Chapter One


A light breeze rustled through the thick green grass dominating The Great Forest region of Cyrodiil. The late afternoon sky was just beginning to be tinged with deep orange rays of a sunset. Everything seemed calm, and nothing appeared out of place; except for the girl laying in the middle of that soft green grass, fast asleep.

How did she end up there? Where did she come from?

All of these questions ran through his head as Levaden stared quietly down at the slumbering girl. The grass drew long shadows across her body as the sky began to darken, but he could still make out the details of her clothes. They were unusual, made of material and fashioned in a way he had never seen before. Levaden brushed a stray strand of golden hair away from his cheek and stepped closer, unsure of himself.

The girl did not stir, and so Levaden quietly knelt down beside her. He plucked one leather glove off and lay two slender fingers against her neck, surprised at how warm and soft her skin was. Her heartbeat fluttered strong beneath his touch, and so he withdrew his hand and looked around him. There was nothing in the immediate surrounding to lend any clues as to why the girl was laying in the grass.

With a sigh, Levadan knelt back down and gently patted her pale face. The wind played with several strands of her dark red hair, but other than that she did not stir. The elf shook her shoulders a little bit and called out softly.

"Hey."

Her eyes fluttered open, and the girl looked up at the sky. She breathed in deeply and then looked around, her view disorienting. She began to sit up, and reached out, unsure of where she was or what she was doing. She felt the softness of grass beneath her, and the air was so crisp it was almost intoxicating. The wind rustled all around her, and the sweet scent of bergamot flowers drifted from nearby.

"It's okay," a low male voice spoke, and the girl turned her attention to the figure kneeling next to her.

"Where am I?"

"You're a stone's throw from Chorrol. That's where I was headed when I saw you laying in the grass."

"Ch...Chorrol?" The girl repeated, rubbing at her eyes.

"Yeah..."

The cloaked man stood up and looked around.

"Do you know where that is? Do you know your name?"

He turned his gaze back towards her.

"Uh.. Um.. Well I know my name is Aisha... but Chorrol... it sounds familiar..."

"Do you know Cyrodiil?"

That was it. She knew exactly why Chorrol sounded familiar to her. She looked around the area in shock, and then back up at the man. He knelt down again, and Aisha was able to make out most of his features in the dying light. He wore what appeared to be a worn set of leather armor, but also sported a long dark cloak with a hood. The hood had been drawn up around his face, and masked his facial features in shadow, save for his stunning auburn eyes. They peered curiously back at her.

"Cyrodiil." Aisha repeated, and the man nodded. "I know where that is."

"Good. Come then, I'll help you up. We shouldn't be out here much longer, it's almost nightfall."

The man reached out his gloved hands, and Aisha gratefully accepted. She was beginning to realize how sore she felt and wondered vaguely if she had any bruises. However, none of that really stuck, for she was still in total shock as to what in the world was going on. The man adjusted the dark black pack slung over his shoulders, and they began their walk.

I can't be... be in Cyrodiil... her thoughts raced, as she followed the hooded man towards what she knew would be Chorrol. They quickly made their way through grass that was speckled with trees rich with deep green leaves.

This must be a joke.

But as they drew closer to the city gates, a shiver of anticipation ran up her spine. It all felt so very real to her. The wind. The dirt beneath her sneakers.

Suddenly Aisha was extremely conscious of the fact that she was out of place. She wore nothing more than a dark grey pair of sweats and a raggedy white t-shirt and sneakers. Not appropriate attire for a place like this.

"So," the male's voice drifted over to her. It was a pleasant sound, deep in tone but warm. "You said your name is Aisha."

"Yes."

Aisha responded, brushing her hair away from her face. The wind was starting to pick up a bit.

"I am Levaden."

"Lev...a...den," Aisha repeated, making sure she got the pronunciation right.

"Yes, perfect. So, you don't remember anything, do you?"

"No, I'm sorry. I wish I could tell you more."

"That's alright," Levaden replied softly, and she could see he was smiling. "No need to apologize, we'll figure it out."

Chorrol was just as beautiful as she had seen in the game. But before was on a television screen, and she controlled a single player. It was almost too much for her to handle, and as they drew closer to the gates the sight of the city took her breath away. Within the city, she could see the vast towers of the temple looming in the distance, and she remembered every detail of the place like she really had been there before.

I guess I have, just not physically. Until now. You've really lost your mind!

"If it's not too much trouble, I have to go this way."

Levaden pointed to somewhere beyond the trees to their right.

"To the Priory. Did you want to come? Or I can take you to the Inn first."

"Oh, no, please. You have somewhere to be. I'll come along if it's not much trouble."

"Not at all," Levadan replied smoothly, "I just have to deliver something and then we should be free to go."

Aisha nodded, her lips burning. Who she was travelling with dawned on her like a big violent wave of realization. But she kept her mouth shut, and they walked for a little while longer until the priory came into view. She always liked Chorrol, and even in the darkness the Priory was bright and welcoming.

Light spilled through the windows and down onto the cobblestone road. Aisha knew who resided inside that Levaden needed to speak with. Levaden reached the doors first, and he held it open for the her.

Aisha stepped inside, and the interior was exactly as she remembered, just infinitely more detailed. The wood and stonework washed over her eyes, and it was a comforting sight.

"Hello?" A voice called out, and a different monk edged into view at the top of the staircase. "Can I help you?"

"Uh yes," Levaden replied, pushing back his black hood.

It was there that Aisha saw his face for the first time. His skin was a stunning shade of gold that seemed to glimmer in the candlelight. He was an Altmer, that much she knew by his skin tone and the pointed elven ears to match.

His long gold hair spilled out from the hood and had been tied back with a string. The elf had a well-defined nose and high cheekbones that made him look incredibly handsome and alluring. However, she had only his profile.

Levaden coughed and looked down at the ground before glancing over at Aisha. There was a flash of scarred skin, and then it was gone again.

"I have an urgent matter to discuss with Jauffre."

"Jauffre? What is the matter about?"

"Well I'm afraid that's between the two of us, and it's very urgent."

The monk considered saying more, but then decided against it. He stared curiously at Aisha, and the girl felt her cheek's grow warm. She knew she must look like a freak.

"Jauffre should be at his study, just up the stairs and to the right."

Levaden nodded his head in thanks, and then began to climb the stairs.

Aisha glanced around, and, after spotting a bench, she made her way over to it.

"I'll just wait here," Aisha told Levaden, when he looked back down at her.

This time she could definitely see that the entire right side of his face. Part of his neck and cheek was heavily scarred. Levaden nodded once more, and then disappeared around the corner once her reached the top.

Aisha was growing restless. After what felt like forever, the sound of footsteps grew closer. She peered up at the top of the stairs as she stifled a yawn. Levaden stood there, as well as the monk, Jauffre, in his plain brown robes. Their conversation trickled down within earshot.

"Please find Martin and bring him back safe."

"I will do my best," Levaden replied quietly, and after a wordless goodbye he walked back down the stairs and reached Aisha.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

"It's nothing," Aisha replied, waving her hand as she stood up. "It's not like I have anywhere to be."

"True," Levaden replied, chuckling.

Feeling her gaze, he pulled his hood back up with a nervous smile.

"Shall we?"

Aisha nodded, and together they stepped back out onto the street. It was a beautiful, rain-less night in Cyrodiil. The nightcrawlers were just beginning their song, and several fireflies hovered around them as they walked.

The pair travelled back down the way to Chorrol's gates and headed through, returning the guard's wordless nods and ignoring their stares as they passed. Eager to be away from so many eyes, Levaden ushered Aisha into The Oak and Crosier. It was one of the finer Inns in Chorrol, and Aisha was grateful that things hadn't picked up yet inside the usually crowded hall.

A few patrons milled about, but it was otherwise empty save for Talasma. A female Khajiit stood behind the bar, idly wiping a mug. It was the first time Aisha had seen a Khajiit in person, and she was amazed. When Talasma spotted them, she stared at Aisha just as much.

"Welcome to the Oak and Crosier. This one is Talasma, your hostess. Our rooms and food are at your disposal..." Her voice rang with curiosity.

"I need two rooms for the night."

"I only have one room for the night, but it has two single beds."

Levaden gazed down at Aisha, and the girl nodded.

"That works."

Aisha stood off to the side while Levaden worked out the details. He produced a small pouch of gold and counted out the appropriate amount on the well-maintained bar table. Aisha knew this was the more up-scale Inn, and was appreciative that Levaden had brought her here, knowing there was a less reputable Inn down the street. So far, this man had done nothing but probably save her life by rescuing her stupidly sleeping ass from the middle of the woods, and then treated her to the fancier Inn.

"Aisha?"

Levaden's voice broke her thoughts once again. She looked up and noticed he was standing near the staircase leading up to the rooms.

"Coming," she replied quickly, and she quickly caught up to him as they ascended the stairs.

Once they were both in their room, Levaden began to unload his stuff. He let his pack slip off his shoulders and fall to the floor with a dull thud. Aisha walked over to the little table in the center of the room and sat down on one of the wooden chairs. She crossed her hands together and was content to just sit there while the Altmer got himself situated.

Levaden pulled both of his gloves off and then made quick work of his cloak with long slender fingers. Beneath his cloak and situated at his waist was a long leather clad sword. He quickly undid the buckle of the leather strap and placed the sword down on the table. Levaden was much taller than Aisha, and his frame dwarfed her as she sat at the table. He then began to remove his armor, starting with his arm and chest pieces first. Removing those items revealed a thin tan tunic smudged with various sweat spots.

Not wishing to make him uncomfortable, Aisha averted her gaze and analyzed the grains of wood on the table while he removed the rest of the leather. Once he was finished, Levaden sat down at the table with a sigh. He was silent for a moment, and smoothed down the front of his dark grey breeches with a little cough.

"How are you feeling?" He ventured, and Aisha smiled at him.

"I'm feeling fine, thank you. Thank you everything, I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't found me."

"It's nothing..." Levaden started, and then returned the smile. "You're here, you're not hurt. That's all that matters."

Aisha nodded, and for a little while they were silent.

"You know," Levaden began, his eyes inspecting her features. She had bright green eyes that shone even in the dim candlelight, and she was pretty to match. "I feel like I've known you from somewhere."

"Oh?" Aisha inquired, looking up at him, and Levaden nodded.

"Yeah, I just can't place it."

"Perhaps you'll figure it out."

Levaden rubbed his chin thoughtfully, inspecting her clothes. An idea came to him.

"I guess you'd prefer not to be oogled at any longer."

Aisha chuckled, looking down at her graphic tea. The playstation symbol was like a bright, ugly beacon on her chest. It was pretty embarrassing. "It would be very nice."

"I'll go down and see what I can't find at this time of the night, and I'll grab some dinner on my way back. You must be hungry."

"I am a wee bit hungry," Aisha admitted, smiling, and she nodded. "I appreciate it."

Levaden waved off her thanks, and he pulled himself up from the chair and tucked it back into place.

"I'll be back."

"Okay."

Aisha sighed and relaxed back in her chair. The room was simply furnished, but nice and clean. Two beds dominated the room, with a small dresser separating the two. A rather luxurious burgundy rug lay sprawled out on the floor, and a moderately sized bookshelf caught her attention from across the room.

There were a few books, and so to pass the time, Aisha plucked one from the crowd and perused through it. She absently twirled a strand of hair around her finger and flipped through the pages, but slowly felt her mind go numb. She stopped, and then quickly pinched her arm. It hurt.

How is this not an elaborate and beautiful dream? Her thoughts screamed at her, and Aisha looked around the room once more. If I'm not the Heroine to be then just what the hell am I even doing here?

The door opening startled Aisha, and she jumped in her chair. Levaden hadn't noticed; he had a brown parcel in his hands.

"Here," he called out, and Aisha took the package from him.

"I hope they're to your liking."

"Thank you... I'll find some way to repay-"

"Oh please," Levaden shot her down. "I got a good deal. No need to pay me back."

Embarrassed and humbled, Aisha nodded and bowed her head, holding the package to her chest for a moment. Levaden removed his cloak and slung it over the back of his chair. He looked tired.

Aisha placed the package down on the table and pulled the twine, revealing the clothes folded neatly inside.

"I ordered dinner, it should arrive soon."

Aisha nodded, and picked up the first item. It was a thick, yet soft dark blue tunic. It was simple. The only details were the small embroidered stitching around the neckline and two leather strings crisscrossed across the small slit at the chest. But Aisha loved it nonetheless.

"I made an assumption that you don't wear dresses. It's better for travelling anyways. I hope it's alright."

"It's lovely," Aisha responded, her throat constricting tightly. "Thank you," she whispered.

"Is something wrong?" Levaden inquired, hearing a change in her tone.

"N-no... not really..."

"What is it?" Levaden persisted softly, and he sat down at the table beside her.

Aisha stared down at the tunic in her hands and said nothing for a moment.

"I just feel... a little... overwhelmed. I don't know where...where I came from, how I ended up here, and you've been so helpful."

"You've been through a lot," Levaden replied soothingly, and he placed a hand on her shoulder. The material of her shirt was incredibly soft.

"Once you've had a hot meal and a good night's sleep maybe you'll feel better."

"Yeah," Aisha nodded, smiling a little. "Did I tell you how grateful I am you found me?"

"You might have mentioned it," Levaden replied with a laugh, and they both smiled at each other.

Aisha picked up the other items; a pair of dark brown pants and soft leather boots. A knock at the door interrupted the silence. Levaden answered the door and was greeted with two steaming bowls of stew and a big plate of bread.

"Enjoy," the servant girl mumbled, and then she left.

"It smells delicious," Aisha commented, blowing softly on a spoonful of potatoes and carrots. Levaden was already tucking into his second spoonful, and he nodded enthusiastically. Together they ate the stew in comfortable silence.

"I'm stuffed."

Aisha stifled a yawn, feeling her eyelids feeling heavy.

"Me... too," Levaden yawns, feeling the same as she did. "I'm also ready to sleep."

"Did you travel all day?"

Aisha leans back in her chair with a small sigh. She watched Levaden as he absently scratched his chin, his eyes half shut. She had to admit to herself he was rather attractive, and she was a little nervous being alone in a bedroom with him.

"Yeah, since the crack of dawn."

"Then you must be exhausted."

"Pretty tired, not too bad. But I think I will retire."

Levaden stood up and stretched.

"Oh of course, I will too."

"Goodnight," Levaden smiled, and their eyes met briefly.

"Sleep well."

The elf nodded and shuffled over to the nearest bed. He pulled the covered back and sank down on the mattress with a content sigh. He lay with his back to her and fell fast asleep.

For a while Aisha sat in her chair, idly thumbing the stitches on her tunic as she thought about all that had happened. One thing she knew for sure: she wasn't the Hero to be. That title was claimed by the Elf sleeping in the bed next to hers. She wasn't sure of much else.

So, instead of overthinking things until her eyes popped out, she resigned herself to the unoccupied bed. She found it easy to fall asleep despite unanswered questions swirling in her head.