Anytime!

I'm still in shock over the complete transition from the beginning of the story to where we are now. At first, Maxical was just a kid, doing kid things, being in school and fawning over an older man, then making her living as an "orphan" in the Arena, falling for a man kind of closer to her age, then battling an ancient vampire bent on taking the throne. Not only that, but she's Akatosh's champion (thanks to her big mouth) and is actively outsmarting Malan... even though she is way off on some things.

I gotta say, mALX, I am re-impressed. You've managed to keep so many people on edge with your plot and writing skills. I anxiously await each update and am always pleasantly surprised with the content. You've kept Maxical believable, showing her mortal flaws as well as made her to be a strong character, a likable character as well.

I am definitely in this for the long haul, if I can manage it. I want to see the very last chapter of Maxical's story, whether it ends in tears or shouts of joy.

<3

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@ King Of Beasts - Thank you so very much Kobby! Lol, “Anger Management, brought to you by ‘The Nature’ next class starts...NOW!” ROFL !!

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@ Elisabeth Hollow - Thank you so very much Liz! Both your comments made my week! Your kind words meant TONS! You are right, I have thought a LOT about what that day will mean to Maxical, dread its coming. Thank you so much again Liz!

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@ King Coin - Thank you so very much KC! That vision was Fathis losing his soul and becoming a thrall. I’m glad you caught that, Malan just had it put in his face that he’d cost Amiela her real path as his chosen. He could have had her back a LONG time ago if he’d not been a necrodude, lol. That was ALL the nature talking through Maxical. It was mad! Thank you so much again KC!

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@ Acadian - Thank you so very much Acadian! Lol, Akatosh and Maxical are starting out like Uriel and Maxical did - butting heads and misunderstandings. He’ll have to shape her up like Uriel did, lol. Thank you so very much again, Acadian!

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@ McBadgere - Thank you so very much McB! Not this next chapter, but the next one after it you will see your Muscle Memory introduced. Couldn’t fit it in this chapter or it would be there already! Thank you so much again, McB!

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@ Rihanae - Thank you so very much Rihanae! WOO HOO! So glad to see you and Lissa back where you belong !!!!! Welcome home, and thank you so much for coming to read Maxical, you have been missed!

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@ Grits - Thank you so very much Grits! ROFL on the manchaser, she rarely gets things right the first time around, lol. I think you’ll see why she flubbed that up at the end of this chapter below. Thank you so very much again, Grits!

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@ Darkness Eternal - Thank you so very much DE! ROFL !!! Looks like you were having a Maxical moment of your own there, ROFL! Malan has been stealing souls, Maxical just saw two men in what looked like kissing and jumped to the wrong conclusion, lol. Thank you so much again DE!


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Chapter 197: Fractured Fractals


Hannibal looked the frailest I’d ever seen him, it was frightening. I suddenly wondered how old he was, if his heart was well.

Without asking Uriel’s permission I poured a snifter of his best brandy and pressed it into Hannibal’s hand, helping him get it to his mouth.

“Janus please, I can’t heal; can you heal and rally Hannibal?”

Janus nodded briefly, and immediately began casting white mists of healing in perfect shaped swirling cones over Hannibal in that chair. How did he do that?

Uriel was waiting beside his board map of Cyrodiil. I circled my finger to indicate the Skyrim border just west of Bruma. "Echo Cave. Somewhere right in this area."

Uriel's finger eventually froze on a spot. "Give me a black pushpin. This is quite a large cave system.”

"Malan funded all those necromancy expansions Hannibal wondered about. Look for much bigger trouble now, they received enormous funds the same day war broke out."

“I expect you to handle it before that happens.”

“Me?” I squeaked.

Uriel sent a sharp look at Hannibal. “You predicted this, Traven. I assume you've prepared for it. I will expect your input and full access to your research and planning for this event.”

“My notes are at the Arcane, is it safe below floors?” His voice was weak. In all the years I’ve known Hannibal I’d never seen him weak. The pallor of his skin, the expression in his eyes...dear gods, would he be all right?

“I’ll go before you and clear a path with Janus’s help if he will.” I volunteered, then turned back to Uriel, pointing just him and Eyja into the vault. I shut the door behind us.

“It’s safe to talk. Sire, Malan only waits for Amiela to be raised up in another to make his move on the Palace. I'm positive she's been put into Evangeline, whose mind is weak enough that Amiela could take over quickly. I’d like your permission to handle it if you don’t mind, Sire. I know both Evangeline and Amiela better than anyone.“






***


“Isn’t Evangeline your second in command behind Ocato?” Eyja frowned.

“Ocato is marked for death, may as well say Evangeline is first in command under Uriel.” I broke off at Uriel’s startled face. “Sorry Sire.”

He waved his hand in dismissal of my apology, fuming. “My concern is the fate of Tamriel! You’ve put something before me in a way that cannot be ignored, time is running out! To rule the state her mind is in? This is intolerable! Find out what you can immediately. If you are right, have the guards take her to the Compound prison. She must not be in the Palace.”

“When this is over I want Evangeline to run Fathis’s orphanage, Sire. She would be well suited for that position.“

Uriel nodded, pulling a blank parchment. “We'll deal with that later. This order vacates her post immediately and removes her high security clearance. You will carry this to show the guards." He uncapped his signet ring and pressed his Royal seal into the parchment, handing it to me. “Is there more?”

“Yes. Fifteen years ago Movarth Piquine switched out the black soul gem Amiela was in without Malan‘s knowledge. He hid Amiela in me the day my parents died. Theryon is but miles from here, and Malan couldn’t find Amiela for five years. It was only by accident that he found her. Had he not been kidnapping orphans that night he might never have. Janus couldn’t be following Amiela, she is no one’s chosen. There must be some other reason he followed me, maybe a plot of Movarth’s.”

“Switched out the blood used in making Janus, and you’re his real chosen?” Eyja winked, but scribbled her idea down anyway.

“Right now I’m Malan’s chosen. I tricked him into it so he couldn‘t harm me, but it didn’t work. He still tried to kill me, his own nature saved my life and helped me escape him. You should have seen it! His nature turned feral on him and attacked with a vengeance!”






***


“How did you trick him into becoming your chosen?“ Eyja’s eyes bugged.

“Told him I’d learned a new way to polish a sword.“

“SKREEEEEEEK! BWAAAAAHAAAAA! ARROOOOOOOGGAAA!”

Even Uriel laughed at that, but got serious quickly. He held up his hand as if to quiet us, and his voice held a warning note.

“You’ve eliminated one of his weaknesses, Maxical; and we no longer have Amiela in our possession. Unless we can take him down before he loses his bloodlust, we‘ve lost all power over him.”

“I’m sorry Sire, I didn’t think of that. And as long as his nature is inside me, I can’t help you take him down or even know of any plots to do it.”

“Then you must rid yourself of it.”

“Yes Sire, although it is a way to track him.“

“It is also a way for Malan to track you, Maxical.”

“Oh. Yes, Sire. Oh! Akatosh brought me a warning. It was a flash of some memories that Malan must have erased from my mind. Malan was reading my mind as the visions came, and it made him afraid that I might remember it. He tried to get Fathis’s ring off right away, I didn‘t let him.”

“What was the memory?”

"Malan mating a male prisoner.”

Uriel looked sickened. “In the cells at Theryon?”

“I don’t know.”

“Did you see the prisoner?”

I shook my head no. “I couldn’t see beyond him, and didn’t want to know who it was if you know what I mean. Couldn’t stand knowing who it was.”

Uriel gripped my shoulder tightly in a bracing way as I continued.

“It must be true though, Sire. Baurus said he saw Malan attacking Gils for sex at the Arena.”

Uriel looked aghast. “The man is a fiend!”






***


“Next was a vision of my wrist all bloody and mangled, the same place that Hannibal said had been ravaged and partially healed. Malan said his bird form's talons cut me while carrying me to Theryon. The last vision was something I do remember. Before Malan took my virginity I had a nightmare; dogs attacking me I think. When I woke from it I sat up in the bed screaming. The first thing I did was look at my wrist and then feel my neck. I didn’t know what it was all supposed to mean, and Akatosh wouldn‘t tell me.”

“Janus said the wrist injury was a blood tease for vampire prisoners.” Eyja offered.

“Using my virgin blood as a bribe to mate prisoners? They were shackled, couldn’t he just take what he wanted without their permission? Oh wait, that prisoner’s hand was raised in vow. Baurus said Gils was swearing a vow too, and that Malan suddenly leaped on him like a hungry leopard.”

“Vowing to be the fudge for his packer?” Eyja mused aloud.

“Huh?”

“Fudge, you know.” Eyja pointed at her butt.

“Oh, you mean like Hieronymus Lex and that guard?”

Uriel’s eyebrows raised and Eyja brayed. I tried to clarify it for them.

“No, it wasn’t like that at all, he was in their front.”

Incomprehension and blank faces. I gaped, stunned. I tried again, this time pointing with a downward motion. “You know, the front.”

Uriel had a look of confused disgust on his face. Eyja looked even more confused, but by the raising and lowering of her furrowed brow it was obvious she was drumming up all kinds of odd images in her mind, then discarding them.

“Geez, do I need to draw you a picture?”

“That won’t be necessary, Maxical. Let us move on.” Uriel waved his hand as if clearing an odor from the air.






***


“Oh. I’ve used almost a full vial of my virgin blood to keep Malan’s mind off balance and unable to concentrate on his plotting. I need scrolls to duplicate what’s left or it'll be gone before his bloodlust ends."

Uriel waved his hand. “Talk to Traven.” I nodded, relieved I wouldn't be in trouble for using my blood without permission.

"Another thing. Malan said he planned it that Gils’ mysteries would somehow be attached to Amiela’s soul instead of mine. He's sure that when he removed Amiela she took them with her."

“Are yours gone?“ Eyja asked me, but glanced at Uriel. Whatever signal she was trying to give was thwarted, Uriel wasn't looking.

I was instantly on the alert, they must have had a conversation they meant to keep secret from me. Uriel's expressions would give it away, he was much easier to read than Eyja. She was tricky, deliberately making decoy faces to divert your attention from what she was up to. I eased back slightly, giving full view of both of them before answering.

“I can’t tell without...you know, a kiss or something.”

"Don't look at me." Eyja piped in, then winked in a saucy way that suggested she might. I felt my face reddening, unsure if she was flirting or just trying to throw me off the scent.

"No! I mean, Gils' mysteries only work on men."

Uriel's expression flickered to horrified. He stepped back with both hands raised like a ward. "I suggest you try Hassildor. That may actually be what's needed to improve his mood."

My face felt like it may catch fire from embarrassment. "I didn't...I just answered your question! I wasn't hinting or asking! And if you're baiting my temper, it's not a good time for it!"

"BWAAHAA! Why Gils' mysteries?” Eyja asked, glancing at Uriel again. This time she caught his eye. Uriel suddenly looked noncommittal. Aha! Something was definitely up, but what?

“They are very rare. Janus said his friend Jak was obsessed with getting Gils’ mysteries too, Jak even tried to use mind control on Gils to steal them." I poked Eyja with my tail before continuing.

"Jak has been seeking them ever since his steamy affair with Countess Llathasa Indarys ended in her murder. The Count caught them together and flung her down the steps."

“Ooh, now that is some great gossip!” Eyja’s eyes lighting up didn't match the tone of her voice. She must already know that story, Janus probably told her. Her eyes looked hooded now.






***


My temper blew. “All right, enough! You both know something about me, I deserve to know what! Now spill it!”

Uriel signaled Eyja by pointing, then raised the finger indicating a one. Alix did that when he wanted me only told part of something, saving the worst for last. Dear gods, what now?

“Gils was under mind control by his brother for over thirty years. If the access is there, any ancient can manipulate him."

"I know that." I waved her on.

"It's possible...we think Malan sent Gils to marry you, Maxical.”

As badly as it hurt, I already knew Malan hadn't lied about that. I could hear the bitterness and pent rage in my voice when I answered.

“He did, he admitted it. When he impersonated Janus he slipped up, said he was there when we swore vows on the banks of the Rumare. And I was with Gils instead of Fathis because Janus had Fathis under spell not to touch me, or see me."

Uriel grasped my shoulder. It gave some comfort and strength, but not enough to stop what was coming. My voice was ragged with rage.

"Worse, every memory I ever had of my parents was erased like they never existed! They stole my life from me like I was nothing, and without me even having an inkling of it!"

Uriel gripped my shoulder tightly. “Evil exists around us where we never see it, Maxical."






***


"It's over now, she's gone from you.” Eyja’s comforting hand got swatted away.

“No, don’t you understand? They’ve just stolen my life from me all over again! I don’t remember a single moment of my life that Amiela wasn’t in me. My Blade skills from early childhood, my overly high magicka, all gone with her! I don’t even know what parts of me were ever mine, or who I am without her! Malan said I’m nothing without her, what if he’s right? Now my marriage...” I choked to a stop.

It felt like I teetered on the brink of a high precipice and no matter which way I turned was a devastating fall that would break me. Uriel started sending healing and rally spells through his hand on my shoulder.

“My marriage contrived for her, now my mysteries! I believed it, believed in Gils. They owe me for the love...for the life they stole from me! I’ve never hated in my life, but that’s all I have left now. Why would Malan do that? He couldn’t need Gils’ mysteries!”

"He meant Fathis to kill Gils. Malan’s hands would be clean, and the mysteries all yours.” Eyja mused aloud.

“No! He's an Arbiter, they have all the mysteries already! Unless Amiela wasn't his first wife, they’d be locked to her soul and she'd still have them!”

A look passed between them, weighing something on a balance in their minds; their faces twin expressions of sympathy and compassion suddenly.

My stomach lurched like I’d been punched in it. Inside me something fragile was shattering, and a scream forming that may never stop if released. Eyja reached her hand out to comfort me, I brushed it away with more force than I meant to.

"STOP!" I fought hyperventilating. In shaking relief I saw Uriel's signal for Eyja to back off. Whatever it was, I couldn't know...not now. No more. I couldn’t survive knowing any more.


*

Poor Maxical :/

I'd like to mention that I love that you're using the in-game scroll cheat for duplicating things. I noticed that a while back but forgot to mention it XD

This was a great review of where we are, all wrapped up in Maxical goodness!

She’s been kicked to the curb pretty hard. It looks like some self-preservation coming to bear as her response to Malan’s treachery teeters between not wanting to know more details of its depths, and hatred. It seems Uriel knows the right touch to begin channeling her growing pain over what has been stolen from her to righteous vengeance.

How to deal with the Nature inside her? How much of Maxical remains, with Amelia gone? I look forward to finding out!

Uriel and Eyja sympathetic? It must be bad!

(Maybe that's what Maxical's just realized...)

And she has to deal with the nature protecting Malan

This is for your own good....

if he’d not been a necrodude
Necrodudes!

“Me?” I squeaked.
“Her?” I squeaked. Amiela just took off with all of her talent!

I was thinking Malan would go after Evangeline as well. Maxical’s not going to let Amiela take her.

Wait there’s more to Janus following Maxical?

What are those two plotting? Oh I see. They knew about Gils.

I knew she’d regret losing those memories of her parents. And now she’s realizing the extent of Malan’s lies.

Oh this was the moment that’s been building and building, and it’s just as heartbreaking as I imagined. The last memories of joy that Maxical was clinging to polluted by what she now knows. In the past she asked that bad memories be erased because they were too painful to keep, and this must be much worse. Now what does she have left but hate and the expectation of dying in service to Akatosh.

But I’m also thinking very much about Hannibal’s reaction to the necronews. It makes me think he has a special gem stashed away and now he knows he’s going to use it.

What a powerful, heart-wrenching chapter!

Another mega heavy episode... ...

Poor Evangeline...I'm still sad about what's happened to her down the weeks...*Sigh*...

Excellent interaction between the characters, as ever...

You'd think they'd have a little more respect for Maxical than to keep looking at each other, obvioulsy hiding stuff though... ...

This, as Grits said, was heartbreaking...



Bloody excellent writing...

Loved it!!...

Looking forward to the next part...



*Thanks profusely but politely waves away mALX's over-generosity* Oh, it's not mine...I just reminded you of it... ...

Here's to its success...*Cheers and applauds*...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

What the--you updated a chapter and I didn't even know?


Well, I like Maxical. But . . .you know me

I favor Malan's side here. He's my hero.

Good chapter. With humorous and heartfelt things going on here. Necrodude . . .heh.

And this painted a crazy picture in my mind.
Eww.


If you think about, this must truly be a painful experience. Everything. Gone. We can sympathize more with Maxical here. Even Hannibal and the ever so sexy Eyja.

Maxical's anger about stolen life and love is truly heartbreaking indeed. I am in agreement with the others here. At the end she did show desire to simply walk away and forget all this happened. It is denial, and I think that is understandable considering everything she went through and all that pain. Revisiting it and making new ones would be something she couldn't bear. But knowing Maxical, I know she somewhere there she wants revenge, and damn well she deserves to get it. An eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth! A powerful proverb there.

Go, Maxical, give into your hatred for us!

Oh dear, Hassildur has leveled up. And Fathis takes Max away from Gils, then gets put under a spell again so he can't actually do the deed and make her stick. And so we are back to square one on the love triangle.

And Jakben no longer wants the count in his bedroom? It looks like the jolly good ol' friend facade has faded away now that Hassildur is becoming a real vampire and therefore a threat. (also, he made a bit of a show about himself which can't be good)


And finally, page 33 of 99! I'm one-third there!

I really want to strangle Malan, and Movarth. Why did they have to get poor Maxical involved?! She doesn't deserve this!

It must be devastating to her that with Amiela gone, she isn't the same person she thought she was

Max needs to keep her head held up high, Malan isn't going to kill himself

I could use some of "The Nature's" anger management classes, it seems to be very effective

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@ Elisabeth Hollow - Thank you so much Liz! That duplication glitch - I figured it could be something the Arcane taught, lol. Thanks Liz!

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@ Acadian - Thank you so very much Acadian! Uriel knew the right touch, he treated her like a soldier or warrior instead of the coddling Eyja wanted to give her. Uriel has been training Maxical to "Suck it up," if she had given into the coddling he would have been disappointed in her. She has learned a lot from him, even if it doesn't show outwardly. Thank you so very much again, Acadian!

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@ Ghastley - Thank you so much Ghastley! Yeah, Maxical realized whatever it was must be really bad for Uriel to be sympathetic. Thank you so much Ghastley!

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@ King Coin - Thank you so much KC! Yes, Maxical is one step away from learning everything Malan has done. She needed this extra time to toughen up so she can turn it to rage and use it against him (like Uriel taught her). But she is def about to know everything (except about Gils). Thank you so much again KC!

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@ Grits - Thank you so very much Grits! You really made my day with your comment, you caught every single bit of what Maxical was feeling in that scene! Yes, that chapter was def a step in the direction of Hannibal realizing he may need to "fight dirt with dirt" as Uriel has been hollering into him since he came to the Palace. Thank you so very much again Grits!

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@ McBadgere - Thank you so very much McB! You are right about Evangeline, that scene you refer to was the beginning of Malan deciding to use her instead of Maxical. Maxical was a diversionary tactic, but he wanted her for those mysteries and the virgin blood to get Fathis's soul.

You are also right about them not realizing how much Maxical notices of what goes on around her. She is a people watcher, and neither of them realize it yet. Thank you so very much for your kind words McB - and look for your "Muscle Memory" suggestion in this upcoming chapter!

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@ Darkness Eternal - Thank you so very much DE! It is close, real close when she unleashes that rage and she and Malan begin battling each other for real. Very close, lol. Thank you so much DE!

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@ Jack Cloudy - Thank you so very much Jack! Janus Hassildor had tampered with Fathis's ring so the enchantment was gone. Fathis re-enchanted his ring (when Rominus Polus was putting on the Arch Mage robes) - so he is not under spell again, just pretending to buy time to act. Thank you so much for reading, you are up to Chapter 85, page 37! Thank you so much again Jack!

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@ King Of Beasts - Thank you so much Kobby! And thank you for coming home in one piece! Lol, I sure wish I had that kind of anger management at my fingertips too, lol. Thanks again Kobby!


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A picture of Malan without any illusion magic disguise (Ignore the ash colored side, Malan is all golden skinned, but finding screens of Chimer is nearly impossible, lol).



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** I want to give special thanks to McBadgere for his suggestion of "Muscle Memory," and to Acadian for the detailed description of its use in combat situations. Thank you both very much!





Chapter 198: Uriel's Plots And Maxical's Counterplots


Uriel turned me around to face him, still grasping my shoulder firmly. "You must remember that Amiela was a parasite, weakening you for her own gain. You can only be stronger with her gone. It is to Malan's advantage to keep you weakened for his own plots to prevail. You can't let an enemy's words determine your strength, Maxical."

"Yes, but...what if he's right and I fail you, Sire? Without combat skills..."

"Akatosh would not have allowed her removal if she was needed. Whether she was responsible for your Blade skills as a child or you were born with an innate ability matters naught now. Your skills have been honed through years of rigorous training and practice. Your muscles retain that memory, the moves are your own. You will still respond instinctively in combat, that will not change."

“I hope you are right, Sire."

"Your Blade skills are not your greatest asset for Akatosh's tasks, Maxical. Remember, you sent two Blademasters and a Court Battlemage to take your place in this task and Akatosh refused them. Your unstable destruction and Storm Voice are your crucial weapons, and the reason you were chosen. Traven can boost your magicka back up; what of the Voice?"

"My singing? I think it still hurt Malan, he did yell for me to stop. I can't be sure though, his nature was attacking him like a rabid jackal at the time."

"Test it out of my hearing."

"Yes, Sire. What about testing my destruction?"

"Away from the Palace, Maxical. Speak to Eyja before you leave." Uriel gave my shoulder a squeeze, then signaled Eyja to take over before he stepped out of the vault, pushing the door closed behind him.






***


Eyja waited hesitantly after Uriel left, weighing her words carefully in her mind. That wasn't like her. She didn't want to discuss whatever she was about to. She sat down at the table, pulling a blank parchment off the stack and taking unusual care in lining it up in front of her. I slid the inkwell and quills closer and pulled the other chair up.

“I didn't mean to hit so hard. I’m sorry, Eyja.”

“I know. You’re scared of him now that she’s not inside you.” It wasn't a question, but I nodded.

“Dread terror. I was protected as long as she was there. Without her he hates me, Eyja. I could hear it in his voice. He would have dragged me to his dungeon if his nature hadn't saved me. I was terrified he'd take my soul, make me one of his thralls. Him trying to kill me wasn't nearly as scary as even the thought of that."

“But that nature gives him control over you too. Uriel wants it out. He and Hannibal came up with a plan while you were at Theryon those two weeks."

“They don't understand, Eyja. The nature is why I’m still alive now. It can take Malan down! It held him pinned to the floor and let me escape. With my high magicka gone, I don’t even know if I can still cast that exploding spell anymore. I can't give Malan's nature up, I need it.”

"Malan has to be blocked from the Palace, Maxical. Ancients can't cross into another's lair. Uriel wants another ancient to do it, one he trusts not to seize the throne. They have to set up their lair in the Royal quarters."

"HA! Name one ancient that Uriel trusts! Forget Janus, Malan can enter his lair because they're split-aparts. But what does all this have to do with me?"

"You'll have to become the chosen of another ancient to remove Malan's nature anyway..." I cut her off mid-sentence, fuming.

“WHAT? I just got through telling you that I need to keep Malan's nature in me! No other nature could take Malan down, Eyja! Besides, to poach me they'd have to fight Malan, no one dares even challenge him! Have Uriel get someone else do this, one of his Battlemages or something.”






***


Eyja fidgeted with her parchment, avoiding my eyes. “Hannibal said that if Janus swears you over to another ancient, Malan can’t battle them. Uriel isn't going to back down on this, Maxical.”

“Oh, I get it! He's having you break this to me so he doesn't have to face my temper..." I broke off as a horrible thought occurred to me. "Dear gods, are you saying I would have to bed them?”

Her face was all the answer I needed. “Yes, and it has to be here in the Palace to set up their lair.”

“THAT'S BULL CRAP!" I jumped from my seat and pounded my fist on her parchment with a loud BAM! "Write that in your notes!"

Eyja grabbed me and held me back in case I planned storming out of the vault to blow my rage all over Uriel. "Whoa, Uriel wasn’t kidding about your temper matching his! Bottle that anger, Maxical. We've got to protect Uriel at all costs."

“Well? Why me, then? If all he needs is a lair up here to stop Malan from entering, why wasn‘t it done while I was at Theryon instead of you all discussing who I should bed next? I‘m not the only female in this Palace, and there‘s a city full of ancients outside! Greywyn Blenwyth would love to thwart Malan, and could have protected Evangeline from being used by him.”

“Malan had you in his power, and Uriel couldn't jeopardize the rescue of Foxy and Fathis. He waited till you were safely back here.”

My finger was shaking when I held it in her face. "It better be Fathis, Eyja! How close are your men to rescuing him?”

Eyja hesitated, averting her eyes to the parchment in front of her when she answered. “Of course Uriel was hoping to get Fathis for this if possible..." I cut her off.

"HOPING! Like he hoped to get Gils for me? I know there's a but coming, BUT WHAT?"

"But now that you've pulled that trick we'll have to act fast before Malan loses the bloodlust."

"NO!" My chair grated back loudly with the force of my fist slamming on the parchment in front of her again. BAM!

"I WANT MY HUSBAND!"






***


My hair felt like it was torching my head from holding back my rage. Rage and fear. Uriel would order me, and the gods only know who he'd bring in here for me.



Eyja lifted the parchment, that had a crumpled outline of my fist in the center. "I think you dented Uriel's table, Maxical. You've made a smeared mess of all my notes."

My fists were clenched so tightly the claws bit into my palms even though they'd stayed sheathed. I'd stopped shouting, but the controlled rage in my voice may have been worse to hear by the expression on Eyja's face.

"You get Fathis out of there fast, Eyja. Don't make me do this again. You tell Uriel. Tell him don't do this to me again. I want my husband."

Eyja nodded without speaking. She couldn't look me in the eye. I had a sickening feeling that it wasn't going to be Fathis, and Eyja didn't want to lie to me. I needed to make my own plans then. They were going to sit back and hope, I had to act.

"What we need to do is get Amiela back in our power again, kidnap her or something. Every major mistake Malan has made has been over her, she's his downfall. Just find Malan’s guard and you’ve found her." I snatched a clean parchment off the stack and grabbed a quill, writing in large flourishes like Fathis used to in his notes to me.

Dagoth-Malan:

This is no bluff. Give me Fathis back or start looking over your shoulder. You will regret ever hearing my name if you don't release Fathis unharmed, that is a promise. Get Amiela and her new bodybag out of this Palace if you don’t want to see her destroyed.

M.

Eyja's eyes startled when she read the missive. "What are you going to do?”

“Whatever it takes.” I folded it once and scrawled Malan's name with a fancy tail looped under the name.

"It looks like a love letter, just wait till he opens it!" Eyja grinned.

"HA! Wait, the women in the Casta Scribonia novels always dab perfume on their correspondence to men. Can I borrow some...OH! Never mind." I pulled the half empty vial of virgin blood out instead, and was yanking the stopper out when Eyja's scream caused me to jump, dousing myself.

"GAAAAAH! What's wrong?"

"That is blood!"

"Well, duh! This is better than perfume for a vampire. Look, you made me spill it on your beautiful dress I borrowed!" I covered the top of the vial with my finger and tipped it, then dripped the dab of blood into the center of the fancy loop under Malan’s name.

"HA! That will get his attention." My finger was stained with blood. I couldn‘t get any more of it on Eyja‘s dress, so scrubbed the tip of my finger on my shoe.






***


Eyja left the vault first, I heard her calling across to Uriel, "You weren't kidding about her temper!"

For my own protection I grabbed a full vial of my blood from the cold storage, leaving the partially used one in its place. Eyja was whispering in Uriel's ear when I eased back into Uriel's chambers from the vault.

Janus’s head snapped toward me, I couldn't tell if he was glaring by his expression. He didn't look happy with me. It took me almost a minute to realize he was smelling the virgin blood I'd spilled on me.

We hadn‘t parted on friendly terms when last I saw him. He'd even ignored my pleas for help from Theryon after promising he was a thought away. He'd promised to rescue Fathis too, and I needed him to keep that vow. I couldn't do it without his help.





I sent the thought rather than say the words, hoping to reestablish the bond of friendship between us. He shot me a startled glance and gave a brief nod. Thankfully he didn’t alert the whole room this time.

As I was walking by Uriel he stopped me, pointing at the missive. “What is that, a letter for Malan? Is that a drop of blood on it?”

“Yes, Sire. In Casta Scribonia’s novels she is always dabbing perfume on her missive’s to men. He’s a vampire, I thought blood would be more…er...enticing.”

“I hope you’re not addicted to reading her novels, Maxical. They are more appropriate for the waste bin.”

“A little bit, my friend Delphine and I used to read the dirty parts.”

He took the missive and glanced over it. “Maxical, you will enrage him with this!”

“Yes, Sire.”

“Maxical, we can’t have you starting any more wars but I won’t fault you for leaving the missive. Just make sure you know the difference between threats and actions.“

“I do.”

Uriel handed me back the missive. “How were you planning to deliver this?”

“Put it on my pillow, I guess.”

“Carry on.“ Eyja and Uriel both looked worried, but he waved me out. I caught Janus's hand and pulled him with me.


*

Malan definately is gonna get more than he bargained for

It's nice to see that Max has finally decided to take action.

Maxical is learning! When she gets mad, she gets better; when Malan gets mad, he screws up.

Poor Maxical! Eyja expects her to sleep with another vampire?!? I'd be pissed too!

And once again, we realize that Maxical is the true inventor and pioneer of the power of the Thu’um! How the silly lore kids ever confused White Kitty with Gray Beard is one of life's mysteries.

I can just imagine Amielia’s reaction to being stuffed into Evangeline: “Oh for Malog Bal’s sake! Is that a. . . mouse she’s shoving around in that pram? The tail dragging white fur ball with four left paws was bad enough. Who’s boneheaded idea was it to stick me into this bag of loose screws?!?”

During this tense scene, it was a welcome thought to ponder Maxical and Delphine, in happier times, reading the dirty parts of Casta’s trashy novels.

Hmm, wonder what she intends to cook up with Janus?

God, poor Maxical. I don't think she is ever going to get Fathis back. Especially once Malan reads that note.

Sometimes, while I appreciate that Uriel has to do whatever he can in order to win the war, the stuff he's putting - or wants to put - Maxical through makes him less than the amazing hero he's been earlier in this story...

Espescially hiding behind Eyja to do it... ...

An excellent chapter...

Proper scary this...Loving it...

Nice one!..

*Applauds heartily*...

PS...I hope Eyja having that blood on her doesn't cause trouble... ...

I like the fact that they're reminding Maxical that Amiela has trained her, and she's not lost that part of her past. She knows more than she thinks she knows.

So it's her magical and singing abilities, is it?



I wonder why Uriel said that?

Uriel’s opening paragraph was magnificent. It was great to see him responding to Maxical’s grief and despair by inspiring her with the reminder of her own gifts.

Oh wow, Uriel and Hannibal are scheming to get Maxical in bed with another vampire?! They have been studying the vampire rules!


Well now she’s mad, so things are going to happen. Uriel taught her to use her rage, and now she has some that needs to be used!

Uh oh, now Maxical has virgin blood on herself, Eyja’s dress, and her shoe. I can’t wait to see where this goes!

What is happening to Malan? He's losing his centuries' honed skills. Unless this is all a huge mind-screw on his part and reverse psychology. That would be truly amazing. But then again . . .I have reason to believe his actual messing up is not intended.


Stuff(Yeah, I don't like dumbing my vocabulary down either) just got real.

Angry Maxical is a great Maxical. I echo Acadian on her decision making here. I like the image you painted with her clenching her claws into her palm but had them sheathed still. Her temper is rising and with good reason!

So virgin blood, nasty novels and . . .sex? Does it involve trouts?

Malan is good-looking by the way! Oh my!

Good chapter. That letter will spark some anger in Malan and I long to see how he's going to react to that!

So she hasn’t lost all her skills. That is comforting, unless Uriel isn’t being honest. I doubt that though, he doesn’t seem to be the type to soften blows.

Ha! Still not willing to risk letting Maxical cast any spells near the palace.

I’m with Maxical on this one. Keep the nature, don’t go looking for another. She certainly did enough to acquire this one.

Well, duh! This is better than perfume for a vampire.
Oh man that letter is going to send him into a rage!

Thankfully he didn’t alert the whole room this time.
Not like she hasn’t done it!

I like it that Maxical’s not going to wait for them to order her around. I remember her thinking that she just wanted to be ordered around a while back.

*

@ King Of Beasts - Thank you so much Kobby! Yes it is, and I hope we'll see Westley doing the same soon! So good to have you back!

*
@ Acadian - Thank you so very much Acadian! You had me laughing with your comment, lol. Well, at least with Evangeline she has a chance of coming out and ruling the body she is stuffed in, lol. Thank you so much again, Acadian!

*
@ Elisabeth Hollow - Thank you so much Liz! Yeah, I think in the back of her mind Maxical is beginning to realize Malan lied about Fathis, she just can't face it yet. Thanks again, Liz!

*
@ McBadgere - Thank you so much McB! I hope you enjoyed seeing your idea about muscle memory used! Don't worry, Uriel hates vampires. He was just pressing the buttons to make Maxical raging mad so she would be strong enough to get Amiela back in their possession and help rescue Fathis. Uriel has learned what triggers Maxical's rage, and she works best when in one. Thanks again McB!

*
@ Ghastley - Thank you so much Ghastley! I'll let Janus answer your question:

Lol, thank you so much Ghastley!

*
@ Grits - Thank you so very much Grits! ROFL !!! Actually, Uriel was just trying to enrage her so she would feel pressured to get Amiela back into their possession, and to help get Fathis back. Uriel knows what triggers Maxical's rage, and she really came into that meeting weak. She left it not even thinking about her problems. Thank you so very much again for your kind words Grits, you always make my day!

*
@ Darkness Eternal - Thank you so very much DE! WOO HOO! Someone liked Malan's actual Chimer appearance! Thank you so very much again for your kind words, DE!

*
@ King Coin - Thank you so very much KC! Uriel is being honest. McB gave me the idea, and Acadian confirmed the truth of it in its use in military combat. It tickles me that you remember Maxical wanting to be ordered around! Yes, she did, and she still kind of sits back and waits for Uriel to tell her what to do. He wants someone who sees the problems and takes care of them before even talking to him (like he has always had with Fathis and Sir Damien). He is trying to train her for that. Thank you so very much again KC!


*

*


Chapter 199: Confronting Amiela



******* Uriel Septim


Eyja leaned into Uriel's ear to whisper. "I couldn't look her in the eye."

Uriel waited till the door closed behind Janus and Maxical before answering Eyja. "It had to come from someone other than myself or it would have been considered a Royal Command."

"It definitely motivated her, you were right about that."

"We shouldn't have to manipulate her to action. Amiela was a crucial weapon against Malan, should never have been let out of our grasp. She should have gone after her immediately of her own initiative. Now she's lost our second weapon against Malan."

"She mentioned kidnapping Amiela."

"I don't need reports, I need results. She should be anticipating problems and squelching them before they exist, not waiting for tasks to be spoon-fed to her. Those rescues should have been accomplished by now."

"That note to Malan is liable to get her killed." Eyja grimaced.

"Not if we hold Amiela. If she succeeds in either returning Amiela to our possession or rescuing Fathis and Foxy I will be well pleased. Let us see how much further she gets than your team of Argonians."

"She won't get past that magically sealed section without blasting it out and probably killing all the prisoners."

"If I'm not mistaken Maxical is about to put the screws to Hassildor to help her. Let us hope she can motivate him past his fear of Malan." Uriel's expression reflected disgust.

"According to Hannibal, Janus can't or his nature will kill Fathis. He wouldn't even budge for me, and I used bribes." Eyja raised one eyebrow twice.









******* Maxical


Janus stopped at the doorway when I tried to tug him into my bedroom, and remained there while I crawled around looking for Malan‘s Recall marker after dropping the note for Malan on my pillow.

"Hannibal looked really ill from shock, I'm worried about him. Will he make it to the Arcane alone? I can't heal, or I'd escort him."

"I'll escort him." Janus's answer was short and cold. That didn't bode well for my asking him to rescue Fathis. I tried to move the dresser to look under it.

"Geez, don't help me Janus."

“What are you looking for?” He remained planted in the doorway.

“Malan has a marker in here that gives him access to my bedroom." I wormed my way under the bed.

"AHA! Found it!” It was a plain ring that had been chewing-gummed into the underside of the headboard box. I shoved it onto my finger and crawled out, waggling my finger to show him. "Will you help me clear a safe path for Hannibal?"

Malan's guard wasn't posted outside Evangeline's door. He could have removed them so I wouldn't suspect Amiela was there, but he'd never leave her unprotected. He must be with her himself. With Janus there I couldn‘t tell, I'd have to come back without him and search for Malan.






***


We made it all the way to the Palace lobby without Janus saying a word. Trying to get back on a friendly basis with him was not going to be easy. He turned to go back upstairs, but when he saw me headed toward the outer door he finally spoke.

"Where are you going?”

“Outside. I need to get rid of this marker." To my surprise, Janus turned around and came with me despite the sunshine.

"Hey Janus, would you use your bird form to fly over a deep spot in the Rumare and drop this ring in?“

“That won’t stop it from working.”

I gaped at him. “I know, that’s the point.”

“Wicked. Your parents did you no favors by sparing the rod, that is sure.”

My hands found my hips as I lost the struggle to keep my temper in check. “Well maybe your parents should have censored your mail from Skyrim.”

“Don’t get in one of your snits, I…” I cut him off before he could finish.

“My snits! What do you call what you are in?” I reached out to yank Janus back from stepping in a steaming pile of Ocato’s horse’s droppings, but was in a rage by then so pulled my arm back in.


SKUUUWEEE


“[CENSORED] [CENSORED]! Motherless [censored] censored]!”

“HA! That’ll teach you!" I wagged my finger at him. "That was you reaping your own karma, Janus. But it does give me an idea.”

“You’re going to drop his marker in this pile of horse dung?”

“Amateur! Of course not.”

“I'm relieved. There is nothing more unpleasant than cleaning manure out of expensive shoes."

"Oh, did Hal-Liurz tell you that?" I pointed to his creamy delicate hands that obviously never touched manure.

"She has never...where are you going?”

“I’m going to go visit the cow manure pit behind the stables. He‘ll be cleaning it from much more than his shoes.”

“You wouldn’t! He’ll kill you for sure, Maxical!”

“Let him try, HA!” I marched off, stomping the whole way.

It was the first time I had walked outside the Palace since losing my virginity. It suddenly struck me that I was free, walking alone with no worries about my blood drawing vampires anymore. I felt like a real adult for the first time; it was a heady feeling, exciting.

Well, I was using my adultness to bury Malan’s recall ring in the bottom of the manure pit; pressing it all the way down to the bottom with the use of a pitchfork handle.







***


To my surprise, my seal from Azura burned steadily when I burst into Evangeline’s room. Malan wasn't here. Dear gods, if I was wrong about her, I'd just gotten her fired for nothing!

For the first time since I’d come to the Palace, Evangeline did not seem happy to see me. Alix the Mouse was, though. He positively flung himself on me chattering wildly and eyeing Evangeline.

"What’s wrong with Alix, Evangeline?"

“Oh, it’s you. What do you want? Make it fast, I'm getting married as soon as my husband gets here. I don’t have time for…”

“MARRIED! To who? I didn't know you were even seeing anyone!" Dear gods, was she marrying Malan's high officer?

“No congratulations?"

"Geez Evangeline, I guess that was rude. I'm sorry. Can I be your witness? I can change fast if you want me to attend you.“

"No, his friends are attending. Did you come here with something to say or not?”

“Oh, there is so much I need to tell you about! The deed is done, I’ve lost my virginity.”

Evangeline’s eyes flickered surprise. “To whom?"

“You aren't going to like who it was. Look, I can come back if you’re in a bad mood.”

Evangeline stopped putting on her makeup, and had an odd look on her face. “Who?"

"Dagoth-Malan. Yeah, I know he's the enemy. But Evangeline, it was so romantic. He took me to his lair, it's a preserved Ayleid palace. He was so kind and gentle with me, and you wouldn’t believe how playful he is. He made a storm come with a spell so we’d have to stay in and mate, and boy did we ever!"






***


"Stay, I want to hear everything. Sit.” She pointed to a chair, but I plopped on the bed like I always did when we talked. She sat on it too, facing me.

“Oh good, because I’m dying to talk to you about it. Oh, and I heard some more juicy gossip about the Earl of Imbel if you have time.”

"Ka Ka"

I whacked her back, chattering the whole time.

“We stayed at his lair for weeks mating, he was really wonderful if you know what I mean. We mated in every room at least a hundred times, even on the balconies. Lets see, the dining room; the kitchen; the pool...oh, even under the piano! I’m lucky I can still walk!"

"GRRAARGH!"

“Evangeline, are you okay?" I whacked her back a little too hard, knocking her to the floor. "Oops, sorry." I helped her up, still talking.

"I'm surprised you haven't heard him when we mate in the Royal Quarters. He tries to be quiet out of respect for Uriel, but could still call in every bull moose for fifty miles. He made me his chosen, Evangeline. I've got his nature inside me...huh?"

“HIS CHOSEN! GRRRRAAAARRRGH!” I thought Evangeline’s head was going to blow off. I gaped at her in shock. Evangeline was very protective over me, could it be worry for me? It couldn't be Amiela, not without Malan or any guard around her.

“Don't worry, Evangeline. It is a good thing to be his chosen, he can't harm a chosen. Er, maybe I'd better just tell you about the Earl of Imbel.”






***


She leaned over me like a condor spotting a mouse. “Yes, tell me this juicy gossip about the Earl of Imbel.”

“You remember Eyja said the Earl of Imbel was better than a Dunmer in bed? I found out he is Janus's best friend Jak. Well, Jak told Janus that his wife’s mysteries stunk, lousy he said. So he had this long running affair with Llathasa Indarys, she had the Gift mysteries like I have, they are rare. Well, her husband caught them together and killed her! Jak said he'd never marry again without the Gifts and be stuck like with his wife. He said she was more dead in bed when she was alive than after she pass…huh?”

“GRAAAAGGRRRAAAAAHH! AAAAARRRRRGGGGHHH!” Her eyes were glittering fiercely, I wouldn’t have been surprised to see one of the long-lashed whips of Captain Renault’s in her hand and her cracking it in the air over my head.

Dear gods, was Evangeline marrying the Earl of Imbel? She did have all those dreams about him, and Sir Damien said he was looking for a wife. Well, actually that was Malan impersonating Sir Damien.

“Say Evangeline, you really don‘t seem like yourself. Are you sure you‘re well? Should I take Alix the Mouse back with me for a while?”

“That disgusting rodent is yours? Take it before I EAT HIM FOR DINNER! AAAARRRRRGH! GARAAAAAGH!”

If she hadn't said that I'd have still been convinced it was Evangeline. This was Amiela. My talk about Malan must have enraged her. I never would have believed Malan would leave her unguarded!

He must have pulled his guard so I'd not suspect her. Then he was coming in disguise to marry her, so when both Uriel and Ocato were dead Evangeline and he would rule. I fingered the order vacating her post and removing her high security clearance. I got that just in time.

Alix needed to be moved to safety, and I needed to get her away from this Palace before Malan came. I bundled up Alix and all of his outfits and velvet throw, shoveling them into the pram and pushing it to the door.






***


Just as I was leaving her room, Hannibal and Janus entered the Battlemages floor. Janus was talking and laughing with the most handsome man I’d ever seen in my entire life. He looked slightly familiar, but I couldn’t place where I’d seen him before.

Just as I was going to tell them to call the guards, the strong smell of cow manure wafted up into my nose from somewhere. Malan! He must be an invisible vapor, because my Detect Life ring showed no other pink outlines.

Malan could read my thoughts, I didn’t want to let him know I was onto Amiela or he’d move her right away. I just sent a thought to Janus.





Just then Evangeline nearly pushed me down to get past me into the corridor. She pointed at the handsome man, screaming at him in a terribly enraged voice.

“YOU! GET IN HERE, NOW!”

Janus froze, as if he didn’t know if he should protect the man from a female or not. I hurried to him and tugged hard on his arm.

“Come on, you two. Is that her fiance? Maybe he can calm her down.”

“He is no such thing, that is a friend of mine! Dear gods, is that a rodent in that carriage?” Janus’s voice sounded shocked.

“Maxical, why is that mouse wearing clothing?” Hannibal gaped.

Just then all hell broke loose in Evangeline’s room. She started picking up anything she could get her hands on and pitching it with force at that gorgeous man, shouting and yelling in a fit of rage. She even struck that handsome man several times, obviously taking the brunt of her anger at Malan out on a stranger. Was Amiela crazy?


CRASH! “YOUR CHOSEN? BUSINESS TO ATTEND TO? YOU BETTER DUCK, YOU [CENSORED]! YOU WANT GIFTS? I‘LL GIVE YOU A GIFT”

SMACK! SMASH! “LLATHASA? I’LL SHOW YOU A STINKING MYSTERY YOU [CENSORED] [CENSORED]!”

BAM! “THERYON? OUR BED? AND THAT STORM TRICK? HOW DARE YOU, [CENSORED]!” SMACK!

“YOU WANT LOUSY? I’LL GIVE YOU LOUSY! LYING, CHEATING [CENSORED]! AND EYJA? WHO IS SHE?”

BAM! CRASH!


“GUARDS! GUARDS!“ Janus and Hannibal called simultaneously.






Jakben, Earl of Imbel:


http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq67/Ma...t-1989-10-g.jpg


http://content7.flixster.com/poll/23/78/237873_std.jpg


http://crashlanden.files.wordpress.com/201...valmont-248.png



*

So, Uriel spells out his intentions to us; he is indeed trying to grow Maxical and help her learn to use her own ingenuity and channel her anger.

‘My hands found my hips as I lost the struggle to keep my temper in check.’
I love this image!


‘It was the first time I had walked outside the Palace since losing my virginity. It suddenly struck me that I was free, walking alone with no worries about my blood drawing vampires anymore. I felt like a real adult for the first time; it was a heady feeling, exciting.’

Aww, it’s about time she began enjoying the perks of gaining her non-virginity. Just like a real adult as you magically show us below -

‘Well, I was using my adultness to bury Malan’s recall ring in the bottom of the manure pit; pressing it all the way down to the bottom with the use of a pitchfork handle.’


I was chuckling the whole time that Maxical was infuriating Amiela! Sniff sniff. . . oh, horse poo. . . must mean Malan’s here!

Save the mouse!!!

Oh my, so tense, exciting and funny all at once!

The interesting thing here is how much Amiela has come through now there's not much of an overriding personality to block her.

It suggests that Maxical's significantly stronger than Amiela, which might give Malan pause.

I can't help but feel bad for Malan here. Amelia is terrifying

And she's taken control of Evangeline

Wait, so...Amelia sounds like ME when I'm jealous?! XD

Oh god, Maxical is brilliant, whether intentional or not, on talking about her nights with Malan...that was PRICELESS.

Is there something you're hiding about your true identity from us?

NOOOO! I just...my man is MINE lol

You sound awfully guilty. You SURE that you're not possessed by Malan's wife?

She's not that lucky lol

*

Just wanted to post these screens of Malan, I'm giving everyone extra time to read that last chapter since everyone is reading the contest entries (hopefully), lol.



* Dagoth-Malan


http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq67/Ma...zpsbbf5cbf5.png


http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq67/Ma...zps3438e10e.png


http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq67/Ma...zps640a13d5.png


http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq67/Ma...zpsfe9d8c42.png


http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq67/Ma...zps4a0c1e2c.png


http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq67/Ma...zps3ce770bb.png


http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq67/Ma...zps6964ff06.png



Malan under statue where he released kidnapped/imprisoned girls:


http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq67/Ma...zps7f1c6d69.png




Malan with Janus Hassildor:


http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq67/Ma...zps08377b2e.png




Malan with Ocato:


http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq67/Ma...zps25a348cd.png


http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq67/Ma...zps5dfb807f.png


*

OH, now I see what Uriel was doing! There’s a big part of him that’s always outside the moment, deciding what things mean, how they fit together, and how to guide events. Awesome.


I love this whole part! It speaks volumes about both of them.

Oh my gosh, the recall ring in the manure pit! I was giggling in anticipation.

Maxical accidentally baiting Amiela while she was chatting to Evangeline was priceless.


I love that as soon as she figured out the plan, Maxical made sure she saved Alix the mouse! “And all of his outfits,” lol!


Oh I knew instantly who you meant!! Love it!


How perfect that Janus and Hannibal were busy noticing the wrong thing at the moment of the Malan/Amiela showdown. I just love those two (Janus and Hannibal the academics) together.

Wow this is a great chapter!

** KC, DE, McB? No one else going to read that last chapter? Don't want to post the next chapter too soon if you all are worn out from reading the contest stories.

...I missed one?...Oh hell's-bells...Sorry mALX...I shall investigate and edit herein!!...

Je suis desole!!!... ... ...


EDIIIIITTT!!!...HA-HAAA!!!... ...I absolutely loved Maxical's winding up of Evangeline/Amelia...Gawds that was funny... ...

And the ring at the bottom of the manure pile... ...Oh, that'll smell baaaaad... ...

Brilliant stuff...Looking forward to seeing how this all plays out...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

PS...Sorry it's late... ...

I am here, my lady! Regretfully late, but nevertheless present! Page 100!!!!!

Chapter 199:

Naughty Uriel and Eyja, using Maxical like that. Bleh! But hey, its for her benefit and Uriel has always been an intellectual old man. I trust him.

Janus Hassildor, highborn vampire, never touched manure in his life. Haha. That was hilarious. I did like the feeling Maxical had of walking from the palace and feeling as an adult. Aside from losing her virginity, she did mature as the story went along here. Looking back and now, its good to see how she's changed and is changing with Malan's plotting being foiled from time to time, though she still has to learn. Such as seeing through Eyja's little friendly schemes

Malan as Jakben=very good looking fellow! Quite the gentlemen. And the funny thing is they look alike!

If I'm not mistaken Maxical is about to put the screws to Hassildor to help her.
Or the promise of a bath with a friend.

He wouldn't even budge for me, and I used bribes." Eyja raised one eyebrow twice

I… I don’t believe it!

Hey, would Malan teleport straight to her now that she’s wearing the ring? They should toss the ring into a furnace!

“You’re going to drop his marker in this pile of horse dung?”

“Amateur! Of course not.”
I like where this is going… A furnace or the Imperial prison might have been more practical though. Still, I cannot wait for him to appear at the bottom of a horrendous pile!

Oh… Hello Amielia. Might I suggest… Imperial prison?

*

@ Acadian - Thank you so very much Acadian! Your comment had me rolling, you made my day with this! Thank you so very much again Acadian!

*
@ Ghastley - Thank you so very much Ghastley! You hit the nail on the head with your comment. Maxical is the stronger of the two in willpower.

** Malan has thousands of souls inside him too (including both Maxical's husband's souls), and at certain times their willpower can become stronger, and they are able to emerge for short periods before he gets control over them again.

Malan found out that Gils had a very strong willpower already, Fathis shows he can overpower Malan under certain circumstances in the next chapter.

Thank you so much again, Ghastley!

*
@ King Of Beasts - Thank you so very much Kobby! ROFL !!! Feel bad for Malan, lol. Thanks Kobby!

*
@ Elisabeth Hollow - Thank you so very much Liz! You had me dying laughing with this, ROFL !!! I don’t know if you remember (Chapter 54, page 23) the “Ode To Marie Regina Palielle” - that bit of stalkerish jealousy was written specifically for a reader of this thread whose girlfriend acted crazy jealous of him and then stalked him after they broke up. He made the mistake of telling me about it, and I have never let him live it down - wrote that chapter to remind him of it, lol. (Then sent him the vid below in case he’d forgotten about her, ROFL).


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yh0AhrY9GjA


Amiela is def the jealous type, as Foxy would say “you ain’t seen nuffink yet,” lol. Thank you so very much again Liz!

*
@ Grits - Thank you so very much Grits! You made my day so much with this comment, and had me rolling! Thank you so very much again Grits!

*
@ McBadgere - Thank you so very much McB! Lol, I’m glad you got here too, lol. You got me tickled with your comment because - living on a farm like I have, I know you understand exactly what cow manure smells like, lol. Thank you so very much again McB!

*
@ Darkness Eternal - Thank you so very much DE! I didn’t notice that Malan and Jak looked alike, but you are right in the face a bit - I think it is the intense look. Thank you so very much again DE!

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@ King Coin - Thank you so very much KC! You had me laughing so hard with this! Putting the ring in the prison cell would have been a good one - just like he did to the real Sir Damien, lol. The furnace would be perfect if the ring/enchantment could withstand the fire long enough to catch him, lol. Awesome suggestions! Thank you so very much again, KC!


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Chapter 200: Amiela


Malan was here, I could smell cow manure strongly. He had Amiela fully raised up in Evangeline, completely running her. This was zero hour, Malan was moving on the Palace. The realization struck me forcibly with an overwhelming fear for Uriel's safety, and a terrible dread that I'd fail him.

"Get to Uriel and protect him, Hannibal. Here, take this with you.” I pushed the pram into his hands and all but shoved and dragged him through the door into the Royal Quarters.

Hannibal was faltering; I couldn’t tell if it was because he knew Evangeline and didn’t perceive the threat to Uriel, or if he was still on the brink of shock since learning Mannimarco was in Cyrodiil.

“Hurry! Bolt this door behind you and seal it with magic. Tell Foxy's men that no one is to open it unless they hear my voice and Uriel's new security code.”

He nodded mutely. I pulled the door shut and waited, listening. My breath released in relief when I heard the grating metal as the heavy bolt slid across and saw the orange glow of his spell shimmer over the door.

Malan could still get into the Royal Quarters as a vapor, but Evangeline couldn’t. Malan wouldn’t go forward without Amiela, he’d have to adjust his plots. I hurried back to Evangeline’s room.

The corridor was swarming with guards in a verbal contest with the handsome man, who blocked Evangeline’s doorway and was trying to stop them from arresting her by convincing them it was just a lover‘s spat. His hair was matted on one side with blood, and his beautiful face was swollen and bruised. I put a stop to that.

“Guards! This isn’t Evangeline, it’s a disguise. She is Dagoth-Malan’s wife and they are here to assassinate Uriel Septim and seize the throne. The Emperor ordered this imposter be taken to the Imperial Prison and held under a full and heavy guard 'round the clock until he decides her fate and sends orders."






***


The handsome man spun toward me gaping, an expression of shock and something else I couldn‘t define in his eyes. Evangeline's burned with rage and malevolent anger that could clearly be heard in her unconcealed threat.

"This cat has no authority to give orders! I outrank every one of you, now get back to your posts before I have all of you fired!" She spat the word ‘cat’ with an emphasis that made a slur of it.

The threat was very real for the guards. Evangeline's position was above theirs, and she very well could cost them their jobs. There was hesitation among them, and a few even started to step off and ease back down the corridor. Not for long.

From Amiela’s time inside me I knew Evangeline would still be cognizant of what was happening even if she couldn‘t control it. I shot her an apologetic look and prayed she’d understand why this had to be done as I pulled the order from Uriel out and held it up high so it could be seen by all.

"The Emperor knew she would try to use Evangeline's rank against you. Therefore effective immediately Evangeline is permanently removed from her position here, she is no longer allowed in this Palace. Here is the order vacating her post and cancelling her security clearance. The Emperor wants all entries to the Palace sealed, no one is to come or go until further notice.“ I indicated Janus’s friend.

“All visitors must leave.”

The handsome man was staring at me with an odd almost wary expression in his eyes. “I’m here by Uriel Septim’s command.”

Evangeline’s head swiveled toward me as if disconnected from her body, rage burning in her eyes; then suddenly she was surging through the guards with a strangled bellow.

My hand instinctively reached for my shield and found only Eyja‘s borrowed dress and my dagger. I tried to conjure a shield, but somehow ended up casting Eyja’s spell to remove clothing instead.

There was a stunned glimpsing of blurred pink flesh in motion before I cast again, then there wasn’t time to do anything but block her hands from closing around my throat.

Her eyes zeroed in on mine with such hatred that I froze in place, paralyzed by its intensity. Behind it was a vileness, an evil beyond any I’d ever felt. It oozed from her like a vibration in the air and left me shaking.

Inside me was a sickening realization that she felt no bond with me for carrying her inside me for fifteen years, no gratitude. What I felt coming off her and read in her eyes was only hatred of me for being alive, for her needing me in order to exist.






***


Under her chokehold the shock of a fingernail that felt like a talon gouging into the vein in my neck with intense pressure yanked me into the reality of Amiela’s attack. She had no intentions of a slow choking death that would be easily stopped by those present, that was a quick kill move. She wanted me dead without a chance anyone could stop her or save me.

My claws unsheathed instinctively to gouge her eye so she’d release me, or sever her jugular before she could pierce mine...but either would kill her. I couldn’t bring myself to hurt poor dear Evangeline. She couldn‘t help what Amiela made her do.

My mind screamed for Janus’s help while I shoved my arms upward with force between her wrists trying to break her grip. A sudden movement caught both our peripheral visions at the same time, both our eyes glanced toward it.

Shackles were flying toward us with tremendous speed and such precision that Evangeline didn't have time to react before they clapped onto her arms. Whatever their enchantment was, it broke her grip nearly instantly.

I’d never seen anyone but Fathis able to conjure shackles with such deadly speed and accuracy. I looked around and was stunned to see the handsome man’s arm moving. He had protected me. I sent him a mental thank you and was surprised to see his head bob slightly as if in acknowledgement.

For the briefest second his eyes held an expression that was so familiar. Fathis used to look at me that way. Then like a flash it was gone and an expression of uneasiness and a touch of fear took its place. Probably because Evangeline had turned her wrath back onto him for shackling her. A scuffle erupted as the guards surrounded Evangeline to stop her from attacking him.

“YOU DID THIS TO ME! YOU‘LL REGRET...LET GO OF ME! YOU [CENSORED CENSORED]! YOU’LL PAY FOR THIS! LET ME GO!”






***


The handsome man’s eyes flickered between me and Evangeline with an expression I couldn’t fathom. I turned away from the look in them with an effort, watching the guards struggle with Evangeline instead. When I glanced back he was gone, making his way through Evangeline’s room to her wine rack. I didn’t blame him, poor man.

At his disappearance Amiela turned her rage back to me. Her head spun around so fast it looked like it may keep going.

“YOU! You‘re behind this, you and your [censored] Gifts. He’ll never have them again, or I’ll tear you apart with my bare hands and feed you to the dogs, you [censored censored].” Her eyes bored into mine with more evil hatred than I could comprehend.

It sent more than a chill down my spine. My legs and arms were trembling, visibly shaking.

“Coward.“ She spat at me. It was true, I was terrified. But I wasn‘t about to let her leave knowing that, or thinking I was an easy mark. I stepped up to her and leaned in close to her face, but spoke loud enough for Malan to hear since the rank odor of cow manure still hung heavily in the air.

“You listen to me, you ungrateful parasite. I’d have killed you without compunction, but your dead ass is inside my dear friend. You want a fight with me, choose a bodybag I don’t love and come back. I’ll bury you in so many pieces Malan will never be able to find them all.”

“You wouldn’t dare...“ I cut her off, leaning in closer and whispering in her ear.

“Just a word of warning, Amiela. Stay out of Theryon, it‘s my lair now just like the upper floors here are; and you’ll never have my permission to enter either one. Malan is my chosen now, maybe you should see if Greywyn Blenwyth has a lair you can haunt. Till then, enjoy your cell at the Imperial Prison.”

I stepped back, waving goodbye with as good an imitation of Eyja's cheeky grin as I could muster. “Bye bye, Amiela.”

As the guards started hauling her down the corridor she let her legs go limp so they had to drag her, screaming the whole way.

“MAALAAN! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME! DON”T LET THEM TAAAKE ME…MAAALAAAN!”






***


My neck ached and was bleeding, but not heavily. She had broken the skin but not been able to cut into the vein. Lucky for me, Evangeline kept her fingernails well trimmed.

One thing I learned today, Amiela is Malan’s driving force. All I need do is figure out what she wants and I’ll know Malan’s next move. She wants me dead, but what else?

She was definitely vain, I’d noticed her expression looking in the mirror earlier trying to cover up her wrinkled face with much more make-up than Evangeline ever used. She wants beauty, then...and power. Being alive isn’t enough for Amiela, she wants it all.

She’d never have either in Evangeline’s body. Amiela couldn’t be a mage or she’d have used Evangeline’s powerful magic, and today would have gone a lot differently. In that body she couldn’t fight either. Evangeline is weak and slow, out of shape.

It suddenly struck me that Malan never planned to use Evangeline’s body permanently. Just like I was temporary for my mysteries, Evangeline would have been his ticket to the throne and then without a doubt he’d have discarded her for a better choice.

But Malan wouldn’t just wait for someone better to happen in, he never did anything without a plan. He must have someone in mind that he‘d plotted all this time to use. Who?

We were the fatted calves he and Amiela were willing to slaughter to get what they wanted...wait, slaughter? Would he have killed Evangeline? A chill went down my spine. There was no doubt in my mind Malan planned to kill Evangeline when he was through with her.

Wait, then he must plan to kill me too! Why was I still alive? Wasn’t he done with me once Amiela got my mysteries? And I just bested him and ruined his plots again, why wasn‘t I dead?

Malan couldn’t kill me, his nature would stop him. But he could have stopped that handsome man from intervening and let Amiela do it. What else did he need from me that I hadn’t fulfilled yet?

A huge shiver shook my whole body. Malan was still here, the stench of cow manure still hung strongly in the air. I was sure he would follow Amiela to protect her, why hadn’t he?



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Oh...ohhh, the nature...has it taken hold of Malan finally?

Amelia is insane godammit!

I'm going to assume Malan turned against her partly to keep his disguise up and partly because the nature affecting him?

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Malan didn't turn on Amiela. Malan wanted Maxical dead, and can't do it himself because his nature will stop him. He would have gladly let Amiela/Evangeline do it, since his plot to use Evangeline was thwarted, she was going to have to be discarded anyway.

Malan has thousands of souls inside him, and every now and then a situation arises where one of them becomes more powerful than Malan (if something is important enough to them).

Malan has both of Maxical's husband's souls inside him, Gils and Fathis. Malan already learned Gils had an extremely strong willpower. He just found out Fathis does too.

Fathis took control of Malan's body to save Maxical's life (and gave her that special look she recognized). Here is the passage that lets the reader know:

Wow! The pooh hits the fan and a cat fight all in one!

‘I tried to conjure a shield, but somehow ended up casting Eyja’s spell to remove clothing instead.’
OMG, this is sooooo Maxical!

I loved how mysteriously Fathis’ managed to intervene! What a wonderful realm of possibilities that opens up. Simply a magical moment as his shackles bound Amiela and Maxical began to realize who was behind the move.

Uriel’s thinkin’ again – how insightful that Maxical had his written order to resolve the poor guards’ dilemma.

Amiela was on fire and Maxical poured gas on the flames with her territory-marking threats about which lairs were hers! I’m surprised Amiela didn’t just spontaneously combust!

Uriel’s little champion really came through in this one!

Oh, and Alix the Mouse made it to safety!

I was reminded of a bit of Sheogorath dialog there: "They're the backbone of the land, except where the backbone is an actual backbone. Have you ever been to Malacath's realm?" Which had me thinking "except where the shackles are actual shackles". You've got all the protagonists constrained by some kind of shackles, and they're all looking for a way to get loose and gain the upper hand.

So far Maxical has avoided letting Malan do that, but I'm not seeing her any closer yet to achieving it for herself. We've just seen that her magical skills weren't just suppressed by Amiela, they really were naturally stunted. There was a glimpse of natural fighting ability, in this case shackled by her wanting to avoid harming Evangeline.

If Malan can find his horde of souls taking over individually, what happens if they form a trade union?

Oh! I get it now! I missed that, sorry. Another cue was the shackles. Derp, Liz.

Woooo hoo!!! It’s the cavalry, or at least it’s Fathis for just one critical moment. Like Acadian said, the implications of this had my mind spinning with possibilities.


Yay for Maxical! Her character really shines here as she overcomes sheer terror and sends Amiela away shrieking like a lunatic while Maxical has recovered her composure (at least outwardly).

Good grief, the remove clothes spell! I was rolling. And Maxical’s concern for Alix and Hannibal along with her care for her friend Evangeline even while she was being attacked reminded me of why she’s such an endearing character.

What a great chapter!!

Ooooh...Cat fight!!!... ...

Excellent winding up and removal of Evangeline/Amelia...For now at least...

Loved this update... ...Lots of screaming...Where's Jerry Springer (Jerric Springus?) when you need him?... ...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

Holy crap! Action-packed chapter!!

So the start of the chapter had me thinking Malan smells of [censored]. Maxical truly kicked some ass in this episode. The start had me hooked from start to finish. You showed a measure of Maxical's skills here. Good to see she knows how to pack a punch. Though I do recall her fighting with her bare hands in that one scenario with the captain of the guard.

So was Sanguine involved in this? Or was Maxical just being Maxical by making Eyja nude?(Don't answer this )

Seeing Maxical enrage Amiela was pleasing. What a crazy woman! No wonder Malan loves her. Max's comment about the bodybag had me laughing. She's fierce with words!

Can she save the souls of her friends, though?