Hi all this is my first post of a fanfic so comments would be appreciated>Hope you enjoy this enthralling tale.

From The Swamps To The City

In the depths of the Imperial Prison where rats and spiders make their home, three prisoners sat in their dreary cells waiting for their fate. A dark elf with white hair wearing dirty sack clothed attire looked at another dark elf across the way with dark hair saying, "You're going to die here."

A simple Argonian with red and black scales and horns of white, cell mate to the dark elf got up and bashed his head against the bars. He said, "Leave the poor guy alone were in the same slump as he is." His clothes were sack cloth pants with his tail wrapped around his legs as he sat back on the murky floor.

As the dark elf started fussing, they heard guards entering the prison cell across the hall. The Argonian hastily jumped up and went to the bars begging to be released with him. But the Argonian noticed that the latch to his cell was loose. The Argonian picked the latch with his claw. As the door opened, the foul mouthed dark elf ran toward it. Quickly, he slammed the door shut knocking the dark elf to the ground.

"Swamp-Hider, you fetcher you'll pay or my name isn't Valen Dreth!" The dark elf warned.

Swamp-Hider did not pay attention but only ran in the direction were the prisoner and the guards left. As he traveled through the hallowed halls he noticed people dead wearing red robes and two guards lying dead. He saw a sword laying on the floor. He grabbed it and ran towards the next corridor.

Swamp-Hider then saw a guard standing over a body. He thought to himself, Great and I thought I could leave. Then he thought of a plan. He took out his sword and threw it in the dark so it would clang onto the floor. The Redguard ran towards the noise. As the guard ran past him, he snuck by seeing the body of another dead man. He did not know or care whose body that was. Only his freedom mattered.

He made his way through the sewers seeing dead rats and goblins. He wondered who had killed them all but didn't worry too much about it. As he breathed in the fresh air he hopped in the water as if going back home. As he floated in the water, he looked up and heard sea gulls caw. Swamp-Hider smiled and swam to shore. When he emerged through the water he saw two more dead bodies. He walked up to both of them seeing that they were bandits. He took a full furred armor and a long sword as well for protection.

He saw a small tent next to some of the bodies and decided to rest there for the night. As laid down, he wondered what his parents were up to and what was going on in Argonian but he fell asleep before he could think too much. As he started to drift, he felt a chill. He rose up out of his bed and took the sword to the being before him.

"I see you haven't lost your touch, Shadow Scale," an Imperial in a black hood and robe declared.

"It's about time." Swamp-Hider replied as if knowing the phantom-like Imperial.

"Watch your tounge, Shadow Scale," the Imperial retorted.

"I was in Black Marsh waiting for the Dark Brotherhood to train me but I was sent to be a slave in Morrowind and I was nothing! As soon as I made it to the Imperial City, I was arrested!" He barked.

The Imperial bowed. "I apologize but now your family has to come to retrieve you and make up for your troubles. I am Lucien Lachance, Listener of the Black Hand. Now if you'll come to Cheydinhal, we can begin your training. What is your name Shadow Scale?"

"My name is Swamp-Hider."

Lucien explained, "You will do one thing before we go to Cheydinhal. You will murder a certain annoyance to us."

Swamp Hider agreed. "I will. Who is the prey?"

"A man name Pilper Carbo he has almost infiltrated our head quarters in many cities. He wants to rid us like rats in a hole. But Swamp-Hider you will send him into the void with Sithis. You will find this man in a small hut near a bridge across from the Imperial City."

Swamp Hider then told Lucien "Very well. I will go kill the fool, but be prepared for when I come."



The next morning Swamp-Hider stood up and headed for the hut. As he traveled through the water he thought of his life in Black Marsh as a child. He was frail waiting for the Dark Brotherhood. Swamp-Hider shook his horrid thoughts and moved on.

He came across a small community and asked the people of a hut. They pointed him in the direction of the old bridge he did not thank the villagers but went to the bridge. As he came across the hut he smiled, finally doing what he wanted all of his life. He knocked on the door and as soon as the Imperial appeared in the doorway, he rammed his blade deep in his throat. As the body fell to the floor he noticed he had been wearing Imperial Legion armor. He searched the body and found eighty gold and a map with the word "shrines" on it. He took the gold and map and noticed Lucien and jumped back alarmed.

Lucien looked at the body and smiled. "Good, good, you will make a fine assassin. Go to Cheydinhal and meet with your brothers and sisters."

Swamp Hider smiled finally meeting his true family after all this time. He ran as fast as his legs could carry to Cheydinhal. When he arrived into the city a drunk dark elf passed him. After all that time of being locked up with one, he tripped the drunk. Swamp-Hider walked away giggling a little and saw an abandoned house.

As Swamp Hider entered the house he noticed the darkness and laughed loudly he then ran into the cellar and saw a bright red door with the night mother enscribe. The door asked him, "What is the color of night?"

Swamp-Hider replied as if practiced. "Sanguine, my brother."

As Swamp-Hider entered the door it spoke, "Welcome, family member."

Swamp-Hider peered at his surrounding and laughed maliciously as if he was returning to his own dark kingdom and he received several strange looks from the other occupants.

Woo Hoo !! Welcome to the fanfic forum, and congrats on your first !!!

Thanks I usually get shy when posting any of my writings thank you mALX for making me feel better ^^

Welcome to the arena of writing fanfic. Nice touch how your Argonian sought the water as soon as he was free of the prison.

It looks like Swamp Hider will fit right in at the Sanctuary.

Hey every body this is chapter two of Swamp-Hiders epic tail of murder.In this chapter we dive deeper into the mind of are Argonian hero.




Swamp-Hider entered the dark dwelling like a skooma addict hitting the motherload. He looked around the underground sanctum and saw a hanging of the Black Hand. He sighed in happiness until two Argonians came to him and both said almost in unison, "Welcome, fellow Shadow Scale."

Swamp-Hider replied with a simple nod. The female Argonian said, "You seem to be a mad one."

Swamp-Hider explained, "Im not truly mad, only overjoyed! I am finally where I belong. Who are you two by the way?"

The female Argonian replied, "I am Ocheeva and this is my brother Teinavva." She pointed to the other Argonian in the same leather attire but in a hood. "You should speak with Vicente Valtieri for your duties, Shadow Scale"

Somewhat infatuated with Ocheeva he replied, "I will and my name is Swamp-Hider my fair lady."

Swamp-Hider looked at the dwelling of the Brotherhood and met three members: an Orc, Breton and Khajiit.

The Orc introduced himself. "Welcome new family member! I would hug you but Ocheeva told me not to. I'm Gogron gro-Bolmog by the way." He laughed at his comment.

"Welcome, dear Brother! So good to finally meet you! I hope you're getting along all right. If you need anything, anything at all, you need only ask. I'm Antoinetta Marie. That laugh was bloody brilliant brother."

The Khajit only stared at swamp hider with a glare, "Listen, you swampy piece of scales, I don't like you so don't speak to me."

As the Khajit walked away Swamp-Hider replied, "Don't worry you hairy piece of Khajiit droppings."

Then a wood elf came to Swamp-Hider and said, "Welcome brother don't worry about M'raaj-Dar. He always has his tail up his backside. I'm Telaendril. Nice to see you. May Sithis guide you."

Telaendril, Antoinetta, and Gogron walked their separate ways. Swamp-Hider walked into a small hallway were a rat briskly walked. Swamp-Hider came to a room with a small table two book shelves and a stone slab lay. A Breton man came towards him dressed lavishly with a gold necklace hanging from his neck and a sword hanging from his back. But his face looked as if he died and returned.

He spoke to Swamp-Hider very eloquently and said, "Warmest greetings to you. I trust you've already spoken with Ocheeva? I am Vicente Valtieri. I provide assignments for all new family members. Please do not let my appearance...unnerve you. The needs and Tenets of the Dark Brotherhood come before my own needs as a vampire."

"So what exactly is my mission um sir?" Swamp-Hider asked nervously.

"Drop the formalities, brother. You're family here, not in the Imperial Legion." Vicente said, laughing. "Here is what you must do. Go to the Waterfront District of the Imperial City. There you will find a ship named the Marie Elena. Board the ship and find its captain, Gaston Tussaud. He'll be in his cabin. Eliminate Tussaud in any manner you see fit. The pirates have been moving a lot of cargo on board lately. You may be able to smuggle yourself on board in one of the packing crates. Oh, and one more thing. Get into the habit of asking your fellow family members about any current contracts. Their insight may prove invaluable."

Swamp-Hider didn't take a moment he walked out of Vicente's room and wondered Hmm I wonder how I would turn out as a vampire? As that thought past so did his perception of his face. Swamp-Hider shook that terrible idea from his head and moved on. He stood in the center of the sanctuary and wondered who might have some insight on this he thought his Argonian kinsmen but decided Telaendril and Antoinetta.

Swamp-Hider entered the barracks and saw Telaendril sitting on her bed.

"Telaendril, I need your advice for this contract. I have to kill a pirate captain on a ship in the harbor."

Telaendril replied "Pirates, eh? They tend to be quick, and good with a blade, but don't favor armor. They're not fond of bows or spells, either."

Swamp-Hider walked away and thought, well at least I don't have to look for weak points.

Antoinetta arrived hearing about Swamp-Hider's first contract. "I've traveled by prison ship once. It was cramped and dark. There was little room to move around, but plenty of shadowy nooks to hide in. Remember that."

Swamp-Hider was about to leave when Ocheeva said "Here your new leather armor."

Swamp-Hider accepted the armor and changed as soon as Ocheeva left but through the hood to the floor. Swamp-Hider exited the house and thought to him said to himself Ok so to the imperial city after all this time.

Swamp-Hider's stomach growled wanting food and drink after all his excitement into the Dark Brotherhood, so he took a trip to the Newlands Lodge. He noticed several Orcs inside. He went to the table next to the front door and took a seat. An Argonian women much prettier than even Ocheeva came to him.

The lovely female Argonian wore a green and gold silk dress she had smaller horns, barley protruding from her head and had a very light red scales. "Hello, welcome to the Newlands Lodge. I'm Hul what can I get you, Sugar Scales?"

Swamp-Hider shook his head and said, "Oh... some mead and some bloody venison."

Hul just giggled and walked away to the kitchen and in almost an instant she came back setting down the plate of bloody venison and a large glass of mead with a parchment as a coaster.

Swamp-Hider held his glass up in a happy manner. He then took a large gulp of the mead. It's rich flavor and after taste of honey made Swamp-Hider sigh in joy of actual food and drink instead of prison slop.

He set his glass of mead down and picked up the bloody venison and took a chomp and placed it down.He wiped the blood on his pants feeling a little bad for ruining his leather suit but knew it was going to be covered in blood anyway.

Swamp-Hider looked out side of the window and thought of the Imperial City and the troubles he had gone through before his time in prison.

So, Swamp-Hider gets his new leathers and first real contract. It'll be fun to see how he does.

Oh, a couple minor distracters if you're trying to use in-game characters and places: Telaendril (that's the spelling you want rather than Telendral) is a wood elf, not a high elf. Oh, and the target ship is the Marie Elena, not the Antoinetta Elena.

UESP wiki is a fabulous source to check that stuff: http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Oblivion:Oblivion

You know, Ocheeva was only in the game for a short period of time, why do you write her so well? Are you Ocheeva?

Thanks for the comment and the help really appreciate it ^^ Oh and thanks for reading buddy.

Heh out of the dark brotherhood my favorite members were Ocheeva,Teenava and the Orc sorry im a little lazy with names today.So if it sounds so good it means I have studied her charecter for some time now.

I like Ocheeva too, you did an excellent job with her! Great Write !!

Thank You so much !! Its comments like these that make me blush and want to post more thank you mALX and everyone for commenting.

The Imperial city. A bright, quiet vibrant place with blue skies and a shining sun but when gray clouds gather, the city turns to its ugly side. It reminded Swamp-Hider of three years ago.

In the Waterfront, a large ship arrived with Blades gathered around the small port. Through a small entry way, prisoners walked out connected by shackles.

A motley crew of different races, mostly Argonians, came off. A Blade went to the front of the prisoners and told the watchers, "Stand back! These are freed slaves by order of Uriel Septim himself."

As each prisoner was freed, Swamp-Hider, being younger and naive kicked the Blade in the leg and said, "Take me back to Black Marsh, you Imperial pieces of filth!"

The blade behind him kicked Swamp-Hider's legs to the floor and said, "Well, I'll let you off this time, lizard, but next time you'll rot."

As Swamp-Hider lay to the floor and his shackles removed, he retreated under a pier and started to bite his own tongue. As blood flowed from his mouth he cursed the Dark Brotherhood and their incompetence.

Then in a moment of his bellowing, his stomach growled loud like a mountain lion. He came up from his meager dwelling and decided to find some gold. He thought to himself, With no weapon I would die searching inside of caves. Swamp-Hider thought of the next best thing. In only a loin cloth, he entered the Talos Plaza. Seeing all the big pocketed noble pigs he thought it would be a simple task. The first big pocket was a Nord. Swamp-Hider said under his breath, "A barbarian noble? Hah! Right."

Swamp-Hider closed in behind the noble and with one blink swiped his coin sack and ran behind the nearest building. He looked inside and found at least three hundred gold.
He made his way to the Market District and went inside the Best Defense. There, he met an Imperial. He could care less of what his name had been. He purchased a set of leather armor and left hissing at the Imperial.

From then on, Swamp-Hider pillaged from every noble in the Talos Plaza and then the Elven Gardens. He had a nickname for his pillaging of the Imperial City: the Shadow Specter. He was happy for the time being. He decided one last job and he retires for a more comfortable life. He had planned to steal from Red Diamond Jewelry all of its jewels. He snuck in the door of the jewelers and opened it to find a large gem. He thought to himself, Pay, dirt.

But as he opened the glass case a sensation of numbness fell upon him and a mage appeared with two Imperial guards. One guard knelt down to Swamp-Hider and said, "Well, looks like its the hole for you, lizard."

Swamp-Hider could not speak, not even think, but hated the situation .

Both the guards looked at the numb Argonian and smiled then in the midst of their fun they started to pummel Swamp-Hider until he became unconscious. The next thing he knew he was in a cell with the dark elf, who became his tormentor.

After all that, Swamp-Hider entered the Imperial City Waterfront. He looked around sighing with grief of his arrival in the past. He looked forward and saw his target and noticed a Redguard, a dark elf female, and a Breton standing and singing.

Swamp-Hider didn't notice the rest of the crew. He walked towards the three and the dark elf told Swamp-Hider, "Isn't the ship beautiful? But walk on our ship and we'll gut you like a slaughterfish."

Thanking Sithis that no guards were around, he quickly took out his sword and rammed right through the dark elf. As she died, cold to Swamp-Hiders blade, the Breton ran towards Swamp-Hider prepared to attack while the Redguard came from behind. Swamp-Hider kicked the dark elf off of his blade, into the Breton making him tumble. Then he ducked under the Redguard's strike and sliced his nude stomach. He fell fast. Swamp-Hider walked towards the Breton with the cold dark elf corpse on top of him. Swamp-Hider rammed his blade in the dark elf's wound, straight to the Breton killing him.

Swamp-Hider then took sixteen gold, all together, from each pirate and their cutlasses and said, "You fools are too weak to be pirates."

Now that the three had been taken down, he hid inside the empty box. As he hid, he heard the voices of the other pirates one Breton said "Who did this?" Another Redguard replied "It doesn't matter. If the captain figures this out we're done for." Swamp-Hider's box was taken to the lowest part of the ship.

When Swamp-Hider exited the box, he heard the two voices of the Breton and the Redguard, he ducked down as if crawling. He peeked around the corner and noticed both were gabbing about something. He came behind the Redguard and shoved his blade through his stomach and pushed forward into the Breton and looked at the cutlasses. Not worth carrying more, he thought

As he climbed to the second level of the ship, he noticed an Argonian running at him with a cutlass. As the pirate swung down at Swamp-Hiders head, Swamp-Hider parried the blade stabbed the pirate through the back and said, "Sorry, brethren."

Swamp-Hider moved on to the next part of the ship, he noticed it was the final floor. reason He could hear the gulls caw louder. He entered the captain's quarters and saw his target standing in front of the ship's back window. Swamp-Hider just plainly walked to him as if it was just a normal day. The captain turned and without a word escaping from his breath Swamp-Hider slit his throat and kicked the dear captain from the window. As the captain's lifeless body fell to the depths, a knock at the door was heard. A crewman yelled, "Captain, are you alright? We're coming in!"

As the door opened, nothing but broken glass and a faint wind was in the room. Swamp-Hider escaped through the window before they entered and swam to shore near the entry way to the Temple District.

He smiled, wiping the blood from his blade and laughed as he walked the roads to Cheydinhal. As he entered the city, he walked towards the empty house and entered the sanctuary.

Vicente was there to greet him. "So, the pirate has been eliminated. Excellent. No one will mourn his passing, and Sithis has been appeased. Here is your reward, the Black Band, a ring that will help you move in your armor, walk quieter, and your resist the magic arts."

Swamp-Hider grinned, proud of his achievement. He thought what to do next. He thought of seeing that Hul again, but for some reason his thoughts were clouded by a female voice. He hated it, but it was very familiar.

I wonder who that could be? Lol. Great Write !!

Ten yard penalty for unecessary roughness! Sounds like Swamp-Hider was using the Gogron gro-Bolmog style of assassination.

Well I wanted him to fight like an assassin would using everything but I guess the nord in me got ahead ^^

Alright folks next chapter oh and sometime I will post what this weapon looks like.Enjoy my reading fanatics ^^

The Chosen Blade And The Path To Sweet Revenge

As Swamp-hider shook the voice from his head, Vicente returned as if panicked. "Brother, you have a personal contract. I do not know from who, but it must be done. You will go to an Ayleid ruin off the coast of Anvil. Neither I or your family members know what to expect, but spill some blood for me brother."

Swamp-Hider dropped the cutlass's in a chest and left the sanctuary. "Who could possibly send me a personal contract?" He wondered.

As he walked around Cheydinhal, he saw the Hul with a Khajiit. Neither paid Swamp-Hider any attention.

He sighed and looked upward to the sky, saying "Why do you hate me?"

Eventually he shook it off and made his way to Anvil. As he walked the roads the voice returned saying, "My child, come to me. Say your prayers, for your destiny is falling into your hands."

Swamp-Hider stopped in the middle of the road and held his horns, pulling them as if he could rip the voice from his mind. It silenced. Swamp-Hider fell to the floor tired and worn from his minor episode. He continued on his way to Anvil, looking behind him the entire way. When he arrived, he twitched and looked around nervously like a skooma addict with a bad reaction. Swamp-Hider made his way to the water front thinking that the smell of salt water will clear his head. Entering the Flowing Bowl he came to a Bosmer with a small bun a top his head.

"Please, I need a room," Swamp-Hider begged.

"Uh, of course. Here's the key. Its on the house," The Bosmer offered, pitying the horrified Argonian.

Swamp-Hider retreated up stairs and entered his room, slamming the door and locking it. He laid in the bed breathing as hard as a fighter in the arena. Swamp-Hider closed his eyes and breathed slowly and calmly. Before one other thought could pass his mind he fell asleep. Deep in his slumber he did not think, not even dream.

The next morning the sun shined brightly in the sky and gulls cawed as if singing for Swamp-Hider to arise. Swamp-Hider woke feeling more confident and more sure of himself than the other night. He rushed his armor upon his body and his weapon at his side. He ran out of the Flowing Bowl, dropping the key in front of the Bosmer and ran towards the water. Swimming fast as a slaughterfish, he climbed from the water to shore and saw a large ruin. He looked at his map and knew it was his mark. When Swamp-Hider stepped to the ruin he felt a sense of coming home as he did when he escaped the prison. He entered the ruin and was blinded by darkness but remembering he was born under the Shadow he used his night eye ability.

The room was shown blue through his eyes. He looked and saw many statues standing like guards of this ruin. He walked down the path of stairs and came to a large statue with Daedric lettering. He looked at the letters closely and like reading his own language repeated "The wall holds the weapon of a daedra not of this plain. The one who wishes to use it must make a sacrifice.."

The rest was obscured by the passage of time. He looked for any other doors or through ways but none were to be found.

Like Lachance, a figure appeared behind him silent as a ghost. Swamp-Hider drew his blade. It was a simple Dark Elf woman. She told Swamp-Hider, "You are the one she has told me about. The one of the four. You came for it! What joy!"

"What do you mean?" Swamp-Hider asked.

The Dark Elf replied madly saying, "Please, slay me! Take me down as she would!"

Swamp-Hider knew his target was this maddened women. He would strike at her with his sword but she blocked like a master. She slashed back and cut deep into him. He hopped back touching the warm blood that flowed from his body. He became angered and dashed forward and thrust his blade out. The Dark elf dropped her blade and let the cold steel ram through her. She said with her last breath, "Thank you son of...."

As she fell to the floor, the wall of deadric lettering crumbled and showed a sword. Its design was unearthly. Its blade was long and ridged, below the blade the guard showed a long clawed finger touching the blade from the side and its handle was like woven steel.

Swamp-Hider was walking towards the weapon as if it was yelling for his touch. As he stepped towards the sword it spoke to him. "You were born for this reason. Take it up and follow the blood drenched path." S

Swamp-Hider held the blade up but the blade pulled him to the dark elf and like a vampire consumed the dark elf's blood. The sword then spoke to him for one last time, "Feed me often, child, or you will be as mad as Sheogorath himself."

In a flash, the ruin disappeared and he was standing over a the dark elfs body. She no longer appeared to be a fighter, only a beggar. Swamp-Hider retreated knowing the guards were to come at any moment. As he traveled back to Cheydinhal, he looked at the blade and just pondered more and more .Was he a Daedra or was he a champion of a Daedra. He could not know.

As he walked into Cheydinhal, he stumbled through the abandoned house door and fell into the sanctuary passing out on the floor. Hours later he awoke in the barracks of the sanctuary, where he was met with his family and the Khajiit. They were worried and happy that he was alive. Swamp-Hider felt accepted for once in his life.

Vicente then told all the members, "Leave. Swamp-Hider and I must speak."

Each member left either worried or curious of what this discussion would be.

"It seems you completed the contract. Here's your gold." Vicente handed Swamp-Hider a large sack of gold.

Holding the sack to his ear he shook it and said "One-thousand? Why brother?"

"That's what the contract was worth," Vicente replied.

"Why for a mad women though?" Swamp-Hider wondered.

"I have another contract available, one that requires an expert in infiltration. As always, you fail to disappoint me. Your target is a Dark Elf named Valen Dreth. He thinks he's safe in prison. He is tragically mistaken. A prisoner recently escaped from the prison, using a set of secret tunnels connecting to the Imperial City's sewer system. It's a perfect way inside. Just outside of the Imperial Prison is a grating that leads to the sewers. It has recently been tightly locked, but I will provide a key. It should be easy enough to locate Dreth in his small cell. Besides, I think you know the way, hmmm?" He chuckled a little. "Valen Dreth has been imprisoned for many years. His tongue is sharp, but his body is limp and frail. He will prove an easy, pleasurable kill. You will receive a bonus if you fulfill the contract without killing any of the prison guards. Now go, and may the Night Mother go with you."

Swamp-Hider looked at Vicente with a small giggle that grew into a loud demented laugh of joy. Both Swamp-Hider and Vicente laughed evilly with all the family members looking behind a corner still confused and some what afraid which was surprising for killers of their caliber.

Swamp-Hider walked away as he passed the confused family members he said to himself "Oh thank Sithis my day is getting better as time passes!"

Though he spoke joyfully he still thought about his previous contract still bombarded with questions and confusion of why the sword chose him.

Some of Sheogorath's madness has struck the Dark Brotherhood, lol. Great chapter !!

Well heres the next chapter and this is a puzzling one sorry its a little late I had a felldew trip and it was bad lol enjoy ^^.




As Swamp-Hider left the sanctuary and started to skip through Cheydinhal while onlookers and guards alike looked at him like a dancing mud crab. He left the gates of Cheydinhal and dashed to the sewer gate were he escaped. One mile away from the Imperial City Swamp-Hider collapsed to the ground. Behind a ruined pillar, a Khajiit with a heavy hammer and fur armor went to Swamp-Hider and as he was about to take his possessions, Swamp-Hider's blade called out to him and told him, "Take..Blood."

As if he was possessed, Swamp-Hider stabbed the Khajiit through the throat. As the blood coarsed down the blades handle, he felt like he was being revitalized, like being given water after weeks of dehydration. Swamp-Hider gasped and held the blade up and thought, Damn, I hope I can last with this much.

He made his way to the opening of the sewer he thought about the cursed piece of metal hanging at his waist. He was overcome with a feeling of nostalgia, seeing all the bodies laying in his way. He made it to a small wooden door. He walked in, skulking behind a small pillar, overhearing a Redguard and Nord talking. It was mostly complaints about their superior. Swamp-Hider did not listen too closely, only waited for their footsteps to spread. The Nord was the farthest out, so he made his way down some steps and ducked to the left side of the stair case. The Redguard heard him and said under his breath, "Must have been a rat."

Swamp-Hider made it through a few corridors but as he entered another wooden door he dropped to his knee whispering, "Not now."

"Take," the sword commanded.

Swamp-Hider shook his head and stumbled to a small dark crevice in the floor. The guards walked with bright torches, looking for intruders who would dare enter. Swamp-Hider took advantage of the darkness he hid in and with enough strength to muster made it behind another door. Seeing the hole were he emerged from escaping he stumbled like a drunk. He stumbled and sat down in the opening to the escape. He heard a guard and Dreth speaking.

Swamp-Hider could not concentrate or even notice their conversation. Swamp-Hider only concerned him self with his health. His scales heated up like he was in a pit of fire. He could barley lift his arm, let alone stand. Swamp-Hider used his sword like a cane and stood wobbling. He walked to the cell door and opened it. Like before, he went to Dreth's cell and picked it with his claw. As Swamp-Hider stumbled in his cell, Dreth did not thank nor scorn Swamp-Hider.

"Old friend, are you alright? Lets go... but I owe you for before, you scaly fetcher!" Dreth said and started to beat Swamp-Hider with his scrawny hands. Swamp-Hider wasn't in pain from Dreth just his illness.

Swamp-Hider stood up as Dreth backed away like a zombie. He ran to Dreth and swung his sword into his side. As Dreth fell, Swamp-Hider's blade drank and sated its thirst. He woke from his zombified trance and looked to Dreth's bleeding body. He knew what had happened. He placed the sword's blade in Dreth's blood once more and the sword drank like a skooma addict.

Swamp-Hider slinked through the catacombs of the prison like a rat to freedom once more. As he dashed through the sewers to the lake, he swam under a bridge as if the past came to his aid once more. Swamp-Hider held his head and shook himself like trying to wake from an endless nightmare or a bad trip.

He screamed at the top of his lungs, clawing his scales and the ground. He wailed more and more. Passers ran from the screams not wanting to encounter the foe below. After hours of screaming, he passed out from the strain of his vocal cords.

As he slept, he dreamed that he appeared in the planes of Oblivion without armor. Only the cursed sword. A woman appeared before him as a shadow with vivacious curves. She spoke softly like smooth blankets in the cold. "My dear child. Come, return to me and return home were you belong... Inside my world."

When Swamp-Hider awoke, he was in front of a statue of Nocturnal, the Daedric Prince of Shadow. Swamp-Hider arose and met a bald Orc woman who spoke to him. "You look very vile. Welcome friend."

GAAAAH! This chapter was powerfully written!!!

Alright party one of the next chapter is here have fun with it my peoples.

Malx:Thank you for the last chapters comment I hope the rest of the story is to your liking

In Bruma, Part One

Swamp-Hider stood and asked the Orc woman, "How did I get here?"

The Orc woman responded, "All I know is that some Dark Elf mage brought you here. He didn't give his name. He just dropped you and walked away. But that's not important right now. Our matron wishes to speak with you personally."

Swamp-Hider stood in front of the statue of Nocturnal. As he looked up to the statue's face he wondered, Why someone would bring me here? Well I guess I cant be too surprised. Stranger things have happened.

As his thoughts passed, he heard a voice in his mind, different than the one that made him breakdown. This voice was more gentle and nurturing than seductively insane. "Ah, so you have arrived. She has laid her nails into you yet."

"Who do you mean? Is it the woman who plagues my sanity?" Swamp-Hider asked.

Nocturnal replied, "He is like me, taking a female form. But I warn you, if she ever meets you, guard your heart, Argonian. I have one thing to give you. Lay the cursed blade upon my statue."

Swamp-Hider placed his bane sword upon her statue. A light shined on the blade for a moment, then disappeared. The sword had not changed physically.

When Swamp-Hider picked up the sword he felt no dark prescence no thirst for blood.

Nocturnal spoke again. "Your blade was cursed by his energy, but I cured it. Now it will empower you with only one sacrfice, though it may make you a bit unlucky."

Swamp-Hider sighed in relief. "Thank you, Nocturnal! I will watch for this person you speak of."

"I will watch over you, Swamp-Hider. You will know when you see her."

Swamp-Hider left Nocturnal's shrine to Cheydinhal. He felt somewhat lost in his surroundings, winding up in Leyawin. After figuring out which way to go, he made his way directly towards Cheydinhal.

He entered the city gates and breathed in the fresh air of Cheydinhal. Swamp-Hider headed to the sanctuary in the abandoned house. He entered his home but with was greeted with glares around him.

A heavy set Breton man, wearing the same leather armor as Swamp-Hider, came to him and said, "Hello! My name is Arnond Marcile. I am your new partner."

"A partner? Why?"

"Lucien Lachance wanted me to watch you and your progress. You have also been assigned to lower ranked contracts for now."

Swamp-Hider did not question Lucien's orders, not wanting to invoke his wrath.

For a few weeks Swamp-Hider killed many and Arnond watched as Lucien ordered.

Lucien appeared before Arnond one night as Swamp-Hider was away. "Arnond, your new orders are to take Swamp-Hider to Bruma."

"May I ask why Listener?" Arnond asked.

"It's to be unknown to you for the two weeks you both will be residing there," Lucien replied and disappeared almost instantly.

When Swamp-Hider returned, Armond said "We're off to Bruma, Swamp-Hider?"

Swamp-Hider hissed. "It's too cold out there and there's nothing but barbarians and drunks..." He thought about it for a moment and said, "Which isn't so bad, I guess."

Arnond did not reply he only walked off with Swamp-Hider to Bruma.

There walk did not have high spoken spirits between friends. It was mostly Arnond pointing out Ayleid ruins and explaining history while Swamp-Hider wanted to stab his head constantly until his ear drums died. When the assassins arrived in Bruma, Arnond said, "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

Swamp-Hider replied "It's a trash pit."

"Swamp-Hider, you're about the worst tourist ever."

"I wouldn't be if Bruma wasn't a trash pit." Swamp-Hider snapped back.

The assassins then retreated to the nearest inn so that they could rest for their next contract.

This line bothered me. He is an assassin, it is hard to picture him being afraid of incurring Lachance's wrath. I would think Swamp-Hider would be ticked off at that kind of treatment. His temperment seems over-meek with Lachance - then suddenly shows up in snappiness, temper, and griping at every little thing later - like displaced anger.

Assassins work alone and have to be crafty and smart (unless you are writing Swamp-Hider as a bumbler deliberately) - yet he never questions why suddenly he is being stuck with a babysitter to watch his every move. Something is up when they stick you with someone without explanation.

I am not criticizing your story, don't misunderstand what I'm saying here - I just want to know where you are going with your character because he came across as two completely different personalities in this chapter - unless that is how you wanted to portray him.

Your writing is great as ever, I was just bothered by the inconsistancy of his personality in this one chapter.

I made the change because of all he's been through mentally. Basically he's hearing voices of a supposed deity, he has a sword that has been telling him to drink blood, so being afraid of Lucien's orders and Arnond is just his mind being elsewhere because of all that's been going on. Then he gets snappy later because he finally realizes that something's up

Okay, now I understand. It was so out of character for him that I wasn't sure what was going on!

Alright everybody sorry I have been gone for an eternity but I am back with a new chapter of Swamp Hider's Tale so enjoy.



At Olav's Tap and Tack, the inn closest to the east gate, Swamp-Hider and Arnond sat inside. Arnond spoke with the owner of this small inn, Olav. "Yes, we have two rooms reserved," he said.

Olav looked at the Breton and said "Yes, well...." He shook his head. "No. Two beds one room."

Swamp-Hider said, slamming his head to his hand, "In Bruma, for two weeks, in a room with you?"

"We'll take it," Arnond said, walking up the small steps into a singular room with Swamp-Hider following from behind. In their small room Swamp-Hider and Arnond were trying to relax, but Swamp-Hider couldn't sit for too long. "Can I go out?"

Arnond replied with a simple shake of his head.

"Come on! At least let's go down for some drinks," Swamp-Hider pleaded.

"We have to wait for his message to come," Arnond replied.

Swamp-Hider paused for a moment looking at the door. "Well what if we don't get a message?"

"Then we wait," Arnond said.

"Well what if he doesn't message in two weeks?" Swamp-Hider asked.

"Then we stay for two weeks."

After quite some time of complaining Swamp-Hider got his way and they went out, but Arnond told him in order to do what he wants they both must look at some ayleid ruins.

They left Bruma and searched around the ruins. Arnond explained as much as his throat could push out about the history of the Ayleids.

“Did you know that the Ayleids were the first race to create an empire in Tamriel? The Ayleids were known as Ancient Ones, Wild Elves, or Heartland High Elves. They also created the Imperial City but back then it wasn’t a city, it was a fortress known as the White Gold Tower.” He pointed at a small mountain with an Ayleid tower pointing out. “You know there is more than just one type of Ayleid. Some say they live deep within the forests.”

Swamp-Hider huffed and kicked stones around for a while.

When they returned to Bruma, Swamp-Hider was excited to go out into the winter bound city. Though it wasn't much to look at Swamp-Hider simply enjoyed his freedom out of that stuffy room.While Swamp-Hider was running around Bruma like a child straight out of bed in the morning Arnond returned to the inn.

Olav approached Arnond and said, "You have a message and it’s a real doozie."

[i]Why were you not in when I came? I wanted to see you personally but now that will not do. Meet a man name Grolog in a small house behind the chapel there will be a moon on his door. Don't mess this up or by Sithis you will not like the result of failure.

L.L.

Arnond slapped himself on the head knowing full well that Lucien Lachance furious is like dealing with a berserk ogre. But he knew that this contract must be the most important if he has to meet someone for the job.

In a small house not too far from Olav’s Tap and Tack, Swamp-Hider was enjoying a couple of pints with some Nords. The door opened showing Swamp-Hider’s dream lizard, Hul. She walked up to Swamp-Hider and said "Its been a while, Sugar Scales"

Swamp-Hider simply smiled and replied. “I’m great.” He had an idea to make his stay in Bruma less miserable. “You wanna go out?”

Hul knowing what Swamp-Hider was trying simply laughed and said "Sure. Tonight at the Fighters Guild, eight o’ clock. Don't be late, alright?"

Swamp-Hider looked at his new drinking friends and they all laughed and cheered for Swamp-Hider had a date. He cheered as Hul left the small house. He thought his luck was about to change for the better, but unknown to him things were about to become complicated.

Swamp-Hider gets a date with the lizard woman of his dreams, while Arnond gets a meeting with the furious L.L. Somehow I think Swamp-Hider’s night will not go as he planned! I had to laugh at the image of the reluctant Argonian kicking stones around while Arnond lectured him about the Ayleids.

I also got a kick out of Swamp-Hider kicking the stones around "for a while" - great imagery !! I like the foreshadowing at the end as well, promises trouble is on the way! Great Write!

Ok so I have returned from fighting dragons and pain in the boat Imperials no offense to those who like Imperials. Here is the latest edition of the Swamp-Hider's Tail.




Arnond, covered in a cloak, walked outside the inn and arrived at the house with the moon upon the door. When Arnond knocked an Orc of surprising size opened the door. This orc was smaller than most and very bony. He wore very casual clothing. Ignoring the surprise in size, Arnond asked “Are you Grolog?”

Grolog, in a very hospitable voice, said, “Ah, you must be Arnond. Come in, come in.”

When Arnond entered the house he noticed many weapons hung upon the walls and many books upon what seemed endless amounts of shelves. “So Lucien sent me but do you know for what?”

Grolog replied, “Oh, right. Here it is.” Grolog dug in a black satchel and pulled out an ebony dagger coated with some sort of poison and a note written by Lucien that read:

“Dear Arnond,

If you are reading this note you have taken the next step to your contract and good of the family. Swamp-Hider must be eliminated for his mistake. Many of the other family members disappointed by this news inspired something I have never done, giving Swamp-Hider a gift. Visiting the beautiful city of Bruma. I thought an ending for him should end in a fairy tale city. The dagger you carry is coated in a poison taken from a beast far north. Eliminate him and you will be compensated very well.”

Arnond crumpled the note in his hand and placed his hand upon his face, sighing at the news. He looked down at the blade and clenched the handle knowing this would be the toughest thing he could ever do.


Meanwhile at the Fighters Guild, Swamp-Hider was dressed in fine clothing. Well, clothing that was stolen. Hul came up the steps from the Bruma Fighters Guild barracks. She was dressed in a soft blue and green dress.

Swamp-Hider’s scales reddened. So did Hul’s when she saw Swamp-Hider dressed in black fine robes. They left the Fighters Guild and walked with each other hand in hand, making it to the Jerall View. It was packed with one last table available. As they sat, they asked the waitress for venison with wine and a pint of mead. As the waitress walked away they began to converse about their working lives.

“So what work do you do?” Hul asked Swamp-Hider curiously.

“I work for a store in Cheydinhal,” Swamp-Hider lied, sweating a bit. “So how’s working for the Fighters Guild? Is it worth being in danger?”

“Its fun to go on contracts, but lately the works been drying out. Regardless, the people are great,” Hul replied, smiling.

A Nord couple sitting at the table beside them was starting to give an evil eye at Swamp-Hider and Hul.

The male Nord yelled, “Hey, lizard, can you tell your female scale-tart to quit swinging her tail?”

“But the space between our tables is wide enough! You’re barely getting the tip.”

“I don’t care, you bleeding pond scum!” The Nord retorted.

Swamp-Hider stood up and felt the blade under his robes scream “Drink.”

The Nord stood up with a clenched fist.

Swamp-Hider snapped and clocked the Nord right in the nose.

The Nord became furious while holding his nose screaming.

His wife stood up and picked up a bottle of wine Swamp-Hider dodged the initial swing that’s when Swamp-Hider punched her in the nose and knocked her down.

Hul and Swamp-Hider ran from the Jerall View and stood outside and Swamp-Hider began to explain feeling like he ruined his date with Hul. “Listen, she had a bottle and I know that was ungentlemanly of me--” Hul interrupted him and kissed him deeply.

An hour later they were in the Fighters Guild barracks, getting ready for passion but was stopped. A man held a dagger to the back of his neck and said “Why are you on top of my woman?”

Swamp-Hider replied, “I didn’t do anything. You kinda ruined that.”

“Turn around slowly,” the voice demanded

Swamp-Hider turned slowly and saw the Khajiit from Cheydinhal. “Oh come on!”

“Take off your pants.” The Khajiit demanded.

“Great. He’s a thief and a pervert.” Swamp-Hider muttered.

“That’s it!” The Khajiit moved his arm to strike. Swamp-Hider blocked and punched the Khajiit in the nose. The Khajiit fell to the floor and cursed. Hul then ran to the Khajiit. “J’zaad!”

“So you two work together?” Swamp-Hider asked.

Hul explained. “We bring in travelers and steal precious items, but I swear I didn’t want to.”

“Save it” Swamp-Hider walked out angry and depressed.

The next morning Swamp-Hider sat in the chapel looking out of the glass that imbued its halls. Arnond crept to Swamp-Hider knowing he had to do it now or he would change his mind. But what Arnond saw was surprising even for him.

The story is interesting! Your imagination is very creative! It would be much easier to read with a little punctuation in certain places, but great write overall.