First off, I wish to say that I am not a typical raging, screaming fan of the Dark Brotherhood and the members, Lucien Lachance in particular. Yes, I enjoy the Dark Brotherhood and the quests within the game, however I am no raging screaming fan. Sorry, that thought just annoys me. to Bethesda Softworks and in no way an I claiming any of it as my own. to me. And I suggest no one steal them cuz I will not show mercy. Thank you!
Despite the fact that this fanfic will indeed contain romance and all that jazz, I am not the typical Mary Sue writer. At least I hope not anyways... I am writing this merely for fun. Practice for two novels I have on the go. No, neither of those are based off of a game, only my imagination. This gives me a chance to step away from the huge writer's block I have and venture to other parts of my imagination. If anyone thinks otherwise, then that's fine you may do so all you want.
I have always enjoyed the Elder Scrolls games. Well I've only played Morrowind and Oblivion. But they are amazing games. The story is enriching, and the fact that you can stray away from the main quest and venture to other mini quests and such make it that much more enjoyable. I also find the environment absolutely stunning.
Anyways, this game, Oblivion, has inspired me to write a fanfic based off of the well loved Dark Brotherhood. I know there are quite a few fics based off of this and this is nothing new. But I needed to try my hand as well.
This story does not follow the quest within the game. I have and will create my own quests. Besides, we all know the quests, no matter how much detail is poured into it. Don't get me wrong though! I have read many of the fanfics here and they are exceptionally amazing and in no way am I saying mine is better. Infact I know it isn't and there are always many improvements I need to make. As with all writers. But I wanted to give a different approach and try something new.
Hopefully it doesn't come out too badly. If you see any grammar or spelling mistakes of any kind don't hesitate to tell me! Unfortunately the stupid touchpad on my laptop always has to interfere with my typing...as is the common annoyance with all laptop users. At least the ones that haven't figured out how to disable the damned thing! Anyways, sorry for the long intro but it had to be done!
If you don't like my story then do us all a favor and don't review. However, any rants or bad comments will be laughed at by myself and most likely the others! I don't get angry at rude comments, I only find them amusing. So try if you like! If you do like it then huzzah! I will not be one to press for reviews or say I will not upload a new chapter until people do. They are nice and to see one inspires me to continue but it isn't completely necessary. So without further boring the crap out of you, enjoy the story! Er...sorry for the short first chapter. I had NO idea it was this short. That won't happen often I promise!
All characters, places, all almost everything else originating from Elder Scrolls: Oblivion are copyright
All characters I create within the story are copyright to me. And I don't suggest stealing them either, I won't show mercy. ----------------------------------------------------
"I can't believe it's been almost a year." Muttered the young Imperial woman as she gazed at the stone ceiling above.
Twenty three year old Kai Aldiri lay in her bed, her arms folded beneath her head. No matter how hard she tried she just couldn't get to sleep. Her mind constantly drifting. Drifting to memories she didn't wish to remember. But she couldn't not remember. They were powerful memories, tragic memories. But weren't they always? Her brows furrowed as they swirled around, all the way up to one particular night when a frightening black robed man appeared to her. Lucien Lachance.
This time anger replaced the distant look on her face. She wasn't angry at the fact she was given the opportunity to join the infamous Dark Brotherhood. No, she thoroughly enjoyed everything about the 'family'. She had a home now, and she enjoyed her work. If that's what you could call work, to her it was anyways. She wouldn't change her life for the world.
It was that man. Lucien Lachance. The very thought of him infuriated her. Every time she saw him she wanted to continuously punch him in the face, maybe kick him in the groin for good measure. Not kill him, no, for that would be against one of the Five Tenants. Not only that but just to make him suffer a little would suffice just nicely.
Ever since joining the Dark Brotherhood the two never got along. Much like between her and M'raaj-Dar, however that was many just silence, neither acknowledging one another's presence. But the Khajiit was like that with most of the members. Sure he sold her merchandise and spells, but charged outrageously for them. The only thing she ever bought from the mangy cat was poisonous apples. For which merchant would honestly sell poisonous apples to the regular everyday citizen.
It made her so angry the way Lucien scrutinized her for everything. Telling her she did poor on a mission without explaining why, too sloppy, or she was too clumsy. These very thoughts made her blood boil.
Kai let out a long sigh and forced herself to relax, "My god I feel like such a child." She growled to herself.
The stress was beginning to build again so she decided she needed to get out for awhile. Kai pushed the covers aside and rose from the bed. She changed into her normal clothes, simple loose black trousers, a sleeveless black shirt and a black vest. Black grew on her since joining the Brotherhood.
Kai reached over beside her bed and pulled up a simple grey backpack. She stuffed her Shrouded Armor into it along with a couple of simple healing potions, a couple of scrolls for emergency use, and a long black cloak for added warmth at night. Reaching beside the table she grabbed her sword belt and clipped it around her waist. Her weapon of choice was an Ebony Shortsword, a gift given to her. However she didn't know who the giver was. Vicente approached her several months ago and merely said it was a gift from the Night Mother. She didn't truly believe it but there was no one in the Sanctuary she could think of that would go out of their way to give her a gift.
The blade's deep black and purple hued color captivated her the moment she unsheathed the blade. Just below the hilt three was a metallic blue engraving set in the language of the Old. She was informed the language spelled her first and last name. Whoever was strange enough to give her this gift, she was eternally grateful for.
For added protection in emergency cases she clipped an extra dagger around her left ankle. Attached to her swordbelt on the opposite side of the sword she kept a set of five throwing knives. Five more were kept in her bag as spares. She moved over to the cupboards and removed some extra rations of food, not knowing how long she would be gone for.
Pulling the bag over her shoulders she walked to the large doors leading to the common room. As she stepped out she glanced about, noting how empty and quiet it was, "Everyone can't honestly be out?" She wondered outloud to herself.
"Not quite my dear. Although I must admit the quiet is rather relaxing for a change." Said a soft voice to the right of Kai's position.
Kai glanced over to see Vicente Valtieri, the friendly Dark Brotherhood vampire member, sitting at one of the tables with a large text opened in his palms. He rose his gaze to look upon the young female, a soft smile on his lips, "I see you are packed for a journey. May I ask where?"
Kai shrugged, "No where in particular really. I just need to clear my mind is all."
Vicente straightened in his seat his red eyes, something she long got used to, still upon her own, "Well if it will make your journey a little more worth the time, I have a contract."
Kai's brows rose in interest, "A contract you say? What is it about?"
Vicente grabbed a rolled piece of parchment sitting upon the table and handed it to her, "The target is in the city of Chorrol so traveling there will take a bit, which I'm sure is what you want anyways."
Kai took the rolled parchment from the vampire's hand and nodded, "Yes, that is exactly what I want."
"Good. Your target is a Dunmer male by the name of Dreler Rayus. He is a notorious and rather dangerous thief. He is not, by the way, apart of the Thieves Guild. He likes to use Paralysis on his victims but only if they notice his presence. He normally strikes at night. He is dangerous because of the Paralysis spells and potions he uses, but he won't hesitate to injure people too. Not kill them but injure them in any way he sees fit for the situation. His current hideout is unknown, so you'll need to do some investigation." Vicente explained.
Kai nodded, "I understand. Is there any bonuses in this contract?"
"No child there is not."
"Damn." She said, placing the parchment into her backpack.
Vicente chuckled, "Perhaps upon a more challenging contract. This one should not be much of a challenge for one such as yourself."
Kai tilted her head, "Now that you mention it. This contract seems like it should be for one of the lower rank, perhaps a Murderer or Slayer."
"Worry not dear Kai. I did not ask for you to accept this contract because I believe your skills are lacking. Ordinarily I would not give you contracts at all due to your rank as an Assassin. However, Anya, our newest Murderer, is currently out on her first contract and no one else is available. You just happened to have been here at this moment, wanting to venture outside so I opened up the opportunity to you. You do not have to accept this if you do not wish to."
Kai shook her head, "No, I apologize. I will gladly accept this contract, the break will be nice. I was just curious."
The vampire smiled, "I see. Well I wish you luck. Be wary of Paralysis spells this man uses."
Kai returned the smile, "Don't worry I will be fine. I will return within the week. Thanks again Vicente. He nodded, "Farewell child." He reopened the text and returned to his reading.
Before heading out, Kai quickly returned to the living quarters to retrieve the two saddlebags she didn't think she would need. With a little extra rations and her bedroll inside she put them over the shoulder and made for the exit. Kai walked over to an opening in the corner off to the right a bit where a ladder led upwards. She climbed the ladder smoothly, even with the added weight, and exited out the Sanctuary wells hatch. Glancing around she quickly jumped out and closed the hatch before making her way onto Cheydinhals stone streets. The sun was up, showing noonish. The light touched the Imperial woman, her bright copper colored hair shimmering brightly. Despite the fact that she wore all black her hair tended to give her away completely. Usually she had to wear a hood on a mission, only using an enchanted ring she found that made her invisible. Unfortunately she was rather utterly useless when it came to spells. Even a simple healing spell eluded her to her embarrassment. But at the same time she didn't mind, the use of spells was completely irrelevant as an assassin in her eyes.
Kai made her way out the East gate and towards the stables. She wandered around the main corral to a slightly smaller one behind it. Upon approaching a loud whinny reached her ears. She smiled as a large black stallion trotted from the other side to greet her. Another whinny caught Kai's attention and she rose a brow as another black horse within the same corral as he stallion trotted over.
Kai placed a hand on both the horse's muzzles, giving them a scratch. She looked to the slightly smaller horse, its distinctive and red eyes gazing back at her, "Shadowmere. Your presence here can't be good. No offense to you of course."
Shadowmere snorted in return and nibbled on the woman's vest. Kai giggled and scratched behind her ear. Shadowmere was the only horse, especially since being a mare, that could share an enclosure with her stallion, Aidan. As with most stallions, keeping them in an area with other horses is a very bad idea, and Aidan is no exception. Shadowmere is a special case. She was put in his enclosure and Aidan, doing as what studs do best, was in the mare's space and tried to mount her. Shadowmere flattened her ears and kicked back sharply, hitting the young stud on the muzzle. She then spun around and gave him a painful nip on his rump, leaving a scar that remained even to this day. Aidan's pride was shattered that day and he bowed down to the ruthless mare. He never attempted to mount her, but constantly follows her around like a lost child. However, when it comes to other horses, he is still his tough stallion self.
Kai moved to the gate, opened it and slipped inside. The two horses followed behind the woman curiously. Kai placed the saddlebags on the ground under a small shelter. Stepping over to a railing she grabbed first the bridle and slipped it over the stallion's head. Aidan stood calmly and patiently but she could see his withers twitching with anticipation. She grabbed the saddle and heaved it over his tall back. She then tightened the girth and clipped the chest straps to the saddle. Making sure the saddle fitted perfectly, she then placed the saddlebags behind the saddle and fitted them into place.
Kai grabbed the reins and led the tall, midnight black stallion out of the corral. Once she closed the gate she felt a slight nudge on the shoulder. She turned and smiled a the black mare, "Sorry girl but I can't take you. Don't worry you won't be here long and we'll return soon."
Oh how she would have loved to bring the mare with her, knowing how enraged the mare's rider would be seeing his prized horse no where to be seen. However, as much fun as the prank would be, she knew constraint and focused forward. Not to mention it would technically be an act of stealing and she could possibly be expelled and face the Wrath of Sithis. She shuddered internally, not wanting to know what that was like.
With a final pat she turned and placed a foot in the stirrup, Kai mounted easily onto the back of her horse. With only a click and a light tap on the sides, Aidan moved into a smooth trot and headed down the road and west to Chorrol.
The black stallion's coat shone in the warm afternoon sun. His rider blended well with his black coat, minus her red hair however. Kai looked rather small on the stallion's back, seeing how he was a staggering seventeen hands high to her five foot six inches.
They passed a mounted Imperial Guard and both exchanged a nod. She chuckled inside at the fact that the Guard had no idea he had just exchanged a silent greeting with a deadly assassin. None of them knew, nor would they ever know.
Cheydinhal slowly moved out of sight and all around them forests would eventually break into a valley. Behind them was the great Valus and Jerall Mountains, the tall borders that stood between Cyrodiil and Morrowind.
The ride was exactly what Kai needed, The stress and thoughts melted away. Her gaze drifted to the scenery around her, sights she could never get sick of. It was only three days beforehand that she had traveled the same road, seen the same scenery, but to her it was somehow still different each time.
The ride to Chorrol was fairly uneventful. She met one bandit along the road closer to the Imperial City, which she disposed of easily. Few travelers were seen along the way, increasing in numbers much closer to the Imperial City. The further from the large city, the less amount of people she encountered. She liked it better this way anyways.
The journey took approximately two days going at a steady but easy pace. Kai arrived outside the city gates at the North Country Stables where she stabled Aidan, requesting his own separate enclosure of course. She made her way inside the opened gates. She didn't mind Chorrol, slightly bigger than Cheydinhal but the crowds annoyed her. Perhaps a trait picked up from being within the Brotherhood for so long.
Through the south gates led directly to the Fountain Gate district of Chorrol. The once flowing statue fountain had long stopped flowing water and had now filled with earth. Kai still liked the earth filled fountain, finding the carving quite beautiful.
Turning to the right, Kai headed straight for an almost rundown looking Inn. Despite its shabby look, the Grey Mare was comfortable enough for her, not to mention the price was suitably cheap. Kai opened the door to the Grey Mare and stepped through. It was fairly quiet that day, only three residents sat at the tables off to the right of the small lobby area of the Inn. She stepped to the main counter, ignoring the few stares she received, and rose her gaze to meet a tall woman.
Kai was greeted with a smile, "Miss Aldiri, it's good to see you again. How goes your research?"
Kai returned the smile to tall Nord woman gave her, "Hello Emfrid, it's good to see you too. The research goes well, a challenge nonetheless."
"How long are you here for?" Asked Emfrid.
"I'm not quite sure. However probably no more than four or five days."
"Well would you like to book a room for five for just in case?"
Kai nodded, "Sure, let's do that. If I need more time I'll pay on the fourth day. If I leave early, just give whomever comes in next the paid room."
Emfrid's brows rose in surprise. Then again, Kai had always been a fairly generous type. It's too bad the Nord had no idea how wrong she really was. Kai needed to keep on an act in order to conceal her true intentions. She often acted like a traveling Mage, collecting alchemical ingredients. Despite the fact she was dreadful with spells, she was infact, very talented in creating potions and poisons. So when she said she was out researching for ingredients, she was also partially telling the truth. Usually while traveling or just out and about, she often would search for new, rare, unique, or common found ingredients for her studies on the side between contracts.
"Well alright then. That will be 50 gold for the five nights." Emfrid answered.
Kai moved her hand to a pouch at her side. She dug around before removing the payment for her stay. She placed the coinage on the counter. Emfrid quickly counted it out before she was satisfied and gave Kai a key.
"Yours is upstairs, the second room on the right." Explained the Nord as she put away the gold.
Kai smiled, "Thank you Emfrid. Have a good day."
Kai took the key and headed upstairs with her gear. Once upstairs, she stepped to the second door on the right as told. She inserted the key and turned, unlocking the door and stepping inside. Nothing had changed at all in the many times she had stayed at the Grey Mare. Upon entering, there was a simple single bed with a chest directly infront. There wasn't a whole lot of space but it was comfortable enough.
Kai moved to the bed and dumped her gear on top of the bed. She sat down for a moment to gather her thoughts. She sighed deeply before rising and stepped out of the room, locking the door behind her and placing the key into one of the three pouches tied to the belt around her waist. With a quick step she walked back down the stairs and exited onto the streets of Chorrol.