Ha!!... ...Love that last line... ...

An excellent chapter full of marvellous detail about souls...Loved it!!...

The way this is moving along is fantastic!...

I'd think this was heading towards an endgame now, but I'm sure you'll have more twists before th'end... ...

Amazing stuff...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

I never expected the Empire to fight fire with fire, at least not that way. I really like this (and not only because of necromancy), because it shows a darker side to the Empire. It's rare that people see them as anything but white knights; this is a new view and I like it.

wooo yeah, the board is set, the pieces are moving. Looks like Maxical is going to have to suck it up in the physical sense as well as figuratively erm...I...hmmm

I wonder who Uriel is going to pick hmmmm

Maxical, you are talking about a depth of necromancy found only in ancient tomes that no longer exist.
Hannibal forgets that Malan is ancient as well. Uriel gets it though.

AHHH! For a second there I was worried about Maxical being booted from her body, then when willpower was mentioned, I was releaved knowing how stubborn she is, and then back to worry at this:
… or under stress to the degree they are weakened by it.


Eyja resumed petting me.
What does she think Maxical is? A kitty?

Wow! King of Worms + Malan? At the description of the thralls, I thought about the Khajiit and their seal. Do they hold their souls or does their mate?

“Sire, send someone you choose to me and I’ll do what is needed…er, not Ocato please.”
Whoa. That’s a change. The little Ocato condition was the right touch of humor.

A fascinating revelation, as so much more of Malan’s plan and abilities come to light.

I'm with KC in chuckling as Eyja was petting Maxical.

‘Uriel waved her to silence, I watched his eyes and facial expressions as he mulled Eyja’s words over in his mind…so much like Fathis’s had when he was thinking rapidly.’
This was such a nice touch and served to both remind us of Fathis and clarify how much Maxical respects Uriel.

“She {Amiela} is his weakest point, and we may have it in our possession.”
Maxical surprised and delighted me here – thinking like a tactical hunter!

What a heartbreaking but necessary decision Maxical comes to as she realizes that she will have to do what is necessary to be rid of that pesky virgin blood that has plagued her for so long.

Bring on the Necros! Malan, a loving man? See readers, he's not such a "bad" guy afterall!

OMG! I swear this is an interesting piece right there! Soul transfering! Willpower! It is the exact thing I was going to touch upon my story in the Necromaner arc! I swear! Holy Spit! Great minds think alike! Damn, this is exciting now!

This story is going great so far and the revelation of Malan's army of undead thralls is every so scary! And now Maxical has her own soul put in the line of fire! Malan's plot unfolds and Max is once again in the center of it!

How frightening that Maxical’s stress has allowed Amiela to gain strength. I was so proud of Maxical in this chapter, especially at the end when she resolved to do whatever it takes (almost, the “not Ocato” was hilarious) to lose her virginal allure.

Eyja was especially sisterly, alternately between soothing and poking Maxical in the back. I love knowing the background behind her care of Maxical now, or at least knowing a tiny piece of that story.


As ever, your depiction of Uriel makes me smile. Even with the sad note of thinking about Fathis in the past tense.

I love the discussion of necromancy and Worm Thralls. Maxical’s insight that Malan created his own weak point while weakening her to bring back Amiela made me want to cheer.


She may be thinking like a warrior, but she’s still Maxical!!

This was such a rewarding chapter, with plans coming together after Malan had everyone so confused! Though I noticed that Maxical still has some of the wrong ideas about Gils. I’m looking forward to Malan's reaction. And I wonder who Uriel will choose for Maxical, or possibly who will show up in her room that she might THINK he chose for her. Sneakers? LOL.

*

@ McBadgere - Thank you so much McB! Yes, there will be more. This story ends when the Oblivion Crisis starts. Maxical has a lot more growing up to do than that one step, lol. Thanks again, McB!

*
@ Zalphon - Thank you so much Z! Your comment tickled me, and I agree wholeheartedly. Even shining white knights are just people doing what they have to when the time comes to act. Politics and power are maintained at cost, and sometimes that means the line between darkness and light becomes blurred and gray. Thank you so much again, Z!

*
@ Hazmick - SPEW! Uh, where is Foxy when we need him? I don’t think that will help her problem, ROFL !!!! You had me in stitches with your comment, Thank you so very much Hazmick!

*
@ King Coin - Thank you so much KC!



ROFL !!! I LOVED that!

I’m answering your question about Azura’s seal on here in case anyone else was wondering too:



Thank you so very much again, KC !!!

*
@ Acadian - Thank you so very much for those kind words! You caught everything, it was a hard decision for Maxical to make - and knowing she could lose herself in this is going to prod her into the growth she needs to become the Champion Uriel needs. Thank you so very much again, Acadian!

*
@ Darkness Eternal - Thank you so very much Darkness! We do seem to think a lot alike on dark issues, from the different tastes blood may have to the close tie between vampirism and necromancy. Since Oblivion brings Mannimarco back, I figured he may as well be of more use with his secret knowledge than hiding inside Echo Cave, lol. Thank you so very much again, Darkness!

*
@ Grits - Thank you so very much Grits! I held off posting this next chapter so you wouldn’t be overwhelmed with two chapters to catch up on - just hope you are well and all is going great for you. I Loved your comment! You catch every nuance I hope comes across, You ROCK! Maxical has to grow up now, she’s got no more play room left. Thank you so very much again, Grits; and I so hope all is well with you!!!


*

*


Chapter 170: The Order Is In…Or Is It?


My last vial of vampire juices held only a few more sips, barely enough to quell the burning agony of Azura‘s seal on my tongue. I couldn’t duplicate even these few drops, Nissy and the sisters had stolen every last scroll in the Palace and Hannibal had forgotten to bring the scrolls I requested.
,
How stupid I had been not to stop arguing with Janus long enough to ask him for some of his juices yesterday morn. I could have even asked Malan. The thought just never occurred in their presence, not while their aura was easing the pain.

I took a quick pull on the small amount left, feeling panic rising in me at the thought of these running out with no way to get more. Panic…and fear that my willpower couldn’t remain strong enough to keep Amiela’s soul subjugated with the constant pain draining it.

The searing trickle of liquid burned too small a trail down my throat. I waited till its heat was well in my stomach before breathing in through my mouth to ignite the juices. The familiar explosion of euphoria never came, instead I was left shaking in the need for more and the edge was barely taken off the pain radiating from the seal.

Desperation fueled the idea that Evangeline may know how to make scrolls. Uriel may send for me soon, there was no time to waste. I darted down to Evangeline’s room and entered after a quick tap.

Evangeline was delighted. She pushed Alix the Mouse’s pram out of the way so I could sit down, barely allowing me a glimpse of him in his tiny bonnet sleeping under a velvet throw quilt.

“Don’t wake him…” Evangeline puffed up like a bear protecting her cub.

“I won’t, Evangeline. I have to get back to Uriel quickly. Do you know how to make scrolls, or do you have any I can borrow for just a second? I have some medicine I need to duplicate.”

“Sorry, Maxical. I never use them. Ocato is the only one who can create them in the Palace. He has a stack on one bookshelf in his room.”

“Not any more, the sisters stole all his scrolls and replaced them with rolled blank parchments before they left. They took them all with them when they moved out, didn‘t even leave me two.“

“Haha! I can’t wait till he goes to use them.”






***


“Maxical, what is that trollop doing up there with Uriel? And what happened that those dear Khajiit women had to leave?”

“Nissy attacked Uriel. He sent all the Khajiit but me to live in some inn. That girl is Eyja. She was my father’s first girlfriend before he met S‘Jirra. He must have loved her deeply, he still talks about her sometimes. I like her, but I’m kind of glad they broke up before he adopted me. She is very different from S‘Jirra.”

“I should say so!”

“I wish I had her eyes, have you seen them? They are positively sultry! She seems nice, maybe a little wild in some ways I guess.”

Evangeline snorted. “A little! From the looks of her she‘ll wear down the entire Legion till they’re not able to fight.”

“What she does with any men isn’t my concern…er…well…”

“Well what?”

“The orders will be coming down anytime now for me to lose my virginity since it’s drawing vampires in. She isn’t an act I’d like to follow too closely, if you know what I mean.“

“Diseases?“

“No, she’s clean enough. It’s just…it’s everything about her, Evangeline. She’s experienced, I’ll be gauche in comparison. And if he sees her naked right before seeing me…you know, it’s like the gods emptied several sexy sticks on her and then just handed me a dried up twig. After it’s over I won’t care, I just don’t want to be compared during…you know what I mean?”

“All of us are gauche the first time, dear. Men and women alike.”

“Uriel isn’t likely to set me up with a virgin, I‘ll be the only one that doesn‘t know what I‘m doing.”

“Sir Damien gives the impression of being very experienced in that area, Maxical. A man like that will teach you, and you won’t be inept the next time.”

“Absolutely not!”






***


“Oh! While we’re on that subject, do you know anything about the Earl of Imbel?”

“Ooh, now he’s a charmer! The most handsome man you’ll ever see, and wealthy to boot. Probably my age, but you wouldn’t know it to look at him. He could charm birds from my tree anytime!”

“Huh? Why are you always talking about birds when you mean sex? First they’re in your hands and bush, now trees…what tree?”

“A bird in the hand or bush is not about sex…“

“What else could it mean?“

“Forget that, just tell me why you want to know about the Earl?”

“No reason, I just heard something really juicy…er…interesting about him and didn’t know who he was.”

“What did you hear?” Evangeline leaned forward eagerly, nearly toppling off her chair.

“Something I shouldn’t repeat.”

“Stop teasing!”

“Okay. I heard that he is more than quite skilled in the bedroom, if you know what I mean. Better than a Dunmer, in fact.” I imitated Eyja and raised one eyebrow twice.

“Maxical! Are you thinking of going to him to solve your problem?”

“Dear gods no, I absolutely couldn’t! Seriously, Evangeline.“ Did she not know he was a vampire?

“It’s the oddest thing, you bringing him up. I’ve been having a lot of dreams about him recently.”

“Ooh, Evangeline! Tell me everything!”

“It’s those same dreams I already told you about, the ones I can’t talk about.”






***


“If you can’t tell me about your dreams, then I wish you’d stop talking about them! It’s like fishing with fake bait or something.”

“What?”

“You lure my interest, then when I bite…never mind. This Earl of Imbel must be something special for you to dream about him. Maybe it’s a foretelling, and you’ll meet him and fall into a romance.”

“After what you just said I may seek him out to meet.”

“Bwaahaa! I better get details then…” I broke off as the door opened.

“Sir Damien!” I scowled at his intrusion.

He immediately proved he’d listened through the door. “Don’t delay that meeting, Evangeline. I’ve heard the Earl seeks a wife to ease his loneliness.”

“Eavesdropper!” I answered for Evangeline.

Unlike me, Evangeline was tickled by the visit. She couldn’t get up quickly enough to pull out a chair for him. His eyes fell on the fancy leather pram and I saw an amused gleam through the slits in his mask.

“Should I be congratulating you, Evangeline?”

She followed the line of his eyesight. “Oh no, that is for the dear little mouse of Maxical’s. He likes to go for walks in the sunshine.”

His mouth quirked tightly like he was holding back laughter. “I won’t be able to stay, I just stopped in to give you this.” He handed me a folded parchment.

“That address is where your mother is staying. She wasn’t there, but I left word that you are safe and here at the Palace.”

“Thank you, Sir Damien. I am very grateful for this.” I really was, despite the averted face I showed him. I heard his deep chuckle.

“Don’t choke on your gratitude.”






***


Evangeline darted her eyes at Sir Damien repeatedly, then back at me. She may as well have pointed at him and asked. I shook my head no. Had I said yes, I have no doubt she would have locked us in here till the deed was done.

Sir Damien was staring at me as if planning his words carefully before he spoke. He leaned in close as if to whisper privately, but in spite of the intimacy of his action his deep voice filled the small room.

“I hesitate to bring this up in a less than private setting, but the order has come down from Uriel.”

“He discussed this with you? OH! Why didn’t he just hang a sign outside the Palace?”

Sir Damien seemed to be enjoying some perverse humor from my rage. I snapped my mouth shut.

“He has arranged that you meet someone at the Temple of the One immediately, as the daylight hours are waning. The man will approach you, no need to speak to anyone there.”

“Who is it? Do I know them? How will they know it’s me?”

“They’ll be looking for a white Khajiit.”

“Oh. Wait, the Temple? Why there? Dear gods, I hope it’s not Jeelius!”

“The Argonian? Aren‘t their swords split or spined or something?” Evangeline gasped.

“WHAT?” My face blanched. I‘d never thought about there being differences before. Somehow I'd just assumed Uriel would select someone human, or a Mer like Fathis and Gils. For the first time it hit me…I was beast species, Uriel might choose the same for me.

“Jeelius isn’t the only man at the Temple…” Sir Damien began.

“He’s right, there‘s a Khajiit that works there too, Maxical.” Evangeline paled suddenly, then added in a whisper, “But...I've heard they have barbed swords.”

“GAAAH! I’ve heard that too!”

“There’s that Orc there too, pray it’s not him. I heard…never mind, best not frighten you in case it is him.” Evangeline added.






***


“Huh? I can’t…he can’t do this to me! Oh dear gods, I need to confront…I mean talk to Uriel immediately. Anyway, he promised to give me a bottle of good brandy to make the man drink so I’d like him better, and some scented soap so I won‘t smell like a cat…”

Sir Damien cut me off. “There is no time. Uriel said you vowed to go with his choice. You must leave immediately.”

Evangeline sprang into action. “You like this soap of mine, take this fresh bar. Here, take this brandy too. It’s from Uriel‘s cellar, and I just now broke the seal for Sir Damien to drink. Is that all you need, dear?”

A knot was filling my stomach. I barely heard Evangeline, was only conscious that she was pressing the brandy bottle into my hand. For all my brave words to Uriel, I was numb with fear.

“Uriel has provided an alternative to the Palace for this, a mansion. My late wife and I spent our own honeymoon there, and she looked back on it as the most romantic memory of her lifetime. Uriel said you shouldn’t have to give up the romance, and hoped this would ease not being with someone you love for this major event in your life as an adult.”

Evangeline nearly cooed at Sir Damien, sighing loudly, “How romantic!” Her eyes darted from him to me and back again, and she raised her eyebrows so many times I was afraid she was in a seizure.

Sir Damien’s eyes were glittering with unconcealed amusement through the slits of his face mask, he‘d seen Evangeline‘s contortions. My face felt like it was on fire with embarrassment, if I’d had a glass of water I may have doused Evangeline with it.

“This location is safe from the war, Uriel said you may stay several days. Here is instructions on how to reach it and the key.” He handed me a large brass key and a folded parchment. “You must go quickly.”

“Will people be gawking at us and knowing what we are there for?”

“There is not a soul there, you will even have to fix your own dinners if you are hungry.”

“It’s just…I’d rather no one know what occurred except myself and…him.”

“I understand.”






***


I lingered in the doorway wanting to cry and hug Evangeline, but couldn’t do it with Sir Damien standing there. Instead I stuffed the key and parchments into the pocket of my greaves without even looking at the instructions.

“Try not to look like you are on the way to the gallows, Maxical. It may hinder the man in his purpose.”

Sir Damien followed me out, pulling the door shut behind us. He caught my arm. “Evangeline is right, there is still another option the dying mouse can choose, Lass. Like me or not, you know what you are getting here. The unknown is worse, could be anyone. Do you imagine you‘ll like them better than me? No awkward meeting, we can go to this mansion together and none will know.“

As he spoke the terror in my mind rose. The unknown. It could be anyone. I felt like I might vomit at the thought. Part of me would rather it be someone I knew. Sir Damien was right, it would be much more comfortable with him than…

“Sir Damien…“ My mouth opened to agree, and then suddenly I pictured the aftermath. Sir Damien popping into my bed at will like he did the sisters, or worse; discussing with everyone at the Palace how inept I was my first time. A stranger who I’d never see again, didn’t know my name even…maybe that would be better.

“What is it, Lass?”

“Er…nothing.”

“I wish you well, Maxical.”

“Er…thank you, Sir Damien.” I hurried out of the Palace without looking back, the brandy bottle clutched in my hand.



*

OH NO MAXICAL DON'T LISTEN TO FAKE FOXY AAAAAHHH!!! It's a trap no no no no Yeah, I get the feeling that Uriel is unaware of the current situation, hopefully he'll break down the doors of the temple and save the day

Haa-Rei wishes to state that his...er...sword...is not split and as such would be happy to lend his assistance, in service to Tamriel and the Emperor, he can be at the palace within the hour

Anyway, swords aside , a great chapter, now I'm going to just sit and wait for the next one in eager anticipation. woooo

The beginning with the juices was very creepy. She’s going to be totally dependent on that drug unless something changes.

Evangeline… she was so funny! I wonder if she’s totally lost it though. First treating that mouse like an infant and now trying to set Maxical up with Foxy! She’s such a randy old lady! At least Eyja doesn’t pretend to be proper! And all the discussion of swords...

I hope Maxical goes to Uriel first… she doesn’t know Foxy isn’t really Foxy. I see a trap here. Thanks goodness she decided to not go with Foxy there at least. I feel so bad for Maxical right now!

Argh! Why couldn’t relief come from Mouse juices instead of Vampire juices?!?

And we are still dangling on the edge of Maxical’s cliff. If Uriel was wise, he would have selected himself to perform the task – after all, the chance of a new little Septim in the realm could come in handy during the dark days ahead. . . ahem, oh. Well, seriously, I hope Maxical trusts Uriel’s judgment and doesn’t try to ‘fix’ it. I also hope DaMalan doesn’t twist Uriel’s intent into a mess. Poor Maxical – she is like a cat on a hot tin bed!

JUICY JUICY VAMPIRE JUICE! Geez, this chapter was just thriving with sexual stuff! Kudos! And once again, we see Evangeline and her hookup Maxical plan. Also, "It's a TRAP!", eh?



Hahaha. I just had to quote this part. Poor, poor Maxical! Perhaps Azura can show give her some larger (insert comment here) blessings.



No, no, no! Birds and the Cheese bees! Oh and Khajiit may have barbed swords, but argonians have polished split spears . Just thought I should throw that out there, buahaha! All jokes aside, do explain this "split" fact. Is it really? If so, could you provide a link? I never heard this before. No homo, though.

Good update, love the humor and still wondering when our dear Maxical will save the day(er, sleeping with one of the many presented candidates in the episode).

Actually, that scene was meant to be two women talking with no frame of reference other than gossip or stories (Barenziah).


Technically though, I did research this to give them some possibly accurate gossip:

The Khajiit barbs (as you know) have been verified as being true:

GT Noonan quote: "Only three 'breeds' of Khajiit have the adaptation of barbs discussed in The Real Barenziah."

Douglas Goodall names two, the "Cathay-Raht" and the "Suthay-Raht" - I think the third one GT Noonan referred to would be the Ohmes, because he refers to them as being the manly man's preference to play.

***

On the Argonians, Pete Hines stated unequivically that Argonians are ovoviviparous (eggs mature and hatch completely inside the female Argonian = live birth of hatchlings rather than the laying of eggs).

Greg Keyes said Cloaca, which doesn't exactly jive with Pete Hines statement since Cloaca use respiratory gas exchange for reproduction and (if I understand this correctly) ovoviviparous reptiles do not. If there is a discrepancy, I'm going with Pete Hines version.

I looked up ovoviviparous reptile reproduction for a frame of reference. Depending on the species of reptile, they can have one or two "swords."

Hemipenes - Only one is used at a time (from what I understand, the other stays hidden within their cavity while one is in use), and some evidence indicates males alternate use between copulations. The hemipenis itself has a variety of shapes, depending on species.

Often, the hemipenis bears spines or hooks, in order to anchor the male within the female. Some species even have forked hemipenes (each hemipenis has two tips).


* Penile spines are keratinized spines along the glans and/or shaft that when in full expression contribute to sexual pleasure and quicker orgasms.


I then went to the "sword" expert, AlienSlof. I could only find one Argonian screenshot, but it did appear to have keratinous lumps along the shaft that could have been spines. There was only one "sword," (quite long enough to have been two in tandem).

So technically, Argonian's could have the Hemipenes and penile spines - who knows?



*

While not of great importance, I did like the detail used to describe the scene where she drank the vampire juices. It was well-written and showed how she felt. Everything else was quite well-done as well, but that really shined.

Wow, you just never know when a discussion of hemipenes will pop up. With the variety of males on offer, Maxical is right to be concerned! Though an Argonian who could deploy both at once should be very popular with the mammals.


Very scary for Maxical to be running low on juice with no scrolls to be found. This passage was so vivid. It took the eew factor away and demonstrated what vampire juice means to the Khajiit women’s basic existence. What a devastating if unintended consequence of Uriel’s Law, especially now that his safety depends on Maxical juicing it up regularly.

The scene with Evangeline was a delight. I love that she gave some good advice and some bad advice, since that happens with real people all of the time. She must be very disturbed by her dreams. Is it from being used and fed upon, or did I miss something else? Argh, sorry!


How funny. Too late, Evangeline! Between the spilts, spines, and barbs, Maxical might go for Eyja after all! Where’s that trout?

There is so much potential for disaster building, I just have to hold on and watch. What a great chapter!!

I'm with Acadian on this one. Uriel should be thinking "If you want a job done properly, do it yourself"

Otherwise it's Baurus from the other side of the room.

*

@ Hazmick - Thank you so much, Hazmick (and Haa-Rei) !!! Neither Maxical or Evangeline are good sources of information about male anatomy, they both get their information from Casta Scribonia’s novels (or “The Real Barenziah“), ROFL !!! Thank you so much Hazmick!

*
@ King Coin - Thank you so much KC! Maxical hasn’t had to face the pain of that seal since the war broke out two weeks ago. The pain is tons worse now because Gils is dead - but Maxical doesn’t know that.



Don’t worry, Khajiit have been using vampire juices (or comforters) for hundreds of years and still do in all the other Provinces. Maxical is in no danger of addiction to the juices themselves, only a dependency on the relief of the pain.

Maxical is afraid the pain will weaken her and Amiela will take over her body - but she doesn’t realize that this is the same pain that drives Khajiit widows to their grave, she thinks it is just the regular seal pain.

That is kind of an indication how tough Maxical really is.

You are right about Evangeline, her mind isn’t her strongpoint emotionally right now, lol. Thank you so much, KC !!!

*
@ Acadian - EW !!! Mouse juices? URK !!! ROFL !!! You made me spray my monitor with that !!! ROFL!!! I think if Uriel and Maxical tried to bed, they would kill each other before the night was over, ROFL !! Can you imagine those two tempers in one bed? Lol. And a baby produced too - you had me in hysterics with this !!!! I loved it, you absolutely made my day with your comment !!! Thank you so very much Acadian!!!

*
@ Darkness Eternal - Thank you so much Darkness !! I posted the “Split” and “Spined” explanations right after your comment, in case you didn’t see it yet. You had me rolling with your comment, lol. Azura’s breast augmentations, ROFL !!

Neither Maxical or Evangeline have any idea what they are talking about, they get all their knowledge from Casta Scribonia novels. Maxical spent her sex-ed class at the Arcane drawing dirty pictures, lol.

Thank you so very much again, Darkness!

*
@ Zalphon - Thank you so much Zalphon! I really was trying to make the reader feel what Maxical was going through, so I really appreciate what you said! Thanks again, Z!

*
@ Grits -

SPEW! There goes my monitor! ROFL !!

I loved what you said about how that passage “demonstrated what vampire juice means to the Khajiit women's basic existence.”

That is exactly what I was trying to get across. I quoted it on my comment thanks to King Coin - Maxical doesn’t know Gils is dead, but that excruciating pain is what she is experiencing right now. It is really a testament to her inner strength that she is fighting it as well as she is. I so appreciate that you caught what was going on with her.

You didn’t miss anything, and you are absolutely right about those dreams, Malan is still mating/feeding on her while she sleeps - but is implanting the thoughts of Jakben Imbel in her mind. Now he just came in and told Evangeline to seek out Jak because he is looking for a wife. Malan is def up to something here.

Your comments on Evangeline had me in stitches !!

Thank you so very much Grits, you ROCK !!!!

*
@ Ghastley - Baurus from the other side of the room - SPEW !!!! ROFL !!! Thank you so much Ghastley !!


*

*


Chapter 171: The Blind Date


I stood nervously inside the Temple of the One, glancing at each person who entered and turning scarlet if they were male. The searing pain on my tongue was an agonizing reminder that it should have been Gils I was meeting here, that thought was suffocating…it should have been Gils.

This was no place to meet for a blind date. With the war on there was a steady stream of visitors, many marked with ashes on their faces proclaiming they grieved over lost loved ones. Their wailing and moaning echoed around the circular Temple, even reverberating off the dome above me. I could easily have joined their keening the way I felt.

Tears…I’d begun crying even as I left the Battlemages quarters just from the fear of what I was facing. Standing here waiting for the stranger to come, being stared at by everyone this way, the pain of Azura’s seal…now they flowed steadily and my eyes felt swollen and sore from them.

Somehow even in that crowd of mourners it seemed far too many eyes were drawn to me, singling me out with piteous looks as their eyes darted to the brandy bottle clutched in my hand. I was humiliated.

The thought struck me that the man may have already come, then fled when he saw me. I prayed he had.

My tongue felt like a raging fire. I slid the brown vial of vampire juices from my pocket, moving to the far side of the room before tipping it to my mouth. Nothing.

The sun was streaming through the tall stained glass window beside me, I stepped in close and held the vial up into the bluish light coming through. There seemed to be another drop inside, but when I tipped it upside down over my mouth and shook it nothing came out. I leaned my head back further and shook it again, tapping hard on the bottom of the vial and praying to feel even a tiny drop of moisture hit my tongue. Nothing.

“What’s she doing, Momma?” A child’s voice close to me asked. I glanced around and saw a chubby little Breton preschooler pointing up at me.

An old woman grabbed my arm. “Skooma and the drink are evil curses, you are in the right place to get help…“

“Wha? No, this isn‘t Skooma! I have…er…health issues.“

“You need Jeelius to heal what’s ailing you, sister.” She tugged my arm.

“GAAAH! Dear gods, not Jeelius!“ I pulled out of her grasp.

The old woman tottered away shaking her head.






***


Several other people in the temple glanced at me like I was in the throws of addiction, and a mother with two young children was loudly shooing them away from my vicinity. I looked down in shame and noticed a glowing blue aura surrounding me.

Dear gods, the light from the window was illuminating me! It was pointing me out in this crowd, drawing everyone’s eyes to me! I wanted to sink down on the bench and bawl like a child, but then more of these good people may feel the need to rescue me from my errant ways.

There was no dark spot in this temple to hide, but I hurried from the window and leaned my face against one of the cold stone walls. I would have stuck it through the wall if I could have to escape the stares.

The pain of the seal was unbearable without the vampire juices, what was I going to do? Uriel would be able to see the difference, he’d know I’d been using juices all this time.

I tried to get that last drop again; but this time instead of drawing attention to myself by shaking and pounding the bottle I tried just fitting my tongue into the tiny mouth of the vial…oh dear gods, it was stuck!

“Maxical?”

I spun around, the bottle still stuck and dangling from my tongue…it was Janus Hassildor! What the hell was he doing here?

Regardless of the bottle flopping off my tongue, my hands went to my hips and I gave him one of my better glares.

“Wawus? Wha wa hew woo wooing heew?”

And then suddenly it hit me why he was here. This is who Uriel chose for me?

“Oh weer gogs!” I wasn’t sure if I should be livid or…relieved.






***


The burning, the pain of the seal…it was completely gone, just by Janus’s presence. The relief was profound from the desperation of seconds before.

The more I considered it, the better choice I realized Janus was. Any ancient would ease the seal, but Janus didn‘t want my blood. Better yet, he lived all the way off in Skingrad…I’d never see him again. We were already acquainted and comfortable with each other. The only person we knew mutually was Eyja, I doubt he’d discuss bedding me while mating her. I could already feel the fear slipping away. Improper or not, I leaned against him in relief.

“Oh Wawus, I so gwag iw was woo.”

“You are?” Janus stood in stunned silence, and for almost a full half minute I was convinced our squabbling was a thing of the past. Then he spoke.

“Why are you carrying that brandy? And what are you doing with that brown vial, is that illegal drugs?”

“Wo woo iwiow! Iw wuck!”

“What did you say? I can’t understand you, take the bottle off your tongue…OW! It was a joke! Here, let me help you get that off.” He reached up and tugged on the bottle.

“OW! WOP!”

“Maybe if I put something oily in your mouth it would slide off.”

“Wike wha?” I put my hands on my hips and eyed him suspiciously.

“There is a bowl of Frankincense for the worshippers to…”

“WO!”

“Are you saying no or go?”

“WO!” I waved my hand at him to emphasize no.

“This is quite pleasant, actually. You can’t berate me, and if you do I can’t understand…OW! Okay, just let me think.”

“Oh weah, we’we we hew wo weaws.” If he understood the insult, he ignored it.






***


“If it isn’t Skooma, then what is it that you were so desperate for to be sticking your tongue in the bottle?”

My face flushed red. It was an illegal drug, for all I’d called him an idiot. I turned away from him and averted my face when he followed.

“What is it, Maxical?”

“Iw wawiwe wooses.”

“Vampire juices? Oh Maxical, I forgot you were bound. I’d have better served you in finding Gils first instead of Fathis. I could have been helping you ease this till they returned, keeping you stocked in juices. My friend Jak said I should have stayed by your side to ease the pain like those comforters in Elsweyr do, he was right. You poor thing, no wonder you have been so irritable…OW!”

It was just like him to touch on my emotions so thoroughly through sympathy and then follow up with an insult that negated the goodwill even before he finished talking.

“I’m sorry, Maxical. That was uncalled for. Listen, I think I know how we can get that unstuck. You’re going to have to trust me, I have to let my nature out to do it. I give you my vow that I won’t even be tempted by your blood. We’re amongst all these people, you’ll be perfectly safe. Will you let me try? I’ll have to put some of my juices directly into your mouth to do it. When I’m done you can spit them into the bottle and you’ll have some for later. Do you want me to try?”

I gaped at him bug-eyed. Put his juices directly into my mouth? Here, in front of all these people?

“Woos wooses? Woo weaw…wom wewe?” I pointed to his nether regions.

Janus choked and then staggered around in a circular laughing fit while I fumed. “No! They come from my mouth.”

“Oh! Owaa.” I nodded.






***


Even in the large domed room the air became thick with the whopping amount of testosterone he produced. In seconds it became so dense it was hard to breathe. He leaned down to me, cupping my chin to raise my face to his.

The aroma of his cologne wafted in my nose, tingling it with a feeling of hunger like Fathis‘s always had. I breathed it in deeply just as his lips closed over mine and the searing juices shot from his fangs in a rush that filled my mouth. I felt his tongue moving, a gentle tug and the bottle was gone.

Janus lifted his head and pulled the bottle from his mouth, holding it out to me. “Spit the juices into the bottle now. Maxical? Maxical, are you all right?”

“Uuhhaauuuhh.”

“Dear gods, did you swallow that whole thing? I gave you enough to nearly fill the bottle! Oh [Censored]!”

I felt myself being scooped up and carried. Janus sat down on one of the benches with me cradled in his arms. I lay there glassy-eyed, unable to think or move beyond feeling the warmth of him against me and the scent of him wafting in and out with my breaths.

After a while he rested his head on top of mine. “If you needed me I was but a thought away to ease your suffering. I wish you’d asked me instead of resorting to those watered down juices from inferior lines they sell in Elsweyr. What you just swallowed is pure, and from the most elite lines. You don’t need but a taste to keep the pain away. I‘ll make sure you get whatever you need so you don‘t suffer again. I should have realized you would be going through this. We could have searched for your husbands together. I won‘t let you down again.”

“Uuaauuuhh.”

It felt like coming back from another realm as the strength of the juices slowly wore off. I don’t know how long we had sat like that, nor what time of day it was anymore. When I finally woke the rotunda was dark. I sat up quickly.

“Wha…what time is it?” I looked around, we were alone in the temple. “Where did everyone go?”






***


“I had to use mind control to empty it out, then lock the door with a spell that can’t be tampered with for your privacy. I read their minds too, everyone that was in here thought you were a Skooma addict, not to mention your alcohol problem. They assumed I was your supplier due to the dark cowl. Several thought we were using the Temple to sate our lust in the light of the Dragon Fires when I was removing the bottle.”

“Dear gods, I hope none of them work for the Black Horse Courier.”

Janus chuckled. “I was incognito in this cowl, they won’t be able to put shame to my name, only yours.”

“Janus, we have to go. It must be getting late, I can’t be out after dark.”

He pointed to the darkened window. “It is already past dark, Maxical. The vampires have been out fighting for well over an hour. You’ll be perfectly safe in here with me. They can’t pass the spell I put on the door, and wouldn’t dare enter while a line as powerful as mine is inside.”

Stuck in here all night? I glanced around at the hard stone floors and bench slabs. How were we supposed to mate in here?

“There’s no where comfortable in here, though. I’m not really sure how these things work in a place like this. Er, I’m still too wobbly to stand up.”

“Maybe we should work on filling up your bottle again while you’re sitting here, it will be convenient in case you swallow them again. I didn’t have much warning earlier, just barely caught you before you dropped. What I give you is a lot more powerful than what you are used to, it would be better if I just give you a little at a time just in case.”

“Now that you have the bottle, why do you have to transfer the juices? Why not just spike the bottle on a fang and let it squirt in?”

“The fangs are living tissue, Maxical. They are sensitive to being spiked onto vials.”

“Oh, sorry. Janus…er…aren’t vampires kind of like…uh…undead? How do you put out so much heat?”

“The nature is a fire that runs through our veins, a different kind of fire. Like those juices you drink or that brandy; it burns inside you till you sweat from the heat of it, but isn‘t hot to your finger’s touch. The juices are living fluids, they fuel what drives us…our lusts, our sensuality. In battle they become icy, and like a corrosive acid . Standing close to me in combat you‘d feel the chill of the grave.”


*

See now, I like Hassildor... ...He's goody goodie... ...

Just like I liked Angel, that one from Moonlight (who's now in Hawaii five-O), Blade and those good ones from Twilight...It's all about the intent...

But - just for a change - I digress...

Fantastic chapter!!...

Much laughing at the bottle being stuck...Well worked out speech...I suspect you spent many an hour recording yourself with much the same predicament... ...

As I said, I loved the whole thing with Hassildor...I think he's an excellent character in Oblivion, and all of my characters have had decent dealings with him...Them all living just down the road from Skingrad and all... ...

Brilliant stuff...Love it!!...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

oooh is Hassildor really there for the reason Maxical thinks he is? I have a sneaking suspicion that he is not, I guess i'll find out soon enough if he is though then I'm glad it's him, he's a great guy.

good chapter though, I loved all the disgruntled temple goers mistaking our kat for a skomma addict!

“Oh weer gogs!”


This whole episode was magnificent! What a blend of pain and fear and misunderstanding and rolling laughter and hijinks as only you and Maxical can deliver! Oh, well done, mALX!

Yes, she could do worse than Janus. At least he’s a handy juice dispenser!

*Smiles* The pains of drug addiction--captured flawlessly. I really liked this whole chapter, mALX. Truly--one of your best pieces.

Hehe this looks like so much fun!

I think I may need to read the summary at the beggining of the story (thank you SO much for putting that there )

I can't wait to get started

Where's Foxy?

The ashes on the face of the mourners was a neat detail.

She still has the brandy!? I feel bad laughing at her, but that’s so funny! Are you kidding me? The bottle’s stuck to her tongue???

“This is quite pleasant, actually. You can’t berate me, and if you do I can’t understand…OW! Okay, just let me think.”
Oh my… this is so funny!! The banter between the two of them is hysterical!

Maxical thought the juices came from where?

“I was incognito in this cowl, they won’t be able to put shame to my name, only yours.”
What a relief?

What a great chapter!

Gosh I’d be willing to risk accidental injury and give Maxical a hug right here. And on top of her pain she has the humiliation of well-meaning gawkers pitying her for the wrong reason!


Oh my goodness, with her tongue stuck in the bottle! This whole scene was priceless. I love it every time Janus and Maxical get together, they are sweet and hilarious and a little bit awkward and a lot hot all at the same time.


Clearly that is one of the PRE-marital Dunmer Mysteries.

I love Janus’ explanation of what the juices are to vampires, and how he gives off heat or cold depending on the circumstances.

Hmm, all night transferring juices by the light of the Dragonfires… that sounds pretty romantic. Is Janus wearing a greatcloak? That might seal the deal!! I loved this chapter!!

Ha, wow, thanks for the information. You broke it down quite well! It only makes perfect sense! Just as the male cats' member is, well, you know. Likewise for lizard. I learned something new last week! Thanks.

I would agree with Mcbadgere here. Janus Hassildor IS my favorite NPC in Oblivion. Hands down. Okay, the vampire juices part . . .sort of left my mind in a heaping pile of all things dirty. But Janus is still the noble fellow I knew him to be from Oblivion, of course, he's still a kick butt vampire who still feeds .



Oh my. Seriously, Maxical? Hahaha! This had me cracking up.



I freaking loved this part. This right here is some nice info on the juices and how it drives the vampiric individual! Blood, lust, and the pride of life baby! Great chapter, loved the little children hahah. Especially the chunky Preschooler.

*

@ McBadgere - Thank you so much McB! I did practice that ‘bottle on the tongue‘. First wrote what I wanted her to say, then held onto my tongue and read them aloud, lol.

I like Hassildor too, he is my favorite vampire in the game. The un-modded game has Hassildor yelling stuff like “Give me your blood, I need your blood” in combat, and the first time I heard him say that on that Mages Guild quest - I was terrified of him for a while, lol. Now Maxical hangs out in his chambers, and without mods he’s only tried to kick her out once.

Thanks again, McB!

*
@ Hazmick - Thank you so much Hazmick! You are right in your sneaking suspicion, lol. I like Hassildor too.

There is a glitch in the un-patched game where he wanders around Cyrodiil occasionally, I saw two vids of him doing it. In one he was roaming Bravil and burning in the sunlight, the other he popped up in a random cave and told the Player that they were trespassing, lol.

I keep my game un-patched just to enjoy these random things, and they always get written into my story, lol.

Thanks again, Hazmick!

*
@ Acadian - You had me rolling with that “Handy juice dispenser” - the first thing I thought of was those “PEZ” dispensers where the head tips back and candy pops out, lol. Thank you so very much, Acadian !!!

*
@ Zalphon - Technically not drug addiction, but I did want to capture that exact desperation for the juices! Thanks so much Z!

*
@ Heather V - I was tickled to see you here, thank you so much for reading! I do need to update that summary, but it should bring the reader up to chapter 110 (I think). I love your story so far too! Thank you so much Heather V!

*
@ Ghastley - I have to agree with you, I usually get an email at home from Foxy on stuff like that! When something like that gets by him, I start worrying that he is still among us! Thank you so much Ghastley!

*
@ King Coin - Your comment made my day! Thank you so very much KC! Maxical’s lack of paying attention in school I guess, but what kills me is that she has been drinking the juices all this time thinking that, ROFL!! Thank you so much again, KC !!

*
@ Grits - Thank you so very much Grits! I love what you said here, the things that stood out to you - you made my day! And you are right, between Janus’s isolation stunting his social skills and Maxical’s naivety and temper - they take over the keyboard every time I do a scene with them together. I have to cut 70% of their scenes just to move the story ahead or their arguing and squabbling would take 3-5 chapters each time, lol. Thank you so very much again, Grits! I so appreciate you!

*
@ Darkness Eternal - You voiced exactly why I had that iffy question on the Argonians. I figure if Bethesda stuck so closely to reality on the cat/Khajiit, they may do the same with the Argonians. They did, Pete Hines made that announcement (but neglected any details about spines or hemipenises, lol).

Maxical and Evangeline are always half rumor and half guessing whenever they talk about anything, it gets worse when they discuss anything sexual, ROFL !!!

Hassildor is my favorite vamp, love his castle and in my game I’ve remodeled that “Lost chamber” that his wife stayed in to make it a hide-away for Maxical when she was a werewolf in her last story. When I had to reload the game, Rona appeared back in there, but glitched. I got some screens of it, it was some scary [censored]!

I hoped you’d like that last section explaining how the juices are the driving force of the vampire nature in them, it means a lot that you did! Thank you so very much Darkness!


*

*


Chapter 172: Misunderstandings And Promises



Janus handed the brown vial back to me. “Does Traven realize you are using vampire juices?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t told him, and he’s never asked.”

“Would he look the other way?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never done anything illegal before that I know of.”

“By law he’s supposed to report you. You’re taking a huge risk having them right there in Uriel’s chambers.”

“I know. I don’t think Uriel will put me to death or even jail me since Akatosh appointed me to him, but he may be disgusted with me for it. I couldn’t stand that, not when he’s finally starting to like me.“

“Akatosh has appointed you to him? What does that mean?”

“Gils almost died. I swore mine and my firstborn’s lives to Akatosh in exchange for Gils‘ life. Not days later Uriel knew it all, Akatosh had contacted him in a dream. He knew about the promise, about Gils…everything. It was supposed to begin when I turned twenty-one, but because of this war I was called in early.”

“Do you know what you have to do?”

“Whatever Uriel orders me to do, that‘s why I‘m here. But Akatosh…yeah, I know what his task is. I can‘t tell you anything about it, other than I‘ll not live long enough to give him that firstborn.”

“Maxical! Can’t someone stand in your stead?”

“No. Fathis and Gils both offered, so did my father. Uriel said Akatosh chose me, and that I shouldn’t make promises to gods and not intend to keep them.”

“Maxical, I don‘t want you to misunderstand what I am about to say. If you fear death and wish it, just ask and I will give you immortality. I’ve never offered to share my line with another soul, but…”

I shook my head. “I don’t want to be a vampire, no offense.”

“None taken, just know if you change your mind that the offer stands. It isn’t a life I would have chosen for myself, but has its benefits. The detriments are the isolation if you live here in Cyrodiil, but you‘d likely be given Diplomatic Immunity from the law. The other Provinces have no restrictions.”






***


“I don’t want to have fangs. Find a way to separate out Dagoth-Ur‘s immortality and I‘d consider taking that.“

“I understand. It isn’t pleasant when pretty Khajiit girls say ’urk’ when they see my face.”

“I’m sorry about that, Janus. I was brought up to draw my sword if I saw fangs. Give me time to get used to them, and I promise I won’t say ’urk’ anymore…Gaaah! What happened? You just tripled in heat and started putting out enough testosterone to impregnate the whole city.”

“Ancients like to hear the word ‘promise’, it’s a bond we take very seriously. The word ‘forever’ is the same. They excite the nature. While I’m producing juices, turn around and face me. Let’s fill that bottle up.”

“Okay.”

There was something a little too intimate about facing him while sitting on his lap. My cheeks flushed with so much heat I was sure my face must look like a tomato. I pushed my knees onto the hard bench and fought the jelliness in my legs trying to rise up off his lap, but was a little too wobbly to stay that way without leaning on him.

“Don’t fret, Maxical. Just seek your own comfort, I guarantee you are safe with me. I will never do anything you have not sought me to do, you can trust me.”

Without the bottle in my mouth it felt every bit of being kissed, but…more. A kiss on skooma maybe. I drew back.

“It feels like kissing.”

“It is, in a way. It‘s a vampire kiss. That’s the only way to pass the juices.”

“Ew, you and Hannibal? Urk.” I got a visual in my head at the thought.

“No! And I’m certainly glad you learned the juices come from my mouth before you got that visual image in your mind.”

“Gaaah! Now you put it there!”

“Stop it!”

“Stop eavesdropping on my thoughts then, I can‘t control what pops into my head. I wish I had that ability though, it must be loads of fun.”

“Most of the time all I hear is Hal-Liurz thinking of household arrangements.”






***


“What was the worst thing you ever learned listening in on people’s thoughts?” I deliberately held an image of Ocato nose-picking in my mind.

“That! Stop it, that is disgusting. You did that on purpose?”

“HA! Yes. I knew you were still eavesdropping on my mind.”

“I’ll confess if you don’t show me that again. It isn’t something I can control when the vampire nature is out, Maxical. It is innate, a part of its defense. The nature defends itself by every means available at all times when it is released. Most vampires keep theirs out at all times. I‘d never released mine till I came here. My friend Jak taught me more about being a vampire in one month than I’d learned in the fifty years since the attack.”

“It sounds kind of like the leopard that is part of me, except I don’t know how to release it at will. It happened once when I was being attacked by a Bloodworks full of prisoners, instincts just took over. I couldn’t bring it out at will though. I’ve seen a Khajiit that used her leopard, a girl not much bigger than me. She was fighting one of Malan’s giants with a sword, but her movements were all cat. For what I’ll be facing in this task for Akatosh, I’ll need to use every resource available to me. Maybe my beast is released the same way yours is, how do you do it?”

“Mine came out instinctively the first few times too. Try calling on it within yourself when you are doing something over your own capability. The more you call on it, the more readily available it should be.”

“I’ll try it, thank you. So Janus, er…how did Hannibal get all those samples from you?”

“Traven stabbed the roof of my mouth with a dagger every time he obtained the juices from me. It forces the fangs to extend, and is a very painful process.”

“Oh dear gods! Oh Janus, I don’t want to do that.”

“Neither do I. Here’s an idea, just imagine yourself a scientist and that I’m the subject of your experiment. Would that help?“

“That might help. My pack is at the Palace, do you have a white lab coat in yours that I can use to pretend with? What’s so funny?“

“Nothing. Let‘s just do this.”






***


What started off with embarrassment slowly changed till my fear of what I came here to do was gone. I hated to admit it, but Uriel chose well in Janus. His reticence to act till I was ready put me at ease in spite of the intimacy of what we were doing.

We were locked in here till morning anyway, and all but kissing already in transferring the juices. I’d rather get it over with tonight and just go back to the Palace. All the easy camaraderie between us here would be lost going to that romantic mansion. It would feel awkward.

Janus had proven truthful about not being interested in my blood, his nature had been out fully for hours and he never even ‘accidentally’ brushed my neck with his fangs. And…it had become slightly obvious he was interested. This time it was no bunching of his velvet suit, he was ready. I guessed he was probably waiting for me to give him the okay.

Twice I caught myself from giving response when his mouth was on mine before I got my courage up. The third time I looked up into his cowl while I spat the juices into the bottle, then set it down in the window sill behind him. It was now or never.

When he covered my lips with his this time I put both my arms around his neck, pulling back his cowl and drawing his head down to me. I felt his gasp against my mouth and his arms tighten around me before I responded, using the best Dunmer mystery I knew in a full kiss. Maybe that was my mistake, Janus isn’t Dunmer.

If I had set out to start a fire, it worked too well. His frenzied response was short lived and over before either of us had removed a stitch of clothing. It was already too late by the time I remembered Eyja’s spell. His breathing was so ragged he could barely gasp out his words.

“Holy Psijic [censored] [censored] [censored]! What the hell was that?”

“Er…a kiss?”

“That was a kiss? [censored] [censored]! That was the full [censored] act!

“Well, I see that now. I…er…forgot you were Imperial.”

“What?”

“I mean…er…we’re stuck in here for the night anyway, right? I thought we could…uh…you know…just get it over with now.” How could I explain that I didn’t want to go to that romantic mansion?






***


“Maxical! I’ve acted the gentleman, doing nothing that would make you feel uncomfortable about being stuck in here with me! Vampires are creatures of lust, driven by blood and sex. I’ve smothered my nature these fifty years, I never want to be connected with them! I am not like them.”

“Oh…OH! Huh? Wait, what does that mean? You won’t take what I’m offering you? Is it because we’re here in this Temple?”

“No! Yes! No! You took me by surprise! Shocked me is more like it! I blame that kiss, what kind of kiss was that?”

No sense telling him it was a Dunmer mystery. I spread my arms and did an all encompassing shrug.

“I am Khajiit.”

“Holy Psijic [censored] [censored] [censored], I just became a cat loving person! [Censored] [censored] [censored] [censored] [censored] [censored]!”

I was in awe. “Geez Janus, you must be the best curser in Tamriel! It was like a stream of them, you never even repeated any! What does [censored] mean? I’ve never heard it before, is it really filthy or just vile and disgusting? Can I say it to Ocato?”

“I don’t know, I think I just made it up. Maxical, did you mean what you just said? You are offering yourself to me? You want me to be the first one? Are you serious?”

Dear gods, did he not understand why Uriel sent him here? Maybe I’d better spell it out to him.

“I am, Janus. I thought it over, and I’m glad it was you that came today. I have to lose my virginity, will you take it from me? I’m asking, but the choice is yours.”

“I probably should be asking questions, but I won’t…just this one. Are you making a promise to me, Maxical?”

A promise? Did he mean not to start something I wasn’t going to finish? That must be it. I nodded.

“It’s a promise.”






***


Eyja said she didn’t know any secrets to enticing ancients, she should have tried using the word ’promise’. It is like waving a red flag at a bull to rile the beast in them. Janus’s nature was definitely incited, the testosterone was so overwhelmingly thick in the air that I was nearly choking from it.

The Temple wasn’t the ideal place, with only a stone floor and hard backless benches. The setting and atmosphere were not romantic, but a comfortableness and trust seemed to have developed between Janus and I that…if I had to be with a stranger anyway, I would rather it be him than any other.

This time Janus was not transferring juices, he was kissing. Long and lingering in a way that didn’t feel like his goal was sex, but establishing intimate bonds that were made to last.

Any other time I probably would have appreciated him taking the time to make it romantic. I don’t know why, but inside me was a feeling of urgency; wanting to get the act completed fast…a suffocating feeling, like doom bearing down on us and tension building within me. I wished he’d just hurry.

“Janus…something feels like danger, please…just hurry before it’s too late. Just do it now so I‘ll be safe, please! GAAAAH!”

The crash of shattering glass came a split second before the raining shards imploded on us. High up on the dome the hugest giant I had ever seen was leaping through the stained glass with the grace of a leopard. The look on his face was enraged…demonic.

“It’s Malan!” I gasped. Fear shot cortisol through my veins till they felt filled with frozen gel. My spine felt like ice, and the chill of a tomb was an aura coming off Janus as I scrambled off him. In the blink of an eye he was nearly as large as Malan.


*

“Stop eavesdropping on my thoughts then, I can‘t control what pops into my head.”
When it comes to our Maxical, truer words were never spoken.

Interesting discussion comparing the vampire beast that comes out and the true cat within Maxical. Nice reference to Aravi to help make the point!

“I probably should be asking questions, but I won’t…just this one. Are you making a promise to me, Maxical?”
A promise? Did he mean not to start something I wasn’t going to finish? That must be it. I nodded.
“It’s a promise.”
This misunderstanding will no doubt haunt Maxical. Janus just told her how important the word ‘promise’ is to an Ancient – as in forever. Always the case with this delightful pair, they fail to understand each other.

Unfortunately, Malan has also told Maxical his intent should she engage in what she and Janus are attempting.

Still working my way through this! Haha. Just thougt I'd send you a little message to let you know I was reading. I won't clog up your thread with out of date comments so I'll only comment if I read something I simply can't NOT share!

You've got a great story going here I love Maxical Sexy Khajiiti Lady

uh oh, this definitely won't end well! Maxical really needs to start thinking before she speaks, these ancients take things very seriously!

Great chapter as always mALX, can't wait for the next one!

I love the trust and care between these two in the beginning of the scene.

Maxical’s use of the word “promise” and then straddling Janus (only Maxical could give a lap dance by accident!!) sound like some of the Steps of Promise.


ROFL, poor Janus sequestered himself with a boring staff! He should have become a patron of the arts and had Crassius Curio around to entertain him with his thoughts until Maxical was there to horrify him.

I love the comparison of the vampire and leopard natures, and Maxical’s mention of Aravi.

Janus’ reaction to Maxical’s Mysterious kiss (or rather his reaction to his reaction) was hilarious! Then when Janus got with the program and kissed her back in a way that would build bonds of trust over the course of years rather than hitting that RIGHT NOW was so typical of these two!

Yikes, giant fight!!

Ah, the promise of eternal life! Diplomatic immunity! And all of the groovy prizes that comes along with being Children of the Night . . .but not for Maxical! After what she's been through, I doubt she would seek to become one. Azura would be displeased.

I adored the info on vampiric nature, 100% truth! And how Janus had to learn to control his urges also came as a welcome additional info.

The bonding between the two was nice, and hilarious. Especially how he was disgusted of visualizing Ocato picking his nose.





Oh my . . .

SO JANUS AND MAXICAL GOT IT ON! WOOT! Until Malan came crashing in, quite literately. I can't wait to see this battle! Yeah! Good write. You had it all. Humor, eroticism, a bit of action/drama at the end. This indeed will be good.

This section with Janus is the best those two have acted together! Janus even called her pretty!

I can’t believe she’s been drinking the juices this whole time thinking they came from… elsewhere.

I’ve read another story where people of magical talent regularly ‘listened’ to the thoughts of those around them for signs of danger, like Janus is talking about doing.

Maxical’s sudden kiss really took Janus off guard.

Malan probably wasn’t expecting Maxical to get busy in the Temple. I see a fight coming! What a great chapter!


LOL! this totally made me think of this.

Hassildor--interested in Maxical? What is this (that) world coming to?

*

@ Acadian - Thank you so very much Acadian! Your comment nailed it, everything I hoped would come across! Yeah, the one thing Maxical forgot to warn Janus about, lol. Thank you so much Acadian !!!!

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@ Heather V - Thank you so much for reading, Heather V! I actually love comments on old stuff, kind of reminds me of all Maxical has been through, lol. I so appreciate you reading, and I'm really enjoying Jihl! Thanks again Heather V!

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@ Hazmick - Thank you so much Hazmick! You are so right, he even warned her it would be taken seriously, lol. This one may bite her in the butt, (and she'll have to hunt out Haa-Rei to save her!), Lol. Thanks again Hazmick!

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@ Grits - HA! You nailed it, she was giving him the "Steps of Promise" - unfortunately, she seems to be doling those out indescriminately because she just hasn't got a firm idea of what NOT to do around ancients and doesn't think a whole lot before she acts, lol.

Now that you've mentioned Crassius Curio I have to write him in! I have been searching for just the right character to use for a certain part - you solved it for me! Just as soon as the war ends he will show up in a capacity where his "skills and creativity" can best be utilized.

Uriel may welcome Dagon before he even gets here after spending time with Maxical, lol. Your comment had me rolling, thank you so very much Grits! You are so appreciated! And just remember, when Crassius Curio shows up - you have only yourself to blame for the scene he creates, ROFL !!! <3

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@ Darkness Eternal - Thank you so much Darkness! You had me in hysterics with your comment, especially that (very suiting) pic of Jack Nicholson! It always tickles me when I've written anything vampiric you approve of, I look to you as the resident guru on them here, lol! You ROCK !! Thanks again Darkness!

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@ King Coin - Thank you so much KC! Lol, they actually did get along well for a change! I honestly don't try to write them sniping each other, it just happens everytime I type out their scenes for some reason, lol. Thank you so much again, KC - I know how tight your schedule is, it means a lot that you made it to read Maxical!

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@ Zalphon - Huh? I thought Janus Hassildor was a randy dog? ROFL !!! Thank you so much Z !!!


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Chapter 173: Fates Sealed In Words



Janus and I scrambled up, both conjuring armor on ourselves as we rose. Janus stood poised with his hands in position to cast spells. In belated reaction, I drew my sword. Janus warned me to sheath it in a deep booming voice.

“Don’t fight him, Maxical. He never travels alone, his army will be right behind him.” .

It was like a standoff, both Malan and Janus’s eyes glowed a burning red that was at odds with the chilling aura emanating from them. Neither spoke aloud, but there was no doubt they were saying plenty to each other telepathically.

The tension was so thick I couldn‘t breathe. I had a terrible fear that if someone didn’t speak soon it was going to end in Janus and I in pieces with our blood painting the walls of this Temple, scavenged by Malan and his army. I spoke, someone had to.

“Why are you here, Malan? You promised me I’d be safe from you and free choice. You saw my choice when you entered.”

Malan‘s voice was like thunder rolling, sounding every bit a god as it echoed around the Temple’s rounded walls.

“They are looking for you at the Palace, Maxical. I am here to escort you.”

“And Dagoth-Malan is Uriel Septim’s new runner? Uriel would never order me to cross in the night through battling ancients, and you are the last person he’d send to escort me.”

“Nevertheless, you are leaving with me. Uriel needs you and his orders must be obeyed.”

“Uriel gave you no orders, and those he gave me were being obeyed till you interrupted. He knows you’ve breached the Palace and in what disguise, Malan.”

“You may be angry at my interruption, but will thank me for it when you learn…”

With sudden stunning clarity my own words made me realize what was going on. Malan knew Uriel was onto him. He was kidnapping me. Malan was removing all Uriel’s defenses. I interrupted him.

“If it’s thanks you want, you’ve come to the wrong Khajiit. I’ll go no where with you, Malan! Your plan to kidnap me is so flawed even someone as stupid as me can see your next move. If you or your army attack my sword will be on Janus’s side, and you’ll have me as an enemy for eternity whether I survive or not!”






***


“This is not your territory, and she made promises to me. You are poaching, Malan. The one whose territory this is has no objections to my presence. We can’t battle with her here, as you know. She is under my protection, not yours.”

“Because under your protection I had necromancy performed on me.” I threw in.

“Take her to the Palace now then, or my army will be turned loose in here and you’ll witness her death.”

“If I die your dearly departed wife goes with me, the one you swore you’d keep safe forever this time. Janus, don’t let Malan access me even if his army breaks in.”

It was the fastest I’ve ever pulled a weapon, my mother’s silver dagger. I held it to the vein in my own throat as I darted behind Janus so Malan couldn‘t cast a Soul Trap spell on me.

“If you think to snatch her soul first I’ll ensure you can’t.” I called, peeking from behind Janus.

For the tiniest split second I saw a flicker of fear in Malan’s eyes, but he recovered quickly.

“You’re bluffing.”

“Am I? My days are numbered by Dagon, remember? Try me, but say goodbye to ‘your Lass’ for the second time before you do. For what you and her did to me, I’d enjoy evening the score! Call my bluff and she dies.”

Janus spoke up. “Why are you herding her, Malan? She says you promised her safety and choice, and she made promises to me. I don’t seek her blood, but I know you do. Even your own army would turn on you if you tried to take her under these circumstances.”

“His army can’t turn on him, Janus. They’re thralls.” I whispered from behind him.

Malan heard, I could feel his rage building and see it in his eyes.

“My army is champing at the bit from the smell of her blood, but they obey my orders.”

“You hold all their souls, they have no choice. And they don’t smell my blood, you’re lying.” I called from behind Janus.

“Touch her again and you will see the nightmare of your eighteenth year reenacted.”






***


It took every bit of strength I had not to scream or faint at that threat. Malan may not kill me till he had Amiela ‘s soul back, but the fear was very real that he would order his army to kill Janus.

I stiffened the arm holding the dagger to my throat and tried to sound like those prophets that sometimes set up in the Market District to scare religion into people.

“Akatosh! Take the soul of Amiela forever if Janus or I are harmed. Burn it in your fiery breath…”

“STOP!”

Made up babbling or not, it struck a chord, I could hear it in his voice. My stomach somehow sank and crawled into my throat simultaneously. I was probably going to die tonight. I was more terrified than I’d ever been in my life, but…may as well go down fighting.

“How much did you pay the King of Worms for his secrets, Malan? Does it all go to waste when Akatosh and I take your Lass with us? It’s not his summoning day, but Clavicus Vile would love two souls in one trip with no favor asked. You think it‘s the end, but it’s not. You‘ll lose and die.”

Malan was thinking rapidly, I could feel it emanating from him.


This is the real Malan, the one I never saw. The one Uriel warned me about. Best not give him time to think. Talk, say anything to keep him from plotting! Better try than die.


“All these years I trusted you, Malan. I liked you and felt safe with you, believed you. You promised me your protection, said we had a connection between us. All that was for her, wasn’t it? How long has she been inside me, Malan? Since I was seven years old? I didn’t save my virginity just so you and her can take it from me while I sleep, you’ll never have her again while she’s inside me!”

Malan looked oddly stunned, at first I guessed he hadn’t realized how much we’d figured out about his plots. Then suddenly I could feel his mind connecting to Amiela inside me, he was trying to call her out!






***


A rage like I’ve never known blew over me with such force that my hand holding the knife to my throat started shaking, cutting me. Janus‘s head jerked around, and I know Malan smelled my blood.

“Stop trying to reach her, or she’ll die now and you’ll have caused it! She’s not coming, Malan. I’m stronger than she is, I’ll suffocate her back to the grave you should have left her in. You chose the wrong dupe for your necromancy.”

Malan was struggling with his own rage, and something else…defeat? Had I won that bout with him? His tone was nice when he spoke. Uriel said the nicer he was, the more I should suspect him.

“Don’t take it wrong, Maxical. Ancients love forever, it isn’t in us to stop loving once we start.”

“That’s not my problem, Malan. I never gave permission for this, you should have found out if I’d be willing to forego my life before sticking her inside me. Here’s my answer, I’ll never be your go-between. Since you didn’t ask first and she’s there, best be prepared for what I’ll do to her while she’s inside me. Janus, Greywyn Blenwyth, Puny Ancus…it could be anyone, but it won’t be you.“

“The thoughts of her would always be with me regardless if I found new love, Maxical.”

“Who are you trying to fool, Malan? This isn’t thoughts of her, she’s plunked inside me! And love? I’m not that dumb, Malan. Performing necromancy to raise up your dead wife inside me isn’t what I seek in a prospective mate, nor would I choose the man who killed my husband. I’ll never be a tool for you to mate her, you underestimated me. When Janus and I are safe you can have her soul back. Find someone else to stick her in, that should be easy for a great con like you.”

Malan roared, it was an anguished sound as if he was in terrible pain. “Don’t do this!”

“Oh, does that upset your plots? No back up plans in case I didn’t want to be your dupe? You shouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket, the Arcane calls that ‘Malan’s Folly’ when teaching what mistakes not to make.“

If I’d meant to make him mad it worked, but he quickly subdued his rage.

“If you’d just trust me…”

I cut him off. “NO! The last time I trusted you was the last time you‘ll have that from me. And don’t look for me to save your life again, Malan. Look for me behind the blade that takes it, that’s the only promise you’ll ever get from me. I’m exercising my free choice that you promised me.”






***


Malan’s expression was of being backed into a corner, and when he spoke I got the feeling he was telling more than he’d planned to.

“Don’t hate me, Maxical. You’ll thank me when you learn my plan is to give you the one you grieve for. Fathis lives, it is he you’ll be with if you just wait. I’m here to save you from cheating him of his rights. He waits for you at the mansion you were supposed to go to.”

He couldn‘t have told a more blatant lie, I don’t think I’ve ever been so enraged.

“DON’T YOU DARE…ARGH! If Fathis was alive he would kill you in a heartbeat for what you’ve done to me! Don’t dare say you act on his behalf when just yesterday you tried to lay me down in the same room with his dried blood where you killed him!”

“He’s alive…”

“NO! You expect me to believe he’s alive, but appointed you guardian of my virtue plus gave you rights to it?”

“Listen…”

“NO! And where is your dead wife supposed to be while Fathis and I mate, enjoying my husband? You don’t mind that? Then why not Janus too? In fact, I may take her down to Luther Broads and put her to work hooking there! Let her get some scurvy diseases to give you!”

“Maxical, come with me and I’ll prove to you he lives.”

“NO! What you are suggesting is sickening, and I won’t be a part of it. You promised me the choice was mine, I’ve made it. DARE make me fear my life again and see if I don‘t take your wife to the Lovidicus line, I know where to find it.”

“And if Fathis is alive, you would risk that chance just to name-call and threaten me?”

“Where is he? Let him come defend his rights if he lives. Send him here and I will lay Janus down in front of his face. I’d much rather lose Fathis and know he’s alive than dead.”






***


“If that is your wish then you will get it.”

“You’re bluffing.”

“So are you.”

“Try me.”

“I go for him then. My army stands outside these walls, they have their orders.”

“I’m not that stupid, Malan. None of your thralls know the secrets of transferring souls, nor would you let them touch your precious wife. So just let your army carry out their orders and this dagger will end any chance you have of ever seeing her again. Best hurry on then, your thrall army may fry into crispy bits if daybreak falls before you return.”

“Give me a drop of your blood, he may want proof your virtue is worth fighting for.”

He could only mean that Fathis is a vampire. I struggled to control the vomit that raged into my throat and ward off the faint that threatened. One slip and he could take Amiela’s soul from me, Janus and I would be scavenged like rabid jackals attacked. Dear gods I hoped he was bluffing.

“You’ll get none of my blood unless you scrape it off my corpse when you return. I’ll not let you turn Fathis into a monster that would drink his own wife’s blood, because you won‘t want to see what I‘ll do to your wife if you do. Mannimarco may want a new worm thrall to do his bidding.”

“You like making threats, but forget you have to share in the punishments you wreak on her.”

“I’ll do whatever you make me do, just to get even. You tell Fathis I’m here. If he lives, he’ll show. And he can watch what our wedding night should have looked like when I take Janus.”

“You are a worthy opponent with your words, but we shall see who is bluffing whom.” With that he disappeared.


*

That escalated quite quickly (and was quite a good read). It was cunning of Maxical to bluff about killing herself to get Malan to back off. She's always full of surprises.

Wow! This was magnificently done. Maxical’s anger channels into brilliance, as is her style. Big words coming from the little kitty hiding behind giant Janus was a priceless image. Yet there she was, ably dealing with none other than Dagoth Malan at his own game. There is a difference though: Maxical is not lying and she is not bluffing. I hope Malan realizes that.

I wonder if Maxical realizes and appreciates that Janus is unhesitatingly pledging his life in her defense? I submit that almost makes him worthy of the title ‘Husband #3’. . . well, if it wasn’t for the vampiry stuff and all.

woah! Go Maxical! yeah woooo!

It seems that Malan may have underestimated her, I almost feel sorry for the guy, of all the people to keep your undead spouse inside of he had to have our Maxical Great chapter mALX, can't wait to see how Malan gets out of this situation

Wow indeed... ...

A couple of brilliant chapters...

The second one was just intense as flip...Wow...Loved the idea of Malan backed into a corner...And Hassildor basically squaring up to him was a delight...

Yes, waves the "Team Hassildor." flag... ...

Fantastic stuff...Loving it...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

I'm so glad that Maxical is finally not trusting Malan. You know how painful it was for me to watch her sit with that snake. Fathis... I hope he hasn't been turned into a vampire as well. I thought it was funny she stood behind Janus and kept up a steady stream of insults and threats.

Woah, what an intense dialogue fencing this was! Vampire versus vampire! What's a matter Malan? Cat got your tongue? Hahaha! The insidious man has fallen short this time, not counting on Maxical's verbal ferocity! Her tongue is the sword, and Janus Hassildor is her shield! Bahaha, I love it!

Maxical finally could detect some uncertainty in Dagoth Malan, and she knows he's short of being vulnerable. Much of his words and actions betrayed his own self, which shows us a completely different side to this man that we never seen before. You set up his personality real good, mALX. You have me clapping. The plot continues to unfold, and the characters begin to truly flourish! Hooray!

I will stay tuned!

Maxical was magnificent in this chapter!! Uriel was so right about her channeling her anger. Though it was also hilarious to imagine the tiny Khajiit peeping out from behind the giant Janus, it got very, very serious when she put that silver dagger to her own throat.

I love how the more Maxical feared for herself or for Janus, the more she worked on Malan’s fear for his Lass. Uriel’s words coming back to her was perfect, and it made me remember the bond between them at the same time Maxical was telling Malan how he betrayed her trust, and then Malan had the gall to call on Amiela at that very moment!

The debate when they both knew that each held the other’s spouse was fast and furious and tremendous if grim fun to watch, until:


Oh crap.

What an awesome chapter, and I’m looking forward to the eventual appearance of Crassius Curio!!

I'm not going to clutter up the thread, but I love Janus Hassildor, and the addition of Maxical and him makes it superb! Though I will admit, there are some scary things about Hassildor that when you put the pieces together, he comes across as an entirely different character , at least in terms of what he truly is! And it makes him epic. TEAM Hasselholfdor

Maxical only seems to think clearly when she's under extreme threat, so it makes sense that getting involved in a dispute between two giant vampires is what she needed!

I hope she can still use her brain, when it all calms down for a while. Not that I expect that will last. Especially now she's been told Fathis is alive.

And she still hasn't ...

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@ Zalphon - Thank you so much Zalphon, I really appreciate that! Maxical was only partly bluffing, she now knows what Malan is capable of and would rather do it herself than be scavenged by his army.

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@ Acadian - Thank you so very much Acadian! You are right, she may have been trying to bluff Malan, but would seriously carry out that threat rather than let his army take her down.

- ROFL !!! Thank you so much again, Acadian!

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@ Hazmick - Thank you so much Hazmick! ROFL !! He chose the wrong Khajiit, that is for sure! Yeah, Malan only saw the good side of Maxical till now, just like she only saw the good side of Malan, lol. Thank you so much again, Hazmick!

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@ McBadgere - Thank you so much McB! I really appreciate your kind words! Janus was a total gentleman in his battle, Maxical was doing what she learned in the Arena (threats to intimidate opponents) - and what Uriel taught her (fight dirt with dirt). It means a lot that you enjoyed it, Thanks again McB!

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@ King Coin - Thank you so very much KC! I remember it well! She’s finally seen his true colors for the first time. It isn’t likely to be something she’ll forget now, her eyes are wide open going forward. She just needs to smarten up a bit now, lol. Thank you so much again, KC!

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@ Darkness Eternal - Thank you so very much Darkness! That was Malan’s big breakout scene. He is pulling out all stops now, and will no longer be impersonating Sir Damien - and his plots are def going to start unfolding, you pegged it! Loved your comments/commentary on the battle! (“Cat got your tongue, Malan?”) - ROFL !!!

After submersing his nature for 50 years (and being coddled by Hal-Liurz), Janus is really slow to emerge - but his time in the Imperial City is already making big changes in him, lol. He’s beginning to get in touch with his vampy side, lol. Hasselhoff!


http://i1.cdnds.net/11/15/550w_showbiz_dav...sselhoff_05.jpg


WOO HOO! Thank you so very much again, Darkness!

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@ Grits - What I love so much about reading your comments is that you say everything that was in my mind writing it. I so appreciate you Grits, you ROCK !!!!! Thank you so very much!

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@ Ghastley - Thank you so much Ghastley! You are exactly right, either mad or in combat … or if the Black Horse Currier quoted it correctly, “You’d be surprised what moves you can think up when skewered on a man’s longsword.” (Chapter 9, Page 4)

Right again. Knowing Fathis is alive and Malan is holding him prisoner - vampire or not, Maxical will blow through the roof.



Four more chapters!

Thank you so much again, Ghastley!


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Chapter 174: Malan’s Trap


Outside the Temple walls in every direction and as far as my ring’s life detection reached were the huge glowing pink outlines of Malan’s giants, his full army surrounded us. Malan went no where without his army, he had to still be in here with us in the undetectable vapor form…watching, waiting for our guard to drop so he could take Amiela’s soul back.

There was no doubt in my mind that once she was gone from me that army of giants would scavenge us like rabid jackals attacking. A chill like I’ve never felt before went down my spine, standing there completely exposed on all sides with the knife still held to my own throat. He could be anywhere. The feeling of hot pee trickling into my boot pulled me back from an almost catatonic state fear held me in.

“Shield me completely, Janus! Hover over me. If he gets her soul back now he’ll kill us both.”

With the dagger still to my throat I clamored up onto the bier that held the Dragon Fires and hugged as closely as I could to the flames, my eyes becoming huge with the terror as I tried to take in the whole Temple interior for the slightest shadow of movement. I’d throw myself in the flames before I’d die torn to pieces by Malan’s army. A feral keening rose from deep inside me, echoing back from the rounded walls and dome above.

Janus hovered over me, his dark cape obscuring any part of me that may have been exposed to Malan’s spells. That entire night we stayed just like that, never changing positions and the dagger pressed to my throat throughout.

Neither of us spoke the whole night. I fought crying, too terrified to let tears blur my vision and senses or weaken me from doing what I must if he attacked.

My arm was an intense ache that alternately cramped from being raised and bent so long. The hand gripping that dagger felt deadened and so rigid I had to look several times to ensure the dagger was still clasped in it.

Dawn broke, but my fear was still too raw to move. I waited till the sunlight was streaming in the windows and regular sized pink outlines were milling outside the Temple.

“Whenever you’re ready we’ll run. Unlock the door from here and keep me covered no matter what! Just go to the closest shelter if you‘re burning in the sunlight.”

“Door is unlocked. Are you ready?” I nodded. “Ready, set…go!” Janus yanked me off the bier and hovered over me like a hunchback, his cloak all but obscuring me entirely. It was clumsy, but he carried me out. He kicked the door open and barreled out, running for the nearest district gates.

Janus ducked under the alcove of the gate and then put me down. My legs were buckling beneath me, I clung to Janus and allowed the tears I’d fought all night to come.






***


“I need to know everything about what went on in there, start from the beginning.”

“I met Malan when I was seven years old at the orphanage. He was nice to me, held me in his arms and sang to me. Beast species in orphanages aren’t shown love, Janus. I thought he was a god, one that loved me. He says I promised to come to him when I turned twenty, I don‘t remember it. When I saved his life a few days ago, he said no one had ever done that before. He released me from that vow, said if I came to him now it was my free choice.”

“You saved his life? There is no greater vow than that, Maxical! A promise to an ancient is a binding contract, no matter what occurs they expect it to be kept. Releasing you and free choice only means you fulfill the promise of your own accord, not bound by the vow. You still owe what you promised.“

“Geez, you vampires really lock down your victims, I was a seven year old child!“

“Just go on.”

“Well, the other day at the Arena I begged him to soothe my grief, and he did. He said that was thrice he’d brought me solace. Next thing I know he leaped on me like a randy dog, but I escaped. That night he showed up again, I was injured and he healed me. I guess I fell asleep, and he lay down and held me in his arms all night. I think that’s when he stuck his dead wife in me, but Uriel thinks he did it that night at the orphanage when I was seven. I never felt her till yesterday, he tried to mate her using me.”

“Turning to him for solace repeatedly is another vow, Maxical! Sleeping in his arms all night is another, but with the healing and you falling asleep first it could be arguable as long as you were dressed. Maxical? I said as long as you were dressed. Maxical!”

My face felt on fire with embarrassment. I averted it before answering. “I wasn’t dressed, and I don‘t think he was either. I felt his skin warm against the fur on my back, cuddled against him for his warmth.”

“There can be no clearer promises made than these, Maxical! You completed the steps with him, and did it all before the promise you made to me in the Temple! No wonder he came in a rage, he thinks you are his! He‘s poached you!”

“Poached! Like an egg?”

“No, poached like hunting on someone else’s property!”






***


“Look Janus, I don’t know all these rules for being around ancients. People do this stuff all the time and it means nothing! He stuck his dead wife in me, Janus! Any promises he thinks I made were broken by him when he performed necromancy on me.”

“He won’t see it that way.”

“Well I do. Listen Janus, Malan is stuffed with so many souls that he’s more immortal than you are. The only way to take him in combat is soul trapping him constantly, those souls empower him. And he made you from the same cocktail batch as himself, you are split-aparts. You share one nature, and Hannibal says you’ll also share the same chosen. Whoever that woman is you came here to find, he’ll probably go after her next since I won’t harbor his dead in me.”

“Split-aparts? What is that? How can we share a chosen? I need to talk to Traven.”

“He’s staying at the Palace now.”

“Did Uriel really order you to mate me?”

I nodded. “Didn’t he tell you that’s why you were being sent to meet me at the Temple?”

“He didn’t send me, I haven’t spoken to him in decades. I followed your scent there.”

“What? You weren’t the one I was supposed to mate? Dear gods! Oh Janus, I thought…oh dear gods! Er…Malan threatened to kill anyone that touched me, I thought Uriel chose you because you’re immortal. I’m so sorry, Janus. But then who? The man was supposed to approach me, you‘re the only one who did!”

Janus seemed to be picking his words carefully. “Unless they came after I sealed access to the Temple, they probably eased out after getting a look at you.” He paused, then added, “My cowl gave me anonymity.”

“What does that mean?”

“You were a sight, Maxical. Eyes all red and swollen, carting brandy and swilling illegal drugs…OW! Bad tempered…OW!”






***


“I was terrified, Janus. Thinking you were the one, it took the fear away.”

“I felt the relief in your aura. A city full of ancients, Uriel had to order that for your safety, Maxical.“

“It was for the security of the Palace, too. A few nights ago Malan and Jak were on the dome fighting. One of them tried to breach a window.”

“That was me. I caught Jak there watching you and confronted him. He said you nearly ruptured his spleen by singing to him.”

“I wasn’t singing to him, I was just thinking the songs in my mind. If I’d sung aloud that may have been considered a treasonous assault on Uriel.”

“That’s what Jak said, that Uriel may survive the attack from Dagon better.”

“He said that? OH! Well he shouldn’t have been there eavesdropping on my thoughts, then! It’s all his fault this happened, because of him Uriel immediately ordered me to lose what was drawing them to the Palace! Gils ran off with another woman, so I was commanded to mate whoever Uriel sent to the Temple. You came, and…Janus, if it can’t be Gils, I still want it to be you. You‘re the only one I won‘t be afraid with.”

“My castle would be the safest place, Maxical. He can’t enter without my permission, no vampire can.”

“I can’t leave Uriel, Janus. Malan wants the throne, and is ensconced in the Palace. I’m Uriel’s Champion, I have to stay unless he releases me. I really need to get back to him now.”

“I’m going with you, but let’s take the sidewalk. It‘s the long way around, but shadier.” Janus led the way, talking as he sought the shade in spurts and stopping to heal himself below trees and doorways.

“What mansion was Malan talking about?”

“Sir Damien gave me a key and instructions to some romantic hideaway to use for mating whoever came. Like it could be romantic with a stranger just because there‘s a good view or something? He was all concern that the experience be memorable, rambling on and on about honeymooning there and his wife saying it was the most wonderful memory of her life…blah blah blah.” I rolled my eyes and made a face like Ocato‘s.






***


“The same Sir Damien that was at the Arena that day? He didn’t give me the impression of being sappy romantic at all, far from it. That sounds like how ancients talk. I didn’t know Gils, but Fathis never gave me the impression he was overly romantic either. Were they like that with you?”

I snorted. “No, thank goodness. Neither of them were. Fathis was traditional Dunmer, old style. Everything formal. Gils…you could swing from the ceiling like an ape and Gils wouldn’t care as long as you landed right. He had an abundance of charm that made you feel romantic about him, but he never talked gooey at all.”

“How did Malan know about this mansion, and that you were supposed to go there?”

“I guess because he skulks around the Palace in his vapor form eavesdropping on everything said.”

“Or uses illusion to disguise himself and gives false orders that send you to a trap. Can I see that key and instructions on how to get to this place?”

“Here‘s the two parchments he gave me, one is where my mother is riding out the war. I don‘t know which it is, I haven’t even looked at these yet.”

“This one is right here in the Temple District, where’s this street number?”

“Look, it’s just doors from us. It could be my mother, can we check while we’re here?”

“That’s a good idea, seeing your mother after the upset you’ve had may help you forget it. It says we have to go through a basement access.”

He tried the front door and it opened readily, as did the basement door.

“Ew, why is there blood around those plants? Gross!”

“Here’s the access door, but it’s locked.” Janus looked at the key, then at me.

“The key is for the honeymoon hideaway, not my mother’s.”






***


“Malan said Fathis was at that mansion.”

“Yeah, how dumb to say Fathis would be at a place Uriel sent me to when everyone knows that…dead or alive, Malan had Fathis last.”

“Maxical, go back outside, stand in sunlight. GO!”

I ran, stopping well out in the sunlight. He came out not a minute later.

“It’s a vampire’s lair, Maxical.”

“My mother is in a vampire lair?”

“No, the key fit the lock. I opened it, and there was an invisible barrier. I felt it and it sensed me, but for some reason was letting me enter! It’s not supposed to do that.”

“It must be Malan’s; you share the same nature, Janus! Wait, Uriel sent me to honeymoon in Malan’s lair?”

“No, Sir Damien did. He’s an ancient, Maxical. I’m positive he is Malan.“

“Malan! Why do you say that?”

“Because he went on and on about romance. All ancients have that in them, we are very romantic with the one we love, and Malan loves that soul you are carrying.”

“But Uriel has known and trusted Sir Damien for over thirty years, surely he’d know if it was an imposter.”

“People see what they expect to see, Maxical. That longstanding trust is exactly why Uriel wouldn’t notice minor discrepancies.”


*