Disclaimer:I do not own Oblivion or any of its places or characters or quest lines, Jade is my character and I do own the things she says and all that, yad ya this story contains and mentions some mods that I do not own.

I'm trying to make it seem real so when I mention a mod in here I'll explain 'Mage Modder's in this chapter. I will put the names of the mods that are mentioned at the end of each chapter that it is used in to give credit, to our hard working Modder's that we all love so much!

This is a Romance story and somewhat adventure; I used Oblivion wiki as a reference to the game even though I have the game I don't really want to follow NPC's around all day to know their schedule. So Thanxs Oblivion wiki!

I am going to try to stay true to the quest line involving the water front. It won't be the only quest line to be touched on though. This story was inspired by another story I read. Lex and the Thief by Ornamental Nonsense. It was great so go check it out!

Please Note that I use the Term 'Elf-Guard' and 'Lex's Guard' in this story and this is the only similarity that (some what) comes from Ornamental Nonsense because she came up with the idea of "Lex's Elf". So you can see where this whole idea started from. The Whole nick name thing really ends after chapter 1, I mostly used it to pay Homage (I think this is the word I'm looking for) to this amazing writer that inspired this story. So it's unlikely that you'll see it after chapter 1 or 2.

Ummmm other than that I hope you enjoy, I'll upload pic or links to what the character looks like 'Jade' she's half Red Guard and half wood elf. In game she's a Moon Shadow elf that I customized. I hope you enjoy reading this! Please review on anything you want to know or don't understand, or just leave a comment thanxs!

Chameleon 25% of Everything

Another slow day at the Waterfront I didn't mind though, slow days were great days to work on my sneaking skills. I was currently behind Armand's house trying to sneak up on him; I slowly inched closer and closer I was almost there.

"I know your there Lex's Guard." Armand said in his board tone, peering over his shoulder to look down at me.

I got up and sighed, I suck at this I thought to myself.

"Don't call me that! J-A-D-E, Jade that's my name." I complained, nicknames pissed me off.

"Hey blame the Watchmen, not me I didn't give it to you." Armand stated walking away, I followed.

"Um… Yeah you did; you started this mess with the whole Elf-Guard thing." I said running in front of him to keep him from moving. Armand chuckled and crossed his arms.

"What do you want kid?" Armand said trying to avoid talking about anything that led to Lex.

Elf-guard was a nick name Armand gave to me because I was half Redguard and half Elf, that later change when the waterfront watchmen started to notice the looks I got on my face when Captain Lex walks by. Everyone on the waterfront knew about my crush on Lex including Lex. Hence the new nickname Lex's Guard. Apparently since I watched him sooo much I've been dubbed as Lex's distant body guard. See the play on words, ha! The watchmen think they're so smart.

"I have some items from my last travel that I'm looking to sell."

Armand and I had an arrangement unconnected to his guild; he bought items off me for a fair price and I kept shut that he was in the Thieves Guild. To make it short and sweet I caught Armand stealing once in the Market district followed him and over heard one of his conversations.

I trade with Armand because the other shop keepers like to rip me off, because of my age. I'm currently 17 and living on the waterfront next to Armand's shack.

"Okay, come by later same place and time." He said, "Have fun watching that sore loser Lex." Armand said cackling and walked towards the city gates.

Which reminded me that I was late to see Lex start his shift, I ran quickly towards one of the many steps that lead to the docks, I ran a little too fast and bumped into Malvulis the first mate of the Marie Elena.

"I hope I made myself clear the first time. If you get near that ship, you'll end up dead. Now get out of my face." She said, after pushing me to the side a bit; away from her precious ship.

"Sorry." I mumbled walking towards the Bloated Float Inn, Lex's first stop of the day he was probably already inside.

"Please kind lady Jade I've got's nothing to eat." Puny Ancus said standing in front o f the inn.

I told him what I told him every time, to get a job or pick ingredients that he could sell or even eat I even offered to show him how to fish, but no he just want a hand out.

Even Adanrel tried to make a living for herself, working at the Imperial trading company warehouse from 9am to 6pm talking only a two hour break. She was very discouraged when I had first met her, but after getting to know her personally I found out that she was pretty good with a chameleon spell about a year ago I had asked her to train me.

Giving her 150 gold for each session slowly upping the price, she wasn't an official trainer so she taught me what she knew, and I payed her good enough. Our sessions have been over for months though since I had what I wanted, plus the mages guild would find out if we kept this up any longer.

I was now a Journeyman in illusion and damn proud. This meant I could put my plan in action.

I gave Ancus an apologetic look I would help him, but only if he would help himself. I walked into the inn and looked around for a seat. I spotted Lex in the corner with two other guards eating lunch as always. I walked over to Ormil and asked him to make my lunch to go; I decided to ask him if he knew anything about the owner of the Red Diamond Jewelry in the Market District.

"Not much, but he's a Nord and he drives a hard bargain, not very easy to negotiate with."

"Does he do custom made jewelry?" I asked paying for my wrapped up sandwich and apple.

"He might it will cost you, watch out for him though he's known to ask for favors." Ormil concluded handing me my bag of food and continued to help other customers.

I stole one last glace at Lex and got caught red handed looking, Lex stared back for a moment and then continued to eat. I walked out of the inn feeling a bit depressed, of course Lex would wouldn't like me back I was just walking dirt staining his name.

I wondered if he even remembers the night we met; the night he saved me.

I had finished my lunch on the wall of the dock and made my way to the market district, finally reaching the Arena district I decided to stay for a match and bet 20 gold on the blue team; it was a rank advancing match so it was bound to be good.

"Good people of the Imperial City welcome to the Arena!" the announcer said to the crowd.

"Everyone loves an advancement match. So let's watch as these two brave Myrmidons face off in a battle to the death! Combatants. To arms!"

The crowd went wild, my heart raced as the gates lowered and both combatants raced out to meet each other. The yellow teams Orc got the first hit bashing the shield of the blue teams Dark Elf to bits, the Dark Elf staggered back and did a quick twist and cut the Orc's leg leaving a deep gash. The orc should have been limping, but as an arena combatant he had the strength not to be completely effected by it.

The Yellow team's orc took a chance to drink a healing potion, but at the wrong time; the blue teams Dark Elf took that chance to drive her sword into the back of the orcs neck killing him instantly, she didn't stop there and cut through the left side of the Orcs neck semi-beheading him. Overkill…

"Good people, we have a winner! All hail the victor from the blue team. Victor from the blue team leave the Arena now and rest. You've earned it!" "If you bet on the Blue Team please see the gate keeper to collect your winnings."

I got up from my seat and left the arena this match ended quickly that dark elf must have been the new combatant from a few months ago, quick on her feet and had a deadly strike brought the blue team back to good standing since they had gone through a period of a losing streak.

I collected my 40 gold from Hundolin and continued on my way to the market district. I ran past Simplicia the slow begging in the street only because it had been said that her case of Hell joint had worsened. I overheard a conversation about Calindil throwing 10 gold at her to distract her from coming any closer. I finally reached the store, opening the door I walked inside. I was greeted by a tall Nord with shoulder length light brown hair.

"What can I do for you?"

"Well I was wondering if you made custom pieces and how much you would charge for it."

"Depends on what you need."

"I need a ring made like this." I said handing him the drawing I did of the ring.

He took a look at it and nodded his head.

"I can do this, questions though; are the four rings connected, or is it only supposed to look like it is? It's all going on one finger right?" He asked.

"Well I want to enchant each ring with a few different enchantments can I still do that if their all connected?"

"Yeah, that shouldn't be a problem so I can have this done in a week's time the only problem is it will be a bit expensive, how are you willing to pay for it." He asked looking up and down at my body.

"Watch out for him though he's known to ask for favors." Ormil concluded.

"Look I can tell your not every well off like myself, so I'm willing to offer you my services for a bit of yours."

He was referring to my clothes; my shirt was a black quilted doublet and my pants were brown laced leather. I didn't look that poor did I? Wait I live on the Water Front of course I do.

"If you tell me the price, we'll see." I said leading him on hoping he would lower the price a little.

"200 Gold, I'll lower it to 150 for your services." he said

"200 gold, I'll take it I can pay for that no problem."

"D-D-Did I say 200 I meant 300 silly me." My face dropped,

"You raised the price just to get me to sleep with you! You pig! I'll have the guards arrest for such an inappropriate act." I yelled probably getting the attention of a guard outside. Hamlof looked surprised and tired to hush me.

"Is there a problem in here miss?" A guard said stepping inside the store before I could respond Hamlof interrupted.

"200 gold is my final offer." he said hopping I wouldn't report him to the guard.

"No sir no problem here just some bartering issues is all, but I think a can settle at 200 gold and nothing more."

"If you say so miss." The guard said stepping out.

"I'll come in a week with the money and to pick up my ring, oh and please make it silver." I said walking out of the store. I was glad to be out of there. I decide to take the long way home and go through the other districts.

The Talos Plaza District was a site to behold, there were a few children running around, expecting mothers and fathers. The rich part of the city they could afford to have 5 children if they all wanted to.

I wanted a life like this so bad. If my plan worked out this could be my life again I thought, as I slowly went crashing to the floor.

"Sorry miss didn't see you there."

"No, no my fault for not paying attention." I said, picking myself up.

"Itius Hayn, Guard Captain. You don't want to know me. Stay on the right side of the law, and we can stay perfect strangers." He said after seeing my confused expression, I've never seen him around before.

"Oh, you won't get a girl friend if you say that to all the ladies." I commented making him blush slightly.

"You're not the trouble type are you?" he stated with a smile.

"No sir, you can call me Jade."

"Well Jade is there something I can do for you?"

"Well I was wondering, do you happen to know Captain Hieronymus Lex?"

"Yes I do, are you looking for him?"Itius was starting to look suspicious.

"No, umm I was just wondering if you knew when his birthday was."

"Oh it's actually coming up in 5 days. It's the only time he doesn't have work, he's under orders not to."

"Thank you." I said happily skipping away, "I wonder if I should get him something?" I pondered at the thought maybe it was a little too forward; I remembered the look he had given me at the Boated Float.

"Well you never know until you try." I said to myself, earning me some 'are you crazy looks' from passersby's.

I had finally arrived back to the water front and was ready to go home and take a nice long bath. I walked toward the Marie Elena and immediately saw Lex he was a bit early to be back out on patrol again; he must have had a small dinner.

"Citizen."He said in a formal greeting as I passed by.

"Captain Lex, I said turning around "Are you sure the Gray Fox exist?"

"Yes, do you have anything you would like to report? He said seeming hopeful.

"No sir." I lied walking into my house. I looked around, just the way I left it.

I went over to the bath placer in the corner of the room that had the screen positioned in front of it. And said the spell to start the bath. "Bath Time" The white tub with the yellow rubber duck appeared, bubbles covered the tub and the hot water steamed through them.

The bath was created by mage Modder's that worked to help use magic for more personal needs. The tub cost about 1,000 gold I spent all last year saving up for it. I was always saving up for something, but I had about 2,000 gold left all earned from 'fishing' (killing slaughter fish and selling their scales), collecting plants, and adventuring, something I only liked to do once a month. At most I've only been to ruins that only contained the undead, not much loot but enough to get a good price for.

I removed my clothes and climbed into the tub and relaxed. I looked around my small shack and wondered if I should start saving up to move and buy a place in another city. I didn't have many friends in the city except for Armand, Adanrel, Palonirya and Angelie Blakeley.

Palonirya was more of an investment she was nice though, but I wanted her to train me in mercantile so the other traders wouldn't rip me off anymore, I thought about Palonirya's words on our last encounter.

"Training? Well, my dear, good business sense is just something that comes naturally to me. You've got to have the know-how, or else I can't teach you anything at all. Do you have what it takes? Do you even know what it takes? Gold, that's what! Septims and lots of them! Show me that you've got the starting capital, at least ten thousand in liquid assets, show me that you can raise at least ten thousand gold for a business venture and I'll help you learn how to put it to good use."

"Bath over." I said after climbing out of the tub, I dried off and put on my light blue sweater and the blue steal greaves that I found on my travels and white fur boots that I had got in Bruma once. I headed out of my shack to go see Armand in his house so I could sell the rest of my loot. I wondered if I should take Palonirya's offer, it would make life easier for me. Since we are friends she offered to train me despite my lack of skill, but it was still a lot of money 10,000 gold it would take years.

"Okay, let's see what you've got Elf-Guard." I scowled at Armand and started to empty out my bag.

The week went by fast and today was Lex's Birthday I had spent 500 gold on him in a way- I had found out that Lex was having a little get together with other guard captains, it was all planned by Itius Hayn I had found out when I bumped into him a second time during this week, he and Lex were actually close friends. I gave Itius the 500 gold and asked him to use it for the drinks and food for their little get together at the King and Queen Tavern I also made him a red sweater for the upcoming winter so he could wear it under his armor. Itius tried to convince me to come too, but I decided against it, it would make things too uncomfortable. I left him with the gifts after making him swear not to tell Lex who the gifts were from.

They would all probably be heading home soon too, it was late at least 10 at night. I was heading back to the city from Weye after gathering some ingredients around the area.

I was also finally able to give Aelwin the scales he needed to retire and he gave me a water breathing ring in return. I now wore it on my right hand ring finger; it would probably come in handy one day.

I decided to walk home by the beach line of the water front, that way I could avoid Malvulis and her hateful looks on her part. I was almost home when I saw a figure near my shack, my heart stopped it was Lex. He looked good out of his uniform armor that he wore everyday; green shirt, brown pants and black boots. He looked up as I stepped closer.

"Citizen."

"Captain Lex."

He held something out in his hand. It was my gift. My chest started to hurt.

"I can't accept this." He said still holding it out towards me. I looked down at it.

"Neither can I, it's not mine." I lied, trying to keep myself together.

Lex came closer and pushed the fabric into my hands,

"Your young you can do much better for yourself, you still have time to make a better living for yourself you don't need to settle into marrying a Captain of the guard to live well." Lex said walking way leaving me shocked.

"You don't remember." I said loud enough for him to hear. Lex paused and turned around.

"Remember what citizen."

"The day you saved me 2 years ago. You were the only guard that cared to help and even though I knew it was your job, I couldn't keep myself from liking you. I don't want your money or anything like that, I just really like you."

I move towards Lex and pushed the sweater back into his hands, "Happy Birthday." I said walking back and into

my house.

*** Lex ***

I watch the Red Guard walk away back into her home; I had saved her two years ago?

I tried to think back to a time where I had helped a young girl, and the memory came racing through my brain, the image was a disturbing one. On the floor of the house was a female red guard laying dead in a pile of her own blood a few feet away bloody foot prints led up the stairs to the terrified screams of a girl and a male voice yelling; the reason why I had decided to enter the home in the first place, I quickly pulled open the door and shouted that there had been a murder, other guards started to rush towards the home I continued my way upstairs following the foot prints of blood.

The male wood elf of the house had been known to be abusive to his wife; who was now dead and his daughter, who was still screaming. That's was the main reason guards didn't respond to their calls for help, domestic abuse wasn't something they could interfere with, until the new laws were passed. I couldn't stand and do nothing any longer so I enter the house, but it was already too late for the mother. I opened the door and shouted,

"Stop you've violated the law! Pay the fine or serve your time." The wood elf ignored me and continued to shout at his child.

"You and your filthy mother planned this, you all did. My brother! My brother's ch-"

I didn't allow him to continue as he raised his dagger to stab the cowering girl, who had looked as though she had already had been beaten for a life time.

I drove my sword through his back and into his chest. Death came instantly for him. I sheath my sword and approached the crying girl.

"Are you okay miss?" She didn't respond or move because she had finally collapsed and went unconscious. I picked her up and headed towards the temple so they could heal her wounds and pray for her even.

I stood shocked at the memory, looking back at the Red Guard's house she was the same girl? The two years had been kind to her. Her hair was shorter her skin a little more tan, from staying out in the sun so much. Her hazel eyes though I should have seen it sooner, they were the same but they weren't fearful like they were on our first encounter.

I looked down at the handmade sweater and wondered how she knew my size.

*** Jade ***

It was now the end of the week and it was time to pick up my ring, I headed towards the market district and entered the store. Hamlof was waiting for me. I made my stay short; I gave him his gold and quickly walked out.

Now it was the hard part, getting the ring enchanted. I am not a part of the mages guild. I was how ever an associate. I had traveled to Chorrol once a few years back when…before everything basically went to shit. And on a whim I decided I wanted to join. I was given a task to find out why an excommunicated Mage, was hanging around town. To make it short and simple; I talked to her, got a book and gave it to the mages guild instead and got my recommendation. I didn't feel bad because of the burn body the book was next to, the book was dangerous and the mages guild could handle that. I had gotten every recommendation except one, Cheydinhal. I no longer had a horse after the murder or a home; I lost my home and family. Left out on the streets to die. Friends turned away not wanting to socialize with the newly poor me. No one reached out so I started out collecting plant for potions and selling them. I was busy trying to survive, so the mages guild was out of mind; until now. I had to get that last recommendation. After that I could finally enchant these rings and move onto bigger and better things.

"Itius!" I shouted when I saw him turning a corner, he stopped and waited for me to catch up. I shoved him hard; Itius waved his hands to motion off the guards from arresting me.

"What was that for?"

"I thought I told you not to tell him!"

"I didn't!"

"Well then why did he know I gave him the gift?"

"He may have guessed; it's not that hard to do the way you act towards him."

"I'm not that obvious!" I shouted crossing my arms and lowering my head.

"Liar. The first time we met the first question you asked was about Lex!"

"Uhhh! Forget it. I need your help." I said wanting to get off the subject.

"With what?" Itius questioned.

"What's the best and safest way to get to Cheydinhal?"

"Why do you need to go there?"

"I need to get my last recommendation for the mages guild."

"Well there's never really a safe way to get anywhere, now a days. Can you swim?" he asked.

"Yes, I can I'm actually a very strong swimmer." I said slightly boasting.

"Well then you can take a short cut, swim out from the waterfront, and swim past the arcane university after about a mile or so you will see Fort Magia, you can stop swimming at this point be careful for any bandits or monsters, and find a way onto the road. Then you're going to keep walking north till you reach Fort Urasek from there you take a right all the way to Cheydinhal." Itius concluded.

"Great that sounds easy enough! Thank you Itius; you're the best." I said giving him a small hug.

"I'll see you in a week or so!"

"It will only take half the day to get there; you should be back the next day."

"I have some other stops to make later." I turned to leave wanting to get ready for the trip as soon as possible.

"Wait! Jade can I ask you something personal?"

"Sure." I said wondering what he wanted to ask, not many people cared to do that.

"Why do you love Lex so much don't get me wrong, but he doesn't even give you the time of day. I never really pictured someone like you to be the one Lex's watch always talks about."

"I don't love Lex, I like him. I don't know him well enough to love him; I just like to look at him watch him work, he's really passionate about his job. And he has a great smile and walk. I guess I've just noticed him more since he saved me."

"Saved you?" Itius questioned.

"Ask Lex if you really want to know, I really have to go. Thanks again for your help!" I said jogging away. I needed to get home and pack for my trip, it didn't seem like it would take too long.

"I think that's everything I need." I took on final look around my house to make sure I wouldn't forget anything.

"Going out so soon jade I thought you only made trips once a month?" Armand asked.

I could tell he was worried times were getting a little bit rough for the people on the water front.

"I'm not going out to adventure, just getting the last recommendation for the mages guild."

"Well be safe, the wolves get nasty this time a year."

"Nothing a bow to the brain won't fix." I said, turning towards the sea walking towards it.

"What are you doing? Stop!" Armand said pulling me out of the water.

"I'm swimming to Cheydinhal?" "Trust me it's safer, slaughter fish are not that fast."

Armand let go of my arm, "Well be careful."

"See you when I get back."

Okay So that's it for now I think I'm going to post the 2nd and 3rd ch. Today too I guess I'm hopping for motivation from the readers out there so please review! Thank you for talking your time to read my little story, I really do hope you enjoyed. I also apologize for any spelling errors you may have found I tried my best to get them all. I'm trying to finish before Skyrim comes out! but I'm stuck on chapter 4... So it you have any ideas feel free to tell me what you would like to see!

End of Chapter 1

Where do we go from here? How do we carry on?

I can't get beyond the questions.

Clambering for the scraps in the shatter of us collapsed

It cuts me with every could have been.

Pain on pain on play, repeating.

With the backup makeshift life in waiting.

Everybody says time heal everything

But what of the wretched hollow, the endless in between?

Are we just going to wait it out?

-Imogen Heap – Wait it Out

Mods used

Bath mod by Antistar