Exactly how I felt. Or was that how Maxical felt? Now I am confused!

I loved the drunken scene. That played out wonderfully well. I get the feeling that our adorable kitty will have the last laugh on these hopeless men.

What fun!

Hmm, I wonder if Maxical plans to incorporate what she has learned about her tail into her Arena moves? I can see all the men and mer races in the crowd going wild with tail envy. Does the book say anything about her ears and whiskers? Does Fathis have a copy of the book? So many questions.

What fun indeed, but for all the fun this piece has a darker edge. Good stuff.


That was excellent. It really livens upthe [censored]s.

I enjoyed this chapter as well.

Everyone else has already touched on the things I noticed (and laughed at), so I'll say no more, except:

More!

...so...maxical was...with her...and gils...wound balm...tail...

tails aside, that was a great chapter. keep it up...the chapters that is...not the...

***

@ Everyone - I was trying to keep my word count down and may not have written certain parts of this chapter to best demonstrate what I was talking about.

For everyone who has cats, this is kind of a known thing - if you pull a cat's tail from the middle to the end - (gently but firmly) they like it and will turn back around with their tail raised for you to do it again. It is a good way to get feral cats to allow minimum handling because they then want to have you handle their tail again.

It was listed as a "move" to make on a Khajiit in the book because it will keep female Khajiit hanging around you wanting that tail pulled again.

What I was trying to depict was that when Gils pulled her tail it felt different than anytime she had ever pulled it - and she couldn't figure out why. She (like all cats) had the feeling of wanting it pulled again, but when she tried to do it...it just wasn't the same.

(in other words, appearing to choke her tail was in no way similar to choking a chicken)

I am trying to incorporate some real cat behaviors into Maxical, so used it. I will try to re-word those parts so it doesn't sound like she was doing what it sounds like she was doing, lol.

Sorry everyone, and I will re-word (as soon as I figure out a way to put it that is more easily discerned, lol) and repost this chapter. <333

mALX, so, at midnight last night I found I couldn't sleep...so I got up and headed to my computer...and read the whole story again (here, not Bethesda). I love it. LOVE it.

HOWEVER. Please, though I hate to disagree with Foxy, PLEASE do not quit the original, especially if you're near the end of it! Your writing * has * improved tremendously; this version IS awesome; I can't wait until you post more! However, I love the original too. It would be such a shame to leave off without finishing it. I don't want it to distract from this version, but I don't want to lose knowing how that one ends, either.

Anyhow, that's my take on it. Sorry for those I ticked off by asking you to take time off of this story...I know, it's a lot to ask of people -- waiting for the Maxical fix...but please, a little mercy for those of us still hooked on the original Maxical too.

@ Foxy - GAAAH! Thank you so much Foxy !!

***
@ Treydog - I think I have to agree with you on the Agronak part! Thank you so much Treydog !!

***
@ Winter Wolf - Thank you so much Wolf! That scene was done as serious, and I couldn't stand it and sought to lighten it up by adding in the alcohol earlier than I had it before. What came from that - I like it much better than what I originally was going to have here.

***
@ Acadian - Thank you so very much Acadian !! And despite your teasing I found out you understood the scene exactly, lol. Yeah! - anyone who has cats should get that, cats like to have their tails pulled by humans.

***
@ Olen - Thank you so much Olen! I did that spur of the moment on the proofread and liked it, lol.

***
@ Hauty - I knew you would know about pulling cat's tails - that part about cats liking having their tail pulled was added in from a discussion you and I had almost a year ago about making her more cat-like. - I kept that PM from you and refer to it all the time in doing this re-write to get the cat behavior integrated into Maxical - Thank you a thousand times for that PM !!!!!! And thank you so much for reading and commenting !!

***
@ Hazmick - GAAAH! I wrote a disclaimer about that, cats just like having their tails pulled by humans (IRL) so I wrote that scene to show it - but I messed up and left the wrong impression. I will fix it, I have been struggling with wording in the fix though, lol. Gils is the only one to pleasure himself in that chapter, lol. (and yes, he was). Thank you so much Hazmick !!!!

***
@ Rachel - Thank you so much Rachel !!!! And for the pro vote on the original too. I have been iffy about continuing it, but there really isn't that many more chapters of it - and it has some really powerful scenes that I did not want to throw out either. You ROCK !!!

*


Chapter 38: The Orc and the Urn


I felt the flush crawling up my cheeks and forced my eyes to break from Gils‘. “I think Fathis will be at the Merchants. I planned to go early for my rehearsal with the band and try to beard him in his suite. That was before Owyn decided to send me with every man in Cyrodiil in tow. It‘ll be impossible to make up with him with an all male entourage at my side.�

“Owyn knows how to kill a good time, that’s for sure. He thinks nothing of walking up and passing the time of day with you while you’re in the middle of pleasuring yourself, asking questions and refusing to take a hint no matter how broad it is to get the heck away…what are you laughing at?�

“I owe him a Septim.�

“WHAT?�

“It’s called payback.�

“You did that to me? Why you! I oughta!�

“GAAAAH!� I burst out the door into the main area on the run with Gils close behind. Owyn doubled over laughing when he saw it. I plopped a Septim into his hand and he could barely hold onto it he was laughing so hard.

Gils was fuming. “This is war! Owyn, how could you!�

Owyn choked out something unintelligible and held up the Septim.









******* Agronak


Agronak had to act fast, there was no time left. Everything seemed to be crashing around him. Once Maxical left that Bloodworks he’d get her to that house with no problem, he could easily pour paralyzing poison into that constantly open [censored] mouth of hers. But she was the least of his worries right now.

Gils was right. How could he enter the Arena being banned from both Bloodworks? They couldn’t do that to him, he was the Grand Champion! He had fights scheduled and couldn’t drop off the balcony to enter the Arena!

Agronak had a lot of long time fans that would rampage the Arena for his mistreatment there if they knew what was going on. He stopped walking, slowly lowering the crate down and sinking onto it as thoughts suddenly began whirling through his mind.

That was the moment when the epiphany struck, a vision of fans protesting outside the gates of the Arena carrying picket signs…stomping their feet in unison as they raised the signs up and shouted, “Justice for the Gray Prince!�

He would be the sympathetic victim. His fans could call for a boycott of the Arena, others would refuse to cross the picket line. Jack would be forced to act, demanding both Haki and Owyn give him keys to their Bloodworks. Owyn would be ordered to drop the legal ban…Jack may even fire them both due to the bad publicity for the Arena…

He could reach all of Cyrodiil in one day with the Courier. Grabbing his crate, Agronak headed at a brisk pace to the Market District. Hassiri was out, but the two other brothers welcomed him. Both raised their pads and Agronak smiled, raising his head a little higher. He stepped into the offices of the Courier carrying the crate.

“Hassiri isn’t here right now, but please come in. I just baked some cookies, they are fresh out of the oven. Please join us. You haven‘t dealt with us before, we are Hassiri’s brothers. My name is Urjabhi, and this is my brother Ra'jiradh.� Urjabhi led him to their living area and invited him to sit in a huge overstuffed chair.

“Rihad? Jabur? I always wondered how you Khajiit come up with such outlandish names. I feel like I need a spittoon handy trying to pronounce them.� Agronak laughed at his own joke, but didn‘t want to appear unintelligent.

“Is that another language?�

“Yes it is.�

“What language is it?�

“Khajiit.�

“Ha! That’s funny. No really, what language is it?�

“Our language comes from the moons and from Azura.�

“Azura! You probably don’t know this, but that’s a God. I don’t see them teaching cats to speak.�

“Eh, you got me. It’s the language of Fukaryudumb.� Urjabhi moved his hands around as if making a sacred sign.

“Fukingdom, Is that a kingdom for cats?�

“Believe it or not it is filled with Orc.�

“I knew you were trying to pull one over on me. I‘m too smart to fall for stuff like that.� Agronak flipped the side of his head with his index finger. “I’m only half Orc you know. My father is a real Lord, and that is the side I identify with most. I am about to get proof of my heritage, when I do the Palace will probably name the Arena after me, maybe a road too. You and your brothers can come to the naming ceremony.�

“What can we do for you today, your Lordship?�

Agronak preened. That was the first time anyone had called him that. He could get used to that kind of respect.

“I have been having some problems with the powers that be over at the Arena. I wanted to get the word out to all my fans in Cyrodiil that their hero is being mistreated. I am sure the second they hear of my difficulties they will come from all over to picket and protest. Those cretins will realize how important I am when my fans call for everyone to boycott the Arena. I am the Grand Champion, the Gray Prince. That Arena would be nothing without me, no one would even come to the matches without me there.�

“Tell us what this is all about so we can make the proper plea to your fans.�

As if by magic a plate of cookies was placed in front of him along with a mug of steaming cocoa. The cookies were still warm and laden with melted chocolate hunks bringing back memories of eating them that way as a child.

Agronak began weaving his story between mouthfuls of cookies. When the plate emptied Urjabhi brought a fresh tray. Both brothers treated him with a deference and kindness that made Agronak wonder why that stupid [censored] Andronicus had used Hassiri all these years. Their sympathetic pats on the back and commiserations with his situation were as unexpected as the never-ending cookies and cocoa. Before he knew it Agronak was talking to them freely and openly.

The aroma of homemade food cooking permeated the living area and filled his nostrils, once again striking tinges of memories from his childhood. Agronak leaned back and settled into the comfort of the chair.

There was no doubt the brothers were enjoying his visit, treating him like a king and hanging on his every word. Agronak was sure they intended him to stay the night, as it was getting quite late and they had shown no indications that he should leave. On the contrary, they even offered him to partake dinner with them…although it was long after his stomach had begun making loud protests. Agronak cleaned his plate three times before the offers to refill it stopped coming.

The vision of Maxical’s discomfiture when she found out Agronak was living at the Black Horse Courier was the deciding factor. He would stay here, and maybe even talk them into giving her some bad press for a change. That arrest had not even made her look bad the way it was written.

Agronak lay his empty plate next to the nearest brother in a hint that he needed a refill and began talking about Maxical. That led to bringing up Fathis and Gils, and the fact that both Gils and Maxical had been lying to him and playing him for a fool. Agronak’s anger rose as he talked about it, and twice he found he had leaped from the comfortable chair in a rage over Gils perfidy and Maxical’s duplicity.

That this was an error was brought home to him by the gaping mouthed faces of the Khajiit men. He needed to regroup. The best thing to do would be to break, make a trip to the urn. He felt a pressing need to evacuate anyway. When he returned he would start fresh.

“BRAAAAAAP! Ah, good food. I’ve worked up a pretty big fudge dragon and need to visit an urn, who wants to show me where it is?�

Urjabhi choked and Ra'jiradh threw open the windows. Urjabhi nearly pushed Ra'jiradh out of the way to gulp in some fresh air.

“Hello…I need an urn here or this mud monkey is going to escape.�

“Er…urn?� Ra'jiradh turned from breathing out the window. He looked as if he had never heard the word before.

“You can tell by the smell I’ve got business to take care of. U. R. N. …Most Khajiit probably don’t know what one is, but your home is so clean I assumed you had one. I’ve enjoyed this evening so much I nearly forgot you even were Khajiit. So where do beast folk go when the need hits? Do you use a sandbox or something? You don’t go outside do you? BRAAAAAP!�

“Yes, we use the garden paths, it fertilizes and keeps the flowers blooming year round.� Urjabhi said, scowling.

“No need to be embarrassed Rihad. Just give me a big pot from your kitchen and I’ll bring it to my room. One of you can show me which room I’ll be staying in and the other can bring the pot. Rihad? Jabur? You look so much alike I can’t tell who is who, but we need to hurry here. Things are starting to move down if you know what I mean. You know what ground-hogging is? BRAAAAAAP!�

Ra'jiradh stared hard at him for a second. “Room? Oh we have no rooms, we beast folk sleep all together on the floor like rats. We could never ask a real Lord’s son such as yourself to stoop so low as to sleep with us beasts.�

“Your Lordship needs a throne, not our old cooking pots. You mustn’t demean yourself, you know.� Urjabhi added.

“I understand. You are probably not used to having royalty as a guest. You will be sure to print this up right away so my fans will be aware of what is happening to their hero, right?�

“We will work all night to be sure this story goes out first thing in the morning.� Urjabhi said. “You should definately make these personal visits part of your campaign to draw attention to your plight.�

“That’s an excellent idea!� Agronak envisioned free home cooked meals every night.

“This has been a very revealing evening. I hope you get your situation worked out.� Ra'jiradh led the way to the door

“Don’t forget your crate.� Urjabhi stuck it in his hands.

They both stood in the doorway, waving goodbye and smiling. Agronak left feeling like he had made two solid fans. Andronicus always carried a stack of free passes to give the press, Agronak didn’t have any to give them but both men were smiling warmly at him. What a waste paying for those passes had been all these years, when all it would have taken was a personal visit like this. They would gladly pay to see him now even if it did mean sitting in with the general population instead of in the manager‘s box.






***

Agronak turned his key in the door and was letting himself into his mother’s house when the courier from the Imperial Commerce arrived.

“I need you to sign for this sir.� He handed him a board with parchment clipped onto it.

Agronak took the proffered quill and signed. “What is it?�

“I don’t know sir.� He held his hand out.

“I don’t give autographs free.�

“Tip sir.�

“I don’t have to tip you.�

“It’s a courtesy sir.�

Agronak snatched the rolled parchment from him. “Here’s a courtesy for you. BRAAAAP! You kept me standing here when I have a golden steed charging out my…hey, I wasn’t done!�

He hurried inside, barely making it to the urn. While sitting he broke the seal and unrolled the parchment. It was the deed to the house, there must be some mistake! Agronak scanned down and saw his name as owner inherited from his mother…as if no other transaction had taken place. That idiot at the Imperial Commerce…

Suddenly the memory hit as clearly as if he was watching it being reenacted…Maxical storming toward the Market District gate when Gils tackled him. That [censored]! She had done this!

With a roar Agronak heaved off the urn, tipping it. He flung the door open, banging it against the wall and ran back to the Arena cursing and bellowing.


*

And now the ship has (literally and literary) hit the ... (bed)PAN!!!

The next edition of the Black Horse Courier will be a collector's item!

I'm not sure which was funnier- Agronak's euphemisms or his bigoted ignorance. And the brothers played along, knowing they had the story of the decade.

Um- there is a reason cats like to have their tails pulled, the same reason your dog likes to have that spot on his/her back rubbed. There is a nerve cluster there... and that placement is not accidental. 'Nuff said.

I really enjoyed the scatological turn this story has taken! Agronak is really showing the stereotypical Orc side of his nature, isn't he?

The way the brothers played him was hysterical - I was delighted with how those cats were manipulating him! I can't wait until Hassiri comes back and hears the story from his brothers! Oh, to be a fly on the wall for that scene!

The next edition of the BHC is greatly anticipated in this corner of Cyrodiil!

What a rude Orc. the title says it all. You did a great job with the BHC brothers, I can't wait for the next chapter.

I loved the scene with Agronak and the catmen of the BHC. I see they are clever kitties too. This one thinks the two brothers are very subtle and wise in dealing with a royal. . . pai, um I mean prince.

So, did Agroank muster all of that by himself, or were hosts perhaps a little. . . lax in their cookie recipe?

Seriously, Agronak's ruminations in the cat house were wonderfully done.

Well it was Khajit cookies... you know they have that special spice from Elswer to make them just like mother did...

Agronak was brilliant in the BHC shop. The way the propriators played him was great to read and he still managed to carry on. After this story goes out... well it shuld be fun and I can hardly wait to read it.


Such a way with words...

fukyaredum..... Glad you're back and updating again MalX

This last chapter was awesome (of course), mALX...I can't wait to see what that silly orc has set himself up for now, LOL.

As for continuing your old version of the story...I present the following bribe to encourage you to do so: pencil version of Maxical.



Unless, of course, you hate the sketch. Then it was Foxy's.

HowdaresU!!!

I cans do better than that, so I can!!!

I don't doubt it, my skill is debatable at best. However...I'm trying maximize the potential for success of my bribe to finish the old version of the story! So, if she likes the drawing, I did it; but if she hates it, and attributes it to you, then she will still be more inclined toward finishing the story anyway. As long as I don't settle into that middle mediocrity, where the picture is neither good nor bad, I should be doing ok.

Ah, yes, the goood old "magician's force." It is such a neat trick, basically a variation on "heads I win, tails you lose." mALX needs to figure out a way to work that into the story. (If you need an example, let me know and I will PM you with it.)

You know, Malx...You're not supposed to put readers in the ER, due to being unable to breathe, because they're laughing.

@ Foxy - I had your chocolate pudding in mind when I wrote this chapter, lol. Thank you very much Foxy!!!!

***
@ Treydog - I knew they liked it, but never knew why! Thank you Treydog! The feral cats do not want humans touching them, but all will come back to me for more if I pull their tail - I just had to write that in as a part of her cat nature.

Agronak's prejudice...I really don't know where that came from! I was just typing the chapter and tried to think of how to start his conversation with the Courier brothers based on his usual attitude of superiority...and out it came! I was rolling writing this chapter, and choked myself to death on every edit.

My son was passing behind me (COS = child over shoulder) and saw the "BRAAAAP" and said something about fudge dragon on the way - that got the descriptives in the chapter. Most of them come from Southpark's "Dooky in the Urinal" at school episode.

Thank you so much Treydog!!!!

***
@ Hauty - Thank you so much Hauty !!!! Both requests are coming up too! (Yes, I broke down and did a BHC for this storyline, lol - finally!)

This chapter almost wrote itself. The Brothers and Agronak...I had the personalities of the players in my mind, and just let loose. The real epiphany (for me) was Agronak sitting down on that crate and envisioning that picket of the Arena - that grew out of a small idea and became huge. I had to re-write this and some upcoming chapters to accomodate it, but I love it and hope you'all will too!

***
@ Hazmick - Thank you so much Hazmick! I appreciate that a lot, I really loved the Brother's roles in this chapter!

***
@ Acadian - Thank you very much Acadian !!!! (No Orc were X-laxed by cookies in my story! They are just naturally gassy...at least I always pictured them as being that way, lol).

***
@ Olen - Thank you so much Olen!!! I actually had quite a few BHC issues in my original story, surprisingly they have been scarce in this one - but I did make one to cover this interview...still, I doubt anything could cover the visit itself - at least not in my mind, lol. Thank you again Olen!

***

@ Remko - Yeah! You are back and picked up on one of my fave lines in this chapter !!! So glad you are back and updating, I've missed Rales and Zerina !!

***
@ Rachel the Breton - ARGH!!!!!! I love it!!!!! Thank you so much Rachel!!! I got teary-eyed when I saw it!!! - I have a few things written for the original story that I just have to post - if for no other reason than to redeem myself, lol. But it is not far from the end, and I really want to finish it and not just quit when it is that close to ending - I love the end. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for the beautiful picture of Maxical !!!!!!!

***
@ Treydog - Thank you so much for the clue...what made you think of that suddenly? Awesome idea!!!

***
@ Zalphon - ROFL! Thank you Zalphon! That made my day!!!

*


Chapter 39: Agronak, Back To Back



******* Urjabhi


“How much of that can we actually use?� Urjabhi said under his breath as they watched Agronak walk away.

“He’s turning around again, smile and wave.� Ra'jiradh said. “And…okay, he’s around the corner. Lock the door in case he decides to come back. Get the board up. We’ll compare notes and figure out what we‘ve got to work with.�

“You get the board. I think he crapped in that chair, it still stinks. I’ve got to clean it before anyone sits in it again.� Urjabhi yanked the slipcovers off the chair and tossed them in the alley behind the Courier office. He grabbed a strong smelling disinfectant and began scrubbing the chair.

“You doing that now? Lets get the story up and printed first.� Ra'jiradh pulled the board up and began tacking pages of notes on it.

“I can‘t, the smell...� Urjabhi said and kept scrubbing.

“That Orc has some ego.“ Ra'jiradh said, flipping through his pad and scanning the notes.

Hassiri let himself in with his key. “What’s going on? …Did something die in here?�

“His Lordship the Orc was here, wait till you hear some of the crap he spewed in here tonight.� Urjabhi scrubbed as he spoke.

“I can smell it, does he not know how to use an urn? Where‘s dinner?� Hassiri was lifting lids on empty pots.

“The Orc ate all of it. And all the cookies.� Ra'jiradh growled. “You won’t believe what’s going on with that nutcase. He’s been banned from both Bloodworks, he‘s got no way to get into the Arena for fights. He wants the Courier to rouse his fans to picket protest at the Arena and call for a boycott of it till they let him back in.�

“Banned? I just saw him going toward the Arena less than a minute ago.� Hassiri paused in the act of handing his notepad to Ra'jiradh.

“You still in the white Khajiit’s corner?� Ra'jiradh asked.

Hassiri nodded.

“Well the Commerce activity log shows she did an annulment of the transaction with that deed, giving the house back to Agronak in a way that it looks as if it was never in her name. There may be trouble if the Orc is headed that way.� Ra'jiradh handed Hassiri a fresh pad, quill and ink pot. “Go.�

Hassiri opened the door and they all heard the sound, thumping and bellowing coming from the direction of the Arena. Hassiri shot out the door.

“You better go too Urjabhi, he may need you. I‘ll handle this end.“ Ra'jiradh handed him a pad.











******* Owyn

A tentative knock on the Bloodworks door brought Owyn to his feet, staggering slightly and still gripping Gils‘ brandy bottle.

“Uncle Owyn? It’s me…Antoine Dodson…your…nephew? Didn‘t you get the letter?�

“Keep still when you talk, I’m getting seasick…� Owyn pulled him in and locked the door behind him. “We’ve been having a little trouble around here.�

“Trouble, you ain’t heard trouble. That rapist that escaped from here while you were in jail…the one that killed Claudius Arcadia’s daughter? He ‘been climbing in windows in Ocato Park. He ‘been snatching people up and trying to rape them, we had to hide the kids, hide the wives and the husbands. Obviously he was rapin’ everybody out there. And the Legion won’t do nothing, even though he left his shirt behind with his name written on the inside collar like he too dumb to even remember his own name…Rufio. He is so dumb! He is really dumb! Since you taught me how to fight, I thought I’d come here to the Arena, I need to earn enough Septims to get my family outa’ there. Then I‘m going to go looking for him, and I’m gonna’ fiiind him….�

Through a blurry haze Owyn saw a red kerchief holding back a full afro from a face lit by a toothy grin.

“The first thing you need to learn is not to talk so much when I’ve had too much brandy.� Owyn said gruffly. “How is your sister Kelly doing?�

“Oh, she was scared, but he didn’t get what he came for, I heard her screamin’ and ran in there. I was bobbing and weaving...er, you didn‘t teach me that…he was plenty scared, and I even got a few good licks in before he climbed back out the window. He is really dumb…�

Owyn peered at him, squinting his eyes to focus. He plopped the brandy jug down on top of his cabinet with a loud thud. He needed Pits right now, but his own nephew? And a whole family relying on him to be their protector and support…but where else to send him for a job?

“Look Antoine. I’m going to write a note to…someone that might help you. Your family needs you, they rely on you to support and protect them…my sister would kill me if something happened to you…and it would. Fighters come here because they don’t have families. Now you bring this to the Merchants Inn. Speak to Fathis Aren. He’ll find work for you. And don’t talk his ear off! Here is enough Septims to pay a week at Luther Broads and eat, if you need more just come ask.� Owyn scribbled a barely legible note.

Maxical and Gils were standing bug-eyed when Antoine left.

“You sent him to Fathis Aren?� Gils sounded stunned.

“He’ll help him, he helps anyone that needs it!� Maxical stuck out her tongue at Gils and then turned to Owyn. “He is your nephew Owyn? He’s so cute, what happened?�

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?� Owyn roared.

Both Maxical and Gils broke out laughing, and after a moments hesitation Owyn did too. A pounding on the door silenced all the laughter, it sounded like something was going to come through it at any second.

“Are they coming to arrest us again?“ Maxical froze.

“Maxical! Get in the bathing room and lock yourself in. Gils, you go with her and protect her. I’ll handle this. GO!� Owyn was shouting but was drowned out by a roaring coming from outside the door.

“He must have gotten the deed.“ Gils yelled, signaling Maxical into the bathing room.

She kicked her shoes off on the way and grabbed her sword down off the wall, holding it awkwardly in her left hand.

Owyn shook his head. “She can’t use that thing with her left hand Gils. Make sure all the doors are dead-bolted.“

“He can‘t get by me.� Gils called. “Get in the corner Maxical.“

Owyn waited till he heard the deadbolt slide across before hurrying over to his cabinet and removing his old fighting robe. He donned it, hurrying to the door. Before exiting he grabbed the sack filled with weights that was used to prop doors open.

The scuffle was already started outside when Owyn slid out, locking the door behind him. Agronak was resisting arrest. Three guards already lay unconscious on the ground, and Agronak knocked out two more as Owyn approached. Several were running up from different directions. Taking a step toward Agronak, Owyn’s fist shot upward. The huge Orc wavered for a second and then fell over backwards. He was knocked out cold. Owyn dumped the sack in the bushes before the guards made it onto the scene.

“What happened? Is that Owyn?�

“Did you see that? Owyn just knocked out the Grand Champion! Knocked him out cold with one punch!�

“Owyn, that was some hit!�

“Get that scum away from my Bloodworks, here is the legal ban taken out this morning and he assaulted one of my fighters this afternoon with the ban in place. Now he‘s back again. Write your charges up and I’ll sign it.�

“We have disturbing the peace, resisting arrest, assault on your fighter while under ban, and two counts of trespassing.�

Owyn signed it. “I need a copy for Jack.�

Hassiri and Urjabhi were standing at a safe vantage point…Antoine was standing near them…oh no.

Antoine hurried over. “Un…�

Owyn gave him a signal and he stopped mid word.

“Now you listen to me…� Leaning over so his voice wouldn’t carry to the Khajiit brothers from the Courier, Owyn gave a few quick instructions into Antoine’s ear.

Owyn signaled Hassiri to him, and Urjabhi swarmed the guards for interviews.

“That piece of [censored] crushed Maxical’s shoulder this afternoon right after she interviewed with you. He had that coming. He was legally banned early this morning…� Owyn went on to list the charges.

“Er, I’m going off the record now.� Hassiri put his pad in his pocket. “Don’t forget your sack when the guards leave.�

“If we’re off the record I’ll tell you a secret about that Orc. That trick won’t work on a full one, but that one has a glass jaw. I can‘t tell you that, but if anyone else does that is not connected to me…feel free to print it.�

Hassiri‘s eyes widened. “I would never have guessed that. My brothers and I have run chains on bullies before, so I knew it was coming when I saw your robe. Urjabhi will know, but won‘t say a word, believe me. The Orc is not well liked at the Courier, but we have to cover him. He came to our offices tonight and gave an interview, some of which concerns your Bloodworks. He was on the record the whole time, so I‘m not telling you anything you won‘t read tomorrow morning. Just a heads up. He is trying to rally his fans to picket protest the Arena and call for a boycott till he is allowed back in the Bloodworks. I‘m in Maxical‘s corner so Urjabhi and Ra'jiradh are handling the edition. Some things will be said about Maxical in it but I will try to minimize the damage as much as possible. I will promise you this, the Orc will look worse in it than anyone he talked about.�

“Hassiri you are a gem. I appreciate that. Do you care if I give Jack a heads up on this?�

“Be my guest. I know the Orc has some loyal fans, and it is possible some of them will feel sympathetic towards him. Unless he comes and visits them that is. What happened here tonight may not be in the early edition. If there isn’t room we will print a special late one. Now, as long as we are off record…tell me about the lad there…Uncle Owyn?�

“Off record he is my nephew. You heard about Rufio breaking into houses in Ocato Park? Antoine saved his sister from an attack. He came to me needing work to get his whole family out of that area, it‘s rundown…a real slum. My sister would kill me if anything happened to him, he takes care of all of them since the father died. I’m sending him to Fathis Aren hoping he will find something safe for him. He is hard-working and carries responsibility better than most three times his age. On the record he is just a lad that came looking for work, but we don‘t take combatants that have family relying on them.�

“Haki does.� Hassiri observed aloud. “I’ll take Antoine over there to the Merchants, if Fathis doesn’t have anything for him, maybe we can find something at the Courier for him to do. Will he be staying here?“

“Thank you Hassiri, and no. I can’t…Jack won‘t let him stay here unless I sign him, but I gave him enough to go to Luther Broads till he finds some work.� Owyn shook his hand, palming some passes then quickly cut over to Jack’s house to warn him, leaving Antoine behind.









******* Hassiri


As the guards began pulling Agronak toward the Palace holding area he started to come to, thrashing and pulling down the guards around him. Antoine leaped forward and decked him in the jaw, knocking him out with one punch. The guards stood back gasping. Hassiri hurried forward.

“Young man, do you realize you have just knocked out the Grand Champion? What is your name, can you tell me how you did that?�



“My name is Antoine Dodson from Ocato Park.
It was easy to see, even in the dark…
That this Orc was blue, and must be mixed
And right then I knew he couldn’t be a rapist

Orc mix, you know…
Chuka shucka…
Orc mix, you know…
Chuka shucka…

He come a bangin’ on the Bloodworks door
Tryin’ to start trouble like he did before
Till Owyn knocked him on his [censored]
And I did too cause his jaw is glass

Orc mix, you know…
Chuka shucka…
Orc mix, you know…
Chuka shucka…�


Hassiri was doubled over laughing, but scribbled the words down quickly to print. “Say, that’s pretty good Antoine, you think fast on your feet. I was going to walk with you to the Merchants, if Fathis can’t find work for you I’ll see if we have anything you can do at the Courier.�

Hassiri knocked on the door to Fathis Aren’s suite, but got no answer. A quick check into the restaurant showed no sign of him either.

“Come sup with us tonight, we’ll have to try and catch him in the morning.� Hassiri led Antoine across the street to the Courier office.


*

what a fantastical turn of events. Poor couriers, I hope they can get the 'essence of Orc' scrubbed off their chair And Owyn, Nephew, RUFIO... will the Dark Brotherhood be looking to recruit a white khajiit in the future?

Ladies and gentlemen, here is the official Speculation of D.Foxy: that the red-haired nephew of Owyn is actually drawn from real life from...


(drum roll)...


the red-haired, naughty and nice, sweet and sassy son of our one and only MaLX!!!!

I like this, the BHC are becoming solid characters and are fun to read about. And as well as the characters (Rufio being an unexpected addition) the plot is great, Agronak arrested? I suppose he had it coming but what will the BHC print about him? I wait with antipication, especially now they know and can print about his glass jaw.

Antoine is a good addition too, I suspect we'll be seeing more of him.

This was great fun to read and flowed nicely. I like Owyn's 'assisted' punch - reminding us of how Maxical told us about using bags with steel in them when she was in the Office of Imperial Commerce.

What a fun contrast: The powerful Agronak wishing for a viagra potion and the wimpy Rufio with what seems to be a runaway, well, um, you know.

Maxical kicking her shoes off in case she needed her little footie claws was a nice touch.

In exposing Agronak's glass jaw, the orc's career in the Arena is done. A powerful and appropriate statement by Owyn.

Loved every bit of it. Especially these two lines:





Antoine is a treasure- and the Mixed Orc Rap was inspired.

I have some ideas about the other thing- will PM later and you can see whether they will work.

@ Hazmick - Oh, the DB has a huge role coming up very soon, lol. Thank you so much Hazmick!!!!

***
@ Foxy - Thank you very much Foxy! As usual, Damien "Foxy" Reynard is correct - but the aim is off slightly, as I am not a Redguard - and my son is actually blonde - however, the real life part was correct.

PS: Damien Reynard has an enormous part coming up shortly - much much more in depth than the original story. Do you want to proofread before they post? Let me know something, lol. You ROCK!!!

***
@ Olen - All H is fixing to break out in the Imperial City; forces are lining up in town that will bust the place wide open at that music festival, lol. Thank you so much Olen!!!

***
@ Acadian - Libido? Is that the word you were searching for? Lol. I couldn't stop myself from adding Antoine, hoping to slip it under the wire while Destri isn't looking because I know I will hear about it if he sees it, lol. (neigh...clop clippity clop). He may get a bit part later, I am hoping he doesn't take over the story like Jack Thompson or [spoiler alert] Wes Johnson have, lol. Thank you so very much Acadian !!!!!

***
@ Treydog - You know I am all ears when you get ideas! And you are on a huge roll lately too! Julian of Anvil ????? ARGH !!!!! Thank you so much Treydog! And I am worming around trying to find a place to slip in that last suggestion - really great idea!!!


*

*


Chapter 40: Promotions and Commotions





******* Pilus


Pilus had started a new routine of practicing late at night when the training room was empty. The day he caused the dummy’s head to rip off and fly across the room was the day he suddenly took to wearing his rain cloak everywhere he went.

He was just coming on duty the night they dragged an unconscious Gray Prince through the streets to the Palace. It was there on the steps of the Palace that Agronak woke swinging, taking down several of his colleagues before his eyes. In a flash Pilus delivered the uppercut that knocked Agronak out. It was witnessed by many, including Urjabhi from the Courier who immediately interviewed him.

Several of his superior officers were on hand and saw his quick action. One high ranking officer signaled Pilus to follow him into the Legion offices. When he emerged thirty minutes later Pilus was the new hand-to-hand trainer for the Legion.









******* Maxical

Things finally settled down in the Bloodworks after Owyn quit parading around recanting the whole episode repeatedly to us as if we hadn‘t lived through it with him. I’ve begun to realize Owyn loves a good scrap. His victory rout afterwards would rival the proudest banty rooster. He holds his head high and bows his chest out, swaggers and rapidly paces till anyone watching becomes seasick. I excused myself and went to the bathing area.

As I stretched out on my mat I realized that I had been so busy feeling relieved the streets would be ‘Aggie-free’ that I had not noticed Gils' reaction to the arrest. He may not take it well, he is overly defensive and protective of the Orc. Would he blame me for his friend’s arrest?

I was playing with the idea of pretending to be asleep when Gils entered the bathing room, surprising me. I quickly shut my eyes and let my limbs go limp, but was obviously too late. Gils charged over and started tickling me.

“Pretend to sleep on me huh? You don’t want to talk to me? I still owe you punishment for that trick you played on me. I told you this was war! Er…what are you doing?�

I rolled at an angle to place my bottom over his mat. “Tickling makes me leave a puddle, so I am making sure it is your mat that gets it.�

Gils was in the process of trying to roll me back onto my mat when his eyes caught sight of my bandage sticking out slightly from my shirt. He stopped suddenly. “Maxical, I’m sorry. I didn’t think, did I hurt you? I had a wee 'Deoch an Doris' with Owyn. Come on then, I won’t tickle you anymore.�

He lifted me and gently laid me on my mat, his breath an intoxicating mixture of brandy and testosterone wafting by my nose. I think he was about to kiss me when the door opened and Owyn called his name.

“He knows a secret about you, I’m going to get him drunk so he’ll spill it.“ Gils breath tingled my ear as he got up and went back out with Owyn.

Get him drunk? They were both already staggering when they walked. They sounded like howling alley cats singing some of Owyn’s old country songs that Gils had denied knowing the day before, and between choruses they shouted “It's a braw bricht moonlicht nicht.�

Neither could say it distinguishably, which is supposed to signal time to stop drinking and go home. Instead they kept drinking the 'Deoch an Doris' or ‘one more before leaving’…then tried saying it again, slurring and stumbling through it till it was hardly recognizable. The point of that toast was moot since neither of them was leaving anyway, they both lived here.

When Owyn is in one of these moods he always toasts the 'Deoch an Doris' to get Gils to stay out there drinking with him. Gils usually quits first, but not when he is trying to get something out of Owyn.

Dissatisfaction and boredom fought for an uppermost place in my mind at Gils choosing to wrestle Owyn for secrets about me in favor of the kiss his lips had nearly promised…so close to mine I could almost taste them.

I rolled over and sat up suddenly. What was wrong with me? Why did I want Gils to kiss me? Why had I lay back and waited for it instead of pushing him away? Oh dear gods.

The alcohol was fogging the lines of the truce for Gils, his touch on my tail earlier was blurring them for me…had he started me when he grabbed my tail? Oh dear gods.

Fear roused me. I got up and dressed quickly, wincing with each movement. Sliding by two very tipsy men with their heads raised to the ceiling in song was surprisingly easy.






***

The night air was clean in my nostrils after so much time enclosed in that Bloodworks. The difference made me wonder if I should bathe before setting foot in Hannibal’s bedroom. I did, cutting down to the Rumare and digging the soap out of my pack.

Owyn’s bandages got wet, so I stripped them off. Hannibal could put fresh ones on me. I had just dipped under the water for a final rinse of my hair when I felt two hands pulling me up, too gentle to be an assault. The kiss I had waited for earlier came then.

My first kiss…I will remember it forever. Everything about it was a paradox. I wanted to feel every nuance and facet of it but felt I should be stopping Gils. My biggest fear was that if I wasn’t started already Gils kiss could put me there…no doubt it would.

I stood still in his arms, yet my heart pounded and I felt breathless as if I had run from here to the Jeralls. Gils tasted enticing…intoxicating. I wanted to savor the taste of him on my tongue, drink the flavor of his mouth as if it were wine. The scents...not just the brandy and Gils’ own mixture of sweet sweat beading over the clean scent of his unperfumed soap; but the Rumare wafting up from below and the night air wrapping itself around us as if to hold me there in his arms.

Gils’ response…I was unprepared for how his arousal would evoke impulses in me, as if forces were lining up… preparing. I felt a rudimentary flickering of awakenings inside me that gathered strength rapidly as his passion grew. I didn’t want to stop kissing him, everything in me was setting itself into place for it to continue to a natural conclusion. It was that moment of awareness that gave me the strength to push back from Gils’ embrace and struggle against the lure of him.

The fear of being started by someone other than Fathis is the only thing that kept me intact, because the night air, the Rumare, and the betrayal of my own senses… there could never be another night as romantic or perfect to give that which I had saved. I will carry that kiss in my memory forever.

My breathing was ragged, I felt rather than heard a purring coming from within me. My voice sounded deep in my ears. “Our truce Gils. You promised.�

“I love you, you know I love you.� If those words had been spoken during the kiss they may have been a catalyst that changed how that kiss ended. Coming as they did after it ended I had time to realize the urgency and need of his arousal that drove the words from him, and the brandy that fueled him as well. Gils was highly drunk.

It didn’t stop him from exuding charm, but made it easier for me to ignore it when I knew it was the brandy talking. “Gils…�

“I know. I shouldna' been drinking knowing I was under truce.�

“You shouldna' followed me either.� I imitated him.

“Why did you come down here to bathe in the middle of the night?�

“I didn’t. I’m going to Hannibal’s.�

“In the middle of the night?�

“I…I think you started me Gils. When you grabbed my tail.�

“I’m going with you then. If I have, you’ll be bound by it. You know that don’t you?�

“I know. But you won’t be.�

“I’ll be in here.� Gils pounded his fist over his heart then raised his open palm to me in the old country swear of a marriage vow.

“Now I know you’ve had too much brandy� I pulled my clothes on before he got any more ideas.

I asked Gils to wait in the lobby while I went and woke up Hannibal.






***

Hannibal woke to the sound of the teleporter and was sitting up watching when I emerged.

“What’s wrong Maxical, I can see it in your face.�

I was horsing around with my tail and a man grabbed it tight. I think he started me.�

“Tell me what you felt when he had hold of your tail.�

“A pleasurable tingle, but afterwards it felt like his hand was still there even though he never touched it again. And I craved him to do it again. I kept grabbing my tail to make it stop and look, I wore the hair off it in places. Then I thought he was going to kiss me and I lay back for the kiss. That isn’t like me. Just a while ago he did kiss me and I felt something…awakening inside me.�

“Do you know what this means?�

“That someone other than Fathis started me?�

“I have to give you an examination to determine that. It means Khajiit are not Orc.�

“That’s what he said too.“

“You need to read this book, and when you’re done will you see that Fathis gets it?� He handed me a copy of ‘The Khajiit Mystique’.

I nearly choked. “The guy that touched my tail has been reading this.�

Hannibal paused as if frozen, his hands sticking out stiffly in mid air. “Then he’s trying to seduce you.�

“Of course he is, he‘s in the Bloodworks. But I was making my tail into a cobra and trying to bite his face with it so he had a legitimate reason to grab it.�

“The ‘Famous Pop-Eye‘, hmmm? Is Andronicus still in jail?�

“Yes to both. He’s guarding me under truce, and kept it till he had brandy with Owyn tonight. He’s down in the lobby if you want to lecture him.�

I remembered something. “Oh! He told me the book says I should be eating meat. You know I don’t eat meat. But I ate crab today.�

“He’s absolutely trying to seduce you. Don’t eat any meat until you are ready to breed, it creates a hunger in you.�

“It did.�

“That is why Khajiit parents don’t give their children meat growing up. Now lets see if you have been started.�

“Interesting…hmmm. He didn‘t start you, but you’re very close. It won’t take much at all. What happened to your shoulder?�

“The Orc laid hands on me. He’s in jail for it as we speak.� I watched Hannibal’s face fighting to conceal the rage he was feeling looking at the damage Agronak had done.

“Here is some balm to put on your tail, you have worried the hair off it in places. Nobody but you better apply it. Here is a potion that will stop that sensation, just don’t stir it up again. We need to go over a few things. It is important you know what shouldn‘t be touched if you don‘t want to be started.�

I had quite a few things well instilled in me by Hannibal before he handed me the book back.

“What are these here in chapter seven?� I showed him the pages I had looked at in Gils book.

Hannibal eyed me before answering. “Those pages are things a woman can do with a man while still staying intact and unstarted.�

“So what was the ‘interesting, hmmm’ about?�

“Oh, a full Khajiit’s ovaries are very high up. They can only be started by a male Khajiit‘s barbs stimulating them in the act of mating. Yours are set much lower than that, almost as low as a human’s, you will not need to mate to be started, so must be extremely cautious.�

I gaped at him, the blank look on my face reflecting lack of comprehension. “I never paid attention to that stuff in class, Delphine and I were drawing dirty pictures. …Are you going to lecture Gils?�

“Who?�

“Gils, the man who pulled my tail.�

“Gils, a Dunmer?�

“Yes.�

“Sit back down.�


*

BWAHAHAHA! I see Maxical is about to get a lesson in the male Dunmer mystique!

Oh, and I will be PM'ing you concerning an anatomy lesson!

you have managed to do what so many teachers and parents have failed at...make a sex ed lesson 'non-awkward' yet at the same time, informative. I like your version of Hannibal...and Gils...and Owyn...and Agronak...and, well you get the picture. Hurrah for mALX and hurrah for Maxical and her slightly-higher-than-a-human-and-lower-than-a-khajiit-ovaries!

PS: Damien Reynard has an enormous part coming up shortly - much much more in depth than the original story. Do you want to proofread before they post? Let me know something, lol. You ROCK!!!

DAMIEN REYNARD....ENORMOUS PART COMING UP....IN DEPTH...





I think Damien's seen...Snatch!!! And that got him started...


...Because his, uh, MALE OVARIES are hanging lower than any other male...

*in fact his ones are the originator of the phrase "how they hanging"??*




I think I should - I SHOULD - proofread it. For BOTH our sakes.

Another fun read, mALX.

The scene where Gils kissed Maxical was very nicely done!

Oh dear oh dear, hormones are a pain aren't they Maxi?

edit: stupid auto-censor.

Hannibal is a man of many talents- he was able to have "the talk" with Maxical without too much trouble. Of course, the fact that she had already seen some pictures helped. But then, as many a teenage boy has discovered- the pictures are not always accurate, nor do they convey some rather essential information.



Trust Maxical to be bored in Sex Ed!

@ Hauty - Thank you so much Hauty! I am still fuddling with trying to reword that more accurately. And now here is what you forecast...

***
@ Hazmick - Thank you so much Hazmick!!! I was really close to cutting that technical stuff out, but I really pictured Hannibal carrying it through! It feels really good to know it wasn't too much.

***
@ SPEW! Foxy - ROFL !!!! [choke, gasp] Thank you very much Foxy! I will scout ahead and start sending you the roughies, lol. (not rufees). You ROCK !!!!

***
@ Acadian - Thank you very much Acadian! I really hated to edit that, so didn't. I am glad it came across with your stamp of approval, I was concerned it might be too...too. Very glad to hear it wasn't.

***
@ Remko - Wait...is that an umbrella in your pocket or...wait, isn't an umbrella another word for...a protective covering...where's my urban dictionary when I need it? ROFL! Thank you so much Remko, but you are the master of writing love scenes!

***
@ Treydog - Yeah! You caught my favorite line!!! I was picturing her hearing that [wah wah] sound (that sound that Charlie Brown's teacher makes when she talks) the minute Hannibal got technical, lol.
Thank you so much Treydog!!!

*


Chapter 41: Mistakes We Make



Hannibal told me a brief history of Gils and the other Khajiit. They were together a year, and Agronak made her life a living hell. Gils never stopped him and finally dumped her over Agronak.

I knew Gils and Agronak were close, but to give up the woman you love over the Orc? So much for his pledge if he had started me. I had to be more careful around him, I was playing with fire and waiting till it burned me to stop.

Hannibal continued. “Agronak’s mother moved in with Gils and his father when Agronak was just a baby. Both parents fell ill from a lingering disease when he was just a lad. Gils had healers in from everywhere, even the Arcane…none could cure them. He had to nearly raise Agronak. He gave up his music to do it. When Agronak was older Gils went back out on the road and began performing again…till his father died. After his father died, Gils quit his music career…Agronak was having a mental breakdown…it was assumed to be over the death. Gils felt it best to move him and his mother here and take a job that would keep him nearby. He got them that house with his savings…�

“Gils bought the house for them?�

Hannibal nodded. “Gils joined the Arena to support them. The Khajiit joined at the same time so she would be…safe in the Bloodworks. She said Agronak had become dangerous, and that Gils didn’t believe her…or try to stop Agronak. Then Agronak joined the Yellow Team. She thought he was coming after her…but Owyn thought Agronak joined to kill Gils.�

I had a sharp intake of breath remembering Agronak’s tone when he was threatening to kill Gils when we spoke that day. “Or maybe both…� I didn’t realize I had said the words aloud till I heard them echo in the silence of Hannibal’s quarters.

“When Gils wouldn’t protect her from Agronak, she turned to the Champion and he did. She ended up breaking with Gils. The Champion bought out her contract and they left the Arena together. Agronak’s breakdown seemed to clear up. Gils stalled his career because he couldn’t bring himself to fight Agronak. Both parents…sick so long, dying from their illness…Gils had to act as father to Agronak…�

“His mother didn’t die of the illness, I found a bottle of poison in her bed after she died.�

“A suicide?�

“I guess. Owyn said nobody could empty a large bottle of poison like that, but it was empty and hadn’t spilled into the bedding, so he has to be wrong. Besides that, Agronak was there that night, he would have seen it if anyone else was there. …What is that look for?“

“Er, nothing. If the mental illness was congenital Agronak would have needed more care than the average child, creating a stronger bond between them.�

“Believe me Hannibal, he still has mental problems. He is displaying them prominently since his mother died. He was acting very strange…but Hassiri came up and he acted completely normal in front of him. As soon as Hassiri left he did this to my shoulder.�

“Tell me about Gils.�

“Gils is…a caretaker. He protected me from a gang of thirty prisoners that tried to take it from me by force when I left here last. You know I wouldn’t have survived. Half the time he is the protector, the other half he is trying to seduce me, and he is very good at what he does both ways. Gils could charm a snake into romance. I nearly…gave in to him tonight.�

“Listen Maxical, Gils' history with women is only one relationship better than Fathis’s. He will always choose Agronak over anything else, even his own career and happiness. You think about that before letting down your guard. You know Fathis loves you, and you two have a history together.�

“He used to. Fathis broke with me over losing the golden armor. I wonder if I save myself for naught. The blue show creates an overpowering drive in me to mate and draws men like flies who want to be the first to take it. Fathis knows this, if he still wants me…where is he? It should be him flirting with me and trying to seduce me. I got my first kiss tonight, it should have been with him. It’s exciting to be pursued, desired…charmed. I am ready now, where is Fathis?�

“Fathis holds a high position in Bravil, he is known everywhere. Legally he can’t court you till you reach eighteen. It is a legitimate concern. Getting the flag so young has placed you in a bad situation, and Fathis in a worse one if he tries to date you now.�

“He can’t even speak that all is well between us? Give me hope to wait for him? Hannibal, my parents had no documentation on them when they were killed. The Legion only guessed at my age, and didn‘t even know I was Khajiit. I think they were off by three years. It would explain me having the show now.�

“He can’t go against your legal papers, you would have to file a petition in court to have your age changed. I know he still cares, he paid the damages to the Arena from your explosion.�

“Fathis did? I didn’t know that! I wonder if Jack would petition the court for me?�

“Maxical, you’re nearly eighteen now…here, let me give you this potion that will calm that cycle a bit. Now you stay up here, I’ll go talk to Gils if he’s still there.�

Hannibal hadn’t instructed me to duplicate the potions, but I assumed I should. I drank one of each and slid the originals into my pack.






***

I looked up from the book when I heard the transporter and was surprised to see Gils with Hannibal. I held up ‘The Khajiit Mystique’ and stuck my tongue out. He didn’t give his wicked laugh, but his eyes were lit with the held in laughter.

Hannibal set us down at his table and waved his hand for us to help ourselves. While he poured Gils a brandy I hovered my hand over the meats as if choosing, looking right into Gils eyes while I did it. Hannibal must have lectured him about that, Gils’ face turned red.

Hannibal reminisced about my ill deeds at school and nearly got Gils choking he laughed so hard. Then he talked about the band and the music festival.

“Gils could be a professional singer if he wanted, Hannibal. His voice is wonderful.�

“I heard him sing about thirty years ago in Anvil.�

I sat up bug-eyed. “Did you make love during ‘THE Song?’�

Hannibal ignored my question. “Maxical was never allowed to sing when there were conjured Daedra on campus, it appeared to be some form of torture for them.�

Gils laughed. “Jack banned her from singing on Arena property. He’s afraid Gaiden Shinji‘s dream will crumble to the ground from it.�

I changed the subject. “Owyn and Jack want to interview the band early morning the first day of the festival. He wants a year contract to play the Arena. It’s a very well paying gig, do you think they’ll be interested?�

“I can promise they will be.�

“Wes, Gils and I will be there to rehearse. Jack and Owyn are coming with the contracts, and Hassiri to cover it. Owyn ruined my plans to arrive early and beard Fathis in his suite, I can’t expect him to be romantic with a five man entourage in tow.�

Hannibal looked worried when we left. I saw his silhouette in the window watching Gils chasing me around laughing.

“Hannibal will holler at Fathis for ignoring me. He’s the one who should be flirting and charming me. Or at least start me before ignoring me so I’m bound to him instead of someone’s latest conquest.�

“All Fathis ever had was conquests till he met you. Why don’t you believe in me?“

“You chose Agronak over love Gils. He comes first with you. Owyn, Andronicus, and now Hannibal have all drilled it into my head so I don’t fall for you.�

“That’s not fair.�

“Neither is taking second place to Agronak.�

“That’s twenty years past.�

“No it isn’t. The ring trick, the deed, my shoulder…Owyn and Jack acted on my behalf…did you? Nothings changed since then. Aw Gils, you could easily seduce someone naïve like me. Sometimes you are so charming it takes my breath…your eyes, your laugh, the way you sing…I’ll remember that kiss the rest of my life. And with all those warnings from everyone, and being promised to another…still tonight…I would have been yours, no ‘moves’ needed. I already love you, that’s how dumb I am. So if it’s all a game…stop. I don‘t want to end like the other Khajiit.�

Gils caught my hand and turned me to face him. He didn’t try to kiss me, just pulled me into his arms and held me close speaking softly in my ear. I didn’t speak, just listened to his voice in my ear, the sound of his heart pounding against my cheek. He cupped my hand in his and cuffed it over his heart twice, then raised it in vow still cradling my hand. “I’ve never sworn vows with anyone before in my life Maxical. No one. I love you.�

He vowed his love…then sought my lips, keeping my hand cupped in his and raised in the marriage vow throughout the kiss. Had there been witnesses we would be legally married by that vow, no formal ceremony needed. I had everyone’s warnings ringing in my ears and every reason not to believe him…but somehow I did.

I don’t know how someone can love two people, but I did. I had loved Fathis all my life, always would…but Gils had charmed me into loving him. Fathis had been a distant dream since I was a child, now more so than ever. Maybe because he had never touched me, or even held my hand…never acknowledged or confirmed the commitment. We hadn’t really spoken since I lost his golden armor. It felt like I waited for something that would never happen.

Gils was real, tangible, I could feel him coursing through me like a fire that needed quenching. And he made it clear it was reciprocal. If it was a mistake I was making it.

“Hannibal said Fathis waits till I am of age to begin courting. But in case he still wants me, I have to keep what I promised him Gils.�

Gils turned toward me as if hesitant to speak, then took my hand.

“More likely he waits because he dreads the time when he will be saddled with a raw child in the bedroom. Like me, he’s only been with experienced women. We Dunmer are sought out for our expertise, but it is rare even amongst women of skill to find one that knows the tricks of how to please us. Yes, he expects you to keep what you promised…but I’d wager everything I own that he welcomes any other experience you gain during this time so you are not…gauche on the wedding night.�

The humiliation was overwhelming. Had that kiss that meant so much to me been…gauche to Gils? Oh dear gods.

“That was my first kiss Gils…�

“I know. Don’t worry about it.“

Oh dear gods, it was. “Tricks? Like what?�

“I’ll teach you. Otherwise you’ll be left sitting home alone while he seeks out experienced women after the marriage.�

I remembered what Andronicus said about Dunmer men, and everything I’d learned about Fathis through the years. Married women positively hounded him. Even Gils was hounded by Horski. I heard him tell Owyn he preferred to pleasure himself as be with her…

“Are these things you taught to Horski?�

“Good gods no! Nor anyone else, ever. Not even the other Khajiit before you ask.�

“Why for me?�

Gils took my hand and held it to his heart. “I’ve sworn vows with you. These…Dunmer only teach the wife. You told me of your promise to him from the start, so I have to honor it. But that which you promised him is the only thing I’ll leave him. You’ll stay intact unless you ask me to take it, but you will be my wife in every other way. He may never come, if he does you can choose. I’m keeping my vow to you till you give up your promise to him…or me.“

That night Gils began introducing me to the mysteries of being the wife of a Dunmer. We were careful to follow chapter seven of 'The Khajiit Mystique' so I wouldn‘t be started…and I duplicated a good supply of Hannibal’s potions.


*

And now the storyline comes into the realms of ... Kathleen Woodwiss et al.

Hmmm....I have a LOT more to say, but first let's see if the other constant readers get that.

Poor Maxi... torn between a rock and a har... no wait... let's keep it civil
Loved it mALX Gils and Hannibal truly shine in these last few chapters.

That Gils is nothing but trouble, Maxical should be more careful. A brilliant chapter and you continue to deliver a rich story that keeps me wanting more. please.

Wonderfully rich background on Gils and Agronak. Well-presented by using Hannibal as the messenger.

Now, we have one very confused kitty.

I second hazmick's warning- whatever Gils may say, he doesn't really love Maxical. Of course, I find Fathis' intentions questionable, as well, so my bias is showing.

This chapter adds a lot of depth- and provides more mysteries to ponder. And it appears that Hannibal is doing some of that pondering, himself.

Poor kitty- raging hormones are NOT fun.

The story is always improving. Will you ever peak? Will the world ever know how many licks until the center of the tootsie pop? So many questions, so few answers...

I have got a LOT of catching up to do. Let's begin:

Chapter 34: Tails and Tales of Madness

Cage matches, Orc impotence, goring crotches, and Wes Johnson as Lucien LaChance The Gray Fox the voice of the Arena! Why do I have the feeling I may need plastic covers for my screen and keyboard to read what happens next?! Everyone else pointed out everything else I wanted to. Let me echo their comments with a heartfelt ME TOO!!!

Chapter 35: Gaiden Shinji’s Nightmare

WAITAMINUTE!!!! Owyn must have been eating his ‘Maxical tablets’ if he is willing to send her into a pitch-black room in which you can’t carry a torch for fear of blowing up the Arena?? Why do I know that this will not end well?

BOOOMMMM!!!!!

Is that the esteemed Arch-Mage removing an impaled body from a spike on top of the Arena?

Gaiden Shinji’s nightmare, indeed!!

Given how much this ‘episode’ is going to cost him, tell Fathis to just write a check and buy The Best Defense if he wants to get the golden armor back!

Chapter 36: Broke, Busted, Disgusted


Classic.

So all of this, everything that Agronak did is to maintain the appearance of virility? He’s Grand Champion of the [censored] Arena for Shinji’s sake! He could walk around [censored] Cyrodiil in a russet felt dress and no one would have the [censored] guts to question his masculinity. I wonder how he’s going to feel when he learns that Maxical has written a veritable book of jokes lampooning his [censored] ‘condition’.

Khajiit porn FTW!!!

Chapter 37: A Secret By Any Other Name




Owyn’s been hitting the sauce again!! I hope the truce he was on wasn’t with Andronicus!!!

I remember you once made a comment in a chapter of mine that had me thinking about it for days afterward. Let me return the favor by pointing out that Owyn is too drunk to realize that Gils DIDN’T WASH HIS HANDS!!!

Honestly I don’t think you should worry about re-wording a thing! Incorporating true cat-like behavior into Maxical has been admirably accomplished. The fact that you are able to do so in a way that makes us all think of it as something else is pure genius!

Chapter 38: The Orc and the Urn

A ‘fudge dragon’? Do I detect the strains of laughter coming from Mr. Garrison’s classroom?

I am with everyone else here. I can’t wait to read the next edition of the Courier! Please tell me that we get to!

*Destri hides from all of his male friends while beset by a welcome case of infectious giggles*

Chapter 39: Agronak, Back to Back

Hassiri just shines in this chapter. In fact, all of the brothers at the Courier are well-drawn, but I just love the way that you have written Hassiri.

You forgot ‘assaulting a member of the Imperial guard’ to Agronak’s list of charges. The idea that he might get to read the next edition of the Courier while sitting in the cell next to Andronicus is too delicious for words.

Antoine’s sudden burst into song was a little jarring. This is a sore spot for me because I have had to tell people time after time, that not all Redguards are adept making rhyme.

*Destri re-reads his last sentence, then looks sheepishly at his own feet.*

Dammit!

Chapter 40: Promotions and Commotions

Is that the esteemed Arch-Mage imparting sex education to our favorite Khajiit in the middle of the night?!

Finally Maxical gets her own copy of The Khajiit Mystique, but seeing as how she embodies it, I am not sure how much she is going to learn. Maybe it will improve her ability to draw dirty pictures, or maybe it will be the source for new inspiration for more limericks to make at Agronak’s expense.

Chapter 41: Mistakes We Make

It’s about time between Maxical and Gils! I honestly can’t understand why anyone would root for Fathis in this situation. Sure he has been there for her with an open wallet, but that’s all he’s been there for. Gils has risked life and limb to keep her safe, all for the sake of a vow that she gave to another. If that isn’t love, what is? Sure he has acted poorly in the past, but with Maxical he has never been anything short of honorable. Go Gils!!

And Foxy, are you referring to Kathleen Woodiwiss, author of The Flame and the Flower. That is the only romance novel I have ever liked. I regret to say that I have not read any of her other books.



All caught up again!

@ Foxy - ARGH! But...at least she has 368 million copies in print of her works! Well, you may not love my romantic chapter, but you will def love how awesome the new Damien roles are! I will send them to you! Thank you so much Foxy!! (ARGH!)

***
@ Remko - Thank you so much Remko !!! I like Hannibal more in this story than in the original Maxical story too. I didn't like Gils in game that much, but he took over my PC when I was writing this, lol. Thanks!

***
@ Hazmick - Thank you so very much Hazmick! Don't we all make mistakes and wrong choices sometimes, lol. - wait, did I say that? Lol.

***
@ Acadian - Thank you very much Acadian - I was worried there was too much "telling" going on there, but wanted the reader in on the background of those two. You ROCK !!!

***
@ Treydog - That last scene after they left the Arcane - It was a combination of intent that he manipulate and being undecided what to do with his character. In the end it brought something that I found running through the rest of the story that I actually liked and wanted to keep in there. Uh oh, did that horse get loose again? ARGH !!! Thank you so very much Treydog!!

***
@ Zalphon - Thank you so much Zalphon! It will get better, I promise! Lol.

***
@ YEAH!!!! Destri !!!!!!! -



And he can't say he wasn't warned!



That was my fave line in that chapter I think.



ROFL !!!!!



EW !!!



SPEW!!! ROFL !!! GAAAAH !!!!



Isn't it now "Mrs. Garrison's classroom?" - and absolutely correct. My son walked by and said that, it is where he got it from. I watched it repeatedly and logged all the references I could, then supplemented them with the Urban dictionary, lol.



Thank you!!!!!! From someone who made a bar girl scrubbing the floor in one tiny scene into a memorable and tangible character - I feel humbled and tickled to hear (at the same time) !!!




It was jarring, that is why I had Owyn whisper to him first as if he briefed him on what to do - but I fiddled with it till I could scream and couldn't find a way to make it a smooth transition. On this upcoming chapter you will see it had some significance, that is why I was hesitant to drop it.

Thank you so very much Destri !!! You have been terribly missed, and I am so glad you are posting again !!!! WOO HOO !!!!!

*

*


Chapter 42: Opening Pandora’s Box



******* Hannibal

The door of Fathis’s suite was opened by Alix. “Hannibal! What are you doing up at this time of the morning?�

“The Orc laid hands on Maxical.� Hannibal said, pushing past him into the room.

“When?� Alix’s voice got very quiet.

The sound of Fathis leaping out of bed was followed by him charging into the room, his armor conjured by the time he was halfway to Hannibal. “Where is he?�

“It was earlier today. He’s in jail for it right now. He crushed her shoulder with his bare hands. It gets worse. He poisoned his mother, she didn‘t die from the illness. Maxical knows about the poison but she thought it was a suicide. She said the Orc was with his mother that night. She didn’t figure it out and I didn‘t tell her.�

Fathis stretched his arms out and started loading spells.

“Wait Fathis. When you were in school, and wanted to get rid of a bully, did they ever do a chain on them?� Alix’s eyes reflected cold like one would expect from an assassin rather than the easy going man Hannibal knew.

“Yes, of course.� Fathis said with impatience, drawing his sword and pulling a yellow-gray whetstone with practiced ease over the blades.

“Well something hardly anyone knows is that Agronak has a glass jaw. If he is attacked with magic, he’ll come out looking like a victim…a hero. But if regular citizens on the streets are able to knock him out, he will be humiliated publicly. He tried to ruin Maxical, it‘s time for payback. It might be time to air his other problem as well.� Alix’s eyes looked calculating.

“I’m all for that.� Fathis’s eyes lit up, obviously finding favor with exposing Agronak‘s inability in that area. “…Wait…must it be fisticuffs?� Fathis’s expression drew down into a frown.

Hannibal clapped Fathis on the shoulder. “Don’t be disappointed Fathis, Alix knows tricks even someone not experienced in hand-to-hand can do.“ He turned to Alix, his eyes gleaming. “Horseshoes in a sack?�

“Exactly. Fathis, I’ll show you how it works, you may need to boost your arm speed with magic, but you can take out a Daedra with one hit using this trick.� Alix clapped Fathis on the shoulder. He started pulling his boots on. “Er…Fathis, are you willing to pay a few people about 200 Septims each plus pay their lawyers fees if they get arrested for assault?�

“Of course!� Fathis answered without looking up from digging through his spells. “Which is best to boost arm speed Traven?�

Hannibal glanced up from scanning through his own spells. “Say Alix, what about bringing Hassiri in to report? Maxical uses him exclusively. She said he is…in her corner? He’s the one that made her arrest look like bad guards and worse lawyers. Wouldn‘t it spread Agronak’s humiliation quicker and farther if it was reported in the Courier?�

“Good idea Hannibal!� The calculating look was back on Alix’s face.

Hannibal dug his elbow in Fathis‘s side, showing him which spell to use. “Use this spell to speed your arm movement. You have to wear a robe or cloak the first couple days to hide the sack, after that your gauntlet, or even bare fist with enhanced speed is all you need.�

“A robe! I won’t…wait, I could wear that crimson velvet I bought in Shivering Isles…� Fathis mused aloud.

Alix grinned, gouging Hannibal with his elbow.

“Fathis, what about that purple one? Maxical said you looked like a king in it.� Hannibal taunted.

“I’ll just wait till the third day so I can wear armor. You’re a real comedian, Traven.“ Fathis practiced using the spell several times, shooting his arm forward.

“You have to do an uppercut on Agronak, like this Fathis.� Alix showed him.







******* Alix

“Hello Arch Mage Traven. Come in. How may I be of service to you?� Hassiri held his pad up.

Alix reached over and pulled the pad down, then he and Fathis introduced themselves to Hassiri speaking in polite Khajiit, which is used to denote someone of ranking or high respect. Hassiri preened slightly.

“If you don’t mind, may we speak with you off the record?� Alix asked.

“Come in, please.�

“Hassiri, when you were in school, did they run chains on bullies?� Alix asked, taking the indicated seat.

“I take it you heard of the Orc’s attack on Maxical.�

“Yes. It tops the debt he already owed for trying to ruin her publicly.� Fathis added in polite Khajiit.

Hassiri agreed, but noticed Hannibal didn’t understand. “You need to study the language as your friends have, Arch Mage Traven.� He spoke in Cyrodiilic and nodded to the others to follow suit.

“Your plan is a chain on the Orc? And what role in this are you here to discuss with me?� Hassiri turned back to Fathis.

“I am willing to pay a salary of your choice for three days to be in certain places and witness, do interviews. We would like coverage by the Courier. Also, if you know anyone that wishes to participate, I will pay 200 Septims and lawyers fees if they are arrested. Here is the lawyer I’ll be providing.� Fathis handed him the card.

Hassiri’s eyes widened. “He is the best“ He hesitated. “…I…think you may be interested in something that happened just this evening. The Orc resisted arrest. Owyn subdued him with one hit, then left. Agronak woke up thrashing…a young lad stepped up and knocked him out again, one hit…but then made up a rhyme about him and sang it. It was quite funny. He sang about Orc mixes and a particular…lack in certain areas, about him having a glass jaw…he had me in stitches. Humor has a way of reaching people quicker, Maxical uses it quite a bit. People like rhymes, remember them.“

“The…inability, the glass jaw; both are true about Agronak. I wonder how the lad knew?� Alix mused.

“Impotence in the offspring of Orc mixes has been the subject of much research.� Hannibal confirmed, nodding.

Hassiri’s eyes lit with unreleased laughter. “Too bad we are off the record. But if you run this chain, maybe the participants could…make up a rhyme about it for me to report.�

“I’m all for that. Even if you just report it as rumor it will catch attention.� Fathis added.

“Simplicia would be great for that, did you ever see her comedy act Hassiri? She used to be handy with a sack of horseshoes, too. S’Jirra would be good too…how much greater would be the humiliation if women were knocking him out!� Alix grinned and turned to Hannibal. “I’ve had a crush on Simplicia since I was a tadpole.�

“Oh I used to go sit in the front row, just hoping she would glance my way.� Hannibal reminisced, his eyes sparkling. “Her humor just touched on the risqué, never over the top…she was my first love…� Hannibal stared unseeing at a flowered vase on the table as if lost in thought.

“I used to squirm under the tent on my belly to see her. She’d just smile at me…� Alix’s voice sounded far away as he revisited the memories, a lopsided grin on his face.

“I too had a crush on her.� Hassiri said quietly. “How would someone who wanted to be an outraged citizen contact you, the suite at the Merchants?� Hassiri directed the question to Fathis, but Alix answered.

“Yes, and we must be done before the music festival.�

“I will also be unavailable that day, your daughter has given me a heads up. Reporting on this will give me great pleasure. I am not fond of the Orc at all. Your daughter has treated me very well.�

“She speaks highly of you Hassiri.� Hannibal smiled.

“And I want to thank you for the kind coverage you gave her over the arrest Hassiri.� Alix said, rising and shaking his hand. “Hannibal and I will step out if you would like to discuss figures with Fathis. It has been a pleasure meeting you.“ Alix signaled Hannibal and he rose to leave.

“Uh, just one second before you go…I’d like to discuss something with you all that must be sworn to secrecy.�

Hassiri waited as each pounded their chest and raised their hands to face him.

“You have my vow of silence.� Each said in succession.

When all had sworn he spoke.

“The lad that knocked Agronak out tonight is Owyn’s nephew, Antoine Dodson.�

“That’s how he knew about Agronak!� Alix made a loud snapping sound with his fingers. “Oh you’re right Hassiri. Owyn would lose his position if it were known.�

“Antoine’s whole family relies on him since the father died. He came here looking for work, hoping to move his family out of that slum of Ocato’s. The other day he had to save his sister from a rapist that crawled in the window. He is sharp, quick thinking, hard working, and reliable. Here is the note from Owyn.� Hassiri handed the note to Fathis.

Fathis glanced at, then pocketed the illegible note. “I’m sure between us we can bring his family to safety and find employment for him.�

Hassiri cleared his throat. “Well…Antoine knocked Agronak out and his funny rhyme will be reported in tomorrows Special Edition…does that net him that two hundred Septims you were talking about Fathis? He wasn’t arrested, they thanked him for his help.�

“Of course! Send him to me when he rises, we‘ll see what work interests him…find a safe home for his family. Maybe his sister would like a scholarship at the Arcane as well…� Fathis pulled a book of cheques out.

“Tell me Fathis, is it true you and Maxical have an understanding of marriage?“ Hassiri held his pad up as he took the empty chair nearest Fathis. Alix and Hannibal stepped outside.









******* Hassiri

“Ra'jiradh, Urjabhi! Don’t roll that print yet, I want to add a few things to it. Wait till you hear this!�









******* Maxical


The sound of Owyn spewing his coffee and roaring woke me. I looked over at Gils, he shrugged and got up to see what it was about. Gils popped back in the door.

“Owyn‘s face was nearly purple. He had the Courier in his hands.�

“Is it me? Am I in trouble?“ I started pulling myself up.

“He stormed out the chute, he must be going to Jack’s office. I grabbed a copy while I was out there to see what it was all about.�

“It must not be me this time then.“

I stretched back out to get the last few minutes of sleep before the Bloodworks started humming with activity. Gils plopped back down on his mat to read it. He promptly broke into hysterics.

I rolled over. “What is it?�

“It says here that, according to Agronak you bullied poor Owyn and Andronicus into their criminal activity and that your temper is so bad that Agronak trembles in fear of you losing it.�

“Gils, you’re lying, it doesn’t say that.�

“I’m serious, look for yourself.�

“What? Let me see that!�

“No, you can’t bully me.� He waved the paper over me then jerked it back when I reached for it.

“Gils, give me that!�

“Oooo, I’m really scared!� Gils taunted.

“If I get up from here you will be sorry.�

“I’m trembling in fear!�

I flashed him the Arena sign for ‘I’m coming to get you’ and started getting up. Gils stuck the paper underneath him and flashed the sign for ‘come get me‘ then thumbed his nose at me.

“You think I can’t get you off that paper?�

“Bully! Don’t push me into a life of crime now.�

I acted like I was going to attack his upper quadrant so he put up his defenses and instead I dropped down on his legs and grabbed his feet. I tickled the bottoms of his feet till he squirmed off the paper and I grabbed it, running back to my mat.

“I’m telling Hassiri you bruised me.� Gils taunted.

I ignored him.

“Confessions of a Grand Champion! The Gray Prince reveals all? Oh no. Agronak has made himself sound really bad in this. Oh no! They are casting innuendo about Hannibal and me! …According to this Agronak said you are a sex maniac masquerading as a hero!�

“You’re lying.�

“No I’m not, I couldn‘t make that up.�

“Let me see.� Gils reached for the Courier.

“No.� I waved the paper over him and jerked it back when he reached for it.

“I’m going to do an interview and tell them how cruel you are to your teammates.�

“You’ll be able to tell them how you were decapitated.�

“I’m really scared!� Gils pretended to shake.

I flipped my hand in a smooth gesture and unsheathed just one claw, waving it at him.

Gils sat up. “Aw, that was impressive! Have you named it?�

“I showed it to you before, remember? It’s called the Khajiit Proctologist.“

“EW! How did you think up all these moves and names for them?�

“I was the only Khajiit at the Arcane, you can combat a whole lot of prejudice if you are entertaining.�

I sheathed it and went back to reading. “Do you think Agronak will be out of jail by the music festival? If he is, I hope he doesn’t show up and cause trouble at our promotion.�


*

Alix, Fathis, and Traven all in cahoots plotting the downfall of the Grey Prince. That (half) Orc is toast!! I think it would be great if Simplicia did the honors. Or perhaps S'Jirra, I imagine she would want a piece of Agronak for everything he has done to her beloved Maxical. I could just see her sitting on Agronak's fallen carcass with her legs crossed eating a slice of potato-bread!

This sounds like quite the scheme brewing!


Nice!

Good playful background action as Maxical and Gils teased the newspaper back and forth.

Edti: Oh, I've been remiss in not commenting that I'm quite enjoying the hints of cat-like behavior you are more and more weaving into our catwoman. Her tail gestures, shucking her shoes before a fight, flicking out one claw . . . . Bravo!

Enjoyed all of this one- but I think my favorite moments were- the 3 recalling Simplicia when she was on the stage- and the "fight" over the newspaper- especially Maxical's new "move."