Book 1 - Nightingale

by vvshadowmaiden

Riviere is a young scout with a troubled past and an uncertain future, as her position as a valued member of the Thieves' Guild is constantly on the line. Her boss, Mercer Frey, refuses to acknowledge her talents, and is constantly threatening more than her job. Riviere is now beginning to question Mercer's loyalty to the guild. So, just how justified are Riviere's suspicions?

1. Prologue

Prologue

Excerpt from the journal of Riviere Kalgaarde;

First Day of First Seed, 4E 201

My brother always told me that if I ever found myself in more trouble than I could handle at present, more trouble than could be solved by a bag of gold or some witty persuasion, I should run. Run like the world was after me, he said, and keep on running until I knew I was safe. He always made a big point of telling me that running wasn't always a sign of cowardice, but rather an act of self-preservation that was generally a good alternative to a fight, especially an unfair one. He also told me that if I ever needed it, there was a place far away from home where I was guaranteed safety and protection, and that there were people there who would take care of me like one of their own (with a little persuasion, of course.)

But my brother also repeatedly told me that I should never have to run for my life, nor have to find that place for myself, because he was going to stand by his little sister always, protect me from everything, and together we would take on the world.

Eventually though, the day finally came when I did have to run. Run like the world was after me. And to this day, I haven't stopped running. The world, in a way, is truly after me now, its fiery breath breathing down the back of my neck as my tired feet continually struggle to carry me to the safety of the shadows. So still I run, and dodge every attack hurled in my direction, because I can't hide forever. I don't intend to give up, not ever. But I do want to be able to make things as right as I can, not just for myself but for the rest of Tamriel.

There's one more thing that my brother said to me, something that will always be at the centre of my mind, not matter where I am or where I go…

The world doesn't change itself, for better or for worse. It bends to the thoughts and actions of the people who live on it. Therefore, my dear sister, you can change the world.

And that is exactly what I intend to do.