Author's Note: I haven't written anything in a few years, so I wanted to start off easy with a less-than-500-word short story (with more possibly coming). I was inspired to write this after listening to the Overworld theme from The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. I hope you all enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the setting or characters of The Elder Scrolls franchise or Skyrim. All rights belong to Bethesda.

Perspective of an NPC: Chapter One

"Thank you for your business!" I say as the last customer for the day leaves the shop. It's finally closing time, and I couldn't feel more relieved. Running a shop turned out to be more work than I had anticipated, but I don't regret my decision to open it. I walk to the front door, savoring the momentary peace and quiet. Opening the door, I happen to see Lars, a young boy who's befriended my two daughters, walking by.

"Good evening, Ma'am," he says politely when he sees me.

"Good evening, Lars," I respond. "Have you seen Lucia and Runa?"

"I think they were playing near the park, around that big tree."

I reach into my pocket and hand him a gold coin. "Would you be a dear and tell them that it's time to come home?" I ask him. He nods, a smile on his face, and runs off.

I close the door, and sit heavily in one of the chairs by the fireplace. It has been a long day, but I still have to cook dinner. I wonder if my husband will be home tonight, I think to myself. He's been gone for longer than usual, and that's saying something. I've grown used to his coming and going, but I still worry about him.

I get up and start adding ingredients to a large cooking pot over the fire. A hearty meat and vegetable stew sounds good, I think to myself. I begin stirring the ingredients, my thoughts still drifting to what my husband must be up to. My hands begin to tremble as my mind seems bent on coming up with the worst-case scenarios. What if he's been captured, or worse, is dead? Will I ever see him again?

On the table sits an apple pie I made yesterday. I was hoping he would be home soon, but it looks like me and the girls may have to eat it ourselves. It's too bad; apple pie is his favorite.

The door creaks open slowly. I look up, expecting my beloved daughters. Instead, he walks in, a tired look in his eye. I smile, and walk to him. Why was I worried in the first place? After all, he is the Dragonborn.

"Hello, my love! Back from some adventure I bet!"

-Fin