And I am glad to be back mALX...Foxy..Frightening...First word that comes to mind when contemplating that scene...*shutters*

Chapter 79: The Conspiracy


"Akatosh is the Divine you need to petition if he has shown the child to Uriel in dreams. Ask the father to petition Akatosh on her behalf, and find out quickly whether it has been approved." Divayth Fyr nodded his wizened head as he spoke.

"If it can be done without?he doesn't know of his daughter's death yet, but senses it and grieves. I hoped to bring her back without him learning she is gone. But Uriel Septim maybe?" Janus mused aloud.

"You are the one responsible for her death then?" Divayth Fyr asked point blank.

Janus hung his head. He couldn't lie, but if he told the truth would it end the chance of them helping Maxical? He couldn't look Divayth in the eye and see the kindness fade to disgust. Looking away, he nodded.

"How?" It was flat out, direct.

"I am a vampire. I have isolated myself over fifty years to avoid? people. She came?I fell in love with her. I thought my willpower strong enough? I wanted a normal life. But she is a virgin, and when she bled freely before me it was?overwhelming, a force too powerful to control. I will stay away from her till she loses her virginity, it will never happen again; just please do this for her, and for her family. She is an innocent child."

"You say you are an immortal vampire? There is only one in all Tamriel. Do you know the one who made you?" Divayth Fyr asked quietly.

"I never saw my attacker, he was in a large group of vampires. My wife was attacked too, and she was not immortal, but very powerful. I have not left my castle in over fifty years."

"When your powers were at their peak, did you?change in size? Grow to giant proportions?" Sage Vardengroet asked, stepping away as he spoke.

"Yes." Janus looked up. "Do you know my maker?"

"Janus, would you wait outside for a minute? We have to discuss this situation." Lord Kagrenac spoke up for the first time.

Janus slumped. Why had he told them? Now they would not help; may plan to lock the door once he stepped out. "I just want to say that, other than this incident; in over fifty years since I was made I have never fed or made another. Never. Please don't let my condition change what you were willing to do for Maxical. I give you my word I will stay away from her, please. She is one of a kind; not just because she is an albino Khajiit."

Dead silence fell as the ancient men looked at each other, then at Janus. "She is an albino Khajiit?"

Janus cringed. What had he said wrong now? "She?is. sirs, you could not meet a kinder soul. She is but an innocent child, please help her."

"Please step out and let us discuss this." Divayth Fyr said distractedly.

When Janus stepped outside he slumped down to the ground, frustrated at himself. Melisande should have come, she would not have ruined it for Maxical this way.

The sun's rays were angling across the cliff top, still high enough that there was no shady spot. Janus's skin began sizzling, and he cast healing till he ran out of magicka. The door still had not opened, and he could find no relief from the burning rays.

Unable to heal or find shelter, Janus pressed himself against the door at first, but as time kept passing he began losing hope that they were going to help at all, he would never get Maxical back now.

Janus was fighting hard to keep from howling in pain as his skin bubbled under the surface; fearing it would frighten the ancient men into never opening the door to him. He was rapidly weakening, and finally realized they were not coming; he had to get out of the sun. He tried to make it across the cultivated fields of rare plants to the shelter of the woods beyond, but halfway through realized he would never make it.

A groaning started inside himself; the pain of the sun eating away at him, and that of knowing he had blown any chance of saving Maxical. He swallowed down the snarls that were coming to his throat; bit through his mouth with his fangs to keep from hissing as the sun seared him; fought the roars that welled up inside him by closing off his throat; but try as he might the vampire still emerged in full.

The pain had become too great to keep fighting it. If they saw him as a giant they would never open their door to him, that he was sure. Finally collapsing, he tried crawling toward the woods, but it was too far away.

Janus blacked out several times, each time he came to it was to continue trying to reach the woods. His last vision seemed to be floating in the air, the smell of his scorched flesh filling his nostrils.

Somewhere in the darkness he could hear voices floating around him, but could not make sense of the words he heard or tell whose voices were speaking. Everything seemed to blur together.

"He's immortal all right. Could it be Malan's? It fits in with his journal notes at the Crystal Tower. You saw them too Gyron, what do you think?"

"He's Dagoth's all right, there is no doubt. The timing is exact."

"What do we do now? We can't dispose of him, that's certain."

"We can't bring the child back and place her in his grasp without protection. Gyron, do you have an amulet we can put on him while he is out of it?"

"What about you, Kagrenac?"

"Well we are protected of course. But do we unleash this against Tamriel?"

"She is just a sign, not the cause. There will be other signs. And she may possibly have already fulfilled her part, none of us can know that."

"I say lets do it. There is no way to stop these things. If one sign fails, the others will not. Let's get this child back and keep a close eye on things. But I want an amulet on this one before we do it, and enchant it so he can't remove it. His intentions are good, but he won't stand by them. He wouldn't go through all this if he didn't plan to be with her. I have already given him my word, I can't go back on it now."

"We'll do it then. Get that damn chain Gyron, before he wakes up. I'll do the enchantment. We need to get this done and begin preparing for what is coming. At least we aren't implicated in helping her."

"Not implicated Kagrenac, but are we responsible? That is the question."

"It is not for us to involve ourselves in the actions of the Gods. A petition will be enacted on both Divine and Daedric, let that determine the outcome. I say do it, but forewarn the powers that be."

"Ocato? I don't trust him, do you?"

"No. Janus is the Count Skingrad, let him give the warning. He will be more closely effected than we will, and has access to Uriel Septim."

"Should we tell him?"

"Not now, we don't have the time. Do you realize what the date is?"

"But he is using his blood in the girl."

"What? Why didn't you tell us that before? We can't let him do it."

"What other choice is there? None of us can give our own."

"Well you can't Gyron, that is for sure. I may have to."

"It won't be enough! She'll need at least five quarts."

"We can give her less. Her own body will take over and make up for the shortage over time. He wants her to be immortal, she will be with mine. That will keep him from making her by blood. He stays secluded, but she will not, we can't turn something like that loose on Cyrodiil."

"Do you think he knows?"

"No. The lad was honest with us. He doesn't know."

"He is stirring now. Are we going to do this or not?"

"I have to, I've given my word. But I want the vampire chained for the protection of the girl."

"I will if you both agree to it."

"I'm in, get that amulet before he wakes Gyron."

Janus felt something being locked around his neck, and then an incantation was spoken. A feeling of warmth encircled his neck where the metal lay against his skin. He tried to reach up and touch it, but could not lift his arms.

"Heal him, so he can do his part. Let's get moving on this."

"Wipe his memory, will you Kagrenac?"

Janus was tossing his head back and forth, trying to fight the spell being cast on him. And then everything went black.

When he woke it was to see three faces looking down at him. "What happened?" He asked weakly. "Divayth Fyr! Am I dreaming? How did you get here?" Janus reached out his hand to him. "I apologize for not standing up to shake your hand, I seem to have taken ill."

"You stood out in the sun looking at the ocean off the cliffs. You should have known better Janus my lad. You will be fine now, Gyron is a wonderful healer."



***************** Melisande

When Melisande arrived she was surprised to see Divayth Fyr and Lord Kagrenac there.

"We have all agreed to help you with the girl, and would like to come earlier than planned. Please make sure he empties out that castle entirely, no staff, no guards. Release any prisoners from their cells and send them on their way. He will need to bolt the outer gates so no one can enter. Has Hircine agreed to it?" Divayth asked, getting straight to the point.

Melisande shook her head no. "No, and I don't want Molag Bal. His is the only summoning date left. What should I do?"

"There is only one thing you can do. Open a gate to the planes of Oblivion and find one you do want, who will say yes. You are quite pressed for time here." Divayth said quickly.

"Clavicus Vile's summoning is on the first of Morning Star over in Cyrodiil. If we held the ceremony at midnight, then summoned him at one minute after, could we not do it like that?" Melisande gave him a hopeful look.

"No, we must have the approval before we act. We do not want the wrath of either Gods brought against us. You must go to Oblivion and choose which god you like, or summon Molag Bal. It must be done before we will come to Cyrodiil, and before the thirtieth. Contact us when it is completed." Lord Kagrenac said in a gruff voice.

"How can I go to the planes of Oblivion?" Melisande looked at Lord Kagrenac, but Divayth answered.

"There is a way. I will write the incantation down for you. Gyron has the rare ingredients you need for this, but you must hurry. Janus has taken ill, leave him at his castle and go yourself. There is no time to waste. What about the reanimation spell, were you able to come up with one?" Divayth scribbled on a parchment as he talked.

Melisande bit her lip. "No. But I may have found a solution?an alternative."

"Here is the formula. It is an alchemical riddle, follow it exactly or it will not work. Contact us as soon as you have all in place, and we will come. Come along lad, Melisande will take you home where you can rest up. We have many preparations to make and must get going ourselves." Divayth Fyr said, gently helping Janus up.

"I am afraid if you teleport him he may be sick on you. He has taken quite ill. Here, give him this ginger to chew for the trip." Gyron said, handing her a good sized root of it.

"Where did this amulet come from?" Melisande asked; Janus hadn't been wearing it when she dropped him off.

"It is a small gift from me, Gyron said smiling. The lad was ill, and it will heal him.

Melisande reached up to touch the amulet and felt the spell on it. Why would they lock a healing amulet on him? There was no time to think about it now. She took the two sacks of ingredients from Gyron for the ceremony and another several satchels to open the Oblivion gate.

Melisande glanced over the instructions. "Jacinth and Rising Sun." She read aloud. It was a surprisingly simple incantation. She folded it up and pocketed it. "Thank you all for everything, I will come as soon as we have all lined up." Melisande helped them as they ushered Janus outside.

"I am so sorry I am ill, I never get ill. You must be right Sir, it must be the altitude." Janus said as he shook hands with the men.

***

Poor Janus. lol

Liked the new Chapter.

Stay out of the sun Janus, you idiot! He seems quite untrainable about this, no? :lmao:


In the dialogue that followed this, you did a great job capturing the confusing blur that Janus must have experienced from the voices in the dark swirling around him.

Uh oh, looks like a hiccup with Hircine.

How mysteriously exciting all this is! I just know there's gotta be a mouse and cat at the end! WooHoo! Nice job mALX!

My favourite part was the dialogue when Janus was out of it. I dont know how you did it mALX but it had an otherworld feeling to it.
Somehow you made the conversation swirl around him perfectly. It really felt seperate and disconnected to the feelings and understanding of Janus.
Please excuse while I attempt to study how you did that??!!??

I sense that somebody has it out for Janus at the moment. The poor guy is certainly paying for his actions, ha,ha.
Next he might have nightmares of a giant mouse with antlers attacking and destroying Skingrad while he is away. Lol.

Wow!!! WOW!!! W.O.W!!!

The plot thickens AND THICKENS!!!

And we are all addicted...more...More...MORE!!!!

(insert Foxy leaping up and down here)

Oh DANG these pants! Why must they drop off at the wrong moment..

:D

My. Head. Is. Spinning.

Or is it splitting?

Wow. What next?

Absolutely this!

You managed to perfectly capture the feeling of a fly on the wall during a conversation between three demigods. Who knows what they were talking about? Who cares what they were talking about? It was all so compelling that I was riveted until the final sentence. In your own words, AWESOME WRITE!

@ Arcry - Lol, Janus is getting his, isn't he? Thank you Arcry! I have to agree with what you said to Foxy above the chapter - EW !!
***
@ Acadian - That scene is to give the reader a behind the scenes glimpse at what is coming - because the players won't know it, since Janus's memory has been wiped. - the upcoming chapters will need the reader to have a little background info, and that seemed like the best way to get it out there. - Thank you Acadian!!
***
@ Winter Wolf - ROFL - nightmares of poor Alix the Mouse? ROFL - Thank you so much Wolf, you are the best, and I have some rewards (for putting up with the destruction of your beloved DB, Eyja's howling, etc.) coming for you in the future chapters if I can get them working properly!
***
@ Foxy - Woo Hoo! Where is that whistling emoticon when you need it? ROFL - Thank you Foxy, you are Awesome!
***
@ Hauteecole Rider - I hope that was a good comment, lol. Well, it gets closer to the time, and everything is going to be picking up pace in a crescendo of ....etc. Thank you so much Hauty!
***
@ Destri Melarg - Whew! Your comment has me gobbling like a turkey!!! Thank you very much - very much. That means tons to me to hear you say that <3 !! Thank you!


*

Chapter 80: The Void


Sage Vardengroet had been right, the swirling from the recall teleportation caused Janus to be violently ill over the two of them. They both had to clean up before continuing, and agreed to meet in the crypt once they were respectively ready to continue. Melisande was already in the crypt busy when Janus arrived, still looking peaked.

"Where is your cowl? Did you leave it at?"

"No, it needs to be cleaned. I was sick on it."

"Ugh, don't remind me. Well, I need your help, and we must hurry." Melisande said, grabbing vials and jars off the table in the cell and shoving them into her pack.

"What are you doing now?" Janus asked, watching her.

Melisande spun around and glared at him for a second, then went back to what she was doing.

"I guess Marie is not the only one who is Spoultry around here. Looks like 'Aunt Flo' is making the rounds." Janus muttered under his breath. Still, he followed her outside when she left the crypt, leaving the bodyguard to watch over the prisoners.

"You idiot, don't ask in front of Hannibal what I am doing, the last thing I need is for him to take any interest in my actions right now. Let him keep his nose up Marie while I do what needs to be done. These things I am doing are illegal, and Hannibal will recognize them if you keep drawing attention to them! Now give me your sword."

Melisande took Janus's sword, looking carefully at the detailed drawing on the parchment she had been given by the Sage. She carved a replica of the ancient symbol it contained into the ground in the middle of the courtyard imitating each line, beginning with a large open bottomed arched doorway. In the center she cut the shape of Daedroth arms, the clawed hands facing each other. Reaching in her pack she pulled out a leather satchel that glowed from every crack and opening, and hummed loudly. She carefully cut a rounded clod into the center of he symbol and then slowly extracted a glowing orb that seemed to be on fire out of the leather pouch. It buzzed loudly enough to hurt Janus's ears.

"What is that thing? It is hurting my hearing." Janus placed his hands along side his ears to diffuse the buzzing.

"That is a sigil stone. It is from Oblivion itself, and is very rare." Melisande said quietly.

Janus pulled his hands down and moved in closer to stare at the glowing orb that hummed with life.

She opened the pack she had carried out and pulled two jars out and her mortar and pestle.

"What is that?" Janus asked, eyeing the jars curiously.

"Orc's blood and amber. This is an alchemical riddle Janus, everything has to be done in a certain order for this to work. If you keep distracting me you could ruin it, now hush! Stoke that fire under the cauldron for me, and hurry." Melisande called distractedly while she furiously ground away at the ingredients in her mortar.

When she was satisfied with the mixture she held it over the cauldron and looked up into the sky. In a voice that sounded like it would echo across time she chanted, "jacinth - rising sun."

A shiver went down Janus's back, but he continued watching as she grabbed another jar and a satchel from her pack. "Unicorn's horn and Hist sap." she said aloud, before Janus could disturb her with questions again. She ground away at the horn and then combined them. She held them over the cauldron, looking up to the sky. "Snow - grass." She called out in the same voice of incantation.

She did the same thing with Daedra heart and Ectoplasm, calling out; "Night - mid-day sky."

When she poured the last batch into the cauldron it suddenly bubbled up and began coming to life. Melisande began chanting out the incantation and stirring the concoction with a large, flat wooden spoon; her head thrown back and facing up to the sky.

"The Jacinth wakes the rising sun, and snow blankets the grass. But night overtakes the mid-day sky, and the gate is opened last!" As she stirred the bubbling purple liquid it turned a golden hue and began to eddy rapidly in the vat.

Melisande pulled a vial out of her pocket and held it in the center of the whirlpool, filling it with the liquid. Reaching into her bra she pulled out the satchel with Maxical's soul in it. "Hold onto this with your life, Janus! Don't let Hannibal see it! And no matter what happens, do not give it to anyone else for any reason. I should be back. I hope."

With those words Melisande walked over to the carved symbol on the ground and poured the liquid onto the Sigil stone in the center of it. The ground began to shake and split apart, as if it would swallow them into the depths of it. Janus pushed the satchel with Maxical's soul down into the pocket of his pants and ran back to the outer wall of the castle. Melisande had barely moved from her position.

"Melisande!" Janus screamed, fearing she would fall into the crevice forming across the courtyard. She turned her head toward him as if in slow motion; a wind seemed to come from the deep fissure itself and blew her hair up around her face.

With a loud roar fire shot up from the crevice in a huge ring that shook the ground as it pushed up through it. It looked like a giant version of the hoops of fire trained animals leapt through at the fairs held every year on Uriel Septim's birthday, but it had what looked like horns or tusks sticking out of the bottom in a crisscross.

Melisande was standing barely feet away from the flames as the portal rose up with tremendous speed. Janus ran over and flung Melisande back lest it burn her, throwing himself between her and the ring of fire. The flames scorched him and he roared, backing away from it.

"What are you doing, Janus? Get out of here! Wait for me here!" She said, and stepping up to the fiery arch she said something Janus couldn't hear and then disappeared into the center of the flames.

Janus hesitated, then leapt through the circle of fire, landing on the other side in the courtyard. Melisande was not here! He tried again, this time going slower. When he reached the center where the flames singed his skin he found the doorway she had gone through. He touched it, screaming in pain as the fire burned his hands.

Janus felt like he was falling into a void, a rushing sound echoed around him as if the wind was whipping him, but the air was perfectly still and dark around him. Was he falling? He couldn't tell. How long he hung suspended in that void Janus couldn't tell, but he blinked once and found himself standing on a beautiful island of lush grass and trees. Swaying on his feet, he looked around in disbelief at the vast expanse around the island; a void that seemed to go on forever. Somehow, floating in the midst of it was this island; surrounded by waters that were crystal clear and air of such purity it was as if he had never really breathed before. Was this Oblivion?

Janus stooped to scoop the water in his palm, wanting to know what water that pure would taste like. His hand did not get wet. It was an illusion. He scanned quickly for Melisande and saw her walking across an old stone bridge ahead of him that led to a perfect little cottage. Glancing around quickly, he followed her.

Melisande must have heard him approaching, because she spun around, her eyes glittering in anger. "What are you doing here? I thought I told you to stay behind!" Her voice was like a whip.

"I?I thought you might be in danger." Janus mumbled, feeling once again like an errant schoolboy in her presence.

"You were supposed to stay there and protect Maxical's soul! Instead you have brought it up here where it can be taken from you, you fool!" She spat.

"I didn't know?I will go back right now." Janus said, turning to leave.

"Where do you think you are running off to so quickly? We have not even met yet." The booming voice of a man echoed around them as if it was a part of the whole realm.

"You idiot!" Melisande snarled. "Try to find the exit quickly before he closes it!"

Janus tried to run back toward the place he had entered, but no matter how fast he ran, he did not move forward at all.

"Don't leave before I make your acquaintance. Come, sit down and let us meet." The voice seemed to come from the void itself, as if it was everywhere...or everything.

Janus turned toward Melisande and took a step toward her. He was able to move in this direction. Turning back he tried walking away, but again found he walked in place without gaining ground.

"It is making me go in this direction only." Janus whispered to Melisande.

"It? You describe me as it? If either one of us is an it, let it be you then, vampire." The eerie voice floated around them.

"How did he know I'm a vampire?" Janus whispered, his stomach clenching into a knot. He couldn't fight something he couldn't see, was this a God then?

"Do nothing to make him mad, Maxical's life may depend on him." Melisande stormed, smacking him across the elbow in emphasis.

They walked forward, Janus rubbing his elbow.

"So, and to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit today? Have the three of you just decided to come visit me? I hope you have brought me a gift, as is the custom here for uninvited guests." The man's voice enveloped them, beckoning them as they approached the cottage.

The trunk of an enormous tree had been cut into the shape of a chair, and sitting in the seat of it was a huge man, at least nine foot tall; with goats horns rising up from his head. Standing by his side was a beautiful dog, huge; larger than any Janus had ever seen before.

"Your dog is beautiful." Janus spoke spontaneously, kneeling down. The dog approached him and allowed his caresses. "What a fine man you are, what is your name?" Janus crooned to the dog.

"His name is Barbas. He seems to have taken a liking to you." The giant man said.

Janus pulled his wedding ring off his finger. Rona was dead, it was of no consequence now. "I have this gold ring, I would like to offer it to you as a gift, for we have disturbed you without invitation." He said, stretching his hand out with the ring laying on his flat palm.

Without the other man moving the ring disappeared from Janus's palm and appeared on the giant's hand. "Pretty. And still you three stand before me giving no clue as to why I have been disturbed. Should I call the maid and tell her there will be extras for dinner this night?" He laughed as he spoke, a jovial sound with just a hint of the same sarcasm his voice held.

Janus stroked the dog absentmindedly while staring at Melisande. She looked as confused as he did. "Three sir? There are just the two of us."

"Ah, so you both know not of the third one's presence?" His voice boomed around them, sending chills down Janus's spine.

He saw Melisande shiver and glance at him meaningfully. Blanking his mind, Janus slipped his hand into his pocket and clutched tightly onto the black soul gem.

"Oh, I am interested in that soul as well. But I speak of the other one. The mother of that one." He pointed a bony, claw-like finger at Melisande. "The one she hides within."

"What speak you of, sir?" Melisande asked, obviously as much in the dark as Janus.

"Come out and introduce yourself, Khajiit; or I will take your daughter for company on this lonely plane."

To the shock of both Janus and Melisande, the watery form of a diminutive Khajiit woman seemed to melt out of Melisande and stood before Clavicus Vile. She was absolutely beautiful, the delicate shape of her face could belong to no one else but Maxical's mother. Janus felt himself losing consciousness, everything began to swirl around him. He woke up to Barbas licking his face.

"Who?who are you?" Melisande asked, the shock registering in her voice.

"Yes, introductions all around. Let us all get acquainted. You all must know me, as you have come to me for a favor; but I will introduce myself anyway, as the fainting vampire still seems confused. I am Clavicus Vile." He said, then as Janus fainted again he added, "I see our friend the vampire is shocked by that."


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*

No! That's not Janus! That's Cyrus! What did Clavicus Vile do to Janus? What are YOU doing with my favorite hero! (yes, I saw the entire Redguard movie)

Oh, and that screenie of Barbas! :rofl: Vile has got to stop giving him the Beggin' Strips!

Again, a well written chapter. Loved the witch's act out of Hamlet. But is Janus's act of putting the soul gem in his pants pocket a Freudian slip? :hubbahubba:

And that is Maxical's mother? The plot thickens!

No! That's not Janus! That's Cyrus! What did Clavicus Vile do to Janus? What are YOU doing with my favorite hero! (yes, I saw the entire Redguard movie)

Oh, and that screenie of Barbas! :rofl: Vile has got to stop giving him the Beggin' Strips!

Again, a well written chapter. Loved the witch's act out of Hamlet. But is Janus's act of putting the soul gem in his pants pocket a Freudian slip? :hubbahubba:

And that is Maxical's mother? The plot thickens!

Uggh, I double- posted! Sorry!

*pant*pant*pant*

mALX1, I have spent my entire day (and part of yesterday) reading your story from the very beginning. My eyes are seriously strained, but I couldn't tear myself away from the computer because I just HAD to see what was going to happen next.

I love Alix the plump little mouse. He's adorable! I love how sensually you've described certain scenes. I love your comedy (berry sundae, indeed). I love all the love complications. I am just addicted to this story.

Reading this gives me that same inspired feeling I get from reading Moving Through Darkness. Seriously, when the internet went down, I got right to work on my fan fiction, though as soon as the internet connected again, I got back to reading. I have no doubt I'll be seeing Maxical in my dreams as I am finally off to bed now. I can't wait for the next one!

Please forgive the pun, but that's not Barbas, that's Jabba the Mutt!

Maxical's mother now, hanging out inside of Melisande?! :blink: I hope she has always been there. If she has spent all this time inside Clavicus Vile's realm it's a wonder that Barbas hasn't used her for a chew toy yet (said with all apologies to the cat-lovin' nation. PETA please don't picket me. . .again!)

Maxical's MOTHER??? :blink:

Now just WHAT is that amazing imagination of yours up to now...

Brilliant and mind-boggling and fun.

Maxical's mother- hiding inside Melisande, no doubt watching out for her kit.

Kagrenac and the Dwemer.

Clavicus Vile- hope Barbas does not see Alix the Moose-Mouse- he might think Alix is a doggie treat.

And one quote I could not resist:



Terri Garr?

Breathtakingly good passage, this!

We begin to see now, the reason that Maxical's soul so strongly affects Melisande - magnificent!

Deeper and deeper down into the rabbit hole you carry us, now to head spinning depths.

Fat dogs and pukey vampires without spines and horny giants and spoulty witches and pretty little see-through kitties . . . and lions and tigers and bears, oh my! What fun!!!

Yes, head spinning indeed. Suspense.

Lead on mALX! :goodjob:

This is the most devilish fun read I've chanced upon in a long while. Crazy, amazing, insane, mischievous, mind-boggling, quite simply mALX at her best !!


Run Maxical, run !! Now !! This man is not to be trusted. No wait, she cannot run, she is inside his pants at the moment. :facepalm:

And what can I say about the Barbas pic???
I am still in shock.

Interesting read. Never really liked Vile though.

Wow! Every time I think I see where this story is going, you promptly set a totally unexpected course. Awesome work! I can't wait to see what happens next!!

That was GREAT! I'll echo Rachel can't wait to see what's next!

@ Hauteecole Rider - You are right, of cours, lol. It is Cyrus, but I needed the pic, and from behind it could have been Janus, lol. You think Barbas needs a diet? ROFL !! You are very appreciated, thank you Hauty!!!
***
@ Jacki Dice - I saw you reading as I was posting, and was hurrying to get the screenshots in so you wouldn't miss Barbas's picture, lol - thank you so much for all your kind words - and I hope to see your fanfic soon, I heard you were writing one on another thread and have been looking forward to it!
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@ Destri Melarg - Jabba the Mutt - ROFL!! - I was trying to find a large enough dog that it would be believable as Barbas - hope I succeeded, lol. And yes, Maxical's Mom's spirit has been there in Melisande since she captured Maxical's soul - Acadian had it right, that is why Melisande was having motherly feelings she didn't understand toward the soul gem. Before that she was in Alix the Mouse, which is why Alix was so helpful to them finding Maxical's soul. - that won't come out in these chapters though. There is too much to get done right now and the deadline for 'Old Life' looming. Now I wonder how much of the personality we have seen in Melisande was the mother, and how much was Melisande? (yoiks!) Thank you very much Destri!
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@ Foxy - this is all leading somewhere, believe it or not! You will not believe where this is going, it is going to be epic! (and you thought you were on maneuvers? Bwahaha!) Well, since Bin Laden has not been caught, or Castro's brother assassinated - I finally figured out where you went for 10 days - After putting together the evidence I have come up with the only conclusion possible - You and Rachel are one and the same!!! Rachel is The Black Fox in disguise !!! Just kidding. Thank you Foxy, you are Awesome!
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@ Treydog - Exactly right, I could not have said it better myself. All those warning feelings Maxical used to get in her mind, etc. - there was always a reason for it. Barbas looks like he eats guards for doggie treats, lol. - Terri Garr - ROFL !!! I spewed coffee on that one! Thank you so very much Treydog, you ROCK !!!!
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@ Acadian - You have been going to the Winter Wolf school of plot weaving - you are starting to follow my plots like he does !!! Now we are talking!!! - You are so greatly appreciated Acadian, thank you!
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@ Winter Wolf - Your reading my story is hugely inspiring to me, I dare not leave a thread hanging as long as you are reading - some of my best plots were born through trying to intrigue that lightning fast mind of yours - and follow throughs were imperative because you would notice if I didn't - You are AWESOME! Thank you Wolf!
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@ Arcry - Thank you so much! I never knew much about him till I did this storyline, and I reasearched him to death for this - I came out liking him quite a bit more than I did before, surprisingly! He is so many things I never expected from a Daedric Prince - the humor, sarcasm, loneliness, etc. - before this I only had the Oblivion version of him, so had nothing to go by. Thank you so much Arcry, you are very appreciated!
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@ Rachel (Foxy) the Breton - If I can throw you for a curve as quickly as your mind moves - then I must have lucked out and done something right!!! Yeah !!! Thank you Rachel, I know you have been tremendously busy lately, and appreciate so much when you can make it by here!!!
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@ RemkoNL - Thank you so much! You are very appreciated! Like Rachel - I know you have been busy lately because of the slowdown in your being on the forums and in posting your own story - this year seems to be a busy one, and that anyone takes the time to keep stopping by and reading means the world to me! Thank you!

*

Rachel (Foxy) the Breton

Quick! Rachel! She thinks we are one and the same! Somewhat like the beast with two ba-

** Lightning, a 9999 ton meteorite, two handbags and a stiletto heel struck Foxy simultaneously. **

@ Foxy - ba? Ba...ba...ba? I'm stumped, lol!




Chapter 81: Clavicus Vile Gains A Soul


"It is with great regret that I disturb your Lordship. As you have already pointed out, I am Shivani; the mother of the soul they carry. The vampire and one such as yourself killed her, and this kind witch has agreed to help bring her back to life. But we need your help to do it, your Lordship." The watery form ignored Melisande and spoke to Clavicus Vile in clear, soft, educated tones.

Janus's head was reeling. What was going on? He buried his face in the fur of Barbas, his shaking hands entwining themselves in the curly thickness of it. How could he face Maxical's mother, who knew he had killed her daughter? He wished once again for death to come to him, to eschew the immortality of his vampire blood.

"My my, you are an entertaining lot. We have a murdering vampire that weeps into my dogs fur and prays for death, while he carries on him the soul of his victim; a witch from Glenmoril who carries the soul of the victim's mother around without her knowledge?and all of you decided to bring your act to my doorstep and entertain me with it. How kind of you. I can't imagine what I have done to deserve such pleasure. I certainly can't accuse you of boring me?yet."

Janus reached into his pocket with one hand and clutched the soul gem once again. With the other he continued to stroke the thick fur of the dog, scratching its soft ears to the dog's obvious pleasure.

"If you have come to bring my dog pleasure, you are scratching the right back. If it is me you wish to please, I prefer gifts than the stroking of vampire hands. Come now, you have not traveled all this way to walk away empty handed. What have you brought besides yourselves for my entertainment? For I am the one that can grant your wish. That is what I do." Clavicus Vile was beginning to sound bored.

Janus held out a large sack of Septims. It disappeared instantly and reappeared in the hands of Clavicus Vile.

"Gold holds no interest for me. It is just metal up here. I prefer to deal in souls. I have an eternity on my hands, and see little in it to keep my mind occupied. What gift can you offer that will relieve the tedium of my existence in this plane?"

The tedium of an eternity alone. Janus knew the feeling of that, and understood instantly. The only thing that had broken his sentence of boredom had been Maxical. Another person to entertain him. That is what Clavicus Vile needed. Just like Janus needed Maxical.

"Now one of us seems to know what I am talking about. So what have you brought me? Is that the gift in your pocket?"

"No, your Lordship. I would offer you my own self, if you can bring this one back to life and send it back with the witch from Glenmoril. I am eternal as well, so you would never be without company."

"Sorry, vampire. Not interested. You are not exactly my 'cup of tea' if you understand what I mean. Any other offers?" He looked over at Melisande and winked a slanted eye at her.

"I am the only one that can perform the ritual to bring her back, your Lordship." Melisande quickly asserted.

"If I may, your Lordship?I would offer myself if you would help my daughter. I can be quite entertaining." Maxical's mother stepped forward, kneeling down before Clavicus Vile.

"Yes?yes you can. Which was why Ormellius Goldwine found you so intriguing, is it not?" Clavicus said as if thinking aloud, then came to a decision. "Your wish will be granted. The ritual will not be an easy one, and you will still need a way to reanimate, a spell or what-not. I warn you now, your wish must be clear as you perform the ritual, for any fanciful thoughts that distract from it may cause the granting of it to falter. I cannot be held responsible if it does not come true and your thoughts were not of the purest focus."

"Wait!" Melisande spoke up. "What can I tell Maxical about you Shivani?"

The Khajiit turned around and looked at Melisande, what looked like tears falling down her watery face. She opened her mouth to speak and Clavicus Vile stopped her with a wave of his hand, then pointed them into the cottage.

"Weeping women can quickly become boring, take your tales inside."

Janus started to follow and Clavicus Vile stopped him. "Where do you think you are going?"

"I wanted to hear what message her mother had to give her." Janus said, embarrassed.

"No lad. That is for the women. You are of this plane whether you realize it or not. But you will learn of it soon enough. I won't go into it now. How would you like to take Barbas with you as a pet for Maxical?"

"Do you?mean it? She loves animals, it would please her to no end! And me as well. He is a fine and handsome dog. I will treat him very well. I have already been quite taken with him." Janus stroked the dog as he spoke.

"Yes, I can see that. Barbas is more than just a dog. But you will find that out too. I am granting this wish, but should you ever harm the child again, don't come to me to clean up your soiled house. Next time I will bring the power of the cosmos against you. Barbas will be there to watch what goes on. Do you know the one that made you?"

"No, your Lordship. Do you?know who it was?" Janus asked, not sure what Clavicus Vile meant.

"Who? Or WHAT it was? That is an entertaining riddle all on its own. You may find the answer on this quest to bring the child back. I wonder if you will be ready to hear it?"

"What do you mean?" Janus felt like the ground was about to drop out from beneath him.

"All in good time lad. I must say you were certainly taking after him when you killed that nursemaid. Looked the spit of him almost. A giant he was, like me." Clavicus Vile said, watching Janus's reactions.

"I didn't remember anyone giant in the attack, only that they took no punishment from me, as if I were naught but a fly beating its wings against them." Janus said, the memories coming back to him as they hadn't done in decades. Then suddenly he did remember beating on a chest that towered above him. Why had he never remembered that before?

"An impenetrable force, as it were." Clavicus said, watching Janus closely.

"Yes, I remember thinking that, or something like that." Janus was beginning to feel ill as the memories began returning to him. Unconsciously his hand moved down and buried itself in Barbas' fur.

"As long as you are up on this plane, why not stop in to see Hermaeus Mora. He can tell you all you wish to know about the one who made you." Clavicus said; his voice gave no clue as to motive.

"Hermaeus Mora?" Suddenly Janus felt he would be better off not knowing. "I have heard it said that he was made of tossed out ideas, and is seen as one holding parchment to the candle's flame; yet men argue as to whether this is to illuminate its text or to obscure the light that would reveal it; and even argue whether the information he has is valid, as it was from discarded thoughts." Maxical and he had debated this very issue in depth during her incarceration.

"I would be careful of blaspheme while you stand in this plane. His realm is the past and future, knowledge and memory; the plans and ideas that pass through minds did not make him, he merely gathers them. Those who seek information are welcome to search for it in his domain." Clavicus Vile's words sounded harsh, but he did not seem angry.

"The keeper of secret thoughts, forbidden knowledge. That is what Maxical said...she was right then. But I have heard it said that those who enter his realm never leave." Janus mused aloud, trying to determine if Clavicus was giving him friendly advice or trying to trap him.

"Their own greed for power that enticed them there in the first place is what traps them. They cannot stop till hey have learned every secret thought, every hidden action. They trap themselves, Hermaeus Mora does not hold them there against their will, or trick them. He simply allows them the freedom to search his realm to their hearts content. You would do well to speak with him, not just for yourself, but that which concerns the little Khajiit you wish to bring back to life." Clavicus Vile's voice held no malice, but Janus knew instinctively the knowledge he would glean would be of a devastating nature.

"Is she in danger?" Janus straightened up and faced the Daedric Lord.

"It appears to me she already was, the day you raced out to rescue her. There are things you don't know about that day, some that could be of great interest to you. There are also things you should know about your making, and about the child Maxical as well. A few of us on this plane have been watching her, did you know that?"

"She told me that, I was not sure if I believed her at the time. She said the Gods spied on her and told all to the Emperor who was going to make her do roadwork in Cyrodiil as punishment for her ill deeds."

Clavicus Vile roared with genuine laughter at that. "The child is quite entertaining, yes. But you are speaking of the Divines; I am speaking of this realm. Hermaeus Mora reads the stars just as Akatosh does, and the knowledge he gathers is known to us. Maxical misunderstands the nature of what will be required of her. The task that will be given her is against one on this realm, and her soul is not safe here. He knows she is here, and will come seeking that gem you carry. The task the Gods have given her is to bring him to his knees and defeat his armies. There are some here who will try to take her soul while it conveniently rests within that stone you carry. I suggested you bring Barbas with you for her protection. You will need it as you cross this realm with the child's soul."

"Which Daedric Lord could she possibly want to go against? For she is not of any particular?religious belief or persuasion. She is not affiliated with any Chapel, although her adoptive father prays to Akatosh."

"This will not be a religious war, but a duty for Cyrodiil itself. She has already given her vow to Uriel Septim, you know. The tumblers are in place and falling into the slots as we stand here chatting. Before a year passes you will see the evidence of this battle all across Cyrodiil. There is no reason not to tell you, as Hermaeus Mora will most likely inform you as well. She will be fighting the armies of Mehrunes Dagon." He carefully watched Janus's reaction.

"Mehrunes Dagon? How can a tiny thing like her fight against the armies of his creation? She will die?unless she has my Dark Gift."

"This is one task you will not be able to keep her from, unless you lose her soul on this realm. The Gods have taken an active part in her life, that is they had until you snuffed it out."

"Maybe we should just return to Cyrodiil without finding Hermaeus Mora, if her soul will be in danger up here."

"I think that is why the witch told you not to follow her, and entrusted you with it. You really are bull-headed, aren't you?"

"Yes, your Lordship. I am afraid I am."

"Well, I can't say you have not been entertaining to me, kidnapping the Arch Mage and the healer from the chapel and holding them hostage. I don't know when I have been so entertained. You are one of the few people who compounds every error by making five much worse errors to save you from the first."

"I have to respectfully disagree with you, your Lordship. Murdering the woman I love, there could not possibly be any worse crime than that."


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Now Mora, him I like.

Interesting read. Wonder if Janus will request the information...Count of Skingrad...Raving about "The Oblivion Crisis" lol.

On another note..I would more than likely get lost in the realm of Hermaeus Mora...

*Pokes Foxy's broken remains with a near by stick*