The light of the healing spell died with the telltale "chiming" sound that Steve had occasionally heard when his mistress healed herself or others.

The Vigilant rocked back on her heels and stared from a moment at the Khajiit and then nodded, satisfied.

"She will be fine with some rest and water. She is strong, and the arrow missed vital parts."

Ri'saad did a little bow, "Ah, this one thanks you."

The woman's eyes narrowed, "No thanks yet, for I want answers now."

Steve slowly backed up, positioning himself out of view and somewhat behind Alistair. It took the Altmer a moment to realize what he'd done. The elf glared at him as the Vigilant stood.

"Alright, explain all of this to me now that your friend is still breathing," she demanded, crossing her arms and glaring at everyone present.

Ri'saad shrugged, "We are just Khajiit traders."

And walked around.

Alistair muttered something under his breath and crossed his arms, obviously annoyed.

"You, Dremora. Talk." The woman demanded.

Steve frowned, but correctly her politely; "My name is Steve."

"….."

Alistair sighed, "Oh, this is ridiculous. You, sit down," he said, pointing at the Vigilant. "And you," he added, pointing at Steve. "Explain to her what's going on."

The woman tossed him a look, "Who the hell do you think you are, little Altmer? You sit down,"

"Who do I think I am?" Alistair began, in the most arrogant, obviously Altmer voice he could muster. "I am a Thalmor agent of Aldmeri Dominion, and-"

"Oh," the woman mocked, "how important sounding. Well, I'm a Vigilant of Stendarr, god of mercy and-"

"Oh, stuff it, no one cares!" Alistair snapped.

She barked a laugh, "Of course not, everyone knows Altmer only time to suck Auri-El's-"

"You're a Dunmer! What do you know about the Aedra? If you aren't doing weird rituals to Daedra, your 'gods' are busy murdering each other,"

Steve groaned, rolled his eyes and reached out to grab both their arms. He gave them both a sharp tug that unbalanced them.

"Both of you sit down!"

They obeyed but glared up at him.

"Now," he said, trying to remain claim. "I will tell you everything, but neither of you are going to say anything until I'm done.

"Fine."

"…Fine."

He glanced at the Vigilant. "What's you name, by the way?"

"…Briivasa Nithalen." she replied, scowling.

"Nice to meet you," he said. "I'm Steve, like I said, and this is Alistair."

With a deep breath, he began his tale.

After he finished speaking, there was a long pause.

"Horseshit." Briivasa spat.

Alistair groaned and buried his head into his hands.

"You expect me to believe you're a lost Dremora looking for the Dragonborn?" Briivasa said, quirking an eyebrow. "That is the dumbest thing I've ever heard."

"Why?" Steve asked, genuinely interested.

"Because everyone knows Daedra are liars and dangerous! First of all, why would a hero like the Dragonborn ever need or want your help. Secondly, the chances of a spell going awry that way and trapping you here? Near impossible."

"Well, it's true," Alistair said, looking up. "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't."

Briivasa looked between them, eyes narrowed.

Steve frowned, "Well, why don't you explain yourself, then."

"Explain myself?" she repeated.

He nodded, "Yes, why are you in Markarth?"

"Besides, I heard all the Vigilants were dead." Alistair added. "At least, that was what the official Thalmor report said."

Briivasa scowled once more. "Most, but not all. Our numbers are few, but since the vampire threat has dwindled, we've been able to work on smaller missions again. I may not like the Dawnguard, and they may not want out help, but I can't argue that they got things done. I respect them for that."

She sighed and shifted slightly in front of the fire. "As for why I'm in Markarth, I was following up on an old lead we had. Another Vigilant came here to investigate some weird house inside the city. He never reported back, and we never found a body. So, I set out to figure out what was going on. We'd gotten a tip the house was being used for Daedra worship, but I don't know anything more then that. I was trying to question people when mister Thalmor here showed up looking for a healer."

Steve winced, "Er….yeah, might be just as well. Probably should…leave that house alone for now."

"…Why?" Briivasa asked suspiciously.

Alistair seemed interested too. Steve held his hands up, "It is being used for Daedra worship, but…um…you should probably leave that one alone for now."

"But why?" Alistair and Briivasa both pressed.

Steve sighed, "Fine, it's Molag Bal,"

"What?!" Briivasa exclaimed, hopping to her feet. "I need my mace, and I'm going to back in there,"

Steve grabbed her arm and set her back down. "No, you aren't. That other Vigilant is dead, and even if you wanted to go back in there, which, you really don't, mistress dumped a bunch of random stuff in the house. You can't even get to the alter anymore."

"Wait…what?" Alistair asked. "Random stuff?"

Steve nodded, "Buckets, baskets, food that's probably spoiled by now, torches, books, clothes, brooms, lanterns, wine bottles,-"

Alistair held up his hands, "Okay, okay, I get it…But why did she do that?"

Steve shrugged, "She thought it would be funny and make Molag Bal mad. And it was, and did."

Briivasa was regarding him carefully. "You are quite convincing with this ridiculous story that you know the Dragonborn."

"It's the truth," Steve assured. "I've known mistress for…well, a long time. But I'm serious, you should leave that house alone. At least for now. Going in alone is a bad idea."

Briivasa gave him a once over. "Why do you care?"

"Because I don't think anyone should die for no reason, that's just dumb." Steve replied.

Briivasa snorted a sort of laugh and crossed her arms. "Alright, I won't investigate it. For now."

"Good!"

"But that doesn't mean I believe you, or that I'm going to let you just walk away, Dremora. I am sworn to find the Daedra wherever they hid and drag them to the light."

Steve was confused. "But I'm not hiding,"

The Dunmer woman frowned, "I know, it's a figure of speech."

"Well," Alistair cut in. "Why don't you two hash this out. I'll just be off, then."

"Uh…no," Steve said, shaking his head. Briivasa likewise shook her head. "No, I don't think so."

Alistair deflated.

"This is your fault, remember?" Steve pointed out. "You are stuck with me until we find mistress."

Alistair sighed, "Fine…"

Steve turned to Briivasa. "You seem like a nice mortal, passed all the…mace swinging and such. I don't want to fight you, but I will if I have too."

She regarded him for a moment and then shook her head. "That is unnecessary. I suspect if you were actually trying, you would be a difficult opponent. Besides, your foolish story has me intrigued. I propose a different sort of idea."

"Alright?" he said, not sure he liked where this was going.

"I will travel with you until I either figure out what you are really doing here, or until your story proves true."

That seemed reasonable. "Okay."

Alistair groaned and buried his face in his hands again.

"That's right, Thalmor, you are stuck with me," Briivasa said, smirking.

"Joy…" Alistair muttered grumpily.

She turned back to Steve and her partial smile dropped. "I want my mace back,"

"No!" Alistair said, looking up. "She'll just attack us again!"

Steve paused. That did sound like a possibility.

Briivasa shook her head. "No, I won't. I've promised to travel with you. On my honor as a Vigilant, you have my word I will stay my weapon until I figure out what is going on."

Alistair scoffed. "Honor…oh please."

Steve, however, believed her. The Kyn favored honor above most other things, and he believed her when she said she was not going to attack them.

He reached back and unclipped the mace from his back where'd he'd kept it after her first attack. He held it out to her. "Here, thank you for you promise."

Briivasa seemed somewhat surprised but took the mace with both hands and a steely look.

Alistair however rolled his eyes and muttered something about being too trusting.

Steve didn't think trust was a bad thing. If nobody trusted each other, then nothing would ever get done.

"Where are we headed?" Briivasa asked, securing her weapon back to her side and fixing her hood.

"Well, I've just been traveling with the Kahjiit for a few days. I was hoping we'd run into mistress, but so far, nothing."

He hated talking about their lack of progress. It made him worry something bad at happened to his mistress.

Alistair piped up. "We had thought to perhaps check the Dragonborn's house, but, sadly, Steve doesn't know where it is. And so far, no one else we've met does either."

Steve nodded. "I don't know Skyrim that well. Summoning spells only last so long, after all. I've seen her house, but not how to get. Only that it wasn't as snowy as other places, there is a lake next to it, and lots of tress."

"Not much to go on, as you can see." the Altmer finished.

"Hmm…" The Dunmer said. "What if we went to the Dawnguard? Isran is an ass but they might know where the Dragonborn is, or, where her house is."

"Do you know where the Dawnguard is?" Steve asked.

Briivasa grinned. "I do indeed."

Steve insisted they say goodbye to the Khajiit, despite both of his companions thinking they should head out immediately.

The cat-folk had been kind and helpful when no one else was, and he wanted to at least be polite enough to give them a proper goodbye.

"This one hopes you find the Dragonborn," Khayla said, sharpening her sword as Ri'saad finished with a customer.

"Thanks," Steve replied. "I hope you….um…make lots of money?"

Khayla grinned, showing her teeth. "Ah, thank you, friend-Dremora."

Atahbah looked over from where she was resting by the fire. She had recovered mostly but was obviously taking it easy while they were stopped. Ma'randru-jo was busy stirring a pot nearby, humming.

"Thank you for your assistance," Atahbah called over.

"I'm just glad you are feeling better." Steve replied.

She nodded, "Yes, tell your friends thank you as well, no?"

"Oh, sure." He agreed, gesturing behind him. "They are just being impatient over there, but I'll tell them."

Ri'saad, apparently done with his customer and handed the money to Ma'randru-ro to count. "Ah, you leave us, friend-Dremora?"

"Yes, we're going to head to the Dawnguard and see if they can help." Steve explained. "I wanted to say goodbye, though, and thank you for your help."

Ri'saad bowed slightly, "Ah, you are most welcome. You are welcome to travel and trade with us anytime. Or, sell for us. Either way."

"Um…thanks?"

Ri'saad nodded. "May your road lead you to warm sands,"

Recalling the farewell mistress often said in reply to that very comment, Steve grinned. "Two moons light your path."

Ri'saad grinned.

Alistair was impatiently tapping his foot while Briivasa scanned the horizon when Steve finally made it over to them.

"Are you done?" Alistair asked rudely.

Steve made a face at him, "For someone who keeps bragging about being highborn, you have terrible manners. I was saying goodbye to our friends."

Alistair looked genuinely offended by the comment, but Briivasa cut in before he could voice any displeasure.

"They are your friends, not mine." She commented.

Steve's frown deepened. He didn't understand why everyone in Nirn was so rude all the time.

Apparently, it wasn't all that different from Oblivion after all.

"Now, we should move. The Rift is on the complete opposite end of Skyrim." Briivasa reminded. "It will take time to travel."

Alistair paused, "It occurs to me that we have no food."

Ri'saad grinned as they approached. "You need supplies,"

"Yeah, we need supplies," Steve answered.

Briivasa crossed her arms, "I don't think I have enough money to pay for enough supplies."

Ri'saad waved a hand, "Nevermind, just take them. This one will talk to the Dragonborn about it next time he sees her."

"Really, a Kahjiit offering credit?" Alistair mocked. "I never thought I'd see the day."

Atahbah frowned from her seat by the fire. "This one was just commenting to Khayla that you were the nicest Thalmor she had met, but now?"

Alistair crossed his arms. "I'm just saying…"

Steve rolled his eyes at their antics.

"How far is this fort?" Alistair asked.

Briivasa rolled her eyes. "Very far, stop asking me foolish questions."

"It's not foolish! I don't know where anything is in Skyrim," the Altmer complained. "You'd be just as lot if you showed up on Alinor's shores, I'm sure."

"It's called a map, Thalmor," the woman retorted.

Steve sighed, "Stop being mean to him,"

Briivasa and Alistair both paused on the road to look at him.

He glanced between the two of them. "What? You are rude, Briivasa."

"I'm just shocked you care that she's being rude to me," Alistair admitted.

Steve shrugged, "We're all in this journey together, so we might as well get along."

Briivasa's features twisted to a funny look. "I'm being lectured about kindess by a Dremora."

"He's a weird one," Alistair muttered, starting to walk again. "Ugh, these shoes are terrible."

Curious, Steve fell into step beside him. "Don't you Thalmor agents walk around all the time?"

"Our boots are enchanted!" Alistair exclaimed. "I mean, yes, we still get tired, but it's different."

Briivasa kicked her own armored boots against the road. "A walk can clear the mind, but yes, traveling takes it's toll. I need a new pair of boots myself here soon."

"Why don't you use those weird looking animals with big eyes and tails to get around?" Steve asked.

"…Horses?"

"I don't know, maybe? That sounds like the right word…" he replied, trying to recall what he'd heard people call them. "Mistress has this awesome undead horse she rides sometimes. Arvak. He's pretty cool. Can't talk, but sometimes he shakes his head at stuff when it's dumb."

The two elves were giving him that 'look' again, the one that said he was being strange.

"It's true…." he muttered.

They rounded a bend in the road and saw ahead a group of three people.

"Uh oh," all three adventures murmured.

Steve squinted ahead. "I can't really tell who it is, but they are all wearing the same outfit."

"Looks like a Stormcloak patrol." Briivasa added, hand releasing her mace's handle. "They might think this is weird, but I doubt they'll be upset."

"Uh," Alistair said, pointing to himself.

"I told you already, you don't look like a Thalmor," Steve explained, exasperated.

Briivasa crossed her arms, "Well, we can't do anything now, they are headed this way."

Alistair winced and ducked behind Steve.

He rolled his eyes.

"This is the strangest bunch of people I've ever seen," one off the soldiers said as he approached.

Another shrugged. "Nah, I once saw the Dragonborn wandering around with a skeleton horse, vampire girl and her reanimated horker and one of those elemental things mages summon."

The other two looked at the man who said it. He shrugged. "I'm seen some stuff."

"Hi!" Steve greeted cheerfully.

"Um….hi?" one of the soldiers said. "Where you headed…?"

"Why do you want to know?" Briivasa asked suspiciously.

Steve rolled his eyes, irritated how everything had to be a fight. "We're going to the Dawnguard."

"Oh…out at the old fort, near Riften?"

Steve glanced at Briiavsa for confirmation that was, in fact, where it was.

She nodded, "Yes."

"Huh. Long way. Have a good trip."

They walked by, talking about bread.

Alistair breathed a sigh of relief once they were out of sight.

"They didn't even notice you," Steve assured him.

Briivasa chuckled, "They must be stupid to not question us further. We are an odd group."

"Or drunk." Alistair added.

They both looked at Steve.

He blinked. "What?"

"I expected another comment on how we should be nice." Briivasa confessed.

The Dremora shrugged. "Those were kind of rude comments, but they could also be true, so…"

She chuckled again and began walking once more.

Alistair trailed after her and Steve took up the rear of their little group.

It was going to be a long trip to this 'Rift', but he was starting to kind of like these two mortals he was traveling with.

They weren't anywhere as wonderful as his mistress, but they were pretty cool in their own right.

Now they just had to find the Dragonborn and he could finally rest easy that she was alright.

For now, he'd continue to ignore the nagging, bad feeling that lingered in the back of his mind.

And our third "Party Member" arrives! In this story's 1st draft, Briivasa had a different name and was a thief/rouge type character, so that the group would literally be Warrior, Mage, Thief, but it didn't jive quite right, and its too funny having a Vigilant travel with a Dremora XD So, Briivasa is here.

I went back to an older chapter of this story to check if I had already written something in here and noticed all the typos...yikes. So sorry for all those. I'll try to do a better job editing/checking these chapters before I post!

I...um...I have dumped a lot of crap in Molag Bal's "house"...in fact, you can't even get to the alter room without the game getting slow and have trouble spawning stuff in. I like to troll the Daedra, what can I say?

There's a couple more chapters in this story, and a couple fun things I have planned. Stay tuned!

Also, as a note; I realize I've done very little in the way of describing what anything looks like, including Alistair and Briivasa, but there is a reason for that. Steve doesn't care. lol. He's a Dremora, all the mortals look the same and he doesn't care about hair color or height or even the weather in Skyrim. It's been weird writing this way, and kind of hard because I love character creation so of course I have an idea in my head what all these people look like.

But, I thought it worth a mention.

"See you" next chapter!