I don't own Elder Scrolls Oblivion or most of the names used here here. I merely wanted to make it as close to the game as possible so I used them to help things flow. Elivia is mine, though. And so is Voril and Honoratus, but those two don't show up till later.
"Gaaaugh!" A large jolt ran down my spine, halting my forward movement and throwing me backwards. I tumbled across the rocky ground twice before coming to rest upon my back. My body ached terribly but I knew I had to get up. I couldn't stay in one place or I'd be done for. Still, how wonderful it would be to just lay here in the dirt collect my thoughts and ease my muscles. How nice it would be to not have to move.
A sudden charging roar sent me scrambling to my feet. I rolled away just in time to save myself from being smashed in the side by my crazed opponent's hammer. He swung it wildly and I did everything in my power to keep my feet from tangling together as I rushed backwards. Still he pressed in upon me, each blow seemed to be getting closer. I could feel the air swirling in the wake of the weapon. I could feel the heat radiating off of his body. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. I could feel…the rock against my back?
Not good! My mind screamed. I was trapped! The crazed man swung again, meaning to take off my head, but I ducked in the nick of time. His hammer smashed upon the hard stone. Exploding shards of rock dug into my face and arms like small razors. I screamed and darted away, hoping to gain some distance between him and I before he recovered. To my distress, he was not slowed by his miss-hit. He raced after me and I knew there was no hope of surviving this attack unless I found some high ground he could not get to.
Sheogorath was smiling upon me that day for I spotted a large rock jutting out from the earth. I raced towards it, my insane attacker on my heels, and at the last moment, I lunged forward and up. My expert fingers located hidden handholds instantly. I scaled the side of the rock and quickly got out of the man's reach. Breathing heavily, I sat perched upon the top of the rock for a moment. I was nearly dead there!
He screamed profanity up at me as he circled my sanctuary. "Get down here you cur! I'm going to rip your throat out if you don't come down!" and "If you come down, I promise I won't hurt you…much…" and "Oh, is the wittle baby gonna cry? Well, start crying!" Threats, taunts – anything that would get me to come down – were shouted.
Still, I held my position, gathering my bearings, before pulling out a throwing dagger. The insane hammer-wielder was so blind with rage he didn't notice me draw the small blade and send it rocketing towards his ugly bald head.
My name was Elivia Asdara and I was an assassin for the Dark Brotherhood. I had been raised by the Brotherhood and, while other girls were learning how to cook, I was learning how to disappear. My race was Bosmer, or Wood Elf, as many preferred to call us. I was small, agile, and dexterous – perfect for my deadly profession. My looks were quite simple and bland: blond hair, blue eyes, and a light complexion. To those who did not know me, I looked innocent and small, but first impressions are often someone's last.
After raiding the dead man's corpse, I continued down the well-beaten road and into a thin cave opening. I was exhausted, hungry, and filthy. I just wanted to relax.
"How do you do?" A voice inquired as I turned a corner.
"Hello, Galaria," I whispered as I passed. There was no reason for me to converse with her right now. She'd just have to live with a hello.
Once through the long tunnel, the cave widened into a large cavern. The entire place had been converted from a bear's den to a Dark Brotherhood hideout. Crates and barrels filled with supplies were stacked along the walls and around the stalagmites. Some had been converted into makeshift tables or chairs and were covered with bottles or books. A few wooden tables lay sparsely about the cavern but those were in use by higher-ranking members. Sleeping cots and mats were also strewn about. Some were in small groups – twos or threes – while others were solitary and tucked away into corners. Candles glowed throughout the cavern, illuminating those who moved about but not dismissing the shadows that seemed to crawl in from everywhere. The shadows were our allies. The shadows kept us safe.
"How goes it?" A tall, handsome, dark-haired Imperial, by the name of Villi Trechion, asked as I approached him.
"Pretty good, I suppose. I have the ring you wanted." I fished around in my bags and located the small circlet of metal I had been sent out to locate.
Villi's eyes sparkled with delight as I handed over the ring. "You found it? Good! Good! Here is your reward – plus a bonus."
I smiled and held my coin purse, enjoying the sudden weight addition. I loved doing tasks for Villi. His rewards were always worth the trouble.
"I have another job for you, when you feel up to it – but first go rest and bathe. You smell like an ogre." His nose wrinkled in disgust and the Imperial leaned back, away from me.
I strolled away from him, smiling.