Hmm, if you cross a Werewolf with a Vampire, would you get a Werepire or a Vampwolf?

@ Foxy - Don't tell the mods or anything Foxy, lol. Thank you Foxy!!! And I can't wait to see what your throes produce!

***

@ Arcry - I am dying to hear what happened when you mixed a vampire with the Ring of Hircine! That sounds interesting! I know with a vampire you are supposed to have resistance to disease, so it is hard to become a werewolf afterward. I haven't found out how mine will work yet, she got the werewolf first so it wouldn't be blocked by the vampirism, but she hasn't gotten the vampire yet. I've been trying, but no one will cooperate. I got Vicente to bite Maxical in game, but then the darn Pirate mod took over and she hasn't had any of the vampire dreams she is supposed to be having. I already killed Vicente so can't re-do it...I will have to check my stats and see if they show the vampirism. Thank you so much Arcry!!

***

@ Acadian - I got a wonderful modder to make her werewolf pure white so it matches her. I've had some problems with Melisande's blonde werewolf for the big battle coming up between the two of them. She won't put it on! And Janus is a little iffy about being around Maxical when she is transformed, so it is hard to get pics except while she is transforming, he watches that. Then I accidentally hit the key to howl when she was not transformed yet, and it cast instead, making her werewolf guardian appear. Janus ran from his bedroom and hid out in the lower rooms. The guardian stays a long time, so Janus wouldn't come back in. I had to load a previous save to get him back in there, lol. Thank you so much Acadian!!!!!!!

***

@ Foxy - I like Vampwolf!!! Good one!

***

I'm a bit confused now, but since I'm currently playing the Morrowind main quest as a vampire my confusion might be justified. In Morrowind you become a zombie for a short time in the main quest. Adding werewolf would just make it harder. I'm sure it will all get sorted out in the next episode or two though.

@Foxy, I like werepire!

@ MyCat - Thank you so much MyCat! Well, it may take a little while to get Maxical sorted out. If you have any questions, feel free to ask, it is possible I need to rewrite parts so it is clearer and it is always good to have feedback to let me know if I have convoluted the story line too much. I always appreciate knowing how others are seeing it so I know if I have to fix things. You are very appreciated!!!

*


Chapter 99: Clavicus Vile In Charge


“He won’t harm you unless you try and pull some of your tricks.” Clavicus said, then turning from Melisande to Lord Kagrenac added, “Will you.”

Lord Kagrenac gave a thwarted pout, but agreed.

“Melisande, your things will be sent to Drakelowe. I‘m sure you understand why you are not welcome to take the time to pack them now.”

“You’ll regret the day you met me! All of you!” Melisande spat out.

“We already did. I can’t say meeting you was ever a pleasure.” Divayth said quietly and then shot Lord Kagrenac a look, waggling his fingers.

“My Lord, Janus loaned the witch his most powerful spells, she shouldn’t leave here with them; and I don’t like the idea of her sullying Shivani’s good name by appearing as her when she leaves here. Is there any way to get those spells back and make her change back?“ Lord Kagrenac asked, giving a malevolent glare to Melisande.

Without making a motion Clavicus stripped Melisande of her illusion spell and Janus’s battery of powerful spells. “Done, now remove her please, Shivani does not like her.”

Clavicus turned back to Shivani after Lord Kagrenac gleefully escorted Melisande out.

“And I should have known you would never act that way. ” He said in Khajiit.

“Should I go ensure Traven‘s support in case she stirs the guards to come?” Divayth asked. “And what about discussing the blood conflict with him?”

“Aye. Ensure his support, and Traven needs to know the other as well. Not the kids yet though. Another time.” Clavicus said.

Getting the hint, Divayth left him alone with Shivani.





***

Hannibal readily assured Divayth of his and Marie’s loyalty should Melisande bring the watch. “And now I want to know everything you can tell me about the making of Janus. As his and Maxical’s physician I must know these things.”

“I will, I would really like you to come with us to read that journal, it tells how it was done and every ancient bloodline used in him. It was more a scientific experiment than a vampire attack. But first there are some things we must discuss with you that cannot be told to Janus or Maxical at this time. We need your input on this situation, as you will be the one caring for her. I‘ll need your vow of silence on this discussion, do I have it?”

“Of course. I felt there was something going on about the blood, is this what you are referring to?”

“Yes.”

“Then when you asked me about conflicts in the cell, has Maxical been given werewolf blood?”

“Yes.”

“And it was mixed with Janus’s as well, correct?”

“Correct.”

“Well I already saw the Ring of Hircine on her. I wasn’t sure about the necklace, but guessed it may be to neutralize the vampire. Have they been bound on her permanently yet?”

“Yes. Traven, you are smarter than a lot of people give you credit for. I think I like you better each time we meet. I hope you do take us up on that offer to come visit. I think you should see that journal. The knowledge in it could be invaluable for the Arcane University.”

“I plan to. I’d like to give you my card, in case you would ever care to come visit, if I know in advance I can assure your privacy. I would welcome any correspondence as well. Here, take an extra couple for Lord Kagrenac and Sage Vardengroet as well, please.”





***

Janus hurried up to the room to find Maxical had already fallen asleep. He debated waking her and telling her about the false Shivani, but Maxical looked exhausted and was sleeping peacefully. With a sigh he pulled up the chair closer to the bed and watched her sleep.

A sound caused Janus to glance up, Shivani had appeared next to him.

“Thank you for saving me Janus. Clavicus doesn‘t want Maxical upset by learning of Melisande. The witch was never in here since Maxical has been awake, and she is gone now. Do you mind?”

“No, of course not…er…gone? What do you mean gone?”

“Clavicus will explain it, I want to take over here, if you don’t mind. I have to make amends with her.”

Janus hesitated, not knowing if he should trust that it wasn’t the fake Shivani again. Clavicus Vile appeared. “I’m proud of you lad, for thinking of her safety first, see that you keep doing that. But that is Shivani, and she needs to make amends. I’ve got some things to discuss with you as well. Shivani and I will be leaving soon.”





***

When I woke up it was to find Shivani sitting by my bed looking miserable. She gave me a stiff apology in Khajiit for her actions the day before. I pulled myself into a sitting position, while I tried to think. Alix used to concentrate on his boot to think, well I was using my fidgety movements to buy time while my mind sorted through this. Why was she taking the blame for something I know wasn’t her? It looked like her, but the voice, the intonations, the eyes. Khajiit read people through the eyes, and that was not Shivani. That, and the impersonator didn’t speak Khajiit. So why was Shivani sitting here taking the blame for something she obviously didn‘t do? And it was killing her spirit to do it, that was clear. This was a mystery, a riddle.

Shivani was so distressed that I discarded the idea of trying to worm it out of her. If she wanted to tell me and couldn’t, it would have to be due to her vow to Clavicus Vile. She belonged to him, and he does not interfere. She must be forcing herself to keep me in the dark because to tell would be an interference; even though she thinks it is at the expense of our relationship. But who was the evil Shivani? That I had to know. I would have to worm it out of Janus later.

I reached out and took her hand. She looked surprised. “Did you know that even in identical twins there are minute differences that someone close can see to tell them apart?”

Shivani nodded her head, still looking miserable; but didn’t speak. I tugged on her hand so she would look at me, and let her read my eyes.

“I am close enough to my mother to see these differences. Clavicus Vile does not interfere, and you belong to him. I know you can’t interfere. Janus and I have an enemy, and we need to figure out who it is.” I said it in Khajiit. Then I sent the thought to Clavicus Vile, She kept her vow to you.




***

Clavicus jumped suddenly.

“What is it My Lord?” Janus asked, concerned.

“The child just sent me a thought, no one has ever done that before. What an odd sensation! My you people are entertaining!”

“No one had ever done that with me before either. She started off doing it to tease me or bait me, but it evolved into a way to intimately communicate with me so others could not hear what she said. She must know you hear thoughts like I do.”

“Yes, she discovered it the other night when she was thinking Kagrenac may leave a puddle on the floor and I laughed. She has kept her mind quiet around me since.”

“That is really hard for her to do, she usually pvssyrs within herself constantly. It is hugely entertaining.”

“Yes, I imagine it is.” Clavicus stretched.

“Janus lad, I ran that witch off. She harmed Shivani. You are too easy going my boy. I’d much rather see you like Kagrenac, stewing for a fight when someone has wronged one you love. I’ve already sent Divayth and Kagrenac to talk to Traven and ensure he will stand by you if the watch shows up on your doorstep.” Clavicus clapped Janus hard on the back as if trying to dislodge something stuck in his throat.

“Surprisingly, I think he will, for all I’ve done to him.”

“I believe you are right lad. Remember, laws broken are only bribes waiting to happen. Never allow the enemy to stay under your roof. Kill them if you have to. Of course you know where to send the soul when you do.” Clavicus was somehow jovial and serious at the same time.

“Shivani and I will be leaving. I will send Barbas back to watch over you two. I’ll let Shivani visit occasionally through Barbas.”

“My Lord…I want to thank you for Barbas. Maxical will love him as much as I do. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all you’ve done for Maxical, and what a pleasure it has been meeting you. I thank you very much” Janus said, shaking the giant’s massive hand.

“I did it for Shivani.” He leaned forward and dropped his voice to a low thunder. “PW my boy.”

Janus looked blank for a second. “Oh, you mean because she is a Khajiit!” He said, then laughed.

“You aren’t the brightest thing, are you?” Clavicus asked, shaking his head. “What do you plan to do with your prisoners when this is all over? Are you making a gift to me of their souls?“

“I plan to wipe their memories and tell them they came for Rona, but fell in love when they met and kept staying after her death as honored guests.”

“Well, that is a shame then. I really enjoy Traven‘s company. All right.” Clavicus sighed.

”I don’t interfere with mortals son, so you listen to me. You start using that brain of yours for something other than chasing that tail up there. And yes, I said that because she is a Khajiit, so you can take the blank look off your face. Boy, I am this close to binding her womb so you two never reproduce.”

“Er…does that mean we can?”

“Do I look like a prophet to you lad? I swear, I may ring a bell if I ever see you use your brain for something other than how to get into that child up there. I haven’t seen it happen yet.”

“It’s been a rough week. I’ve been wanting to talk to you about something before you leave. My Lord, my father and I stopped speaking the year before he died. He tried to warn me about Malan, and I was stubborn and wouldn‘t listen…would it be possible…do you think you or Shivani know a way I can…clear things up with him like Shivani and Maxical did?”

“Maybe you can and maybe you can’t.”

“What do you mean?”

“You have the blood of his enemy running in your veins.”

“Still, he was right. I could at least say that to him and apologize for not listening.”

“I don’t grant wishes for free lad.”

“You are welcome to anything you want…er…what would you require for something like that?”

“I want Melisande’s soul, if she has one. I don‘t care if it comes by you or Maxical, or even Barbas. I want it.”

“Done. Thank you My Lord.”

“Thank me when you bring the soul, your wish won’t be granted before then.”

“Er…how do I bring you the soul?”

“Soul trap it in a black soul gem, same as you did for Maxical.”

“Oh. Melisande did that. Er…do you know where I can get a black soul gem?”

“Do I need to squat down and push one out my butt for you? Maybe I should hold your hand while you pick it up from the ground?”

“I really don’t know My Lord. Melisande had it with her, she got Maxical’s soul. I didn’t even know what was going on till we got back here.”

“Well one of you better be smart enough to figure it out. I’m not bear-leading children through the world of necromancy.”

Janus cringed at the word necromancy, but answered anyway. “Yes, My Lord.”

“I’ll tell you what, there is a sword called Umbra I’ve been wanting back anyway. It will do the soul trapping, all you need is the black soul gem then. You or Maxical bring Barbas to my shrine and summon me. I will give Barbas directions to the sword, and he can also help you track down Melisande. When you get her soul in the gem, tell Barbas and he will let me know.”

“We’ll do it My Lord.”

***

Ahah! Enter Umbra! WooHoo! Clavicus Vile, Barbas, Umbra, all the pieces are beginning to fit, but you know me, so maybe not.

Nice to have the real Shivani back.

Ok, this was nicely done and fun to read (like always). Great job mALX!

I like how you segued into Clavius Vile wanting Umbra! (In my game I killed Umbra at level 1 using the "stand where she can't hit you with melee weapons and pepper her with arrows" trick. I never did give him the sword. Does anyone give up an awesome zero weight Daedric sword? I didn't think so. )

@ Acadian - thank you Acadian!! The Umbra came into it quite by accident, but it fit so well I left it in. You are very appreciated Acadian!!

***

@ MyCat - Thank you MyCat!!! I agree, in game Clavicus is not getting Umbra back from me!! I hit both Mannimarco and Mankar Camoran with it, neither had souls, but I did get Mankar's children's souls with it, lol. I had loaded up on black soul gems before doing those questlines to see who I could trap with them, lol. You are so appreciated!!!

Yesterday I read your Shivani and the Pirates story at Chorrol. Now I see where Maxical learned her tricks! I really enjoyed it, and I hope you'll be continuing with her further adventures.

Edit: I now read the alternate Maxical story. Fathis is now a much more sympathetic character, I am less confused now, I hated him in the first story. I guess that I too will have to jump ship to Chorrol.

I'm caught up at last -- this is fantastic (as always!)! I can't wait for more!!!

PS What Vile did w/Messilde is perfect, LOL

@ MyCat - Yeah! Thank you so much!!! I was so surprised to see your comment over there! Some of my readers said it best, when I wrote this original I was just getting to know my character and wasn't adept at writing, but as the story progressed it got better. My intention was to clean it up over there and then copy it to this version, but I got carried away with that darned Arena line, so now I have to figure out how to connect the two, lol. You ROCK!!!

***

@ Rachel - You have been so missed!!!! It was Great to see you update!!!! Thank you so very much for taking the time to read this, I know how busy you are!





**************************






Chapter 100: The Grande Exodus


Shivani had come to say goodbye. Part of me didn’t want to lose…my mother mostly, but Clavicus too. The rest of me wanted the intimacy with Janus that we had before when I was a prisoner. If I had to make the first step with Janus, so be it. I wanted to experience love before the Emperor put me to work fixing the roads of Cyrodiil as punishment for my ill deeds. I told Shivani how I was feeling, and what she said took my mind off of anything else, even Janus.

“Clavicus told me that your task for Uriel Septim will be as a warrior defending Cyrodiil from the armies of Mehrunes Dagon, not doing road work. He said you were chosen by the Gods because you had ‘the heart of a warrior’, for your inner strength, your courage, loyalty, compassion, bravery.”

My mouth gaped. “This can’t be true!”

“But it is! Clavicus said that your heart will push you past where others would quit. He said Mehrunes Dagon knows you are meant to bring him to his knees, so he seeks to destroy you beforehand. That is why Clavicus gave you Barbas, to protect you till you are well enough to fight.”

If I could cry, I would have; but my eyes were still not working right. This was what I have dreamed of all my life. I’ve always known in my heart I was a warrior. The Gods knew it too? All those times I thought the Gods were against me, it was only the ones that wanted to keep me from the task I was born for? Could this be the truth?

I got so excited that I wanted to feel a blade in my hand. My hands were getting stronger from squeezing oranges, and Divayth let me hold his blade. He was surprised that I held it well.

Janus said that Uriel wanted me to train for the battle of my life, and Divayth agreed to spar with me once I was on my feet.

I threw myself into my physical therapy after that, focused on getting better. Hannibal said he wouldn’t leave till I was walking, and I really wanted to stand up.

For all my excitement and determination, I had a major setback when I tried standing. Hannibal had not given me permission to, I just tried it on my own; he got very upset with me. I worked harder at my leg therapy after that.



******* Melisande

In a testament to his self control, Lord Kagrenac did no harm to Melisande when he escorted her to the gates and bolted them behind her. He may have wished she would rebel so he could have released on her, but she didn’t.

Still, Melisande was fuming when she heard the bolts slide. Her first thought of going to the guards she discounted. Traven would not turn Janus in, he was having the time of his life, and Marie would do whatever Traven told her to do.

They may think they had won, but Melisande had spent the days since the ceremony exploring every aspect of that castle, and had found a way to get back in. And thanks to Lord Kagrenac and Divayth, she had discovered something about Janus she would have never known. She may yet have an ally in the taking of Janus and ridding herself of that Maxical.

Melisande headed to the woods behind the walls of Skingrad proper. “Malan! Malan!” she called till she saw a slight movement in the thick forest undergrowth. “I can give you Janus Hassildor and the virgin which now carries his blood!” Melisande shouted, hearing her own voice echoing back from the solid line of trees.

A vapor seemed to roll out from the trees, and the shape of a man emerged from within it. He began slowly walking toward her - not slow in hesitancy…it seemed more like he was stalking prey. Melisande twisted her ring, wondering if this had been a mistake.

“I have a way to get you into the castle, I want to make a deal with you. I get to be the Countess Skingrad, and you get the virgin to do what you will with. You can have all the power, all I want is the title and Janus. The virgin now has Janus’s blood, so you will have your super race.” Melisande called out nervously.

The man continued to glide toward her as if his feet were not touching the ground. By the time he reached her he had grown in height, standing well over eight feet tall. His eyes were cold, hard staring down at her as if he could snap her neck and not think twice about it.

“I came because I thought we could help each other. I am on your side.” Melisande cried, her voice starting to reveal the panic she was feeling inside. Oh what had she done? She twisted her ring, wondering if she should remove it.

Dagoth Malan continued to grow before her eyes, towering over her like a god of old. His bronze colored skin was bared except for an ornamental loin cloth, shoulder plates, and gauntlets. On one arm was a band that bore strange markings. Melisande had to look up to see his well muscled chest, it was impossible to see his face till he turned it down to her; but he had numerous earrings piercing his huge pointed ears. His ears looked like Kagrenac’s, but his face was cleanshaven.

When he did slowly lower his head she saw his eyes were huge, bulging; they looked maniacal…or was that a trick caused by their overlarge shape and the protruding? His mouth was very wide, his nose and lips were both thin and slender. As Melisande watched, he drew the thin lips back to reveal long fangs dripping fluids.

Melisande suddenly realized she was frozen to the spot, paralyzed. The panic set in as she saw his hand reaching up and closing around her throat. Why hadn’t she removed the ring? She tried to open her mouth to scream but couldn’t move it, and only a low moan sounded from her upper chest. No sound came out from her parted lips.

“You think to make a deal with the devil? I don’t make deals. You want to be with a giant? I think you need to know what you are in for.” Malan did not bend to talk to her, but still his breath blew her hair up around the hand that held her throat.

With a swift movement Malan lifted her off the ground by the throat and threw her onto the ground. Before she could move he was on top of her. His snarling and hissing echoed in her ears as the blackness hedged around her vision, finally giving the relief she craved from what was happening to her.




******* Maxical

Master Divayth and Lord Kagrenac came in for one last sparring session before they would leave. They enjoyed teaming up on me for the sparring, got a kick out of my parries when they both went against me at the same time. I was standing, but very wobbly; couldn’t do any of my spins. I broke the rules of the Arena and taught them the moves I could do though, which made the duel attack a lot more challenging. I would miss them both, but they said they would return to learn the spins when I was able. Janus has invited them to return anytime.

Hannibal and Janus always sat in to watch my sparring sessions, and today was no exception. The sparring had become much more exciting to watch now with the new moves, and both Janus and Hannibal were animated and shouting as they watched. I could have charged admission and they both would have paid I believe.

I saw the gleam in Janus’s eyes watching, and remembered the same gleam in my own as I used to watch Agronak. I know Janus wanted to learn the moves, but was hesitant to be taught in front of the better swordsmen.

The excitement of an audience again was a heady feel, and brought back memories of my name being called as I was drilling an opponent to the death in the Arena. I could feel my face flushing with excitement. For one quick moment I was lost in that feeling. I lunged and parried Divayth’s sword, catching my blade up in a twist and throwing his sword out of his hands and across the room. I had Lord Kagrenac’s blade caught and dislodged from his hand when he realized what I was doing and caught it back, parrying me back and trying to lift my blade up.

Lord Kagrenac was good. A spar with him alone would be as exciting as any other I could think of. We battled, showing each other our best moves while Divayth stood back and watched, amazed. He was good too, but no where near the skills of Lord Kagrenac, nor the strength.

Lord Kagrenac surprised me by holding up the Arena sign for taking a break. I slid my sword down into the sheath and waited while he took his shirt and pants off, wearing only his loincloth.

“No armor? That is pretty risky, are you sure I won’t slip with my blade?” I asked, laughing.

Lord Kagrenac standing nearly naked with sweat gleaming on his body was a sight to behold. His age could never be determined readily, more so than ever with his clothing off and the muscled chest and legs glistening in the light from the window. Even Marie stood gaping at the sight of him.

“I’m more worried you may trim my beard accidentally.” He laughed. “That is how manhood is determined among the Dwemer.”

“Not by the women, I’ll wager.” I teased, trying to get him roused into battle again. “Still, now that you have pointed it out, my eyes will be drawn to it instead of your sword.” I chided, but took the break while I had it to wobble over to the bed and sit down.

I was overheated too, we had really overdone in that last sparring, for me in my condition that is. I saw Hannibal’s worried look and gave the Arena signal for “I’ve had enough.”

“Janus, why don’t you spar with the men for a while and let me watch?“

“Oh no, it has been over fifty years since I’ve had a lesson. I would be embarrassed to be seen next to the three of you.”

“You are never as good as your trainer, let them give you a brush-up lesson.” I called, hoping he would. He did.

Janus was not very good with a sword, he would need a lot of lessons before it would benefit me to spar with him. I realized I would have to have a trainer in when the men left, or as soon as I was able to walk better I would have to go to the Arena and have Owyn put me back in training. Still, Janus worked up a sweat and took his shirt off. His chest was not as muscular or built as either Lord Kagrenac or Clavicus Vile, but he looked good to me. It was fun to watch him.

Lord Kagrenac and Master Fyr went to their rooms to bathe and then came back to say goodbye. I thought I would cry, but instead hugged them each and begged them to return whenever they wanted. Janus put his plea in for that as well, shaking their hands and thanking them greatly. Hannibal was in checking my legs after my sparring session. I could tell he hated to see them go.

They told Hannibal they were going to speak with Sage Vardengroet, and talk to him about some of Hannibal’s treatment procedures. He nearly preened with excitement that he would be discussed with the Sage, who it seems is the one that inspired Hannibal to be interested in alchemy and healing medicine in the first place. A future visit was arranged with Janus, so they would all be back. With Gyron’s permission Hannibal would be invited out to see an alchemy farm at the Sage’s fortress on the cliffs of High Rock.



***

A nice interlude.

I got so excited that I wanted to feel a blade in my hand. My hands were getting stronger from squeezing oranges, and Divayth let me hold his blade. He was surprised that I held it well.

First Rosa then you....

is there no end to innuendoes???

and then...

Hannibal was in checking my legs after my sparring session. I could tell he hated to see them go.

OH DEAR...

What a way to celebrate chapter 100!!!

Apart from those innocent (?) innuendoes, it was a riveting chapter!!!

@D. Foxy. To quote Freud, "Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar."

I loved the Maxical getting back into the groove stuff.

I just wish that the creator of the kawa-haku (I forget which Japanese word for white, but that wasn't it) had not pulled the mod.

OT: Yesterday was a holiday in most of Canada. I finished the Morrowind main quest for the third time in seven years. Normal difficulty, i.e. difficulty slider in the middle. At level 11, As a vampire (I had Vampire Embrace mod so it wasn't that difficult. I just spent 30K bribing people to not kill me The worst parts were the 50% fire weakness, and outside at night in the blight storms getting snuck up on by monsters. OTOH sneaking up in zero visibility had it's up side. For every time I did the sneak kill I died twice from the same tactic. But unlike the Dagoths, I had the save games ) It actually wasn't that bad inside the citadels, I could see, sunrise wasn't waiting for me if I took too long in a fight, and the monsters tended to be alone in their rooms. Since my skills were mainly unarmored and short blade, and my favored attributes were speed and luck, plus I had the Boots of Blinding Speed, no single opponent stood a chance. If I could get in the first blow I could keep them staggered back. If something attacked from the rear during that then the odds changed drastically. And not in my favor.

With the Boots of Blinding Speed my speed was 296. My luck was 63. 296 speed with short blade (ebony hidden in the mountain near the Hlaalu stronghold, then later Daedric, wakizashi) is frightening. But not to me

Ahh, the sight of men sparring with each other, stripped to their loincloths! Every woman's dream! Well, almost every woman's . . . :shocking:

Foxy, foxy, foxy, you missed one:

Ah, but after that description of Kragenac stripping to his skivvies, mine will remain on his sword! :unsure: :drool: :hubbahubba:

Would you like some whipped cream and two oranges to go with that sword, my dear? :devil:

@ Acadian - Thank you so much Acadian!

***

@ Foxy - I know you'll never believe me, but I had not even caught any of those when I wrote it!!!!! I must be slipping!!! Thank you so much Foxy, You ROCK!!!

PS: ROFL on both your comments!!!

***

@ MyCat - I Agree, why did she pull it? I wish she had just abandoned it instead. I haven't been able to find the time to play since she pulled it, if I get on and my beautiful Khajiit is gone I will die!!! Will I lose her? I know the white wolf mesh disappeared when the guy pulled his stuff.

I would love to have played Morrowind, I have it for the XBox but when you backwards compatable the 360 for it, it is really hard to play. I really enjoyed reading your tactics! If I ever get the PC version I will def refer back to your comment!

Thank you so much MyCat!!! You ROCK!

***

@ Hauty - Yes, I based Lord Kagrenac's personality on a RL person, so was describing them in that scene. At the last minute I pulled my pic of the real Lord Kagrenac out and saw that full head of thick curly hair and that huge long full beard and thought...Uh Oh. So I had to add the part about the beard in.

Since I have the "Basic Instincts" mod I have been going through Cyrodiil casting it and comparing men's bodies. Fathis Aren is really built, but Janus has one of the puniest chests in Cyrodiil, and it is slightly wrinkled as well as he has a droopy butt. So I made the comparison in the story that Janus was not all that when he stripped down when compared to the others.

Thank you so much Hauty!!! You ROCK!!!

I have found this to be quite true over the last few days....But it still ranks in the top five of my games.

A humorous chapter, look forward to seeing more soon.

Thanks Arcry!

If I had played it first it may have been easier, but trying after four years of playing Oblivion is taking such a huge leap backwards into awkward maneuverability that it interfered too much with my enjoyment of the game to keep trying.

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Chapter 101: Hannibal Traven



Marie had fallen asleep, and Hannibal lay awake, listening and thinking. Janus would come soon and wipe out his memory of the most fantastic events that had ever happened in his lifetime. He was an old man, and to have the most exciting things to ever happen in his life taken away from his memory was unbearable to even think about. He knew if he didn’t succumb, Janus may never trust him to not tell, may feel he had to kill him. But what if he didn’t know? What if Hannibal was able to pretend he had fallen under the spell? But how to do it? He would have no warning, Janus would probably do it while he slept. How had Melisande been able to keep him from wiping her mind?

Hannibal crept out of bed and began digging in his texts he had brought with him. As he sat huddled with his tome, using the fireplace as a reading light; a sound made him look up. Janus had entered the room and was gliding soundlessly toward the bed.

Hannibal watched. Obviously seeing only one in the bed startled him. He glanced around, his eyes falling on Hannibal by the fireplace. As Janus approached Hannibal remembered something Maxical said once about the best defense being a good offense. He spoke before Janus could.

“I know you have to wipe our memories of all this Janus, I understand. I am studying some techniques I’d like to try on Maxical’s legs. If you would like to do Marie, that is fine.”

“I feel odd doing it while you watch. Have you found anything yet?” Janus came and sat in the chair beside him.

“Janus, I have kept the secret of your nature all these decades. You know I can keep silent. I am an old man whose life has raced past any chance of any of my dreams coming true. But they did these past weeks here, except that of meeting the Sage. He was my inspiration to get into alchemy and medicine as a young teen…I wanted to be like him. That is how I made Arch Mage at such a young age.” Hannibal paused, glancing at Janus.

“Being Arch Mage stifled me from practicing medicine. The things I did with Maxical were treatments I dreamed up and never thought I would get to use; things I always wanted to try and see if they would work…and they did. You cannot comprehend how exciting it is to know how good I could have been if I had followed my dream instead of taking the politically correct path.” Hannibal paused, searching Janus’s face to see if he was really listening.

“These past weeks here I met Lord Kagrenac and Divayth Fyr, and talked with them as colleagues. I performed surgery, a lifelong dream. Meeting Clavicus Vile and talking with him…I saw life brought forth from the dust. Setting Maxical’s treatment for recovery and seeing her come this far; I feel like I never lived before this visit here. It has been the most thrilling time of my life. I want to thank you for the opportunity to be a part of it.” Hannibal paused, still Janus didn’t respond. His expression was inscrutable.

“I have been invited to meet with Sage Vardengroet at his fortress, and hope you meant it when you invited me to return when Master Divayth and Lord Kagrenac visit next with Sage Vardengroet. The thought of meeting him…if there is any vow I can give, a stamp of my approval on a document; any assurance I can give you how serious I am that…I would rather die with these memories of the most thrilling time of my life than to have them taken from me and live.“ Hannibal glanced again at Janus.

“I’ve known you over fifty years, and you have never allowed your nature. I knew about these drives that you suffered, it was my fault not to warn you. Shivani said Malan did this - you did not. And it is obvious Maxical loves you. I have no qualms about that, she is in good hands with you.” Hannibal paused, but Janus didn’t respond, nor look him in the eye. Hannibal took the last plunge.

“There is one more thing, Mannimarco. I have to bolster security in my Mage‘s Guild. He does not make idle threats. He will attack. If you wipe my mind, the damage he could do because I don‘t know it is coming, lives lost unnecessarily…I must prepare for the fight of my life with him.” Hannibal let out a long breath.

“I’ve said my piece, I know you have to come to a decision, I just hope you keep what I’ve said in mind. I have a few things I want to try on Maxical’s legs beforehand. There is something I’ve missed for her to still be this way. I couldn’t bear the thought of that child left crippled. I will task you when I am gone to train with her on her aim with spells. She could be an extraordinary battlemage if she could aim, and she will need it to do her service for the Emperor. It may save her life with what is coming.” Hannibal waited, and when Janus said nothing he opened his text back up, but this time to the section on paralysis rather than absorbing spells.

Janus left the room without saying a word, nor wiping Marie’s memory. Hannibal quickly turned back to the pages he had been researching.



***

Janus didn’t have anyone to talk to this about. He wished Traven had brought this up when Divayth or Clavicus was here. What would be the right thing to do? Janus looked over at Maxical sleeping peacefully. There was no denying it was Traven that had brought her back to her old self. Clavicus and the others brought her to life, but what life would she have had paralyzed and fighting death constantly. Traven had been responsible for her having a chance at a full life again. Could he strip his mind of all his dreams coming to life and fruition? And what of the lives that would be lost in the Mage’s Guild because Traven wouldn’t remember Mannimarco was coming? What was the right thing to do?
Barbas came and lay his head in Janus’s lap.

“What should I do, Barbas?” He whispered stroking the massive head and ears of the dog.




******* Marie

Marie awoke to the sound of soft footsteps making patterned beats in the hallway outside the room. Her eyes darted around the room, trying to recognize it; then lit on the silver haired man laying naked beside her.

A warm flush stole over Marie’s cheeks. It was Arch Mage Traven. She had dreamed of him since her days at the Arcane, and here he was beside her. She tried to remember…ah yes, she was at Skingrad Castle. Rona had fallen ill, then passed away.

Marie remembered drinking plenty of wine…maybe too much. If she was drunk, could she have…been memorable? When Hannibal woke, he would probably leave. This may be her last…opportunity. Marie slid down under the covers next to Hannibal. If he was leaving, she wanted to make sure this was something they would…both…remember well.





******* Hannibal

“Marie, when you get time off from your duties, will you come see me at the Arcane? I will compensate your travel costs. I‘d like to show you our rare alchemy garden there.” Hannibal said, pulling on his robes and packing his supplies.

“I would like that very much Hannibal. Will you ever get back into Skingrad?” Suddenly Marie felt these platitudes were in lieu of a goodbye.

“Every chance I get, Marie.” Hannibal said in his soft voice.

Somehow her dreams of him and their lovemaking had catapulted her into deep feelings he couldn’t possibly share in such a short space of time. Was he just being polite? Were these the “morning after” trite statements men use to discard a drunken lover from the night before? Oh dear gods what had she done?

Hannibal was watching her, were her thoughts reflecting on her face?




***

Hannibal arrived at the Arcane to find Sergius Verus from the Three Brothers Trade Goods and Palonirya from the Divine Elegance waiting outside the tower with shipments.

Palonirya handed him a large bundle. “I was given instructions to place this into your hands and none others.”

“Thank you, Palonirya.” Hannibal said, confused.

“What is this?” He asked, wondering if Raminus Polus had ordered items in his absence.

“Delivery for you, Arch Mage Traven. We were told not to set it up till you signed for it. Here is the message we were to give you with the delivery.” Sergius said, handing him a sealed note.

Hannibal broke the seal and scanned the message smiling. “Thank you, Sergius. I‘ll show you where it is to be set up.”

Hannibal rode the transport up to his quarters followed by Sergius, his arms loaded down; and his assistant, also struggling with several packages.

“I’m back Raminus.” Hannibal said to the mound on the bed.

Raminus leapt up and tried to straighten the creases in the Arch Mage robes he was wearing.

“Arch Mage Traven, I wasn’t expecting you back!” Raminus Polus sputtered.

“That is obvious. Remove my robe immediately.”

“But Arch Mage!”

“Immediately.”

Sergius and his assistant grinned as they began dismantling the old bed. Raminus hurriedly changed into his old robe.

Arch Mage Traven opened the package from the Divine Elegance and found seven new robes of extremely fine material. The yoke was ribbed and bordered with a design in gold thread against ivory linen, as were the cuffs. The sash was of black silk; much nicer than any robe he had even dreamed of.

The next package contained several sets of the soft spun-silk bedding, another had new pillows that were overstuffed with feathers, as was the new mattress when it was brought up. There was a package of scented bath oils and soaps and several cases of Tamika’s best wines and brandies.

When Sergius left, Hannibal tossed his old robes into the fireplace, casting a fireball in after them. He noted the bed Janus bought him was large enough for two people. The message also said Janus had placed a horse at his disposal in the stables should he need it. Hannibal smiled, the horse came from the same breeding stock as Fathis Aren’s. The swiftest in Cyrodiil, trips on a mount like that would be a pleasure.

The sound of the transport whirring alerted Hannibal that someone was coming. He tensed, wondering if it was Polus returning to apologize. Instead an Altmer woman appeared.

“Who are you?” Hannibal asked, suddenly wondering if Polus had been having women up. He was glad he had a new bed if that was the case.

“My name is Aurelinwae, I do special enchanting jobs for the Mystic Emporium. A friend of yours in Skingrad explained your problem in this note, and asked if I could be of assistance.” She handed Hannibal a missive written from Janus to her.

“Can you do this?”

“Yes of course, I did a similar job for Fathis Aren on a Wizard’s Tower he owns up in the Jeralls. This will take no time at all.” She pulled a small satchel of tools from her pack and began working on the transporter.

“Now your transport can only be used to exit this room. In order to enter, they must be wearing one of these amulets. With this on you can come and go as you please. If you ever inadvertently leave without it, you will have to come to the Mystic Emporium and find me, I will enchant another one for you. I am giving you three amulets, in case there is anyone else you would like to provide access.”

“This is wonderful, thank you Aurelinwae.”

Hannibal looked at the jeweled amulets, thinking about how Jarol, Polus, and Caranya had turned his bedroom into a meeting place, rather than using the conference room below. With a smile he locked the extra two into his jewelry box, and put the third around his neck.

With a contented sigh Hannibal pulled the large cheque from his robe. What a generous donation Janus had made to the University. Hannibal decided to bring the correspondence from the guilds up to his room and sort through them there. He needed some time alone to get re-oriented after so long away.

He stretched back in the luxurious comfort of the down bed and began sorting by guild, the largest pile from the Bruma guild in Jeanne Frasoric’s large looped letters. Hannibal saved those for last, Jeanne was quite prolific…wordy might be a more accurate term. The other guilds he scanned quickly through, responding with a directive to each.

Hannibal stretched out again before starting in on the large pile of thick missives from Bruma. He leaned back against the fluffy pillows, stretching his arms up behind his head and remembered this morning with Marie. Maybe it was time he got an assistant. Marie was a good healer, the Arcane could use her for the students.



******* Hannibal Traven in his new robes:


http://www.uesp.net/wiki/File:OB-npc-Hannibal_Traven.jpg



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mALX, this was beautiful! I loved most everything about it. I like very much how you portrayed Hannibal, Janus and Marie here. I'm so pleased to see them portrayed as good people. It is sad that Hannibal is not an elf and therefore an old man before even his first century of life is complete.

I must confess that I like Raminus Polus so I was a bit saddened to see him portrayed in a poor light, but Maxical's Cyridiil is different from mine and that is fine.

This was simply wonderful writing though. Bravo. You go girl!!! :trophy:

I like it! _{still haven't caught up though...}
But I like it! _{personally, I thinking christmas before I'm fully caught up}
It's cool!! _{of course it could also very well be spring before I actually get to read the previous posting..}
Bye! _{gotta get back to reading before she posts even more..}
:P

Waaiiit... so what did Janus decide. Curse you mAlx! I hate not knowing.

And the innuendo that some of your fans can see in your writing, intentional or not, is definitely fun to read up on.

Nice job as always.

@ Acadian - Raminus got his portrayal off that glitched 360 game that started this story, in most of my games he is good to my character, but in that game he was a real jerk so he got portrayed as one, lol. - I always felt that there had to be some reason the player advances past Raminus to become Arch Mage when he has been there so long and is in such a high position - plus he is an Imperial, my character is Khajiit - so he must have bad points somewhere if a beast can bypass him for a promotion...er...unless my character is a...token Khajiit? ARGH !!!! ROFL !!! Thank you so much Acadian!!!

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@ Andy - ROFL !!! You ROCK Andy, thanks for stopping in!

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@ Leydenne - YEAH !!!!! I have missed seeing your "Scout" face on here!!! Some of the innuendo is intentional, but not half of what gets found by certain Foxy readers is, ROFL !!!!

It will come out one way or another what he decided, lol. Things should start heating up to a conclusion of the story, the end is in sight and has been written with a few minor fill-ins missing - oh, I may need to write you soon for approval on one chapter that is coming up, I'll find it and send it in a PM. You ROCK Leydenne !!!!!!

I just got to this. I'm confused, at first Janus did not wipe Marie's mind, but later it seems that he did? Or is a simple minded MyCat with a brain the size of a walnut just not up to the plot twists?