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 .

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. Here 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_3...80/29477446.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!

That is a wonderfully evocative moment. Really good to see this one being updated.

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.

Felisa Serhas in her cave

(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)

Felicia is beautiful! Nice cave mod! I modded the "Chamber of the Lost" outside Skingrad Castle and made it so I could fast travel out and into it - the out wasn't that big a deal, but getting into it was hard, so I was glad to be able to get in there easier, lol.








The second bed is for Janus Hassildor. I still haven't figured out how to get him to sleep in the same bed with my character, lol. GAAAAH! Did I say that? ROFL !!!

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!

GAAAAAH !!!!

I thought the fight was extremely well written - but the end of the chapter!!! (You did it again!!!) Knocked me out !!! Powerful does not even begin to describe it - that was more than AWESOME !!! This chapter is absolutely one of my favorite of all !!!

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!

Great paragraph! The intricate balance of things when you live a contra lifestyle - Awesome !!!




SPEW !!! Guilty conscience !!! Woo Hoo !!!!

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...

It seems as though I may have been right after all!

I absolutely love the way you are going about it! AWESOME!! This is going to be a really fun read. I can't wait!!

Powerful ending to this chapter !!! Great Write !!!

"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
The budi(best picture I've found, credits to the artist)

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/t...tion-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.