Disclaimer : I do not own Bethesda's characters and mostly everything in this story, but the story's protagonist is purely my idea and mine alone.
My piece contains off-canon content, and I will always remind them to you, the reader, on the chapter's Author's Notes section if there were some changes that was made in the original Skyrim (I do not own it) storyline, or any lore that is contained within the Elder Scrolls series (I do not own it).
This story is Rated T due to its content of mild language, violence, and suggestive adult themes (and we're not going anywhere beyond that. Sorry M readers.)
Chapter 1 : To Skyrim
The cool breeze swayed to a passing ship, it's as if the wind itself was guiding the way to its destination. The ship slowly closed in to the port. The winds pushed softly on the sails; rocking it to and fro. The air was unnaturally cold for someone who hasn't been here before. The situation was not true inside the cabin walls though. The dank air inside the room made the temperature hot. The small storage room was filled with crates, barrels and a small net perched on the ends of the wall, worn as if it was used as a bed. Then, there was a table with a woman writing something on paper.
… As of today, I have set foot on Skyrim. I decided to go on ship, since travelling on mountainous regions was too tiring and required a lot of my energy to spend. It may be possible to find hidden mysteries in this country, which may help me in my pilgrimage to learn the Way of Magic…
She continued writing a few final words then put down the ink. She let out a sigh as she slumped on her chair. After a few moments, she heard a knocking on the door. She turned around to see who it was. The door slowly screeched as it opened. It was a redguard man. He signaled something to her as if he needed her on the deck. She then scrunched up the paper into the satchel.
"Ah, I see." her tone became low; "I'll be on my way." She put on her hood, hiding her face in the process.
She followed the redguard into the hall. No one was bringing up a conversation while walking to the upper floor, and all they heard was the thump they were making when stepping on the floor. Soon after, they finally reached the deck. The cool winds sank into her body. She closed her eyes and felt the wind and the air after a couple of days of hiding in the voyage. She opened her eyes again, staring blankly into space. He glanced at the cloaked lady. She was wearing a robe, a typical garment worn by someone who deals with magic. Some of her hair were sticking out the hood, making her strands of golden hair visible. He reckoned she'd be of Nordic descent. What's gotten him into thinking was why would she be hiding her identity in her own homeland? Although it was true that few Nords (or hardly there are ever) used arcane magic in battle, isn't it forbidden for some reason? His thoughts became more and more rattled that he just began to remove his questions on his head.
"Imperials may pose you as a wayward. It can be difficult for you to pass through them without getting noticed." The Redguard was waiting for a reply.
...
No response.
"…You know, this is a trade ship filled with Redguards." He continued.
She blinked a few times and regained her state.
"Don't worry, if it comes to that…" She paused, bending her face down. She felt worried all of a sudden, and still did not look at the glancing redguard.
"Look, after everything you've done to me so far, I really thank you for it. I wouldn't even be here without your help." She finally looked at him. "Don't worry, I've got a plan if it fails."
The redguard suddenly chuckled.
"It was all for a hefty amount of septims. This is a TRADE ship after all." He left as he carried a sack on his back.
The ship already ported. Lots of the crewmen started to unpack everything. There were lots of crates and sacks of who-knows-what being delivered to the the proprietor of those goods. One by one, men had been entering and exiting the ship with sacks and other parcels. There was a big sign that said:
East Empire Company
She had heard of it. Back when she was at Morrowind. It was one of the most prestigious trading guilds found in Tamriel. Sigh. And this is where she had to put through. There were lots of soldiers opening the crates, inspecting its contents. Maybe they were finding Moon Sugar or Skooma. This made the entire thing difficult. What else matters? She simply can't walk by. No, she had no choice.
The woman started to hide her hand and a purple whirl of energy flowed through it. After a few moments, while the people were bustling about, she suddenly vanished out of thin air. No one in the vicinity noticed.
A soldier was inspecting a crate. He shuffled through the contents. Ales, Rums, Wines, All imported from Stros M'kai. He took a bottle out, opened it, and then drank almost half of high-class liquor.
"Sir! This is premium rum from Hammerfell! You just can't drink it all up!" The redguard trader complained.
"Bah! This is on Skyrim land now!" He smashed the bottle into shattered pieces. He laughed so hard he almost humiliated the dark-skinned trader.
With all the commotion going on, the soldier was tapped by a person.
"Huh?" He looked back. He was staring at a young Nordic woman. Her skin was covered by a lot of the robe and garments, but it would be easy to tell that she had one of the palest skins he ever encountered. As if pervertedly, he stared at her from bottom-up. It was until she coughed and lead his attention back to her. She then began to speak up.
"Excuse me, but can you point the path to the nearest town? Solitude, I presume."
"Obviously a wayward." He mumbled. He then pointed up to the wall-covered structure and a big castle overlooking the sea.
"Now go, and leave me to my drink." He snatched up another one of those premium rums. The merchant was about to complain, but the soldier stared at him with an intimidating glare. To which, she just didn't mind and left them alone on their own business.
She turned her back. She breathed out a sigh of relief. It was a close call.
That was very exciting. She enjoyed playing the part of a lost, innocent looking girl. And boy, she had him fooled so much.
She then marched away from the port. She felt succeeded in an attempt with her escape. Of course, she had to know where the closest town would be. Now, there'll be no more trouble at the very least.
Following the stony path, she reached Solitude in no time at all. The walls stood up so high, she had to look up almost to the sky. There was a big gate that possibly served as the only way in and out of the city. She asked permission to let her in. With a couple of inspections, the door slowly opened, revealing a very huge crowd that had gathered upon her entry. It was obviously not for her – but for something else.
She entered the crowd, looking to what they were facing.