A/N: hey everyone! sorry for being so late... but i decided that i would change it to more of a first person perspective.. i hope you like this chapter! read and review please!
Chapter 4: Somewhere I belong
Months had passed since Cicero finally released me from the torture room, Nazir performed the Black Hand. All of them stated it was the only way I'd be allowed outside of the sanctuary since they couldn't trust me enough not to turn on them.
Dawnstars air was invigorating I gasped at the sudden chill in my chest as I watched the ocean waves lap against the shore. The Black Door opened up for the jester to make his way out to greet me.
"Ah now why isn't the pretty Dragonborn donning her all powerful set of armor?" he now stood next to me, his towering nature forced me to look up at him.
"Well the contract is in Solitude correct? If I walk in there wearing that… we'll be executed right on sight." I looked down at myself, the Dark Brotherhood armor fit me beautifully even if it wasn't something I was used to.
"Well let me tell you Cicero knows a thing or two about… Solitude…" his face went solemn, rolling my eyes I started to walk towards the town when the annoying jester danced to get in front of me.
"Where does the Dragonborn thing she's going?" he stomped his foot to the soft ground pouting slightly. I stifled my breath before I exhaled in his face, the steam not changing his expression.
"Well Solitude is this way so I guess I'm walking there?" he scoffed at me pulling me back around the opposite side of the sanctuary where a stallion stood before us.
"Shadowmere will take us there." His smiled spread across his face as he mounted the horse, he lent me a hand to help. I stared at his gloved hand for a few seconds before he shook it at me impatient on my impending decision. Lifting me up he placed me behind him forcing me to have to hold on to him.
"Why couldn't we just take a carriage there? Wouldn't it be easier?"
"Easier? Well yes, but Shadowmere is the fastest horse in all of Skyrim." And with that we took off, his hooves glided through the snow like it was nothing. The cold air stung my face even with a cowl covering half of it. By the time we hit clearer road it felt as if the horse was even faster, Cicero whipped the reins and Shadowmere nickered before lowering his head. Cicero let out a long overdue laugh as he leaned forward. I closed my eyes, I felt as if the air would freeze them if I kept them open.
Shadowmere slowed down to a mere trot, I could feel Cicero straighten up a bit.
"Dragonborn we're here." My hand shot forward covering Cicero's mouth making him jerk Shadowmere back.
"Shhh! If anyone hears you we're dead!" with a quick flick of his wrist Cicero threw me to the ground. The breath was knocked out of my lungs as I glared up at him. He jeered at me from high on his horse, pulling the reins for Shadowmere to stop beside my head. Leaning down with a somber face his eyes glaring down at me.
"Such disrespect for her Master!" pulling Shadowmere into the tree line he came out dagger in hand. Hand laced around my throat as he held the dagger to my chest.
"What did Cicero tell you when he told you the rules?" I scratched at his hands struggling to breathe, amusement danced across his face as he watched me thrash. He dropped me to his feet, I rubbed my throat feeling the bruise that would appear soon.
"I'm sorry Master, I didn't mean to over step my boundaries…" I stood with a bowed head not wanting to meet his amber gaze.
"Then why must you shush Cicero?" a gloved fingers grasped my chin to face him, his eyes now duller then before.
"Well since you must know… remember when Victoria Vici was supposed to be married here?" Cicero nodded his head in acknowledgement.
"I was there that day… and a dragon attacked. Being Dragonborn everyone looked to me. While I was defending Solitude that dragon landed on top of where she was at…" I sighed, remembering that day brought back memories I wanted to forget.
"I casted one last spell at it and when to dragon died it killed her and her husband. Someone saw Dark Brotherhood people leave the city and the Jarl thought I was in on it. So I ran." I pushed passed him towards the gates of Solitude.
"Master if we are going to do this we better do it now and fast. I want to get back home before sunrise…"cloaked by the shadows we slipped up a set of stairs to a home just after the gates.
"Now be quick my pretty Dragonborn." Sharp tone rang on the last word as he pushed me through a window. The kill was quick and silent, before I turned to leave I cut a coin purse of the person and slipped back out the window. A hand swept across my face as I turned the corner of the steps. Cicero stretched his hand out in front of him signaling for me to give him what I took.
"Tsk, tsk, didn't Cicero tell you not to steal from any clients. You have no right as an Initiative." A rage started to bubble up inside me, handing the coin bag over I shoved passed him heading back out of the gate. As I reached Shadowmere I saw Cicero mount him. How the fuck did he get there so fast? I clicked my tongue and started walking towards home.
"Where are you going Initiative?" he pulled the dark horse up next to me as I walked down the path towards the river.
"I'm walking home and you can't stop me!" I started running towards the Solitude docks, just as I reached the stairs Cicero jumped in front of me knocking me back to the ground. How did he move so fast without me hearing him?
"A Dark Brotherhood Initiative should always listen to her superior, never to go against them!" in a flash my body was flipped, my face smashed into the dirt below as he started to tie my hands. I struggled against him but the more I moved the tighter the bounds got.
"There that should keep the pretty Dragonborn from escaping next time!" with a chuckle he whistled for the dark horse to come. He lifted me onto the horses back end, jumping on himself after. The ride was long and wetter than expected. Every chance he had we went through deep water.
"You know this is very inhumane! I could drown or freeze to death." I yelled, trying to look up at him. From the corner of my eye I could see a smirk at the edge of his mouth.
"Now why would dear Cicero care if you died?" we were in the marshes of Morthal now, the water murky with mud I could see a little bit of my reflection. My face was covered in dirt, my beautiful white hair no longer neatly braded but disarrayed. Shadowmere stopped and I was shoved to the dirt face first. Cicero giggling at the mishap he grabbed my arm and hauled me to my feel.
"Why are we in Morthal?" spitting dirt out of my mouth as I asked. He turned back to the horse and grabbed our cloaks; he tossed mine over my shoulders and lead me to the Moorside Inn without a word. The warmth of the Inn was a great relief as he continued to the counter where the Inn keeper stood.
"I need a room my fair maiden." The older woman blushed at the complement.
"Most certainly, ten gold please." He placed the gold in the woman's hand, she showed us to the room to the right of the counter.
"If there is anything you need just let me know." He kissed the back of her hand and proceeded to watch her leave.
"...when I next meet, that fair maid Nelly, I'll plunge my knife into her belly..." he whispered, turning to me with a smirk on his face.
"So I've heard you say that a lot… who is this 'fair maid nelly' and why do you have such a fascination for her?" his smirk grew wider as he sat in the chair by the table.
"Oh she was a lovely contract that Cicero got to do before he became the Keeper of the Night Mother. Nelly was a very beautiful woman… Cicero couldn't resist killing her and sending such a pretty face to the Void." I sat on the edge of the bed peering down at my feet; mud caked every bit of me.
"Can you untie me… please?" With a sigh he stomped towards me a look of frustration on his face. He lifted my chin with his forefinger, his eyes were a bright amber that seemed to tear through my very soul. His stare was long and hard as he scaled over every inch of my face.
"As long as the pretty Initiative stays put?" his words but a mere whisper to me, nodding he untied the rope with ease.
"So… there is no door… I guess we don't get any privacy." Laying back the bed creaked with every movement.
"I remember my very first bed… that thing was probably the most comfortable thing ever." Sitting back down in the chair he gave a curious look at me.
"If you would get to know me you would know this stuff by now. Now wouldn't you?" before he could say anything I turned away from him pulling the blanket and furs over my head. Better than that damned cold sanctuary. My eyes finally took to the sleep that loomed in them all day.
I woke to a quill scribbling on paper, the annoying sound scratched in my ears. I peered over the furs to see Cicero sitting at the table writing.
"How long have I been asleep for?" he continued not looking up from the journal he was writing in.
"Well from the sounds of the birds outside… The pretty Dragonborn has been asleep all night." He paused to re-dip his quill.
"Have you been awake this entire time?" he finally looked at me, dark circles were prominent under his eyes. He stood from the chair and stretched letting a yawn escape his lips. He made his way to the edge of the bed.
"Humph, why is the pretty Dragonborn so worried about poor Cicero anyways?" I could feel heat rise to the surface of my cheeks and Cicero noticed.
"Oh, oh how kind of the sweet little Dragonborn to care for Cicero!" flinging his arms around me he pulled me in for the tightest hug.
"Get the hell off of me you freak!" I tried fighting my way out of his grasp but it seemed the harder I fought the tighter his grip got.
"Cicero can show you what type of freak he can really be if interested?" his breath was hot on my ear making me blush even harder. His arms released me from the treacherous death hug; I got out of bed as quickly as I could and made my way to the center of the inn. I thanked the Inn keeper and found myself now running to the door; the cold air hit my face with a stinging sensation.
I wondered towards Shadowmere, the great horse nickered as I neared him. Its red eyes were stunning in the morning sunlight.
"You there! You're the one they call Dragonborn?" I found myself face to face with two strangely dressed men. Fear started to rise inside of me, I slowly reached for my swords.
"I don't know what you're talking about…" I prepared myself for the worst as they drew their swords.
"Your lies fall on deaf ears, Deceiver! We know you are the False Dragonborn! You shall not stand in the way of the true Dragonborn's return. He comes soon, and we shall offer him your heart! When Lord Miraak appears all shall bear witness. None shall stand to oppose him!" one lunged forward heaving his sword above his head only to clash with mine. He pushed closer to me, trying to overpower my small stance. I slammed my forehead against his staggering him backwards. Before he could react a dagger slid across his throat.
"Cicero can see you were in need of assistance Initiative." I ignored his banter to search the two now dead men. I found a small note on one of them.
Aboard the vessel Northern Maiden docked at Raven Rock. Take it to Windhelm, then begin your search. Kill the False Dragonborn known as Krosis Od'Dinok before she reaches Solstheim.
Return with word of your success, and Miraak shall be most pleased.
I could almost feel my heart stop at that moment. I quickly stuffed the note into my pocket before Cicero saw it, turning I could see the curious look on his face.
"What is going on?" he folded his arms across his chest tapping one jester toed boot.
"Nothing. These guys are just crazy assholes." I chuckled dryly, starting forward when a gloved hand pressed against my chest.
"Cicero knows when the pretty Dragonborn lies…" I couldn't make eye contact with him at that moment, instead I stared down at the dirt shifting my boot around.
"It's nothing really, I promise." I pushed his hand away and started walking towards Dawnstar. Cicero rode Shadowmere as I walked next to him. The tension between us was thick enough a blade could cut through it. Cicero stopped the dark horse, jumped down to stand before me.
"If you don't tell Cicero what that note says, then I'll take it from you." For an instant I thought he was joking I laughed out loud. With an irritated sigh he moved forward fast, his boot hit my back before I could react; both my arms were now pinned behind me. He dug around in my satchel, pulling out the crumpled piece of paper.
"Ah ha!" he held me down as he scanned his eyes over the letter. His face went somber as he lowered it.
"Cicero thinks that the Dragonborn has more explaining to do…" he released me from his grasp. Lending a hand he helped me up from the dirt.
"Where do you want me to begin?" his expression said everything.
"I know we are close to Dawnstar but would you like to make camp for the evening?" he nodded in agreement and we both started setting up camp. The sun swiftly set as I got the fire started, the Caravan fire could be seen in the distance but still far enough for us to be alone.
"I was born 4E 5, not sure exactly of the day but I do know that much… I was found and brought in by a Khajiit by the name of Dro'Miqa, he was my guardian pretty much. I was in the Imperial City before I found my way into Skyrim." He kept his face from being seen; hidden in the shadow of his jester hat.
"So are you a vampire?" He kept his head down, he sounded completely different now, almost normal.
"No… I am a Snow Elf or what the people of Skyrim call Falmer. We can live for a very long time… It's funny to think that my old name is no longer used since my meeting with the Greybeards." I could feel his eyes penetrate into me from the shadows.
"What was the Dragonborns old name?" he unfolded his arms and rested his palms against his knees.
"Owaz Alimer. It's what Dro'Miqa thought would suit me… even though I found out through the language I should have been named owazmer which roughly translate to 'Snow Elf'." Cicero's fingers slowly curled into tight fists. I could see his chest rise and fall faster as his breath became rigid. He stood up swiftly and started walking towards Dawnstar.
"Hey! Where are you going Cicero?" I jumped up after him; I grabbed a hold of one of his gloved hands. He turned on his heels to pull me into a tight embrace, his face buried into my neck.
"Leave here. The Dragonborn is needed elsewhere." The faint whisper flowed from his lips; he turned away, leaving me in the cold night air to wonder.
He knows Krosis…
The ghostly voice rang through my head sending a surge of static through my brain. I fell to my knees clutching my head.
Why don't you remember? Or do you not wish to remember that many years ago?
With that I strode over to Shadowmere. Clasping the reins in my hands I jumped onto his back, tapping my heels against his sides; the dark horse took off running into the night.
"I don't understand what you mean… please tell me!" the static was gone now, no longer plaguing my mind. The ride seemed like it took an eternity, Windhelm Bridge was now in the distant horizon. The smell of salt filled the air the closer I got. I left Shadowmere at the stables and made my way towards the docks, the air was thick with the smell of fish and salt. The Northern Maiden was now before me, its crew working hard at getting it prepared for the day.
"Excuse me I need a passage to Solstheim. I have the coin." The captain agreed on two hundred gold. The ship pushed off just after sunrise. I looked back as I said good bye to Skyrim and everything I knew as I made my way to the new land.
"Excuse me milady but I think you dropped this." A young sailor handed me what appeared to be a small journal. I thanked him and traced my fingers over the cover, my old name was mysteriously engraved into it. I inhaled deeply before opening it to the first page.
4E 30th of Suns Height
Today marks the first day of my visitor and I find him rather… intriguing.
