@ Foxy - Thank you so very much Foxy !!!! And you are correct, it is because she is Khajiit that she is able to pick up scents where a human could not, I'm playing on the cat having something like 200 million olfactory senses (compared to human's 20), lol. You ROCK !!!

***
@ Naughty Haute - Thank you so much Haute!!! I'm so glad you caught that I was using that testosterone level for the smell emitting from the vampires! And you are right, it is not a pleasant smell when the vampire comes out - but a strong odor.

I based my vampire on physiological alterations that take place when the vampire nature is released to act:

The first thing that happens is extremely high amounts of adrenalin and testosterone flood his system. (explaining their tremendous speed and strength)

Being a cat, I knew she would pick up on a different scent between a regular person and a vampire (who was fully activated) - even if she didn't know the reason for the change in their aura or scent.

As a basis, I used a study they did with large cats. They put urine from three cats in different rooms: a female, a neutered male, and a full (stud - Tom) male. Then they brought a female cat into the rooms, turned her loose and observed. She showed no overt behavior changes in the rooms with the neutered male or female urine - but in the room with the full (stud - Tom) male urine: she rolled on the floor purring, then got into the mating position.

They measured the testosterone of the males, and tried some with low testosterone. The low testosterone level got no response from the female cat.

Everything I read about neutering cats agreed with what you said: that the strong scent in the male's urine is based on their testosterone level and goes away as their testosterone decreases after neutering.

(and also agreed with what you said regarding sweaty human men - the higher the testosterone, the more pungent the body odor and the stronger the odor of their sweat)

Her being a cat, she would definately smell the difference, she just doesn't know it is because they are a vampire.

You ROCK !!!!! And thank you for validating my theory on that, I studied and researched a lot on that because I wanted to get just the right physiological changes that were tangible in the vampires !!! Awesome !!!

***
@ Destri - Thank you so much Destri !!!


ROFL !!! And I agree, between Gils and Maxical, it was a toss up as to who was having the worst day, lol.

I did play with the idea of having the monkeys roaming the Imperial City and popping out every now and then to frighten people - but since I'm gearing up to get her out of the Arena - thought it best to tie up that loose end right in that chapter, lol. Thank you again, Destri !!!! I appreciate your support a lot !!!

***
@ Acadian - Thank you so very much Acadian !!! Yes, I am keeping it in there (from the original story) that Vicente uses illusion to revert to his appearance as "The Man" that he was before becoming a vampire - also, Jakben Imbel can do that too. Janus did not inherit that ability with his line, maybe because he is immortal he doesn't need to hide, lol.

Thank you so much for the nit, I fixed that !!! You ROCK !!!! And are so appreciated !!!

A last quick note on the whole sexy/smelly/stinky business: it is not always necessarily true that human males with the largest amount of testosterone are the stinkiest.

Testosterone secretions, as I have stated above, are not directly detectable by the human nose: which is why they have to be bound with musk (as indeed all perfumes are bound) so that their smell will be amplified and persist.

(The reason why musk stinks is simple - it is also bacteria feast food, and when unwashed it rapidly becomes a bacteria farm!)

And that is why human females love to sniff male sweat - when it is fresh and yet unspoiled by bacteria - and hate its stink when it is stale.

However, to continue, not all racial types of human have the same amount of musk glands in their skin. I shall (to avoid charges of racism) not mention the racial types that have the LARGEST amount of musk glands in the skins of males, but I can mention that research has found that Asians in General, and Koreans in particular, have the LEAST amount of musk glands.

So why do some Asian males still stink? Well, human scent is a cocktail (ahem, cough, cough, no Foxy jokes please) of over twenty different chemicals, and these chemicals change according to what you eat, drink, or smoke, or even where you live - in a smog-laden city or in the fresh country, for instance.

Here endeth Foxy's smelly sayings.

Is this to say that you won't be charged with racism by Asians in general, and Koreans in particular?

Don't worry, Foxy . . . you can't be a 'racist' until you can keep me from getting a job!

GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAK !!!! ** mALX just puked her guts up **

Here is what I originally posted on Acadian's thread:

Ode To Gaspar

Now that I am old and gray, and time is running out
What used to be my sex appeal, is now my water spout...


All this talk of stench...I felt the wording needed changing...


Ode To Foxy

By farming bacteria feast food...or should that have read yeast?
According to Foxy, by eating certain foods - I will smell like a beast !!!!

Oh wait...I'm female! There goes the whole premise of this poem,
For being she instead of he...I have no testosterone !!!

Dang it mALX don't make me laugh until I cry.... how many, how MANY times have I had to clean my nose of food and beverages I have inadvertently snorted (snotted?) due to your dagger-like wit...


REVENGE! I noticed that you haven't been over to Ole Andy lately. He's posted some (cough cough) boring chapters....why don't you (innocent look on face) stroll over there, if you have some spare time and read....(even more innocent look) ...and you might feel hungry...pack some sandwiches and coffee for reading..

I will! And by the way...what you eat effects how you taste as well. (but you didn't hear that from me) So if you stumble across any cannibals next time you're AWOL from here ... DON'T EAT THE JALEPENOS !!! Let them enjoy their tasty Foxy stew without heartburn afterward...GAAAAAH !!!!

This is actually true. They were feeding chickens (ground up fish bones) in Florida - the chicken tasted like fish.

They fed (ground fishy chicken bones mixed with ground fish bones) to the cattle in Florida - the beef tasted just like fishy chicken and fish ... etc. etc.

So, if I grind up little cats and feed them to chickens....will that become an inexpensive way to eat pooohsee?

Er...and by "inexpensive" you meant...?????? Does this mean you pay to....eat... ... .... .... BWAAAAHAAA!!!!!!!

mALX, though I have not been posting on the board for awhile, I have still been checking back to read this story...and I love what you've done with it. Your first Vicente was interesting and evil...but this rendition is so much better. His evil is just so much more...realistic (I know, I'm talking about a vampire and "realistic", right? But it just feels more like this is a real character than a story...if that makes any sense?) Janus is a far more complex character (I honestly like him [not your writing!!] a lot less this time around, but he's a fantastic character). And the whole bit with the attack on Maxical before her cage match...did not see that coming! This story is incredible...awesome...epic...fantastic...stupendous...unbelievable...amazing...I could go on!!

Also, allow me to reiterate what others have said -- you have a gift for depicting vampires!

Thank you so much Rachel - You just can have no idea how missed you've been !!!!!! When I saw your story at the top of the page, I whooped and jumped up and down like an ape !!!!! ROFL You have def been missed !!! Thank you so much for the kind words - from someone who is an AWESOME inspiration to me !!!!

*


D. Foxy has graciously agreed to co-write this chapter, employing his character Damien "Foxy" Reynard. Foxy has written or approved all the parts for Damien Reynard and his agents. I hope you enjoy it as much as we have writing it.




Chapter 82: Of Men And War



******* Fathis - Just After Swearing Vows


Fathis turned from challenging Gils, his face still contorted by the deadly glare. Several people backed away quickly from his fierce visage, clearing a path of sight through the crowd that gave him a clean view of a man in a dark cloak and cowl annoying a woman. Good gods, Hassildor is here in the city!

All plans to beard him in his castle with the full might of the Mages Guild dwindled into shock at seeing him here. The attack on Maxical must be going down right now! …No time to waste hunting for Traven…

With Count Skingrad having diplomatic immunity, Fathis's hands were tied. As liaison, he was forbidden from taking any action unless attacked with deadly force. Hassildor could even assault him. As long as he didn't use a destruction spell on him...Fathis could do nothing.

The frustration of being limited to observing and reporting in his position as liaison...surely there was some way to get around that. Protocol forbid any overtly aggressive acts to initiate battle…but it didn’t specifically say he couldn’t pick a fight…as long as he was careful not to do it aggressively.

Hassildor was proud, merely being less than respectful would anger him enough to fight. Push him beyond that and the vampire may emerge…hopefully enraged enough to use a destruction spell.

If Hassildor didn’t attack…all Fathis could hope for was that Janus would believe that ring he tampered with was still useless. He’d have to pretend to be under Hassildor’s spell…and hope he fell for it.

Fathis loaded spells for battle as he barreled directly toward Janus, not wanting to give him time to prepare himself for the confrontation.






***


A glance at Hassildor’s hands showed he wore only his signet ring denoting him as Count, they couldn‘t be enchanted…good, no protection against spells.

The wearing of weapons was banned for the festival...that gave Fathis a distinct advantage if Janus attacked in earnest. Immortal or not, he could be rendered unconscious and carried to a dungeon while knocked out.

Fathis deliberately bearded Hassildor with less tact than his position as Count demanded, expecting exactly the reaction he got. The manipulation worked, his temper flared.

Fathis continued needling till Hassildor challenged him…then pushed his last button, knowing if backed in a corner the vampire nature would come out in full and attack. It was a calculated risk in hopes that, out of control Hassildor would cast a destruction spell. He didn’t.

Guessing the spell to be paralysis, Fathis held still and kept his mind blanked while Janus tried to pick his brain for information…then after several minutes visualized images of himself going into the Palace and the Arcane so Hassildor would believe all authorities had been informed.

The most important points were made; that should anything happen to Maxical or Fathis, they would be looking directly at Hassildor to blame...that people knew he was acting on his nature, and sanctions had already been enacted. If that didn’t stop him, nothing would.






***


Keeping well back; Fathis cast chameleon and followed Janus as he melted through the crowds, then finally entered a mansion in the Talos Plaza district. Fathis quietly lifted the door knocker to read the nameplate. Imbel! Jakben, Earl of Imbel? Good gods! He can't know Hassildor’s nature…or does he…?

Of course Imbel caught Fathis's attention tonight at the festival, flirting with Maxical that way...and Fathis had been struck by how little he'd changed through the years. Odd he had stayed so young looking, Bretons usually show their age. But now it struck Fathis forcibly. It had been fifty years...Imbel in his thirties then. He should be doddering, decrepit...or in his grave. Fathis hurried to the Merchants to find Traven.

Josey answered the door to the suite. “Hannibal stayed at the music festival. He wants to watch the fireworks tonight.�

“Can you have him come to my suite immediately on his return? I don’t care the hour, it is an emergency.�

“Oh, did you eat those pork sausages covered in corn flour too? Todd ate three, he’s been puking up a storm!�

“Nae lad. I don't eat sausages. This is official business. If you don’t mind, I’d like to leave him a message as well, just in case our paths don’t cross.�

Josey nodded, holding the door open. Fathis grabbed several parchments from the Inn’s stationary desk and scribbled a coded message to Traven on each, handing one to Josey.�

“It is imperative he see me as soon as possible, will you be sure he gets the message?�

“Sure, I’ll tell him. Er…congratulations, Sir.�

“Thank you very much, Josey.�

Alix would be the perfect one to help him, but when Fathis entered his suite it was dark and empty. Alix and S'Jirra were packed and gone. Drat his luck! He had to make sure word got to Traven, every minute that passed could be his last before Hassildor discovered he'd been duped!

Fathis stopped at the front desk and handed one of the coded parchments to Velus. “It is imperative Traven get that message, Velus.�








******* Damien “Foxy� Reynard


Hannibal burst into speech before getting fully through the door. “Foxy, we’ve got trouble. Vicente is here in the city! He’s already attacked a young girl, a patient of mine. He was using force on her to accept his Dark Gift. I cleared her of spells, but he uses hypnosis, as you know. You are much more experienced with removing the effects of that than I am. I hoped you could help her…and may have some idea how to neutralize Vicente.�

“This patient…are we talking about Maxical?“ Damien held a file up that had an obscure code where the name should be, his eyes glittering with suppressed anger. How had the agent let Vicente slip by him?

“Yes, I’m glad you already have some history on her. She has a rare healing disorder, can’t heal herself...“

Damien held up his hand while he flipped through the pages of the file. “Complete vulnerability to magic and poison, can’t heal or aim? The conjuring of hostile Daedra?�

“That’s it.�

Damien pointed at Hannibal as if singling him out in a crowd. “Go ahead.�

“I had quite a time bringing her back, she was almost gone. She will be easy prey to every single ancient out there until that hypnotic suggestion is removed...and she is intact, they will be drawn to her.�






***


A silence fell into the room. Damien leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes to think. He sat back up suddenly, looking directly at Hannibal.

“They are already here. Three new ancients arrived this past week. Vicente; one that is believed to be the Gray Prince… and Hassildor. Did you know he left his castle?�

Hannibal looked stunned. “In over fifty years I’ve never known him to leave it! Good gods, those others can be killed…Janus cannot, he is immortal!�

“He traveled west when he first left the castle, we now believe it was to bring the Gray Prince back here with him…possibly as a decoy.�

Hannibal broke in. “A decoy?�

“If a girl turns up dead, or vampire hunters show up…the decoy is shoved out into the public eye to be hunted and killed. Everyone relaxes thinking the vampire has been vanquished.�

Hannibal surged from his chair and began pacing rapidly. “This is terrible, I have to research this and figure out how to proceed…I’ve heard that, in some cases they form a pack…the whole city could be at risk!�

“Five are competing for meals, it is doubtful they will join forces and share. More likely they will turn on each other and we will begin to find dead ancients dotting the city.� Damien’s attempt to calm had the opposite effect.

“I hope that’s the case…five? I thought you said three…�

“This city has its own residents. It is not commonly known, but Jakben Imbel is over 300 years old…�

“The Noble? Good gods, I didn’t know…Wait! Maxical said that childhood poem ‘Jack be nimble‘ was repeating itself in her mind when she came awake after Vicente attacked her!�

“The wars may have already begun then. This is Imbel’s and Seridur’s territory, Vicente would have been considered a poacher…� Damien was cut off mid-sentence.

“Seridur! But he witnessed Jenseric killing that girl last week! He is…good gods! He is an Altmer! Maxical said that the ‘Hero of the People‘ told her the man the Legion is seeking in that girl’s death is no vampire, that the true vampire was an Altmer that wears his hair in a buff!�

“Which Seridur does. What better way to keep his nature hidden, then to point the finger elsewhere. He is known for ridding anyone that gets in his way…by calling them vampires and having the Legion kill them. As he runs an organization of so-called vampire hunters…the Legion asks no questions.�

“Good gods, this problem is much bigger than I originally thought.� Hannibal's face paled visibly.







***


“They won’t go after Hassildor, they know he’s immortal. They will try to kill Vicente…he is a master of illusion, quite wily…but the scent of virgin blood is in his nose now, he won’t be able to make himself leave till it‘s gone…he’ll take risks he normally wouldn’t. Now that he’s fed it won’t be easy for him to get another, but with Maxical under his power…she is an easy meal ticket till she dies. …Wait. You said Maxical only remembers Vicente attacking her…yet the rhyme was stuck in her subconscious?�

“Yes. She had no idea why.�

“Vicente must have been interrupted in the act, had to escape and didn’t have time to wipe her memory. Imbel must have caught him poaching in his territory. But Imbel has to have been with her as well though, if that poem…� Damien’s lips closed in a tight line, one finger tapped rapidly on his desk.

“What?�

“Imbel hasn’t killed a virgin in years. He mates with them. After some time of drinking the blood…the taste will change and no longer drive him to a frenzy. If he was with her, and she’s still alive…�

“Our problem of all these ancients sniffing around her may be over?�

“Correct. You are her physician, I’ll leave it up to you to determine that…she won‘t remember the event, it will require an examination. …Now; the fact that none of the other four have killed the Gray Prince when he trespassed tells me they all have the idea to use him as their decoy.�






***


“There is something else.� Damien watched for Hannibal’s reaction.

“More?�

“Yes. Hassildor left his castle directly after a visit from Fathis Aren…who was accompanied by Maxical.�

“WHAT? He wouldn’t bring her there, only an idiot would bring a virgin into an ancient’s lair!�

“And from what his dossier says, he is no idiot.�

“Certainly not! He would never have been appointed liaison if he was!�

“Then we agree that he must be under a spell.�

“…Oh dear. Alix Lencolia said the same thing yesterday. His impression was that Fathis seemed to be…awaiting orders. He has not been himself this week…remote, odd. He saw Maxical daily and never mentioned to her that her parents were here. There have been other things too, things Fathis would never do. He is an exemplary diplomat.�

“I estimate he has been under Hassildor’s power over four months. There is some evidence of changes in his behavior that date back that far. My guess is Hassildor laid low to make sure the spell hadn’t been discovered. When no outcry came, he acted. The timeframe you give for noticing odd behavior in Fathis coincides with Hassildor’s arrival here.“

“He’s been here that long? Where?�

“He is a guest of Jakben Imbel.�

“I can’t bring sanctions against Hassildor just for leaving his castle, I must have proof he is acting on his nature. …Fathis is always so careful! He has to be under a spell, but how? When? He has always followed the protocol, taken every precaution…� Hannibal slumped back in his chair.

“Unless we are mistaken, there is one time he did not.� Damien said quietly.



*

Vincente, Vincente, Vincente...Tsk...Tsk...Tsk... You malevolent N'wah!

Ah, this is what I have been waiting for! Fathis finally gets proactive in dealing with the very real threat of Janus’ presence in the city. I especially liked the fact that you remembered that his ring counteracts any overt spell cast at him. The the image of him running all over the city leaving coded messages for Hannibal was also terrific.

Damien’s brilliant assessment and extrapolation of events was exactly what was needed to bring us all back up to speed with all of the forces at play in this story. Five ancients competing for victims in the Imperial City is a nightmare scenario, one that I have the feeling that the Arch-Mage will have to deal with personally.

Damien’s motivations continue to be a mystery. From the little we have learned of him, I daresay that he functions more like the grandmaster of the Blades than Jauffre (who to my knowledge has never appeared in Maxical’s story), but somehow I doubt that his actions stem from patriotic altruism.

Will we ever find out the truth, I wonder?

I was soooo expecting Fathis to add: "My preference is fish."

I agree with Destri. The scene with Foxy was a good summation/review of the dire straits the Imperial City finds itself in.

I found it very clever that in this episode you revealed the significance of Maxical reciting the 'Jack be nimble' rhyme. A lovely example/display of why I find it wise never to underestimate your formidable plot weaving!

Nit? I would recommend 'rendered unconscious'.

Everything about the opening scenes of Chapter 80 is brilliant. You paint such vivid pictures with your words that I felt as if I was watching directly rather than reading.
The entire scene with Vicente, including the “rescue” by Jak, was some of the best work you have ever done. Bravo!



A perfect “Maxical moment” to relieve the tension from the previous chapter.

And Hannibal’s magical lore is yet more of the excellent world-building you have done with this story line. I am a little worried about who his “hypnotism expert” might be, though.

Gils- although he was entrapped by Agronak, it is still difficult for me to have much patience with his jealousy. Maxical’s struggle with her feelings is hard to watch- because it is true to life. The best stories are those that hold up a mirror to the world and the reader. Because we want our favorites to “live happily ever after,” we think we want simple stories. But the complex, the real, the true… that is what writing aspires to- and what you achieve.

It is good to finally see Fathis using his brain and his reputed abilities as a mage. And a sigh of relief that Foxy is the expert on hypnotism- I had feared it might be Jak. But he has kept a low profile- until now.
Fascinating intelligence-sharing meeting between Hannibal and Damien, as well. Things are heating up and the lid is likely to blow off soon.

Two evenings of reading well spent methinks! I haven't laughed so hard for ages

Your story keeps getting more and more intense, now there are vampires! Wowza!

I was actually thinking about creating a vampire character on Oblivion and your story has cemented that idea in my head. Thus, I have created 'Inwold Andrognese', Breton mage-turned-vampire

You have completed the task of totally changing my views on everyday characters. I'll be waiting for the next chapter with anticipation!

@ Zalphon - Thank you so much Zalphon !!! (and by the way, I finally got Morrowind for the PC ... so I'll be able to figure out what N'wah means !!! WOO HOO !!! Lol.

***
@ Destri - Thank you so much Destri !!! And you are right, I did have a tendency to just slip Damien in there because everyone knew who he was that was reading - I really should put in some kind of background, lol. I'll try to slip it in ASAP !!! I so appreciate your support, lol - I saw what you wrote on another thread about that, ROFL !!! (You know you ROCK !!!!)

***
@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian !!! I actually was thinking of SubRosa when I wrote that, (although she doesn't read this story, it was a tribute to her for making me laugh every time she wrote it, lol.) Thank you so much for the nit, I fixed it !!!

***
@ Treydog - Whew! It doesn't get much better than to hear that from you !!! Thank you so much Treydog !!! I hope I can keep that up !!! You absolutely ROCK !!!

***
@ Hazmick - GAAAAH!!! You're back !!! Yeah !!!! You have been missed too, and I am so happy you got a laugh from it !!! That always makes my day !!! And I want to hear more about Inwold Andrognese's exploits !!! Thank you so much for stopping by, both Maxical and I missed you !!!

*


D. Foxy has graciously agreed to co-write this chapter, employing his character Damien "Foxy" Reynard. Foxy has written or approved all the parts for Damien Reynard and his agents. I hope you enjoy it as much as we have writing it.




Chapter 83: Legends And Heroes



******* Damien “Foxy� Reynard


“Maxical is the only one in real danger…� Hannibal began, but Damien cut him off.

“Not true. The ancients will go after her mate…usually with mind control on another…� Damien held his hand up, Hannibal froze in place and waited.

BAM! Damien popped his hand down on the desk.

“The decoy. That may be why Hassildor brought the Gray Prince. Mind control, make him go after Fathis. The guards and vampire hunters kill the Gray Prince…he is blamed for both deaths, Maxical’s and Fathis’s. Hassildor never has to worry that Fathis…or you, will discover he’s been under a spell.�

“Fathis can handle the Orc easily enough…and he isn’t exactly her mate right now. She planned to break with Fathis, and only married him tonight because her hand was forced the way he confronted her with the press right there. Gils is making more progress with her than Fathis…who seems to have no passion for her. She thinks it’s because she’s Khajiit…and may possibly be right.�

“Not likely, Fathis has nearly repopulated Cyrodiil single-handedly…and if his legendary sword does not rise with her, she remains a virgin. Quite convenient for Hassildor, don’t you think? I suspect a spell.�






***


“A spell to keep Fathis‘s sword down? But she’d just turn to Gils…as she has done, I might add. Will Gils be in trouble?�

“You have to know how the enemy thinks to entrap them, Traven. And yes, Gils is in as much danger as Fathis, if she has turned to him.�

“He can’t know women if he thought that would work.� Hannibal shook his head.

“Exactly my point. Make sure you remove that spell on Fathis right away. From what I’ve read in his dossier, he could solve all our vampire problems easily if not under spell. I suggest you move fast. Keep a close eye on Maxical for any differences in behavior. Give me a time to be in your tower at the Arcane to treat Maxical and Fathis. It’s important we move on this quickly.�

“Er…Gils needs it as well. The Orc has controlled him for over thirty years.�

“All three then.� Damien waved him out.

Hannibal nodded and started toward the door, then paused.

“Yes?�

“I forgot to mention…Vicente is known for using chameleon and an illusion spell that makes him look like a young Adonis. Whoever is guarding him should know that, and whoever guards Maxical should use a constant detect life enchantment. Er…you probably already know that Vicente is allergic to garlic?�

Damien waved him out with one hand while flipping through Vicente’s file with the other. He scanned it quickly for the illusion spells and allergy, then closed the file back without adding anything. The information was there, why had the guard let him out of his sight?

When Hannibal crossed the quad, Damian rapped once on his desk. A diminutive figure slipped into the room.

“Yes, Boss?�

“Get me the agent that guards Vicente…immediately.�

It was hours before the runner returned empty handed. “I can’t find him anywhere, Boss.�

“Get me Hassiri.�









******* Hannibal


“Itius Hayn! Are you on the night shift now?� Hannibal hailed his friend.

“We all have to work day and night with these crowds. I’m glad I ran into you, I sent a runner to both the Arcane and the Merchants, but both came back empty handed. We have a situation…I need your help. Would you accompany me to the Palace?�

“Yes of course…er…what is this about?�

“Remember that girl’s body we found drained of blood last week? We’ve got several more, some with those puncture wounds in the neck…but not all. Of course I’ll need your official determination, but I think we’ve got a vampire element among all these tourists.�

“We do. There are five ancients in the city right now. Vicente from Cheydinhal attacked a patient of mine tonight. I need to contact the ’Hero of the People’ before this situation gets any more out of hand...request his assistance.�

“I have the ’Hero’ meeting us at the Palace.� Itius led the way.

“Good. Do you have a private conference room the three of us can sit down and make a plan of action?�

“I‘ll secure one.� Itius nodded. “You want to see the bodies first?�

“No, they aren’t going anywhere. It has to be our top priority to stop these vampire attacks first. You said bodies?�






***


“Yes, bodies. One washed up on the southeastern end of the City Isle this morning. Another found behind the tents at the music festival after it closed. Another the white Khajiit found in an alley in the Merchants District within the last hour. Another one on the waterfront was in pieces, couldn‘t make an identification. We suspect the bear killer on that one, the scene was the same. That one was male, the rest were all female.�

“The Gray Prince? Are you telling me you haven’t found him yet?�

“With all this going on? What time have we had to hunt him? That’s why I’ve got the ’Hero’ meeting us. We need his help, and yours. I need your mages that majored in destruction to help us form an elite task force to handle this vampire situation.�

“Most are in town for the festival. I can pull one or two from each guild, I’ll send for them immediately if you have a runner. But we can’t use any intact females, no matter how great they are in destruction.“

“Intact? What does that have to do with anything?�

“Ancient vampires are driven mad by the smell of virgin blood.�

“Good gods. We had several girls at the healers…all with extreme blood loss of unknown causes…all mysteriously no longer intact. The strange thing is, none can remember what happened. None had puncture wounds, though…it may not be related.�

“It is. Some ancients don’t like killing. Taking the virginity gives them the taste they crave, but not long enough for the girl to die. They wipe the victim’s memories and seal the wound when finished.�

“Arch Mage Traven, this is the man they call the ‘Hero of the People.� Itius indicated a Redguard in full heavy armor standing on the Palace steps.

The man clasped Hannibal’s hand. “You may not remember, I met you years ago in Sutch before it was destroyed. That’s where I hail from. My name is Azzan.�

“He is setting the Fighters Guild on its ear, Hannibal. Just joined a couple months ago, and broke the record on rank promotions in such a short time.� Itius pounded Azzan’s shoulder proudly. “I taught him a few tricks, now the student surpasses the master.�

Hannibal clasped Azzan’s hand. “I remember, you were a scrappy little lad.�

“Still am.� Azzan grinned.

Itius signaled the Imperial guard. “Make sure no outsiders enter the Palace while we conduct the investigation regarding these bodies. I need a runner sent in as well.�






***


Hannibal scribbled down a list of names, handing it to Itius.


Raminus Polus - attend me immediately at the Palace with everyone whose name appears below:

Carahil
Delphine Jend
Sulinus Vassinus
Kalthar
Teekeeus
Trayvond
Falcar
J'skar


“Of those in town for the festival, these are the best in destruction. I want the younger mages working in pairs with the more experienced ones. This is not a suggestion, but a demand if they will be used.�

“I think that’s a good idea, two pairs of eyes are better than one.� Itius nodded, making a note of it, then handed it to the runner. “I plan to contact Seridur’s vampire hunters and bring them in on this to help…�

Azzan rolled his eyes.

“Do you want to tell him, or should I?� Hannibal pointed at Azzan in a fair imitation of Damien Reynard.

“Tell me what?� Itius looked from one to the other.

Azzan cleared his throat. “They aren’t real vampire hunters. Seridur is an ancient vampire himself, and has been using the Legion to perform murders for him…by calling anyone who gets in his way a vampire. Roland Jenseric is not a vampire…he witnessed Seridur kill that girl last week.�

Itius’s mouth slacked open. “Good gods! How…good gods. I’ll clear Jenseric’s record right away. How close are you to catching Seridur then?�

“I’ve been trying to get him out of the city to kill him, with all these crowds here.�

Itius imitated Hannibal’s point at Azzan. “We can’t wait that long, just take him down. Traven said there are five ancients here, what do you say?�

Azzan nodded his head. “I’ve heard about the Orc, but haven’t seen him yet. I saw three others at the festival today when I was following Seridur. Two were using illusion to look handsome…“

“One of those is Vicente.� Hannibal volunteered, making a coded notation on a parchment and sliding it in the pocket of his robe.

Itius marked his parchment. “Seridur, Vicente…the Gray Prince…who else?�

Hannibal waited, watching Azzan.

Azzan shook his head. “One of the others ain’t like any other vampire I’ve ever seen. He’s some kind of powerful.�






***


You know the other two?� Azzan indicated Hannibal.

Hannibal hesitated, then nodded. “I do. The other one using illusion is responsible for those former virgins who were not killed, Itius. He has not killed in years of his own choice. For that reason…before we take him down, I’d like to offer him diplomatic immunity if he stops acting on his nature.�

“WHAT?� Itius and Azzan shouted in unison, both leaping to their feet. Azzan’s chair skidded and tipped. He jerked it back upright.

“On his own, he has proven he won’t kill. If he turns me down, his life will be forfeit. Just let me talk to him before going after him.�

“You can’t do that! Uriel’s law is, if they have fangs we can kill them!� Azzan raised his voice, his bronze face reddened. He slammed his fist down on the table. “We can stop this vampire problem right here and now, just wipe them all out!�

Hannibal turned to Itius, poking his finger down forcibly on the parchment in front of him to emphasize his words. “We have a city full of tourists, now is not the time to enact Uriel’s law. Right now our only concern should be taking down the ones that are killing.�



*

X-cel-lent...

I never knew you were such a sublte plotter, my girl! You have advanced far beyond the 'aha, a villian is found, let us attack' mode.

Now you are beginning to weave politics and moral ambiguity into the story...slowly, chapter by chapter, we watch you grow as a writer.

Well done. Continue. Use that imagination of yours...try to imagine what effect a butterfly flapping in once corner of your world can do to the entire universe...

You'll be seeing more of Inwold in my fanfic but at the minute I'm going to develop him in-game a little bit.

Back to your story . I can feel the excitement building up to the moment when we will (hopefully) see some serious kicking of vampire...teeth.

Even though this chapter focused more on vampire hunting, the 'Maxical-Fathis-Gils-Agronak' situation still added that delicious hint of drama. I can't wait for the next brilliant chapter!

This was VERY engaging to read! Just plain fun and entertaining.

I love what you've done with Azzan! What a clever idea making him the hero. I suspect everyone who plays the game loves him - what a great NPC - handsome, kind, strong and a fine guild leader.

Oh, and bringing all those destruction mages in, how cool is that? Oh my. . . I hope Delphine doesn't get hurt. Heh, I suppose I should probably worry more about her blowing buildings up that get in her way! She has every bit the destructive power of Maxical, only unlike our darling kitty, Delphine can hit what she aims at!!!

Hannibal: Get those mages working on a powerful dispel spell for Fathis! And some viagra potions - Let's see. . . wormwood? Nah. Oh, I know! Try a mixture of: spiddal stick, ironwood nuts, ambrosia, arrowroot, ginseng, and taproot. Mix it all up and add a pinch of root of the Nirn.

I would be willing to pay good money to see what effect 'Enemies Explode' would have on an ancient immortal like (J)anus!

Azzan is the 'Hero of the People', eh? That is an inspired choice. Now we gt to see him in real action with that axe!

Foxy is right, I loved the weaving of a little ambiguity into the story. We now see how (J)anus was able to maintain civil relations with the Mages Guild. And we see the political pliability that enabled Hannibal to achieve the rank of Arch-Mage. I love the idea that Hannibal is so intolerant of necromancy, but willing to turn a blind eye toward vampirism. It sounds like there's a story behind that.

After many late nights I have caught up with Maxical's adventures, and I am greedy for more! I am in awe of your intricate plot and long passages of fast paced dialog. I find that I often go back and re-read just to enjoy them again. And also a little to keep track of what's going on. I can't resort to coffee to compensate for the late hour since you write so many spew inducing moments, and they often pop up without warning!

Yay Azzan! One of my favorites.

Now THAT is what I love to hear !!!! That makes my day !!! And Azzan is one of my favorite characters too! Thank you so much Grits, your kind words mean a lot to me !!

@ Foxy - If that butterfly has a white tail and red hair, she can do some real damage flapping, ROFL !!! Thank you so much for your kind words, Foxy!!! Coming from you, that means tons !!! You
ROCK !!!

***
@ Hazmick - Thank you so much Hazmick !!! It is so great to have you back, you have really been missed !!! It feels great to know the tension-building I was aiming for has come across, thank you so very much !!!

***
@ Acadian - I have always loved Azzan's character in the game too, and don't intend to skewer him at all. His role in this segment is before he becomes Master of the Fighters Guild, but he will achieve that promotion in this story.

I had him hail from Sutch because (in game, unless a patch has fixed it) - he was supposed to be GuildMaster in Sutch before they dropped that city from their world map.

GAAAAH! Delphine can't be hurt! Lol. Thank you so much Acadian !!!!

***
@ Destri - He doesn't die, but goes down to the floor of his suite and never arises, no matter how long you wait. He will talk to you if you click on him, but instead of seeing his face close up in front of you, you get a way-too-close view of his crotch. You can push him around to different places, but he stays lying down. I had to load a previous save to bring him back to life.

The story behind that is in the next chapter !!! - Thank you so very much Destri !!!

***
@ Grits - Now THAT is what I love to hear !!!! That makes my day !!! Your story is AWESOME !!! I am so glad you started posting it here!!! (EVERYONE - Grits's story is up on the boards, and it ROCKS !!!! Very character-driven, I became hooked instantly !!! )

Thank you so much Grits, your kind words mean a lot to me !!

Well now... what can I say here?

mALX, I cannot believe you did this to me, but you got me hooked on a harlequin romance.

Guilty pleasure? Maybe. Am I ashamed? NO!!!

Great story!

ROFL !!! Well, it has the extra plus of a half leopard female and a couple vampires, lol. But I promise action is about to break out...and she won't be so interested in romance in the relatively near future.

Thank you so very much for your kind words !!!

*


Chapter 84: History Of The Ancients



******* Hannibal


“The Mages Guild provides immunity to a select few ancients who agree not to act on their nature. This is invaluable for our research at the Arcane. Their stays have been granted by Ocato. If we get proof they have acted on their nature, sanctions are brought against them. At that time, their identities are revealed and they lose their immune status.� Hannibal spoke quietly, in spite of the glaring faces of Itius and Azzan.

“That’s bull crap and you know it, of course they act on their nature! They can’t help themselves! You can’t keep them under surveillance continuously!� Azzan’s raised voice echoed back on them off the walls of the rotunda-shaped conference room.

Hannibal kept his tones even, but rose from his seat. “This one has not killed in years, of his own decision. And those under our protection are monitored regularly.�

Itius was scribbling down notes, but was obviously listening. He glanced at Azzan first, then Hannibal. “We’ll get back to him. What about that last ancient?�

“That one already has diplomatic immunity, I can’t give you any information about his identity without proof he has acted on his nature. You were right, Azzan, his powers are extraordinary. He is an Immortal, cannot be killed…an extremely rare specimen, literally one of a kind. When an enemy cannot be taken, it behooves us to form an alliance with them.�

Azzan slammed his fist down on the table. “He IS acting on his nature! It is written all over your face! You’re afraid of him, that’s what’s going on here! You’re scared, so are willing to just let him keep killing!�

Hannibal’s eyes fell before the scorn in Azzan’s. The lad was right, fear was holding him back. He had proof enough Janus was following a virgin…but he was not the one that attacked her, and there was no proof he had attacked anyone else. For Cyrodiil’s sake, Hannibal hoped he never got proof Janus killed anyone…because he couldn’t turn Janus in as long as he was needed.

“He has an exemplary record of over fifty years. We know the others are killing, and have no proof he‘s done anything wrong.� Hannibal said firmly.






***


“Maybe we should measure their fangs and compare them to the holes in the necks of the victims when we do the autopsies.� Azzan’s tone dripped with sarcasm.

Hannibal responded instantly, in all seriousness. “That is exactly how it’s done, Azzan. Once we have Seridur, Vicente, and Agronak; we measure fangs and compare them to the victims wounds. If any don’t match, then we look at the other two vampires.�

“Why are you protecting him? Don’t tell me you’re not, your face has already told its tale!� Azzan kicked the table leg, seething.

“I need proof, Azzan. He could just be here for the music festival, or Uriel’s birthday. Let the Mages Guild handle him, I guarantee we will no longer offer him protection if he is killing. Cross that bridge when we have it before us. We know the others are killing, we should be acting on them immediately.�

“You’re playing god, you better hope it doesn’t jump up and bite you where the sun don’t shine.� Azzan pointed at Hannibal, his eyes filled with contempt.

“Azzan, that was the most absurd conglomeration of mixed metaphors I‘ve ever heard.� Itius spoke without looking up from the parchment he was writing on.

Hannibal remained standing, grasping the back of his empty chair as if to garner strength from it.

“He is as powerful as a god, Azzan…and just as immortal. Attack him…you’ll enrage his maker…who has armies at his beckon. Uriel’s law was meant to run the ancients out of Cyrodiil by creating fear. It only pushed them into hiding, and that fear festered into anger. We’ve been teetering on the brink of an all out war, they’ve just been waiting for the right opportunity to act. That time is right now, and thanks to Clavicus Vile’s gift we can’t see the armies forming right in front of us. Like Seridur, we could be interacting with them and never know it.�

Itius looked up from his parchment. “What do you mean the timing is right?“

“All of Cyrodiil and half Tamriel is here…in one spot. Uriel himself is scheduled for numerous public appearances this week. They know you are shorthanded, you said yourself you didn’t have the manpower to hunt the Orc. Itius, you interacted constantly with Seridur and didn’t know he was an ancient. How many more are out there that we don’t know of? Or amongst the tourists that are here? They could find no better time to rise up, and when they do…even the feral will climb up from the sewers and join their forces.� Hannibal’s voice rang back to them like an omen.






***


“Conspiracy theories and paranoia.� Azzan snorted.

Itius shifted uncomfortably. “I thought the Crimson Scars were all slaughtered?�

“Vicente is known to be a Crimson Scar, and Greywyn Blenwyth is rumored to be in Cyrodiil as well. He vowed to strike again when the timing was right…� Hannibal was cut off mid sentence.

“They only fought the Dark Brotherhood! The Legion doesn’t care if they wipe out a guild of assassins…� Azzan began, but Hannibal cut him off.

“Had the Crimson Scars won, you would have had a guild of vampire assassins! Guilds have power! Silarian‘s intervention saved Cyrodiil. Anytime vampires form an alliance they become unstoppable. We need the Immortal on our side.�

“That is just inviting trouble, we can’t trust them to side with us against their own!� Azzan once again slammed his fist down.

“Itius, you do not want this to turn into a war of vampires against us. Greywyn Blenwyth has armies of Crimson Scars, and no one can determine the size of Dagoth-Malan’s army of giant vampires…both just waiting for the signal. They can be among us and we’d never know it! The Immortal is the only one capable of stopping Malan, we do need an alliance with him.�

Itius shifted uncomfortably. “It won’t do any harm to go after the other three first. That Orc will take a lot of manpower himself.�

Azzan stared at Itius, stunned; but his voice dropped back into a normal volume and he took his seat again. “Army of giant vampires…what are you talking about?�

Itius signaled Hannibal to answer.






***


“It began when Dagoth-Ur harnessed power from the Heart of Lorkhan to make himself immortal. His cousin Malan was eaten up with the idea of besting Ur before that. Afterward it became an obsession, Malan wanted to be immortal…and omnipotent. Ur probably suspected, because he made plans to turn Malan into an ascended sleeper. Malan‘s spies warned him, so he covered himself with protective spells and sneaked into Ur’s chamber while he slept…carrying a contraption that draws blood. His intent was to drain all Ur’s blood, but after only two vials Ur awoke. Malan escaped and hid out in the Crystal Tower for years…�

“You’re talking ages ago, and in Morrowind!� Azzan scoffed.

Hannibal ignored the interruption. “Malan gathered blood from many of the most powerful ancient lines of vampires, mixed them together…and injected it into himself. His strength became beyond that of any known species, nothing could stop him. With the vampire in him spreading that Dark Gift he began creating armies, he was bent on domination. By the time the Sixth House was felled by the Nerevarine, Malan had created a super race of vampires here in Cyrodiil, they are amazingly powerful. He placed pods of them outside each city to attack people coming and going, infiltrating and filling each city. As long as they fed they could not be distinguished from anyone else, in the same way Seridur has fooled everyone.�

“Are you saying they are still there?� Azzan looked disbelieving.

“No one knows how many of them are inside each major city in Cyrodiil, but on Malan’s signal they will grow to giant proportions and attack.� Itius added, his eyes reflecting how seriously he was taking Traven’s concerns.

“You’re [censored] me!� Azzan rocked his chair back. “Giants?�

Hannibal took his seat before responding. “Every vampire Malan has made grows to enormous proportions when their nature emerges for battle. The Immortal is one of these…but more powerful…�

“How could he be more powerful than his maker?� Azzan’s expression showed he still struggling with believing what he was hearing.

“Malan’s armies are not immortal. He returned to the Crystal Tower and experimented for years more…till he found his mistake. The immortal blood had to be injected before the vampire blood had taken over in the system. It was too late for himself, but he could make another…one that would be unstoppable and do his bidding. He could only make one, so chose his victim carefully to afford him the greatest asset. But the one he chose has refused to act on his nature, isolated himself for over fifty years. I have monitored him closely, I believe he is just here for the festivities. I will not believe he has killed without proof.� Hannibal watched the myriad of expressions flitting across Azzan’s face, and with a sinking feeling realized the lad was intelligent enough to figure out what Hannibal already had.






***


“Fifty years, and suddenly comes out? He is following a chosen then. And you know it.� Azzan pointed at Hannibal.

“We know who his chosen is, and he has not attacked her. We are monitoring the situation extremely closely, and have guards placed on her. And as you know, in following his chosen…his focus is tunneled…he could not be responsible for any deaths.� Hannibal ground his teeth, this should never have come out.

“Yet! Let someone stand in his way, and watch the bodies pile up! Especially if she has a spouse, does she?�

“This is distracting from our purpose here. We need to move on those that are killing.� Hannibal slammed his flat hand onto Itius’s parchment, trying to change the flow of the conversation.

“Azzan is right, you are protecting him. And if he is here to kidnap a citizen, that is my jurisdiction. You better tell what you know, Traven.� Itius ‘s eyes pierced directly into Hannibal’s.

“He is immune from these proceedings, Itius...and we are protecting the girl. The standoff with these ancients is already tenuous; I don’t recommend antagonizing them while your manpower is already strained to its limits. The safety of these tourists has to be our prime focus.�

Itius tapped his thumb on the table nearly a full minute before coming to a decision. “I agree. Azzan…our targets right now will be strictly Seridur, Vicente, and the Gray Prince. Agreed?�

Azzan looked from one to the other before reluctantly signaling agreement. Hannibal let his breath out in a quiet stream.


*

Quite the backstory for one Count Skingrad, and it appears that things are, indeed, about to get ugly. They need Hassildor, but as he is definitely acting on his nature (which only the reader knows at this point), what's going to happen when they find out? Looks like Traven has just dug his own grave, to me.

You've also got quite the scooby gang building up...


(Parting from actual story a bit here)

Let's see here...

Maxical as the devilish Slayer with a taste for mischief (if she doesn't reopen the hellmouth, first.)

Gils as the sidekick

and Hannibal Traven as Giles.

All we need now is a Willow and we'll be all set.

Watch out Buffy! Here comes team mALX!








(That's vampire slayer Buffy, not the fragile bowgirl we all adore here)

Excellent addition, Max

The tension keeps building with every chapter, I think I might explode! However, explosions tend to slow down the reading process so I would miss the conclusion to the vampire sub-story which would be very upsetting. I'll just sit here until your next chapter to minimize the chances of exploding.

I’m on the edge of my seat here! The mistress of lore . . . she shoots and she scores! Greywynn Blenwyth and the Crimson Scars! Silarian! Clavicus Viles’ gift! Wow! The story you have created around Dagoth Malan blends seamlessly with everything else. It’s almost like we are seeing the goings on behind the curtain of accepted events in the Tamrielic timeline. I haven’t been this hopelessly geeked out on a chapter since you brought the Dwemer back to life over on the Bethesda Forum!

MORE . . . NOW!!!

Btw, do you know what race Greywynn was? I've never been able to figure it out. At first I thought Bosmer, now I’m thinking Altmer . . . or Dunmer. Maybe he’s an Orc.

Holy crap and Homer's scat, my Mistress of the Magical from the Mundane, mALX who builds fALX that brings a story to life while being a mother AND wife...

(how the hell DOES she do it? How? HOW????!!!???)

*turns green and yellow with jealousy*

And IN ADDITION to all that, she writes choice lines like...

" “Azzan, that was the most absurd conglomeration of mixed metaphors I‘ve ever heard.” Itius spoke without looking up from the parchment he was writing on. "

I snortled-choked-clapped-laughed-salaamed on THAT one!!!

Readers....

Have you taken a moment to ponder how EASY it would have been for our very own mALX to have stumbled over the very complexity of the backstory, multiple plotlines, the instaneous switching of moods from hilarious to horrendous to magical to monkeyshines to tender to tough?

And yet she does it without a hiccup. WITHOUT ONE FREAKING HICCUP.

Excuse me while I turn green, yellow, purple, and apoplexical from our mALXical's technical tour de force.

And THIS is the lady who told another beautiful lady that "You've given birth to a masterpiece, I just crapped out the world's biggest turd".

Well, call me a scat pervert, but it THIS is a turd, mah deah mALX, then crap out a TON more....and I'll gobble it all up!

*heh! did I give you an EWWWWW GROSSSSSS moment there? that was my intention, you know....call it a little revenge from a jealous writer wannabe to a REAL writer...*



:thumbsup:

This was a great three way dialogue throughout. You did a good job of ensuring it was always clear who was speaking, and you presented each of the three characters very effectively.

Those who love TES lore, and vampire lore in particularly, were well-treated in this segment!

Looks like a vampire hunt kicking off.

Is there going to be a fang-measuring contest amongst the vamps?

"They could find no better time to rise up, and when they do…even the feral will climb up from the sewers and join their forces." *shiver* New rule for Grits: read mALX with no beverage, an empty bladder, and daylight hours only!

What's going to happen next!!!!

@ Thomas Kaira - Thank you so much Thomas Kaira !!!! The Scooby gang - ROFL !!!! That had me rolling !!! Thank you again !!!

***
@ Zalphon - Thank you Zalphon !!! I hope I can portray the melee as well as you do, lol. Thank you so much !!!

***
@ Hazmick - Woo Hoo !!! Exploding!!! Now that made me feel great!!! Thank you so very much Hazmick, that meant a lot to hear !!!

***
@ Destri - That has to be the greatest compliment ever!!! Thank you so much Destri !!! You can't imagine how good that made me feel to read coming from you - and you remembered me finding the Dwemmer ? That is AWESOME !!!

** mALX exhales **

Greywynn is an Altmer, by the way. Thank you so very much Destri !!!

***
@ Foxy - Thank you so very much Foxy !!!! To hear that coming from you means TONS !!! You absolutely ROCK !!!!

EEEEWWWW!!!! Are we back on chocolate fudge again? Or was that chocolate pudding? EW !!!

Thank you again, Foxy!!!

***
@ Acadian - ROFL ... fang measuring contest? Is this like when you guys get together and see who can pee the furthest distance? (accompanied by hooting and derisive comments to the 'shortest distance' pee-er?) - ROFL !!! Thank you so much Acadian, you are so appreciated !!!

***
@ Grits - Thank you so very much Grits !!! You had me hooting with the "empty bladder before reading" comment !!! Thank you so much Grits - and I hope everyone is keeping an eye out for your fantastic story !!!! Talk about developing characters, I may never look at Benirus the same again !!!


*

No mALX, that last chapter was GREAT! Thank you!

*


@ Destri - Thank you so much Destri !!!!


*


Chapter 85: Plots, Flotsam, Jetsam, And Plotting



******* Janus


Janus jerked awake as the door to his guestroom crashed against the wall. Jak’s bulk filled the doorway in full vampire…rage emitted tangibly from him.

The hairs on the back of Janus’s neck rose like hackles on a dog as he leaped from the bed, landing with feet planted. Deep inside him came a feeling of shackles breaking as the vampire tore free of them and prepared for battle.

His fangs extended rapidly, laying straight and flat like daggers instead of the curved arches for feeding…the rush of hot fluids never came, instead the fangs dripped what felt like corrosive acid, burning his tongue.

A feeling of strength filled him till Janus thought he would burst if he didn’t act; the muscles in his arms and legs ached instantly for movement as if cramped. His neck thickened till it felt like a tree trunk.

An intense cunning was taking over his mind; animalistic, a beast preparing to stalk its prey. All the incredible powers of the gift he inherited with his vampirism began drawing up for use, lining up into his hands and fingers; a full arsenal of deadly spells. Without having to wonder how to use them, he suddenly knew instinctively where each could be drawn from.

His eyes glowed, burning as if on fire…then narrowing into slits till he felt like an avenging demon ready for battle. Janus stood as a king, poised and regal…a giant surveying all around him. His voice was a deep growl.

“What do you mean crashing in on me?�

“You’ve overstayed your welcome, Hassildor. Do not consider me friend after this.�

With the litheness of a cat, Janus crossed the room toward Jak. “Explain yourself. What is this about?“

“I’m talking about a man that don’t protect his own. Getting a chosen is a privilege, a gift. You’d rather see her dead than with me and dare call yourself my friend. I’ve already given you more deference than you deserved. You’re not man enough for those powers you inherited if you don‘t use them to protect her. I‘m not afraid of you anymore. Now get out.�






***


“You were never afraid of me. What has brought this on, Jak?“

“Where were you when Vicente attacked your chosen tonight, here soaking up my hospitality? I warned you he had her scent. Go ahead, read my mind if you want to see the state she was in when I arrived…drops from death, terrified. I had to heal her or she wouldn’t have made it…and rout Seridur who sought to finish her. You expect me to respect your right to her when you won‘t…don‘t…� A haunted look suddenly flickered over Jak’s face and he roared, the sound split between raging and wounded.

Suddenly it struck Janus…the glimpse of haunting pain in Jak’s eyes. This wasn’t to be a battle. The vampire slowly began to dissipate, filtering back to the recesses it had emerged from.

“This is about Amiela, isn’t it…the situation brought back memories. I apologize, Jak. That must have been painful for you.�

Jak’s breathing became so rapid it sounded like he was hyperventilating, then with another anguished roar he drove his fist through the heavy plaster wall. White powder puffed from the hole, filtering through the air in a haze of particles that hung like a barrier between them. A dusting of it covered Jak’s fist when he pulled it out.

Jak shoved a chalky finger nearly into Janus’s eye. “Don‘t you dare speak her name, unworthy dog!� His shout echoed loudly in the small room.

“Come on, Jak. You need a drink. I’ll pour for you. I am sorry, Jak. When I knew I couldn’t stay out there and protect her, I sought you immediately for advice on what to do. Gemellus said you were not to be disturbed…then locked me from your suite.�

“Is this truth? You sought my help? What happened that you couldn’t protect her?�

“I was spotted by Fathis Aren, had no choice but to hide out. I read his mind, he told Traven and Ocato that I put spells on him and was after the girl. I couldn’t go near her after that, they’d be watching for me.…�

“You came straight here after Aren saw you, led him to my door? This is how you repay a friend…OUT!�

“He couldn’t follow me, I put him under my control again. I would never put you in jeopardy, Jak...nor her. I didn’t know they could attack her in a crowded public place.�






***


“If you’ve brought trouble to my door…I want that invitation to your castle formal, written in case you aren’t there when I arrive…and put your official seal on it.� Jak pointed to the desk in his room.

Janus wrote it, instructing his staff to treat Jak as an honored guest even in his absence. He wedged the top off his signet ring and pressed the seal within onto the parchment.

“I hope you will visit, I enjoy your company.� Janus handed the invitation, watching Jak pocket it.

“Listen Jak, Fathis is bringing her to me this morning. If you spoke true and I can’t take her…she’s yours. You earned it protecting her…your friendship to me.�

Jak calmed visibly. “Don’t double-cross me, Hassildor. This isn’t your rural West Weald, we swear vows to seal our word here.�

Janus pounded his fist twice on his chest, then raised it palm facing Jak. “If I have no use for her…�

Jak pounded his chest, reaching forward to clasp Janus’s hand. He swore his vow quickly, under his breath…and in an unrecognizable language.

Janus jerked his hand back, closing his fist before Jak could clasp it. “What trick is this?�

Jak’s outstretched hand fell before him, and suddenly Janus noticed the ring on his hand. “That’s one of those rings she gave out! You lied…you did poach!�

“No, I did not…“ Jak pounded his fist over his heart twice. “I wanted to, though. I’ve smelled her for months…just wanted to see the face that went with that blood. She’s a sweet thing…too full of life for you, Hassildor. You’ll bore her to a coma before you feed on her, blathering on and on about the blasphemies and crop rotation…wait, maybe it’s rat breeding you put people to sleep with at this time of year…�

“It isn’t about the rats breeding…in itself. It’s a discussion of a scientific experiment based on rat libido…�

“She’ll welcome death then. ‘Tis a pity, wasting a chosen. Did I tell you I’ve asked my nature to find me another?�






***


“Are you serious, Jak? You can’t be ready, you still grieve…�

“Aye, and always will. That doesn’t go away, lad. You don’t begin to fathom…your Rona wasn’t suited for you as a man, or as a vampire. Your father selected her strictly for political reasons, ease you into the office of Count Skingrad. The chosen…the gods know every hair on your head, every secret thought…it’s almost as if they create her with you in mind. Amiela and I, we had 137 years together. Nothing can take those memories from me. It’s time though…the next…she’ll ease the pain of it, bring me a new happiness.�

“What about your farm?�

“Are you interested? I was going to just turn them loose, but wouldn’t mind doing a little deal with you on them…you can’t tell Seridur, though. I refused his offers, he’d kill them all. Two of them are getting close to age, one of them is blonde with some good-sized doorknockers…that should interest you. There’s seven in all, seven is a lucky number.�

“Deal for what?�

Jak glanced up from filling his snifter with brandy. “Seven for one.�

“My chosen?�

Jak nodded.

“Why?�

“Ever since I let my nature know I was ready, the ache has been strong in me…share my bed with a woman again; the laughter, conversations...unlike you, in that order. Yours…I want her living here with me till my nature finds me one of my own, chase away this loneliness.�

“Boy do I know that ache. But why her? The city is full of women…�

“Bah! Remember your prostitute? I’m not staying in illusion or keeping them under spell constantly, who wants that? Her…your nature chose her for some reason…something different about her. She’ll need no mask or spell, chosen don’t.“






***


“Odd, that’s what Hal-Liurz said. She said I should tell her I’m the Immortal…and not worry about it.�

“It’s truth. Chosen know, and don‘t care.�

“Go on�

“Look, you don’t want her. I liked the lass…eyes full of mischief… When I rescued her, she remembered me from all she gave rings to…called me ‘Jack be nimble’, just like my Amiela used to…said she trusted me. You’re just wanting her blood, there’s plenty of that at this festival. I’ve stuffed myself on it tonight, and laid each one.�

“Dear gods, don’t even bring that up. I could nearly join a monastery it’s been so long. The prostitute can’t be counted, either. A slaughterfish could polish a sword better than her. How do you do it? I can’t get anywhere with those women!�

“I’m not in a cowl. My ancient line passed down an illusion spell that hides the fangs and pink eyes…Vicente has it too. We can look like handsome young men, or anyone we choose. I can give it to you with an incantation…we’d have to clasp hands…� Jak reached out his hand to Janus.

Janus drew back. “I don’t trust you.�

“Tell you what…make a pact with me, then. I’ll pick up the women, bring them here…we can share. I’ll even let you mate with every other one, but the first one you kill is the last one I bring you…and that’s an option I’ve never offered Seridur. Come on, shake on it.� Jak reached his hand toward Janus.

“I doubt the offer would draw him.�

“You caught that? You’re right, his interests lie…elsewhere. Why his girls always die, he can‘t bring himself to mate with them.�

“I’ll think about it after I see how tomorrow goes. Three times now you’ve tried to clasp hands with me, what is going on? What would have happened if I’d clasped your hand?�

Jak hesitated, then shrugged his shoulder and answered. “You’d be swearing your chosen onto me…then she’d be mine. I earned it, protecting her when you wouldn‘t.�

“I knew it was a trick. I won’t double-cross you, Jak. If I have no use of her, I’ll see you get her…and if you still want me to then, I‘ll swear her over to you.�

“Thank ye’ lad. Come look at my farm, I‘m turning them loose tonight if you aren‘t interested.�

“Wait a minute! If she was selected to be perfect for me, how could she become your chosen? Someone perfect for me wouldn’t suit you at all…�

Jak kept walking toward the basement as if he hadn‘t heard, calling over his shoulder. “Decide if you want to deal on my farm. If not, I need your help wiping their memories and smuggling them out of here.�






*

I swear, if you keep building the tension like this, I'm going to explode before you even reach the climax...







And you owe me a new keyboard!

Rat libido, eh? This fic just got real!

O o... mALX.... Thomas is a-gonna have a premature....premature...

... E-jakbenimble-ulululation....


THERE! BOTH OF YOU BROUGHT OUT THE VAMPIRE IN ME AGAIN!!!

Oh, dear... I've just been Foxy'd.

You'd better hope I don't find you, you little Vulpine rascal.

Wow. I will never be able to play the Mages Guild quests again without thinking of someone who covers for rapist vampires when I deal with Traven.

LOL.

I think I've said it before, but you do a fantastic job with vampires -- you really bring the undead to "life", as it were, lol. You do a very good job at depicting how, even among the best of the vampires, there is little to like; they're rapists, killers, manipulators and all manner of villainous ne'er-do-wells. Janus is a proper villain -- no regard for human life, not even that of his "chosen". His plan is to use people for his own ends; and the only thing that keeps him, and the others, from a more destructive path is Uriel's law (which I personally would love to see followed to the letter on this group of louts!). For his peers, it means death -- and for Janus, a fate worse (forever in a dungeon) -- to be too careless. Imbel can control himself (as evidenced by his leaving Maxical alone all this time), but prefers to use humans for his own ends; he might flatter himself that he is a better vampire than Seridur (sp?), but he is clearly cut from the same cloth.
It's also interesting to see hints of the sexism which apparently exists in the highest echelons of the Imperial world...specifically, Imbel's "removal" of temptation by rape is one of the oldest and most pathetic excuses the world has ever seen (again and again), but the head of the Mage's Guild apparently sees no problem with. You are becoming a master at weaving the unreal (fantasy elements like vampires, magic, etc.) with the real, so seamlessly that they become almost inseparable as one reads.

Have I told you before that you are a genius of the art of writing? If not, then allow me to do so...in fact, if I have already, let me repeat it: you are a genius!!

This was deliciously dark and sinister, yet fabulously entertaining! WELL DONE!

Your opening scene when the vampire comes out in Janus was positively spellbindingly good!

You'll be happy to know, I'm following all of this, and thoroughly enjoying it.

A blonde, replete with doorknockers and six of her friends for our little red-headed kitty? Nah. Lol.

Your humorous injection of rat libido has been well and properly mentioned already.

Cute screenies!


Oh, one (maybe) nit: You refer to Jak as Jak throughout. Yet you open your very last sentence respelling his name to Jack - unintentionally I suspect.

I am loving Farmer Jak, he's always up to something but I quite like him...and Janus...and Vicente...and...and... *POP!* (Hazmick burst due to a severe build up in tension but, like a cartoon, he is immortal and will return in the next chapter)

@ Thomas Kaira - Thank you so much Thomas Kaira !!!! Your comment tickled me to death, I hope to owe people new keyboards !!! ROFL !!! Thank you again, that means a lot to me!!

***
@ Verlox - Thank you so much Verlox !!! Oh, it can't get much more real than rat libido. They were building a restaurant a few years back - they mapped out and cordoned off the site for it and had a sign with "Future blah, blah, blah. - So this co-worker and I brought our lunch out there to look at the site while we ate - and there were two rats mating on the spot !!!! Do you think I would ever eat there after that? NOOOOO!!!! I just kept seeing those rats mating every time I drove by that place - EW !!! ROFL - that conversation will be made worse in a couple chapters, lol. Thank you Verlox !!

***
@ Foxy - SPEW !!! You two must know each other !!! Thank you so much Foxy !!! So, let me tell you the joke about the vampire proctologist ... er ... ROFL !!! Better not.

***
@ Rachel - Thank you so very much Rachel !!! And I loved your Vicente drawing !!!

Traven - I actually modeled Traven off his character in the game. His actions/reactions from the attacks on the Mages Guild and starts realizing Necromancy is a bigger problem than he realized - but especially after he finds out about Mannimarco - the "big picture" freaks him out.

As far as his covering for the vampires - that is also strictly game based. When talking to the player he stresses that the relationship between Hassildor and the Guild must be maintained at all costs.

He always came across to me as one who would do just about anything to keep peace and stability. When faced with the realization that all his blanket policies failed and war is at hand - would sacrifice his own values (and eventually life) to bring that peace back.

(hence his use of the black soul gem - using the enemies tools to thwart them, after a lifetime of persecuting others for using those same tools)

Of course, his contract with Hassildor is supposed to be that Janus NOT act on his nature - but Traven definately turns a blind eye when he does - (in game)


Janus Hassildor - I also took his personality from the game. He is supposedly an ally of the Mages Guild, but won't tell them Mannimarco is back unless you do him a "Favor" - he doesn't care if you have to murder to get it done, and if you do and get caught - don't look to him to get you off. He is law-abiding till it suits his interest not to be - He wants to smell like a rose while someone else takes the fall - he definately uses people for his own ends - in game.


Jak in game pretends to be meek - but is cunning. He was a legendary thief before becoming a vampire, and is a con - I tried to keep his character like the game one as much as possible too.

As far as their crimes (murder/rape/etc.) - believe it or not, I modeled the vampire nature after certain cats in this feral cat colony I have tended for over 11 years now. Their actions in stalking the prey, their physical changes going into a fight - all of their vampire actions I modeled after the cats.

* The glowing eyes, changes in size (they buff up to fight), the showing of fangs, hypnotizing with their eyes - charming birds to them so they can kill them, etc.

They look like a housecat (see my entry in the "Pets" thread) - but they have a side to them that is untameable - the slightest wrong move will flip them from mild to wild, friendly to feral. They sate their lusts without remorse or guilt. Fortunately, I trapped them all and spay/neutered/released them - so there will be no more of that, lol.

It really means a lot to hear your kind words, Rachel !!! Thank you so very much !!!

***
@ Acadian - Now that is a high compliment coming from you, Thank You so much Acadian !!!! And once again, thank you for your eagle eyes that catch these things I miss - You ROCK !!!

***
@ Hazmick - I have found myself really liking Jak too, in spite of his sneaky, underhanded, conning ways - I can't help but like him. I like that he comes off most innocent when he's pulling something. - I got that part of him from my children. If they look like angels, watch out because all H is about to break out. And it usually does.

(they are also the ones I got most of Maxical's pranks from). Think "Malcom in the Middle" and "Problem Child" combined - Oh yeah. I don't get much sleep, Lol !!!!!

Thank you so much Hazmick !!! And it is so good to have you back !!!!

I’m sorry. Every time you mention a rat I am reminded of a certain mouse that I became hopelessly attached to:

Alix The Mouse


(J)anus should conduct his experiments on mouse libido, I’m sure that Alix wouldn’t mind (besides, it’s a great calorie burner).

I found your comments about Traven’s character fascinating. I always looked upon him as something of a coward in the game. Here he is, the Arch-Mage of Cyrodiil (and one can presume, of Tamriel) confronted with blatant attacks on his guild by the followers of an ancient foe who are acting against the policies that he instituted. And what does he do? He hides in the Arch-Mage’s Tower, content to allow the standard of the Mage’s Guild to be carried by the person with the least experience in the Guild! Even his so-called ‘sacrifice’ smacks of cowardice!

I swear, he reminds me of the Jedi in KOTOR2 who, when faced with the very real threat of the Sith, choose to hide in the nebulous hope that this will somehow lure their enemies into ‘showing’ themselves . . . even though the Exile doesn’t seem to have any trouble finding them. [/rant]

It's ALIX !!!! BWAAAAAH!! SNORK, SNORK!!! BWAAAAH!!!

I miss Alix !!! Did I ever post the chapter on the BGSF where Alix sees a female mouse and stands up on his hind legs weaving around like a hula dancer? I wrote it, but don't know if it ever made it to the boards, lol.

I agree exactly with your assessment of Traven. He turns sheet white and hides out up in his tower for three days each time you tell him anything that proves his blanket ban on necromancy theory is flawed.

Of course in my story, Uriel's Law is the same thing as Traven's ban on necromancy. They don't go away, just hide out and get angry. Next thing you know, the King of Worms is on your doorstep setting fires.

Also, the quest where Traven sends you to Hassildor for information - you can't tell me that Hassildor didn't tell Traven what the problem was - but is going to tell you, a nobody in the guild. Of course Traven knew before he sent you there what you would be asked to do!

So, that means Hannibal sent you to Skingrad knowing Hassildor was planning on having you murder four innocent vampire hunters - and Traven's last words ringing in your ear are:

"The relationship between Hassildor and the Guild must be maintained at all costs." - all costs ? That means he is more or less condoning you murdering the four vampire hunters if necessary to keep Count Skingrad happy. - Not more or less, he is absolutely condoning it...worse, he is telling you that you must do it.

Oh, Traven walks the line very much - and turns a blind eye when necessary to maintain the status quo - he doesn't want trouble.


Thank you so very much Destri !!! I appreciate you so much !!!!

Personally, I don’t blame Hassildor for requesting you to come to Skingrad. Having already saved your life (whether he did or not, he always acts like he did), and knowing that you didn’t broadcast his secret all over Cyrodiil, he feels that you can be trusted. One is left with the impression that he doesn’t share that feeling for the rest of the Guild. Can you blame him? One encounter with necromancer’s (which you are forced to deal with) gets you lied to by your own Guild and sent to Skingrad to spy on an ancient vampire who is not above committing murder to keep his secret, well, secret.


I think we have just had a glimpse into your bloodthirsty nature, mALX. You don’t have to kill the vampire hunters. Hassildor just says that he wants them gone. He doesn’t care how you do it. If you go to Bloodcrust Cavern and kill the vampires yourself, all you have to do is show Eridor the dust from one corpse to get him and the other hunters to leave.


Amen to this! What do you think he does for those three days? Wait . . . Who am I talking to? Nevermind, I will withdraw the question before I get a mALXian answer. I CAN'T AFFORD A NEW KEYBOARD!!