap, but it’s good to start with something harmless like that.

“Or hopeless love.” Nisaba whispered. I looked at her stunned. Had she been in love? Yes, it was in her eyes…she still was. I changed the subject.

Maixcal was so sweet with Nisaba here, even though she was desperate to get her bathed. Their evolving relationship is very compelling.


He waved his hand to proceed, but by now his expression was irritated. It suddenly struck me that small details aggravated him. He wanted decisive actions and not be bothered with the niggling minutia of how they came to be.

I love this insight, Maxical has really been thinking about Uriel.


Maybe it was a hopeless battle to earn his respect, best just try for his trust…and keep it succinct.

That’s right!! He has a lot to deal with, like his own mortality, and he’s counting on you. Just forget about small details like the silly soap.


I stepped forward and lay the bar of soap down on his desk. The once pristine bar was now a misshapen mass covered with mouse hair. I spoke as abruptly as possible.

Noooo! One step forward, two steps back! It’s wonderful to see Maxical’s meat-grinder turning, just still not quite fast enough. I was rolling over the whole mouse-bathing incident. Poor Alix the mouse is shedding from all of the stress!

Any episode that features Maxical and Alix the Mouse is a favorite, and this one was no exception! What a magnificent web of contradictions and intentions gone awry you so masterfully wove here! I loved every word.

“Minimize the need by supervision.”
This passage is perfect for Uriel and draws out his concise and commanding manner. Er. . . just like this draws out the thought process of our beautiful kit:
’My mind is like hand-churning a meat grinder, it may never work fast enough to keep from jangling his nerves.’


Love the gently growing relationship between Maxical and Nisaba, along with the tantalizing hints that their destinies are linked.

“This one can’t believe the Emprer hisself invited us to stay!“
I had no problems with the (mis)spellings within this piece of dialogue and chalked it up to trying to display the speaker's education and dialect.

“This is yours, I borrowed it without permission…Sire.”

“By the Nine! Is that a dead mouse? Remove it from my desk immediately!”

But if Maxical borrowed it, why would he assume it was a dead mouse? Does he keep a lot of dead rodents in his desk?

ROFL !! Them being cats, maybe he thought they caught it and were playing with it ... and then brought it to him !!

My cats do that all the time, especially if I give them the leftover chicken instead of making a soup with it - next day there is always a dead mouse on the doorstep as a "thank you" (urk), ROFL !!!

LMAO!! That makes me glad Melaina and the other cats are all indoor cats. No bringing me presents! Though we did have a cat while I was in high school who single handedly took care of a mouse problem we were having. He loved to bring the mice into the dining room to eat with the rest of the family. It was awkward trying to eat breakfast with crunch-crunch-crunch

EW! Our indoor cat is a mouser too. We live in the country, so there are plenty of fat field mice that love to come in every winter and bask in the heated indoors. I put double plastic grocery bags over my hand and remove the mouse before he can eat them, it makes me really ill when he does that, lol.

So I throw it outside, and then the outside cats feel like I caught it and gave it to them. Next thing I know I step out the door to go to work and * splat * - they have left me a return present on the doorstep, a mouse (or chipmonk) they caught to thank me.

Urk, I get ill from it. I swear I'd rather see them run by me than have their carcasses being "gifted" to me, lol.

So, have any of them ever brought you a snake?? Neighborhood cat where I live now apparently was very pleased with my sons leftovers from a can of tuna and brought me a 2 ft garter snake. Not a big deal to me really but my daughter almost had a coronary when she stepped out on the porch.

GAAAAAH !!! URK !!!

I don't have cats any more, but when I did, they tried to bring a skunk home to play in the yard. Fortunately it stopped following them when it saw me, or they'd probably have led it into the house.

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@ McBadgere - Lol, I actually do try to picture him when doing his scenes, but may have slipped up on that one, ROFL !! Thank you so much, McB !!

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@ Treydog - First: Thank you so very much! You caught the nuances of the changes in Maxical I was trying to bring out !! I really love hearing your reactions to certain scenes - that means a lot, as does your kind words !!!! Thank you, Treydog !!

Second: Unless you say no, Treydog the Smithy is returning to Maxical's story in a few chapters. He has a few small, but very important cameos before he leaves the Palace to work at the Black Horse Courier (because he refuses to be Smithy for Ocato once he is in charge).

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@ Athynae - Thank you so much Athynae !! I have no idea what the mustard threat to Treydog means, but spewed coffee anyway. All I could think of was the mustard capsules we used to...insert...to give racehorses an edge in a race.

We had a delay at the starting gate, one horse took too long loading (ours was loaded and waiting). That mustard capsule broke before the gates opened and the "THEY'RE OFF!" ... GAAAAH !!!

He was off, and all by himself. All H broke loose in that starting gate, they nearly had to call the race. Ah, the good old days when mustard really was a good threat !!! ROFL !!!

Thank you so much, Athynae !!

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@ King Coin -

You had me rolling with this, I did picture it once you said that, ROFL !!! Thank you so much, KC !!!

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@ Grits - Thank you so very much, Grits !!! Yeah, what few people in her life Maxical has ever really cared about making a good impression with - she just doesn't know how, but she's trying to learn. And poor Alix the Mouse ... well, you'll see soon, lol.

Your kind words mean so much to me, Grits !!! I so hope you get feeling better soon !!! <3

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@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian !! I'm glad you pulled out that line by Uriel. I struggled with that for so long - couldn't think of a sentence tag that would fully encompass how Uriel got right to the meat of the matter with no beating around the bush - finally ended up leaving it at just his bare words, and I was worried his decisiveness wouldn't come across right. It makes my day to know it did, thank you !!

And you got it on the Khajiit dialogue - trying to type words like the Khajiit women would say them is harder than I thought it would be, lol. Thanks again, Acadian !!

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@ Jacki Dice - You had me rolling with your comment !! I wrote that because Uriel has not been exposed to living closely with Khajiit, and may have been under the impression cats dropped dead mice off at people's feet to show their appreciation, ROFL !!

I've more or less written the Khajiit in the story off a colony of feral cats I've been tending for over a decade - the idea of her doing that and him thinking it was a dead mouse came out of my feral's idea of "gifts" - had to run with it, lol.

I ended up going back and editing the earlier paragraphs to add in her scrubbing Alix and him shedding just to accomodate that one line, really hoped cat people would catch the connection to their own cat's behavior (or what they may have thought if a cat dropped a hairy misshapen object in front of them).

The continuation of your comment along with the added ones from Athynae and Ghastly had me in stitches !!!

Thank you so much, Jacki !!!

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@ Ghastley - I nearly choked to death laughing, imagining YOUR reaction to the cat bringing the skunk home - this whole conversation had me laughing for two days !!! Thank you so much Ghastley !!! And I saw you had a new story up that I have missed, I promise you I'll get over there and catch up on it !! Thanks again !!

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Chapter 127: Understanding VS Misunderstanding


Uriel’s eyes had changed from warm blue to cold steely gray. How he must dislike these types of meetings where he is compelled to listen and acknowledge when his inclination is so obviously to end it abruptly.

Any ground I’d gained in winning his respect on the battlefield was lost within minutes of entering his chamber…again. Worst of all, it was lost trying to do the right thing for a change. Should I stop now and risk him thinking me untrustworthy later?

It felt like I stood on quicksand, where every move was the wrong one that would sink me deeper into the mire of it. What was the right thing to do…did I even know anymore? As soon as my mouth opened, I knew I’d made the wrong choice.

“Sire, there was an incidence with High Chancellor Ocato’s horse. It was overly heated and left to stand…” Uriel cut me off abruptly with a slight raising of his hand.

“You are confessing this to the wrong person. If your actions were against the High Chancellor, then it is to him you must carry your apologies.”

My throat closed off on a croaking sound.

“Apologize to…Ocato? Sire, I can’t! How can I speak to him without drawing my sword when I know he plots against you? Sire, Khajiit…we are a very loyal people. We take personally upon ourselves the enemies of those we love…revere. What I overheard today between Sir Damien and yourself…the only reason Ocato still breathes is that you have not acted on his treachery yourself. I don’t understand, Sire. How do you let him live, knowing what you do?”

“How did you overhear the conversation between Sir Damien and myself? We were quite a distance ahead of you, the words were barely a whisper!”

“Khajiit can’t help but eavesdrop. We are driven by curiosity and our hearing is extraordinary. We can hear a heartbeat in a windstorm.”

Uriel looked flabbergasted and intrigued simultaneously. “That is an amazing trait.” His eyes showed his mind was working rapidly. “There are many situations where an ability like that would be a great asset to the throne.”

“Yes, Sire. Throughout history many Royal Houses have kept Khajiit to eavesdrop on their enemies and for our single-minded devotion to our masters. We can‘t be bribed to turn our loyalty.”






***


Uriel was listening carefully. By his expression he was scanning his mind and placing checkmarks in every slot where he could place a Khajiit to his best advantage. I was relieved to see his eyes had returned to their deep blue color. My breath released slowly and the tension in my stomach faded. It may not last…no doubt it wouldn‘t last. But for right now I had earned his favor.

“I have been in several Royal houses that have a Khajiit in the Manor. The significance of their presence was in the nature of household staff.”

“Yes, Sire. Most people assume we are servants…if they notice us at all. Because our speech is different many assume we are dumb beasts. It’s what makes us effective house spies. Some Royals travel with their Khajiit to eavesdrop on their hosts when abroad.”

“Your task for me won’t involve spying in the Palace.”

“I know, Sir Damien has that role.“

After a brief eyebrow raised in surprise, Uriel nodded. “He has filled that position for me since the Imperial Simulacrum.”

“Yes, Sire. If he holds your trust, then I’m sure he has earned it. It’s just…”

“Go on.” Uriel was watching me closely now. Dear gods, was I about to make him angry again?

“Er…uh…my father said assassins have no true friends, because one day you may be their mark.”

Uriel frowned and waved his hand in irritation. “Sir Damien has proven his allegiance for over thirty years. He has earned my trust.”

“Yes, Sire. It was just something my father was told growing up. He was raised by an assassin when his mother abandoned him as an infant. He was left on the doorstep of the assassin’s mark. The assassin completed his kill, but wouldn’t leave the babe out in the cold to die. That’s who taught my father his blade skills. He was devoted to the assassin till the man’s death…of course that was long before I was adopted.”

Uriel sank down onto his settee, staring unseeing at me. I dropped to the floor so my head wouldn’t be higher than his.

“Your father, did he never mention this assassin’s name?”

“No, Sire; he wouldn’t even tell my mother the name. He refused to introduce her to him, although the man still lived till shortly after they married.”






***


Uriel’s face was an unreadable mask as he waved me to continue. “You were saying something about Khajiit loyalty.”

“Men and Mer in general reserve their highest loyalty for themselves. They can be swayed by power or gold and smile in your eyes while plotting your downfall, as you know. But Khajiit, what is in our hearts can be clearly read in our eyes. We hold no value in riches or glory. Our allegiance is where our heart is, and is given freely to those who have a place there.”

“I’ve not forgotten the treachery of Jagar Tharn.”

“How is Ocato different? Sire…I don’t understand why you let him live, why he’s not been at least imprisoned for his treason. There can be no doubt his pact with Dagon will be the end of Cyrodiil, just as it was for Mournhold.”

Uriel hesitated before answering. He clearly was not searching for words, but deciding how much he should reveal to me. He spoke softly, at first I thought to test my super hearing I’d just bragged about. Then I realized he didn’t want his voice to carry, and moved closer till I sat on the floor at his feet.

“What I tell you is of the highest security, do you understand what that means?“

“Yes, Sire. It must never be repeated, even under threat.”

“My protection will fall to your hands one day, it is best you know who your enemies will be. Ocato does not work alone. He has not the intelligence or connections to concoct a plot of this magnitude. Were I to remove him, his associate would be alerted and replace him with another. It is always best to work with known enemies. If they don’t know you suspect their plans, they continue in them and reveal their own secrets. You know they are watching you, but they don’t see that you are watching them. You can use what you know of them to plant faulty information if they don‘t suspect you know their plans.”

An involuntary gasp choked out of me. Hannibal had always been such a hero in my mind for his brilliant mind and secret dangerous missions. But this…this was like stepping into a spy novel where everyone was a double agent, it was…genius. Is this how all Emperors have to think? Dear gods, I wish I‘d known this in school, I would have read the lessons! I knew I was gaping, but couldn’t stop.

“One must always think faster than their enemies to stay a step ahead of their daggers…” Uriel paused to reach his hand down and push my mouth shut. “Let’s not begin imagining me in a dark greatcloak please.”

My cheeks flamed in embarrassment that he’d remembered my earlier gaffe. “I’m sorry, Sire.”






***


“So, he’s just a…dupe? I…but how are you able to treat him with respect…knowing? It must take tremendous strength of willpower, I’d be driven to make his life miserable. Do you know who his ally is?”

Uriel nodded briefly. “The leader of a quasi-religious cult that worships Mehrunes Dagon, the Mythic Dawn. The cult leader is a man of great power, the purported son of Camoran Usurper.“

“Dear gods…Mankar Camoran? Isn‘t he a…mad imposter?”

The words ‘son of Camoran Usurper’ echoed sickeningly around in my mind, but I couldn‘t remember anything I’d learned of him except the stories Delphine and I made up of him…Camoran You-Slurper, the man that couldn’t eat soup or drink in public because his loud slurping noises caused wars to break out. We were both put under restriction for slurping loudly in the dining hall trying to imitate him.

Uriel snapped his fingers in front of my face as Sir Damien had, ensuring he had my full attention. “Not mad. Intelligent. Dangerous. Hungry for power. The madness is a foil, a ruse so rulers will believe him an ineffectual enemy.”

I gasped, feeling faint. Treasonous plots, devious subterfuge, spying and double agents…and now Dagon and the son of Camoran Usurper…what could Akatosh have been thinking pitting me against these? It felt like I’d stepped into a warped realm where nothing is as you’ve always known it. How could I be a part of all this? I can’t protect the Emperor…I…can’t…

Uriel had my hand turned up and was pressing his thumb hard into my wrist. The dizziness faded. He spoke harshly…bracingly.

“You can’t win against an enemy if you fear them before the battle. Akatosh would not have chosen you without cause.”

“I…yes, Sire. But it is so…overwhelming.” My voice was as weak as I felt. I batted at the tears with the back of my hand, wishing he hadn’t seen them.

“Never underestimate your own capability, instead hope your enemy does…that is how you will defeat them.“

“But my only capability is with blades, Mankar Camoran is a powerful mage…Dagon…how can I prevail against enemies like these?”






***


Without saying a word, Uriel went to his desk and unlocked a drawer. He returned with a file in his hand.

“Let me read something to you. Maybe this will explain why Akatosh chose you. Five through eight years old, the orphanage. Lawyers refusing to try cases at the Compound, Elder Council moved to Palace due to constant disruption. Hieronymus Lex moves from barracks to the South Watchtower, refuses to return. There is quite a list here that details a marked ability to antagonize the highest echelon of my Legion and destroy property…totally unarmed.”

“But…” Uriel silenced me with a raised hand.

“Twelve through seventeen years old, the Arcane University. This thick stack of parchment is the log of injuries you caused to students and staff.” He lay the stack to one side and removed another slightly larger.

“This one details what Traven says was your misdeeds. Conjuring of hostile Daedra. Horses in the Arch Mage quarters. Irlav Jarol developed a permanent nervous disorder, nearly succumbed from an apoplexy. Destroyed the University Plaza with a large explosion.”

Uriel put both stacks back into the file and removed a parchment with a few short lines on it. “Yet you graduated with Masters in all but one of the Arcane Arts and attained BladeMaster standing from Alix Lencolia, who trains my own Legion.”

“But I…” Uriel raised his hand again.

“Next, the six months at the Arena. The largest stack of citations ever given against a single fighter. Beheading, goring, disemboweling, obscene gestures, foul language…here we are. Gaiden Shinji’s Arena, that has stood since the First Era. Bloodworks and Arena floor flooded. Same day, purchased stud services for BattleMaster in the prison. Same day, cost over 900 Septims in repair hammers and destroyed two raiment. Same day, destroyed Arena with massive explosion. Weeks later, wild apes turned loose in Arena. Next day, wild beasts go berserk in Weye. You are pinpointed as the cause.”

“Sire, I…” Uriel pointed at me. My mouth snapped shut.






***


“Both Traven and Sir Damien are of the strong opinion the explosion that destroyed the Imperial City was of your doing, it was found to be caused by a gas vent under the Arena. There is a distinct possibility you are also indirectly responsible for the eruption of this war itself.”

My cheeks burned with humiliation. “Dear gods…the Orc was coming up from the sewer, I was scared. I…I did turn the valve to send gas into the sewers, and sealed off the vent to the Arena. Is that what caused the explosion? And the war…it’s true, I did argue with the Immortal. I…I’m so sorry, Sire.“

“Aha.“ Uriel marked something in the file. “I received Ocato’s report just before you arrived. Assaulted Ocato by spitting on him. Placed in the care of Falanu Hlaalu. Escaped by another massive explosion that destroyed the entire shop…I won’t go into the charges Falanu brought against you. I will remind you, my own private quarters were nearly destroyed within minutes of your arrival.”

“But these were all accidents…er, not spitting on Ocato.”

“It doesn’t please me that you have nearly destroyed this city. What this file tells me is that you have an extraordinary capacity for destruction. Bringing a city to its knees in one day is power, one you must harness to use against the enemies.”

“S…Sire?” I was stunned speechless. Uriel leaned forward.

“We know where his bases are, none are the size of this city. You train yourself to control that destruction, make it happen at your will…infiltrate his bases and destroy them.”



*

OK. now I'm boggling at the concept of accident training.

Uriel needs to send her to do something she'll get wrong, but I doubt even he can predict how!

Oh, what fun to read this!!!

I love the little summary of Khajiit that you give us:
“Yes, Sire. Throughout history many Royal Houses have kept Khajiit to eavesdrop on their enemies and for our single-minded devotion to our masters. We can‘t be bribed to turn our loyalty.”
"But Khajiit, what is in our hearts can be clearly read in our eyes. We hold no value in riches or glory. Our allegiance is where our heart is, and is given freely to those who have a place there.”
Uriel snapped his fingers in front of my face as Sir Damien had, ensuring he had my full attention.

Maxical’s voluminous summary of distinguished mishistory of mishaps was wonderful! The only things I noted missing were some of her archery antics and the great dancing monkeys caper! But hey, a girl’s gotta have some secrets, right?

I’m with ghastley in wondering if Maxical’s talent will become further mastery of the magic of mishaps.

And the way ahead seems clear. Maxical will simply Maxical her foes!

I’m rather nervous about Uriel telling Maxical anything of importance… She doesn’t have a good record… lol.

Uriel paused to reach his hand down and push my mouth shut. “Let’s not begin imagining me in a dark greatcloak please.”


It felt like I’d stepped into a warped realm where nothing is as you’ve always known it.
Is this the Shivering Isles?

Maxical’s list of damages and misdeeds! Point her at the enemy and run!

“Yes, Sire. Throughout history many Royal Houses have kept Khajiit to eavesdrop on their enemies and for our single-minded devotion to our masters. We can‘t be bribed to turn our loyalty.”

Now that is a cat habit I know! It's Melaina with Wrothken Or any of the other six cats we have with their chosen.

“One must always think faster than their enemies to stay a step ahead of their daggers…” Uriel paused to reach his hand down and push my mouth shut. “Let’s not begin imagining me in a dark greatcloak please.”

This is my absolute favourite chapter so far...

Brilliance in every way...

My god this was brilliant...Just two brilliant characters and tonnes of story...

Now I have to add it to the list of "Must go back to start" stories... ...The list of stuff she's done is incredible!... ...And that Uriel seemed to be saying it simply as stating fact was funny in itself... ...

Brilliant mALXie...Just amazing...

Nice one!!... ...

*Applauds heartily*...

Oh, I love this chapter! I adore Uriel for carefully explaining things to Maxical, that was quite a list of accomplishments. How fun to remember all of those antics! Though not fun for poor Maxical, I’m sure. It was great to see Uriel appreciate the unique assets that the Khajiit could offer.

“But these were all accidents…er, not spitting on Ocato.”

What a Maxical moment! This and when she sat at Uriel’s feet are my favorite parts, though I would like to quote the whole chapter as my favorite. Maxical is really inside Uriel’s trust. I love it!!

Simply put- a wonderful chapter!



The revelation of Alix’s history (the man- rather than the mouse) seems to have struck Uriel quite hard. Hmmm- wheels turning.



It is the seemingly “small” moments like that one that make this story so wonderful.



Yes- it was quoted before. And it deserves to be quoted again. That one has everything that makes us love this story so much.

“Camoran YOU-SLURPER”? Oh my aching sides!



And we see again why he is a LEADER, not simply a ruler.

And then, his dry recounting of her "exploits"- and, true to his nature, trying to find a way to harness the walking chaos that is our favorite white Khajiit.



And it won't be an accident the next time, either.

So, all of the previous readers quoted some of the best but not my favorite, maybe because it reminds me of how I shush my kids when I am on a roll...



The only thing that was missing was the "ahn't" noise that I make...

This one is absolutely fantastic. Max's description of Khajiit loyalty was beautiful.

KC said it best as far as Max is concerned

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@ Ghastley - ROFL !! I nearly choked laughing at that, Thank you so much !!!

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@ Acadian - Lol, this read like a special addition of the Black Horse Courier !! Thank you so very much, Acadian !!!

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@ King Coin - You are right, all those files he has on her, none tell about her big mouth, ROFL !!! The line you quoted about the greatcloak was my favorite. This had me rolling:



Thank you so much KC !!!

*
@ Jacki Dice - Cats love who they will and refuse to change no matter who feeds them or gives them special "Pounce" treats - that is exactly where I got that from, figured some cat people type readers would pick up on that !!! Thank you so much, Jacki !!!

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@ McBadgere - Oh yeah, you missed a lot if you didn't see how she destroyed Cyrodiil before you came to the forum, ROFL !! Thank you so much for your kind words McB !!!!

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@ Grits - Thank you so much Grits !!! Maxical was quick to point out the assets of having Khajiit around, probably hoping to overcome the next time she irritates him, ROFL !!! Thank you again, Grits, and so hoping your back gets better !!!

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@ Treydog - I am so glad you caught that about Alix's history! All Palaces have their secrets, couldn't let this one be any different, lol.

Maxical's warped memories of history lessons due to her and Delphine Jend's innattention in class are some of my fave parts. In my growing up years her name was Darlene, and she used to whisper her version of school lessons in my ear and get ME thrown out of class for laughing while she sat looking innocent. She was also in our church choir with me and caused me to fall off the tier laughing once in the middle of Sunday service.

Thank you so very much, Treydog !!!

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@ Athynae - ROFL !!! I've been trying to picture that noise and make it, does it sound like Treydog's description of how to say "Haggis?" ROFL !!! Thank you so much, Athynae !!!

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*


Chapter 128: Nissy’s Secret


Evangeline interrupted before I could take in Uriel’s words. I turned to Nisaba so she wouldn’t be afraid and was stunned by the expression in her eyes as she stared at Uriel Septim…hopeless love. Nisaba was in love with the Emperor.

Nisaba never saw my frantic hand signal for her to bow before the Emperor so her head would remain lower than his. She would have had to take her eyes from him to see it. If anything she somehow managed to make herself taller, extending her neck and raising her chin slightly…dear gods she looked magnificent.

Her fur was a fiery gleaming velvet after the dust was washed from it. The plain dress she wore may as well been a ball gown, she glided across the floor as if her feet never touched it. My breath caught in my throat at the raw emotion glowing in her eyes…Khajiit can’t hide what they are feeling, and somehow…for whatever reason…Nisaba had fallen in love with the Emperor.

Uriel made a handsome figure in his armor, no doubt of that. His long hair could easily been mistaken for a platinum blonde instead of white with age, especially today with the sun and excitement of battle bringing a glow of youthful pink to his cheeks. His eyes were alive with it. He was vibrant, exuding a virility few younger men could match. Battle brought out the best in him, no doubt of that. Still, something told me it was more than that. I wondered if there was something more about that dream, something Nissy didn‘t tell me.

Evangeline made Nisaba’s introduction to Uriel, beaming as if she had squeezed Nissy out of her own loins just for the occasion. I have to admit to being very proud of her myself. She was breathtaking. And boy did she know how to make a first impression...I needed to learn that.

Uriel’s face held both a tender and compassionate expression as he looked down at Nissy. I felt ashamed for doubting he’d listened when I told him of the women’s troubles. Fathis had been right about him, he did not look at us and see beasts. He took both of Nissy’s hands in his before speaking.

“You and your sisters have my profound and deepest apology for what you endured, and my deep regret that something like this could occur to citizens under my reign as Emperor. It is my conviction that the stolen generations of Cyrodiil's children will not be forgotten, and that those responsible will face a very public end for the suffering they have caused to each of these children and their families.”






***


He waved me forward. “What I say next concerns you as well, Maxical. We have found the cave that the women were held in. Although Malan was gone, we did arrest another man responsible for their captivity…Malan‘s servant Gemellus Axius. He held keys to the cave on his person, proving his access to the cave. He is to be publicly executed after the war ends. You expressed your desire to bring punishment to those responsible in order to compensate Nisaba for the vow you failed to keep. Are you ready for the task?”

I glanced at Nissy before answering, taking her hand and squeezing it. Her expression was muted, but I sensed a little fear.

“I’m ready, Sire. With my bare hands, if necessary.”

Uriel nodded, moving on brusquely as if marking off completed tasks on an imaginary list in his mind.

“Good. Get with my executioner for training. We have a detailed protocol that must be followed. I’ll warn you now that High Chancellor Ocato presides over these. In spite of that I expect you to do your task in a professional manor.”

“Yes, Sire.“

Uriel turned back to Nissy. “As the injured party you may attend the execution and face your tormentor.”

Nissy looked confused…and frightened. She was stiff, rigid. Regardless of Uriel’s presence I put my arms gently around her.

“You don’t have to attend if you don’t want to, Nissy. You and the sisters decide what you want to do. There will be great crowds there, usually the whole city comes when the notice is posted. Vendors sell off their rotten fruit and vegetables so people can throw it in his face, or you can spit on him if you want.”

Nissy shook her head no. Uriel nodded. “There is no need for your attendance. You and your sisters may remain in your quarters if you prefer.”






***


“There is a very specific reason I’ve invited you in particular to my chambers, Nisaba. My strategy for battle tonight is one you gave me. I‘ll be watching it from my dome, would you join me and see your plan in action?”

Nissy inclined her head as if she were the royalty, she didn‘t speak a word. Uriel looked pleased and led her to the window. Maybe that was why I got on his nerves so much, my mouth was always running. Boy did I ever need to learn some things from her.

“Sire, there is something important I must tell you. Nisaba had a dream of you and a dragon. I’m sure it was Akatosh because he spoke of time and destiny. Without seeing you before, she recognized you as the one in her dream when we met at the Talos Plaza.” I nudged her with my elbow. “Tell him about the dream, Nissy. It‘s important he hear it.”

Nisaba’s cheeks flushed a pretty pink under the thin facial fur and her thick lashes shadowed her cheeks briefly. Dear gods shyness was beautiful on her. On me the cheeks would be stained a flaming red and instead of the feminine lashes fluttering, my eyes would have probably bulged like a toad’s. How proud I was of her, of how well she represented herself as an invited guest in his Palace.

I suddenly realized why Nisaba had been so quiet. She speaks Khajiit fluently, but her Cyrodiilic is straight out of the streets and gutters. I failed Speechcraft in school, but Nisaba’s is much worse than mine. Cyrodiilic is not an easy language for Khajiit to get their tongues around. I knew she was struggling with how to put the words as she haltingly began, using her hands to gesture indications of what she was trying to say.

“Nisaba dreamed a dragon that talked. It said Maxical and Nisaba…we were two together always, together in time. We were time. Then I saw Sire‘s face. The dragon said Sire was destiny. But then the dragon switched our places. He said very soon it would happen that Sire would become the time. And when Sire becomes time…Maxical and Nisaba become the destiny.“

“Time and destiny.” Uriel spoke softly, almost under his breath.

“Sire, in that moment I had an odd feeling that Nissy and I had been together through eras in time, or like our destinies were ordained to cross. She felt it too.” I blurted in.

“Your destinies have been entwined for unknown generations, Sir Damien discovered as much in the history of both your parents.”

A chill shivered down my back, I took Nissy‘s hand in case she felt it too. “Our parents? Our real parents?“

Uriel nodded briefly. “We‘ll talk more of this when Sir Damien returns.”

“Sire, twice today I’ve had a strange sensation that the gods were moving pieces into place. What does it mean? What is going to happen to us?”

Uriel turned toward the window, I guessed so we couldn’t read his reaction in his expression. I leaned, straining to see his reflection in the glass. His face looked tense, like it had that day Fathis brought me to meet him. Facing his mortality…Fathis was right about that. He was weighing time, counting its ticking toward his own end.

What did he know that he wasn’t telling? I struggled against an overwhelming urge to cry, was he dying? No one that saw him on the battlefield today would have guessed him to have an infirmity, or even that he was reaching his 87th Birthday in a couple weeks.

Nissy felt it too, her eyes were huge and tearing up. We both wiped our cheeks as he turned back to face us.

“Your destinies are now bound up with mine, and with the fate of Tamriel itself. As for the future, you’ll know your paths when the time comes.”






***


Uriel and Nisaba began discussing more about her dream. I eavesdropped till I was sure nothing new about the dream was being revealed, watching Nissy’s tail curling in slow undulations. The movement of her tail was sensuous…enticing. Having realized her feelings for the Emperor, I suddenly felt like I was spying on her when she may have wanted a private conversation. I turned my back and looked out the window at the empty streets below, embarrassed.

That didn’t mean I actually stopped listening, but I was careful not to be obvious by flipping my ears backward to hear better. I struggled to keep my eyes from bugging out in anticipation of hearing the Emperor in a flirtation with a Khajiit, but was soon disappointed. No romantic talk took place at all, Uriel was asking her about her time in the caves.

To Nissy, it was all she ever knew other than the orphanage. People become accustomed to what they live in when that’s all they’ve known from childhood. Growing up in that cave with all the others, she’d never thought of herself as a hostage till Uriel began talking about the horrors she must have suffered, what he‘d found there.

Uriel had trouble grasping that she wasn’t traumatized, but how could she miss something she never had? Alix and S’Jirra were the same with me over being at the orphanage so long, maybe that‘s why they indulged me as much as they did. I stopped listening in and just watched out the window.

It was odd the streets were so dead, there was no movement at all. Then suddenly there was a surge of movement like a mud slide rolling out from the sewer grates and spreading down the streets, a dark fog rolling directly toward us. My throat closed on a gasp of panic and their conversation stopped.

“Dear gods…there has to be thousands of them! There is no one to fight them, where are the Imperial Army and Legion?” The vampires had rolled to a stop and seemed to be looking around as if wondering the same thing.

“Just watch.” Uriel’s voice was laden with anticipation. As if on cue the vampires suddenly began viciously attacking each other.

“They’re fighting themselves? How did you achieve it without a spell, Sire?”

“Nisaba gave me the idea. They will quickly reduce their own numbers, while we lose not one man.” Uriel smiled briefly down at Nissy before turning back to the window to watch. I slid my arm around her and gave her a hug.

Uriel was right, they were…thank the gods…killing themselves off. It was terrifying to even think about what the citizens had faced those two nights Ocato had ordered them out to fight. There were literally thousands of vampires out there!

Ocato had either made a terrible blunder or Sir Damien had been right saying Ocato was bent on sabotage in hopes Dagon would save him from the vampires when they had wiped out the city. How he needed to die for the lives of those he’d cost in forcing them to fight an impossible war.

For once I didn’t care if Uriel saw my tears, they fell for the citizens that died uselessly. There wasn’t enough manpower in Cyrodiil to win against that many vampires, and those that fought them and lived would only end up increasing their numbers unless they had a way to cure the disease.


*

Wow and wow!

Poor Max, but even though she doesn't realize it I do think she is beginning to figure it out...


This brought a tear, I just like Uriel more and more...

EEEKKKK! Max as the executioner! NOW THAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE!!!


Um, this could cause nightmares, the way you described it I could see it (shiver)


*sniff*

This was an emotionally gripping piece Max, it was a wonderful view of Uriel, Nisaba and Max. Can't wait for more.

A wonderfully touching and emotional episode. Few can bring raw emotion to the surface better than you when you set your talented hands to it, mALX.

’Evangeline made Nisaba’s introduction to Uriel, beaming as if she had squeezed Nissy out of her own loins just for the occasion.’
This was hilarious, clever and brilliantly worded!

’Maybe that was why I got on his nerves so much, my mouth was always running. Boy did I ever need to learn some things from her.’
Poor Maxical. It is so poignant to see her drawing such self-deprecating comparisons to Nissy. Yet, I know it is her nature.

I would have never have guessed mALX. The Emperor never even crossed my mind. I’m happy Nissy has some traits Maxical lacks. They fit together rather well eh? I wonder if Nissy will become Uriel's Khajiit in the palace to listen.

Maxical doing an execution?

Come on Maxical, you don’t have to eaves drop all the time, do you? At least she made some effort to not be obvious. Oh and I really liked the description of Nissy’s tail moving.

I’m proud of Nissy in this one.

*Applauds heartily*...

Bloody brilliant...

I'm so loving this... ...

Your portrayal of Uriel is so brilliant...Soooo brilliant...

Athynae called my fave bit, the apology...Brilliantly moving...

Nice one!!... ...

*Applauds some more*...

I turned to Nisaba so she wouldn’t be afraid and was stunned by the expression in her eyes as she stared at Uriel Septim…hopeless love. Nisaba was in love with the Emperor.

I was not expecting that!! Oh, Nisaba! Your descriptions of the unlikely couple in the next paragraphs was breathtaking. Maxical’s pride in Nisaba makes me love her (Maxical) even more.


“Good. Get with my executioner for training. We have a detailed protocol that must be followed. I’ll warn you now that High Chancellor Ocato presides over these. In spite of that I expect you to do your task in a professional manor.”

Detailed protocol and Ocato? Sounds like one of those disasters Uriel was talking about just waiting to happen.


“Your destinies are now bound up with mine, and with the fate of Tamriel itself. As for the future, you’ll know your paths when the time comes.”

*shiver*


That didn’t mean I actually stopped listening, but I was careful not to be obvious by flipping my ears backward to hear better. I struggled to keep my eyes from bugging out in anticipation of hearing the Emperor in a flirtation with a Khajiit, but was soon disappointed.

A Maxical moment that lightens the mood a little in a very emotional episode. By the end of this, I had a real sense of Maxical, Nisaba, and Uriel actually bound together by fate. The three of them standing together at the window just seemed right.

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@ Athynae - Thank you so much Athynae! You nearly made me tear up reading your comment, I so appreciate your kind words !!!!

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@ Acadian - Aw, Thank you so much, Acadian !!! Now that made my day!

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@ King Coin - Nissy's got it going on, all right. Khajiit can't help their curiousity, I see him having nine listeners in his Palace whether he wants them to or not, ROFL !!! Nissy and Maxical are so opposite each other that they do fit hand in hand, each takes up what the other lacks. So glad you picked up on that. Thank you so very much KC !!!

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@ McBadgere - I'm really glad you and Athynae both singled out the apology - that took forever to do. Thank you so much for your kind words !!!

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@ Grits - I was ready to come pull your doctor's hair out one strand at a time, worried sick about you. I'm so glad to see you on the forum and feeling good enough to comment !!! The last line you quoted was probably my favorite in the chapter, and what you said about it meant so much to hear !!! Thank you so very much, Grits !!! <3

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Chapter 129: Of Heroes And Villains



It was terrifying to think of anyone being out there in those streets, the sheer number of vampires…Nissy and the sisters would have been out in it had we not run into them just when we did.

Seeing how violent, how vicious their attacks were on each other…how fast they moved…suddenly all I could think of was that huge pool of Fathis’s blood in the mezzanine deck of the Arena. Whatever hope I’d been clinging to that he was alive was rent from me, and in that moment for the first time I had to face what I’d probably known all along…he couldn’t have survived. All the hope and denial in Nirn would not bring him back.

From somewhere deep inside me a keening began a slow rising toward my throat. I swerved from the window and nearly bumped into the Emperor, strangling the wail before it could fill his chamber. A groan ending on a sob escaped.

“You are in no danger here, it is a good time to learn control over that fear.” Uriel’s irritation was clear. He pointed me back to the window. I forced myself to smother thoughts of Fathis till I could be alone to grieve.

At least I knew Gils was alive, Azura’s seal would have split in two if he hadn’t been. Alix and S’Jirra…I prayed they were snug in the Faregyl Inn and had not been called into service by Ocato. Would he have had the Legionnaires rouse people to the city?

My stomach suddenly lurched. Hannibal had been posted out in the street for that siege on Malan’s mansion! Where was he? Why had Uriel come back alone?

“Where is Hannibal?” I hadn’t meant to shriek, but that’s how it came out. I scanned the room in case I’d somehow missed him. “Is he out…there? I‘m going for him! Give me a sword…”

Uriel grabbed my shoulders, his hands gripping me so firmly that for a split second I wondered if he was going to shake me. He didn’t, but I felt chastised more by his words and the commanding harshness in the tone of his voice than shaking would have accomplished.

“He is doing his duty by Cyrodiil just as you are expected to. We needed every available mage, and Traven is one of the best.” His eyes were storming gray, piercing mine till he seemed sure I had calmed enough not to run out and try to find Hannibal.

“He…he’s alive?” A momentary relief flooded over me, then smothered quickly. Hannibal was out there with those vampires.






***


“Come to the window, I’ll show you where he is fighting.” Uriel pointed to an opposite window.

Nissy used her dress sleeve to wipe my cheeks. “Sire not like tears.” She whispered in my ear. I knew that, but couldn’t stop them.

“We carefully spaced those piles of bodies for using area spells, and have mages hidden in each. They have an arsenal of area spells including fire. What you are seeing is a frenzy spell. The vampires will fight anyone in their proximity, in this case themselves. The idea came after Nisaba mentioned that they couldn’t smell flesh when covered by the corpses. A brilliant strategy, Nisaba.“

“Where is Hannibal?” My voice sounded like a panicked child even to my own ears. Right now I didn’t care if I irritated the Emperor, I could barely breath from fear of losing Hannibal too.

“He is in the stack between the gate and the Palace, see where I am pointing?“

“Vampires knocked one down.” Nissy spoke in Khajiit, but pointed to indicate to Uriel.

“She said they…where is the mage?” My voice whined.

“Those dead vampires are rising up and fighting!” Nisaba gasped in Khajiit.

“What’s happening?” I roughly translated.

“The mages are in complete chameleon. We planned for this possibility. They will use reanimation or command spells to draw the closest enemies away from them. He is getting his cover back now, see the bodies restacking?”

“He’s covered again!” I croaked. Nissy clapped, jumping up and down. Uriel smiled down at her enthusiasm and then his eyes caught mine in a long look of…disappointment.

My eyes never left Hannibal’s position all night, they were burning holes through the sockets by daybreak. I never moved from the window in spite of being near to wetting my pants from the need to go so badly.






***


As the morning sun began to rise the stacks of bodies tumbled apart and invisible hands dragged the vampires into piles and torched them till naught was left but dust. That’s when I saw Hannibal. He’d dispelled the chameleon and was gathering the vampire dust from the burn piles into a sack.

“There he is! He’s alive! Forgive me, Sire…” I shot from the room without waiting for Uriel‘s leave.

At the juncture to the Battlemages floor I bumped headlong into Sir Damien. I didn’t wait to find out if I’d injured him, just picked myself up off the floor and threw a “Sorry.” over my shoulder as I continued running down the ramp.

I flung the Palace door open, finally letting the tears fall freely and the wail rise in my throat that I’d held back last night. I could barely see, but through the blur was the beautiful blue of Hannibal’s Arch Mage robes. My arms spread wide and I screamed his name right before tripping on someone in chameleon. They yelled, I flew headlong at Hannibal. My head landed on his nether regions with force.

He was knocked onto his back, the wind blowing forcibly from his lungs. He bellowed out a painful grunt.

“URGH! GMPH!”

“Are you hurt? I’m sorry…ew Hannibal, you stink!”

“Get off…excruciating…” Hannibal gasped, struggling to push me off.

“OW! My hair is caught in the buttons of your robe! Stop pushing! GAAAH! You reek! OW!”

My face was pushed into his filthy robe, every breath whiffed the stench of corpse into my nose. Trying to struggle back yanked my scalp agonizingly. Lowering my head to ease the pain brought my face in contact with the robe again. The odor was overwhelming.

“Stop moving your head! I’ll try to get the hair loose…stop moving, I said!”

Hannibal pushed down on my head and tried to unwind the hair from the button.“

“Let me up, the smell is making me sick! OW!“

“Keep still! GMPH! Move! GMPH! Crushing me...urgh...”










******* Uriel Septim


Uriel turned to Nisaba in disbelief. “She left my presence without being given leave?“

Nisaba hesitated, looking nervous. “Maxical using urn, had to go badly.“

Uriel scowled at the door to his suite standing open. “I see. Some allowance is given in an emergency.“

He glanced briefly at Nisaba, now returned to the window and staring out. It would be best to send both girls to their quarters and get rested before his temper flared around that unfortunate child. Stress and exhaustion were eroding what little control over it remained.

Maxical was a needle that pricked under one’s skin, more than mere irritation. She was intolerable. The infantile behavior over Traven; inexcusable. What rare commendable traits she had were buried beneath mountains of fault. Cyrodiil would never survive her as their Champion, or accept her in the role…but what path can be avoided whose end is fixed by the gods? She needed maturing…immediately. Time was racing by, he could feel it ticking within him.

He tugged the bell rope to call Evangeline, then caught sight of a dark figure moving silently along the corridor. “Foxy! What relief you’ve returned, we have much to discuss. Evangeline should be here shortly to escort Nisaba and Maxical to their quarters.”

Nisaba turned, staring wide-eyed at Damien. Waves of rumblings began coming from her abdomen. Damien eyed her in surprise and choked.

“Surely you recall I had Maxical escort Nisaba to the Palace, why the surprise?” Uriel felt peevishly irritated, even with Foxy. Exhaustion was draining even politeness, he needed to seek his bed and rest.

“Of course. Didn’t expect…in your chambers. Er, I just passed Maxical barreling down the corridor, nearly knocked me down.”

Uriel scowled, grinding his teeth in an ineffectual effort to keep his temper. “She is intolerable, acted the child over Traven from dusk to daybreak as if he were parent or lover to her. She would have charged out through the vampires to rescue him, I very nearly had to shake her before she stopped. School that from her first in your training. What can be taking her this long just to use the urn?”

Nisaba tugged on his arm. “Maxical’s out there.” She pointed.

Uriel’s irritation flared to anger. Maxical had dared run to Hannibal without awaiting his release? His temper teetered on a tenuous string that burned to rage by the time he spotted her. Nothing could have prepared him for the sight that met his eyes.

“Gods give me strength, what is she doing?” He shouted.

Nisaba moved closer to him and glanced up, giving him an odd look before finally whispering, “I think she’s pleasuring him.”

“What?” Damien pushed by Nisaba, then choked back a laugh. “Well now we know it wasn‘t as parent…Sire.“ Under his breath he mumbled, “The lucky lad.”

Uriel glared at him, rage boiling into his throat. “I find no humor in this, Foxy. Traven is no lad, he may get removed from his post for this! And her! This is what Cyrodiil can look for in their Champion, on the steps of the Palace? This is intolerable!"






***


Nisaba’s frightened face caught his eye and he choked off his tirade. “Nisaba, find Evangeline. Tell her to escort Maxical to her quarters immediately. She is to remain there till sent for. You may return to your room as well. Have Evangeline bring a tray of food, if you are hungry.” Uriel waited till the door shut behind her to speak again.

“Poor child must be starved, did you hear her stomach rumbling?”

Damien continued watching the scene below as he answered. “That wasn’t hunger, Khajiit make that purring noise for various reasons. I find it quite a pleasing sound; soothing, and a great stress reliever. Many Royals have Khajiit sleep on their feet and backs, not just for warmth. The purring actually keeps nightmares at bay, they call them ‘Dream-Catchers‘.”

Uriel turned to Damien, surprised. “I’ve heard that term, on a visit to High Rock. All the Lords Manor servants were Khajiit. We’d retired for the night, but the Noble’s shout to ’Bring the Dream-Catcher’ woke me. Maxical thought Khajiit in the Lords Manor acted as house spies.”

“They do. Khajiit will do anything their master bids, and can never be bribed against him. They take loyalty personally.” Damien glanced briefly at him before turning back to the window.

“She said that as well. She’s a disaster, Foxy. She lacks self discipline, and without it she‘ll not accomplish her task and prevail. Time runs short before she’s needed, start her training immediately when this war ends.”

Damien made a choking sound, answering without turning from the window. “Er, I have a little known intensive training facility, with your permission it’d be best to bring her there. No distractions.“

Uriel waved his hand. “Done. Why are you still watching? Surely she’s not still out there?”

“Traven’s stamina must be legendary! I wouldn’t have suspected at his age...and with Evangeline trying to separate them, too! A bucket of water thrown would work, cats notoriously despise water.”

“She’s a catastrophe, Foxy. So few commendable moments. Each time I see a flicker of hope she douses it with escapades such as this. I can‘t expect Cyrodiil to trust where I cannot.”

“Erect a statue in her honor. People accept eccentricities from famous individuals if they slip up occasionally. She clearly lacks self control, my intensive training will cure that quickly. Why wait till the war ends? I can see her safely away, it would ease your stress.”

“As great a relief as it would bring, I have need of you here. I desperately need rest, and have given your men orders in the field today. Without their presence, I require you guard my chambers. Let no one disturb me.”

“Yes, Sire. Er, orders?”

Uriel exhaled, pushing his thumb against his temple. “The sewers, remember? Driving those creatures to the Arena, sealing off the other sewer accesses. Plans we made just yesterday!”

Damien’s sigh almost sounded relieved. Uriel ground his teeth.

“What could possibly…forget it. I‘m overwrought, exhausted.”

“Forgive me, Sire. I have been without sleep myself.”

“Just tell me now if you are too tired to guard my sleep.”

“I could never be that tired, Sire. You may rest easy.” Damien patted his sword hilt, moving purposefully to the vicinity of the chamber door.


*

Oh my God that was brilliant...

I needed a good laugh... ...

There was a moment when I thought "I'd slap her meself." and then she went barrelling out and into Traven's...Wossnames...And I was holding my sides...

And then later, Sir Damien's comment about Traven's stamina... ...Brilliant!!... ...

This bit made the hairs on my neck stand up btw...



Brilliant chapter mALX...

Absolutely my fave so far...And to top the last one is going some...

A wholehearted Nice One!!!...

And a hearty applause...

*Applauds heartily*...

Aww, Nissy is so sweet to Maxical. I wanted to smack the emperor.

Brilliant plan, if absolutely disgusting. Things must be dire indeed if they are resorting to necromancy. Maybe that’s a loop hole though depending if you consider vampires to be living or not…

Aww sht Malan's on the move.

Oh my… please Maxical, don’t throw up on him… What position too.

I hope Nissy has it figured out.

Wonderful chapter!

This was wonderfully done. Maxical was certainly full of raw emotion throughout.

I hope she is wrong about Fathis.

‘but what path can be avoided whose end is fixed by the gods?’
This is so very much the fatalistic Uriel Septim we all recognize from the game.

“I think she’s pleasuring him.”
Ya know, as Maxical was describing positions required to have her hair so caught up in Hannibal’s robes, I imagined that it must appear exactly as Nissy described.

‘The purring actually keeps nightmares at bay, they call them ‘Dream-Catchers‘.”
Another wonderful piece of Maxical lore!

Uh oh. Looks like Uriel’s sending Maxical off to Damien’s reform school for recalcitrant kitties.

OHHH nice one!!! Nissy was great with Max, poor Max, can she even be taught to control her impulses? Bless her heart as they say down here.

HILARIOUS!!! It was very early to be laughing that hard, the good thing was I didn't have to go wake the kids for school...I woke them up laughing so hard...wonder how many times that will work?

Damien? Nissy? Does she know? What will she do? Who will she tell? The plot thickens....

More and more and more....pretty please, with a pair of scissors on top to cut Max's hair loose from the buttons of the stinky robe???

Damien made a choking sound, answering without turning from the window. “Er, I have a little known intensive training facility, with your permission it’d be best to bring her there. No distractions.“

Oh NO!! Nononononono!! RUN, MAXICAL!!

“Traven’s stamina must be legendary! I wouldn’t have suspected at his age...and with Evangeline trying to separate them, too!

OMG, I’m not supposed to laugh this hard!!

This was such a great chapter, back and forth between raw emotion and hilarity. Yikes, I was afraid that Foxy training was too good to be true! Now I have to hang my hopes on Nissy's purring.

Hello....


I am so, so, sorry if I am a bother to you...I know you have many people to reply to, and many questions to answer...

I have some questions, tho....I am hoping against hope they'll be answered

I remember reading your story (as well as a few others that were written at that same time...Buffy, and one other, that I cannot remember). I know that the last time I checked in, Maxical was in a coma in the castle..and the audience was holding (our) collective breaths as to what was going to happen to her; was she to become a vampire, or....well....what??!!!!!.

Then.....I broke my foot......

I could not get to my computer at the time my foot was broken, but I DO remember ONE of the authors of another story (there were three very popular stories going around about the same time as Maxical's [Buffy's, and one other I am SO ashamed to tell you I cannot remember, only that I was very captivated by it....I am hoping you will know what it was] wrote to me and said that he, and perhaps some of the other authors were going to another site.

At that point, I lost track of all THREE wonderful stories. I must say, I MISSED Maxical!!! I wonder if you have ANY idea just HOW much you captivated people, and not only made this game come ALIVE; but, created such a masterpiece of FanFic out of it!

Well, getting to my point.........

Did you create any more chapters after Maxi was in a coma, and the members of the Mages Guild were trying to come up w/ an antidote (I fear to tell you that I have not played this game in SO long...after playing it for almost a year straight; EVERY DAY....I stopped playing, and I cannot remember some crucial details of your story)???? What happened to Maxi?? Did you finish the story?? Do you know of what happened to the other authors/stories of that time??

BTW: I just wanted to thank you for creating such a great piece of fanfic. I hope I hear from you. I will be eagerly looking for your response!!

Thanks so much!

YvetteJ

They yelled, I flew headlong at Hannibal. My head landed on his nether regions with force.

Ouch.

Hannibal pushed down on my head and tried to unwind the hair from the button.

...wait a second... If anyone saw, it would look like...

Nisaba moved closer to him and glanced up, giving him an odd look before finally whispering, “I think she’s pleasuring him.”

Oh.....

It was a hilarious chapter! And I've still got my Team Fathis flag up!

..
....
Hey wait a second! That Foxy...!

*




Yvette !! I recognized your name from the Bethesda forum! I am so sorry to hear about breaking your foot! How painful that must have been! Bless your heart!

I remember you well! You made an AWESOME model of what your Khajiit would look like if you were making them! It looked like clay, but I think was made on the computer.

You are a lot like me, I am happiest when delving into history, research. I did a lot of digging into the Elder Scrolls lore for the story, and other research as needed to run a fine line between reality and the fantasy of the game world.

I am so pleased you liked the first story, that means a lot to hear! This is a link to that story, go to the bottom of the page and there will be links for the newer chapters :


http://forums.bethsoft.com/topic/1056626-a...i/page__st__180


We all moved over here after the forum change at the Bethesda forum two years ago. Almost as soon as we did, my X got cancer and died shortly thereafter. I was really just not able to write for a long time during and after his illness, and ended up dropping that story without finishing it. I'm sorry about that - but thank you so very much for your kind words about it!

Although the story wasn't finished, it does go on for quite a ways past her coming out of the coma.


This story (the one on this site) is not the same as the version over at the Bethesda forum. Maxical is the same in this story, (same family and background, etc); but the story began changing from the time she joined the Arena in this version.


*

The other two stories you were reading at the time were Buffy (that story has been moved over here in its entirety) ; and the other story you were reading avidly over at the other site was Teresa - (that story has also moved over to this site in its entirety)


I hope your foot is better, and so glad to see you back!

*

Trying to amend my "quot-o-matic" ways, besides which I am laughing too hard to see well enough to copy and paste.

Chapter 128

Simply wonderful description of Uriel- reminding us once more why he is the Emperor.



Poor Maxical- everywhere she turns, she sees people she WANTS to emulate. She does not see how her nature makes her unique.



Great writing there!



And that is the Maxical we know and love.

Chapter 129

Maxical’s fears for Hannibal and her family were wrenching. And in his response- and his strategy- we see another part of what makes Uriel a commander.

And then we have the return to the Maxical we know. “You’re alive! Let me give you a head-butt to the… nadgers. You stink!”

And then- of course- the way it looks from the windows, even to the normally more perceptive Foxy- but of course... that is not Foxy, is it?

*

@ McBadgere - Thank you so very much McB !!! Your comment really made my day !!!

*
@ King Coin - Urk, I thought of that too because it is probably what I would have done, lol. Thank you so much KC !!!

*
@ Acadian - "recalcitrant kitties" - ROFL !!! Thank you so very much Acadian !!!

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

*
@ Grits - Urk, I hope you didn't get yourself in pain, but I did hope some laughter would cheer you up Thank you so very much, Grits !!

*
@ Yvette - It was so good to hear from you again! Thank you so much for stopping by Yvette, it was a wonderful surprise !!!

*
@ Jacki Dice - Your comment had me rolling !!! (Team Fathis - I do too !) Thank you so much, Jacki !!!

*
@ Treydog - Thank you so much, Treydoggie !!!! I appreciate that a LOT !!!! (especially the blurred vision, lol)

*

*





Chapter 130: Malan



******* Malan impersonating Damien “Foxy” Reynard


The delicious scent of Maxical’s blood was a beacon, beckoning him and navigating Malan’s feet through the maze of the upper Palace. As each floor was passed he found his surprise growing to shock at the empty state the upper floors were in. No one stopped him, no guard even questioned his presence in this part of the Palace!

He reached an entry that could only be to the Royal Quarters by the heavy security lock. The powerful aroma of virgin blood was overwhelming beyond that door, nearly screaming its presence. After the unbridled sating at the music festival his nature responded instantly to the closeness of that odor, the pressure of it urging his fangs to extend and harden. He struggled to control his nature, but a dribbling of hot juices was already starting to flow into his mouth.

“Not to touch, no lad…not to touch. Get her to Hassildor, don’t even taste…” He muttered under his breath, trying to force his fangs to recede. They wedged only partially into the sheath of his gums. Drat!

Malan slipped back down the hall to the first doorway into the inner rooms. A loud strangled snoring was coming from within…and almost intangibly faint thoughts, a woman‘s mind…good gods, she was going to assassinate Ocato! Of all things, not now while he was within a hands reach of his prey. The last thing he needed was guards swarming these corridors.

Malan eased into the room without a sound, his arm slowly raising to cast. She must be stopped…just for now, at least. There she was, an old Breton woman standing right over Ocato’s bed. Malan hesitated. There was no doubt she felt pure hatred toward Ocato, but was she actually going to kill him? Her thoughts were jumbling through decades of standing just as she was now, imagining the ways she would kill him…if only she dared.

He couldn’t take the chance she’d garner the courage while he carried out his mission, that was sure. Malan cast a heavy fog of sleep and paralysis over the two of them, lest Ocato wake to find him there. He slowly eased the bedroom door shut and turned the latch, then felt the Breton woman’s hands and body for weapons. She had none, but could be a mage.

All it would take would be a delay in capturing the white Khajiit, and this one to suddenly find the guts to go through with killing Ocato…no. She was a wild card, one he’d have to put under his control. The fewer loose ends the better, especially when creeping about the Palace with Uriel’s Law activated and his name on the wanted posters.

He also needed to feed before going after the Khajiit. His hunger had been awakened by the scent of that damned virgin blood, the only way to keep from taking her en route would be to feed before he approached her.






***


Malan eyed the wrinkled prune face of the Breton woman…good gods, she must be ninety…but it was her or Ocato. A feeling of queasiness left a sour taste in his mouth. Blood thinned and slowed with age…or Ocato’s. His stomach began actively churning.

Hassildor better appreciate his sacrifice, and he’d be sure to tell him about it. He kicked Ocato off the bed, scooping up the Breton woman and stretching her across it.

Her blood flowed agonizingly slow, either from age or the paralysis spell…like feeding off human cattle or the bottled stuff, lukewarm and stagnant. It may curdle in his stomach. There was never satisfaction in drinking sleeping blood, it was strictly for need and left a strong feeling of frustration afterward. He may be forced to feed on Ocato if he couldn’t get this one’s blood moving.

He lifted the skirt of her dress, moving his hand into the pants beneath till her blood began to change its rhythm. His lips closed down over the vein in her neck and she gave an involuntary shudder. The pulse was moving well now. Malan eased onto her, sinking his fangs deeply into her neck. As an afterthought he tugged his access open and entered her, sating both his needs. He slowly ran his lips and tongue over the puncture holes on her neck when he was finished, breathing a healing on them that was instantaneous.

Her body had felt surprisingly youthful, at odds with what he’d expected. Malan raised the dress the rest of the way up to look. Her skin was the thickness of a much younger woman. He cupped a breast…it didn’t sag with age, but was fully rounded with toned flesh. Instead of the angular hips of the elderly she had a soft padding of fat around her abdomen…she couldn’t be even fifty years old. It wasn’t age slowing her blood, but the paralysis spell.

The contrast of that lined face spoke of tremendous suffering, obviously Ocato had been the cause of that pain. Whatever Ocato had done to this woman, Malan couldn’t let her take that revenge on him till he was gone from here with Maxical.

He cupped the woman’s chin, lifting her face up to his and breathing the spell into her. Malan carefully scanned her mind, removing any memories of him before putting her under his control. The inner suffering…that was from the loss of a child, though what part Ocato played in that Malan didn’t care to dig deeper and find out. It was not his concern, he just wanted to get Maxical and leave.

Malan’s first instinct was to send the woman to fetch Maxical, that would be the safest route. His second…it hit him in a flash. The lax security that allowed him access to the Royal chambers of the White Gold Tower was due to this war. Any other time the guards would be crawling these corridors. The opportunity to see Uriel’s private chambers may never come again. How could he leave without seeing the very rooms he’d spent a lifetime dreaming of ruling from? He had the Breton woman unlock the door to the Royal Quarters, then pilfered the key from her.




***


The odor of Khajiit struck him powerfully as soon as the door opened…way too strong to be just one lone Khajiit. There could be only one reason the Lords Manor would be filled with Khajiit…the Emperor was using Dream-Catchers!

Malan’s nature was tingling his senses in a way he hadn’t felt in decades. Momentous opportunity…in his lifetime there had been none greater. Extreme care, intricate planning…no time for either, because Maxical was barreling toward him.

She plowed into him before seeing him, he couldn’t even be sure she had spotted him then. If she had, she showed no surprise to see him in the Lords Manor. With a raft of Khajiit up here no sense going into chameleon, they would smell him and alert Uriel. He’d have to wing it, think on his feet.

He felt an initial flutter of fear when Uriel spotted him, it quickly turned to shock. Uriel was waving him in…eagerly! Malan was impersonating the most notorious assassin in Tamriel…and the Emperor was not just welcoming him, but anxious for his presence in his chambers?

Uriel immediately began treating him not only to confidences, but to the uncensored workings of his mind…his thoughts. Malan dug his fingernail into his palm, surprised to feel the pain of it. He wasn’t dreaming this. Had the gods finally turned their favor toward him? Or maybe it was the Daedric Lords, who knew. He vowed to erect a shrine to whoever it was.

And then there was Nisaba. Seeing Nisaba with the Emperor was the final confirmation Malan needed. There was no doubt now that one of the gods…or Daedric Princes…was taking a hand in his future. No doubt at all. Of all Khajiit on Nirn, Nisaba. She was sealed to him by Azura herself. She would not only keep the secret of his identity, but would fight to her death to defend him. Malan felt a trembling shiver through him…his nature had been right. This was a momentous opportunity.

The full extent of how momentous was not even realized then, not till Uriel ordered him to take Maxical off his hands. His immediate thought was without question, bring her to Hassildor. Then suddenly it struck him…he didn’t have to do that. He didn’t need Hassildor anymore.

Over fifty years of placing all his hopes into Hassildor…a waste. His plans put on hold waiting for Hassildor to leave his lair or just once act on his nature and make someone, anyone…so Malan could use them to build the immortal army he would need to gain rule over Tamriel.

Yet here he was, in the Emperor’s private chambers, being treated as a trusted confident! The power, position…everything he’d dreamed of and planned so long for was his for the taking. Whether to just put the Emperor’s mind under his control or imprison him in his lair and impersonate him…it mattered not how. He had no need of immortal armies with the throne already in his hands, and it would be.

Hassildor had been his greatest error, but this…this would be his greatest triumph.






***


Malan stood at the window as if watching the Khajiit pleasuring Traven, but he was barely seeing the scene below. What he saw instead was the massive numbers of his own troops that had died in last night‘s battle, piles of them being burned. How had he lost so many? Calculating quickly what he could see below and those that died in the Arena the first day…at least a third of his army lost so far.

This war was Hassildor’s fault, all done to protect him. Malan silently vowed that once the throne was his, Hassildor would pay for those fifty wasted years and every one of the dead below. There was nothing he could do now to prevent more losses of his troops, he would not leave this Palace till it was in his control. If an opportunity arose though, he would send word to his army to retreat to the lair. Let the Crimson Scar keep the battle going and lose all their men.

Uriel spoke, breaking his train of thought. It took nearly a minute for his words to sink in, something about an important task Maxical was to perform for Cyrodiil…Maxical? Malan turned from the window in surprise. The child would more likely destroy Cyrodiil, and Uriel obviously knew that…then why use her? What was going on?

He’d learned Uriel was not using the Khajiit as Dream-Catchers, Malan would change that quickly. But what other purpose would he have for filling his Manor with Khajiit? Why were they here?

In case he chose to impersonate the Emperor, Malan began memorizing Uriel’s gestures and movements, the way he spoke, his tones and intonations. He honed in on Uriel’s thoughts, he’d best know everything Uriel should and everything Damien would. He’d made some blunders already and couldn’t afford to make any more, Uriel may become suspicious.









******* Maxical


Evangeline looked distracted and upset as she escorted me to the quarters. I had to stop and bathe the stench of Hannibal off me, and she just slumped on a bench and waited without speaking. She wasn’t herself at all. When we got to the room, I drew her in by the arm.

“Come in for a while and sit with me, Evangeline. Tell me what’s wrong.” I sat down on the bed and patted it. Evangeline sank down beside me looking like she may cry.

“I can’t find my key to the Lords Manor, it has to have been taken from me somehow. After I noticed it gone, I checked the security door and it was unlocked. And Ocato…he woke on the floor, swore someone had attacked him in his sleep.”

“Evangeline, this is serious. If someone took that key, the Emperor is in danger.”

“It is dire! Sir Damien’s men and the Battlemages have all been gone since yesterday evening.”

“We have to do something.” I turned to the connecting door and called, “Nissy!”

Immediately Nissy and the sisters hurried in, proving they’d been eavesdropping with their words. “Sire in danger?”

“Big danger. We are supposed to be protecting him, we need to do something.” I didn’t have any idea what. To my shock, and I think to Evangeline’s as well…Nisaba and the sisters took charge with military precision.


*