Dawn, 27th of Last Seed.
Sunlight filtered in through the windows of the dormitory building of the Arcane University, gently waking its inhabitants. One such inhabitant was young Murie Retene, a Breton studying the art of Restoration magic. She had worked hard in the past four years since she was named Apprentice and had finally advanced to the rank of Journeyman. The spells she would be learning now were much more difficult than any she had already mastered. Many of her higher level Healer classmates had shown great fatigue from practicing these spells but Murie herself was not wholly worried. She did not have any real friends here at the university, besides her faithful deer familiar Astien, so she could devote her time entirely to her studies. And today marked the first day of the new school year. Murie had to admit she was slightly excited to see all the new students arriving, even if she wouldn't be speaking to any of them. Indeed, this new year would be interesting.
…...
Meanwhile, in a hidden sanctuary near the border of Black Marsh, an Argonian assassin practiced his blade arts upon a straw dummy. His movements were swift and precise, leaving tears only in vital areas. His breathing was steady and his eyes (a rather unusual shade of hazel-olive green with flecks of gold) were calm and focused. Nothing could distract him...except...
"Pelena wants to see you." The Argonian stopped what he was doing, one of his daggers held mere centimeters from the dummy's neck (where there was already a hole from the exact place being stabbed a multitude of times). He relaxed his stance and turned his head slightly to acknowledge the messenger, a twig-like Wood Elf girl.
"In her quarters?" he asked.
"Yes, and you'd better not keep her waiting. She says it's extremely important." The Argonian nodded once and sheathed his daggers. He passed by the Bosmer silently and she shuddered. Even amongst murderers Shadowscales held an aura of death that could not be ignored.
The Argonian made his way to the deepest part of the underground Sanctuary, the cave system where the living quarters and common room lay. He turned into the room he was looking for, the private bedroom of the leader of the Sanctuary.
"What is it that you would ask of me, Sister?" he asked, his voice even and controlled. The middle-aged Imperial woman who sat at a small table before him stood and handed him a tightly bound scroll, secured with a black ribbon.
"The details of your assignment are written in here. Do not open it until you are far from this Sanctuary and you are certain that you are alone. We have been hired by a very influential party. Do not disappoint them or us, Hides-His-Eyes."
…...
A/N: Annnnd first chapter is a cliffhanger. Sorry, I am just too attached to my cliffhangers to let a chance slip by. Reviews help me improve!