The Imperial City, capital of Cyrodiil and the economic center for the empire. The White Gold Tower dominates the city, a white beacon in an otherwise gray city. Today it was overcast, and the scent of rain was in the air, making the city even more depressing than I usually found it. Because of this, most people were in their homes or preparing for a slow day at the market in their stores. Most everyone except me of course. I hated being at home, and, rain or shine, I was determined to be outside.
To the normal person, being the daughter of a wealthy merchant would be heaven. Not to me. Arranged marriages, pointless parties, and constantly kissing the ass of any noble who chanced to get close to you was just not my thing. I was nineteen, rather pretty, and unwed. In my social circle I was practically an old maid.
"Good." I hissed under my breath. "I don't want to be married anyway." I had nearly married a year ago. My father had set me up with the royal treasurer, a toad of a Breton. After a lot of researching and an anonymous tip to the captain of the guard, he had been arrested for embezzling. A pity. Now my father was struggling to find me a match and I was trying to find a way out of this city. Sneaking out was my only option. My father refused to take me on any of his trips.
I was wandering around the market district when someone rammed into me, nearly knocking me to the ground. Annoyed, I caught my balance and turned to see who had interrupted my walk. It was an Imperial about my age. I couldn't make out any of his features because he was wearing a black robe with the hood pulled up. I did catch a flash of dark eye before he turned and hurried away without a word.
"Hey!" I ran after him. I may not like my social station, but I did expect to be respected for it. The man glanced over his shoulder and turned down an alley. When I caught up to where he had turned, he was gone. Confused, I walked to the end and looked around. It was a dead end. Unless he could climb the walls or walk through them, he hadn't come down here.
"Rivien you are being ridiculous. Chasing strange men into allies. He could have been a murderer." I turned to leave and was suddenly shoved hard against a wall.
"Hey there pretty lady. All alone, hmm?" I could smell alcohol on his breath. Struggling in his grip, I managed to turn all the way around and see his face. It was a Nord with dirty blonde hair, a scraggly beard, and bloodshot blue eyes. He was grinning at me and half of his teeth were black with rot. I had no idea where he'd come from. My only guess was that he followed me down the alley and I just hadn't heard him. Maybe he could walk through walls too.
"Let me go!" I yelled, twisting and trying to break his grip.
"None o' that pretty lady. We're goin' to have some fun before you leave." He crushed his mouth to mine. Trying not to gag, I bit down as hard as I could on his bottom lip. I tasted blood and he screamed. Furious, the Nord slammed a fist into my stomach. Doubled over with pain, I noticed the crude dagger that was on his belt. Muttering about ungrateful bitches, he started to fumble with his pants. Seizing my chance, I ripped the dagger free and plunged it into his chest.
He looked shocked for a moment, then the light left his eyes and he fell backwards into the filth of the alley. I stood there for a moment trying to process what had just happened. Mutely, I stepped over the body and started to run out of the alley. I crashed into someone before I made it to the street. I panicked.
"I found him like that I swear! I-" The man held a gloved finger to my lips. It was the robed man from earlier.
"You've blood on your hands love. Do you expect me to believe you?" He asked in a soft voice. I felt the blood drain from my face. This was it. I'd wanted out of the city, but not this way. I'd be hanged as a murderer. Looking at the hooded man I saw teeth flash as he smiled.
"You're worried I'm going to report you to the guard. Rest assured, I won't. However, that leaves you with two choices." He held up a finger. "Choice 1, you stay here. The guards will be passing soon and you've nowhere to hide. You'll be thrown in jail and likely hanged since you're a woman and hard labor is out of the question." He held up a second finger. "Or you can come with me and we can leave this city. Choose quickly, the guard will be here any moment."
"Why are you helping me?" I blurted out. He lifted a strand of my raven black hair.
"Because this city doesn't understand what a treasure it holds." He held out a hand. "Time's wasting." Confused by his cryptic remark, I took his hand without another word. We simply vanished.
AN: Hey everyone! I'm back after years and years of being on break. Some of you may recognize this story because it's a rewrite of one that I currently have published. The original is horrible in my opinion, and I am taking the time to go and rewrite both of the stories I have published and also work on the story that was supposed to tie those two together. I look forward to your reviews as always, and will see you soon with chapter 2.
xoxo, Eldest123323