p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"strongI do not own anything in the Elder Scroll universe, except for my OCs./strong/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"The Mage's Daughter/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"strongPrologue/strong/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"Galen A'leck stepped off the ship and ran a hand through his dark brown hair. emBy the Nine, I hate sailing,/emspan style="font-style: normal;" he thought. He shook his large frame and straightened his tunic. After nearly three days of stomach-churning storms and waves, he was glad to have his feet on something stationary again. The middle-aged Imperial gave himself a moment to get his bearings, then picked up his satchel and started toward the city of Anvil./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"As he made his way off the docks and through the crowded streets of the waterfront, he noted many shops and stalls that hadn't been there the last time he was in Cyrodiil. He stepped into a doorway to make room for a passing cart. He was about to move on when someone ran headlong into him./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Galen caught himself on a stack of crates and looked down. A young Imperial girl with bright red hair was lying in the dirt at his feet. Tears made muddy tracks in the dirt on her cheeks. Her already threadbare shirt was halfway torn down the middle and she was barefoot. She couldn't have been more than ten years old./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;""Are you alright, little one?" he asked, bending down to help her. He reached out to take the girl's arm, but she flinched, jerking away./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Galen paused. The girl was looking at him with terror in her eyes. Both thin hands were clenching her shirt closed./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Street children were nothing new to him. Galen had grown up seeing the thin, filthy children begging in the streets for scraps of food or gold. This girl was undoubtedly a street child. But Galen was convinced she had been exposed to something far worse./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;""It's alright," he said, keeping his voice low and gentle. "I'm not going to hurt you." He slowly extended his hand, palm up. The girl looked warily at his hand, but when he made no move to touch her, she risked reaching out to take his hand./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Galen helped her to her feet, subtly using a calming spell to relax her. "Are you alright?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"The girl shook her head, fresh tears spilling down her face. She looked behind her and terror flooded her face again. Galen followed her gaze./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"A young Breton man was shoving his way through the crowd. His cruel brown eyes met Galen's angry grey ones. Then he saw the girl next to Galen./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;""There you are, wench! You're coming with me!" He started reaching for the girl./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Galen stepped between them. "Leave the child be."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"The Breton sneered at him. "This doesn't concern you, old man." He made another grab at the girl./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Galen shoved the man back as a crowd started to gather. "When innocent children are involved, I make it my concern."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"The man tried to grab the girl again, but Galen grabbed him by the shirt. The Breton struggled, but Galen was strong. "She was trying to run away," the Breton protested./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Galen's anger got the better of him and he slammed the man against the nearby pile of crates. The girl whimpered. "If men like you didn't prey on innocents, she wouldn't have anything to run from!" He used a telekinesis spell to shove the man halfway across the street, through the crates. "I've reduced creatures stronger than you to ash with a single spell. Come after the girl again, and I will do the same to you."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"The Breton got to his feet and straightened his clothes. He pointed at Galen. "This isn't over, old man."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Galen put an arm protectively around the little girl. "If you value your life, it is."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"span style="font-style: normal;" The man was about to say something else, then noticed the size of the crowd that had gathered. He straightened his shirt again and gave Galen a look of pure fury before storming away. As the crowd started to disperse, Galen knelt down so he was eye level with the girl./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;""Are you alright?" he asked./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"The girl shook her head and sniffed as fresh tears trickled down her face again. She released her shirt with one hand and threw her arm around his neck. Galen held her as she started sobbing against his shoulder. A few of the remaining watchers gave him sympathetic glances as the girl cried./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"After a few moments, he pushed her back to arm's length. "What's your name, little one?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"The girl wiped her eyes. "Lia."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;""And how old are you, Lia?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;""Nine."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"He nodded as he opened his satchel. "My name is Galen A'leck. I'm going to take you some place safe." He took a shirt out of his bag and offered it to her. "Here. You can wear this."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Lia hesitated for a moment, then quickly accepted the shirt and put it on. It was far too big for her. The bottom of the shirt fell past her knees and the long sleeves brushed the ground. Galen chuckled as he helped her roll up the sleeves and use a belt to gather up the excess material at her waist./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"When he was finished, he stood up and picked up his satchel. He held out a hand to the young girl. "Shall we?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Lia took his hand and he led her through the crowded streets. Every time someone brushed against her, she clutched his hand tighter. By the time they walked through the city gates, she was holding his hand so tightly it hurt./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"He used another calming spell and guided her to the side of the street. He knelt down to talk to her. "It's alright, Lia," he said. "You're safe now. I'm going to take you to the castle. The Countess will surely have a place in her household for you."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Lia looked up at him with terror in her eyes again. "Oh, please, sir! Can't I stay with you?" She clutched his arm with both hands./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Galen's heart melted as she plead with him. He put his free hand on her shoulder. "Of course. I simply thought you would be more comfortable in the Countess' household."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Lia tightened her grip a little. "No, please. I want to stay with you."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;""Very well," Galen said. He gently pulled his arm free and took her by the shoulders. "I know things haven't been easy for you, but I want you to know that you can trust me. I'll take care of you, and I promise I will be kind to you. If you need or want anything, please, tell me."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Lia nodded. "Yes, sir."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"He straightened up and took her hand again. "Now, let's see about finding ourselves a new home."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"They walked toward Castle Anvil in silence for a few minutes, then Lia reached up and tugged on Galen's sleeve. "What should I call you?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Galen thought about that for a moment. "Whatever you're comfortable with, I guess. 'Galen' will be fine."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;""Yes, sir," Lia said. With that, she lapsed back into silence./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Galen led the way across the bridge and into Castle Anvil. He settled Lia on a bench in the Great Hall and handed her his satchel. She was reluctant to leave his side, but after he asked a guard to look after her and promised to come back as soon as possible, she agreed to wait. He glanced over his shoulder as he walked away and saw that she was clutching his bag tightly and looking around./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"He stepped into the throne room and was ushered to a seat on a bench to wait for his turn with the Countess. Twenty minutes later, she finished with a farmer from outside of town and gestured to Galen./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Galen respectfully approached the throne. Countess Millona Umbranox was a surprisingly young woman who had lost her husband the year before. Galen knew the pain she was going through and addressed her with the utmost courtesy./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"span style="font-style: normal;" "My lady," he began, "my name is Galen A'leck. I've just arrived from Sommerset Isle and wish to make my home here in Anvil. I was wondering if perhaps you had a home available to buy here in the city."/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"The Countess thought for a moment. "I'm afraid there isn't much available right now. Of course, there's always Benirus Manor..."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;""My lady?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"The Countess scoffed. "Benirus Manor is large house on the main road, across from the Chapel. You probably passed it on your way here. It's a large family home, and Benirus is eager to sell it, but it's in terrible shape. I don't know what he's asking for it, but the new owner would spend at least the same amount again trying to repair it. And there have been...rumors...about the house."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;""Rumors, my lady?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;""The manor is said to be haunted. There have been stories going around about hearing strange noises, seeing ghostly lights, that sort of thing."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Galen shook his head. "I don't think that will work. I have a young girl with me and I rather doubt a haunted house would do for us."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Countess Umbranox smiled slightly and tapped her chin for a few minutes as she thought, mentally cataloging the houses in the city. The silence continued until Galen began to fear that there was no other option. But he continued to wait patiently./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Finally, the Countess broke the silence. "Now that I think about it, I believe there may be one other home available. Darahil!" The Countess' steward stepped forward. "Is that house near the dock gate still available? The one next to the wall?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Darahil walked over to a desk in a nearby alcove and rummaged through the papers lying there. After a moment, she returned with a paper in hand, which she handed to the Countess. Lady Umbranox looked it over, then handed it to Galen. "I think this is the only other house available right now."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Galen studied the description of the house in question. It was a little small for what he had in mind, but otherwise seemed to have everything he and Lia would need. He handed the paper back. "This looks perfect for us. And what price would you ask for it, my lady?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"The Countess accepted the paper and looked it over again. "The house hasn't been occupied in a while, so I imagine it is in need of some small repairs and thorough cleaning. That said, I would ask...6,000 septims."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Galen nodded. "A fair price."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Countess Umbranox smiled briefly. "Good. My steward will take your money and draw up the necessary papers. And welcome to my city, Master A'leck."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Galen thanked the Countess, but didn't step away just yet. "There is another matter I'd like to discuss with you, my lady, if I may."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;""Yes? What is it?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;""There's a man in the waterfront area. I only met him briefly, but I have evidence that he preys on young girls." He gave her a brief description of the Breton./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Lady Umbranox frowned. "Yes. We've been after him for some time now. He keeps slipping away. Don't worry. He won't get away this time." She called over the Captain of the City Watch. "Tell us about your meeting."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Galen described his introduction to Lia and the following altercation with the Breton. The Watch Captain listened closely and promised to track the man down. Galen thanked them both and followed Darahil to her desk. He counted out the agreed-on sum as she made a copy of the deed and wrote a bill of sale. He signed all the papers, handed Darahil the money, and accepted the rolled-up papers and key. He thanked her and left the throne room, eager to take Lia to see her new home./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"span style="font-style: normal;" Their new home stood at the end of a row of houses, next to the city wall, just as the Countess had described. Galen surveyed it with a critical eye. A few of the windows had missing shutters, and the door hung slightly askew on its hinges. The grass in front was overgrown and the garden was full of weeds, but otherwise, the outside seemed to be in good condition./span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"He looked down at Lia. "Shall we take a look inside?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Lia glanced up at him. She seemed a little surprised that he offered her a choice. "Whatever you wish, sir."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Galen smiled. "You can call me 'Galen,' you know."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;""I know," Lia said, just above a whisper./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, then approached the house. The door stuck a bit because of the broken hinges, but after some pushing, it opened with a noisy screech. Lia gasped as something scurried through the grass nearby./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Galen squeezed her shoulder, then lead the way inside. They found themselves in a large living area. A doorway off to the right led down a couple of steps into a kitchen and dining area. A flight of stairs at the back of the room led to the second floor. From where he was standing, Galen could see a second, smaller living area and doors to the two bedrooms./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Just as the Countess said, the place needed a good cleaning. A thick layer of dust covered the few pieces of broken furniture. Galen and Lia walked around the entire house, taking note of what they would need. Galen wrote everything down on a piece of parchment, then took Lia shopping./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"It was several hours before they returned, each carrying an armload of packages. Besides the things for the house, Galen had also bought new clothes and things for Lia. A wagon driven by two of the shopkeeper's assistants followed them down the street, carrying the furniture and bulk goods they'd purchased./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"They spent the rest of the day cleaning and arranging their new home. By nightfall, they were completely settled in. Galen made dinner, and after washing the dishes, they sat in the upstairs living area, relaxing./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"span style="font-style: normal;" Galen looked up from the book he was reading. Lia was sitting nearby, playing with a new doll he'd bought for her. As he watched her, he noticed that she kept glancing at a copy of /spanemFundamentals of Alchemy/emspan style="font-style: normal;" that he'd left lying on the mantle. "Are you interested in reading that?"/span/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Lia jumped as though she'd been caught doing something wrong. Her face turned as red as her hair and she looked down at her doll. "Um..."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Galen smiled to put her at ease. "It's alright, Lia." He got up from his chair by the fireplace and picked up the book. "As a matter of fact, it's a good thing you're interested. See, I plan on opening an alchemy shop downstairs, and I'm going to need an assistant." He offered the book to her./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Lia took it carefully and held it like it was made of gold. "Thank you, sir," she whispered gratefully./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Galen gave up trying to get her to call him by his given name. "You're more than welcome. Now, it's been a long and eventful day for both of us. Why don't we get some rest?"/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Lia stood up and held both the book and her doll to her chest. "Yes, sir." She started to turn away, then hesitated. When Galen put a hand on her shoulder to see what was wrong, she turned back and flung her arms around his waist. He was surprised and pleased to hear her whisper, "Thank you for my new life, sir."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Galen hugged her tightly. "It's a new life for both of us, little one."/p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;" /p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"Their new life together proved to be a good one. Galen and Lia got along well right from the start, and Galen adopted the girl on her tenth birthday. He taught her the secrets of alchemy and magic, and Lia learned at a rate that made her new father proud. As she grew, Galen had the pleasure of watching her change from a shy, jumpy child into a beautiful and confident young woman./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal;"They started their alchemy shop, and although things were slow at first, A'leck's Alchemy Supplies grew steadily until Galen and Lia had as much business as they could manage. They spent their days working together in the shop and their evenings enjoying the bond that grew between them./p
p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"span style="font-style: normal;" Ten years passed. They were good years, full of happiness and love. Until the year that brought a danger great enough that the Empire itself was threatened./span/p