I have never been one to believe in gods or worship of any kind. My mind had always taken solace from cold, hard facts. My mom tried to get our family to attend Mass once, but it didn't go over well. I felt as though everything practiced was empty. There was never a loud booming voice telling us what to do or where to go. Just a man who looked a lot like my uncle telling us how there was a higher power who loved us and wanted us to succeed. I had never felt that way. I had my parents; they loved me and wanted me to succeed. I never felt the need for a higher power.

I have also always considered my life to be unbelievably average. I was born into a normal family; a mom, a dad and two kids. I grew up with little difficulty. I was never particularly sick and didn't struggle in school. On the other side I wasn't particularly great at sports or academics. I found myself living the life of an average person and I was happy to do so. I had a good job, a loving boyfriend, a close best friend and a nice array of hobbies. What else was I missing?

Running. There was something I could get in to. I loved the feeling of the pavement beneath my feet as I put all the world behind me. Every morning I would get up with the sun, lace up my running shoes and forget everything else for about an hour. It was after one of these routine runs that my best friend called me, putting into action the events that would forever change our lives.

"Happy Birthday!" Her voice rang over the cellular waves.

"Hey Nicole." I smiled. Nicole and I had known each other since elementary school and had grown up down the street from one another; there was nothing we didn't share.

"Hey yourself." I could hear her chewing over the phone. "We still on for our plans tonight?"

"I don't know…" I sighed and turned my key in the lock to my front door. Hearing the tumblers fall into place I turned the knob and pushed the door open. "I am just not a club goer, you know?"

"Ellie…" She whined. "We have been planning this for forever!"

"I know, I know." I dropped my keys into the small dish on the table by the front door. "How did you find out about this place again?"

"From…" She paused, which was a bad sign. "Tiffany."

"Nicole…" I covered my face with my hand. "That's never good."

"Yes, yes." She sighed. "I know the last place she suggested ended up being shitty, but I promise this place is supposed to be good."

"Okay." I gave in. "But only because I love you."

"Love you too birthday girl!" She sang. "l have to go though, I just wanted to confirm plans with you."

"Alright. I'll see you later."

"See ya!" She chimed.

"Hey Devin, I'm back." I called over the sound of the shower.

"Hey Babe!" He called back.

I turned the knob of the bathroom. Unlocked. He always left it unlocked. I slipped in so as not to allow any of the heat to escape. I quickly peeled off my sweaty running clothes.

"Mind if I join you?" I pulled the curtain back and peeked in.

"Never." He smiled a knowing smile, his beard full of suds.

"Nicole." I stopped when I saw the outside of the unmarked building. The sound of club music could be heard a block away. "This is super shady."

"Nawww…" She scoffed and grabbed my hand. "Come on!"

She drug me along the sidewalk, I was always amazed at how fast her short legs could carry her in heels. She had picked me up wearing a small red dress and black stilettos that made her normal height, oppose to her normal 4'10". She laughed when she saw what I had chosen to wear.

"No sweetie. Just, no." She pulled me into my closet and pulled out half of it searching for the perfect thing for me to wear. She settled on a small black dress I hadn't worn in years. "This one." She held it up, proud of her find. "It will look perfect against your red hair and pale skin."

"I don't…" I started.

"Yes." She cut me off. "You are wearing this."

I pulled the dress on. The straps were wide, which was good, I had always been rather gifted with certain 'assets'. They crossed in the back, meeting with the rest of the dress near my waist. "I feel naked." I said looking at it in the mirror.

"Here." She handed me my red heels. "You look great!"

"Whatever." I sighed. I knew I wasn't going to win, I had given up fighting her a long time ago.

We approached the large black door. She knocked. A small sliding door opened, revealing a pair of eyes, no doubt attached to a body guard.

"What is the color of night?" He asked with a voice that sounded like he was losing his ability to speak.

"Sanguine, my brother." Nicole answered.

I looked at her dumbfounded. "What does that even mean?" I asked.

"I don't know, it's just what Tiffany told me to say." She laughed. "Kind of fun, isn't it?"

I continued to look at her like she was crazed as the door swung open and she pulled me in. Inside the lights were red, while the walls and everything else were black. The music was deafening and was growing louder and we made our way down the metal stairs that led to the club itself.

"This place is packed!" I yelled in her ear.

"Yea, that's a good sign." She smiled at me and motioned for me to follow her. She pushed her way through the sea of clubbers as they bobbed and swayed to the music. I stayed as close to her as I could. Again, her short legs carried her far faster than my long ones carried me.

"What can I get for you ladies?" The bartender asked with a suave smile. He was cute, blonde hair to his shoulders and big blue eyes. I had always been a sucker for guys with longer hair.

"Margarita, on the rocks, with salt on the rim, please." Nicole flashed him a smile.

"Rum and coke." I yelled. Nicole made a face at me.

"That's an old man drink."

"Fine." I leaned in closer to see his name tag. "What do you suggest, Ralof?" I asked him.

"Personally, I like our signature Cliff Racer." He flashed me his smile again.

"I'll take one of those then, since my drink of choice is unacceptable." I glared at Nicole, who only grinned at me.

We stood at the bar, sipping our drinks and taking in our surroundings. It was a large club that consisted mainly of one large open room. Everything was black, except for the bar that was more like a lit up glass case from a department store. Inside were bottles from every liquor I had ever heard of and some I hadn't.

"Ooohh…" Nicole leaned over to me. "Look at those two over there." She pointed towards two very tall, body builder types leaning against the wall opposite us.

"What is with you and tall guys?" I laughed.

"I don't know." She glared at me, catching my reference to her height. "Let's go see if they want to dance."

"Oh, no… I uh…" I stammered.

"Come on!" She pulled on my arm. "This is your birthday!"

I downed the rest of my drink, feeling the alcohol burn my throat and warm my chest. "If we must." I sighed.

"We must." Again, I followed closely as she parted the surging mass of dancers.

"Hello." One of the men said as we approached. "I saw you two from across the dance floor." He grinned, looking at his friend who only looked away, disinterested.

"Oh, reeeeaaallly." Nicole turned around slowly and gave me her 'I told you so' face.

I smiled and nodded, acknowledging her victory.

"I am Farkas, and this is my brother Vilkas." He motioned to the man standing next to him. Once he said they were brothers, I could see it. I wouldn't have been surprised to be told they were twins.

"I am Nicole and this is Ellie." She motioned to me.

"Would you care to dance?" Farkas asked.

Nicole pointed to me. "This is our birthday girl here, you should dance with her." She winked slyly at me.

My eyes went wide. "I, uh…" I drew my mouth into a flat line.

"Oh, I would be happy to dance with a birthday girl." Farkas smiled and stepped forward and extended his hand. No longer leaning on the wall, I could see how big he really was. He was huge, easily seven feet tall. I felt tiny next to him, and in my heels I was almost six feet myself.

"Th… thanks." I managed a small smile. He took my hand.

"Vilkas." He turned to look at his brother. "You should dance with this lovely lady." He motioned to Nicole who smiled broadly at him.

Vilkas looked at Nicole. For a moment his disinterest faded as he took in her small frame and dark hair, but it quickly returned as he faced his brother. "I don't dance."

"It's okay." Nicole leaned against the wall next to the man. "I can just hang out with him here."

Vilkas looked at her, he didn't seem unhappy with that idea.

Farkas led me to the dance floor just as an upbeat electronic song started. It was obvious from the beginning that he danced regularly. I on the other hand felt awkward and ungraceful. "Just relax." He yelled over the music. "Here, like this." He took my hands in his and raised them up, above my head. "Just feel the beat and have fun." His smile was kind and relaxed me. He released my hands and continued to dance next to me.

I quickly loosened up and found a rhythm that suited me, it felt a lot like running. The pounding that filled my being and the physical exertion were familiar. Before I knew it I had lost track of how many songs I had been dancing for. I looked up and glanced around, trying to find Nicole. She was still standing where we had left her, next to Vilkas. They had gotten drinks and seemed to be having a good time talking. I smiled. Nicole had gone through a rough break up with an even rougher man recently and it was good to see her enjoy herself.

Farkas and I danced. We danced so long that I was beginning to feel faint. I stopped moving and placed my hand over my face; the pressure was becoming uncomfortable. I needed to get some water, that drink I had earlier must have had more alcohol than I had thought.

"Are you okay?" Farkas asked me, holding his hands up on either side of me in case I fell.

"Yea." I shook my head. "I think I just need some water."

"Here." He took my hand. "This way." He led me to a small side room I hadn't noticed before. It was mostly abandoned, as several of the red velvet chairs were unoccupied. He led me to one and gestured for me to sit. "I'll get you a bottle of water."

"Thank you." I gave him a smile. As I waited for Farkas to return my head began to hurt. I couldn't stop sweating and I was beginning to feel sick. I dropped my head into my hands.

"Here." I lifted my head, seeing Farkas hold out a bottle of water for me. I took it and felt the seal break as I twisted the cap. The cold water felt wonderful as it hit the back of my dry throat, and for a second I felt better. Farkas had squatted in front of me, which had been a bad choice.

"Iamsorry." I managed to rush out before throwing up all over him.

He stood up, holding his arms out.

"I am so sorry." I murmured, holding my head in my hands. "My head is killing me."

"Maybe we should take you outside." He sighed. "Let me get your friend and Vilkas." Again he disappeared.

I just wanted to curl up in a dark corner. The pounding that had filled my body earlier was now secluded in my head and I felt like my skull was going to crack open.

I have waited a long time for you.

I jerked my head up. I know I heard someone talking, but I was pretty sure I was alone in this room. Confirming I was alone my creepiness gauge jumped up a few levels. I forced myself to stand and make my way to the door. I leaned on the doorway for a moment getting my bearings. Before it had seemed so dark in the club, but now my eyes hurt with intensity of the light. I wanted to get outside.

You have been running for so long, child.

There was that voice again. I looked around, but there wasn't anyone even looking at me, let alone talking to me. I began to panic. How I felt wasn't normal and I wanted to get out of this place, away from the lights and music. Removing my heels, I pushed my way through the crowd, making my way across the cement floor barefoot. I got to the stairs we had come down when we arrived and paused to catch my breath.

You don't even know why you're running, do you?

That voice again. I had to get out of here. I ran up the stairs and burst out of the front door, falling on to the sidewalk. My knees and hands stung from hitting the cement and my face was now throbbing from where it had hit as well.

"Oh, did the pretty flower take a tumble?" I heard a high pitched voice ask, followed by a laugh. "Here." A gloved hand appeared in my view, offering to help me up. Knowing I was unsteady on my feet, I took it.

"Thank you." I pushed my hair out of my face. The man in front of me was smiling a large, almost crazy grin. He was handsome, very handsome, but there was something in his eyes that made me feel uneasy.

"Cicero lives to serve." He bowed with a flourish, allowing his shoulder length red hair to fall into his face. When he stood his intense, amber eyes were still laughing.

I held my shoes to my chest. This man was odd and something inside me said dangerous too.

"Ellie!" Nicole called from the front door of the club. "We were worried when we couldn't find you."

"Oh, I am sorry." I looked back over my shoulder at her. "I couldn't wait, I needed air."

"It's no problem." Farkas stepped from the club behind Nicole, but his smile fell when he saw the man. I turned back to face the redhead.

"Thanks again." I offered.

His smile hadn't faded, but it had been replaced by a dark, sinister grin. "Like I said." His eyes didn't leave Farkas. "Cicero lives to serve."

"Come on." Nicole took my arm in hers. "Let's get you home." She eyed the man uneasily.

"Y… yes." I couldn't tear my eyes away from the man standing in front of me. As uncomfortable as he made me there was something that was drawing me to him.

"Do you have a way to get home?" Farkas called after us as Nicole began to pull me away.

"We walked." She smiled.

"Please, allow us to walk you home." Vilkas stepped out from behind Farkas.

"Sure." Nicole said, glancing at the man who's eyes were still locked with mine. "That would be nice." She tore me away from the trance I had found myself in. "Ellie. We are leaving. Now."

I shook my head. "Yes." I rubbed my eyes. "Alright." I smiled at her.

The two large men joined us on our walk. I noticed that Vilkas wasn't as big as Farkas, but was still larger than any man I had ever seen before. I also noticed how into their conversation Nicole and Vilkas were the whole walk. I had slowed down until Farkas and I were a good ten feet behind the other two.

"They seem to be hitting it off." He smiled. "Vilkas doesn't have much luck with ladies."

"Yea?" I smiled. "Nicole doesn't have good luck with men."

Farkas and I walked in an awkward silence the rest of the way.

"This is mine." I stopped in front of my apartment building. "Nicole's isn't far."

"I'll probably head back to the club." Farkas confessed. "I feel like I wouldn't be too welcome in their conversation."

"Night!" I yelled at Nicole. She turned and waved. I waved my phone at her, signaling for her to call me when she got home, for both safety and to talk. She nodded, getting my message.

"Thank you. And again, I am sorry I got sick on you." I grimaced.

"It's alright." He looked down at his brown shirt. "I have never really liked this shirt anyway."

"Night." I headed up the steps to the front door.

"Night." He smiled and watched me until I got inside.

Nicole called me fifteen minutes later. She talked for an hour about how much fun she had, how bad she felt that I got sick and how we should go back next weekend. I got in maybe ten words. Devin called thirty minutes after I got off with her.

"I didn't really expect you to be back before two." He laughed. "Did you hate it that much?"

"It wasn't bad." I bit my lip.

"That sounds like there is a story." He prodded.

"I did dance with a guy." I confessed.

"Good." He joked. Devin had always been easy going about how I acted around other guys, he trusted me and I in turn trusted him. "Cause god knows you won't get me to."

Now it was my turn to laugh. "I remember when you danced for me for New Years."

"I am never going to live that down." He sighed. "So should I be jealous of this guy?"

"I threw up on him."

"Oh, I guess you're stuck with me then, Babe." He laughed.

"I guess so."

I laced up my running shoes and glanced at my empty bed. I should have invited Devin over to stay the night last night. I hadn't slept well; I couldn't get those amber eyes out of my head.

I locked my apartment behind me, made my way down the stairs and out the front door. Without fail, everything faded behind me as I ran even the intense eyes. I ran my normal circuit, but somehow found myself standing outside of the club. I didn't remember passing it on my other runs, but I knew I hadn't diverged from my normal path. I stood across the street staring at the plain building. Nothing about it seemed special, so why did I feel like I needed to cross the street and go inside?

I lifted my right foot, allowing it to levitate over the street while I thought about crossing. A car broke my resolve as it drove by. I turned and continued on my way back home.

My heart stopped when I got into view of my apartment building. Sitting on the steps that led to the front door was the man from the night before. Cicero.

I hope this story is enjoyable. It's much different from anything I've tried before. I just kind of had a spark of inspiration and decided to run with it! In case you didn't notice it's a melding of modern day here on earth with characters and groups as well as other stuff from Skyrim.