Vows of the Defiled
Chapter 1: a history, of sorts.
My name was Lyrandra. I was a normal Dunmer girl in a normal family in Cyrodiil. I was only twelve when it happened. We were travelling from Chorrol to Bruma when our cart was attacked, my brother and father fought the unseen enemy bravely and both fell. I hid in a box and I could only listen in horror as they violated and killed my mother. They took our gold and ran off laughing and joking… it was on that day I vowed revenge. Those ten minutes of activity shaped my life into who I am now. I wandered onwards until I found a small village called Bleaker's Way. A fellow Dunmer named Redas found me, tired and in dire need of food and drink. He took me in and fed me, clothed me and nursed me back to health. He asked what happened, so I told him, told him of my vow. He directed me to the fighter's guild, for training and a means of support. He told me to return to Chorrol and seek out Vilena Donton. I thanked him and he handed me an iron shortsword.
"Just in case…" he smiled at me and gave me a hug. "Promise me you'll come back to me?… please?" I looked at him, "I swear."
I lifted the sword; I think even then, I knew my life would be awash with blood. Even at the tender age of twelve, I could feel the burning desire for death and pain.
So began the arduous journey to Chorrol, my home town. I walked through the ancient gates, breathing in the familiar scent of home. I was a child, no-one was going to hire me honestly. No matter how much I needed revenge. I spent three years begging. Getting one gold here, two gold there, I kept my sword in my pack and time passed until it went rusty, and my clothes became tattered and torn.
At fifteen I legally became an adult and my delight was going to the Grey Mare and bought a fine ale…then I went to the great oak at the top of town, and straight into the Fighters Guild. I asked to see Mrs Donton, the porter clattered up the stairs and hastily conversed with someone unknown. He clattered back down and waved me upstairs, and I doubt she would have taken me seriously without the fierce fire burning in my eyes. As it was I looked her in the eye and said;
"Hire me."
"Name?" she asked shortly
"Lyrandra Mainya." I answered.
"Record?"
"No."
"Welcome to the guild. Go to Azzan or Burz gro-Khash for contracts. Now get out of my sight."
I was in. My first vow was in motion. I had no idea how many I would struggle to keep.