AN: Ok, this is my first Oblivion fic, and my first fic ever, so that's my excuse for its dodgey-ness. First chapter is kinda boring, but yeah. Hopefully it'll get better and more interesting. This is just the set up.

Chapter One: The Rider

The sun had set an hour ago and the moons were steadily climbing higher into the sky. From the darkness of the shadows came a quite clip-clopping. A black horse emerged, atop which a rider sat, their dark green hood pulled up over their head casting a shadow over their face so only their mouth could be seen n the light of the bright moonlight. The Dark Elf raised their head and looked at the castle ahead. Bravil. That was where they had to wait. The rubies which were their eyes glittered, taking it all in.

The high stone wall loomed dauntingly over the rider and the steed. Over to the right was the Bay Roan Stables and, across the bridge, the main gates to the city. Looking down the grassy slope gave way to a somewhat of a rocky, vertical drop that ended in the shallow, dark moat surrounding the castle. It wasn't exactly welcoming.

The rider urged the horse forward with their knees towards the stables. As they approached the horse slowed. When spurred on, it whinnied and stopped. The rider leaned forward and ran a delicate, light blue hand along its neck and whispered into its ear "I know, Arcane, I know. I don't like it here either, but this is where we were told." Their voice was soft and musical, and definatly female, giving away their gender which was hidden by their appearance. She placed a soft kiss on the horses' neck and then gave him another nudge. Admitting defeat, he trotted onward.

They reached the stable, closely watched by the guard standing at the mouth of the bridge. His presence made her nervous, but she kept it in check. After all, she hadn't done anything wrong…yet. Dismounting Arcane, she took his reigns and led him to the gate. A flushed man with orangey-brown hair (she suspected Imperial) approached her from behind the gate.

He nodded politely in greeting "Good evening, rider. I'm Antoine. If you're looking for a fresh horse, go inside and speak to Isabeau."

Arcane snorted and stomped his front right hoof. She smiled and rubbed his neck comfortingly to quiet him. "No, I'm fine with the one I have thank you. But I was wondering if it would be ok to leave him here for a while?"

"Of course my lady," he said, taken back by her voice. "You need not ask." He held out his hands for the reigns. "I'll take him for you if you wish?"

She pulled back a bit. "No, I'd rather do it myself, if that's alright with you. I want to make sure he's settled."

Without a word Antoine smiled, nodded, and then returned to the back of the stables where he had apparently come.

Pushing the gate open, she lead them inside and over to the wall. Quietly she talked to her horse, telling him they shouldn't need to wait too long as she took off his saddle and tack. His big amber eyes looked around at the other horses with distaste and he snorted on occasion. She laughed quietly. "What are you complaining about? All you need to do is stay in a field. You get the easy part." she walked over to a barrel and sat his gear on it. Turning back she waved to him. "Be good. I'll come check on you tomorrow if she hasn't arrived by then." Arcane whinnied, then dropped his head and grazed.

She smiled lovingly at him. His tall, strong build looked like spilled black ink in the fading light. In the sunlight you could clearly see the details of his taught muscles rippling under the shiny black velvet of his ebony coat. He truly was an incredible mount. She felt sad leaving him, but hopefully it was just for the night.

Now alone, she felt vulnerable. The guard watching her like a hawk didn't help. She walked towards him, her muscles tensed out of nerve. As she drew closer she saw his hand inch toward the hilt of his sword.

"Hail." his voice cut through the silence, husky and bold. His face was a healthy tan colour and round. Dark stubble grew on his chin. The beginnings of a beard.

She bowed her head and stopped. "Hail."

"Have you been traveling long?" he asked a seemingly innocent and polite question. But underneath there was suspicion.

~He wants to know where I've come from…I should probably try to look less sly.~ She pulled back her hood to reveal her face and his stature completely changed. From being stern and alert, bordering on confrontational, he became relaxed and grinning, his eyes traveling her face. She had hoped for as much. "No, not long, though I am tired. May I pass?"

He beamed at her. "Yes, of course you may, my lady." he stood aside. "Go right ahead, enjoy yourself."

She nodded and walked past. Men were easily enough won over. Her face was usually enough to make them warm up to her. She was stunningly beautiful. A trait which had proved invaluable her whole life. She smiled a bit as she approached the gate. The guard there was looking at her the same way his comrade had.

He nodded towards her. "Good evening." and pushed the heavy wooden gate open for her.

She sweetly smiled and thanked him, passing through.

Yes. They were definatly won over easily. Now inside, her red eyes began searching for the lodge she was supposed to find. It was called 'The Lonely Suitor'. ~Wicked sense of humour….must seem appropriate to her~ she thought to herself, grinning.

Walking down the rows of houses, she came across an elderly woman, dressed in rags. After exchanging gold for directions, she found her way to the lodge. She entered and looked around.

People wandered around, sitting, drinking, and generally having fun. The vibe of the lodge made her feel better about having to wait here. At least it was pleasant. A smiling Orc stood behind the counter. When she approached he introduced himself as Bogrum Gro-Galash and told her she was welcomed to a room or food and anything else she may need. She got a room for the night and a bottle of Ale, and then seated herself at a table next to the window so she could look outside. Catching her reflection in the mirror, she saw what made almost everyone act so friendly.

Her red eyes shone cheerfully, even though it was often a false cheer she presented, but fooled almost everyone, and were large and shapely, set with long eyelashes. Her complexion was a pale blue, her cheekbones high, giving her face an elegant look. Her light red lips were full and welcoming with the appearance of softness and warmth. Her nose was small and pointed, with a slight upturn. Beneath her left eye was a tiny dark-blue mole which she had gotten from her mother. She had long, soft red hair that when picked up by a breeze danced like the flames of a fire. Another family trait.

She undid her cloak and let it hang over the back of her chair. It was good to be rid of its weight. Now she sat in her laced leather pants and cream coloured top, under a red corset.

She rested her chin in her hand and looked lazily about the tavern. Letting out a sigh she mumbled quietly to herself "And now, I wait."

AN: Ok, there we go. Boring, eh? It get's better next chapter. It might not be MUCH better, but it's better than this.