The Story of the Listener, My first fanfic. Options

[Kayla]

Ok. This is my first fanfic. I'm a tad nervous about it, but I'd like to see what everyone thinks.
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I sat quietly on a bench beside the pawnshop on the docks of Anvil, staring out over the dark Abecean Sea. Through the clouds in the sky, I could see that the sun was setting. A chilly wind blew my black robes and hood as though they were weightless, but the persistent breeze was unsuccessful in penetrating the black light armor I wore underneath my robes. I listened to the fragmented conversations of the dock workers, and watched as people hastily walked by, fearing that it would soon begin to storm.

Before I knew it, the sun had set completely. The Nord who owned the shop I was sitting in front of walked outside. He locked up his shop and began to make his way down the stone street toward the resident area of Anvil. He hadn’t even noticed that I’d been sitting just feet away from him. I heard the Nord loudly greet someone before he walked completely out of earshot. Soon after, an Orc walked by. I studied the Orc carefully as he passed. He walked with a slight limp and had a large scar on his left arm, and just as I expected, he opened the door to the dockside warehouse and went inside.

It was completely dark now. Neither sun nor moon shone through the twisting clouds in the sky. The wind picked up, carrying moisture in it.

I stood and made my way to the back door of the warehouse. I picked the lock and the door swung open. Quickly I slipped into the thick darkness inside. The warehouse was fairly big but, a few candles on a large table in the middle of the room revealed the Orc’s position. He was busily unpacking things from crates and setting them on shelves. He was completely unaware of my presence, and I preferred it that way. I slipped through the shadows toward him. In the darkness I felt strong, invincible, and incapable of fear. I observed his movements, the way his body flowed with each contraction and relaxation of each muscle. I watched every joint in his body, paying close attention to his spinal cord. The Orc was old, and moved as though he’d been doing hard labor his entire life. Almost every movement looked as though it pained him.

As soon as I was sure of his reactions, I silently unsheathed my ebony blade, a gift from a dear friend, and I closed in on the Orc. He was still unaware of my being there, even though I was soon right behind him, almost breathing down his neck. In one quick motion, I lunged out of the shadows, grabbed the Orc with my right arm, wrapping it around the front of his neck and shoulders, then I brought my left hand up and stabbed him right in the jugular vein. The poor old Orc didn’t even have a chance to yell. I let go of the body letting it fall limply onto the wooden floor of the warehouse. I waited for his gurgled breathing to stop, then I snuffed the candles out and exited the warehouse the same way I’d come in.

(Expect updates!)

[Kayla]

Busy busy week, folks! Sorry for the lack of updates. I've got most of them written down, but not yet typed. Please be patient. They will be here.

[TheStranger]

Busy busy week, folks! Sorry for the lack of updates. I've got most of them written down, but not yet typed. Please be patient. They will be here.

Aw, damn. I saw your name as the last to have replied in this thread, and thought, "Good, and update. Nice." Had my hopes up, too.

[Kayla]

Aw, damn. I saw your name as the last to have replied in this thread, and thought, "Good, and update. Nice." Had my hopes up, too.

Worry not. For I have not forsaken you!
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I regained consciousness, realizing that I was in Lucien’s arms.
“Lucien… I killed Vivec.” I said, smiling.
He returned my smile. “I knew you could. You’ve made me very proud.”

I looked around. I was in a small cave. A fire in the middle of the stone floor warmed me, and cast dim shadows on the rough stone walls around me. My robe had been removed and wrapped around me, serving as a makeshift blanket. Even in the dim light, I could see bloodstains on the black fabric.

I brought a gloved hand to my face and inspected it, almost doubting that I was living.
“I’m just glad to be alive…” I mumbled, looking into Lucien’s pale blue eyes. They glimmered with happiness and for a moment, it was impossible to believe he was dead.
His face grew stern. “You’ve killed your target, but your job isn’t over yet. Remember, you have to get back to Cyrodiil. Don't lose focus.”
I nodded. Overnight, we’d shattered the foundation of an entire religion. I doubted that leaving the continent would be easy.
“Does the Temple know it was us?” I asked Lucien.
He looked as though he were trying to choose his words carefully.
“The Temple knows it was the Dark Brotherhood, based on the descriptions from witnesses. But, they don’t know specific identities. I would suggest you wear something besides your Black Hand robe in public. Also, the Morag Tong knows you have performed a killing in their city. They are not pleased.”
“I killed their Grandmaster. They’re weak now.” I said.
“Don’t be so sure. The children of Mephala are dangerously loyal, and defensive of their territory. Plus, their numbers are uncertain. They don’t much like us anyway. Don’t turn your back on them.”
I nodded. That was probably some very good advice.

As much as I hated to leave Lucien’s embrace, I stood up, wondering how damaged my Dark Brotherhood armor was.
“Where is Saprius?” I asked.
“Outside. He’s standing guard.” Lucien answered.
My ribs and joints ached. The wound on my back hurt dully. I could feel the skin tightening around a large scab every time I moved.
“I must go speak to him.” I said.
Lucien nodded, understandingly, but grabbed my hand before I could turn and walk away.
“I want you to know that you are a good leader. The Night Mother and Dread Father are proud of you. You’ve brought much strength to our family.”
“Thank you, Lucien… for your guidance.” I said.
“It’s the least I can do…” he said, as I turned and walked into the shadows.

I could feel his eyes on me as I walked the small length of the cave, and found a wooden door. I placed my hand on the knob and turned around, to find that Lucien was gone.

When I opened the door, I stepped out into a magnificent sunset. Saprius wasn’t very far from the cave entrance. He was sitting in the grass by a pile of wood, rubbing two twigs together to try and start a fire. I sat down next to him and cast a small fire spell on the pile of wood, setting it ablaze. Saprius looked up at me.
“Heh. You’re finally awake.” He said, throwing the twigs he was working with into the growing fire.
I nodded. “How long have I been out?”
“A couple of days.” He answered.
There was a brief silence as we both looked up to the setting sun, painting the sky with many shades of orange, pink, red, blue, and purple.
“We did it.” I said. “We murdered a god.”
Saprius smiled. “Yeah. We did. It’s strange… it hasn’t really sunken in yet… until you said it.”
I laughed. “You know, we still have to get out of here.”
He nodded. “I hope it’s not going to be too difficult.”
“Don’t get your hopes up.” I said.

Saprius and I sat in complete silence. He was using the fire to cook some crab meat, and I was simply listening to the soothing sounds of the waves lapping against the shore, and enjoying the fresh sea air. After a few minutes, I looked at Saprius.
“How long has it been since you last slept?” I asked.
“Awhile.” He answered, fatigue obvious in his voice.
“Go to the cave and get some rest.” I said. “I’ll stand guard tonight.”
Saprius looked up at me. In the light of the fire, I could see the cautious look in his eyes.
“Are you sure? I mean… do you feel up to it?” he asked.
“I feel fine now. Plus, I want to ensure your wellbeing. We still need to get out of Morrowind.” I said.
Saprius stood.
“Thanks, Sarelle.” He said, the sound of his footsteps, fading away as he walked quickly to the cave.
“Goodnight.” I called after him.

I ate the remaining bit of the crab meat that Saprius had been cooking. Then, I spent the rest of the night, lying in the cool grass, watching the stars and following the two moons’ paths through the night sky.

I thought of the things Lucien had told me. I wondered if the Morag Tong would try anything. It certainly wasn’t a possibility that I was going to rule out. I thought of ways to leave Morrowind. The only place I knew of that offered teleportation was in Ebonheart. That was a little too close to Vivec for comfort.

I decided that when Saprius was rested, we would waterwalk to a nearby city and see if we could buy passage via boat to Morrowind’s mainland.