In this thread you will find the first two chapters in the history about the assassin Felisa Serhas, the khajiit scout Sa'Quira and Gasheera, who remembers nothing of his former life. This history tels the tale about how Gasheera came to be one of the greatest heroes of Cyrodiil, and how the trio went about to make it happen. Because when the jaws of Oblivion open, noone ever thinks the thought that the one that's saving them is lying.
Chapter One: Beginning of the End
My head ached as I arose from the hard stone floor. I waited for the dizzines to disapear as I looked around in the room. Just then I noticed it wasn't a room, and the events of the last few days came rushing back at me.
I sank down towards the wall and managed to close my eyes. The stench picking at my nose, and thoughts whirling all around my head. It was indeed cold in the cell, and the only things I'd have any use of in here was a stool, a small table, a bucket and a bedroll. I would have thought they could at least give me some water. For the soreness of my throat was increasing.
A while later a noice from another cell made me open my eyes. Sighing at the thought of how long I'd have to be here, I looked out through the steel bars of the cell and saw another dunmer in the one across.
He had a few wrinkles and his hair was grey. At the moment he was leaning against the bars of the cell door, his red eyes staring almost hysterically, at me. But soon his eyes went back to normal, as if he'd just finished evaluating me. He looked strong, but it was noticeable that he had spent much time in the cell.
"Well that's somethin' ya' don't see every day. What a pretty face." He finished his sentence with a smile, and I returned it carefully. Not yet sure of what to think. I then got up and put my hands on the cell door, looking at him.
"Ya' know, one of those guards owe me a favor, I could maybee get us put in the same cell." He said, still smiling." Ya' know, it gets pretty cold down here during the nights." I rolled my eyes, looking up in the roof before turning my eyes on him again.
"That's all you can think about? Getting someone to spend the night with?" Now I sat down on the floor, feeling how much my strength had been drained during the last hours. Though how many it had been since I fell asleep, I did not know.
"Hmph, you'll find it gets pretty lonely down here. Trust me, in a few months, you'll be asking me." He answered and chuckled. I sighed and tilted my head backwards again.
"Could you maybe tell me what time it is? You see, I don't have a window in my cell." I looked up and saw him watching me. Nodding slightly I arose from the floor and moved the stool to stand beneath the small window. Then I got up on it and looked out.
The sun shone clearly, almost enlightening the trees, and lake Rumare. It was a fine day, and had I been out there, I would probably have taken a swim in the lake. But, as I remembered myself over and over again, I wasn't.
"The sun is high in the sky, so I would say around twelve." When I'd told him I put the chair back and laid down on the bedroll. I was way to pained by the thought of the sun being on the other side of the wall, so I couldn't really stand the sight of it.
"What's your name?" He asked, and it took me by suprise. I hadn't thought he was still looking at me. But I sat up and looked at him across the cell.
"Felisa. Felisa Serhas. That is my name." He nodded and it took a while for me before I continued. "What is yours?"
"My name? It is Valen Dreth."
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A short beginning, I know. But I do not have time to write more today.
Good opening, we meet the main character and get a few teasers of her background without revealing much. Not many (any?) Oblivion stories on this board (I'm assuming this is one) so its nice to see one, I'll be interested to see how you do it.
On the writing side of things there are a few gramatical and spelling errors there. Am I right in thinking you typed it straight into the post topic box? If so you might find it benifits your writing to type it out in a word processing program (ms word, openoffice write etc) which would highlight some of these issues for you. Also reading over it a bit after you've written it can help, personally I tend to let them rest overnight before posting, unless I get impatient
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Its short but I like it so far and will be interested to see how it develops. Good stuff
I'm afraid you're right about me typing directly into the box. But I'm afraid that I didn't have acess to any of those programs at the moment. That is going to change now however.
I'll think about your advises, really I got some written up right now. But I think I'm going to let it stay put for the moment, maybe post it tomorrow. And well, thanks for the critique. It's always welcome.
Here you've got the next piece of the story. And, since the game really doesn't tell you anything about Valen Dreth, I took myself the liberty to make a part of his story up.
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That evening I was awaken by the loud rattle of keys in a lock, and got up. I realized I’d fallen asleep before eating dinner, just because I didn’t know if I would get any. But now I assumed that it had to be a guard coming with dinner.
Valen was standing in his cell looking at the spot where the guard would show up. As we heard the sound of steel boots against the stairs, he gave me a sign to be quiet, and then went to stand with his back to the far away wall of his cell. I took his example, standing by my bedroll, and simply watched as the guard showed up in the corridor.
“Time for supper, prisoners.” The guard said with a grumpy tone in his voice, obviously not very happy of the task he’d been given. He put the key in my cell door, and turned it once to the right. I made sure I saw the look of the key before he put it back in his pocket.
He placed the bowl of food, a piece of hard meat and some old bread, and the can of water on my floor. He came close enough for me to see his face, and I studied it with a blank expression. The man was an Imperial, and his face had multiple scars from his years in battle. His armour hadn’t been looked after for a long time, and he almost looked to small in it, I took my chance guessing this was not the armour he usually had. I’d never met a warrior that did not take care of his armour before. It usually was very valuable to the warriors.
He met my gaze with a smug grin and locked my cell behind him, then he simply pushed Valens food through the bars, making it fall to the ground, the water flooding out.
“Here you’ve got your drink, dog.” The guard said and laughed quietly to himself, before ascending up the stairs.
“Nwah.” I heard Valen mutter quietly as he looked after the guard.
I saw Valen sighing and looking at the water which the guard had spilled, and so I got up to the bars. As in a silent agreement, I took my food from the bowl and put it on the table. Then I poured some of the water into it, and pushed it out from my cell over to his.
He simply looked at me as I did these things, but then he came up to the bars and took the water, drinking deeply. I started chewing on the bread, almost spitting it out as I felt the distinct taste of mould. But realizing I would not be given anything else, I ate. I ate those foods which many people die from. And I survived it.
The next morning, Valen was up before me. I took my time and stayed on the bedroll for a bit. Just thinking at possibilities, of how things could have turned out if I’d done things another way. And I knew the answer. Had I done things another way, I could today be a member in any of those legal guilds throughout Tamriel, or I could have went to Morrowind. For the truth was, I’d been born in Morrowind 16 years ago. As I thought of the time that had flown past, I also remembered something else. I would spend 18 months in prison. The thought caught me by surprise, and I grieved.
After a while, I got up from the bedroll, looking over to the other cell, I saw Valen sitting on the floor simply staring up into the roof. But as I moved, he heard it, and followed me with his gaze.
“Thanks… For last night, I mean…” He spoke carefully, shaping every word as if he did not quite know how to express himself. I realised he was not used to saying thanks, and was touched by the thought that he did it to me.
“My pleasure.” I answered, sitting across the hallway to him, thinking of how to shape the question I was about to ask. Wondering if it would hurt him, thinking of the past that was.
“Who… How did you have it before you was sent to prison?” I finally asked, and he gave me a slight smile, sighting.
“I got here three years ago. And by that, I mean the prison, not the country. In Tamriel I have lived my life, apart of the few last years in Morrowind, being an agent for the Imperial Legion.” He paused as he saw my eyes widen. “Yes, I was there when the Nerevarine came. But I did some deeds which the Legion sees as unholy, and was sent back.”
“Did you ever see the Nerevarine?” I asked, finally getting up from the shock.
“No, I had other business to attend to, but I heard of him. Yes I did.” Now he paused again, gave out a slight smile.” I was born 48 years ago. On the 13:th of Morning Star in the 3E 384. My parents never where wealthy, and for the biggest part, I lived a life out on the street, stealing what we needed. But I was, eventually, caught. And given the option to either enlist in the Legion, or take up career in the Arena, as the prison was full at that time. I chose the Legion, for then I’d have a greater chance of surviving, or well, so I thought.”
“My training lasted for two years, as I was not quick with learning, and it was necessary that I knew how to read.” He paused, looking over at me.
“You do not by chance still have some water?” He asked me, and I stumbled to my feet, nodding. He pushed the bowl out under the bars, and I took it, pouring half the water into it. Then I took both the can and the bowl over to the bars, pushing the bowl under them, and taking a sip from the can.
“Thank you.” He said, and drank deeply once again. Then he pushed the bowl back, and I took it, placing it next to me. And so he readied himself to continue.
“At the end of those two years, I was sent to a small mining encampment. I became one of many with the task to keep track of records, and miners. The miners where punished prisoners, and looking back at it, I was lucky not to be one of them. I spent a few years there, soon being transferred to the city of Cheydinhall, thanks to my ability to obey orders. And also, the count liked having guards of his own race, because dunmer’s have never been common in the legion.
“It was in Cheydinhall that I got a family. I met with Demedesea while serving as a guard at one of the local inns. She was a travelling merchant, and it was more or less love at first sight. We married one year later. I’d been with women before, but she was the first that I truly loved.
“We got two children during our time together, but she died when she was about to give birth to the third. Grieving as I was, I put the children into care with their grandmother, and never saw them again. Shortly thereafter I got orders from my superiors, I was to travel to Morrowind, Sadrith Mora to be exact. And there I was to follow some orders which would be sent to me. My superiors more or less wanted me to spy on house Telvanni, under another name, of course. It was some tricky business getting them to trust me, but I managed with the time." He stopped as we once again heard the rattle of keys in a lock, and retreated further into his cell. I followed his example, still thinking of the words he had spoken.
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I've got a picture of Felisa Serhas coming, I've just got to find it again...
Cause of editing: Wrong dates written, this story start one year before the "Hero" has even gotten out of prison.
I like your take on Valen Dreth, quite different from the usual one and refreshing. It's good that you are not following the story of the game exactly, it leaves space for some surprises and keeps it fresh.
As far as criticism goes:
"I was born 48 years ago. On the 13:th of Morning Star in the 1E 385" -- Oblivion begins in 3E 433, morrowind begins in 3E 427, and he would have been born in 3E 385 if he was 48. The number preceding the E (ie the 3 in 3E xyz) refers to the era, the number after that is how many years into the era it is (so as oblivion happened at the end of the 3rd era ther were a bit more than 427 years in the third era (I don't think there is any cannon on the exact number)). It doesn't really detract from the story at all though, just me obsessing about lore. http://www.imperial-library.info/history is a good place to find out more.
Otherwise it was good, there were a few verbs in the wrong tense but the plot and characters are developing nicely. Keep it up
He, thanks for pointing out that stupid mistake. I actually read about all of that with years and such to figure out when I wanted him to be born, but then I accidently wrote "1" instead of "3". And I've actually read quite a bit about the lore of Cyrodiil, as it is very intresting.
As for Valen Dreth, I like to believe that he really isn't a maniac. That he is instead only playing mad, as you'll see later, and the game really never says anything about that, so I think it could be possible.
And yeah, thanks for the critique, it's always welcome.
Here it is, the picture of Felisa Serhas;
http://archive.pixbox.se/arkivet/synligt_35/29470000-29479999/640x480/29477446.jpg
Soo, here is the next part.
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And like that it continued. Some days we spoke, and some days we didn’t. Every time we spoke he told me something about himself. I soon came to know the names of every superior or lover he’d ever had, and he told me a message he would like me to give to his children if I ever decided to find them, for he was sure that he would never get out of prison. I asked him about the reason to why he’d been sent to prison again, and he told me;
”It’s kind of stupid really, because when I’d completed the tasks they wanted me to complete, they said I was to dangerous to be allowed to walk on the streets, and they locked me up. Well, I did as a matter of fact get involved in some smuggling business which they might have found out about.” And then it continued like that. He told me the story of his life. We didn't talk every day, but when we did, he told me some of the strangest and most bizarre things I've ever heard. Who he'd insulted, one of them a count, every woman he'd ever loved...
And well, what is there really to be said, I grew attached to him. I thought he was interesting and charming. And how could I have been under a spell, since I still feel the same way.
It'd been ten months since I came to prison. Another ten left to live through. It was a very normal day, at least at the beginning. I sat across the room to Valen. Both of us sitting just behind our cell doors, and he was telling me what an utterly strange and remarkable woman his mother had been.
“... but wait a moment, you haven't told me much about yourself! Now would you please tell me how you ended up in this place?”
I thought about his question for a while, and then decided to tell him, because really. How big where the odds that he'd ever get out of there. Unlike me, he'd been locked up for life.
“I was merely two when we, meaning my parents and I, escaped from Morrowind. We where hunted for some reason, and the only way to get out of it was to leave Morrowind. My parents was members of the great house Hlaalu and had gained enemies. They 'took over' a cave close to Bruma and began their new life.
“I hunted with my father when I was four, and I stole my first goblet at an age of six. I don't think they ever suspected an six year old girl to be the culprit.” I laughed at the memory, and listened to his heartily chuckle.
“When I was fourteen their enemies caught up to us, and my parents where killed. I made an oath to Sithis that the assassin would not live to the beginning of the next month. So I hunted him down, tortured him, and finally killed him. He was called He-Who-Fear-None. But he certainly looked scared when I finally cut his throat.” Valen laughed then as I paused with a smile.
“I was soon contacted by a speaker of the Dark Brotherhood. He told me that they valued my abilities, and he recruited me. These days, I'm known by both friends and enemies as Black Snake, working as a silencer in the service of one of the four Speakers.
“But I made an mistake which got me here. I had to take out an Imperial man. The only problem was, that he had a wife. About eleven o'clock in the evening I entered their house, sneaked up the staircase, and slipped into their bedroom. When I sneaked up behind him, his wife grabbed a shovel, and just after I cut his throat, she hit me in the head so that I passed out. Next thing I knew I woke up in this cell.” I shock my head when I finished. “It was the biggest disgrace in my life.” I added, and he just looked at me. I realized that, for the second time in my life, I'd found someone whom I could tell everything to.
The next two months in prison we just got to know each other better, though the closest e got to each other was our fingertips touching when we reached out through the bars of our cells. That's when I got a cell mate.
He was a khajiit. With thick mane, yellow eyes and a tall and muscular body. The guards came in the middle of the night dumping him in my cell. He didn’t move until midday.
He seemed a bit groggy as he arose from the stone floor. He stumbled forwards to the steel bars and looked at the stairs.
”Look what the dog dragged in, a khajiit. You miss the wilderness fur licker? You know what, I got a big fat rat in my cell, does the kitty want it? Is the kitty hungry? You better take what you find khajiit! The guards don’t feed the new prisoners.
"You heard that khajiit? You’re going to die in here. Hahaha…” Valen finished just as the door to the prison opened. And I could hear from their voices that they weren’t normal guards when they came down the stairs.
I am so glad you are updating this! You are off to a great start, MORE!
Your take on Valen Dreth is great, and your back story for him! The details in your writing make it come to life - Great Write!
A fresh look on an old story.. nice!
But the last few sentences were a bit jarring. You portray Valen as kind of a decent guy, yet you fell back to how the game portrays him. Kind of a shame imho.
Thanks for the comments, it's good to see that a few people read this occasionally.
As for Valen Dreth I actually thought that he is a decent guy, but he plays mad or something like that, as I'll write later. Maybe he generally hates people, but saw something in her that he likes. I haven't thought much more about that, since I'm not giving him such a big role.
But anyways, here is another update!
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Valen gave me a glance before backing away from the bars, and the khajiit went to stand by the window, I followed his example, placing myself next to him.
”My sons, are they dead?” A man said, he sounded quite old.
”We don’t know that sire, the messenger only said they where attacked.” A younger male voice answered. I glanced up at the khajiit quickly, he didn’t seem very worried. He seemed as the warrior type, the one without a brain.
”No they are dead, I feel it.” There was that elderly man’s voice again. What a horrible thing to say! But I didn’t get much time to think about it, because the next moment I knew, four people where standing outside my cell. Three strange looking guards, and a man dressed in a red robe. He had a strange amulet, it looked like a great ruby. I considered stealing it, but came to the conclusion that I still wouldn’t be able to do anything with it in prison.
”What’s the prisoners doing here? This cell is supposed to be off limits.” The woman said.
”Usual mix up with the guard, I…” The youngest of them began, but the female stopped him.
”Never mind, lets get this gate opened.” She said and opened it. Next moment they came in, but it was mostly a blur. And they only spoke to the khajiit who’s name turned out to be Gasheera. And apparently the robed man was the emperor. I’d really have to get an update on what’d happened when I got out of prison. But then the female pushed a loose rock, which caused the wall to give in. And down they went all five of them, leaving the cell door open! So I went through it, up to Valens cell.
”What are you waiting for? Leave before someone gets down here!” He said and walked up to the bars.
”But what about you, I can’t just leave you here locked up!” I answered, wailing involuntarily. For I was considering leaving.
”Don’t think about me, I’ve already accepted the fact that I wont ever get out of here. You are young, you’ve got a future. You should leave.” He said, and stroke my cheek.
”Bye then. I’m leaving you now, but I’ll come back.” I said.
”Don’t. Farewell.” He said, and retreated from the bars.
”I am coming back.” I answered stubbornly. He smiled as if though I where merely an ignorant child, and then I left. I went down the same way as the soldiers, the emperor and the khajiit.
As I came out of the darkness I was meet by a corridor looking much like the prison. Walls, roof and floor where all made of stone, maybe marble, and every here and there I could make out small alcoves. Though it was pretty dark, and therefore hard to see exactly.
Since I couldn’t find a torch I started stumbling down the corridor. Coming across a chest I removed the things in it, a weak healing potion and a few coins, and continued down some stairs. Coming through a door, I looted another chest and went down yet another couple of stairs.
I went on much like that, the biggest shock was when I came into an area, and there where dead people! When examining their robes it was clear that they where assassins. But I knew they where not from the Dark Brotherhood, since of course we in the brotherhood did only kill in our black robes. But could they be Morag Tong then? After a while I concluded that no, they couldn’t. Anyways they provided me with a lock pick that I used to get my manacles of, and a few potions. Mostly restore health and restore magicka.
After that I continued through the dark tunnels with cautious steps, all in vain. For I soon discovered that it had been looted not much earlier, which probably was the doing of the khajiit. Though thankfully he’d at least left an iron short sword, a leather cuirass and a ruby that was so packed in the mud that I was almost sure he’d stepped on it. I looted all of them, and then treaded lightly forward, not wanting to be surprised in case something had passed the attention of the khajiit.
Looking around a corner, I noticed one of the soldiers that had been accompanying the emperor. And on the ground next to him was the emperor himself! Obviously dead since he was lying in a pool of blood. The soldier wasn’t looking in my direction, so I snuck past him and felt on the handle of the door, someone had obviously barred it from the other side. So I snuck back to the room with the soldier to see if there was a way out there. And of course it was, I’d just have to walk right past the soldier!
”Excuse me, but isn’t that the emperor?” I asked, stepping out from the shadows, trying to get him to believe that I was stupid. He spun around with his blade drawn, but sheathed it again once he saw me. I obviously didn’t look like much of a threat in the prison clothes.
”Yes…” He said, staring. At me as a matter of fact.
”Who killed him?” Asking another stupid question, since really the bodies of the assassins where scattered over the room. I think I was merely hoping that he wouldn’t see my slow movement towards the door. And well, he pointed at the corpses, obviously.
”Who are you? And why are you in prison?” He asked stepping sideways to block the opening in the wall.
”Oh, no one special. I got into a pub brawl and accidentally killed a guy. Um, could you let me pass?” I said then, hoping that he wouldn’t notice what a bad liar I am.
Good to see you back at this piece. It's a refreshing change having someone follow through that part of the quest, not something I've seen done so I'm interested to see where you take this next.
The last line was excellent ![]()
I want to know what happens next now...
I like the way you are handling this!
Thanks for the great comments.
Did I hear someone mentioning wanting to know more? Well, here is the next part!
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”Yeah, right…” He said then, drawing his sword. I looked around me just then, and remembered the assassins. Suddenly getting an idea, I backed away from him, muttering a spell and desperately hoping it’d work.
”Th… that’s not po… possible…” The soldier jumped back and went pale when one of the corpses suddenly arose from the floor. He dropped his sword and shivered of fright. Then the corpse threw itself over him. When the corpse finally went limp he started crawling away from under it.
”Very possible. It’s called telekinesis.” I said as I walked over him and through the opening, barely able to keep from laughing.
Next I made my way through the sewers, killing the occasional rat, and it wasn’t long before I came out into the open. I almost threw myself into the water when I looked up on the sun, but didn’t, because it would probably just attract loads of slaughterfish. Instead I put on the red robe and hood and began to walk up towards the city.
Walking along the road that went past the Imperial prison, I got a great view of the landscape. And it felt great to be out again. But the sun was setting, so I’d have to sell a few things and get a room for the night. I was very happy that I’d stacked most of my things in my cave up north, because I really didn’t feel like breaking into the Imperial prison at the moment.
Opening the gate to the market district I made sure I’d hid my face well. One of the two guards standing at the gate raised his eyebrows when he saw which gate I came from, but he left me alone. And I turned in on one of the smaller squares at which most of the shops where assembled.
My eye caught sight of a sign labelled “Jensine’s ‘Good as new merchandise’ “, I entered through the door below. The imperial looked at me and welcomed me, saying something about that it was good to get a new customer these days. I didn’t think much about what she said, I just gave her the things I wanted to sell, and she gave me the gold for it. However she didn’t want to buy the robe, instead telling me to go to “Rindir’s staffs.” So I thanked her and left.
Opening the door to the shop, I where greeted by a wood elf. Though when I asked him what I would get for the robe he told me he didn’t want to buy it. Being pretty annoyed by that time, I bought a mages robe and hood which I put on instead of the red ones.
Then I took my leave of the shop and the wood elf, and made my way to the merchants inn.
“Good day. Is there anything I can do for you? We rent rooms and sell food.” And that was in which manner I was greeted by the imperial who obviously where the proprietor of the inn.
“Yes. I would like to rent a room.” I answered, opening my pouch.
“Al right, that’s twenty gold coins then. There is food in the room to.” And so I put the coins on the desk, took the key, thanked him and went upstairs.
I made my way to my room, unlocking the door with the key, and putting the few things I carried next to the bed. Then I sat down at the table and ate. I chewed slowly, delighted at the flavours that I’d been without for so long, and took sips of the wine.
My time in prison had truly changed my sight on life. I where only twenty at the time, but I’d learnt how to value life, and the good things in it.
After finishing my dinner I went to bed, wrapped in the robe. I was expecting a visit, and had no intention of undressing completely. Neither did I intend to sleep deeply. But the sheets where clean and comforting. Also, I had not slept well in prison, so it didn’t take long until I fell into a deep sleep. I slept so deep that I did not her the footsteps as someone entered my room.
He could have stared at me in an hour by the time I noticed and woke up. As I opened my eyes I was clearly awake, and as he sighed and greeted me with one word, I knew it was him.
”Silencer.” Lucien Lachance said, and I sat up, looked at him. ”You finished the contract, but where gone for a year, so I can’t give you gold for it. But now, instead, let’s speak of your next contract.” He paused, and I nodded, it made sense. And I could get along with the money I had in my cave.
”Your target is Valen Dreth, he angered someone before he was put in prison, and now he believes himself to be safe there…”
I didn’t hear longer that the name, and it shocked me so badly so I thought I’d faint, but I didn’t. I gulped and spoke.
”How… how long have I got?” I asked him, trembling slightly. I knew that my face was as pale as it could possibly be on a dunmer. I knew I had to put the Dark Brotherhood in front of everything else, and if I didn’t do it, someone else would. It was the life I’d chosen. And still, on this day, I felt like running.
I where young at that time, and where still going to meet people I loved many times, several of them such that I wont bother you with them. But I did not think of that on that day, and for the following weeks, life felt like hell.
I don’t think he ever saw me coming. Or well, probably he knew he where hunted. But I don’t think he ever saw his killer as a woman that had started to love him. For I did indeed love him. My first love was a public maniac. I laugh as I think about it today, but it’s true. And even though I have lived for so long, I can’t prevent myself from regretting what I did, because amongst all the people I have ever loved, my greatest love, was him.
I was afraid that would happen... I liked it!
anyway, I noticed "I where" several time.
Oh, I didn't see that coming - HUGE! Great write on the emotions at the end, Huge!
One month was the time he gave me. One month to prepare, and kill my target. I woke up at six that following morning, dressed, and went to the lobby. The owner wasn't there yet, sleeping upstairs I presumed, so I left the key on the desk and went out.
Outside on the street I came across a Bosmer, who where walking around yelling out the latest news. It seemed quite strange to do so at that time in the morning, but then the news was quite important.
"Latest news from The Black Horse Courier, get a copy today! The emperor have been assassinated! But who did it?" I listened as he spoke, hoping with my whole body and soul that I wasn't in the paper. And the finally, I went up to him and got a copy. I gave out a sigh of relief when I'd skimmed down the page and seen that my name wasn’t there, I did notice however that they where speculating on whether the Dark Brotherhood had done it.
"So naïve." I murmured, believing that no one would hear me.
"What is so naïve?" Being so in my own thoughts, I hadn't noticed the captain of the guard getting up behind me, Adamus Phillida, the sworn enemy of the Dark Brotherhood.
"Oh sir! Well, think it's naïve to believe the Dark Brotherhood did it since they don't send hordes of assassins after the target, they send one assassin to do it quietly." I answered, a bit shaky, desperately hoping that he wouldn't recognise me. And inside cursing myself for not being a better liar.
"How come you know so much about the Dark Brotherhood?" He asked, and I used all my senses to try and come up with some way out of it.
"Well, they write about them all the time in the paper sir." I answered, bewildered. Right then someone bumped into me from behind. And it certainly wasn't a touch of Sithis. I just felt my hood slide down, and with it my mask, then he stared at my face in shock. And for a moment, I couldn't move.
"I just remembered I need to be somewhere, right now. Bye." I said and spun around, almost tripping over my own feet as I hurried along the road. After a moment he came to his senses and started yelling orders to the guards.
"Get her! The woman in the blue robe is a Silencer of the Dark Brotherhood!" Now I started running, and flung my robe of. I didn't need to look back to know that every guard in the district was after me.
Being almost desperate, I managed to get hold of the upper part of a door and flung myself up so I got a good hold on the wall. Putting hands and feet in small cracks I scaled the wall, luckily avoiding the arrows they sent flying towards me.
Having pulled my body up on the roof I instantly got down in a crouch. I heard the result of failed tries to get up after me, me referring to the sound of bones breaking against the ground. Then I looked around trying to find the network of planks that had been fastened between the roofs, thus creating a quick get away for us that did not always follow the law.
And so I saw it, the closest plank were about 20 feet to my right, and I ran for it. When darting across the plank I felt the breeze as an arrow went past my head. I crossed several roofs in my search for a way out, and then I saw that there was no plank between the roof I was currently on and the wall. The wall was slightly higher than the current roof that I stood on, and I had to make a go for it.
I threw myself as much up as forward, and a relieved sigh escaped from my mouth although it was not over yet. I looked out over the wall on the pavement beneath me and dodged an arrow while cursing my own stupidity. How was I supposed to get down!? Guards where closing up on each side and I'd have to make a go for it. So I once again threw myself out in the air, this time away from the city.
ARGH! A cliffhanger!
Hmmm, this is turning into quite the interesting story. I like that you included a little more of Dreth...I always thought there should be more to him than just he taunts you/you kill him. Can't wait to see how you develop it!
Well, here there is more! I didn't have acess to a spelling corrector for english when I wrote the majority of this part, so I'm hoping that you can excuse it if there is any faults in the spelling. Great to see that people doesn't stop reading because of my long pauses between posting.
And yeah, the chapter will soon be coming to an end. Should I post a new thread or continue in this one? Probably begin with a new one I think...
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It was inevitable, the ground rushing up to meet me. All I could do, was to reach my arms out for a branch of the big tree that I’d seen from the wall. I managed to get hold of one, but barely for a moment as the force pushing me against the ground forced me to go on. The branches of the tree slowed my fall, but by the time I fell to the ground with a loud thud, there was a deep wound on my leg, and several smaller ones all over my body.
Having temporarily bandaged my leg I half walked, half crawled down the slope. They’d be outside the walls in a minute, searching for me. Just reaching some bushes, I felt my leg give in, and with a grunt I pulled myself into their protection. While touching the wound on my leg with my mind, and as fast as I could healing it, I listened for footsteps.
***
Several hours later, I rose from the ground. My healing abilities had never been anything to speak of. At my best, I’d been as good as anyone that had just started studying magic, and so, I felt exhausted. Still, I couldn’t stay in the vicinity of the city, and so I began my journey north.
I slept for the night in an old fort ruin on a dirty bedroll that I found at the place. I had no food, and when I woke up again my mouth was parched. My leg was also aching terribly. But none the less, I left the ruin as soon as I’d got all of my things.
One light came during my walk however, because not long from the ruin, I heard the smatter of hooves against the road. And soon the black mare stood before me. I did not wonder why she had a saddle and reins, I knew all to well about what the dark brotherhood could do. I stroke her face and whispered sothing words in her ears. I were overjoyed. It had gone ten months, and still she remembered me! But then again, it truly was an extraordinary horse that Lachance had given me.
Not wanting to be delayed any more, I mounted Shadowmere. She neighed before setting of at the light squeze of my legs, and I leaned in over her neck, for a while forgetting the troubles of the last few days. She carried me steadily and quickly up to Bruma, and then turned right onto the path she knew so well, and the home that had been mine for years.
Getting of Shadowmere I felt a little wobbly standing, so I leaned against her. After standing so for a while, Shadowmere pushed at my shoulder. Laughing slightly, I stroke her forehead and then took of the saddle and briddle.
“Do as you wish girl, I’m going inside for now.” I said to her, and she walked of to find some grass amongst the snow. Myself, I turned to the cave and entered. Finding the cave uninhabited, I turned a lever and watched as one of the walls moved out of my way. The room that showed itself to me contained an old fireplace, a few chests, and a bedroll. I walked through it to a door that had been slightly hidden and entered my small armory. Sighing, I took an steel bow down from the wall, grabbed a quiver with arrows, an elven dagger and a steel longsword. From a chest I took my Dark Brotherhood rainment and donned it, then strapping the weapons to it. In another chest I got a couple of rings, the black band and a normal gold ring. I also grabbed a few lockpicks and a map before I prepared my meal. I’d hunted a deer on my way to the cave, and gotten some water in a sack. Now I prepared the venison and ate.
And so the days went. I trained my skills, and rode on Shadowmere’s back for two weeks before I felt ready to return to the prison. By that time I’d also recovered most of my strength. Not to say that I’ve ever been very strong, because let’s face it, I’m an assassin. And assassin’s are stealthy, stabb in the back kind of fighters.
The sun shone brightly when I departed after having dressed in a dark green robe and gotten some food. I had enough supplies to manage for a few days, and if everything was well, I’d be able to travel the country unnotised as long as I kept my face hidden.
I met many Imperial soldiers on my way, but none of them bothered me. Either they had stopped looking, or they kept their distance because of the tormented determination that I radiated. Myself, I think it was both.
Though I rode as slow as possible, it still did not take long for me to reach the Imperial city, and find the entrance to the sewers through which I had departed but a week ago. It was quite obviously locked, and I took out the key that Lachance had given me.
Walking down the sewers, while dispatching of the occasional rat and crab, I considered what I should do. I could not asimply kill Valen, and neither would I be able to let the guards live. My hate for the Imperials had grown to much during the last two weeks. Though I’d never really liked them before, the hate I felt now had never been present either. It had always just been business to me. As for Valen, I loved him, and for that I felt guilty. I would show him the starcovered sky once more. Maybe we could even swim together in the Rumare. Smiling slightly at my childish dreams, I climbed up a ladder. And crouching in the little room that I now where in, I heard the voices of two imperials. Imperial guards...
Really Great Chapter! You use a lot of interesting details that really add to your story !!!!
I think that last paragraph is outstanding, the inner dialogue - natural feel to it, the insigts into the characters mind/thoughts -huge!
Thanks ^^ And well, I kind of already had the end of this chapter in my head, so here it comes.
The next chapter will continue in this thread since this one really didn't take many posts compared to other stories.
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The guards were talking of what they thought about having to guard a prisoner. They couldn’t imagine who’d want to rescue or damage him. I allowed my mind to go blank when I heard their footsteps fading. Easing the door open, I watched as one guard walked to the right, as the other walked to the left. In a daze, I followed the guard to the right, quietly coming up behind him. I then dug my dagger into his neck, casting a telekinesis spell at the same time. The dagger pierced his jugular, he didn’t make a sound.
I easily took the other guard down in a similar fashion when he came back to the room, and then I walked on to the room where the emperor had been killed. At a table with a candle, there sat another guard, and he arose when he saw me. Seing the blood on my rainment, he simply pulled out his blade, and charged.
I ducked down when he struck at me, circling him, and cutting into one of his armpits. The man gasped in surprise at the sudden pain, and I took the chance to cut at his head. He brought his blade up to parry, and kicked me backwards. The air left my lungs when I collided with the wall, and I barely managed to get my dagger up to deflect his blow. He took a step backwards, not giving me the opportunity to strike, and I got away from the wall. When he charged again I deflected his blade, causing him to go down with it. I struck at his bare neck when it was shown to me, and so the fight was over.
I didn’t give the guards more attention than checking so that they were dead before I continued. Though I feared what I had to do, I also longed to meet him. The possibility of letting him live for a few days had crossed my mind, but I knew that if I stayed close to him for to long I wouldn’t be able to do it. He would live until dawn, that was what I had decided in the cave. It was evening now, and the death of the guards wouldn’t be discovered until dawn when they were going to be relieved. That would give me more than enough time with Valen.
I got my dagger out from the throath of another guard, and eased him down on the floor. And so it came before me, that one little tunnel leading up to the cell that had once been mine. I could hear a guard talking, and Valen answering him. But I didn’t think of what they said. I simply entered the cell and waited for the guard to go.
When I heard the closing door I opened that of my cell, and picked the lock on his.
“Felisa. You did come back.” He said, the shock obvious in his voice.
“As I said I would. I’ve come to take you out of here.” I said, hugging him when the door finally opened. Then we kissed for a moment.
“Come now, I’ve taken care of the guards. The way out is clear.” I said, releasing him. He simply smiled when I took his hand and led him out of there. He barely shot glances towards the dead guards, most of the time his eyes where fixed to my back.
And so we came out in the moonlight. Stars were shining above us, and they were reflected in the still water. We turned against each other.
“I never really thought you’d come.” He said and I looked over at his smiling face. He was beautiful in his own way, this man that I loved. “Come, let us bathe.” He then said, tugging on my arm. I was happy to oblige him after having undressed.
We played in the water that night, he laughed all the time, and then we cuddled up next to each other on the shore. We talked some more, I told him everything that had happened after I met him, save the part with Lachance, and he told me, amongst other things, the names of his children. And then we...
Well, what can I say? I lost my virginity that night. And when the morning came, and he was still asleep, I looked at his face for a while. Then I kissed him one last time, begged for his soul, and completed my task.
They never knew who did it...
Very powerful, especially at the end. You have this remarkable talent for writing closing scenes....
ARGH! A black widow spider...a praying mantis...ARGH !!! AWESOME !!!
And so the story continues...
Chapter two: Why life don’t end when it’s at it’s worst
It took a very long time for me to recover, and even then I did not recover completely. I don't think I ever will. But over the weeks I rode all over Tamriel with Shadowmere, completing the tasks that were given to me. Except for Kvatch, that is. I heard about it not long after Valen’s death, how the daedra had overrun the city and killed most of it’s inhabitants. I steered clear of there, since in my opinion, it wasn’t really any of my business.
The septims that I earned while completing the tasks, I simply put away in my cave. And I must say that when I finally sat down and counted it, it was quite the fortune. It took a while before I spent any of it though.
It was when I was sitting at Luther Broads boarding house drinking, that I heard that the siege of Kvatch had been broken. The deadra had been driven out and the count had been found dead. Apparently some people had actually survived in there, barring themselves up in the chapel. That amazed me, to tell the truth. Everyone always go on about how dangerous the daedra is when speaking about them.
It was also then that I saw the so called “hero”. Or well, not exactly that day, but the day afterwards. I was sitting there watching the red guard whom I’d come across in the prison, yes it was the very same red guard, when the khajiit walked in. I recalled his name as Gasheera.
Any assassin with their mind in the right place would’ve gotten out of there as quickly as possible, but then I’ve never really been defined as a normal assassin. Count bad luck into that, and you’ve got yourself a mess.
I sat in a corner and watched him as he looked around for a bit before seeing the redguard. Then he sat down next to him and they started to talk. Half the inn must have been quiet, trying to hear what they said.
When the redguard got up and walked to the cellar, another man in a corner followed him. And as soon as that man disappeared, Gasheera went after him. It looked rather funny, since everyone had been watching the process. But I guessed that it wasn’t, that other man had looked... well grim.
Still, I stayed in my corner and it had only been half an hour since they went to the cellar when the redguard and Gasheera came back up.
The two men walked past without talking to anyone. For some very stupid reason, I followed them outside. Outside the door Gasheera walked left and the redguard walked right, I followed Gasheera.
He turned into a small alley not long after the inn, and I followed him around the corner. Then it went so quickly that I didn't have any time to react, one moment I was stalking him and the next I was pushed up against a wall. I hung there a while, and we stared into each others eyes, evaluating each other. He was a warrior, and from the looks of it he might just have been a saint. The ideal hero according to many people.
“Why have you been following me?” Gasheera asked then. I considered lying, saying I hadn't, but he'd clearly see that it was a lie. If I hadn't been following him, I'd have struggled when he pushed me up against the wall.
“I was curious. I'd heard about what you've done and wondered if it was actually you. You look quite different from the last time we met.” I answered simply, still staring into his eyes.
“Excuse me, but I can't recall my meeting you.” He said, leaning in even closer with his head.
“We met in prison, though you were unconscious most of the time so we were never properly introduced. And I'd appreciate it if you'd let me down.” I said, beginning to squirm a bit at the end to hide the fact that I took a knife out.
“So, you're the escaped assassin. And I'm afraid I can't do that yet, you see, I think I'm going to turn you in to the guards.” He said, a gleeful smile on his lips. Then he saw the fire gathering in my eyes. “And I wouldn't do that if I were you, I've got a quite powerful reflect magicka enchantment on my armor.” I quenched the fire then, and he smiled again. “I must say you let go of it quickly.”
“Rather cautious and alive than brave and dead.” I answered, glaring at him. “What do you want?” I snapped.
“Why, the assassin's got common sense. And why should I want to have anything from you? I'm not particularly interested in dark elves.” He said and tilted his head slightly.
“If you didn't want anything you'd have turned me in to the guards by now.”
“You mean that I would have tried.”
“How can you be so sure of what I meant?”
“Because you seem to believe that you can escape me easily.” He eyed the dagger that rested in the tiny gap between his cuirass and greaves, the dagger that I held in my hand, and I smiled.
“I wondered when you would see that. Now let me down.” He released me and backed away, and I laughed. But I only had time to sheathe my dagger again before he spoke.
“What's your name?” He sounded quite humiliated, to say the least.
“Felisa Serhas. You really thought you'd just catch a silencer of the Dark Brotherhood that easily? Where the daedra do you come from?” I managed to answer him in between my bursts of laughter, and the discomfort only became clearer on his face. He'd probably been a farmer or a woodcutter. He had the strength to fight, but lacked the skills and brute force don't often suffice.
“Actually, I don't remember where I'm from.” He muttered, and my laughter came to a sudden stop. How could anyone possibly forget that much? The man was at least thirty! I looked at him then, his eyes stared at the ground.
“You don't remember?” I said, still surprised, and he looked up on me.
“No, I don't.” He almost growled at me when he spoke, and I saw the tension in his face when he pulled himself together. “But that does not matter at the moment. I... I need to improve my skills with a blade.” He said and I simply looked at him.
“What, you want me to train you? Me, an assassin?” I said as the full meaning of his words appeared before me.
“If you are as good as you seem to believe that you are, yes.” He said, suddenly looking up at me with his yellow eyes. I felt the laughter coming up within me again. Now that would be something to tell my brothers and sisters of the Dark Brotherhood! I accepted it however, mostly because as if it sounded as if though it could become quite fun, and I needed something to do. Besides, it would be fun to tell the grand children about it if I ever had any. “Did you know children? I taught the hero of Kvatch how to fight.”
Yay, it's continued ![]()
Loved the parallel line between the Assassin and the Hero of Kvatch.
The interplay between Felisa and Gasheera was AWESOME !!!! You ROCKED that scene!!!! And I'm beginning to think it is your writing style to close each chapter with a powerful paragraph - you nailed it again!!! I love this story, your writing !!! MORE !!!! MORE !!!!
Should have another piece coming soon, but in the meantime... I gave Felisa a makeover a while back, and I figured you might want to see her. I think she looks much better. Also, I found another armor for her.
http://archive.pixbox.se/arkivet/synligt_37/31960000-31969999/640x480/31964019.jpg
(The cave I'm using isn't north of Bruma, but I suck at modding, and I couldn't find a cave mod that was situated up there)


What a pleasure to catch up with you on this!
Chapter 1:
Though I rode as slow as possible, it still did not take long for me to reach the Imperial city, and find the entrance to the sewers through which I had departed but a week ago.
This perfectly, and with understated elegance, captures what Felisa must have been feeling.
I quite liked your creative use of telekinesis. Moving one of the Mythic Dawn Assassins, then later slowing the fall of the dead guard to keep things quiet was very effective.
I also like your portrayal of Shadowmere and Felisia's hideout cave.
What a beautiful and poignant love story of a young elf captured by her own choices you have written. You somehow managed to render the decisions she made in such a way as to make perfect, but tragic sense for her.
Chapter 2:
I quite adore that you are using the Main Quest as a back drop, and involving Felisa indirectly.
You have accomplished something very difficult: To render an assassin as an endearing character that makes us really care about her!
I just read the whole story to date. What a great story line! I can't wait to see how this evolves. Great job!
mALX: It makes sense that you'd want Janus Hassildor in bed with Maxical(sounds strange saying it XP), but then I've read about it, and their relationship would seem much stranger if they never managed to get into bed with each other.
Acadian: Thanks, it doesn't really make sense that you can't use telekinesis for what Felisa does in the game, I mean, the dead actually are wearing clothes, and clothes in any other circumstance can be moved. Also, horses are so much more than ways to get around, as you've managed to show perfectly in your story about Buffy, they can be your best friend if you treat them well.
TheOtherRick: Thanks ^^
I feel so mean... My last update was in November! My mind have been completely dry, but now I've finally got an idea yay!
It'll take a while to write though, but I'll give you the small piece that I've actually managed to write this far.
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It was early the next morning when I pulled him out of his bed and took him outside the city. North on the imperial isle we stood at 4 am. Both of us had laced leather pants, wool shirts and leather shoes. I'd already rid the island of the few bandits whom inhabited it.
“Today, we're going to exercise blocking and deflecting strikes, because when it comes down to it, you might be dead because you never learned how to block right.” I spoke until he closed his eyes, and then I felled him with the broadside of my blade. “You can't ever do that when fighting someone, okay? Because you'll be dead.” He nodded at my statement, and I smiled slightly. Gods, it must be humiliating for him to be brought down by me again, and I simply couldn't avoid feeling smug about it.
We continued until noon, me coming at him numerous times and correcting him when he did something wrong, there were several moments when I though he'd collapse during the training, but as it turned out, he was a bit tougher than that.
“Okay, you've deserved some food. You can let your guard down.” Okay, so he actually collapsed when I told him that, and I burst out laughing, but at least he held his ground until the danger was gone. That's a good sign of a lot of willpower, isn't it?
When he came to, his eyes were slightly hazy, and I had a feeling that he'd crash when the night came. I hadn't moved him from his position though, so he was very sore. I served him a plate with the venison and potatoes that I'd just cooked over a camp fire, and then I sat down to eat myself. It was quiet for a while before he spoke.
“Thank you.” And that was all there was. We didn't speak much during the rest of the day, only when I gave him instructions on how to put his feet to balance the energy loss better or how to angle his blade. As a matter of fact, I think a whole week had walked past when he spoke to me again.
“I need to take care of some things, it shouldn't take more than a few days, but it's quite urgent.” He said from his spot in front of me. We were eating dinner, having just finished the days training. I looked up at him, his eyes were stuck on my face, determination took up the majority of his. I nodded slowly, swallowing the last piece of meat.
“What is so important that you've got an excuse not to train? I'm not finished with you yet.” I got up from the ground, checking the edge of my blade, but my mind didn't leave his facial expression.
“Saving the world..?” He sounded determined, sarcastic and... Wait, was he actually asking? Gods, he really was asking for my permission!
“You're on a mission to save the world? Right...” How could he be chosen to save the world? When I met him, he barely knew anything about fighting. Why, if he was drawn into a pub brawl he'd be the one that ended up in the bottom and got all of his teeth's knocked out!
“Well, the emperor tasked me with finding his lost son and that son in turn wants my help with fighting back an invasion from Oblivion. Should I have disagreed?” What did I say, all brawns, no brains. So typical for fighters. Heck, he should make sure he knows more about it before he takes on a mission that could kill him! Not that I care about him, but it's stupid. And that's exactly what I told him. I couldn't stop him from going though, and he decided to leave the next morning after he'd gathered supplies. Me? I decided to travel a bit. Maybe do a bit of hunting, work some if I got the opportunity. Simply just following my desires for once.
I spoke until he closed his eyes, and then I felled him with the broadside of my blade.
Nice! Pay attention pussycat and learn something.
Me? I decided to travel a bit.
This cought me by surprise. I thought sure that Felisa was going to be the behind the scenes hero, doing most of the work and getting less of the glory for saving the world.
Simply just following my desires for once.
Nothing better than an empty slate and a box of chalk.
I am way too much of a newbie to post any nits.
I'll leave that to the seasoned veterans. This is fun stuff...keep it going!
Don't underestimate Gahsheera. After all, he did somehow manage to close an Oblvion Gate it seems? He also seems rather brave, albeit perhaps a little dense.
Fun lessons. Something tells me this cat will cross Felisa's path again.
TheOtherRick:
I'm not saying anything...
Acadian: Well, you actually can close that gate when fresh out of prison, and she does pretty much refer to him as your average saint, though I don't know how she could possibly do that considering the company he keeps
ROFL You'll see
Anyway, I finished up this section really quickly. And since I couldn't think of any way to make it better(though there probably is some(which you are very free to point out)), here you've got it.
I'm going to stop talking now or I'll just give something away.
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Who has the worst luck in the world? Answer; me! Up bright and early to fight outlaws is what heroes are supposed to do! Since when did anyone consider me a hero!? Right, never, that's because I'm not! Gasheera is a H.E.R.O!!! My name is not Gasheera!
I had but awoken when I realised that something was terribly wrong in my camp. My eyes flickering open, my gaze landed on the breton and the khajiit that were rummaging through my things, and a smaller khajiit standing watch by a tree further away. She was not quite as vigilant as one could be led to believe however, for in her hands she held my spare raiment. My enchanted raiment. In green and black it wasn't exactly my favourite, but it was mine and no khajiit, especially not a bandit, should touch it. There was a belt around the waist of the raiment designed to hold the sheath of a sword and a potion, and another thicker belt going diagonally over one of the shoulders that was meant to attach a dagger, a quiver and bow and lock picks to. There was a green hood and mask as well that when put in place would make sure that no one could see more than fingers, and in the case of a beast, the tail.
I slipped quietly from the rough bedroll, back aching lightly from having placed it on the hard ground, and pulled out my elven dagger from it's hiding place within my clothes. My bow and quiver lay by the fire, obviously placed there by the outlaws as the string had been removed from the bow. I mostly kept it stringed over the night in case I'd get any unwanted company. This time though, that hadn't helped.
The male khajiit spun around at the sound of my feet rustling the few leaves that lay scattered on the ground, but I had already embedded my dagger in his stomach by the time he realised what was happening. The breton had drawn his sword when I turned towards him next, but the female khajiit stood as paralysed by the trees, obviously not knowing how to react. It struck me then that I couldn't see Shadowmere, and hoping that she was okay, I released a fireball at the breton, following up with a quick sprint to his side.
As he barely got out of my reach, the rustle of branches and leaves told me that the khajiit was leaving, but I didn't even shoot her a glance for the breton were regaining his balance. While trying to extinguish the fire that was creeping up his arm, the breton swung his sword at me in panic, and I had no problems deflecting the blow and sending him to oblivion.
I stood, breathing slowly for a minute when the battle had ensued. Looking over at the khajiit, I saw that his entrails had begun spilling out over the fire, and the stench that came upon me the next moment caused me to stagger. Getting out of the direction of the wind, I picked my bow up, strung it and hung it together with the quiver over my back.
I was careful not to touch the dead bodies when I extinguished the fire and rolled up my bedroll. Wolves and bears would come soon, and having already seen what a mess those animals could leave behind, I didn't want to be there when they did.
A neighing caught my attention, and I turned in the direction that the khajiit had run in, was she trying to steal my horse? I chuckled at the thought, knowing very well what Shadowmere was capable of, and set of at a jog through the trees.
When I caught sight of Shadowmere she was standing over the girl, just about to bring her hooves down on her. The khajiit rolled away from beneath Shadowmere, and I called for the horse. Her ears pointed straight up and she looked at me, giving the khajiit enough time to get out of her reach together with the raiment. My teeth ground together as I looked at her, she really wouldn't let it go.
She spun around quickly, placing the raiment in her pack and sprinting of in the opposite direction. I ran to Shadowmere, and swung myself onto her back. The khajiit wouldn't get far if I rode Shadowmere, and still something held me back. I merely watched as the girl took of, a frown on my face. When we couldn't hear her any longer, Shadowmere turned her head and snorted at me.
“What? Why should you possibly care? She stole from ME.” I said, looking at the mare, who shook her head and snorted. Was she actually laughing at me?
“Oh shut up. Now lets get going, I need a drink and the closest place to get that is Cheydinhall.” I hissed at her, and though she began to trot, she repeated the noise that seemed an awful lot like laughing. I did not pay much attention to Shadowmere after that, because I could not get the gnawing feeling out of my thoughts that somehow, I hadn't seen that khajiit for the last time.
Despite the entrails spilled, this was actually a very fun update. Felisa questioning why she had helped a hero was well done, as was her interaction with Shadowmere. Helping the Khajiiti Hero of Kvatch. Now letting a little Khajiit bandit escape with her spare raiment. One would think Felisa is begining to develop a soft spot for cats. Lol. Nicely done, saqin!
B-B-Q kitty entrails...naaaaas-teeee!
That was a really neat way to encounter bandits...Felisa waking up to them in the middle of being robbed. She's fortunate that they didn't kill her first.
Keep up the good work!
It was midday when Shadowmere brought us to Cheydinhall. The sun had hidden behind a cloud, and more, darker clouds was coming towards us. As her sleek body came to a stop outside the gate, I skipped of her back, still holding a hand on her neck. She snorted at me, less humiliating this time and I put my head against hers. Then I took the saddle of her back and slid the bridle of from her head, putting them in the little stable.
”I'll be back later, you just take care of yourself, okay?” I said, looking into her eyes, and she shook her head up and down. She was fully aware that later might just mean a few hours later, but it could also mean a day later.
Now, you might be wondering why I didn't go to the sanctuary next, but it's simple. I just couldn't stand being near Gogron or M'raaj-dar. I didn't feel like being made fun of and insulted several times on the same day. True, Vicente is a gentleman and I've always found him charming, but he just isn't enough.
The guards that had seen me with Shadowmere gave me odd looks as I entered through the gate and the horse set of in a trot to the south east. I had no reason to be worried about her, after all she'd been in these forests much more than me.
When I came in through the gate, the captain of the guard was standing a few feet away, talking to some of the other guards. I pointed my eyes at the ground and made sure that the hood covered my head properly. Then, I walked to the inn.
The Newlands lodge is a small and cosy tavern. Their beds don't cost much, and best of all, the proprietor is a dark elf. When I walked in, the place was quite crowded, though it seemed as if though most of the people were locals. I'd just bought some wine when I heard my name being called with the tell tale khajiit accent. Yes, Gasheera had by some very strange coincidense gone to the same city as me. And, apparantly he wouldn't leave me alone. That's why I went over to his table, and managed to soak it in wine.
Next to Gasheera, sat a very small and wide-eyed khajiit. A female khajiit in a black and green raiment. Oddly, the first thought that crossed my mind was; how did she get here before me? And then I got angry. By angry I do not mean however that I attacked her, a person of my profession can't afford that since even though she's a bandit, the guards would in the case of a fight need to interrogate me which would almost certainly get me a one way ticket to jail.
“Seen a ghost eh, elf?” Gasheera laughed out loud at his own exclamation, and if it hadn't been obvious that he was drunk earlier, then it was now. “Have a seat. Scoot over pretty.” The female gave him a quick look, then plastered her eyes on me again and didn't move an inch.
“That's not necessary.” I said, sitting down on the chair on my side of the table. Gasheera looked at the female then, and back at me.
“You two know each other?” He said, slurring slightly.
“We've met. Never properly introduced however.” I said, a strained smile when I looked at the khajiit whose name I did not yet know. Gasheera snorted, and the female went stiff when the realisation hit her that he was about to tell me her name. She'd seen my dark brotherhood raiment, she knew that I was an assassin. But she knew just as well as I did that if one of us were caught, so would the other.
”Well, this is Sa'Quira, though she calls herself Saqin. Saqin, this is Felisa, she have been training me in sword fighting for the last week.” He took another mouthful of his beer as soon as he finished.
“Well met Sa'Quira.” I said, realizing that the glee I felt were showing on my face, Gasheera was however, to drunk to see it.
“Felisa.” The pronunciation of that word said a lot about her, and she realised it as soon as it escaped her mouth. She feared me and she was a very young woman whom probably hadn't come of age yet. I realised then that whatever she was, she wasn't a threat. If I wanted to I could use her, and she knew that I could kill her in a matter of minutes.
Gasheera of course didn't notice our quiet exchange and I turned to him. “So, what brings you to Cheydinhall?”
“House cleaning.” When his answer came, my drink suddenly left my mouth.
“Wh-what?” Was all I could get out, and he snorted.
“Some people needs some trash cleaned up in a house northwest of here, I'll tell you more about it tomorrow when I'm sober.” He said putting an arm around the girls shoulders. I just sat there. Housecleaning, why would he do that?
Oh right, bandits can be reffered to as thrash, forget that I said anything. Anyway, I spent the remainder of the evening with them and it turned out that Gasheera could be quite funny, for a khajiit that is. And at the same time, it became very evident that he had no idea of the girls real proffesion.
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I've been planning for some time to write a story about Sa'Quira, but I've decided to just incorporate her into Felisas' story. It'd be way to much work to begin a new one, and besides I think I could work out a way to tell her story up to the point when she comes to Cyrodiil.
Almost thought someone would recognise my description of the raiment, but that doesn't matter. That was just a small hint.
Some more depth on Felisa's history with the Dark Brotherhood.
I quite enjoyed the interaction between Felisa and Shadowmere.
Likewise, I chuckled over the rather significant level of communication between the two young women while Gasheera remained quite oblivious to it.
Another fun read!
Definitely an interesting encounter between Felisa and Sa'Quira. Looking forward to seeing where it goes once Gasheera's hangover has passed.
Nice write and keep it coming!
Thanks for the good comments, I had quite a lot of fun writing this next part(except the very end, but everything can't be fun) and I do hope that you'll enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
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I awoke early the next morning. Gasheeras' snoring could be heard through his door, and I decided to go outside while waiting. I hadn't forgotten about his “house cleaning” comment the evening before.
Was I surprised to be stopped by the khajiit girl while making my way outside. Yes, I was. She didn't exactly seem like the brave or foolhardy type.
“Felisa. May Saqin speak with you for a moment?” Talking in that accent typicall to most khajiit, she caught me by surprise.
“I guess so.” I shrugged, and she nodded before walking outside. What was up with this girl? She went around to the back of the house, out of sight from the guards and townsfolk. Then she stopped, and seated herself on the ground.
“What do Felisa intend with Gasheera?” She asked plainly, and I just stared at her. Why should I intend anything with him? Why did there always have to be a purpose? Lucien would always tell me why someone was wanted dead when the thruth was that I didn't care. Why can't one just do as one wants and the rest of the time just follow the flow?
“Nothing. I'm just giving him some training with a blade. He isn't particularly good you know.” I said, smirking.
“Saqin know Gasheera is no good with blades, and that worries Saqin. Why Saqin can beat him with blade, and Saqin ain't that good. That is why Saqin have been thinking. Gasheera is going to kill bad people, try to save world. But, he is no good with blade and would probably get killed and fail in saving world.” She said, gesturing with her hands meanwhile. You know what a bad habit that is? Not only can someone hear your voice, they can see you easier as well.
“Can you get to the point?” I asked, interrupting her, and she stared at me. And all of sudden, a light lit in my head.
“Felisa not interrupt, please. Now, Saqin was saying that what if people thought Gasheera was good with blade? What if they thought he was master swordsman simply because no one lived to tell of his fights?” I smiled then when she spoke. “If we helped Gasheera kill bad people, and no one found out we were doing it, Gasheera would be named hero, and because we are his friends, no one would dare to touch us. Gasheera as fake hero and fake master swordsman would be of more use to us, then us being heroes and outlaws. What if one of the greatest heroes ever, was a scam?” She ended there, looking at me.
“You're saying that we're going to make it look like Gasheera is a hero, but really we will be the ones doing all of the work?” I almost laughed because I liked the idea. Being part of one of the biggest scams ever sounded much more fun than simply training a possible hero. “But, you're not partcularly skilled with a blade either, so what are you going to do?” I asked, and for the first time since I met her, Saqin smiled.
“True, Saqin is no good with blade, but Saqin knows politics, and Saqin knows how to pretend that one knows politics. You fight, and make it look as if Gasheera does, and I take care of politics and publicity, meanwhile making it seem as if Gasheera is. We make him seem as one of the greatest warriors and politicans alive, and no one dare touch us. We also gain part of profits. What do Felisa say?”
“I'm in. I wouldn't miss this for anything.” I said and we clasped hands, smiling.
“Good, now Gasheera should be getting up. Go and talk to him, tell him of plan and begin acting it. Saqin must return to her friends, they wonder where Saqin is by now.” We said goodbye, and she left through the city gate while I made my way back to the inn. She was way more clever than I gave her credits for. Though she feared me, she knew when a huge opportunity came her way, and had the brains not to throw it away.
And, like Sa'Quira had said, I found Gasheera awake eating breakfast and joined him. He waited a while before looking up and talking to me. And the way he ate looked much more like a starving dog than a cat.
“I assume Saqin talked to you?” He said between bites, and I nodded. “Good, in the Imperial City we found out that the ones that killed the emperor belongs to a cult called Mythic Dawn. They've got a shrine in the caves next to Lake Arrius and that's where we are going today. They managed to steal a very important thing, and we're going to take it back.”
“And what is this thing?” I asked, eyebrow raised.
“I'll tell you when we have left town. It's not secure in here. You've got no problems with going after a cult?” I laughed at his comment.
“Why should I? I might have been a member at some time, or had a relationship with one of them at some point, but that's not an issue.”
“You're fine with killing people you know?” He actually seemed shocked at the relevation. And we sat there eating for a while before he spoke again.
“What happened to that dark elf in prison? The rude one?” He asked, and I felt my stomach knot.
“I killed him.” My voice was barely more than a whisper. It seemed so odd saying it out loud, the fact that I killed him, and then Gasheera smiled. As if though he was glad.
“Well that's one guy that really deserved it.”
“No, he didn't. He is the only person I've ever killed that didn't deserve it, and I loved him. Do not speak of him again.” I basically growled as I said the last part and his eyes widened in surprise.
“Why? Why did you kill him?” It seemed to put a strain on him, saying those few words, and I looked him straight in the eyes as I answered.
“Because Sithis told me to.” There was no remorse or feeling in my eyes, though my heart cracked a second time, and I did not even enjoy the fact that his fur stood straight up from the terror that I could see in his eyes. Did he fear me then? I certainly hope so. However, he never mentioned it again...
"Because Sithis told me to", you're malevolent!
TheOtherRick & mALX: Thanks
Zalphon: A bit I suppose, not that much, she's just very devoted to the deity she worships. "Maybe" in the way of it getting fanatical.
Anyways, I'm now going to give you a bit of a look into the head of Sa'Quira. Quite hard to write, and I'm not sure wheter you'll see her as I'm trying to picture her.
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Sa'Quira's POV
My boots rustled the leaves on the ground as I made my way through the under brush. Luckily the noise wasn't enough to attract the attention of the imperial forester on my right. He had no idea of my presence, and he had no idea of how close he was to a camp full of bandits. If they hadn't moved of course, I couldn't count on them not to move. After all, that was exactly what I would have done.
The forester was soon out of my sight, and though I kept making sure not to make an abundance of noises, I sped up. No telling how they would react. Would they be angry, relieved or merely amused by my ability to escape trouble? Who'd know. I came to a halt then.
How would Khan gro-Tira react? Now that was a question worth asking. I started walking again, wouldn't ever find out by standing around would I?
Was that the fault I'd done before, not asking why exactly M'errunz acted as he did around me? Was that how he'd been able to surprise me so greatly? Was that why I ran off..?
I shrugged, trying to throw the thoughts away. It was my decision to run, and I've not regretted it, why then won't it leave my head? Did my parents actually manage to cram some of that sentimental and creepy stuff about love into my head? I certainly hope they didn't. That stuff is nothing but a liability.
For one not aware of their surroundings, the changes as I came closer to the camp wouldn't have been seen, but then that was why I was the scout. I always saw valuables and dangers first, that's how I stayed alive.
The chatter of birds gradually disappeared, and the faint smell of smoke met my nostrils. A sense of being watched confirmed my suspicions, and I looked up into a nearby tree at the wood elf. He leaned against the trunk, bow slung over his shoulder and eyes staring straight at me.
“You're late.” I didn't answer. “Khan ain't happy 'bout that.” He skidded down the tree and came to stand before me.
“Your skills in sneaking still haven't improved.” He stood silent for a moment at my answer, face blank, but then he burst out into a laughter.
“That's all you've got to say? Commenting the fact that I didn't watch you for more that a second before you saw me. What if I wanted you to see me?” he said and walked up beside me as we entered the camp.
“You never want to be seen.” Was my response to that, and just then Khan gro-Tira came out of his tent. The elf tried to stop his laughter, but couldn't and walked of. I came to stand before the big male orc, and considering the fact that I'm barely taller than a wood elf, he didn't have to make an effort to tower over me.
“You know what I found a few days ago? I found two of my men, two men with whom you were scouting, dead in a small camp, one of them half roasted in the fire. You care to explain that?” The orc spoke with fire in his eyes, and considering the fact that he was the leader of the camp, I couldn't count on much help. So I did all I could when his fist struck the first blow, I ducked.
The older khajiit thief had seated himself on the garden wall to be able to look down on his two students.
“Duck the first two or three blows. They are dealt in anger, without aiming but using a lot of force. If they hit you, you're as good as dead. Then he'll calm down slightly, calculate his blows and want only to humiliate, not harm. That's when you've gotta let him hit you, or he'll just hate you more. Might hurt your pride, but it sure as hell won't hurt your skull.” He smiled when the girl avoided the brutish khajiit.
“That method does not apply to a situation when his true intent is to kill you however. Neither does it apply when you've got nothing against hurting him.” The girl ducked again, and getting within his range, hit him straight in the groin. As a result, the brute doubled over, and the thief on the wall laughed.
“You're learning fast.” In response to his praise, the girl gave him a smug smile.
The old lesson was fresh in my mind, and I took it into account as I ducked the next two blows. When his expression changed, I didn't move, and the fist connected with my jaw. I fell backwards, my jaw feeling as if though it'd blow up, but at least I knew it was intact.
No more blows came, and when I looked at the orc, the fire in his eyes were gone.
“Will it happen again?” His voice was hard, an edge to it that I knew I didn't want there.
“No,” I said, putting the most humiliated expression I knew on my face, and he reached his hand down to help me up.
“You better be right.” With that he then spun around and marched back into his tent. I looked at the others, they were seated most of them, pretending they didn't listen. But they were way too curious not to, and now they looked up. I'd dropped the humiliated expression the moment gro-Tira entered his tent and they obviously wondered how I could take it so calmly.
“M'errunz have come to see Ma'Quira. Will you not speak to him?” Aged around 50, the female cathay-raht looked oddly elderly to the young suthay girl. She was sitting in the small window, looking at the sugar-cane gardens next to which the small house was situated.
“Must I mother? I would rather have lesson.” She didn't look at her mother while talking. Wearing a light brown budi and black pants, she seemed quite content where she was. Her mother frowned.
“Unhealthy is what it is. Ma'Quira needs to get out, I and your father will be having guests.”
“Well, okay. I will go.” With that the girl turned from the window and walked out of the room past her mother. At the door that led outside she paused momentarily before opening it.
The boy had seated himself on the ground, but bounced up again when she walked outside. “What do Dar'Quira wish to do?”
“Doesn't matter M'errunz.” She sighed, wishing he'd not call her that when her parents where close by, and they started down the road.
“Okay, then we'll swim!” He smiled at her and broke into a run.
“M'errunz!” She called out and chased after him.
“What?” I said, noticing that they were still looking at me. Most of them turned away, began to talk with each other again or continued their games. I looked around for a bit, and then I walked out of there.
Coming to Cyrodiil, the idea of being an outlaw had seemed good. A lot of money, independence and an excuse to be by myself. Now I knew how wrong I'd been. I knew the theory of guilt just as well as I knew that they expected me to feel it. But why should I? They were the ones who wanted to rob her.
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Afterwords:
budi - (n.) a Khajiit style shirt which is fastened down the right side with braids. [Ta’agra]
Source: Pocket Guide to the Empire
http://www.silgrad.com/wbb2/thread.php?threadid=3601&sid=6be5b66b9b3c50243c444e2568a7db84
Sa'Quira=Ma'Quira=Dar'Quira
Sa, Ma and Dar are simply different prefixes to names for those who doesn't know.(Used in the khajiiti language) Sa/S means adult, Ma/M means apprentice, child or virgin and Dar means thief, clever, sly or skilled with his/her hands. Different people simply calls her different things. Just in case anyone wonders.
Source: http://www.imperial-library.info/content/translation-dictionary
Quite a scheme Sa'Quira has dreamed up and pitched to Felisa! 'Let's build a hero!'
Sa'Quira's point of view presented in this last episode was fascinating. She shows much of herself while retaining much mystery.
What an odd trio we seem to have assembled here, and that is making for a very fun story!
Nits. There are a handful of minor editing items here. Most of those will smooth and sort themselves out with continued experience as you write and read. Let me simply tag what I believe to be the three most significant/straightforward:
'I came to an halt then.'
You want 'a' halt.
'But they were way to curious not to,'
The first to should be 'too'.
“M'errunz have come have come to see Ma'Quira.'
You have repeated 'have come'.
Love how you added the links at the bottom to help visualize the budi - and the research you put into the Khajiit culture - Awesome Job !!!!!
Acadian:
Sa'Quira is actually, if I get to say so myself, a much more well built character than Felisa and Gasheera. And yeah, thanks for pointing those nits out.
mALX: Thanks
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Felisa's POV
Walking out through the gate of Cheydinhall, the first sight that met my eyes was Shadowmere standing in the grass. She was eating quite calmly at the moment. When I began walking towards her, Gasheera on my heels, she looked up and whinnied.
I stroke her face when she came up to me and then she followed me to the stable where I saddled her. Once that was done, I turned around to see Gasheera standing there, holding the reins of a black and white paint horse in his hand. The horse stood there with his head hanging slightly, seeming very bored, and I assumed it to be a gelding.
“Shall we get going then?” I said and mounted Shadowmere. Gasheera wasn't far behind, and we rode away from the city, into the woods.
The birds cared little for our passing as we rode through the forest, and the deer merely followed us with their eyes. Shadowmere was restless because we only walked, but I was certain that if we cantered the gelding would not be able to keep up.
As soon as we where out of the city, Gasheera rode up next to me.
”The amulet of kings,” he said, eyes passing between me and the forest.
”What?” Was my answer to that. I would have said more, but Shadowmere was trying to bite the gelding, willing him to go away, and I had to hold her reins even tighter.
”You asked me earlier what'd been stolen. It is the amulet of kings.” Noticing Shadowmeres behaviour, he made his gelding fall back slightly, and she calmed down somewhat. I however, did not.
”The amulet of kings!?” My voice almost rose to a shout, causing some of the animals closest to us to flee. I looked at Gasheera.
”Yes, the Mythic Dawn cult stole the amulet of kings, just as they opened an Oblivion gate outside Kvatch to try and kill the only remaining heir. Apparantly they want to bring Mehrunes Dagon to Nirn, and the lightening of the dragon fires would prevent that,” he answered me, eyes looking forward now for we were approaching a glade and the smoke of a camp fire arose from behind a large rock.
As we came to a halt, I put my finger to my lips as a signal for him to be quiet, and slid of Shadowmere. My feet barely made any sound as I put them carefully between heaps of leaves, approaching the boulder. As I came closer, words reached my ears.
”Give me that.” The male voice sounded surly, and the accent imediately got me thinking of a Nord.
”No, I found it.” Another voice, this one also quite irritated, responded to the voice. Perhaps a redguard or a breton, however the voice also sounded quite smooth. Educated?
”You don't drink. What use could you possibly have of it, old magus?” The last part was definitely said as an insult, and the sound of fire got louder for a moment.
”Told you it's mine. You slugabed got no bussiness taking my stuff. It's mine I tell you!” Ok, that voice was certainly the voice of a madman and the Nord didn't respond. I crept up around the boulder, listening intently to the mutterings of the man.
”Foul things are they, know not to stay out of other's bussiness... You're mine, 'll always be mine. They shant take you... Sheogorath says you're perfectly lucid. Hihihi... Was wrong he was, dead now. Fire eats him like wood, that it does. Hehehihii...” Deciding I'd heard enough, I looked out arouns the edge of the rock, onto the man. He was indeed a Redguard, dressed in the tattered robes of a warlock.
He didn't notice me when I crept towards him to get a clear shot with the bow I now held in my hand, eyes rolling around in his head. The ground was practically covered in empty skooma bottles, and opposite of him, on the other side of the fire, was the charred body of a male Nord. In his hands the redguard held a silver goblet.
I put an arrow to the bow and aimed at him as his head stooped lower and lower until it bobbed back again, looking like a grotesque doll. He looked around then and spotted me, arrow pointed straight towards his head.
”Shinyy...” he said, looking at my arrow and readying another fireball. But before it was finished, I'd already loosed the arrow into his cheast, and he fell back dead as stone.
Approaching the fire, I stooped to pick up the goblet that he'd been holding, and was surprised when I suddenly felt a slight increase in my skill with the bow. Intrigued, I put the goblet down and instantly that feeling disappeared. I picked it up again, and when I put it in my pack I was glad to notice that the feeling did not disappear.
Looking around one last time, I saw more charred body pieces in the fire. Evidence that this was not the first time the warlock killed someone by burning them. A tremor went through my body briefly at the thought of what he could have done to me, and then I made my way back to Gasheera and the horses.
”What was it?” Gasheera asked as soon as he laid his eyes on me. I mounted Shadowmere and, feeling how tense I was, she began walking. Gasheera had to smooch to his gelding for it to follow us.
”Bandits. A mad hedge wizard that literally fried his companion. There were more charred body parts in the fire.” I answered, shrugging slightly. ”Come on, let's get out of here.” I continued when Gasheera nodded. I allowed Shadowmere to increase her pace to a trot, and the gelding fell into a canter after us. Not looking back, we then continued through the forest towards the cave.
Oooh, what an interesting incident !! And the goblet too !! I am intrigued by this whole scene !!! Great Write !!
Emerging from the forest, our eyes came upon a small lake. It was surrounded by rock and brown grass and plants. The altitude of the place made the air quite chilly, though the summer were just coming to a close. On the other side of the lake, which I now recalled being named lake Arrius, a mountain lion prowled. Upon seeing us however, it perched itself on a large boulder, and first then did we see the deer carcase by its feet.
Deciding the lion would be of no danger to us, I got of Shadowmere as soon as I saw the wooden door that covered the cave entrance further up the mountain on the other side of the lake. Gasheera had shown me his map with the location of the cave and this one fit. Unsaddling the horses, we hid the saddles and bridles behind a rock and made sure we had everything we needed.
“Anything you'd like to tell me before we go inside?” I said when he tied the gelding to a tree and we began to walk the rest of the way to the cave. The lion watched us from the large boulder, but it showed no sign of hostility.
“Only one thing, I was born under the lord,” he said and I groaned.
“Oh perfect! You've got the trollkin curse and we're fighting the daedra whose primary element is fire! How could the emperor choose you, and how in the daedra did you ever manage to close that oblivion gate outside Kvatch!?” He's got a 25% weakness to fire, how could it possibly get any worse than that!?
“I didn't close that oblivion gate, not really. I met Saqin in the Kvatch encampment before heading up. She did a lot of the work.” Me shaking my head, we entered the cave.
Walking through a tunnel, we came to stand in a large cave, a man in red robes in front of us.
“You have walked the path of Dawn and have earned a place as members of the Mythic Dawn. Hand over your possessions and accept your new robes. You have come just in time to see our leader.” The man said, and before he had time to react I thrust my knife through his stomach.
A purple swirl flew from my fingers then, and the man floated quietly into a corner after I'd taken a key from his robes. Signalling to Gasheera to stay behind me, I then opened the door which the man had been guarding, and the light of armour being summoned met my eyes.
This new guard rushed at me, and his bulky red and black armour crushed the wooden door when I ducked under his arms. He was stunned for nothing but a moment before the arm that held the conjured mace swung around in pursuit of my head. Once again trying to throw myself out of the way, the mace merely scratched my shoulder. Getting my blade out of the scabbard, I managed to deflect his mace, but that left him free to push me into the wall using his shield.
Releasing the handle of my sword since it was trapped between his shield and my body, I finally managed to get a grip around the handle of my knife and stuck it around the shield into his side. He doubled over, and it was easy to thrust it through his throat, causing blood to pool on the floor.
It was first when I stood there panting heavily, that I noticed Gasheeras absence and the clashing of swords from the passage we came from.
Once again coming through the door, though this time from the opposite direction, I saw a woman clad in red and black armour in the process of killing Gasheera, and threw the dagger that I still held at her. It lodged itself firmly in the nape of her neck, and she staggered backwards as her sword fell and Sithis took her in his hands.
I retrieved my sword and dagger, as well as checking the soldiers for potions, before I once again turned to Gasheera.
“We need to continue, someone is bound to have heard the clash of weapons.” Gasheera answered with a grunt, and heaved himself up on his feet. Then we kept going further through the caves.
We met several soldiers on our way, and several times I found myself just barely being able to save Gasheeras life when he was overwhelmed or knocked to the floor.
Some time had passed when we came upon the cavern storage, and guess if I was surprised when I saw the faint light of Ayleid stones from a crate. However, as it turns out it wasn't truly stones, it was an armour of a kind that I've never seen before, nor since. It resembled elven armour to some extent, but together with the material that looked as a mix of white ayleid stones and steel, there was white cloth. The helmet and the armour glowed slightly. It was made for a male, that I could see at once.
It did not take much time to get Gasheera into the armour, which though it wasn't very good, was better than the previous. And which, apart from the previous, fitted him as if though it'd been made for him.
We continued on then, and it did not take long for the caverns to increase in size, and our eyes to fall upon a group of red robed men and women. Above them all stood an elven man, preaching to them of how they'd release Mehrunes Dagon on Nirn, holding the Amulet of Kings in his hands.
Intending to end his life quickly, I took my bow in hand and aimed an arrow at Mankar Camoran. I was never allowed to set my arrow loose though, as we were discovered then and he disappeared through a magical portal.
The battle that ensued consumed much time and potions, and though we placed ourself in a thin passage so that all of them couldn't come at us at once, I believe we only barely escaped death many times. When it was over, and we had recovered our breath, we made our way onto the platform.
A great statue was posed so that it stood over what I presumed to be an altar used for sacrifice, with it's back against the rock wall. It was the statue of a warrior, holding a great sword in his hands up against the heavens. On the altar lay an argonian, but though Gasheera walked up to him, I paid the man little heed when I turned the way Camoran had been facing.
There was another altar there, and I walked up to it, curious of the book lying there. I tried to open it, but to my annoyance, the cover wouldn't bulge. I heard Gasheera helping the argonian up then just as I grabbed the book from the altar, and was brought up short by the noise of crumbling stone.
Gasheera and the argonian had barely escaped injury when the statue crashed down over them after I took the book, and for a while all of us stood there with our mouths agape. Once they'd recovered from the shock, Gasheera and the argonian turned to me.
“What did you do?” Gasheera asked before noticing the book that I still held in my hands.
“I took this. Figured it might be of some use since Camoran got away,” I answered him, holding the book more plainly in his view. Nodding slowly he then turned to the argonian.
“Can you walk on your own?” he asked, and the argonian started slightly.
“Yes, they did not harm this one much. My name is Jeelius, I am a priest in the Temple of the One and I thank you for your help. Seek me out and I will find a way to thank you properly,” the argonian said to Gasheera.
“You're welcome.” Then he turned to me. ”We should get out now.”
“You don't say.” Sarcasm was dripping from my voice, but I turned and led the way out of there the same way we came before. If there was somewhere I didn't want to spend the night, it was the lake Arrius caverns. It had not exactly been a walk on roses.
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Here ends the second chapter of With Fate Uncertain and Bloodstained Hands.
http://archive.pixbox.se/arkivet/synligt_37/32370000-32379999/960x720/32378318.jpg
If anyone feels like having a look, that's the link to a picture of Gasheera in his new armor and with his horse as I described them in the story. Both are modifications.
Horse: Brother Maborels' paint horse using Slofs' Horses
Armor: True Ayleid Armor by Iomir. It's the guard version.
Poor Jeelius getting the brunt end of a woman's temper after a hard day at Lake Arrius Caverns, ROFL !! Great Write !!!!
Chapter three- Because lies are easy
Sa'Quiras' POV
The fire crackled when I put another branch onto it, and I lay down on the soft earth beneath the great pines. Looking up into the sky, I couldn't help but think back to that which had been so long ago, back when I still had a home.
If someone against all odds caught me, I do not think that I'd be welcome back home. I've done to many things that disgrace my family, and besides my parents have another three children. When I look back, I was probably the one they liked the least. They always tried to protect my sister and my brothers. When my two older brothers joined the Manes' army they were very proud, and when word came of the death of my eldest brother my mother cried for days. They were sad when my older sister married and went of to the other provinces.
As children, mother always tried to make sure that they were in what she'd call proper company, but she never had that concern with me. I'm quite certain now that she knew very well of the profession of my friends, but she never opposed it.
“Come on Dar'Quira! Last to get a dagger is a kitten!” M'errunz joyful voice penetrated the girls thoughts, and she bounced of the pavement, her eyes alert. The boy laughed briefly, then set of at a run along the road with the girl at his heels.
They stopped after a while behind a low wall, peering over it to the merchants square where many wagons and stands stood, loaded to the brim with goods. They looked at each other again, and Dar'Quira gave him a dazzling smile, allowing her a head start.
Her silent steps carried her quickly to the edge of the square and the vicinity of a wagon containing weapons and armor. Throwing a last look around her to make sure she wasn't seen, she crouched down by the wagon. It's owner stood many feet away, talking to another merchant about the recent taxes.
Dar'Quira threw a quick glance back at the boy whom were now sneaking towards another merchant. She allowed a smile to escape from her lips as she reached into the wagon, folding her slim hand around a small and thin bundle. Upon uncovering the cloth she was able to confirm that it was a dagger and she spent a moment to marvel over it's beauty. It was made of white or transparent glass, and several sapphires decorated the handle.
Quickly wrapping the dagger into the bundle again, the girl eased her body away from the wagon and walked as casually as possible through the square.
“Thieves! Catch them!” She spun on her heels when someone called out behind her. In the next moment M'errunz had her hand in his and they were running down the street away from the square. Though the merchants were stronger that the children, it did not take long for the young thieves to escape them. Once they had, they sat down by a palm tree to show each other what they'd found, and to laugh about how easy it had been to get away.
Unintentionally my hand reached to my belt and wrapped around the hilt of the dagger sitting there. I smiled slightly of the folly that had occupied me then, and looked at the white and blue blade, casually noting the inscription. “Frostclaw” it said, and I must say the name truly fits it though it's not enchanted.
I put the blade aside, hidden in one of my boots that I've placed by the fire, and close my eyes. Untroubled sleep is all I would ask for if given one wish, but alas it's not possible.
* * *
Dark clouds held the sky in their grasp when I left the site of my camp, pictures from the nights dream were still vivid in my mind. I had the hood up to cover my head, for my senses told me the rain was not far away. My steps continued for no other reason than my own ambitions, and my thoughts flew elsewhere, far away from the ground I threaded for so long.
My face ached from the earlier days, sending me the impulse to pay it back, but I can not fight so many on my own. No, I should have my revenge in another way, I would not give that scum the honour of falling to my bow. Not even to be mutilated by my bow, though that might have been preferable.
I stayed away from the roads as much as I could when the rain began and turned most of them to mud and slippery stones. I knew they'd do nothing but prevent my passing. As such, the day didn't present much trouble, and I passed the road to Cheydinhall when the evening was just falling upon the land. I made my camp beneath some high trees where bushes hid my presence.
Whew! Really Great Write here! My favorite part was the introspective at the end - HUGE!
Felisas' POV
We camped by the road the night after “cleaning” the lake Arrius caverns, just after we had left the argonian with an caravan. We did not have time to be his babysitter, why did we even bother showing him the way to the road? We could have been so much closer to Bruma if we hadn't. It's really annoying how noble the man is at times.
We did not speak much that evening, eating our rations and then going to sleep. There was longing in Gasheeras' eyes, and he'd look into the trees every now and then as if though waiting for someone. It was the first time I guessed at Gasheeras' feelings for the girl.
When the morning came again, Gasheera prolonged our departure and I yelled at him to speed up. If those who wanted the empire to crumble knew that we were alive, it wouldn't take long for them to go after us, and I had no interest in being attacked any time soon.
So we set of at a trot through the forest, wary of the shadows around us. We kept a fast pace all day, eating and drinking on horseback, only ever stopping to kill whatever creatures whom set upon us.
Before nightfall we'd reached the snowy slopes upon which Bruma, and beyond that Cloud Ruler Top, rested. We set up camp in a small clearing and ate in silence, then when the morning dawned, we were of again.
At noon we approached the gates of Bruma, and I halted Shadowmere, looking over at Gasheera.
“So, how are we going to do this?” I asked him.
“Well Martin, the emperors son, would probably like to see that book you found.”Gasheera patted the gelding on the neck as he spoke, and Shadowmere snorted.
“He'd obviously want to see it. What I was talking about is whether I should come with you or not. I doubt the blades would look kindly to having an assassin amongst them.” I said after rolling my eyes.
“Right. Uhm, I think it might be best if you came. Then they'll know that you're with me and won't be surprised if you ever have to show yourself. Mightn't need to show them your face unless it's necessary though.”
“Alright, lead the way.” I said, and Gasheera spurred the paint horse to a trot. I could feel the impatience in Shadowmeres' body when we followed. She wanted to run, but nevertheless she obeyed my command to stay behind the gelding.
Gasheera took the road to the right of Bruma and the Wildeye stables. It was a small road, and the cobblestones had been placed unevenly. Shadowmere threaded lightly across them, her hoofs kicking up snow with every step.
The path took us around the walls of Bruma, and then turned towards a hill on which a castle stood. As we closed on the serpentine road I took a wolf fur cloak from one of my saddlebags and hung it over my shoulders, pulling the hood up to hide my features before I urged Shadowmere to trot up besides Gasheera. Though she did not like it she obeyed and Gasheeras' eyes turned to meet mine.
“I damn well hope you know what you're doing.” My voice gruff, we then approached the castle. It only took a moment before the gate opened to reveal a long stone stair. The gelding did not hesitate before he stepped upon the stone, and Shadowmere lingered only a moment. We rode in silence up the winding road, and I could feel eyes studying us from the surrounding walls. And so we enter the nest of the hawk, I thought when the gate closed behind us, cutting of the exit.
“He'd obviously want to see it. What I was talking about is whether I should come with you or not. I doubt the blades would look kindly to having an assassin amongst them.” I said after rolling my eyes.
Good point. This could be an uncomfortable time for assassins. Ah, Cloud Ruler Temple. It’s interesting to read about arriving with apprehension, as it’s usually such a relief to get there in the game.
Sorry about being so far in between posts. I've had a hard time writing anything, and then the trouble with the account... Uh, yeah, anyways I'm posting now and I'm sorry if it's rushed. But there is still a lot of the main quest left and I'm kind of longing to publish a new story I've thought off. This one's got to be finished first though.
mALX & Grits: I imagine she'd feel the same thing when entering Cloud Ruler as any normal person would feel entering a marauders fort, which is not happy at all.
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Three blades awaited us when we reached the top of the stairs. The man on the right was and imperial, the only man without a helmet so you could see his wrinkles and grey hair which was cut in the circle that you so often see on monks. He wore the same armour as the other two, it was made of some relatively dark steel armour that didn't reflect much light, but in turn it was enameled with gold and blue. He had the confident posture of a man who is used to giving orders and being obeyed. The hilt of a Dai-Katana could be seen sticking up behind his back.
In the middle stood another Imperial with the same posture. Only this one looked younger. To the left of him, was a male Breton. He was even younger than the Imperial, the posture of one not unaccustomed to fighting though he didn't hold the same air of authority as the other two.
When we reached the top, Gasheera got of his horse quickly and saluted to the men. I got of Shadowmere and then simply watched, holding her reins in my hand. She tugged a bit on them to be able to turn her head and look at everything around us, and I let out a bit more of the reins.
“Grandmaster Jauffre. Captain Steffan. Brother Ferrum.” He hailed them one after another, and they answered him in turn, as “brother Gasheera”. Then the three blades' eyes turned to me, the Grandmaster and captain suspicious while the breton's eyes only held curiosity. “This is Felisa Serhas. She have... helped me a lot these last weeks. Teaching me to wield a blade and keeping me alive.” Gasheera said nervously when he saw them looking at me.
Suddenly acutely aware of the chill in the air I patted Shadowmeres neck and drew the cloak closer around my shoulders. The threat lasted only for a moment though, as the two superiors turned their eyes from me and onto Gasheera. I let my breath out, suddenly aware that I had held it, and leaned against Shadowmere's strong body. The men conversed for a while before Gasheera turned to me again.
“Both Jauffre and Martin wishes to see me as soon as we've tended to the horses. I say we do it now and then enter the Hall of Blades.” He said, watching Shadowmere whom was staring at him.
“Very well, lead the way,” I said with as carefree a voice as I could manage and straightened up, following Gasheera to a stable of to the left of the main building. Shadowmere walked closely to me without complaining, and I again blessed her extraordinary senses. Though I'd never have admitted it at the time I needed that stability.
We unsaddled and groomed the horses, then Gasheera placed his in a box next to two other horses, and I placed Shadowmere in one further away.
“I'll be back soon,” I said to her as I kissed her mule and gave her an apple. She whinnied and took the apple slowly, as if savouring the taste, and I smiled. When we then left the stable I could feel the gaze of her eyes on my back.
* * *
A lot of eyes turned onto us when I opened the large door and we stepped in. I was confident however that my cloak covered my face, and did not hesitate before following Gasheera down the mid aisle.
Several of the Blade's sat on different places around the great hall, and swords of former warriors hung on the walls. There where many empty holders as well, those that would hold the swords of the people around us. A large hearth was situated at the opposite end of the room, and in it a fire burned brightly.
A middle-aged imperial male sat at one of the tables, reading a book with a brown cover. The table itself was littered with books of all kinds. Another blade stood some distance behind him, probably to make sure nothing happened to the man, and I started when I recognised him. It was that blasted Redguard!
Gasheeras' gait was confident, and the imperial looked up with a smile on his lips when we came closer. “Hail friend, how did it go?” he said.
“I'm sorry Martin, but Mankar Camoran got away with the amulet. We might have found something else though,” Gasheera said, gesturing for me to take forth the book. Martins' brows furrowed, and as I reached into my pack for the book and handed it to him, his confused look turned into shock.
“By the Nine Divines! Do you realise what this is!? You could get killed!” Martin burst out as he took the book from my hands. I only raised my eyebrows and left the talking to Gasheera, this was no time to open my mouth with the Redguard standing just behind the emperor.
“I tried to open it, but wasn't able to,”Gasheera said to the emperor when he paused. Martin looked around then, just as the Blades turned their eyes from him, and I saw his face turn red.
“Oh, well no harm done then,”Martin spoke with a lower tone to his voice when he turned to Gasheera again.”I will examine the book, I know how to protect myself from it's dark magic. You should go and see Jauffre, I believe he needs your help with some spies.”
Bidding the emperor good bye, we walked outside to see if Jauffre was still there. He wasn't, and upon asking another Blade e found out that he had gone into the dining hall to eat with the rest. Did I mention the one and a half dozens of soldiers living there are very experienced in fighting? Can you then understand why I didn't want to enter a dining hall full of them? I hope you do, because I headed towards the stables instead to look after Shadowmere.
On the way there, I took a good look of the place while carefully avoiding the eyes of the sentries along the wall.
Shadowmere sounded as if he scowled when she laid eyes on me entering the stables. I put my hand on her mule and looked into her eyes.
“We'll be out of here soon girl, don't you worry. He's just got to get his new orders.” I leaned against her and slowly inhaled the smell of hay and horses. She closed her eyes for a moment and exhaled at me. Our moments of peace were short and far between these days, and I found it amusing that it could be found in such a place.
Footsteps broke the silence then as the blades captain entered the stables. He quickly found me where I stood next to Shadowmere whom had opened her eyes the minute he entered.
“Do you intend to stay for long?” he asked as he looked me over, I'd taken of the hood by reflex when I came up to Shadowmere. Still, it wasn't very likely that he'd recognised me. However he must have guessed that I meant trouble, judging from the way he acted.
“Not for long. We'll be leaving when Gasheera has spoken to your grandmaster.” I straightened up and looked him in the eyes, he nodded his consent.
“Very well. We'd appreciate it if you do not come the next time Gasheera must pay us a visit. Perhaps you could take that time to visit establishments in town, no?” His gaze was hard, showing the threat that his voice hid.
“Don't worry, I didn't intend to,” I answered with a smile that didn't reach my eyes. His eyes narrowed, and he turned on his heel to lave the stables. Gasheera came in when he left, throwing a wondering look after him.
“I'm ready to go now. Apparently people have been seen on the road at dusk and dawn, looking up at the temple. Jauffre wants us to investigate,” he said and I nodded.
“Okay, I suggest we head down the road to where they've been seen and set up camp in the proximity while we wait for the sun to go down. Then we'll be certain not to miss them.” Ending the conversation, we saddled the horses and departed from the fortress beneath the watchful eyes of the sentries.
And so we killed the spies, whom turned out to be two agents of the Myhic Dawn and thus didn't want to surrender. The orders they carried revealed that the Mythic Dawn new about the location of Martin Septim and that they were planning to open a Great Gate outside Bruma. This apparently worried the Blades quite a bit, with the grandmaster scurrying of to tell the countess.
It was the day after we arrived and had handed a daedric artefact to the emperor to be that Sa'Quira showed up again and a new Oblivion gate opened outside of Bruma. Not a great gate mind you, but still a gate, and obviously they wanted the khajiit saint to take care of it.
I’m so glad to see you continuing this wonderful story!
Felisa certainly was understandably uncomfortable in the lair of the Blades! You really captured that feeling throughout this episode. I’m glad she found some comfort in Shadowmere.
It was good of Gasheera to admit how Felisa has been helping him, even though it got her some more unwelcome attention from the Blades. I like how she found some comfort with Shadowmere. It’s great to see an update to this story!
I'm getting to this A.S.A.P. - had a week of pet emergencies that aren't stopping.
Sa'Quiras' POV
Approaching Bruma beneath the dazzling rays of the sun, I pondered where I might find Gasheera and Felisa. We had said nothing about where we'd meet when I finally caught up with them. There was of course the possibility that they were both dead, but I highly doubted it since I knew how well Felisa could handle herself in a fight.
My thoughts choose another road when the sky suddenly turned a crimson red and a crackling sound met my hears together with the surprised shouts of men. A gate to Oblivion had opened outside Bruma for the short moment I'd been there.
The flames surrounding the gate were like a torch, igniting memories that I'd turned my back on long ago.
The flames of the pyre leapt at the sky as the young khajiit female looked into them. No expression showed in her face, she simply stared intently at the flames, thus not noticing the older female who came up behind her.
“Are you coming inside now? Mother just finished dinner, she wants us all to eat together one last time.” The older khajiit finished just as the girl turned around, her ears turning even before she did.
“Why must you leave S'iniith? Why do you go with him?” The girl asked, confusion in her eyes, as the older sighs and sits down beside her, placing her arm around the shoulders of the girl.
“Because I love him. He's the one I want,” the older khajiit said, the put her muzzle against the girls forehead to kiss her lightly. “Don't you care for someone a lot?”
“I love mother and father. I care for you and our brothers, and I care for the Mane.” The girl answered with hesitation, confusion in her eyes. There was no love there, but like so many times before her sister thought nothing of it.
“It's not the same thing sweet. The love for family is one thing, and we must show respect for the Mane, but this kind of love is another thing completely. I would do anything for him, travel all the way to Morrowind and back if it meant I could keep him from harm.”
“But, you can't go. We need you here. Bad things will happen if you go, very bad things.” There was fear in the girls eyes as she looked up into her sisters eyes again, and S'iinith sighed.
“Must we go through this again? Those are nightmares you're having, nothing more sweet.”
“They're not nightmares. You know S'eritas' kit died when the wagon ran over him, and I saw it. I saw it in my sleeping before it happened. I told you, and you didn't listen. This time I saw fire, and he was screaming, and then you were alone on the road with a kit. You were looking sad. I'm afraid because I know what will happen to you.” The girl curled up next to her sister as her body shook with silent sobs and the older female made soothing sounds.
“Come now, nothing will happen. You'll see. We should go inside now before mother begins to worry.” With that the older female raised the girl to her feet and they entered the house together.
I didn't understand the dreams back then, but standing there I knew that S'iiniths' mate had died when the gate was opened outside Kvatch and that she was travelling on her own with the kit she
had gotten by him. I also knew that she'd soon find a new love, though probably not of the kind that she had expected.
The shouts of guards and the crunch of steel boots in the snow brought my thoughts back to reality, and I approached the gate since I knew that that was the place I'd find Gasheera at sooner or later.
Approaching the city gate I spied Felisa and Gasheera coming out of it together with a man dressed in the guards' raiment. She simply nodded and he raised his hand in greeting when I approached. Stepping in between them, I put my hand around Gasheeras waist and made an illusion of leaning on his shoulder when the guard spoke, when I was in fact whispering instructions to Gasheera.
“I'd like for you to lead me and a couple of my men into the Oblivion gate to show how it's done. After that we should be able to take care of any new ones on our own.” That's when I spotted the insignia on his chest telling me that he was the captain of the guard.
“Of course, we would be happy to help in any way we can. Just tell me when you're ready.” Gasheera smiled at the guard captain.
“Good, I'll just brief the men and then we can get going.” When the man walked away, Gasheera turned to me and Felisa.
“I think it'd be best if only I and Gasheera went into the gate. Both of us have been in one before, and it'd look strange if all of us had to go,” I said when the soldier was out of hearing. Felisa nodded and smiled.
“I agree, I've got to talk to someone and you should be able to take care of yourself with soldiers around. We'll talk about all that's happened later,” Felisa answered and turned on her heel, heading into the city. I turned to Gasheera again to see that he was smiling at me, and kissed him lightly before we headed for the soldiers.
Another enjoyable update!
’The flames surrounding the gate were like a torch, igniting memories that I'd turned my back on long ago.’
Very eloquent introduction of the poignant flashback that followed. Nicely done!
A light kiss and closing some gates. Just doesn’t get much better than that.
Felisas' POV
I made my way through the shadows to the middle class part of town. Past the well lit chapell and Olavs' Tap and Tack as well as several hovels. My goal lay in between two just as large two storey buildings, behind the chapel.
Making sure no guard was in sight I went up to the door and picked the lock, casually noting how easy it was. Inside in the hall there was an absence of items, so called because Black Hand members often hid traps, but where very protective about their possessions. Emptying the first few rooms in favour for traps was a common occurrence back then, though they usually weren't armed when the owner was at home. Still, you can never be to careful.
Avoiding the single drape in the room, I edged along the walls to the door leading to the rest of the house. Stepping through revealed a lightly furnished room, containing a table with chairs, two cupboards and a fireplace in which the fire was burning brightly.
Looking closer at the furniture I could barely spot the small nails which probably contained poison and the holes in the back of the fireplace. Therefore I was careful to avoid them as I made my way through the room.
The next room was both a lot more filled with furniture, as well as influenced by personal preferences. Though most of the ornaments would be placed on the lower floors, no more traps were likely to appear.
Not wishing to delay the meeting longer, I continued through the house down to the basement and then to the trapdoor beneath which yet another cellar lay.
The cellar was lit with torches along the walls, between which there hung several paintings. The frames were worn by time, and none of the paintings looked like something a normal person would put on their wall. Paintings of Sithis and the Night Mother, and some with people wearing black robes or the Dark Brotherhood raiment.
I walked down to the door the farthest away on the right, seeing it wasn't quite closed. A fire was burning inside, and the furniture looked like that which you'd find in an upper class house. He was sitting in an armchair in the corner, looking at me and smiling.
“You took your time getting here,” he said as he gestured to another of the chairs next to which a goblet of wine stood. The speaker held another in his right hand. I shrugged before sitting down.
“Didn't think you'd be expecting me,” I answered and picked up the goblet. I swirled the liquid, looking down into it when I waited for him to continue.
“These are strange times with all of the gates opening up all over Tamriel. It was to be expected when you started running around with the hero of Kvatch.” I looked over at him where he sat, comfortably leaning back in the chair. “I don't know exactly why you're here, though if I'd venture a guess I'd say you need help from the Brotherhood. I doubt I'm the only speaker you'll be visiting.” He raised the goblet to his lips and sipped.
“True, I have come to ask for help. But in a way I would say that it concerns everyone.” He looked back at me when I spoke.
“How is that? Why should the Dark Brotherhood care about the troubles of the land? We are here to serve Sithis, we don't have time to leave our vigil.”
“The Mythic Dawn is bound to act soon. They know the location of the heir to the throne. My 'friends' might not see it yet, but there is only a matter of time until they open a great gate outside Bruma to root the Septims out for good. A lot of people are going to be needed to fight when that time comes, and I don't think it'll matter much if those people are criminals or not.”
“You're asking me to lend my sanctuary to the fighting.”
“Yes, if they're seen or not is their decision, but they will be needed. The empires soldiers cannot hold against the daedra.” J'Ghasta rose from the chair when I spoke, walking up behind me and putting his hands on my shoulders.
“And what makes you think I'd risk the lives of my whole sanctuary for nothing, hmm?” he spoke into my ear. “I require a service if I'm going to allow this.”
“Name it, and it'll be done.”
Excellent story!!...And I don't like the Dark Brotherhood!...
Really enjoyed both parts on this page here...Brilliant writing...
Nice one...
...
A nice suspenseful buildup, full of description as Felisa makes her way to the Speaker’s lair. Followed by some well-done dialogue.
“I require a service if I'm going to allow this.”
How did I know that was coming?
From Sa'Quiras' foretelling visions to the powerful ending of "Name it, and it'll be done." - Huge Write !! Awesome job (as always !!)
And there be another part (finally)! I'm hoping to have some more up from Sa'Quira soon.
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I stepped out on the road just when the sun was going down behind the mountains and took to the left. Not surprisingly, J'Ghastas favour involved killing somebody. His own silencer was busy with another mission and the task was to hard for anyone else from his sanctuary.
The target was a merchant who was just heading through Bruma, apparently dealing with silks, or as the lower class dealers would say, skooma. The Brotherhood didn't care much for the drug, but it was an important detail since it meant that he'd have friends around.
Walking past the chapel and up the stone steps to the higher class inns and shops, I dropped into a crouch to lessen the risk of being seen. A guard walked past in my peripheral, and I stayed still until he'd gone, then I turned left when my feet touched the cold stone of the upper ramp.
A light snowfall began when I came up to the door of the inn in which the drug-dealer was living. Hearing the shuffle of boots inside, I moved away from the door to the side of the building. Putting my hands on the rough wood, I found it to be both warm and to provide a good handhold, and so I began the climb to the roof.
Since he had a lot of money, and probably liked luxury(most criminals do) I figured I was most likely to find him in the furnished attic suite, and I made my way around until I reached the right window. A couple of thugs were standing by the door, and a man in finery was sitting by the desk, his back to the window.
I pulled out a vial with paralysing poison and trickled the concoction down the blade of my dagger, then I unclasped the sword from its sheath.
Easing the window open I held the dagger so that I could throw it quickly if necessary, and slipped inside. I was halfway across the room when the guards saw me, and when they called the alarm I flung the dagger at the target, stopping him from getting away.
Drawing my sword from its scabbard I rushed at the guards, dodging to the side at the last minute. They weren't fast enough, and my sword tore through the tender skin on the back of one of them. He gasped and went down on his knees when his friend parried my next slash.
Since the paralysing poison wouldn't last very long, I knew I had to finish the fight quickly, and feinted to the right before bringing my knee up into the thugs groin. Caught of guard, he groaned and provided the perfect opening for me to sever his head.
Afterwards I stood there for a moment before turning to the target. The poison was just tarting to wear of and I could see his fingers twitching. Walking up to him slowly, I brought the sword into an overhead position and cut into his body before his mouth could start working properly. His body convulsed before finally lying still, and I wiped my blades on his tunic when I'd picked the dagger up.
Taking a moment to breathe and admire my handiwork, I noted the hurried steps outside the door and made my way back to the window. Smiling, I made my way from the inn, mind set on a day of peace in the Wilds of the Jerall mountains.
Sa'Quira's POV
When the bright light subsided and the charred area outside Bruma once again became reality, I took the fiery orb from Gasheera’s hands to wrap it in a piece of cloth. Putting it in his pack, I noted the strange chill it emanated while it still was hot.
Gasheera blinked a few times and growled, I imagine it was because he didn’t like being so disoriented, and I took his hands in mine when the captain of the guard approached.
“Good job in there, for a while I thought we’d be stuck in Oblivion forever. Now we ought to be able to handle any new gates on our own,” the captain said as I leaned on Gasheera.
“Happy to be of assistance,” he said and smiled. Then they said their goodbyes to each other, and I pulled him with me into the city. “Where are we going?” Gasheera asked when I turned him onto one of the roads branching of the main one, and I pulled him close, pushing my lips to his swiftly before answering.
“Saqin thought we might get a room,” I said, smiling when understanding appeared in his eyes. We walked side by side the rest of the way, and I’m quite certain he was eager to discard our clothing. I told myself not to think about the past, and yet I couldn’t help but to do so. Was he falling in love with me?
They were walking along the outskirts of town, laughing at a joke the young male had uttered. She looked careless for once, and he couldn’t help but marvel at her beauty. After a while, he told her to stop, and she turned around with a bright smile still on her lips. It disappeared when she saw his face.
His hand closed around hers as he looked into her eyes. She shivered from the cold, and he bent his face down to her face, putting his lips against hers.
“I love you Saqin, I always have.” He mumbled under his breath, his hand creeping up her back as she stood paralysed. Then she withdrew from him, pushing him away, and the last thing he saw before she turned was her confused eyes. “I want to live the rest of my life with you. But I don't know if you feel the same way.” He continued, reaching for her.
“I don't... I don't know.” The shock was evident in her voice, and she turned to look at him one last time. Then, as a turning in the wind, she was gone.
I’d never seen M’errunz like that before, the love so evident in his eyes. It scared me at the time, and it was one of the reasons I ended up leaving Elsweyr. I didn’t see him again after that, and was happy he hadn’t searched for me. I’ve never loved anyone except perhaps my family, and I always knew that I couldn’t love anyone.
Gasheera’s arm sneaked its way around my waist, pulling me out of my thoughts when we approached the inn keeper. We paid for a room and a bottle of wine, and then we walked upstairs together. I didn’t really care for the romantic part, but it was good that Gasheera thought I did.
I must say that we had a quite pleasant evening and while it wasn’t anything special what we did, at least Gasheera enjoyed it, which really is enough at the moment. I was reluctant to sleep after we finished, but with the even sound of his breath next to my head, there was little I could do to avoid it.
The fire washed down upon the white khajiit without more warning than the dragons shout, and she hissed when she rolled to the side to get rid of the fire. It went quickly when she got up again and raised her bow to shoot the beast who screamed when the light projectile hit him.
The sun was shining when the dragon came around again, talons stretched out to take her, and another khajiit jumped from the shadows to dig her claws into the beast’s neck. He roared, shouted at the newcomer, and flapped his wings to rise higher into the sky.
The newcomer was oddly familiar to Saqin, yet she could not pinpoint the reason while in her dreamscape, and then the female disappeared as suddenly as she came.
Sitting up, I stroke my forehead with my right paw before swinging my legs of the bed. I’d long since figured out the meaning of that dream. Even though it always was different, it always contained the two khajiit women. The first always fought a dragon, and somehow the black khajiit always saved the life of the first. Before I met Gasheera I’d only seen the white khajiit getting killed over and over, and that was the main reason I stayed with him. The dragons mean doom, the end of our world, and somehow the white khajiit is the only one who’ll be able to save it. But she’ll need help when that day comes, and so it’s fallen on me to arrange it.
This last chapter is tremendous from beginning to end! The recurring dream segment was really well done, but the afterthoughts when she awoke - very powerful !! LOVE this update !!
Thank you
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After a while, when Gasheera was still sleeping, I pulled on my raiment and a robe and then made my way down to the common room. Ordering some spiced wine, I saw Felisa in a corner and made my way over.
“How did you know where we went?” I asked as I sat down next to her. She looked at me incredulously, obviously thinking something along the lines of; ”Are you serious?”
“I'm part of the Dark Brotherhood, we've got eyes everywhere. Though this time I overheard some guards speaking. They mentioned seeing you depart together after closing the gate.” Felisa smirked, stirring the contents of her goblet lightly. “How have you been?”
“Saqin's been well,” I answered to her, nodding to the serving girl when she came up with my wine. Felisa waited until the girl had left before she spoke again.
“Why do you lie so much?” Felisa didn't look up from the goblet. “I saw the fist-sized bruise you had on your face when you came to Bruma.”
“Because lying is easy,” I replied to her after pondering the question for a moment. She looked up, the expression on her face unfamiliar to me. I didn't answer her statement, and she frowned.
“When we first talked, you asked me what I wanted from Gasheera. The only reason you'd do that would be if you want something from him yourself. What is it, why do you keep being with him?” she asked and I looked at her, my expression blank.
“I have my reasons, I always do. Perhaps one day I'll even tell you about them.” I smiled and drank of my wine, and she shook her head.
“But you don't love him,” she said and raised the goblet to her lips.
“No, even if I wanted to I doubt I ever could.” She nodded at my answer, and for a moment we just sat there without speaking.
“How did it go in the caverns?” I asked after a while, and she filled me in on the fact that they'd fought a multitude of cultists only to have their leader escape with the Amulet of Kings. To finish of, Gasheera apparently saved an argonian priest.
“Why am I not surprised that he would save a complete stranger before searching for clues.” I sighed, shaking my head at how foolish the man was. Felisa chuckled in response, then turned her eyes to something behind me.
“And here he comes,” she said as I turned to look at the stairs. And true enough, Gasheera was walking down the steps. He smiled when he saw me, and I made an effort to smile back. When he came over the three of us ordered breakfast, and he sat down, putting an arm around my waist. Forcing a content sigh to come from my lips, I leaned on his shoulder, casually noting Felisa shaking her head across the table. Gasheera, as usual, didn't notice.
I've finally finished the third chapter!
Now there's just two more to go, and I've already written most of the fifth one. Yep, I've got most of it planned now! But, enough of that. Here's some more from Sa'Quira
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I'd quite positively be lying if I said that I had any idea of what Felisa did for the following weeks. See, we parted ways when me and Gasheera had to head back up to Cloud Ruler Temple. She simply said she'd be in touch later, and then we got occupied with running the Emperors errands.
The second to last item required to gain access to Mankar Camoran's paradise was “the blood of a Divines”, hence we had to go to Sancre Tor to find the lost armour of Tiber Septim, which they said should have some of his blood on it. At the same time, Jauffre asked us to get help for Bruma. Chances were big they'd try to open a Great Gate like the one at Kvatch outside the city, and we had to get more soldiers to help defend it.
So we went to all the other cities, and to the various guilds. Felisa's purpose became quite evident when a note was left on Gasheera's pillow, holding only a black hand, and Gasheera was quite distraught that an assassin had sneaked up on him as he slept. I couldn't help but laugh, and then I of course helped him train to become more perceptive.
During our travels I gave him what little training I could in the way of the sword, and though I tried to teach him my own art, that of archery, he was quite hopeless with it. For the life of me I don't think he would have hit a barn if he'd been standing on the inside.
Our most interesting encounter was, I believe, when we reached Skingrad. I'll not bore you with any details of the gates into which we travelled, but that meeting with the count I think is worth sharing. We visited all the cities and guilds before we travelled to Sancre Tor, and in truth I'm quite glad we did.
* * *
Coming to Skingrad after a few weeks of travelling, a mere hour before the setting of the sun, we wasted no time in visiting the castle. Though we after seeing the gate to Oblivion outside the city were quite aware of what the the count would ask of us, propriety required that we speak to the count first to let him know of our intentions.
It was evening when we arrived at Skingrad, our feet stepping quickly over the cobbled stone as we drew nearer to the castle. Sleep could wait until we'd spoken to the count.
More guards than usual patrolled the road between the city and the castle, and the cause became evident when one saw the burning gate to Oblivion east of the castle. They greeted us all the way along the road, the bridge and then when we reached the enclosed courtyard. The two guards by the door to the castle held it open when we approached, and I smiled thankfully to them as the two of us walked past.
The great hall was lit only by a few torches on the walls, and only two people aside from the guards were present. A female argonian in green finery, and a male orc in middle class clothes. The argonian approached when she saw us, inquiring for what two khajiit wished in castle Skingrad.
“I'm Gasheera, hero of Kvatch, and this I my mate Sa'Quira,” he said. “We have come to meet the count. We would very much like to discuss the gate of Oblivion outside of Skingrad.”
“Very well. The count is having company, but I doubt he'll mind meeting the two of you. If you'd please follow me.” She turned on her heel and started walking, only looking back momentarily to make sure we were following.
We walked through many dark halls as each and every one was devoid of windows. A dining area passed, and a narrow corridor that ended with a drape behind which a hidden passage could be found. In some places, the dust hadn't been cleaned away for decades, and in some you could see your face in the marble floor.
Materials varied greatly as we continued on through the castle, though the greater part consisted of stone and wood. I did not know how long we had walked when we reached the top of a staircase and walked out into the chill night air on what seemed like one of the towers.
The night sky was littered with star, and not a single cloud covered up the beauty. Thanks to the lack of light the stars could be seen clearly, and a sense of nausea at the great scale made me look down again, onto the tower on which we stood. The argonian was walking across the stone, towards a table at which two men sat in fine wooden chairs. One of them, an imperial by the looks of him, looked at us when she had finished speaking, and a tremor went through my body at the sight of his eyes. Red as blood.
The female argonian walked past us while my gaze was locked to the vampires, and she did not utter a single word. Instead it was the man with the red eyes that spoke next, while his friend was still looking out over the edge of the tower.
“Welcome to Skingrad. Please, have a seat,” he said and smiled, gesturing to two chairs that I could have sworn did not stand there mere moments before. Though my fur was standing on edge, I squeezed Gasheera's hand lightly and took him with me to sit in the offered chairs. As we came closer, I got a much better look on the two men, though the second had still not turned around.” I am the count of Skingrad, Janus Hassildor, and this young man is named Sorcalin,” the vampire said, and the other man turned around to look at us
“Hmp, I wouldn't say I'm young exactly,” Sorcalin said and smiled oddly. He appeared to be an Altmer, though his chin wasn't close to as pointy as that of most high elves, and there was a strange gleam to the bright green eyes. And while he looked much like a youth in the smoothness of his face and the wild spirit in his eyes, at the same time he radiated a certain wisdom that was very seldom seen. The count scowled at the altmer, who responded with a simple smile.
“I assume you are Gasheera and Sa'Quira, I must admit I've heard quite a bit about you. And though your business here can easily be guessed when one look upon the fiery lady whom grace the forest just beyond my castle, I'd like for you to utter the words yourself. As much of a formality as it is, it is still a formality that should be held on to.” Gasheera opened his mouth to speak when I looked at him, but the count stopped him with a raised hand. “I somehow doubt you know all the details, hmm? Please... Dar'Quira... enlighten us.” My head whipped around as I heard him utter the words, and I felt cold dread creep up my spine. It was a name of the past, one I hadn't thought I'd ever be hearing again. The only trace of a past that I didn't think anyone knew about.
I looked at both of the men when preparing to speak, and saw that same knowing look in the eyes of the Altmer. Who was he? Why was he in the company of the count when he clearly knew of who the count was? Then the man smiled and exposed his fangs, and the feeling of dread increased. Two vampires, one more powerful than the other. Much more powerful.
Here ends the third chapter of With Fate Uncertain and Bloodstained Hands.
It’s great to see an update for this story!
Two vampires, uh oh…
Chapter four- I will do whatever I can to keep you safe
Sa'Quira's POV
We left the count and his friend as soon as possible, and the steward took us out through a shorter passage this time. As she explained it, that path could only be accessed from the inside. Yeah, right. They probably just wanted to make sure we didn't have any idea of our location. In any case, we had yet to descend the staircase of the Great hall when I heard footsteps come up behind me and spun around on the spot.
The curious eyes of the golden-skinned vampire met mine, and I drew in a ragged breath. My eyes were probably quite dilated, for he looked amused. Gasheera turned back to me to see why I'd stopped, but I just waved for him to continue and turned my attention back to the altmer. His attention only briefly touched upon my mate before returning to me.
“What do you want?” I snapped as my ears tilted back slightly, and I narrowed my eyes in his direction. He cast a casual look around us, and moved over to a small table with a couple of chairs a short distance away. I followed him carefully, making certain before seating myself opposite to him that no one was preparing to assault me.
“To speak in private,” he said once I'd seated myself in the chair, and I furrowed my brow. “You're from Elsweyr originally, are you not?”
“Yes, but I don't see why that would matter,” I skipped the fake dialect this time around, knowing that it didn't matter to him. He already knew a lot more about me than anyone else in this gods forsaken country.
“Well, I was curious about why you're here. I might be wrong, but you don't strike me as someone who cares about what direction the world is heading.”
“Which means that you're wrong then,” I answered him snappishly and stood from the chair, turning tail to almost run down to Gasheera and bring him with me out through the door. I don't see why anyone would wish to bring that up, my past and my motivations. The worst thing is that he succeeded. It was all I could do to keep a firm hold on Gasheera's arm when a memory flowed up into my mind, shutting out everything else.
The docks were buzzing with activity, and no one threw a second look at the young woman who walked around on them. She wore boots that were much to big for her, a cotton shirt and a pair of breachers being held up by a black belt. She had a hat pushed down to hide her face, and the size of the clothes made her look very small. A money pouch was tied to the belt, but there was no clinking of coins as she moved, and she had a small pack over her shoulder. Her steps were insecure, and it took quite a while before she stopped a man walking around there with much more confidence than herself. When he turned towards her, it was clear that he was Cathay-raht.
“What?” The man seemed annoyed to be disturbed, and even more so after eyeing her over. “'I've got no time for beggars.” He said, and was just about to turn away from her.
“I'm no beggar. I need to go with ship to Anvil in Cyrodiil, do you know were I can find someone to take me?” She said, almost stumbling across the words.
“You need money for that, little suthay girl.” The man said, looking down at her. One of his hands had balled up into a fist, and his body was half turned away from her. At the mention of the word girl, her eyes became wider, and she made a motion to try and hide her body.
“I can work. I know a lot of things.” She said desperately, holding on to his arm. “I can even fight.”
“Okay, you do something for me, and I'll consider bringing you with me on my ship.” As he spoke, it was as if though a light had been lit inside of her. “But, you'll have to work on the ship as well.” He continued, but she nodded eagerly.
“Anything, I will do anything.” The male khajiit frowned when the girl spoke, and took her hand of his arm.
“What is a small girl like you doing in Senchal looking to go to Cyrodiil? Don't you have parents?” He said and the girls eyes took on a reluctant look.
“I want new chance, new life. My parents don't let me, say I have good life in Torval.” She said, after a few moments of hesitating. Getting her attention, the man pointed towards a ship further away on the docks.
“That's my ship, Kriinya. This message needs to be delivered to the storehouse keeper in the middle of town. When you have done that, return to the ship, and we'll find a place where you can sleep.” The girl nodded quickly when the man finished speaking, and began her run towards the centre of the city.
Felisa completes her contract inside Bruma, while Sa’Quira and Gasheera are busily teaching the Bruma guard how to close a threatening gate. The three do manage to breakfast together – how oblivious Gasheera is!
Closing gates and gathering allies for Bruma. We pause in Skingrad for mysterious meetings and an intriguing flashback to Elswyer.
What a neat view of Oblivion’s Main Quest you present!
GAAAAH! Your chapters are too short, they only give a glimpse into the scene as it is unfolding! URK!
You are a master of setting moods with actions: glances, a breath, etc. - you bring the scenes to life with the tiniest little details! Totally AWESOME Write !!!!!
Gosh, it's been so long since I made any kind of progress with this story. I'm just going to say it, I have no idea of how I'm going to continue writing from the point I've reached, which is why I've decided to at least put this project on the shelf, so to speak. I'm not just going to leave everything unresolved however, as I do have an average idea of what happens in chapter four, and have written most of chapter five, which is the last one. There's a lot of things I'm unhappy about when I look back at the story. My portrayal of Valen Dreth and the Dark Brotherhood are just two of them. So I might rewrite it eventually, but I think you deserve to know what happens in this version of the story.
Summary of chapter 4:
Saqin and Gasheera travelled all over Cyrodiil, gaining support from both the militias of the different cities as well as the guilds, before heading on to Sancre Tor where Gasheera almost got killed right before they managed to get the armour of Tiber Septim.
At the same time, Felisa Serhas visited the speakers and the listener of the Black Hand, gaining their support for the protection of Bruma in return for several services. For example acquiring a book in the possession of Chancellor Ocato and assassinating one of the guard captains in the Imperial city. She returned to Bruma to find that the siege of the city was just about to begin, as her work had taken more time than she'd first thought, and was pleasantly surprised to find that soldiers from all over Cyrodiil had come to the battle. Sa'Quira had come of age only a short while before.
In the battle itself, Felisa, Sa'Quira and Gasheera fought side by side, protecting the new emperor until the point when the Great Gate opened. Then Sa'Quira and Gasheera went through it, mostly dodging the various weapons that were being used against them, as speed was the most important thing at the moment. They came back with the Great Sigil Stone, and Martin wasted no time in readying the spell that would take one person into Mankar Camorran's paradise. In the end it was decided that Felisa should go. Sa'Quira and Gasheera both knew that she was the better fighter, and though they were reluctant, the blades agreed since they'd seen her in battle. Felisa herself didn't really care all that much about life or death, and figured that if she was going to die she might as well do something good in the process.
When she got back with the amulet they set off quickly for the Imperial City, Blades surrounding the emperor on all sides, and they were greeted with cheers and a lot of happy faces when they arrived in the city. Barely any time had passed after they set foot in the palace until the gates began to open up everywhere around the city, and Felisa and Gasheera helped the emperor make his way to the temple of the one. Felisa used invisibility spells most of the time. Sa'Quira helped hold of the daedra that tried to stop them. When Mehrunes Dagon had finally been defeated, Felisa used an invisibility spell to quietly leave the temple before anyone but Gasheera had the time to see her, and because of it Gasheera was proclaimed the Champion of Cyrodiil and given the position as count of Kvatch.
Chapter five- The Last Contract
Felisa's POV
And so the Oblivion crisis ended. By the sacrifice of one man, the whole of Tamriel was saved from the clutches of Mehrunes Dagon. Gasheera was in shock at first, he clearly hadn't expected Martins death to be the one solution to the problem. I must say that Sa'Quira did a good job at getting him back to reality again, and Chancellor Ocato proceeded to shower him in titles and gifts.
He was named Champion of Cyrodiil, and was even given his own dragon armour, just like the one Martin Septim had worn at the Battle for Bruma. Then they named him count, and he was shipped off to Kvatch to help with the rebuilding. Saqin came with him of course; I rarely saw either of them without the other after the Battle of Bruma.
I suppose it was an al right outcome, if not for the fact that Gasheera's head has always been filled with dust. He kept having Saqin on his arm and she always whispered him instructions when she thought no one saw. Funny thing is, it pretty much fooled the whole country, except me that is and from what I've heard, a couple of vampires. But then I also knew of the plot, and vampires... Well, they're vampires, who knows everything that they can do?
I made myself scarce after the Emperors death, spent some time travelling and... other things. Everything we had worked towards actually happened, though it was still unclear as to why Saqin stayed around him. I don't think she'd care much about what happened to him.
* * *
Arquen sought me out a while after Gasheera was proclaimed the count of Kvatch. She told me what happened in the Brotherhood while I was away. How another silencer, Mathieu Bellamont, plotted against the Dark Brotherhood, and caused the death of three speakers, two silencers and the Listener himself.
A newer silencer was promoted by the Night Mother after that, it was the one that found out about the plot after being tricked into killing them and then he himself killed Bellamont in the Night Mothers crypt.
To get back to the subject, Arquen wished me to be a speaker, and to start up the new sanctuary in Kvatch and handle the one in Anvil while she took care of the one in Cheydinhall. It was a welcome change in my life and gave me a way to take my mind of things while recruiting new assassins to the Brotherhood and setting up the sanctuary.
The sanctuary, which could have been the hardest task, turned out to be the easiest one. When I asked Gasheera about the possibility of buying a house and rebuilding it some, he gave me the thumbs up at once. Thought he owed to me. Heck, he practically gave it away. Sure, I did deserve it after all that I’d done during the crisis, but he could have at least asked what I was going to use it for. He knew I already had a home.
The house he gave me was a three storey building at the edge of the mote between the castle and the rest of town. It was actually his idea to create a hidden route through the mote between our homes, the rest I took care of myself. We extended the cellar to fit the sanctuary in, and I got the other two floors as my own, meaning to create an illusion that there actually was someone normal living there. Much better than making it an abandoned house like in Cheydinhall if you ask me.
The recruits were a motley bunch to say the least. All of the first ones had completely different personalities, but they got along so well. I came to like them as well, for the simple reason that their many antics made me laugh.
Of course all of them wasn't exactly what I’d have asked for if I'd known what was needed for the new sanctuary. Take Ilen for example, I never could look him in the eyes. Nothing he could be held responsible for of course, no it was his looks. He looked so very much like Valen.
* * *
Sa’Quira and I had become quite good friends during the crisis, and we grew closer upon becoming neighbours. And that's why I shouldn’t have been surprised that she didn’t stay long in Kvatch.
I’d just started to notice her growing stomach when she came to me in the night. She wore a black tunic with matching pants, they were lined with silver thread and looked very exquisite. I noticed a bundle in her arms, which upon closer inspection turned out to be the raiment she'd stolen from me long ago.
“Felisa,” she said making sure no one was able to hear our conversation. Then she walked closer to my desk as I looked at her curiously. “You asked Saqin why she put up with Gasheeras affections some time ago, Saqin thinks it is time you know.
“Saqin sees things, in her dreams. And Saqin knows that they are true, that they will happen if no one stops it. Saqin does not feel much, but she feels fear, and have come to like this world so Saqin think you could also say she to some extent feels love. Saqin have seen the end of this world, and it'll happen long from now. That is why Saqin put up with Gasheera, to stop the worlds end. There will come a hero when that happens, Saqin have seen it, but Saqin believes that the hero will require help. And therefore Saqin must ensure her descendant is there to help. Saqin have child now, and that's why she must go. Gasheera can not have part in this child.” She stroke her belly when she spoke, then put the raiment down on my desk.
“Saqin will not be needing this, it attracts to much attention.” She smiled at me then.
“Where will you go?” I asked, smiling back slightly to her.
“North, Saqin thinks. No one will think she goes to Skyrim. But that is where the dragons will appear, and so that is where Saqin must begin her task. Might come back and say hello sometime, might not.” She was backing towards the door as she spoke.
“Gasheera loves you, you realise that don't you? What do I tell him?” I looked at her, still a bit surprised by her sudden revelation.
“Saqin knows, but it was not meant to be. Tell him Saqin is dead, use the raiment to convince him. And do make sure he moves on and finds good wife will you? Kvatch does not need another debate of succession.” I nodded and just like that, she was gone. I fingered the fabric for a bit, thinking about what she'd said and what to tell Gasheera. Then I stood up and took my weapons. A wolfs blood and claws should do well to ruin the raiment, and there was no point in delaying the inevitable.
Because Saqin was wise in that. I realised just like her that if he knew she lived, he wouldn't let go.
* * *
It was about three months after Sa'Quira left that it happened. I was sitting by my desk writing letters, just having sent one of the new recruits out on a job. It was a fairly calm day with good weather and the closest you got to violence was the fights in the arena that had just been built. It wasn't quite finished, but it was enough for the fighters to use it.
I looked up, thinking of something that I cannot remember afterwards, and there he was standing in the doorway. It wasn't really him of course, it was his ghost, but it shocked me none the less. He was smiling at me like he used to, and then he floated up to me.
“Mourning ill suits you, you need to get on with your life,” he said, putting one of his hands above mine. It felt hot, like the touch of a human being, and I knew it shouldn't. I don't remember when the tears came to my eyes, or when he took his spectral hand of my shoulder and left, all I remember is Ilen coming into my office to ask me something. I hugged him close and kissed him when he wondered what was wrong, and then I did something I shouldn't have.
I was torn up of course, being reminded of the person I fought so hard to get over back then, but that's not really a good excuse. I think it might have been good for me, the relationship I got into with Ilen. But at the same time it should never have been, because I never saw Ilen. I saw Valen Dreth.
* * *
Since my tale started with a contract, I find it prudent to end it with one. To tie a knot on the whole ordeal, so to speak.
Arquen showed up in the middle of the night as the members of the Black Hand always do. She wore her robes tight around her body, hair flowing loosely down her shoulders. It's curly; I don't think I ever mentioned that. And judging from her figure I imagine the men she killed often died happy.
Back to the subject however, I wasn't sleeping when she came over. I haven't gotten a good night sleep in a long time. She had a contract, a contract she didn't trust anyone else to take care of since the target was renowned for his fighting skills, as well as his cunning. It made sense of course; it was our goal after all.
Life is everything but simple, love is not all happiness. The thing I regret most in my life? Meeting and falling in love with Valen, because it made killing him all the more painful. The thing I wouldn't avoid if I could? Meeting Valen, and falling in love with him.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'd rather love and loose than never love at all. Life would be both easier and much less painful without love, but it would never give satisfaction. I would not be the person I am today if I had not taken all those steps on my path through life. I would not have met Sa'Quira, who strangely turned out to be a really good friend. And if that woman hadn't hit me over the head after I killed her husband, I would never have met Valen just as I'd never have experienced true love.
Oh, the contract. Well it was on Gasheera of course, should be obvious. I'm not going to tell you what happened. I'm not going to tell you if I killed him in his sleep or if he overpowered me and it was by chance that I survived and am now telling this story. I'll tell you I lived and continue to live on my own terms. I even met Saqin a few times after she left the public life. I'm a fighter by heart, you should have seen as much by now, and I don't give up.
They say everyone has a soul mate that completes their existence, but they never mention what happens when that person dies. I know, I've experienced it, and it's one of the most painful things I've ever known. It's not true that time heals every wound, it never has. I was seventeen when I killed Valen, now I’m just about to breach the mark of my hundredth year. Sa'Quira passed away many years ago, or so I think, they never found her body. I will live on, I might even live to see Saqins' visions come true, and I'll do my best at it. But I'll never forget Valen or the journey on which me and Saqin pulled Gasheera out on, and I'll never be able to ignore the gaping hole in my chest.
Author's note: Thank you, everyone who's read the story. Both for your patience and all of your comments.
I'm glad you wrapped the story back around to touch the beginning when she fell in love with Valen Dreth and then killed him - I've never forgotten that scene, so it was fitting that it end where it began. Awesome Write, as it always with when you hold the pen!
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